Rebel Road

Mary Rust & Haley Austill
  • 4.6 (11)
  • Natural Sciences

History is told through legend, myth and stories. We tell stories about the weird and the mysterious, about faith and religion, cryptids and conspiracies. Challenge what you think you know and start thinking for yourself.  Keep it weird friends, and pull it back to Jesus.

  1. Aug 14

    Mermaids | Exploring the Water Kingdom Part 1

    Season 2 opens with an abridged version of Hans Christian Andersen’s The Little Mermaid and then moves into a wide-ranging conversation about mermaid mythology, from biblical references and Mesopotamian water gods to modern sightings and internet folklore. Mary and Haley connect story, theology, folklore, and cultural memory to ask what mermaid legends might reveal about humanity’s long fascination with the sea. Be sure to hit that follow or subscribe button so you don't miss part 2! If you are enjoying the podcast please leave a kindly worded five star review or even a message on our website!  In this episode: Mary reads an abridged version of The Little Mermaid and Haley reacts to the darker ending, especially the sacrifice, pain, and foam imagery.The hosts compare Disney’s version with Andersen’s 1837 tale and note how much of the original story is about loss, suffering, and longing for a soul.They discuss the idea that mermaids lack immortal souls, then connect that concept to Paracelsus, elementals, and older ideas about spirit beings in nature.Haley and Mary trace fish-human imagery back to Mesopotamia, including Ea, the Abzu, and the Abkalu, as an early example of water-based supernatural beings.They explore the distinction between mermaids and sirens, noting that sirens are bird-women in classical tradition while mermaids are water beings.The conversation turns to witchcraft symbolism, especially combs, mirrors, hair, and the idea of glamour or seduction magic.They compare mermaid traditions across cultures, including Japanese ningyo, Irish merrows, Russian rusalki, Greek nereids, and African and Caribbean water spirits such as Mami Water.Haley recounts the viral “Gerald the dolphin” story and the hosts discuss how modern satire, AI, and misleading documentaries blur the line between folklore and “evidence.”The episode closes with a strong claim that the ocean remains largely unexplored and that the water kingdom may still hold mysteries science has not explained. Send us a message! We want to hear from you! Thank you for listening!  Rebel Road theme music by: B3yondBeatz Tony Simms

    Mermaids | Exploring the Water Kingdom Part 1

  2. Jul 30 ·  Bonus

    Summer Supernatural Safety | The Tick Conspiracy Part 7

    It is our FINAL Summer Supernatural Safety episode, and we are switching things up with the tick conspiracy and some tick knowledge, and practical tips for keeping the devils little helpers off yourself and your loved ones!  Thanks for listening and remember to stay on the path, beware of murky water and grab your whistle! See you for season TWO next time! Woo! Send us a message! We want to hear from you! Thank you for listening!  Rebel Road theme music by: B3yondBeatz Tony Simms

    Summer Supernatural Safety | The Tick Conspiracy Part 7

  3. Jul 23 ·  Bonus

    Summer Supernatural Safety | Crater Lake & More Part 6

    We are dipping our toes into more mysterious waters and tales in our 6th installment of our Summer Supernatural Safety series! This episode we tell the origin story of Crater Lake and tell a tale of water babies that legend says live in Lake Tahoe.  Send us a message! We want to hear from you! Thank you for listening!  Rebel Road theme music by: B3yondBeatz Tony Simms

    Summer Supernatural Safety | Crater Lake & More Part 6

  4. Jul 16 ·  Bonus

    Supernatural Summer Safety | Lake Lanier Part 5

    We have finally left the woods {sort of} and are examining the murky waters of the most haunted lake in America, Lake Lanier in Georgia. Join us for some spooky tales and a few safety tips! Send us a message! We want to hear from you! Thank you for listening!  Rebel Road theme music by: B3yondBeatz Tony Simms

    Supernatural Summer Safety | Lake Lanier Part 5

  5. Jul 9 ·  Bonus

    Supernatural Summer Safety | Tom Messick Missing 411 Part 4

    Haley and Mary are still in the woods and on this episode they are digging deep into one Missing 411 case. The case of Tom Messick who went missing went on November 15th, 2015. Tom was with his son and six other men who were all proficient in hunting safety and survival training. Send us a message! We want to hear from you! Thank you for listening!  Rebel Road theme music by: B3yondBeatz Tony Simms

    Supernatural Summer Safety | Tom Messick Missing 411 Part 4

  6. Jul 2 ·  Bonus

    Happy Birthday America | A Tale of George Washington

    In this mini mini episode, we wanted to share a little known historical story about our founding father, George Washington. Have a safe and happy Fourth of July everyone! We will return with episode 4 of our Summer Supernatural Safety next week! Send us a message! We want to hear from you! Thank you for listening!  Rebel Road theme music by: B3yondBeatz Tony Simms

    Happy Birthday America | A Tale of George Washington

  7. Jun 25 ·  Bonus

    Hiking, Camping and Missing 411 | Summer Supernatural Safety Part 3

    We are not out of the woods yet! Join Mary and Haley as we continue our series on Missing 411 and summer safety. This week we discuss a few more 411 cases and of course have some more safety tips for you all! Don't forget to leave a comment on your social media or a fanmail on the website and then send us your address and a sweet sweet safety whistle will be on it's way to you!  US Parks Cold Cases Missing 411 Website AMAZING Cover ART by: Matthew Starbuck Send us a message! We want to hear from you! Thank you for listening!  Rebel Road theme music by: B3yondBeatz Tony Simms

    Hiking, Camping and Missing 411 | Summer Supernatural Safety Part 3

  8. Jun 18 ·  Bonus

    Hiking, Camping and Missing 411 | Summer Supernatural Safety Part 2

    Don't step off the path! But...do join us as we continue our look into some more missing 411 cases. In this episode, Haley and Mary dive into eerie stories of vanished hikers, mysterious mountain lights, and legendary creatures linked to the Appalachian Range. They share practical safety rules for outdoor adventures, blending folklore with survival tips to keep you safe in the wilderness. Oh, don't forget to leave a comment on a SM post, our Youtube channel, a fan mail then email us at rebelroadguest@gmail.com your address and a lovely safety whistle will be on it's way to you, along with a Rebel Road Podcast sticker!!! Yay!!! Swag!!! Send us a message! We want to hear from you! Thank you for listening!  Rebel Road theme music by: B3yondBeatz Tony Simms

    Hiking, Camping and Missing 411 | Summer Supernatural Safety Part 2
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Trailers

4.6
out of 5
11 Ratings

About

History is told through legend, myth and stories. We tell stories about the weird and the mysterious, about faith and religion, cryptids and conspiracies. Challenge what you think you know and start thinking for yourself.  Keep it weird friends, and pull it back to Jesus.

Information

  • Creator
    Mary Rust & Haley Austill
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    42
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Rebel Road Podcast
  • Show Website
    Rebel Road

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