Get Weird with Brittany Barbieri

In this episode of Get Weird, Brittany Barbieri explores the mysterious 1982 Bigfoot footprint discoveries near Walla Walla, Washington. She examines the controversial tracks discovered by U.S. Forest Service employee Paul Freeman, including their unusual fingerprint-like ridges and the conflicting opinions of experts who debated their authenticity. Brittany also discusses anthropologist Grover Krantz’s support for the evidence and Freeman’s disputed 1994 Bigfoot video. Throughout the episode, she explores the challenges of distinguishing genuine evidence from possible hoaxes, encouraging listeners to remain curious and open-minded about one of Bigfoot’s most intriguing mysteries.

In this episode of Get Weird, Brittany Barbieri explores the story of Tenzing Norgay, who reached the summit of Mount Everest in 1953 after six previous attempts, yet whose role was often overshadowed by Edmund Hillary’s. Brittany discusses the new film Tenzing, his place in Everest history, and the cultural significance of a mountain considered sacred by the people who call the Himalayas home.The episode also dives into the legend of the Yeti, including Hillary’s later expedition to investigate the mysterious creature and the evidence he examined along the way. Brittany explores how local knowledge and a mistranslated phrase helped shape the “Abominable Snowman” legend, highlighting the importance of listening to the people who know the Himalayas best.

In this episode of Get Weird, Brittany Barbieri shares a childhood memory from the early 1990s of visiting an old house in Kentucky, where she encountered a friendly older man whom no one else could see. Recently discovered VHS footage from the visit led her family to believe she may have encountered a ghost. Brittany reflects on children’s natural openness to the possibility of spirits, shares similar experiences involving her own kids, and discusses the importance of nurturing curiosity and creativity rather than dismissing what children may see or feel.

In this episode of Get Weird, Brittany Barbieri shares personal paranormal experiences rather than focusing on a specific case. She recounts investigating a cemetery where she initially mistook a hairless, elderly rhesus monkey for a demon—an experience that helped shape her compassionate approach to eyewitness accounts. Brittany emphasizes the importance of listening to and validating people’s paranormal experiences while addressing dismissive behavior within the paranormal community. She also shares insights into her upbringing, her passion for the supernatural, and her approach to parenting, encouraging listeners to remain open-minded and kind when others share unexplained encounters.

In this episode of Get Weird, Brittany Barbieri explores the legend of the Gurdon Light, a mysterious glowing orb reportedly seen along abandoned railroad tracks in Gurdon, Arkansas. The phenomenon dates back to the 1930s and is often linked to the murder of railroad foreman Will McClain, whose ghost is said to still roam the tracks. Brittany dives into the history behind the legend, examines various explanations for the mysterious light, and discusses its 1994 feature on Unsolved Mysteries, where the phenomenon was captured on camera. She reflects on the fascination surrounding unexplained mysteries and encourages listeners to stay curious and share their own local legends.

In this episode of Get Weird, Brittany Barbieri explores the chilling legend of the Black-Eyed Kids, sparked by journalist Brian Bethel’s reported 1996 encounter in Abilene, Texas. Bethel claimed that two boys with completely black eyes approached him asking for a ride, triggering an overwhelming sense of dread before he drove away. Brittany examines the credibility of the account, its spread through early internet culture, and theories ranging from demons to aliens. While approaching the story with healthy skepticism, she highlights one consistent and unsettling detail: these kids always ask for permission.

In this episode of Get Weird, Brittany Barbieri explores the 1986 Smurl Haunting on Chase Street in West Pittston, Pennsylvania. She recounts how the Smurl family experienced escalating paranormal activity in their duplex, from disappearing tools to increasingly aggressive supernatural encounters. The case drew national attention after renowned demonologists Ed and Lorraine Warren investigated the haunting. Following four exorcisms—including one officially sanctioned by the Catholic Church—the reported activity eventually ceased. Brittany examines the case from both believer and skeptic perspectives while encouraging listeners to remain open-minded about the supernatural and unexplained.

Brittany Barbieri explores the Cash-Landrum incident, a compelling 1980 UFO case from Huffman, Texas. On December 29, Betty Cash, Vickie Landrum, and her seven-year-old grandson, Colby, encountered a diamond-shaped, fire-emitting object hovering over a rural road, surrounded by military-style helicopters. All three reportedly suffered severe symptoms consistent with radiation exposure. Despite investigations by the FAA, the U.S. Army, the U.S. Air Force, and NASA, no government involvement was ever confirmed. Betty Cash and Vickie Landrum later filed a lawsuit against the U.S. government, but it was dismissed in 1986 due to insufficient evidence linking the incident to the military, leaving the case unresolved. Both women died without ever receiving answers.

In this episode of Get Weird, Brittany Barbieri uses the viral story of Jimothy the raccoon—whose unusual appearance sparked widespread debate about whether he was a cryptid—to explain the true meaning of cryptozoology. She clarifies that cryptozoology is a scientific extension of zoology focused on investigating reports of unknown or unusual animals rather than simply hunting monsters. Brittany highlights the ongoing discovery of new species, the role of curiosity in scientific exploration, and the genetic condition behind Jimothy's unique appearance. Throughout the episode, she encourages listeners to stay curious, show compassion toward animals, and appreciate the wonders of the natural world.

Brittany Barbieri explores the mystery of Glastonbury Abbey, where medieval monks claimed to have discovered the graves of King Arthur and Queen Guinevere in 1191. She examines the historical skepticism surrounding the claim, noting its suspicious timing following the devastating fire that nearly destroyed the abbey just a few years earlier. Brittany also reflects on how Henry VIII's Dissolution of the Monasteries may have led to the loss of the alleged remains, leaving historians with more questions than answers. While acknowledging the lack of definitive evidence, she embraces the enduring legend and encourages listeners to explore the fascinating intersection of history, myth, and mystery for themselves.