Stormy Willow

Travis means “to cross.” And Travis always does. But is it chaos… or prophecy?In this episode, we unpack what science says about the power of names—and what culture has already decided about anyone named Travis. From subtle psychological biases to outright stereotypes, we explore how your name can quietly write your story before you even begin it.Someone's gotta go first.Might as well be him.Sources & References:Nuttin, J. M. (1985). “The Name Letter Effect.”Pelham, B. W., Mirenberg, M. C., & Jones, J. T. (2002). “Why Susie Sells Seashells by the Seashore: Implicit Egotism and Major Life Decisions.” Journal of Personality and Social Psychology.Bertrand, M., & Mullainathan, S. (2004). “Are Emily and Greg More Employable Than Lakisha and Jamal?” American Economic Review.Rosenthal, R., & Jacobson, L. (1968). “Pygmalion in the Classroom.”Mehrabian, A. (2001). “Characteristics Attributed to Names.”Pelham, B. W., & Carvallo, M. (2015). “The Surprising Role of Implicit Self-Esteem in Motivation.”

Sarah and Adell grew up Church of God—where the hair was high, the altar calls were terrifying, and the Rapture could hit at any moment. This episode is their haunted testimony of faith, fear, and everything left behind.

What if death isn't the end, but a reboot? This week, we dive headfirst into the eerie, emotional, and sometimes absurd world of reincarnation. From ancient Hindu and Buddhist beliefs to modern-day cases of kids remembering lives they never lived, we follow the soul's paper trail across time. Plus: Dolores Cannon's wild theories, scientific rabbit holes, and the cosmic HR department you really don't want to visit twice.

Ancient warriors don't take detours—and if you're in their path, good luck. In this week's episode of Stormy Willow, dives into the chilling Hawaiian legend of the Night Marchers.

This week, while Sarah's living it up in New York City, Adell is kicking off May by celebrating some serious bad seeds. In honor of the month that honors mothers, we're turning the spotlight on five women who were anything but traditional: the tormented Anneliese Michel, the mischievous Fox Sisters, the accused of the Salem Witch Trials, the rebel spirit Lilith, and Scotland's last witch, Helen Duncan. From possession to séances to legends that refused to die, these bad mama jamas shook history — and we're here for every haunted minute of it.

Some cryptids lurk in the shadows. This one stares straight into your soul.This week, we're sniffing around the legend of the Michigan Dogman—a towering, wolf-like creature that walks on two legs, shrugs off bullets, and has a real flair for dramatic entrances. From 1800s logging roads to prison yards and late-night off-roading trips, we've got firsthand accounts that'll have you side-eyeing every tree line.

Southern Gothic meets glitter gospel, with a heavy dose of cult control and hair-sprayed manipulation.

Welcome to Camp Stormy Willow, where the s'mores are cursed and the cryptids don't follow the rules. In this chaotic compilation, we revisit some of the wildest monsters we've ever covered—Bigfoot, Mothman, Black Eyed Kids, the Jersey Devil, and more—as they come together for one legendary summer. It's spooky, it's silly, it's Monster Mayhem. Roll call starts now.

Popes in palaces. Time machines in the basement. A filing cabinet so secret you need a prayer to open it. This week, we're deep-diving into the world's holiest city-state and asking: what the actual hell is going on behind those gold doors? From haunted crypts and cursed relics to real-life exorcists and a prophecy that says this might be the last Pope ever—we're cracking open centuries of mystery, scandal, and sacred shade. Get in, loser. We're going to Vatican City.General Historical and Structural InfoVatican.va – Official Vatican website (basic info about the state, pope, Swiss Guard, archives, etc.)History.com – Background on the Lateran Treaty, Vatican City's creation, and papal historyBritannica.com – Overviews of Vatican institutions, exorcisms, relics, and the papacySpecific Topics and ClaimsThe Secret Archives & Forbidden BooksNational Geographic's “Secrets of the Vatican” (documentary + article)Vatican Apostolic Archive (archive.vatican.va)“The Vatican's Secret Archives Aren't Secret” – The AtlanticThe Vatican Necropolis / St. Peter's TombVatican's Scavi Office (scavi.va)Smithsonian Magazine: “The Secret History Beneath the Vatican”RH-Negative Blood TheoryAncient Origins: “The Mystery of Rh-Negative Blood”Gaia.com articles (used with caution due to fringe angle)Chronovisor“Father Ernetti's Chronovisor: The Vatican's Secret Time Machine” – Mysterious UniverseFortean Times and Ancient Aliens references (credible in the way spooky entertainment needs to be)Prophecy of the Popes / St. Malachy“Prophecy of the Popes” – Catholic EncyclopediaHistory Today: “Is Pope Francis the Last Pope?”Emanuela Orlandi CaseNetflix: Vatican Girl (documentary series)BBC News, Reuters, and NPR reports on tomb openings and Vatican responsesMiracle of San GennaroLiveScience: “Blood of Saint Januarius Turns to Liquid in Alleged Miracle”Smithsonian Channel coverage of the phenomenonVatiLeaksThe Guardian, New York Times, and BBC News articles on both VatiLeaks scandals“Merchants in the Temple” – Gianluigi Nuzzi (journalist involved in VatiLeaks)Cadaver SynodHistory Extra: “The Cadaver Synod: The Pope Who Put a Corpse on Trial”Catholic Herald historical features

Two travelers. Two roadside stops. One terrifying question: what if time doesn't just move forward? This week: gas stations, glitches, and time-traveling dads!

At 30 East Drive, the poltergeist doesn't just make noise—it throws furniture, slams doors, and terrorizes anyone inside. What began as falling dust and eerie cold spots escalated into green foam oozing from faucets, lights exploding, and the dark figure of the Black Monk lurking in the shadows. Even priests failed to stop it. Decades later, the terror hasn't faded—visitors report being pushed, scratched, and watched by something unseen. Is this Britain's most violent haunting, or is there another explanation? Enter if you dare.

In 1952, Flatwoods, West Virginia, locals encountered a 10-foot-tall, red-eyed, hissing creature after seeing a UFO-like object crash nearby. Described as gliding with a spade-shaped body and reeking of sulfur, the Flatwoods Monster terrified witnesses, sparked alien theories, and became a legendary cryptid—despite never being seen again.

⚓ Ahoy, maties! Thinking of a relaxing dip in the ocean? Think again. Beneath those gentle waves lurk monsters older than dinosaurs, depths darker than your worst nightmares, and predators that make Jaws look like a guppy. From real-life sea creature encounters to terrifying survival stories, we're diving headfirst into the ocean's most chilling secrets. So grab your floaties—just don't look down.

They came from the shadows, spoke no known language, and their skin was green—who were the children of Woolpit?

The boogeyman of Staten Island wasn't just a story—he was real. Cropsey, the legend of a child-snatching madman lurking in the ruins of Willowbrook State School, became a chilling reality when kids began vanishing. The nightmare had a name: Andre Rand, a drifter with a dark past and ties to the infamous asylum. Convicted of kidnapping but suspected of far worse, Rand's story leaves behind more questions than answers. Was he a lone predator, or part of something even more sinister?

In this episode, we dive into the real-life horror show of Word of Faith Fellowship (WOFF)—a cult masquerading as a church in Spindale, NC. Led by Jane Whaley, WOFF has been accused of blasting prayers (aka exorcisms on steroids), forced labor, and complete mind control. Would you rather spend a night in a haunted house or a week at WOFF?

This week, we're heading to Edinburgh Castle, where history and horror collide. From the Black Dinner's brutal betrayal to ghostly pipers, headless drummers, and witch burnings, this place is crawling with spirits. Who still haunts the dungeons? Why do people hear phantom bagpipes? And what's up with the ghost dog? Tune in for a deep dive into one of the world's most haunted castles!

Travis Maldonado was Joe Exotic's thrill-seeking, gun-loving husband who treated tigers like house cats and chaos like a hobby. His wild life ended tragically (and ironically) in a gift shop accident, leaving behind a legacy of reckless charm and one haunted zoo.

Jim Jones founded the Peoples Temple with promises of equality and community, but his vision spiraled into fear, control, and tragedy. In this episode, we follow the rise of Jones, the creation of Jonestown in the Guyanese jungle, and the devastating events that led to over 900 deaths. From staged miracles to “revolutionary suicide,” we unravel how a utopian dream became one of history's darkest chapters.

Moon-Eyed People: Pale, spooky, and allergic to daylight.

Elvis Presley wasn't just the King of Rock and Roll—he was also a lifelong seeker of the supernatural. From UFO sightings and ghostly piano music at Graceland to visions that shaped his destiny, Elvis's life was full of mysteries. Join us as we explore the paranormal side of the King, uncovering the eerie and unexplained moments that continue to make his story legendary.

Grab your sage and your cowboy boots, y'all—this week, we're two-stepping into Travis Tritt's haunted cabin! The Country Crooner Who's Got Ghosts on the Guest List! Here's a Quarter Call a Ghostbuster Travis!!!!

Something happened on Dead Mountain in 1959, and no one can explain it. Nine experienced hikers fled their tent in the dead of night, leaving behind their belongings and walking barefoot into sub-zero temperatures. Found scattered across the snow with strange injuries and no clear cause of death, their story remains one of history's most chilling unsolved mysteries. From avalanches and infrasound to UFOs and Yetis, we're unpacking the evidence and the wildest theories behind the Dyatlov Pass Incident.

In this chilling holiday special, Stormy Willow dives into the dark side of Christmas traditions with ghostly tales that linger long after the carols fade.

This Christmas, forget reindeer and mistletoe—because Iceland's Yule Cat is on the prowl. With glowing eyes, razor-sharp claws, and an appetite for anyone skipping out on new clothes, this monstrous feline isn't your average holiday guest. In this episode, we unravel the chilling tale of Jólakötturinn, its origins in Icelandic folklore, ties to trolls like Grýla and the mischievous Yule Lads, and how socks and scarves became life-saving gifts. Cozy up as we explore the dark side of holiday traditions, where the right outfit doesn't just keep you warm—it keeps you alive.

Travel back in time with us to visit a ghost of a young woman who haunts Archer Ave. near Resurrection Cemetery in IL. Often seen hitchhiking before mysteriously vanishing when picked up by drivers.

In 1980s Portland, a mysterious arcade game caused memory loss, nausea, and worse. After a month, it vanished, sparking rumors of government mind control experiments.

Just in time for harvest season, I have a folklore for you brood. It's about a turnip, a gnome, and of course some life lessons! Tune in to learn all about Rollo's adventures.

The internet is full of danger and here are some of it's most delightfully dangerous games. Play at your own risk...

Class is in session! We love reading our horoscopes and looking to the stars for guidance. Let's crack into it and learn how it's done.

Where members are “associates” and hell is just a sauna. We're taking a deep dive into the darkness. The Order of Nine Angles - everything your parents warned you about when it came to satanic panic and then some! This cult is active, malicious and growing.

We're taking a trip to Mexico to learn all about The Day of The Dead! We will get our spooky season started with some Mexican Lore and ghost stories that will surely give you chills!

Austin may be known for its live music and quirky charm, but its paranormal side is just as vibrant. In this episode, we're traveling from the haunted grounds of Pioneer Farms—where phantom footsteps roam—to the infamous Driskill Hotel, home to tragic brides and lingering spirits. Whether it's shadow figures or disembodied voices, Austin's ghosts refuse to stay silent.

Gettysburg, one of America's most haunted places and home to so many ghosts. We are going to cover four ghosts stories that will chill you to the bone.

Explore the science behind time travel, from Einstein's mind-bending theories and hypothetical wormholes to the wildest conspiracy theories like the Philadelphia Experiment and the Montauk Project. Can we manipulate time, or is it all just science fiction?

First time the "devil made me do it" defense was used in a court of law. Was it a true possession, alcohol, or mental illness?

Come along as we investigate the epic saga of Atlantis—from its legendary origins to its mysterious demise—while diving into the captivating and sometimes far-fetched theories that keep the question alive: was Atlantis ever real?"

A witch tree, a witch kid, a pretty witch and a ghost girl looking for something she lost - Only in Kentucky!

Could we all be part of an elaborate computer simulation? This episode unpacks simulation theory with some fun twists. From ancient philosophy to modern-day musings, we'll explore the idea and share some bizarre “glitch” stories.

When I think of a cult- Crazy-eyed Charles Manson comes to my mind. In this episode we will talk about the Manson Family cult.

Join us as we delve into the fascinating life and legacy of Carl Jung. Learn about his concepts of the collective unconscious, archetypes, and individuation, and see how his work continues to inspire modern psychological and spiritual practices.

Who knew Lake Norman was such an eerie place? In addition to it's own sea monster, old towns and bridges lie in this lakebed.

National Parks are stunning and serene, but did you know people go missing there every year? Some say these folks might have stumbled upon some very elusive wildlife—feral cannibals!

Grief can drive us mad - was that the case with Sarah Winchester or was she really being haunted by the spirits that were killed by her family's guns?

Buckle up for a cosmic adventure as we explore the peculiar and out-of-this-world beliefs of Heaven's Gate!

This episode is seriously giving off Travis Vibes. Join us for a wild story about the alien abduction of Travis Walton or perhaps a joke gone wrong!

Shadow people are often associated with paranormal encounters or sightings. Tune in for more about these mysterious entities and true encounters.

For over 100 episodes you've heard about him. Now let's hear from him. The one. The only. Tim (aka our dad)! There also might be a wild UFO experience both of our parents witnessed separately...

On this episode we will discuss true mysteries of two famous mystery writers, Agatha Christie and Edgar Allan Poe.

We bring in our big episode 100 with none other than Bigfoot! Join us as we cover Bigfoot around the globe with a special guest.

On March 13, 1997 thousands of witnesses described seeing a formation of lights moving silently across the sky, with some claiming to have seen a massive, V-shaped object. Despite numerous theories and investigations, the phenomenon remains unexplained.