It's a very haunted Christmas at our houses this year! We are decking the halls with pure nightmare fuel (with a few laughs mixed in). We're talking Frau Perchta, the winter witch who rewards the good and violently reorganizes your insides if you're bad & Krampus, Saint Nick's emotionally unstable naughty list enforcer. Plus, we unwrap a handful of cursed Christmas Reddit stories that prove the most terrifying part of the holidays isn't your relatives... Consider this your official warning to behave this holiday season!

Takeaways:

1. This episode delves into the darker aspects of Christmas folklore, revealing unsettling tales that challenge our traditional perceptions of the holiday.
2. We explore the duality of figures like Frau Perchta and Krampus, who reward the virtuous while punishing the wicked in terrifying ways.
3. Listeners are cautioned to reflect on their behavior, as the ominous presence of Krampus serves as a reminder of the consequences of naughtiness.
4. The chilling narratives shared in this episode illustrate how folklore can serve as a means of instilling morality through fear and cautionary tales.

Send us your spooky stories to be featured on the podcast to:

smellslikeseenspirit@gmail.com

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Sources for this episode:

1. Frau Perchta, Terrifying Christmas Witch
2. Fearsome Frau Perchta
3. The History of Perchta
4. Frau Perchta, The Belly Slitter
5. Youtube- Krampus Show 2025
6. Krampus- The Winter Devil
7. Krampus Christmas Legend
8. Youtube- The Krampus Song
9. Reddit Users: u/MegaNekkoAnji

: u/KnivesOut21

:...

In this episode, we blast off into the unnerving universe of aliens, UFOs, and all things that go beep-boop in the night. Join us (Haley & Tammy), your favorite mother-daughter duo, as we unpack bizarre sightings, questionable government behavior (as usual), and personal accounts that range from "huh?" to "oh absolutely not." Expect mysterious lights in the sky, weird time-slips, cosmic side-eye, and enough extraterrestrial chaos to make you double-check your windows before bed. It's creepy, it's funny, and it may or may not convince you that Earth is the sketchiest rest stop on the galactic highway. Buckle up- things are about to get weird.

Takeaways:

• The episode delves into the historical accounts of UFO sightings, including Alexander the Great's reported encounters that suggest extraterrestrial involvement in his military conquests.
• Listeners are introduced to the infamous abduction story of Betty and Barney Hill, who experienced a harrowing encounter with alien beings in the early 1960s.
• The discussion raises questions regarding the nature of aliens, suggesting they could be future humans or interdimensional beings, provoking profound philosophical inquiries.
• Whitley Strieber's experiences reveal chilling aspects of alien encounters, highlighting the emotional and psychological impacts on individuals who have faced such phenomena.
• They discuss more recent cases of military professionals and commercial pilots having knowledge and documentation of UAPs.

Follow us on Instagram & Tiktok @smellslikeseenspirit

Send your own personal paranormal stories (ghost, alien, cryptid, unknown) to: smellslikeseenspirit@gmail.com to be featured on our series "The Seen Files"! We can't wait to hear from you!

Sources:

• https://unknowncountry.com/
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1yyl23Xuq28
• Alexander The Great
• Alien Sightings By Famous People
• Ancient Visitors-Egypt
• Betty & Barney Hill
• Betty & Barney Hill
• A Honeymoon Hi-jacked By Aliens
• Evidence of Early Alien Contact With Earth-Ancient Aliens
• https://www.safeaerospace.org/
• NPR-UFO Hearing
• The...

You don't have to be alive to be involved in a murder. Ghosts can participate too ya know?

In this episode, we (Haley & Tammy) discuss the only two documented cases in history where a ghost was involved in a murder trial. The Bell Witch, who terrorized a Tennessee family with the confidence of a ghost who definitely skipped anger management, and The Greenbrier Ghost, the only murder victim bold enough to come back and testify from beyond the grave.

Join us as we unpack vengeful spirits, suspicious husbands, spectral court appearances, and the kind of 1800s drama that proves ghosts have always been petty. It's spooky, it's hilarious, and it's exactly the kind of energy you've come to expect from your favorite mother-daughter paranormal duo. Tune in.. if you dare.

Takeaways:

• The podcast delves into the chilling tales of the Bell Witch and the Greenbrier ghost, emphasizing their connections to actual murders that amplify their eeriness.
• Listeners are encouraged to share their own paranormal experiences, whether they are spooky or simply unexplainable.
• The historical context surrounding the Bell Witch legend highlights the family's unsettling experiences that began with a strange creature sighting.
• The episode illustrates the phenomenon of spiritualism in the 1800s, illustrating how societal changes influenced beliefs in the supernatural and the afterlife.
• In discussing the Greenbrier ghost, the podcast explores how the ghost's testimony led to the conviction of her murderer, marking a rare instance in legal history.
• Listeners are reminded to approach discussions about spirits with respect, as local lore suggests that speaking negatively about the Bell Witch may bring misfortune.

Send us your personal spooky stories to: smellslikeseenspirit@gmail.com

Follow us on Tiktok: @smellslikeseenspirit

Follow us on Instagram: @smellslikeseenspirit

Research Resources:

The Bell Witch:

• The Horrifying Story of The Bell Witch (Youtube)
• Sam & Colby-The Bell Witch Cave (Youtube)
• Mr Ballen- The Bell Witch Haunting (Youtube)
• bellwitchcave.com
• tnmuseum.org
• customshousemuseum.org
• chattanoogapulse.com
• Travel Channel recap of Zak Bagans/Ghost Adventures: The Bell Witch Cave (Youtube)

The Greenbrier Ghost:

• The Greenbrier Ghost: Appalachia True Stories (Youtube)
• greenbrierwv.com

Are you haunted? Do you want to be?

This week is our second listener stories episode in our series called "The Seen Files" where we read some of your unexplainable or spooky stories back to you as well as some of our own and even some wild ones from Reddit!

This episode of 'Smells Like Seen Spirit' invites listeners to engage with the inexplicable through a series of compelling listener stories. The conversation is rich with vivid descriptions of encounters that challenge the boundaries of reality, allowing us to traverse the thin line between the known and the unknown. Each tale encapsulates a unique experience, from ghostly apparitions to sensations that defy explanation, thereby fostering a sense of community among those who have faced similar phenomena. Haley & Tammy guide the discussion with a deft balance of seriousness and light-heartedness, creating a welcoming environment for all who have ever felt the chill of an unseen presence. This episode not only entertains but also serves as a reminder of the unexplored realms of our existence, prompting us to question the nature of reality and the forces that may lie beyond our understanding. Through shared stories, we find solace in our fears and curiosity, ultimately urging all to remain open to the mysteries that surround us.

Takeaways:

• In this episode, we explore a myriad of listener-submitted paranormal encounters that defy conventional explanation.
• We delve into eerie tales of ghostly apparitions and inexplicable phenomena shared by our audience, prompting intriguing discussions.
• The narrative style adopted for this episode fosters a campfire-like atmosphere, enhancing the storytelling experience for our listeners.
• Throughout the episode, we engage in spirited banter and laughter, juxtaposing the serious nature of the stories with our familial dynamics.
• The episode emphasizes the shared nature of fear and curiosity surrounding the supernatural, as expressed through personal anecdotes.
• We invite our audience to contribute their own experiences with the supernatural, expanding the community of shared stories.

Submit your stories to: smellslikeseenspirit@gmail.com

Follow us on:

• Instagram
• Tiktok

Demons, aliens, ghosts, or just urban legend... In today's episode, Haley and Tammy discuss their thoughts on the Black Eyed Kids and tell stories of real encounters that people have had with these terrifying beings.

In an exploration that is both engaging and unsettling, this podcast episode invites listeners to confront the enigma of the Black Eyed Kids—a modern urban legend steeped in mystery and fear. Haley and Tammy present a meticulously researched narrative that examines the origins of BEK sightings, tracing their roots back to the 1996 report by journalist Brian Bethel, which catalyzed a wave of similar testimonies across the globe. By dissecting the common characteristics of these encounters, such as the BEK's insistence on being invited inside and their distinctive appearance, the discussion raises pertinent questions about the nature of evil and the boundaries of human experience. The episode does not shy away from the psychological implications of fear, illustrating how encounters with the BEK can leave indelible marks on witnesses, often leading to long-term anxiety and paranoia. With a blend of personal stories, expert insights, and a critical examination of the phenomena, this episode serves as both a cautionary tale and a fascinating study of contemporary folklore, urging listeners to remain vigilant against the shadows that lurk on the periphery of our understanding.

Takeaways:

• The Black Eyed Kids, or BEK, are urban legends characterized by their black eyes and sinister requests.
• Encounters with Black Eyed Kids often elicit profound feelings of dread and fear in those who encounter them.
• Theories regarding the nature of Black Eyed Kids range from ghosts to demons, each accompanied by unsettling stories.
• Witnesses report that those who encounter Black Eyed Kids experience unexplained misfortune following the encounter.

Resources:

• https://www.atlasobscura.com/articles/black-eyed-children-urban-legend
• Stephanie Harlowe- Harloween: Black Eyed Children
• Shane- Urban Legends: Black Eyed Children

Links to Follow:

• Smells Like Seen Spirit- Instagram
• Smells Like Seen Spirit- TikTok

Send your listener stories to our email: smellslikeseenspirit@gmail.com

Are you haunted? Do you want to be? This week we are releasing our very first ever listener stories episode! These series is called "The Seen Files". Remember "The X Files"? We are excited to read you some of our spooky stories as well as your own!

The episode is a captivating exploration of the paranormal, where we unite personal anecdotes with listener contributions to create a tapestry of ghostly encounters. As we delve into both our stories and those shared by our audience, we uncover a spectrum of experiences that range from the mildly unsettling to the profoundly terrifying. Each account serves as a testament to the enduring intrigue of the supernatural, encouraging listeners to reflect on their own experiences with the inexplicable. We prompt our audience to engage with the narratives, fostering a communal experience of fear and fascination. By weaving together these diverse tales, we seek to illuminate the common threads that connect us all in our quest for understanding the mysteries that lie beyond the veil.

Takeaways:

• In this episode of our podcast, we delve into a collection of ghost stories shared by our listeners, exploring the paranormal experiences that have profoundly impacted their lives.
• We introduce a new segment titled 'The Seen Files', which showcases real encounters with the supernatural as recounted by our audience, revealing their chilling tales.
• The stories we discuss are not only entertaining but also serve to illustrate the emotional weight and lasting impressions that such experiences can leave on individuals.
• As we recount these ghostly encounters, we invite our listeners to reflect on their own experiences, urging them to consider the unseen forces that may be present around us, even in our most familiar spaces.

Credit & thanks to everyone who wrote in: Natalie, Bonnie, Brad, and Chickennuggysupreme from Reddit!

Send us your own spooky stories! Whether it's a ghost story, a glitch in the matrix, a premonition that came true, or just something that still gives you chills when you think about it, we want to hear it!

You can DM us on Instagram at @smellslikeseenspirit or you can email them to us at smellslikeseenspirit@gmail.com to be featured and get a shoutout on the podcast!

The episode delves into the historical significance of Samhain, which served as a precursor to contemporary Halloween celebrations. We explore the origins of various Halloween traditions, including the association of witches and black cats with this time of year, the practice of "trick or treat," and the carving of pumpkins. Through an examination of ancient rituals and their transformation within modern pop culture, we illuminate the interplay between the sacred and the commercial aspects of the holiday. Our discussion also touches upon the folklore surrounding Samhain, including the mystical creatures believed to roam during this time. Ultimately, we aim to provide a deeper understanding of how these traditions have evolved and continue to shape our contemporary celebrations of Halloween.

The episode provides an insightful exploration of Halloween's origins, tracing its roots back to the Celtic festival of Samhain. Celebrated on the night of October 31st, Samhain was a time of harvest, marking the end of the growing season, and was rich with spiritual significance. The Celts believed that on this night, the boundary between the physical world and the spirit realm was diminished, allowing the souls of the deceased to return. Rituals during Samhain included the lighting of bonfires and the wearing of disguises to protect against wandering spirits. As we dissect various customs associated with this ancient festival, we also examine how the arrival of Christianity transformed Samhain into Halloween, integrating elements of trick-or-treating, costumes, and the symbolism of black cats and pumpkins, which have become synonymous with the holiday.

Takeaways:

• The episode delves into the origins of Halloween, tracing its roots back to the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain, celebrated by the Celts, primarily in Ireland, the United Kingdom, Scotland, and northern France.
• Listeners are introduced to various rituals and traditions associated with Samhain, including the lighting of ceremonial bonfires, wearing costumes to ward off spirits, and leaving food offerings for wandering souls.
• The transformation of Samhain into modern Halloween is explored, detailing how Christian practices, such as All Saints' Day, were integrated into the pre-existing customs of the pagan festival.
• The podcast discusses the significance of various symbols associated with Halloween, such as black cats, pumpkins, and the concept of the veil between the worlds being thinned during this time of year.
• A fascinating tale of 'Stingy Jack' is recounted, explaining the origins of the Jack O' Lantern, which serves as a cultural reference point for listeners regarding Halloween decorations.
• The episode concludes with a reflection on modern adaptations of Samhain practices, encouraging listeners to honor their ancestors and engage in introspective rituals during the Halloween season.

Companies mentioned in this episode:

• Spirit Halloween
• CelticFusion Design
• McDonald's
• Pizza Hut
• Toys R Us
• Walgreens
• Kmart
• Burger King

Links!

• Send your spooky stories to smellslikeseenspirit@gmail.com to be featured on the listener stories episodes of our podcast!
• Follow us @smellslikeseenspirit on Instagram and Tiktok

Resources For This Episode:

• history.com/articles/history-of-halloween
• irishmyths.com/2022/08/11/samhain/

The focal point of our discourse centers on the intricate phenomena of lucid dreaming and its intersection with paranormal experiences. Throughout our dialogue, we delve into personal anecdotes that encompass dream visitations from departed loved ones, the unsettling nature of sleep paralysis, and the enigmatic phenomenon of astral projection. We explore the Gateway Experience, a training system investigated by the CIA for its potential implications in remote viewing, thereby illuminating the broader implications of consciousness beyond the corporeal realm. The episode further examines premonitory dreams, recounting instances where individuals have foreseen events prior to their occurrence, thereby challenging the boundaries of time and perception. Join us as we navigate these profound themes and share our collective experiences, inviting you to reflect on the mysteries that lie within the realm of dreams.

The podcast delves into the intriguing subject of lucid dreaming and the myriad of paranormal experiences that can manifest during our slumber. The hosts engage the audience by first posing questions about personal encounters with dreams that seem to transcend the ordinary realm of sleep. They explore lucid dreaming, a phenomenon where one becomes aware of dreaming and can exert control over the dream narrative. This discussion seamlessly transitions into the concept of astral projection, wherein an individual's consciousness purportedly detaches from the physical form, allowing for exploration of alternate dimensions or planes of existence. The episode further examines the historical context of these experiences, referencing the CIA's interest in the Gateway Experience—a method developed by Bob Monroe to cultivate altered states of consciousness for self-discovery and potential applications in espionage. The complexity of these topics is enriched by anecdotes from the hosts and their listeners, fostering a conversation that intertwines personal narratives with broader metaphysical questions about the nature of existence and consciousness itself.

Takeaways:

• The episode primarily explores the phenomena of lucid dreaming and its connection to astral projection, highlighting the complexities involved in both practices.
• Listeners are encouraged to reflect on their personal experiences with dreams, particularly those involving deceased loved ones or premonitions of future events.
• The discussion includes a historical overview of the CIA's interest in the Gateway Experience, a program aimed at utilizing altered states of consciousness for intelligence purposes.
• The hosts share compelling anecdotes, including vivid dreams that demonstrate the potential for communication with the deceased, emphasizing the emotional significance of such encounters.
• The podcast addresses the psychological aspects of dreaming, particularly how the brain processes experiences during sleep and the implications of lucid dreaming.
• The episode concludes with an invitation for listeners to share their own stories of dream visitations or premonitions, fostering a community dialogue on these profound experiences.

Send your experiences to our email to be featured on our listener stories episodes! smellslikeseenspirit@gmail.com

Follow us on Instagram and Tiktok @smellslikeseenspirit

References for this episode:

sleep.com/sleep-health/what-is-lucid-dreaming

dreamstudies.org/the-dark-side-of-lucid-dreams/