Episodes

  • Episode 46: The Battletown Witch Festival Part 2
    Nov 1 2023

    This episode is best viewed on YouTube on S.B. Pearce's channel. Find it in the Strange Bluegrass Playlist.

    Join S.B. Pearce as she attends the 2nd annual Battletown Witch Festival in Brandenburg, Kentucky. Hear the tragic story of Leah Smock, a gifted young lady accused of witchcraft. Ultimately, her life ended at the tender age of 21, and she bears the title of being the last witch burned in the United States. The festival was created to celebrate her life and to mourn her untimely, and grisly death. 

    You'll meet Lady V, High Priestess of Louisville, watch the Sisters of the Dancing Moon perform the German witch dance called Wolfshager Hexenbrut, see the adult costume contest, and listen to Kay Hamilton, descendent of Leah and Kentucky author who wrote the definitive book on her ancestor, Burned As A Witch: The Legend of Leah Smock. You can also browse the wares of many fine local artists, many of which cater to a particular pagan path. 

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    1 hr and 37 mins
  • Episode 45: The Battletown Witch Festival - Part 1
    Oct 20 2023

    Join S.B as she speaks with Annie Hamilton Emond with the Meade County Tourism Bureau about their unique festival in Brandenburg, KY. The festival celebrates the unique life and tragic death of Leah Smock, the last witch burned in the United States. 

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    20 mins
  • Episode 44: International Paranormal Museum, Somerset, KY
    May 29 2023

    Join S.B. Pearce as Kyle Kadel gives a spectacular tour of the International Paranormal Museum and Research Center in Somerset, Kentucky. Thousands of items from Cryptids to haunted objects come together to create a unique experience for visitors.

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    1 hr and 16 mins
  • Episode 43: Freaks and Dracula
    Apr 6 2023

    S.B. is stunned to learn that one of the Godfathers of Horror film was a Kentucky Native. Join her as she explores Tod Browning's incredible life and career. 

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    25 mins
  • Episode 42: Don't Tell Me What To Do
    Jan 18 2023

    Join S.B. Pearce as she explores the history of book banning in the Bluegrass State and the challenges facing our Public Library system due to the passing of SB 167.

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    33 mins
  • Episode 41: Between A Rock And A Hard Place
    Jan 4 2023

    S.B. Pearce just learned that the state gemstone is the fresh water pearl...or is it? Join her as she discovers something really odd about a few of our state's strange official designations. 

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    35 mins
  • Episode 40: Apple Valley Hillbilly Gardens & Toyland
    Jul 18 2022

    I love a good pun. I also groan but giggle at corny dad jokes. Join me at the Apple Valley Hillbilly Garden and Toyland in Calvert City, Kentucky where I received the coolest tour ever by the super talented proprietor, Keith Holt. Additional images and video footage will be posted to the Strange Bluegrass social media pages.

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    55 mins
  • Episode 39: Kentucky Meat Rain
    May 21 2022

    We've all heard the phrase "It's raining cats and dogs" and the song "It's Raining Men"is an iconic dance classic. Water spouts can make it rain fish and there was once a blood rain in Tennessee. Have you ever heard of the time it rained meat in Kentucky? Join S.B. Pearce as she interviews Kurt Gohde, the Kentucky Meat Rain Expert. I don't think these folks were stepping on a poodle.

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    47 mins