High Strangeness

Latest Episodes:

Ep45 High Strangeness - Random Strangeness 10 Nov 12, 2024

Show notes

Exploring the Unexplained: Vampire Syndrome, Tree Man, and Vanishing Colonies

In this episode ofHigh Strangeness, host Tony joins with associate Dan Ariotti to discuss a variety of strange and unexpected topics. They explore vampire syndrome, a real-life condition called porphyria, and tree man syndrome, a rare disorder that causes bark-like growths on the skin. They also delve into the mysterious disappearance of the Roanoke Colony, where over a hundred settlers vanished without a trace. The episode wraps up with discussions on bizarre misfortunes, including a mass murder at a Frank Lloyd Wright house, and a tragic gender reveal party accident. With a mix of strange medical conditions, historical mysteries, and odd coincidences, this episode offers a fascinating glimpse into the unexpected events that shape our reality.

00:00 Welcome to High Strangeness

00:36 Meet Dan Ariotte

01:42 Discussing Summer and Fall

06:01 Holiday Memories

09:12 Introduction to Vampire Syndrome

14:48 Porphyria: The Real-Life Vampire Condition

22:26 Renfield's Syndrome: Clinical Vampirism

24:59 Tree Man Syndrome: A Real-Life Groot

27:37 Disturbing Medical Conditions

33:00 Exploring the Missing 411 Phenomenon

34:16 The Mystery of the Lost Colony

43:54 Strange Misfortunes and Unfortunate Events

53:34 Concluding Thoughts and Reflections

Check out the High Strangeness Website for all else and other podcast episodes going on with this podcast show.

Website: Highstrangenesshow.com

Ep44 High Strangeness - The Holy War game- BYU vs Utah ! Nov 05, 2024

Show notes

Holy War Rivalry: BYU vs. Utah - A Deep Dive into Passionate Fanbases

In this episode of High Strangeness, host Tony explores the intense college football rivalry between BYU and Utah, known as the Holy War. He introduces a panel of passionate fans from both sides to discuss the history, memorable moments, and the culture surrounding their teams. The conversation delves into favorite game-day experiences, iconic uniform combinations, and the unique dynamics of being a fan in this century-old rivalry. The discussion highlights the fierce competitiveness, mutual respect, and the emotional highs and lows experienced by supporters of both universities. The episode wraps up by celebrating the rivalry's return to conference play as both teams join the Big 12, promising exciting future matchups.

00:00 Introduction to High Strangeness

00:31 The Passion of Sports Fans

01:05 The Utah vs. BYU Holy War Rivalry

02:39 Meet the Panel: BYU and Utah Fans

03:01 Bill's BYU Fandom Journey

04:34 Rex's Utah Fandom Journey

06:48 Brandon's Utah Fandom Journey

08:54 Kendall's Utah Fandom Journey

14:08 Trivia Time: Testing Rivalry Knowledge

23:28 Game Day Experiences and Traditions

30:42 Conference Dynamics and Game Day Experiences 3

3:01 Favorite Stadium Snacks and Seating Preferences

37:45 Uniforms and Rivalry Moments

47:36 Making the Case: BYU vs. Utah

59:08 Final Thoughts and Looking Ahead

Check out the High Strangeness Website for all else and other podcast episodes going on with this podcast show.

Website: Highstrangenesshow.com

Ep43 High Strangeness - Tales of Draco- author Jordan B. Jolley. Oct 30, 2024

Show notes

Exploring High Strangeness: Interview with Fantasy Author Jordan B. Jolly

In this episode, Tony introduces 'High Strangeness,' a show dedicated to discussing strange and unexpected phenomena, particularly fitting for the Halloween season. Special guest Jordan B. Jolly, an author and folklorist, shares his journey of becoming a writer at a young age and his works, including the 'Tales of Draco' series and collections of fairy tales. He offers insights into his inspiration, writing process, and the thematic depth of his stories. The conversation also delves into the modern-day relevance of myths, fairies, and the supernatural, offering listeners a reflective look at literature's role in interpreting reality.

00:00 Welcome to High Strangeness

00:07 Halloween Season and Fantasy

00:43 Introducing Jordan B. Jolly

01:21 Jordan's Writing Journey

02:42 Book Tours and Connecting with Readers

05:04 The Inspiration Behind Writing

17:57 Exploring the World of Fairies

28:25 The Tales of Draco Series

39:49 Fairy Tales and Fables

51:13 Advice for Aspiring Authors

57:18 Future Projects and Closing Remarks

Check out the High Strangeness Website for all else and other podcast episodes going on with this podcast show.

Website: Highstrangenesshow.com

Author Jordan B. Jolley

https://thetalesofdraco.wordpress.com/books-by-jordan-b-jolley/

Ep42 High Strangeness- 6 Women of Salem- w/ Marilynne Roach Oct 29, 2024

Show notes

Exploring the Salem Witch Trials: An Interview with Expert Marilyn Roach

In this episode of 'High Strangeness,' host Tony welcomes expert Marilyn Roach to jump into the Salem witch trials. Marilyn, an accomplished author and researcher, shares her extensive knowledge on the historical and social context of the trials, the accused, and the eventual exoneration of victims. The discussion highlights the intense atmosphere of 1692 Salem, detailing the factors leading up to the hysteria and the long-term impact on those involved. Marilyn's insights are complemented by her involvement in the Gallows Hill Project, which uncovered the true site of the 1692 hangings. The episode emphasizes the importance of thorough research and the dangers of jumping to conclusions, offering timely advice for today's world.

00:00 Introduction to High Strangeness

00:44 Halloween and Historical Movies

01:29 Introducing the Expert: Marilyn Roach

03:57 Marilyn Roach's Background and Interest in Witch Trials

12:59 The Social and Political Climate of 1692 Salem

25:38 The Beginning of the Salem Witch Trials

35:31 The Spread of Witchcraft Accusations

37:52 Legal Proceedings and Court Challenges

41:19 Spectral Evidence and Its Controversies

47:20 Public Backlash and Court Dissolution

50:26 Reevaluating the Trials and Seeking Justice

01:00:51 The Gallows Hill Project

01:09:01 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Check out the High Strangeness Website for all else and other podcast episodes going on with this podcast show.

Website: Highstrangenesshow.com

http://marilynnekroach.com

Ep41 High Strangeness- Raven Manor Oct 24, 2024

Show notes

High Strangeness: Crafting a Spectacular Halloween with David Llewellyn at Raven Manor

In this episode of 'High Strangeness,' host Tony interviews Halloween enthusiast David Llewellyn from South Jordan, Utah, who shares a deep dive into his Disney-inspired yard display, Raven Manor. David discusses the meticulous process of building intricate props such as tombstones and mausoleums, transitioning from single motors to twin windshield wiper motors, and using spider wire for realistic effects. He shares practical tips on weatherproofing, troubleshooting, material sourcing, storage, and the critical role of lighting. Special mentions include the Flying Crank Ghost, Weeping Widow prop, and Restless Candle. The episode serves both as an inspiration and a practical guide for creating a memorable Halloween display, emphasizing the sense of community among home haunters and offering advice for beginners.

00:00 Welcome to High Strangeness

00:29 Halloween Excitement and Guest Introduction

02:00 Summer Plans and Family Updates

03:40 Dave's Background and Career

08:47 The Inspiration Behind Raven Manor

15:24 Early Beginnings and Evolution of the Display

25:38 Challenges and Solutions in Halloween Displays

46:34 Balancing Lighting and Sound

47:15 Showcasing the Display

47:33 Popular Props and Effects 5

9:36 Challenges with Weather and Setup

01:02:46 Favorite Props and Troubleshooting

01:12:27 Building and Sharing the Display

01:33:03 Final Thoughts and Contact Information

Check out the High Strangeness Website for all else and other podcast episodes going on with this podcast show.

Website: Highstrangenesshow.com

Ravenmanor.com

Here are the links for Raven Manor:

www.ravenmanor.com

facebook.com/RavenManorUT

youtube.com/RavenManorUT

Ep40 High strangeness- Random Strangeness 9 Oct 22, 2024

Show notes

Exploring the Strange and Paranormal: Halloween Special

In this Halloween special episode of High Strangeness, hosts Tony and Bill discuss their love for Halloween and delve into some of their favorite horror movies from their youth. They share personal experiences with the paranormal, recounting eerie encounters with ghostly figures and haunted places, including Salt Lake City's Lion House and the Capitol Theater. The episode also touches on the legend of the Jersey Devil and a unique medical condition known as hypertrichosis, or werewolf syndrome. Listeners are invited to join in by sharing their own spooky stories.

00:00 Welcome toHigh Strangeness

00:46 Halloween Season Kickoff

01:36 Favorite Scary Movies

03:07 Werewolf Stories and Encounters

11:22 The Werewolf Syndrome

25:44 Upcoming Halloween Episodes

27:03 The Legend of the Jersey Devil

29:05 Historical Sightings of the Jersey Devil

30:52 Personal Encounters with the Jersey Devil

35:14 Exploring Batsto Village

41:29 Hauntings in Salt Lake City: The Lion House

52:54 Hauntings in Salt Lake City: The Capitol Theater

59:17 Final Thoughts and Halloween Wishes

Check out the High Strangeness Website for all else and other podcast episodes going on with this podcast show.

Website: Highstrangenesshow.com

Ep39 High Strangeness- Banchees, Werewolves and Vampires - with Varla Ventura Oct 17, 2024

Show notes

Unveiling the Mystical: A Journey through Paranormal Discoveries with Varla Ventura

In this episode of High Strangeness, host Tony interviews Varla Ventura, an author renowned for her works on the paranormal, ghosts, and bizarre subjects. They discuss Varla's unique background, including her upbringing with a practicing witch mother, and her fascination with supernatural entities such as banshees, changelings, pukas, and mermaids. Varla introduces her various books, including 'Banshees, Werewolves, and Vampires', 'Among the Mermaids', and an upcoming release 'Enchanted Plants'. The conversation delves into themes of high magic, meaningful coincidences, and the creative spark derived from immersing oneself in fairy tales, folklore, and the narratives of historical figures intersected with the paranormal, as explored in her podcast 'Midnight Stories'.

00:00 Welcome to High Strangeness

00:36 Meet Varla Ventura: Author and Explorer of the Strange

01:42 Varla's Journey: From California to Minnesota

03:42 Growing Up with the Paranormal

07:13 The Birth of Varla's Writing Career

15:15 Understanding the Banshee

35:35 Exploring Other Mythical Creatures

49:03 Fairy Encounters and Goblins

49:41 The Origin of the Bogeyman

51:12 Goblins and Their Cultural Interpretations

55:40 Mermaids: Myths and Misunderstandings

01:05:07 Banshees, Werewolves, and Vampires

01:06:32 The Fascination with Werewolves

01:12:40 Exploring the Dark Legends

01:17:20 The Magic of Storytelling

01:20:42 Upcoming Projects and Final Thoughts

Check out the High Strangeness Website for all else and other podcast episodes going on with this podcast show.

Website: Highstrangenesshow.com

Author- Varla Ventura

https://www.varlaventura.net/new-website-2/

Books:

Banchees, Werewolves, and Vampires
Beyond Bizarre
The Book of Bizarre
Among the Mermaids
Fairies, Pookas, and Changlings
Paranormal Parlor

Ep38 High Strangeness - the Jersey Devil with Brian Regal Oct 15, 2024

Show notes

Unveiling the Jersey Devil: History, Myths, and Legends with Dr. Brian Regal

In this episode of High Strangeness, host Tony dives into the fascinating and eerie lore of the Jersey Devil with special guest Dr. Brian Regal, a historian from Kean University. Dr. Regal shares his research and insights into the origins of this legendary creature, debunking myths and exploring historical facts. The discussion delves into the Leeds family's connection to the tale, Benjamin Franklin's role in spreading the legend, and how the story has evolved over time. They also touch upon other intriguing topics such as colonial America's monster-filled folklore, cross-dressing governors, and more. This episode offers a captivating look at how history and folklore intertwine, revealing the complex layers behind one of America's most enduring legends.

00:00 Welcome to High Strangeness

00:46 Introducing the Jersey Devil

01:14 Meet Dr. Brian Riegel

02:37 Brian's Journey and Early Life

06:22 The Jersey Devil: Fact or Fiction?

21:53 The Real Story Behind the Jersey Devil

30:48 Quakers' Journey to America

31:08 Founding of Burlington

34:27 Daniel Leeds' Philosophical Pursuits

35:39 Conflict with the Quakers

37:03 The Leeds Almanac Controversy

43:11 Legacy of the Leeds Family

46:11 The Jersey Devil Legend

47:39 The Dime Museum Hoax

52:27 Lord Cornberry: The Cross-Dressing Governor

56:08 Ben Franklin vs. The Leeds Almanac

58:31 Monsters and Myths in Early America

01:01:31 Upcoming Projects and Final Thoughts

Check out the High Strangeness Website for all else and other podcast episodes going on with this podcast show.

Website: Highstrangenesshow.com

Author-

Brian Regal, PhD, FLS

Professor for the History of Science, Technology and Medicine

https://sites.google.com/a/kean.edu/brian-regal-phd/

Ep37 High Strangeness - New Orleans Vampire Oct 10, 2024

Show notes

Exploring New Orleans' Vampire Legends with Marita Crandall

In this episode of High Strangeness, host Tony delves into the world of New Orleans' vampire legends with special guest Marita Crandall. Marita, a successful author and entrepreneur, shares her journey from the corporate world in California to the mystical streets of New Orleans. She discusses her various ventures, including a boutique, speakeasy, cafe, and restaurant, all themed around the rich vampire lore of the city. Marita provides insights into her research on New Orleans' supernatural history, her upcoming book 'Mosquito: Southern Vampires', and personal experiences that have deepened her connection to the city's magic.

This episode is a fascinating exploration of New Orleans' unique culture, history, and the enduring allure of its vampire myths.

00:00 Introduction to High Strangeness

00:30 Halloween Inspirations and a Special Guest

03:01 Interview with Marita Crandall Begins

03:52 Life and Business in New Orleans

04:27 The Vampire Empire: Shops, Speakeasies, and Cafes

06:35 Opening a Restaurant During the Pandemic

09:13 The Apothecary and Expanding the Empire

21:26 New Orleans: A City of Rich History and Culture

29:13 Researching Vampire Legends

34:06 Escape from the Attic

35:07 Research and Legends

36:19 Misconceptions About New Orleans

38:58 Exploring New Orleans

39:46 The Reality of Voodoo

45:27 The Penny Dreadful Cookbook

51:09 The Enigmatic Comte Saint Germain

54:34 A Vampire Encounter

59:48 Embracing Magic in Life

01:05:13 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Check out the High Strangeness Website for all else and other podcast episodes going on with this podcast show.

Website: Highstrangenesshow.com

New Orleans Vampires

https://www.maritawoywodcrandle.com/

NOLAvampires.com

Ep36 High Strangeness- Haunted Wood Cove Oct 08, 2024

Show notes

In this episode of High Strangeness, host Tony interviews Todd Wood, the creative mind behind Haunted Wood Cove in St. George, Utah. They delve into the inspiration, planning, and execution of Todd's elaborate Halloween displays, which evoke scenes from Pirates of the Caribbean. Todd discusses the challenges of maintaining a small-town feel amid the city's rapid growth, utilizing his engineering background to overcome obstacles in developing animatronics and synchronized features. They also explore the logistics of setup, community involvement, and Todd's personal journey in creating whimsical, non-scary Halloween experiences. Additionally, the episode highlights the construction of temporary ship displays, addressing issues like animatronics in windy conditions and upcoming larger projects aimed at immersive, underwater-themed entries.

00:00 Welcome to High Strangeness

00:25 Halloween Decorations and Haunted Wood Cove

01:26 Interview with Todd Wood

01:58 Life in St. George, Utah

04:48 Todd's Journey to St. George

06:36 Creating the Haunted Display

08:37 Todd's Background in Aviation and Engineering

13:15 Evolution of the Halloween Display

17:49 Community Reactions and Adjustments

29:45 Donations and Community Support

32:01 Unexpected Visitors and Future Plans

40:01 Exploring Successful Haunt Props