What happens when ancient mythology collides with modern travel, sibling dynamics, and a very tight bus schedule?

In this episode of Rainy Day Rabbit Holes, Shea takes us deep into the mountains of Nagano Prefecture to explore Togakushi Shrine, one of Japan’s most sacred—and least touristy—Shinto sites. Along the way, we unravel the myth of Amaterasu, the sun goddess who plunged the world into darkness after her brother Susanoo’s chaos drove her into hiding inside a cave.

As Shea hikes the same forest paths once walked by gods—beneath towering 800-year-old cedar trees—Japanese legend comes vividly to life. We explore the five shrines of Togakushi, the divine doorway sealed shut to save the world, dancing gods, nine-headed dragons, spiritual power spots, and what it really means to experience Japan beyond the “Golden Route” of Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka.

This episode blends Japanese mythology, spiritual travel, off-the-beaten-path adventure, and real-life mishaps, including sprinting down mountain roads, surviving a hair-raising taxi ride, and realizing—too late—that the bus was actually running behind schedule.

If you’re fascinated by Shinto legends, sacred hikes, authentic travel experiences, or Japan beyond the tourist crowds, this episode is your invitation to step into the forest, slow down, and walk where the gods once did.

Shea is back from her Japan adventure and is bringing you some of Japan's most captivating legends! 

Today, not only does Shea share some insights into driving in Japan, Japanese bathing culture, castles as adult museums, and toilets, she brings the tale of one of Japan's most terrifying Yokai and urban legends, Kuchisake-onna or the Slit-Mouthed Woman.

Visit our website for pictures from Shea's trip and more! www.rainydayrabbitholes.com

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In this special episode swap, listeners are swept into the ghost-laden corridors of the legendary Stanley Hotel in Estes Park, Colorado—the real-world inspiration behind The Shining. Through rich storytelling and a flair for the uncanny, Ani Khajadourian of Audibly Haunted resurrects the hotel’s past: the 1911 explosion that shook room 217, the resilient chambermaid Elizabeth Wilson who still tidies up from beyond the grave, the spectral children racing down the fourth-floor halls, and the gentlemanly cowboy ghost who warms room 428 with a phantom’s charm. Each floor, each door, each whisper carries a century of mystery. The living check out, but the hotel’s other guests never do.

Make sure to visit Audibly Haunted on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you listen, and engage with us on social media to share your thoughts or your own ghost stories.

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/audibly-haunted/id1705358960

https://www.instagram.com/audiblyhaunted/

A government-built city rose out of the Columbia River Basin with rules no one could explain and a purpose no one fully understood. Families lived in identical houses, signed confidentiality papers they barely read, and trusted that whatever was happening behind the restricted fences was “for the good of the country.”

What really happened out there shaped world history, rewrote entire landscapes in the Pacific Northwest.

In this episode, Shea and Jody explore the haunting history of the Hanford nuclear site in Eastern Washington with Ellicia Elliott, a theater professional and historian. They delve into the origins of the Manhattan Project, the impact of the nuclear industry on local communities, and the ongoing cleanup efforts. The conversation highlights the complexities of pride and legacy associated with the site, as well as the environmental and health consequences faced by the surrounding populations.

Follow Ellicia Elliott

https://www.elliciaelliott.com/

https://www.instagram.com/ellicia_elliott/?hl=en

https://www.threads.com/@elliciaelliott

Summary

The conversation explores the story of a wild man who emerges from the wilderness, highlighting themes of cultural identity and the challenges of communication across different languages and backgrounds. The narrative illustrates the complexities of understanding and interpreting the experiences of those who are marginalized or misunderstood.

This conversation explores the rich and tumultuous history of the Muckleshoot Tribe, from their deep-rooted connection to the land and salmon to the devastating impacts of colonization and treaty betrayals. It highlights their struggle for survival, the significance of the Fish Wars, and the transformative power of the Muckleshoot Casino in revitalizing their community. The discussion also addresses the challenges that come with newfound prosperity and the tribe's ongoing efforts to revive their culture and language.

In case you missed it, we are rereleasing one of our most popular episodes-

Madame Mustache: The Wild West’s Most Badass Gambler

Make sure to listen to the end for another installment of our Patreon Fan Fiction!

This conversation explores the historical relationship between Doc Maynard and Chief Sealth, two pivotal figures in the shaping of Seattle. Set against the backdrop of the Pacific Northwest in the 1850s, the discussion delves into their unlikely friendship, the cultural clashes of the time, and the enduring legacy of their partnership. The hosts highlight how Maynard's vision for Seattle included collaboration with Native Americans, contrasting with the more conservative views of other settlers. The episode concludes by reflecting on the lasting impact of their alliance on modern Seattle and its identity.

We want to say thank you to our beloved Patreon supporters, so we are creating a bespoke piece of fan fiction starring each of our supporters! These little stories are based on one of our past episodes, chosen at random, and feature a completely fictional tale with a supporter as the main character.

This week, we are thanking Doug Holbrook and his lovely wife Marsha. In this tale, Doug uses his economics background to start a lucrative coffee kiosk business, with a spicy twist. 

If you want your own piece of bespoke fan fiction, consider joining our Patreon! You get ad-free episodes, bonus content, plus more! Head on over to www.rainydayrabbitholes.com for more!

The Great Midwest vs. PNW Debate (Feat. Rainy Day Rabbit Holes)

You’ve heard of East Coast vs. West Coast — but forget all that. This week, we’re settling the real rivalry: the Midwest vs. the Pacific Northwest.

Shea and Jody of Rainy Day Rabbit Holes, the podcast that uncovers the wild, weird, and wonderful hidden stories of the Pacific Northwest and beyond, join Trevin and Amanda for a four-round battle of regional pride, petty chaos, and pointless competition.

Before the main event, our hosts bring their dreadful dilemmas, ranging from awkward public encounters with subtly racist strangers, being too busy for dog playdates, and making retirement plans far too early — plus, Amanda spots our modern-day muse, Chappell Roan, out in the wilds of Kansas City.

Then, it’s time for the Great Debate — a showdown across four over-the-top rounds:
 Round One: The Great Debate – Each team makes an absurdly passionate case for their homeland, backed by one bizarre local legend. From the Midwest’s failed utopia of Fordlandia to Oregon’s infamous exploding whale, chaos is the only constant.
 Round Two: Cryptid Showdown – Batsquatch, the Missouri Monster, and the Frogman of Loveland go head-to-head in a mythical melee.
 Round Three: Ridiculous Laws – From a tax for being single to the price of killing Bigfoot, we discover which region is the most unhinged legislatively.
 Round Four: Absurd Headlines – Viral zebras, weird weather, and headlines that make you question the human condition — both sides bring their best regional ridiculousness.

Along the way, we tackle Midwest pride, Pacific Northwest rain superiority, Starbucks and T-Mobile empires, and even the truth about why singing the ABCs won’t save you from Midwest politeness.

So grab your casseroles and coffee cups — because this isn’t just a debate.
This is a geographically inconvenient grudge match for the ages.

Check out the Live Laugh Larceny Podcast! https://www.livelaughlarceny.com/

Caroline Fraser recently mentioned the tragic tale of Frances farmer in her new book "Murderland" and it is such a great story that I just needed to share this episode again! 

With special guests Laura & Stephen from the Midday Movies Podcast! Make sure to check them out! https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/midday-movies/id1715523597

This episode of the Rainy Day Rabbit Holes Podcast delves into the life of Frances Farmer, a Hollywood starlet known for her rebellious spirit and tragic struggles with mental illness. From her early years in Seattle to her rise in Hollywood, Frances's story is one of defiance against societal norms and the pressures of fame. The conversation explores her controversial trip to the Soviet Union, her institutionalization and the brutal treatments she endured, and her lasting legacy, including a connection to Kurt Cobain. The episode emphasizes the importance of understanding mental health and the societal expectations placed on women.

The end of pain....forever

This conversation delves into the chilling events surrounding the Tylenol murders of 1982 and the subsequent Excedrin poisonings in 1986. It explores the tragic deaths caused by cyanide-laced capsules, the investigations that followed, and the impact these events had on product safety regulations in the United States. The discussion highlights the key figures involved, including Stella Nickell, who was ultimately convicted for product tampering, and the broader implications for consumer safety.

South Sound Magazine recently featured the Elephant House, the former home of Ray Gamble, Tacoma's millionaire magician, in an article, and mentioned our podcast. We thought we would rerelease this episode for you all to explore!

Check out the article! https://www.southsoundmag.com/features/tacoma-elephant-house-history/article_01883564-0abe-4ce3-a95a-308b7c9d2473.html

This episode explores the life of Ray Gamble, Tacoma's millionaire magician, through the insights of historian Michael Sullivan. The conversation delves into Gamble's early life, his entrepreneurial ventures, his passion for collecting elephants, and his contributions to the local magic scene. The discussion also touches on the importance of historical preservation in Tacoma, the impact of Gamble's legacy, and the cultural significance of his story in the context of the city's history.

This week, we are sharing an episode from one of our favorite pod-friends: Ani from Audibly Haunted.

This episode delves into the haunting story of the Watts family murder case, exploring the chilling events surrounding the disappearance of Shannan Watts and her two daughters, Bella and Celeste. The narrative unfolds with a focus on the true crime aspect, revealing the sinister actions of Chris Watts, who ultimately confessed to the murders. The conversation then shifts to the paranormal elements that emerged following the tragedy, including eerie occurrences in the Watts home and Chris's haunting experiences in prison. The episode concludes with reflections on the lasting impact of this horrific crime and the emotional echoes it leaves behind.

In 1910, two trains—one passenger, one mail—were trapped for nearly a week in a brutal Washington blizzard near Stevens Pass. When lightning struck Windy Mountain, a half-mile-wide avalanche thundered down, sweeping the trains and the town of Wellington into the abyss. Nearly one hundred lives were lost in what remains the deadliest avalanche in U.S. history.

Today, the site is known as the Iron Goat Trail, a scenic hiking path shadowed by eerie tales of ghost lights, disembodied voices, and icy cold spots where the dead once lay. Shea and Jody take listeners on a chilling journey through tragedy and folklore—laughing, theorizing, and debating whether these stories are history, hauntings, or both.

From spectral lanterns to phantom whistles, they explore why the spirits of Wellington refuse to rest—and why hikers still say they’re not alone on the mountain.

🎧 Dive into this haunting tale and explore more at www.rainydayrabbitholes.com.
Support the show, unlock ad-free episodes, and get bonus content at www.rainydayrabbitholes.com/support.

Special thanks to our Mistress of Marketing and Wizard of Websites, Letha Davis. If you love our site, imagine what she can build for you. Visit lethadavis.com to start your own magical website journey.

The Wild West wasn’t all shootouts and saloons—it also had brothels where life, death, and legends collided. Some of those stories never left.

In this episode, Shea and Jody take you inside two infamous houses of ill repute:

• The Birdcage Theater, Tombstone, Arizona – 26 deaths, bullet holes in the walls, and a love triangle that turned into a ghost story still whispered today.
• The Red Onion Saloon, Skagway, Alaska – where miners, madams, and a lingering ghost named Lydia turned a gold rush brothel into one of the most haunted stops in Alaska.

Along the way, the hosts debate where they’d haunt if stuck for eternity, spill some spicy legends, and prove once again that history is never as tidy as it looks on paper.

Grab your whiskey, dim the lights, and follow us down the rabbit hole… if you dare.

👉 For ad-free episodes, bonus content, and even bespoke fan fiction, visit: www.rainydayrabbitholes.com/support

Will you hear laughter, smell perfume, or feel a ghostly touch when you step inside? Listen now to find out…

In 1899, a massive four-masted iron ship called the Andelana vanished from Tacoma’s Commencement Bay overnight — leaving behind only a pair of floating logs and a haunting legacy.

In this episode of Rainy Day Rabbit Holes, Shea and Jody are joined by Tacoma historian and tour guide Chris Staudinger of Pretty Gritty Tours to unravel the chilling mystery of Tacoma’s “ghost ship.” From tales of curses and unlucky sailors to divers who met their doom, the Andelana’s story is one of tragedy, unanswered questions, and eerie persistence.

But the ship’s curse doesn’t stop with its sinking. The legend ties into eerie paranormal accounts — including the infamous tale of an eyeless ghost girl said to wander Tacoma’s historic streets. Along the way, we explore the city’s haunted history, connections to human trafficking, and the way folklore preserves Tacoma’s darker past.

If you love ghost stories, maritime mysteries, and local legends that linger in the shadows, this is one you won’t want to miss.

🎧 Listen now and join us on this haunting journey through Tacoma’s waterfront.

We've made our bonus episode with Chris available to everybody for FREE on Patreon!

https://www.patreon.com/posts/ghosts-of-high-139977306?utm_medium=clipboard_copy&utm_source=copyLink&utm_campaign=postshare_creator&utm_content=join_link

👉 For bonus content, ad-free episodes, and ways to support the show, visit: www.rainydayrabbitholes.com/support