Episode 109: El Charro Negro

One of the most mysterious figures in Hispanic and Latin American folklore is El Charro Negro; a handsome, demonic charro who roams the streets on a black horse, acting as an omen against the power-hungry and greedy. El Charro Negro is associated with the dark side of luxury and excess, and his backstory is a sad, cautionary tale.

La Planchada was a nurse who cared about her work, her patients, and her reputation. Compassion and care were her creed, and it looks as though now, even after her death, she is still nursing the sick back to health. Learn about Mexico's most famous ghost nurse!

Sirens, Selkies, and Mermaids are all mythological creatures that rule the oceans and seas. But where do they come from, and what do they want? Are they all friendly and curious? Or do they have a more sinister agenda when luring us into the water?

The Whaley House in San Diego is one of the most haunted houses in California. Long before the Whaley family lived and died in the home, the spot was an infamous hanging ground where murders and criminals met their end. Was the ground cursed before the Whaley's even got there? And could it have contributed to the tragic events that befell the Whaley family?DISCLAIMER: This episode mentions suicide and self-harm.

In 1817 the Bell family fell victim to a violent spirits wrath after their daughter, Betsy Bell, became engaged to the love of her life. For years Betsy, and her father John Bell Sr., were physically and verbally abused by the spirit, who seemed to relish in their suffering. And even now, more than 200 years later, historians and paranormal researches are still trying to determine why it happened in the first place.

In 1676, Sister Maria Crocifissa wrote a letter that was never supposed to be read. It didn’t contain embarrassing confessions of love, or unfiltered views on an enemies appearance. No, Sister Maria Crocifissa’s letter contained a message delivered to her while in a state of possession - a message delivered by the Devil himself.

Nestled in a green, forested area of the Ozarks is The 1886 Crescent Hotel - a beautiful, castle-like resort surrounded by a tranquil forests where visitors can enjoy a star-filled view of the night sky. But The 1886 Crescent Hotel has a past so dark that it has been deemed America’s most haunted hotel.

Scary Stories for the Soul presents, “Torment at Cachtice," an original horror story about Katarina Papp, girl who was led to Elizabeth Bathory’s castle under false pretenses and endured indescribable pain.

Between 1590 and 1610, a small village nestled in the heart of Little Carpathia became the hunting ground for one of history’s most prolific serial killers. For the better part of 20 years Elizabeth Bathory, along with a crew of loyal followers, ruthlessly kidnapped, tortured, and murdered young women and girls, earning her the macabre moniker of “The Blood Countess.”

Let’s celebrate 100 episodes with an Espooky collaboration! Cristina, one of the hosts of Espooky Tales, joins us for a discussion about folklore, bonding over horror stories, and everything in between!