Hosted by two friends who share a passion for public lands and a fascination with what can go wrong there, each week hosts Danielle and Cassie explore the darker side of our National Parks. But it isn’t always chills and thrills. By sharing inspiring tales and their desire for protecting our planet’s wild places, they hope listeners will be inspired to take a walk into the wild and create meaningful adventures of their own.
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In 1836 a discovery of 17 miniature coffins in Holyrood Royal Park in Scotland sparked a heated debate. Who created them, and what did the represent? Theories abound, but one of the most widely accepted theories out there is a wild one- that they represent the victims of the famed serial killers William Burke and William Hare. For the latest NPAD updates, group travel details, merch and more, follow us on npadpodcast.com and our socials at: Instagram: @ nationalparkafterdark TikTok: @ national...
Follow along as we are introduced to freedom seekers Ellen and William Craft on their 1,000 mile journey to the north. After being enslaved their entire lives, they decide to risk it all to find freedom and create a life they always wanted. It's not an easy journey, as Ellen disguises herself as a white male and William's enslaver. They face many challenges and people who would go to extreme lengths to make sure they never gain freedom. For the latest NPAD updates, group travel details, merch an...
This week we cover the story of the Champawat tiger, the most deadly animal on record. In this week's episode Danielle tells us the tragic tale of this tiger, the lives she claimed and how it all began. A morbid story no doubt, but there is so much more to it than that. Underneath its terrifying outer skin, this story has layers of discussion regarding the repercussions of irresponsible wild land management, a sobering history of hunting in India and consequences of our collective actions. Jim C...
This week we are heading back to our home state of New Hampshire. This little state is full of big surprises as it is known for the worst weather on the entire planet. In January of 1982 two teenage climbers headed out to ice climb and summit but a horrible storm rolled in bringing snow, 140 mph winds and negative temperatures. When the Mountain Rescue Service goes out to help them, they find themselves in their own mission for survival. For the latest NPAD updates, group travel details, merch a...
the Hawaiian island of Molokai is home to one of the most remote peninsulas in the world. For over a century, thousands of people suffering from ma'i ho'oka'awale, or the “separating sickness” were ripped from their families and forced to the Kalaupapa peninsula, doomed to spend their lives in exile. The dark history of this place is lightened by the resilience of the Hawaiian people, their enduring spirit and their efforts to protect and preserve this sacred place. If you'd like to learn more a...
In this week's episode we head to New River Gorge National Park, the newest National Park in America. At face value, this new and beautiful park is full of fun activities and beautiful landscapes. But, if you dive deeper and really take a look at the smaller, less known areas, there are very dark stories that reside here. Red Ash Island, a place many visitors pass by without a second thought, lies a graveyard of over 200 people and their stories. This week we're taking a fresh look at forgotten ...
Explore the incredible true story of Yossi Ghinsberg, who, seeking adventure in 1980s South America, found himself stranded and fighting for his life in Bolivia's remote Madidi National Park. Separated from his companions after a rafting accident, Yossi endured weeks of starvation, hallucinations, and extreme jungle hazards. This episode details his miraculous rescue, the shocking truth about his 'guide,' and how his near-death experience ultimately inspired him to become a conservationist and motivational speaker.
Our mix of stories today include a spirit on the trail, amazing animal rescues and a tragic death by animal, stumbling across skulls on the trail and surviving a glacial fall. All stories shared with the permission of submitting parties We love our National Parks and we know you do too but when you're out there, remember to enjoy the view but watch your back. Please take a moment to rate and subscribe from wherever you’re listening to NPAD! Become part of our Outsider family on Patreon to gain a...
When a family of 4 travel all the way from Germany to the US for a national park trip, they head into Death Valley National Park during some of their hottest days. While on a mission to look for illegal drug activity in the park, a ranger discovers their abandoned vehicle in an extremely remote area. A massive search ensues, but some believe they may have vanished on purpose. Check out Andy Tate's podcast Let's Not Meet at https://letsnotmeetpodcast.com or wherever you listen to your podcasts. F...
Forty-one years ago, the Chamberlain family went on holiday to the Australian outback. Their idyllic getaway turned to tragedy when their young child was taken in the night from their tent. What ensued was a modern-day Australian witch hunt, one in which a mother was vilified – and painted by the media as a monster. For thirty years Lindy Chamberlain and her family stood firmly in their account of what happened on August 17th, 1980, maintaining their innocence – maintaining that their hands were...
In the summer of 1910, the United States saw the worst fire in history. It burned over 3 million acres of the Rocky Mountain ranges and killed over 80 people. In this episode we follow Ed Pulaski, an assistant ranger for the U.S forest service, as he attempts to save his fellow firefighters when they get caught in the midst of the flames. He will go to any means necessary to get them out alive, even if that meant turning a gun on his own crew. For the latest NPAD updates, group travel details, m...
Alcatraz Island is synonymous with prison. Almost every book, TV show and movie portrays this rocky island in San Francisco Bay as a place where big name gangsters like Al Capone or Alvin Karpis were locked away. But what you may not know is that this same location renowned for violence and incarceration also served as a beacon of peace and symbol of regaining freedom. After hundreds of years of people avoiding it and risking bullets in their backs to escape it, there was time that people risked...
Salem is famously home to the witch hysteria of the late 1600's but there is a lot more history to this New England town. Join us as we dive into the history of how Halloween started, the witch trials, and the lengthy history of the Maritime Salem Historic Site. A site that now preserves over 600 years of global trading and a history of underground tunnels that still lie beneath the town today. We dive deep into the illegal activities that took place here, the old brothels, and haunted souls tha...
In this segment, we will be having conversations with people of all kinds who are involved with the NPS. As we have gotten deeper into research for the show, our love and appreciation for those who dedicate their time, expertise and passion to the park system as grown deeper as well. For our first guest, we spoke with Kevin Grange. He is a wilderness first responder who has spent seasons in Yellowstone, Grand Teton and Yosemite. His newest book Wild Rescues gives an in depth and intimate look in...
It’s safe to say you have heard of the Bermuda Triangle. That terrifying slice of sea that swallows ships whole and plucks planes out of the air. But did you know this isn’t the only place where strange phenomena occurs? There are other triangles to be feared. This week we visit Yosemite National Park’s Tenaya Canyon, where an alleged curse is to blame for deaths and mishaps, Vermont’s Green Mountain National Forest where a string of disappearances left locals dumb founded, and to Alaska’s final...
Join us this week as we head into Mexico and join one of the most famous celebration in the world, Dia de los Muertos. Many people believe that this is Mexico's version of Halloween, and although there are some parallels, this could not be farther from the truth. We discuss the love story that created the volcanoes of Parque Nactional Iztaccíhuatl. We will visit the elaborate and colorful celebrations that surround these days along with ancient beliefs of what happens after death. Today we will ...
This week we travel to northern California and into Six Rivers National Forest to learn how the iconic Bigfoot image was captured, what happened in the aftermath, and how it changed the world of cryptozoology. We'll give you information from both sides of the Bigfoot fence, but it’s up to you to decide … do you believe? For the latest NPAD updates, group travel details, merch and more, follow us on npadpodcast.com and our socials at: Instagram: @ nationalparkafterdark TikTok: @ nationalparkaft...
Bring all of your hiking gear, plenty of water, and a ghost meter as we travel to various haunted trails in Channel Islands, Rocky Mountain, Indiana Dunes, Grand Canyon and Great Smoky Mountains. NPAD is featured on @Stitcher's second annual True Crime Week. You can listen to our show and all the other True Crime Week podcasts on the Stitcher app or at stitcher.com/discover #StitcherTrueCrimeWeek For the latest NPAD updates, group travel details, merch and more, follow us on npadpodcast.com and ...
This week we travel overseas and back in time to visit Galapagos National Park. Floreana, a small island in the archipelago has acted as a siren, lulling people from all over the world to her shores. Although her call was heard by many - some wanted her all to themselves. Come along as we learn about the history of the island, and discuss a real life Clue story, where we ponder 'who dunnit? ' in what has gone down in history as the Galapagos Affair. For the latest NPAD updates, group travel deta...
We asked, you delivered. Welcome to our second Trail Tale episode where we share stories from you – to you! Our mix of stories today include personal tragedies, animal attacks and otherworldly experiences. Thank you to everyone who submitted a story – keep them coming! All stories shared with the permission of submitting parties We love our National Parks and we know you do too but when you're out there, remember to enjoy the view but watch your back. Please take a moment to rate and subscribe f...
In this episode we will explore a series of short amazing stories from around the globe. We are exploring almost unbelievable incidents of animals who rescue people, other species than their own, and even the environment. Join us as we head to Serengeti National Park for the Great Migration and an unlikely hero who resides there. Keep your toddler close as we head to the national forests of Montana where a grizzly bear is accused of abducting a child. Pack a life vest as we head into the most da...
This episode recounts the incredible and tragic story of Lieutenant David Steeves, who went missing in Kings Canyon National Park and, after 54 days of harrowing survival, miraculously returned home. However, his reunion was far from heroic, as his story was publicly doubted, his marriage crumbled under the strain of past betrayals and new pressures, and he was relentlessly scrutinized as a hoax. Though his account was later confirmed by the discovery of his plane, this vindication came tragically after his death in another plane crash, leaving a legacy overshadowed by controversy and a lifelong quest for truth.
Join us this week as we head to Dry Tortugas National Park, but before we can go there we need to take a deep dive into some U.S history. We're going all the way back to the 1860's into the Civil War and following along with John Wilkes Booth after he assassinates Abraham Lincoln. When Dr. Samuel Mudd gets convicted after helping John when he is injured fleeing the scene of the assassination, he is sent to the most desolate prison in the US - Fort Jefferson in Dry Tortugas. The conditions are ho...
With so many National Parks around the world, we can’t help but venture to far off lands. Someone else who had that urge, was Cody Roman Dial. The son of a National Geographic explorer and field biologist, Cody (who preferred to go by his middle name, Roman) followed right in his father’s footsteps. His own travels brought him all over the world. His final adventure brought him to Costa Rica, where he walked into the jungle for the last time. Come along with us as we learn about Roman’s life, di...
In the 1800's settlers realized that with the beauty of Banff money and tourism provided a huge opportunity. They decided to build a beautiful hotel in the heart of Banff National Park. What they weren't expecting when it was built, were all the spirits that would never leave - and the mystery that lives in room 873. For the latest NPAD updates, group travel details, merch and more, follow us on npadpodcast.com and our socials at: Instagram: @ nationalparkafterdark TikTok: @ nationalparkafterd...
Man eaters. Two words that send shivers down your spine and spark a deep, primal fear. Come along with us as we spend this week in Africa discussing the famous Tsavo man eating lions – with a twist. The grisly tale of what happened here in 1898 is undoubtedly among the most notorious tragedies in Kenya, but what can we learn from it? What drives lions to hunt humans, and will they ever stop? For the latest NPAD updates, group travel details, merch and more, follow us on npadpodcast.com and our s...
When Colby Coombs, Tom Walter, and Ritt Kellog head out on a mountaineering expedition together the weather proved to be a huge obstacle. With inches of snow falling everyday, huge crevasses, and avalanche conditions, this was no easy trek. When an avalanche hits, trajedy stikes and leaves one climber with a broken neck. Making it back alive is going to be nearly impossible. For the latest NPAD updates, group travel details, merch and more, follow us on npadpodcast.com and our socials at: Instag...
The 1980 Mount St. Helen’s eruption was the largest in US history, and claimed over 50 lives. Listen along as we meet one of the victims, Harry Truman, who left his mark on the mountain and whose legacy lives on in the PNW. For the latest NPAD updates, group travel details, merch and more, follow us on npadpodcast.com and our socials at: Instagram: @ nationalparkafterdark TikTok: @ nationalparkafterdark Support the show by becoming an Outsider and receive ad free listening, bonus content and m...
When Harold and Toni Henthorn first got married, things seemed wonderful. However, overtime, red flags begin to emerge in this not so perfect marriage. When they head into the park for their wedding anniversary and Toni mysteriously dies, Harold is the first suspect. But no one could have ever guessed the lies he had told and what his previous life entailed. For the latest NPAD updates, group travel details, merch and more, follow us on npadpodcast.com and our socials at: Instagram: @ nationalp...
This week we take a journey through twists and turns to el despoblado – “the uninhabited land.” Big Bend National Park is a place on the far reaches of civilization that stands impartial as the troubles and toils of existence play out. Most of the beings here are in a fight for their lives, struggling every single day just to ensure they see another. But what if that wasn’t the case? What if, despite all efforts, all wants and desires, you wanted to die ... but couldn’t? For the latest NPAD upda...
