x

75% of people globally want unbiased news (Pew Research) but are concerned they're not getting that.

Get balanced coverage with Symby. See how stories are covered across diverse outlets and spot when one side covers a story the other skips.

PODCAST

A Scary State

Have you ever wondered what makes your state famous? What about what makes your state infamous? Join Lauren and Kenzie as they take a look into the dark background and creepy origin stories that take place in each state. We will venture into tales of cryptids, ghosts, haunted locations, urban legends, serial killers and much more. We dig deep into what makes your state scary.

true crime

All Episodes

28:21

Ep.241 An Alaskan Nightmare

A Scary State ·

2026/01/28

Love the show? Have any thoughts? Click here to let us know! This is the first week without our fabulous Lauren as we head towards the bitter cold of the Last Frontier State, Alaska. Kenzie’s cousin, Emily, joins her to discuss the brutal crimes of maybe-kinda-sorta serial killer, Brian Steven Smith. Police believe they have all the evidence and answers they need, but little did they know that Mr. Smith had more to share. If it wasn’t for the bravery of two women in the Anchorage community, t...

en-us

76:13

Ep.240 Murder and Misery in Maryland

A Scary State ·

2026/01/21

Love the show? Have any thoughts? Click here to let us know! This week, we travel to our close neighbor, The Old Line State, Maryland! First, Lauren shares the horrific crimes of Charles William Davis and what led to his eventual capture. Next, Kenzie talks about the dark and spooky Baltimore County Almshouse that was used to house societies “undesirables.” The Almshouse has a sordid history and phantom spirits to prove it. Join us as we uncover these Maryland mysteries! Also, wishing Lauren ...

en-us

76:25

Ep.239 Mysteries Across Arizona

A Scary State ·

2026/01/14

Love the show? Have any thoughts? Click here to let us know! This week, we are headed to the deserts of the Grand Canyon State - Arizona! First, Kenzie shares the tumultuous story of the disappearance and murder of DiAnne Keidel. It takes an act of bravery 30 years later that helps solve the case. Next, Lauren shared the disappearance of Klaus Martens and June Marajune Walker. The couple went on a routine flight and seemingly dropped off the face of the Earth. Was it foul play? An alien abduc...

en-us

58:54

Ep.238 Oregon’s Bandages and Stagecoaches

A Scary State ·

2026/01/07

Love the show? Have any thoughts? Click here to let us know! This week, we head to the pacific northwest to the Beaver state - Oregon! Lauren starts us off with the creepy legend of the Bandage Man. After an unfortunate accident, the Bandage Man has haunted the roads of Oregon leaving behind his bloody bandages. Next, Kenzie shares the eerie stories that come from the Wolf Creek Inn and Tavern in southern Oregon. After more than 140 years in operation, it’s safe to say this historic stop has ...

en-us

83:26

Ep.237 Crimes on Crimes on New Year’s!

A Scary State ·

2025/12/31

Love the show? Have any thoughts? Click here to let us know! Happy New Year, everyone! This week, Kenzie dives into the horrifying crimes of Johann Jack Unterweger, one of Austria’s most infamous serial killers—who was shockingly released from prison after already committing murder. Then, Lauren lightens things up (slightly) by sharing some of the wild, reckless, and downright stupid crimes people have gotten themselves into on New Year’s Eve. Join us for our final spooky special of 2025! *To...

en-us

90:18

Ep.236 Christmas Creeps and “Sleigh”ing Santas

A Scary State ·

2025/12/24

Love the show? Have any thoughts? Click here to let us know! Merry Christmas to everyone who celebrates, and Happy Thursday to everyone who does not! This week, we have a festive spooky special to close out this holiday season! First, Lauren tells us about the horrific murders of Anthony Michalowski and Michael Hickmott in the late 80s/early 90s. Then, Kenzie shares the horrendous crimes of Bruce McArthur, also known as the Santa Claus Killer, who scenelessly murdered eight men from the Churc...

en-us

73:42

Ep.235 Colorado’s Strange Skies & Shadowed Pines

A Scary State ·

2025/12/17

Love the show? Have any thoughts? Click here to let us know! This week we head to the Centennial State - Colorado to discuss some strange and spooky places! First, Kenzie talks about the bizarre sightings and occurrences from people living or visiting the San Luis Valley. People have reported feelings of unease, being watched, and possible extraterrestrial encounters. Next, Lauren takes us through the hauntings in the ominously named, Black Forest. A small town hidden among dark trees where m...

en-us

82:30

Ep.234 Phantoms and The Phantom in Texas

A Scary State ·

2025/12/10

Love the show? Have any thoughts? Click here to let us know! This week we are down in the Lone Star state - Texas! First, Lauren takes us on a terrifying tour of the Yorktown Memorial Hospital where ghosts seem to be lurking in every room and in every corner. Then, Kenzie covers the infamous, unsolved Texarkana Moonlight Murders committed by whom the media dubbed “The Phantom.” Join us as we uncover hauntings, mysteries, and the dark side of Texas history! - - Follow us on Social Media and fi...

en-us

69:05

Ep.233 Death Roads & Unsolved Sorrows in New Jersey

A Scary State ·

2025/12/03

Love the show? Have any thoughts? Click here to let us know! We’re back to our regularly scheduled programming and heading to the Garden State — New Jersey! First, Kenzie dives into the eerie legends surrounding Shades of Death Road, where countless travelers claim to have witnessed ghosts, strange mists, and unexplained phenomena. It’s definitely a “road less traveled” for a reason. Then, Lauren shares the heartbreaking story of Gary Grant Jr., a young boy who vanished after being seen with ...

en-us

96:46

Ep.232 Murder and Mishaps on Kenzie’s Birthday

A Scary State ·

2025/11/26

Love the show? Have any thoughts? Click here to let us know! This week we have another spooky special celebrating our fabulous cohost, Kenzie! The theme of this episode is all about the numbers and/or the month of November. Lauren starts it off with eerie tales of plane crashes that happened to fall on November 24th. Then Kenzie shares the mysterious story of the Santa Rosa Hitchhiker Killer. A series of unsolved cases that all take place in or near the Santa Rosa, California area. You’ll hav...

en-us

86:47

Ep.231 Turkey, Terror, and Twisted Tales

A Scary State ·

2025/11/19

Love the show? Have any thoughts? Click here to let us know! This week, we’re serving up a deliciously spooky special in honor of Thanksgiving being right around the corner. First, Kenzie dishes out quick tales of balloon disasters from the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade—including the worst mishap, which left one woman in a month-long coma. Then, Lauren brings the heat with the chilling case of Gilberto Valle and his disturbing culinary fantasies. Let’s just say… not all the “meat” on the men...

en-us

71:37

Ep.230 Pennsylvania: Where Legends Weep and Killers Lie

A Scary State ·

2025/11/12

Love the show? Have any thoughts? Click here to let us know! We’re headed to the Keystone State — Pennsylvania! We share two vastly different stories that have the same eerie question: are they fact or fiction? First, Lauren dives into the chilling case of Miranda Barbour, a young woman whose shocking confession blurs the line between truth and tall tale. Then, Kenzie unravels the legend of the Squonk, a pitiful creature said to wander Pennsylvania’s hemlock forests, weeping over its own less...

en-us

46:07

Ep.229 Hunted and Haunted in Vermont

A Scary State ·

2025/11/05

Love the show? Have any thoughts? Click here to let us know! This week, we’re heading to the Green Mountain State — Vermont! First, Kenzie dives into the eerie legend of Slipperyskin, a mysterious creature that’s tormented hunters and terrified locals for generations. Is it a man? A beast? Or something even stranger lurking in the woods? Then, Lauren unearths the chilling story of the Woodstock Vampires — a haunting glimpse into Vermont’s dark past filled with fear, superstition, and the figh...

en-us

73:28

Ep.228 Spirits Behind Stone Walls

A Scary State ·

2025/10/29

Love the show? Have any thoughts? Click here to let us know! We’re wrapping up our last Spooky Special of the year—and this one’s all about castles! First, Lauren takes us to the Czech Republic to explore the eerie Houska Castle. Beyond the spirits said to haunt its ancient halls, legend has it that hidden deep beneath the chapel lies a gateway to hell itself. Then, Kenzie heads to Ireland to uncover the chilling secrets of Leap Castle. With centuries of bloodshed and betrayal, it’s no wonder...

en-us

74:08

Ep.227 Justice Unfinished: The Stories of Janice...

A Scary State ·

2025/10/22

Love the show? Have any thoughts? Click here to let us know! This week’s October Spooky Special is extra special — we’re sharing cases that were brought to us directly by the victims’ families. First, Kenzie tells the story of Janice Lillie, a loving mother and pillar of her community whose life was tragically cut short in November 1991. Though there was a conviction, some pieces still don’t quite fit. Is this case truly solved, or is there more beneath the surface? Then, Lauren shares the st...

en-us

58:26

Ep.226 The Puppet Master: Futoshi Matsunaga’s Reign...

A Scary State ·

2025/10/15

Love the show? Have any thoughts? Click here to let us know! This week, we dive into one of Japan’s most chilling and disturbing cases. Lauren takes us into the twisted world of Futoshi Matsunaga, a man who manipulated, tortured, and terrorized those around him with frightening control. Known for his charisma that masked pure evil, Matsunaga’s crimes left Japan reeling and earned him the title of one of the country’s most notorious killers. From psychological manipulation to financial exploit...

en-us

83:22

Ep.225 Lights, Camera…Murder: The Story of the Black...

A Scary State ·

2025/10/08

Love the show? Have any thoughts? Click here to let us know! We’re diving into week two of our October Spooky Specials! This time, Kenzie takes center stage with a deep dive into the infamous Black Dahlia case. The gruesome murder of Elizabeth Short, better known as the Black Dahlia, has haunted Hollywood for decades. Together, we’ll break down the facts of the case and explore the many theories and conspiracies that have emerged over the last 70 years. Will this mystery ever be solved? Join ...

en-us

90:09

Ep.224 Bad Luck, Good Stories: Superstitions Explained

A Scary State ·

2025/10/01

Love the show? Have any thoughts? Click here to let us know! Our first Spooky Special of October is all about superstitions! We dive into the origins of some of the most famous beliefs—like why people knock on wood or avoid walking under ladders. Kenzie takes us deep into the world of Santa Muerte and her influence on Mexico’s narcocultura (narco culture). Meanwhile, Lauren hits the road to uncover unique superstitions from across the United States—you might even hear one from your own state!...

en-us

77:37

Ep.223 Aliens and Assassinations in Wisconsin

A Scary State ·

2025/09/24

Love the show? Have any thoughts? Click here to let us know! This week, we’re heading to Wisconsin, where history and the bizarre collide! Lauren kicks things off with the story of John Schrank, the man who tried to assassinate President Theodore Roosevelt during a campaign stop in Milwaukee. Schrank’s troubled past, strange visions, and shocking actions make this a story that is as unsettling as it is unforgettable. Then, Kenzie dives into one of Wisconsin’s strangest UFO encounters—the biza...

en-us

74:16

Ep.222 Rhode Island’s Wealth and Wreckage

A Scary State ·

2025/09/17

Love the show? Have any thoughts? Click here to let us know! This week, we’re diving into two stories of wealth, mystery, and maritime hauntings! First, Kenzie takes us into the scandalous life of Doris Duke, once called “the richest girl in the world.” From her turbulent personal relationships to the mysterious death of her companion, Doris’s story is a mix of glamour, power, and controversy that still fascinates true-crime and history buffs alike. Then, Lauren sets sail with the tale of the...

en-us

241 results

Similar Podcasts

Australian True Crime

Bravecasting

True Crime Podcast 2026 - Police Interrogations, 911 Calls and True Police Stories Podcast

True Crime Podcast 2025

Ontario Cold Cases - The Podcast

Jay Nicoll

The Conspiracy Files

Bloody FM

Crime at Bedtime

Jack Laurence