Join hosts Ed Voccola (Rick and Morty, Bless The Harts) and Chris Cullari (Blumhouse, The Aviary) for a wild trip through the world of what scares them.
…
continue reading
The world is more mysterious than most people are comfortable imagining. We cross paths with the mystical from time to time and may not even notice it. If we do, we quickly return to our usually mundane daily existence. But what if we not only acknowledged the unknown, we investigated it and spoke with those in the know? That's what co-hosts Scott Philbrook & Forrest Burgess, and co-executive producer Tess Pfeifle do at Astonishing Legends. Over 100 million downloads and hundreds of thousand ...
…
continue reading
Proudly brought to you by the fine folks at the Astonishing Legends Podcast- Not just another show but a place you can go: The Midnight Library. You alone, can climb the stairs of the strange, old Victorian mansion and be somewhat welcomed by your Hosts, Miranda Merrick & Mr. Darling. Curl up in a window seat or beside the grand fireplace and hear a tale of times long ago. Be transported to forgotten lands, learn about ancient customs and mysterious happenings… all in the company of your unu ...
…
continue reading
“Go inside the mind of one of television and movies’ wildest storytellers…” Richard Hatem's Paranormal Bookshelf is a podcast that feels like discovering a secret diary. Every episode unravels the mysteries of a book from Richard's bookshelf and a story from Richard’s life, weaving together the excitement of the supernatural and the warmth of personal storytelling.
…
continue reading
Exploring the role of human taste in a tech-driven world. Join us on a weekly journey to understand tastemaking as a craft that can be learned, honed and expressed through the art of curation. Hosted by Mia Quagliarello for Flipboard.
…
continue reading

1
The Max Headroom Pirate TV Incident Part 2
2:21:22
2:21:22
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
2:21:22In Part 2 of our series on the Max Headroom Broadcast Signal Interruption, we dig deeper into the analog chaos that unfolded in 1987 Chicago — a surreal, rebellious hijacking that mocked media itself. We explore the investigation, the lingering mystery, and what it says about how we interact with technology, culture, and entertainment today. Who wa…
…
continue reading
In tonight’s dead letter, listener Leah experiences repeated visits from what appear to be gnome-like beings. The visits began after she began practicing Wicca, and thankfully, these mysterious creatures appear to be non-threatening…but persistent. Are they simply hallucinations connected to sleep paralysis, or are they part of the fabric of realit…
…
continue reading
Welcome bat lovers! And future bat lovers! We have great faith that once you get to know bats... well, you'll find they're even more creepy and mysterious than you imagined. Please swoop down on The Hospitality Tray to snap up your treats and find your favorite seat because tonight it's all about The Goth Butterflies of the Night, BATS! Special Tha…
…
continue reading

1
SPECIAL BONUS EPISODE: Living with Ghosts
1:33:34
1:33:34
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:33:34What does it actually feel like to be a psychic medium? What is it like to have ghosts be a constant part of your otherwise normal life? Cindy Valenzuela and Colleen McKinnie can tell you -- because they are both in touch with the spirit world every day. They are both wives and mothers, they have professional careers -- and they can communicate wit…
…
continue reading
Join hosts Ed Voccola (Rick and Morty, Bless The Harts) and Chris Cullari (Blumhouse, The Aviary) for a wild trip through the world of what scares them. This week, the boys book tickets on the USS SCARED and take a doomed vacation through the world of cruises. All aboard for stops at the Titanic, COVID vessels, and the haunted Queen Mary! Warning: …
…
continue reading
In tonight's dead letter, we explore the eerie experiences of Allie, a PhD candidate from the University of Arkansas, who revisits the hauntingly notorious Devil's Den in the Ozark National Forest. As shared with hosts Scott and Forrest, Allie's research expeditions become unsettling when she feels an unseen presence and hears unexplained banging n…
…
continue reading

1
The Max Headroom Pirate TV Incident Part 1
2:05:02
2:05:02
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
2:05:02Before streaming and scrolling there was broadcast television—shared signals sent through the air for anyone with an antenna to catch. But when something’s that open, it’s also open to hijacking. In part one of our two-part series, we dig into one of the most bizarre and legendary cases of broadcast piracy: the Max Headroom Incident. On November 22…
…
continue reading
In tonight's dead letter, we hear from Jada who encountered a shadowy figure with red eyes on two separate occasions in different locations. The first sighting occurred during a summer church camp, but the second happened years later and was witnessed by her boyfriend, who doesn’t believe in this kind of stuff. Are hauntings tied to people rather t…
…
continue reading

1
S12 Ep1: The Victorians - Masters of Morbid Mourning
38:49
38:49
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
38:49Welcome Spooky Lovelies! The fireplaces are lit, the Hospitality Tray is set, and everything that would make you run in panic is waiting beyond the cordoned-off areas, mostly. We thought it was time to visit our long-dead friends, The Victorians, and to learn to admire their strict and strange mourning customs, some of which are still with us today…
…
continue reading
Join hosts Ed Voccola (Rick and Morty, Bless The Harts) and Chris Cullari (Blumhouse, The Aviary) for a wild trip through the world of what scares them. This week, the boys get meta - talking about sleep deprivation while experiencing sleep deprivation. It's a mind melting, sense scrambling journey through a kind of hell that only exists in nightma…
…
continue reading
In tonight’s dead letter, a listener shares her stories of a childhood filled with unexplained phenomena in her family home just outside Toronto. From a mischievous spectral boy seen by the whole family to disembodied voices and a chilling sense of dread, their experiences were chalked up to "ghosts" as a family joke. But the story takes a strange …
…
continue reading

1
What Lies Beneath the Pyramids of Egypt
1:59:57
1:59:57
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:59:57This week, we dive into a viral story that is captivating social media and stirring global debate — a supposed discovery beneath the sands of Giza that some are calling the find of the century. Descriptions of a vast, multi-level complex with geometric passageways, deep shafts, and mysterious chambers have sparked theories ranging from ancient powe…
…
continue reading
In tonight’s dead letter, we delve into a truly bizarre family tale spanning generations. Taylor shares her mother's childhood encounter with a giant, tuxedo-clad bunny rabbit residing in her friend's shower—a story echoed by her own childhood sighting of a similar figure. Could this be a family secret, a shared hallucination, or something far more…
…
continue reading
It’s our First Anniversary! Richard Hatem’s Paranormal Bookshelf debuted one year ago today, and to celebrate we’re re-broadcasting the very first episode where Richard receives the book that changes his life -- and gets introduced to his very first paranormal bookshelf. Join Richard and everyone here at RHPB as we celebrate the episode that starte…
…
continue reading

1
A Scared to Death Timesuck with Dan Cummins
1:36:55
1:36:55
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:36:55This week, we welcome master storyteller, podcaster, and comedian Dan Cummins, creator of the hit shows Timesuck and Scared to Death. Known for his deep dives into historical mysteries and the supernatural, Dan brings scholarly research paired with sharp wit. We’ve long admired the quality and depth of his work, which often parallels our own. Our c…
…
continue reading
ATTENTION: THIS EPISODE IS NOT FOR THE FAINT OF HEART. THE STORIES ARE VERY GRAPHIC, AND THE COMMENTARY MIGHT INCLUDE MORE LEVITY THAN PERHAPS YOU'D FIND COMFORTABLE. This week, comedian Mike Recine joins the boys to discuss his greatest fear: chimp-assisted genital detachment syndrome. The trio tackle the dangerous combination of cuteness and aggr…
…
continue reading
In tonight’s Dead Letter, we explore a mysterious phone call received by long-time listener Michelle in the 1980s. The caller identified himself as "Uncle Bill," a relative she had never known, leaving a lasting impression on her and her family. Her parents' stunned reaction to the call adds to the unsettling mystery. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/…
…
continue reading
Due to an error last week, this Dead Letter Office didn't make it to the main feed so here it is now! There's a NEW one tomorrow too! In tonight’s dead letter, we explore the chilling tales of paranormal activity at a haunted firehouse, as recounted by volunteer firefighter Ken Sanner Jr. Ken details a series of unsettling events, from flickering l…
…
continue reading
On the night of February 25, 1942, less than three months after Pearl Harbor, Los Angeles was gripped by fear as air raid sirens wailed and a total blackout stretched to the Mexican border. Powerful arc lamps lit up the sky, and anti-aircraft guns fired wildly as reports of enemy aircraft flooded in — some claiming planes crashed down across the ci…
…
continue reading
Join hosts Ed Voccola (Rick and Morty, Bless The Harts) and Chris Cullari (Blumhouse, The Aviary) for a wild trip through the world of what scares them. Sparked by the recent wildfires that threatened Chris' home, America's favorite scaredy cats explore these powerful and destructive forces. Don't love every word we say? Ok, weirdo. Here's some "ch…
…
continue reading
In tonight’s dead letter, we explore a listener’s astonishing story connecting to the infamous USS Nimitz Tic-Tac UFO incident. Mike recounts childhood encounters with doppelgangers and later, his ex-wife's dream of grays influencing her pregnancy. Their son even refers to a "space dad," adding another layer to this already unbelievable tale. We we…
…
continue reading
On July 27, 2011, Richard Hatem came home from work to find a book waiting for him—Glimpses of Eternity by Raymond Moody. He remembers the date well, because it was also the day he got fired. And if you’ve ever been fired, you know the feeling: shock, relief, maybe a strange sense of joy. It also ushered in a phase of creative revival and explorati…
…
continue reading
In tonight’s dead letter, we delve into a truly astonishing story from listener Gus about his daughter Tara. Tara's coworker, on her last shift before college, revealed he could see spirits and described three surrounding Tara – her deceased grandparents and grandmother, accurately detailing their names, causes of death, and even the months they pa…
…
continue reading

1
The Baldoon Mystery with Dr. Rick Fehr
2:29:00
2:29:00
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
2:29:00In 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 we…
…
continue reading
With a newborn baby keeping Chris from getting a slick new episode finished, we’ve decided to share one of our premium monthly live shows with the public for the very first time. And not just any episode. The VERY FIRST episode! Back when we were young and dumb and a technical abomination. It was a real learning experience, and only got better from…
…
continue reading
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 D…
…
continue reading
Investigating Mediums by Julie Beischel, PhD. In this episode, join Richard Hatem as he cracks open Investigating Mediums by Dr. Julie Beischel. In her book, Dr. Beischel attempts a scientific exploration into the world of psychic mediums. What began as an academic pursuit for Dr. Beischel evolved into years of testing and research—none of which ha…
…
continue reading

1
Seth Breedlove - Small Town Monster
2:15:00
2:15:00
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
2:15:00This 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 Ki…
…
continue reading
Join hosts Ed Voccola (Rick and Morty, Bless The Harts) and Chris Cullari (Blumhouse, The Aviary) for a wild trip through the world of what scares them. This week, the boys turn to religious texts, doctors, and the people who claim to have gone, to get a better idea of just how many hells they might have waiting for them. Don't love every word we s…
…
continue reading
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 ps…
…
continue reading
Join hosts Ed Voccola (Rick and Morty, Bless The Harts) and Chris Cullari (Blumhouse, The Aviary) for a wild trip through the world of what scares them. This week, the boys begin a new series exploring bad trips - starting with what can happen when an LSD experience goes wrong. Get ready to get scrambled! Don't love every word we say? Ok, weirdo. H…
…
continue reading
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 w…
…
continue reading

1
S2: SPECIAL BONUS EPISODE: Questions & Answers — with Richard Hatem
53:19
53:19
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
53:19It's a SPECIAL RHPB BONUS EPISODE! Grab a drink, sit down by the fireplace and join Richard as he answers the questions you've been asking him since the show began! From favorite authors to TV show plot twists; from Bible classes to the Sex Pistols; from cocktails to cats-and-dogs to cursing — he covers it all! And find out just how and when he'll …
…
continue reading
Welcome Spooky Lovelies! Join me for 40 melodious minutes of music and polite talk about how and why each piece was chosen for the beloved characters and unique places found only in the world of The Midnight Library! This will be followed by a short Q&A session. I'm so glad you're here! Love, Miranda HEADPHONES OR EARBUDS ARE HIGHLY RECOMMENDED Spe…
…
continue reading
Join hosts Ed Voccola (Rick and Morty, Bless The Harts) and Chris Cullari (Blumhouse, The Aviary) for a wild trip through the world of what scares them. This week, the boys ascend to horrifying heights and plunge to life-ending lows as they learn all about how elevators can crush, maim, and kill. Don't love every word we say? Ok, weirdo. Here's som…
…
continue reading
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 …
…
continue reading

1
The Mysterious Disappearance of Ambrose Bierce Part 2
1:54:52
1:54:52
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:54:52This 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…
…
continue reading
Join hosts Ed Voccola (Rick and Morty, Bless The Harts) and Chris Cullari (Blumhouse, The Aviary) for a wild trip through the world of what scares them. This week, the boys trust no one in their exploration of gang stalking, a phenomenon experienced by thousands of innocent victims. Who is behind it? What do they want? And what happens if they deci…
…
continue reading
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 bo…
…
continue reading
"The Other Side" by Bishop James A. Pike, with Diane Kennedy Part 2 We’re back on The Other Side, diving deeper into Bishop James A. Pike’s gripping search for a connection with his late son – and Richard Hatem’s high-stakes hijinks as a burgeoning writer chasing his dream. While Pike wrestles with the profound—and sometimes unsettling—realities of…
…
continue reading
Welcome, Dear Guest! Tonight's sumptuous topic is: Seaworthy Witches! The Hospitality Tray is dripping with water-logged delights! And there will be talk of maritime superstitions, historical water-witch lore, an ad by our fine sponsor, The Mystique, and the amazing story of Tam O'Shanter & The Cutty Sark! Also, Mr. Darling refuses to put his mouth…
…
continue reading

1
The Mysterious Disappearance of Ambrose Bierce Part 1
1:50:59
1:50:59
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:50:59Ambrose Bierce, famed author of An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge, vanished without a trace in 1913 at the age of 71. Bierce had a long and storied career, having been a soldier in the Civil War, a journalist, and a successful author. He was known for his dark humor and cynical outlook. In part one of this two-part series, we delve into the mystery…
…
continue reading
Join hosts Ed Voccola (Rick and Morty, Bless The Harts) and Chris Cullari (Blumhouse, The Aviary) for a wild trip through the world of what scares them. Still affected by the fires, the boys have put together a very special episode to hold you over. AMA-Palooza is a collection of answers to the fans' most pressing questions about monsters, movies, …
…
continue reading
Tonight's Dead Letter is about a chilling overnight investigation at 30 East Drive in Pontefract, West Yorkshire – the infamous home of the Black Monk of Pontefract. A long standing Poltergeist we covered on our main show in a three part series back in late 2018. We delve into our listener's unsettling experience during a séance and Ouija board ses…
…
continue reading
We weren't supposed to have an episode this week, but with everyone reaching out to check in on us, we wanted to get on mic to let you know that we're currently safe, and with Chris still under evacuation orders, we thought we'd also give you a short peek into what evacuating from a fire is like.By Astonishing Legends Productions
…
continue reading
A very important announcement about our next episode!By Astonishing Legends Productions
…
continue reading
Tonight's Dead Letter is about a series of chilling encounters with mysterious entities that have haunted our listener, Alan, for years. He had unsettling experiences with sleep paralysis, including a confrontation with a shadowy figure wearing a fedora and a static-like being delivering phantom punches, in a rare case of someone being actually phy…
…
continue reading
“I had heard of poltergeists – the spirit of a dead person causing some sort of disturbance in the house where the person resided before dying. For the first time I faced the real possibility that the source of all that had been happening could be my son – dead, but still living.” In this episode, travel with Richard Hatem to – “The Other Side” by …
…
continue reading

1
S11 Ep7: Podcast Hospitality Tray! - 5 Shows, 90 Minutes!
1:33:34
1:33:34
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:33:345 Great Shows in One Spot! WE DO TOO HAVE FRIENDS! Snuggle up in The Reading Room and settle in for a long, delicious treat, because tonight, 5 luscious guest hosts have arrived to let you sample their own, unique styles of storytelling! Miranda will keep you company and introduce you to each of them. They are: Icy Sedgwick from Fabulous Folklore w…
…
continue reading
This week, the boys take a drive over the scariest bridges in the world: failing ones. Which it turns out is actually lots of them. How bad is the situation? And what happens when these architectural marvels finally break down? Plus: how to survive a bridge collapse! Sort of. Don't love every word we say? Ok, weirdo. Here's some "chapters" to find …
…
continue reading