Episodes

  • Chincoteague Pony History

    Chincoteague Pony History
    Jul 3 2026

    Welcome back to Something Strange! It’s episode number 48, and today we’ll be discussing the history of the Chincoteague Pony - it’s stranger than you think, in a delightful way!

    Stay tuned at the end of this episode to check out the trailer for Death Kissed Traveler podcast!

    Instagram: @something_strangepod

    Facebook: Something Strange Podcast

    Youtube: @Something_StrangePod

    Linktree: https://linktr.ee/somethingstrangepod

    Send us a gmail! somethingstrangepod24@gmail.com

    **Disclaimers**

    The views discussed on this podcast do not necessarily represent our views or opinions, or those of our employers.

    References:

    “Before Misty: Early Chicoteague Pony History” by Sara Boudreau

    National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Association: What is a barrier island? - https://oceanservice.noaa.gov/facts/barrier-islands.html

    Chincoteague.com: What is the Chincoteague Pony Swim? - https://www.chincoteague.com/pony-swim/

    Chincoteague.com: Chincoteague Ponies - https://www.chincoteague.com/pony-swim/chincoteague-ponies/

    American Farm Bureau Foundation for Agriculture: Are ponies young horses? - https://www.agfoundation.org/questions/are-ponies-young-horses

    Wikipedia: Pony Penning - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pony_Penning#History_and_background

    Wikipedia: Chincoteague, Virginia - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chincoteague,_Virginia#History

    Wikipedia: History of Chincoteague, Virginia - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_Chincoteague,_Virginia

    Wikipedia: Assateague People - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Assateague_people

    Wikipedia: Assateague Island - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Assateague_Island

    Maryland.gov: Assateague State Park - https://dnr.maryland.gov/publiclands/pages/eastern/assateague/wild-ponies.aspx

    National Park Service: Assateague’s Wild Horses - https://www.nps.gov/asis/learn/nature/horses.htm

    Okstate.edu: Breeds of Livestock - https://breeds.okstate.edu/horses/chincoteague-pony#main-content

    Chincoteague Volunteer Fire Company: Frequently Asked Questions About the Ponies - https://www.chincoteague.com/cvfc3/ponyfaq.html

    International Chincoteague Pony Association and Registry: 2025 Chincoteague Pony Auction Results - https://www.chincoteagueponyassociation.com/blog/2025-chincoteague-pony-auction-results

    Misty’s Haven: History of Misty of Chincoteague - https://www.mistysheaven.com/historyofmisty.html#/

    Misty’s Haven: Beebe Ranch - https://www.mistysheaven.com/beeberanch.html#/
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    58 mins
  • The Insanity Defense

    The Insanity Defense
    Jun 26 2026
    Welcome back Strangers! Today’s episode will focus on the Insanity Defense, based on our episode about the DeFeo family murders.**TRIGGER WARNINGS FOR THIS EPISODE**Mention of suicide attempts, discussions of intoxication via drugs/alcohol, discussions of shootings/assassination attempts, mentions of stalking/obsessive behaviorStay tuned at the end of this episode to check out the trailer for Moon Brews podcast!Instagram: @something_strangepodFacebook: Something Strange PodcastYoutube: @Something_StrangePodLinktree: https://linktr.ee/somethingstrangepodSend us a gmail! somethingstrangepod24@gmail.com**Disclaimers**The views discussed on this podcast do not necessarily represent our views or opinions, or those of our employers. References:Chamber and Ball: Could A Defense Of Intoxication Or Insanity Be The Answer To Your Criminal Case? - https://www.chamberslawfirmca.com/defense-intoxication-insanity-answer-criminal-case/Cornell Law School, Legal Information Institute: M’naghten Rule - https://www.law.cornell.edu/wex/m%27naghten_ruleCornell Law School, Legal Information Institute: Irresistible Impulse Test - https://www.law.cornell.edu/wex/irresistible_impulse_testCornell Law School, Legal Information Institute: Durham Test - https://www.law.cornell.edu/wex/durham_testCornell Law School, Legal Information Institute: Model Penal Code insanity defense - https://www.law.cornell.edu/wex/model_penal_code_insanity_defenseCornell Law School, Legal Information Institute: Comprehensive Crime Control Act of 1984 - https://www.law.cornell.edu/wex/comprehensive_crime_control_act_of_1984Cornell Law School, Legal Information Institute: Insanity Defense - https://www.law.cornell.edu/wex/insanity_defenseFamous Trials: The Trial of John W. Hinckley, Jr. - https://famous-trials.com/johnhinckley/537-homeHester Law Group - What Is an Insanity Plea?: https://www.hesterlawgroup.com/blog/2022/january/what-is-an-insanity-plea-/IMDb: Taxi Driver - https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0075314/?ref_=mv_closeJustia: Competency to Stand Trial in Criminal Law Cases - https://www.justia.com/criminal/procedure/competency-to-stand-trial/Justia: The Insanity Defense in Criminal Trial Law Cases - https://www.justia.com/criminal/defenses/insanity/Justia U.S. Law: Durham v. United States, 214 F.2d 862 (D.C. Cir. 1954) - https://law.justia.com/cases/federal/appellate-courts/F2/214/862/314341/New York Post: Here’s a look at cases where insanity defenses have been successful in the US - https://nypost.com/2022/06/22/cases-where-insanity-defenses-have-been-successful-in-the-us/NIH National Library of Medicine: The Insanity Defense - https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC2993532/#:~:text=The%20Durham%20rule.,a%20mental%20disease%20or%20defect.Quimbee: Durham v. United States - https://www.quimbee.com/cases/durham-v-united-statesWikipedia: Tories (British political party) - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tories_(British_political_party)
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    49 mins
  • The Hidebehind

    The Hidebehind
    Jun 19 2026

    Welcome back to Something Strange! It’s episode number 46, and today we’ll be discussing a strange cryptid, the hidebehind!

    **TRIGGER WARNINGS FOR THIS EPISODE**

    Disembowelment

    Stay tuned at the end of this episode to check out the trailer for Macabre Mondays podcast!

    Instagram: @something_strangepod

    Facebook: Something Strange Podcast

    Youtube: @Something_StrangePod

    Linktree: https://linktr.ee/somethingstrangepod

    Send us a gmail! somethingstrangepod24@gmail.com

    **Disclaimers**

    The views discussed on this podcast do not necessarily represent our views or opinions, or those of our employers.

    References:

    Wikipedia: Hidebehind - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hidebehind

    Wikipedia: Fearsome critters - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fearsome_critters

    Cryptid Wiki: Hidebehind - https://cryptidz.fandom.com/wiki/Hidebehind

    A Book of Creatures: Hidebehind - https://abookofcreatures.com/2017/02/06/hidebehind/

    Medium: The Hidebehind - https://medium.com/@jan.josef.sanak/the-hidebehind-9639145ab25f

    Youtube; Channel “Storied”, playlist “Monstrum”: Why Lumberjacks Never Look Behind Them - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nBH_8x7zTS0

    Reddit
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    49 mins
  • The Tragic Case of Matthew Shepard

    The Tragic Case of Matthew Shepard
    Jun 5 2026
    Welcome back to Something Strange. Today for episode number 45, we have a very special episode. We will be discussing the tragic death of Matthew Shepard, a young man taken far too soon by a brutal hate crime.**TRIGGER WARNINGS FOR THIS EPISODE**Death by beating, discussion of severe injuries, discussion of sexual assault, discussions of hate crimes, hateful language, mention of sexual assault of a child, mention of mass shooting.Instagram: @something_strangepodFacebook: Something Strange PodcastYoutube: @Something_StrangePodLinktree: https://linktr.ee/somethingstrangepodSend us a gmail! somethingstrangepod24@gmail.comReferences:Matthew Shepard Foundation Website - https://www.matthewshepard.org/Matthew Shepard Foundation: The Foundation Story - https://www.matthewshepard.org/about-us/our-story/Matthew Shepard Foundation: The Laramie Project - https://www.matthewshepard.org/the-laramie-project/Matthew Shepard Foundation: Creating Safer Communities Hate Crimes Prevention Training - https://www.matthewshepard.org/creating-safer-communities-hate-crimes-prevention-training/Matthew Shepard Foundation: Speaking Engagements - https://www.matthewshepard.org/speaking-engagements/Wyohistory.org: The Murder of Matthew Shepard - https://www.wyohistory.org/encyclopedia/murder-matthew-shepardUMKC School of Law Famous Trials: Motion to Suppress McKinney Confession Denied - https://famous-trials.com/mattshepard/2520-motion-to-suppress-mckinney-confession-denied, https://famous-trials.com/images/ftrials/mattshepard/McKinney_Defendant_Motions.pdfUMKC School of Law Famous Trials: Aaron McKinney Trial: No Appeal if No Death Penalty - https://famous-trials.com/mattshepard/2502-confession-of-aaron-mckinney, https://famous-trials.com/images/ftrials/mattshepard/McKinney_Sentencing_Court_Transcript.pdfUMKC School of Law Famous Trials: Aaron McKinney’s Confession - https://famous-trials.com/mattshepard/2503-trial-of-aaron-mckinney-excerpts-from-the-trial-transcriptUMKC School of Law Famous Trials: Russell Henderson Testimony Regarding Shepard Murder, Transcript of the Hearing Concerning Henderson's Agreement to Change His Plea to Guilty - https://famous-trials.com/mattshepard/2513-russell-henderson-testimony-regarding-shepard-murder, https://famous-trials.com/images/ftrials/mattshepard/Wyoming_v_Henderson_Transcrip47.pdfUMKC School of Law Famous Trials: Judge's Decision Rejecting "Gay Panic Defense" - https://famous-trials.com/mattshepard/2514-judge-s-decision-rejecting-gay-panic-defenseBBC News: Matthew Shepard: The murder that changed America - https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-45968606Documentary: Matt Shepard is a Friend of MineU.S. Department of Justice: FBI Releases 2024 Hate Crime Statistics - https://www.justice.gov/hatecrimes/hate-crime-statisticsDepartment of Justice: Learn About Hate Crimes - https://www.justice.gov/hatecrimes/learn-about-hate-crimesThe LGBTQ+ Bar: LGBTQ+ "Panic" Defense - https://lgbtqbar.org/programs/advocacy-resources/advocacy/gay-trans-panic-defense/
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    1 hr and 2 mins
  • Fae Encounters of Reddit - A Bonus Friday Fun Episode!

    Fae Encounters of Reddit - A Bonus Friday Fun Episode!
    May 29 2026

    Welcome to Bonus Friday Fun! When there is an extra Friday in the month, we will post some fun bonus content. Today, we dug through the trenches of Reddit to find some fae encounters, which we will read and discuss.

    **TRIGGER WARNINGS FOR THIS EPISODE**

    Stay tuned at the end of this episode to check out the trailer for Kill Me Maybe podcast!

    Instagram: @something_strangepod

    Facebook: Something Strange Podcast

    Youtube: @Something_StrangePod

    Linktree: https://linktr.ee/somethingstrangepod

    Send us a gmail! somethingstrangepod24@gmail.com

    **Disclaimers**

    The views discussed on this podcast do not necessarily represent our views or opinions, or those of our employers.

    References:

    Reddit - My family’s encounters with elves/fairies in South America: https://www.reddit.com/r/Paranormal/comments/1gg11fq/my_familys_encounters_with_elvesfairies_in_south/

    Reddit - I invited a fairy to meet me and one did (kind of): https://www.reddit.com/r/AstralProjection/comments/zsn3ae/i_invited_a_fairy_to_meet_me_and_one_did_kind_of/

    Reddit - Has anyone seen the fae folk?: https://www.reddit.com/r/Paranormal/comments/1202maa/has_anyone_seen_the_fae_folk/

    Reddit - An encounter with the Fae: https://www.reddit.com/r/faeries/comments/v8iz86/an_encounter_with_the_fae/
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    35 mins
  • Hauntings of Reading, Pennsylvania

    Hauntings of Reading, Pennsylvania
    May 22 2026

    Welcome back Strangers! Today’s episode will focus on the hauntings in the town of Reading, Pennsylvania, based on the winning topic of our May Instagram poll!

    **TRIGGER WARNINGS FOR THIS EPISODE**

    Murder, infanticide, severing of limbs, death by decapitation, desicration of a grave/grave monument, suicide

    Stay tuned at the end of this episode to check out the trailer for It Came from the Maritimes podcast!

    Instagram: @something_strangepod

    Facebook: Something Strange Podcast

    Youtube: @Something_StrangePod

    Linktree: https://linktr.ee/somethingstrangepod

    Send us a gmail! somethingstrangepod24@gmail.com

    **Disclaimers**

    The views discussed on this podcast do not necessarily represent our views or opinions, or those of our employers.

    References:

    Ghosts and Legends of Berks County, Pennsylvania by Elizabeth Page

    Experience Reading and Berks County - Haunted Places in Berks County: https://www.experienceberks.com/blog/post/haunted-tales-of-berks-county/

    Wikipedia - Reading PA: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Reading,_Pennsylvania

    Goreadingberks.com - Ghost Stories from the William Penn Memorial Fire Tower: https://goreadingberks.com/ghost-stories-from-the-william-penn-memorial-fire-tower/

    Goreadingberks.com - The Dreamland Park Murders: https://goreadingberks.com/the-dreamland-park-murders/

    Experience Reading and Berks County - Spooky Season in Berks County: https://www.experienceberks.com/blog/post/spooky-season-in-berks-county/

    Berks County Living- Tales of Haunted Berks: https://berkscountyliving.com/everything-berks/house-home/tales-of-haunted-berks/

    Berks Nostalgia - The Luden Family & the Ghost of Bon Air: https://berksnostalgia.com/william-h-luden-ghosts-of-bon-air/
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    52 mins
  • Will-O'-The-Wisp

    Will-O'-The-Wisp
    May 15 2026

    Welcome back to Something Strange! We’re continuing our fae-adjacent May episodes today, as we discuss the Will-O-The-Wisp!

    **TRIGGER WARNINGS FOR THIS EPISODE**

    Mentions of child death, stories of demonic encounters, fae-esq tricks, potential sexual assault

    Stay tuned at the end of this episode to check out the trailer for Grimly podcast!

    Instagram: @something_strangepod

    Facebook: Something Strange Podcast

    Youtube: @Something_StrangePod

    Linktree: https://linktr.ee/somethingstrangepod

    Send us a gmail! somethingstrangepod24@gmail.com

    **Disclaimers**

    The views discussed on this podcast do not necessarily represent our views or opinions, or those of our employers.

    References:Will-o’-the-Wisps, Jack-O-Lanterns, Ignis Fatuus (fools fire): Legends about fire fairies translated and/or edited by D.L. Ashliman - https://sites.pitt.edu/~dash/willowisp.html

    Merriam Webster Dictionary: Will-O’-the-Wisp - https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/will-o%27-the-wisp

    Science Direct: Mysterious will-o’-the-wisps ignited by microlightning - https://www.science.org/content/article/mysterious-will-o-wisps-ignited-microlightning

    PBS: Monstrum -

    https://www.pbs.org/video/will-o-the-wisp-monstrous-flame-or-scientific-phenomenon-dsugln/

    The Smithsonian: What Actually Sparks Will-o’-the-Wisps? A New Study Traces the Science Behind the Mysterious, Wandering Lights - https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/what-actually-sparks-will-o-the-wisps-a-new-study-traces-the-science-behind-the-mysterious-wandering-lights-180987421/

    Kat the Lore Mistress: Monster Monday #35: Will-O'-The-Wisp - https://www.theloremistress.co.uk/post/monster-monday-35-will-o-the-wisp

    Wikipedia: Will-o'-the-wisp - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Will-o%27-the-wisp
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    54 mins
  • Oni

    Oni
    May 1 2026

    Welcome back Strangers! Today on episode 42, we will focus on the mythical Japanese creature, the Oni!

    **TRIGGER WARNINGS FOR THIS EPISODE**

    Mentions of incest, mentions of humans being eaten

    Stay tuned at the end of this episode to check out the trailer for Do you Dare? podcast!

    Instagram: @something_strangepod

    Facebook: Something Strange Podcast

    Youtube: @Something_StrangePod

    Linktree: https://linktr.ee/somethingstrangepod

    Send us a gmail! somethingstrangepod24@gmail.com

    **Disclaimers**

    The views discussed on this podcast do not necessarily represent our views or opinions, or those of our employers.

    References:

    Yokai.com: Oni - https://yokai.com/oni/#:~:text=In%20Japanese%20folklore%2C%20oni%20are%20large%2C%20scary,Crush%20and%20destroy%20humans%20solely%20for%20enjoyment

    Encyclopedia Britannica: Oni - https://www.britannica.com/topic/oni

    Wikipedia: Yokai - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Y%C5%8Dkai

    Wikipedia: Oni - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oni#Demon_gate

    Wikipedia: Kami - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kami

    Wikipedia: Shuten-dōji - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shuten-d%C5%8Dji

    Wikipedia: Minamoto no Yorimitsu - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minamoto_no_Yorimitsu

    Discover Magazine: The Oni of Japanese Folklore: Are They Fierce Demons or Cute and Gentle? - https://www.discovermagazine.com/the-oni-of-japanese-folklore-are-they-fierce-demons-or-cute-and-gentle-45206

    Center of Excellence: Oni in Japanese Mythology: Myths, Symbols, and Powers - https://www.centreofexcellence.com/oni-in-japanese-mythology/

    “Japanese Demon Lore: Oni from Ancient Times to the Present” by Noriko T. Reider, accessed via JSTOR - https://www.jstor.org/content/oa_book_monograph/j.ctt4cgpqc
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    47 mins