If you gave us a nickel how many goatmen we’ve covered on this show, we’d have 10 cents; it’s not a lot, but more than one might expect. This time, we’re visiting Maryland to dive into the story of a violent, possibly axe-wielding monster and the Prince George’s County  teenagers and pets it apparently enjoyed terrorizing in Bowie, along Fletchertown Road.

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Hosted and Written  by Laurah Norton

Researched by Anna Luria  and Laurah Norton

Engineered and  Produced by Southern Gothic Media/Rachel Boyd

One Strange Thing: True Paranormal Mysteries explores the archives of the unexplained, blending rigorous historical research with a wry, skeptical wit to investigate true supernatural stories and baffling mysteries that made headlines.

Dive into our Episode Mystery Archive — a curated, topic-organized source for documented hauntings, UFO sightings, cryptids, folklore, and bizarre true mysteries. Check it out here! https://www.onestrangethingpodcast.com/episodes-by-topic-mystery-archive

 

Sources on our website: https://www.onestrangethingpodcast.com/

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We’ve covered murderous clowns, motel clowns, and . . . honestly, we forget how many iterations have popped up, like jack-in-the-boxes, over the years. But this time, strangers, we’ve got what may be the most unique experience of all: a vintage story that combines UFOs, clownery, a possible robot, children with surprisingly good social skills, and the most unsettling berry-eating experience we’ve ever been exposed to in our five-year tenure. Enjoy. 

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Hosted By Laurah Norton 

Written and Researched by Laurah Norton and Maura Currie 

Engineered and Produced by Maura Currie

This is Premium Episode 83, appearing for the first time on the main feed. 

One Strange Thing: True Paranormal Mysteries explores the archives of the unexplained, blending rigorous historical research with a wry, skeptical wit to investigate true supernatural stories and baffling mysteries that made headlines.

Dive into our Episode Mystery Archive — a curated, topic-organized source for documented hauntings, UFO sightings, cryptids, folklore, and bizarre true mysteries. Check it out here! https://www.onestrangethingpodcast.com/episodes-by-topic-mystery-archive

 

Sources on our website: https://www.onestrangethingpodcast.com/

Join us on Patreon for early release and ad-free episodes, exclusive stories, and bonus 

episodes: https://www.patreon.com/OneStrangeThing

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Copyright 2026 The Fall Line Podcast LLC - One Strange Thing Podcast

We work with Amplitude Media Partners (AMP) to power our advertising and grow with the right sponsors. Contact AMP with any ad inquiries; [email protected]. 

Works Cited: 

Norman Oliver, “Ghost or Spaceman ’73?” The BUFORA Journal, February 1978. 

N/A, History Disclosure, “Two Children Have a Close Encounter With a Strange Humanoid.” 2018.

N/A, “The Sandown Clown: Exploring…” On the Wight, 2023.

Tom Oldham, “The Mystery of The…” VICE, 2025.

Test Card F (via Test Card Fandom Wiki)

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The lava beds of Central Oregon produced one of the most involved (and fascinating) creature features of the early 20th century: the mythic lava bear. And, of course, all of the humans who argued about it, hunted it, and attempted to have scientific discussions regarding its existence. We sure do love history, strangers. 

Ready to clean out your closet and make some extra money? download the Vinted app for free and start listing. With no seller fees, you keep every dollar you earn - and for a limited time, enjoy free shipping in the US on Vinted! https://www.vinted.com/app

Hosted and Written  by Laurah Norton

Researched by Anna Luria  and Laurah Norton

Engineered and  Produced by Southern Gothic Media/Rachel Boyd

One Strange Thing: True Paranormal Mysteries explores the archives of the unexplained, blending rigorous historical research with a wry, skeptical wit to investigate true supernatural stories and baffling mysteries that made headlines.

Dive into our Episode Mystery Archive — a curated, topic-organized source for documented hauntings, UFO sightings, cryptids, folklore, and bizarre true mysteries. Check it out here! https://www.onestrangethingpodcast.com/episodes-by-topic-mystery-archive

 

Sources on our website: https://www.onestrangethingpodcast.com/

Join us on Patreon for early release and ad-free episodes, exclusive stories, and bonus 

episodes: https://www.patreon.com/OneStrangeThing

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/onestrangethingpod/ Facebook https://www.facebook.com/One-Strange-Thing-114307627035607

Subscribe to our Substack: https://substack.com/@onestrangething

Copyright 2026 The Fall Line Podcast LLC - One Strange Thing Podcast

We work with Amplitude Media Partners (AMP) to power our advertising and grow with the right sponsors. Contact AMP with any ad inquiries; [email protected].

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Some say that a werewolf once lived in Georgia -- a young woman, Emily Burts, who was born 20 years before the Civil War. Sound like an unusual set up for a lycanthropic tale? We thought so, too. 

Get 20% off your DeleteMe plan when you go to joindeleteme.com/STRANGE and use promo code STRANGE at checkout!  

Hosted,  Written, and Researched by Laurah Norton

Produced by Maura Currie 

Engineered by Brandon Schexnayder

This episode originally ran as Episode 87.

One Strange Thing: True Paranormal Mysteries explores the archives of the unexplained, blending rigorous historical research with a wry, skeptical wit to investigate true supernatural stories and baffling mysteries that made headlines.

Dive into our Episode Mystery Archive — a curated, topic-organized source for documented hauntings, UFO sightings, cryptids, folklore, and bizarre true mysteries. Check it out here! https://www.onestrangethingpodcast.com/episodes-by-topic-mystery-archive

 

Sources on our website: https://www.onestrangethingpodcast.com/

Join us on Patreon for early release and ad-free episodes, exclusive stories, and bonus 

episodes: https://www.patreon.com/OneStrangeThing

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/onestrangethingpod/ Facebook https://www.facebook.com/One-Strange-Thing-114307627035607

Subscribe to our Substack: https://substack.com/@onestrangething

Copyright 2026 The Fall Line Podcast LLC - One Strange Thing Podcast

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Mercy Brown, Rhode Island vampire—allegedly so—is considered to be the last of the state’s unfortunate focal points in its 19th century vampire panics; but like so many other supernatural superstitions we dig into, there’s much more beneath the surface. The Exeter Vampire panic is more complex, and perhaps distorted, than we’ve been led to believe. . .all through the haze of the horror of the plague of tuberculosis. 

Get 20% off your DeleteMe plan when you go to joindeleteme.com/STRANGE and use promo code STRANGE at checkout!  

Hosted and written  by Laurah Norton

Researched Anna Luria and Laurah Norton

Produced by Maura Currie

Engineered by Brandon Schexnayder 

This episode originally ran as Episode 71.

One Strange Thing: True Paranormal Mysteries explores the archives of the unexplained, blending rigorous historical research with a wry, skeptical wit to investigate true supernatural stories and baffling mysteries that made headlines.

Dive into our Episode Mystery Archive — a curated, topic-organized source for documented hauntings, UFO sightings, cryptids, folklore, and bizarre true mysteries. Check it out here! https://www.onestrangethingpodcast.com/episodes-by-topic-mystery-archive

 

Sources on our website: https://www.onestrangethingpodcast.com/

Join us on Patreon for early release and ad-free episodes, exclusive stories, and bonus 

episodes: https://www.patreon.com/OneStrangeThing

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/onestrangethingpod/ Facebook https://www.facebook.com/One-Strange-Thing-114307627035607

Subscribe to our Substack: https://substack.com/@onestrangething

Copyright 2026 The Fall Line Podcast LLC - One Strange Thing Podcast

We work with Amplitude Media Partners (AMP) to power our advertising and grow with the right sponsors. Contact AMP with any ad inquiries; [email protected].

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In rural North Carolina, there’s a circle of earth where nothing grows. It’s been there a long time — and why it exists is down to either the unexplainable… or the satanic. It’s called the Devil’s Tramping, or Tromping Ground. And locals claim there have been all sorts of strange things seen at the site. 

 

Get 20% off your DeleteMe plan when you go to joindeleteme.com/STRANGE and use promo code STRANGE at checkout!  

 

Hosted by Laurah Norton

Researched Anna Luria and Maura Currie

Produced and written by Maura Currie

Engineered by Brandon Schexnayder 

This episode originally ran as Episode 72.

 

One Strange Thing: True Paranormal Mysteries explores the archives of the unexplained, blending rigorous historical research with a wry, skeptical wit to investigate true supernatural stories and baffling mysteries that made headlines.

Dive into our Episode Mystery Archive — a curated, topic-organized source for documented hauntings, UFO sightings, cryptids, folklore, and bizarre true mysteries. Check it out here! https://www.onestrangethingpodcast.com/episodes-by-topic-mystery-archive

Sources on our website: https://www.onestrangethingpodcast.com/

Join us on Patreon for early release and ad-free episodes, exclusive stories, and bonus 

episodes: https://www.patreon.com/OneStrangeThing

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/onestrangethingpod/ Facebook https://www.facebook.com/One-Strange-Thing-114307627035607

Subscribe to our Substack: https://substack.com/@onestrangething

Copyright 2026 The Fall Line Podcast LLC - One Strange Thing Podcast

We work with Amplitude Media Partners (AMP) to power our advertising and grow with the right sponsors. Contact AMP with any ad inquiries; [email protected].

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In a dark period of American history, an unexpected hero lifted spirits and predicted the results of horse races. Lady Wonder, a chestnut-brown horse, could do it all: spell, read minds, and see into the future. And people went all in — even when she picked up some unusual extracurriculars. 

Get 20% off your DeleteMe plan when you go to joindeleteme.com/STRANGE and use promo code STRANGE at checkout!  

Hosted by Laurah Norton

Researched Anna Luria and Maura Currie

Produced and written by Maura Currie

Engineered by Brandon Schexnayder 

This episode originally ran as Episode 74..

One Strange Thing: True Paranormal Mysteries explores the archives of the unexplained, blending rigorous historical research with a wry, skeptical wit to investigate true supernatural stories and baffling mysteries that made headlines.

Dive into our Episode Mystery Archive — a curated, topic-organized source for documented hauntings, UFO sightings, cryptids, folklore, and bizarre true mysteries. Check it out here! https://www.onestrangethingpodcast.com/episodes-by-topic-mystery-archive

Sources on our website: https://www.onestrangethingpodcast.com/

Join us on Patreon for early release and ad-free episodes, exclusive stories, and bonus 

episodes: https://www.patreon.com/OneStrangeThing

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/onestrangethingpod/ Facebook https://www.facebook.com/One-Strange-Thing-114307627035607

Subscribe to our Substack: https://substack.com/@onestrangething

We work with Amplitude Media Partners (AMP) to power our advertising and grow with the right sponsors. Contact AMP with any ad inquiries; [email protected].

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Our favorite weird state, West Virginia, is home to one of the most fascinating (and disturbing) paranormal tales in American history: the testimony of a ghost that was discussed during a murder trial. At the turn of the 20th century, a young bride, Elva Zona Heaster Shue, died in what at first seemed to be an accident. Soon, though, someone very close to her was on trial for murder . . . after Zona herself appeared as a ghost, and pointed a spectral finger at the suspect. 

Get 20% off your DeleteMe plan when you go to joindeleteme.com/STRANGE and use promo code STRANGE at checkout!  

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Hosted and Written  by Laurah Norton

Researched by Laurah Norton and Annna Luria 

Engineered by Southern Gothic Media/Rachel Boyd

One Strange Thing: True Paranormal Mysteries explores the archives of the unexplained, blending rigorous historical research with a wry, skeptical wit to investigate true supernatural stories and baffling mysteries that made headlines.

Dive into our Episode Mystery Archive — a curated, topic-organized source for documented hauntings, UFO sightings, cryptids, folklore, and bizarre true mysteries. Check it out here! https://www.onestrangethingpodcast.com/episodes-by-topic-mystery-archive

 

Sources on our website: https://www.onestrangethingpodcast.com/

Join us on Patreon for early release and ad-free episodes, exclusive stories, and bonus 

episodes: https://www.patreon.com/OneStrangeThing

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Subscribe to our Substack: https://substack.com/@onestrangething

We work with Amplitude Media Partners (AMP) to power our advertising and grow with the right sponsors. Contact AMP with any ad inquiries; [email protected].

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Anyone plugged into the world of unexplained events and oddities is probably well aware of the Max Headroom broadcast hijacking. But a story that weird is worth diving into — especially since, roughly 40 years later, there’s been no real progress in efforts to c-c-catch those involved. Strange history at its finest! 

Elevate your summer wardrobe! Go to Quince.com/OST for free shipping on your order and 365-day returns. Now available in Canada, too!

Hosted by Laurah Norton 

Researched by Bryan Worters and Maura Currie

Produced, Written and Engineered by Maura Currie 

This episode originally ran as Premium Episode 25.

One Strange Thing: True Paranormal Mysteries explores the archives of the unexplained, blending rigorous historical research with a wry, skeptical wit to investigate true supernatural stories and baffling mysteries that made headlines.

Dive into our Episode Mystery Archive — a curated, topic-organized source for documented hauntings, UFO sightings, cryptids, folklore, and bizarre true mysteries. Check it out here! https://www.onestrangethingpodcast.com/episodes-by-topic-mystery-archive

 

Sources on our website: https://www.onestrangethingpodcast.com/

Join us on Patreon for early release and ad-free episodes, exclusive stories, and bonus 

episodes: https://www.patreon.com/OneStrangeThing

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Subscribe to our Substack: https://substack.com/@onestrangething

We work with Amplitude Media Partners (AMP) to power our advertising and grow with the right sponsors. Contact AMP with any ad inquiries; [email protected]. 

All Rights Reserved The Fall Line® Podcast LLC/One Strange Thing 2026

Works Cited: 

Bishop, Bryan, “Max Headroom: The Definitive…” The Verge, 2015.

Wogan, Terry. “Max Headroom,” BBC1, 1985.

Shull, Richard, “‘20 minutes into future’ is past,” The Times, 1987.

“Highlights in the history of Coca-Cola…” Library of Congress, ND. 

Knittel, Chris, “The Mystery of the Creepiest…” Motherboard, 2013.

“Video pirate briefly interrupts…” Chicago Tribune, 1987. 

Greene, Bob, “Fame is fleeting to the m-m-max,” Chicago Tribune, 1987.

“Masked Max interrupts programming,” UPI, 1987.

Shefsky, Jay, “30 Years Later, Notorious…” WTTW News, 2017. 

Camper, John & Daley, Steve, “A powerful video prankster…” Chicago Tribune, 1987.

Buckman, Adam, “FCC sure is mad, Max” Advertising Age, 1987.

“The Max Headroom Incident: Revisiting…” WBUR, 2019.

Pagano, Penny, “‘Captain Midnight’ Enters Plea…” Los Angeles Times, 1986.

Staff, “Porn-Film Message Suspect…” Los Angeles Times, 1990.

The Max Headroom Chronicles

WTTW Chicago - The Max Headroom Pirating Incident

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A cursed chair in a North Yorkshire pub is said to have killed everyone who has sat in it? It’s something we must explore.  Thomas Busby was hanged for murder in 1702. His cursed chair became one of England's most infamous pieces of haunted furniture, linked to dozens of deaths over three centuries. But the truth of the Busby Stoop Chair may be stranger than any ghost story.

Get 20% off your DeleteMe plan when you go to joindeleteme.com/STRANGE and use promo code STRANGE at checkout! 

Hosted and Written  by Laurah Norton

Researched by Anna Luria  and Laurah Norton

Engineered and  Produced by Southern Gothic Media/Rachel Boyd

One Strange Thing: True Paranormal Mysteries explores the archives of the unexplained, blending rigorous historical research with a wry, skeptical wit to investigate true supernatural stories and baffling mysteries that made headlines.

Dive into our Episode Mystery Archive — a curated, topic-organized source for documented hauntings, UFO sightings, cryptids, folklore, and bizarre true mysteries. Check it out here! https://www.onestrangethingpodcast.com/episodes-by-topic-mystery-archive

Sources on our website: https://www.onestrangethingpodcast.com/

Join us on Patreon for early release and ad-free episodes, exclusive stories, and bonus 

episodes: https://www.patreon.com/OneStrangeThing

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/onestrangethingpod/ Facebook https://www.facebook.com/One-Strange-Thing-114307627035607

Subscribe to our Substack: https://substack.com/@onestrangething

We work with Amplitude Media Partners (AMP) to power our advertising and grow with the right sponsors. Contact AMP with any ad inquiries; [email protected]. 

All Rights Reserved The Fall Line® Podcast LLC/One Strange Thing 2026

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A young man from England claims to have incredible paranormal gifts—but can it truly be proven? We all want to be special. . . and some of us even believe we might just have extraordinary powers. But that usually fades as we grow older. But for Matthew Manning, an alleged psychic, ghost whisperer, faith healer, and all-around phenom who came to prominence in the 1970s, international renown may have been the goal. . . though supporters argued he was simply sharing his gifts with the world.

Get 20% off your DeleteMe plan when you go to joindeleteme.com/STRANGE and use promo code STRANGE at checkout!

One Strange Thing: True Paranormal Mysteries explores the archives of the unexplained, blending rigorous historical research with a wry, skeptical wit to investigate true supernatural stories and baffling mysteries that made headlines.

Dive into our Episode Mystery Archive — a curated, topic-organized source for documented hauntings, UFO sightings, cryptids, folklore, and bizarre true mysteries. Check it out here! https://www.onestrangethingpodcast.com/episodes-by-topic-mystery-archive

Hosted by Laurah Norton

Produced, Written, and Engineered by Maura Currie

Researched by Anna Luria

This episode originally aired at Premium Episode 31.

SOURCES:

NA, “Matthew Manning, age 19…” Cambridge Evening News, 1974.

John Alexander, “Moments of mysterious…” Cambridge Evening News, 1974.

NA, “Matthew Manning: is he a genius…” Cambridge Evening News, 1974.

NA, “When things went bump…” Cambridge Evening News, 1974.

NA, “Writing on the wall…” Cambridge Evening News, 1974.

NA, “He can MAKE a wish…” Cambridge Evening News, 1974.

NA, “The ‘strong psychic gifts…’" Cambridge Evening News, 1974.

NA, “Mystery over a little bit…” Cambridge Evening News, 1974.

Andrew Barron, “Matthew Manning…” Cambridge Evening News, 1974.

Allen Spraggett, “Englishman Matthew Manning…” Daily Independent Journal, 1975.

NA, “The Link” The Wichita Falls, 1975.

We work with Amplitude Media Partners (AMP) to power our advertising and grow with the right sponsors. Contact AMP with any ad inquiries; [email protected].

All Rights Reserved The Fall Line® Podcast LLC/One Strange Thing 2026

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.