• EP# 29 False Sirens and the Castle of Shadows: Caryl Chessman, the Red Light Bandit and Leap Castle’s Haunted History
    Feb 13 2025

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    In this gripping episode, J and Kai take listeners from a controversial true crime case to one of Ireland’s most haunted castles.

    Have you ever heard the saying, “Justice is blind”? Well… sometimes, justice isn’t just blind—it’s bound, gagged, and shoved into the backseat of a moving car with no idea how it got there. J unpacks the chilling case of Caryl Chessman, the so-called Red Light Bandit, who terrorized post-war Los Angeles by impersonating a police officer, using a flashing red light to pull over unsuspecting couples before robbing—and, in some cases, assaulting—his victims. His arrest in 1948 led to one of the most controversial legal battles in U.S. history, as he was sentenced to death under California’s Little Lindbergh Law, a statute that classified even brief abductions as capital offenses.

    But Chessman’s story didn’t end with his conviction. Representing himself in court, he fought to delay his execution eight times, becoming a bestselling author and an international symbol in the fight against the death penalty. His case ignited protests worldwide, with figures like Eleanor Roosevelt and Marlon Brando advocating for clemency. Yet, in a tragic twist, a last-minute attempt to halt his execution was lost due to a misdialed phone call. J explores the evidence, the trial, and the haunting question that lingers to this day—was Chessman truly guilty, or did America execute the wrong man?

    Kai then takes us deep into the chilling halls of Leap Castle, a fortress soaked in blood and shadow, where history and horror intertwine. Once home to the brutal O’Carroll clan, this stronghold witnessed treachery, fratricide, and mass executions, earning its place as one of the most haunted locations in the world. At its heart lies the infamous Bloody Chapel, where a priest was murdered mid-mass by his own brother, his spirit doomed to linger within the stone walls. Below the chapel, a hidden oubliette was discovered, filled with hundreds of human remains, victims left to die in agony.

    Yet the most chilling presence in Leap Castle is the Elemental, a malevolent entity with glowing red eyes and the stench of rotting flesh. Thought to predate the castle itself, this shadowy force is believed to have been awakened by violent history or ancient curses. Those who have encountered it speak of an oppressive dread, a force that watches from the darkness, waiting. Could this be a lingering remnant of Ireland’s ancient past, or something far more sinister?

    Join J and Kai as they dive into these unsettling tales of deception, terror, and the unexplained. Whether it’s a man condemned to die or a castle that refuses to rest, some stories refuse to be forgotten.

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    1 hr and 37 mins
  • EP# 28 No Safe Place and Saloon Hauntings: The D.C. Sniper Attacks and the Oxford Saloon
    Feb 6 2025

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    On this episode we’re diving into two chilling tales—one of calculated terror, the other of lingering spirits.

    Kai starts us off with the harrowing true crime story of the D.C. Sniper Attacks, a killing spree that paralyzed Washington, D.C., Maryland, and Virginia in the fall of 2002. Over the course of a month, two men transformed everyday activities—like pumping gas or walking through a parking lot—into moments of sheer terror. With victims chosen at random and fear gripping an entire region, the sniper attacks became one of the most unnerving crime sprees in modern history. How did authorities track them down, and what twisted motives fueled their rampage?

    Then, just when you think it’s safe to let your guard down, J takes us inside the haunted halls of the Oxford Saloon in Snohomish, Washington. Once a rough-and-tumble bar and brothel, this historic saloon holds a dark past—and it seems that some of its patrons never left. From the ghost of a murdered policeman lingering on the staircase to the spectral woman in the purple dress seen in the shadows, the Oxford Saloon is a hotspot of eerie encounters. And if the upstairs isn’t unsettling enough, wait until you hear about the unexplainable darkness lurking in the basement.

    Killers in the shadows and spirits that refuse to move on—this episode has it all. So lock your doors, dim the lights, and prepare for a journey into the unknown.

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    2 hrs and 2 mins
  • EP# 27 Criminal Masterminds and Cursed Shores: The Great Train Robbery of 1963 and Poveglia, Venice’s Haunted Island
    Jan 29 2025

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    On this episode of Chambers of the Occult, we're diving into two very different tales —one of calculated crime, the other of supernatural terror. J kicks things off with a breakdown of The Great Train Robbery of 1963, one of the most daring heists in British history. A band of clever criminals managed to stop a Royal Mail train in its tracks—literally—and walk away with millions. It was a heist so well-planned, it could have been straight out of a movie. But as we all know, fortune doesn’t always favor the bold. From secret hideouts to unexpected betrayals, find out how their grand scheme unraveled.

    Then, just when you think you can breathe easy, Kai takes us across the world to the eerie waters of Venice, where Poveglia Island looms in the mist. Used as a dumping ground for plague victims, later transformed into a notorious asylum, and now completely abandoned, this island is considered one of the most haunted places on Earth. Screams echo through the empty buildings, spirits of the tormented refuse to leave, and some say the very soil is mixed with human ash. It’s a place so terrifying that even fishermen won’t sail too close.

    Criminal masterminds and cursed shores—this episode has a little bit of everything. So settle in, dim the lights, and prepare for a journey into the shadowy corners of history.

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    1 hr and 33 mins
  • EP# 26 Tracks of Tragedy and the Devil’s Trail: Lauren McCluskey & The Devil’s Footprints
    Jan 16 2025

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    Welcome to the first episode of 2025! We’re kicking off the year with an emotionally charged true crime case and an eerie paranormal mystery that will leave you questioning reality.

    Kai starts us off with the heartbreaking story of Lauren McCluskey, a talented student-athlete whose life was tragically cut short by a system that failed to protect her. Through meticulous research, Kai delves into Lauren’s life, the events leading up to her untimely death, and the lessons we can all learn from this devastating case. This story serves as a stark reminder of the importance of accountability and the consequences of ignoring cries for help.

    Then, J takes us on a chilling journey into the unknown with the tale of The Devil’s Footprints—a bizarre phenomenon that occurred in Devon, England, during the winter of 1855. After a heavy snowfall, townsfolk awoke to discover strange, cloven hoofprints stretching across miles of countryside, defying logic and natural boundaries. Was it a trick of the weather, an elaborate hoax, or something otherworldly? J explores the history, theories, and the lingering mystery that continues to baffle researchers to this day.

    Join us as we balance the tragic with the supernatural, offering a thought-provoking start to the year on Chambers of the Occult.

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    1 hr and 30 mins
  • Old News Nonsense Vol. 12
    Jan 2 2025

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    In this episode, we’ve curated a delightful assortment of bizarre tales and historical oddities that will make you laugh, scratch your head, and possibly reconsider your life choices:

    • Cucumber-Eating Cat: Meet the peculiar feline who turned down mice in favor of fresh cucumbers and squash, wreaking havoc on the farm’s vegetable supply. Move over Garfield—this cat’s diet is the real shocker.
    • Santa’s Reindeer Wrangler: Grady Carothers took holiday spirit to new heights, wrangling reindeer across the Arctic to ensure Santa’s team was ready for Christmas. Donder, Blitzen, and a little cowboy magic made it all possible.
    • Topsy the Ghost Cat: From a dramatic death under a barrel to a wobbly resurrection, Topsy baffled her owners and left mourners scrambling to check her empty grave. Nine lives never looked so spooky.
    • Men Concede the Battle of the Pantsuit: Women claimed victory in this fashion war as pantsuits became an accepted—and fabulous—alternative to skirts. Lima’s most stylish revolution was underway!
    • Unique Criminals and the $5 Bloodhound Scheme: George Hon didn’t just escape jail; he also sold the sheriff’s bloodhounds to a farmer for a quick buck. Add in a buggy cushion theft, and you’ve got the crime story of the century.
    • Midget Racer Dreams Big: Roger VanHorn’s tiny car led to big change, as he combined high-speed thrills with helping troubled youth. Who says dreams have to come in large packages?
    • Kids’ New Year Resolutions: From better grades to canned food drives, the next generation’s ambition was as inspiring as it was ambitious. Let’s hope their moms’ cars survived the resolutions.
    • The Broken Resolution Solution: Don’t bother making New Year’s resolutions—they’re doomed to fail anyway! From smoking fewer cigars to skipping exercise bikes, history proves we’re better off without the pressure.

    Tune in for an hour of history’s quirkiest moments, guaranteed to bring laughter and a healthy dose of “What were they thinking?” to your day. It’s Old News Nonsense at its finest!


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    54 mins
  • EP# 25 Misguided Youth and Louisiana Spirits: The Slender Man Stabbing and The Myrtles Plantation Ghosts
    Dec 25 2024

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    As the year comes to a close at Chambers of the Occult, we’re wrapping things up with two fascinating new stories to dive into.

    First, J takes us through the unsettling story of the Slender Man stabbing—a disturbing tale of how a creepy internet legend captured the minds of two young girls and led to an unthinkable crime against their best friend. We’ll unpack how a fictional character became something much darker and explore the ripple effects of this modern myth gone too far.

    Next, Kai walks us through the history and stories of the Myrtles Plantation, one of Louisiana’s most famous haunted locations. From the mysterious figure of Chloe to the unexplained happenings that make this place notorious, we’ll sift through its history and chilling personal accounts.

    So settle in as we close out the year like we always do—by unpacking the twisted, the haunted, and the mysterious.

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    1 hr and 58 mins
  • EP# 24 Dark Paths and Hollow Eyes: The horrors of Israel Keyes and the Black-Eyed Kids
    Dec 19 2024

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    In this episode of Chambers of the Occult, Kai delves into the twisted mind of Israel Keyes, a serial killer whose meticulous planning and nomadic lifestyle left a trail of terror across the United States. From his hidden "murder kits" to his shocking confessions, explore the darkness that fueled one of the most calculated killers in modern history.

    Then, J takes you into the eerie world of the Black-Eyed Kids, a mysterious and spine-chilling phenomenon that has haunted countless witnesses. Are they lost souls, alien visitors, or something even more sinister? These shadowy figures with pitch-black eyes knock on doors, seeking entry—but letting them in might come with horrifying consequences.

    Join us as we uncover the shadows of humanity’s darkest depths and the paranormal’s most unsettling mysteries.

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    1 hr and 56 mins
  • The Second Flame: Friday the 13th Campfire Stories
    Dec 14 2024

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    Gather 'round the fire once more, listeners! This Friday the 13th, Chambers of the Occult returns with a sequel to our spine-chilling special. In this bonus episode, we’re serving up even darker and more haunting tales to send shivers down your spine.

    Beware where you rest your head, for not all inns offer safe haven. Step cautiously among the dead, as their wake may be more alive than it seems. Face the creeping dread of the boogeyman, who waits patiently in the dark, and uncover the chilling truth of what lies beneath when the mask finally comes off.

    So stoke the fire and sharpen your wits, for the tales we tell may linger far longer than the night and some shadows are best left undisturbed.

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    3 hrs and 1 min