It was February of 1906 when Jeanne Van Calck, an 8-year-old girl from Brussels, Belgium, left her grandparents house to visit her mother. Tragically, she never made it to her mothers home, nor back to her grandparents. What happened to Jeanne? Tune in to learn more about this unsolved murder case from Belgium, along with an update pertaining to the unsolved murder of Joseph Augustus “Boy in the Box” Zarelli. Need a distraction? I got you. Listener discretion is advised. Shout out to Patrons Tom...
Jan 29, 2023•27 min•Season 1Ep. 146
Cresson Sanatorium was built on the premise of helping people when tuberculosis first hit the United States. Since it's doors opened, it changed names, purposes - but continued to be a place many would call home. It seems as if some souls that once entered the front doors of Cresson continue to remain to this day. Shadow figures, intense sounding EVP's, and technology malfunctions are only covering the surface of what is reportedly happening there. Need a distraction? I got you. Listener discret...
Jan 22, 2023•33 min•Season 1Ep. 145
In this weeks episode, Alex revisits a case covered during the early years of Weird Distractions. Your eyes aren't deceiving you, it's re-release - but this time, this one has an update. The unsolved case of the Boy in the Box continues to be a mystery to this day. But, thanks to advancements in forensics, we now have a name. What happened to Joseph Augustus Zarelli? Tune in to find out. Need a distraction? I got you. If you know any information regarding Joseph, please connect with Philadelphia...
Jan 15, 2023•25 min•Season 1Ep. 144
This week, Alex takes things to Manhattan, New York (USA) to discuss the reported history and haunts of the Old Merchant's House - also referred to as the Merchant's House Museum or the Seabury Tredwell House. Need a distraction? I got you. Listener discretion is advised. Shout out to Patrons Tom, Bailey, Angela, Jon, Alicia, Lynn, Shadow, Courtney, Cheryl, Susan, & Jennifer! Thank you for supporting Weird Distractions on Patreon. You can also support the show on Patreon and get monthly bonu...
Jan 08, 2023•29 min•Season 1Ep. 143
Did Alex realize that she was releasing a depressing case as the first Weird Distractions episode of the New Year? This week, to ring in 2023, Alex discusses the crimes of Daniel Camargo Barbosa - aka the The Sadist of El Charquito. Trigger warnings will be provided in the episode but be forewarned as Daniel’s story is not what would be considered easy listening. Need a distraction? I got you. Listener discretion is advised. Shout out to Patrons Tom, Bailey, Angela, Jon, Alicia, Lynn, Shadow, Co...
Jan 01, 2023•28 min•Season 1Ep. 142
Merry Christmas to those who are celebrating - and a weird distraction for everyone who is in need. This week, Alex discusses 6 mall Santas and their scandals in what was supposed to be an attempt to lift the mood - but, turns out, it got weird & dark real fast. Need a distraction? I got you. Listener discretion is advised. Shout out to Patrons Tom, Bailey, Angela, Jon, Alicia, Lynn, Shadow, Courtney, Cheryl, Susan, Jennifer & Lani! Thank you for supporting Weird Distractions on Patreon....
Dec 25, 2022•17 min•Season 1Ep. 141
Could this bonus episode really be a Christmas miracle? I was asked to join some of the spookiest shows within the indie podcast community to share a creepy tale, in order to celebrate the holiday season. Move over Christmas cheer, we're here for Christmas fear! Need a distraction? We got you. Thank you to Eric & Alex from Dos Spookqueños for organizing this special. Find more Dos Spookqueños here: https://linktr.ee/dosspookquenos Listener discretion is advised. Shout out to Patrons Tom, Bai...
Dec 24, 2022•53 min
After tuning in to this weeks episode, you may want to reconsider some of the toys you bought for your loved ones for this holiday season. This week, Alex is back discussing 5 different toys and some of the weird online conspiracy theories associated with them. From Furby's to Raggedy Ann dolls and everything in between, you may be surprised to hear what theories out there actually convinced folks to think twice. Need a distraction? I got you. Listener discretion is advised. Shout out to Patrons...
Dec 18, 2022•24 min•Season 1Ep. 140
In this third edition of the Listener Distractions series, we hear about a haunted house, a shadow figure near a koi pond, an illegal hunt, and more. Got a distraction? Send your story in! Listener discretion is advised. Shout out to Patrons Tom, Bailey, Angela, Jon, Alicia, Lynn, Shadow, Courtney, Cheryl, Susan, Jennifer & Lani! Thank you for supporting Weird Distractions on Patreon. You can also support the show on Patreon and get monthly bonus episodes, behind the scenes footage, and more...
Dec 13, 2022•27 min
While Alex is away sick, please enjoy this Weird Spam episode featuring Linz from Ye Olde Crime podcast. Weird Spam is a monthly series for the, 'Here for the Weird' $5(USD)/month patreon supporters - where Alex, and a guest, read the weird, scammy emails we get. Consider supporting Weird Distractions and getting access to this series by checking out the shows patreon page: https://patreon.com/weirddistractionspodcast?utm_medium=clipboard_copy&utm_source=copyLink&utm_campaign=creatorshar...
Dec 11, 2022•30 min
Alex is taking a mini break this week - BUT, have no fear! Linz & Maddy from Ye Olde Crime podcast are here to provide you all a very weird distraction. Join the YOC sisters as they discuss the Bermondsey Horror, as well as why you shouldn’t trust the phrase “going to come into money,” that working for rich people doesn’t mean they got your back, and how NOT to get away with murder. Resources: 2021 Southwark News article by Josh Salisbury 2020 The Ministry of History article 2018 Headstuff a...
Dec 04, 2022•49 min•Season 1Ep. 139
Willard State Hospital opened it’s doors with hope to change the way mental and cognitive treatment were provided. Even though it received positive feedback, it’s doors closed in 1995. Now what remains seems to be rumours and reports of paranormal activity. But, is it as haunted as the claims make it seem? Tune in to be the judge. Need a distraction? I got you. Listener discretion is advised. Shout out to Patrons Tom, Bailey, Angela, Jon, Alicia, Lynn, Shadow, Courtney, Cheryl, Susan, Jennifer &...
Nov 27, 2022•31 min•Season 1Ep. 138
This week, Alex tackles the unsolved disappearance of Annie Yassie. Annie was just shy of 14 years old when she disappeared from Sayisi Dene First Nation - near Tadoule Lake, in Manitoba. It’s been nearly 50 years since Annie went missing, and it seems as though there are more questions than answers. Tune in to learn more. Need a distraction? I got you. If anyone has information regarding Annie’s disappearance, please contact the Cold Case Unit of the Winnipeg RCMP at 204-983-5461 or you can cal...
Nov 20, 2022•21 min•Season 1Ep. 137
It’s been a hot minute since we’ve discussed a haunted cemetery! This week, Alex takes you to Midlothian, Illinois to Bachelors Grove Cemetery. Originally created for the Bachelors Grove settlement, this cemetery continues to reportedly boast unexplainable phenomena. From phantom cars, unsolved homicide cases, apparitions and more - this cemetery continues to breath life into local lore. Need a distraction? I got you. Listener discretion is advised. Shout out to Patrons Tom, Bailey, Angela, Jon,...
Nov 13, 2022•20 min•Season 1Ep. 136
This week, all eyes are on former murderer Martha Wise. Was Martha right to poison those around her? Or, was she out of line? Tune in to learn more about Martha, the case, and why you should always trust your gut. Need a distraction? I got you. Listener discretion is advised. Shout out to Patrons Tom, Bailey, Angela, Jon, Alicia, Lynn, Shadow, Courtney, Cheryl, Susan, Jennifer & Lani! Thank you for supporting Weird Distractions on Patreon. You can also support the show on Patreon and get mon...
Nov 06, 2022•21 min•Season 1Ep. 135
Happy Halloween! This week, Alex discusses the murder of Preston Murr from Boise, Idaho, and the lore that surrounds his former home. Need a distraction? I got you. Listener discretion is advised. Shout out to Patrons Tom, Bailey, Angela, Jon, Alicia, Lynn, Shadow, Courtney, Cheryl, Susan, Jennifer & Lani! Thank you for supporting Weird Distractions on Patreon. You can also support the show on Patreon and get monthly bonus episodes, behind the scenes footage, and more! Weird Distractions is ...
Oct 30, 2022•23 min•Season 1Ep. 134
Welcome to this years last episode of the Mid-Week Mini Spook (MWMS) series. A series that preps all you weirdo's for Halloween. Every Wednesday in October, get your spooky fix as your host Alex tells small tales to surely leave a chill down your spine. This year, for the first time ever, there is a theme. Ontario, Canada may not necessarily be the most reported haunted location in the world, but that doesn't mean there's no eeriness when it comes to this province. Get ready for this years MWMS ...
Oct 26, 2022•10 min
This week, Alex tackles the mysterious and unsolved deaths of George & Joseph Cox - referred to as the the Lost Children of the Alleghenies. What seemed to be an average day, turned into a parents worst nightmare. But, what happened? And, what does one mans dream have to do with it all? Tune in to find out. Need a distraction? I got you. Listener discretion is advised. Shout out to Patrons Tom, Bailey, Angela, Jon, Alicia, Lynn, Shadow, Courtney, Cheryl, Susan, Jennifer & Lani! Thank you...
Oct 23, 2022•17 min•Season 1Ep. 133
Welcome back Mid-Week Mini Spook (MWMS) series. A series that preps all you weirdo's for Halloween. Every Wednesday in October, get your spooky fix as your host Alex tells small tales to surely leave a chill down your spine. This year, for the first time ever, there is a theme. Ontario, Canada may not necessarily be the most reported haunted location in the world, but that doesn't mean there's no eeriness when it comes to this province. Get ready for this years MWMS series of Ominous Ontario. Th...
Oct 19, 2022•10 min
This week, Alex is back after a mini break to discuss a reportedly haunted former homestead in Ontario, Canada. Pack your bags and snacks as we go back to the 1800’s within Lucan - a small town in Ontario, where we will meet the Donnelly family. Members of this family had their lives cut short, and what remains are their stories. And, the alleged hauntings of where it all took place. Need a distraction? I got you. Listener discretion is advised. Shout out to Patrons Tom, Bailey, Angela, Jon, Ali...
Oct 16, 2022•33 min•Season 1Ep. 132
Welcome to this years first episode of the Mid-Week Mini Spook (MWMS) series. A series that preps all you weirdo's for Halloween. Every Wednesday in October, get your spooky fix as your host Alex tells small tales to surely leave a chill down your spine. This year, for the first time ever, there is a theme. Ontario, Canada may not necessarily be the most reported haunted location in the world, but that doesn't mean there's no eeriness when it comes to this province. Get ready for this years MWMS...
Oct 12, 2022•11 min
It's about to get spicy and weird, all at the same time. This week, Alex is off - but that doesn't mean there isn't a new distraction for you all! Please enjoy this crossover episode with fellow Cultiv8 Podcast Network family members, Sean & Chris, from the Shots & Thoughts podcast. Need a distraction? I got you. PS - there is some ASMR in this episode. Find Shots & Thoughts: https://www.instagram.com/sntpod/ (INTSAGRAM )https://twitter.com/sntpod (TWITTER )https://www.tiktok.com/@sn...
Oct 09, 2022•1 hr 21 min•Season 1Ep. 131
Welcome to this years first episode of the Mid-Week Mini Spook (MWMS) series. A series that preps all you weirdo's for Halloween. Every Wednesday in October, get your spooky fix as your host Alex tells small tales to surely leave a chill down your spine. This year, for the first time ever, there is a theme. Ontario, Canada may not necessarily be the most reported haunted location in the world, but that doesn't mean there's no eeriness when it comes to this province. Get ready for this years MWMS...
Oct 05, 2022•10 min
Welcome to the second (and final) half of Alex discussing the case of Gypsy & Dee Dee Blanchard. Thank you again to Patreon supporters, Shadow & Cheryl, for this episode topic. This week, the focus will be on the relationship breakdown between Gypsy & Dee Dee, Gypsy’s ventures online, the murder of Dee Dee, and more. As mentioned in last weeks episode, please consider checking out the International Society for the Prevention of Child Abuse & Neglect website, which is listed withi...
Oct 02, 2022•27 min•Season 1Ep. 130
This week, Alex tackles a patreon pick (thank you Shadow & Cheryl) which is the case of Gypsy & Dee Dee Blanchard. In the shows first ever two-parter, you’ll hear the beginnings of both Dee Dee and her daughter, Gypsy, along with the documented dynamic between the duo. You'll also hear the break down of their relationship, and ultimately what would become one of the most publicized crime cases. As mentioned in the episode, please consider checking out the International Society for the Pr...
Sep 25, 2022•38 min•Season 1Ep. 129
This week, Alex is joined by True Crime Cat Lawyer podcast host, Elyse, to discuss three cases involving Missing & Murdered Indigenous Women. Alex discusses the unsolved murder of Helen Gilling’s, whose life was cut short in 1995 in Hamilton, Ontario. Elyse tackles the disappearance of Caitlin Potts, who was last seen in Enderby British Columbia, in 2016, and the disappearance of Angeline Pete, who has been missing from the North Vancouver area since 2011. For those with any information rega...
Sep 18, 2022•2 hr 8 min•Season 1Ep. 128
Alex is back this week with a reportedly haunted American hot spot. Taking things back to West Virginia, Sweet Springs Resort seemed to be an ideal location for the countries most notable to visit. However, "Old Sweet" would encounter the civil war, tuberculosis, financial hardship and change of hands throughout its longstanding history. Which begs the question - who, or what, remains from the buildings over 200 years of existence? Tune in to learn more about Sweet Springs, and all the spookines...
Sep 11, 2022•30 min•Season 1Ep. 127
Because Alex is away, you get to look behind the Patreon curtain and acquaint your ears to a bonus episode! Back in March (2022), Alex & Christie somewhat celebrated Christie’s birthday on Patreon with her favourite topic - aliens. Well, not really - we actually celebrate it with 5 famous Canadian UFO sightings that happened between 1951 to 1969. Tune in to hear more about these sightings, along with two government funded UFO investigations that come from Canada. Oh, and apologies to Manitob...
Sep 04, 2022•39 min•Season 1Ep. 126
Anyone need a hug? This week, Alex discusses the folklore around Huggin’ Molly - who was she? Maybe a grieving mother, or, perhaps, an annoyed college professor. Or, perhaps - neither. Tune in to learn more. Need a distraction? I got you. Podcast promo: They're Terrified & Tipsy podcast - check them out: https://www.tipsypod.com/ Listener discretion is advised. Shout out to our Patrons Tom, Bailey, Angela, Jon, Alicia, Lynn, Shadow, Courtney & Cheryl! Thank you for supporting Weird Distr...
Aug 28, 2022•18 min•Season 1Ep. 125
If you’ve ever questioned your trust in humanity before, this episode will definitely make you question it again. This week, Alex discusses the crimes of Hilda Nilsson, a Swedish woman who, in the early 1900’s, took advantage of young, unwed mothers who were in need of child care. Little did these women know that Hilda had other intentions. Need a distraction? I got you. Podcast promo: Octoberpod - check them out on YouTube! Listener discretion is advised. Shout out to our Patrons Tom, Bailey, A...
Aug 21, 2022•17 min•Season 1Ep. 124
