Best Folklore On The Rocks Podcasts (2025)

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Land, Power and a Little Fish: The Tellico Dam Story 14:26

10h ago14:26

14:26

Today we tell the story of the battle over the Tellico Dam, the last major project of the Tennessee Valley Authority. TVA's ambitious plans for the Tellico project included not only a dam and lake but also the development of a brand-new city to be called Timberlake. However, the project faced fierce resistance from landowners who were being forced …

1
Ep240 - Screaming Skulls: Vol. 2 1:27:30

3d ago1:27:30

1:27:30

(00:00:00) "Cranium Couture" (00:06:38) Introduction to Episode (00:09:00) Wardley Hall Haunting & The Beheading of Roger Downes (00:29:30) The Martyrdom & Haunted Skull of Ambrose Barlow (00:40:40) The Browsholme Hall Skull & The “Pilgrimage of Grace” (00:44:20) The Violent Skull at Longleat (00:47:20) The Red Barn Murderer & The Book of Flesh (00…

1
The Slaying of one of the Biggest Robber Barons, Diamond Jim Fisk 23:15

3d ago23:15

23:15

Big Jim or Diamond Jim – those were names for the legendary Gilded Age robber baron Jim Fisk. He caused the gold crisis collapse after fooling President Ulysses Grant and stole millions from Cornelius Vanderbilt. A lover’s triangle, at age 37, would lead to his untimely endBy Mike Allen

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Episode 66: Stories from the James River: A Conversation with George Scott and Tom Koob 56:28

3d ago56:28

56:28

Ozarkers love a good story, and George Scott and Tom Koob have some great ones! From Leonard "Shock" Short, moonshiner, bank robber, and husband of George's Aunt Lillian, to Vance Randolph, who fell in love with Lillian after Shock's death, to the myth of Virgin Bluff, and all the way back to the Civil War with George's great-grandfather, George an…

1
The Slide Rock Bolter 47:57

6d ago47:57

47:57

🎙️ LIVE Podcast from Horror Monger Collectibles! 🪓 On this episode we discuss the bizarre legend of the Slide Rock Bolter, a forgotten cryptid from the Colorado mountains that literally eats tourists. Is it just a tall tale—or could this gravity-powered beast be hiding in plain sight? 🙃 Then, we dive into one of the wildest TikTok comments we’ve ev…

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The First Tennesseans: William and Lydia Bean 13:44

7d ago13:44

13:44

Nearly twenty years before Tennessee was a state, William Bean built a cabin along the Watagua River and planted roots. In this episode, we tell the story of his journey from longhunter to settler, his friendship with Daniel Boone, and his wife Lydia’s dramatic rescue from execution by Cherokee Beloved Woman Nancy Ward. It’s the story of Tennessee’…

1
Ep239 - Screaming Skulls: Vol. 1 1:04:24

10d ago1:04:24

1:04:24

There are relics in this world that do not rest, nor do they sleep. In this first volume of our descent into the grotesque and uncanny, we peer into the hollow sockets of the screaming skulls — cursed remnants that wail through stone walls, slam doors in the night, and whisper horrors no living soul was meant to hear. From ancient battlefields to c…

1
His Trove of Letters Document Bloody Civil War Battles, Prisons, and Conditions 20:51

10d ago20:51

20:51

Captain Andrew Upson wrote up to 2-letters-a-day from the front lines of the Civil War to his wife and children. The 200+ letters, a rare collection that still exists, paint a vivid picture of life in the war, including as a captive.By Mike Allen

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Episode 65: Saving the Ozarks One Creek at a Time: A conversation with the Kipfers 56:46

11d ago56:46

56:46

Bob and Barb Kipfer retired from lucrative jobs in the medical field to the hard work of natural conservation. From their initial purchase of 80 acres on Bull Creek to their current preserve of 400 acres, the Kipfers have restored the riparian field, shored up the banks, and planted trees and other vegetation along beautiful Bull Creek. Barb has al…

1
Haunted Happenings in Flagstaff Arizona 54:29

13d ago54:29

54:29

We dive deep into the haunted history of one of Arizona’s most infamous paranormal hotspots—Hotel Monte Vista in Flagstaff. From phantom bellhops and disappearing bartenders to whispers in the halls and ghostly guests who never checked out, this place is packed with eerie tales and lingering spirits. But we’re not just talking about it—we want to g…

1
The Story of Isaac Cline, Appalachia's Weather Man 14:08

15d ago14:08

14:08

This week, Steve and Rod bring you the remarkable story of Isaac Cline, a Tennessee-born son of Appalachia who rose to become one of America’s most respected meteorologists. From his humble beginnings in a two-room log cabin near the Great Smoky Mountains to his fateful role during the Galveston Hurricane of 1900, Cline’s life was marked by groundb…

1
Ep238 - Haunted Mirrors 51:54

17d ago51:54

51:54

Mirrors — silent glassy oracles nailed to walls, hunched in corners, glaring at us with dead, merciless eyes. On tonight's episode, join the Hosts as they hurl themselves screaming into that esoteric cracked reflection: haunted mirrors, black scrying voids, silvered doors to places no sane mind should tread. From dusty parlors where to things unsee…

1
He was the Last Person Executed in CT - She Knew Him Best, 'Til the Day He Died 27:25

17d ago27:25

27:25

Michael Ross was the last person executed in CT. He raped and murdered 8 women. His doctors said he was mentally ill and shouldn’t have been executed. A journalist got to know him well for his final 10 years and shares her insights.By Mike Allen

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Episode 64: Crescent Dragonwagon and Her Life in the Ozarks 1:04:29

18d ago1:04:29

1:04:29

Join Curtis and Hayden when they sit down with author, chef, and innkeeper, Crescent Dragonwagon! Since her arrival in the Ozarks over fifty years ago, Crescent has published over fifty books in several genres including novels, children's books, and cookbooks. She has embraced the hills as her home, and the hills have embraced her right back! Cresc…

1
Cursed Objects 1:04:27

20d ago1:04:27

1:04:27

Cursed objects are all around, better be careful you don't accidentally take one home! We talk about some of the more popular cursed objects while reviewing some movies, and talking about other spooky related business! Check out our YouTube, where you can now WATCH episodes of Scaredycast! And follow us on social! Become a PATRON to support the sho…

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Standoff in Jefferson County: The Haunting Case of W. B. Johnson 16:20

22d ago16:20

16:20

In this episode of Stories of Appalachia, we tell the story of a shocking event in January 1927 in Jefferson County, Tennessee. That was when a prominent county businessman named W.B. Johnson turned from respected community member to notorious outlaw. This tale unfolds with a fateful meeting involving Johnson, two women, and a tragic dispute that e…

1
Hell of a Summer Interview w/ Finn Wolfhard, Billy Bryk, and Fred Hechinger 8:06

23d ago8:06

8:06

Finn Wolfhard, Billy Bryk, and Fred Hechinger dish the gory details about their new movie, Hell of a Summer. What movies inspired them, what do they want people to take away from the movie, and what do they think of Sleepaway Camp?! See Hell of a Summer in theaters NOW! Check out our YouTube, where you can now WATCH episodes of Scaredycast! And fol…

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Ep237 - Poveglia: The Haunted Island of Madness 1:04:42

24d ago1:04:42

1:04:42

In the heart of the Venetian Lagoon lies forsaken Island, a sliver of land that has become a haunt not just for souls of the past but for those seeking the thrills of the unknown and the unexplained. Tonight, the Hosts spiral into the abyss of Poveglia’s macabre history—a tapestry woven from plague, madness, and the supernatural, stitched through t…

1
The Tiny Worm Behind an Enormous Industry 19:51

24d ago19:51

19:51

The Cheney brothers invented a process for mastering nature’s magical creation of silk, driving their business to the #1 position globally. They made the parachutes used on D-Day. They also introduced corporate paternalism, providing employees with housing, schools, and more.By Mike Allen

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Episode 63: The Creek Rocks and the Vance Randolph Folksong Collection 35:18

25d ago35:18

35:18

When Mark Bilyeu and Cindy Wolf visited the archives at the Library of Congress, they discovered and returned home with a treasure trove of folksongs collected by Vance Randolph himself. On this episode, you'll hear original tracks from well-known Ozarkers like May Kennedy McCord, Rose O'Neill, and Vance himself, as well as lesser known figures. We…

1
Real Life Is Scary 56:37

27d ago56:37

56:37

It can't be spooky and weird all the time. Sometimes life happens, and sometimes you just gotta vent about it and let it all go. Real life hits us this week and we gotta air it out before we can get to the spooky. Thank you guys for listening, and being there. We love doing this show, it's one thing that brings us total joy, so we appreciate you al…

1
Ep236 - High Strangeness On Mount Shasta 1:05:58

28d ago1:05:58

1:05:58

Mount Shasta looms like a fever dream on the northern California skyline—a jagged cathedral of snow and shadow where the strange is the norm and terror is the game. Ancient Lemurians, spectral wanderers, government conspiracies, and blinking saucers in the sky—this mountain is a lightning rod for every flavor of high strangeness. In this episode, t…

1
Jellico's Darkest Day: The Explosion That Rocked Appalachia 17:53

29d ago17:53

17:53

In this episode, we tell the harrowing story of the Jellico explosion, a catastrophic event that shook the town of Jellico, Tennessee, on September 21, 1906. What began as a normal morning quickly turned into chaos when a shipment of 11 tons of dynamite detonated, leveling the downtown area and leaving the community in ruins. Join Steve Gilly and R…

1
John Hancock: The Giant Signature that Fanned the Flames of Revolution 23:02

1M ago23:02

23:02

Three families, from the same town. Did they start the American Revolution? John Hancock and his friends (the Adams and Quincy’s) fanned the flames. Hancock, meanwhile, married childhood sweetheart Dolly Quincy, after a love triangle involving Aaron BurrBy Mike Allen

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Episode 62: Comic Songs of the Ozarks with Emalee Flatness-Combs and Lillyanne McCool 57:13

1M ago57:13

57:13

Emalee Flatness-Combs, performer with the Homestead Pickers at Silver Dollar City, and Lillyanne McCool, national old time banjo champion, bring the old songs to life with their beautiful voices and superb musicianship. From the wife so mean the devil threw her out of hell to the whimsical "Froggy Went A-Courtin'," Emalee and Lillyanne will waft yo…

1
Horror and Sci-Fi Film Fest Love w/ Monte Yazzie 1:43:12

1M ago1:43:12

1:43:12

Get ready for an epic deep dive into the International Horror & Sci-Fi Film Festival, which runs alongside the Phoenix Film Festival! This year’s festival is gearing up to showcase some of the most exciting independent horror and sci-fi films from around the world. We sit down with Monte Yazzie, the festival director, to talk about what fans can ex…

1
Kentucky's Packhorse Librarians 23:06

1M ago23:06

23:06

In this episode, we tell the inspiring story of the packhorse librarians, a group of determined women who brought literacy and hope to the remote hollers of Eastern Kentucky during the Great Depression. As families struggled to survive, these brave librarians on horses (and mules) navigated rugged terrain to deliver books and educational materials …

1
Spring Break in Utah 27:19

1M ago27:19

27:19

Tonight JB gives you a lot of information about enjoying Utah during the busy Spring Break season in Utah. Be sure to listen before you start your vacation.By Undiscovered Utah

1
Ep235 - The Vampire of Croglin Grange 1:01:46

1M ago1:01:46

1:01:46

In this episode, the Hosts dive deep into the dark, fog-shrouded hills of Cumberland, for a legend like a fever dream. A story drenched in mystery, terror, and monstrosity—that has haunted the folklore of England for over a century. But is it just a story crafted from the bones of Victorian gothic horror, or a ghastly reality? We follow the tale of…

1
This Hero Stayed on a Sinking Sub to Save a Man 18:50

1M ago18:50

18:50

He could have abandoned ship, just like everyone else. After all, the sub sank in just one minute. Everyone was scrambling. But he didn’t. A fellow submariner was still onboard.By Mike Allen

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Episode 61: Loving the Ozarks to Death (The Kimmons Family: Part Two) 40:37

1M ago40:37

40:37

Like so many beautiful regions in the Ozarks, the Little Red River and the towns along its banks face unprecedented challenges from reckless recreators, greedy corporations, and the failure to protect a fragile environment. Kasey and Ginny Kimmons describe the challenges from ATVs that tear up river roads to the pollution that destroys precious riv…

1
Horror Movie Reviews 55:55

1M ago55:55

55:55

Last week we didn't review any horror movies. So this week, we got nothing but movies! Hollywood here we come! Reviews for Immaculate, Bad Moon, Savageland, The Unbinding, Suburbia, The Platform, and more! Check out our YouTube where you can now WATCH episodes of Scaredycast! And follow us on social! Become a PATRON to support the show and get spoo…

1
The Strange Disappearance of Polly Feltner 10:35

1M ago10:35

10:35

In this episode, we tell the strange tale of Polly Feltner, a young woman from Hyden, Kentucky, who vanished in 1897 under mysterious circumstances. What began as a search for a missing person quickly escalated into charges of murder, a frenzy of suspicion and mob justice, targeting an innocent man. As tensions rose and a near-lynching unfolded, th…

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Episode 60: Loving the Ozarks to Life (The Kimmons Family: Part One) 1:06:03

1M ago1:06:03

1:06:03

In the early 70s, Tom and Brandy left Columbia, Missouri, where Tom was teaching at Mizzou, for the deep woods on the banks of the Little Red River, not far from Shirley, Arkansas. With nothing but a chainsaw, a hammer, and an auger, Tom built a cabin that still stands today. For ten years, Tom and Brandy lived in the cabin, and their first daughte…

1
Ep234 - Truckers & The Paranormal 58:54

2M ago58:54

58:54

Out there on the endless highways, beneath a sky so wide it makes one feel like a speck of dust, the road hums a tune only the lonely can hear.. The trucker moves forward. But in the dead hours, when the radio static turns to murmurs and headlights carve shadows into the dark, something stirs just beyond the shoulder. A flicker in the mirrors. A pr…

1
What's Hiding Behind That White Cross on the Hill? 19:12

2M ago19:12

19:12

Many people see the large white cross as they drive by, shining atop a hill overlooking the downtown. But not everyone has checked out what's hiding behind it. It's an unusual and unique complex that once drew tens of thousands a year to see it.By Mike Allen

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Yokai: Japan’s Terrifying Spirits and Folklore 57:24

2M ago57:24

57:24

Japan’s folklore is crawling with eerie, mischievous, and downright terrifying spirits known as Yōkai. From shape-shifting tricksters to nightmare-inducing monsters, these supernatural beings have haunted legends for centuries. But are they just myths, or is there more to these ghostly entities? In this episode of Scaredycast, we dive deep into the…

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The Dunkards of Appalachia: A Story of Faith and Survival 16:11

2M ago16:11

16:11

In this episode, we journey back to the mid-1700s to uncover the story of the Schwartzenau Brethren, also known as the Dunkards, who established one of the earliest settlements in the New River Valley of Virginia. Join us as we tell the story of this fascinating religious community, their unique beliefs, and the challenges one family of Dunkards fa…

1
Tracking Down the First Christmas Tree 19:49

2M ago19:49

19:49

Where was the first Christmas tree? Proof is hard to come by. It seems that Windsor Locks, CT is among the very first – at least in legend; a stone monument lays claim to the first decorated tree in 1777. Researching this case turned up other very interesting side stories: German prisoners-of-war, Native American attacks, and even the Wizard of Oz.…

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Episode 59: An Invitation to the Circle: Photographer Andrew Kilgore on Life, Art, and the Ozarks 58:23

2M ago58:23

58:23

At 84, Andrew Kilgore is still photographing, still learning, and still excited about exploring the world through the lens of his camera. Andrew shares his story of moving to the Ozarks in the heyday of the 60s, and the joy he's had in photographing the portraits of over 30,000 Arkansans. We know you'll enjoy this inspiring episode of the Ozarkian …

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Ep233 - Rock and Roll and the Occult Vol 3.: "Heavy Metal Mephistopheles" 1:48:33

2M ago1:48:33

1:48:33

In this electric whirlwind conclusion to Creep Street’s "Rock N' Roll & The Occult Series,” the Hosts charge ever further into the sinister embrace between rock music and the dark arts, as it welcomes in the advent of Heavy Metal. From the mystical meanderings of Led Zeppelin to the diabolical depths of Black Sabbath, and the theatrical nightmares …

1
Serial Killers of the Sea LIVE from Evil Izzy's Haunted Emporium 1:17:06

2M ago1:17:06

1:17:06

Live show from Evil Izzy's Haunted Emporium! We're talking about Port and Starboard those wacky pair of Orcas down in South Africa who are taking down Great Whites and body-guarding some whales. We also dip our toes into the Jack the Ripper identity news, and throw out some movie reviews! Check out our YouTube where you can now WATCH episodes of Sc…

1
Whiskey, Dynamite and Faith: An Appalachian Preacher's Fiery Battle 13:36

2M ago13:36

13:36

In this episode of the podcast, we tell the story of Reverend William Riley Rickman, a steadfast preacher who took on the liquor industry in Pocahontas, Virginia. Join Steve and Rod as they tell you about Rickman's fervent battle against alcohol in that Appalachian coal mining community. Rickman’s tireless efforts resulted in Pocahontas becoming a …

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The Illegal Pirate Radio Station at the Largest Rock Concert, Watkins Glen 21:54

2M ago21:54

21:54

Watkins Glen; world’s largest concert. 600,000 attendees. Six teenagers broadcast with an illegal pirate radio station they brought to the site, interviewing the Grateful Dead, broadcasting traffic and weather reports, and playing records. Attendees loved it. One of the broadcasters tells the crazy story.…

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Episode 58: The Mortgaged Cow Murder: Tammy Morton and Angel Wolf are back to tell the tragic story of the murder of Charlie Cobb. The conspiracy includes wives, friends, and lovers, and our guests shed ... 37:13

2M ago37:13

37:13

The Chronicle's own true crime historians--Tammy Morton and Angel Wolf--are back to tell the macabre and tragic story of the murder of Charlie Cobb. The web of conspiracy spreads out to include wives, friends, and lovers, and Tammy and Angel reveal the previously sealed account of the case by prosecutor Doug Mahnkey, the legendary Ozarks lawyer. Fa…

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Ep232 - Rock N' Roll & The Occult Vol. 2: "Beatles Or Stones?" 1:02:06

2M ago1:02:06

1:02:06

Continuing our esoteric journey, Part 2 dives headlong into the swirling vortex of rock ‘n’ roll decadence, flying through the psychedelic and occult tapestry of the Rolling Stones and the Beatles. It’s a ferocious ride down the ragged cliffs of musical innovation, where Mick Jagger’s devil-may-care swagger and John Lennon’s acerbic wit clash and c…

1
Interdimensional Beings & Horror Hot Sauce 1:11:19

2M ago1:11:19

1:11:19

Are there beings existing among us that move in ways our eyes can't see? We talk about these shadow people while also chomping down on some horror-themed hot sauce from Horrifying Hot Sauce and fielding some questions from listeners! Scaredycast is bought to you by Horror Monger Collectibles! A brand new horror store located in Mesa, AZ. Check them…

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The Battle of Kings Mountain 18:30

2M ago18:30

18:30

Today, we tell the remarkable story of the Overmountain men, Appalachian frontiersmen from the far western parts of North Carolina and Virginia. As tensions escalated in the South, these settlers took a stand against British forces at Kings Mountain, on the South Carolina/North Carolina border. Their bravery in that decisive battle was instrumental…

1
Between a Rock and a Hard Spot 26:02

2M ago26:02

26:02

Tune in to this gripping episode of Undiscovered Utah, where JB unveils the unbelievable tale of adventure turned tragedy—and the extraordinary will to survive against all odds. Hear the remarkable story of Aron Ralston, a true testament to human resilience. Don't miss this jaw-dropping journey of survival!…

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Episode 57: The Genius of the Creek Rocks: Mark Bilyeu, Cindy Woolf, and the Library of Congress 1:04:55

2M ago1:04:55

1:04:55

Mark and Cindy are back to share their adventures in Ozarks folk music. They received a grant to research and arrange Ozarks folksongs collected by Sidney Robertson in the 20s and 30s and housed at the Library of Congress. Then Mark and Cindy returned with a treasure trove of beautiful folksongs that they have already begun to arrange and perform, …

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