Look, up there in the sky! It's a drone! It's an alien! It's... live-action folklore in the making! Join Charlie and Michael for a quick, informal chat about the wave of "drone"/UFO/UAP sightings being reported (and sometimes recorded, and maybe sometimes manufactured) nationwide! Originally this was the intro to the next episode, but we went on lo…

Now that Spooky Season for 2024 has drawn to a close, and Michael and Charlie have gotten a bit of a rest, let's... rewind time to the start of Spooky Season! Join Charlie, Michael, and an enthusiastic crowd as we talk about three fun and spooky stories and places from the Carolinas and beyond! Note: if you listen to the show with kids, the jokes i…

On stormy nights the spectral figure of a woman in blue dashes through the darkness to climb the stairs of the old Rear Range Light on Hilton Head Island. Why is her mission so vitally important she continues it from beyond the grave? Join Michael and Charlie as they dig deep into folklore and history in search of another Shady Lady haunting one of…

It's been a little over four years, and Charlie's new show Lost Monster Files is about to premiere, so we think it's a good time to re-introduce ourselves to folks who might be new to the show. And while you're at it, take a dive into a legend shared by more than one of the indigenous peoples of the Carolinas as Charlie tells the tale of the Catawb…

Did you hear the story of that video game that drove that kid mad? It happened just one town over! My cousin's friend told me he heard about it at summer camp! Join Charlie and Michael for a deep-dive into the history of an urban legend straight out of the arcade age: Polybius, the original killer app! But is there any truth behind this story? Ther…

This episode is the second half of our history deep dive into the Heroes of America, an anti-Confederate secret society that started in the "Quaker Belt" region of NC. If you're looking for a way to help people affected by Hurricane Helene in the Carolinas and beyond, consider donating to the American Red Cross' Hurricane Helene efforts. If you see…

Did you know a sprawling network of anti-Confederate organizers formed in the Piedmont of NC at the outset of the US Civil War? Join Michael and Charlie for a history deep-dive into a little-discussed corner of the reality of political organizing in the south during that era! Note: the sound is different on this one because we got to use an awesome…

From the Devil's Tramping Ground to ghost chickens in the US Capitol, what are our paranormal bucket list items? And what makes any given paranormal hotspot such a focal point for the strange in the first place? Join Michael and special guest co-hosts Gary Mitchel and Tally Johnson for the rest of our ConGregate 2024 conversation! And don't forget,…

We've all heard of Route 66, but have you heard of Route 666? Did you know a phantom hotrod terrorizes a two-lane highway through South Carolina and North Carolina by night? Or have you seen the ghostly merchant in downtown Winston-Salem? Join Michael at ConGregate 2024 with special guest co-hosts Tally Johnson and Gary Mitchel to discuss these and…

As the episode title says, and as we say in the episode, DO NOT GO TO THIS PLACE. IT IS ILLEGAL AND IT IS VERY EASY TO DIE THERE. PLEASE DO NOT DO THAT. Goat-human hybrids: science gone wrong? Or magic gone wrong? Join Charlie and Michael for a lively and hilarious discussion of a unique (or perhaps not so unique!) legend from Kentucky of a deadly …

On a spring-like December morning in 1954, dozens of school children, their teacher, and one exceptionally brave janitor had an encounter with what came to be known as The Monkey-Dog. Join Charlie and Michael for a discussion of one of the more obscure and fascinating stories out of Robeson County, NC, and a larger conversation about the distinctio…

Y'all, this story has it all: country music, 19th century sightings, the Brown Mountain Lights, electoral politics, multiple varieties of entrepreneurship, UFOs, aliens, illegal construction on federal land, trailbreaking, John Keel, curiosity shops, and traffic jams. We don't even know what else to say! Join Michael and special guest co-host Miche…

Lake Norman is sometimes referred to as North Carolina's only inland sea, and a review of its size and dimensions definitely back that up. But it's also a place where strange things are seen in, around, and sometimes over the water! Join Charlie and Michael for a chat about the upcoming spooky season and a discussion of Lake Norman as a locus of th…

Do you love spooky tales such as the Boo Hag or the classic legend of The Rattlesnake Honeymoon? Do you love comic books and sequential art produced by folks right here in the Carolinas? Then check out this Arcane Carolinas Case Files episode where Michael interviews Fiona W. Dunn, co-creator and illustrator of Tarheel Tales of Terror! And, don't f…

Michael here! I have no idea how to introduce this episode, honestly, because every time we say anything even remotely snarky about this episode's subject some piece of technology fails us: we had microphones go out in the middle of recording, our hosting provider ate the episode when it was supposed to go out, and even so small a thing as trying t…

Hitch up your waders and fetch your log-pokin' stick, as ride along as Charlie and Michael talk about Alabama's Bear Creek Swamp! Do you like ghosts? Do you like creepy dolls? Do you like finding horrible things? Then this is the place for you! Bear Creek Swamp has anything you could want, and plenty you might not! Tally Johnson's Books: Ghosts of …

Grab your stakes and garlic necklaces and come along as Michael and Charlie dig into the history and lore of a Charlotte neighborhood where it was said for many years a particular place only came alive at night! Upcoming Live Appearances: Black Mountain Public Library - Michael solo (May 8th - Black Mountain, NC) Carolina Fear Fest - Michael solo (…

Join Michael and Charlie as they take a deep dive into a pivotal battle of the Revolutionary War and the restless riding spirit who lingers from it still! Upcoming Live Appearances: Black Mountain Public Library - Michael solo (May 8th - Black Mountain, NC) Carolina Fear Fest - Michael solo (May 24th-26th - Raleigh, NC) ConGregate 10 - Michael solo…

Join Charlie and two very special guests to hear tales of Bigfoot encounters in the Piedmont and learn about the Museum of the Bizarre in Wilmington, NC, from Eric Odditorium! Upcoming Live Appearances: HWA NC Book Reading - Quail Ridge Books (March 26th - Raleigh, NC) Black Mountain Public Library (May 8th - Black Mountain, NC) Carolina Fear Fest …

Charleston, SC, has a reputation as a haunted city with a long and complex past. But what about newer, more contemporary sites? Can't they have ghosts, too? Pull a chair up to the table and join Charlie, Michael, and friend of the show Kevin as we dig in to the history and lore around one of the city's most famous restaurants! Don't forget to pick …

The Bell Witch of Adams, Tennessee, is one of the most adapted, sprawling, and elaborated upon legends in the entire catalogue of paranormal events in United States history. But which parts of it are verifiably real, and which parts of it are simply too much to believe? Go spelunking with Charlie and Michael as they argue with the disembodied voice…

Join Michael and Charlie for a discussion of everything from dowsing for water to plugging a tree as they dive into Appalachian folk magic and traditional remedies! Don't forget to pick up Arcane Carolinas: Volume 1, out now! Upcoming Live Appearances: Ret-Con 2024 (March 1-3, 2024 - Cary, NC) Links: The Lumberton Report (arcanecarolinas.com) Ameri…

Join Charlie, Michael, and a bunch of awesome people at Arcana in Durham, NC, for three tales: a ghost taunting the living on a stormy night; a rail project unearthing ancient history; and the death and resurrection of a rural community's resident witch! Published early by request, this live recording was the 2023 Spooky Season Kickoff from Septemb…

Ease into the post-Halloween season by joining Charlie and Michael for a casual discussion of various types of ghosts and past episodes we've done about some of them! Links: Ghosts of the South Carolina Upcountry (Amazon.com) Sea Island Spirits (YouTube) WRAL Voters' Choice Awards (wral.com) Upcoming Live Appearances: Ret-Con 2024 (March 1-3, 2024 …

Woohoo! An even 100 episodes! Join Charlie and Michael as they give updates on some previous episodes, their spouses join them for listener Q&A, and we hear some voicemails from friends. Now on to the next 100! Links: Center for UFO Studies (CUFOS) (external site) Tally Johnson's books & info (Amazon) Alexandra Christian's books & info (Amazon) Str…

Did you know George Washington received a personal tour of Old Salem during his second term--and that doing so was politically controversial? Even more controversial is the possibility he encountered supernatural doom while there! PLUS, Michael and Charlie run a bracket to see who's the winner of Reasonable Ghosts! This episode was recorded live at…

UFOs have been in headlines this year, but it certainly isn't the first time. Join us for a deep-dive discussion of a major UFO flap in Robeson County, NC, nearly a half-century ago! Upcoming Live Appearances: Ret-Con 2024 (March 1-3, 2024 - Cary, NC) Follow us! Arcane Carolinas on Patreon Arcane Carolinas on Facebook Arcane Carolinas on Instagram …

Join us for a trio of tales! First, sit down with us live at GalaxyCon Richmond from spring of 2023 and hear the story of Richmond's most famous undead. Then, we have a talk with friend of the show Jerry Chandler as he tells us spooky stories about the Virginia State Capitol complex and surrounding areas. Then we cap off this super-sized episode wi…

Lees-McRae College is an institution of higher learning in the highest-elevation county seat in the eastern United States. Join Charlie and Michael for a look at the ghost (or ghosts) haunting their dorms, archives, and graveyard! EXTRA SPECIAL: don't forget to pick up Arcane Carolinas: Volume 1, out now! AWARD NOMINATIONS: WRAL Voter's Choice Awar…

Join Charlie as he chats with show guests, vendors, and attendees at Carolina Fear Fest about their favorite local legends and spooky stories! Links to Wild Animal Encounters, The Spooky Twins, and Acme Comics below! EXTRA SPECIAL: don't forget to pick up Arcane Carolinas: Volume 1, out now! AWARD NOMINATIONS: WRAL Voter's Choice Award Nominations …

In past Spooky Seasons we've talked about two different versions of the Grey Man in South Carolina, but what about the Grey Lady? And is she the Grey Lady of South Carolina or of North Carolina? Or Virginia? Or New York? Join Charlie and Michael for a historical deep dive that turns into a series of ghostly legends and haunting tales, with everythi…

Michael and Charlie sit down with a fun, friendly crowd at Carolina Fear Fest--and a few (literal) horror clowns--to talk about two legends of decidedly Luciferian origin: Satan's Bridge in NC and Hell's Gate Cemetery in SC! EXTRA SPECIAL: don't forget to pick up Arcane Carolinas: Volume 1, out now! Upcoming Live Recordings: Arcana (Durham, NC, Sep…

Did you know one of the Ghostbusters is an actual follower of mediumistic practices and beliefs? Join Charlie and Michael at Ret-Con 2023 for an early-morning, coffee-sloshing panel about the actual buster of ghosts! EXTRA SPECIAL: don't forget to pick up Arcane Carolinas: Volume 1, out now! Upcoming Live Recordings: Arcana (Durham, NC, September 2…

Join Michael and Charlie at Ret-Con 2023 for a live episode about the story of the Boojum, wolfenannies, and how and why some legends come into existence! EXTRA SPECIAL: don't forget to pick up Arcane Carolinas: Volume 1, out now! Upcoming Live Recordings: Arcana (Durham, NC, September 28, 2023) Follow us! Arcane Carolinas on Patreon Arcane Carolin…

Charlie and Michael welcome their good friend Tally Johnson back to the show as we hang out and tell stories in front of a live audience at Ret-Con 2023! EXTRA SPECIAL: don't forget to pick up Arcane Carolinas: Volume 1, out now! Upcoming Live Recordings: Arcana (Durham, NC, September 28, 2023) Follow us! Arcane Carolinas on Patreon Arcane Carolina…

Durham, NC, has a rich history, including some highly unusual accusations and practices! Join Charlie, Michael, and a super-fun crowd at Arcana in Durham, NC, for last year's spooky season kickoff! EXTRA SPECIAL: don't forget to pick up Arcane Carolinas: Volume 1, out now! Upcoming Live Recordings: Arcana (Durham, NC, September 28, 2023) Follow us!…

St. Helena Island in South Carolina is home to a rich history encompassing many peoples and cultures--and one of the best-known and most reliable ghost light phenomena anywhere in the Carolinas! Join Charlie and Michael as we dig into what this one could be: ghosts, swamp gas, or something even stranger? EXTRA SPECIAL: don't forget to pick up Arcan…

Henry Berry Lowry is a hero of the Lumbee people and was the center of massive media attention in the years after the Civil War. How did The Lowry War get its start and what makes him so compelling to us still? This story may start with two pigs, but it wends its way through history class, political gridlock, jailbreaks, and the "Lost" Colony! Join…

A certain 19th century mansion in Wilmington has a haunted history, with legends abounding of desperate pleas etched in ice on winter nights and ghost tour participants being left frightened for their lives. But what does history have to say about one of Wilmington's haunted destinations? Upcoming Live Recordings: ConGregate 9 (Winston-Salem, NC, J…

You've probably seen them around the southeastern United States: natural or artificial trees decorated with blue and green glass bottles attached to their branches. But did you know they're a practice from folk magic with over a millenium of history behind them? Join Michael and Charlie on a deep-dive into these and other, similar glass "decoration…

Join Michael and Charlie as they interview Stephanie Freas from Carolina Fear Fest and Tonya Denny from Winston-Salem Paranormal Society about a boatload of cool stuff to do in the Carolinas! Links: Carolina Fear Fest - use code ArcaneCFF for a discount on weekend passes! (external site) Winston-Salem Paranormal Society (external site) Upcoming Liv…

Join Charlie and Michael as they discuss a very old--perhaps even ancient--tale of a grim and inviting spirit said to reside in the depths of the French Broad River in the mountains of Western North Carolina! Also, if you're going to Carolina Fear Fest, discount code "ArcaneCFF" is good for 10% off weekend passes through May 5th, 2023. Suicide Prev…

Join Michael and Charlie as they discuss the daring and adventurous life and career of Robert Smalls, a Civil War hero from Beaufort, SC, whose public service continued for decades after the war and whose work still benefits students and residents of South Carolina to this day! Links: The Audacity of Robert Smalls - TEDx Talk by Michael B. Moore (Y…

Join Charlie and Michael for a timeline and discussion of the recent and very public experiences with balloons, UFOs/UAPs, and the US military. AC doesn't normally take on the news, but who could say no to stories like this? Links in the show notes for earlier episodes on related topics! Links: AC 00015: To the Skies! AC 00034: Strange Skies Over C…

Join Charlie and Michael for a deeper dive into the history and legends behind Stagecoach Rock, subject of our very first livestream in 2021! Links: "Historic Mebane Rock Will Not Be Destroyed as Housing Development Is Built" (Chapelboro.com) Upcoming Live Recordings: Ret-Con (Cary, NC - February 24th-26th, 2023) GalaxyCon Richmond (Richmond, VA - …

Does Raleigh, the state capital of North Carolina, have a giant forcefield to keep it from snowing there? Join Charlie and Michael for a fun and wide-ranging discussion of an urban legend about a natural phenomenon, plus delicious chicken sandwiches! Links: QuickBait: The Raleigh Weather Dome (IndyWeek.com) WRAL's Greg Fishel getting asked about th…

Join Charlie and Michael in Charlie's garage to discuss holiday monsters and ghosts, plus a visit from our friend Tally Johnson! This is the audio track from our Winter Wondercast video posted on YouTube. Happy holidays, and we'll see y'all in 2023! Links: Arcane Carolinas Winter Wondercast 2022 (YouTube) Tally Johnson (Amazon.com) Upcoming Live Re…

Join Charlie and Jessie as they interview three of the guests from the Upstate Spirits Conference in Abbeville, SC, in October of 2022: Mary Deese Hampton, Bishop James Long, and Rick Hayes! Links: Mary Deese Hampton (IMDB.com) Bishop James Long (external site) Rick Hayes (external site) Upcoming Live Recordings: Ret-Con (Cary, NC - February 24th-2…

Join Charlie and guest host Jessie as they discuss stone tape theory, the Burt-Stark Mansion, Abbeville's historical significance, and interview two paranormal investigations groups: Carolina Ghost Whisperers and Stokes Paranormal Investigations! Links: Burt-Stark Mansion (external site) The Belmont Inn (external site) Upcoming Live Recordings: Ret…

Join Michael and Charlie for a stroll down the train tracks of history and legend as we explore the oft-requested tale of a railroad man whose ghost stalks the night! Links: Vote for us in the WRAL Viewers' Choice Awards Curious Tales from Old Wilmington and the Lower Cape Fear by Chris E. Fonvielle, Jr. (Goodreads) Myths and Mysteries of North Car…