Episodes

  • 50. 13 Reasons Tacoma Dominates Seattle-Come At Me Bro!

    50. 13 Reasons Tacoma Dominates Seattle-Come At Me Bro!
    Nov 6 2024
    In this episode, Shea risks getting canceled by Seattle loyalists by boldly declaring, “Tacoma is cooler than Seattle.” Yep, it’s happening. Join us as we count down 13 of Tacoma's unique claims to fame—from winning the Northern Pacific Railroad’s western terminus to being home to Stadium High School (an actual castle!), the world’s largest octopuses, and even inspiring Frank Herbert to write Dune.
    We’ll also cover iconic landmarks like the Tacoma Narrows Bridge and local legends that put Seattle’s Space Needle to shame.
    So if you're ready to dive into a lively (and potentially controversial) love letter to Tacoma, buckle up!
    Highlights:
    • Tacoma wins the Northern Pacific Railroad western terminus battle.
    • Stadium High School’s castle-like beauty.
    • How Dune author Frank Herbert found inspiration in Tacoma’s landscapes.
    • The Tacoma Narrows Bridge and its place in history.
    • Meet the world’s largest octopuses, right off the shores of Tacoma.
    Disclaimer: Seattlites, this is all in good fun—so, come at us, bro!

    You can find more on our website! Rainydayrabbitholes.com

    Do you want ad-free episodes and bonus episodes? Sign up for our Patreon! Link on the website!

    Do you want to explore all that makes Tacoma the superior city? Then join an amazing historical tour! Pretty Gritty Tours covers all of our tour needs. Check out the amazing variety of tours at prettygrittytours.com


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    26 mins
  • 49. Ghosts of Kells & Halloween’s Irish Origns

    49. Ghosts of Kells & Halloween’s Irish Origns
    Oct 30 2024
    In this special Halloween episode, we’re thrilled to welcome our fabulous friend Nules from the Ireland Crimes and Mysteries podcast! Nules joins us from across the pond to dive into spooky tales with an Irish twist. Together, we explore two stories that go bump in the night and connect Seattle’s eerie spots with Ireland’s haunting history.We start by revisiting Kells Irish restaurant in Seattle—formerly a mortuary, now rumored to be one of the city’s most haunted locations!
    Jody unearths more chilling details from its mysterious past, first introduced in episode 30. Then, Nules shares the fascinating origins of Halloween, tracing back to ancient Irish lore and the spirits that inspired today’s ghostly traditions.
    So grab a cozy blanket and maybe a pint, and settle in for tales of haunted history, eerie origins, and the Irish spirits that still linger.

    You can listen to the episode at www.rainydayrabbitholes.com or on any podcast platform. You can listen to Ireland Crimes and Mysteries at https://www.irelandcrimesandmysteries.ie/ or on any podcast platform.

    Want ad-free episodes plus our spooky bonus episodes? Then join our patreon! You can find that link right at our website.

    Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/rainy-day-rabbit-holes-pacific-northwest-history-and-humor--6271663/support.
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    1 hr and 5 mins
  • Rabbit Hole Rewind Salish Sea Human Feet Discoveries

    Rabbit Hole Rewind Salish Sea Human Feet Discoveries
    Oct 23 2024
    Rabbit Hole Rewind: Salish Sea Human Feet Discoveries

    Shea and Jody are back with another Rabbit Hole Rewind, revisiting one of their most unforgettable (and hilarious) episodes! This time, they take a look at the mysterious—and very real—case of human feet washing up on Pacific Northwest beaches. While the case itself is bizarre, it's Shea and Jody's hilarious banter that made the episode a fan favorite. Tune in as they discuss what they loved about the recording, what they learned about themselves, and whether or not Shea has finally become a Dog Dad. Laughter and mystery await in this special rewind!

    If you want to hear this episode ad-free, plus get other perks like bonus episodes, check out the Patreon! Visit www.rainydayrabbitholes.com to sign up.

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    47 mins
  • 48. Murder, Mystery, and Hollywood Tragedy: Ghostly Encounters with Ani from Audibly Haunted

    48. Murder, Mystery, and Hollywood Tragedy: Ghostly Encounters with Ani from Audibly Haunted
    Oct 16 2024
    In this episode of Rainy Day Rabbit Holes, we welcome special guest Ani from Audibly Haunted for a chilling journey through two eerie tales.

    First, Shea dives into the haunting mystery of Lake Crescent, a cold and enigmatic lake in the Olympic National Forest, where the spirit of a murdered woman is said to linger. Her body was found saponified in the depths of the lake, but her ghost remains in the shadows.

    Then, Ani shares the tragic story of actress Peggy Entwistle, whose Hollywood dreams ended in despair. Her ghost is believed to haunt the iconic Hollywood sign, reminding us of the darker side of Tinseltown.

    Join us as we uncover these ghostly encounters filled with murder, mystery, and Hollywood tragedy.

    ✨ Want ad-free episodes a day early, plus bonus content and other special perks? Join our Patreon and get exclusive access to all this and more! Head to rainydayrabbitholes.com to learn more and sign up today.

    Make sure to follow Audibly Haunted on all podcast platforms, and don’t forget to follow them on Instagram for more spooky stories at @audiblyhaunted!

    Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/rainy-day-rabbit-holes-pacific-northwest-history-and-humor--6271663/support.
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    1 hr and 5 mins
  • Body Composting and The All American Funeral with Audibly Haunted

    Body Composting and The All American Funeral with Audibly Haunted
    Oct 9 2024

    In this episode, Shea and Jody dive into a personal and thought-provoking topic—what they want done with their remains after they die. Both hosts share why they’ve chosen body composting as their final wish and explain how the process works. They discuss the environmental benefits of human composting, why it’s an eco-friendly alternative to traditional burial or cremation, and why it feels like the best choice for them.After discussing composting, they chat about their upcoming collaboration episode with Ani Khajadourian from Audibly Haunted, teasing listeners with stories of how much fun they had recording. It’s a glimpse into what’s to come next week!

    To wrap things up, Shea and Jody introduce this week's featured episode from Audibly Haunted—titled The All American Funeral. Ani takes listeners on a journey through the history of the American funeral industry, from early at-home funerals to the rise of funeral homes and undertakers. It’s an enlightening look at how end-of-life care has evolved in America.

    Follow Audibly Haunted on social media and wherever you get podcasts!

    Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/rainy-day-rabbit-holes-pacific-northwest-history-and-humor--6271663/support.
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    39 mins
  • 47. Roads Less Traveled: Ghosts, PNW Legends, and the Road Trip That Sparked a Podcast

    47. Roads Less Traveled: Ghosts, PNW Legends, and the Road Trip That Sparked a Podcast
    Oct 2 2024
    To celebrate the one-year anniversary of Rainy Day Rabbit Holes, we’re revisiting the road trip that started it all! In this special all-new version of our very first episode, Shea and Jody take you back to the haunted streets of Astoria, Oregon, and the eerie Heceta Head Lighthouse, where ghost stories and local legends sparked our love for diving into the strange and forgotten. Along the way, we showcase the infectious humor and chemistry that have defined the podcast, making it the perfect introduction for new listeners!

    As we look back on an amazing year, we also talk about some of our favorite episodes and the incredible guests who have joined us, including Allison Gill of The Daily Beans and Clean Up On Aisle 45, author Brad Holden, historian Michael Sullivan, and Chris Staudinger from Pretty Gritty Tours. From the origins of the Men in Black phenomenon in our Summer of Saucers episode, to the chilling story of Linda Hazzard, the "Starvation Doctor," and the bizarre Pig Wars of the San Juan Islands, we’ve uncovered the forgotten and the fantastic with a unique PNW twist.

    Want more of Rainy Day Rabbit Holes? For ad-free episodes a day early and bonus content, be sure to sign up for our Patreon! You can find all the details at our website, www.rainydayrabbitholes.com.

    Whether you’ve been with us from the beginning or you’re just discovering the show, this anniversary episode is the perfect way to celebrate one year of laughter, stories, and curiosity!

    Paranormal Activity, Ghost Stories, Haunted Houses, Astoria, Oregon, Captain Flavill, Victorian Mansion, Unexplained Footsteps, Shadowy Figures, Piano Ghost, Alien Abduction, Poltergeist, Paranormal Humor, Historic Hauntings, Sea Salt And Adventure, Widow'S Walk Ghost, Unexplained Phenomena, Haunted Tours, Victorian Architecture, Paranormal Experiences, Spooky Tales

    Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/rainy-day-rabbit-holes-pacific-northwest-history-and-humor--6271663/support.
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    40 mins
  • 46. Whispers in the Walls: The Dark History of Western State Hospital

    46. Whispers in the Walls: The Dark History of Western State Hospital
    Sep 25 2024
    Whispers in the Walls: The Dark History of Western State Hospital

    💬 Show Notes
    Western State Hospital: Madness, Mystery, and Misery

    Welcome to another spine-chilling episode of Rainy Day Rabbit Holes, where we unravel the dark and eerie history of Western State Hospital in Washington. Join Shea and Jody as they explore the institution's haunted past, its infamous scandals, and the tragic tales of its most notorious patients. From shocking treatments to mysterious disappearances, this episode is a deep dive into one of the Pacific Northwest's most infamous landmarks.

    In this episode:
    - The founding and early days of Western State Hospital
    - Gruesome treatments and the dark side of mental health care
    - Scandals and mysteries: Disappearing patients and embezzlement
    - Famous patients: The tragic tales of Mary L. Leonard and Dr. William Chester Minor
    - The eerie Fort Steilacoom Cemetery and its forgotten souls
    - Ghost stories and paranormal activities reported at the hospital
    - Modern-day challenges and ongoing efforts to reform Western State Hospital

    Want ad-free episodes and bonus content? Join our Patreon for more exclusive perks! Visit www.rainydayrabbitholes.com to sign up.

    Subscribe:
    Don't forget to subscribe to Rainy Day Rabbit Holes on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you listen to your favorite shows.

    Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/rainy-day-rabbit-holes-pacific-northwest-history-and-humor--6271663/support.

    00:00 " Western State Hospital is where some of Washington state's darkest stories unfolded
    04:51 " Do it for science. Not the getting weed suppositories
    05:12 " Western State Hospital opened its doors in 1871 before Washington became estate
    07:59 " Western state hospital was built during a time when mental health care was experimental
    11:16 " Western state Hospital became the largest mental institution in Washington state during 20th century
    13:59 " If you would like to listen to our episodes ad free, consider joining Patreon
    14:48 " Western State hospital made headlines in 1950s for embezzling funds
    15:59 " Western State Hospital had some famous and infamous patients
    20:33 " Actress Frances Farmer spent time at Western State Hospital
    21:14 " Fort Steilacoom cemetery was used to bury patients at Winston State
    26:14 " You have this gorgeous backyard full of plants. And now I'm kind of concerned that you actually do have a poison garden
    27:10 " Only a fraction of unmarked graves in Fort Steilacoom cemetery are marked
    30:04 " Laura Lemke started a mission to remark the graves with names and dates
    32:46 " Grave concerns has completed most of their work at Western State Hospital
    33:29 " This episode on western State hospital includes talk of ghosts
    34:02 " We should head out for a night over at western State hospital
    36:46 " The hospital's eerie atmosphere has given rise to countless ghost stories and legends
    39:25 " Western State Hospital has struggled to shake off its troubled past
    44:15 " Western state hospital remains a symbol of ongoing struggles within mental health care system
    46:07 " There is so much more to tell about Western State hospital


    Show notes created by https://headliner.app
    ---



    Want more? Join our Patreon for ad-free episodes a day early and get access to bonus content! Links can be found on our website at www.rainydayrabbitholes.com.
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    53 mins
  • 45. Hollywood's Lost Star: The Dark Descent of Frances Farmer

    45. Hollywood's Lost Star: The Dark Descent of Frances Farmer
    Sep 18 2024
    In this episode of Rainy Day Rabbit Holes, we dive deep into the turbulent life of Frances Farmer, a rising star of 1930s Hollywood who captured the spotlight with her remarkable talent and beauty. But behind the glamour was a woman tormented by personal struggles and unjust treatment that led to her tragic incarceration at Western State Hospital in Washington.We're joined by special guests Laura and Stephen from the Midday Musings podcast to discuss Frances Farmer’s life, the haunting legacy she left behind, and her influence on Kurt Cobain’s music. Together, we’ll explore how her story of fame, rebellion, and mistreatment became a symbol of the dark side of Hollywood and mental health treatment.Discover the dark and untold history of mental health treatment in mid-century America, Frances’s rebellion against the Hollywood machine, and how her legacy lives on in music and pop culture. Was she truly misunderstood, or was she a victim of the system?Tune in to hear her remarkable yet tragic story, and see how one woman's struggles echoed through generations.In this episode:
    • The rise and fall of Frances Farmer: from Hollywood starlet to Western State Hospital
    • The truth behind the rumors and the real-life horrors she faced
    • How her life and legacy inspired Kurt Cobain and Nirvana's music
    • The shocking history of mental health treatment in the mid-20th century
    • Insights from our special guests Laura and Stephen from Midday Musings
    Listen to Midday Musings:
    Spotify | Apple PodcastsGet More Content:
    For ad-free episodes and bonus content, become a Patreon member! Visit www.rainydayrabbitholes.com to find the link and explore exclusive perks.Subscribe:
    Don't forget to subscribe to Rainy Day Rabbit Holes on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you listen to your favorite shows.

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    38 mins