Castles & Cryptids - podcast cover

Castles & Cryptids

Welcome to Castles & Cryptids,  a paranormal podcast hosted by a couple of Canadian chickies! Follow Alanna and Kelsey  down the rabbit hole as we explore lore and legends, murder and mysteries, the unsolved and the unexplained.  Where the castles are haunted and the cryptids are cryptic AF! 

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Episodes

Ep. 42: Hollywood Curses Part 1: Curse of the Crow

Welcome to the first part of our two part Hollywood Curses episode. This week Kelsey hosts a takeover to cover the many strange and horrible accidents that plagued the set of the 1994 film The Crow. Has a curse really killed 3 of the first-born men in the Lee Family?? Then, she finishes off her segment, and part one with a paranormal haunting fit for a very famous Hollywood landmark. Tune in next week for Alanna’s segment and the conclusion of Hollywood Curses. Tags: Hollywood Curses, The Crow, ...

Jan 21, 20221 hr 8 min

Episode 41: Kiwi Crimes

This week we head to Taika Waititi-land (isn't that what we're calling it now?😜) to uncover some more seedy criminals and messed up shenanigans! We kick things off with a Pamper Party, sounds innocent enough right? WRONG! Straight to Murdertown with this one! But seriously, folks, this one is EFFED up. You can't trust anyone, even when you are trying to treat yo'self. The cherry on top is a story worthy of being a black comedy movie- because it was! There was a 2015 made-for-TV movie about Alfr...

Jan 14, 20221 hr 54 min

Episode 40: Medical Mysteries

Welcome back, we hope you missed us as much as we missed you! For the first episode of 2022 we share some medical mysteries that have stumped doctors for years. First, Kelsey, shares a condition that she wouldn't wish on her worst enemy. What's the worst set of symptoms you can imagine? Then Alanna covers a mysterious reoccurring condition that started by effecting very specific people, and now seems to be spreading around the world. Don't worry it's not COVID.... Stay off of WebMD to prepare yo...

Jan 07, 20221 hr 49 min

Episode 39: Florida Man

O Florida Man, Florida Man, wherefore art thou Florida Man? This week we say goodbye to 2021 with a trip to Florida and meet some of the interesting people who live there. First Kelsey shares a case that involves a murderer with some strange explanations for his DNA being everywhere at the scene. Then we close out the episode with a collection of Florida Man headlines fit for the memes they have become. Happy Holidays and a wonderful new year to all of our listeners, catch up with us when we ret...

Dec 17, 20211 hr 16 min

Episode 38: Aztec Rituals & Religions

Coming at you with some grisly rituals of human sacrifice this week! But there's SO MUCH MORE to the Aztecs! Crazy calendars and a Codex, an end of the world party to dance until your dead, and of course weird animal gods...spiky water dog, anyone?? More bizarre appendages at the end of creatures' tails?? a Chocolate loving cryptid?? We've got it all this week and even a theory as to what took down the whole empire. Tune in and eat your heart out, other episodes!....wait...maybe strike that last...

Dec 10, 20212 hr 21 min

Episode 37: Cults

For this week's episode we are excited to present two cults you may never have heard of before! First, Kelsey shares the very complicated history between a Canadian "cult" and the government, let's just say Kelsey thinks both sides did a few things wrong. Then, Alanna spreads the message of a supernatural cult whose beliefs are out of this world, but you may still find yourself agreeing with. So get ready and tune in for the first, of we hope many, cult episodes. Join us!! Tags: Cults, Canadian ...

Dec 03, 20212 hr 15 min

Episode 36: Haunted AF: Sinister Ships

This week we take a trip out to sea when we cover two very creepy ships. First, Kelsey covers the history and hauntings of a aircraft carrier with a long and fascinating background. Then, Alanna shares the story of a mysterious ghost ship with many unanswered questions and theories. Welcome and all aboard, with your right foot first, for an episode filled with tangents, superstitions, creepy corridors and plenty of ghosts. Tags: Haunted Ships, Ghost Ships, USS Hornet, SS Ourang Medan, Ship Super...

Nov 26, 20212 hr 4 min

Episode 35: Japanese True Crime

Kon'nichiwa cryptic friends! This edition of true crime is brought to you from Japan, perhaps a pairing with sake and sushi? :P We brought two very different stories this week, both cryptic in their own way. To kick us off, Alanna covers the Yakuza, the organized crime conglomerate that has been around for centuries. From humble beginnings the Japanese "mafia" has turned to disaster relief efforts in recent history. Could they be changing for the better? How many Keanu Reeves movies can be refer...

Nov 19, 20212 hr 5 min

Episode 34: Cryptids by Air

We've brought you watery cryptids, and cryptids from the true north strong and free, now it's time to feature some flying cryptids! Kelsey kicks us off with a trio of cryptic creatures- one has been seen in the Harry Potter universe, one can be found in the video game universe of Fallout, and the third is very famous and named after it's state. At least one of these fantastic beasts will be sure to fascinate you, if not all three! Betcha can't pick just one. Alanna then takes us to the Philippin...

Nov 12, 20211 hr 44 min

Episode 33: Killer Couples

This week we are covering some sinister spouses- cause the couple that slays together, stays together....right?? Get out your notepad for the first half, 'cause Kelsey covered a Guy Ritchie movie, oops, we mean a bonkers case! Alanna got very confused with all the cast of characters, and we do mean CHARACTERS! in the very convoluted case of the death of Ted Binion. The son of a prominent casino owner in Vegas, his death wasn't even his first brush with crime, and his family certainly left their ...

Nov 05, 20211 hr 59 min

Episode 32: Halloween Lore & Legends

Have you ever wondered why we carve Jack- o'lanterns on Halloween? Or who invented trick-or-treating anyway? Find out these answers and more on our first ever Halloween lore episode! We tackled some of the myths, lore, legends and monsters that stem from the ancient Samhain fire festival. I mean, who hasn't wondered where we come up with the strange things we do on holidays? Have you ever heard of a dumb supper, or a dumb cake? Well, you are about to feel a lot smarter after this deep dive into ...

Oct 29, 20212 hr 4 min

Episode 31: Inspired by: True Crime Horror Movies

For most movies, "based on a true story" is not very accurate, so for episode 31 we bring you the true crime case behind the horror movie. First, Kelsey covers the Texarkana Moonlight Murders, a series of attacks that drove an entire town to panic over a wild summer no one would forget. Then, Alanna covers the heartbreaking life of Aileen Wuornos and how her childhood may have influenced her crimes. Get ready for two cases that had a few unplanned parallels while we discuss horror movies based o...

Oct 22, 20212 hr 13 min

Episode 30: This Episode is Possessed

It's the Exorcism episode guys! The Exorcism of Castles and Cryptids. We give a little history of the exorcism itself and also do a couple of deep dives. Alanna uncovers the truth behind the real case of Emma Schmidt, who inspired the movie "the Exorcism of Anna Ecklund". Wanna learn how to expel demons too? We'll tell you all about the course you can take to be the next Exorcist! Speaking of Exorcism 101 class, Kelsey introduces us to Father Gary Thomas, an experienced exorcist who's taken the ...

Oct 15, 20211 hr 46 min

Episode 29: Halloween Crimes

For episode 29 we share a few stories of horrible things that happened on Halloween. First, Kelsey tells the story of a love triangle, or is it a love square? that turns very sour. Then, Alanna tells a tragic story of Halloween mischief turned deadly, then sharing a list of Halloween pranks gone horribly wrong. Try to keep calm and Halloween on! 'Cause this frustrating episode will leave you asking why over and over again. Tags: Halloween Murders, Halloween Crimes, Halloween Pranks, Peter Fabian...

Oct 08, 20211 hr 42 min

Episode 28: Inspired By: Terrifying Tales turned Paranormal Movies

To kick off our Octoberfest of scary stories that we're bringing you all month long, we tore into some horror movies based on supernatural events. Some of them are true, others more, true-ish? As with all "based on a true story" films, we have to take the "truth" with a grain of salt. Kelsey covers a creepy case based on a foreign film that is loosely based on the story of Manuel Blanco Romasanta. This Spanish man was suspected of being a werewolf.....but was probably something a lot more sinist...

Oct 01, 20212 hr 37 min

Episode 27: Slovenia True Crime

This week we are covering some lesser known crime cases from a small country- Slovenia. We decided to treat our Slovenian listeners (and the rest of you!!) to some hometown murders and a smattering of-cyber crime?? Alanna covers Silvo Plut, sometimes called the worst serial sadist in the Balkans (there aren't a lot to choose from tbh) and follows it up with a cyber attack that affected millions of computers around the world. And how could we cover Slovenian crimes without mentioning the country'...

Sep 24, 20211 hr 54 min

Episode 26: Haunted AF Series: Prisons

Haunted AF series is back and more haunted than ever! What's better than a ghost of violent criminal? Especially ones that died in their cells? Could old jails BE any more haunted?? To kick it off, Kelsey locks us in the Old Charleston Jail which resembles a medieval castle and housed everyone from Union officers to swashbuckling pirates! Yaarg, is that a spirit I spy?? Stick around for the story of the Squirrel Cage Jail built in 1885, a uniquely designed prison in Iowa that managed to kill som...

Sep 17, 20211 hr 41 min

Episode 25: Abducted Without a Trace Part 2

Episode 25 continues with Kidnapping when Kelsey shares not one, but two wild cases. First, Kelsey does a deep dive on the Villemin family and their many unanswered secrets. Why does no one seem to want to talk? Who are they protecting? Second, she covers the 1976 Chowchilla Bus abduction with a much happier ending thanks to the heroic actions of two victims who decided not to wait around to be rescued. Experience both tragedy and victory along with us in the conclusion to our two part kidnappin...

Sep 10, 20211 hr 19 min

Episode 24: Abducted Without a Trace Part 1

This week we are talking abductions and not the extra terrestrial kind (for once). Alanna takes us through the disturbing details of the abduction of Natascha Kampusch. Does Stockholm syndrome mean the kidnapper has succeeded in brainwashing the victim, or is it a conscious survival technique the abductee uses to stay alive? Join us while we discuss this terrifying case of kidnapping and the survivor that overcame her hate to take back her life. Kelsey’s segment will be in Part 2 coming next wee...

Sep 03, 20211 hr 28 min

Episode 23: Mysterious Mummies & Secrets of the Spanx

For episode 23 we tackled some of the mysteries of ancient Egypt. First, Kelsey has some payback for Alanna with a game of Fact or Fiction, before answering the age-old question: How did Ancient Egyptians solve crimes? Then, Kelsey shares a mysterious Mummy with a unusual past and many unanswered questions. Finally, Alanna takes us on a deep dive of the secrets of the Sphinx and answers questions you didn't even know you had! What is that saucy Sphinx really hiding under it's massive paws?? Will...

Aug 27, 20212 hr 13 min

Episode 22: This One's a Bit Dodgy

For this weeks episode, we take a trip across the pond for some true crime. First, Kelsey shares an infamous duo that are not #couplegoals, in possibly her worst case yet. Then, Alanna shares a mysterious murder with a debatable motive, that will have you scratching your head all day long. Join us for United Kingdom crimes! Tags: UK True Crime, The Moors Murders, Ian Brady, Myra Hindley, The Pitchfork Murder, Charles Walton linktr.ee/castlesandcryptids Website: castlesandcryptidspod.squarespace....

Aug 20, 20212 hr 30 min

Episode 21: To Sleep, Perchance to Scream...

For this nightmare-inducing 21st episode we cover the crazy topic of sleep paralysis. First, Kelsey covers the science behind it all, before sharing some of the most popular sleep demons people witness all over the world. Then, Alanna shares some creepy sleep encounters from everyday people and even a few celebrity stories. Top it off with a deep dive into the Succubus and Incubus and you've got yourself a trifecta of terror! You may rethink sleeping with the lights off after this terrifying epi...

Aug 13, 20211 hr 46 min

Episode 20: Misdeeds & Misdemeanors: Petty, are you ready?(2021 remix :)

She ain't petty she just looks that way-y. Oops, no wait, that's she ain't pretty. But have we got some pretty petty characters for you this episode! Ok we entertained calling this episode Tom Petty crimes but we restrained ourselves on the song puns....sort of. If you're here for crimes with corpses, this episode is going to disappoint, but if you're here for headlines like "Bread Squeezer Kneads Help" then this is the true crime episode for you! And that's just one of the ones on Alanna's pett...

Aug 06, 20211 hr 43 min

Episode 19: Cryptids that are Canuck AF

For this week's episode Kelsey and Alanna cover some Cryptids that call Canada home. Kelsey shares something funny at the Canadian Mint, a reason not to go into any creepy tunnels alone, all before revealing her favourite Cryptid ever. Then, Alanna shares a road trip worthy tour of Cryptids across Canada starting from the East Coast. So grab your flashlight and get your camera ready (pics or it didn't happen) because this episode is Cryptic AF. Tags: Cryptids, Canadian Cryptids, The Canadian Min...

Jul 30, 20211 hr 47 min

Episode 18: Holy Schnitzel! There's Been a Murder

It's true crime time, and this episode we picked some cases from the darkest parts of Deutschland! And the first case is very dark indeed, as Kelsey covers the famous German "girl in the box" case, the tragic story of Ursula Herrmann. Since that one is a tough listen, Alanna does a dip into some weird ones for some mind bleach?? If that's a thing. First up is the "Woman without a face" case, a quick detour for tale of the Sandman of Lubeck and then we play a quick game of German laws- Fact or fi...

Jul 23, 20212 hr 9 min

Episode 17: Alanna & Kelsey Face the Music

It's time for the conclusion of our Time Travel episode. Alanna continues with some predictions made by a couple famous individuals, both right and wrong. Then, she covers a TikTok viral sensation from the future...maybe? Finally, Alanna takes us through a UFO sighting with a encrypted message. Buckle up for a trip to the past, present, and the future in our conclusion of Time Travel. Tags: Time Travel, Teleportation, H. G. Wells, Javier Único Sobreviviente, Sylvia Browne, Rendlesham Forest UFO ...

Jul 16, 20211 hr 17 min

Episode 16: Con Artists

Con artists, scammers, grifters, whatever you want to call them, we're talking about them this week. Confidence men and women have been around since we'll, people have been around, so let's dive into it! Kelsey covers a famous fraudulent Indian and Alanna tells the story of the lost Carnegie. Oh, and did we mention we are long lost royals? We swear..... 😋 Tags: Con Artists, Scammers, Grifters, Natwarlal, Mithilesh Kumar Srivastava, Indian Con Artists, Taj Mahal, The Red Fort, The Rashtrapati Bh...

Jul 09, 20211 hr 36 min

Episode 15: Alanna & Kelsey's Excellent Adventure

In the first half of this two part episode we cover the huge topic of Time Travel. Kelsey teaches us some ways to classify Time Travel before covering the science behind it all. Then buckle up for her story of time travel from a man whose visions all came true. Then, Alanna discusses Outlander and gives some must watch movies. Finishing off Part 1 Alanna takes us through some pictures of Time Travelers throughout history. Listen to the conclusion soon! Tags: Time Travel, Types of Time Travel, Ti...

Jul 02, 20211 hr 24 min

Episode 14: Land of the Midnight Murder

It's time for more true crime, so come with us to Norway, the Land of the Midnight Sun. It's not only a beautiful country but home to a few of the most fascinating crimes cases and we've got two of them for you! Kelsey covers the tragic and frustrating unsolved murder of teenager Birgitte Tengs. To calm you down after that, hang tight, because it's gonna be a wild ride of black metal, arson, and extreme gothness as Alanna thrashes her way through the famous story of the band Mayhem and the chaos...

Jun 25, 20211 hr 28 min

EP 13 Haunted AF Series Part 2: You Don't Wanna Live Here

It's been a while since we got haunted so.. Ghosts and mystery time! Winchester Mystery House is arguably the weirdest, most cryptic house you can get so we have to cover it! Alanna gives her take on Sarah Winchester's ingenuity and life. Then Kelsey haunts us thrice 👻👻👻with Los Feliz Murder Mansion, a haunted Hall and some sinister "whispers". Tags: Winchester Mystery House, Loftus Hall, Los Feliz Murder Mansion, The Whispers Estate, Haunted Houses, Haunted Mansions linktr.ee/castlesandcrypt...

Jun 18, 20212 hr 11 min
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