Shea is back from her Japan adventure and is bringing you some of Japan's most captivating legends! Today, not only does Shea share some insights into driving in Japan, Japanese bathing culture, castles as adult museums, and toilets, she brings the tale of one of Japan's most terrifying Yokai and urban legends, Kuchisake-onna or the Slit-Mouthed Woman. Visit our website for pictures from Shea's trip and more! www.rainydayrabbitholes.com Make sure to check out our YouTube, subscribe, like our videos, leave a comment! You can follow us on instagram for more photos! All links at our website!
In this special episode swap, listeners are swept into the ghost-laden corridors of the legendary Stanley Hotel in Estes Park, Colorado—the real-world inspiration behind The Shining. Through rich storytelling and a flair for the uncanny, Ani Khajadourian of Audibly Haunted resurrects the hotel’s past: the 1911 explosion that shook room 217, the resilient chambermaid Elizabeth Wilson who still tidies up from beyond the grave, the spectral children racing down the fourth-floor halls, and the gentlemanly cowboy ghost who warms room 428 with a phantom’s charm. Each floor, each door, each whisper carries a century of mystery. The living check out, but the hotel’s other guests never do. Make sure to visit Audibly Haunted on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you listen, and engage with us on social media to share your thoughts or your own ghost stories. https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/audibly-haunted/id1705358960 https://www.instagram.com/audiblyhaunted/
A government-built city rose out of the Columbia River Basin with rules no one could explain and a purpose no one fully understood. Families lived in identical houses, signed confidentiality papers they barely read, and trusted that whatever was happening behind the restricted fences was “for the good of the country.” What really happened out there shaped world history, rewrote entire landscapes in the Pacific Northwest. In this episode, Shea and Jody explore the haunting history of the Hanford nuclear site in Eastern Washington with Ellicia Elliott, a theater professional and historian. They delve into the origins of the Manhattan Project, the impact of the nuclear industry on local communities, and the ongoing cleanup efforts. The conversation highlights the complexities of pride and legacy associated with the site, as well as the environmental and health consequences faced by the surrounding populations. Follow Ellicia Elliott https://www.elliciaelliott.com/ https://www.instagram.com/ellicia_elliott/?hl=en https://www.threads.com/@elliciaelliott
Summary The conversation explores the story of a wild man who emerges from the wilderness, highlighting themes of cultural identity and the challenges of communication across different languages and backgrounds. The narrative illustrates the complexities of understanding and interpreting the experiences of those who are marginalized or misunderstood.
This conversation explores the rich and tumultuous history of the Muckleshoot Tribe, from their deep-rooted connection to the land and salmon to the devastating impacts of colonization and treaty betrayals. It highlights their struggle for survival, the significance of the Fish Wars, and the transformative power of the Muckleshoot Casino in revitalizing their community. The discussion also addresses the challenges that come with newfound prosperity and the tribe's ongoing efforts to revive their culture and language.
In case you missed it, we are rereleasing one of our most popular episodes- Madame Mustache: The Wild West’s Most Badass Gambler In this captivating episode of "Rainy Day Rabbit Holes," we delve into the remarkable life of Eleanor Dumont, famously known as Madame Mustache, a figure who epitomized the grit and spirit of the Wild West. Prepare to be transported to a time when high-stakes gambling was not just a pastime but a battleground for power and prestige, where the stakes were as high as the mountains that towered over Nevada's frontier towns.Madame Mustache was no ordinary gambler. With her signature mustache and sharp intellect, she carved a name for herself in a male-dominated world, effortlessly outsmarting the toughest card sharks and swindlers who dared to challenge her. We explore her early life, where her cunning nature began to flourish, leading her to the bustling saloons of San Francisco and the rough-and-tumble gambling halls of Virginia City. Listeners will be captivated as we recount her legendary poker games, where she employed not just skill but also an unyielding spirit that transformed her into a local legend.But the tale of Madame Mustache isn’t just about winning hands and collecting fortunes; it’s also a gripping story of revenge and resilience. In a dramatic twist, Eleanor's life takes a dark turn when she discovers her husband has been conning her and others. Fueled by betrayal, she embarks on a relentless quest for justice, tracking him down with a determination that serves as a testament to her strength. With every twist and turn, her journey unfolds like a thrilling narrative from the pages of a Western novel, blending elements of mystery and drama that will keep listeners on the edge of their seats.As we weave through the rich historical tapestry of the Wild West, we also highlight the broader themes of gender dynamics and empowerment that Madame Mustache embodied. At a time when women were often relegated to the shadows, Eleanor stood tall, not only as a successful businesswoman but as a trailblazer who defied societal norms. Her story prompts us to reflect on the struggles and triumphs of women in history, making her tale not just one of gambling prowess but also of breaking barriers and asserting one’s identity in a tumultuous world.Join us for this enthralling episode as we uncover the layers of Madame Mustache's life, rich with anecdotes, historical insights, and a few surprises along the way. From the saloons of the Gold Rush to the dusty trails of the frontier, Eleanor Dumont's journey is a celebration of courage and defiance that resonates even today. Tune in to "Rainy Day Rabbit Holes" and discover the woman behind the legend—Madame Mustache, the Wild West’s most badass gambler. 🎙 Madame Mustache: The Wild West’s Most Badass Gambler 🎩 High-stakes games, a mustachioed legend, and one hell of a revenge story—this episode has it all! Eleanor Dumont, better known as Madame Mustache, was a sharp-witted gambler, a successful businesswoman, and a woman way ahead of her time. From outplaying men at their own game to tracking down her con artist husband and personally delivering justice, her story is as wild as the Wild West itself. 😲 Why did the world remember her mustache more than her empire? 🎲 How did she run the classiest gambling hall in the lawless West? 🔫 And what was her final, dramatic exit? 🔥 Get ready for gambling, crime, whiskey, and Wild West nonsense! 🎧 Listen now & fall down the rabbit hole! 👉 Get ad-free episodes & bonus content: rainydayrabbitholes.com/support 👉 Visit our website for more unhinged history: rainydayrabbitholes.com 👉 Hear Shea’s story on Live, Laugh, Larceny! Listen here
Make sure to listen to the end for another installment of our Patreon Fan Fiction! This conversation explores the historical relationship between Doc Maynard and Chief Sealth, two pivotal figures in the shaping of Seattle. Set against the backdrop of the Pacific Northwest in the 1850s, the discussion delves into their unlikely friendship, the cultural clashes of the time, and the enduring legacy of their partnership. The hosts highlight how Maynard's vision for Seattle included collaboration with Native Americans, contrasting with the more conservative views of other settlers. The episode concludes by reflecting on the lasting impact of their alliance on modern Seattle and its identity.
We want to say thank you to our beloved Patreon supporters, so we are creating a bespoke piece of fan fiction starring each of our supporters! These little stories are based on one of our past episodes, chosen at random, and feature a completely fictional tale with a supporter as the main character. This week, we are thanking Doug Holbrook and his lovely wife Marsha. In this tale, Doug uses his economics background to start a lucrative coffee kiosk business, with a spicy twist. If you want your own piece of bespoke fan fiction, consider joining our Patreon! You get ad-free episodes, bonus content, plus more! Head on over to www.rainydayrabbitholes.com for more!
The Great Midwest vs. PNW Debate (Feat. Rainy Day Rabbit Holes) You’ve heard of East Coast vs. West Coast — but forget all that. This week, we’re settling the real rivalry: the Midwest vs. the Pacific Northwest. Shea and Jody of Rainy Day Rabbit Holes, the podcast that uncovers the wild, weird, and wonderful hidden stories of the Pacific Northwest and beyond, join Trevin and Amanda for a four-round battle of regional pride, petty chaos, and pointless competition. Before the main event, our hosts bring their dreadful dilemmas, ranging from awkward public encounters with subtly racist strangers, being too busy for dog playdates, and making retirement plans far too early — plus, Amanda spots our modern-day muse, Chappell Roan, out in the wilds of Kansas City. Then, it’s time for the Great Debate — a showdown across four over-the-top rounds: Round One: The Great Debate – Each team makes an absurdly passionate case for their homeland, backed by one bizarre local legend. From the Midwest’s failed utopia of Fordlandia to Oregon’s infamous exploding whale, chaos is the only constant. Round Two: Cryptid Showdown – Batsquatch, the Missouri Monster, and the Frogman of Loveland go head-to-head in a mythical melee. Round Three: Ridiculous Laws – From a tax for being single to the price of killing Bigfoot, we discover which region is the most unhinged legislatively. Round Four: Absurd Headlines – Viral zebras, weird weather, and headlines that make you question the human condition — both sides bring their best regional ridiculousness. Along the way, we tackle Midwest pride, Pacific Northwest rain superiority, Starbucks and T-Mobile empires, and even the truth about why singing the ABCs won’t save you from Midwest politeness. So grab your casseroles and coffee cups — because this isn’t just a debate.This is a geographically inconvenient grudge match for the ages. Check out the Live Laugh Larceny Podcast! https://www.livelaughlarceny.com/
Caroline Fraser recently mentioned the tragic tale of Frances farmer in her new book "Murderland" and it is such a great story that I just needed to share this episode again! With special guests Laura & Stephen from the Midday Movies Podcast! Make sure to check them out! https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/midday-movies/id1715523597 This episode of the Rainy Day Rabbit Holes Podcast delves into the life of Frances Farmer, a Hollywood starlet known for her rebellious spirit and tragic struggles with mental illness. From her early years in Seattle to her rise in Hollywood, Frances's story is one of defiance against societal norms and the pressures of fame. The conversation explores her controversial trip to the Soviet Union, her institutionalization and the brutal treatments she endured, and her lasting legacy, including a connection to Kurt Cobain. The episode emphasizes the importance of understanding mental health and the societal expectations placed on women.
The end of pain....forever This conversation delves into the chilling events surrounding the Tylenol murders of 1982 and the subsequent Excedrin poisonings in 1986. It explores the tragic deaths caused by cyanide-laced capsules, the investigations that followed, and the impact these events had on product safety regulations in the United States. The discussion highlights the key figures involved, including Stella Nickell, who was ultimately convicted for product tampering, and the broader implications for consumer safety.
South Sound Magazine recently featured the Elephant House, the former home of Ray Gamble, Tacoma's millionaire magician, in an article, and mentioned our podcast. We thought we would rerelease this episode for you all to explore! Check out the article! https://www.southsoundmag.com/features/tacoma-elephant-house-history/article_01883564-0abe-4ce3-a95a-308b7c9d2473.html This episode explores the life of Ray Gamble, Tacoma's millionaire magician, through the insights of historian Michael Sullivan. The conversation delves into Gamble's early life, his entrepreneurial ventures, his passion for collecting elephants, and his contributions to the local magic scene. The discussion also touches on the importance of historical preservation in Tacoma, the impact of Gamble's legacy, and the cultural significance of his story in the context of the city's history.
This week, we are sharing an episode from one of our favorite pod-friends: Ani from Audibly Haunted. This episode delves into the haunting story of the Watts family murder case, exploring the chilling events surrounding the disappearance of Shannan Watts and her two daughters, Bella and Celeste. The narrative unfolds with a focus on the true crime aspect, revealing the sinister actions of Chris Watts, who ultimately confessed to the murders. The conversation then shifts to the paranormal elements that emerged following the tragedy, including eerie occurrences in the Watts home and Chris's haunting experiences in prison. The episode concludes with reflections on the lasting impact of this horrific crime and the emotional echoes it leaves behind.
In 1910, two trains—one passenger, one mail—were trapped for nearly a week in a brutal Washington blizzard near Stevens Pass. When lightning struck Windy Mountain, a half-mile-wide avalanche thundered down, sweeping the trains and the town of Wellington into the abyss. Nearly one hundred lives were lost in what remains the deadliest avalanche in U.S. history. Today, the site is known as the Iron Goat Trail, a scenic hiking path shadowed by eerie tales of ghost lights, disembodied voices, and icy cold spots where the dead once lay. Shea and Jody take listeners on a chilling journey through tragedy and folklore—laughing, theorizing, and debating whether these stories are history, hauntings, or both. From spectral lanterns to phantom whistles, they explore why the spirits of Wellington refuse to rest—and why hikers still say they’re not alone on the mountain. 🎧 Dive into this haunting tale and explore more at www.rainydayrabbitholes.com.Support the show, unlock ad-free episodes, and get bonus content at www.rainydayrabbitholes.com/support. Special thanks to our Mistress of Marketing and Wizard of Websites, Letha Davis. If you love our site, imagine what she can build for you. Visit lethadavis.com to start your own magical website journey.
The Wild West wasn’t all shootouts and saloons—it also had brothels where life, death, and legends collided. Some of those stories never left. In this episode, Shea and Jody take you inside two infamous houses of ill repute: The Birdcage Theater, Tombstone, Arizona – 26 deaths, bullet holes in the walls, and a love triangle that turned into a ghost story still whispered today. The Red Onion Saloon, Skagway, Alaska – where miners, madams, and a lingering ghost named Lydia turned a gold rush brothel into one of the most haunted stops in Alaska. Along the way, the hosts debate where they’d haunt if stuck for eternity, spill some spicy legends, and prove once again that history is never as tidy as it looks on paper. Grab your whiskey, dim the lights, and follow us down the rabbit hole… if you dare. 👉 For ad-free episodes, bonus content, and even bespoke fan fiction, visit: www.rainydayrabbitholes.com/support Will you hear laughter, smell perfume, or feel a ghostly touch when you step inside? Listen now to find out…
In 1899, a massive four-masted iron ship called the Andelana vanished from Tacoma’s Commencement Bay overnight — leaving behind only a pair of floating logs and a haunting legacy. In this episode of Rainy Day Rabbit Holes, Shea and Jody are joined by Tacoma historian and tour guide Chris Staudinger of Pretty Gritty Tours to unravel the chilling mystery of Tacoma’s “ghost ship.” From tales of curses and unlucky sailors to divers who met their doom, the Andelana’s story is one of tragedy, unanswered questions, and eerie persistence. But the ship’s curse doesn’t stop with its sinking. The legend ties into eerie paranormal accounts — including the infamous tale of an eyeless ghost girl said to wander Tacoma’s historic streets. Along the way, we explore the city’s haunted history, connections to human trafficking, and the way folklore preserves Tacoma’s darker past. If you love ghost stories, maritime mysteries, and local legends that linger in the shadows, this is one you won’t want to miss. 🎧 Listen now and join us on this haunting journey through Tacoma’s waterfront. We've made our bonus episode with Chris available to everybody for FREE on Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/posts/ghosts-of-high-139977306?utm_medium=clipboard_copy&utm_source=copyLink&utm_campaign=postshare_creator&utm_content=join_link 👉 For bonus content, ad-free episodes, and ways to support the show, visit: www.rainydayrabbitholes.com/support
Beneath the quiet farmlands of Arkansas, a single dropped tool set off a chain of events that could have changed history forever. In this episode, Shea and Jody take you deep underground into the Titan II missile program — the Cold War’s most volatile secret. What happens when human error meets doomsday weapons? And how close did we really come to nuclear apocalypse in 1980? Strap in. This rabbit hole goes from darkly funny to downright terrifying. 👉 Full story, blog posts, and more episodes at: www.rainydayrabbitholes.com🙏 Special thanks to Letha Davis for marketing and website design: www.lethadavis.com ⏱ Episode Chapters 00:00 – Welcome to Rainy Day Rabbit Holes04:15 – Stepping into a Titan II missile silo09:40 – The Cold War and Mutually Assured Destruction15:50 – America’s 103-foot “doomsday stick”21:30 – Accidents in Kansas and Arkansas silos28:00 – The Damascus Incident begins36:20 – A socket wrench drops… and disaster unfolds45:10 – Explosion in the silo54:00 – The end of the Titan II program01:00:15 – Women’s peace movements take a stand01:08:30 – Why remembering this near-apocalypse matters today01:15:00 – Closing thoughts (and a little levity) 🔗 Related Links Titan II Missile Museum – Official Site PBS American Experience: “Command and Control” (Documentary) “Command and Control” by Eric Schlosser (book on the Damascus accident) Cold War Nuclear History Blog U.S. National Archives – Cold War Nuclear Strategy YouTube: Footage of Titan II Missile Test Launches
Silver mines, brothels that ran until the 1990s, a highway battle that saved a whole town, and a firefighting hero who invented one of the most iconic tools in history. Wallace, Idaho has it all. In this episode of Rainy Day Rabbit Holes, Jody takes us through the quirky, fiery, scandal-filled history of Wallace, a town that declared itself the Center of the Universe, and you can’t disprove it. Grab your pickaxe (or Pulaski tool), because we’re heading down a rabbit hole where mining strikes, infernos, and bordellos collide in the Silver Valley. Chapters:00:00 – Welcome to Wallace, Idaho04:22 – Colonel Wallace and the shady land deal09:51 – Silver mines and strikes that shook the valley15:35 – Fires that burned Wallace down twice21:44 – The legend of Ed Pulaski and the Big Burn33:10 – Brothels, nightlife, and the Oasis Bordello Museum40:55 – How Wallace beat the federal government and I-9050:30 – Declaring Wallace the Center of the Universe57:00 – Why Wallace is worth your road trip stop Support the show and get exclusive bonus stories (and even fan fiction about you) by joining our Patreon: www.rainydayrabbitholes.com/support Want a killer website or digital marketing that works? Our website magic is thanks to Letha Davis. Check her out at lethadavis.com Listen now at: www.rainydayrabbitholes.com Visit Wallace, Idaho! https://wallace.id.gov/
A river is the most powerful force in nature—and blocking one is the boldest act a human can attempt. In this episode of Rainy Day Rabbit Holes, we dive into the colossal story of the Grand Coulee Dam: a project born in the desperation of the Great Depression, built with sweat and sacrifice, and shadowed by broken promises. From Hoovervilles to hydroelectric power, boomtown brothels to Woody Guthrie ballads, and even the secret connection between the dam and the atomic bomb, this is history at its most epic and unsettling. We’ll explore the triumphs, tragedies, and the question that lingers today: who really paid the price for progress? ✨ And don’t miss the end of the episode—we’ve got a brand new piece of Patreon fan fiction, starring one of our amazing supporters! 💡 If you like your history wild, weird, and a little unhinged, you’re in the right place. 👉 Listen, review, and support us at:🌐 rainydayrabbitholes.com💖 rainydayrabbitholes.com/support Special thanks to Leetha, our Mistress of Marketing, and to our amazing Patreon supporters for keeping us powered up and rabbit-hole ready. Chapters 00:00 – Intro: Blocking a river is the boldest act of man00:35 – The Great Depression & Washington’s economic collapse04:30 – The New Deal & the Columbia Basin Project08:15 – The pumpers vs. the ditchers: epic dam debates16:30 – Breaking ground & boomtown chaos on B Street20:15 – Sex work, taxi dancers, and wild nights at the work camps24:30 – Engineering feats: freezing dirt, cooling concrete, and sheer scale28:47 – Powering wartime industry and postwar agriculture31:22 – The dark side: lost salmon, flooded villages, and broken treaties39:00 – From Grand Coulee to Hanford: fueling the atomic bomb40:50 – The monument scandal and a stolen statue43:30 – Reflections: who pays for progress?44:10 – Patreon fan fiction: Matt Pearson and ghostly encounters
Today, we are proud to present an episode by one of our fabulous Umbrella Podcast Collective members-Rob of Dark History. You've heard us talk about the Portland Shanghai Tunnels before, now go even deeper. Check it out! In this gripping episode of The Dark History Podcast, we dive deep into one of the most chilling and overlooked forms of human trafficking in history: shanghaiing. From the mid-1800s to the early 20th century, thousands of men were abducted from port cities like Portland, San Francisco, and Liverpool—drugged, beaten, or tricked into signing forged contracts, only to wake up trapped aboard ships bound for Asia. This wasn’t just the work of shady criminals in back alleys. It was a full-blown industry. Crimps, saloon keepers, hotel owners, and even police officers played their part, all for a quick payout. Some victims were lured by the promise of work or a warm bed. Others were dropped through trapdoors into underground tunnels and chained in holding cells until a ship was ready. Few escaped. Most were never seen again. You’ll hear the real names behind the crimes, like the notorious “Bunko” Kelly, who once claimed to have sold a ship a crew of corpses. We'll uncover how this brutal system thrived in plain sight for decades, and how changing laws, technology, and public outrage eventually brought it down. This isn’t the maritime adventure story you’ve been told. It’s about organised trafficking, greed, and the silent suffering of thousands who were stolen from familiar streets and forced into a life at sea. The legacy of shanghaiing lives on in the sealed trapdoors and forgotten tunnels beneath modern cities. If you're fascinated by the dark undercurrents of history—the parts that rarely make it into textbooks—this episode is a must-listen. Support the show *** Patreon link https://patreon.com/Darkhistory2021?utm_medium=clipboard_copy&utm_source=copyLink&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=join_link *** Merch:https://www.teepublic.com/stores/dark-history?ref_id=36220 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/darkhistorypod?mibextid=LQQJ4d Discord https://discord.gg/3mHPd3xg Email: darkhistory2021@outlook.com Tiktok: https://vm.tiktok.com/ZMLSvwJJV/ YouTube :https://youtube.com/c/DarkHistory2021 Twitter: @darkhistory2021 Instagram: @dark_history21