The Ghoul’s Guide to Santa Barbara

The Ghoul's Guide to Santa Barbara

Cozy up to true stories of ghosts, murders, weirdness, and the dark history of our town—Santa Barbara, California—and the surrounding Central Coast. Join your hosts Liz, Jen, and Summers each week for a dive into a story of surprising, sometimes-spooky local history. Whether our topic of the week lands you in Santa Barbara, Santa Maria, Lompoc, Carpinteria, Solvang, Santa Ynez, Isla Vista, Los Olivos, Guadalupe, Cuyama, at UCSB, or somewhere in between, we promise it’ll be an adventure.

  1. 02/28/2024

    Murder at the Nude Beach

    Was it random? Was it targeted? In this episode, Liz tells us about the meth-fueled murder of Phillip Bogdanoff at a Santa Barbara County nude beach.

    40 min

  2. 02/22/2024

    Santa Barbara Speakeasy: Otto Hopkins and His Cotton Club

    This week, we'll learn more about Black history in Santa Barbara, focusing on the remarkable story of Otto Hopkins and his iconic Cotton Club. Through exploring Hopkins' life and the cultural significance of the Cotton Club, we uncover a lesser-known yet vital chapter in the broader narrative of African American contributions to American society. Born in the late 19th century, Otto Hopkins was a trailblazer in Santa Barbara's Black community. Despite facing discrimination and adversity, Hopkins emerged as a prominent figure, known for his entrepreneurial spirit and dedication to uplifting his community. Against the backdrop of segregation and racial tension, Otto Hopkins established the Cotton Club in the heart of Santa Barbara. Serving as a vibrant hub for Black culture, the Cotton Club provided a space for artistic expression, entertainment, and community bonding. Plus, a side trip to find out about Edmund O. Hansen, Santa Barbara's one-year mayor who seemed great (or at least entertaining) but inadvertently helped bring about the end of the Cotton Club.

    37 min
  3. The Alameda Park Gazebo Murder: The Killing of Michael Stephenson

    02/14/2024

    The Alameda Park Gazebo Murder: The Killing of Michael Stephenson

    Join us as we unravel the story of 29-year-old Michael Stephenson, a wanderer who left his home in Chicago a decade ago, only to find himself living on the streets of Santa Barbara. Summers tells us how Michael lost his life one fateful night in August 1985, then became a symbol of the dangers facing the homeless. Meet David Kurtzman and James Tramel, two Northwestern Prep students with complex backgrounds, enrolled at a private school for military service academy applicants. Don't miss this riveting episode that delves into a true crime story that left a community in shock and forever changed the lives of those involved. Join us as we dissect the details, emotions, and aftermath of this tragic event. Make sure to subscribe to our podcast for more true crime stories that shaped our world. Share your thoughts, theories, and comments below, and hit that notification bell so you never miss an episode! Find us on social media, where our username is always ghoulsguidetosb, or visit our website at http://www.ghoulsguidetosb.com.

    44 min
  4. Exorcism at the Fire Station

    02/07/2024

    Exorcism at the Fire Station

    Ghost sightings at a 1980s Santa Barbara fire house? Yes, please! Liz gives us a delightful rundown of the eerie occurrences reported at Santa Barbara City Fire Station 4. Tucked away in the scenic surroundings of the San Roque neighborhood, this fire station once had a reputation for more than just fighting fires. Hear about firefighters’ encounters with strange happenings within the station's walls. From unexplained footsteps to sightings of shadowy figures, the stories paint a picture of a place where the lines between reality and the supernatural blur. We'll delve into the history of Fire Station 4, which had recently moved from De La Vina Street when the sightings began, and the possible explanations behind these ghostly encounters. Whether it's the lingering spirits of past firefighters or something else entirely, the tales of paranormal activity offer a glimpse into a side of the fire station rarely discussed. And then, just when you thought this episode had everything: bring in the psychics, found through a local psychic fair (the 80s were wild). So, if you're curious about the mysteries that lie within Santa Barbara City Fire Station 4, join us as we explore the ghostly legends that continue to intrigue, unsettle, and hugely entertain those who dare to investigate.

    46 min
  5. The Ojai Vampire

    02/03/2024

    The Ojai Vampire

    In this week's episode Jen tells us about The Ojai Vampire in our neighboring Ventura County.

    25 min
  6. The Choir Girl and the Strangler: The Unsolved Carpinteria Murder of Margaret Senteney

    02/03/2024

    The Choir Girl and the Strangler: The Unsolved Carpinteria Murder of Margaret Senteney

    The still-unsolved case that haunted local law enforcement for decades... A 20-year-old Carpinteria woman is found murdered, and Leonard Kirkes, a CHP officer who destroyed vital evidence, is tried, convicted, and then finally set free on appeal. But was he [allegedly] actually guilty?

    1 hr
  7. The Lillian Letter: The Murder of Dwight Faulding

    02/03/2024

    The Lillian Letter: The Murder of Dwight Faulding

    Jen reads us 17 year old Lillian Casanova Morgan's personal account of her life and the murder of Dwight Faulding by her "pirate love" Jack Morgan.

    1h 11m
  8. Fatty Arbuckle

    02/03/2024

    Fatty Arbuckle

    A death at a hotel party during Prohibition leads to Fatty Arbuckle being accused of murder! Summers tells us about Fatty and his connection to Santa Barbara.

    43 min
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4.3
out of 5
18 Ratings

About

Cozy up to true stories of ghosts, murders, weirdness, and the dark history of our town—Santa Barbara, California—and the surrounding Central Coast. Join your hosts Liz, Jen, and Summers each week for a dive into a story of surprising, sometimes-spooky local history. Whether our topic of the week lands you in Santa Barbara, Santa Maria, Lompoc, Carpinteria, Solvang, Santa Ynez, Isla Vista, Los Olivos, Guadalupe, Cuyama, at UCSB, or somewhere in between, we promise it’ll be an adventure.

Information

  • Creator
    The Ghoul's Guide to Santa Barbara
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2024
  • Episodes
    33
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © The Ghoul's Guide to Santa Barbara
  • Show Website
    The Ghoul’s Guide to Santa Barbara