On this spooky-season episode, Christy and Kathy investigate hell hound legends by separating what witnesses report from what they believe it means, while noting these black-dog traditions developed independently and are not a scientifically recognized species. They cover common descriptions (giant black dogs with glowing eyes, snarls, sudden appearances near graveyards, forests, lonely roads, or “portals”) and the idea that encounters warn of death or bad luck. The discussion traces origins from Greek mythology (Cerberus guarding Hades; Hecate’s associated hounds) to Norse and British folklore (Garmr, the Wild Hunt, Black Shuck, Barghest, Church Grimm), including medieval and Elizabethan reports such as Peterborough (1127) and the 1577 Bungay and Blythburgh church incidents during storms. They also compare Aztec beliefs about the Xoloitzcuintle guiding souls through Mictlan and reflect on psychological and environmental explanations like misidentification, pareidolia, sleep-related hallucinations, and weather, ending with differing views on whether a spiritual “guardian” concept exists.

Be sure to follow our podcast for updates, rate us on your favorite platform, and share your thoughts and stories at psychicandskeptic@gmail.com.

Disclaimers:

• This podcast is for informational or entertainment purposes only and should not be considered professional or medical advice. The content is general and accuracy is not guaranteed. Listeners are responsible for how they use the information.
• The hosts are not responsible for any losses, damages, or liabilities that may arise from the use of this podcast.
• This podcast content is protected by copyright and unauthorized use is prohibited.

00:00 Hellhounds Intro

01:54 What Is A Hellhound

04:49 Portals And Boundaries

05:35 Mythology Roots

08:12 Norse And British Lore

11:45 Wild Hunt Chronicles

13:55 Black Shuck At Bungay

16:35 Blythburgh Devil Prints

19:28 Jump Ahead To 1829

19:33 Old Shuck Folklore

20:20 How Legends Spread

20:57 Aztec Underworld Dog

22:22 Nine Levels Mictlan

27:04 Crossing River Guide

29:36 Grim Reaper Origins

31:55 Skeptic Explanations

33:33 Are Hellhounds Real

38:41 Halloween Wrap Up

On this episode, Christy and Kathy explore the autumn equinox through astronomy, history, folklore, and modern paranormal claims, asking whether it’s simply a seasonal marker or a spiritually significant “thin veil” time. They explain what the equinox is, examine modern pagan terminology, and discuss symbolism. They review claims of equinox-linked hauntings and the Equinox Hotel ghost stories, emphasizing how interpretation and expectation shape reports. Kathy says the equinox doesn’t change spiritual activity for her, while both stress data collection, controls, and listener journaling to look for patterns.

Be sure to follow our podcast for updates, rate us on your favorite platform, and share your thoughts and stories at psychicandskeptic@gmail.com.

Disclaimers:

• This podcast is for informational or entertainment purposes only and should not be considered professional or medical advice. The content is general and accuracy is not guaranteed. Listeners are responsible for how they use the information.
• The hosts are not responsible for any losses, damages, or liabilities that may arise from the use of this podcast.
• This podcast content is protected by copyright and unauthorized use is prohibited.

00:00 Autumn Equinox Setup

05:28 Balance Myth Busting

09:18 Ancient Sites Traditions

17:27 Mabon Origins Explained

20:11 Why Fall Feels Spooky

21:40 Persephone Seasonal Myth

27:06 Equinox Haunting Claims

28:45 Hall Road Bridge Legend

30:10 Midnight Cemetery Signs

30:35 Staircases and Portals

31:33 Equinox Investigation Bias

34:22 Haunted Equinox Hotel Story

35:34 Lincoln Legends vs History

37:50 Does the Veil Thin

47:01 Spooky Season Wrap Up

49:52 Final Thoughts and Sign Off

On this episode, the hosts explore folklore, paranormal claims, cryptids, and true crime tied to the 2,198-mile Appalachian Trail, outlining its route, history, management, and the hiking culture that helps legends spread. They discuss published lore like Madeline Vinton Dahlgren’s 1882 book South Mountain Magic may shape experiences. Featured stories include the Wampus Cat (Cherokee-based legend and newspaper panics), the ghost of lost child Ottie Klein Powell near Bluff Mountain and Punch Bowl Shelter, the Brown Mountain Lights and USGS explanations versus later folklore, and the Snarly Yow phantom black dog. They also cover the 1981 Wapiti Shelter murders by Randall Lee Smith and his 2008 shooting of two fishermen, plus a 1975 hatchet killing at Vandeventer Shelter, and end with modern accounts like a “floating dress” near Hog Pen Gap and unexplained footsteps near Fontana Dam, inviting listeners to submit encounters.

Be sure to follow our podcast for updates, rate us on your favorite platform, and share your thoughts and stories at psychicandskeptic@gmail.com.

Disclaimers:

• This podcast is for informational or entertainment purposes only and should not be considered professional or medical advice. The content is general and accuracy is not guaranteed. Listeners are responsible for how they use the information.
• The hosts are not responsible for any losses, damages, or liabilities that may arise from the use of this podcast.
• This podcast content is protected by copyright and unauthorized use is prohibited.

00:00 Welcome to the AT

02:00 Why Hikers Come

02:54 Legends Take Root

04:36 Skeptic Lens Outdoors

06:59 Wampus Cat Origins

12:04 Newspaper Panic Waves

14:13 Ottie Powell Tragedy

17:14 Ghost Boy Reports

25:56 Brown Mountain Lights

28:55 Lights and Legends Shift

29:33 Scotty Wiseman Song Lore

30:34 Snarly Yow Cryptid

33:46 Phantom Dog Encounters

35:28 Why Cryptid Stories Spread

36:36 Shelters and Trail Culture

37:33 Wapiti Shelter Murders

42:07 Vandeventer Shelter Tragedy

45:12 Debunking Trail Experiences

46:36 Floating Dress Apparition

48:11 Footsteps in Snow Mystery

49:50 Internet Amplifies Hauntings

50:10 Trail Haunted Debate

50:41 Share Your Encounter

51:41 Closing Thanks and Signoff