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PODCAST

Urban Legends

Luke Mordue examines the historical impact of the stories that haunt our society, tales that have gripped towns and cities worldwide for centuries as actual events - Urban Legends. First, hear the tales retold as short stories before delving into the history of the legend, dissecting its cultural significance, factuality, and origins.Released Fortnightly.

society & culture social sciences

All Episodes

50:33

XVI. The Highgate Vampire [Re-recorded]

Urban Legends ·

2024/08/14

Nestled within the eerie confines of Highgate Cemetery lies the genesis of a chilling tale that has captivated the imaginations of enthusiasts and sceptics alike.Join us as we journey through the mist-laden pathways of history, tracing the origins of this enigmatic legend. From whispers of a malevolent spectre haunting the tombstones to reports of bizarre occult activity, the legend of 'The Highgate Vampire' has cast a long shadow over the collective consciousness of Londoners for decades

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38:37

XVIII. Body in the Hotel [Re-recorded]

Urban Legends ·

2024/08/07

Unlock the door to a world shrouded in mystery and terror as we check into some of the most haunting hotel rooms in true crime history. In this chapter, we delve deep into the unsettling and gruesome tales of bodies discovered in the most unexpected of places - hotel rooms.Hotel rooms, typically a temporary haven for travellers, have been the backdrop for some of the most shocking and baffling true crime stories. Stories have been shared of bodies being found in hotel rooms by current guests for

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36:16

XIX. Alligators in the Sewers [Re-recorded]

Urban Legends ·

2024/07/31

Join us as we dive deep into the murky depths beneath the bustling streets of New York City, exploring the mysterious tales of alligators lurking in the city's labyrinthine sewer system, an enduring myth that has both fascinated and frightened generations.The legend of alligators in the sewers of New York City is a story that has persisted for decades, capturing the collective imagination. But is there any truth to this mysterious urban legend? In this chapter, we'll sift through the

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50:36

XX. The Smiling Man [Re-recorded]

Urban Legends ·

2024/07/24

'The Smiling Man’ was a short story that sent shivers down the spines of countless readers on Reddit, telling the harrowing encounter of a man who crosses paths with a mysterious, grinning figure during a quiet nighttime stroll. But what makes this internet legend so enduring and terrifying? In this episode, we'll peel back the layers of the story and its origins, diving into the psychology of a smile, and the creation of a modern-day urban legend.Text Me (this is 3rd party & I cannot res...

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36:15

XXII. Teke Teke [Re-recorded]

Urban Legends ·

2024/07/17

In this chapter, we will trace the history and cultural significance of Teke Teke, examining how this legend has permeated Japanese culture and transcended borders to captivate the world. Teke Teke, a figure that haunts the darkness of Japanese folklore, is said to be the tormented ghost of a young woman who met a tragic and gruesome fate. The legend revolves around her terrifying presence, her eerie cries, and her eerie pursuit of those who dare to cross her path. But where did this legend

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14:55

Modern Myths. The Hodag

Urban Legends ·

2024/04/17

In our final modern myth chapter this season, we embark on a journey into the heart of American folklore to uncover the legend of ‘The Hodag.’ Join us as we explore the unusual origins, strange accounts, and the enduring intrigue surrounding this mythical creature that has become a staple of Wisconsin, described a having the body of a bull, the head of a dinosaur, and the spines of a dragon.Support the show Support the show and join the team at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.patreon.com/urbanlegends⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

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54:36

XXXII. Loch Ness Monster

Urban Legends ·

2024/04/10

Our season IV finale takes us deep into the dark waters of a Scottish Loch as we uncover one of the world’s most enduring mysteries, the ‘Loch Ness Monster’. Join us as we delve into the rich history, sightings, and everlasting intrigue through the mist-shrouded waters of Loch Ness, uncovering the origins and evolution of the Nessie legend.Join us as we dive into the scientific investigations, eyewitness accounts, and modern-day expeditions aimed at solving the riddle of the monster. With it being

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14:46

Modern Myths. Kushtaka

Urban Legends ·

2024/04/03

In this strange chapter, we embark on a journey into the rich tapestry of Alaskan folklore to uncover the enigmatic and shape-shifting creatures known by local tribes as ‘Kushtaka’. Join us as we study what little we know of these elusive beings who can assume the form of humans or animals.__________________Modern Myths is a series running alongside Urban Legends. Not all legends have enough information to justify a full chapter, but that doesn't mean they are not fascinating tales worth

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16:35

Modern Myths. The Good Samaritan

Urban Legends ·

2024/03/15

This curious chapter explores the enduring urban legend known as ‘The Good Samaritan.’ Join us as we unravel the narratives of kindness and generosity and the apparent unsung heroes connected to this enduring myth among public figures and everyday people. With it being assigned to several public figures over the years, is there really any truth to it? __________________Modern Myths is a series running alongside Urban Legends. Not all legends have enough information to justify a full chapter, but

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60:11

XXX. Windigo

Urban Legends ·

2024/03/13

In this fascinating, complex chapter, we journey into the history of North America to explore the haunting lore of the ‘Windigo’. Join us as we unravel the tales of this malevolent, cannibalistic spirit that has terrorised the imagination of indigenous peoples for centuries. We'll delve into the origins of this myth, tracing it back to Algonquian and other Native American cultures and uncovering its transformation into a symbol of greed and selfishness.Support the show Support the show and join

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00:16:32

Modern Myths. Boo Hag

Urban Legends ·

2024/03/06

Step into the mystical world of Gullah folklore as we unravel the eerie legend of the ‘Boo Hag’, a malevolent spirit that is said to prey upon unsuspecting victims as they sleep, draining their energy and vitality. In this chapter, we will not only look into the psychology behind sleep paralysis but also delve into the origins of this eerie legend, tracing its roots back to West African traditions and its evolution in the Gullah culture of the Lowcountry. Support the show and join the team at

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00:42:09

XXIX. The Green Man

Urban Legends ·

2024/02/28

In this mysterious and tragic chapter, we delve into the history, the tragedy, and the enduring mystery of the urban legend “The Green Man”, also known as Charlie No-Face. Join us as we unravel the stories and folklore surrounding this enigmatic figure, who is both haunting and heart-wrenching. We'll explore the real-life events that inspired this urban legend and how it became a symbol of compassion and caution. You'll gain insight into the life of Ray Robinson, the man behind the myth.

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00:17:13

Modern Myths. The Scuba Diver

Urban Legends ·

2024/02/21

In this extraordinary chapter of Modern Myths, we dive into the depths of a bizarre urban legend that has puzzled and captivated imaginations for many years - the perplexing tale of a scuba diver found perched high up in a tree. Join us as we explore the bewildering origins, baffling narratives, and enduring intrigue of this underwater enigma that defies logic.__________________ Modern Myths is a series running alongside Urban Legends. Not all legends have enough information to justify a full

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00:54:00

XXVIII. The Spider Bite

Urban Legends ·

2024/02/14

This grim chapter unveils the mysterious and eerie tale of ‘The Spider Bite’, commonly known as ‘The Red Spot’. Join us as we explore the origins, hair-raising narratives, and the enduring fascination with this unsettling story that has sent shivers down the spines of many. Join us as we study the origins of tales about individuals who wake up with a mysterious and ominous red spot on their bodies, only to face an uncanny and horrifying revelation, before delving into the psychology of fear and

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00:18:48

Modern Myths. The Jedi Religion

Urban Legends ·

2024/02/07

In this chapter, we dissect the confusion around the existence of ‘The Jedi Religion’, a belief system inspired by the iconic figures from the Star Wars universe. Join us as we explore the stories, experiences, and philosophy behind this modern and unique spiritual path. __________________ Modern Myths is a series running alongside Urban Legends. Not all legends have enough information to justify a full chapter, but that doesn't mean they are not fascinating tales worth sharing. These smaller

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00:47:16

XXVII. Spontaneous Human Combustion

Urban Legends ·

2024/01/31

This fascinating chapter delves into one of the most perplexing and chilling phenomena of ‘Spontaneous Human Combustion’. Join us as we explore the history, the bewildering cases, and the scientific mysteries that shroud this enigmatic occurrence. Let’s clear the smoke as we delve into the scientific investigations and the quest for answers surrounding this bizarre phenomenon. You'll hear about the various theories, from natural explanations to the paranormal, that have attempted to demystify

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00:15:21

Modern Myths. The Disappearance of Kuldhara

Urban Legends ·

2024/01/24

In this chapter, we journey into the past to unravel the enigmatic disappearance of Kuldhara, an abandoned village that has mystified generations. Join us as we explore the history, haunting narratives, and enduring mysteries surrounding this ghostly desert town, venturing into the arid landscapes of Rajasthan, India, where the village of Kuldhara once thrived. But the intrigue doesn't stop with the village's disappearance. We'll delve into the legends and speculations surrounding

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00:56:16

XXVI. Cropsey

Urban Legends ·

2024/01/17

This chilling chapter delves into the unsettling urban legend in Staten Island as "Cropsey." Join us as we dig into the haunting history, the horrifying true-crime cases, and the enduring mysteries that shroud this figure that has now been circulated for generations, painting Cropsey as a bogeyman lurking in the shadows of abandoned institutions and wooded areas, ready to snatch children away. We'll delve into the chilling true-crime cases associated with Cropsey, such as the shocking

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00:13:00

Modern Myths. The Mercritis Epidemic

Urban Legends ·

2024/01/10

This chapter delves into the depths of a fascinating and lesser-known urban legend - the Mercritis Epidemic. Join us as we explore the historical accounts, societal fears, and the enduring intrigue surrounding this mysterious phenomenon that claimed women were plagued by violent desires in the USA, turning them mad with rage. But the intrigue doesn't stop with the legend itself. We'll delve into the societal and cultural aspects of the Mercritis Epidemic, discussing how it reflects the

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01:03:37

XXV. Shadow People

Urban Legends ·

2024/01/03

This chapter enters the mysterious and unsettling world of shadow people. Join us as we explore the origins and apparent encounters whilst delving into the depths of human psychology to understand the enduring fascination with these elusive, shadowy figures. Is it possible that shadowy figures are entering our world? How can so many people experience such similar things? and how far back do the tales of Shadow People go? Support the show and join the team at

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94 results

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