The ODDentity Podcast

S7 Ep. 2: Mother Of the Paranormal: Catherine Crowe

Hello, dear listeners, and welcome back to another episode of The ODDentity Podcast on the PodMoth Media Network, your bi-weekly foray into the weird, wonky, and sometimes downright spooky.
This week, I introduce you to Catherine Crowe, known by many as the mother of the paranormal. Crowe is credited widely for helping to lay the groundwork for the founding of the Society for Psychical Research in 1882 and her book, The Night-Side of Nature was the first published work of its kind to consider scientific inquiry of paranormal phenomena. Crowe’s classification system for spirits and phenomena remains relevant to this day. The Night-Side of Nature can be perused for free on The Gutenberg Project website. I’ve popped the link into the show notes in case you want to check it out.
I’d also like to remind you all that merch is available on our Bonfire site. Each shirt is made of soft, premium fabric (a 50/50 cotton/poly mix) and makes a perfect gift for that special weirdo in your life. As the shirt states, we are Weird Together, a family of weirdlings that’s been keeping it weird and spooky since 2017. All proceeds from shirt sales go toward hosting costs and will help to keep the weird coming for another year! You can find the Weird Together shirt at bonfire.com/store/opmerch I’ll also post a link in the show notes.
I wish you warmth and wellness until we meet again in 2021. Next year has gotta be better than this one...right? 
Show Notes:
The Night-Side of Nature (PDF) https://www.gutenberg.org/files/54532/54532-h/54532-h.htm
Merch: bonfire.com/store/opmerch
Unico Nutrition: Go to uniconutrition.com and enter code ODDENTITY to save $20 on your order of quality powders and supplements.
Coddies: head on over to coddies.com, use code ODDENTITYPOD, and step into a pair of ultra-comfortable Coddies today!
Sources:
https://mysteriousuniverse.org/2020/11/catherine-crowe-the-forgotten-mother-of-the-paranormal/
https://ore.exeter.ac.uk/repository/bitstream/handle/10871/121083/Testimony%20and%20Narrative%20in%20Catherine%20Crowe%2C%20the%20LDS%20and%20E.W.%20Cox.pdf?sequence=2&isAllowed=y
The Night-Side of Nature (PDF) https://www.gutenberg.org/files/54532/54532-h/54532-h.htm
https://www.historyworkshop.org.uk/a-haunted-history-the-sad-story-of-a-victorian-ghost-seer/
http://www.pacificparanormal.com/index.php/ppi-jaded-light-award/166-jla-catherine-crowe

Off Week Weird #1: Frozen Charlotte

Hello, dear listeners. This week I bring you one of the first episodes of my Off Week Weird series. If you enjoy it, perhaps there will be more in the not too distant future. ;)
This week, I wanted to introduce you to a strange little novelty called the Frozen Charlotte and I think it’s only fitting that the story begins with a creepy song. I also apologize in advance. I looked for an audio file of someone singing the ballad with music behind it, but we’re on a budget at the ODD Pod and I can’t afford to buy the rights. You get me sitting in a closet singing it instead. First time for everything.
Show Notes:
Unico Nutrition: Save $20 on your order at uniconutrition.com if you use code ODDENTITY at checkout.
Tips: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/oddentitypod
Merch: https://www.bonfire.com/weirdtogether/
Sources:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Charlotte_(cake)
https://www.atlasobscura.com/articles/frozen-charlotte-dolls
https://digitalcommons.library.umaine.edu/songstorysamplercollection/28/

S7 Ep. 1: The Babysitter and the Man Upstairs

***This episode contains content that may be unsuitable for some listeners. Listener discretion is advised.***
Hello ODD pod listeners and welcome back to Season 7 of The ODDentity Podcast on the PodMoth Media Network, your bi-weekly foray into the weird, wonky, and sometimes downright spooky. It’s hard to believe I’ve been delivering weird and creepy content to your ear holes for that long, but here I am! As I mentioned at the end of Season 6, this season will look a little different. The season will run for 6 episodes, the final episode being an interview, and you’ll be getting a new episode from me every two weeks. The content will remain the same and only the length of the season and release schedule will change.
Before we get to today’s topic, I wanted to take a moment to give a shoutout to all the great pods on the PodMoth Network. We’ve recently been working together to compile an archive of promos that can be either read or inserted into episodes to raise awareness for all the great podcasts we have on offer, so you’ll hear these promos cycling throughout the season. To check out the pods we have on offer, head on over to podmoth.network. There’s lots of weird and wonderful pods to choose from and I’m sure you’ll enjoy them.
I’d also like to let you all know that PodMoth is swapping ads with the Paranormality Network. You’ll hear one of their ads at the end of this episode.
In other news, The ODDentity Podcast is now offering merch! Available now on Bonfire.com is the Weird Together shirt. You can also grab a hoodie if that’s your preference. Each shirt is made of soft, premium fabric (a 50/50 cotton/poly mix) and makes a perfect gift for that special weirdo in your life. As the shirt states, we are Weird Together, a family of weirdlings that’s been keeping it weird and spooky since 2017. All proceeds from shirt sales go toward hosting costs and will help to keep the weird coming for another year! You can find the Weird Together shirt at bonfire.com/store/opmerch I’ll also post a link in the show notes.
 
Show Notes:
Merch: bonfire.com/store/opmerch
Use code PODGO30 to save $30 on your first subscription box at purplecarrot.com.
Use code ODDENTITY at uniconutrition.com to save $20 on your order of powders, supplies, and supplements.
Save 10% off your order from coddies.com
Transcripts: theoddentitypodcast.wordpress.com
Sources:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Babysitting#:~:text=The%20term%20%22baby%20sitter%22%20first,was%20first%20recorded%20in%201947.&text=The%20term%20may%20have%20originated,entertaining%20or%20busy%20in%20another
https://www.wikiwand.com/en/The_babysitter_and_the_man_upstairs
https://aminoapps.com/c/paranormal/page/blog/babysitter-and-the-man-upstairs-and-the-truth-behind-it/7eLB_GNnIPuXWwezpo3Lm1RNZ7EEwnBgE3
https://truecrimearticles.com/2018/03/30/the-unsolved-murder-of-janett-christman/

S6 Ep. 12: Interview: Psychic Medium and Author Michelle Belanger

This week, I welcome Michelle Belanger to the podcast. Michelle was gracious enough to give me over an hour of her time and I am so grateful for the opportunity to interview her. I hope you enjoy this episode! 
Season 7 will begin shortly. Stay tuned while I gather sources and adjust my research hat. :)
Michelle Belanger is an occult expert, educator, media personality, and author of over thirty books on paranormal and occult topics. Founder and lead clergy of the magickal group House Kheperu, she is most widely recognized for work as a psychic on A&E's Paranormal State and Osbourne Media's Portals to Hell. Consulted for numerous documentaries, books, and courses, she has lectured on paranormal and occult topics at colleges and universities across North America and was a National Merit Scholar. A prolific and versatile creator, she has also contributed work to projects as wide-ranging as Marvel AR, HBO's True Blood, CNN Headline News, CSI, Nox Arcana, and multiple RPGs.
 
Show Notes:
https://www.michellebelanger.com/
The Dictionary of Demons: Names of the Damned (Signed)
https://www.michellebelanger.com/signedbooks/dictionaryofdemons
Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/dp/0738723061/ref=as_sl_pc_ss_til?tag=michellebelan-20&linkCode=w00&linkId=ERETIWDJ2GM6ERXO&creativeASIN=0738723061 (Available on Kindle)
Psychic Aptitude Cards
https://www.michellebelanger.com/thirtysix
Michelle’s Patreon
https://www.patreon.com/haunted
 
The ODDentity Podcast is brought to you on a weekly basis by host Janine Mercer.
The podcast is written, produced, and edited by Janine Mercer (unless otherwise stated), and the music is provided by Garage Band.
Find the odd pod on Twitter and Instagram @oddentitypod and on Facebook as The Oddentity Podcast. You are welcome to email suggestions for future episodes to theoddentitypodcast@gmail.com and if you’d like a transcript of this episode, one will be available at theoddentitypodcast.wordpress.com.
Please take a moment to leave a 5* review on iTunes and, if you haven’t already, please make sure to mash that Subscribe button to be sure you’re in the know when a new episode drops. Sincerest thanks to those who have promoted The ODDentity Podcast to their family, friends, and coworkers. Every little bit helps!
PodMoth Media Network: podmoth.network
 

S6 Ep. 11: Fright and Delight

This week, with Halloween fast approaching, I dug through the archive of listener submitted stories and came up with some real doozies. Some contributors have asked I not use their real names and some names have been omitted from the stories you’re about to hear to conceal the identity of those involved as there was no way to get permission from them. I hope you enjoy the compiled spooky stories and I hope your Halloween will be full of fright and delight.
Before we get started, I’d like to thank everyone who took the time to submit their personal experiences to me. It’s hard to come forward with this type of information because there is so much doubt surrounding paranormal experiences and I appreciate the courage it took to let me share these with the podcast community.
Episode 12 is fast approaching and features an unforgettable interview with Michelle Belanger. It was all I could do to fangirl my way through this interview and Michelle was such a gracious and wonderful interviewee. This interview will bring Season 6 to a close. Next season will be shorter, 6 episodes, and episodes will drop bi-weekly,  but the podcast format will remain the same. 12 episodes per season can be a little stressful, particularly when I tackle complex topics like Jack the Ripper that require 3 episodes to touch on everything. Rest assured you’ll still be able to get your spooky on with The ODDentity Podcast. I hope to continue making videos featuring my odd collection as well, so stay tuned for those.
I’d also like to let you all know how much I appreciate your support and continued subscription to this podcast. You’ve got a lot of choices in terms of the spooky and weird and you choose to listen to me wax poetic about all things odd and macabre. I appreciate your continued support.
Tune in November 9th for more tales of the creepy, weird, and paranormal. Until next time, Stay Spooky!
The ODDentity Podcast is brought to you on a weekly basis by host Janine Mercer.
The podcast is written, produced, and edited by Janine Mercer (unless otherwise stated), and the music is provided by Garage Band.
Find the odd pod on Twitter and Instagram @oddentitypod and Facebook as The Oddentity Podcast. You are welcome to email suggestions for future episodes to theoddentitypodcast@gmail.com and if you’d like a transcript of this episode, one will be available at theoddentitypodcast.wordpress.com.
Please take a moment to leave a 5* review on iTunes and, if you haven’t already, please make sure to mash that Subscribe button to be sure you’re in the know when a new episode drops. Sincerest thanks to those who have promoted The ODDentity Podcast to their family, friends, and coworkers. Every little bit helps!
UNICO NUTRITION
Save $20 on your purchase at WWW.UNICONUTRITION.COM if you use code ODDENTITY at checkout!
LUME
Visit https://bit.ly/2BTUUSL and be entered every week to win a FREE Lume product! Orders over $20 get FREE first-class shipping.

S6 Ep. 10: Interview: Melinda Mitchell

Hello dear listeners, and welcome back to another episode of The ODDentity Podcast on the PodMoth Media Network, your weekly foray into the weird, wonky, and sometimes downright spooky.
I know I usually only do one interview per season, but I took in the Milwaukee Paranormal Conference last weekend and was wowed by a member on their panel.
Melinda Mitchell is an oddball like me who enjoys the weird and macabre side of life and we hit it off. She was gracious enough to give me an hour of her time to chat about the Victorian Era (one of my favorite topics), the romanticism surrounding death at that point in time, myths that persist about Victorian funerary customs, and about her awesome museum to be! The audio on this one is a little odd at times so I did the best I could to clean it up.
Before we get started this week, I wanted to give a shout out to all the awesome pods on the PodMoth Media Network. With Halloween fast approaching, the pods on the network have been producing some awesome content that is sure to delight and terrify! Pop on over to podmoth.network for more information and download links. Also, rest assured that episode 12 (the last episode of the season) will be an interview, as is my custom. Enjoy and, as always, Stay Spooky!
Show Notes:
Patreon for Museum of Mortality: https://www.gofundme.com/f/5wsps-museum-of-mortality-501c3-notforprofit-kickoff?utm_source=customer&utm_campaign=p_cp+share-sheet&utm_medium=copy_link_all
Website: http://museumofmortality.weebly.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MuseumOfMortality/
 
Madame Cora’s: https://www.madamcorasemporium.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/madamcorasemporium/
 
The ODDentity Podcast is brought to you on a weekly basis by host Janine Mercer.
The podcast is written, produced, and edited by Janine Mercer (unless otherwise stated), and the music is provided by Garage Band.
Find the odd pod on Twitter and Instagram @oddentitypod and on Facebook as The Oddentity Podcast. You are welcome to email suggestions for future episodes to theoddentitypodcast@gmail.com and if you’d like a transcript of this episode, one will be available at theoddentitypodcast.wordpress.com.
Please take a moment to leave a 5* review on iTunes and, if you haven’t already, please make sure to mash that Subscribe button to be sure you’re in the know when a new episode drops. Sincerest thanks to those who have promoted The ODDentity Podcast to their family, friends, and coworkers. Every little bit helps!
The ODDentity Podcast is a member of PodMoth podcast network.
https://podmoth.network
 

S6 Ep. 9: Home

Hello dear listeners, and welcome back to another episode of The ODDentity Podcast on the PodMoth Media Network, your weekly foray into the weird, wonky, and sometimes downright spooky.
This week, I’ll introduce you to Daniel Dunglas Home, a Scottish physical medium with the ability to levitate, speak with the dead, and produce rapping and knocks in houses at will. His biographer Peter Lamont stated that he was one of the most famous men of his era.Harry Houdini described him as "one of the most conspicuous and lauded of his type and generation" and "the forerunner of the mediums whose forte is fleecing by presuming on the credulity of the public." Home conducted hundreds of séances, which were attended by many eminent Victorians and was considered to be the foremost authority in the practice of mediumship.
I’d also like to take a moment to give a shout out to the other podcasts on the PodMoth Network. Supernatural Sisters, a spooky podcast with lots of interesting topics produced by two sisters, The Real Facts Podcast, a pod that uncovers the real truth about the real world, Leave the Lights On, a true crime/paranormal podcast, and The Lost Signal, a pod that features original audio plays of the pulp and macabre, and Watchers Movie Podcast, a pod that brings you spooky listener stories, and horror movie reviews! Links to these great podcasts can be found at podmoth.network.
 
Sources
http://www.telelib.com/authors/B/BrowningRobert/verse/dramatispersonae/mrsludge.html
Joseph McCabe, Is Spiritualism Based On Fraud? The Evidence Given by Sir A. C. Doyle and Others Drastically Examined.
Daniel Dunglas Home, Incidents In My Life
Sherrie Lynne Lyons. (2010). Species, Serpents, Spirits, and Skulls: Science at the Margins in the Victorian Age
 
UNICO NUTRITION
Save $20 on your purchase at WWW.UNICONUTRITION.COM if you use code ODDENTITY at checkout!
 
LUME
Visit https://bit.ly/2BTUUSL and be entered every week to win a FREE Lume product! Orders over $20 get FREE first-class shipping.
 
Merch!
Shop.spreadshirt.com/oddpodmerch
15% off until Sept. 25th, 2020!
 
The ODDentity Podcast is brought to you on a weekly basis by host Janine Mercer.
The podcast is written, produced, and edited by Janine Mercer (unless otherwise stated), and the music is provided by Garage Band.
Find the odd pod on Twitter and Instagram @oddentitypod and on Facebook as The Oddentity Podcast. You are welcome to email suggestions for future episodes to theoddentitypodcast@gmail.com and if you’d like a transcript of this episode, one will be available at theoddentitypodcast.wordpress.com.
Please take a moment to leave a 5* review on iTunes and, if you haven’t already, please make sure to mash that Subscribe button to be sure you’re in the know when a new episode drops. Sincerest thanks to those who have promoted The ODDentity Podcast to their family, friends, and coworkers. Every little bit helps!
The ODDentity Podcast is a member of PodMoth podcast network.
https://podmoth.network

S6 Ep.8: Ripping (Part 3)

Hello dear listeners, and welcome back to another episode of The ODDentity Podcast on the PodMoth Media Network, your weekly foray into the weird, wonky, and sometimes downright spooky.
After completing the research on Jack the Ripper last week, I came to the realization that this topic is so large that it actually needs a part 3. So, this week I’ll tackle the last 2 canonical Ripper victims and also discuss the top 5 suspects for Jack the Ripper as well as take a look at more recent suspicions of who the Ripper may have been. I was going to incorporate all of the remaining information into a second episode but felt that the victims of Jack the Ripper deserved the extra airtime. If you’ve not yet listened to part 1 or part 2 of the Jack the Ripper series, please do so before listening to part 3.
I’ve been podcasting since 2017 and I thought it was about time I created some merch. I know, I know, it’s way past due. Merch is now available at Shop.spreadshirt.com/oddpodmerch. There are a few to choose from and I think you’ll like them. There are also lots of options from mousepads and buttons to tees and hats. From now until September 25th, all orders are 15% off! Show off your weird side and support your favorite podcast!
Before we proceed further, please note that the information in this episode may be distressing to some listeners. Listener discretion is advised.
The ODDentity Podcast is brought to you on a weekly basis by host Janine Mercer.
The podcast is written, produced, and edited by Janine Mercer (unless otherwise stated), and the music is provided by Garage Band.
Find the odd pod on Twitter and Instagram @oddentitypod and Facebook as The Oddentity Podcast. You are welcome to email suggestions for future episodes to theoddentitypodcast@gmail.com and if you’d like a transcript of this episode, one will be available at theoddentitypodcast.wordpress.com.
Please take a moment to leave a 5* review on iTunes and, if you haven’t already, please make sure to mash that Subscribe button to be sure you’re in the know when a new episode drops. Sincerest thanks to those who have promoted The ODDentity Podcast to their family, friends, and coworkers. Every little bit helps!
 
UNICO NUTRITION
Save $20 on your purchase at WWW.UNICONUTRITION.COM if you use code ODDENTITY at checkout!
LUME
Visit https://bit.ly/2BTUUSL and be entered every week to win a FREE Lume product! Orders over $20 get FREE first-class shipping.
Merch!
Shop.spreadshirt.com/oddpodmerch
15% off until Sept. 25th, 2020!
 
Sources
Medical report in Coroner's Inquests, no. 135, Corporation of London Records, quoted in Evans and Skinner, pp. 205–207 and Fido, pp. 70–74
Medical report in Coroner's Inquests, no. 135, Corporation of London Records, quoted in Evans and Skinner, pp. 204–205 and Fido, pp. 46–47
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Catherine_Eddowes#:~:text=Catherine%20Eddowes%20(14%20April%201842,from%20late%20August%20to%20early
https://strawberrytours.com/london/blog/the-5-most-likely-jack-the-ripper-suspects-and-the-facts-against-them
The song Mary Jane Kelly was heard singing the night of her death. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0yyBAB8usQI&has_verified=1
Mary Jane Kelley obit The Daily Telegraph, 19 November 1888, page 3; 20 November 1888, page 3
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mary_Jane_Kelly#cite_note-77
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/James_Maybrick