Emily and Caroline discuss the Queen Mary’s history: built in the 1930s as a luxury transatlantic liner, later refitted in WWII as the troopship “Great Ghost,” and involved in a 1942 collision with HMS Curacoa that killed hundreds. After postwar service declined with the rise of air travel, Long Beach bought and converted the ship into a hotel and tourist attraction. They then cover its reputation as one of the world’s most haunted sites, highlighting reports of the “lady in white,” the spirit of crewman John Pedder killed by Watertight Door 13, the notoriously active Room B340, eerie sounds linked to the collision area, and paranormal claims around the drained first-class pool and alleged vortex zones, alongside several firsthand online accounts.

Sources:

https://www.britannica.com/topic/Queen-Mary-ship

https://www.museodelmarpr.org/echoes-of-the-past-the-rms-queen-mary/

https://usghostadventures.com/haunted-stories/hauntings-of-the-rms-queen-mary/#:~:text=In%20the%20accident%2C%2018%2Dyear%2Dold%20John%20Pedder%20was,only%20been%20a%20crew%20member%20for%20a

This episode dives into the legend of the Lost City of Z and British explorer Percy Harrison Fawcett, who believed the Amazon rainforest once held an advanced civilization hidden beneath the jungle. After years of research—drawing on indigenous accounts, early European reports, artifacts, and the mysterious Manuscript 512—Fawcett launched a final expedition in 1925 with his son Jack and Jack’s friend Raleigh Rimmel, then vanished after his last message from “Dead Horse Camp.” The hosts cover the enduring theories behind their disappearance, the deadly search efforts that followed, and how modern tools like lidar and archaeological discoveries near the Xingu River reveal planned settlements, roads, and plazas—suggesting Fawcett’s broader claims about complex Amazon societies were likely right, even if Z was never a single city.

Sources:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lost_City_of_Z

https://louiswolf.com/english/2023/6/3/the-lost-city-of-z-a-journey-into-the-history-discoveries-and-mythology-of-a-legend

https://ageofsteam.wordpress.com/2015/03/18/quest-for-the-lost-city-of-z/

https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2005/09/19/the-lost-city-of-z

https://time.com/4735505/the-lost-city-of-z-true-story/

https://www.historyhit.com/facts-about-percy-fawcett-and-the-lost-city-of-z/

Emily and Caroline dive into the history and legends of Bran Castle in Romania, often linked to Dracula. They trace its origins to 1377, when Hungary’s King Louis I authorized the Transylvanian Saxons to build a fortress on a high rock to defend a key mountain pass and serve as a customs point, with construction completed in 1388 and later ownership shifting among Transylvanian princes and the Hapsburg Empire. They explain how the castle’s modern fame surged after Bram Stoker’s 1897 novel Dracula—despite Stoker never visiting Romania—and how the character was loosely inspired by Vlad the Impaler, whose campaigns and alleged brief imprisonment near the castle fueled the association. The episode also explores Romanian strigoi vampire folklore, garlic-based defenses, St. Andrew’s Day traditions, and reported ghost stories and paranormal experiences at the castle today.

Sources:

https://www.history.co.uk/articles/vlad-the-impaler-7-gruesome-acts-by-the-man-who-inspired-dracula

https://www.britannica.com/biography/Vlad-the-Impaler

https://www.bran-castle.com/en/dracula/

https://vocal.media/geeks/jure-grando-alilovic-vampire

https://www.transylvaniaunveiled.com/blog/unveiling-the-strigoi---transylvanias-haunted-souls

https://dracula-castle.ro/visitor-information/

Missed it the first time? Here it is again!

Join Emily and Caroline as they dive headfirst into the eerie legends of the Black Shuck, the infamous hellhound of English folklore. From terrifying historical encounters to modern-day sightings and cryptid theories, this episode promises to be a spooky exploration of one of the most mysterious creatures in folklore. Will we uncover the truth? Tune in to find out!

Sources:

https://www.thesuffolkcoast.co.uk/articles/the-legend-of-the-bungay-black-dog

https://mythus.fandom.com/wiki/Black_Shuck#:~:text=For%20centuries%2C%20inhabitants%20of%20England,fur%20and%20glowing%20red%20eyes.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Black_Shuck

https://www.discoveryuk.com/mysteries/black-shuck-the-devil-dog-of-english-folklore/

https://www.britannica.com/topic/The-Hound-of-the-Baskervilles

https://mythical-beasts.fandom.com/wiki/Barghest

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gwyllgi#:~:text=The%20gwyllgi%20(Welsh%20pronunciation%3A%20%5B,breath%20and%20blazing%20red%20eyes.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Black_dog_(folklore)#:~:text=Guardian%20Black%20Dogs,-Guardian%20Black%20Dogs&text=Instead%20they%20guide%20lost%20travellers,presence%20of%20the%20black%20dog.

https://allthatsinteresting.com/black-shuck

Caroline and Emily dive into the Sallie House in Atchison, Kansas—an 1800s home linked to Dr. Charles Finney and infamous for reports of violent paranormal activity. They cover the popular legend of a girl named Sallie who supposedly died during a rushed appendectomy (despite no historical proof she existed), the 1993 case that brought national attention, and why many believe the entity targets men with scratches and attacks. The episode ends with competing theories—environmental or psychological factors, poltergeist activity, or something darker using “Sallie” as a disguise—plus a warning that the house is now open for overnight paranormal tours with strict rules.

Sources:

https://strangeandtwisted.com/blogs/stories/the-sallie-house-haunting-america-s-most-scary-paranormal-case?srsltid=AfmBOorBTSuY5wkQetqcpwftxIVclheodOI7-enC0puhaVGl44s8K9De

https://usghostadventures.com/americas-most-haunted-trending/sallie-house/

https://www.travelks.com/blog/stories/post/haunted-houses-in-atchison-kansas-things-that-go-bump-in-the-night/

https://www.reddit.com/r/nosleep/comments/33hkex/the_sallie_house/

Join Emily and Caroline as they cover Germany’s Black Forest (Schwarzwald), outlining its location in southwest Germany, its dense, dark-looking spruce canopy, and notable regional culture such as Black Forest ham, cuckoo clocks, and Black Forest cake. They explain how the forest’s atmosphere helped inspire the Brothers Grimm and recounts darker elements from classic tales including Cinderella, Snow White, Little Red Riding Hood, the Frog Prince, and Rapunzel. The episode then shifts to Black Forest folklore and supernatural legends: a barren “forbidden” area said to cause illness and madness, moss women who lure people to their deaths, a witches’ gorge and headless horseman, the Werewolf of Morbach, Der Großmann, the Mummelsee lake maidens, and other beings like elves, nixies, kobolds, the Lorelei siren, the Night Hag, the Tatzelwurm, and the Black Forest witch.

Sources:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Black_Forest

https://apnews.com/travel-and-tourism-a8d408f477974cc89e0041aa4b83b5f1

https://www.bavarianclockworks.com/history-of-the-cuckoo-clock/?srsltid=AfmBOorb1GODbRIKpvtbLziHOew9cUHIm2EYMnW_3h-QD7uQ6gy1SOjv

https://www.jpost.com/travel/article-865875

https://mysteriousadventurestours.com/6-eerie-haunting-places-in-the-black-forest-of-germany/

https://thelittlehouseofhorrors.com/the-black-forest/

https://wildernessbonescapes.com/blog-1/f/episode-18-fables-legends-and-folklore-of-the-black-forest

https://vocal.media/horror/beyond-the-mist-ghosts-curses-and-the-untold-hauntings-of-the-black-forest

https://slendermanconnection.fandom.com/wiki/Der_Gro%C3%9Fmann

https://www.mummelsee.de/en_US/erlebnis/mummelsee?acceptCookies=Necessary&cachebust=69b00ea884a1e

https://mysteriousadventurestours.com/9-mythical-creatures-and-fairy-tales-of-the-black-forest/

Caroline and Emily explore the centuries-old mystery of Oak Island in Mahone Bay, Nova Scotia, centered on the “money pit” first discovered in the 1790s by Daniel McGinnis and friends, who dug through repeated layers of log platforms before the shaft flooded. They cover reports of a inscribed stone that later disappeared, theories of engineered flood tunnels linking the pit to Smith’s Cove, and the strange discovery of coconut fiber used as filtration despite coconuts not growing in the region. The episode reviews major treasure theories—pirates (Captain Kidd), Knights Templar relics, Marie Antoinette’s jewels, and more—along with the possibility the pit is a natural geological formation, and notes that modern searches, including a History Channel series, still haven’t confirmed any treasure.

Sources:

https://vocal.media/geeks/the-legend-of-oak-island-the-search-for-a-treasure-that-may-or-may-not-exist

https://www.numismaticnews.net/the-buried-treasure-of-oak-island

https://explorersweb.com/exploration-mysteries-oak-island-treasure/

https://collider.com/the-curse-of-oak-island-treasures-surprising/

https://www.readersdigest.ca/culture/treasure-hunt/

https://www.history.com/shows/the-curse-of-oak-island/articles/curse-of-oak-island-top-theories

Emily and Caroline dive into Edinburgh’s Real Mary King’s Close, a 17th-century “close” (alleyway) buried beneath the Royal Mile, exploring its history, plague-era myths, and why it’s considered one of the city’s most haunted sites—featuring stories of Annie, the Woman in Black, and other reported paranormal encounters.

Patreon exclusive sneak peek! Check out our Patreon for more episodes like these: https://patreon.com/LiveLaughLorePodcast?utm_medium=unknown&utm_source=join_link&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=copyLink

In this first Cryptid Corner patron bonus episode, your hosts Emily and Caroline explore the Loch Ness Monster legend—from Scottish folklore and early accounts to famous sightings, the debunked “Surgeon’s Photograph,” sonar searches, and modern DNA findings that point to eels. They break down common witness reports, leading theories (misidentifications, hoaxes, and optical illusions), and why Nessie remains a lasting cultural mystery.

Patreon exclusive sneak peek! Check out our Patreon for more episodes like these: https://patreon.com/LiveLaughLorePodcast?utm_medium=unknown&utm_source=join_link&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=copyLink

Join us on our second bonus episode of Myth and Mystery Minutes as we dive into the intriguing tale of the Fresno Nightcrawler. Learn about various sightings, theories, and hoaxes surrounding this eerie figure that's captivated imaginations. Plus, get a sneak peek into our Cryptid Corner! Don't forget to like, rate, and subscribe for more mysterious content!

In this episode of Live Laugh Lore, hosts Caroline and Emily delve into ghost stories from Disneyland, the 'Happiest Place on Earth'. They share personal anecdotes, eerie experiences from park employees, and recount tales of ghostly apparitions, mysterious hauntings, and tragic accidents that have left a spiritual mark on various Disneyland attractions. From hauntings at the Haunted Mansion to chilling stories surrounding Space Mountain, this episode takes you on a spooky journey through the nostalgic and supernatural side of Disneyland.

Sources:

https://hauntedoc.com/haunted-disneyland-stories/

https://wanderwisdom.com/travel-destinations/haunted-disneyland-ghosts-in-the-happiest-place-on-earth

https://davidvaughn.medium.com/a-disneyland-ghost-story-954e38a3f803

https://www.sfgate.com/disneyland/article/Disneyland-Haunted-legends-ghost-stories-15654060.php

In this episode of Live Laugh Lore, hosts Emily and Caroline delve into the captivating and tragic tale of Anne Boleyn, the second wife of King Henry VIII. They discuss Anne's rise to power, her impact on history, and her ultimate downfall that led to her execution. The hosts explore Anne's ghostly presence, said to haunt several locations connected to her life, such as the Tower of London and Heaver Castle. Along the way, they also touch on the broader context of royal marriages, historical perceptions, and the personal anecdotes surrounding Anne's legacy. Join them for a riveting discussion filled with history, mystery, and the paranormal.

Sources:

https://ghostcitytours.com/ghost-stories/christmas-ghost-stories/ghost-anne-boleyn/

https://www.hevercastle.co.uk/whats-on/haunted-hever-castle-tours/

https://www.cassidycash.com/the-ghost-stories-of-anne-boleyn-ep295/

https://twu.edu/history/ibid/ibid-volume-18-spring-2025/who-is-anne-boleyn/

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anne_Boleyn

The Six Wives of Henry VIII by Alison Weir 

In this episode of Live Laugh Lore, hosts Caroline and Emily explore the eerie history of Cheesman Park in Denver, Colorado. From its beginnings as Mount Prospect Cemetery to its transformation into one of Denver's most beloved parks, the journey is filled with disturbing tales of forgotten graves, paranormal sightings, and historical accounts of dismembered bodies. The hosts dive into the stories of restless spirits still haunting the park today, including the infamous Slackjaw. Join Caroline and Emily as they unravel the haunting history behind Cheesman Park and why it’s considered one of the most haunted parks in America.

Sources:

https://www.legendsofamerica.com/co-cheesemanpark/

https://denverterrors.com/cheesman-park/

https://cheesmanpark.org/park-history

https://history.denverlibrary.org/news/denver/cheesman-parks-past-lifeas-cemetery?page=3

https://gazette.com/2019/06/04/the-twisted-tale-of-the-bodies-beneath-denvers-cheesman-park-82426e6c-86e9-11e9-8641-1b7cb509b4de/

Join Emily and Caroline in this gripping episode of Live Laugh Lore as they delve deep into the world of Japanese folklore, exploring the eerie tales of Onryō—vengeful spirits bound by powerful emotions and unfinished business. From historical accounts of haunted emperors to spine-chilling modern portrayals in the Ring and the Grudge, discover how these malevolent ghosts are rooted in rich cultural tales and rituals. Perfect for fans of myths, monsters, and creepy histories!

Sources:

https://yokai.com/okiku/?srsltid=AfmBOoqtHaaYcmBgrxn1atEINFnE6uQIvwKTkjTo2J8TLfofRIKec_ah

Japanese Funeral Traditions, Customs, And Beliefs | Ever Loved

Ultimate Guide to the Japanese Funeral - Japan Switch

Final Goodbyes: A Guide to Funeral Rituals in Osaka

Taira no Masakado | Yokai.com

Onryo | Japanese Urban Legend's Wiki | Fandom

Japan's Onryō Spirits Inhabit a Purgatory of Revenge and Cosmic Rage - Atlas Obscura

Sutoku Tennō | Yokai.com

https://yokai.com/onryou/?srsltid=AfmBOorcySgjRBjpBUz0x8CNnfjV_aKbmVn8IoJQByaoEm-CLuU9w1-O

Onryō - Wikipedia

Oiwa | Yokai.com

In this episode of Live Laugh Lore, Caroline and Emily dive into the rich history and haunting tales of the Jerome Grand Hotel in Arizona. From its origins as a state-of-the-art hospital to its modern-day status as a haunted hotel, explore the eerie occurrences, ghostly sightings, and personal experiences that make this location one of the most haunted places in the American West. Also, hear about other spooky spots in Jerome, including the Mile High Inn and the infamous mines. Tune in for chilling stories and personal anecdotes that will make you think twice about your next hotel stay.

Sources:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jerome_Grand_Hotel

https://www.azcentral.com/story/travel/arizona/2024/10/17/haunted-jerome-grand-hotel-az-history/75383472007/

https://usghostadventures.com/americas-most-haunted-hotels-and-inns/jerome-grand-hotel-a-hillside-haunt/

https://thelittlehouseofhorrors.com/jerome-grand-hotel/

https://www.legendsofamerica.com/az-jeromehaunting/

Welcome to the intriguing world of 'Live Laugh Lore' hosted by Emily and Caroline! In this episode, the duo ventures into the haunted and historical grounds of Yorktown, the site of a pivotal Revolutionary War battle. They discuss the eerie tales of the Cornwall Cave, haunted houses like the Nelson House and Dudley Diggs House, and recount personal paranormal experiences. Moreover, they explore Yorktown's rich history and how its trials have left a lasting impression. Get ready for spooky stories, historical insights, and a few laughs along the way. Tune in to discover why Yorktown, despite its small size, is a significant piece of American history and a hotspot for ghostly encounters!

Sources:

History & Culture - Yorktown Battlefield Part of Colonial National Historical Park (U.S. National Park Service)

American Revolution | Causes, Battles, Aftermath, & Facts | Britannica

Yorktown, Virginia - Wikipedia

History of the Siege - Yorktown Battlefield Part of Colonial National Historical Park (U.S. National Park Service)

Join Emily and Caroline in this festive yet chilling episode of Live Laugh Lore as they dive deep into the dark and forgotten origins of Santa Claus. From pagan traditions to medieval legends, discover the story of St. Nicholas, his terrifying companions like Krampus and the Yule Cat, and how the jolly figure we know today evolved. Hear knock-knock jokes, holiday banter, and trivia, all leading to an eye-opening history lesson that will leave you rethinking your Christmas traditions. Perfect for sharing fun and spooky facts at your next holiday gathering!

Sources:

https://theenterpriseworld.com/dark-history-of-santa-claus/

https://spectator.com/article/sex-trafficking-cannibalism-and-murder-st-nicholas-wasnt-always-so-jolly/?set_edition=us

https://www.history.com/articles/santa-claus

https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/christmas/the-history-of-father-christmas/

https://www.patpat.com/blogs/holidays/santa-claus-trivia-questions-answers?srsltid=AfmBOor8cmZ8UuiUa7Fcn-wl5R0jDWq2wll9q08sCy1uO4VovTu9ysY5#ruffruff-table-of-contents-item-25

Welcome back to Live Laugh Lore! Join Emily and Caroline as they delve into the haunted history of Williamsburg, Virginia. From disturbing tales of the Peyton Randolph House to eerie encounters on Civil War battlefields, this episode is packed with spine-chilling stories and personal experiences. Discover how the city's rich history intertwines with the paranormal, and why some spirits still roam the cobblestone streets today. Don't miss the lighter moments too, like the touching story of a beloved ghost cat. Tune in to explore the ghosts that make Williamsburg a unique and mysterious place.

Sources:

https://michaelkleen.com/2020/07/28/is-peyton-randolph-house-the-most-haunted-house-in-america/#:~:text=Others%20have%20seen%20the%20apparition,adults%20and%20$12%20for%20children.

https://michaelkleen.com/2020/07/28/is-peyton-randolph-house-the-most-haunted-house-in-america/#:~:text=Others%20have%20seen%20the%20apparition,adults%20and%20$12%20for%20children.

In this episode of Live Laugh Lore, hosts Caroline and Emily dive into the spine-chilling legend of La Llorona, a ghostly figure who haunts riversides in search of her lost children. They discuss various versions of the tale, its cultural significance, and its deep roots in Mexican and Latin American folklore. The hosts also share modern sightings and personal anecdotes, making this episode both informative and haunting. Tune in to hear about one of the most influential and terrifying legends that continues to capture imaginations today.

Sources:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/La_Llorona

https://www.britannica.com/topic/La-Llorona

https://blogs.loc.gov/folklife/2021/10/la-llorona-an-introduction-to-the-weeping-woman/

https://www.tshaonline.org/handbook/entries/la-llorona

https://www.neh.gov/article/la-malinche-hernan-cortess-translator-and-so-much-more

https://www.reddit.com/r/Ghoststories/comments/1knri97/the_night_la_llorona_tried_to_enter/

Weird Tales from El Paso Podcast by Adrian Meza, "La Llorona: Tales of the Weeping Woman - WTF El Paso #1"

In this episode of Live Laugh Lore, Caroline recounts the harrowing history and haunting tales of Jamestown, the first permanent English settlement in America. Discover the colony's struggle for survival during the 'Starving Time,' confrontations with Native American tribes, and the ghosts that allegedly roam the historic site. With fascinating tidbits on Pocahontas, John Smith, and the Ambler Mansion, this episode blends grim history with spine-chilling paranormal encounters. Tune in for a gripping combination of historical accounts and eerie ghost stories.

Sources:

https://www.nps.gov/jame/learn/historyculture/life-of-john-smith.htm

https://www.nps.gov/jame/learn/historyculture/pocahontas-her-life-and-legend.htm

https://www.smithsonianmag.com/history/starving-settlers-in-jamestown-colony-resorted-to-cannibalism-46000815/

https://www.nps.gov/jame/learn/historyculture/a-short-history-of-jamestown.htm

https://www.britannica.com/place/Jamestown-Colony/Representative-democracy-and-slavery-1619

https://colonialghosts.com/mother-in-law-tree-of-jamestown-island-va/

The Hauntings of Williamsburg, Yorktown and Jamestown by Jackie Eileen Behrend