Introducing: CONSPIRACY THEORIES, CULTS, AND CRIMES

In the fall of 1829, a Scottish settlement was thrown into turmoil by an invisible tormentor whose nightly mischief escalated into arson. Despite constant watch and attempted exorcisms, flames erupted repeatedly in one targeted home until its terrified occupants fled, only to see it burn to the ground. Seeking refuge in a neighboring house, they were again assailed by eerie noises, flickering blue candle flames, strange embers, and the sulfuric scent of brimstone. More disturbingly, unseen forces pelted them with lead balls and slugs—harmless but relentless. Unable to endure the torment any longer, the villagers summoned a witch doctor in hopes of banishing the fiend once and for all. This week, we are joined by local expert Dr. Rick Fehr for a deep dive into the origins of this legend. Visit our website for a lot more information on this episode.

23 Feb 2h 29min

Listener Chloe’s Dead Letter starts out talking about the infamous Greyfriars Kirkyard. One of the earliest topics on the main show here at Astonishing Legends. It quickly transitions to her visit to the Edinburgh underground vaults and an unsettling experience she had there on a ghost tour. The Astonishing Dead Letter Office - Where Your Stories Die to be Told https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Greyfriars_Kirkyard https://astonishinglegends.com/al-podcasts/2016/12/8/ep-003-greyfriars-kirkyard-halloween-special?rq=greyfriars https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Edinburgh_Vaults

18 Feb 26min

This week, we’re delving into the world of cryptids and unexplained phenomena again with Seth Breedlove, founder of Small Town Monsters. Celebrating 10 years of documenting America’s legends, 2025 promises to be their most ambitious year yet with four new projects. We'll discuss Dawn of the Dogman, exploring Michigan’s mysterious Dogman, and The Kinderhook Creature, a chilling tale from New York's Hudson Valley. As well as upcoming projects on the eerie Bennington Triangle and the harrowing Siege of Ape Canyon. Join us as we uncover the stories behind these fascinating legends and how Small Town Monsters continues to push the boundaries of cryptid filmmaking. Plus, Seth shares some of the most unusual encounters he's had along the way. Visit our website for a lot more information on this episode.

17 Feb 2h 15min

In tonight’s dead letter, Jonathan, a self-described skeptic and psychonaut, recounts his experience taking DMT that led to an encounter with an omniscient entity, sparking a discussion about the nature of reality and the potential for interdimensional beings. The guys talk about similar experiences, highlighting the parallels between Jonathan's psychedelic journey and sober encounters reported by others. What could altered states of consciousness reveal about our universe? The Astonishing Dead Letter Office - Where your stories die to be told!

11 Feb 14min

In tonight’s dead letter, listener Nicole recounts a chilling experience of hearing a male voice in her head during a protection ritual.  This unsettling event is similar to Tess's experience at the Sallie House, and it highlights the unpredictable nature of opening oneself to the unseen. One must take precautions when engaging with the paranormal without full awareness because whether you believe any of this at all or not, we’ve heard a lot of stories from folks who had lasting side effects from crossing paths with the unknown. Listener discretion is advised due to some explicit language. The Astonishing Dead Letter Office - Where Your Stories Die to be Told

4 Feb 20min

This week's Astonishing Dead Letter Office features a heartwarming story of a benevolent haunting at their family's camp in Gorham, New Hampshire. After the death of listener Karl’s father's friend Andy, the family began experiencing strange occurrences at the camp, including a deformed screen door that appeared to have Andy's face imprinted on it and a streetlight that would repeatedly go out but turn back on when someone addressed Andy. Not all hauntings are terrifying. Some are comforting. The Astonishing Dead Letter Office - Where Your Stories Die to be Told

28 Jan 10min

This week on Astonishing Legends, we conclude our two-part exploration into the enigmatic disappearance of Ambrose Bierce. Last week, we chronicled his vibrant life and career, culminating in his mysterious 1913 journey into Mexico.  This week, we delve deeper, examining the turbulent backdrop of the Mexican Revolution and how it might have played a role in his vanishing. Was Bierce a casualty of the conflict, caught in the crossfire? Or, as some suggest, did he become a victim of Pancho Villa himself?  We explore these theories, considering his known disdain for aging and his fascination with unsolved mysteries, mirroring themes throughout his own macabre writings.  A missing letter and conflicting accounts spark questions about hidden agendas and the possibility of a meticulously planned exit.  While the Grand Canyon suicide theory persists, we weigh the evidence and consider alternative explanations, including the intriguing, if improbable, fringe theories involving crystal skulls and ancient ruins in the Paquimé region of Mexico.  Ultimately, we're left to ponder whether Bierce's disappearance was a carefully crafted narrative, a tragic accident, or something far more extraordinary.  Join us as we uncover the clues and confront the enduring puzzle of Bierce's final act. Visit our website for a lot more information on this episode.

26 Jan 1h 54min

In tonight’s chilling episode, Nina shares her unsettling experience with a vintage Swami Mystery talking board. After acquiring this antique off-brand Ouija Board, she suffers a severe concussion and begins having vivid, disturbing nightmares featuring mysterious figures and ominous symbolism. Always think twice when messing around with talking boards! The Astonishing Dead Letter Office - Where Your Stories Die to be Told

21 Jan 23min