Best Wva Podcasts (2026)

BRAND NEW FOR 2026- FOUND IN THE FOOTNOTES- AMAZING HISTORY TOLD IN 5 TO 10 MINUTE SOUNDBITES- Right Here Every Wednesday at 4pm ET...and sometimes on Fridays at 4pm) The natural outcome of 10 years of researching stories for 1001 Heroes podcast ( now 680 episodes)- 'Found In he Footnotes" is my new collection of amazing stories delivered in 5-10 m…

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WE HAD IT ALL- REMEMBERING BOGART & BACALL 1:08:35

Play Pause

34m ago1:08:35

1:08:35

By Jon Hagadorn Podcast Host

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BOB HOPE CHRISTMAS SHOWS WWII TO VIETNAM 1:07:33

1d ago1:07:33

1:07:33

By Jon Hagadorn Podcast Host

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ITS A WONDERFUL LIFE : THE BACKSTORY & THE MESSAGE~ FEATURING OUR INTERVIEW W/ KAROLYN GRIMES WILKERSON (ZUZU BAILEY) 1:11:39

10d ago1:11:39

1:11:39

"Its A Wonderful Life: The Movie Backstory & Message: The backstory to Frank Capra's film masterpiece "It's a Wonderful Life" featuring an exclusive interview with Karolyn Grimes Wilkerson, who played Zuzu Bailey in the film, and ended the movie with the memorable line : "Look, Daddy. Teacher says every time a bell rings, an angel gets his wings." …

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NATIONAL LAMPOON'S CHRISTMAS VACATION: HOW ONE OF AMERICA'S FAVORITE CHRISTMAS COMEDIES WAS MADE (+ BLOOPERS) 38:04

13d ago38:04

38:04

It was the third "Vacation" comedy featuring the Griswald family- Clark. Ellen,Rusty and Audrey- and all Clark wanted to have a simple old-fashioned Christmas with family. His plan: to heavily decorate the house and roof with lights, Santa and reindeer, and to enjoy a simple Christmas dinner before celebrating the real meaning of Christmas. Instead…

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Camel Chat with President Downs | Campbell Nursing 49:41

10d ago49:41

49:41

Camel Chat is a new podcast hosted by President William M. Downs featuring conversations with the people who make Campbell University a special place. From dedicated faculty and staff to passionate students and alumni, each episode highlights the stories, experiences, and purpose that shape our community. Our next conversation features the secret s…

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CHRISTMAS IN APPALACHIA: SUPERSTITIONS, WIVE'S TALES, AND SHARED MEMORIES 33:50

17d ago33:50

33:50

America's Appalachain Mountain Range holds on to some of the oldest traditions and beliefs in our country and we share them here,along with celebrity meories of growing up poor in many of those mountain communities. You'll hear memories shared by Brad Paisley, Steve Harvey. Luke Combs, Earl Hamner, Loretta Lynn, and other celebrities who discoverd …

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1952: THE YEAR OF THE UFOS (PT 2)/UFO SWARMS OVER DC/DR. STANTON FRIEDMAN INTERVIEW 1:09:21

16d ago1:09:21

1:09:21

By Jon Hagadorn Podcast Host

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THE LOST CITY OF Z: PERCY FAWCETT'S ILL-FATED EXPEDITION TO BRAZIL 56:39

20d ago56:39

56:39

By Jon Hagadorn Podcast Host

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THE ROSWELL UFO INCIDENT: YES, THERE WERE ALIEN CRAFTS AND BODIES RECOVERED 1:28:46

20d ago1:28:46

1:28:46

By Jon Hagadorn Podcast Host

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REMEMBERING TV'S BLUE BLOODS AND HONORING POLICE FAMILIES 36:03

1M ago36:03

36:03

FALL FAMILY SPECIAL In this episode we say goodbye to TV's highly successful Bluebloods police drama as it takes its leave after 14 years on CBS, and we honor the sacrifices of law enforcement families who make our country and our neighborhoods safe by putting their lives on the line every day. We offer the valid reasons for the show's great succes…

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THE REAL MAGIC OF HARRY POTTER 1001 FALL FAMILY SPECIAL 32:14

1M ago32:14

32:14

The Harry Potter books by JK Rowlins have sold millions of copies worldwide, spawning successful,movies and theme parks. Still, many young families are cautious that the stories have the potential to lead young readers into witchcraft or the dark arts, so controversy has arisen around getting children started with Harry Potter, and deciding what ag…

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THE TRUE STORY OF THE FIRST THANKSGIVING 38:28

1M ago38:28

38:28

In November of 1620 the Pilgrims arrived by ship to a new land filled with danger and uncertainty, a world in which nearly half of them would soon die of starvation and sickness, their final resting place being unmarked graves so as not to let the surrounding Indians know how many of their group had been lost. Yet with unshakable faith and strength…

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THE STORY OF STAGOLEE: THE ST. LOUIS BAR ROOM MURDER THAT HELPED LAUNCH ROCK AND ROLL 24:31

1M ago24:31

24:31

By Jon Hagadorn Podcast Host

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GIOVANNI'S RING: MY LIFE INSIDE THE REAL SOPRANOS AN INTERVIEW WITH RETIRED UNDERCOVER FBI AGENT AUTHOR GIOVANNI ROCCO 42:49

2M ago42:49

42:49

FALL FAMILY SERIES: HONORING THOSE WHO SACRIFICE FOR US GIOVANNI'S RING: MY LIFE INSIDE THE REAL SOPRANOS- 1001 Heroes Podcast Host Jon Hagadorn interviews retired undercover police/FBI agent Giovanni Rocco regarding his best-selling new book detailing his work to break up the most dangerous crime family in America- the sacrices he and his family m…

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THE REAL GREATEST SHOW ON EARTH: 1001 INTERVIEWS AUTHOR SGT (RET.) BERT "MAVERICK" GONZALES METRO DADE POLICE 1:22:59

2M ago1:22:59

1:22:59

1001 FALL FAMILY HEROES SERIES Sgt. Gonzalez spent 37 years as a policeman in Florida's busy Miami -Dade County saving lives, fighting crime, and trying to make the world a better place. He worte this incredible story of his service to let people know what police officers face everyday and his stories do exactly that..and more. ...NOW you get a cha…

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FINDING EVERYDAY HEROES IN YOUR FAMILY AND DISCOVERING YOUR HERITAGE W MICHELE ERCANBRACK 1:12:04

2M ago1:12:04

1:12:04

FALL FAMILY SPECIAL: In this 'Family Ties' interview with Ancestry's geneologists, we talk to Michelle Ercanbrack about finding the "Everyday Heroes" in your family and answering the question "Where does my DNA come from?", as well as the importance of knowing the traits and characteristics that have been handed down to you. YOUR REVIEWS AND SUBSCR…

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NOIR BY NECESSITY: A SON'S TIRELESS SEARCH FOR HIS FATHER'S KILLER 57:12

2M ago57:12

57:12

"The murder of Joseph Gatto captivated Los Angeles. Many veteran journalists still wonder how and why it happened. The details of this horrible crime and those affected by it continue to fascinate." –Robert Kovacik, Anchor and Reporter, NBC Los Angeles Mike Gatto was an up-and-coming young lawmaker when his father was brutally murdered. The act suc…

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HOW TEDDY ROOSEVELT SAVED FOOTBALL & 14 OTHER UNIQUELY AMERICAN STORIES 46:28

2M ago46:28

46:28

A collection of 14 distinctly American stories covering a wide range of topics from early explorers to Appalachian legends. In order: 1) Bjorni Herefson, the man who didn't discover America, 2), Why the Mayflower really landed at Plymouth (they were out of beer), 3) The unread message at Trenton, 4) Washington was really our 8th president, 5) Every…

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(FALL SPECIAL: HONORING FAMILY HEROES) BROTHERS DOWN THE STORY OF THE USS ARIZONA AT PEARL HARBOR 49:39

2M ago49:39

49:39

2025 Note: I went to visit the Arizona Memorial earlier this year during a rip to Hawaii to see my son and his family. A very sobering experience and highly recommended. We interview author Walter Borneman about his riveting book BROTHERS DOWN, which is the story of the heroes aboard the USS Arizona, which was dive-bombed and sunk by Japanese plane…

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Camel Chat with President Downs 50:40

2M ago50:40

50:40

Camel Chat is a new podcast hosted by President William M. Downs featuring conversations with the people who make Campbell University a special place. From dedicated faculty and staff to passionate students and alumni, each episode highlights the stories, experiences, and purpose that shape our community. Our first conversation features the Univers…

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HOLIDAYS ARE 100% FOR FAMILY THIS FALL AT 1001 HEROES AND 1001 CLASSIC SHORT STORIES OFFERING NEW INTERVIEWS AND SELECTED STORIES NOW THRU DEC 31 (SHOW NOTES INCLUDED HERE) 5:25

2M ago5:25

5:25

The Holidays are approaching and at 1001 Heroes, Legends, Histories & Mysteries Podcast our shows themes every Sunday will be turning to FAMILY and HONOR -SINCE MANY OF YOU ARE THINKING ABOUT BRINGING FAMILY TOGETHER, RECONNECTING , SEEKING CLOSURE ON ACCOUNT OF LOST ONES, seeking justice, KEEPING THE PEACE. HONORING OUR FIRST RESPONDERS DURING THE…

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CINDERELLA MAN: THE GREATEST UNDERDOG STORY IN SPORTS HISTORY 1:18:06

2M ago1:18:06

1:18:06

His name was James J. Braddock. In 1929 he was the middleweight contender for boxing champion of the world. He had it all- a wonderful wife, 3 kids, a nice home, and money in the bank- because boxers were the highest paid athletes in those days. The depression hit, his bank failed- and all his money was gone. He lost his house, his boxing skills fa…

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LIVE, LAUGH, FIND TRUE LOVE: INTERVIEW WITH AUTHOR SARAH INTELLIGATOR (FALL FAMILY & HONORING HEROES THEME) 1:01:46

2M ago1:01:46

1:01:46

Our interview with Los Angeles relationship author and divorce attorney covers every angle of getting into new relationship with a strong chance they will last if you follow her gre3at advice. The holidays are a good time for strengthening our friendships and family. Sarah's Book I highly recommend: LIVE, LAUGH, FIND TRUE LOVE: A Step by Step Guide…

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EXPLORING THE MYTH OF THE POPE LICK MONSTER (KENTUCKY GOATMAN) 51:36

2M ago51:36

51:36

There is an urban legend surrounding a very old but still used rairoad trestle in Kentucky which involves a mythical half-man, half-goatmonster that lures people onto the 100 foot-high trestle where they are caught in the headlights of a fast-moving train and are left with a run,jump, or die response that usually ends in a quick death. The story of…

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THE MYSTERIOUS MARFA LIGHTS 21:20

2M ago21:20

21:20

In Texas, Friday night lights herald the local high school football games and that's when life really begins in small town Texas. In West Texas, there are other lights- much more mysterious lights, which have been spotted in the mountains outside of Marfa, Texas, for over 100 years. These are called The Marfa Lights, and they are the subject of lot…

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THE LEGEND OF THUNDER ROAD: FROM FAST CARS, MOUNTAIN BOYS, HOOCH, AND HOLLYWOOD, TO NASCAR 50:55

3M ago50:55

50:55

In the 30's, 40', and 50's, "white lightning', or strong mountain brewed whiskey, was an important revneue source for the mountain communities in Kentucky, Tennessee, and the Carolinas. But getting it out of the stills and down to the thirsty cities was tricky, as G-Men (revenue agents) did their best to put a stop on the distribution. Getting past…

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HOW THE 101ST AIBORNE "SCREAMING EAGLES" CAME TO BE ( + 9 OTHER CIVIL WAR STORIES) 59:17

3M ago59:17

59:17

Ten Little Known Stories From The Civil War includes: 1)How the 101 st Airborne 'Screamin' Eagles' came to be; 2), Mosby's Treasure from the raid on the Fairfax Courthouse; 3), Wounds that glowed in the Dark; 4), Seven US Presidents that served in the Civil War; 5), General Butler's Chamber Pots- How General Butler failed to charm the women of New …

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Risk Management Institute | Stuart Powell 19:18

3M ago19:18

19:18

By Billy Liggett

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THE MURDER OF FOUNDING FATHER GEORGE WYTHE- A TRUE CRIME STORY FROM OUR NATION'S BEGINNINGS 27:25

3M ago27:25

27:25

Great link for those who want the full story:"The Murder of George Wythe" https://wythepedia.wm.edu/index.php/Murder_of_George_Wythe Title page from Boyd and Hemphill's pamphlet reprint, The Murder of George Wythe: Two Essays (Williamsburg, VA: Institute of Early American History and Culture, 1955). Julian P. Boyd (1903 – 1980), renowned editor of …

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GENERATIONS EXPLAINED: EACH HAS ITS OWN CHARACTERISTICS- WHICH ONE ARE YOU? 31:52

3M ago31:52

31:52

There are ten generations which have been given names, and these date back to births starting in 1890. The naming of generations is a sort of haphazard process, and is usually , but not always, predicated upon a book title such as 'The Greatest Generation' or 'Generation X'. In this story we discuss all the named generations, how they got their nam…

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OUR CANINE HEROES (PT 2 OF 2) A DOG'S JOB IS NEVER DONE 1:00:48

3M ago1:00:48

1:00:48

In part two of "Our Canine Heroes" we cover search and rescue (and K-9) training, where rescue dogs w,ee first employed), life-saving stories, diffent types of rescue dogs: did you know some dogs are trained specifically to sniff out drowning victims in water as deep as 40 feet? We explain how this is done. They were very busy in Texas this past ye…

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ACROSS THE FENCE- THE SECRET WAR IN VIETNAM W/ GREEN BERET JOHN STRYKER MEYER 1:04:34

3M ago1:04:34

1:04:34

The explosive true story of the Green Berets heroic role fighting the top-secret war in Cambodia, Laos, and North Vietnam in the late sixties as told by one of the few who survived it- John Stryker "Tilt" Meyer, author of Across The Fence-The Secret War in Vietnam. HONORING OUR NATIONS HEROES: This is the first of two Veteran's day interviews we di…

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MISSING PERSONS FOUND (#3A) OUR CANINE HEROES 30:34

3M ago30:34

30:34

In this episode, part 3A of a two episode "Our Canine Heroes"installment, we share actual stories of hero rescue dogs and why search and rescue relies so heavily upon them, especially when time is critical in saving lives. We also discuss the 2022 movie 'Rescued By Ruby', a family-friendly movie about a state policeman who desperately wanted to par…

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BELIEVE IT OR NOT: 11 CRAZY TALES AND SHORT HISTORIES 41:10

3M ago41:10

41:10

Our stories today: 1), Larry the Lawn Chair Pilot- who actually followed his dream up past the clouds and into LAX airspace while sitting in a lawn chair powered by 43 helium balloons; 2) Miracle in Rio- A blind boy is struck by a bullet during a new year's celebration and wakes up in the hospital to some good news; 3) A Disaster Foretold;- some Ti…

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MISSING PERSONS: FOUND (#2) CALLING COLTER SHAW WHAT TO DO WHEN A LOVED ONE GOES MISSING 41:43

4M ago41:43

41:43

In this episode we discuss the human element required to locate missing persons. Police, FBI, Investigators, and trackers are discussed, as a number of organizations which work free of charge to help families find their loved ones and provide comfort where possible (listed below). We'll relate online stories from former investigators and provide st…

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THE SEARCH FOR NAZI GOLD AT LAKE TOPLITZ 42:37

4M ago42:37

42:37

For years it was rumored that the Nazis, in their final days before the end in 1945, had dropped boxes fullof stolen gold into the depths of Lake Toplitz in Austria , but the lake, being very deep and piled with dead trees, was extreme,y dangerous for divers. Finally, expeditions were organized and searches made...searches that exposed a huge Nazi …

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A TRIBUTE TO THE WALER: AUSTRALIA'S GREATEST HORSE 35:18

4M ago35:18

35:18

The Australian Waler horse is known for its stamina and courage as well as its ability to perform in the worst of conditions. Over 130,000 Waler horses were deployed in the Middle East campaigns and during that time earned the respect and admiration of the Light Horse Troopers who rode them into history at Beersheba and other battles. They were als…

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MISSING PERSONS: FOUND (EPISODE 1) THE DETECTIVES BEST WEAPONS: DNA & GENEOLOGY 32:33

4M ago32:33

32:33

Eight powerful stories revealing how DNA,Geneology.and cold case detectives solved missing persons case., some found alive, someproviding a final asnwer and closure for grieving relatives. COMING NEXT: FALL SERIES (EPISODE 2) CALLING COLTER SHAW (When trackers succeed) Join us at our website at www.bestof1001stories.com and sign up forour newslette…

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1001 MIDNITE SPECIAL: THE 1966 INDIANA DUNES DISAPPEARANCE 33:07

4M ago33:07

33:07

On July 2nd,1966, 3 young suburban Chicago women drove to a popular beach south of Chicago on Lake Michigan, parked their car, and walked to a spot on the beach at Indiana Dunes State Park. They were last seen getting on a boat with 3 men- and from there they disappeared, never to be seen again. Their blankets and personal effects were all left beh…

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THE LAST STAND AT OSOWEIC FORTRESS: THE BATTLE THAT INSPIRED SABATON'S "THE ATTACK OF THE DEAD MEN" 30:32

4M ago30:32

30:32

In 1915, Russian defenders launched a gruesome counterattack that repelled the German invaders. What made it so gruesome? The Russians were the victims of German gas warfare, involving chlorine and bromine gases, which devastated the Russian garrison at Osowiec Fortress. It did not quite work out the way the Germans planned however. The Germans had…

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RAIDERS OF THE LOST ARK: THE MOVIE BACKSTORY 31:50

4M ago31:50

31:50

The movie Raiders of the Lost Ark was the highest grossing movie of 1981 and ensuring lasting stardom for Harrison Ford and Debra Allen. The plot, centered in the 1930's, featured an archeology professor from the US vying against Hitler's agents to recover the Lost Ark of the Covenant, which the Germans believed had power they could harness for war…

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THE LAST STAND OF CASTLE ITTER 1945: WWII'S LAST AND STRANGEST MAJOR BATTLE 38:56

5M ago38:56

38:56

The closing days of the war in Europe provided some of the most dramatic mmoments of the war, and the battle at Castle Itter in the Tyrolean Alps, a well-guarded Nazi "prison" for high-value political prisoners, was no exception. With Hitler's suicide followed by the announcement of Germany's surrender, many German troops began running for cover or…

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THE SEIGE OF BASTOGNE AND THE LAST STAND OF TEAM DESOBRY AT NOVILLE 35:39

5M ago35:39

35:39

Our story details the legendary last stand of Commander William Desobry's Team of 400 troops and 15 Sherman tanks who were assigned to capture and defend Noville, France , thereby preventing the German ofensive from overwhelming Bastagnge and Antwerp in Dec '44-Jan of 1945. Deobry's units, as well as others, faced 10-1 odds, including an entire Pan…

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HISTORY MAJORS-FIND OUT WHAT COLLEGE WAS LIKE 105 YEARS AGO! TODAY AT 1001 STORIES FROM THE GILDED AGE 1:34

5M ago1:34

1:34

In just a few minutes you can treat yourself to one of the greatest historical paradoxes ever written at 1001 Stories From The Gilded Age- Its 1910 ( or so) .Anne of Green Gables is headed for college. She will actually attend classes in daytime No wild parties No drinking Actual studying No demonstrations No burning police cars This will rock your…

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COMING TO 1001 STORIES FROM THE GILDED AGE: ANNE OF THE ISLAND (FROM THE ANNE OF GREEN GABLES SERIES) 1:49

5M ago1:49

1:49

It's "Back to School" time for Anne Shirley of Green Gables- as well as your kids and neighbor's kids-Coming Sunday Aug 10 (tomorrow as I write this) at noon EDT -Chapter 1 of the 3rd 'Anne of Green Gables' story- called 'Anne of the Island'- narrated by Gizelle Erickson- who is introducing herself soon over at 1001 Stories From The Gilded Age. Its…

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TALKING UFO'S WITH NUCLEAR PHYSICIST STANTON FRIEDMAN (ARCHIVE) 1:03:10

5M ago1:03:10

1:03:10

1001 had the rare opportunity to speak face to face (on Skype) with physicist, lecturer, and professional UFOlogist Stanton Terry Friedman last year and at that time he shared his knowledge of UFO's as well as his ties to the story known as The Braxton County Monster. This episode is offered here in his honor, as we lost him this pat May 13th. He w…

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KINCAID'S CAVE- EGYPTIAN RUINS IN THE GRAND CANYON? 43:54

5M ago43:54

43:54

In 1909 the Phoenix Gazette published an incredible story about an archeological find, sponsored by the Smithsonian, of a cave within the Grand Canyon which supposed held a large store of artifacts thought to belong to an ancient civilization. The story quickly faded from sight, but was revived in the 70;s by certain authors seeking attention for e…

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THE CURSE OF BUNNYMAN 29:02

5M ago29:02

29:02

In a new suburban development outside of Fairfax, VA, in 1970, a young military man and his bride to be were stopping to visit a family member who had recently purchased a new home across from a vacant lot. Suddenly a man in a bunny suit approached their car, slinging an axe, and shouting at them to leave. He then broke their car window, splatterin…