listener tales

A listener asked us to investigate the strange stories surrounding mirrors, and what we found was far more unsettling than expected. In this solo episode, Mike dives into the history, folklore, psychology, and paranormal legends surrounding reflective surfaces. From ancient civilizations and Narcissus to Bloody Mary and the fear of seeing something move in the glass when it shouldn’t, we explore why mirrors continue to fascinate—and terrify—people around the world. The next time you catch your reflection staring back, you may wonder: is it really just you?

Mike mark chris and this cousin Alex explore the doncky lady of San Antonio

This is our first listener tale episode we hope you enjoy

Come with Chris Mike and mark as we discover the blob of Kinderhook New York

Join the Cryptid Hauntings teas as we deep dive into the Mandela effect. Did the world end in 2012?

A haunted mineshaft in park city Utah. Is he a ghost that wants you dead or is he trying to warn you about the danger. Regardless he is the man in the yellow slicker

This episode of Cryptid Hauntings explores the dark legend of U.S. Route 491, formerly known as U.S. Route 666, the infamous “Devil’s Highway.” Stretching through Utah, Colorado, and New Mexico, the road gained a reputation for deadly accidents, ghostly apparitions, and stories of a phantom flaming semi-truck. The hosts examine whether the highway’s terrifying reputation stemmed from real danger, rural road statistics, or the psychological weight of the number 666 — the “number of the beast” from the Bible, Revelation 13. After the road was renumbered in 2003, accident rates reportedly declined, raising questions about superstition versus infrastructure and fear. In the end, the episode leaves listeners wondering whether the Devil, human psychology, or something even stranger might be responsible for the legend of Route 666.Join the CommunitySend your own ghost story for a Listener TaleEmail: [email protected] Instagram: cryptidhauntingsYouTube: @cryptidhauntings TikTok: @cryptid.hauntings CreditsHost: Michael, Chris, Mark, and Pam Gardner Writer: Michael Gardner Editor: Pam Gardner Special Thanks: Thank you Tonya for letting us take over the basement of your home. Sources DangerousRoads.org – Route 666NPR (2009) – “The Deadliest Roads Are Rural”KSL.com – “3 Local Urban Legends May Offer Grain of Truth”Paranorms.com – Route 666Apex Capital Corp – Haunted Highways and Trucker LegendsThe Holy Bible, King James Version, Revelation 13:16–18

Thank you for listening to Cryptid Hantings.Episode SummaryIn this episode of Cryptid Hauntings, Mike, Mark, Pam, and Chris dive into the chilling legend of the Black Eyed Kids — mysterious children who appear at doors, windows, and lonely roads asking for simple favors. With completely black eyes and an overwhelming aura of dread, these figures are said to follow strange rules, needing permission before entering a home or vehicle. The family explores firsthand accounts, including the 1996 encounter by journalist Brian Bethel that helped bring the phenomenon into modern folklore. They examine the eerie patterns in the children’s behavior, clothing, and the lingering fear reported by those who survive an encounter. Are the Black Eyed Kids demons, spirits bound by ancient rules, or something even more unsettling — something that looks just like us?Join the CommunitySend your own ghost story for a Listener TaleEmail: [email protected] Instagram: cryptidhauntingsYouTube: @cryptidhauntings TikTok: @cryptid.hauntings CreditsHost: Michael, Chris, Mark, and Pam Gardner Writer: Michael Gardner Editor: Pam Gardner Special Thanks: Thank you Tonya for letting us take over the basement of your home. Sources https://moniquesnyman.com/hall-of-horror-black-eyed-children/https://www.atlasobscura.com/articles/black-eyed-children-urban-legendRomano, Aja (31 October 2012). "The definitive guide to creepypasta – the Internet's 'scariest' urban legends". The Daily Dot. Retrieved 21 November 2014.

Come with Cryptid Hauntings as we discuss the haunting of the Great Salt Lake by nothing more than a humble whale.

Want to dig deeper into the history and legends discussed in this episode? Here are some accessible sources and starting points:🐺 Werewolf History & LoreEncyclopaedia Britannica – “Lycanthropy”A clear overview of where the word and belief come from, including mythological and historical context.“Werewolf” – WikipediaA broad, easy-to-navigate summary of global werewolf folklore and how the legend evolved across cultures.“Werewolf Trials” – WikipediaCovers real historical cases where people were accused and executed for allegedly being werewolves in medieval Europe.American Werewolf-Type LegendsMichigan Dogman – WikipediaAn overview of reported sightings, legend history, and how the Dogman became part of modern American folklore.Beast of Bray Road – WikipediaDetails the Wisconsin sightings from the late 20th century and journalist Linda Godfrey’s investigations.HowStuffWorks – “Is the Dogman Real?”A balanced look at Dogman reports, cultural influence, and skeptical explanations.Regional TraditionsRougarou – WikipediaExplores the Cajun and Creole werewolf tradition in Louisiana and its role as a cultural cautionary tale.The Converse, Texas WerewolfKSAT (San Antonio) – “The Tale of the Converse Werewolf”A local news feature covering the legend, its origins, and why it still circulates in South Texas folklore.WerewolfPage – Converse Werewolf LegendA classic cryptid retelling that preserves one of the most complete versions of the story.MySanAntonio.com – Haunted Stories & Urban LegendsA regional collection that includes the Converse Werewolf alongside other South Texas legends. Books & Deep Dives Linda S. Godfrey – The Beast of Bray RoadOne of the most influential books on American werewolf-type cryptids, written by the journalist who helped popularize the legend.Barry Jean Ancelet – Cajun and Creole FolktalesExplores Louisiana folklore, including Rougarou traditions, from a cultural and historical perspective.A Note on FolkloreMany of the stories discussed in this episode come from oral tradition, regional legend, and eyewitness accounts. While some historical context is documented, others persist because they are experienced, shared, and remembered — not because they were ever meant to be proven.Share Your StoryHave an encounter or story you’ve never told anyone?📧 [email protected]📱 Instagram & TikTok: @cryptid.huntings