Rainy Day Rabbit Holes: Pacific Northwest History and Humor

Today, we are featuring an episode from one of our favorite podcasts: The Dark History Podcast! In this spine-chilling episode of the Dark History Podcast, host Rob Bradley takes you on a journey to early 20th century New Orleans, where the mysterious and terrifying Axeman prowled the streets from 1918 to 1919. This elusive killer targeted innocent victims, breaking into their homes under the cover of night and disappearing without a trace. The Axeman's brutal murders left the city gripped with fear, but it was his eerie letters to the press, hinting at a strange connection to jazz music, that added a layer of sinister intrigue to the already horrifying events. Rob Bradley brings the tale to life with his compelling narration and excellent production quality, and we think you are going to love it! Prepare yourself for a journey into the macabre as we uncover the truth behind the legend of the Axeman of New Orleans. Tune in to this gripping episode to find out more. Go follow Dark History on Spotify or Apple Podcasts! Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0UBiTw5JAxkGRTkXM2ErMx?si=1c214cbbf41c4b2e Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/dark-history-where-the-darkness-sees-the-light/id1603599807 Follow Rob on Instagram! https://www.instagram.com/dark_history21/?next=%2F --- We will see you next week with another Pacific Northwest Rabbit Hole!

Welcome to another thrilling episode of the Rainy Day Rabbit Holes podcast! Today, we dive into the captivating story of the Oregon Land Fraud Trials—a saga of greed, corruption, and deceit that spanned four decades. This episode uncovers how millionaire capitalists, United States Senators, and even a belly dancer played their parts in one of the most audacious land frauds in American history. ### **Special Guests:** **Allison Gill:** We're excited to have Allison Gill, the host of the amazing Daily Beans Podcast, joining us! Allison brings her sharp wit and insightful commentary to our discussion, making this episode an absolute must-listen. Don't forget to check out her podcast at https://www.dailybeanspod.com/ **Jason:** We also have a special appearance by Shea's big brother, Jason, who brings his unique perspective to the episode. ### **In This Episode, We Cover:** - The wild west and the American Dream of stealing from the government. - The key players involved in the Oregon Land Fraud, including millionaire capitalists and corrupt senators. - The dramatic and salacious details that make this story unforgettable. - How this massive fraud scheme was eventually brought to light. ### **Why You Should Listen:** This episode offers a deep dive into a lesser-known yet incredibly fascinating chapter of American history. With Allison Gill's engaging presence, Jason's captivating insights, and our thorough research, we bring this story to life in a way that's both informative and entertaining. ### **Join Us:** Join us on this journey back to the wild west and discover how the American Dream was manipulated by those who knew how to play the game. Don’t miss out on this intriguing episode that promises to keep you on the edge of your seat! **Listen now and fall down the rabbit hole with us!** Visit our website for more episodes and updates: [Rainy Day Rabbit Holes](https://www.rainydayrabbitholes.com/) [Daily Beans Podcast](https://www.dailybeanspod.com/) It's news-with swearing! Check out our pod friends of the week! The Dark History Podcast hosted by my new buddy Rob! https://open.spotify.com/show/0UBiTw5JAxkGRTkXM2ErMx We were special guests on the Ye Olde Crime Podcast! https://www.yeoldecrimepodcast.com/episodes/bonus-rainy-day-rabbit-holes

In this special episode of Rainy Day Rabbit Holes, we're thrilled to share an episode from one of our favorite podcasts, **Midday Musings with Stephen and Laura**. In our busy, buzzy, stressful world, their show is the perfect remedy for Internet overwhelm. Midday Musings dives into discussions on media that matter, history that fascinates, and relationships that resonate. Laura and Stephen, best friends and partners for over a decade, bring you lunch-break-sized conversations filled with silly observations and genuine vibes four times a week. Join us as we explore the delightful and cozy corner of the internet they’ve created. Today we’re discussing summer in the Pacific Northwest — we’ve got boats, boards, and buckets of festivals. It’s three long months of joy, togetherness, and not thinking about general elections. What’s your favorite PNW summer activity? How will you and the gang of your choice be taking advantage of the sun madness? Is death or an indeterminate period of suffering the more terrifying prospect? Like the Marvel series, this period of time is marvelous. No Seattle Freeze, every day is a beach day, and the forests boldly beckon.  #### Highlights: - Insightful discussions on relevant media, intriguing history, and resonant relationships. - Genuine and fun chemistry between hosts Laura and Stephen. - Bite-sized episodes perfect for your lunch break or a quick escape from the daily grind. #### Connect with Midday Musings: - **Listen and Subscribe:** Find Midday Musings on your favorite podcast platforms. Subscribe to never miss an episode and leave a review to show your support! - **Follow on Social Media:** Stay updated with the latest episodes, behind-the-scenes content, and fun interactions by following Midday Musings Podcast on all major social media platforms. #### Links: - Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/midday-musings/id1715523597 - Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2ElBOwhfKCqmzvUz7Va1XU - Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/middaymusingspod/ Sit back, relax, and enjoy this special feature from Midday Musings Podcast! Let Laura and Stephen bring a little extra joy to your day. --- Thank you for tuning in, and we'll see you next time on Rainy Day Rabbit Holes! www.rainydayrabbitholes.com

Today, Shea & Jody dive into the weird and wonderful world of Northwest sports. Join us as we explore some of the region's most bizarre athletic endeavors, from octopus wrestling to the famed Pumpkin Regatta. Despite Shea's lack of enthusiasm for all things sports ball, its a fun and whimsical journey into the light side of the PNW. **Octopus Wrestling:** First up, we unravel the curious tradition of octopus wrestling, a daring sport that tests both skill and bravery in the waters of the Pacific Northwest. **Pumpkin Regatta:** Next, we set sail with giant pumpkins at the Pumpkin Regatta, where participants race these hefty gourds across waterways in a spectacle that combines skill with sheer pumpkin prowess. **Naked Bike Riding at Seattle's Summer Solstice Parade:** Then, we strip down (figuratively speaking) to discuss the unconventional sport of naked bike riding at Seattle's Summer Solstice Parade. Discover how this event celebrates freedom, creativity, and a touch of Northwest eccentricity. **Pickleball:** Finally, we tackle the contentious topic of pickleball, a sport born right here in the Northwest. Despite Jody's insistence that it's the world's fastest-growing sport, Shea remains unconvinced, arguing that it's still just a dumb sport. Join us as we navigate through these peculiar sports and unravel the unique spirit of the Pacific Northwest. Whether you're a sports enthusiast or simply curious about the quirky side of Northwest culture, this episode promises to entertain and enlighten. Please help support us by telling a friend, or you can join our patreon for bonus episodes! Find everything you need at www.rainydayrabbitholes.com including our newest merch designs! Make sure to check out our featured Pod-Friends! For a deep irreverent dive into lesser-known stories of the early American presidents-check out Plodding Through The Presidents! https://open.spotify.com/show/3HmMPpd6GpFWeaIfqpd1TA?si=e61b8eff007c4a1c Join Jen and Sarah for tales from the darkest places and people of the PNW on Mysterious Pacific Northwest! https://open.spotify.com/show/1L0OsOCtGJJozGJ6YnnOuV?si=94f196c3b9d048cd

**Special Episode – The Funniest Moments and Behind-the-Scenes Antics** Welcome to a very special episode of our podcast! Today, we’re popping the cork on a bubbly mix of our funniest moments and behind-the-scenes shenanigans. Join Shea and Jody as they let loose with champagne in hand, showcasing their most ridiculous, laugh-out-loud antics. **Listener Discretion Advised:** This episode contains explicit content and is not safe for work. Listener discretion is advised. **In This Episode, You’ll Hear:** - The most hilarious mishaps and candid moments that never made it to the final cut - Unfiltered banter and outrageous fun that only happens when the mics are off - Shea and Jody at their silliest, fueled by champagne and good times If you enjoyed this glimpse into our behind-the-scenes hilarity, there’s plenty more where that came from! Join us on Patreon for exclusive access to even more content like this, plus bonus episodes, early access, and special perks. **Join our Patreon community and never miss out on the fun!** patreon.com/RainyDayRabbitHolesPodcast Thank you for listening, and don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review our podcast. Your support keeps the laughs coming! **Follow Us:** - Website: www.rainydayrabbitholes.com - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rainydayrabbitholespod/ - Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RainyDayRabbitHolesPodcast/ **Join the Conversation:** Share your favorite moments from this episode and let us know what you think! Use the hashtag #PodcastFunniestMoments Cheers to a good time, and we’ll see you in the next episode!

🌧️🐇 Welcome back to Rainy Day Rabbit Holes! In this episode, we delve into the fascinating life of Roy Olmstead, the Gentleman Bootlegger who ruled Seattle’s underground scene during the Prohibition era. 🌆🍸 Episode Highlights: - **Woodmont Beach Arrest:** We kick off with the dramatic capture of Olmstead at his Woodmont Beach hideout. - **Seattle Origins:** Explore Roy’s early days as a dedicated police officer in Seattle and his surprising transition into the world of bootlegging. - **Bootlegging Operations:** Learn about the intricate smuggling routes from Canada and the sophisticated network Olmstead built. - **Public Persona vs. Criminal Mastermind:** Discover how Roy balanced his dual life, earning the nickname “Gentleman Bootlegger.” - **Downfall:** Follow the sequence of events that led to his ultimate arrest and the end of his empire. #### Special Mentions: - **Book Recommendation:** A huge thank you to Brad Holden for his incredible book, [Seattle Prohibition: Bootleggers, Rumrunners & Graft in the Queen City](https://bradholden.org). This episode wouldn’t have been possible without his detailed research and captivating storytelling. - **Podcast Shoutout:** Check out our friends at [Plodding Through the Presidents](https://www.ploddingthroughthepresidents.com) for more intriguing historical tales. Their deep dives into presidential history are a must-listen! - **Further Reading:** For more on Roy Olmstead’s life, visit the [Historylink.org article](https://www.historylink.org/File/289) which provides an in-depth look at his impact on the Pacific Northwest. #### Engage With Us: - **Discussion:** What surprised you the most about Roy Olmstead’s story? Do you think his charm justified his illegal activities? - **Social Media:** Follow us on @RainyDayRabbitHoles for updates, and share your thoughts using #RainyDayRabbitHoles. Thank you for joining us on this rainy day rabbit hole! Don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe for more stories that uncover the hidden corners of history. 👉 **Visit our website:** [RainyDayRabbitHoles.com](https://www.rainydayrabbitholes.com) #RainyDayRabbitHoles #Podcast #NewEpisode #RoyOlmstead #GentlemanBootlegger #ProhibitionEra #SeattleHistory #PacificNorthwest #TrueCrime

This week, Jody and I needed a little break, so we have a special treat for you. Today, we're sharing an episode from one of our favorite shows, "Audibly Haunted," a spine-chilling podcast hosted by the talented Ani Khajadourian. If you're a fan of ghost stories, eerie encounters, and supernatural mysteries, this is the podcast for you. Each episode delves into haunting tales that will send shivers down your spine, all narrated with Ani's captivating storytelling and enhanced by the podcast's excellent production quality. In this episode titled "The Reddit Lamp: A Parallel Life?", Ani explores a fascinating and unsettling story that surfaced on Reddit. It revolves around a seemingly ordinary lamp that mysteriously begins to act as a portal to a parallel existence. As the tale unfolds, listeners are taken on a journey through bizarre events and eerie coincidences that blur the lines between reality and the supernatural. The top-notch production quality brings the story to life, making every detail and chilling moment even more immersive. This episode is a perfect example of the captivating and eerie content that "Audibly Haunted" delivers. **Highlights:** - Introduction to "Audibly Haunted" podcast - Overview of the episode "The Reddit Lamp: A Parallel Life?" - Exploration of the story of an ordinary lamp acting as a portal to a parallel existence - Detailed narration and high-quality production - Immersive experience that blurs the lines between reality and the supernatural **Follow Audibly Haunted on Spotify** https://open.spotify.com/show/4K4ZntXpDJAq9lAFVTDxJT?si=33964640cfd34a7c **Follow them on Instagram** https://www.instagram.com/audiblyhaunted?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw== Don’t forget to dim the lights, put on your headphones, and get ready to be audibly haunted! We will see you next week with our regular episode!

Join Shea & Jody as they take a hilariously spooky tour of the Old Montana State Prison in Deer Lodge, Montana. This episode is packed with off-color humor, ghostly encounters, and a deep dive into the infamous prison riot. Buckle up for a rollercoaster of laughter, chills, and some historical insights that will leave you both entertained and a little creeped out! On this episode: We wax philosophical about what are ghosts even? Should you put crystals up your butt? What if bazooka ammo was made from Bazooka bubble gum? Should we stop mentioning Pretty Gritty Tours? What band name is the best, Soggy Bricks or Dicks in the Attic? We were featured on the Grit City Podcast! Check out our episode here! https://www.gritcitypodcast.com/341 Get your tickets to the Men In Black Birthday Bash! ⁠https://mibbbfest.squarespace.com/

In this thrilling drunk-isode of Rainy Day Rabbit Holes, we dive deep into the enigmatic life of Fred Crisman, a figure surrounded by mystery and controversy. From his involvement in the infamous Maury Island UFO incident to his alleged connections to the assassination of President John F. Kennedy, Crisman’s story is one that blurs the lines between reality and conspiracy. Join us as we unravel the threads of this captivating tale and explore the theories that have fascinated conspiracy enthusiasts for decades. Make sure to watch Bryan Shickley's awesome animated short (trailer at the beginning of the episode!) www.fredcrisman.com Get your tickets to the Men In Black Birthday Bash! https://mibbbfest.squarespace.com/ Check out our pod-friend of the week, PNW Haunts & Homicides! https://www.pnwhauntsandhomicides.com/ And as always, find pictures and more at our website! www.rainydayrabbitholes.com

In the summer of 1947, the skies over Maury Island, Washington, just north of Tacoma, held secrets that would captivate a nation. It all began when private pilot Kenneth Arnold reported seeing a string of nine shiny flying objects zooming past Mount Rainier at incredible speeds. His account led to the coining of terms like "flying saucer" and "flying discs" to describe these mysterious craft. But it was Harold Dahl's encounter on Jun 21, 1947, that truly ignited the intrigue. While patrolling Maury Island's east bay, Dahl witnessed six massive doughnut-shaped aircraft. Intrigued? Want to hear more? Then listen now! Please make sure to listen all the way to the end, there is some excellent information about some upcoming events, as well as the trailer to Bryan's short film! Watch Bryan Shickley's short animated film at www.fredcrisman.com Watch the Pretty Gritty Tour's video about the incident here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=isizjCOkppo Get tickets for the MIB Birthday Bash here! https://mibbbfest.squarespace.com/ You can also watch both of these videos and see more pictures, plus all the links, at our website at www.rainydayrabbitholes.com Check out the PodBeat App! https://podbeat.com/ Check out Midday Musings Podcast https://open.spotify.com/show/2ElBOwhfKCqmzv

In the quiet town of Bellingham, nestled in the misty forests of the Pacific Northwest, whispers linger in the air, carrying tales of a curse that haunts its streets. Among these whispers are echoes of a dark past, where injustices and betrayals have left their mark on the city and its people. It is within this enigmatic setting that our story unfolds, delving into the mysteries that lurk beneath the surface and the secrets that refuse to stay buried. Today, Shea tries not to ruin Bellingham for her big brother Jason. But seriously, Bellingham is a very cool place. Make sure to book a tour with the Good Time Girls Check out Killing 15 Minutes! You can see more over at our website! Rainy Day Rabbit Holes

When does a religious group become a cult? In this episode, we venture into the scandalous world of the Community Chapel and Bible Training Center, nestled in the quiet community of Normandy Park, Washington (Shea's former home). This Pentecostal religious group had a dark underbelly of secrets and peculiar sexual practices, prompting speculation of cult-like tendencies veiled behind the guise of spirituality. This story of lust and faith in the Pacific Northwest has it all-money, sex, demons, ugly carpet-even murder. Visit www.rainydayrabbitholes.com for all of the pictures of inside Pastor Barnett's marvelous home. We now have merch!! T-shirts, sweatshirts, hats and totes! Do you want to submit a design for merch? Send it to shea@rainydayrabbitholes.com Follow the Audibly Haunted Podcast on Spotify or wherever you get podcasts!

Jody's back! It's good to be together again! Make sure to listen all the way to the end for a trip back to the 1990's. Delve into the enigmatic tale of E.R. Butterworth, a figure shrouded in mystery amidst Seattle's historic landscape. Journey through the foggy Pacific Northwest as we uncover the secrets behind Butterworth's meteoric rise to wealth and influence in the mortuary industry. From humble beginnings to a titan of his trade, his legacy is tainted with whispers of corruption and theft, casting a dark shadow over his once-lauded empire. Join us as we peel back the layers of history to reveal the truth behind the veiled dealings of E.R. Butterworth, shedding light on a captivating yet murky chapter in Seattle's past. We also review our recent tour of Stadium High School in Tacoma Washington with Pretty Gritty Tours! You can get 10% off a tour at our website. Visit www.rainydayrabbitholes.com to get your code, then visit www.prettygrittytours.com to sign up for a tour!

It's time to talk Tacoma-with Shea's brother Jason! Step back in time to 1970s Tacoma, Washington—aka Grit City—where the Top of the Ocean restaurant arson ignited a firestorm of controversy. Join us as we peel back the layers of this Pacific Northwest noir, revealing a seedy underworld entangled with organized crime and corruption. In this gripping episode, we unravel the sinister plot that engulfed Grit City in flames, shedding light on a wide-scale FBI and BATF investigation that rocked the region. From fire bombings to murder plots, this is a tale of the mayhem and the mob. Discover how law enforcement battled against the odds to expose the truth, even when it meant confronting the very authorities sworn to protect and serve. Tune in as we navigate the twists and turns of this captivating saga, where loyalty is tested and justice hangs in the balance. Join us as we delve into the shadows of Grit City's past, where secrets lurk beneath the surface and history waits to be uncovered. This is more than a podcast episode—it's a journey through the heart of the Pacific Northwest's darkest hour. Make sure to check out Pretty Gritty Tours for more Tacoma history! https://prettygrittytours.com/index.html If you want to book a tour, head over to www.rainydayrabbitholes.com for an exclusive discount code!

Gifted healer? Or serial killer? In the misty woods of Olalla, Washington, lurks the remains of a truly terrifying place, where patients were starved to death under the care of an ambitious woman, Linda Hazzard. Linda rejected the medical establishment, and even though she was never able to rise to the level of a real medical doctor, killed 15 patients with her unique "fasting therapy". Join us as we dive into the dark waters of the Pacific Northwest and talk about this enigmatic woman. Read more on our blog! www.rainydayrabbitholes.com

Part 1 available now on Effed Up History! Listen to Part 1 first! https://open.spotify.com/show/02rG1jbgTKvvCLE33S6QvJ?si=3c0ef33553d84746 This episode is a continuation of a conversation with Krystina at Effed Up History. She told us all about the origins of Satan or Lucifer in mythology, and his role in the Witch Trials of Salem and other time periods. We take the panic into modern times, exploring the origins of the Satanic Panic of the 1980's, the figures like Aleister Crowley and Anton LaVey, and the book "Michelle Remembers" from Victoria B.C. that sparked a full blown madness. From there, we follow the repercussions into mass child abuse accusations in the Pacific Northwest in the 1990's, all the way to the QAnon craziness of the current day. So, strap in, get yourself a cup of Northwest roasted coffee, and get ready to laugh, learn, and practice your "oh good God, what the F*(%" faces! This is an excellent video about the Satanic Panic: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NgmPQGWn8pI We have a Patreon! Maybe! Your support means the world to us! For the price of a cup of coffee, you can help us with the production of this show. You also will get awesome benefits like bonus episodes! https://patreon.com/RainyDayRabbitHolesPodcast?utm_medium=unknown&utm_source=join_link&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=copyLink

There is a little news in the case of Jesse Lee Calhoun, a man who might be connected (allegedly) to the deaths of at least four women in the greater Portland metro area. Tune in for a quick update plus some news! Tomorrow you get not one but TWO episodes with Shea & Jody! We collaborated with Krystina over at Effed Up History to talk about the Satanic Panic! Both episodes drop tomorrow, April 11th at 8am EST. Part one is on the Effed Up History feed, part two is right here. Enjoy! Get part one here! https://open.spotify.com/show/02rG1jbgTKvvCLE33S6QvJ?si=a2c0f68f2ab74631 Join our Patreon! patreon.com/RainyDayRabbitHolesPodcast

In the murky depths of the Pacific Northwest's Salish Sea legends and myths intertwine with the aquatic realm. Join us on a thrilling voyage as we delve into the folklore and reality of the sea monsters that roam these waters. We shine a spotlight on the most enigmatic of the PNW's sea creatures, the giant Pacific Octopus, and tell the tales of "Caddy" a legendary sea monster reported to be seen through British Columbia and Washington. Tune in as we embark on an unforgettable expedition into the depths of the Salish Sea, where sea monsters reign supreme and the boundaries between myth and reality blur. Plus, we may have finally discovered where an octopus keeps its butt. Visit www.rainydayrabbitholes.com for more! Check out this video of Galloping Gertie! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j-zczJXSxnw Please make sure to follow us wherever you listen, and leave a review or rating! Thank you!

It's our 25th episode!!! What happens when you batch record three episodes in one morning? This hot mess express! Today, Shea tells you all about how the San Juan Islands of Washington almost fell to British rule, and how one poor pig sparked a 15 year skirmish that almost disintegrated into an all-out war between the Americans and the British in the Pacific Northwest. Marvel at Shea's inability to pronounce things. Grow disgusted with the non-stop tangents. It's everything you ever wanted, or didn't ask for, in a podcast episode. Its one hell of a drunk-isode! Visit www.rainydayrabbitholes.com for more info! Explore the history of the Coast Salish and other Indigenous people's place names! https://storymaps.arcgis.com/stories/9b0f86b51e054ba78b83ab39c4d0b1a6 Listen to Effed Up History! https://open.spotify.com/show/02rG1jbgTKvvCLE33S6QvJ?si=6350312f0e2044d8 Listen to Ireland Crimes and Mysteries! https://open.spotify.com/show/2KxPwYw81SE19hZUcrAFPE?si=978516e8f4994537 Listen to One Good Thing Media! https://open.spotify.com/show/1THZ05VbQ0sZJZwCo5i46I?si=f799cf954dce42c6 Read an article that is better than our drivel! https://www.historylink.org/file/5724

Beautiful mountains, gorgeous lakes and waterfalls, epic hikes, mouth-watering craft beer, steamy hot springs.... Idaho's got it all....plus militias! Today, Jody tells us about how Ruby Ridge became the epicenter of a harrowing standoff between the federal government and Randy Weaver, a former Green Beret, and his family. What began as a simple firearms charge escalated into a deadly confrontation, leaving lasting scars on both sides and igniting a fierce debate on government overreach and the rights of individuals. An important piece of the political history of Pacific Northwest that has implications even to this day. Check out our website for more! www.rainydayrabbitholes.com Make sure to click on the "Follow" button wherever you listen so you don't miss an episode! And can you please help us out by telling a friend and leaving a five star review? We appreciate your support!