Things Are About To Get Weird

Is this the most haunted road in Britain? The Stocksbridge Bypass, located to the north of Sheffield in South Yorkshire, is associated with a shocking number of the most fascinating kind of ghost stories of all: corroborated ones. Multiple people, both in pairs and individually, have reported experiencing eerily similar paranormal apparitions and other happenings on the road, starting before it was even fully built. Whether you’re a believer or a sceptic, it’s impossible to deny that the tales are captivating. In today’s episode, Chyaz explores the most compelling of these stories, and looks into the theories surrounding them too…

Did you know that many of the phrases we use on a daily basis have fascinatingly strange origins? In this episode, Chyaz explores the weird history behind the idioms and sayings that form part of our everyday conversations, and debunks some of the common explanations that aren’t quite as accurate as we might have thought. From the terrible practises that led some to appear ‘mad as a hatter’ to the nautical background behind feeling ‘under the weather’, you’ll never think of these phrases in the same way again…

The strange and mysterious death of Elisa Lam at the former Cecil Hotel in 2013 went from a local missing person case to a worldwide spectacle in a matter of days. When bizarre CCTV footage of some of Elisa’s movements in the hostel’s elevator went viral, internet sleuths quickly started forming increasingly outlandish theories as to what could have happened to her. But is the truth behind her tragic passing much easier to explain than the online posts would have you believe? In Part 2 of Episode 100, Chyaz explores the facts of this unusual case, addresses and debunks some of the most viral theories and highlights some of the exceptionally weird coincidences linked with the story.

The Cecil Hotel in downtown Los Angeles has one of the darkest histories ever discussed on the podcast. As a one-time home to serial killers including Richard Ramirez and the site of countless strange and terrible deaths, is it any wonder many guests have described the Cecil as feeling incredible haunted? Today, in Part 1 of this landmark 100th episode, Chyaz explores some of the most bizarre stories to emerge from the Hotel Cecil over the past century. When you think the reputation of this Skid Row establishment can’t get any more bizarre, it somehow manages to get one step stranger…

Was a supernatural being, resembling a spaceman, really caught on camera in the Solway Firth area of Cumbria in the 1960s? When firefighter Jim Templeton snapped a photo of his young daughter Elizabeth, he was shocked to spot a mysterious figure in the background of one of the pictures after they were developed. The story quickly caught the attention of paranormal enthusiasts from around the world, but the photo itself is only one part of this incredibly strange story. As it turns out, what happened AFTER the shutter closed only makes this story stranger and more intriguing. Join Chyaz Samuel as she explores every angle of this baffling tale…

The idea of a young child having vivid memories of a past life they claim to have led sounds like the premise of a supernatural movie. But did you know that a team at the University of Virginia have actually spent decades studying this very phenomenon? In this episode, Chyaz explores some of the most fascinating documented cases of children who say they have been on this earth before, as well as taking a look at the incredible work the university have undertaken. Could reincarnation really be at play here, or does the true explanation lie more in the ‘normal’ than the paranormal?

When 46 year old Urooj Khan, a dry cleaning shop owner based in the US city of Chicago, won $1,000,000 on a lottery scratchcard, he immediately began asking himself the question many of us will only ever daydream about: how should I spend my lottery winnings? But just the day after his winning cheque was posted to him, Urooj tragically passed away after collapsing at home. Was his death as suspicious as his post-mortem testing indicated? Or are there even more mysterious details lurking beneath this unsolved case than we even realise? Join Chyaz as she explores this strange story…

Some strange facts are not only utterly fascinating, but completely mess with your perception of time too. Whether it’s finding out that two things you thought belonged to entirely different eras actually briefly existed at the same time or discovering some additional context that totally changes your view of a major historical event or person, these revelations can be truly mind-boggling. In this episode, Chyaz shares some of her personal favourite examples of facts that warp the very idea of time, digging deeper into each tale to uncover just why they’re so endlessly interesting…

Is the ghost of Anne Boleyn one of the most well-travelled in history? Or is her legend so powerful that it’s inspired the creation of more than just a few myths about her adventures in the paranormal realm? Join Chyaz Samuel as she explores some of the most fascinating tales linked with the ill-fated Tudor Queen, including alleged hauntings at the Tower of London and Windsor Castle, along with other locations that meant a lot to Anne in life.

Did Kate Bush really see a UFO (or three?) at Loch Ness back in the 1980s? What on earth is the story behind the ‘T-Rex leather handbag’ that went up for auction in Paris a few weeks ago? And do your fingernails really grow quicker in warmer weather? In this mini episode, Chyaz explores all three of these eclectic and fascinating questions, and some of the answers might just surprise you…

In this mini episode, Chyaz explores two of the most bizarre yet fascinating news stories of the year so far: the recently announced Mount Everest recovery mission aimed at bringing the famous ‘Green Boots’ home after almost 30 years, plus a look at the spooky time capsule prophecy which has stunned staff at the Crystal Palace Park regeneration project. To finish, we have a strange-but-true fact about the inventor of the Pringles can…

The story of Elmer McCurdy is one of the most bizarre cases covered on the podcast to date. How does the tale of a train-robbing outlaw become stranger AFTER he passes away? Prepare to hear about the astonishing life (and afterlife) of ‘The Bandit Who Wouldn’t Give Up’, also known as the ‘Outlaw Mummy’. What’s the truth behind this case that sounds like something straight out of American Horror Story? And what possible connection could it have to Skeletor from the Masters of the Universe franchise? Chyaz explores the whole saga in this brand new episode of Things Are About To Get Weird…

The 2004 Indian Ocean Tsunami, which took place on Boxing Day of that year, is one of the most devastating natural disasters on record. Over 228,000 people across multiple countries are thought to have perished as a result of the brutal wave surges, triggered by an enormous earthquake off the coast of the island of Sumatra. But amongst the chaos, numerous astonishing stories emerged; tales of unbelievable coincidences, acts of heroism and survival against all odds. In today’s episode, Chyaz explores just some of those incredible stories.

Did you know that some of the most seemingly boring, everyday things in our homes actually have stranger backstories than you could ever imagine? Join Chyaz as she explores a selection of the weirdest origin tales behind the items so ordinary, we wouldn’t usually give them a second thought. From bland breakfast foods and stationery supplies to medicine packaging, and much more in between. These are some of the most fascinating stories you never knew you needed to hear…

Weird Fix is back! In today’s mini episode, Chyaz discusses two of the strangest news stories of the year so far: one concerning Jonathan the Tortoise, the ‘World’s Oldest Land Animal’, who found himself caught up in a cryptocurrency death hoax…and the other relating to new research into the potential links between Infrasound and the paranormal. Plus, a fascinating piece of Pope-related trivia. There’s a weird little something for everyone in this bite-sized edition of Things Are About To Get Weird.

As Victorian ghost stories go, few are as bizarre as the case of the Hammersmith Ghost. How did the search for an elusive ghoul, in what was then a rural-feeling village on the outskirts of London, end up in a murder trial which would haunt the British legal system for over 180 years? This tale is full of strange twists and unexpected turns, and whilst some aspects of the case are considered officially solved, there are still plenty of mysterious details that will stick with you for a long time after listening to this episode…

Just before Christmas in 1982, a grim discovery was made in the cellar of a house in the Greater Manchester town of Bolton. Human remains, belonging to a woman, were found in a partially-mummified state. But how long had she been there? And why could no one work out who she was? This is the story of ‘Mary Ellen’, which grows stranger and more complex with every new detail and connection that emerges…

For centuries, the Green Children of Woolpit story was seen as little more than a folktale that took place in a small Suffolk village during the 12th century. But what if there was more truth to it than many had previously imagined? Over 800 years on, the debate about this fascinating case rumbles on, with explanations for the sudden presence of these green-skinned children in the village of Woolpit ranging from the scientific to the supernatural. In this episode, Chyaz explores each angle of this incredibly compelling medieval mystery…

In 2013, a team of divers headed down to a boat that had capsized 20km off the coast of Nigeria. It had been almost three days since the Jascon-4 vessel had sunk, after being hit by a freak wave in the early hours of the morning. The divers were expecting it to be a recovery mission, bringing the bodies of the poor souls who had lost their lives in the disaster to the surface until a hand reached out to them in the darkness. This is the astonishing story of Harrison Okene, and how he survived for almost three days at the bottom of the ocean.

In 1957, three men spotted something very unusual in the sky close to the village of Silpho in North Yorkshire. A glowing object, which appeared to crash land on a nearby moor. The strange item, which resembled a small flying saucer, was quickly located, and naturally the discovery made headlines. But whilst many locals were excited by the prospect of the area having its very own UFO, news about the bizarre finding quickly dried up that was, until an exciting development came to light in 2018. In this episode, Chyaz dives into the story behind the Silpho Moor UFO Incident, a case which may just leave you with more questions than answers…

Hetty Green, better known as the ‘Witch of Wall Street’, may just be one of the most unique and eccentric women you’ve never heard of. After growing her fortune through clever investments during the 1800s in New York City, she became a peer of the likes of Andrew Carnegie and J.P. Morgan…despite the fact she wasn’t even allowed to vote. But rather than celebrating her achievements, the press became fixated on her unusual personality and peculiar lifestyle. So, who was the real person behind the ‘Witch of Wall Street’ moniker? Chyaz explores this fascinating tale...

How did a 1,600 year old ‘bog body’ help to solve a murder? In the early 1980s, near the affluent town of Wilmslow in Cheshire, several discoveries were made in a local peat bog which caught the attention of archaeologists from around the world. Incredibly well-preserved human remains were found within the peat, with one particular finding setting off a chain of events that led to answers in a 20+ year old cold case. Join Chyaz as she explores the tales of the Lindow Man, the Lindow Woman and the murder of Malika Maria de Ferdandez…

In the sweltering heat of summer, during July of 1518, the city of Strasbourg was consumed by a plague…just not necessarily the kind you may be thinking of. After a lady named Frau Troffea began to spontaneously dance in the streets, this compulsion to move soon spread throughout the city, and before long hundreds of residents had been swept up by this ‘dancing mania’. Though it sounds idyllic in theory, the reality was very different, and the Strasbourg ‘dancing plague’ soon turned deadly. But what caused this mass display to take hold in the first place? In today’s episode, Chyaz explores the theories that have been presented over the centuries, and offers up a perspective of her own too…

When Norwegian sisters Kari and May begin searching for an apartment in the Swedish locality of Gullspång, they end up opening a door that leads to more than they could have ever bargained for. After meeting the property’s seller, Olaug, the sisters accidentally make a discovery that changes the lives all involved forever. But is all quite what it seems? Thanks to documentary filmmaker Maria Fredriksson, this entire fascinating saga was caught on camera, but even years of footage couldn’t provide the answers to every question in this strange tale. Could the Gullspång Miracle case feature the most twists and turns ever covered on Things Are About To Get Weird?

What happened to Richey Edwards? When the Manic Street Preachers guitarist and co-lyricist disappeared without a trace in 1995, under incredibly mysterious circumstances, speculation about his whereabouts was rife. Over 30 years on, despite endless theories emerging as to what happened to him, this case remains unsolved. Did Richey’s story end in tragedy? Or did he disappear voluntarily, determined to start a new life on his own terms? This tale remains one of the most intriguing stories in British music history, even three decades later new information continues to emerge in the case. Join Chyaz as she dives in to each angle of this truly baffling story…

If you have any information regarding Richey Edwards' whereabouts, phone the Metropolitan Police on 101 or use their online reporting service, quoting CONNECT REF 01/764429/24. Alternatively, contact Kensington Police Station, Public Protection MPU on 07827986349.

Is Shepton Mallet in Somerset really the UK’s most haunted prison? Despite being decommissioned in 2013, it’s thought that the spirits of certain infamous prisoners still linger in the cells, corridors and grounds of the former institution. Today, Chyaz explores the dark history and ghostly tales linked to Shepton Mallet prison, and aims to discover why it’s now a destination for paranormal enthusiasts over 400 years since it first opened its doors…

The Mandela Effect is something many of us will have experienced at some point; this bizarre phenomenon, whereby large groups of people share the same false memories of a historical event, visual detail or pop culture fact, is surprisingly common. But why does it happen? Do the answer lie within the realms of science, or somewhere more otherworldly? Chyaz explores both the strangest examples and the most compelling theories associated with the Mandela Effect in this fascinating episode…  

After 21 year old Heather Quan was found murdered at an address in Phoenix, Arizona, police began an interrogation of her boyfriend – 18 year old Ryan Waller – to try and uncover the truth about what happened to her. What transpired next added truly bizarre dimension to this tragic tale, and provoked a debate that continues almost 20 years on. This story is as genuinely shocking as it is heartbreaking…

What does the word Doppelgänger make you think of? The paranormal phenomenon, with its folklore roots and links to the idea of a ‘spirit double’ signifying impending doom? Or the more modern usage – the idea that we all have a non-biological twin somewhere out there in the world? Whichever it may be, the stories behind the concept of the Doppelgänger are as fascinating as they are eerie…

Can a movie really be cursed? From classic horror flicks like The Omen and supernatural pictures like The Crow to family favourites including The Wizard of Oz - dozens of productions have been afflicted by exceptional bad luck and strange happenings over the decades. But were these films really ‘cursed’, or are the bizarre (and sometimes tragic) events linked to them merely coincidences?

The Death Row last meal: a topic that is as utterly fascinating as it is controversial. But what’s the history behind the seemingly merciful act of allowing a condemned inmate to choose the contents of their final meal? What did some of the most infamous serial killers pick for theirs? And WHY do prisoners choose what they choose? Chyaz explores all of these questions and more in this intriguing episode…

Sudden Savant Syndrome, also known as Acquired Savant Syndrome, is an extremely rare and incredibly fascinating medical phenomenon whereby a person becomes a ‘sudden genius’ in a particular field. Only a handful of documented cases exist, and most have one specific thing in common. What’s behind this utterly captivating condition? Join Chyaz as she explores the stories and the science…

Could a mystery that’s baffled historians for over 500 years finally have an answer? The  chilling tale of the Princes in the Tower is one of the most compelling cold cases of all time - but in recent years, several bizarre and dramatic theories have emerged which could help to answer the age-old question: did Richard III really end the lives of his nephews, or has the real truth been hiding in plain sight?

The Whaley House in San Diego fully embraces its title as America’s Most Haunted House…but what are the true stories behind these apparent hauntings? Can the property’s dark history explain why so many have reported ghostly encounters at the home for decades? And who is Yankee Jim? Join Chyaz as she explores the strange and twisted tales associated with this real-life haunted mansion…

In 1994, the body of an unidentified man was pulled from the North Sea near to the German archipelago of Heligoland. He was dressed in notably smart clothing, and foul play looked to have been involved in his death. Yet despite his distinctive appearance, the man’s identity still remains unknown to this day. However…could new clues uncovered in the past few years mean the Gentleman of Heligoland mystery may soon be solved? Chyaz investigates…

Hero Complex, sometimes called Hero Syndrome or even Saviour Complex, is a strange psychological phenomenon that has fascinated doctors and academics for decades. But what does this intriguing term mean, and how has it ended up playing into numerous true crime cases over the years? Chyaz explores all of these questions and more in today’s episode…

On the 1st April 2006, medical student Brian Shaffer was enjoying a night out with friends in his university city of Columbus, Ohio. Just before 2am, he appeared to re-enter the bar he had been drinking at…and was never seen again. This mystery has baffled police and internet sleuths alike for almost two decades, so today Chyaz explores the question: what on earth happened to Brian Shaffer?

The lobotomy: one of the strangest and most controversial surgical procedures of all time, with arguably one of the darkest histories. In this highly requested episode, Chyaz explores how the lobotomy came about, who performed the infamous surgery and how it affected those who were subjected to it, as well as a couple of notable lobotomy patients. This bizarre episode is not for the squeamish…

Craig-Y-Nos Castle: one-time home to the renowned opera singer Adelina Patti, a former TB hospital, a hotel and…the most haunted castle in Wales? In today’s episode, Chyaz explores some of the fascinating, spooky tales from this stunning building, and delves into how it got its haunted reputation..

In August of 1971, a unique psychological experiment was carried out at California’s Stanford University: male college students volunteered to enter a mock prison, as either a prisoner or a guard, with their every move being monitored by a team led by Dr Philip G Zimbardo. But what should have been a fascinating study quickly became something more darker for all involved…

Superstitions: they’re something many of us perform little rituals in the name of without giving it too much thought. Touching or knocking on wood for luck, avoiding the number 13 and certainly never opening an umbrella indoors. But where did the idea of superstitions originate, and why are they observed all around the world? Chyaz explores these questions (and takes a look at some of the strangest examples) in today’s episode…

In June of 1990, 52 year old Trevaline Evans placed a note into the window of her North Wales antiques shop which read, ‘Back in 2 minutes’. When she failed to return, her loved ones grew concerned, and they were right to do so – Trevaline had vanished, and her disappearance remains unsolved to this day. But in 2021, a strange new twist in this story emerged…could the answers to this mystery be hiding in plain sight?

On Halloween night of 1992, millions of people across the UK gathered around their TV sets to watch a one-off, highly anticipated television special. ‘Ghostwatch’ looked like the perfect viewing choice for the spookiest evening of the year, but it soon became clear that all was not quite as it seemed. This is the fascinating – and truly tragic – story of the ‘spoof that duped a nation’.

In the last Weird Fix before Halloween, Chyaz shares a listener email that will chill you to your core and explores a lost ghost story recently discovered in Staffordshire – plus, find out which cute Halloween tradition she thinks we should bring back this year…

In today’s extra spooky episode, Chyaz explores the dark history one of Scotland’s most infamous ghosts: the MacKenzie Poltergeist. Did an unfortunate incident at Greyfriars Kirkyard in the late 90s prompt a slew of haunted happenings in and around the cemetery? And is the restless spirit of ‘Bloody MacKenzie’ really to blame?

It’s Weird Fix time! In today’s mini episode, Chyaz discusses the new Witch Trials Museum that’s opened up in Scotland, looks into a fascinating comic strip coincidence from the 1950s and explains why the new pandas at a zoo in China aren’t quite what they seem…

In one of the most compelling paranormal tales featured on the podcast to date, Chyaz explores the story of Christene and Nick Skubish. After the young mother and her three year old son set out on a road trip, they mysteriously vanished. When their car was found days later after an unusual 911 call, what police discovered was both terribly tragic and truly miraculous, not to mention incredibly strange…

In today’s mini episode, Chyaz covers a breaking news story relating to the previously unsolved mystery of the ‘Pinnacle Man’, shares one of the most fascinating listener ghost stories to date and explores an old-school photography fact involving prunes…welcome to Weird Fix!

In 1966, newspapers in West Virginia began reporting a series of disturbing sightings. A huge, man-like figure with large wings and glowing red eyes had been spotted by residents of several communities, including the city of Point Pleasant. It would soon gain an official title, and the legend of the state’s very own cryptid was born. Several dark twists and turns followed into the next year, and to this day the question remains: what is the truth about The Mothman?

In today’s Weird Fix, Chyaz explores the new tarot reading scam happening on social media, and how the mystics suffering because of it have responded – plus a heartwarming tale about a 100 year old postcard that turned up at its intended destination. To finish off, there’s a fascinating fact about the design of our British coins…