Podcast
Dairyland Frights
Hosted by John · EN
Listen in to the spookiest tales of the Midwest told by a lifelong Wisconsinite.
32episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
Vampires, Corn & Dark Fairy Tales | Author Varla Ventura Returns to Dairyland Frights
2d ago00:59:42Tap to summarizeWhat do vampires, garlic, corn, Cinderella, and ancient folklore all have in common? In this fascinating episode of Dairyland Frights, host John welcomes author and folklorist Varla Ventura back to the show for a deep dive into the eerie origins of vampire legends, magical plants, and the dark history hidden inside classic fairy tales. Varla explores how ancient societies once believed diseases like rabies, tuberculosis, and pellagra could transform people into vampires. The conversation uncovers the shocking connection between corn consumption and vampire hysteria in Europe, including how nutritional deficiencies may have fueled real-life “vampire epidemics.” The episode also dives into: The true reason garlic became associated with vampires The terrifying folklore behind porphyria and vampirism How Bram Stoker’s Dracula shaped the modern vampire myth The brutal original Grimm fairy tale version of Cinderella Magical plants, hazel trees, pumpkins, and folklore symbolism Witch trial hysteria, hallucinogenic plants, and ergot poisoning Ancient myths that still influence modern culture today Varla also discusses her books Enchanted Plants and her upcoming release, Rotten Botany, exploring the strange, deadly, and mystical side of the plant world. If you love paranormal history, dark folklore, witches, vampires, cryptic legends, and spooky storytelling, this episode is packed with chilling insights and bizarre historical truths that will change how you look at fairy tales forever. 👻 Topics Covered Vampire folklore origins Corn and pellagra myths Garlic and supernatural protection Grimm fairy tales explained Original Cinderella story Salem Witch Trial theories Hallucinogenic plants and folklore Paranormal history Witchcraft and botanical magic Midwest paranormal podcast discussions 📚 Featured Guest Varla Ventura — Author of Enchanted Plants and Rotten Botany 🎧 Listen Now Subscribe to Dairyland Frights for more paranormal investigations, folklore deep dives, ghost stories, cryptids, UFOs, and supernatural mysteries from the Midwest and beyond.
Transcribe →Nightland Frights – Haunted Theme Parks & America’s Most Haunted Destinations
5d ago00:16:57Tap to summarizeWelcome back to Nightland Frights, where the shadows stretch longer, the stories grow darker, and the unknown never stops watching. In this chilling episode, we explore some of the most terrifying haunted locations across America, from abandoned prisons and cursed mansions to eerie amusement parks frozen in time. Discover the horrifying legends surrounding Eastern State Penitentiary, the ghost-filled halls of The Stanley Hotel, and the infamous Lizzie Borden House. We dive deep into the paranormal activity reported at these legendary sites, including shadow figures, phantom footsteps, cold spots, and spirits trapped by tragic histories. The episode also explores terrifying paranormal hotspots like Queen Mary, St. Augustine Lighthouse, Myrtles Plantation, and the infamous LaLaurie Mansion, where visitors claim the dead still linger. But the terror doesn’t stop there. We descend into the disturbing history of abandoned amusement parks, including the terrifying legend of Lake Shawnee Amusement Park, a location believed by many to be cursed after tragic deaths, ancient burial grounds, and decades of paranormal encounters. Rusted rides, ghostly laughter, moving swings, and unexplained apparitions have made Lake Shawnee one of the world’s most infamous haunted attractions. We also uncover the eerie remains of forgotten parks like Fun Spot Amusement Park, Geauga Lake, Six Flags New Orleans, and Disney’s abandoned River Country, places where silence now replaces screams of excitement. If you’re fascinated by ghosts, abandoned places, haunted amusement parks, paranormal investigations, urban legends, and America’s darkest locations, this episode is for you. Topics Covered Most haunted places in America Haunted prisons and hotels Ghost stories and paranormal encounters Abandoned amusement parks Cursed locations and urban legends Haunted history Shadow people and apparitions Paranormal tourism Creepy destinations worth visiting Haunted Ohio locations Horror travel destinations 🎧 Listen now to Nightland Frights and step inside the places where history, tragedy, and the paranormal collide. Just remember… some places never let go.
Transcribe →Haunted Road Trips, Haunted Dolls & Paranormal Encounters w/ Ashley from Ghost Gossip Podcast
1w ago00:51:44Tap to summarizeThis week on Dairyland Frights, John welcomes back fan-favorite guest Ashley from the Ghost Gossip Podcast for another unforgettable paranormal conversation filled with haunted dolls, spirit encounters, psychic intuition, creepy hotels, haunted road trips, and real-life ghost stories. Ashley shares shocking experiences involving haunted dolls, spiritual protection, full-body apparitions, and the emotional reality of developing intuitive abilities. The conversation dives deep into paranormal investigations, spiritual boundaries, ghostly encounters inside haunted locations, and the darker side of energy attachments. Then John and Ashley take listeners on a terrifying paranormal road trip across America’s most haunted destinations — including the legendary The Stanley Hotel, Salem’s infamous The Witch House, the eerie LaLaurie Mansion, and the terrifying Ohio State Reformatory made famous by The Shawshank Redemption. If you love: Ghost stories Haunted hotels Paranormal investigations Haunted dolls Psychic medium experiences Salem witch trial history Creepy road trip destinations Supernatural podcasts Horror and paranormal storytelling …this episode is for you. 🎙️ In This Episode: Ashley’s terrifying experience with over 130 haunted dolls Why spiritual protection matters in paranormal work Full-body apparitions and shadow figures Paranormal activity inside Ashley’s home Emotional stories involving spirit communication Haunted hotels worth visiting The real story behind the Stanley Hotel Salem Witch House experiences Nicholas Cage and the LaLaurie Mansion Shawshank Prison ghost encounters Haunted Airbnbs and paranormal vacations Ghosts attached to objects, pets, and places Teen energy and paranormal heaviness in homes Real paranormal experiences from both hosts 👻 Featured Haunted Locations The Stanley Hotel The Witch House LaLaurie Mansion Ohio State Reformatory Heceta Head Lighthouse Omni Parker House 🔮 About Ashley – Ghost Gossip Podcast Ashley from Ghost Gossip Podcast joins the show to discuss her experiences with intuitive abilities, haunted objects, paranormal investigations, and some of the creepiest supernatural encounters she’s experienced firsthand. Be sure to check out her podcast and follow her across social media for more paranormal stories, haunted locations, and ghostly encounters. 🎧 Listen Now If you enjoyed this episode of Dairyland Frights: Follow & Subscribe Leave a 5-Star Review Share with your spooky friends Stay Spooky 👻
Transcribe →Horror Author & Screenwriter Eric Miller Talks Horror and the Paranormal
2w ago01:13:57Tap to summarizeWhat makes the Midwest so terrifying? Is it the endless cornfields, abandoned farmhouses, isolated highways… or the people hiding within them? In this chilling and hilarious episode of Eric Miller for a deep dive into horror storytelling, Midwest fear, serial killers, haunted isolation, and the psychology behind what truly scares us. Eric discusses growing up in the Midwest, how small-town life inspires horror, and why places surrounded by cornfields and darkness feel far scarier than big cities. The conversation explores legendary horror creators like Stephen King, Edgar Allan Poe, H. P. Lovecraft, Clive Barker, and Bruce Campbell — while diving into classic horror films like The Thing, Evil Dead II, and bizarre cult classics like Rubber. The episode also explores: Why creepy dolls terrify Eric The fear of the unknown Psychological horror vs gore Serial killers in the Midwest Writing horror novels vs screenplays How small towns shape imagination The emotional power of horror fiction Why readers should support independent authors The lasting influence of Poe and Gothic horror Eric also shares behind-the-scenes stories from Hollywood, including writing creature features like Ice Spiders and developing horror stories rooted in real human fears. If you love horror movies, paranormal stories, creepy Midwest legends, psychological horror, classic monster films, or hearing how horror creators craft terrifying worlds — this episode is for you. 🎧 Topics Covered Midwest horror & haunted Americana Horror writing and screenwriting Edgar Allan Poe & gothic horror Stephen King inspirations Horror movies & creature features Serial killer psychology Bruce Campbell & cult horror films Why isolation terrifies us Horror storytelling techniques Psychological fear vs gore Classic horror cinema Small-town supernatural legends 👻 Listen Now If you enjoy paranormal investigations, horror writing, ghosts, cryptids, creepy folklore, and conversations with horror creators, subscribe to Dairyland Frights and stay spooky. 🎙️ New episodes featuring authors, investigators, mediums, filmmakers, and paranormal experts drop regularly.
Transcribe →Strange Encounters, Haunted Colleges & Creepy Ghost Stories | Featuring Something Strange Pod
3w ago01:01:00Tap to summarizeWhat happens when two paranormal podcasters join forces to swap terrifying personal experiences, haunted college stories, creepy shadow figures, and chilling ghost encounters? In this eerie episode of Dairyland Frights, host John welcomes Bri and Christiana from Something Strange Pod for a conversation packed with paranormal experiences, haunted dorms, creepy folklore, and terrifying listener ghost stories. The trio dives deep into: The truth behind the infamous Amityville Horror House Haunted college campuses near Gettysburg Shadow people sightings EVP ghost hunting sessions Paranormal experiences in childhood homes Strange energy tied to ancient caves and burial grounds Wisconsin’s eerie “Second Salem” witch legends The terrifying faceless girl in the mango tree Zombie apocalypse survival debates Cryptids like Bigfoot and Mothman This episode balances creepy paranormal storytelling with hilarious chemistry, making it one of the most entertaining and chilling conversations yet. 👻 Topics Covered in This Episode Haunted houses and real paranormal encounters The legend of the Amityville Horror House Shadow people and faceless apparitions Haunted dormitories and college ghost stories EVP sessions and paranormal investigations Theories on negative energy and haunted land Cryptids and strange folklore Ghost hunting experiences Witchcraft legends in Wisconsin Scary stories rated for paranormal credibility Why some hauntings may follow people 🎙 Featured Guests Something Strange Pod Bri and Christiana host a paranormal podcast covering: Ghost stories Cryptids Strange history Haunted folklore Paranormal mysteries Weird historical events Creepy legends from around the world Their mix of humor, spooky storytelling, and genuine paranormal curiosity makes this collaboration a perfect fit for Dairyland Frights. 👀 Paranormal Highlights From This Episode The Faceless Girl in the Tree One of the creepiest stories of the episode involves a child seeing a faceless girl sitting in a mango tree — an apparition later revealed to have been witnessed by multiple family members across generations. The Haunted College Campus Bri and Christiana discuss terrifying paranormal activity at their Pennsylvania college campus, including: Shadow figures Haunted elevators Creepy dorm rooms EVP recordings Ghost sightings near old Civil War grounds The Amityville Horror Connection John shares his shocking real-life story about nearly purchasing the legendary Amityville Horror House and what former owners allegedly told him about the house’s paranormal reputation. Wisconsin’s “Second Salem” The episode explores eerie witchcraft legends tied to University of Wisconsin–Whitewater and the infamous “Witch’s Tower” said to be connected to paranormal sightings and dark folklore. 🎧 Listen Now Subscribe to Dairyland Frights on your favorite podcast platform and follow for more terrifying paranormal conversations, ghost stories, haunted history, cryptids, and Midwest mysteries. Stay spooky. 👻
Transcribe →Ghost Stories & Gummies w/guest Hayley - Haunted Dolls, Paranormal Encounters & Spooky Conversations
May 301:08:34Tap to summarizeWelcome back to Dairyland Frights, the paranormal podcast where we explore everything spooky, mysterious, creepy, and unexplained in the Midwest and beyond. In this chilling new episode, host John welcomes special guest Hayley from Ghost Stories & Gummies for a fun, eerie, and unforgettable conversation. Hayley shares her personal paranormal encounters from mysterious knocking sounds in the night to an emotional visitation from her late grandmother. The episode dives into haunted objects, cursed dolls, spirit communication, gummies and ghost hunting, and the strange line between fear and fascination. Then things get even darker as John and Hailey count down some of the Top Haunted Dolls in the World, including infamous legends like Robert the Doll, mysterious cursed toys, haunted marionettes, and dolls said to move, whisper, or bring bad luck. If you love ghost stories, haunted dolls, paranormal investigations, creepy history, or supernatural debates between skeptics and believers, this episode is for you. 👻 In This Episode: Hayley’s terrifying first paranormal experience A comforting ghost encounter with her grandmother Gummies and ghost hunting stories Haunted dolls and cursed objects Robert the Doll explained Island of the Dolls in Mexico Paranormal skepticism vs belief Why dolls creep everyone out 🎧 Listen Now If you love podcasts about ghosts, haunted places, cryptids, cursed objects, EVP evidence, and real paranormal stories, Dairyland Frights is your new obsession.
Transcribe →Demons, Jinn, Haunted Objects & Wisconsin Possession Cases w/ Victoria the Demon Folklorist
Apr 2601:08:25Tap to summarizeWelcome back to Dairyland Frights, the paranormal podcast covering everything creepy, spooky, mysterious, and unexplained in the Midwest and beyond. In this chilling episode, he sits down with Victoria the Demon Folklorist, for one of the most fascinating deep dives yet into demons, jinn, possession cases, haunted dolls, Ouija boards, black-eyed children, and forgotten Wisconsin exorcism stories. Victoria shares her own terrifying personal possession experience at age 19, how it inspired her academic folklore research, and why many cases people call “demons” may actually be something entirely different. She explains the shocking differences between demons vs jinn, why some hauntings follow people instead of places, and why true demonic cases may be far rarer than most believe. The conversation also explores legendary paranormal topics like Annabelle, Robert the Doll, Ouija boards, witches, Satanic Panic, Catholic exorcisms, haunted convents, and Wisconsin’s forgotten possession history. If you love paranormal investigations, folklore, religious mysteries, and intelligent supernatural debate — this episode is for you. Topics Covered in This Episode Victoria’s real-life possession experience Demon vs Jinn: What’s the difference? Can Ouija boards invite spirits? Haunted dolls: Annabelle & Robert the Doll Black-Eyed Children: aliens or demons? Wisconsin's forgotten exorcism cases Satanic Panic explained Why skeptics are important in paranormal research Can witches really curse people? How possessions may begin through trauma or vulnerability Listen Now 🎧 New episode of Dairyland Frights available now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, and all major platforms.
Transcribe →Paranormal Encounters, Black Eyed Kids & Demonic Attachments w/ Spooky Girl
Apr 1901:05:12Tap to summarize⚠️ Listener Warning This episode contains intense paranormal experiences and discussions of demonic encounters that may be disturbing to some listeners. What if your first paranormal experience wasn’t just a ghost… but something darker? In this chilling episode of Dairyland Frights, host John Radtke sits down with April from Spooky Girl 831 to dive deep into real-life encounters with the unexplained, from childhood hauntings to terrifying demonic attachments. April shares the moment that changed everything… a face-to-face encounter with a mysterious girl who wasn’t supposed to be there and the chilling aftermath that followed. 🔥 In This Episode, We Explore: 👻 A terrifying first paranormal encounter at just 13 years old 🕯️ The possibility of demonic entities disguising themselves as children ⛪ A shocking church intervention involving an “evil presence.” 🔮 The dangers of Ouija boards and opening unseen doors 🧠 Why teenage girls may be more vulnerable to paranormal attachment 👁️ Black Eyed Children encounters—what are they REALLY? 🧬 Theories: demons, aliens, or interdimensional beings 🪞 Mimics & doppelgängers—when something copies YOU ⏳ Reality glitches vs paranormal entities 😱 Highlight Moment April recounts seeing a mysterious girl in her home who gasped when noticed and vanished through a door that never moved… followed by weeks of whispers, laughter, and an eventual chilling warning from a pastor who sensed something attached to her. 🧠 Key Paranormal Themes Residual Hauntings vs Intelligent Entities Demonic Infestation vs Psychological Vulnerability Black Eyed Children Phenomenon Interdimensional & Glitch-in-Reality Theories Spiritual Protection & Cleansing Rituals 🎧 Why You Should Listen If you’ve ever questioned whether ghosts are real… If you’ve heard whispers when no one was there… Or if you’ve felt something watching you in the dark… This episode will stay with you. 📲 Follow & Connect 🎙️ Dairyland Frights – New episodes weekly 👻 Guest: April from Spooky Girl 831 (Instagram / TikTok) 📢 Share your story: You might be featured in a future episode
Transcribe →Witchcraft, Enchanted Plants & Paranormal Truths with Varla A. Ventura
Apr 1200:52:08Tap to summarizeWhat if the plants around you held ancient magic… and modern medicine is just catching up? In this fascinating episode of Dairyland Frights, host John dives deep into the world of witchcraft, herbal magic, and the paranormal with acclaimed author Varla Ventura. From growing up with a practicing witch mother to writing bestselling books on enchanted plants, folklore, and the supernatural, Varla shares incredible stories that blur the line between science, magic, and mystery. 🔥 Episode Highlights 🌿 The Power of Enchanted Plants How plants like foxglove shaped modern medicine The shocking connection between herbal folklore and real medical breakthroughs 🧙♀️ What Is a Green Witch? Nature-based magic explained How plants are used in rituals, healing, and intention-setting 🧠 Lucid Dreaming & Psychic Beginnings Varla’s childhood experiences with dreams and spirits How early exposure shaped her paranormal worldview 👻 Are Ghosts Real? Why proof may never exist—and why that makes it more compelling The difference between belief, experience, and evidence ⚖️ The Truth About Witchcraft Breaking down myths from Salem to modern-day witches The “Threefold Law” and different philosophies in witchcraft 🪦 Forgotten Death Rituals Strange historical funeral traditions (yes… food over coffins) How modern culture has disconnected from death and grief 🌌 Key Takeaways The paranormal may never be proven—but that’s what keeps it alive Ancient plant knowledge is influencing modern medicine more than ever Witchcraft is deeply personal, intuitive, and not one-size-fits-all Our relationship with death, nature, and the unknown is evolving 🎧 Why You Should Listen If you’re into: Paranormal stories 👻 Witchcraft & occult knowledge 🔮 Herbalism & natural medicine 🌿 Deep philosophical discussions about reality …this episode is going to hook you fast. 📢 Listener Note Despite some technical issues, this episode is packed with insane value, storytelling, and insight—and Varla will absolutely be back again. 👻 Final Thought “We may never prove the paranormal… but we’ll never stop chasing it.”
Transcribe →Magic, Murder & Mystery: Inside the Mind of Author John Gaspard
Apr 500:55:29Tap to summarizeMagic, Murder & Mystery: Inside the Mind of Author John Gaspard What happens when magic meets murder? In this episode of Dairyland Frights, host John dives into a fascinating conversation with acclaimed mystery author John Gaspard, creator of the Eli Marks Mystery Series. From sleight-of-hand illusions to real-world storytelling, this episode explores how magic, mystery, and the paranormal intersect, and why sometimes the scariest things aren’t supernatural at all. 🔍 Episode Overview John Gaspard joins the show to discuss: The origins of the Eli Marks mystery series How magicians think differently, and how that shapes storytelling Writing mysteries that are both clever and fair to the audience The blurred line between illusion, deception, and belief His thoughts on ghosts, the afterlife, and unexplained experiences Behind-the-scenes insights into indie filmmaking and writing Plus… a real-life unexplained moment involving a disappearing cup of coffee that might just make skeptics think twice 👀 🎩 About the Guest – John Gaspard Author of the Eli Marks Mystery Series (10 books strong) Creator of the Como Lake Players Mystery Series Host of Behind the Page: The Eli Marks Podcast Indie filmmaker with multiple low-budget features Expert in blending magic, mystery, and humor into compelling stories His work dives into the psychology of deception, something magicians (and killers?) understand better than most. 🧠 Key Topics Covered 🎭 Magic & Mystery Writing Why magicians make perfect detectives Using real magic techniques to solve fictional crimes Crafting mysteries where the audience has all the clues 👻 Paranormal vs Skepticism Do ghosts exist? What kind of evidence would actually prove it? The psychology behind paranormal experiences ✍️ Writing Process & Storytelling Outlining vs “discovery writing.” Avoiding writer’s block Building compelling villains without revealing too much 🎬 Indie Creativity The realities of indie filmmaking vs Hollywood Why storytelling should always come from passion, not profit 🔥 Standout Moments A skeptic’s take on ghosts that will spark debate The concept of “fair mysteries,” where readers can solve them too A real story about a vanishing coffee cup in a New York hotel ☕ Why magicians understand deception better than anyone 🎧 Listen Now If you love: Paranormal podcasts Mystery & thriller storytelling True crime with a twist Writing and creative insights 👉 This episode is for you.
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