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The Box of Oddities

The Box of Oddities

Author: Kat & Jethro Gilligan Toth

Subscribed: 52,237Played: 3,580,609
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The Webby Award-winning “Box of Oddities" is a podcast that delves into the strange and mysterious aspects of our world, exploring topics ranging from bizarre medical conditions to unsolved mysteries, and from paranormal phenomena to strange cultural practices from around the world. With a focus on oddities, curiosities, and the macabre, each episode is a journey into the unknown, where hosts Kat and Jethro Gilligan Toth share their love for unusual stories and inject their humor and commentary. From the strange history of medical practices to chilling true crime stories, to natural (and unnatural) events, "The Box of Oddities" satisfies your thirst for the weird and the unusual, offering an informative and entertaining look into the dark and mysterious corners of our world.

JIMMY KIMMEL, ABC-TV says, "Should you be the type who has an interest in weird stuff, this is a fun thing to allow in your head!" 


“Truth is stranger than fiction, and the Box of Oddities is the strangest of all!” -SLUGGO, SIRIUS XM LITHIUM


“Kat & Jethro wring humor from bizarre, macabre and perplexing places.” -BOSTON MAGAZINE

702 Episodes
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Cannibalistic Pilgrims

Cannibalistic Pilgrims

2024-11-2501:01:34

In this episode of The Box of Oddities, Kat, and Jethro take you on a journey through four wildly fascinating tales. First, we dive into Ray Kurzweil’s theory of mind uploading, exploring the mind-bending idea of transferring human consciousness into a digital format—could immortality be just a click away? Then, prepare for a grim story about amateur castration surgery—we have questions because sometimes, people’s DIY ambitions are better left untried. The mystery continues as we investigate the Kincaid Cave, a hidden location tied to ancient secrets and bizarre discoveries that have confounded experts for years. Finally, we uncover the symbolism behind the intricate designs of traditional Māori tattoos, known as tā moko, revealing the deep cultural meanings behind these markings. It’s an episode full of science, mystery, and culture—don’t miss it! If you would like to advertise on The Box of Oddities, contact advertising@airwavemedia.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
In this episode of Freak Family Favorites, "It looked like a loaf of bread with teeth." Then, what looked like gelatin fell from the sky and gave people the flu: the fascinating Tibetan Buddhist Rainbow Body phenomenon and the mysterious Oakville Blobs. The Inbox of Oddities is a special bonus episode of The Box of Oddities podcast, where we delve into the treasure trove of our listeners' emails, messages, and audio submissions. In this unique episode, we share our audience's weird and wonderful stories, bringing their remarkable experiences and odd encounters to the forefront. Join us as we read your emails and messages and play audio recordings you've sent in, allowing you to become an integral part of our show. It's a captivating journey through the strange and extraordinary moments that our listeners have experienced, making The Inbox of Oddities a must-listen bonus episode for anyone who enjoys the bizarre and unexplainable. If you would like to advertise on The Box of Oddities, contact advertising@airwavemedia.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Fairground Horse Carcass

Fairground Horse Carcass

2024-11-1801:04:11

In this episode of The Box of Oddities, Kat and Jethro dive into four perplexing stories that blur the line between history, mystery, and the supernatural. First, they explore the enigmatic Copper Scroll—is it a treasure map or something far more cryptic? Then, we journey to the streets of Brittany, where the Lioness of Brittany takes revenge in a tale that’s as chilling as it is captivating. From the supernatural to the technological, the duo wonders if smart devices are more than just gadgets—could they actually be portals to the beyond? Finally, they unravel the cosmic connection between Arcturus, a star 40 lightyears away, and its mysterious role in lighting up the 1933 Chicago World's Fair—all this with a healthy dose of humor, of course. Tune in to uncover the strange and unexpected! If you would like to advertise on The Box of Oddities, contact advertising@airwavemedia.com   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Inbox Of Oddities #029

Inbox Of Oddities #029

2024-11-1431:40

In this special episode of The Inbox of Oddities, we’re heading to the Windy City for a spine-tingling exploration of firsthand paranormal encounters in Chicago. Join Kat and Jethro as they team up with Ken and Matt from the Chicago-based Triviality Podcast to dive into the eerie and mysterious side of the city. From the haunted Bachelor's Grove Cemetary to the ghostly apparition of "Resurrection Mary" and other unexplainable phenomena, the crew will share chilling stories and personal experiences that might make you rethink your next trip to the Midwest. So, grab your flashlight, check under the bed, and prepare for a supernatural adventure with some of Chicago’s finest podcasting minds. You won’t want to miss this hauntingly fun episode! Listen to The Triviality Podcast Here. If you would like to advertise on The Box of Oddities, contact advertising@airwavemedia.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Flamboyant Bigfoot

Flamboyant Bigfoot

2024-11-1101:02:532

Unveiling the Odd: Funeral Home Secrets, Quantum Minds & Perception Mysteries In this mind-bending episode of The Box of Oddities, Kat, and Jethro dive into four peculiar topics that will leave you questioning everything. First, a strange discovery at a Seattle funeral home—what was unearthed, and how does it tie into the Civil War? Then, journey to the heart of Russia's enigmatic Lake Baikal, a place with secrets as deep as its waters. Next, we explore the mind-blowing Orch OR theory that suggests your brain might actually be a biological quantum computer, shaping your reality as you perceive it. And finally, we'll look closer at the fascinating world of perception phenomena—how our senses might be fooling us in ways we never expected. Tune in for an episode packed with oddities and fresh perspectives on the strange, the mysterious, and the downright bizarre! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Inbox Of Oddities #028

Inbox Of Oddities #028

2024-11-0726:28

The Inbox of Oddities is a special bonus episode of The Box of Oddities podcast, where we delve into the treasure trove of our listeners' emails, messages, and audio submissions. In this unique episode, we share our audience's weird and wonderful stories, bringing their remarkable experiences and odd encounters to the forefront. Join us as we read your emails and messages and play audio recordings you've sent in, allowing you to become an integral part of our show. It's a captivating journey through the strange and extraordinary moments that our listeners have experienced, making The Inbox of Oddities a must-listen bonus episode for anyone who enjoys the bizarre and unexplainable. If you would like to advertise on The Box of Oddities, contact advertising@airwavemedia.com   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Northern Pike Nimbostratus

Northern Pike Nimbostratus

2024-11-0401:00:452

Join us for a thrilling exploration in this episode of The Box of Oddities, where we uncover the enigmatic Tulli Scrolls, rumored to be ancient Egyptian documents that detail the sighting of UFOs in the skies of antiquity. What secrets do these scrolls hold, and why have they eluded historians for so long? Next, we journey to the haunted hills of Curtea de Argeș, nestled on the southern slopes of the Transylvanian Alps. This historic site boasts a chilling past filled with legends of vampires, tragic love stories, and architectural marvels. What lurks in the shadows of this storied land? In a fascinating twist of science and technology, we delve into the groundbreaking discoveries that reveal uncanny similarities between DNA and computer code. What does this mean for our understanding of life itself? Are we simply biological algorithms, or is there something more profound at play? Finally, we discuss the quirky world of eggcorns—those amusing malapropisms that arise from a mishearing or misinterpretation of phrases. From “for all intents and purposes” to “for all intensive purposes,” we’ll laugh our way through the linguistic misadventures that often leave us scratching our heads. Join us for a captivating mix of history, science, and a touch of humor in this week’s episode of The Box of Oddities! If you would like to advertise on The Box of Oddities, contact advertising@airwavemedia.com   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
It’s the 7th annual The Box of Oddities Halloween special! We invited our beloved Freak Family to take center stage as they share their authentic, strange, and terrifying experiences in their own words.  From encounters with the supernatural to bizarre happenings that defy explanation, our listeners’ stories showcase the eerie and the unknown. Whether you believe in ghosts or prefer to chalk it up to coincidence, these narratives will keep you on the edge of your seat!  Join us as we delve into the strange and unusual, exploring the mysteries that lurk just beyond the veil of our everyday lives. Don’t miss this chance to embrace the weirdness that connects us all—because when it comes to the oddities of life, every freak has a story.  Listen and become part of our haunting tradition! Subscribe to The Box of Oddities for your weekly dose of the weird, the wonderful, and the downright spooky. If you would like to advertise on The Box of Oddities, contact advertising@airwavemedia.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
It’s the 7th annual The Box of Oddities Halloween special! We invited our beloved Freak Family to take center stage as they share their authentic, strange, and terrifying experiences in their own words.  From encounters with the supernatural to bizarre happenings that defy explanation, our listeners’ stories showcase the eerie and the unknown. Whether you believe in ghosts or prefer to chalk it up to coincidence, these narratives will keep you on the edge of your seat!  Join us as we delve into the strange and unusual, exploring the mysteries that lurk just beyond the veil of our everyday lives. Don’t miss this chance to embrace the weirdness that connects us all—because when it comes to the oddities of life, every freak has a story.  Listen and become part of our haunting tradition! Subscribe to The Box of Oddities for your weekly dose of the weird, the wonderful, and the downright spooky. If you would like to advertise on The Box of Oddities, contact advertising@airwavemedia.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Inbox Of Oddities #027

Inbox Of Oddities #027

2024-10-2421:01

The Inbox of Oddities is a special bonus episode of The Box of Oddities podcast, where we delve into the treasure trove of our listeners' emails, messages, and audio submissions. In this unique episode, we share our audience's weird and wonderful stories, bringing their remarkable experiences and odd encounters to the forefront. Join us as we read your emails and messages and play audio recordings you've sent in, allowing you to become an integral part of our show. It's a captivating journey through the strange and extraordinary moments that our listeners have experienced, making The Inbox of Oddities a must-listen bonus episode for anyone who enjoys the bizarre and unexplainable. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
In this Box, we journey into the macabre and mysterious. First, we unravel the gruesome story of Leonarda Cianciulli, Italy’s notorious "Soap-Maker of Correggio," who turned murder into a grotesque form of art—literally. Was it madness, superstition, or something far darker that drove her? Next, we scale the rugged slopes of the Andes to confront El Duende, the goblin-like creature said to haunt villages and terrorize those who stray too far from safety. Could this ancient legend hold a seed of truth, or is it simply a tale spun by fearful imaginations? Then, we introduce you to Mr. Fritz, the ventriloquist dummy with a mind of its own. Mysteriously moving its eyes and escaping locked cases, this haunted doll has raised more than a few eyebrows—and chills up spines. Finally, we follow the gripping manhunt for The Mad Trapper, a Canadian fugitive whose bizarre behavior, bulletproof toughness, and uncanny evasion tactics left both police and the public in awe. Was he merely a criminal on the run or something altogether more terrifying? Each story is a chilling reminder that the world has more mysteries than we may ever know. Join us and let the oddities unravel. If you would like to advertise on The Box of Oddities, contact advertising@airwavemedia.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Inbox Of Oddities #026

Inbox Of Oddities #026

2024-10-1723:17

The Inbox of Oddities is a special bonus episode of The Box of Oddities podcast, where we delve into the treasure trove of our listeners' emails, messages, and audio submissions. In this unique episode, we share our audience's weird and wonderful stories, bringing their remarkable experiences and odd encounters to the forefront. Join us as we read your emails and messages and play audio recordings you've sent in, allowing you to become an integral part of our show. It's a captivating journey through the strange and extraordinary moments that our listeners have experienced, making The Inbox of Oddities a must-listen bonus episode for anyone who enjoys the bizarre and unexplainable. If you would like to advertise on The Box of Oddities, contact advertising@airwavemedia.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Hallway Biologist Squabble

Hallway Biologist Squabble

2024-10-1401:02:391

Join us in this episode of The Box of Oddities, where we explore the peculiar and the paranormal! First, we explore the chilling tale of the Bermondsey Horror, a dark chapter in London's history that left the community trembling. What happened in the shadows of this infamous location? Next, we venture into the bizarre realm of a scientific study that sounds too strange to be true—severed arms and fishing lines take center stage. What drove researchers to undertake such an unsettling experiment, and what were they hoping to discover? As we shift gears, we uncover the ghostly presence of a 12-year-old tuberculosis victim whose spirit continues to roam the halls of an old hospital-turned-college dorm. What stories linger in the walls of this building, and why does the ghostly child refuse to rest? Finally, we delve into the lore surrounding the Amityville Horror—examining its history and the latest findings from this notorious case. What secrets lie within the walls of the Amityville house, and how have perceptions of this chilling story evolved? Prepare for a rollercoaster of oddities, spine-tingling tales, and a dash of humor as we unravel these mysteries. Tune in for a journey into the bizarre that you won't want to miss! If you would like to advertise on The Box of Oddities, contact advertising@airwavemedia.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Inbox Of Oddities #025

Inbox Of Oddities #025

2024-10-1021:49

Thank you for voting for us in The Signal Awards! If you haven't had a chance yet, we would appreciate it! The deadline is 10-17-2024. Vote Here! The Inbox of Oddities is a special bonus episode of The Box of Oddities podcast, where we delve into the treasure trove of our listeners' emails, messages, and audio submissions. In this unique episode, we share our audience's weird and wonderful stories, bringing their remarkable experiences and odd encounters to the forefront. Join us as we read your emails and messages and play audio recordings you've sent in, allowing you to become an integral part of our show. It's a captivating journey through the strange and extraordinary moments that our listeners have experienced, making The Inbox of Oddities a must-listen bonus episode for anyone who enjoys the bizarre and unexplainable. If you would like to advertise on The Box of Oddities, contact advertising@airwavemedia.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Afterlife Phone Plan

Afterlife Phone Plan

2024-10-0759:35

Eerie Encounters and Mysterious Vanishings Join us for another episode of The Box of Oddities as we explore four bizarre and enthralling stories that will leave you questioning the very fabric of reality. 1. Phantom Calls at St. Michael's Hospital: Dive into the eerie history of St. Michael's Hospital in Toronto, where century-old phone lines connect the living to the dead. We’ll uncover chilling accounts of mysterious phone calls that have baffled staff and patients alike, leading to speculation about the hospital's haunted past. 2. The Soldier of Iron Statues: Have you ever wondered why a group of iron soldiers stands frozen in time? Discover the bizarre tales behind these statues that defy logic and what hidden meanings and unusual circumstances lie beneath their metallic exteriors. 3. The Seminole Legend of the Stikini: Meet the shape-shifting Owl-Man of Seminole folklore, the Stikini. This captivating legend weaves a tale of mystery and transformation, revealing how this enigmatic creature has influenced the lives of those who believe in its power. 4. The Vanishing Boeing 727: Finally, buckle up as we recount the strange and mysterious disappearance of a Boeing 727 in Angola, Africa. This aircraft vanished without a trace, sparking theories of everything from hijacking to supernatural intervention. What happened to the plane and its passengers? Tune in as we delve into this aviation mystery that remains unsolved. Prepare for an hour of oddity combining history, folklore, and mystery! Don’t miss out on this captivating journey through the unknown, where every twist and turn leaves you craving more. If you would like to advertise on The Box of Oddities, contact advertising@airwavemedia.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Inbox Of Oddities #024

Inbox Of Oddities #024

2024-10-0324:33

The Inbox of Oddities is a special bonus episode of The Box of Oddities podcast, where we delve into the treasure trove of our listeners' emails, messages, and audio submissions. In this unique episode, we share our audience's weird and wonderful stories, bringing their remarkable experiences and odd encounters to the forefront. Join us as we read your emails and messages and play audio recordings you've sent in, allowing you to become an integral part of our show. It's a captivating journey through the strange and extraordinary moments that our listeners have experienced, making The Inbox of Oddities a must-listen bonus episode for anyone who enjoys the bizarre and unexplainable. If you would like to advertise on The Box of Oddities, contact advertising@airwavemedia.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
In this episode, Kat and Jethro explore the eerie connections between historical and modern mysteries. First up, they delve into the paranormal aftermath of the Titanic sinking, uncovering reports of ghostly sightings and unexplained phenomena haunting the waters where tragedy struck. Next, they encounter the bizarre tale of The Crawfordsville Monster, a mysterious creature that terrorized an Indiana town in the late 19th century, leaving witnesses baffled and historians intrigued. Moving through time and space, Kat and Jethro investigate sightings of cigar-shaped UFOs dating back to the 1890s and compare them to the modern Tic Tac UFO incidents of the 2000s. Are these encounters linked across time, or is something else at play? Finally, the duo explores the mystical properties of the gemstone Peridot, renowned for its purported powers of protection, healing, and even enhancing psychic abilities. Join us as we uncover these strange and captivating tales on The Box of Oddities! Don't miss out—subscribe now for your weekly dose of the bizarre and unexplained! If you would like to advertise on The Box of Oddities, contact advertising@airwavemedia.com   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Join us for a thrilling ride as we invite the members of the Freak Family to the helm. In this special edition, they take you on a whirlwind tour through the depths of our vast catalog, revealing their absolute favorite stories from the world of the bizarre, mysterious, and utterly captivating. These Freak Family hosts have scoured the archives to curate a collection of the most mind-bending and inexplicable tales you've ever heard. Whether you're a seasoned fan of the Box of Oddities or a newcomer to the world of the peculiar, this bonus episode is your passport to the extraordinary. Get ready to unravel the unexplained, and join us for Freak Family Favorites. If you would like to host your favorite Box of Oddities episode, Just record on your smartphone who you are, where you’re from, what your favorite story is and why …and anything else you would like to share. Then email it to curator@theboxofoddities.com If you would like to advertise on The Box of Oddities, contact advertising@airwavemedia.com   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Join Kat and Jethro for a whirlwind of bizarre tales on this episode of The Box of Oddities! Delve into the enigma of Sandy Cove's mystery man, a recluse whose identity baffled locals for decades. Then, explore innovative methods for disposing of the deceased that push the boundaries of tradition and sustainability. Next, travel back to 1911 when Hailey's Comet sparked a global panic, with fears of its poisonous gas tail sweeping Earth. Finally, discover the unlikely showdown between a tractor manufacturer and Ferrari, where underdogs triumphed against all odds. Tune in for a blend of intrigue, innovation, and unexpected victories in this eclectic journey through the oddities of history and human ingenuity! If you would like to advertise on The Box of Oddities, contact advertising@airwavemedia.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Join us for a thrilling ride as we invite the members of the Freak Family to the helm. In this special edition, they take you on a whirlwind tour through the depths of our vast catalog, revealing their absolute favorite stories from the world of the bizarre, mysterious, and utterly captivating. These Freak Family hosts have scoured the archives to curate a collection of the most mind-bending and inexplicable tales you've ever heard. Whether you're a seasoned fan of the Box of Oddities or a newcomer to the world of the peculiar, this bonus episode is your passport to the extraordinary. Get ready to unravel the unexplained, and join us for Freak Family Favorites. If you would like to host your favorite Box of Oddities episode, Just record on your smartphone who you are, where you’re from, what your favorite story is and why …and anything else you would like to share. Then email it to curator@theboxofoddities.com If you would like to advertise on The Box of Oddities, contact advertising@airwavemedia.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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Comments (2367)

Mrs. Kaety J. West

"*The-BOX-of-ODDITIES* •~•~• Boy, Are They Spooky!!" •§• William Shatner 💕🤩❤️

Nov 1st
Reply

Grunkle Hatter

kat finally doesn't talk about animals and she acts like a mocking child. I wish we replaced kat with Lindsey...

Oct 17th
Reply

Grunkle Hatter

more animal stuff from Kat boring

Oct 15th
Reply

Peona 12

That was a great story! She is a fantastic storyteller!

Oct 13th
Reply

Abby Mercer

CHORLES! Hahaha i love how these two play off their little oopsies 😂

Oct 11th
Reply

andrew ward

such lovely creatures. thanks for doing what you do

Oct 11th
Reply

Cam

#deathpositive love this, thanks for covering the topic of eco-friendly burials.

Oct 6th
Reply

Shawna

enjoyed hearing about Stonehenge

Sep 27th
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Denise Nichols

I started listening to Shallow End from first episode and ofc loved it !! The banter between J.G. and Lindsey is so much fun with great episodes of how far down the drain people can go.Buckle up and get you some !

Sep 26th
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Adam Echter

The film the woman was referencing was "They Live" with Rowdy Roddie Piper. 👍

Sep 22nd
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Lori C.

for the love ... Kat is getting to be highly annoying. yah, I know a lot of people will disagree with me, but how many times are we going to hear the musing of some applying today's standards to times such as 1913. the cutesy act is overdone (i dont mean it just for this episode, but. It's a bunch of 'em)! Jethro.... listening for you!!

Sep 18th
Reply (1)

Denise Nichols

was it Archie Bunker that wanted Twinkies in his lunch every day?? I know he liked cling peached in heavy syrup too. boy that takes me back !!

Sep 17th
Reply (1)

Rita J. Behm-Campos

Thank you for saying the frequency of going to the bathroom was not just a me issue. Growing up my sister used to call me the family poodle. 1st because of the terrible perm job my mom gave me and 2nd was I had to use the bathroom at every place we visited that I knew had a bathroom. still have the issue, but lost the perm.

Sep 15th
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Denise Nichols

You guys were gone for me on castbox completely for awhile. Then there was a few.I got them all now. I haven't been able to get Nan's since the first few episodes,not even able to find it on the Discover. Is she on Himalayan ?

Sep 15th
Reply

Denise Nichols

The Asylum story hurt my heart. They're dumped there,many because they were an " embarrassment " to their family. As in the case of the Kennedy girl. She was frisky and didn't bend to the Kennedy father's ideals.

Sep 13th
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Denise Nichols

why do thousands of men every year feel it necessary to rape, beat up,stab,shoot women and girls ? There's something very wrong with some men's brains ? I think maybe A. Wormos had a good idea.

Sep 8th
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Denise Nichols

I doubt if there's a woman alive that likes having that "lady exam". It's when you are at your most vulnerable. If you have been molested,raped or forced sexually it's a horrible experience. I have had one exam at 20 and I am 73 now. I can guarantee I will never have another. If my junk falls out onto the floor one day,I will flush it down the john. 😝😁

Sep 7th
Reply

Denise Nichols

Kat,You had a coconut whoopie pie every day in high school ?! Sounds delicious! Never heard of a whoopie pie.

Aug 26th
Reply

Abby Mercer

Until Kat said it i had completely forgotten that JG's story started with a drought lol

Aug 24th
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Abby Mercer

Kat struggled so hard with JG's age and black friday! 🤣

Aug 18th
Reply