Just A Story: Urban Legend Podcast

Latest Episodes:

Ep 40: No One Gets Left Behind or Forgotten: The Night Marchers Aug 21, 2016

Show notes

When we think of Hawaii, here on the mainland, we might imagine hula dancers in grass skirts. We might think of movies like Lilo and Stitch or Jurassic Park (it was filmed there, look it up). We might have googled photos of a certain shirtless President on that state's glorious beaches. Maybe, just maybe, we think about Pearl Harbor, and the historical significance the military base on a Pacific archipelago had in shaping history as we know it. But - do you think that's where the history of that 50th star on the flag starts? Hardly, my friend. This week we learn all about why Hawaiian history comes alive on the islands, and how the haunting presence educates new generations on the customs of the past. Join us this week as we take a look at the legend of the Hawaiian Night Marchers and its vital role in keeping cultural knowledge and traditions alive. To listen to our historical story telling podcast, Audio Dime Museum: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/audio-dime-museum-carnivale/id1096211271?mt=2

Ep 39: She's a Bad Mother-Shut Your Mouth!: La Llorona Aug 14, 2016

Show notes

Mothers are meant to guide, nurture and protect their children. We look to their love as a model for selfless giving and unending devotion. But there are bad Mothers out there. There are women who do the unthinkable to their own children, and subvert everything we expect from the mythical martyr mother. Join us this week as we examine the deep, rich history and cultural context of the patron saint of less than perfect mothers, La Llorana. In this episode we will explore her story's consistent patterns over time, and compare those features to some modern cases maternal filicide. Also Check out our audio drama Audio Dime Museum: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/audio-dime-museum-carnivale/id1096211271?mt=2

Ep 38: Running Away With (or From) the Circus Aug 07, 2016

Show notes

The circus is an American institution. It's a carnival of thrills and wonder that crisscrosses the country. The circus coming to town might be the highlight of the year. Breaking the monotony in even the most far-flung towns, the colorful carneys and mind boggling performers brought joy... And maybe something darker and more foreboding. Have circuses ever brought threats to small town America? Or have we imagined monsters where there are none? Join us this week as the circus comes to town, and we examine our perceptions of outsiders. Check out Audio Dime Museum: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/audio-dime-museum/id1096211271?mt=2

Ep 37: Rippin Up A Rag Doll Jul 31, 2016

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Dolls are symbols of childlike innocence; visions of idealized beauty suspended in time. They are treasured companions, well-loved playthings, sweet mementoes. Wait. No. What the hell am I saying. Dolls are HELLA creepy. But why? How did these sweet little toys get wrapped up in all this horror story nonsense? Join us this week as we explore the strong ties between dolls and the macabre, and ask why the hell are dolls so eerie?

Ep 36: Hello, Is It Me You're Looking For? Jul 23, 2016

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The legend of "The Babysitter and the Man Upstairs" is one of the most widely circulated, well known urban legends in modern history. This week we ask why this story has such staying power and how it relates to real, documented crimes. We will examine everything from the 1950s Columbia, Missouri murder of a babysitter that may have inspired the legend, to a story of a Washington family being stalked and harassed using their own cell phones within the last decade. We also explore the kinds of calls that have come from killers throughout history, and what they say about the murderers who make them. We hope you will join us for a truly creepy episode, and that you've checked the children...

Ep 35: Pants on Fire Jul 16, 2016

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From the classic pithy one-liners just before the gavel sting on Law & Order to the antics of Andy and Barney in Mayberry, it seems like we, as a culture, have agreed that even when dealing with something as serious as crime and punishment, it never hurts to find a little levity. "The Colander Copier Caper" is an urban legend that plays on the trope of clever cops and credulous criminals. On a more serious note, the story might point out how easily false confessions can be obtained. In this week's episode we'll take a look at ironic history of the lie detector's inventor William Moulton Marston, who is responsible for both the technology and the court decision that still bans it from courtrooms across the country today. Don't worry, we'll discuss his role in creating Wonder Woman, his well hidden polyamorous household, and his absolute allegiance to the feminist agenda, as well. Join us as we explore the history of the lie detector, why we want to believe in the device, and what the use of this technology actually means for the criminal justice system.

Ep 34: Apocalypse ... Eventually! Jul 10, 2016

Show notes

Humanity has long been certain that the sky is falling. We've basically been predicting the end of the world since it began. From Nostradamus to Y2K, the doomsday predictions have been as varied as they have been persistent. This week we ask why people are so preoccupied with post apocalyptic propaganda and what happens when the world keeps turning after you've publicly promised catastrophe. Join us as we explore the end of the world as we know it. Twitter: @justastorypod Email: justastorypod@gmail.com

Ep 33: They Must Be Invited Jul 03, 2016

Show notes

The bond between guest and host is ancient and sacred one. Hospitality has always been considered a virtuous undertaking, in fact, opening your home to travelers and friends was at one time expected, if not demanded. But what happens when you open the door to the wrong person? What is a host to do when their kindness is abused in ways darker and longer lasting than having all their hot water used up, or a visitor putting coffee grinds down the sink? What if the bad guest came back when you weren't home, and began living in your attic? What if they watched you sleep? What if they caused you harm? Such a thing could never happen, could it? This week we take a look at urban legends about people living in the walls. Join as we examine the importance thresholds, boundaries, and home security and ask what happens when those are fundamentally disrespected and ignored.

Ep 32: On Murder Considered as one of the Fine Arts Jun 25, 2016

Show notes

Thomas DeQuincy first wrote this week's titular essay "On Murder Considered as one of the Fine Arts" in 1827 as satire, but after almost two centuries; it seems old Tom may have been the herald of a genuine cultural phenomenon. There are several well documented cases of quasi-intellectual criminals claiming literature, art or music made them do it. Excluding the persistent worries of each generation of parents that some new form of mass media is brainwashing their precious youngsters, the claims that high culture inspires some to express themselves violently may actually hold some water. Conversely, plenty of heinous acts of violence have inspired artists to create well respected works. So, what's the connection? How do art and murder inspire one another? Join us this week as we explore the urban legend, 'The Suicide Painting' and unravel surreal connections between high art and the infamous Black Dahlia murder.

Ep 31: Dog Is My Copilot Jun 19, 2016

Show notes

Charles de Gualle once said, “The better I get to know men, the more I find myself loving dogs.” He may have a point. We seem to love stories about dogs, but as we do here on this podcast, we have to ask what does that say about us as humans. This week we take a look at classic urban legends like, "The Choking Doberman" and "The Mexican Pet" and spend a little time getting to know some amazing true stories about man's best friend.

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