We conclude the devilish and mysterious story surrounding the disappearance of a group of women involved in a small cult run by new age author Carlos Castaneda. Not many are aware that one of the most successful New Age authors, Carlos Castaneda, lead a cult. The women that made up the inner circle of his cult were called “the witches” and five of them disappeared after Castaneda’s death in 1998. In an all too familiar trope, Castaneda’s mythology was built on lies, narcissism, hypocrisy, and ab...
Jul 02, 2025•58 min•Ep. 91
Not many are aware that one of the most successful “new age” authors, Carlos Castaneda, lead a cult. The women that made up the inner circle of his cult were called “the witches” and five of them disappeared soon after Castaneda’s death in 1998. In an all too familiar trope, Castaneda’s mythology was built on lies, narcissism, hypocrisy, and abuse, yet the witches remain missing. Did they commit mass suicide, or are they in control of the cult’s workshops (Tensegrity) and publishing empire. Them...
Jun 24, 2025•55 min•Ep. 90
What makes an object haunted? These four paintings have strange and mysterious backgrounds, along with claims of supernatural phenomena. #1 The Hands Resist Him , #2 The Anguished Man , #3 Woman of the Rain , #4 The Crying Boy Theme Music by Matt Glass https://www.glassbrain.com/ Instagram: @astudyofstrange Support the Show! astudyofstrange.substack.com/ Website: www.astudyofstrange.com Hosted by Michael May Email stories, comments, or ideas to [email protected]! ©2025 Convergent Content...
Jun 11, 2025•18 min•Ep. 89
In 1908, something tore through the skies over Siberia and exploded with the force of a thousand Hiroshima bombs. Trees were flattened across 800 square miles, yet no impact crater was ever found. What caused the Tunguska Event? A meteor? A comet? Something stranger? In this episode, we analyze the science and the some of the wild theories behind the largest cosmic explosion in recorded history, and explore other mysterious blasts from history. Theme Music by Matt Glass https://www.glassbrain.co...
Jun 03, 2025•26 min•Ep. 88
On April 1, 2014, two young Dutch friends, Kris Kremers and Lisanne Froon, tragically disappeared while on vacation in Panama. What began as a day hike turned into a heartbreaking mystery when their remains were discovered weeks later. While the prevailing theory suggests a tragic accident led to their deaths, there are several unexplained and unsettling details. Among these are eerie photographs taken after their disappearance which cannot be explained. Theme Music by Matt Glass https://www.gla...
May 20, 2025•17 min•Ep. 87
Jonathan Todd Schwartz was a successful business manager for A-list celebrities and seemingly had it all. However, his life took a dark turn when he stole nearly $5 million from Alanis Morrissette and other clients. Driven by addiction, Schwartz's story is now one of rehabilitation and redemption. Follow Jonathan https://www.instagram.com/therealjonathanschwartz/ Altus Rehab Theme Music by Matt Glass https://www.glassbrain.com/ Instagram: @astudyofstrange Support the Show! astudyofstrange.substa...
May 13, 2025•44 min•Ep. 86
The Mothman, a legendary winged “birdman” with glowing red eyes, was first reported in Point Pleasant, West Virginia, in 1966. Interestingly, similar sightings began this century in Chicago. As far as cryptids go, the myth behind Mothman is more supernatural than zoological, with many believing this creature is a harbinger of doom. With special guest Oliver Berger! https://www.instagram.com/oliveraberger/ https://oliveraustinberger.com/ Theme Music by Matt Glass https://www.glassbrain.com/ Insta...
May 06, 2025•47 min•Ep. 85
From underwater anomalies to the notorious Hum heard around the world, these eight strange sounds are difficult to explain. Theme Music by Matt Glass https://www.glassbrain.com/ Instagram: @astudyofstrange Support the Show! astudyofstrange.substack.com/ Website: www.astudyofstrange.com Hosted by Michael May Email stories, comments, or ideas to [email protected]! ©2025 Convergent Content, LLC LINKS https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JtEfHnbMWIg https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f3k1Qwx9Y0Q htt...
Apr 29, 2025•21 min•Ep. 84
On Easter Sunday, 1937, Veronica Gedeon, her mother, and a boarder were found killed in their New York City apartment. Veronica was a beautiful model, and the press provoked public reaction by publishing her portfolio of sensual photographs. The case had a lasting impact by influencing laws for the criminally insane. Theme Music by Matt Glass https://www.glassbrain.com/ Instagram: @astudyofstrange Support the Show! astudyofstrange.substack.com/ Website: www.astudyofstrange.com Hosted by Michael ...
Apr 22, 2025•10 min•Ep. 83
A dairy farmer is found dead in a small Vermont town, but was it murder...or an elaborate suicide plot to frame his enemies? The mystery surrounding Orville Gibson's death was a world-wide sensation news story at the time, and remains unsolved to this day, with two prevailing theories. Was he lynched by vengeful neighbors, or did he stage his own death to take down the town that scorned him? Theme Music by Matt Glass https://www.glassbrain.com/ Instagram: @astudyofstrange Support the Show! astud...
Apr 15, 2025•12 min•Ep. 82
Pilots are among the most trusted observers in the world, but what happens when they report objects defying the laws of physics? This episode explores some of the most credible, chilling UFO encounters ever recorded by those who might share the skies with the unknown. With special guest Keri Pina! Theme Music by Matt Glass https://www.glassbrain.com/ Instagram: @astudyofstrange Support the Show! astudyofstrange.substack.com/ Website: www.astudyofstrange.com Hosted by Michael May Email stories, c...
Apr 08, 2025•38 min•Ep. 81
On Christmas Eve 1945, a devastating house fire in West Virginia destroyed the Sodder family home. Five of the children were unable to escape as the house burned to the ground, but what happened next became one of the most strange unsolved mysteries. Some of the evidence suggests that the children survived, and the fire was an attack on the Sodder family. In this re-release of an older A Study of Strange episode, we dig into the suspicious clues and facts of the case. Some of which have rarely b...
Apr 01, 2025•1 hr 21 min•Ep. 80
In 2015, an anonymous 4chan user claimed to be a serial killer, and posted a series of gruesome images as proof. Was it a hoax? Can we finally get closer to solving this mystery? Theme Music by Matt Glass https://www.glassbrain.com/ Instagram: @astudyofstrange Support the Show! astudyofstrange.substack.com/ Website: www.astudyofstrange.com Hosted by Michael May Email stories, comments, or ideas to [email protected]! ©2025 Convergent Content, LLC Links! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gP6...
Mar 25, 2025•25 min•Ep. 79
In 1927, Los Angeles was gripped by terror as a young girl was kidnapped and then brutally murdered. The killer's motive was a twisted mystery, and his escape sparked a massive manhunt that captivated the nation. Though solved, this crime was considered the most horrifying case in Los Angeles’ history at the time, and it’s still haunting and strange. Theme Music by Matt Glass https://www.glassbrain.com/ Instagram: @astudyofstrange Support the Show! astudyofstrange.substack.com/ Website: www.astu...
Mar 18, 2025•23 min•Ep. 78
Were Nazis in LA during World War II? Local legends around places like the Murphy Ranch and the Furst Castle suggest they were, with fascist sympathizers building retreats and strongholds. Some claim Hitler even visited during the war. However, the truth is never quite what it seems, and it is way way more interesting. Listen to learn about an unheralded spy master who prevented treason and violence from Nazis in the City of Angles, as well as the truth behind local lore.With special guest Curti...
Mar 11, 2025•55 min•Ep. 77
The often covered, discussed, and scrutinized death of Charles Morgan. The story is too odd and mysterious to not record our own retelling of his story. In March 1977, escrow agent Charles C. Morgan went missing. Three days later he turns up in the middle of the night with plastic handcuffs on his wrists and ankles and unable to speak. Just weeks later, he turns up dead, shot in the back of the head with his own gun. There were no finger prints on the gun, and he hid a strange coded message on a...
Mar 04, 2025•20 min•Ep. 76
Some towns refuse to die. Long after their last residents have vanished, something remains — eerie voices, shadow figures, and legendary folktales. In this episode, we explore five of the most haunted ghost towns in America: Bannack, MT, a lawless gold rush town with a murderous past; Bodie, CA, with a legendary curse; Wonder Valley, CA, a weird stretch of desert; Riverton, AL, a town drowned beneath a reservoir but with a very real mystery; and Garnet, MT, which became a ghost town twice. If gh...
Feb 25, 2025•56 min•Ep. 75
Author Brian Brady’s latest book, Hiding in Plain Sight, is loosely inspired by a true crime, and he was personally involved in its investigation. We discuss writing about murder, what shows, movies, and books get wrong about real investigations, and the true story that inspired the book. Learn more about Brian and read his books here: https://www.goldengatetales.com/ https://www.instagram.com/goldengatetales/ https://x.com/goldengate50367 https://www.linkedin.com/in/brian-brady-0354764/ https:/...
Feb 18, 2025•37 min•Ep. 74
The Civil War shaped the United States more than any other event, and it left behind some strange, unsolved mysteries. This Minisode covers 5 of the most interesting mysteries including paranormal events, lost treasure, and more. Theme Music by Matt Glass https://www.glassbrain.com/ Instagram: @astudyofstrange Support the Show! astudyofstrange.substack.com/ Website: www.astudyofstrange.com Hosted by Michael May Email stories, comments, or ideas to [email protected]! ©2022 Convergent Cont...
Feb 11, 2025•20 min•Ep. 73
Dorothy Arnold was a young heiress with everything to live for, but one December day in 1910, she disappeared in broad daylight from the center of New York. Over a century later, her case still haunts the city. Listener discretion is advised. With special guest Sean Anthony Davis. Theme Music by Matt Glass https://www.glassbrain.com/ Instagram: @astudyofstrange Website: www.astudyofstrange.com Hosted by Michael May Email stories, comments, or ideas to [email protected]! ©2022 Convergent ...
Feb 04, 2025•43 min•Ep. 72
A compilation of some of the upcoming topics "A Study of Strange" will cover in the coming year. Episodes include haunted ghost towns, unsolved crimes, Nazi tunnels in Los Angeles, and a smattering of UFOs. Theme Music by Matt Glass https://www.glassbrain.com/ Instagram: @astudyofstrange Website: www.astudyofstrange.com Hosted by Michael May Email stories, comments, or ideas to [email protected]! ©2022 Convergent Content, LLC...
Dec 17, 2024•12 min•Ep. 71
Re-release of an early two part series. In 1873 it was discovered that a family known as the Benders had been killing travelers along the Osage Mission Trail in Labette County, Kansas. We know surprisingly little about the evil Benders. In fact, they may not have been a family at all. Their heinous acts of violence are still discussed to this day making the Bloody Benders the stuff of legend and folklore. Special guest John M Keating joins the pod for both episodes of the Bloody Benders! Learn m...
Dec 10, 2024•1 hr 51 min•Ep. 70
Béla Kiss was a Hungarian conman and serial killer who is infamous for his macabre practice of storing his victims in metal drums filled with alcohol. His devious crimes were not discovered until he was allegedly killed in action during the first World War. However, his death was debated and rumors persist that he survived the war and even made his way to America. With special guest Amy Schloerb! thealignedactor.com Subscribe to "A Study of Strange" on your favorite podcast platform! Visit our S...
Nov 26, 2024•45 min•Ep. 69
Scientists have theorized about a multiverse or parallel universes for centuries, and it’s only in the last few decades that the ideas have gone mainstream seeping into pop culture. There are a lot of different interpretations depicting how a multiverse might work and impact our reality. Today, filmmaker Rachel Noll James discusses her research about the topic while writing her newest film INGRESS Info on INGRESS and Rachel Noll James: https://www.amazon.com/Ingress-Rachel-Noll-James/dp/B0D5RM5X...
Nov 19, 2024•31 min•Ep. 68
Wading back into cryptid waters, this Minisode of "A Study of Strange" covers the background on North America's Loch Ness monster, Champ. Subscribe to "A Study of Strange" on your favorite podcast platform! Visit our Substack for more strange content! https://astudyofstrange.substack.com/ Theme Music by Matt Glass Instagram: @astudyofstrange Support: astudyofstrange.substack.com Website: www.astudyofstrange.com Hosted by Michael May Email stories, comments, or ideas to [email protected] ...
Nov 12, 2024•15 min•Ep. 67
Lillian Armstrong's brutal and shocking unsolved murder on Halloween night has not been forgotten since it occured in 1963. Her community in Newcastle, England, was terrified, and it didn't help that the killer was never caught. Halloween is all tricks and treats—until something real goes bump in the night. With special guests Denise Pantoja and T.J. Rotell from Channel29 and Blood and Popcorn. Channel 29: IG | X | Bluesky | FB | TikTok- @wearechannel29 Youtube - youtube.com/@wearechannel29 Twit...
Oct 31, 2024•49 min•Ep. 66
In 1799, the ghost of a recently deceased Eleanor Butler began haunting Abner Blaisdell's home. The ghost had a peculiar interest in the Blaisdell family, and her visitations were witnessed by many. Learn about the first documented haunting in America on this minisode of A Study of Strange! Subscribe to "A Study of Strange" on your favorite podcast platform! Visit our Substack for more strange content! https://astudyofstrange.substack.com/ Theme Music by Matt Glass Instagram: @astudyofstrange Su...
Oct 15, 2024•11 min•Ep. 65
If ghosts are real, are we even close to understanding what they are? A discussion about spooky spirits with Intuitive Reader Kim Beam. www.KimBeam.com IG & FB: @IamKimBeam YouTube: @IamKimBeam2 Subscribe to "A Study of Strange" on your favorite podcast platform! Visit our Substack for more strange content! https://astudyofstrange.substack.com/ Theme Music by Matt Glass Instagram: @astudyofstrange Support: astudyofstrange.substack.com Website: www.astudyofstrange.com Hosted by Michael May Em...
Oct 08, 2024•53 min•Ep. 64
One of WWII's lost treasures was an automobile. The Bugatti Type 57SC Atlantic "La Voiture Noire" is estimated to be worth over $100 million USD if it's ever found. Its whereabouts are a mystery because it was hidden during the war to keep it out of Nazi hands, but unlike other hidden Bugattis that were unearthed and restored "The Black Car" stays hidden, teasing treasure hunters with hopes that they might find fortune and glory. The world's most expensive car requires the world's tallest man. S...
Oct 01, 2024•35 min•Ep. 63
Florida's Bigfoot cousin, the Skunk Ape, has been sighted since at least he early 1970s roaming the glades and swamps. Joining the discussion is the director of the film "Frogman", Anthony Cousins . Whether you consider the Skunk Ape a bogus cryptozoological legend or not, the Everglades and surrounding swamps are undoubtedly an easy place to hide. Watch Frogman here https://www.amazon.com/Frogman-Anthony-Cousins/dp/B0CXSZ2PVF @frogmanmovie Subscribe to "A Study of Strange" on your favorite podc...
Sep 24, 2024•35 min•Ep. 62
