From forgotten festivities to famous phantoms, we dive into the forgotten tradition of Victorian ghost parties, a bizarre and delightful custom that swept the late 1800s. We then move to Chicago’s legendary Drake Hotel, where a tragic love story lingers on the tenth floor. On New Year’s Eve 1920—the hotel’s grand opening—thousands danced, orchestras played, and one heartbroken woman in a red flapper dress is said to have taken her own life after witnessing her partner’s midnight betrayal. Today, she’s still seen gliding through hallways in her crimson gown, most often on New Year’s Eve, searching for something—or someone—she lost that night. Then we head south to the Inn on Main Street in Weaverville, North Carolina, where New Year’s Eve haunts are a yearly guarantee. Built by a doctor who once performed procedures in the home, the inn still bears the marks of a patient who didn’t survive. Guests say that every NYE, the back door opens and closes on its own, and at the stroke of midnight, framed photos seem to crash to the floor—only to be found perfectly in place. It’s as if unseen partygoers are still shuffling in from the cold and making their own ruckus. From ghost parties of the past to modern holiday hauntings, we’re ringing in the new year with spirits of every kind.

This week, we’re heading to one of Pittsburgh’s most iconic (and secretly spooky) landmarks: The Omni William Penn Hotel—a gilded, glamorous giant that’s been towering over downtown since 1916. We’ve been inside the speakeasy in the basement, but the deeper history? That’s where things get dark. Once hailed as the “Grandest Hotel in the Nation,” the William Penn has hosted presidents, high-society galas, and thousands of travelers. But behind its marble floors and sweeping ballrooms are stories of heartbreak, violence, and spirits who never checked out. We break down the tragic murder of two longtime friends—both hotel employees—on the 18th floor locker room, a Prohibition-era salesman who took his own life in fear of mob retaliation, and the mysterious death of the woman who brought the first live panda to the U.S. But that’s just the beginning. The 22nd and 23rd floors are rumored to exist in a different time—with guests reporting décor frozen in the 1970s, unsettling stillness, and a feeling that the building is slipping into another dimension. Add in phantom piano music from the ballrooms, icy cold gusts on the 16th floor, apparitions that flick on lamps, and constant footsteps in empty hallways, and you’ve got a hotel where luxury and the paranormal collide.

Built in the 1850s and once used by retreating Confederate soldiers, this peaceful red bridge hides a dark past. Visitors report seeing apparitions of soldiers, hearing phantom footsteps and battle sounds, and even encountering the spirits of three men said to have been hanged from its beams. From disembodied voices whispering “Go back” to mysterious lantern lights flickering across Marsh Creek, Sachs Bridge is as eerie as it is historic. Join us as we walk across the bridge that connects history and the afterlife — and uncover why some say the spirits of Gettysburg still march across it at night.

We’re back at one of the most paranormally active spots in Missouri — Pythian Castle in Springfield. This time, we teamed up with our friends from HauntedUs for a full investigation and even recorded a live episode of The Haunted Atlas inside the castle’s walls (you can find that wherever you get your podcasts). Built in 1913 by the Knights of Pythias and later taken over by the U.S. military, Pythian Castle has seen everything from fraternal rituals to World War II POWs — and the energy left behind still lingers in every corridor. In this episode, we revisit the castle’s chilling history and share our newest findings — floor by floor

Behind the elegance of Pittsburgh’s Frick Mansion—also known as Clayton House—lingers the quiet presence of those who never truly left. Once home to industrial titan Henry Clay Frick and his family, this 23-room Gilded Age estate has seen both immense wealth and heartbreaking loss. Though the family moved to New York in 1905, many believe their spirits remain among the ornate halls and velvet drapes. Staff report phantom footsteps echoing from the third floor where daughter Helen Frick once slept, and the indentation of a figure mysteriously appearing on Adelaide Frick’s bed. Guests have claimed to see a lost young boy wandering the parlor, accompanied by the scent of flowers, and even the lingering voice of a Civil War soldier declaring “haunted home.” Join us as we uncover the history, heartbreak, and hauntings that make the Frick Mansion one of Pittsburgh’s most refined—and most restless—residences.

Built in 1836 by banker George Swope and also home to his son, Dr. John Swope, the manor served as a Civil War hospital before being transformed into a stately inn. Over the years, it’s welcomed everyone from President Eisenhower to ghostly figures that refuse to rest. In this episode, we uncover the paranormal side of this Gettysburg landmark—from the shadowy figure said to wander the third floor, to phantom voices caught on recorders, and even the spirit of a loyal dog still padding through the halls. Some believe a poltergeist stirs within the manor’s walls—others say it’s just history refusing to fade. Join us as we explore the refined yet eerie energy of The Swope Manor and the restless spirits that still call it home.

Deep in the woods of Hellam Township, Pennsylvania, lies one of the state’s most infamous legends: The Seven Gates of Hell. Some say the gates once surrounded a burned-down insane asylum, trapping its patients inside as the flames consumed them—while others insist they belonged to a mad doctor’s estate, where strange experiments took place and few who entered ever returned. Despite the lack of historical evidence, the stories persist… and so do the hauntings. Visitors report phantom voices, unexplained injuries, and phones that die without warning after stepping through the first gate. The deeper you go, the stronger the dread—and some say spirits appear to push you back, desperate to keep you from reaching the end.

In this episode, we take you deep into the woods and along the misty shores of Lake Arthur—a place we’ve hiked many times, but this time we’re exploring its darker side. From the tragic spirit of Nancy McCandless, who still roams after her shocking murder in 1871, to the terrifying black mass known as Old Red Eyes, this park’s serene landscape hides some serious paranormal energy. We’ll talk about the park’s glacial beginnings, its industrial scars, and the spirits said to linger in its forests and along its trails. Some visitors even claim to see glowing green orbs dancing above the lake—others feel the watchful presence of those who walked this land long before it became a state park.

We’re back with another dive into haunted haute couture! In our first spooky fashion episode, we covered arsenic green gowns, mad hatters, and more—but we couldn’t resist returning to explore even more deadly designs from history. From corsets stiffened with whale baleen to the ghostly glow of lead-based beauty creams, this episode peels back the silk and lace to reveal the horrors beneath the hemline. We’ll talk about The Spirits of Saturn, the poisonous “foundation” that claimed lives in the name of pale perfection, and the belladonna eye drops that gave Renaissance women their hauntingly beautiful, and sometimes literally blinding, gaze. Because when it comes to fashion, history proves one thing: beauty has always been a killer.

Built in the 1800s, this estate has lived many lives — once home to the Hankey Baking Company Farms, and later a printing press and horse farm under James A. Stewart. Today, it’s the site of a thriving winery that embraces its history — and the spirits that never left. During our investigation, we explored every floor of the mansion from the subterrean rathskeller to the upstairs bedrooms. Guests and investigators alike report phantom footsteps, knocking, voices, and even moving wine bottles. Whether it’s the former owners checking in or just residual energy from the mansion’s long history, one thing’s certain — the spirits here are still swirling. Raise a glass and join us as we uncork the mysteries of the Black Dog Wine Company where history and hauntings blend perfectly.

You told us your stories — we listened. In this listener-powered episode, we read and react to the paranormal encounters sent in by you, our listeners. From chilling apparitions to fog that vanishes at the edge of the road, these are the firsthand moments that stuck with everyday people. From Gettysburg to Lake Erie, we debate whether these stories point to lingering spirits, residual energy, mass suggestion, or something else entirely. Got a spine-tingling story? Send it in!

Built in 1810, the Farnsworth House Inn has stood through centuries of history, including the bloody Battle of Gettysburg. Confederate sharpshooters once fired from inside, its walls still bear over 100 bullet holes, and its rooms once served as a Civil War field hospital. Today, this historic inn isn’t just a place to stay—it’s home to restless spirits. From the playful ghost of little Jeremy, to the stern soldier in grey who sometimes salutes guests, to the phantom cook who still prowls the kitchen, the Farnsworth is alive with spectral energy. Guests report phantom harp music, beds kicked in the night, shadow figures descending from ceilings, and even a ghostly cat. Hear about the hauntings that keep the nearby Holiday Inn reserving rooms for visitors too terrified to stay the night at the Farnsworth.

Hidden deep in Pennsylvania, the remains of Alvira tell a chilling story. Once a thriving town, it was seized by the government in 1942 under eminent domain to build the Pennsylvania Ordnance Works—an enormous TNT plant and a network of bunkers meant to store munitions. The plant shut down after just 11 months, leaving behind toxic land, abandoned bunkers, and a ghost town swallowed by time. Today, the Alvira Bunkers stand as eerie relics of war and betrayal. Visitors report disembodied voices echoing through the cement chambers, and unsettling feelings of being watched. Burn marks in some of the bunkers spark rumors of dark rituals, while the nearby cemeteries—untouched by the demolition—add an extra layer of ghostly energy to the site.

On Chambersburg Pike in Gettysburg sits the small stone Mary Thompson House, better known as General Robert E. Lee’s Headquarters during the Battle of Gettysburg. This humble home bore witness to strategy, suffering, and sacrifice as wounded soldiers were tended inside and burials took place just steps away. Today, the restored property looks much as it did during the Civil War—but many say its ghosts remain. From phantom footsteps and disembodied voices inside the house, to doorknobs turning on their own and objects mysteriously shifting, the energy here is undeniable. Outside, visitors report cannon fire, gunshots, and even the beat of a distant phantom drum. Shadowy figures have been spotted roaming the fields. Join us as we visit Gettysburg through one of its iconic and haunted landmarks: General Lee’s Headquarters.

We’re throwing it back three years to one of our earliest episodes, The University of Pittsburgh! This time, it’s just Sara diving into brand-new ghost stories and hauntings from Pitt’s campus. From the shadowy figures roaming the Cathedral of Learning, to the infamous “Ruskghost” in Ruskin Hall, to restless spirits in Centre Plaza shaking students awake, the Steel City’s most haunted university never fails to give us chills. Pitt might be known for its history and academics, but for us—it will always have our haunted hearts.

Built in 1794, Selma Mansion in Norristown, PA, has stood witness to centuries of history—from Revolutionary War hero General Andrew Porter to the prominent Fornance family. Today, it’s preserved by the Norristown Preservation Society, but many believe its past residents never truly left. Visitors report a mischievous kitchen poltergeist, the restless spirit of General Porter pacing outside his study, and Mrs. Fornance, who still lingers with the scent of roses. Beyond these familiar spirits, the mansion echoes with disembodied voices, phantom piano music, and children’s laughter. Is Selma Mansion a place where history refuses to fade?

This week, we’re heading to Happy Valley—where the spirits are anything but cheerful. Penn State University in University Park, PA, may be a hub of science, history, and higher learning, but it’s also home to some truly chilling hauntings. We start with Coaly the ghostly mule, Penn State’s oldest (and most unexpected) ghost. From there, we head into Schwab Auditorium, where phantom figures flip seats and vanish into walls. Some of the ghosts are lucky in love. George Atherton, the university’s seventh president, is said to stroll the auditorium where he’s buried just outside. Meanwhile, his wife Frances Atherton reportedly watches over his grave from the windows of the Old Botany building… and doesn’t take kindly to after-hours visitors. And finally, we discuss one of Penn State’s most tragic legends: the unsolved murder of Betsy Aardsma in 1969. Her screams still echo through the stacks of the library, and some say her ghostly form appears without warning. Would you dare to roam these halls?

Buckle up for a paranormal road trip through the backroads and haunted byways of Wisconsin! In this episode, we sit down with Brandon Rugzie and Mitch Goth, two members of the Haunted US team and co-authors of a brand-new book chronicling their eerie adventures across the Badger State. Brandon, a seasoned photographer, and Mitch, a writer with a passion for ghostly lore, take us behind the scenes of their haunted travels. From narrowing down which chilling sites to visit to navigating the unique challenges of ghost hunting on the go, they share their favorite stories and tips. We talk about what makes haunted trips so compelling, tips for visiting paranormal hotspots, and what readers can expect from their new book. If you love haunted houses, eerie towns, and the thrill of the unknown, this is one trip you won’t want to miss.

This week, we’re digging into the ghostly remains of Livermore, PA’s cemetery. Despite popular belief, Livermore Cemetery was not featured in Night of the Living Dead, but its eerie reputation is enough to rival any horror set. Founded in 1827 and incorporated in 1865, Livermore was wiped off the map, either by flood or demolition to make way for a dam—depending on which legend you believe. All that remains is the cemetery, perched on a hill above what used to be the town. And according to visitors, it’s far from quiet. We explore strange tales of phantom touches, paranormal resistance, and a cemetery said to exist in its own weather pattern—calm when the world around it rages. Some even say a witch’s curse doomed the town, predicting a flood that eerily aligned with a real disaster in 1889. Is Livermore a forgotten piece of Pennsylvania history… or a place where time, space, and the spirits of the past still linger?

Join us as we uncover the chilling true crime story of six men who insured Joseph Raber’s life—then drowned him for the money. All six shared one strange trait: piercing blue eyes. Five would hang, one would walk free—but not for long. We explore the eerie aftermath of the crime, from George Zechman’s unexplained seizures to haunted flowerbeds and spectral blue lights seen near Moonshine Church. Was justice served? Or did Raber’s restless spirit—and those of his killers—refuse to go quietly?