At the age of 111, Sogen Kato was about to be crowned “Tokyo’s oldest living man” and celebrated during Japan’s Respect for the Aged Day. But when Sogen’s family wouldn’t allow city officials to speak with him, suspicions were at an all-time high. During a wellness check, officials found that Sogen had been deceased in his family’s home for over 20 years. Tune in to hear Sogen’s story and the repercussions that followed.

Download now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and most other listening platforms. Please review and rate us on wherever you stream!

For pictures and more information, please follow us on Instagram & Threads @thespectralpod and check out our resources below.

Sources:

“Almost 200 centenarians ‘missing’ in Japan”. BBC News, 12 Aug. 2010, https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-pacific-10949562.

Ogura, Junko. “Toky’s ‘oldest man’ may have been dead for decades.” CNN, 30 July 2010, https://www.cnn.com/2010/WORLD/asiapcf/07/30/japan.oldest.man/index.html.

“Tokyo’s ‘oldest man’ had been dead for 30 years.” BBC News, 29 July 2010, https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-pacific-10809128.

We fell down the Reddit rabbit hole to bring you a mix of stories ranging from strange to downright frightening. We have ghost pets, disappearing people, and an entirely empty movie theater...? We share our theories about what could be at play with each story, we'd love to hear your take on things. Oh also! We have so many peaches if anyone wants one.

For pictures and more information, please follow us on Instagram & Threads @thespectralpod. If you want to send us a story or recommendation, email us: spectralpod@gmail.com.

Please rate and review on your favorite listening platform. The ghosts and I will be eternally grateful. We hope you keep listening! Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and all other platforms.

Credit to:

u/alrxa

u/babayaga937

u/ManyDamage6313

u/AnotherXRoadDeal

u/Poptartgloryhole

We’ve all seen it in movies and TV shows, someone is near death and someone screams, “Don’t go towards the light!” But what if we should never go into the light after we die…? We’re discussing the Soul Trap Theory in this mini tale, where we’ll be second-guessing who exactly is behind “the light” and what happens if you choose to go into it. Trust us, you’ll want to do some deep meditation after this and maybe rearrange your postmortem plans.

For pictures and more information, please follow us on Instagram @thespectralpod. If you want to send us a story or recommendation, email us: spectralpod@gmail.com.

Please rate and review on your favorite listening platform. The ghosts and I will be eternally grateful. We hope you keep listening! Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and all other listening platforms.

Sources:

Arsena, Pamela. “The Reincarnation Soul Trap: Illusory LIght or Divine Gateway.” Pamela Arsena, 04 June 2023, https://pamelaarsena.com/the-reincarnation-soul-trap-illusory-light-or-divine-gateway/.

S, Harshita. “Exit the Cave - A primer to the after-death Soul Trap Theory.” Medium, 10 Feb. 2023, https://medium.com/@Synchronised_universe/exit-the-cave-a-primer-to-the-after-death-soul-trap-theory-6afe1ff6a7a2.

For this week’s episode, we’re trading our mics for easels and diving into the world of haunted paintings. We’ve curated a collection so deadly it includes: a rendition of polar bears that reportedly drove a university student to take their own life, subjects within a painting disappearing, a serial killer clown portrait, and more. Put on your smock with us and explore the history behind these paintings and how they started tormenting their owners. Also…Philippines, babe, are you okay?

For pictures and more information, please follow us on Instagram & Threads @thespectralpod. If you want to send us a story or recommendation, email us: spectralpod@gmail.com.

Please rate and review on your favorite listening platform. The ghosts and I will be eternally grateful. We hope you keep listening! Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and all other platforms.

Sources:

Cristina, Maria. “Spooky Art: The Dead Mother by Edvard Munch (Interpretation and Analysis).” Medium, 24 Oct. 2021, https://maria-cristina.medium.com/spooky-art-the-dead-mother-by-edvard-munch-interpretation-and-analysis-3fa6d5b45ad.

“Flight 1 And The Curse of Arshile Gorky.” Artlyst, 26 Apr. 2015, https://artlyst.com/news/flight-1-and-the-curse-of-arshile-gorky/.

Gomez, Jerome. “Behind the Curse of Juan Luna’s ‘Portrait of a Lady’.” Esquire, 20 Jan. 2017, https://www.esquiremag.ph/culture/books-and-art/crimes-and-punishment-a1549-20170120-lfrm3.

Hawthorn, LJ. “3 More Horrific Haunted Paintings.” The Hawthorn Files, 25 Jan. 2023, https://thehawthornfiles.com/2023/01/25/3-more-horrific-haunted-paintings/.

“Manila Film Center.” Filieye, 06 Aug. 2018, https://filieye.wordpress.com/2018/08/06/tragic-theater/.

Sweet, Laurel J. “Gacy painting turns Stone cold.” Wicked Local, 01 Dec. 2005, https://www.wickedlocal.com/story/observer-advocate/2005/12/02/gacy-painting-turns-stone-cold/39179098007/.

“The curse of ‘Mi Novia’.” Filieye, 22 Mar. 2019, https://filieye.wordpress.com/2019/03/22/the-curse-of-mi-novia/.

Welcome to Spectral’s Top 10, where we bring you the most unsettling, creepy songs the music industry has to offer. We’ve got a great set list for you this evening, ranging from songs fueled by ghostly encounters to love songs between the live and the decomposed. And don’t miss Alexis sharing the true meaning of the name AC/DC. Thanks for tuning in! Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and all other platforms.

For pictures and more information, please follow us on Instagram & Threads @thespectralpod. If you want to send us a story or recommendation, email us: spectralpod@gmail.com.

Please rate and review on your favorite listening platform. The ghosts and I will be eternally grateful. We hope you keep listening!

Resources:

Bartlette, DeLani R. “Diane Downs: Hungry Like the Wolf.” Medium, 11 May 2021, https://delanirbartlette.medium.com/diane-downs-hungry-like-the-wolf-22905cecdd97.

Bruce Springsteen All the Songs: The Story Behind Every Track

Burchard, Jeremy. “How the Ghost of Hank Williams Inspired David Allan Coe’s ‘The Ride’”. Wide Open Country, 26 Mar. 2020, https://www.wideopencountry.com/how-the-ghost-of-hank-williams-inspired-the-ride/.

“David Allan Coe.” Legendary David Allan Coe, Accessed 10 Apr. 2024, https://www.legendarydavidallancoe.com/.

Holland, Oscar and Palumbo, Jacqui. “Lil Nas X’s unofficial ‘Satan’ Nikes containing human blood sell out in under a minute.” CNN, 29 March 2021, https://www.cnn.com/style/article/lil-nas-x-mschf-satan-nike-shoes/index.html.

Kettler, Sara. “Was Caril Ann Fugate Really Charlie Starkweather’s Murderous Accomplice?” A&E, 29 Nov. 2023, https://www.aetv.com/real-crime/charles-starkweather-killing-spree.

Mamo, Heran. “Dave Grohl, Lindsey Buckingham & More Featured on Halsey’s ‘If I Can’t Have Love, I Want Power’ Album.” Billboard, 25 Aug. 2021, https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/halseys-if-i-cant-have-love-i-want-power-album-features-9620019/.

“Nebraska”. All Music, Accessed 10 Apr. 2024, https://www.allmusic.com/album/nebraska-mw0000650804.

Pallardy, Richard. “Elizabeth Bathory.” Britannica, 30 Apr. 2024, https://www.britannica.com/biography/Elizabeth-Bathory.

Perchick, Michael. “The Way: How a Salado couple’s tragic story inspired a chart-topping song.” WUSA 9, 27 July 2017, https://www.wusa9.com/article/news/local/the-way-how-a-salado-couples-tragic-story-inspired-a-chart-topping-song/269-459113059.

Denver’s International Airport has been the center of SO many conspiracy theories. After opening behind schedule in 1995, the airport has garnered suspicions from locals since day 1, and the theories of what’s hidden in Denver’s walls have only gotten crazier. From secret societies to haunted horse sculptures, we’re tackling all of Denver’s wildest theories. #JustBeingaLizard

Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and all other platforms.

For pictures and more information, please follow us on Instagram & Threads @thespectralpod. If you want to send us a story or recommendation, email us: spectralpod@gmail.com.

Please rate and review on your favorite listening platform. The ghosts and I will be eternally grateful. We hope you keep listening!

Resources:

Anas, Brittany. “Why The Denver Airport Started Embracing Its Conspiracy Theories.” Forbes, 30 Oct. 2023 https://www.forbes.com/sites/brittanyanas/2023/10/30/why-the-denver-airport-started-embracing-its-conspiracy-theories/?sh=2ae7bac47b76.

Bahr, Sarah. “Chasing Conspiracy Theories at the Denver Airport.” The New York Times, 17 May 2023, https://www.nytimes.com/2023/05/03/insider/chasing-conspiracy-theories-at-the-denver-airport.html.

Erbland, Kate. “6 Strange Conspiracy Theories Surrounding the Denver Airport.” Mental Floss, 08 Jun. 2023, https://www.mentalfloss.com/article/61740/5-weird-conspiracy-theories-surrounding-denver-international-airport.

Hernandez, Esteban L. “DIA’s legacy of conspiracy theories.” Axios, 23 July 2023, https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2023/07/23/denver-airport-conspiracies-theories.

Humphries, Monica. “6 conspiracy theories people believe about Denver’s airport, debunked.” Business Insider, 23 Nov. 2022, https://www.businessinsider.com/denver-international-airport-conspiracy-theories-debunked-2021-10.

Visit Denver Staff. “Myths and Legends Behind Denver International Airport.” Denver, 07 May 2021, https://www.denver.org/blog/post/myths-denver-airport/.

Wenzel, John. “The definitive guide to Denver International Airport’s biggest conspiracy theories.” The Denver Post, 31 Oct. 2016, https://www.denverpost.com/2016/10/31/definitive-guide-to-denver-international-airport-conspiracy-theories/.

We’re traveling to the misty hills of Ireland and diving into the commonly misunderstood Celtic lore of banshees, including a couple firsthand experiences. The banshee’s mournful cry and sometimes ominous presence can haunt you, protect you, or warn you.

Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and all other platforms.

For pictures and more information, please follow us on Instagram & Threads @thespectralpod. If you want to send us a story or recommendation, email us: spectralpod@gmail.com.

Please rate and review on your favorite listening platform. The ghosts and I will be eternally grateful. We hope you keep listening!

Resources:

Brent, Harry. “Exploring Irish Mythology: The Banshee.” Irish Post, 18 Aug. 2021, https://www.irishpost.com/life-style/exploring-irish-mythology-banshee-170287.

Marrs, Delaney. “In Search of the Irish Family Banshee, Her Cry Echoing Across Generations.” Folklife, 30 Oct. 2023, https://folklife.si.edu/magazine/irish-banshee.

“Norman invasion of Ireland.” New World Encyclopedia, Accessed 16 Mar. 2024, https://www.newworldencyclopedia.org/entry/Norman_invasion_of_Ireland.

O’Hart, John. “Irish Pedigrees.” Roots Web, Accessed 17 Mar. 2024, https://sites.rootsweb.com/~fianna/surname/old.html.

“Six authentic recordings of keening from Ireland and Scotland (1955-1965).” The Folk Revival Project, Accessed 16 Mar. 2024, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vgts7_b1JWY&ab_channel=TheFolkRevivalProject.

The Newsroom. “Ghost stories special Part 3 Banshee Tales.” Derry Journal, 30 Oct. 2014, https://www.derryjournal.com/news/ghost-stories-special-part-3-banshee-tales-2260476.

“Whelan Family History.” Ancestry, Accessed 15 Mar. 2024, https://www.ancestry.com/name-origin?surname=whelan.

What do serial killers, the Black Dahlia, and low water pressure have in common? The Cecil Hotel. We’re taking our first deep dive into true crime with the tragedies surrounding the Cecil Hotel, and it’s gnarly. The Cecil is infamous for being a lawless, dark place, so we’re going decade by decade to give you some of the Cecil’s most notorious mishappenings. Check out the Netflix documentary we reference: Crime Scene: The Vanishing at the Cecil Hotel.

Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and all other platforms.

For pictures and more information, please follow us on Instagram & Threads @thespectralpod. If you want to send us a story or recommendation, email us: spectralpod@gmail.com.

Please rate and review on your favorite listening platform. The ghosts and I will be eternally grateful. We hope you keep listening!

Resources:

Callaghan, Chris. “The Curse of The Cecil Hotel.” American Ghost Walks, Accessed 03 Mar. 2024, https://www.americanghostwalks.com/articles/the-cecil-hotel-haunted-los-angeles.

Henry, Grace. “What happened in the Cecil hotel? History explained.” RadioTimes, 15 Dec. 2023, https://www.radiotimes.com/tv/documentaries/true-crime/cecil-hotel-history-deaths-serial-killer-stays-netflix/.

Hutton, Alice. “The Vanishing at the Cecil Hotel: Gruesome history of hotel where mysterious death of Elisa Lam took place.” The Independent, 11 Feb. 2021, https://www.independent.co.uk/news/the-cecil-hotel-netflix-elisa-lam-los-angeles-b1800647.html.

Khouri, Andrew. “Once a den of prostitution and drugs, the Cecil Hotel in downtown L.A. is set to undergo a $100 million renovation.” Los Angeles Times, 01 Jun. 2016, https://www.latimes.com/business/la-fi-cecil-hotel-20160601-snap-story.html.

Kranc, Lauren. “The Former Cecil Hotel Manager: ‘I Believe in Ghosts… But I Don’t Think They Run the Show Over There’.” Esquire, 10 Feb. 2021, https://www.esquire.com/entertainment/tv/a35463537/cecil-hotel-manager-amy-price-elisa-lam-interview/.

Martin, Laura. “The Cecil Hotel’s True History Is Even Darker Than the Netflix Series.” Esquire, 10 Feb. 2021, https://www.esquire.com/uk/culture/tv/a35471517/cecil-hotel-murders-true-story/.

Meares, Hadley. “‘The Suicide’: The Hotel Cecil and the Mean Streets of L.A.’s Notorious Skid Row.” PBS SoCal, 29 Sept. 2015, https://www.pbssocal.org/history-society/the-suicide-the-hotel-cecil-and-the-mean-streets-of-l-a-s-notorious-skid-row.

Serena, Katie. “Inside The Cecil Hotel And Its Eerie History Of Death And Murder.” All That’s Interesting, 23 May 2023, https://allthatsinteresting.com/cecil-hotel-los-angeles.

“Who Was Jack Unterweger, the Austrian Serial Killer in Netflix’s Vanishing at the Cecil Hotel?” MovieMaker, 16 Feb. 2021, https://www.moviemaker.com/jack-unterweger-austrian-serial-killer-netflix-vanishing-at-the-cecil-hotel/.