Creepy Shit

You think you know the Lake Lanier story. The haunted lake. The Lady of the Lake. The ghost town underwater. But I promise you — you do not know the half of it.Because underneath the ghost stories is a real, documented, devastating history that most people never talk about. A thriving Black community called Oscarville that was destroyed by racial terror in 1912. A county that maintained a White-only policy until the 1990s. Cemeteries at the bottom of a lake that were never moved. A woman’s body floating in a blue dress with no hands that sat unidentified for over thirty years. Seven people killed on Christmas Day. And a death toll of 700 people in less than 70 years — in a lake that is a fraction of the size of the bodies of water around it. This week, I'm joined by Sarah and Mackenzie from Tea Tales & Talks to dig into one of the most complicated, most heartbreaking, and most undeniably haunted locations in America. Because some places carry weight. And Lake Lanier has been carrying centuries of it. Get ready for some creepy shit.DISCLAIMER** This episode discusses racial violence, lynching, and racial terror in documented historical detail.

In 1915, a ship everyone knew was dangerous capsized in the Chicago River — killing 844 people on their way to a company picnic. More deaths than the Titanic’s passenger list. 22 entire families, gone. No one was ever held accountable. And to this day, people standing on Chicago’s Clark Street Bridge report seeing faces in the water below. This is the SS Eastland disaster. And it’s been buried long enough.References & Resources:• Britannica: Eastland Disaster• History.com: Hundreds Drown in Eastland Disaster• National Archives Chicago: Steamship Eastland Disaster• Chicagology.com: 1915 Eastland Disaster (primary newspaper accounts)• Eastland Disaster Historical Society: eastlanddisaster.org• US Ghost Adventures: Clark Street Bridge haunting• CBS Chicago: Chicago Hauntings — Ghosts of the Eastland Disaster• Czech Consulate Chicago: 100-year anniversary article• Forest Park Historical Society: Eastland Ship Disaster• Strange Ago: SS Eastland Disaster Survivor Accounts

Maine's most haunted lighthouse has one legend that will mess with you long after you stop listening. A keeper. His wife. A piano. One Song - played on repeat until something in him broke. What he did next is stuff of nightmares. And apprarently, she never stopped playing.Sailors still hear it drifting across the water on foggy nights. Caretakers report furniture moving on its own, one caretaker got locked in the basment! And there are at least two other presences on that island. We're going to Sequin Island. Come find out whats still out there.

One year ago, Creepy Shit was just an idea. Today, we're on Location!To mark one full year of this podcast. Im sitting inside one of America's Most Haunted bars - Shaker's Cigar Bar in Milwaukee, WI - with a man who has owned and breathed this building since the 1980's, Bob WeissAnd this place has layers, booWe're talking a building built on top of a cemetery. A prohibition-era speakeasy and brothel run by the Capone brothers. A sixteen year old girl named Molly Brennan who never made it out of the third floor. Human Bones found inside the wallsduring a 2001 renovation. Documented paranormal residents and a barstool that Jefferey Dahmer used to call his. Bob has spent nearly 40 years inside this building. In this episode, he walks us through all of it - the documented history, the unexplainable reports, and the personal experiences he's had. This is the episode I've been working toward since day one. I hope it hits you the way it hit me. Time to press play

Everyone thinks they know the story of H.H. Holmes — America’s first serial killer, the Murder Castle, two hundred victims, trap doors and gas chambers. But what if most of that was invented?In this episode of Creepy Shit, we go full deep dive on H.H. Holmes - pulling from historical records, newspaper archives, and court documents to separate verified fact from the yellow journalism myths that have dominated this story for over a century. Because here’s the thing: the documented truth is scarier than the legend.We cover it all! This is not your average H.H. Holmes episode. No exaggeration. No inflation. Just the records — and the haunting that followed.Listen if you’re into: true crime, paranormal history, haunted locations, Chicago history, serial killer deep dives, ghost stories, historical true crime, dark history podcastsNew episodes of Creepy Shit drop every Monday. Follow us on Instagram @creepy_shit_podcast. Support the show on Patreon for exclusives, early release episodes & more (Patreon.com/creepyshitpodcast).Research sources: Chicago Tribune historical archives, Wikipedia (H.H. Holmes), Britannica, Adam Selzer / Harold Schechter scholarship

She's been inside the most haunted places on Earth alongside Sam & Colby - and she didn't just survive them. She READ them. Ashley Ryan is an officially ordained Hermetic Priestess, a practitioner of ancient esoteric tradition, and one of the most highly sought after, as well as fascinating figures in the paranormal world.in this episode, she sits down with us to talk about what it actually means to hold that title, what Hermetic practice looks like in real life, and what she's witnessed on location that cameras cant always capture.This isn'ta ghost story. It's the framework behind one.

In 1897, Adolph Luetgert — Chicago’s self-made “Sausage King” — became the center of one of the most disturbing and sensational murder cases in American history. When his wife Louisa vanished on the night of May 1st, police followed the evidence straight to the basement of his northwest side sausage factory. What they found there changed criminal justice forever — and allegedly left something behind that never quite left.This week on Creepy Shit Podcast, we break down the fully documented, court-record-verified story of the Luetgert murder case: the lye vat, the bone fragments, the engraved ring, the forensic anthropologist who took the stand in one of America’s earliest uses of forensic science in a murder trial, and the two trials that captivated an entire city. We also get into the ghost sightings that started almost immediately after the crime — the white figure at the fireplace, the watchmen who ran, the twice-relocated house, and the basement that still makes people uneasy today.No embellishment. No invented details. Just the real, documented, deeply unsettling truth — which, as always, is scarier than anything we could make up.References & Resources:∙ Alchemy of Bones: Chicago’s Luetgert Murder Case of 1897 — Robert Loerzel∙ WTTW Chicago: Chicago Mysteries with Geoffrey Baer∙ Mysterious Chicago — Adam Selzer∙ Cook County Court Records, 1897–1898 (Illinois State Archives)∙ CBS Chicago: Chicago Hauntings series​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

Not all horror is paranormal. This week on Creepy Shit, we’re diving deep into McKamey Manor—the controversial “extreme haunted house” in Summertown, Tennessee that has sparked nationwide debate, multiple investigations, and over 170,000 petition signatures calling for its closure.What happens when a haunted attraction crosses the line from entertainment into something far more disturbing? Former Navy veteran Russ McKamey operates what he calls “survival horror” experiences that require a 40-page waiver, proof of medical insurance, and a doctor’s clearance. Participants endure waterboarding, physical assault, psychological torture, and hours of documented abuse—all technically legal because they consented.But what happens when safe words are ignored? When participants end up hospitalized? When the $20,000 prize that no one has ever won might not even exist?We examine the documented survivor testimonies, including Laura Hertz Brotherton’s 2016 hospital visit after extensive injuries. We explore the 2023 Tennessee Attorney General investigation, the 2024 attempted murder charges against Russ McKamey (later dropped), and the Hulu documentary that exposed the truth behind America’s most extreme haunted attraction.This episode investigates the psychology behind extreme haunts, the legal gray areas of consent, and the disturbing question: where’s the line between consensual thrill-seeking and actual torture?**CONTENT WARNING** This episode contains detailed discussions of physical assault, waterboarding, psychological torture, domestic violence allegations, and extreme physical experiences. Listener discretion advised.Primary Sources & Documentation:1. Hulu Documentary (2023)- “Monster Inside: America’s Most Extreme Haunted House”- Directed by Andrew Renzi- Features survivor testimonies and investigation footage2. Netflix Documentaries- “Haunters: The Art of the Scare” (2017)- “Dark Tourist” (Season 1, Episode featuring McKamey Manor, 2018)3. Investigative Journalism- Nashville Scene: “Tennessee’s McKamey Manor: Torture on Demand” by Megan Seling (February 2018)- CBS42: “The Truth of McKamey Manor, Tennessee’s Extreme Horror Attraction” (October 2022)- WKRN: “Owner of McKamey Manor charged with attempted murder, rape” (July 2024)4. Legal Documents- Tennessee Attorney General Investigation announcement (October 31, 2023)- Lawrence County Sheriff’s Office arrest records (July 2024)- McKamey Manor lawsuit against Tennessee AG (2024)5. Podcast Series:- “Inside McKamey Manor” (8-part series, 2024) - Hosted by Elizabeth McCafferty - Audio Always production - Available on all podcast platformsPetitions & Public Response:- Change.org: “Shut down McKamey Manor” (170,000+ signatures) - Created by Frankie Towery - Active petition ongoingOfficial Sources:- McKamey Manor official website (operational as of December 2024)- McKamey Manor YouTube channel (contains edited tour footage)- McKamey Manor social media accounts (Facebook, Instagram, Twitter)Media Coverage:- Los Angeles Times coverage- The Guardian reporting- New York Daily News articles- Travel Channel’s “Halloween Craziest” featureExpert Commentary- Lawrence County District Attorney Brent Cooper statements (2018)- Tennessee Attorney General Jonathan Skrmetti investigation (2023)- Lawrence County Commissioner Scott Franks public statements (2017)Research on Extreme Haunts:- Academic studies on consent in extreme entertainment- Psychological research on ordeal experiences- Legal analysis of consent waivers and liabilityAdditional Context:- Extreme haunt industry standards and safety protocols- Comparison to legitimate extreme attractions (Blackout, Ten Thirty One Productions)- BDSM community consent practices and safe word protocols- Medical ethics literature on informed consent

Get ready to explore one of America’s most haunted cities! We’re diving DEEP into Salem, Massachusetts—where history, tragedy, and the paranormal collide in the most spine-chilling ways possible.In this episode, we’re taking you on a twisted tour through Salem’s most significant and sinister locations. We’ll uncover the real story behind Gallows Hill, where nineteen innocent people were executed during the infamous Salem Witch Trials of 1692. But that’s just the beginning—we’re also exploring the some of the most Haunted Inn's for your stay and the eerie energy that blankets this entire town.And we’ve got something EXTRA special for you—we’re joined by the amazing Mandy and Avery from the Thick Thighs, Creepy Vibes podcast! Together, we’re swapping stories, discussing the lingering hauntings that plague these historical landmarks, and getting into why Salem remains one of the most paranormally active places on Earth.From spectral sightings near the execution site to unexplained phenomena at the Witch Trials Memorial, this episode is PACKED with creepy history, supernatural theories, and the kind of dark mysteries that will keep you up at night.Whether you’re a history buff, a paranormal enthusiast, or just obsessed with all things spooky, this Salem deep-dive is not to be missed!

Buckle up, ghost hunters - we’re diving deep into one of Connecticut’s most haunted locations. Norwich State Hospital operated from 1904 to 1996, and let me tell you, the spirits there are NOT at peace. This abandoned psychiatric hospital is crawling with paranormal activity that’ll make your skin crawl.In this episode, we explore the dark history of Norwich State Hospital, from its brutal treatment methods to the hundreds of patients who died within its walls. We’re talking apparitions in hospital gowns, disembodied screams echoing through empty corridors, and underground tunnels that serve as highways for the dead.I’ll walk you through the most active paranormal hotspots - the morgue where bodies stacked up, the hydrotherapy rooms where torture masqueraded as treatment, and the isolation cells where desperate patients clawed at the walls. Plus, we dive into the children’s ward reports that’ll absolutely wreck you.This isn’t your typical ghost story. These are the spirits of forgotten souls who suffered real trauma in a system that failed them. Whether you’re a paranormal believer or skeptic, the documented hauntings at Norwich State Hospital will make you question everything you think you know about life after death.References & ResourcesHistorical Sources:- Connecticut State Library Archives - Norwich State Hospital Records- “Institutional Care in Connecticut” - CT Department of Mental Health, 1985- Norwich Historical Society - Hospital DocumentationParanormal Research:- New England Ghost Project - Norwich State Hospital Investigation Reports- Paranormal investigators’ documented encounters (2010-2023)- Urban exploration photography and witness accountsAdditional Reading:- “The Shameful History of America’s Asylums” - Mental Health America- Connecticut State Hospital system closure documentation- Deinstitutionalization movement historical records*Note: This episode contains mature themes including historical medical practices, death, and intense paranormal accounts. Listener discretion advised.*

Okay friends, buckle the F up because this episode is WILD. We’re diving into your stories this week and let me tell you—our listeners do not disappoint.We’ve got haunted roads that’ll make you never want to drive at night again, ghostly apparitions that showed up at the absolute worst possible times (because apparently ghosts have zero chill), and—I’m serious when I say this—a crematory story that legitimately left me sitting in stunned silence for like five minutes after I read it. My jaw was on the floor. You’re gonna lose your mind.This is what I love about listener tales—these aren’t some recycled campfire stories or tourist trap legends. These are REAL experiences from REAL people who trusted me enough to share their most terrifying moments. And honestly? Some of this stuff is so bizarre and specific that you literally cannot make it up.So grab your headphones, maybe turn on a light or two, and let’s get into it. Fair warning: you might wanna save that crematory story for daylight hours. I’m just saying.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​For Early Access to the podcast, Merch & More, head over to patreon.com/creepyshitpodcast

On April 20, 1989, 37-year-old Patricia Meehan crashed her car on a remote Montana highway, climbed out unhurt, and walked into an empty field—never to be seen again. Or was she? Over 5,000 people reported seeing her in the months and years that followed, always at truck stops, always alone, always talking to herself. But she was never found.This deep dive explores one of the most bizarre and potentially paranormal missing persons cases in American history. Patricia Meehan’s disappearance defies conventional explanation: her footprints vanished into thin air, massive searches found nothing, yet thousands of witnesses swore they saw her wandering the Pacific Northwest for years.Discover the haunting details: the silent stare after the crash, the footprints that led nowhere, the verified sightings across multiple states, and the heartbreaking search by parents who died without answers. Was Patricia suffering from amnesia? Did she intentionally disappear? Or did she walk into something paranormal we can’t explain?35 years later, this case remains unsolved and deeply disturbing.RESOURCES & REFERENCESPrimary Sources: ∙ The Charley Project: Patricia Bernadette Meehan ∙ NamUs Case File ∙ Doe Network Case #1071DFMTMedia Coverage: ∙ NBC’s Unsolved Mysteries, Season 2, Episode 6 (November 1, 1989) ∙ Wikipedia: Disappearance of Patricia Meehan ∙ The Seattle Times (September 1990) ∙ Associated Press reports (1989)Additional Resources: ∙ The Trail Went Cold Podcast ∙ True Crime Time: “The Baffling Disappearance & Sightings of Patricia Meehan” ∙ Medium: Multiple articles by various true crime writersContact Information:McCone County Sheriff’s Office: 406-485-3405​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

Deep in Lithuania lies a hill covered with over 100,000 crosses - a place so psychologically intense it defies explanation. The Hill of Crosses has mysterious 14th-century origins, survived three Soviet bulldozings, and continues to affect visitors in ways that challenge rational thought. This isn’t your typical ghost story - it’s something far more unsettling.Join us as we explore the true history of Kryžių kalnas, from its unknown medieval beginnings to its role as a symbol of resistance against Soviet oppression. Discover why people risked everything to secretly place crosses on this hill, why it resurrected itself after being destroyed, and what happens when 700 years of human desperation gets concentrated in one location.No fabricated hauntings needed - the documented reality is disturbing enough. This is the story of a place where faith, trauma, and defiance created something that operates by different rules than normal geography.**RESEARCH & REFERENCE- Hill of Crosses located near Šiauliai, Lithuania- Origins traced to 14th century, exact beginning unknown- Conservative estimate: 100,000+ crosses- Bulldozed by Soviets 3 times (1961, 1963, 1973)- Each time crosses returned within months- Pope John Paul II visit: September 7, 1993- UNESCO recognition as cultural heritage site- Still active pilgrimage destination with daily additions