A Study of Strange - podcast cover

A Study of Strange

Convergent Content, LLCredcircle.com

A Study of Strange is for lovers of true crime, mysteries, and high strangeness. Each week, host Michael May investigates the unknown, from bizarre crimes and unsolved murders to hauntings, urban legends, lore, cryptids, and unexplained phenomena.

The mission is simple: debunk common misconceptions, uncover hidden details, and explore the most unusual unsolved stories from history. Along the way, listeners hear from occasional guests like writers, entertainment industry insiders, and the occasional random oddball who all add fresh perspectives to these strange and dark histories.

Michael May is a filmmaker and performer known for producing films like Ghosts of the Ozarks and Fun Size Horror, and for hosting the true-crime automotive series Auto/Biography and Auto/Biography: Cold Cases on Motortrend TV.

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Episodes

Upcoming Strangeness in 2025

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 astudyofstrange@gmail.com! ©2022 Convergent Content, LLC Dive deeper into true crime, unsolved mysteries, and tales of ...

Dec 17, 202412 minEp. 71

The Bloody Benders REDUX

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, 20241 hr 51 minEp. 70

Béla Kiss The Vampire of Cinkota

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, 202445 minEp. 69

Do We Live In A Multiverse | With Rachel Noll James

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, 202431 minEp. 68

Lake Champlain Monster

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 astudyofstrange@gmail.com ...

Nov 12, 202415 minEp. 67

Halloween Murder Mystery | The Death of Lillian Armstrong

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, 202449 minEp. 66

Nelly Butler's Ghost | America's First Documented Haunting

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, 202411 minEp. 65

A Study of Ghosts

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, 202453 minEp. 64

Lost Bugatti: The World's Most Expensive Car

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, 202435 minEp. 63

The Skunk Ape

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, 202435 minEp. 62

Three Strange Hollywood Murders | with guest Brea Grant

We’re covering three of Los Angeles' most mysterious and unsolved murders from the golden age of Hollywood; William Desmond Taylor, a famed director, Georgette Bauerdorf, a young socialite, and Thelma Todd, a beloved actress. Each died under strange and suspicious circumstances. We unravel the clues, suspects, and enduring mysteries surrounding these cold cases that still haunt LA’s dark past. With a special guest, filmmaker Brea Grant! https://www.amazon.com/12-Hour-Shift-Angela-Bettis/dp/B08KB...

Sep 17, 202448 minEp. 61

Australia's First Serial Killer

This is the chilling true story of John Lynch, an Irish criminal transported to the harsh Australian colony in the 1830s. What started as a punishment for petty crimes soon escalated into a violent spree of murder as Lynch sought to escape his brutal new life. Discover how one man turned to ruthless violence in the wildness of 19th century Australia. This gripping tale blends true crime, historical mystery, and fascinating human behavior. Subscribe to "A Study of Strange" on your favorite podcas...

Sep 10, 202441 minEp. 60

The Phantom Barber of Pascagoula

In 1942, Pascagoula, Mississippi was haunted by a mysterious figure who slipped into homes under the cover of darkness, cutting locks of hair before vanishing into the night. This bizarre crime spree left the entire town on edge until a suspect was finally arrested. Yet, mystery and speculation surrounding the Phantom Barber of Pascagoula persist, fueling debate and curiosity even decades later. Uncover the chilling tale and lingering questions in this episode of “A Study of Strange.” Subscribe ...

Jul 16, 202414 minEp. 59

DEVIANT: True Crime Hosts Andrew Iden and Dan Szematowicz

Listener Discretion Advised. In their new podcast, Deviant, hosts Andrew Iden and Dan Szematowicz take you into the dark corners of what human beings are capable of, starting with serial killer Israel Keyes. Deviant is the most comprehensive coverage of the notorious serial killer using his own words as a source. In this episode, we learn from hosts, Dan Szematowicz and Andrew Iden, about their new series and the importance of true crime. Deviant is Produced by Cold Open Media. Cold Open Media i...

Jul 09, 202437 minEp. 58

The Strange Death of Superman PART TWO

A discussion about the various theories behind the death of George Reeves, iconic star of the 1950s TV series "Adventures of Superman." His suicide is controversial, and may have sparked the so-called Superman Curse. With returning special guest Sean Anthony Davis 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.subs...

Jun 25, 202440 minEp. 57

The Strange Death of Superman PART ONE

The death of George Reeves, iconic star of the 1950s TV series "Adventures of Superman,” is controversial, and may have sparked the so-called Superman Curse. Discover the secrets behind Reeves’ mysterious demise as we explore the conflicting testimonies, and examine the evidence that challenges the official ruling of suicide. In this episode, we cover: - George Reeves' early life and rise to fame - His relationships - The bizarre events and suspicious circumstances on the night of his death - In...

Jun 19, 202433 minEp. 56

Espionage and the Murder of William Dean REDUX

A re-release of an early episode of A Study of Strange, one of the most fascinating and mysterious murder mysteries comes from New Hampshire in the aftermath of World War One. The murder of William Dean may be an obscure case in true crime but it's one that lovers of the strange and mysterious should not miss. Were there really spies in the small towns of New Hampshire during the war, and did a respected local man get killed because he got caught up in espionage? Listen to the formally two-part ...

Jun 04, 20242 hr 13 minEp. 55

Real UFO Encounters

On a special episode of "A Study of Strange" we read listener submitted witness accounts of unidentified flying objects. Real stories from real people. Performers include Matt Glass (@glassbrain), Tara Perry (@taratarafotara), Amy Schloerb (@amyschloerb), Kara Schaaf , and Michael May. 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...

May 28, 202419 minEp. 54

6 Strange Mysteries from New York City

A recent visit to New York inspired a look into some of the strangest mysterious from the city. We've got something for everyone from unsolved murders and haunted locations to a large serpentine cryptid swimming in the Hudson River. Guest Sanjay Raja is a specialist in health and wellness and is in production for his new show "Recipe for Wellness". Find out more on instagram @recipeforwellness2024, fb https://www.facebook.com/sanjay.raja.12/, and https://www.linkedin.com/in/sanjay-s-r-925682b2/ ...

May 21, 202441 minEp. 53

True Crime Author Joe Strupp "Death on St. Charles St."

For about 60 years, a chilling story about a murder suicide was a tight lipped family secret until author and journalist Joe Strupp came across the tale of his great uncle, John Bowman. Strupp spent years investigating the case and his findings are in his new book Death on St. Charles Street. Though we know what happened, there are still mysterious aspects of this tragedy. Strupp also addresses the unsolved murder that is the basis of his other true crime book, A Long Walk Home. Find the book he...

May 07, 202438 minEp. 52

The Mythical Lost City of Zerzura - MINISODE

Zerzura is a legendary lost oasis city deep in the Sahara desert said to be guarded by black giants wielding golden swords and filled to the brim with treasure. The legend goes back millennia and showed up in books and maps published by European explorers in the 18th and 19th centuries. Despite numerous daring expeditions, Zerzura remains a mystery, possibly still waiting to be unearthed. Tune into this exciting minisode as we cover the lore of this mythical city — could the sands of time be rea...

Apr 30, 202418 minEp. 51

Hunting the Beast of Bladenboro

In the winter of 1953, the sleepy town of Bladenboro, North Carolina was thrown into chaos by a series of gruesome animal attacks. The perpetrator? A mysterious creature that locals dubbed the "Beast of Bladenboro" and "the vampire cat." Join us as we discuss the legend of this cryptid, examining the evidence, and exploring the theories surrounding its existence. What was the beast, and did it ever truly exist? With special guest Kara Schaaf! Subscribe to "A Study of Strange" on your favorite po...

Apr 17, 202442 minEp. 50

The Smiley Face Killers

The most terrifying concept you might come across in true crime is The Smiley Face Killers. A theory that proposes a killer or group of killers with victims across the country. Their calling card; a smiley face. The idea has been popular in true crime content for over a decade, but it still haunts those that seek answers to the deaths of loved ones. With returning special guest Bridget Weitzel! https://www.instagram.com/queenb_onthemove/ Subscribe to "A Study of Strange" on your favorite podcast...

Apr 09, 202450 minEp. 49

The Strange Death of Todd Geib

We delve into the provocative case of Todd Geib, whose disappearance in the summer of 2005 led to a chilling mystery. Three weeks after he left a party, Todd was found floating in a secluded lake and authorities quickly concluded an accidental drowning. Yet, with a plethora of peculiar details and unanswered questions surrounding his death, speculation abounds. Was Todd Geib's demise a case of murder, and could it be linked to a string of strange deaths? Join us as we explore this baffling case ...

Mar 26, 202445 minEp. 48

The Berman Murders Unraveled

We probe into the provocative mystery of Barry and Louise Berman's unsolved homicide that cast a shadow over a tranquil area of the Mojave Desert in 1986. The Bermans vanished during a romantic retreat, their abandoned truck the only trace left behind. Author and journalist Doug Kari of "The Berman Murders: Unraveling the Mojave Desert's Most Mysterious Unsolved Crime" joins the podcast to discuss his debut book about the case. Kari spent the better part of a decade speaking to witnesses, visiti...

Mar 19, 202449 minEp. 47

The Real Exorcist: The Mystery of Roland Doe MINISODE

Welcome to a spine-chilling mini episode of "A Study of Strange," where we dive into one of strange history's most unsettling cases - the real-life event that inspired the 1973 cinematic horror masterpiece, "The Exorcist." Join us as we study the story of Roland Doe, a 13-year-old boy from Saint Louis, whose experiences in 1949 turned from the unexplainable to the downright terrifying. This is the true story of the 1949 exorcism. Subscribe to "A Study of Strange" on your favorite podcast platfor...

Mar 12, 202413 minEp. 46

Unraveling the Mystery of the 1916 NJ Shark Attacks

The first recorded shark attacks in history were part of a group of deadly strikes that occured in New Jersey in 1916. Four deaths occured in a matter of 12 days, and the fallout included panic and a new fear of sharks. The events terrified the community and later inspired Peter Benchley to write JAWS. The shark attacks were not just deadly but very strange. Groups of shark attacks like these are not known to happen, and to this day no one knows for certain what type of shark was involved, if it...

Mar 05, 202454 minEp. 45

Carl Großmann: The Butcherin' Berlin Beggar

In 1921 screams were heard coming from Carl Großmann’s apartment. Neighbors quickly called the police who arrived to catch Großmann in a frightening, murderous act that caused the papers to label him The Berlin Butcher. Großmann is a notorious serial killer but his claim to fame today (selling sausages made of human meat) may be entirely made up. On this episode of "A Study of Strange" we try to suss out the truth. Joining this episode is the co-host of the "True Crime ABCs" podcast, Sarah Lovet...

Feb 21, 202439 minEp. 44

Lost at Sea: Disappearances that Shook Basketball MINISODE

Dive into the baffling disappearances of two prominent figures in basketball history: Urgel "Slim" Wintermute and Bison Dele (Brian Williams) in this MINISODE. From different generations and under different circumstances, the two big-men are linked by their strange disappearances while sailing. Join our Substack and support the show! Theme Music by Matt Glass Instagram: @astudyofstrange Support: astudyofstrange.substack.com Website: www.astudyofstrange.com Hosted by Michael May Email stories, co...

Feb 14, 202413 minEp. 43

The Lost Dutchman Mine

Welcome to another thrilling episode of "A Study of Strange," where we peel back the layers of the unknown and the mysterious. Today we're joined by an incredibly talented writer, Alexandra Grunberg, and we attempt to delve deep into the cloudy myths, legends, and history that surround one of America's most enduring tales: The Lost Dutchman Mine. Find Alexandra's work at https://alexandragrunberg.weebly.com/ If you've been captivated by the tale of the Lost Dutchman Mine, we'd love your support:...

Feb 06, 202447 minEp. 42
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