Common Mystics - podcast cover

Common Mystics

Jennifer James and Jill Stanleycommonmystics.net
Ride shotgun with psychic sisters Jennifer James and Jill Stanley as they road trip to uncover extraordinary stories (we’re talking ghosts, murder, mayhem) in ordinary places (shout out to middle America!). Giving voice to the voiceless, these sisters use their intuitive powers, incredible research skills and wicked humor to “tune in” and bring untold history to life. So, hop in, buckle up and get ready for a smart, silly, spooky good time.
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Episodes

129: A Walk of Bravery in Gadsden, AL

On this episode of Common Mystics, Jen and Jill uncover the inspiring yet tragic story of Bill Moore, a white man with an unshakable commitment to civil rights.* Driven by his belief in equality, Bill embarked on bold solo marches to expose the injustices faced by black Americans. His third march, in April 1963 from Chattanooga, TN, to Jackson, MS, took a devastating turn when, just outside Gadsden, AL, Bill was tragically shot and killed. What unfolds next, however, is a story that may surprise...

Jul 10, 20251 hr 2 minEp. 129

128: The Confession of Charlie Johnson, The First Legally Hanged Man in Etowah County, AL

On this episode of Common Mystics, Jen and Jill explore the chilling story of a man condemned to death under dubious circumstances in the deep South of 1889.* The post-Reconstruction era brought significant challenges for people of color across the United States, including in communities like Etowah County, Alabama. Black residents endured constant threats of violence and intimidation, often with little to no protection from a biased legal system. At the center of this story is Charlie Johnson, ...

Jun 26, 20251 hr 13 minEp. 128

127: Mystics in the Making- Our Grandpa Stanley

On this episode of Common Mystics, Jen and Jill honor the life and legacy of their Grandfather Stanley—a man who quietly stood tall among the strong women in his family. As the husband of their beloved Grandma Irena and father to their mom Stella and her three sisters, Grandpa Stanley often stayed in the background. But recently, his spirit has been making itself known, nudging Jen and Jill to uncover his untold story. Through heartfelt family interviews and deep dives into their ancestry, they’...

Jun 12, 202556 minEp. 127

126: Brothers at Odds- A Cherokee Tale of Politics and Pride in Fort Payne, AL

On this episode of Common Mystics, Jen and Jill uncover a surprising twist as a new voice emerges to share his perspective on the Trail of Tears. While creating Episode 124, which focused on Cherokee Chief John Ross, we had no idea about the deep rift between him and his younger brother, Andrew. Now, Andrew's voice comes through with anger and a strikingly different account of the events leading up to the Trail of Tears. He sheds light on what he perceives as his brother's role in the devastatin...

May 29, 202550 minEp. 126

125: A Legacy of Love in Chattanooga, TN

On this episode of Common Mystics, we continue our discussion of Chattanooga, Tennessee. After the Civil War, many families were left shattered with poverty, disease, and hardship forcing countless children into desperate situations. Orphanages emerged, yet support remained tragically scarce for children of color or those living with disabilities or illness. That’s where Almira Steele’s story begins. A fearless advocate with a heart full of compassion, she dedicated her life to giving ALL needy ...

May 15, 20251 hr 5 minEp. 125

124: The Trail of Tears in Chattanooga, TN

On this episode of Common Mystics Jen and Jill explore the haunting history of the Trail of Tears—the forced removal of the Cherokee people and other tribes from their lands to territories west of the Mississippi in the 1830s. Along the way, the sisters connect with the spirit of John Ross, the Cherokee Nation’s Principal Chief, elected in 1828. Ross spent his life fighting for his people’s rights against relentless oppression. The tragic history of Native displacement is well known, but the hea...

May 01, 20251 hr 5 minEp. 124

Boo Review #12: The Merman's Prophesies

Welcome back to The Boo Review, where we dive into the most haunting tales from yesterday's news sources. Today’s tale of a mystical merman draws inspiration from a fascinating article in The American Weekly Mercury out of Philadelphia, published on September 6, 1739. It begins with an ambitious Englishman, desperate for quick riches, and two honorable Dutch brothers who team up to start a fishing business in colonial New Jersey. Their partnership seems destined for trouble, but everything chang...

Apr 24, 202517 min

123: More Voices from the Road- The Hemings of Monticello

On this episode of Common Mystics the sisters dive into one of America's most controversial icons: Thomas Jefferson. Celebrated as the author of the Declaration of Independence and the nation's third President, Jefferson's legacy isn't without its darker chapters. Rumors of an illicit relationship with Sally Hemings, an enslaved woman at his Monticello plantation, have swirled for centuries. While the media once romanticized their connection, historians largely dismissed the claims of Hemings' d...

Apr 17, 20251 hr 16 minEp. 123

Common Mystics' Mini Meditation for Psychic Protection

Welcome to Common Mystics' Mini Meditation series! These brief episodes are crafted to assist you in manifesting your ideal life in just a few minutes. Feeling drained or overwhelmed by others' energy? In this episode, we’re guiding you through a powerful meditation to strengthen your psychic protection and reclaim your energetic space. Whether you’re dealing with challenging environments or simply feeling vulnerable, this meditation is your tool to cultivate a protective shield to keep your ene...

Apr 10, 202511 min

122: More Voices from the Road- The Black Widow of La Porte, IN

In this gripping episode of Common Mystics, Jen and Jill dive into a chilling tale of greed, betrayal, and cold-blooded murder.* Following a trail of cryptic clues, including the activities of infamous serial killer H.H. Holmes, the sisters uncover the horrifying story of Belle Gunness, a calculating murderer who lured men into marriage only to murder them for their money. The mystery begins when Gunness’s farmhouse in La Porte, Indiana, goes up in flames in 1908. Was it arson? What investigator...

Apr 03, 20251 hr 4 minEp. 122

Boo Review #11: Death By Witchcraft in Quindaro, KS

Welcome back to The Boo Review, where we dive into the most haunting tales from yesterday's news sources. Today's story, out of Quindero, Kansas, is a haunting tale of a once-thriving town that vanished under mysterious and tragic circumstances. Legend has it, the town was home to witches skilled in casting curses and dark incantations, fueling fear and paranoia among the townsfolk and driving the terrified residents to flee. Among these chilling tales is the story of Abner Lewis' strange afflic...

Mar 27, 202512 min

121: A Vision of Murder in Oak Park, IL

On this episode of Common Mystics, Jen and Jill explore the remarkable yet haunting story about Steve Linscott, a man whose life was forever altered by his unexpected connection to a horrific crime.* In 1980, Steve, a Bible college student in Oak Park, Illinois, sat down with police for what seemed like an innocent interview. He described a vivid dream he had—one that coincidentally occurred on the same night his neighbor, Karen Ann Phillips, was brutally murdered. What happened next was nothing...

Mar 20, 202558 minEp. 121

Common Mystics' Mini Meditation for the Full Moon

Welcome to Common Mystics' Mini Meditation series! These brief episodes are crafted to assist you in manifesting your ideal life in just a few minutes. Today’s Mini Meditation is thoughtfully designed for the full moon—a powerful moment of closure and release. The full moon invites us to let go of what no longer serves us, while offering a moment to reflect on our connection to nature’s rhythms. It’s an opportunity to align with elemental energies, drawing strength and guidance from the natural ...

Mar 13, 202511 min

120: Astrological Insights for March 2025 – Eclipses, Energy Shifts, and New Beginnings

On this episode of Common Mystics, we’re thrilled to welcome our friend Michelle Holland as we delve into the cosmic forces set to influence us this month. March 2025 is shaping up to be a month of profound cosmic shifts! Join us in this episode as we explore the powerful energy of this month’s eclipses. We’ll break down how these celestial events are pushing us all to release the past and step into bold new beginnings. Thanks so much for listening! Contact Michelle Holland via email at michelle...

Mar 06, 202548 minEp. 120

Boo Review #10: The Séance on Twenty-Seventh Street in Rochester, NY

Welcome back to The Boo Review, where we dive into the most haunting tales from yesterday's news sources. Rochester, New York is steeped in spiritualist traditions and eerie tales of the paranormal. Back in March 1890, the Rochester Democrat and Chronicle documented a chilling story of a haunted house that still haunts the imagination. Our latest Boo Review dives into the fictional story of Susan Barry, a determined young woman inspired by the legendary Fox Sisters, the notorious mediums who put...

Feb 27, 202517 min

119: Truth in Harmonia, MI

On this episode of Common Mystics, Jen and Jill share a captivating story uncovered by a Common Mystics retreat group in August 2024. While exploring Bedford Township, MI, the group followed psychic impressions that guided them to a nearly forgotten village and the legendary freedom fighter and civil rights icon, Sojourner Truth. However, the spirit that emerged wasn’t Truth herself, but one of her descendants—sharing an incredible story and an unexpected coincidence that connects the voiceless ...

Feb 20, 202554 minEp. 119

Common Mystics' Mini Meditation for Releasing Rage

Welcome to Common Mystics' Mini Meditation series! These brief episodes are crafted to assist you in manifesting your ideal life in just a few minutes. Today's Mini Meditation is designed to help you release your rage. If you’re like us, the start of this year has come with its fair share of challenges. If you’re feeling overwhelmed by anxiety, fear, or anger, this mini meditation is here to help. Support Common Mystics on Patreon here: https://www.patreon.com/commonmystics and get access to exc...

Feb 13, 202510 min

118: Return to Nashville, MI

On this episode of Common Mystics , Jen and Jill return to Nashville, Michigan, where the voiceless spirit from their very first episode speaks once more. During the summer of 2024, while hosting a Common Mystics retreat in Battle Creek, MI, the group made an unplanned visit to the Putnam House, now home to the Nashville public library. What followed was a captivating chain of events, drawing the group deeper into the story of Gertrude Beigh, the restless spirit first introduced in Episode 1. Fr...

Feb 06, 202540 minEp. 118

Boo Review #9: The Milkwoman’s Daughter in Endfield, PA

Welcome back to The Boo Review, where we dive into the most haunting tales from yesterday's news sources. Set in 1729, this tale unfolds in the rural settlement of Endfield, Pennsylvania, within a family of dairy farmers. Adelaide, the family’s formidable matriarch, is a woman of stern demeanor, while her husband, Henry, is a quiet and humble presence. Their 13-year-old daughter, Marlene, stands out as a singular and unforgettable soul, though she tests her mother’s patience. When tragedy strike...

Jan 30, 202513 min

117: Encore Presentation-Mystery & Legend in Nashville, MI

On the first episode of Common Mystics Jennifer and Jill stumble upon a 127 year old mystery in Nashville, MI surrounding a tragic death in the mansion of a prominent local family.* What happened at the home of Charles M. Putnam? Was it murder? Suicide? A potential cover up? Listen in as Jennifer and Jill sort through fact, legend, and clues from beyond the grave to relate their psychic adventure at the Putnam Library in the small town of Nashville, Michigan. Thanks for listening! Support us on ...

Jan 23, 202536 minEp. 117

Common Mystics' Mini Meditation for Receiving Clarity From Your Higher Self

Welcome to Common Mystics' Mini Meditation series! These brief episodes are crafted to assist you in manifesting your ideal life in just a few minutes. Today's Mini Meditation is designed to help you receive clarity from your higher self. Meeting your higher self during meditation isn’t just a spiritual exercise—it’s a way to unlock clarity, self-awareness, growth, and peace. Whether you’re seeking answers, direction, or a deeper connection to yourself, it’s an experience worth exploring. So, wh...

Jan 16, 202511 min

116: Stories of Hope

On this episode of Common Mystics, we share uplifting stories of hope from a few of our friends and listeners—stories that capture moments when Spirit reveals itself. Perfectly timed for the new year, these tales are meant to inspire wonder, joy, and a renewed sense of optimism. Join us as we look ahead to brighter, more glorious days with hearts full of hope. Support Common Mystics on Patreon here: https://www.patreon.com/commonmystics and sign up for exclusive bonus content like the Detours fr...

Jan 09, 202547 minEp. 116

Boo Review #8: The Quaker Visitant in Lancaster, PA

Welcome back to The Boo Review, where we dive into the most haunting tales from yesterday's news sources. This week, we’re taking you back to 1753 in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, to explore the chilling tale of Jacob Wilhelm—a man whose stubbornness and cruelty led to a shocking and poetic fate. Who was Jacob Wilhelm? Why did the townsfolk despise him? And what led to his untimely death in the very grave he dug for someone else? We’ll recount the eerie chain of events, including a strange storm, Wil...

Jan 02, 202511 min

115: Encore Presentation- Holiday Special 2022

Please enjoy this encore presentation of the Common Mystics podcast originally posted in December 2022. On this holiday episode, Jennifer and Jill dive into the roots of Christmas. If nothing else, tune in to hear Jill's versions of the Nativity and the Immaculate Conception. Then stick around for some interesting history and thoughtful contemplation on the meaning of the holiday season. Support Common Mystics on Patreon here: https://www.patreon.com/commonmystics and sign up for exclusive bonus...

Dec 26, 202441 minEp. 115

Detours Ep. 62: Krampus! Santa's Evil Twin

Please enjoy this reposting of Common Mystics' Detours Episode 62, originally published on Patreon in December 2022. We had a BLAST discussing the tradition of Krampus! Forget about leaving coal, this guy will drag you to hell for misbehaving! That'll scare the kiddies straight!!! If Jill has her way, we will both be dressing up as Krampus next Christmas.. LOL... Happy holidays to all our fans! Sending you all light and love this season <3 Support Common Mystics on Patreon at https://www.patr...

Dec 19, 202419 min

114: Christmas Ghost Stories in Victorian England and Beyond

On this episode of Common Mystics, Jen and Jill dive into the fascinating and spooky tradition of Christmas ghost stories. Did you know that sharing ghostly tales during the winter months has been a beloved custom in cultures around the world? While Charles Dickens didn’t invent the idea of Christmas ghosts, his classic novella A Christmas Carol captivated Victorian readers and sparked a craze for supernatural stories during the holiday season. But here’s the twist—this chilling tradition never ...

Dec 12, 20241 hrEp. 114

Boo Review #7: The Coachman Comes

Welcome back to The Boo Review, where we dive into the most haunting tales from yesterday's news sources. Step inside the chilling mystery of 121 Kirkland Street—if you dare. In this spine-tingling episode, we follow Boston Globe reporter Roxbury Winthrop as he delves into the secrets of a house with a dark past. From slamming doors and disembodied voices to the unsettling history of its previous residents, this Somerville, Massachusetts home has more than its share of eerie tales. But the story...

Dec 05, 202417 min

113: Return to Ridgeway, SC

On this episode of Common Mystics, Jen and Jill assist a granddaughter in connecting with the spirit of her grandmother beyond the grave. When the sisters discussed the tragic murder in Episode 54: Portal to Murder in Ridgeway, SC, they didn't anticipate being called to help heal a family's trauma. In 1955, Rubye McPherson, her young son George, and her mother Zola were brutally murdered by a deranged drifter in Dickinson, TX. These events profoundly impacted Rubye's older son, Jack. In this poi...

Nov 28, 20241 hr 17 minEp. 113

Common Mystics' Mini Meditation for Connecting to Your Spirit Guides

Welcome to Common Mystics' Mini Meditation series! These brief episodes are crafted to assist you in manifesting your ideal life in just a few minutes. Today's Mini Meditation focuses on connecting to your spirit guides. Many believe that our spirit guides are members of our heavenly team, celestial helpers assigned to assist us. Connect with them now using this 10 minute meditation. Support Common Mystics on Patreon here: https://www.patreon.com/commonmystics and get access to exclusive bonus c...

Nov 21, 202410 min

112: A Turning Point for Clyde Barrow in Hillsboro, TX

In this episode of Common Mystics, Jen and Jill delve into the notorious criminal exploits of Clyde Barrow, one half of the infamous Bonnie and Clyde duo. By 1932, the 23-year-old Clyde already had a lengthy history with the law, having engaged in numerous robberies across Texas. However, it was the heist at JN Bucher's auto store in Hillsboro on April 30, 1932, that ignited a chain of events leading him down a path characterized by ruthless violence and murder. Support Common Mystics on Patreon...

Nov 14, 20241 hr 16 minEp. 112
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