The Ghost Furnace Podcast

The Ghost Furnace - Episode 152 "American Witches w/ Susan Fair"   On this weeks episode we welcome back author and researcher Susan Fair. This time to talk about her book "American Witches - A Broomstick Tour through Four Centuries". We've been wanting to sit down and speak with her about this book since even before the first time she was on the show. This is such a wonderfully written book which adds just enough humor and levity to make it easy to read, while covering some truly dark periods of our history. We can't recommend this book highly enough. If you're new to this subject, it's an accessible introduction. If you're a learned scholar on how the label of witches has evolved and been used in our history, this will be a fun read. Either way, we can't recommend it enough.    If you have a story you'd like to share, you can find us on Instagram, YouTube or TheGhostFurnacePodcast@gmail.com

The Ghost Furnace - Episode 151 "The Sheboygan Sound"   This week we cover an almost forgotten and contemporarily maligned genre of music which had the rare distinction of burning bright enough to influence Rock & Roll greats, while remaining dim enough to fly under the radar of the average listener. For those of you who have been asking us about this rise and fall of this movement, we finally have enough information together to do this story in a way that does justice to the people who lived it, and live on, if only on record players and in our dreams. If you have a story you'd like to share, you can find us on Instagram, YouTube and TheGhostFurnacePodcast@gmail.com  

The Ghost Furnace - Episode 150 "Dana of Black Cat Tarot" This week we are joined by our new friend Dana of The Black Cat Tarot studio in Harmony, PA. Tarot still has a bit of a stigma to it, and even if people are lukewarm to the idea of someone reading cards, a misunderstanding of the process is common. We've been wanting to do a tarot centric show for awhile now but needed someone who had the experience and knowledge to do the topic justice. Dana has been kind enough to lend her knowledge, insight and experience as a tarot reader to help give everyone an baseline understanding of what tarot is, and what its like reading for people. We really hope that if you're not quite ready to pick up a deck yourself after this episode, you'll have a better understanding of what goes into this art.  You can connect with Dana on her instagram @the.dana.arcana or book a reading at theblackcattarot.com If you have a story you'd like to share, a topic you'd like us to look into, or feedback for the show, you can find us on Instagram, YouTube and TheGhostFurnacePodcast@gmail.com

The Ghost Furnace - Episode 149 "The Disappearance of Dale Kerstetter"   We both have been pulled in lots of directions the last few weeks and as we gear up for a busy Spring we hope you'll enjoy this bit from the archive. On this week's episode, we harken back to a mystery from the northern tier of the commonwealth we covered back in our Dr. Pennsylvania days and mentioned in some recent episodes. Like many unsolved crimes in the area, and beyond, there are plenty of almost satisfying theories and threads to pull on.    We talk about Dr. PA often on this show, if you are interested there are years of episodes still available on most podcatchers as well at: https://doctorpennsylvania.libsyn.com/   If you have a story you'd like to share, or we should look into, please reach out to us on Instagram, YouTube or TheGhostFurnacePodcast@gmail.com

The Ghost Furnace -  Episode 148 "Presque Isle UFO Flap"   This week, while looking for a UFO flap on Presque Isle, the picturesque peninsula state park on lake Erie, we ran across a strange story involving a UFO sighting in close proximity and timing with a reported bigfoot. Now, we've talked before about the correlation, especially during flaps of high strangeness, between sightings of hairy, upright hominids and unusual lights in the sky. We are fully aware correlation doesn't mean causation.....but....   While researching this case, we also come across another state college bigfoot that continues to add to the body of evidence that there is something strange happening on a very small stretch of creek in Centre County.    If you have a story you'd like to share, you can find us on Instagram, YouTube and TheGhostFurnacePodcast@gmail.com   Here are links to the sources we referenced in this episode.     Blue Book report NUFROC reports for Erie, PA BFRO report

On the this episode of Spirits Uncorked, we return with Part 2 of Personal Encounters on Lake Lanier. This time, we dive into the heart-pounding story of Alyse, who, at just 4 years old, faced a terrifying accident on the lake—and was saved by a mysterious woman in blue. What begins as a childhood memory unfolds into a chilling tale filled with twists and turns that will leave you with goose bumps. Tune in for the shocks, the mysteries, and the haunting legacy of Lake Lanier. ⁠@AlyseonTikTok   @Spirits.Uncorked on Instagram @ Spirits.Uncorked on YouTube

​The Ghost Furnace - Episode 147 "Spirits Uncorked"   On this episode we are joined by our new friends Erica and Elizabeth from the Spirits Uncorked podcast. We talk about everything from benevolent spirits haunting a dangerous lake, to the experience of growing up as the spooky one in the family. They have a unique, fun and energetic take on the paranormal which was extraordinarily refreshing.    Please check out their show here and anywhere you listen to podcasts: https://lanierghosttours.com/podcast/ https://www.instagram.com/spirits.uncorked/   If you have a story you'd like to share, you can can find us on Instagram, YouTube or TheGhostFurnace@gmail.com

The Ghost Furnace - Episode 146 "Gef the Talking Mongoose"   On this week's episode we look at a story that, for better or worse, breaks the mold for poltergeist cases. Or maybe it's a ghost story. Or perhaps it's a story about a trickster spirit. Whatever it is, this story is one you're not going to forget anytime soon. Set on a beautiful island, among ancient fields, a visitor joins the Irving household for reasons which escape everyone.    If you have a story you'd like to share, you can find us on Youtube, Instagram or TheGhostFurnacePodcast@gmail.com

The Ghost Furnace - Episode 145 "Groundhog Day"   "...Now on this February 2nd, Punxsutawney Phil, the seer of seers, the prognosticator of all prognosticators, was awakened from his wintry nap at dawn on Gobbler's Knob..." Every year in a small Pennsylvania town, thousands of people stand for hours in the predawn cold to catch a glimpse of a 100+ year old groundhog. They are not only kept warm by the ceremonial dancing, the locally brewed beer, the VFW pancakes and the company of a secret order of marmot wranglers. But chiefly by the hope, that this small brown woodchuck will gaze into the either and divine an early spring.    If you have a story you'd like to share, you can find us on Instagram, YouTube and TheGhostFurnacePodcast@gmail.com

The Ghost Furnace - Episode 144 "Paranormal Dictionary: Ghosts"   We often mention how important language is when speaking about the paranormal. While delving into the strange, we use terms that can have nanny meanings and invisible nuance due to just as many factors like culture, time and which spooky domain you prefer. We also understand not everyone might read as many books, listen to as many podcasts, or simply spend time with others in this field talking about these subjects. So to help with that, this will be the first in a series which we hope to take on over the next few months where we will attempt to define terms for folks. Now, we are not authorities, so if you have thoughts on a term, we would love to hear about it. Or, if you have a word you want us to look into on one of these shows, we are happy to give out two cents.   If you have a story you'd like to share, you can find us on Instagram, YouTube or TheGhostFurnacePodcast@gmail.com

The Ghost Furnace - Episode 143 "The Problem with Radio"   On this week's episode we are joined again by our good friend Chris to touch on a few topics. After a strange coincidence Friday morning we wanted to talk about radios. These pieces of technology occupy a unique niche in our collective culture which stretches back generations. Since the early days of radio transmission, there has been an ethereal element which has lent itself to speculation in relation to the paranormal. Whether its anomalous operation, unaccounted for interference, or the spirits of the departed trying to communicate with us through this analoge medium, there is a lot to tune into.    If you have a story you'd like to share with us, you can find us on Instagram, YouTube or TheGhostFurnacePodcast@gmail.com

The Ghost Furnace - Episode 142 "Ghost Bomber"   In January 1952, a US Airforce B-25 bomber had some sort of issue and ended up in the Monongahela river during rush hour right outside Pittsburgh. Usually when we look at strange events, we are not sure IF a thing even happened, in this case, the plane certainly crashed and two people tragically lost their lives. What is in question, is what happened before the plane had its issues causing the crash and the mystery surrounding the supposed recovery of the aircraft. As is usually the situation, all of the possibilities have their issues and none of them totally make sense. We are joined by our good friend Brendan who helps us wrap our heads around some of the facts, and open questions with the Ghost Bomber of the Monongahela.    Here is the Heinz History resource we mention: https://www.heinzhistorycenter.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/B-25-Report.pdf   If you have a story you'd like to share, you can find us on Instagram, YouTube and TheGhostFurnacePodcast@gmail.com

The Ghost Furnace - Episode 141 "Belsnickel"   On this week's episode we have a bit of a holiday grab bag focused around some lesser known yuletide denizens. Belsnickel occupies an interesting place in PA Dutch folklore, not quite the jolly old elf, and not the demon doling out strict punishment. There is a lot to unwrap with this holiday season and if we just look a little deeper we might find what is typically portrayed as a happy time, the darker sides of our stories tell us about what the real gifts are.   Link to the Stonebreath "Belsnickel" album we mention: https://stonebreath.bandcamp.com/album/belsnickel   If you have a story you'd like to share, you can find us on Instagram, YouTube or TheGhostFurnacePodcast@gmail.com

The Ghost Furnace - Episode 140 "Commonwealth Canines"   On this week's episode we dive back into the strange stories in the Venn diagram of upright canines, dogmen and werewolves. Everytime we look into this area, we find a new perspective and takes on what people might be seeing. Are they just dogs, are they neighbors suffering from lycanthropy, dogmen, out of place animals? Almost all of the answers, even the mundane ones, are curious at their most harmless and terrifying at their most extreme.    Here are links to the articles we reference this week. Please check out Lon and his work at Phantoms & Monsters.    MASSIVE QUADRUPEDAL CRYPTID CANINE Crosses Road in Broad Daylight Near Skelp Mountain, Pennsylvania COLOSSAL TREE-CLIMBING CRYPTID CANINE Encountered in Birdsboro Preserve, Pennsylvania MASSIVE UPRIGHT CANINE ENCOUNTER on Rt. 422 Near Pottstown, PA, Leaves Multiple Witnesses Frightened and Searching for Answers BLACK, SPIKED-HAIRED BIPEDAL CRYPTID Terrifies Resident in Doylestown, Pennsylvania MASSIVE QUADRUPEDAL CANINE Encountered in Karthaus Township, Pennsylvania Leaves Family Shaken   Remember to check out Stole Survivor anywhere you find high fashion and functional garments and use our exclusive code: IvanDragoWasTheMoralllySuperiorCharacterInRockyIV     If you have a story you'd like to share, please reach out on Instagram, YouTube or TheGhostFurnacePodcast@gmail.com

The Ghost Furnace - Episode 139 "Folklore is Born in Different Ways"   On this week's episode we look into some more unconventional folkloric stories and their origins. Where and why some of these stories pop up and why they stick around might be due to an underlying truth about the human condition, they might tell us about our cultural threats, or they might just be bad jokes that stick around.    The book we reference is "The Vanishing Hitchhiker: American Urban Legends and Their Meanings" by Jan Harold Brunvand   If you have any stories or urban legends that come from your spaces? We would love to hear them. You can find us on Instagram and YouTube, or TheGhostFurnacePodcast@gmail.com

Ghost Furnace - Episode 138 "Lake Baikal Swimmers"   On this week's episode we head to the other side of the planet to a remote lake which holds mysteries in its clear but deep waters. Legendary creatures, ufo's and aquatic humanoids supposedly call this ancient lake home and may be responsible for more tragic happenings than just scaring fisherman and tourists.    If you have a story you'd like to share, you can find us on YouTube and Instagram, or at TheGhostFurnacePodcast@gmail.com

The Ghost Furnace - Episode 137 "Cornucopia of Strange"   On this week's episode we have a variable horn-o-plenty of weird stories that you've shared with us over the last few days.    First up we have an unidentified object over the State College sky. Check out our Instagram for the photos shared with us.   Then we head up to New York State to revisit an apparent resolution to a story we covered a few months back about anomalous sounds in a very deep lake. Link: https://www.vice.com/en/article/scientists-finally-solved-the-weird-mystery-of-the-booming-new-york-lake/   We head across the pond thanks to a story shared with us about a possible large cat sighting in Co. Clare Ireland. Here is the original video: https://www.reddit.com/r/animalid/comments/1ok3wev/lion_supposedly_seen_in_the_wild_in_ireland/ And the supposed culprit: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eHCzcR4vwWI   Lastly, we head back to just northeast of State College to cover a bigfoot report that has made quite the buzz in new outlets. Here is the BFRO report we reference: https://www.bfro.net/GDB/show_report.asp?id=79292&fbclid=IwY2xjawN51hhleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETEwUmVadzA3NnVnSmVvV1c1c3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHq2gi6BroG4AfUkMGUbw0WQ7HtKeEcolQPYdU3Qj9tODNPxK-d8Cz8zBOsVb_aem_Hk-dMmby0PsaWFR4jqrRPw   If you have a story you'd like to share, you can reach out to us on YouTube, Instagram or TheGhostFurnacePodcast@gmail.com

The Ghost Furnace - Episode 136 "Stage Fright"   On this week's episode we welcome Kate to the show! She shares a few stories about her hometown, and some spirits she's come across. Now the title of this episode is a little misleading because one of the elements we cover here is around how spirits, like people, are not as negative as the tv shows and films would have you believe. To the extent they can actually be helpful is something worth highlighting.   If you have a story you'd like to share, you can find us on Instagram, YouTube or TheGhostFurnacePodcast@gmail.com

The Ghost Furnace - Episode 135 "Valley Forge"   When you have a location, like Valley Forge, which has such historical and cultural significance, it has to be haunted in one way or another right? Whether it has classical, incorporeal soldiers trying to make it through another day, the spirits of famous figures, footsteps in buildings older than our nation, or simply the everyday haunts which come from day-to-day life. Let alone the spirits of all the people who have come to reverently learn lessons from stewards of the sacred, past and present.    If you have a story you'd like to share, you can reach out to us on Instagram, YouTube or TheGhostFurnacePodcast@gmail.com

The Ghost Furnace - Episode 134 "Like it Happened Yesterday"   On this week's episode, we are joined by our good friend Chris to talk about a few topics, one of which is the way ghost hunting technology has influenced the types of stories we tell. Then Chris shares a story that takes place in a junkyard, which is a new setting for us, but decidedly creepy.   If you have a story you'd like to share, you can find us on YouTube, Instagram or TheGhostFurnacePodcast@gmail.com