The ghost stories about the La Purisima Mission, what they include and what they surprisingly don’t, tell us a lot about how Californians think about their state’s past.
Tag Archives: folklore
56. The Ghosthroplogy Family Stories
In this special episode, Matt talks with his Good Lady Wife / Producer and their Daughter about the spooky and not-so-spooky happenings in their home… and beyond!
55. The Shanghai Tunnels, Portland, Oregon
In this episode: how commerce, tall tales, and xenophobia collide with notions of innocence and victimization to create the folklore of Portland’s Haunted Shanghai Tunnels.
54. Rispin Mansion
Perched on a tree-covered riverbank in the coastal town of Capitola, California there is a once-glorious mansion. Built by Henry Rispin, this “haunted house” has been abandoned for decades and now lurks in the shade just outside of easy view. In this episode, Matt discusses the history of the mansion, the ghosts who are said to haunt it, and its role in Santa Cruz County folklore.
53. Themes of the Podcast Part 2 (Ghost Stories and History)
Matt discusses how ghost stories both enhance and warp our understanding of the past. The relationship between historic understanding and the paranormal is complex and fascinating, and Matt tries to give a bit of insight.
52. Zozo: The Ouija Board Demon
Using an Ouija board may put you in contact with all manner of spirits and other entities. You may gain occult knowledge, you may learn entertaining facts, or you may have your life destroyed and your soul endangered by an encounter with a demon known as Zozo. Assuming, of course, that Zozo is real.
51. Doubt and Paranormal Investigation (With Dr. Michelle Hanks)
Dr. Michele Hanks, an anthropologist who does ethnographic work with paranormal investigation groups, joins Matt to discuss the role of doubt in paranormal investigation.
50. Unlikely Gateways to Hell (US)
In this episode, Matt wraps up the last Ghosthropology episode of 2022 by telling the audience how they can go to Hell, if they feel so inclined. We’re talking gateways to damnation, and they are in the unlikeliest of places. This episode is a bit light on analysis, but heavy on fun. However, remember, most of these locations are either unsafe or on private land, so feel free to talk about them, but don’t try to visit.
49. Dudleytown
Dudleytown is often described as one of the strangest and most haunted places in North America. In this episode, Matt tells the tale, then is a total killjoy and destroys the tale, and then discusses how the folklore surrounding Dudleytown came to be.
48. Spirits of Colonial Williamsburg
In this episode, Matt talks with Dr. Alena Pirok about her recently published book The Spirit of Colonial Williamsburg, which covers the intersection of belief in ghosts, public perception of history, and ghost tourism.
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