Podcast Summary: Two Girls One Ghost – Episode 330: The Van Meter Visitor: Iowa’s Winged Cryptid

Release Date: July 13, 2025

Introduction

In Episode 330 of Two Girls One Ghost, hosts Corinne Vien and Sabrina Deana-Roga delve into the eerie legend of the Van Meter Visitor, a mysterious winged cryptid reported in Van Meter, Iowa. This episode unpacks the historical accounts, examines modern sightings, and explores the town's enduring fascination with this supernatural entity.

The Legend of the Van Meter Visitor

[00:45] Corinne Vien
Corinne sets the stage by recounting the first known encounter in Van Meter, Iowa, in 1903. She describes a serene coal town abruptly disrupted by an unearthly light and a formidable winged creature:

"It started with a light. Not a flicker, not a glow. A beam, blinding, unrelenting, cutting through the dark, like a lighthouse in a sea of cornfields." [00:45]

The following night, [07:41] Corinne continues:

"...a creature that stands upright like a man, but it is not human. It has a huge wingspan, nearly 8 feet tall, muscular and hunched, with bat-like wings and a glowing horn protruding from its head."

This apparition, dubbed the Van Meter Visitor, became a source of terror as multiple residents reported sightings over a week, leading to widespread panic and attempts to confront the creature with firearms—all in vain, as the entity remained unharmed and elusive.

Subsequent Sightings and Town’s Response

[22:20] Jamie Deana-Roga
Jamie discusses how the initial sightings in 1903 led to ongoing folklore:

"There have been a handful of modern sightings that suggest these creatures were not just banished to the cave; perhaps they found another exit." [22:20]

Corinne adds that Van Meter now commemorates these events with an annual festival, blending fear with community celebration. They highlight that despite sealing the mines, sporadic sightings continue, suggesting the Van Meter Visitor's persistent presence.

Comparisons to Other Cryptids

The hosts draw parallels between the Van Meter Visitor and other regional cryptids like Mothman and the Flatwoods Monster, noting similarities in physical descriptions and the mysterious nature of their appearances. [43:42] Corinne mentions:

"Paranormal theorists say these entities appear during moments of change, uncertainty, or geological disturbances." [43:42]

Modern-Day Encounters and Theories

Several modern sightings are examined:

• 1980s: A new resident reports a five-foot wingspan creature near the old mine.
• 2006: A pastor mistakes the visitor for a dragon during daylight, later learning of the local lore.
• 2017: A man sees the creature with a bright light, dismissing it as a plane.

Corinne theorizes various explanations, from supernatural origins to scientific anomalies, including the possibility of time travelers or dimensional shifts.

Listener Story: Haley’s Haunting Encounters

In a poignant segment, the podcast features a listener named Haley who shares her unsettling experiences in the Appalachian region. Her stories include:

1. [47:22] First Encounter:
   Haley describes seeing a pale, gangly figure behind her house while waiting for the bus, leading to a lifetime of feeling watched.

2. [45:42] Screaming in the Woods:
   Recurring high-pitched screams emanate from the woods at night, causing ongoing fear and anxiety.

3. [53:18] Discovery of Human Bones:
   Haley's sisters uncover human remains in their backyard, deepening the mystery and fear surrounding their home.

These accounts echo the Van Meter Visitor’s legend, highlighting themes of seclusion, unexplained phenomena, and the thin veil between reality and the supernatural.

Discussion and Insights

[43:42] Corinne and [43:48] Jamie engage in a lively discussion comparing Van Meter to other cryptid hotspots. They ponder the reasons behind regional cryptid appearances and the sociocultural factors influencing these legends. Corinne emphasizes:

"Experts in psychology have said that this is textbook mass hysteria. But we say no, because why would respected community members fabricate such matching stories?" [43:01]

Jamie counters by exploring the psychological and environmental triggers that might lead to collective sightings, suggesting that underlying fears and societal changes could play a role.

Conclusion

Two Girls One Ghost wraps up the episode by reinforcing the enduring mystery of the Van Meter Visitor. The hosts encourage listeners to attend the annual Van Meter festival and delve deeper into the town's cryptid lore through the book The Van Meter Visitor by Chad Lewis, Kevin Lee Nelson, and Noah Voss. They leave the audience pondering the nature of such creatures and the thin line between folklore and reality.

Notable Quotes

• Corinne Vien, [00:45]:
  "It started with a light... like a lighthouse in a sea of cornfields."

• Corinne Vien, [07:41]:
  "...a creature that stands upright like a man, but it is not human."

• Jamie Deana-Roga, [43:42]:
  "Paranormal theorists say these entities appear during moments of change, uncertainty, or geological disturbances."

• Corinne Vien, [43:01]:
  "Experts in psychology have said that this is textbook mass hysteria. But we say no..."

Further Resources

Listeners interested in exploring the Van Meter Visitor further can refer to the book The Van Meter Visitor by Chad Lewis, Kevin Lee Nelson, and Noah Voss, which offers comprehensive investigations and real-life accounts.

Join the Conversation

For more ghostly tales and supernatural investigations, tune into Two Girls One Ghost and share your own encounters by emailing podcastadsales@sonymusic.com.

Stay tuned for more spine-chilling episodes as Corinne and Sabrina uncover the mysteries that lie beyond our understanding.