In this episode, Matt speaks with podcaster Jim Harold who has been the host of The Paranormal Podcast since 2005 and Jim Harold's Campfire since 2007. The Paranormal Podcast has allowed listeners to hear both believer and skeptic voices on paranormal subjects. At the same time, the Campfire Podcast has been a venue for listeners to share their own…

In this episode, Matt talks with Rob Hawthorn, who creates and leads ghost tours in Mendocino County, California. They discuss the process of gathering stories, putting them together, and leading a ghost tour as well as how ghost stories represent the community from which they come.Special Guest Rob Hawthorn: a writer, history buff, paranormal enth…

The Moss Beach Distillery, located just north of Half Moon Bay on California’s coast, is reputed to be haunted by a number of ghosts, most notably a 1920s flapper garbed in a blue dress. In this episode, Matt discusses ghost stories, historical research, commerce, tourism, and technological trickeryFind us on Facebook: facebook.com/ghosthropologyOr…

In this episode, Matt discusses three different ghost stories associated with three different water sources: Isla De Las Munecas in Mexico, Okiku’s Well at Himeji Castle in Japan, and the ghost of the Central Park Canal in Bakersfield, California. The stories are quite different from each other but should provide some chills to listeners.Find us on…

Are you afraid of encountering human skeletons where they should not be? Are you afraid of deep water, sharks, and crushing pressures? Well, this episode is for you. Come with Matt as he discusses Chuuk Lagoon, a haunted naval battleground in the Pacific Ocean. Previous episodes, sources, show notes, and more: kmmamedia.com/podcasts/ghosthropology-…

Shadow people are an enigmatic paranormal phenomenon, possibly an indication that beings from some alternate dimension are attempting to intrude into our world… or they’re just odd tricks of human perception that people have made a lot of assumptions about. In this episode, Matt discusses the history of shadow people as a phenomenon and what they m…

If you spend much time reading academic research on ghost stories and ghost tourism, you will inevitably come across the term “Hauntology” which, despite its name, is more related to politics than ghosts. However, the term is useful in understanding the social meaning and purpose of many ghost stories. In this episode, Matt explains the concept and…

In this episode, Matt speaks with archaeologist Dr. April Beisaw about the connection between archaeology and ghost hunting, as well as what academics might learn from ghost hunters in terms of communicating with the public.Dr. April M. Beisaw is a professor of anthropology at Vassar College in Poughkeepsie, NY. There she teaches courses on archaeo…

In honor of the tradition of sharing spooky stories during midwinter, Matt revisits four scary stories. Commentary can be found in their previous episodes (49: Dudleytown, 35: Poveglia Island, 55: Shanghai Tunnels, 18: Himuro Mansion) Until 2024...By The Ghosthropologist

La Llorona is a story that many of us have heard, but it has a history and a meaning that goes beyond the surface. In this episode, Matthew gets into the politics, art, and history of the weeping white lady looking for her children.Previous episodes, sources, show notes, and more: kmmamedia.com/podcasts/ghosthropology-podcastFind us on Facebook: fa…

In this episode, Matt speaks with folklorist Trevor Blank about digital folklore, including creepypasta, and its role in shaping how creepy subjects are discussed. Matt and Trevor also discuss why folklorists were slow to accept that online folklore is, in fact, folklore. Along the way, there are detours into prison folklore, Slender Man, and Blood…

The Myrtles Plantation, claimed by many to be one of the most haunted places in the United States, is famed primarily for the ghost of a young enslaved woman named Chloe. In this episode, Matt provides a few different perspectives on how the ghost stories of the Myrtles developed and what they mean to visitors. Previous episodes, sources, show note…

In this episode, Kaylia joins Matt to discuss something more ghost-adjacent than ghostly: the vampire. Much of what is generally thought of as vampire folklore is actually the result of 19th-century fiction, but Matt and Kaylia get into even earlier actual folklore from Europe.Previous episodes, sources, show notes, and more: kmmamedia.com/podcasts…

Matt and his old friend Liberty Stanavage talk about the ghosts rumored to haunt their alma mater, the University of California Santa Cruz. Along the way, they discuss how these ghost stories reflect both student life on campus and the way that the faculty and student body of the university view themselves. Previous episodes, sources, show notes, a…

In this episode, Matt talks with Dr. Justin Sledge, an expert on esoteric and occult traditions in philosophy and religion. They discuss the transition from priests to necromancers in Medieval Europe as well as the influence of the Protestant Reformation on beliefs about ghosts.Esoterica: https://www.youtube.com/@TheEsotericaChannel/about Previous …

The Brookdale Lodge in the Santa Cruz Mountains is both a large resort hotel and a local haunted house. In this episode, Matt shares the local lore, talks with two people who had eerie encounters at the Brookdale Lodge, and shares his own experiences there. He also discusses the inherently social nature of the stories that surround this place and h…

Ghost stories are often associated with campfires, and common perception is that Scout camps are a prime place to learn ghost stories. But the logistics of camp, and of the counselor's need to keep control over campers, makes that situation a bit more complicated. In this episode, Matt is joined by his old friend, and former Girl Scout camp counsel…

Colleges and universities attract spooky stories like nobody's business. The sharing of creepy tales and urban legends is a common part of student life on many campuses. But New York University is somewhat unusual in that it seems to obtain its creepy folklore as part of real estate transactions. In this episode, NYU faculty member Dr. Michele Hank…

In this episode, Matt revisits the story of Robert Johnson and his supposed deal with the Devil at the crossroads. Along the way we discuss the history of Blues music, Jim Crow-era racism, and how the culture of the 1980s led to the story of the bluesman who sold his soul becoming permanently affixed to Johnson.Previous episodes, sources, show note…

Kaylia and Matt talk about the modern story of the classic private detective in over his head that somewhat hits the mark and the movie based on it... that really really misses it. Show notes, links, resources, and back catalog of episodes: kmmamedia.com/pagesandpopcornpodcastPages and Popcorn on Facebook: facebook.com/pagesandpopcornpodcastKMMA Me…

Kaylia and Chris talk about the subversive1950s lesbian novel (The Price of Salt) and its 2015 film adaptation (Carol). We talk about changes, history, and personal connections. Enjoy!Show notes, links, resources, and back catalog of episodes: kmmamedia.com/pagesandpopcornpodcastPages and Popcorn on Facebook: facebook.com/pagesandpopcornpodcastKMMA…

You have likely heard, especially if you have ever been a pre-teen girl, that if you stand in front of a mirror in a dark room and perform a specific ritual, you will summon a ghost, or demon, or witch or some other such being. It’s dangerous, thrilling, and, for many, a rite of passage. In this episode, Matt discusses one of the most widespread gh…

The Cannon Beach and Seaside areas of Oregon’s coast are home to an unusual spirit - the Bandage Man. Part ghost, part mummy, part reanimated corpse, this creature is the central character of a local urban legend and serves as something of a local mascot. Join Matt for a discussion of this weirdly delightful story. Previous episodes, sources, show …

In this episode, Kaylia and Cynthia talk about the joys and dramas of puberty and growing up... going through it and then watching your own tween go through it. We discuss this classic book and film adaptation that hits all the right notes.Show notes, links, resources, and back catalog of episodes: kmmamedia.com/pagesandpopcornpodcastPages and Popc…

No, Matt is not going to turn this into a podcast on gnomes and other fairy folk…but there are more connections between fairies, gnomes, and ghosts than one might think. In this episode, Matt talks about a scary gnome that might be a demon, as well as a man who died and came back as a ghost that appears to resemble a gnome or brownie.Previous episo…

Mission La Purisima in California’s Santa Barbara County is one of the few remaining structures that attest to the Spanish colonization of California. While it is no surprise that these places are said to be haunted, the ghost stories about the Mission, both in what they include and what they surprisingly exclude, tell us quite a bit about how mode…

Kaylia and Chris talk about institutionalized abuse, power dynamics, and how this very evocative book and beautiful movie find a way to be optimistic in the face of some of the worst parts of humanity. Trigger Warning for rape, sexual abuse, and domestic violence(against both children and adults).Show notes, links, resources, and back catalog of ep…

In this special episode, Matt talks with his Good Lady Wife / Producer and their Daughter about the spooky and not-so-spooky happenings in their home... and beyond!Previous episodes: kmmamedia.com/podcasts/ghosthropology-podcastSupport us on Patreon: patreon.com/ghosthropologyFind us on Facebook: facebook.com/ghosthropologyThis podcast is a part of…

If you have an interest in the history of Portland, Oregon, the odds are that you have heard of the Shanghai Tunnels. If you are interested in the paranormal, then odds are that you have heard they are haunted. In this episode, Matt talks about how commerce, tall tales, and xenophobia collide with notions of innocence and victimization in developin…

Matthew and Kaylia talk racism, colonialism, American vs British views on the "crime novels" and their purposes, the amazing contributions of queer musical icon Rosetta Tharpe, Gone With the Wind, Looney Tunes, censorship, and so much more!Show notes and back catalog of episodes: kmmamedia.com/pagesandpopcornpodcast/Pages and Popcorn on Facebook: w…

Perched on a tree-covered riverbank in the coastal town of Capitola, California there is a once-glorious mansion. Built by Henry Rispin, this “haunted house” has been abandoned for decades and now lurks in the shade just outside of easy view. In this episode, Matt discusses the history of the mansion, the ghosts who are said to haunt it, and its ro…

In this episode, the second in an occasional series on what has been learned writing this podcast, Matt pontificates on the relationship between ghost stories and history. He discusses how ghost stories both enhance and warp our understanding of the past. The relationship between historic understanding and the paranormal is complex and fascinating,…

In this episode Kaylia and Cynthia chat about this funny book/film about suicide. Also, was Sonja an angel, a cat, a long suffering woman trapped in a (borderline) abusive relationship, a manic pixie dream saint? Maybe all of the above? Listen now as Kaylia mangles Swedish names and Cynthia channels her inner Ove/Otto. Show notes and back catalog o…

Using an Ouija board may put you in contact with all manner of spirits and other entities. You may gain occult knowledge, you may learn entertaining facts, or you may have your life destroyed and your soul endangered by an encounter with a demon known as Zozo. Assuming, of course, that Zozo is real.Full sources, show notes, and previous episodes: w…

Dr. Michele Hanks, an anthropologist who does ethnographic work with paranormal investigation groups, joins Matt to discuss the role of doubt in paranormal investigation. Full sources, show notes, and previous episodes: kmmamedia.com/podcasts/ghosthropology-podcastSupport us on Patreon: patreon.com/ghosthropologyFind us on Facebook: facebook.com/gh…

In this episode Kaylia is joined by real-life archeologist Matthew to discuss this real-life event that was heavily changed to be a novel that was then heavily changed to be a movie. Join us for a discussion of archeology, history, badly inserted queer plotlines, and what Kaylia deems as an unforgivable literary sin. Show notes and back catalog of …

Kaylia and Chris talk about this book turned movie that attempts to tell the tragic love story of two gay men through the lens of a (some would say unlikeable) straight woman. Is this all styles or is there substance in this book and movie combo? Show notes and back catalog of episodes: kmmamedia.com/pagesandpopcornpodcast/Pages and Popcorn on Face…

In this episode, Matt wraps up the last Ghosthropology episode of 2022 by telling the audience how they can go to Hell, if they feel so inclined. We’re talking gateways to damnation, and they are in the unlikeliest of places. This episode is a bit light on analysis, but heavy on fun. However, remember, most of these locations are either unsafe or o…

Dudleytown is often described as one of the strangest and most haunted places in North America. In this episode, Matt tells the tale, then is a total killjoy and destroys the tale, and then discusses how the folklore surrounding Dudleytown came to be. Full sources, show notes, and previous episodes: kmmamedia.com/podcasts/ghosthropology-podcastSupp…

Kaylia and Sarah discuss The Quiet Boy (short story) and Antlers (movie adaptation). When you base a feature length film on an 8,000 word short story, you have to add some stuff. But some of the things they added were truly scary. We talk about the stories behind the plots, the people behind the monsters, and the big sins behind the padding. Plus a…

In this episode, Matt talks with Dr. Alena Pirok about her recently published book The Spirit of Colonial Williamsburg, which covers the intersection of belief in ghosts, public perception of history, and ghost tourism.Full sources, show notes, and previous episodes: kmmamedia.com/podcasts/ghosthropology-podcastSupport us on Patreon: patreon.com/gh…

In this special crossover episode, Kaylia (Pages and Popcorn) and Matt (Ghosthropology) talk about that 1970s classic: The Exorcist. We discuss the “true story” that inspired the novel, the novel that inspired the movie, and the movie that has inspired fear for almost 50 years. KMMA Media online: www.kmmamedia.com KMMA_Media on Instagram:@kmma_medi…

In this special crossover episode, Kaylia (Pages and Popcorn) and Matt (Ghosthropology) talk about that 1970s classic: The Exorcist. We discuss the “true story” that inspired the novel, the novel that inspired the movie, and the movie that has inspired fear for almost 50 years. KMMA Media online: www.kmmamedia.com KMMA_Media on Instagram:@kmma_medi…

In this episode, Matt begins what will be an intermittent and ongoing effort to summarize what he has learned from the time he has spent collecting stories and talking with others about them. He starts by defining the term “ghost story”, which is more slippery than you might think, and then talks about ghost stories as entertainment and as stories …

Hey there, remember me? Yeah… it’s been a while. Here’s a quick update as to why I went away, when I’m coming back, and what you can expect for the future of the Pages and Popcorn Podcast. Spoiler: new episodes are on their way! Show notes and back catalog of episodes: https://kmmamedia.com/pagesandpopcornpodcast/Pages and Popcorn on Facebook: http…

If you have spent much time on the web looking into paranormal lore, you likely have heard of the Curse of the Crying Boy Painting. In this episode, Matt discusses how the story developed and what we can learn about both folklore and our own beliefs from studying the tale. Full sources and show notes at kmmamedia.com/podcasts/ghosthropology-podcast…

In this episode, James Tyner returns to speak with Matt about his time as a monk and, more specifically, about an exorcism that he witnessed, group sleep paralysis at the monastery, and a few other strange things worth talking about.Full sources and show notes at kmmamedia.com/podcasts/ghosthropology-podcastSupport us on Patreon: patreon.com/ghosth…

Women driving on the back roads of Madera County, near the foothills of the Sierra Nevada in California, have reported seeing a strange specter - a man who appears on the roads and who requires that drivers take care to avoid hitting him, but then he vanishes. In this episode, Matt discusses the uncertain origin and possible meaning of this particu…

One of the most frightening modern ghost stories, the Slender Man is a known work of fiction…except to those who believe in him… which may be nobody…or not. In this episode, Matt discusses the line between fiction vs folklore and the difficulty in telling people’s real beliefs from stories told for fun.Full sources and show notes at kmmamedia.com/p…

In another special supplemental episode, recorded near the beginning of the year, Matt returns to Monterey in search of the ghost of the Chinese Fisherman featured in Episode 15. Along the way, he talks about how our views of history can be both reflected and distorted by the landscape as we walk through it. Full sources and show notes at kmmamedia…