The Catacombs of Paris stand as the world's largest underground ossuary, holding the macabre and meticulously arranged remains of over six million people. Located 20 meters beneath the streets of the 14th arrondissement, this 1.5-kilometer subterranean labyrinth was adapted from former medieval limestone quarries to resolve a critical public health crisis in the late 18th century. Following a multi-million euro renovation, the site features modern soundscapes and enhanced historical exhibitions, including a temporary showcase on legendary photographer Nadar.

In the late 1700s, Paris's city cemeteries—most notably the Cemetery of the Innocents—grew so severely overcrowded that they caused toxic odors and structural collapses, threatening public health. To resolve this, King Louis XVI's government orchestrated a massive, nightly effort to exhume millions of skeletons and transfer them into the city's abandoned network of stone mines.

While initially a chaotic repository, the tunnels were later transformed by quarry inspector Louis-Étienne Héricart de Thury into an orderly, public exhibition. He had the bones carefully stacked into walls of skulls and tibias. Prominent French historical figures, including Maximilien Robespierre, Georges Danton, and scientist Antoine Lavoisier, were among those moved to the ossuary during the chaotic heights of the French Revolution.

If you are planning to experience the Catacombs firsthand, the entry system is highly rigid and requires strict preparation.

• Mandatory Reservations: Tickets are only available online via the Official Catacombs Ticket Portal. They are released on a rolling 7-day window and sell out almost instantly. Spontaneous, walk-up entry is not possible.

• 2026 Ticket Pricing: Full-fare tickets cost 31€, reduced entry is 25€, and youth tickets (ages 8–17) are 15€. Children under 7 enter for free. All paid rates include an updated, highly rated multilingual audio guide.

• Physical Demands: The tour requires descending 131 spiral stairs and climbing 112 stairs back up to the street. There are no elevators, making the site entirely inaccessible to wheelchairs and strollers.

• Environment & Restrictions: The tunnels maintain a constant, damp chill of 14°C (57°F) year-round. You must bring a jacket and wear sturdy walking shoes. Luggage and large backpacks are banned, as bags must be smaller than 40x30x20cm.

⚠️ The Catacombes Extérieures (The Illegal Underground)

The official tourist route represents less than 1% of the estimated 200+ miles of total tunnels twisting under Paris. The vast majority of the network is completely closed to the general public, illegal to enter, and patrolled by a specialized police force.

A tight-knit local subculture of urban explorers, known as cataphiles, frequently navigate these illegal sectors through hidden utility shafts. However, trying to explore these unofficial zones is incredibly dangerous. The maze-like network has no cell phone service, parts are completely flooded, and deceptive navigation markers left by bad actors can easily leave unauthorized explorers permanently trapped or lost in the dark.

Join us for the finale of the conversation about alien abductions and the stigma that follows them with our friend and colleague Carter Buschardt. You don't want to miss this riveting conclusion.

Join us as we continue our discussion on alien abductions and ufo appearances with our friend and colleague Carter Buschardt. He continues to talk to us about his encounters with extra terrestrials and his time during abductions.

Join us as we sit down with our friend Carter Buschardt and talk about aliens. We discuss his personal encounters with aliens as a child as we as an adult. Be sure to go check out all of his books including "Baptized By Abduction."

The White Lady is a common ghost and urban legend found in cultures around the world, usually depicting a spectral woman in a white dress associated with tragic love, betrayal, or untimely death.
Common Themes and Origins
Tragic Backstory: Legends often describe a woman who died of a broken heart, was murdered by a jealous partner, or perished after losing her children.
Symbolism of White: In Western folklore, her white clothing often distorts traditional ideas of purity or marriage, while other cultures tie the color to mourning and misfortune.
Water Motifs: Many variations connect the apparition to rivers or lakes where the woman or her children drowned.
Cultural Variations
Brazil (Dama Branca): Described as a pale woman in a long white dress who died in childbirth or from violent causes, sometimes tied to historical "honor" killings.
Germany (Kunigunde): A famous ghostly countess said to haunt castles like Plassenburg after murdering her children out of a tragic misunderstanding.
Global Parallels: Figures like La Llorona in Latin American folklore share overlapping themes of grief, white garments, and water.

On this episode we delve into the infamous Malvern Manor in Malvern, Iowa as well as discuss our upcoming investigation this weekend with our friends Josh Heard, Jason Kupzyk, and Charles Fort. We talk about some of the crazy experiences that Para-Chum has had on his past trips to this location as well as what we are hoping to experience on the upcoming one this weekend. You don't want to miss this episode as we announce something special that we will be doing tonight 9-11-26 live from the location.

Join us as we sit down with our friend Elizabeth Combs from Missouri. We were lucky to meet her at our recent event in Caney, Kansas. She walks us through what got her interested in the paranormal field and tells us about some of the more fascinating things she has experienced while investigating. You won't want to miss this amazing episode.

Sinkhole Sam is a legendary 15-foot-long, snake- or worm-like creature said to inhabit "The Big Sinkhole" near Inman, Kansas.
Description and Legend
Appearance: Described as roughly 15 feet long, as thick around as a car tire, with a fluked tail and a strange, friendly-looking, non-snake-like grin.
Alternative Name: Also locally called the "Foopengerkle".First Sighted: Early reports started with fishermen in the 1920s.The 1952 Phenomenon
The Encounter: In the summer of 1952, Mennonite farm boy Albert "Bert" Neufeld and his friend George Regehr spotted the beast while fishing.
The Shot: Neufeld fired two shots from his .22 caliber rifle at the creature, but it seemed unaffected before slipping back into the water.
The Crowds: Word spread, leading cars and curious onlookers to line the edges of the sinkhole hoping for a glimpse.

Join us as we sit down and talk with our friend and author F. K. Sterling. We talk about some of the creepy things that roam the Ozark back lands. For more information on F. K. and where to find his books check out the following links.

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61585218810781

https://ancientozarks.com/

https://www.instagram.com/ancient_ozarks?igsh=YjIxd2h1azk4MGpx&utm_source=qr

https://www.amazon.com/stores/F.K.-Sterling/author/B0GJWXH3ZW?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_w=ru9cp&content-id=amzn1.sym.7e190e19-9f6f-4df8-807a-5a7608594741&pd_rd_wg=QAWnd&pd_rd_r=bff80cd6-265f-45c5-b88d-d4bcf909bdae&ref=ap_rdr&shoppingPortalEnabled=true&ccs_id=25aa5943-ece3-425c-9fe3-cd09925af8b8

The Hat Man is a widely reported paranormal entity described as a tall, shadowy silhouette wearing a wide-brimmed hat or fedora and a trench coat. Witnesses globally report seeing him standing motionless near the foot of a bed, often during terrifying episodes of sleep paralysis or hypnagogic hallucinations.
Appearance and Characteristics
Form: A solid or semi-transparent black shadow with no distinct facial features, eyes, or skin.
Attire: Usually depicted wearing an old-fashioned vintage suit, long coat, and a fedora or top hat.
Behavior: Commonly stands and watches the observer, sometimes slowly walking closer or vanishing into thin air.
Common Theories
Sleep Paralysis: Scientists and psychologists explain the figure as a hallucination caused by REM sleep disruptions, where the brain is awake but the body remains paralyzed, creating menacing visual archetypes.
Paranormal and Demonic Entity: Believers in the supernatural consider him a supreme shadow person, interdimensional traveler, or malevolent entity that feeds on human fear and negative energy.
Cultural and Subcultural Influences: Some online communities discuss connections to folklore or instances where similar shadowy hallucinations occur after heavy use of certain over-the-counter medications like diphenhydramine (Benadryl).

Join us as we sit down with our dear friend Mr. Methancamp himself from  ⁨@MythsMonstersandMullets⁩  Podcast. We talk about several challenging issues withing the paranormal and cryptid fields as well as have some fun. Be sure to go check out his podcast at the following locations. You won't be dissapointed.

 ⁨@MythsMonstersandMullets⁩ 
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61570432442691

The Black Demon (El Demonio Negro) is a legendary cryptid shark said to measure 40 to 60 feet long with jet-black skin. Supposedly roaming the waters of the Sea of Cortez off Mexico's Baja California peninsula, it is blamed by some locals and fishermen for slamming boats and acting as a surviving Megalodon.

Origin and Lore

The Legend: Rumors grew prominent after features on shows like MonsterQuest, with claims of fishermen experiencing massive impacts to their boats and divers mistaking the dark silhouette for a small submarine.

Popular Culture: The myth inspired creature features, including the 2023 horror film The Black Demon centered on a stranded family facing a vengeful Megalodon.

Scientific and Rational Explanations

No Megalodon: Marine biologists emphasize that the Megalodon went extinct millions of years ago; a surviving apex predator of that size would drastically impact modern whale populations and leave clear ecological evidence.

Misidentifications: Experts and television investigations (such as searches by wildlife experts) conclude the creature does not exist.

Real-World Candidates: Reported sightings likely stem from large marine life, including unusually dark or whale sharks, or large basking sharks misidentified in rough or murky waters.

Have you ever wondered what paranormal and supernatural entities are group or categorized as? If so sit back and join us as we discuss this topic and give our takes on the matter.

Join Para-Chum and J.D. as they sit down with Phil and Amanda from Offbeat Paranormal to ingest some spicy wings and answer some seriously tough paranormal questions. Will Para-Chum survive the heat?

We continue our discussion with friend and Chumming family member Gary from Splintered Spirits Podcast on topics that are often thought about but not talked about in the paranormal community.

Be sure to check out our friends Gary and John over at Splintered Spirits Podcast on the following sites.
https://www.facebook.com/splinteredspiritsfb
https://www.tiktok.com/@UC8p_skbQ3MQC7L95f9NcnDw
https://www.tiktok.com/@UCh_bH2CQNnkXqfRSOBpKp9Q
https://www.youtube.com/@UCh_bH2CQNnkXqfRSOBpKp9Q

Join us as we sit down with our friends for the Splintered Spirits Podcast and talk paranormal investigating, equipment and our thoughts on hauntings.

Constructed in 1858 by D.W. Houston, the Garnett House commenced operations as a hotel in the fall of the same year, overseen by Mr. Hiram Tefft. Nestled at the picturesque junction of Fourth Avenue and Walnut in Garnett, Kansas, a town renowned for its charm and amicable locals, this venerable edifice holds a cherished position within the community. As the town's inaugural hotel, it underwent numerous expansions in subsequent years, cementing its status as an iconic landmark.

An article from the 1800s spoke of how Mrs. Houston refused to stay in the original structure due to its swaying in the breeze, marking a departure from the prevalent log cabin designs of the era and establishing the 1858 Garnett House as a trailblazing architectural marvel in the region. Evolving through various ownerships and name changes, including The Garnett House, The Commercial House, and The Lighthouse Hotel, the latter earning its name from a lantern atop the top floor; visible from miles around.

Noteworthy for its survival as an antebellum relic, the Garnett House has now borne witness to nearly 170 years of history, notably serving as a focal point of the underground railroad in the area. Amidst the turbulent era of "Bleeding Kansas," it reportedly harbored escaped slaves in its attic under the covert protection of the renowned Abolitionist John Brown, an event believed to have unfolded circa 1859, just prior to the American Civil War.

During the vibrant 1870s, Garnett blossomed into a lively frontier town, reminiscent of scenes from the Old West, with saloons, brothels, and gunfights in the streets. Amidst this dynamic epoch, the Garnett House welcomed illustrious guests, including legendary lawmen Wyatt Earp, Bat Masterson, and Wild Bill Hickock. Notable figures such as Buffalo Bill Cody, accompanied by Hickock, and the renowned female cowboy shooter Belle Starr graced the hotel. The notorious outlaw Jesse James is also believed to have sought refuge here under one of his many aliases.

Beyond its hospitality role, the Garnett House served diverse functions over the years, doubling as a jail for criminals awaiting trial, a schoolhouse, tenements, and even a photography studio. Possibly eluding the local newspaper and media, there have been multiple stories that tell of the time when the building was used as a brothel. On September 11th, 1885, the Orphan Train made its inaugural stop in Garnett, KS, with homeless children temporarily housed within the 1858 Garnett House. The overwhelming crowd necessitated a swift relocation of the event to a nearby church.

In the early 1950s, the building underwent yet another transformation, operating as a Doctor's Office under the management of a husband and wife doctor duo. Their commitment to the community endured, with patients receiving treatment within the historic walls up until the 21st Century. A testament to resilience and adaptability, the 1858 Garnett House Hotel remains an integral part of Garnett's ever-evolving narrative.

https://www.1858house.com/history.html

Join us as we talk about the haunted history of this location and the amazing piece of evidence that J.D. caught during one of his most recent outings to the location.

What happens when the urban legend of the Black-Eyed Kids collides with demonic forces threatening humanity’s survival?

In this episode, we explore the chilling phenomenon of the Black-Eyed Children—mysterious, soulless-eyed kids who appear at your doorstep, asking to be let in—and dive deep into The Children: Birth of Evil, the first book in a fictional series from paranormal investigator, author, and artist Larry “Para-Chum” Buchanan.

The book follows Mr. Grigsby, Dr. Organovich, and Police Chief Burton, three ordinary people whose lives become forever entangled in the fight against Apollyon and his army of demonic Black-Eyed Kids. Their struggle for the future of humanity—and their own souls—may be more than they can bear.

In this episode, we’ll cover:

The eerie folklore and real-life encounters that inspired the legend of the Black-Eyed Kids (BEKs).How Larry “Para-Chum” Buchanan transforms this paranormal phenomenon into a gripping fictional saga.The terrifying concept of children as vessels of evil—why it unsettles us on such a primal level.What The Children: Birth of Evil reveals about survival, fear, and the eternal battle between good and evil.

Whether you’re a believer in the paranormal, a fan of horror fiction, or just love a good scare, this episode will leave you questioning what might be lurking outside your door.

About the Author: Larry “Para-Chum” Buchanan is a paranormal investigator, writer, artist, and photographer who has dedicated years to researching unexplained phenomena. The Children: Birth of Evil is the first in his series exploring the Black-Eyed Kids phenomenon, blending chilling folklore with fictional storytelling.

Perfect For Fans Of: Paranormal podcasts, urban legends, supernatural horror, scary stories, and dark fiction.

Join us as we discuss the controversial topics of what happens to us after we die.

Join us as we drink and talk about some of the experiences that Larry has had while skywatching for UFO's and UAP's.

On this week’s episode of Chumming With The Spirits we talk about the Tulpa phenomenon. Is it possible to create an entity out of thin air just by the power of thought? For centuries people have been trying do just such a thing. From scientific investigations to creating imaginary friends in search of a cure for loneliness, tulpas have been a subject of both ridicule and speculation.

The concept of tulpas has origins in the Buddhist nirmāṇakāya. The earthly bodies that a buddha manifests in order to teach those who have not attained nirvana. The western understanding of tulpas was developed by 20th-century European mystical explorers, who interpreted the idea independently of buddhahood.

There was even a prominent scientific research study done in 1972 by renowned parapsychologist Dr. A. R. George Owen that delved into trying to create a physical entity just by thinking about their persona. Thus the Philip experiment was born.

Do humans truly possess the capability to create something out of nothing?

Join us as we discuss our favorite horror movies.

Join us for this weeks episode, where discuss the topic of Wraiths. Wraiths are often depicted as spectral, ghostly figures, frequently associated with death and the supernatural. They can be seen as the spirits of the dead, trapped between worlds, or as malevolent entities haunting the living. In fiction, they are commonly portrayed as shadowy, hooded figures with glowing eyes, or even as insubstantial forms of a person. Are they evil and hell bent on retribution and vengeance, or just a misunderstood supernatural phenomenon?

On this episode we talk about the world of superstitions. Superstitions are beliefs or practices, such as believing a black cat crossing your path brings bad luck, that are not based on reason or scientific fact but are often tied to feelings of luck, fate, or magic. They often arise from fear of the unknown and can provide a sense of control or comfort, even if people rationally know they aren't real. Examples include knocking on wood, avoiding the number 13, or carrying a lucky charm. What are some of your favorite superstitions?

What is Evil?

This question has plagued mankind for millennia, yet there is not one true set in stone definition for what constitutes its meaning. Is it something that causes fear and dread in someone? Is it something or someone who does unspeakable acts, and are these acts of a religious or social influence? Or is it simply something that we can’t explain that is so far beyond what we recognize or categorize as normal behavior or influence that the only way we can define it is as of an “Evil” origin? These questions may never be answered but it is evident that all are correct in some sort of way when trying to ultimately define this term.

It’s not often that we stumble across this phrase when dealing with human nature and the actions that certain people enact upon society, but there are those certain circumstances where the term “Evil” is the only term that can be used to describe what happened.

Between the years of 1891 to 1894 Evil took hold in Chicago, and his name was Herman Webster Mudgett (AKA "H. H. Holmes"). Join us as we explore the major talking points of the Devil in the White City and his infamous Murder Castle.

Be Sure to visit WWW.CWTSPODCAST.COM to learn more about Chumming With The Spirits Podcast, grab your own podcast merchandise and listen/watch archived episodes and additional content.

If you haven't also delved into these other fine podcast what are you waiting for?

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​@SplinteredSpirits ​

Join us as we drink and talk about the infamous Black Eyed Kids phenomenon. Grab a drink, sit back and welcome to Chumming with the Spirits.

In the early 20th Century the town of Portlock, Alaska was terrorized by what many claim to be a killer Bigfoot. The incidents were so horrific that one man and his dogs died from an attack and the town was abandoned due to fear. Join us as we talk about this horrific instance and give our own interpretations into what we think really happened.

On this episode of Chumming With The Spirits it's a topic of extreme paranormal activity. Deep in the heart of Tennessee lies the legend of the Bell Witch. Do you have what it takes to explore one of America's most notorious ghost stories?

Join us as we sit down with Darkwoods Paranormal and discuss the Elmwood U.F.O. Days extravaganza that we were blessed to be a part of. We discuss some of the amazing things that we witnessed in one of the local graveyards before the event as well as the presentations that took place for both of our podcasts.

Join us as we dive into our chilling overnight investigation of the Sallie House in Atchison, Kansas—one of the most infamous haunted houses in America. With Darkwood Paranormal alongside us, we experienced strange anomalies, unexplained battery drains, bizarre light phenomena, and unsettling personal effects that lasted for days.

In this episode, we cover: 🔦 First impressions vs. the reality of investigating inside the Sallie House ⚡ High EMF spikes, battery drains, and equipment failures we couldn’t explain 👧 The mysterious “predator-like” figure spotted in broad daylight outside the house 🌸 Odd smells—flowers to rot—that manifested during sessions 🎥 Orbs, shadows, and light anomalies caught on camera 😨 How the house may have been feeding off our energy to keep us “comfortable”

This wasn’t your typical ghost hunt—it felt like the house itself was alive. Was it protecting us… or feeding on us?

💀 Watch until the end for evidence you won’t believe.

👇 Tell us in the comments: Do YOU think the Sallie House is truly haunted, or is something else going on in Atchison?

⏳✨ Are time slips real… or are they actually portals to other worlds? In this episode of Chumming with the Spirits, we uncover some of the strangest paranormal encounters ever reported — from ghosts and UFOs to Bigfoot and the Mandela Effect.

👻 What you’ll discover in this episode:

What are time slips and how are they different from portalsA chilling hallway encounter with a cowboy out of timeParanormal events at Skinwalker Ranch — UFOs, portals, and BigfootTheories about parallel universes, déjà vu, and the Mandela EffectA haunting Gettysburg ghost soldier who left behind real evidenceAncient portals and stargates hidden in deserts and Egyptian ruinsStrange structures on the dark side of the moon

🎥 This promo is styled like a vintage 1950s horror film, with sepia visuals, eerie fog, film grain, and unsettling atmosphere to bring these mysteries to life.

🔮 Watch the full episode here ➜ https://youtu.be/aAIcKaYmxmw

👉 Don’t forget to Like, Comment, and Subscribe for more paranormal podcast episodes every Friday!

Imagine yourself out in the woods hiking, hunting or camping when all of a sudden you get the overwhelming feeling of being watched. The next thing you know a giant humanoid figure, covered in thick fur and bulging muscles emerges for the thicket in front of you. Fear and adrenaline seeping through every pore of your skin you must now choose to flee or stand your ground. What would you ultimately do? Stories of Bigfoot encounters have been around for thousands of years, but none more interesting than those associated with Ape Canyon. Join us as we discuss some of these notorious accounts. So, grab your favorite drink, sit back and join us as we Chum With The Spirits.

Join us as we talk with our friend Matt and discuss the topics of spirituality, reincarnation and his experiences in the paranormal.

Join us as we discuss spirit boards. Is there association with the paranormal a negative one, or is the stigma behind them a cultural construct?

Join us as we wish O.G. a farewell for 2026.

Join us as we discuss the phenomenon known as Poltergeist and try to classify what is happening.

Join us as we start season 3 off with a bang. We interview the owner and founder of "Tarot and Tidbits." Learning about Scrying mirrors, tarot cards and all things cardamancy has never been more intriguing.

On this episode of Chumming with the Spirits we continue our discussion with paranormal investigator Jason Kupzyk. The stories he has to share will chill you to the bone.

On this episode of Chumming With The Spirits we try something a little different. Welcome to Chumming Theater 4000 where we sit down, watch our favorite podcasts, movies and shows and commentate on them as we watch. Our first episode is from our dear friend over at Myths, Monsters and Mullets Podcast as he sits down and interviews Scream Queen Mel Heflin.

Join us as we delve into the lore and legend of the Loch Ness Monster. We are also joined by a special guest from Darkwoods Paranormal podcast and get their interpretation into the subject.

What is a ghost ship? What is a ship that is a ghost? What is a haunted ship? These are the confusing yet hilarious questions we ask during our latest episode as we delve into some very fun rabbit holes of interesting conversation about the subject. A ghost ship, also known as a phantom ship, is a vessel with no living crew aboard; it may be a fictional ghostly vessel, such as the Flying Dutchman, or a physical derelict found adrift with its crew missing or dead, like the Mary Celeste. The term is sometimes used for ships that have been decommissioned but not yet scrapped, as well as drifting boats that have been found after breaking loose of their ropes and being carried away by the wind or the waves. Typically, derelict ghost ships did not remain adrift for very long, though there have been ghost ships that have been reported to remain adrift for many years, and their fates have remained unknown, such as SS Baychimo and Governor Parr.

The Flatwoods Monster, also known as the Braxton County Monster or "Braxxie," is a famous West Virginia cryptid reported on September 12, 1952, in Flatwoods, WV. Witnesses described a 10-foot-tall, hovering creature with a spade-shaped head, glowing red eyes, and a green, metallic body, often associated with a UFO sighting.

At 7:15 p.m., on September 12, 1952, two brothers, Edward and Fred May, and their friend Tommy Hyer, said that they saw a bright object cross the sky and land on the property of local farmer G. Bailey Fisher. The boys went home and told their mother, Kathleen May. The four of them, accompanied by local children Neil Nunley and Ronnie Shaver, and Kathleen's cousin West Virginia National Guardsman Eugene Lemon, went to the Fisher farm in an effort to locate whatever it was that Edward and Fred had claimed to see. The group reached the top of a hill, where Nunley said they saw a pulsing red light. Lemon said he aimed a flashlight in that direction and momentarily saw a tall "man-like figure with a round, red face surrounded by a pointed, hood-like shape".

For more information regarding the Flatwoods Monster be sure to visit https://braxtonwv.org/the-flatwoods-monster/

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Check out this live we did with our Friends Spooky Bro and the gang from Kraken Cans Cast. We discuss the paranormal, weird stuff and rabbit hole down into oblivion. You won't want to miss this crazy spectacular.

Bloody Kansas, or the Border War, was a series of violent civil confrontations in the Kansas Territory, and to a lesser extent in western Missouri, between 1854 and 1859. It emerged from a political and ideological debate over whether slavery should be permitted in the proposed state of Kansas.The conflict was characterized by years of electoral fraud, raids, assaults, and murders carried out in the Kansas Territory and neighboring Missouri by proslavery border ruffians and retaliatory raids carried out by antislavery free-staters. 56 political killings were documented during the period, and the total may be as high as 200. It has been called a "tragic prelude" or overture to the American Civil War, which immediately followed it.The conflict centered on the question of whether Kansas, upon gaining statehood, would join the Union as a slave state or a free state. The question was of national importance because Kansas's two new senators would affect the balance of power in the U.S. Senate, which was bitterly divided over the issue of slavery. The Kansas–Nebraska Act of 1854 called for popular sovereignty: the decision about slavery would be made by popular vote of the territory's settlers rather than by legislators in Washington, D.C. Existing sectional tensions surrounding slavery quickly found focus in Kansas.Missouri, a slave state since 1821, was populated by many settlers with Southern sympathies and pro-slavery views, some of whom tried to influence the Kansas decision by entering Kansas and claiming to be residents. The conflict was fought both politically and between civilians, where it eventually degenerated into brutal gang violence and paramilitary guerrilla warfare.Kansas's state-level civil war would soon be replicated on a national basis. It had two capitals (proslavery Lecompton and antislavery Lawrence, then Topeka), two constitutions (the proslavery Lecompton Constitution and the antislavery Topeka Constitution), and two legislatures (the so-called "bogus legislature" in Lecompton and the antislavery body in Lawrence). Both sides sought and received help from outside, with the proslavery side receiving aid from the federal government, as Presidents Franklin Pierce and James Buchanan openly supported the proslavery partisans. Both claimed to reflect the will of the people of Kansas. The proslavers used violence and threats of violence, and the free-staters responded in kind. After much commotion, including a congressional investigation, it became clear that a majority of Kansans wanted Kansas to be a free state, but this required congressional approval, which Southerners in Congress blocked.Kansas was admitted to the Union as a free state during the secession crisis that led to the Civil War. The admission came the same day that enough Southern slave state Senators had left Congress to join the Confederacy to allow it to pass (effective January 29, 1861).Partisan violence continued along the Kansas–Missouri border for most of the war, although Union control of Kansas was never seriously threatened. Bleeding Kansas demonstrated that armed conflict over slavery was unavoidable. Its severity made national headlines, which suggested to the American people that the sectional disputes were unlikely to be resolved without bloodshed and it acted as a preface to the American Civil War. The episode is commemorated with numerous memorials and historic sites.https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bleeding_KansasBe Sure to visit WWW.CWTSPODCAST.COM to learn more about Chumming With The Spirits Podcast, grab your own podcast merchandise and listen/watch archived episodes and additional content.If you haven't also delved into these other fine podcast what are you waiting for?@discordnevermore ‪@DrunkenCryptids @MythsMonstersandMullets @GhostGossip247 @TheCryptidPodcast-h6y @spector-beast-AI @cryptidsofthecorn4749 @krakencanscast ​@SplinteredSpirits

On this episode we delve into some of the more obscure cryptids out there. From the Old Saybrook Block Heads, to the Slide Rock Bolter, all the way down to the Aswang.

On this episode we discuss our top locations that we want to either visit of investigate.

Have you ever heard of the Boo Hag? No we are not talking about Ghost Gossip, but she does join us on this episode to talk about this very interesting cryptid. In Gullah folklore, boo hags are similar to vampires. Unlike vampires, they gain sustenance from a person's breath, as opposed to their blood, by riding their victims. Hags who were "witches" sold their souls to the devil and had the power to change into animals and insects and drain their victims' spiritual essence. Jacob Stroyer, born enslaved in South Carolina in 1849, wrote about hags and conjurers on a plantation in South Carolina. According to his autobiography: The witches among slaves were supposed to have been persons who worked with them every day, and were called old hags or jack lanterns. Those, both men and women, who, when they grew old, looked odd, were supposed to be witches. Sometimes after eating supper the enslaved would gather in each other's cabins which looked over the large openings on the plantation, and when they would see a light at a great distance and saw it open and shut they would say 'there is an old hag,' and if it came from a certain direction where those lived whom they called witches, one would say 'dat looks like old Aunt Susan,' another said 'no, dat look like man hag,' still another 'I tink dat look like ole Uncle Renty.' When the light disappeared, they said that the witch had gotten into the plantation and changed itself into a person, and went around on the place talking with the people like others until those whom it wanted to bewitch went to bed, then it would change itself into a witch again. They claimed that they rode human beings like horses, and the spittle on the side of the cheek when one slept was the bridle that the witch rode with. If enslaved people did not have a Bible, they sprinkled a mixture of cayenne pepper and salt in the corners and around the room to protect themselves from boo hags. Items or surfaces in haint blue were also used to ward off haints and boo hags. The Gullah story of the boo hag was passed down through generations of families on the islands of Georgia. Between 1930 and 1940, the Federal Writers Project recorded stories for historical preservation. The WPA Slave Narrative Collection includes tales of boo hags from formerly enslaved people, as recorded in accounts in the book Drums and Shadows (1940). While boo hags are a product of Gullah culture, the legend has become known on a wider scale. The legend has been used as an object lesson in stranger danger. The legend has also been the subject of song and poetry. An expression sometimes used in South Carolina is "don't let the hag ride ya." This expression may come from the boo hag legend. In 2005, a boo hag became a character in a children's book called Precious and the Boo Hag by Patricia C. McKissack and Onawumi Jean Moss. In the story, the boo hag is said to be strange and tricky, and it does anything to get into the house. Precious, the main character, is told by her brother that the boo hag also "...tries to make you disobey yo' mama!" In Black Wings, Grey Skies by Hailey Edwards, a boo hag has gone rogue and starts killing children and the occasional adult. A group of boo hags decides to help the main character bring the villain down. The book Hush Hush by Remy Wilkins has the antagonists attempting to open a portal in a hurricane in an attempt to summon the boo hag. Lady Night, a kind of boo hag, appears as a character in Tristan Strong Destroys the World, the second book in the Tristan Strong series. The 2024 horror film The Geechee Witch: A Boo Hag Story (directed by Jeremiah Kipp) tells the story of a young couple oppressed by a boo hag. Be sure to go check out ⁨@GhostGossip247⁩ podcast and like and subscribe to their channel.

The "Tonganoxie Split" is a popular Kansas City-area weather legend suggesting that storms approaching from the west often divide or weaken around Tonganoxie, KS, sparing the metro area from severe weather. While often dismissed as folklore, some theories attribute it to urban heat islands or geographical factors, though many meteorologists lack evidence for it.

Key Details About the Phenomenon:

The Legend:

Named after the town of Tonganoxie, located about 28 miles west of Kansas City, the phenomenon is believed to protect the metropolitan area from tornadoes and severe thunderstorms.

Origins:

The myth may stem from a misinterpretation of a 19th-century decree by Delaware Indian Chief Tonganoxie, who reportedly promised "no more storms," likely referring to an end to fighting. Scientific

Debates:

While many meteorologists and scientists, including some from KU, do not find significant evidence for the phenomenon, others suggest that the "urban heat island" effect or localized geography can cause storms to bifurcate. Similar "splitting" effects have been studied in other cities like Indianapolis and St. Louis.

Reality Check:

Despite the legend, severe, damaging tornadoes have directly hit Tonganoxie in the past, such as in May 2000, proving the area is not immune to severe weather.

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Happy 4th of July!

To celebrate the founding of our One Nation Under God, we celebrate some of it's Folk Heroes and share their stories. We all know about the stories of Paul Bunyan, Johnny Appleseed and John Henry, but there are far more individuals who helped shape our great country through history and tall tales. Join us as we talk about some of our personal favorites.

Join us as we talk about our upcoming investigations in Atchison Kansas. The McIntyre Villa and The Infamous Sallie House await us on May 30th.