History Unhinged: Rainy Day Rabbit Holes

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Burrow Buddies: Seattle Death Museum with Mysterious Pacific Northwest Nov 20, 2024

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Do you want ad-free episodes, bonus content, and merch? Sign up for the Patreon! Visit www.rainydayrabbitholes.com for more!
💀 Curious about the macabre side of Pacific Northwest history? This week, we’re featuring Mysterious Pacific Northwest and their episode on the Seattle Death Museum. Haunted dolls, post-mortem photography, and death masks—oh my! 😱
As part of the Umbrella Podcast Collective, we’re excited to share this episode and introduce you to even more incredible indie podcasts. Visit rainydayrabbitholes.com/umbrella to find your next favorite show.
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How Christmas Saved Leavenworth, Washington Nov 16, 2024

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In this festive episode, Shea and Jody dive into the heartwarming story of how Christmas magic transformed Leavenworth, Washington, from a struggling town into a Bavarian winter wonderland. Explore the town’s unique blend of Pacific Northwest charm and European holiday traditions, and learn how a community’s determination—and a little help from the Christmas spirit—brought it back to life.
We’re thrilled to have created this episode using Spreaker Create! As proud members of Spreaker Prime, we’re always looking for ways to bring you the best content while showcasing the amazing tools that make podcasting a breeze.
Join us for a jolly jaunt through Leavenworth’s history, complete with laughter, quirky anecdotes, and a touch of holiday cheer. Whether you're sipping glühwein or decking your halls, this is one holiday tale you won't want to miss.
Highlights of the Episode:
🎄 The history of Leavenworth and its surprising Bavarian transformation
🎁 How a small town's Christmas makeover saved its economy
✨ Fun holiday traditions and events that keep visitors coming back
Created with Spreaker Create—because great stories deserve great platforms!
You can discover more, like links to buy merch, sign up for our Patreon, or find links to our social media, by visiting www.rainydayrabbitholes.com
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Rainy Day Detour: Shea Starts a Cat Cult with Tyrant In Training Nov 13, 2024

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🌧️ Want more Rainy Day Rabbit Holes? Visit www.rainydayrabbitholes.com for bonus content, ad-free episodes, and more!
Rabbit Hole Detour: Unhinged on Vashon Island
Hey there, rabbit holers! Join Shea and Jody as they take a detour from the usual Pacific Northwest rabbit holes into the hilariously unhinged world of the Tyrant In Training podcast. This week, Shea recounts her wild adventure on the show, where she transformed Vashon Island into a feline-worshipping theocracy, Felis Supernus. Dive into Shea's imaginative escapades as she becomes the high priestess of a cat cult, complete with cat hair clothing, child acolytes, and a creative take on island governance.
Discover how Vashon Island's quirky community of hippies and anti-vaxxers were woven into this fictional tale, and laugh along as Shea and Jody explore the absurdity of it all. From cat-themed attire to the logistics of a feline paradise, this episode promises to tickle your funny bone and maybe even inspire a new appreciation for your feline friends.
Don't miss the chance to hear more about the Tyrant In Training podcast, where Shea's fantastical ideas were brought to life with the help of the hilarious host Kevin Ryan. Plus, get ready for Kevin's upcoming guest appearance on Rainy Day Rabbit Holes!
🌧️ Want more Rainy Day Rabbit Holes? Visit www.rainydayrabbitholes.com for bonus content, ad-free episodes, and more!
Check out all of Kevin's hilarious episodes at https://tyrant-in-training.podcastpage.io/
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50. 13 Reasons Tacoma Dominates Seattle-Come At Me Bro! Nov 06, 2024

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In this episode, Shea risks getting canceled by Seattle loyalists by boldly declaring, “Tacoma is cooler than Seattle.” Yep, it’s happening. Join us as we count down 13 of Tacoma's unique claims to fame—from winning the Northern Pacific Railroad’s western terminus to being home to Stadium High School (an actual castle!), the world’s largest octopuses, and even inspiring Frank Herbert to write Dune.
We’ll also cover iconic landmarks like the Tacoma Narrows Bridge and local legends that put Seattle’s Space Needle to shame.
So if you're ready to dive into a lively (and potentially controversial) love letter to Tacoma, buckle up!
Highlights:

Tacoma wins the Northern Pacific Railroad western terminus battle.
Stadium High School’s castle-like beauty.
How Dune author Frank Herbert found inspiration in Tacoma’s landscapes.
The Tacoma Narrows Bridge and its place in history.
Meet the world’s largest octopuses, right off the shores of Tacoma.

Disclaimer: Seattlites, this is all in good fun—so, come at us, bro!
You can find more on our website! Rainydayrabbitholes.com
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Do you want to explore all that makes Tacoma the superior city? Then join an amazing historical tour! Pretty Gritty Tours covers all of our tour needs. Check out the amazing variety of tours at prettygrittytours.com
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49. Ghosts of Kells & Halloween’s Irish Origns Oct 30, 2024

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In this special Halloween episode, we’re thrilled to welcome our fabulous friend Nules from the Ireland Crimes and Mysteries podcast! Nules joins us from across the pond to dive into spooky tales with an Irish twist. Together, we explore two stories that go bump in the night and connect Seattle’s eerie spots with Ireland’s haunting history.We start by revisiting Kells Irish restaurant in Seattle—formerly a mortuary, now rumored to be one of the city’s most haunted locations!
Jody unearths more chilling details from its mysterious past, first introduced in episode 30. Then, Nules shares the fascinating origins of Halloween, tracing back to ancient Irish lore and the spirits that inspired today’s ghostly traditions.
So grab a cozy blanket and maybe a pint, and settle in for tales of haunted history, eerie origins, and the Irish spirits that still linger.
You can listen to the episode at www.rainydayrabbitholes.com or on any podcast platform. You can listen to Ireland Crimes and Mysteries at https://www.irelandcrimesandmysteries.ie/ or on any podcast platform.
Want ad-free episodes plus our spooky bonus episodes? Then join our patreon! You can find that link right at our website.
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Rabbit Hole Rewind Salish Sea Human Feet Discoveries Oct 23, 2024

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Rabbit Hole Rewind: Salish Sea Human Feet Discoveries
Shea and Jody are back with another Rabbit Hole Rewind, revisiting one of their most unforgettable (and hilarious) episodes! This time, they take a look at the mysterious—and very real—case of human feet washing up on Pacific Northwest beaches. While the case itself is bizarre, it's Shea and Jody's hilarious banter that made the episode a fan favorite. Tune in as they discuss what they loved about the recording, what they learned about themselves, and whether or not Shea has finally become a Dog Dad. Laughter and mystery await in this special rewind!
If you want to hear this episode ad-free, plus get other perks like bonus episodes, check out the Patreon! Visit www.rainydayrabbitholes.com to sign up.
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48. Murder, Mystery, and Hollywood Tragedy: Ghostly Encounters with Ani from Audibly Haunted Oct 16, 2024

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In this episode of Rainy Day Rabbit Holes, we welcome special guest Ani from Audibly Haunted for a chilling journey through two eerie tales.
First, Shea dives into the haunting mystery of Lake Crescent, a cold and enigmatic lake in the Olympic National Forest, where the spirit of a murdered woman is said to linger. Her body was found saponified in the depths of the lake, but her ghost remains in the shadows.
Then, Ani shares the tragic story of actress Peggy Entwistle, whose Hollywood dreams ended in despair. Her ghost is believed to haunt the iconic Hollywood sign, reminding us of the darker side of Tinseltown.
Join us as we uncover these ghostly encounters filled with murder, mystery, and Hollywood tragedy.
✨ Want ad-free episodes a day early, plus bonus content and other special perks? Join our Patreon and get exclusive access to all this and more! Head to rainydayrabbitholes.com to learn more and sign up today.
Make sure to follow Audibly Haunted on all podcast platforms, and don’t forget to follow them on Instagram for more spooky stories at @audiblyhaunted!
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Body Composting and The All American Funeral with Audibly Haunted Oct 09, 2024

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In this episode, Shea and Jody dive into a personal and thought-provoking topic—what they want done with their remains after they die. Both hosts share why they’ve chosen body composting as their final wish and explain how the process works. They discuss the environmental benefits of human composting, why it’s an eco-friendly alternative to traditional burial or cremation, and why it feels like the best choice for them.After discussing composting, they chat about their upcoming collaboration episode with Ani Khajadourian from Audibly Haunted, teasing listeners with stories of how much fun they had recording. It’s a glimpse into what’s to come next week!
To wrap things up, Shea and Jody introduce this week's featured episode from Audibly Haunted—titled The All American Funeral. Ani takes listeners on a journey through the history of the American funeral industry, from early at-home funerals to the rise of funeral homes and undertakers. It’s an enlightening look at how end-of-life care has evolved in America.
Follow Audibly Haunted on social media and wherever you get podcasts!
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47. Roads Less Traveled: Ghosts, PNW Legends, and the Road Trip That Sparked a Podcast Oct 02, 2024

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To celebrate the one-year anniversary of Rainy Day Rabbit Holes, we’re revisiting the road trip that started it all! In this special all-new version of our very first episode, Shea and Jody take you back to the haunted streets of Astoria, Oregon, and the eerie Heceta Head Lighthouse, where ghost stories and local legends sparked our love for diving into the strange and forgotten. Along the way, we showcase the infectious humor and chemistry that have defined the podcast, making it the perfect introduction for new listeners!
As we look back on an amazing year, we also talk about some of our favorite episodes and the incredible guests who have joined us, including Allison Gill of The Daily Beans and Clean Up On Aisle 45, author Brad Holden, historian Michael Sullivan, and Chris Staudinger from Pretty Gritty Tours. From the origins of the Men in Black phenomenon in our Summer of Saucers episode, to the chilling story of Linda Hazzard, the "Starvation Doctor," and the bizarre Pig Wars of the San Juan Islands, we’ve uncovered the forgotten and the fantastic with a unique PNW twist.
Want more of Rainy Day Rabbit Holes? For ad-free episodes a day early and bonus content, be sure to sign up for our Patreon! You can find all the details at our website, www.rainydayrabbitholes.com.
Whether you’ve been with us from the beginning or you’re just discovering the show, this anniversary episode is the perfect way to celebrate one year of laughter, stories, and curiosity!
Paranormal Activity, Ghost Stories, Haunted Houses, Astoria, Oregon, Captain Flavill, Victorian Mansion, Unexplained Footsteps, Shadowy Figures, Piano Ghost, Alien Abduction, Poltergeist, Paranormal Humor, Historic Hauntings, Sea Salt And Adventure, Widow'S Walk Ghost, Unexplained Phenomena, Haunted Tours, Victorian Architecture, Paranormal Experiences, Spooky Tales
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46. Whispers in the Walls: The Dark History of Western State Hospital Sep 25, 2024

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Whispers in the Walls: The Dark History of Western State Hospital
💬 Show Notes
Western State Hospital: Madness, Mystery, and Misery
Welcome to another spine-chilling episode of Rainy Day Rabbit Holes, where we unravel the dark and eerie history of Western State Hospital in Washington. Join Shea and Jody as they explore the institution's haunted past, its infamous scandals, and the tragic tales of its most notorious patients. From shocking treatments to mysterious disappearances, this episode is a deep dive into one of the Pacific Northwest's most infamous landmarks.
In this episode:
- The founding and early days of Western State Hospital
- Gruesome treatments and the dark side of mental health care
- Scandals and mysteries: Disappearing patients and embezzlement
- Famous patients: The tragic tales of Mary L. Leonard and Dr. William Chester Minor
- The eerie Fort Steilacoom Cemetery and its forgotten souls
- Ghost stories and paranormal activities reported at the hospital
- Modern-day challenges and ongoing efforts to reform Western State Hospital
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Subscribe:
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00:00 " Western State Hospital is where some of Washington state's darkest stories unfolded
04:51 " Do it for science. Not the getting weed suppositories
05:12 " Western State Hospital opened its doors in 1871 before Washington became estate
07:59 " Western state hospital was built during a time when mental health care was experimental
11:16 " Western state Hospital became the largest mental institution in Washington state during 20th century
13:59 " If you would like to listen to our episodes ad free, consider joining Patreon
14:48 " Western State hospital made headlines in 1950s for embezzling funds
15:59 " Western State Hospital had some famous and infamous patients
20:33 " Actress Frances Farmer spent time at Western State Hospital
21:14 " Fort Steilacoom cemetery was used to bury patients at Winston State
26:14 " You have this gorgeous backyard full of plants. And now I'm kind of concerned that you actually do have a poison garden
27:10 " Only a fraction of unmarked graves in Fort Steilacoom cemetery are marked
30:04 " Laura Lemke started a mission to remark the graves with names and dates
32:46 " Grave concerns has completed most of their work at Western State Hospital
33:29 " This episode on western State hospital includes talk of ghosts
34:02 " We should head out for a night over at western State hospital
36:46 " The hospital's eerie atmosphere has given rise to countless ghost stories and legends
39:25 " Western State Hospital has struggled to shake off its troubled past
44:15 " Western state hospital remains a symbol of ongoing struggles within mental health care system
46:07 " There is so much more to tell about Western State hospital
Show notes created by https://headliner.app
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