Unsolved: The Mad Gasser of Mattoon

In 1952, three boys in West Virginia watched a strange glowing object fall from the sky. When they returned to investigate, they claimed to encounter a terrifying 10-foot-tall figure with a red face and pointed hood. But what really happened on that hillside? Elizabeth explores one of America's most enduring UFO mysteries, and the very different theories about what the witnesses actually saw.Plus Elizabeth shares a few adventures of her own coming up…Paranormia is an Audio Always production. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It’s the last episode of Psychic Month on Paranormia, where Elizabeth has been joined by a range of guests exploring the fascinating and controversial world of psychics, mediums and unexplained experiences.In this episode, Elizabeth is joined by Poppy Damon, co-host of Strangely, to explore the case of Etta Smith, a shipping clerk in Burbank who claimed to have a vision of a missing nurse’s body. Two days after Melanie Uribe disappeared on her way to work, Etta contacted police and described a canyon, a winding road and a white object at the end of a dirt path. When officers failed to act immediately, she went looking for herself, and found Melanie’s body exactly where she said it would be. How did she know where the body was?Elizabeth also shares one of her own strange premonitions, while Poppy recounts a mysterious encounter in the Joshua Tree desert.Warning: This episode discusses a real murder and contains references to sexual assault and violence.If you have a story where crime and the otherworldly intertwine, something strange, unexplained or just plain haunted, get in touch at [email protected] is an Audio Always production. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It’s Psychic Month on Paranormia, and throughout August Elizabeth will be joined by a range of guests to explore the fascinating and controversial world of psychics and mediums.What happens when the people who work closest to death start experiencing something they can’t explain? In this episode, Elizabeth chats to Professor Callum Cooper, a parapsychologist researching after-death communications and exceptional experiences in the funeral industry. From apparitions and unexplained noises to strange encounters involving the recently deceased, Callum shares some of the most intriguing cases he has come across, including the story of a funeral home apprentice who encountered a ghost in the middle of the night.Callum is currently researching experiences among people who work in the funeral industry. If you have worked in a funeral home, crematorium, as a funeral director, receptionist, hearse driver, pallbearer, florist or in another role connected to the industry, you can take part in his research. Take part in Callum’s funeral industry study: https://app.onlinesurveys.jisc.ac.uk/s/northampton/funeral-industry-anomalous-experiences?fbclid=IwY2xjawTMN4xleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETBGUklZeURTTFBTazRKZlB0c3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHmijR9yTbkd848m5V8pw0Yv_W1mtzyd9thBbo1ddGM_alxFuPTvT0cKdJzez_aem_FW7_aeyoDhMOgCEU7y1LIA If you have a story where crime and the otherworldly intertwine, something strange, unexplained or just plain haunted, get in touch at [email protected] is an Audio Always production. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It’s Psychic Month on Paranormia, and throughout August Elizabeth will be joined by a range of guests to explore the fascinating and controversial world of psychics and mediums.Helen Duncan was a Scottish medium who became one of the most famous and controversial spiritualists of the 20th century. In 1941, she appeared to reveal the sinking of HMS Barham during a seance, despite the news being kept secret. Just months later, she was arrested and put on trial under the 1735 Witchcraft Act, eventually becoming known as Britain’s last witch. In this episode, Elizabeth chats to paranormal historian and writer Dr Kate Cherrell about Helen’s life, her claims of spirit communication and ectoplasm, the evidence for and against her abilities, and why the authorities were so determined to bring her down.Elizabeth also shares the bizarre story of the night a fox broke into her home…If you have a story where crime and the otherworldly intertwine, something strange, unexplained or just plain haunted, get in touch at [email protected] is an Audio Always production. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It’s Psychic Month on Paranormia, and throughout August Elizabeth will be joined by a range of guests to explore the fascinating and controversial world of psychics.In 1983, 25 year old Jacqueline Poole was murdered in West London, just a few miles from where Elizabeth’s mum grew up. Nearly two decades later, the case was finally solved. In this episode, Elizabeth chats to psychic Christine Holohan, who claimed to have identified the killer and revealed details about Jacqui’s murder long before his arrest. Together, they explore Christine’s account, the police investigation, and the question of whether Jacqui really communicated from beyond the grave.If you have a story where crime and the otherworldly intertwine, something strange, unexplained or just plain haunted, get in touch at [email protected] is an Audio Always production.Support note:This episode discusses murder, sexual assault, violence, and the impact of violent crime. If this episode has affected you, support is available.UK: Victim Support - call 08 08 16 89 111 or visit victimsupport.org.ukROI: Crime Victims Helpline - call 116 006 or visit crimevictimshelpline.ieWorldwide: Visit findahelpline.com for local support in your country. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In 1944, the town of Mattoon, Illinois was gripped by fear as residents reported a series of bizarre nighttime attacks. Victims claimed they were overcome by a sweet-smelling gas that left them weak, paralysed, and unable to call for help, while witnesses spoke of a mysterious figure lurking outside bedroom windows. In this episode, Elizabeth explores the competing theories that continue to divide opinion surrounding the case.Elizabeth also shares the bizarre story of a charity shop discovery after stumbling across more than 40 cat ornaments from what appeared to be someone's entire collection...If you have a story where crime and the otherworldly intertwine, something strange, unexplained or just plain haunted, get in touch at [email protected] is an Audio Always production. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In 1979, a group of paranormal investigators became convinced they had discovered a centuries-old secret. Guided by psychic visions and cryptic clues, they believed they had uncovered the hiding place of an ancient green gemstone said to possess extraordinary powers. In this episode, Elizabeth explores the mystery of the Green Stone, and a series of unexplained events that transformed a paranormal investigation into one of Britain’s strangest mysteries.Elizabeth also chats about a recent documentary that revisits one of the most shocking maritime disasters in modern history.If you have a story where crime and the otherworldly intertwine, something strange, unexplained or just plain haunted, get in touch at [email protected] is an Audio Always production. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Listener discretion advised: This episode contains discussion of multiple murders, cult violence, manipulation, and references to graphic crime scenes that some listeners may find distressing.In the summer of 1969, a series of brutal murders shocked America and transformed the name Charles Manson into a byword for evil. But beyond the headlines lies a disturbing story of manipulation, blind devotion, and the dangerous power of belief. In this episode, Elizabeth explores how the Manson Family formed, the Tate-LaBianca murders, and the myths and mysteries that continue to surround one of history's most notorious cults.Elizabeth also chats about the upcoming World Toe Wrestling Championship, the unusual sport she co-owns.If you have a story where crime and the otherworldly intertwine, something strange, unexplained or just plain haunted, get in touch at [email protected] is an Audio Always production. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In 1973, two children exploring the marshes of Sandown on the Isle of Wight report a strange encounter. They hear a wailing sound that leads them to a seven foot figure in clown-like clothing, calling itself “All Colours Sam.” What follows is a brief, unsettling exchange, an invitation into a metal hut, and claims that there are others like it. In this episode, Elizabeth explores the folklore that has grown around the case, from possible explanations to later alleged encounters and why the story still refuses to fade.Elizabeth also chats about buying a new sewing machine for her other creative projects...If you have a story where crime and the otherworldly intertwine, something strange, unexplained or just plain haunted, get in touch at [email protected] is an Audio Always production. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In 1981, 19 old Arne Johnson is arrested in Connecticut for the stabbing death of his landlord. At first, it looks like a straightforward murder case. Then Arne says he doesn’t remember it, and that something else was with him when it happened. Months earlier, an 11 year old boy named David Glatzel begins experiencing disturbing events at home. His family call in paranormal investigators Ed and Lorraine Warren, and a priest is brought in to perform an exorcism. Those present later say something changed during that ritual, and that it set everything else in motion. By the time of the trial, Arne is claiming he wasn’t acting alone. In this episode, Elizabeth looks at the real case behind The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It, where a murder trial becomes tangled up with claims of possession and belief.She also talks about a new documentary she’s working on, and buying far too many wedding dresses.If you have a story where crime and the otherworldly intertwine, something strange, unexplained or just plain haunted, get in touch at [email protected] is an Audio Always production. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.