Best Dr. Randy Cook Podcasts (2025)

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The Life and Career of Boxing Legend Christy Martin | 94 1:08:38

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2h ago1:08:38

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In this powerhouse episode, boxing legend Christy “The Coal Miner’s Daughter” Martin joins J.D. for a raw and inspiring sit-down that spans her iconic career and extraordinary resilience. From her roots in Itmann, West Virginia, to becoming the first—and still only—female boxer to grace the cover of Sports Illustrated, Christy opens up about her ea…

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13 Must-Watch Horror Films in Appalachia | Foz Rotten | 93 1:35:28

2h ago1:35:28

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What better way to kick it off than with a horror movie showdown guaranteed to feed your Appalachian soul? On this spooky, cinema-soaked episode, J.D. is joined by horror aficionado and filmmaker Foz Rotten (aka Aaron White) for a rapid-fire 90-minute conversation about 13 hand-picked horror movies you must watch this season—each soaked in rural dr…

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The Gift of Hospice | Michelle Cook and Kelly McFarland | 92 1:50:53

2d ago1:50:53

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In this emotional, eye-opening episode, J.D. sits down with two deeply compassionate women who have made it their life’s work to care for people at the end of theirs. This week, we’re talking about hospice—what it is, what it isn’t, and why it just might be the closest thing to angels on earth. Kelly McFarland is the Education Coordinator at Hospic…

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Emergency Medical Services in Appalachia | 91 1:18:47

4d ago1:18:47

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In this brutally honest episode, J.D. sits down with three seasoned professionals in emergency medical services to talk about a crisis most folks aren’t even aware of — rural EMS systems in West Virginia are on life support, or are they? Nick Lawrence, in an operations role at STAT Ambulance Service, joins us alongside longtime EMS legend Jonathan …

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An Appalachian Death Doula | Tracy Seffers | 90 1:36:04

6d ago1:36:04

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In this beautiful and eye-opening episode, J.D. sits down with death doula Tracy Seffers to talk about what it really means to walk with people through the end of life. From the emotional to the spiritual to the downright practical, Tracy pulls back the curtain on a process we all will face—but few of us are ready to talk about. Tracy shares what b…

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The Mothman Lore Explained Entirely | Tinfoil Hat Show w/ Tom Riser | 89 2:10:19

8d ago2:10:19

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In this deep-dive Tin Foil Hat Show episode, J.D. sits down with fellow Appalachian truth-seeker Tom Riser to unravel the entire lore of the Mothman — one of the most iconic and mystifying figures in American cryptid history. From the original sightings in Point Pleasant, West Virginia in 1966 to the collapse of the Silver Bridge, from Men in Black…

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Cancer in Appalachia | Dr. David Shimm | 88 1:01:53

10d ago1:01:53

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In this important episode of Creepalachia, JD sits down with Dr. David Shimm, a physician with one of the most impressive educational backgrounds in medicine—Harvard undergrad, Duke-trained internist and hematologist, and radiology resident at Massachusetts General Hospital. Together, they discuss one of the most pressing and under-reported health …

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From Bail to Breakthrough: A Recovery Journey | Alicia Darl VanMeter and Gary Vaughan | 87 1:55:43

12d ago1:55:43

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In this powerful and inspiring episode, J.D. sits down with Alicia Darl VanMeter, who shares her raw, unfiltered story of addiction, arrest, and recovery. From the depths of despair to a place of healing, Alicia opens up about her journey—from the chaos of rock bottom to finding a purpose in helping others. She’s joined by Gary Vaughan, the bail bo…

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My Gambling Addiction Took 20K in One Year | Randy Ferrill | 86 1:03:43

14d ago1:03:43

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In this revealing episode, Randy Ferrill sits down with J.D. to share how an innocent hobby—playing digital card games—turned into a devastating financial spiral. Over the course of one year, Randy lost nearly $20,000, not at a casino or a racetrack, but through microtransactions in solitaire and other mobile games. We break down how these seemingl…

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The Letcher County Courthouse Shooting | Hillbilly Crime and Tya Adams | 85 1:51:51

15d ago1:51:51

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In this gripping episode of Creepalachia, J.D. sits down with two powerful voices in one of the most disturbing stories coming out of eastern Kentucky: Elizabeth from the YouTube channel Hillbilly Crime, and Tya Adams, a survivor with a voice the system tried to silence. Elizabeth has been on the front lines of independent reporting around the shoc…

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Life Changing Moments: The Unseen Crisis: Healing the Healers with Dr. Stephanie Simmons 53:25

16d ago53:25

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If you or a healthcare professional you know is struggling, confidential help is available: Physician Support Line: Call 1-888-409-0141. This is a national, free, and confidential support line staffed by volunteer psychiatrists. 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Call or text 988 anytime for immediate support from a trained counselor. In the high-stake…

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Songs About Death, Depression, and Happiness | Matt Deal | 84 1:15:14

18d ago1:15:14

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In this heartfelt and wide-ranging episode, J.D. sits down with southern West Virginia’s own Matt Deal, a singer-songwriter whose haunting lyrics explore themes of life, death, depression, and the raw beauty of struggle. He performs several original songs live, opening a window into the pain and poetry of Appalachian living. We also veer into light…

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The Kids Aren’t Alright: A Deep Dive into West Virginia’s Child Welfare Crisis | 83 2:03:42

20d ago2:03:42

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In this powerful and brutally honest conversation, J.D. is joined by three fierce advocates who have spent their lives on the frontlines of West Virginia’s child welfare system. Together, they pull no punches when it comes to the state of CPS, foster care, mental health, addiction, and the layers of broken systems affecting kids across the Mountain…

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My Son Was Beaten to Death in Jail | Kimberly Burks and Latasha Williams | 82 1:30:50

22d ago1:30:50

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J.D. sits down with Kimberly Burks, the mother of Quantez Burks, and Latasha Williams, Quantez’s fiancée, to discuss the disturbing events surrounding his death in the custody of Southern Regional Jail in West Virginia. In one of the most powerful and emotional episodes ever recorded for Creepalachia, these two women explain how Quantez was brutall…

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The Ghost of Harry at Rock City Cake Company | Morgan Morrison | 81 2:07:38

26d ago2:07:38

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In this episode of Creepalachia, I sit down with Morgan Morrison, co-owner of Rock City Cake Company in Charleston, West Virginia. What started as a conversation about cake and creativity quickly turned into one of the eeriest tales we’ve ever shared. Their shop isn’t just a bakery — it’s located on the very site of the 1949 Woolworth Fire, where s…

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From Rabbit Farmer to Elite CrossFit Athlete | Austin Hatfield | 80 1:18:46

1M ago1:18:46

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In this episode, J.D. sits down with Austin Hatfield, a former rabbit farmer from Beckley, West Virginia, who traded farm chores for barbells—and made it all the way to the CrossFit Games. Austin opens up about how rural life and responsibility shaped him long before competition ever did. From loading hay bales to carb loading up for the Open, his …

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A Veteran Talks About 12 Years in Iraq to How He Became Homeless | Charles Stewart | 78 2:15:03

1M ago2:15:03

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In one of the most emotional episodes yet, J.D. sits down with Charles Stewart, a former Army combat medic who spent 12 years in Iraq. But this isn’t just a story about war—it’s a raw and unflinching conversation about what happens after the battlefield. Charles opens up about losing friends in combat, the trauma of being both healer and survivor, …

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I Quit My Day Job to Write Books | Sam Smith | 77 1:17:35

1M ago1:17:35

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This week on Creepalachia, I’m joined by S. D. Smith—also known as Sam Smith—author of The Green Ember saga, Jack Zulu and the Waylander’s Key, Mooses with Bazookas, and more. We talk through how he started one of the most successful Kickstarter campaigns to come out of West Virginia. We dig into the heart of what makes a story matter: his journey …

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210: The Coach: Amna Shabbir, MD, NBC-HWC, CPC 34:59

1M ago34:59

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In this profound conversation, Dr. Amna Shabbir who is an internist, geriatrician, and life coach, shares her journey through medicine’s highs and lows, revealing how self-awareness and resilience can transform burnout into purpose. From her early days in Pakistan’s rigorous medical training to navigating health challenges during residency at the C…

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More Awesome Stories from an Appalachian Musician | Jonah Carden | 76 1:30:18

1M ago1:30:18

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In this wild, musical, and deeply Appalachian episode, musician Jonah Carden joins J.D. to perform original songs and tell the stories behind them—stories soaked in grit, heartbreak, and a little bit of beer-soaked chaos. Jonah shares what it’s really like to play in bars across Appalachia, including some of the craziest moments on stage, how music…

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The Real Addiction Story in Appalachia | 75 1:59:27

2M ago1:59:27

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In this no-holds-barred episode, J.D. sits down with three people on the front lines of the addiction crisis in Appalachia: Dave Taylor, Outreach Coordinator of Wise Path Recovery and a man in long-term recovery himself https://wisepathrecoverycenters.com/ Sgt. BJ Adkins, community outreach officer with the Raleigh County Sheriff’s Department, who …

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Who Murdered David Fann? | His Family Tells the Tragic Story | 74 1:26:59

2M ago1:26:59

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In this emotional and powerful episode, J.D. sits down with Diana Mills, Dana Fann, and Kaden—the daughters and grandson of David Fann, whose 2016 murder remains unsolved. Together, they walk us through the timeline of events, the unanswered questions, and the pain of not knowing who took their loved one’s life. But more than that, they tell us who…

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209: The Pharmacist: Bella Mehta, Pharm.D., FAPhA 37:50

2M ago37:50

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During a recent conversation, Dr. Bela Mehta, Chair of the Division of Pharmacy Practice and Science at The Ohio State University College of Pharmacy, shared her insights on the vital role of community pharmacists. The discussion highlighted the challenges faced during the COVID pandemic, including increased patient care demands and immunization ef…

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The Most Discussed Cold Cases in West Virginia | Mountain State Mysteries | 73 2:01:06

2M ago2:01:06

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In this episode, Mark and Courtney, the creators of Mountain State Mysteries, join J.D. for a gripping conversation about some of West Virginia’s most disturbing and unsolved true crime cases. From the disappearance of Gretchen Fleming in Parkersburg, to the unsolved disappearance of Cherice Gwinn-Stephens, the devastating case of Chandice Cochran,…

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The Realities of Emergency Services in Rural Appalachia | Jonathan Cresong | 72 1:18:18

2M ago1:18:18

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#RuralEMS #AppalachianFirstResponders In this powerful and eye-opening episode, Jonathan Cresong—an EMT-Paramedic, firefighter, and master diver with Upper Laurel Fire Rescue—joins J.D. to talk about the harsh, heroic, and often overlooked realities of working in emergency services across rural Appalachia. Jonathan opens up about the unique challen…

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The Tragic Case of Margie Dodd | Retired Detective Frank Pack | 71 2:07:04

2M ago2:07:04

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*EDITOR’S NOTES 1. We discuss the leading suspect of this case in great detail. While we don’t mention his name, we do mention that he is out of prison. This is not the case, as we have found after the show that he is in fact in prison for quite a while. Stay tuned for future updates involving the murder of Margie Dodd. 2. Kent Dodd identified Marg…

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The Artwork of Outlaw Billy Foster | 70 1:52:50

2M ago1:52:50

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In this episode, Benny and Ella Dunfee sit down with J.D. to share the story of Outlaw Billy Foster—a man who spent 28 years in prison and left behind a trail of haunting, raw, and deeply personal artwork. Benny, a longtime friend of Billy’s, has made it his mission to find and preserve Billy’s art—not to excuse what was done, but to remember the m…

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An Appalachian Musician Who Happens to be Blind | Randy GIlkey | 69 1:22:03

2M ago1:22:03

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In this soulful and powerful episode, Appalachian musician Randy Gilkey joins J.D. for a conversation about life, loss, music, and meaning. Blind since birth, Randy opens up about how his father’s influence, his spiritual grounding, and his journey through sobriety have shaped both his life and his art. He shares what it’s like navigating the world…

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A Methodist Pastor Answers Tough Questions | Chip Bennett | 68 2:16:20

2M ago2:16:20

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In this candid and deeply reflective episode, Rev. Chip Bennett, Southern District Superintendent of the United Methodist Church in West Virginia, joins J.D. for a raw and honest conversation about faith in a complicated world. Together, they tackle some of the toughest questions facing Christianity today: Why do bad things happen to good people? W…

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LCM 62: Breaking the Burnout Cycle, with Dr. Stuart Slavin 38:14

2M ago38:14

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Host Dr. Dael Waxman welcomes Dr. Stuart Slavin, Vice President for Well-Being at the ACGME, for a deep dive into the systemic challenges and solutions surrounding physician well-being in medical training. Dr. Slavin recounts his transformative work at St. Louis University, where interventions like reduced class time and pass-fail grading slashed s…

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The Super Toilet Bowl 2025 | Poop in West Virginia | 67 1:52:14

3M ago1:52:14

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#PoopInfrastructure #SanitationMatters In this surprisingly necessary and undeniably real episode, J.D. hosts a roundtable like no other—The Super Toilet Bowl—a deep dive (pun intended) into the future of sanitation infrastructure in West Virginia. Joining the conversation are three industry pros: 🚽 Veronica Crosier, Executive Director of the Porta…

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The Most Haunted Locations of Southern West Virginia | Appalachian Ghost Tours | 66 1:46:52

3M ago1:46:52

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#ParanormalAppalachia #GhostTourStories In this episode, Pam Huff and Christy McCumbers from Appalachian Ghost Tours join J.D. to talk about their passion for preserving haunted history and uncovering the most active paranormal hotspots in Southern West Virginia. From historic cemeteries to downtown shadows, Pam and Christy share what it's like to …

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We Analyze UFO and Bigfoot Data & More | Ron Lanham and Joe Perdue w/ Wild and Weird WV | 65 2:58:03

3M ago2:58:03

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#UFOEncounters #MothmanSightings #ParanormalInvestigation In this episode, J.D. sits down with Joe Perdue and Ron Lanham, the creators of Wild and Weird West Virginia, to talk about their lifelong fascination with UFOs, Bigfoot, Mothman, and the paranormal—but with a twist: they don’t just believe, they collect data. Joe and Ron explain how they tu…

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This Cryptid Inspired a Podcast | Mothboy Mike | 64 1:23:25

3M ago1:23:25

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#CryptidTalk #CryptidOrigins #UFOEncounters In this fun and wide-ranging episode, Mothboy Mike from the hit podcast 'Mothboys' joins J.D. to talk all things cryptids, conspiracies, and creatures that shouldn’t exist—plus how a group of friends turned their love for the weird into one of the most beloved cryptid podcasts around. From Mothman and Fla…

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Director of a Funeral Home for 20 Years Tells All | Sally Ratcliff | 63 1:46:08

3M ago1:46:08

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#FuneralDirectorLife #Creepalachia In this honest and fascinating episode, Sally Ratcliff, a funeral director of 20 years, sits down with J.D. to talk about the side of life—and death—most people never see. From embalming and body prep, to grief coordination, funeral planning, and handling the emotional weight of it all, Sally gives a behind-the-cu…

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LCM61: Thriving in Residency - Dr. Kelly Schmidt 49:33

3M ago49:33

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In this episode of Life-Changing Moments, Dr. Kelly Schmidt, a fifth-year otolaryngology resident at the University of Missouri, shares pragmatic insights on resilience and self-care in medical training. Moving beyond conventional wellness advice, she emphasizes sustainable, small-scale habits—such as integrating personal checklists and celebrating…

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Bigfoot & The Paranormal Trails of WV | Spanish Lumberjack Juventino Diz Garcia | 62 1:56:52

3M ago1:56:52

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#BigfootExperience #MothmanEncounter #AppalachianParanormal In this adventurous and wide-ranging episode, Juventino Diz Garcia—better known online as the Spanish Lumberjack—sits down with J.D. to talk about his journey through the Paranormal Trails of West Virginia and the encounters that left him changed forever. From a chilling Bigfoot experience…

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The Sodder Children Story Told by a Family Member | Miranda Weeks | 61 3:58:30

3M ago3:58:30

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#SodderChildren #TrueCrimeAppalachia In this landmark episode, Miranda Weeks, the great-great-granddaughter of George and Jennie Sodder, sits down with J.D. and Jozy to tell the full story of one of America’s most enduring and heartbreaking mysteries—the disappearance of five Sodder children after a fire on Christmas Eve, 1945. Miranda shares the r…

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The Haunting of Shoals Hollow | Josh Clark | 60 51:06

4M ago51:06

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#hauntedappalachia In this episode, J.D. sits down with Josh Clark, author of the chilling Appalachian novel The Haunting of Shoals Hollow. Set deep in the hills, the book weaves ghost stories, family secrets, and small-town folklore into a slow-burn supernatural tale that feels both intimate and eerie. Josh talks about the inspiration behind the s…

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208. The Dean: Stephanie Wu, DPM, MS, FACFAS 43:50

4M ago43:50

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This episode of Prescription for Success features Dr. Stephanie Wu, an internationally renowned podiatrist and dean of the Dr. William M. Scholl College of Podiatric Medicine. Dr. Wu shares her unconventional journey into medicine, beginning with a career in marketing before serendipitously discovering podiatry through an unplanned MCAT exam. Her s…

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"A Shadow Figure Attacked my Husband" | Paranormal Investigators Theresa Racer and Jess Madden | 59 1:57:32

4M ago1:57:32

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#ParanormalEncounters #GhostStories #Creepalachia In this spine-tingling and thought-provoking episode, Theresa Racer and Jess Madden sit down with J.D. to share their real-life experiences as paranormal investigators—and the chilling encounters that keep them coming back. Theresa and Jess speak with grounded honesty about what it’s like chasing th…

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My Dad’s Suicide Changed Everything | Eva Toney | 58 1:07:51

4M ago1:07:51

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#SuicideAwareness #BreakingTheSilence #Creepalachia In this deeply personal and emotional episode, Eva Toney sits down with J.D. to share the story of her father’s suicide—and the lasting impact it had on the family he left behind. Eva speaks with raw honesty about the grief, confusion, anger, and silence that followed. This isn’t just a story abou…

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Witchcraft, Paganism & Misunderstood Appalachia | Dottie the Witch | 57 2:05:00

4M ago2:05:00

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#AppalachianWitchcraft #PaganPerspective *May be some cuss words I missed censoring in this one! Apologies. In this bold and eye-opening episode, J.D. sits down with Dottie the Witch—also known as Dottie the Psychic—for a real conversation about paganism, witchcraft, and what those words actually mean in Appalachia. Together, they unpack the deep-r…

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Two Hunters Discuss Building a Massive Following | Kelly and Dwayne Moore | Full Rut | 56 2:27:41

4M ago2:27:41

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#Outdoors #Creepalachia In this down-to-earth and wide-ranging episode, Dwayne Moore and Kelly Moore sit down with J.D. to talk about how they built a massive online following through their Facebook page Full Rut—a thriving social hub for hunters, anglers, and outdoor enthusiasts across Appalachia and beyond. They share the story behind the brand, …

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An Appalachian Musician Reveals His Secrets | Matt Mullins | 55 1:36:58

4M ago1:36:58

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#AppalachianMusic In this soulful and thought-provoking episode, Appalachian musician Matt Mullins joins J.D. to talk about the craft of songwriting—and how the struggles, beauty, and contradictions of life in Appalachia find their way into every lyric. Matt shares how artists like Bill Withers shaped his voice, opens up about the opioid crisis and…

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Debunking Natalie Cochran Deniers | Jozy Moore | 54 2:26:52

4M ago2:26:52

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#NatalieCochran #Creepalachia In this fact-packed episode, J.D. teams up with Jozy Moore to take on the growing wave of Natalie Cochran deniers—those still defending her or spreading misinformation in the wake of her Ponzi scheme and murder conviction. We break down the errors in Dateline NBC’s episode, including misleading claims from the defense,…

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The Horrific Life of an EMT | Amanda Walker | 53 1:01:31

4M ago1:01:31

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#EMTStories In this powerful episode, Amanda Walker, a former EMT and emergency dispatcher, sits down with J.D. to talk about what it’s really like to be the voice on the other end of the line—and the hands saving lives when every second counts. Amanda shares the emotional highs, the traumatic calls, and the unseen toll that comes with working on t…

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The "Doomsday Mom" Lori Vallow Story So Far 37:25

4M ago37:25

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#LoriVallow #Creepalachia In this chilling solo episode, J.D. unpacks one of the most disturbing and bizarre true crime cases in recent memory—the story of Lori Vallow and Chad Daybell. What began as a twisted love story rooted in apocalyptic prophecy and cult-like beliefs quickly spiraled into a case involving missing children, multiple suspicious…

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The Charles Manson Rabbit Hole | Tin Foil Hat Show w/ Tom Riser | 52 3:04:17

4M ago3:04:17

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#CharlesManson On this special edition of the Tin Foil Hat Show, a Creepalachia original, J.D. teams up with Tom Riser to dissect the dark legend of Charles Manson—not just the man, but the machine behind him. From MK-Ultra mind control theories and government manipulation to the Manson Family murders and his lasting grip on pop culture, this episo…

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207. The Surgeon: Elizabeth Lieberman, MD, FAAOS 26:27

5M ago26:27

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In this episode of Prescription for Success, host Dr. Randy Cook speaks with Dr. Elizabeth "Lizzie" Lieberman, an orthopedic surgeon specializing in adult reconstruction and a core faculty member at Oregon Health & Science University. Dr. Lieberman shares her journey into medicine, reflecting on her unconventional path—initially resistant to follow…