Urban Legends - podcast cover

Urban Legends

Luke Morduewww.lukemordue.com

Luke Mordue examines the historical impact of the stories that haunt our society, tales that have gripped towns and cities worldwide for centuries as actual events - Urban Legends. First, hear the tales retold as short stories before delving into the history of the legend, dissecting its cultural significance, factuality, and origins. 

Released Fortnightly.

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Episodes

The Smiling Man

'The Smiling Man’ was a short story that sent shivers down the spines of countless readers on Reddit, telling the harrowing encounter of a man who crosses paths with a mysterious, grinning figure during a quiet nighttime stroll. But what makes this internet legend so enduring and terrifying? In this episode, we'll peel back the layers of the story and its origins, diving into the psychology of a smile, and the creation of a modern-day urban legend. Text Me (this is 3rd party & I cannot respo...

Jul 24, 202449 min

Teke Teke

In this chapter, we will trace the history and cultural significance of Teke Teke, examining how this legend has permeated Japanese culture and transcended borders to captivate the world. Teke Teke, a figure that haunts the darkness of Japanese folklore, is said to be the tormented ghost of a young woman who met a tragic and gruesome fate. The legend revolves around her terrifying presence, her eerie cries, and her eerie pursuit of those who dare to cross her path. But where did this legend orig...

Jul 17, 202437 min

Loch Ness Monster

Our season IV finale takes us deep into the dark waters of a Scottish Loch as we uncover one of the world’s most enduring mysteries, the ‘Loch Ness Monster’. Join us as we delve into the rich history, sightings, and everlasting intrigue through the mist-shrouded waters of Loch Ness, uncovering the origins and evolution of the Nessie legend. Join us as we dive into the scientific investigations, eyewitness accounts, and modern-day expeditions aimed at solving the riddle of the monster. With it be...

Apr 10, 202454 min

Russian Sleep Experiment

This graphic chapter delves into one of the most haunting urban legends of the modern era, the ‘Russian Sleep Experiment.’ Step into the shadowy corridors of history as we explore the chilling tale that has captivated the minds of conspiracy theorists and horror aficionados alike. From the eerie confines of a remote research facility to the harrowing experiences of the subjects involved, we piece together the fragments of a story shrouded in secrecy and speculation. Was it a government conspirac...

Mar 27, 202450 min

Windigo

In this fascinating, complex chapter, we journey into the history of North America to explore the haunting lore of the ‘Windigo’. Join us as we unravel the tales of this malevolent, cannibalistic spirit that has terrorised the imagination of indigenous peoples for centuries. We'll delve into the origins of this myth, tracing it back to Algonquian and other Native American cultures and uncovering its transformation into a symbol of greed and selfishness. Text Me (this is 3rd party & I cannot ...

Mar 13, 202459 min

The Green Man

In this mysterious and tragic chapter, we delve into the history, the tragedy, and the enduring mystery of the urban legend “The Green Man”, also known as Charlie No-Face. Join us as we unravel the stories and folklore surrounding this enigmatic figure, who is both haunting and heart-wrenching. We'll explore the real-life events that inspired this urban legend and how it became a symbol of compassion and caution. You'll gain insight into the life of Ray Robinson, the man behind the myth. Text Me...

Feb 28, 202442 min

The Spider Bite

This grim chapter unveils the mysterious and eerie tale of ‘The Spider Bite’, commonly known as ‘The Red Spot’. Join us as we explore the origins, hair-raising narratives, and the enduring fascination with this unsettling story that has sent shivers down the spines of many. Join us as we study the origins of tales about individuals who wake up with a mysterious and ominous red spot on their bodies, only to face an uncanny and horrifying revelation, before delving into the psychology of fear and ...

Feb 14, 202454 min

Spontaneous Human Combustion

This fascinating chapter delves into one of the most perplexing and chilling phenomena of ‘Spontaneous Human Combustion’. Join us as we explore the history, the bewildering cases, and the scientific mysteries that shroud this enigmatic occurrence. Let’s clear the smoke as we delve into the scientific investigations and the quest for answers surrounding this bizarre phenomenon. You'll hear about the various theories, from natural explanations to the paranormal, that have attempted to demystify sp...

Jan 31, 202447 min

Cropsey

This chilling chapter delves into the unsettling urban legend in Staten Island as "Cropsey." Join us as we dig into the haunting history, the horrifying true-crime cases, and the enduring mysteries that shroud this figure that has now been circulated for generations, painting Cropsey as a bogeyman lurking in the shadows of abandoned institutions and wooded areas, ready to snatch children away. We'll delve into the chilling true-crime cases associated with Cropsey, such as the shocking disappeara...

Jan 17, 202456 min

Shadow People

This chapter enters the mysterious and unsettling world of shadow people. Join us as we explore the origins and apparent encounters whilst delving into the depths of human psychology to understand the enduring fascination with these elusive, shadowy figures. Is it possible that shadowy figures are entering our world? How can so many people experience such similar things? and how far back do the tales of Shadow People go? Text Me (this is 3rd party & I cannot respond, but I see all messages) ...

Jan 03, 20241 hr 3 min

Urban Legends Trailer

In this Fortnightly Podcast, host Luke Mordue examines the historical impact of the stories that haunt our society, tales that have gripped towns and cities worldwide for centuries as actual events. Urban Legends. This bi-weekly adventure will allow the listener to tread the line between fable and fiction whilst the study of reality and tangibility breathes new life into these classic narratives. Each story, researched, written, and narrated by Mordue, will remind the listener of the myths and l...

Dec 01, 20231 min

Bigfoot

Join us as we explore the heart of North American folklore, venturing deep into the dense forests, vast wilderness, and rugged mountains in pursuit of one of the world's most enigmatic creatures: Bigfoot. In this episode, we unravel the legend, lore, and lasting fascination with the elusive and towering figure that is Bigfoot. With countless sightings, footprints, and blurry photographs, the mystery of Bigfoot continues to captivate the imaginations of believers and sceptics alike. What drives p...

Nov 23, 20221 hr

Snuff Films

Snuff films, the stuff of nightmares, are rumoured to depict real-life acts of violence and murder, concealed within the guise of cinematic productions. But are they fact or fiction? Join us as we investigate the origins of these sinister stories and examine the cultural and psychological factors that have perpetuated their existence. Let’s explore the blurred lines between reality and myth and discuss the role that moral panic, censorship, and technological advancements have played in shaping t...

Nov 09, 202244 min

Changelings

Join us as we delve deep into the dark and strange stories of ‘Changelings’. These eerie creatures have been told and retold for hundreds of years amongst the Irish people, still being discussed even today. These elusive beings are said to be swapped infants or creatures from the fairy realm who replace human children. We'll explore the origins of these enchanting stories and their significance in Irish folklore, as well as unearth the dark realities of the times when very real criminal acts hav...

Oct 12, 202251 min
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