The Strange and Unusual Podcast

Alyson Horrocks | Morbid Network | Wondery

The unknown. It lies at the root of all fear, and has inspired legends, superstition, folklore, customs, hysteria, and even murder throughout history. Still today we feel the shadowy presence of our ancestors' struggles to explain the mysterious in almost every facet of our lives. Whether it be in the form of religion, urban legends, pop culture, ghost stories, superstitious rituals, and so much more we are still just fighting to keep our monsters in the dark. Welcome to The Strange and Unusual Podcast. read less

Our Editor's Take

The Strange and Unusual Podcast explores the hidden corners of things unexplained. Host Alyson Horrocks explores all things paranormal, from Victorian hauntings to ancient legends. The show evaluates the supernatural in great detail. Horrocks shares true tales of terror, both worldly and ethereal. The show combines elements of horror, true crime, and poetry. Horrocks' delivery and the engrossing soundscape create an immersive show.

The real horror of this show comes from the talented storytelling and sound design. The Strange and Unusual Podcast examines religion, urban legends, and the occult. Listeners hear stories that blur the lines between what's real and what's not. Tasteful musical scoring adds to the depiction of each story's setting. With Horrocks' engaging descriptions, every episode draws the listener in.

What makes this podcast unique is the intersection of history and horror. Horrocks delivers each story with a pleasant literary flair. Her narration adds allure to every episode while leaving room for skepticism. She also invites listeners to consider the supernatural. The Strange and Unusual Podcast is likely to please lovers of the paranormal.

Horrocks has a calming voice that aligns with a casual podcast. Her smooth articulation creates a relaxing atmosphere despite the graphic subject matter. She also has experience as a historical writer. She explores all the history behind the most haunted areas in New England. Her commitment to sharing true horror tales is obvious in this podcast.

Each episode blends personal accounts and historical evidence. The show makes mysteries seem within the grasp of comprehension. Horrocks' skill as a host brings the strange and unusual to life. Anyone interested in the history behind paranormal stories may not want to miss The Strange and Unusual Podcast. New episodes air weekly.

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The Evil Eye and Witchcraft Murder in Kalamazoo | Ep 87

The Evil Eye and Witchcraft Murder in Kalamazoo | Ep 87

On this week's episode we delve into the superstition of the evil eye and a case of witchcraft murder in Kalamazoo, Michigan in 1929See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Episodes

The Evil Eye and Witchcraft Murder in Kalamazoo | Ep 87

The Evil Eye and Witchcraft Murder in Kalamazoo | Ep 87

On this week's episode we delve into the superstition of the evil eye and a case of witchcraft murder in Kalamazoo, Michigan in 1929See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

RE-RELEASE: Strange and Unusual Headlines | Kept Dead Child In Their Home | Ep 86

RE-RELEASE: Strange and Unusual Headlines | Kept Dead Child In Their Home | Ep 86

This week's headline comes from St. Louis Post Dispatch, published on December 23, 1900See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Nymph of the Woods, The Vanishing of a Child Prodigy | Ep 85

Nymph of the Woods, The Vanishing of a Child Prodigy | Ep 85

Barbara Newhall Follett was considered a child prodigy when her first novel "The House Without Windows" was published at age 12 in 1927, and then she had vanished forever when she was 25 in 1939. What happened to Barbara? And what does her disappearance possibly have to do with another woman who vanished in New Hampshire in 1936, Elsie Whittemore? See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Strange & Unusual Headlines |Catch Jersey Devil | Ep 84

Strange & Unusual Headlines |Catch Jersey Devil | Ep 84

This week's headline was published by Escanaba Morning Press on July 6, 1911. In this episode, we get into Jersey Devil lore, a trolling Benjamin Franklin, a mysterious Irish creature, frozen hoof prints, a Philadelphia Dime Museum, a doctored kangaroo, and more!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Invasion of the Flying Saucers | Ep 83

Invasion of the Flying Saucers | Ep 83

Beginning in June, 1947, when a news article reached millions about a UFO sighting over Mt Rainier, flying saucer mania began, and lasted through the 1950s. Intensified by an alleged invasion of saucers over Washington DC, nuclear war, and the newly began Cold War, it was a time when the world feared that we may be overtaken by little, green men.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The Manananggals of the Philippines and other Female Vampires of Southeast Asia | Ep 82

The Manananggals of the Philippines and other Female Vampires of Southeast Asia | Ep 82

In this week's episode, listen to learn more about the fascinating female vampires of Southeast AsiaSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

RE-RELEASE: Strange & Unusual Headlines | Constant use of Ouija Board Drives Seven People Insane | Ep 81

RE-RELEASE: Strange & Unusual Headlines | Constant use of Ouija Board Drives Seven People Insane | Ep 81

This week I'm away on a birthday trip, so I'm re-releasing one of my favorite headline episodes. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Frankenstein by Mary Shelley Pt 7 | Ep 80

Frankenstein by Mary Shelley Pt 7 | Ep 80

For this installment, we cover chapter 12-16, when things really get dark See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Through The Looking Glass | Ep 79

Through The Looking Glass | Ep 79

In this week's episode, we explore the history of mirrors, and their place in our superstitions, legends, and folk beliefs.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Holiday Monsters | Ep 78

Holiday Monsters | Ep 78

For this week's episode, we are exploring the monstrous entities that emerge during the winter holidays.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

What's Behind The Door? | Ep 77

What's Behind The Door? | Ep 77

Doors, thresholds, doorways, portals, and gates have always been powerful symbols throughout all of history and across all cultures. They’ve been used in rituals and religious rites since antiquity. And they have always been part of humanity’s legends, folklore, ghost stories, and superstition. Join me this week, as we explore the psychological and symbolic place doors have always held throughout all humanity.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

RE-PLAY: A Haunting Winter | Ep 76

RE-PLAY: A Haunting Winter | Ep 76

This week I'm down with a cold, so please enjoy this re-release of one of my favorite episodes ever 'A Haunting Winter'. Next week I'll be back with a whole new episode!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Strange & Unusual Headlines| Scientist Proves Ghosts Real! Haunted Houses? Lots of Them! | Ep 75

Strange & Unusual Headlines| Scientist Proves Ghosts Real! Haunted Houses? Lots of Them! | Ep 75

This week's headline comes from The Toronto Star Weekly, April 5, 1924See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Frankenstein by Mary Shelley, Pt 6 | Ep 74

Frankenstein by Mary Shelley, Pt 6 | Ep 74

Join Alyson for chapters 10-11 of 'Frankenstein' by Mary Shelley. In this episode, Victor Frankenstein is forced to face his creation, and he, in turn, tells Victor all about the first days of his life.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The Shadows of Burton Hall, Pt 2 | Ep 73

The Shadows of Burton Hall, Pt 2 | Ep 73

Join me for part 2 of my ghost story, as Teresa gets settled into Burton HallSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Zombies Go Medieval | Ep 72

Zombies Go Medieval | Ep 72

In this week's episode, we explore medieval accounts by historians living a the time of the walking dead. Additionally, we look into why people of all times love a good spooky tale.Next time, join me for 'The Shadows of Burton Hall, Pt 2"See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The Shadows of Burton Hall, Pt 1 | Ep 71

The Shadows of Burton Hall, Pt 1 | Ep 71

In this week's episode we begin a ghost story written by me called 'The Shadows of Burton Hall'. The story begins with Teresa moving back to a family country estate in the English countryside, after losing the love of her life. Locals begin telling her of the hauntings her home is famous for, and the estate begins to feel like its full of menacing shadows.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

My Darker Half | Ep 70

My Darker Half | Ep 70

In this week's episode, we delve into the history of doppelgängers.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Strange & Unusual Headlines | Mystery of the Talking Mongoose of Cashen’s Gap | Ep 69

Strange & Unusual Headlines | Mystery of the Talking Mongoose of Cashen’s Gap | Ep 69

This week's headline "Mystery of the Talking Mongoose of Cashen's Gap" was printed in The San Francisco Examiner on April 12,1936See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Frightful Fables From Around the World | Vasilisa The Beautiful | Ep 68

Frightful Fables From Around the World | Vasilisa The Beautiful | Ep 68

To start of a new series in this podcast 'Frightful Fables From Around the World', we start with Vasilisa The Beautiful from Russia. Join me to learn more about this centuries old tale and about the Slavic witch Baba Yaga.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.