Unpacking The Eerie

Join us for a guest episode and round-table discussion between four Palestinians in the diaspora, Muhamed, Battuul, Firas, Vinny & Michlin. In part two of this two-part conversation, our guests shed light on the brutality of the Israeli occupation and the people's movements to resist it. This episode unpacks zionism, land sovereignty and also offers a window into the 2nd Intifada. We are honored to offer these folks a platform to share their voices & stories with us. (Recorded December 2023) Guests: Muhamed Abedelhak, Sociology ProfessorBattuul AbdalFiras Helall, writer/organizer, writing to Palestinians back home to a liberated PalestineVinny Mansoor, law student, born in exile, raised in heritage and currently on his way back homeMichlin Mikel, Social WorkerResources:Decolonize Palestine Electronic IntifadaPalestine ResistArabs of Canada, InstagramSave Sheikh Jarrah Now, @savesheikhjarrahnow on Instagram Decolonize the Classroom, @decolonize_the_classroom on Instagram———————————At the publishing of this episode, at least 33,175 people, including more than 13,000 children have been brutally murdered at the hands of the Israeli Occupation Forces in Gaza. At least 75,886 have been injured and more than 8,000 remain missing. In the West Bank, at least 459 people, including over 117 children, have been killed since October 7th and over 4,750 injured. . (Source: Aljazeera)Learn more & take action here: Call to Action & Resource Checklist Outro last updated April 2023FYI: we've recently unpublished older episodes  as we are in process of re-editing for a smoother flow & audio experience. they will be available again as we finish. Support the showThank you for listening to our passion project <3 You can find us on social media here! We're a team of 2 people & have always been ad-free. If you are enjoying, please consider supporting our sustainability on Patreon or by making a one-time contribution via CashApp $unpacktheeerie. - your grateful hosts

Join us for a guest episode and round-table discussion between four Palestinians in the diaspora, Muhamed, Battuul, Firas, Vinny & Michlin. In part one of this two-part conversation, we are given the gift of listening  to our guests talk about Palestine, Palestinian resistance, indigeneity, historical memory, cross-movement solidarity and so much more.  We are honored to offer these folks a platform to share their voices & stories with us. Stay tuned for Part II, coming soon! (Recorded December 2023) Guests: Muhamed Abedelhak, Sociology ProfessorBattuul AbdalFiras Helall, writer/organizer, writing to Palestinians back home to a liberated PalestineVinny Mansoor, law student, born in exile, raised in heritage and currently on his way back homeMichlin Mikel, Social Worker———————————At the publishing of this episode at least 32,782 people, including more than 13,000 children have been brutally murdered at the hands of the Israeli Occupation Forces in Gaza. More than 8,000 remain missing. In the West Bank, at least 455 people have been killed since October 7th and over 4,750 injured. (Source: Aljazeera)Learn more & take action here: Call to Action & Resource Checklist Outro last updated April 2023FYI: we've recently unpublished older episodes  as we are in process of re-editing for a smoother flow & audio experience. they will be available again as we finish. Support the showThank you for listening to our passion project <3 You can find us on social media here! We're a team of 2 people & have always been ad-free. If you are enjoying, please consider supporting our sustainability on Patreon or by making a one-time contribution via CashApp $unpacktheeerie. - your grateful hosts

Ongoing Palestinian Genocidecontent warning: extreme violence, genocide At the publishing of this episode at least 8,306 Palestinians have been killed and over 21,000 injured in Gaza in the past 3 weeks. The current massacre and ongoing genocide of the Palestinian people has left us heartbroken and called to use our platform to uplift Palestinian voices as well as share resources and calls to action. Please listen to this short episode where we will share some of our thoughts & reflections, but mostly help support you in taking some tangible actions to stand up against genocide. Call to Action ChecklistOutro last updated April 2023FYI: we've recently unpublished older episodes  as we are in process of re-editing for a smoother flow & audio experience. they will be available again as we finish. Support the showThank you for listening to our passion project <3 You can find us on social media here! We're a team of 2 people & have always been ad-free. If you are enjoying, please consider supporting our sustainability on Patreon or by making a one-time contribution via CashApp $unpacktheeerie. - your grateful hosts

DARK HISTORY: Lake Washington cw: brief mentions of slaveryEver wondered what lies beneath the lakes you hang out at? Shaena does! And this week she takes us on an exploration under the depths of Lake Washington.  Join us and learn about the ancient frozen forest that has existed deep under Lake Washington for decades. The eerie sunken dwellings of the largest lake in King County is sure to give you goosebumps. Outro last updated April 2023FYI: we've recently unpublished older episodes  as we are in process of re-editing for a smoother flow & audio experience. they will be available again as we finish. Support the showThank you for listening to our passion project <3 You can find us on social media here! We're a team of 2 people & have always been ad-free. If you are enjoying, please consider supporting our sustainability on Patreon or by making a one-time contribution via CashApp $unpacktheeerie. - your grateful hosts

HAUNTING: The Pontianak Legend CW: sexual and domestic violenceWe’re back with another minisode and this time we’ve returned to Malaysia to explore an iconic urban legend and spiritual embodiment of feminine rage, The Pontianak. Join us as Akshi shares about her origin story and how the continuation of her lore offers significant commentary about patriarchal violence and survivor empowerment. She also takes time to discuss the utility of the horror genre as a medium to unpack the above and more.  SourcesOutro last updated April 2023FYI: we've recently unpublished older episodes  as we are in process of re-editing for a smoother flow & audio experience. they will be available again as we finish. Support the showThank you for listening to our passion project <3 You can find us on social media here! We're a team of 2 people & have always been ad-free. If you are enjoying, please consider supporting our sustainability on Patreon or by making a one-time contribution via CashApp $unpacktheeerie. - your grateful hosts

DARK HISTORY: The Weston State Hospital continuedCW: ableism, racism (including eugenics), gender-based violence, psychiatric trauma, abusePart 2 of Melancholia, Menstrual Derangement and Bad Whiskey continues deep dive into Weston State Hospital and the history of U.S.-based "mental asylums."  In this episode, we uncover the different “treatments” that  used at these institutions, including the famously horrific “Icepick” lobotomy. We’ll also explore the backstory of the DSM, deinstitutionalization and the decline of asylums in America. Tune in to learn how Weston State was transformed into the tourist attraction that it is today and learn about the psychiatric survivors & disability justice movements.ReferencesOutro last updated April 2023FYI: we've recently unpublished older episodes  as we are in process of re-editing for a smoother flow & audio experience. they will be available again as we finish. Support the showThank you for listening to our passion project <3 You can find us on social media here! We're a team of 2 people & have always been ad-free. If you are enjoying, please consider supporting our sustainability on Patreon or by making a one-time contribution via CashApp $unpacktheeerie. - your grateful hosts

DARK HISTORY/HAUNTINGS: Weston State Hospital/History of AsylumsCW: ableism, racism, gender-based violence, psychiatric trauma, abuseIn the late 1800s, America would become home to a new wave of “mental health” institutions we now know as asylums. The Weston State Hospital (aka The Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum) was one of many of these “state of the art” facilities. This episode Is all about how aspirations for palatial, elite experiences for (white) mentally ill patients quickly descended into the picture that you probably have of these places - carceral sites of unspeakable cruelty and dehumanization for those who were multiply marginalized. There was so much information on this, we’ve decided to break it up into 2 parts. In part one, you’ll learn about why Weston State Hospital is considered one of the most haunted places in the country, the history of asylums as a whole and the social-political climate that led to the extreme rise of people incarcerated in these institutions.    ReferencesOutro last updated April 2023FYI: we've recently unpublished older episodes  as we are in process of re-editing for a smoother flow & audio experience. they will be available again as we finish. Support the showThank you for listening to our passion project <3 You can find us on social media here! We're a team of 2 people & have always been ad-free. If you are enjoying, please consider supporting our sustainability on Patreon or by making a one-time contribution via CashApp $unpacktheeerie. - your grateful hosts

DARK HISTORY: The Blue Fugates of Kentuckycw: incest, childhood sexual abuse, rape, abortion After a few months off, we’re back y’all! And this time Shaena takes us down to another small town to learn about a family of blue people. Yes, you read that right - Blue People. Join us as we wander down to Troublesome Creek, Kentucky and learn about the Fugates: aka The Blue Fugates, aka ‘The Blue People of Kentucky’. Why are they blue? Listen to find out. Spoiler alert: it has to do with a lot of inbreeding. This episode, Shaena explores the history of this family, asking the question “Why the Fuck Are They Blue?”, and takes us on a few wild and uncomfortable tangents about incest. Buckle Up! SOURCESOutro last updated April 2023FYI: we've recently unpublished older episodes  as we are in process of re-editing for a smoother flow & audio experience. they will be available again as we finish. Support the showThank you for listening to our passion project <3 You can find us on social media here! We're a team of 2 people & have always been ad-free. If you are enjoying, please consider supporting our sustainability on Patreon or by making a one-time contribution via CashApp $unpacktheeerie. - your grateful hosts

UNSOLVED/CONSPIRACY: Disappearance of Malaysian Airlines Flight 370On March 8th, 2014,  227 passengers and 12 crew members boarded Malaysia Airlines Flight 370 for a 5 hour commute to Beijing, China. The aircraft departed  Kuala Lumpur International Airport at 00:42 MYT and by 01:19 MYT completely disappeared off the radar -- never to be seen or heard from again. Since then the Flight 370 disappearance has been the subject of countless newspaper articles, online discussion boards, a documentary and numerous conspiracy theories. In this 'sode, we learn about the timeline and theories as well as the people involved with and impacted by this mysterious tragedy. We also talk about the psychology behind ambiguous loss and the role of toxic masculinity in what we think is the most likely explanation behind the missing Flight 370CW: suicide, mass deathSourcesOutro last updated April 2023FYI: we've recently unpublished older episodes  as we are in process of re-editing for a smoother flow & audio experience. they will be available again as we finish. Support the showThank you for listening to our passion project <3 You can find us on social media here! We're a team of 2 people & have always been ad-free. If you are enjoying, please consider supporting our sustainability on Patreon or by making a one-time contribution via CashApp $unpacktheeerie. - your grateful hosts

CULT: Charles MansonSegment 4 of Psychedelic Nightmare brings us to one of the most well known cult murders in American history. We’re talking about Charles Manson’s racist, LSD fueled doomsday conspiracy and the young people he convinced to execute what we know now as the Tate Murders. Join us as we unpack the evolution of this cult, historical context of the time, the dynamics of grooming, and how mainstream media  consistently positions the murder of these  Hollywood elite above the horror of Manson's white supremacist agenda. We also take some time to uplift the legacy of the Black Panther Party (who the cult unsuccessfully framed for these murders). CW: grooming, abuse, murder, sexual assault, anti-Black racismSourcesOutro last updated April 2023FYI: we've recently unpublished older episodes  as we are in process of re-editing for a smoother flow & audio experience. they will be available again as we finish. Support the showThank you for listening to our passion project <3 You can find us on social media here! We're a team of 2 people & have always been ad-free. If you are enjoying, please consider supporting our sustainability on Patreon or by making a one-time contribution via CashApp $unpacktheeerie. - your grateful hosts

CULT: The Family/The Great White Brotherhood/Anne Hamilton Byrne cw: sexual assault, suicide, child abuse, ritual abuse In Part 3 of this series, we travel away from MKUltra, to the other side of the globe to unpack Australia’s most notorious cult – “The Family” (aka The Great White Brotherhood). In mid 1960’s Australia, this doomsday cult was formed by Anne Hamilton Byrne, a yoga teacher-turned-cult leader, who believed she was the reincarnation of Jesus Christ. This story has eerie ties that link to MK-Ultra and its LSD abuses, as well as Jim Jones. Join us as we learn how several children were drawn into this cult via bogus adoptions and subjected to years of physical, verbal, psychological and emotional abuse at the hands of Anne & her followers. Through dissecting this shocking story, we also explore yoga as a philosophy, white supremacy in wellness communities & the impacts of betrayal trauma. ReferencesOutro last updated April 2023FYI: we've recently unpublished older episodes  as we are in process of re-editing for a smoother flow & audio experience. they will be available again as we finish. Support the showThank you for listening to our passion project <3 You can find us on social media here! We're a team of 2 people & have always been ad-free. If you are enjoying, please consider supporting our sustainability on Patreon or by making a one-time contribution via CashApp $unpacktheeerie. - your grateful hosts

DARK HISTORY: MKULTRA continuedIn part two of this series on MKUltra, you’ll learn more about the roll out of these LSD-fueled experiments and how they came to a close. We take a deeper look at its intersections with racism and criminalization as well as the stark contrast between the trauma and dehumanization experienced by unknowing “test subjects,” the most impacted being incarcerated Black folks, and the bohemian counter-culture cultivated by white beat writers who were willing participants of MK Ultra experiments at their universities. You’ll also learn more about popular conspiracies tied to these experiments and the psychology behind conspiracy-based beliefs. content warning: violence, torture, anti-black racism, mention of drugs Check out Akshi's Interview on All Humans Are Human here ReferencesOutro last updated April 2023FYI: we've recently unpublished older episodes  as we are in process of re-editing for a smoother flow & audio experience. they will be available again as we finish. Support the showThank you for listening to our passion project <3 You can find us on social media here! We're a team of 2 people & have always been ad-free. If you are enjoying, please consider supporting our sustainability on Patreon or by making a one-time contribution via CashApp $unpacktheeerie. - your grateful hosts

  DARK HISTORY: MKULTRA, Intro/HistoryIn our second series, we explore our first ever conspiracy theory, that is absolutely wild & incredibly true. Project MKULTRA was a secret CIA project that took place between the early 1950s to the early 1970s, in which hundreds of tortuous experiments were conducted on (mostly) unsuspecting human subjects. The project, Sidney Gottlieb, aimed to develop strategies and identify drugs (such as LSD), that could be used for the purposes of “mind-control” (read: how can we psychologically torture, force confessions and manipulate the consciousness of the human mind?). In the first part of this multi-part series, we dig in to Allan Memorial, one of the many institutions where these experiments took place & set the stage for MKUltra. Learn about how the Cold War and the Red Scare motivated the creation of this project, the discovery of Lysergic Acid Diethylamide and its unique characteristics and  of course, the project’s lead “Poisoner in Chief”, Sidney Gottlieb. content warning: gun violence, torture, homophobia, racism, drugs Uvalde/Buffalo Shooting Resources & ReferencesOutro last updated April 2023FYI: we've recently unpublished older episodes  as we are in process of re-editing for a smoother flow & audio experience. they will be available again as we finish. Support the showThank you for listening to our passion project <3 You can find us on social media here! We're a team of 2 people & have always been ad-free. If you are enjoying, please consider supporting our sustainability on Patreon or by making a one-time contribution via CashApp $unpacktheeerie. - your grateful hosts

TRUE CRIME: Katherine KnightWe’re back with a horrifying story and, this time, we’re taking you to the small town of Aberdeen in New South Wales Australia. “If I don’t show up to work, it’s because she killed me,” John Price told his co-workers as he prepared to separate from his relationship with Katherine Knight. The next day his neighbors rang the alarm when he never arrived at work without a call — Katherine had murdered….and cannibalized him. This episode, we trace back Katherine’s relationship histories that preceded the killing and explore the question “what the fuck happened to you, Katherine?” Join us as we discuss “personality disorders”, break down the impact of childhood DV and how patriarchy is still the devil in this story. cw: domestic violence, child sexual abuse, incest, graphic violence, animal abuseSOURCESOutro last updated April 2023FYI: we've recently unpublished older episodes  as we are in process of re-editing for a smoother flow & audio experience. they will be available again as we finish. Support the showThank you for listening to our passion project <3 You can find us on social media here! We're a team of 2 people & have always been ad-free. If you are enjoying, please consider supporting our sustainability on Patreon or by making a one-time contribution via CashApp $unpacktheeerie. - your grateful hosts

CULTS: Jim Jones/Jonestown Massacrecw: anti-black racism, extreme violence, assault, murder, suicide, child abuse, slavery In 1978, over 900 people died at a remote settlement in Guyana after ingesting a poison-laced drink. Their leader, Jim Jones, declared this a “revolutionary suicide.” In our first episode about a cult, we dig into the Jonestown massacre – the event that had the largest number of American civilian casualties due to a non-natural cause, until 9/11. In our third collaborative episode, Olivia Morgan*, a co-host of the podcast Inchunwa, joins Akshi as they explore the events that led up to this heartbreaking tragedy, uncovering how Jim Jones drew a group of idealistic, marginalized folks in with promises of utopia, and violently led them to their deaths. Why did this happen? Who did this happen to? How did it get to this point?  Tune in to find out how white supremacy, colonization, narcissism and abuse dynamics all tie into this devastating story. And as always, take care of yourselves, coz’ this one’s a doozy. *Olivia Morgan (she/they) is a social worker and citizen of the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma and descendent of Chickasaw Nation. Olivia is a co-host of Inchunwa,  a podcast that shares the story of the ongoing Southeastern traditional tattoo revitalization movement. On their podcast they talk with influential artists, southeastern scholars, as well as folks directly involved in the movement: those looking forward to being tattooed and those tattooing southeastern folks. To learn more about Inchunwa, you can find them anywhere you get your podcasts and follow them on Instagram @inchunwa. SourcesIf you or someone you know is struggling with suicidal thoughts, you are not alone. Here are some resources that you can reach out to for support, we also encourage you to reach out to your community & find local crisis lines in your city, state or country. You can find a list of suicide hotlines all over the world here. The crisis lines listed below are for those located in the United States. You can find more crisis lines at this link, and search for longer-term help with a therapist on Psychology Today. 24/7 Crisis Hotline: 1-800-273-TALK (8255) 24/7 Crisis Text Line: Text TALK to 741-741 Veterans Crisis Line: Send a text to 83825The Trevor Project (Support for the LGBTQIA2S+ community ): 1-866-488-7386Outro last updated April 2023FYI: we've recently unpublished older episodes  as we are in process of re-editing for a smoother flow & audio experience. they will be available again as we finish. Support the showThank you for listening to our passion project <3 You can find us on social media here! We're a team of 2 people & have always been ad-free. If you are enjoying, please consider supporting our sustainability on Patreon or by making a one-time contribution via CashApp $unpacktheeerie. - your grateful hosts

TOPIC: Witch Hunts in India & Okinawa, Origins of Brujeria cw: violence against women, graphic violence, sexual violence, tortureWhen people hear “witch hunts” and “witch trials”, what often comes to mind are the Salem Witch Trials that occurred in Massachusetts in the 17th century. What people don’t know is that what we know as “witch hunts” have occurred in many other parts of the world, and in some countries, are still happening today. In our second collaborative episode, Bex Carlos*, host of the podcast Tu Tía Bruja, joins the hosts of Unpacking The Eerie as we explore lesser known stories about witches & witch hunts. Learn about the impact of colonialism in Mexico and it’s creation of brujería due to the Spanish Inquisition, the colonial persecution of yuta  in the Ryukyu Kingdom (now known as Okinawa), as well as the horrors that women in rural parts of India are still experiencing as a result of witch hunts driven by greed and patriarchal violence. Join us as we explore how the insidious nature of capitalism, colonialism and patriarchy all play a key role in these three stories and the power of ancient spiritual traditions and community in resisting colonial and patriarchal oppression.*Bex Carlos, Audio witch has worked in the digital media field for over 10 years now. She’s worked at 105.7 The Point, 106.5 The Arch and has also helped edit many different podcasts (Balanced Black Girl Podcast, Dear Franny, Little Women, That’s What She Did, Sex With Emily). Bex has a strong interest in metaphysics as well as social justice and out of these interests, she created Tu Tía Bruja. Tu Tía Bruja is a podcast that focuses on conversations about witchcraft, ghosts, the occult, true crime, and the abnormal. Since launching in June 2020, the show has charted within the Top 200 Spirituality Podcasts in Canada, Finland, Germany, the U.K., Costa Rica, Chile, Spain, Mexico, Australia, Belgium, South Africa, and the U.S. Building community with witches and brujis is very important to Bex, and is what led her to reach out to Shaena and Akshi to make this collaborative, witchy episode. To learn more about Bex and her work, check out her website at www.bexbecasting.com. You can find Tu Tía Bruja anywhere you listen to podcasts and give her podcast a follow on Instagram and Twitter @tutiabruja. Sources (find references to other episodes here)Outro last updated April 2023FYI: we've recently unpublished older episodes  as we are in process of re-editing for a smoother flow & audio experience. they will be available again as we finish. Support the showThank you for listening to our passion project <3 You can find us on social media here! We're a team of 2 people & have always been ad-free. If you are enjoying, please consider supporting our sustainability on Patreon or by making a one-time contribution via CashApp $unpacktheeerie. - your grateful hosts

TOPIC: Lake LanierCW: anti-black racism, genocide, hate crimes, murder, sexual assault Lake Sidney Lanier is a one of the largest manmade lakes in the US that was built in 1956 for flood control, drinking water and hydroelectric power.  Although this lake has 11 million visitors a year, it also has a dark side. Over 500 people have died or gone missing at this lake since the 1950s, so we wondered, why? Join us as we dig deep into the very dark, racist history of this lake & its bizarre and terrifying present as well. References, additional information & organizations mentioned can be found here: Sources Outro last updated April 2023FYI: we've recently unpublished older episodes  as we are in process of re-editing for a smoother flow & audio experience. they will be available again as we finish. Support the showThank you for listening to our passion project <3 You can find us on social media here! We're a team of 2 people & have always been ad-free. If you are enjoying, please consider supporting our sustainability on Patreon or by making a one-time contribution via CashApp $unpacktheeerie. - your grateful hosts

DARK HISTORY/HAUNTINGS: The Fremont Troll/Aurora Bridge On Thursday, October 21st at 6:00pm PST we did a live recording with the University of Washington School of Social Work, our recent Alma Mater heyooo. Here, we unpack the Fremont Troll in Seattle, WA - its ghost stories,  history, and role in gentrification.⁠ Much gratitude to the folks at the SSW for making this happen & for the generous donation of $500 to the People’s Harm Reduction Alliance in honor of this episode.  CW: suicide, death, drug use/overdoseYou can view the live show for a limited time on YouTube or any time by becoming a Patreon patron  (plus you'll get access to our live show drinking game ;)Mental Health & Suicide Support Resources: https://projectlets.org/resourcesSourcesNEW MERCH COMING SOON. HELP US NARROW IN ON DESIGN HERE.Outro last updated April 2023FYI: we've recently unpublished older episodes  as we are in process of re-editing for a smoother flow & audio experience. they will be available again as we finish. Support the showThank you for listening to our passion project <3 You can find us on social media here! We're a team of 2 people & have always been ad-free. If you are enjoying, please consider supporting our sustainability on Patreon or by making a one-time contribution via CashApp $unpacktheeerie. - your grateful hosts

If you take a visit to Ed & Lorraine Warren's  Occult Museum in Monroe, Connecticut, you'll find a seemingly ordinary Raggedy Anne doll encased in a wooden box with a sign that reads "POSITIVELY DO NOT OPEN" on the door. This doll is rumored to be severely haunted, and has even inspired The Conjuring movie franchise. This Halloween, we're talking about the infamous Annabelle doll. Join us for an eerie minisode as Akshi shares about Annabelle's origin story and why people think she is possessed by a straight up demon.NEW MERCH COMING SOON. HELP US NARROW IN ON DESIGN HERE.Outro last updated April 2023FYI: we've recently unpublished older episodes  as we are in process of re-editing for a smoother flow & audio experience. they will be available again as we finish. Support the showThank you for listening to our passion project <3 You can find us on social media here! We're a team of 2 people & have always been ad-free. If you are enjoying, please consider supporting our sustainability on Patreon or by making a one-time contribution via CashApp $unpacktheeerie. - your grateful hosts

DARK HISTORY/TRUE CRIME: Elizabeth BathoryContent Warning: anti-asian racism, extreme violence, torture OMFG it’s episode ten, and in our humble opinion, it’s our most gruesome and also most hilarious episode. This episode we explore the life of another extremely violent woman (throwback to Linda) who inspired Lady Gaga’s character in AHS Hotel and countless death metal band names. Yes, you guessed it, she’s the Guinness Book of World Records Title holder of “Most Prolific Female Murderer,” Elizabeth Báthory. Join us as we dive deep into the murderous life of this noble woman from the Balkans and how classism, incest, witchcraft and WAP (yes, you read that correct), intersect with this wild ass story. SourcesOutro last updated April 2023FYI: we've recently unpublished older episodes  as we are in process of re-editing for a smoother flow & audio experience. they will be available again as we finish. Support the showThank you for listening to our passion project <3 You can find us on social media here! We're a team of 2 people & have always been ad-free. If you are enjoying, please consider supporting our sustainability on Patreon or by making a one-time contribution via CashApp $unpacktheeerie. - your grateful hosts