Podcast
Unspookable
Unspookable is a family friendly look at the histories and mysteries behind your favorite scary stories, myths and urban legends. Each week host Elise Parisian digs into the history, brain science, and power dynamics behind such topics as Bloody Mary, Charlie Charlie, and Ouija Boards to find the stories behind the scares. (Recommended for ages 8+) Unspookable has been called one of the "Best podcasts for kids of all ages" by Time Out New York, one of the “7 Podcasts Big Kids Will Love” by The...more
Episodes
Episode 42: The Backrooms
Nov 02 2022
Have you ever heard of The Backrooms? Maybe you've come across this strange never-ending series of liminal spaces on TikTok or on YouTube or maybe some games that you've played. The Backrooms are one of our most frequently requested topics and we were curious to explore why their flickering fluorescent lights, yellow walls, and endless mazes have captured your imaginations. That and more on this episode of Unspookable. Host: Elise ParisianWritten by: Ellenor Riley-Condit Created, Produced, Edi...more
Episode 41: Mary Shelley, Frankenstein, and the Birth of Science Fiction
Oct 25 2022
Have you heard the name Mary Shelley before? If not, we're sure you've heard of her book Frankenstein or the creature born within its pages. Did you know that Shelley's book is often referred to as the beginning of modern day science fiction? Or that it's original title was Frankenstein; or, The Modern Prometheus? We're going to be digging into this and more as we find out why this book is so scary and the lasting imprint it has had on horror and the ethical questions surrounding life and death ...more
Episode 40: Artificial Intelligence
Oct 19 2022
Many of us have smart devices in our homes. Siri, Alexa, robot vacuums, and more have become a part of our daily lives. They learn our tastes and preferences, our routines... but what if that wasn't where the learning stopped? What would happen if these devices could learn just like humans, replicate our behaviors, and maybe, just maybe, become smarter than us? We'll discuss that and more as we tackle all things artificial intelligence on this episode of Unspookable. Host: Elise ParisianWritten...more
Episode 39: The Montauk Project and the Inspiration for Netflix's Stranger Things
Oct 11 2022
Have you heard of the Netflix series Stranger Things? If so, have you ever thought about the experiments that happened at Hawkins National Laboratory and what purpose they served? Government experiments have always been the source of conspiracy theories, from the Philadelphia Experiment and MK-Ultra to the Montauk Project and beyond. We're separating fact from fiction and diving deep into experiments of the mind on this episode of Unspookable. Host: Elise ParisianWritten by: Ellenor Riley-Condi...more
Episode 38: The Dark
Oct 04 2022
Many of us are scared of the dark, but have you ever stopped to wonder why? This fear might actually serve a larger purpose intended to keep us safe. Through history, our own evolution, and the influence on our own social perceptions, we will discuss our complicated relationship with the dark on this episode of Unspookable. Host: Elise ParisianWritten by: Ellenor Riley-Condit Created, Produced, Edited by: Nate DuFortResearch by: Michael Grathwohl michaelgrathwohl.me.Music Direction and Composit...more
Episode 37: A Glitch in the Matrix
Sep 27 2022
What is reality? Are we living in a simulation? Big questions, right? This season Unspookable is listening to your suggestions on some truly mind blowing topics inspired from games, TikTok, and beyond. We're digging into quantum physics, philosophy, dreams, and more this week as we set out to answer the question "What is a glitch in the matrix?" Host: Elise ParisianWritten by: Ellenor Riley-Condit Created, Produced, Edited by: Nate DuFortMusic Direction and Composition: Jesse Case: https://www...more
A Special Announcement from Unspookable
Sep 20 2022
Spooky season is almost here and we're excited to share that we’re bringing you an all new season of Unspookable beginning Tuesday, September 27th. We've been hearing your requests for topics and are thrilled to present episodes based on The Backrooms, Glitches, the story that inspired the Netflix series Stranger Things and much, much more. Unspookable is a family friendly look at the histories and mysteries behind your favorite scary stories, myths and urban legends. Each week host Elise Pari...more
Episode 36: The Bermuda Triangle
Feb 21 2022
Have you ever heard of the Bermuda Triangle? If you have, it's hard not to have also heard some of the strange theories as to why this area within the Atlantic Ocean has claimed so many ships and airplanes over the years. Could it be aliens? A rift in both space and time? The remnants of the lost city of Atlantis? Or is there a possibly a less exciting, but more scientifically plausible answer? We'll discuss all of this and more on this special double sized episode of Unspookable. Host: Elise Pa...more
2021 Holiday Episode featuring The Yule Cat, Kallikantzari, Christmas Spiders, & more
Dec 14 2021
The month of December brings a whole host of traditions for people all across the world. For us on Unspookable, this time of year brings some of the strangest creepy creatures we get to see. After all – it wouldn’t be the holidays for us if we didn’t get to throw in something spooky. So consider it your gift to us to countdown some of the weirdest, witchiest holiday traditions we could scare up on this special holiday episode of Unspookable. Host: Elise ParisianWritten by: Ellenor Riley-Condit ...more
Episode 35: The Sandman and Dreams
Nov 09 2021
Have you ever laid awake, watching the minutes on the clock pass by, just wishing there was a magical way to fall asleep to pleasant dreams? Well, you maybe surprised to hear that throughout time and many cultures that there are all kinds of men and beasts that could do just that. We're taking a walk through the land of slumber to discuss The Sandman and all things sleep on this episode of Unspookable. Host: Elise ParisianWritten by: Ellenor Riley-Condit and Victoria Tomis Created, Produced, E...more
Episode 34: Siren Head
Nov 02 2021
Some urban legends are so unique that our brains want them to be true. That is certainly the case with Trevor Henderson's 2018 creation of a cryptid that has captured our imaginations and infiltrated such games as Minecraft and Roblox. What makes this creature so scary, yet so appealing? We're talking all things Siren Head on this episode of Unspookable. Host: Elise ParisianWritten by: Ellenor Riley-Condit and Victoria Tomis Created, Produced, Edited by: Nate DuFortResearch by: Michael Grathwo...more
Episode 33: Polybius: The Phantom Video Game
Oct 26 2021
Video games have become a big part of our lives. They exercise our motor skills and problem solving abilities, help us build community and relationships, and more than anything...they're just fun! But did you know that in the early days of gaming technology many people actually feared video games and the arcades that housed them? There were rumors of mind control, injury, and even disappearances surrounding one game in particular...Polybius. We look into this mysterious arcade game's history and...more
Episode 32: Loch Ness Monster
Oct 19 2021
There are many tales of monsters throughout history - stories that come and go. But, in the Scottish Highlands, there is a legend of a creature whose first recorded sighting in the sixth century A.D. has only grown larger and gained more interest as the years go by. When we asked our listeners what stories we should tell this season, the single most requested tale was that of... the Loch Ness Monster. Prepare to hear about the origins, hoaxes, and possible explanations for everyone's favorite ...more
Episode 31: The Jersey Devil
Oct 12 2021
Have you ever heard a story about your hometown that you questioned whether or not it was true? Maybe there's a story about a famous person, or something that was invented in your hometown... or maybe there's a legend of a creature that has lurked in the local woods for over one hundred years. If you've ever heard of the New Jersey Pine Barrens ,these are exactly the kinds of stories that have been told locally for generations. Prepare to question local folklore with us today as we talk ab...more
Introducing: Of Fae & Fiends
Apr 13 2021
This week, Unspookable is excited to share the first episode of Of Fae & Fiends. New episodes released weekly starting March 23, 2021. You can find Of Fae & Fiends wherever you get podcasts. Lizzie (10) returns to her ancestral home in Maine to make an amazing discovery: the woods behind the farmhouse contain a doorway to the mystical realm of Faerie.But a dark storm looms over the horizon of Fae: Lizzie’s Great-Uncle Carlow has enlisted a goblin army to conquer the World Tree, and has set his s...more
Episode 30: Aliens Part 2
Nov 03 2020
Have you ever heard of Area 51? What about Roswell, New Mexico? What if the supposed alien-related events and conspiracies surrounding these two locations were actually true? As we close out our time looking at the existence of aliens, it's time to look at what we believe versus what we want to believe - all of that on the season finale of Unspookable.Host: Elise ParisianWritten by: Ellenor Riley-ConditCreated, Produced, Edited by: Nate DuFortMusic Direction and Composition: Jesse Case: https...more
Episode 29: Aliens Part 1
Oct 27 2020
Think about the last time you saw an alien. Was it in a book? Watching a movie? What did it look like? Now, it’s impossible to say exactly when the idea of aliens first occurred to humans on Earth and even more impossible to trace exactly how we conjured up the little green humanoid creatures with big eyes that you're most likely imagining, but today we're going to try and do just that. We’ll be talking about all things extra-terrestrial on this special two-part episode of Unspookable. Host: E...more
Episode 28: Ghost Ships
Oct 20 2020
You see a crew-less vessel approaching through the fog on a moonless night at sea.. can you trust that your eyes were telling you the truth? Is there really a ship sailing with no one aboard? We've talked about the creatures that lurk in the ocean's depths, but what about the traces of the humans that have crossed those same waters? We'll look at these questions and the legend of Ghost Ships on this episode of Unspookable. Host: Elise ParisianWritten by: Ellenor Riley-ConditCreated, Produced, E...more
Episode 27: Illuminati, Conspiracies, & Media Literacy
Oct 13 2020
A lot of us have heard the word Illuminati, but what does it mean? Is there really a secret group of people controlling society from the shadows? There are conspiracy theories in the world today about these very questions and so much more, but where do these ideas come from? And why do people keep spreading them? Finding and agreeing on the truth can be hard sometimes and we'll talk about that and more on this episode of Unspookable. Host: Elise ParisianWritten by: Ellenor Riley-ConditCreated,...more
Episode 26: Spiders and Arachnophobia
Oct 06 2020
Whether you find them cute or creepy, it's hard not to have a strong feeling about this week's topic...Spiders. Why are so many of us afraid of these arachnids? And what does it say about us as humans that something so small can be so terrifying? We'll unravel this web and more on this episode of Unspookable. Host: Elise ParisianWritten by: Ellenor Riley-ConditCreated, Produced, Edited by: Nate DuFortMusic Direction and Composition: Jesse Case: https://www.jessecasemusic.com/Logo by: Natalie ...more
Episode 25: Book of the Dead
Sep 29 2020
What do you think of when you hear the word mummy? Some of us may imagine a bandaged figure, arms outstretched, stumbling through the desert, but did you know that mummification of the dead served another purpose? Mummification is just a small part of a sacred ritual of Going Forth By Day as captured in something we call The Egyptian Book of the Dead. But this is no book at all as we will find out on this episode of Unspookable. Host: Elise ParisianWritten by: Ellenor Riley-ConditCreated, Produc...more
Introducing: REACH A Space Podcast for Kids
Jun 23 2020
This week Unspookable presents REACH: A Space Podcast for Kids a weekly, family friendly exploration of our galaxy (and beyond!) with hosts Brian Holden and Meredith Stepien. Built for kids and based on questions from kids, REACH educates with entertaining segments, fun at-home experiments, and interviews with subject matter experts & thought partners from leading institutions like the Adler Planetarium, Cosmosphere, and more. Subscribe today, and get knowledge...within your Reach. A co-product...more
Episode 24: Kraken
Jun 16 2020
Did you know that more than eighty percent of our ocean is unexplored? Is that why just thinking of the ocean's vastness leaves some of us feeling uneasy? Or is it something more? What lurks in its dark, unmapped depths? We look to uncover this mystery and more as we discuss the Kraken on this episode of Unspookable. Host: Elise ParisianWritten by: Ellenor Riley-ConditCreated, Produced, Edited by: Nate DuFortMusic Direction and Composition: Jesse Case: https://www.jessecasemusic.com/Logo by: N...more
Episode 23: Mothman
Jun 09 2020
Have you ever heard a story that left you wondering whether or not it was true? Have you ever wondered how some local legends became legends in the first place? We'll look at one of these stories and the actions that amplified it as we discuss the Mothman on this episode of Unspookable. Host: Elise ParisianWritten by: Ellenor Riley-ConditCreated, Produced, Edited by: Nate DuFortMusic Direction and Composition: Jesse Case: https://www.jessecasemusic.com/Logo by: Natalie Khuen http://nataliek.mypo...more
Episode 22: Centaurs
Jun 02 2020
Greek mythology is full of amazing characters and creatures, but maybe none so much as those that share both human and animal characteristics. What can those that have one foot in one world and one foot in another teach us about ourselves? We will look back at Centaurs, Minotaurs, Pan, and more on this episode of Unspookable. Host: Elise ParisianWritten by: Ellenor Riley-ConditCreated, Produced, Edited by: Nate DuFortMusic Direction and Composition: Jesse Case: https://www.jessecasemusic.com/Lo...more
Episode 21: Unicorns
May 26 2020
When you think of a Unicorn, what words come to mind? Beautiful? Gentle? Majestic? What if we told you that our current perception was a recent phenomenon and that history may tell a very different tale of this amazing creature. On this episode of Unspookable we track over 2000 years of Unicorn lore to get to the bottom of its origins. Host: Elise ParisianWritten by: Ellenor Riley-ConditCreated, Produced, Edited by: Nate DuFortMusic Direction and Composition: Jesse Case: https://www.jessecasemu...more
Episode 20: Chupacabra
May 19 2020
Have you ever heard of a Chupacabra? Legends of this creature that attack goats and other livestock exist in Puerto Rico, Chile, Brazil, Mexico, and the American southwest. On this episode of Unspookable we look to uncover the origins of these legends and the thoughts that aid in shaping our fears. Host: Elise ParisianWritten by: Ellenor Riley-ConditCreated, Produced, Edited by: Nate DuFortMusic Direction and Composition: Jesse Case: https://www.jessecasemusic.com/Logo by: Natalie Khuen http://n...more
Episode 19: Dragons
May 12 2020
How are stories created? What makes a story worth sharing? Would you be surprised to find out that people are telling the same stories all over the world? That's certainly the case with this week's topic of Dragons. Dragons exist in stories dating all of the way back to the beginnings of recorded history and on this episode of Unspookable we set out to answer why. Host: Elise ParisianWritten by: Ellenor Riley-ConditCreated, Produced, Edited by: Nate DuFortMusic Direction and Composition: Jesse C...more
Bonus: The Black Plague and the history of pandemics
Apr 02 2020
On this special episode of Unspookable we look back at The Black Plague and other historical pandemics to see how working together and trusting science can help in times of confusion. We also hear from our child contributors who discuss social distancing and how they're handling being home from school. Host: Elise ParisianWritten by: Ellenor Riley-ConditCreated, Produced, Edited by: Nate DuFortMusic Direction and Composition: Jesse Case https://www.jessecasemusic.com/Logo by: Natalie Khuen http...more
Episode 18: Witches Part 2
Nov 19 2019
Have you ever been judged or judged others because they weren't like you? While some part of this is natural, our differences are what make us interesting and give us great opportunities to learn about others. Now have you ever heard of the Salem Witch Trials? On part two of a very special two part episode of Unspookable we look at the history of witchcraft, how acceptance of these practices has changed over time, and what happens when people's judgment goes too far. Host: Elise ParisianWritten...more
Episode 17: Witches Part 1
Nov 12 2019
Do witches really exist? If so, what does it mean to be a witch? And are witches inherently good or bad? The answers to these questions have changed over time and you might be surprised to find out some of the answers. Give a listen to part one of a very special two part episode of Unspookable. Host: Elise ParisianWritten by: Ellenor Riley-ConditCreated, Produced, Edited by: Nate DuFortMusic Direction and Composition: Jesse Case https://www.jessecasemusic.com/Logo by: Natalie Khuen http://natali...more
Episode 16: Clowns
Nov 05 2019
What comes to mind when you hear the word clown? Is it the amusing character intending to make you laugh? Or is it something else - something scarier? We look at why so many have a fear of clowns and what that says about us on this episode of Unspookable. Host: Elise ParisianWritten by: Ellenor Riley-ConditCreated, Produced, Edited by: Nate DuFortMusic Direction and Composition: Jesse Case https://www.jessecasemusic.com/Logo by: Natalie Khuen http://nataliek.myportfolio.comEpisode Artwork: Sara...more
Episode 15: Vampires
Oct 29 2019
Why is it that we both fear and yet are drawn to the idea of vampires? How have media and modern medicine changed our thoughts about their existence? And what does all of this say about humans? We'll sink our teeth into all that and more on this episode of Unspookable. Host: Elise ParisianWritten by: Ellenor Riley-ConditCreated, Produced, Edited by: Nate DuFortMusic Direction and Composition: Jesse Case https://www.jessecasemusic.com/Logo by: Natalie Khuen http://nataliek.myportfolio.comEpisod...more
Episode 14: Dolls
Oct 22 2019
Dolls are most often seen as simply toys, yet so many of us harbor a secret fear of what they do while we slumber. On this episode of Unspookable we look at why these inanimate objects may creep us out and how it may have more to do with us than with them. Host: Elise ParisianWritten by: Ellenor Riley-ConditCreated, Produced, Edited by: Nate DuFortMusic Direction and Composition: Jesse Case https://www.jessecasemusic.com/Logo by: Natalie Khuen http://nataliek.myportfolio.comEpisode Artwork: Sara...more
Episode 13: Zombies
Oct 15 2019
Stories of the walking dead permeate many cultures, but have you ever wondered if zombies could actually exist? On the new season of Unspookable we'll look at this and the origins of some of the most famous monsters that just may or may not be real. Host: Elise ParisianWritten by: Ellenor Riley-ConditCreated, Produced, Edited by: Nate DuFortMusic Direction and Composition: Jesse Case https://www.jessecasemusic.com/Logo by: Natalie Khuen http://nataliek.myportfolio.comEpisode Artwork: Sarah Stitc...more
Episode 12: Momo & Media Literacy
Sep 10 2019
On the season conclusion of the family friendly Unspookable we look at the phenomenon of Momo. Why did this creepy sculpture go viral? What is the responsibility of the media in reporting these viral scares? And how can we protect ourselves from falling victim to these hoaxes? For media literacy resources for the whole family, please see our links below.Host: Elise ParisianWritten by: Ellenor Riley-ConditCreated, Produced, Edited by: Nate DuFortMusic Direction and Composition: Jesse Case https:/...more
Episode 11: Sasquatch
Sep 03 2019
Have you ever wondered what lives beyond the borders of the civilized world ? What do you picture living in the forests and mountains? Some claim there is a missing link between humans and our ancestors that still dwell in these parts and on today's episode we are going to learn about this creature. Today we look at the mysteries of The Sasquatch. Host: Elise Parisian Written by: Ellenor Riley-Condit Created, Produced, Edited by: Nate DuFort Music Direction and Composition: Jesse Case https://w...more
Episode 10: Friday the 13th
Aug 27 2019
Do you believe in luck? Do you think you're lucky or unlucky? Do you believe that there are certain days that are more prone to unlucky occurrences? In this episode we explore the origins, history, and superstition surrounding Friday the 13th. Host: Elise Parisian Written by: Ellenor Riley-Condit Created, Produced, Edited by: Nate DuFort Music Direction and Composition: Jesse Case https://www.jessecasemusic.com/ Logo by: Natalie Khuen http://nataliek.myportfolio.com Episode Artwork: Sarah Stitch...more
Episode 9: Fairies
Aug 20 2019
Fairies are nothing to be afraid of, right? Well, if all you know are Tinker Bell, fairy godmothers, and the Tooth Fairy, you’re going to want to hear this episode. Host: Elise Parisian Written by: Ellenor Riley-Condit Created, Produced, Edited by: Nate DuFort Music Direction and Composition: Jesse Case https://www.jessecasemusic.com/ Logo by: Natalie Khuen http://nataliek.myportfolio.com Episode Artwork: Sarah Stitches https://www.instagram.com/sickyll/?hl=en You can find Unspookable on Twitter...more
Episode 8: Werewolves
Aug 13 2019
Many of us are drawn to the beauty of the full moon, but for some the moon can be a symbol of transformation. On this episode of Unspookable we look at our obsession with werewolves and human transfiguration throughout history. Host: Elise Parisian Written by: Ellenor Riley-Condit Created, Produced, Edited by: Nate DuFort Music Direction and Composition: Jesse Case https://www.jessecasemusic.com/ Logo by: Natalie Khuen http://nataliek.myportfolio.com Episode Artwork: Sarah Stitches https://www.i...more
Episode 7: Mermaids
Aug 06 2019
Do you believe in mermaids? When you picture them, what do you imagine? The idea of a part human, part fish creature is as old as human's search for answers in the deep blue see. In this episode we will show there is much more to these stories than you or even Hans Christian Anderson could fathom. Host: Elise Parisian Written by: Ellenor Riley-Condit Created, Produced, Edited by: Nate DuFort Music Direction and Composition: Jesse Case https://www.jessecasemusic.com/ Logo by: Natalie Khuen http:/...more
Bonus Holiday Episode: Krampus
Dec 18 2018
For those of us who have been good all year the holidays are a time for celebration and gifts... but, for for those of us who have been naughty, we may have a half goat, half demon visitor waiting to steal us away. What's that, cheery soul? Not familiar? Well then, let's tell you a little more about Krampus. Host: Elise Parisian Written by: Ellenor Riley-Condit with Elise Parisian and Nate DuFort Created, Produced, Edited by: Nate DuFort Music Direction and Composition: Jesse Case https://www.je...more
Episode 6: Slender Man
Nov 20 2018
Stories of the boogeyman exist in almost every culture and take on as many unique forms as the human imagination can come up with. On this episode we'll talk about one of the most famous recent incarnations of this legend: Slender Man. Host: Elise Parisian Written by: Ellenor Riley-Condit with Elise Parisian and Nate DuFort Created, Produced, Edited by: Nate DuFort Music Direction and Composition: Jesse Case https://www.jessecasemusic.com/ Logo by: Natalie Khuen http://nataliek.myportfolio.com S...more
Episode 5: Tarot Cards
Nov 13 2018
Most of us are familiar with tarot cards in some way. We've seen them in movies, maybe even played with them, but what are tarot cards? Are they magical? Can they tell the future? We'll look at all of that and more on this episode of Unspookable. Host: Elise Parisian Written by: Ellenor Riley-Condit with Elise Parisian and Nate DuFort Created, Produced, Edited by: Nate DuFort Music Direction and Composition: Jesse Case https://www.jessecasemusic.com/ Logo by: Natalie Khuen http://nataliek.mypor...more
Episode 4: Hanako-san and other School Spirits
Nov 06 2018
Going to school can be a nerve-racking experience . There are constant considerations of homework, tests, and social dynamics, but what if you also had to worry about...ghosts. On this episode of Unspookable we dive into the legends of spirits specifically tied to places of learning. Host: Elise Parisian Written by: Ellenor Riley-Condit with Elise Parisian and Nate DuFort Created, Produced, Edited by: Nate DuFort Music Direction and Composition: Jesse Case https://www.jessecasemusic.com/ Logo by...more
Episode 3: Ouija Board
Oct 30 2018
What if we told you there was a board game that would let you talk to the dead? Would you try it? On this episode of Unspookable we'll talk about the unlikely history of one of America's favorite pastimes...the Ouija Board. Host: Elise Parisian Written by: Ellenor Riley-Condit with Elise Parisian and Nate DuFort Created, Produced, Edited by: Nate DuFort Music Direction and Composition: Jesse Case https://www.jessecasemusic.com/ Logo by: Natalie Khuen http://nataliek.myportfolio.com Special thank...more
Episode 2: The Charlie Charlie Challenge
Oct 23 2018
Charlie, Charlie, are you there? Even if you don't know it by it's Americanized name, most of us have seen some version of the supernatural two-pencilled balancing act that is the #CharlieCharlieChallenge. On this episode of Unspookable we look beyond the hashtags and YouTube reaction videos to get to the truth about Charlie. Host: Elise Parisian Written by: Ellenor Riley-Condit with Elise Parisian and Nate DuFort Created, Produced, Edited by: Nate DuFort Music Direction and Composition: Jesse ...more
Episode 1: Bloody Mary
Oct 17 2018
Have you ever tried to summon Bloody Mary? Do you think she was a real person? Or is she a just ghost story told to scare us? In the first episode of Unspookable we dive into the legend, the history, and the science behind this ritual to try to understand what is so tempting about looking into a darkened mirror and calling out "Bloody Mary." Host: Elise Parisian Written by: Ellenor Riley-Condit with Elise Parisian and Nate DuFort Created, Produced, Edited by: Nate DuFort Music Directio...more
Unspookable Trailer
Oct 09 2018
Unspookable is a family friendly look at the the histories and mysteries behind your favorite scary stories, myths and urban legends. Every week host Elise Parisian discusses such topics as Bloody Mary, Charlie Charlie and Ouija Boards to find the stories behind the scares. Are you Unspookable? (Recommended for ages 8+)