Best Sonoran Desert Media Group Podcasts (2025)

1
Charles McCullar - A Case Re-examined — Myths vs. Facts 1:03:35

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3d ago1:03:35

1:03:35

In 2019, Locations Unknown covered the story of a young photographer bound for winter shots at Crater Lake National Park. The case sparked countless theories—even drawing the attention of the TV series The UnXplained with William Shatner. This week, we return with newly uncovered details in the disappearance of Charles McCullar. Learn more about Lo…

1
Angeles National Forest Cold Cases 51:40

16d ago51:40

51:40

Nestled just beyond Los Angeles, Angeles National Forest sprawls over 700,000 acres of rugged wilderness, where jagged peaks, deep canyons, and twisting trails beckon hikers, climbers, and adventurers year-round. With stunning vistas of the San Gabriel Mountains and its close proximity to one of America’s largest cities, this forest is as captivati…

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Crime Off the Grid Meets Locations Unknown 1:22:00

24d ago1:22:00

1:22:00

We’ve got a special episode for you this week! Joe and I recently joined the podcast Crime Off the Grid to dive into three fascinating cases alongside two former law enforcement park rangers. Since we’re out of the office, we’re excited to share their episode—ad free—right here on our feed in case you missed it. We hope you enjoy! Episode summary f…

1
Mount Washington Cold Cases 1:03:57

1M ago1:03:57

1:03:57

Towering at 6,288 feet in the White Mountains, Mount Washington—home to world-record 231 mph winds and brutal weather—draws millions with its historic Auto Road, rare alpine plants, and extreme spring skiing. While most enjoy its trails and epic views, some vanish forever. Join us this week for another installment of “National Forest Cold Cases” as…

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Austin King - Yellowstone National Park - Wyoming 56:37

2M ago56:37

56:37

September 17th, 2024 a young adventurer embarked on a solo seven-day trek through rugged, isolated terrain fraught with grizzlies, sudden storms, and treacherous cliffs. Amid fog, sleet, and howling winds, he reached the summit of Eagle Peak, leaving a chilling note about his ordeal before vanishing without a trace. Join us this week as we investig…

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From the Vault - Daniel Robinson - Sonoran Desert - Arizona 1:03:23

2M ago1:03:23

1:03:23

We're away this week putting the finishing touches on our new studio, but we'll be back with a brand-new episode on August 8th! Until then, please enjoy a classic from the vault: "Daniel Robinson - Sonoran Desert - Arizona." We've remastered the audio, so it sounds better than ever. (Originally aired: January 13, 2023) On June 23rd, 2021, a geologi…

1
From the Vault - Grand Canyon Cold Cases 1:02:01

2M ago1:02:01

1:02:01

We're out of the office this week putting the finishing touches on the new studio! We'll be back with all-new shows the first week of August. Until then, enjoy a classic from the vault: "Grand Canyon Cold Cases." It's the episode that kicked off our Cold Cases series, and we've cleaned up the audio so it sounds better than ever. (Original air date:…

1
From the Vault - Glacier National Park Cold Cases 51:49

3M ago51:49

51:49

While we're away getting our new studio up and running, please enjoy one of our favorite episodes on Glacier National Park Cold Cases, complete with newly edited audio to make your listening experience even better. Side note, this was the last episode before we moved into our old studio! (Originally aired 3/23/2023) With over 52 million acres, the …

1
Robert Schock - North Cascades National Park - Washington 59:19

3M ago59:19

59:19

July 31 2024, a 39-year-old ultrarunner vanished in the rugged North Cascades National Park during a 20-mile trail run. Minimally equipped, he became disoriented on wildfire-altered trails, surviving 30 days on berries and river water. Despite extensive searches by sheriff’s deputies, park rangers, and a helicopter, the park’s dense forests and rem…

1
Aubrey Sacco - Langtang National Park - Nepal 55:03

4M ago55:03

55:03

April 2010, a young American backpacker set out alone on a trek through Nepal’s scenic Langtang Valley. She was last seen confidently hiking along a popular trail but then vanished without a trace. Despite exhaustive searches, not a single piece of evidence emerged. This disappearance remains one of Nepal’s most puzzling mysteries, leaving her fami…

1
Joseph Wood Jr - Mount Rainier National Park - Washington 1:07:06

4M ago1:07:06

1:07:06

In July 1999, a 34-year-old book editor from New York set out for a day hike near Comet Falls in Mount Rainier National Park. Despite clear skies, he left the main trail and entered rugged, snow-covered terrain. When he never returned, an extensive search turned up nothing—no gear, no footprints, no clues. Join us this week as we investigate the di…

1
Jacob Gray - Olympic National Park - Washington 1:07:58

4M ago1:07:58

1:07:58

April 6th, 2017, a lone cyclist sets out into Washington’s Olympic wilderness, towing a trailer packed with camping gear and determination. Days later, park rangers found the bike and gear abandoned on a remote road, but no sign of the traveler. What follows is a baffling series of search efforts, false leads, and clues scattered across one of the …

1
King Arthur: In Search of the Lost King 51:36

5M ago51:36

51:36

It’s the 6th century, Britain’s a chaotic mess—Roman rule’s gone, Saxons are invading, and a warrior king fights his last battle. Then, poof—he’s gone, whisked away to a mysterious place called Avalon, never to be seen again. Did this King really vanish into the wilderness, or is his whole story just a legend?” Join us this week as we investigate t…

1
Park Rangers Unplugged: Tasers, Trails, and True Crime 44:06

5M ago44:06

44:06

Join us this week for a great conversation with Tara and Nancy, retired Yellowstone National Park law enforcement Rangers and hosts of Crime Off the Grid. They share unforgettable experiences from their careers, from intense encounters involving tasers and unexpected rodeo moves to heartfelt moments helping park visitors in distress. We dive into t…

1
Checking in w/ Danielle & Cassie from National Park After Dark 56:42

5M ago56:42

56:42

On April 23rd, 2025, we hosted a nearly five-hour livestream to celebrate our current studio, which we'll be leaving later this spring due to upcoming building renovations. During the event, we interviewed Danielle and Cassie from National Park After Dark. Our conversation covered their recent adventure in Antarctica, their new show Watch Her Cook,…

1
Larry Conn - Kings Canyon National Park - California 53:13

5M ago53:13

53:13

In October 2012, an experienced hiker vanished amid an early-season snowstorm near California's remote Taboose Pass. Despite extensive search efforts hindered by brutal terrain, freezing temperatures, and blinding whiteouts, rescuers found no trace. Months later, melting snow exposed startling clues, raising even deeper questions about what truly o…

1
The Brockton Bay Chronicles: Reviewing "Worm" by Wildbow - Episode #32 2:03:44

6M ago2:03:44

2:03:44

In this episode, Keith and Andy are joined by Tony and author Daniel Radford as they have a round table discussion of Worm. If you like these podcasts, please leave a like and a comment! Be sure to share on other social media platforms. And we hope you'll subscribe. ---------------------- Please be sure to check out Daniels' work on his website: ww…

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Bryce Gillies - Grand Canyon National Park - Arizona 1:05:02

6M ago1:05:02

1:05:02

July 18 2009, a seasoned backpacker set off alone into the rugged wilderness of Arizona’s Grand Canyon National Park. Facing scorching heat, limited water, and treacherous terrain, he soon found himself trapped in a remote canyon far from his intended path. As days passed, searchers raced against time and the harsh environment, uncovering clues tha…

1
Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park Cold Cases 1:11:02

6M ago1:11:02

1:11:02

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park draws millions each year, captivated by its stunning beauty and volcanic wonders. But beneath its dramatic landscapes lie stories of visitors who've gone missing without a trace. This week, we explore cold cases within the park, examining the risks hidden along its rugged trails, active lava flows, and unpredictable c…

1
Thelma Polly Melton - Great Smoky Mountains National Park 50:39

6M ago50:39

50:39

On September 25, 1981, a 58-year-old woman mysteriously vanished while hiking a familiar Trail in the Great Smoky Mountains. Moments after walking ahead of her friends, she disappeared without a trace. Strange behaviors leading up to that day—including unusual phone calls and missed commitments—only deepened the mystery. Despite exhaustive searches…

1
Lost in Yosemite - The Disappearance of Joel Thomazin 1:05:41

7M ago1:05:41

1:05:41

In September 2021, an experienced outdoorsman, vanished mysteriously during a solo hike in Yosemite's rugged Hetch Hetchy wilderness. Last seen above O’Shaughnessy Dam, he intended to fish at remote Lake Eleanor. Despite massive searches, no trace was ever found—not even his bright red kayak. Did he fall victim to hidden waters, dense wilderness, o…

1
Lost Hunter: Ronald Gray's disappearance in Idaho's Bitterroot Wilderness 1:12:57

7M ago1:12:57

1:12:57

On September 19, 2008, Ronald Scott Gray, a seasoned 62-year-old retired Marine and Massachusetts State Police captain, vanished during an elk hunt in Idaho’s rugged Selway-Bitterroot wilderness. Despite extensive survival training, he disappeared without a trace. His backpack, found near Highline Lake, provided no definitive clues. Unusual behavio…

1
Into Thin Air: The Vanishing of Wesley Wamsganz in the Adirondacks 1:02:00

7M ago1:02:00

1:02:00

November 20th, 2010—As darkness fell on Lake Placid New York, a 22-year-old hiker set off into the High Peaks Wilderness after his shift at The Downtown Diner. Several hiking parties spotted him in his green Carhartt jacket before vanishing into the trees two miles in. Days later, that jacket was found. He was not. Join us this week as we unravel t…

1
Mystery in the Valley: Kyle Brittain’s Disappearance on Hawaii’s Big Island 54:38

7M ago54:38

54:38

On August 30, 2019, an experienced hiker set out along the steep, treacherous Z Trail on Hawaii's Big Island. When he failed to return, massive search efforts were stymied by thick jungles, towering cliffs, and sudden downpours—and no clues were ever found. Was it a tragic fall, or is something far more unsettling at work? Join us this week as we d…

1
Gone in Alaska Part 3: The Mysterious Disappearance of Thomas Seibold 32:46

8M ago32:46

32:46

Survivalist and skilled outdoorsman Thomas Seibold left a homestead cabin in October 2012, bound for the vast expanse of Gates of the Arctic National Park and Preserve for what was supposed to be a brief adventure. Instead, he was never seen again. Join us for part three of Gone in Alaska to find out why Seibold’s disappearance remains one of the m…

1
Special Release: Fan Voicemail reactions - Part 9 31:48

8M ago31:48

31:48

Hey friends! Since Joe & I are off this week and next week, we thought it would be fun to release our latest members only voicemail episode. If you like this kind of content and want to support the show, you can become a Patreon member for as little as $5 a month and never miss another episode. (Link below) If Patreon isn't your thing, you can beco…

1
Vanished: The Mystery of Percy Fawcett & The Lost City of Z 1:18:59

8M ago1:18:59

1:18:59

Deep in the uncharted reaches of the Brazilian rainforest lies one of exploration’s most enduring riddles. In 1925, a daring British explorer ventured there with two companions in search of a lost city that might reshape history. Then, on the threshold of the unknown, all three vanished. Theories swirl: hostile tribes, disease, or even a hidden new…

1
Lost in the Grand Canyon: The Mystery of Glen & Bessie Hyde 56:03

8M ago56:03

56:03

A young, adventurous couple embarks on a bold mission in 1928: to conquer the Colorado River through the Grand Canyon and claim two record-breaking feats. The newlyweds pilot a handmade wooden scow down the rushing waters, navigating rugged rapids and unpredictable weather. As their journey stretches on, they mysteriously disappear, leaving behind …

1
Legends from the Wild: Stone Hunts, Shadows Stalk, and Vines Devour 59:49

8M ago59:49

59:49

Join us this week as we explore the chilling legends lurking in America’s wilderness and beyond. We’ll travel to the misty trails of a famed national park where a cunning, stone-skinned predator once terrorized the locals. Then, we head north to the icy Alaskan expanse patrolled by a shadowy hound that paralyzes its victims with a single glance. Fi…

1
Denali’s Magic Bus: The Epic Quest and Tragic End of Christopher McCandless 1:31:03

9M ago1:31:03

1:31:03

In the early 1990's, a young man's quest for freedom leads him to abandon society, hitchhike across America, and live in the Alaskan wilderness. His journey, inspired by literary ideals, ends tragically in an abandoned bus shrouded in mystery. Join us this week as we explore the incredible life and story of Christopher McCandless, also known as "Al…

1
A Canyon of Secrets: The Jim Carter Disappearance 57:31

9M ago57:31

57:31

On May 23, 1950, a skilled mountaineer vanished near Ape Canyon in Washington’s Gifford Pinchot National Forest. That morning, he split from his ski party to photograph them from a different vantage point—but never returned. Despite intense searches of the rugged volcanic terrain, neither Carter nor his camera was ever found. Was it a tragic accide…

1
Lost in the Northwoods: The Vanishing of Andrew Bliss 57:31

9M ago57:31

57:31

On June 20, 2003, a young man abandoned his car on a remote Wisconsin forest road and vanished without a trace. In the days before, he’d quit his job, withdrawn thousands in cash, and displayed strange, erratic behavior. Despite extensive searches in the sprawling Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest, he was never found. Was he lost, taken, or runni…

1
Gone in Alaska Part 2: A Tale of Three Richards missing in the Alaskan Wilderness 44:34

10M ago44:34

44:34

A year has passed since Richard Lyman Griffis stepped off a bus in the Yukon and vanished into the vast wilderness of Wrangell–St. Elias National Park. But he wasn’t the only man named Richard to go missing in Alaska’s unforgiving backcountry. Around the same time, Richard Hills and Richard Bennett also disappeared without a trace. In this second e…

1
Haunted Peaks: The Unsolved Vanishings of Australia’s Victorian Alps 59:40

10M ago59:40

59:40

Australia’s high country glows with raw beauty and deep mystery, overshadowed by a long history of unsolved disappearances. Even the most seasoned explorers—hardened hikers and skilled hunters—have vanished here without a trace, leaving behind only faint traces and countless unanswered questions. Rumors persist of a reclusive bushman lurking in rem…

1
Who Runs This Park Interviews Joe & Mike 1:11:19

10M ago1:11:19

1:11:19

In this special episode of Locations Unknown, Maddie from Who Runs This Park interviews us on a wide range of topics. Our conversation covered a behind the scenes look at everything that goes into Locations Unknown, the cases that stay with us the most, and whether the stories we cover have changed how we spend time outdoors. We also shared some of…

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Missing on Mt. of the Holy Cross in Colorado: The Mysterious Disappearance of Michelle Vanek 1:04:32

11M ago1:04:32

1:04:32

A fitness enthusiast and mother of four, Michelle Vanek, 35, set out to conquer Colorado’s Mount of the Holy Cross in 2005. Straying onto the grueling Halo Ridge Route, Michelle faced fatigue, high-altitude sickness, and frigid temperatures. After splitting from her hiking partner near the peak, she vanished without a trace. Despite an exhaustive s…

1
Special Release - Fan Voicemail reactions - Part 8 40:59

11M ago40:59

40:59

Enjoy this special release from our members only content. In this episode, we react to all the voicemails we've received since February 2024. This is a sample of the content we provide if you subscribe on Patreon, YouTube, Apple, or Spreaker. This episode was originally released on 9/8/2024. (Warning - there is explicit language in this episode.) L…

1
Ghosts of the Arctic - The Haunting Mystery of Franklin's Lost Expedition 1:06:47

11M ago1:06:47

1:06:47

In 1845, Sir John Franklin led 129 men on HMS Erebus and HMS Terror into the Arctic, vanishing without a trace and sparking one of history’s most haunting mysteries. This Halloween, we explore the eerie legacy of the Franklin Expedition: ghostly sightings around the shipwrecks, chilling whispers near graves on Beechey Island, and cursed artifacts t…

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Gone in Alaska: The Mysterious Disappearance of François Guenot in Katmai National Park 41:57

11M ago41:57

41:57

Join us this week for the first of a Special Mini Series, 'Gone In Alaska'. June 19, 2014, on a desolate stretch of island beach in Katmai National Park and Preserve in Alaska, a battered red and white kayak, a map, journals, full bags of rice and lentils, and one French passport were found. It told the name of a missing man and about his 3000-mile…

1
Veteran Park Ranger Vanishes in Chiricahua National Monument 1:03:48

12M ago1:03:48

1:03:48

On a quiet afternoon in January 1980, veteran park ranger Paul Fugate set out on a routine patrol in Arizona's Chiricahua National Monument, promising to return shortly. He was never seen again. Despite extensive searches, not a single trace of him was found. Was it a tragic accident in the rugged wilderness, or did something more sinister happen? …

1
26-Year-Old Leo Wagner Disappears Near Glacier National Park 58:00

12M ago58:00

58:00

April 27th, 2021, In the shadow of Glacier National Park, on the rugged shores of Lower St. Mary Lake, a 26-year-old vanished under mysterious circumstances. What began as a typical spring evening quickly spiraled into one of Montana’s most perplexing missing person cases. Despite extensive searches, rumors, and disturbing clues, nothing has been f…

1
Hunter Tom Leonard Disappears in Canada’s Remote Spatsizi Plateau 51:00

1y ago51:00

51:00

On September 11, 2005, experienced outdoorsman and hunter, Tom Leonard, embarked on what was supposed to be the adventure of a lifetime. Armed with a rare, limited-entry permit to hunt sheep in the remote and rugged Spatsizi Plateau Wilderness Provincial Park, he meticulously planned a 10-day hunt, packing enough supplies for an additional 10 days,…

1
The Mount Asahidake SOS Incident - Japan 50:34

1y ago50:34

50:34

July 24th, 1989: The police in Hokkaido, Japan dispatched a helicopter to the Daisetsuzan National Park to search for two lost hikers that had been reported missing. The searchers rescued the two hikers but what brought them to their location in the first place is where the real mystery begins. Join us this week as we investigate the Mount Asahidak…

1
Marine Matthew Kraft Vanishes on Solo Sierra Nevada Trek 48:59

1y ago48:59

48:59

On February 23rd 2019, after embarking on a solo 10 day trek through the Sierra Nevadas via the Sierra High Route, a 1st Division Marine with mountaineering and survival training never returned. Multiple agencies searched for more than a week but found no clues. Join us this week as we investigate the disappearance of Matthew Kraft. (Episode 110) L…

1
13-Year-Old James Yoblonski Vanishes Near Wisconsin's Devil’s Lake State Park 1:04:47

1y ago1:04:47

1:04:47

June 12th, 2023, a 13 year old takes the family van on a late night drive in Central Wisconsin. When the family wakes up the next day and realizes he's gone, a missing persons report is filed and a search is kicked off. Later that day, the van, a cell phone, and an abandoned camp are discovered near Devil's Lake State Park. Join us this week as we …

1
Paola Miranda-Rosa Vanishes After Being Seen at Wekiwa Springs in Florida 56:04

1y ago56:04

56:04

December 18, 2021, hikers record a video of a woman swimming at Wekiwa Springs State Park in Florida. This video would be the last time anyone would see her. A few days later, her car was found in the same state park. Was it an accident or possible foul play, join us this week as we investigate the disappearance of Paola Miranda-Rosa. (Episode 108)…

1
Boy Scout Geoff Hague Disappears in Great Smoky Mountains 1:04:48

1y ago1:04:48

1:04:48

On February 8th, 1970, a troop of Boy Scouts was hiking and camping near Ice Water Springs in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. During their return, one scout, Geoff Hague, got separated from the group and was never seen again. Join us this week as we investigate the disappearance of Geoff Hague. (Episode 107) Learn more about Locations Unkn…

1
Photographer Paul Miller Vanishes on Hike in Joshua Tree 45:38

1+ y ago45:38

45:38

On July 13, 2018, Paul and his wife were vacationing in California to celebrate their 26th wedding anniversary. Before wrapping up their trip, Paul wanted to take one last day hike through Joshua Tree National Park, hoping to get some good shots of the parks Big Horn Sheep. After several hours had passed without Paul's return, his wife alerted the …

1
Interview w/ Danielle & Cassie from National Park After Dark 1:14:00

1+ y ago1:14:00

1:14:00

In our latest episode, we interview the hosts of National Park After Dark Danielle and Cassie. We cover a wide variety of topics including how they got started and interesting stories from their travels. If you haven't already, we recorded an episode for their show on April 21, 2024. You can listen to that episode here (https://podcasts.apple.com/u…

1
Disturbing Clues Found in Boundary Waters Search for Jordan Grider 1:04:33

1+ y ago1:04:33

1:04:33

April 5th 2019, Search & Rescue discover a disturbing scene while searching for a man who was winter camping deep in the Boundary Waters Wilderness of Northern Minnesota. What they found left the searchers with more questions than answers. Did a horrific accident happen? Was there foul play? Join us this week as we investigate the disappearance of …