Two Towns Over: An Urban Legends Podcast

Japan, a land of deep culture and history, is also known for its unique and sometimes bizarre game shows. In this episode, Don and Josh, along with Cyndi, share the captivating story of a man who was unwittingly thrust into a show where he had to survive solely on what he won from magazine sweepstakes.

Have you ever thought that you were a walking corpse? Or maybe your left hand seems to be getting bigger or smaller. Have you ever felt like one of your hands was acting separate from the reset of your body? Then chances are good that you might have one of the conditions Josh and Don discuss today. As a bonus, you will also hear Don's interaction with a very strong edible.Discord: https://discord.gg/Ndn8EdgeKQPatreon.com/twotownsoverFacebook.com/ttopodBlue sky: twotownsover.bsky.social

This week, Josh and Don close the book on Dennis Rader by discussing how the idiot was captured. Spoiler alert, it was very stupid. We also look at the drawn out hunt that took almost a decade.Discord: https://discord.gg/Ndn8EdgeKQPatreon.com/twotownsoverFacebook.com/ttopodBlue sky: twotownsover.bsky.social

These two episodes was a first for us because it was our first two parter. It also happens to be one of our favorite subjects we have ever covered. In an act of cruelty, Don demanded that no one look up any information about this Key West legend, a man who took the concept of undying love to its darkest and saddest conclusion.Discord: https://discord.gg/Ndn8EdgeKQPatreon.com/twotownsoverFacebook.com/ttopodBlue sky: twotownsover.bsky.social

After what seems like forever, we finally return to the monster that is Dennis Rader, AKA the BTK. This week, we look at his final killings before going into hiding and discuss the differences between psychopath and sociopath to try and get a better understanding.

What happens when you pen a window in the studio? Well, if the bird is named Chad, you roll one up and talk about the history of Marijuana. From its earliest mentions in ancient history to the current legalization efforts, we cover the gamut with Chicago's own pop cultural propagandist. And while most podcasts would hold on to their 4/20 episode until April, we're not like other podcasts, so enjoy our special episode.Audio Warning- our microphones did not record properly, so the audio for the three of us were recorded off of the laptop mic. Headphones are highly suggested.Chad's Linktree: https://linktr.ee/ChadtheBird?fbclid=IwY2xjawId3KFleHRuA2FlbQIxMAABHZR8Abaqk_b9kWKvV-9veTeH31McoFy93p1EWBcYijShS_dJF5EW5acHZQ_aem_hxRxCQGPLfs0Eieugb7jEQOur Links:Discord: https://discord.gg/Ndn8EdgeKQPatreon.com/twotownsoverFacebook.com/ttopodBlue sky: twotownsover.bsky.social

Did you hear the one about Keith Richards snorting his dad? What about Rod Stewart getting his stomach pumped of rather unsavory contents? Does the rock band Kiss' name really stand for Knights in Satan's Service? We have those stories and more this week on tap.

It's been a while since we tackled a big-name serial killer; it's time we rectify that. This week, we focus on the one and only Dennis Rader, also known as BTK, which stands for Bind, Torture, Kill. Thanks to the research by our dedicated listener and research assistant Leighann, we get a glimpse into Rader's uneventful childhood. Then we look at his victims through the end of the 1970s.

Recently, a Brazilian tribesman was shown a picture of what we call a grey Alien. Having never been introduced to the concept of extraterrestrials, the Brazilian tribesman nevertheless recognized the photo, saying they live underground. Welcome to the story of the ant people. A similar story exists in Hopi Native American lore, and once the phrase "ant friend" is translated into the Hopi language, it is sure to set conspiracy theorists' brains into full meltdown. Discord: https://discord.gg/Ndn8EdgeKQ Patreon.com/twotownsover Facebook.com/ttopod Blue sky: twotownsover.bsky.social

Why do people insist on doing stupid things underground? This week, we look at two more caving incidents. First, we look at the disappearance of Kenny Veach, a YouTuber who insisted on going to search for a mysterious cave in the Mojave Desert alone, only to vanish without a trace. Then, we look at a group of people who decided that going into a cave that was only accessible through a fifteen-foot underwater tunnel was the smart thing to do. Discord: https://discord.gg/Ndn8EdgeKQ Patreon.com/twotownsover Facebook.com/ttopod Blue sky: twotownsover.bsky.social

They're songs we all love to sing along to, but do you know the stories behind the music? This week, we look at songs that have grisly backstories. From the obvious to the surprising, it's a karaoke free-for-all

We are back from winter hell with this year's look at the man, the myth, the legend: Florida Man. As three former Floridians, we feel safe in being able to comment on the lunacy that infects our former home state. But we also look at the story of one, very famous, North Carolina man.

There are many myths and stories about Tupac Shakur. This is one of them. Join us as we discuss the possibility that Tupac is from the Orion Star System, and on top of that, was an actual space pirate.

We've all heard the stories, seen the Disney movies, but do we really know the true versions of the fairy tales we grew up with? This week, due to a massive snowstorm, Don is joined by his wife Cyndi to look at ten fairy tales that aren't quite what we remember.

He was known as The Beast and The Most Evil Man on Earth. But enough about Will Wiley, who joins the boys during their Satanic Panic series to discuss the outlandish life of The Master of Thelema, Alistair Crowley.

.This week, we dive into the wild world of transhumanism - where humans and technology might become one. We talk about everything from brain-computer interfaces to life extension, exploring whether we're headed toward a future where we can upgrade our bodies and minds like we upgrade our phones.

The year has been challenging for everyone, so as a Christmas gift, Don gives Rubin and Josh a chance to play a game featuring nothing about this year. Instead, they try to see if they can decipher the bat-crap predictions of the most famous futurist, Nostradamus.

This week, we look at the remarkable life of Fred Hampton, the charismatic Black Panther leader who united working-class Chicagoans across racial lines in the late 1960s. From his days as an NAACP youth organizer to founding the Rainbow Coalition, we dive into how this brilliant 21-year-old built bridges between Black, Latino, and white working-class communities to fight for social justice. We also look at the tragic circumstances of his death at the hands of law enforcement.

Why is Helen Mirren so intrigued by the fact that Kurt Cobain never experienced GPS technology? We're not entirely sure, but one of our listeners, Tommy James, has a theory—sort of. He decided to share his thoughts with us, and honestly, it's not a bad one. So, join us as we explore the hidden aspects of the dark side of fame and the lengths to which individuals may go to escape its pitfalls.

Like two Euclid-class entities let loose from the facility, Rubin and Josh are in control this week as Don takes a much-needed break. This week, the crew looks at three more SCPs sure to entertain and delight.

While Don takes a break to rest, Rubin and Josh visit the reliable Dan Rice. In this episode, they discuss why it's essential for people to stop focusing on politics and instead find a TV show that everyone can enjoy. However, they can't resist sharing their thoughts on the latest video game they're playing: 9 Souls. Overall, it's a chaotic episode.

Josh takes a break as Rubin and Don discuss one of the worst psychological experiments ever—an experiment that proved just how quickly humanity can be usurped for the want of power. And for those wondering why Rubin isn't talking much for the first half, don't worry—he has plenty to say; he's just storing it up for the end.

Our show is known for its gross storytelling, and this week's episode is no different. We're about to unravel the gripping tale of the Byford Dolphin disaster, a classic physics story that explores the effects of sudden pressure changes on the human body. It's a narrative that involves some technical jargon like 'extruded' and 'invaginated ', but we're here to guide you through it.

You ask, we listen. We're going back to the beginning. Josh and Don discuss the urban legend of the Blackbird of Chernobyl: Russia's answer to the Mothman. A harbinger of disaster is said to have visited the nuclear power plant in the days leading up to the disaster. We then delve into the disaster itself, its aftermath, and the emergence of dark tourism around the site. We also share the surprising story of Don's discovery of his brief stint as an adult film actor and the bizarre phenomenon of invisible fire.

This week, Don and Josh examine three stories from the world of computers. First, they discuss the seedy underside of Pokemon Go. Next, what happens when one little robot goes all Norma Rae and convinces other robots to go on strike? Finally, they get religious and talk about a church in Switzerland that has its very own AI holographic Jesus.

In our first Attempt to make listening more accessible for some people, we present the first supercut, combining our multipart episodes into one chunk, so you no longer have to search for part 2 (or 3, or 4, or 11). We're excited to hear what you think about this new format! In this episode, we bring you the harrowing story of Albert Fish: part child killer, part sexual deviant, part cannibal, all-around bad guy. And even though this is a supercut, it's still an After Dark episode.

We travel to the land of gyms, tanning salons, and the Jersey Shore. We look at the legend of the Jersey Devil, a cryptid said to haunt the Pine Barrens regions of New Jersey and Philadelphia. Chaos reigns supreme as the same energy that permeated our midweek continues.

How far would you go to stay beautiful? Chances are, unless you try one of the treatments we discuss this week, it's not far enough. From setting your face on fire to letting snails crawl across your face, it's amazing what people will do to stay youthful.

We return to the land of the Rising Sun and One Piece to discuss more of their amazing urban legends. We look at the greatest body horror ever created from the Girl in the Gaps to the Rokurokubi.

We conclude the latest Dan Rice countdown of the Haunted Houses he would rather live in than deal with his landlord. But quite possibly the largest horrors are the ones we learn about Josh and his trap house existence. https://thehardtimes.net/lists/30-movie-haunted-houses-ranked-by-how-much-i-would-rather-live-there-than-deal-with-my-shady-class-traitor-landlord-for-another-second/?fbclid=IwY2xjawGXdWBleHRuA2FlbQIxMAABHfmllMHeA3kptwi2421X5OoZVxzDEF4lrUFzZVcKwbuPM5iNDj9FOyJHbQ_aem_pAWxrMslfN-TWRyjhpCAsw Discord: https://discord.gg/Ndn8EdgeKQ Patreon.com/twotownsover tiktok.com/@twotownsoverpodcast Facebook.com/ttopod Instagram: @twotownsover

We wrap up our look at the most documented case of demonic possession with a dive into the sixty-seven exorcisms that Anneliese endured before finally succumbing to death by malnutrition and dehydration. A death that would lead to her parents and the priests involved being put on trial for negligent homicide.

For Halloween we return to the man who is quickly becoming the show's patron saint: Dan Rice. This week, we have a rare two-part Campfire Tale as we look at Dan's latest article: "30 Movie Haunted Houses Ranked by How Much I Would Rather Live There Than Deal With My Shady, Class Traitor Landlord for Another Second." This week, we look at numbers 30-16

Just in time for Halloween, we start our two-part series on the most documented case of demonic possession ever: Anneliese Michel. A German girl who, in the early 1970s, began having 'attacks' that could not be medically explained. This week, we focus on those 'attacks' and the heart-wrenching struggle of Anneliese and her family to find a medical reason for her suffering.

We return to the book of questions to discuss the potential risks of holding in a fart, the origins of the swastika (kind of), the most popular forms of torture, and the art of palm reading.

Unveiling the chilling secrets of the most haunted building in America, this week's episode delves into the eerie history of the Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum in Weston, West Virginia. From its promising beginnings to the harrowing reality of overpopulation and understaffing, we explore the asylum's transformation. And, we'll take you on a spine-tingling journey through the restless spirits that are believed to haunt its decaying walls. TRIGGER WARNING This episode features candid discussions about mental health and suicide. We advise listener discretion. Discord: https://discord.gg/Ndn8EdgeKQ Patreon.com/twotownsover tiktok.com/@twotownsoverpodcast Facebook.com/ttopod Instagram: @twotownsover

We return to the library and discuss what causes headaches, what makes drugs addictive, the origin of Russian Roulette, and the dubious story of the inventor of the toilet. *Trigger Warning* We discuss the topic of suicide in this episode Discord: https://discord.gg/Ndn8EdgeKQ Patreon.com/twotownsover tiktok.com/@twotownsoverpodcast Facebook.com/ttopod Instagram: @twotownsover

Does mankind have the ability to control the weather? This week, we will examine the theories of chemtrails and the HAARP facility and their supposed abilities to manipulate Mother Nature.

This week, we will look at two international stories. First, we discuss the Swiss fashion model who was strangled and then "pureed" by her husband. Then we look at an Austrian man who took some magic mushrooms then decided that his penis was just a little too long for him.

On the night of August 21, 1955, in the rural Kentucky area of Kelly-Hopkinsville, a family and their friends bravely defended their farm from what came to be known as the Kelly Goblins. Were these invaders aliens, Faye creatures, or something more mundane? To this day, no one knows for sure. Discord: https://discord.gg/Ndn8EdgeKQ Patreon.com/twotownsover tiktok.com/@twotownsoverpodcast Facebook.com/ttopod Instagram: @twotownsover

While Rubin recuperates from dental surgery, Don and Josh discuss puzzling discoveries made by forensic pathologists.

This week, we're exploring a different kind of park, and although it's not an actual park, it's still quite fascinating. Josh shares the story of the Mystery Flesh Pit, a National Park in Gumption, Texas. This park is built around and inside a massive subterranean creature alive for thousands of years.

Josh has a story to tell. A story about a virus that almost killed the entire world, a pandemic that didn't discriminate. Humans and animals alike were carriers, and it spread rapidly. But here's the twist-it's not a real-world virus we're discussing, but the 'Corrupted Blood' virus from World of Warcraft. In 2007, a programming error turned what was supposed to be a temporary debuff into a virtual pandemic that spread across the game's world.

What happens when a man creates an amusement park with no rules? People die. It's self-explanatory. Really, what did you expect? This week, we look at Action Park, a New Jersey amusement park known more for its ability to put you in the hospital than anything else.

To celebrate our three-year anniversary, we discuss the world of testicle festivals, Dungeons and Dragons, corn sweat, and the obligatory One Piece content. Rubin also gets a new name.

This week, we look at Ruby Ridge, the first incident in a string of dominoes that continued with the Waco Siege and ended with The Oklahoma City Bombing. This week, we discuss Randy and Vicky Weaver, who, along with their family, moved to a secluded cabin in the Idaho wilderness to wait out what they thought was the last day. Unfortunately, they crossed the radar of the Federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms. What happened next would end with Vicky and one of their children dead, along with a US Marshal

From a denied art school application that led Hitler to do what he did to 9/11, which gave us 50 Shades of Grey, we explore a few of history's butterfly effects.

This week, we look at probably the most famous "unsolved" murder in history, the murder of Elizabeth Short. This young woman is more famously known as the Black Dahlia. There has been much speculation in the last 80 years as to the identity of her killer, but recent evidence points strongly to one man. And the person most convinced of his guilt is his son. Trigger warning: at 17:30, we discuss the condition of the body. If you want to skip that, skip to 22:40

We had a blast with Dan Rice's last article on 'The 100 Sexiest Cryptids', and we're ready for more fun. This week, we delve into the "controversial" topic of the Care Bears and their perceived impact on Christian Conservative Values. It's a topic that's sure to entertain and engage you, just like our previous read.

It's been a long time since we've had an episode with indignant Rubin. But this time, we're diving into a truly unique topic. This week, Don exposes Rubin to the mind-bending world of "The Bible Code," a belief that the secrets of the universe are hidden in the bible and can be revealed by counting every so many letters.

How close is the human race to being able to upload their consciousness into a computer? Well, according to one scientist, twenty-one years. You heard me. The boys are Joshless today as they discuss this possibly terrifying theory.   Discord: https://discord.gg/Ndn8EdgeKQ Patreon.com/twotownsover tiktok.com/@twotownsoverpodcast Facebook.com/ttopod Instagram: @twotownsover podbean.com/twotownsover  

This week's got it all. Aliens, Illuminati, The New World Order, gay-sex, occult practices, human sacrifice, and Alex Jones. That's right, we're talking about The Bohemian Grove. Is it a clandestine meeting spot for Owl Worship? Or could it just be a hunting lodge for rich weirdos? Patreon.com/twotownsover tiktok.com/@twotownsoverpodcast Facebook.com/ttopod Instagram: @twotownsover podbean.com/twotownsover