The Strange South Podcast

In this episode, Patrice, Marleah, and Courtney recount a hilarious story about losing and recovering a phone, complete with a surprise police intervention and family panic. The ladies blend humor and thoughtful commentary on modern challenges and self-improvement strategies.

Join Marleah, Patrice, and Courtney as they discuss the challenges and pressures of January, advocate for a more self-care-oriented approach to the month, and share personal experiences from the New Year. They delve into the significance of brooms in folklore and magical practices, featuring insights from Charlotte, a hand broom maker. The episode is filled with laughter, practical tips, and a deep dive into broom-related superstitions and rituals. Sip on a classic old fashioned as you tune in for a post-holiday chat!

Join the ladies on the B side as they discuss Alabama's Wheeler Wildlife Refuge, bald eagle spotting adventures, and the surprisingly rich biodiversity of the state.

In this episode, Patrice, Marleah, and Courtney sip eggnog while unraveling the mystery of Alabama's spooky White Thang - a glowy-eyed cryptid that's either a tall albino Bigfoot, a giant ghost cat, or possibly just Uncle Earl in his long johns screaming at the moon.

In this episode, the hosts delve into the unusual trend of purchasing and consuming edible clays available on Amazon, such as Grandma's White Dirt from Georgia. They discuss various types of clay, like kaolin and Fuller's Earth, their uses, industrial applications, and traditional consumption practices for digestive benefits. Additionally, they provide quirky clay recipes and read reviews from avid clay eaters. The conversation then shifts to the topic of pica, a condition where individuals crave and consume non-food items like chalk, ice, soap, and even metal or glass, discussing possible reasons and personal anecdotes.

Care for a bit'o'dirt? Patrice, Marleah, and Courtney discuss a bizarre story from Starkville, MS, where people were discovered digging up dirt to eat. They explore the history and cultural significance of geophagy, citing various traditions and the medicinal properties of kaolin clay.

In this B Side, Patrice, Marleah, and Courtney talk about "evangelist" Bob Larson.of Spiritual Freedom Church. And they take his online quiz from boblarson.org to find out whether they themselves are demons! Are they? Listen to find out!

In this episode of The Strange South, co-hosts Patrice, Marleah, & Courtney dive into three fascinating stories about demonic possession and exorcism in the American South, inspired by the television show "Evil." The episode begins with the hosts enjoying a unique "posh parmatini" - a sophisticated cocktail featuring parmesan-infused vodka, courtesy of their friend Mary.The Archive of the Afterlife: A Skeptic's TaleThe first story centers around the Archive of the Afterlife Museum in Moundsville, West Virginia, where owner Steve Hummel houses various allegedly haunted objects. One particular item, a well-worn copy of Dr. Seuss's "The Foot Book," was claimed to be haunted after being connected to a quadruple homicide. However, when skeptical investigator Kenny Biddle looked into the case, he tracked down the book's original owner - a man named Kyle who had simply enjoyed the book as a child before his father sold it at a yard sale. While the book was indeed from near the location of a tragic murder, its direct connection to the crime was debunked.The Modern-Day Demon SlayerThe second story profiles Greg Locke, a controversial fundamentalist preacher from Mount Joliet, Tennessee, who has branded himself as a "demon slayer." Through his Global Vision Bible Church, Locke conducts mass "deliverances," claiming to cast out demons of everything from video games to lactose intolerance. His 2023 movie "Come Out in Jesus Name" grossed $2.5 million in just three days. The hosts discuss how his tent revival-style events, complete with sawdust floors and no air conditioning, create an environment where mass hysteria and spiritual experiences flourish.The Medical MysteryThe final and most compelling story follows Amy Stamatis, a med flight nurse in Little Rock, Arkansas, who experienced a sudden and inexplicable mental breakdown in 2006. After treating a burn victim, she began experiencing severe cognitive issues, hearing voices, and exhibiting erratic behavior. Despite numerous medical evaluations, no physical cause was found. The situation culminated in a tragic incident where she fell from a second-story window, leaving her paralyzed. The story takes an unexpected turn when a Pentecostal evangelist named Cindy Lawson performed an exorcism in her hospital room, after which Stamatis reportedly returned to mental wellness, though she remained physically paralyzed.The hosts frame these stories through the lens of the three main characters from "Evil" - the scientist, the psychologist, and the priest - offering different perspectives on how such events might be interpreted through various lenses of understanding.The Strange South podcast continues to explore the unusual, unexplained, and unconventional stories of the American South, blending humor, skepticism, and open-minded curiosity in their storytelling approach.00:00 Introduction to The Strange South00:32 Casual Conversations and Catching Up01:40 The Posh Parmatini Recipe06:46 Book Discussion: Blackwater by Michael McDowell13:33 Exploring the Show 'Evil'17:13 Exorcisms and Southern Evangelicalism21:11 Story Time: Archive of the Afterlife Museum22:46 The Haunted Children's Book23:43 Investigating the Book's History24:27 Debunking the Haunted Book Myth28:50 The Serial Killer Sod Collection30:25 The Demon Slayer Preacher40:58 The Exorcism of Amy Stamatis49:36 Concluding Thoughts and Farewell

The TSS Crew is live from Romarin et Corbeaux in Anniston, AL for our annual Halloween show!  

Our friend Jason comes by to share some ghost stories and, of course, to sing!!!!

In this episode of The Strange South B-Side, Patrice, Marleah, and Courtney dive into everything from discovering our ancestral roots to barefoot adventures at the local Piggly Wiggly! This time, we're back with a B-Side, filled with all the randomness you'd expect from a chill Southern gathering.

In this episode of The Strange South, hosts Marleah, Patrice, and Courtney catch up with each other, sharing experiences from a recent Alanis Morissette concert and discussing their preferences for intimate, singer-songwriter events over big, choreographed performances. Patrice then dives into a detailed and tragic story from southern gothic history, recounting the tumultuous life of the Orchard family, marked by domestic abuse, parental kidnapping, and mental health struggles. This story details the harrowing experiences of Lucy Orchard, her battle for custody of her children, and the eventual turn of events that lead to the family's descent into seclusion and infamy. The hosts also give a shout-out to local spots they enjoyed during their travels.

Patrice, Marleah, and Courtney discuss the eerie history of the Orchard Family's haunted house in the Lakeview area of New Orleans. Thanks, Charlotte!

In this episode of The Strange South B-Side, Patrice, Marleah, and Courtney talk about a speakeasy bar in Oxford (Alabama), debunk rumors of Dollywood's closure, and share stories of bear attacks, including a family legend and a man's survival from a brutal mauling.

In this episode of The Strange South, Marleah, Patrice, and Courtney discuss their favorite frozen drinks, summer plans, and a plethora of bear encounters in Southern Appalachia, specifically around Gatlinburg, Tennessee. Highlighting the dangers of human-bear interactions, they share stories of recent bear attacks, including a harrowing account of a hiker's close call with a black bear on the Appalachian Trail. The hosts emphasize the importance of proper food storage and safety measures when hiking or camping in bear territory. Additionally, they touch on personal anecdotes, the challenges of wildlife coexisting with human activities, and the community's reaction to these frequent bear sightings.

In this light-hearted episode, the hosts discuss their plans for a vampire-themed trip to New Orleans and delve into unique home remedies from the Foxfire book. Topics range from casual chit-chat to old Appalachian cures for ailments like stomach trouble, cramps, colds, and arthritis. The conversation includes humorous anecdotes and nostalgic stories, making for an entertaining and informative session on folk medicine and future travel plans.

In this episode, Patrice, Marleah, and Courtney discuss mosquitoes, gin drinks, and local bars before delving into an eerie tale from 1932 New Orleans.

The Grand Finale of the story of the Devil's Toybox, a haunted attraction in Northern Louisiana! Plus, martini baths, chicken heads, and what would YOU do in a room full of mirrors?

In this episode, Patrice, Marleah, and Courtney discuss cat houses and a beloved childhood musical featuring the iconic Dolly Parton while drinking a delicious springtime lavender lemon drop. Oh, and Patrice tells a disturbing story about a mirrored box and the Devil's toys.Content Warning: This episode contains discussions about suicide, which some listeners may find distressing. Listener discretion is advised.Text 988 Suicide & Crisis LifelineNational Suicide Prevention Lifeline (US): 1-800-273-8255

After having talked through Song of the South, Patrice, Marleah, and Courtney discuss Country Living's 2019 list of the 21 movies every Southerner needs to watch. We have opinions. What are yours? 

Unpacking the Controversies of 'Song of the South'This episode delves into the misconceptions and controversies surrounding the Disney film 'Song of the South,' exploring its historical context, racist undertones, and the folkloric origins of its stories. The hosts discuss the film's reception, its depiction of African American characters, and the implications of re-releasing such content in modern times. Through examining key elements such as the Br'er Rabbit stories and the infamous 'Tar Baby' scene, they shed light on the complexities of race, representation, and memory in American media.00:00 | Welcome to The Strange South

Welcome to the B-Side, where every week we'll dig a little deeper, drink a little longer, laugh a little harder, and share insights and itty bits you've never gotten to hear before.In this podcast episode, Patrice, Marleah, and Courtney discuss their recent trip to New Orleans, including the celebration of Patrice's birthday during Mardi Gras, their adventurous outing in the rain and flooded streets, and the mishaps and highlights of their journey. They give recommendations for places to visit, like Felix's Oyster House and the Harvest Grill, and share their experiences with the vibrant culture, delicious food, and lively parades they encountered. The episode also delves into a serious issue faced during the trip when Patrice's phone was stolen, leading to a broader discussion on pickpockets active during Mardi Gras, the effectiveness of phone insurance, and strategies to protect personal belongings in crowded settings. The hosts share personal anecdotes, safety tips, and reflect on the overall impact of these events on their trip, emphasizing that despite the challenges, their experience in New Orleans remained positive and memorable.00:00 Opening 00:52 Recapping the New Orleans Trip: The Good, The Bad, and The Mardi Gras02:51 Dining Recommendations and Unexpected Adventures07:57 A Close Call with Pickpockets and Exploring Bourbon Street13:17 The Aftermath of a Stolen Phone and Continuing the Adventure15:21 Exploring Oak Alley Plantation and Reflecting on the Trip19:07 Biscuit Debate and Bloody Marys: A Culinary Adventure Begins19:31 Rainy Day Explorations: Oak Alley, King Cake Hub, and Sausage Store Misadventures21:19 Floods, Funk Bands, and French Quarter Nights23:00 Drag Brunch and Dog Parades: Celebrating in Style28:35 Recapping the Trip: Favorite Moments and Lessons Learned29:05 Pickpocket Warnings and Phone Safety Tips

In this episode, Patrice, Marleah, and Courtney drink hot tea with a wee dram and who was the mystery man found in the yellow tent in Florida?A mysterious body was discovered in July 2018 in the Big Cypress National Preserve, with no immediate identification. Through the determined efforts of online communities and sophisticated DNA analysis, his identity was eventually uncovered. Listen to hear how!

Tales of king cakes - king cake sacrilege, savory king cakes, and the terrifying horrifying king cake baby mascot.

Patrice, Marleah, and Courtney drink, tailgate bloody marys, and talk storyville, moving statues, and cemetery swaps.In this classic rags to riches to graveyard ghosts story, we learn about Josie Arlington, who was Orphaned on the streets of New Orleans at a young age but grew up to rule the city's newborn vice district. And then haunt its fancy Metairie Cemetery with her hell flames and walking statuary.

Welcome to the B-Side, where every week, we'll dig a little deeper, drink a little longer, laugh a little harder, and share insights and itty bits you've never gotten to hear before. In our latest episode, 158, we discuss strange sounds, Chris Hemsworth singing Soap Sally, and ghost stories from our hometown. Don't miss out on this wild ride!

Patrice, Marleah, and Courtney drink Red Wine Hot Cocoa and talk about The Legend of Soap Sally from the hills of North Georgia and the Appalachian area. As well as the real-life soap-maker killer, Leonarda Cianciulli.

Welcome to the B-Side, where every week, we'll dig a little deeper, drink a little longer, laugh a little harder, and share insights and itty bits you've never gotten to hear before. In this episode, the ladies end their year with vintage riddles, double entendres, and smells of the past.

Patrice, Marleah, and Courtney drink apple cider spritzes with guests Naty and Alba and enjoy hearing Naty's stories about strange South America!

Patrice, Marleah, Courtney, and Randy drink Smokin' Bourbon Streetcars and talk about some of the latest bizarro hijinx from our favorite fun state, Florida!

We are still talking roadkill! Join us as we discuss the rates of auto-animal accidents in different states and the emerging trend of utilizing roadkill as a sustainable food source. We explore the frequency of such accidents, the states most likely to experience them, and the seasonal patterns tied to these occurrences. We introduce cookbooks and recipes that integrate roadkill into meals and ponder on factors such as freshness that make roadkill suitable or unfit for consumption. We Talk about the pros and cons from wildlife conservation perspectives, ensuring roadkill safety for consumption, managing material waste and animal populations. Join us and share your experiences or close calls with roadkill on The Strange South.~ +++++++ ~00:00 Introduction and Podcast Disclaimer00:30 Casual Banter and Personal Updates02:00 Thanksgiving Reflections and Food Discussions09:29 Break and Sponsor Message12:00 Deer-Car Accidents: Statistics and Safety Tips20:16 Roadkill Laws in the Southern States21:04 The History of Roadkill22:16 Personal Experiences with Roadkill23:07 Roadkill During the Great Depression and Post World War II24:08 Roadkill in Modern Cuisine24:35 Concerns About Consuming Roadkill25:15 Roadkill and Pets25:43 Roadkill Cookbooks and Recipes28:37 Ethics and Legalities of Consuming Roadkill34:04 Roadkill Festivals and Dishes40:11 Health and Safety Concerns of Consuming Roadkill42:04 Listener Stories and Conclusion

Patrice, Marleah, and Courtney drink Old Fashions with merry cherries and talk roadkill: eat it or nah?-------Roadkill Cuisine and Culture: A Different Look at Sustainable EatingThe hosts of The Strange South Podcast discuss the various aspects of consuming roadkill, touching upon the legality, ethicality, and safety of the practice. The discussion brings in the statistics of deer-car accidents as well as the anecdotes of the hosts' own experiences with roadkill. The episode includes a variety of interesting facts about the roadkill cuisine culture, laws related to it in different states, and even the role it has played in history. While generally humorous and often surprising, this episode also touches on serious themes such as sustainability and respect for wildlife. The hosts request audience engagement through sharing their own 'near miss' or 'roadkill' stories for a future episode.00:00 Introduction and Podcast Disclaimer00:30 Behind the Scenes Chatter01:22 Thanksgiving Break and End of Semester Discussions02:05 Thanksgiving Food Talk08:54 Listener Lore Shoutout09:48 Podcast Promotion and Social Media Engagement12:00 Deer-Car Accidents: Statistics and Safety Measures21:04 The History of Roadkill22:16 Personal Experiences with Roadkill23:07 Roadkill as a Food Source During the Great Depression23:42 Modern Perception and Use of Roadkill24:35 Debate on the Ethics of Consuming Roadkill25:43 Roadkill Cookbooks and Recipes28:37 Legalities of Consuming Roadkill34:04 Roadkill Festivals and Traditional Dishes36:34 Environmental and Animal Rights Perspectives on Roadkill42:04 Listener Stories and Future Discussions

Patrice, Marleah, and Courtney, while sipping Gibson martinis, have an intriguing conversation with our friend Morgan about creepy noises, ghosts, and even UFO sightings!Friend of the pod and photographer extraordinaire Morgan tells us strange stories that have really happened to her, both as a child and an adult. Also, she gives Claudia the side eye.

Welcome to the B-Side, where every week, we'll dig a little deeper, drink a little longer, laugh a little harder, and share insights and itty bits you've never gotten to hear before.Patrice, Marleah, and Courtney finish their Last-minute vodka cranberries and talk about the most popular dogs in every southern state and how likely it is that those dogs will murder you.

Patrice and Marleah drink last-minute cranberry vodkas and talk blood-sucking dog murder, media frenzy, and cougar madness.

In this episode, the hosts recall their recent experiences at Pickle Fest, a local event in Cave Springs, Georgia, celebrating all things pickle. They also discuss Cave Spring, a quaint town with attractions like fudge shops, antique stores, parks, and natural springs. In the latter half, they discuss eco-friendly burial practices, including the novel idea of natural burial at Ramsey Creek Preserve, the first natural burial ground in the U.S., and turning bodies into compost. The hosts also humorously discuss their preferred post-mortem arrangements, including mushroom bags, funeral pyres, and even 'chicken of the woods' mushrooms.

On this episode, Patrice, Marleah, and Courtney drink FKA's Apple Moonshine and talk about Thanksgiving and cannibalism with the gruesome tale of Alonzo Robinson.

On this special episode, Patrice, Marleah, and Courtney sip on creepy cosmos while Marleah shares her personal, cult-adjacent experience with the Duggar family's Institute for Basic Life Principles.

The second installment from the annual Halloween live show at Romarin et Corbeaux in Oxford, AL! Marleah tells the tale of a haunted house turned movie set and shares her own creepy experience!----------------"The Strange South" podcast episode 150 dives into a haunted house story set in Savannah, Georgia. The house, owned by actor Mark McCullough, has a history of strange occurrences. Mark's sisters have experienced mysterious footsteps and shadowy figures. Mark himself has been accused of causing loud noises when he's simply reading. A guest, Alexis Nelson, also had a terrifying experience in the house, feeling a presence and having her bed sheets yanked off. The episode is a mix of humor, storytelling, and eerie experiences.

It's the annual Halloween live show at Romarin et Corbeaux in Oxford, AL! In this first half of the show, Patrice sips a Spooky South Cocktail and tells stories about the weird concentration of graves on a hill in Munford, Al.

Patrice and Courtney kidnap Marleah and force her to go through the Haunted Chicken House in Heflin, AL. The true story.

Patrice, Marleah, and Courtney welcome Adam as a guest on the show. They discuss a blast from the past, a mysterious dream, and some out-of-this-world speculation. Tune in for a rollercoaster of emotions and extraterrestrial musings!

Patrice, Marleah, and Courtney bring back a classic story of the heinous crimes of JUDITH ANN NEELLEY. A murderer that we have talked about recently and that Bartender Courtney has a weird connection with.

Patrice, Marleah, and Courtney kick back with classic margaritas and touch on a range of topics. They start with the inspiration behind a story from "Appalachian Ghosts" by Nancy Roberts, discussing the mysterious events that occur after a stranger's death in a home. The conversation then shifts to the use of hobo signs as a form of communication and the idea of creating a collaborative story. They wrap up by mentioning their Patreon supporters and the benefits they offer.

Patrice, Marleah, and Courtney sip on classic margaritas, delve into a personal letter from convicted murderer Judith Ann Neely, pay homage to the decline of print media, and talk about the joys of the Margaritaville lifestyle. Then Patrice tells a ghost story.

Welcome to the B-Side, where every week we'll dig a little deeper, drink a little longer, laugh a little harder, and share insights and itty bits you've never gotten to hear before.

Patrice, Marleah, and Courtney drink the rest of their hellfire old fashioneds and talk southern detectives, media circuses, and charging admission to your sh*tty house.---Marleah concludes the tale of Jennie Merrill's 1932 homicide in Natchez, Mississippi.

Patrice, Marleah, and Courtney drink Hellfire Old-Fashioneds and talk old southern homes, spite, cousin lovers, livestock-related lawsuits, and murder.Marleah begins the story of the 1932 murder of Jennie Merrill in Natchez, Mississippi. The cast of characters: a wealthy southern belle turned recluse, a mentally ill castoff of a landowning family, a goat-loving, litigious Arkansan, a poor laundress, and her mother, and a dapper black man down on his luck. Wait - is this a Tennessee Williams play?

No synopsis does this episode justice. High points: "You put what where?" / Dick in a cooler / Jason Bateman and the Bill Pullman effect (it's me. It's not you) / Wedowee Mule Days / How to dress for UFO days / Courtney's family tree / Kurt Russell grinnin like a possum / Secret salsa recipe / Pressure cooker nightmares / I'd like an order of tatatats.

Patrice, Marleah, and Courtney drink Oreganoritas and learn about some unique festivals from every one of our South(east)ern states.From Doodle Soup Days to the Rattlesnake Rodeo, southern states have got us covered for unique and unusual celebrations. What's in your state? Tell us what we've missed!Resources //Fire Ant Festival, Ashburn, GA, MarchNorth Carolina Pickle Fest, Mount Olive, NC, marchRattlesnake Rodeo, Opp, AL, MarchWorld Grits Festival, St George, SC, AprilToad Suck Daze, Conway, AK, Maylizard man stomp, Bishopville, SC, JuneMississippi Slugburger Festival, Corinth, ms, JulyFyffe UFO Days, Fyffe, AL, Augustwest virginia roadkill cookoff and autumn harvest festival, Marlinton, WV, Septemberdoodle soup days, Bradford, tn, SeptemberFlorida fantasy fest, key west, fl, Octoberlouisiana giant omelet, abbeville, la, november

Your lovely hosts taste test some horseradish-tomato aspic, laugh about Landon Bryant and country Jesus, and finish out the tale of the doomsday duo as we delve into the unsettling world of Lori and Chad as they discuss "zombie numbers" and "death percentages." Uncover their bizarre beliefs, rituals, and the absence of grief in a family that seems detached from reality. Listen in for a gripping, dark exploration of the human psyche.