The Common Historian Podcast

Jeremy A Brunton

We take a deeper dive into History, Paranormal, and True Crime topics that perplex us all.

  1. The Dark Side of Ghost Tourism You Need to Know

    11/07/2025

    The Dark Side of Ghost Tourism You Need to Know

    ๐Ÿš๏ธ Ghost Tourism: Why People Travel to Be Scared ๐Ÿ‘ป Ever wonder why millions of people pay good money to be terrified? This week on The Common Historian, we're exploring the booming world of ghost tourismโ€”a multi-billion-dollar industry where history meets horror, and fear becomes a vacation destination. From Salem's witch trial sites to Edinburgh's underground vaults, from Gettysburg's haunted battlefields to the Stanley Hotel's infamous rooms, ghost tourism has exploded into a global phenomenon. But what drives us to seek out the very thing that should send us running? In this episode, we dive into: The psychology behind why we crave controlled fear. How ghost tourism impacts historical preservation (for better and worse) The economics of the paranormalโ€”who's profiting from our fascination with the dead The authenticity problem: when hauntings are "enhanced" for tourists The ethical questions around turning tragedy into entertainment Where ghost tourism is headed in the age of VR and AR technology Whether you're a believer, a skeptic, or somewhere in between, ghost tourism reveals something fundamental about humanity's relationship with death, history, and storytelling. Subscribe for weekly deep dives where history refuses to stay buried! ๐Ÿ”” ๐Ÿ“… New episodes every Saturday #GhostTourism #hauntedhistory #ParanormalTourism #DarkTourism #HauntedPlaces #ghosttours #historypodcast #paranormal #TheCommonHistorian #hauntedtravel History remembers the facts, but what about the phantoms that refuse to be forgotten?

    28 min
  2. Horns in the Shadows: The Goat Man Mystery

    10/29/2025

    Horns in the Shadows: The Goat Man Mystery

    What if the most pivotal moments in history left more than just records behindโ€”they left spirits? Join us for a chilling exploration of one of America's most terrifying cryptids: The Goat-Man. In this special episode, I sit down with paranormal fiction author D.A. Wysong and folklorist Ronald Murphy Jr., who collaborated on Wysong's Monster Hunters of America: Hunting for the Goat-Man. ๐Ÿ IN THIS EPISODE: -The ancient origins of half-man, half-goat creatures in mythology -How medieval folklore evolved into modern American cryptid legends - The difference between Goat-Man, Bigfoot, Dogman, and other cryptids -How the Internet Age Has Transformed Paranormal Folklore EXCLUSIVE: D.A., Ron, and Jeremy discuss their upcoming vampire collaboration! ๐Ÿ“š ABOUT OUR GUESTS: D.A. Wysong is an international paranormal fiction author of the bestselling Monster Hunters of America series, among others. Based in Northern Kentucky, she specializes in blending historical fact with supernatural fiction. Ronald Murphy Jr. is a folklorist and paranormal investigator with over 30 years of experience. He holds a degree in literature from the University of Pittsburgh and studied medieval history at Indiana University of Pennsylvania. He's the author of numerous books including "On Vampires," "On Wildmen: Tracking Bigfoot Through History," and "On Dogman." ๐Ÿ”— FIND THEIR WORK: D.A. Wysong's Books: Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B092SVP9CN?ccs_id=01bbd9c3-3665-46cb-8983-9dcb32440390 Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@22magicalmusings?_t=ZP-90YV0XFGX7P&_r=1 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dawysong/ Youtube: @MonsterHunters22 Ronald Murphy Jr.'s Books: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Ronald-L-Murphy-Jr./author/B0721VR4HZ?ref=ap_rdr&isDramIntegrated=true&shoppingPortalEnabled=true&ccs_id=a649cee1-17a8-498e-a81e-f8508645ea14 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ronald.murphy.96 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ronaldmurphyjr/ Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ronaldmurphy3 ๐Ÿ“… NEW EPISODES: Weekly interviews every Saturday (two per month in October - Saturdays & Wednesdays) ๐Ÿ”” SUBSCRIBE for more haunting history adventures where the past meets the paranormal! #GoatMan #Cryptids #ParanormalHistory #MonsterHunters #Folklore #UrbanLegends #SupernaturalHistory #TheCommonHistorian #HauntedHistory #CryptidSightings

    46 min
  3. 9 Creepy Legends from New York's Adirondack region!

    10/24/2025

    9 Creepy Legends from New York's Adirondack region!

    The Adirondack Apparitions: Hauntings Close to Home | TRUE Paranormal Stories from Northern New York Explore the REAL haunted locations in the Adirondack Mountains and North Country of New York. From professional Ghost Hunters investigations to murders that left spirits behind, these documented hauntings are in our backyard. ๐ŸŽƒ HAUNTED LOCATIONS FEATURED: Fort Ticonderoga - Ghost Hunters Investigation Fort William Henry - NY's Haunted History Trail The Lady in the Lake - Mabel Smith Douglass Mystery Grace Brown Murder - Big Moose Lake Ghost The Sagamore Resort - Top 10 Haunted Hotel Barkeater Chocolates - Haunted Chocolate Factory Plattsburgh Air Force Base - Military Spirits Spanky's Diner & Pine Grove Cemetery - Massena Hauntings ๐Ÿ‘ป VISIT THESE HAUNTED LOCATIONS: Fort Ticonderoga Ghost Tours: https://fortticonderoga.org/visit/premium-tours-lp/ ๐Ÿ“ 30 Fort Ti Road, Ticonderoga, NY 12883 Fort William Henry Ghost Tours (Haunted History Trail): https://www.fwhmuseum.com/visit/tours-tickets/ ๐Ÿ“ 48 Canada Street, Lake George, NY 12845 ๐ŸŒ™ Candlelit ghost tours offered May-October, 7:30 PM & 9 PM Lake Placid Boat Tours (See Pulpit Rock - Lady in the Lake): https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g48023-d1108806-Reviews-Lake_Placid_Marina_and_Boat_Tours-Lake_Placid_New_York.html ๐Ÿ“ Lake Placid, NY 12946 ๐Ÿšค Guides tell the Mabel Smith Douglass story during tours The Sagamore Resort (Stay at a TOP 10 Haunted Hotel!): https://www.opalcollection.com/sagamore/ ๐Ÿ“ 110 Sagamore Road, Bolton Landing, NY 12814 ๐Ÿจ Luxury accommodations with documented paranormal activity โญ Rated one of America's Most Haunted Hotels by USA Today Barkeater Chocolates Haunted Factory Tours: https://barkeaterchocolates.com/product-tag/haunted-ghost-tour/ ๐Ÿ“ 3235 NY-28, North Creek, NY 12853 โ˜Ž๏ธ (518) 251-4438 ๐Ÿซ Haunted Chocolate Making Sessions - Make your own chocolate ghosts! ๐Ÿ“… Tours offered March-October by reservation Greater Adirondack Ghost & Tour Company (Plattsburgh Tours): https://ghost.tours/tour-directory/greater-adirondack-ghost-tour-company/ ๐Ÿ“ Plattsburgh, NY 12901 โ˜Ž๏ธ (518) 645-1577 ๐Ÿš๏ธ Tours of Plattsburgh Air Force Base & downtown haunted locations Spanky's Diner: ๐Ÿ“ Massena, NY (next to Pine Grove Cemetery) ๐Ÿ” Dine where ghosts tie shoelaces and orbs appear ๐Ÿ“š BOOKS & RESOURCES MENTIONED: "Haunted Adirondacks" by Dennis Webster: https://amzn.to/3IHz1c9 42 documented haunted sites throughout the Adirondack region "Murder in the Adirondacks" by Craig Brandon: https://amzn.to/4h45CoW

    26 min
  4. America's Most Haunted Hotels You Can Actually Stay In

    10/23/2025

    America's Most Haunted Hotels You Can Actually Stay In

    America's Most Haunted Hotels You Can Actually Stay In | Paranormal Travel Guide 2025 Are you ready to spend the night with ghosts? ๐Ÿ‘ป In this deep dive, we explore five of America's most GENUINELY haunted hotels where you can book a room tonightโ€”if you're brave enough. From Stephen King's nightmare at The Stanley Hotel to the tragic spirits aboard the Queen Mary, these aren't just ghost stories... they're documented hauntings with real history. ๐Ÿ”— BOOK YOUR HAUNTED STAY : The Stanley Hotel, Estes Park, Colorado: https://www.stanleyhotel.com/ Most Haunted: Room 217 (Stephen King's Room) Also Check Out: Room 401, The Concert Hall, Fourth Floor The Queen Mary, Long Beach, California: https://www.queenmary.com/stay.htm Most Haunted: Stateroom B340, Engine Room (Door 13) Ghost Tours & Paranormal Investigation Packages Available The Crescent Hotel, Eureka Springs, Arkansas: https://expedia.com/affiliates/eureka-springs-hotels-the-crescent-hotel-and-spa.FNuceTM Most Haunted: Room 419 (Norman Baker's Office), Room 218 (Michael the Stonemason) Nightly Ghost Tours & Paranormal Investigation Experiences The Emily Morgan Hotel, San Antonio, Texas: https://expedia.com/affiliates/san-antonio-hotels-the-emily-morgan-a-doubletree-by-hilton.K3AFKHo Most Haunted: 7th Floor, 12th Floor, Room 1408 Walking Distance to The Alamo & Riverwalk The Congress Plaza Hotel, Chicago, Illinois: https://expedia.com/affiliates/chicago-hotels-congress-plaza-hotel.TZ9oOBg Most Haunted: 7th Floor, South Tower Rooms Prime Location on Michigan Avenue #hauntedhotels #paranormal #ghoststories #hauntedplaces #paranormalinvestigations ๐ŸŽ™๏ธ ABOUT THE COMMON HISTORIAN: Welcome to the intersection of history and the supernatural! Every week, we bring you long-form interviews with paranormal investigators, historians, and experts exploring the haunted locations that shaped America. From in-depth investigations to spine-tingling mysteries, we uncover the stories that history books left out. ๐Ÿ”” SUBSCRIBE for weekly paranormal content! Long-form interviews every Saturday (2 per week in October!) Paranormal Shorts throughout the week Deep dives into haunted historical locations ๐Ÿ“… BOOK A GUEST SPOT: Are you a paranormal investigator, historian, or expert with a haunting story to share? Book an interview: https://calendly.com/thecommonhistorian/30min ๐Ÿ”— CONNECT WITH US:

    39 min
  5. No Fakes, No Fear: The Dark Echoes Approach to Ghost Hunting!

    10/08/2025

    No Fakes, No Fear: The Dark Echoes Approach to Ghost Hunting!

    Step into the world where history meets the supernatural! In this episode of The Common Historian, Jeremy sits down with Matthew Ryan Kondrackiโ€”filmmaker, producer, and host of Dark Echoes Paranormal (Amazon Prime, ParaFlix, YouTube, and more). Discover how Matthewโ€™s cinematic eye and commitment to authenticity have made Dark Echoes the โ€œrealist paranormal showโ€ out there. We dive deep into: โ€ข The origins of Matthewโ€™s filmmaking journey and his unique approach to ghost hunting โ€ข How a filmmakerโ€™s perspective changes paranormal investigations โ€ข The importance of authenticity and debunking in the paranormal field โ€ข Behind-the-scenes stories from Dark Echoes, including unexpected moments and lessons learned โ€ข The challenges and drama of the paranormal communityโ€”and why Matthew chooses to go his own way. Whether youโ€™re a skeptic, a believer, or just love a good ghost story, this conversation offers a fresh, honest look at the world of paranormal investigation . Watch @darkechoesparanormalshow on Amazon Prime, ParaFlix, Sling TV, Paranormal Investigation TV, and now on YouTube! Check out Dark Echoes on YouTube at @darkechoesparanormalshow Paraflixx: https://paraflixx.vhx.tv/dark-echoes-paranormal-paraflixx-paranormal-plus If you enjoyed this episode, donโ€™t forget to like, subscribe, and share. Let us know your thoughts in the commentsโ€”and as always, see you in the shadows. #Paranormal #GhostHunting #DarkEchoes #Filmmaking #Podcast #Supernatural #AmazonPrime

    21 min
  6. Exploring New England's Haunted Past with Alexandra De Collibus!

    10/03/2025

    Exploring New England's Haunted Past with Alexandra De Collibus!

    In this episode of The Common Historian, Jeremy welcomes Alexandra De Collibus, owner of @Halloweennewengland , to explore New England's rich tapestry of supernatural folklore and its transformation into a thriving Halloween industry. Discover Alexandra's passion for horror, the creation of her comprehensive Halloween events directory, and the unique ways New England's haunted history influences contemporary attractions. Discover how Halloween New England helps enthusiasts plan the perfect spooky experience across the region, balancing popular and hidden gems, and offering a detailed, human-curated resource. Whether you're a local or a tourist, join us for a thrilling journey through ghost tours, haunted houses, and more! #halloweennewengland #halloweenhaunt #halloween2025 #tourism #touristattraction #spookyseason Check out: https://www.halloweennewengland.com/ They are also on social media as well! Instagram @halloweennewengland TikTok @halloweennewengland Facebook /HalloweenNewEngland 00:00 Introduction to New England's Haunted Landscape 00:53 Meet Alexandra De Collibus: The Passion Behind Halloween New England 02:15 The Birth of Halloween New England 04:08 Challenges and Evolution of Halloween New England 06:16 The Role of Technology in Halloween Event Discovery 09:30 New England's Supernatural Influence on Halloween Attractions 16:53 Discovering and Vetting New Halloween Experiences 22:01 Balancing Established Attractions with Hidden Gems 23:06 Ensuring Event Quality and Authenticity 26:01 The Role of the Street Team 29:52Halloween Culture Across New England 32:42 Misconceptions About Halloween Tourism 36:44 Planning the Perfect New England Halloween 39:56 Future of New England's Halloween Industry 43:20 Invitation to Explore New England 45:40 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

    47 min
  7. 09/29/2025

    Supernatural Stories That Shook a Paranormal Investigator

    Join us as we sit down with Ryder from TheHauntedboyyz for an unforgettable conversation, filled with amazing stories that will leave you on the edge of your seat. From spine-tingling experiences to hilarious anecdotes, Ryder shares it all in this exclusive interview. Get ready to be entertained and inspired by his remarkable tales. If you're a fan of @TheHauntedBoyyz you won't want to miss this opportunity to get a glimpse into Ryder's fascinating world. So, what are you waiting for? Dive in and discover the amazing stories that Ryder has to share. Whether you're a seasoned paranormal investigator or simply curious about haunted history, this episode offers fascinating insights into the evolving world of supernatural content creation. Check out TheHauntedBoyyz: @TheHauntedBoyyz on YouTube Instagrams: https://www.instagram.com/thehauntedboyyz/profilecard/?igsh=em8yOTdncDBseXc3 Ryder's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ryderthbz/profilecard/?igsh=MWZwOW9qeGNhOWNseg== Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ryder_thbz?_t=ZP-8tP54doAfT4&_r=1 ๐Ÿ”” Subscribe to TheCommonHistorian for weekly paranormal interviews and haunted history deep dives! #ParanormalInvestigation #HauntedHistory #Supernatural #GhostHunting #YouTubeParanormal #HauntedLocations #SpiritCommunication #ParanormalPodcast Remember, history never truly diesโ€”it just finds new ways to haunt us. Until next week, keep digging into the darkness.

    13 min
  8. Is Preston Castle Really Haunted?

    09/21/2025

    Is Preston Castle Really Haunted?

    ๐Ÿฐ PRESTON CASTLE HAUNT: California's Most Haunted Historical Landmark | The Common Historian Interview Step inside one of California's most paranormally active locations with Lead Investigator Melissa Bandy Zelico from Preston Castle! In this exclusive interview, we explore the dark history and supernatural mysteries of the Preston School of Industry - a 130-year-old Romanesque Revival fortress that's become legendary among paranormal investigators and history enthusiasts alike. ๐Ÿ”ฅ What You'll Discover: โœ… The tragic unsolved murder of Anna Corbin in 1950 โœ… Preston Castle's history as a reform school for troubled youth (1894-1960) โœ… Real paranormal experiences from 14 years of investigations โœ… Behind-the-scenes secrets of the annual Halloween Haunt โœ… Merle Haggard's time as a ward at Preston Castle โœ… Preservation efforts to save this California Historical Landmark ๐ŸŽƒ PRESTON CASTLE HAUNT 2025 - TICKETS ON SALE SEPTEMBER 8TH! ๐Ÿ“ PRESTON CASTLE DETAILS: Location: Ione, California (Sierra Foothills, Amador County) Built: 1894 as Preston School of Industry administration building Closed: 1960 (abandoned for 40+ years) Status: California Historical Landmark #867 & National Register of Historic Places ๐Ÿ”ฎ PARANORMAL ACTIVITY REPORTED: Disembodied voices and footsteps Shadow figures and full-body apparitions Cold spots and electromagnetic anomalies Hair pulling and physical contact EVP recordings and unexplained sounds ๐Ÿ‘ค GUEST: Melissa Bandy Zelico Lead Paranormal Investigator at Preston Castle PR Representative for Preston Castle Foundation 14-year volunteer dedicated to preservation Expert in Preston Castle's haunted history Halloween Haunt coordinator (second floor & makeup) ๐ŸŽฌ FEATURED ON PARANORMAL TV SHOWS: Ghost Adventures (Travel Channel) Ghost Hunters (Syfy) Ghost Asylum The Lowe Files My Ghost Story ๐ŸŽญ HALLOWEEN HAUNT EXPERIENCE: California's premier haunted castle attraction October weekends - tickets sell out fast 30,000 square feet of scares Professional actors and elaborate sets VIP fast-pass options available Fundraiser supporting castle preservation ๐Ÿ—“๏ธ VISITOR INFORMATION: Historical guided tours available year-round Paranormal investigation tours (public & private) Paranormal 101 beginner nights Mini investigations (7 PM - midnight) Full overnight investigations (7 PM - 2 AM) Flashlight tours for spine-tingling experiences ๐Ÿ”— PRESTON CASTLE LINKS: Official Website: PrestonCastle.org Book Tours & Investigations Halloween Haunt Tickets (on sale Sept 8th) Paranormal 101 Events Historical Tour Information Preston Castle Foundation Membership Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/prestoncastle.org Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/prestoncastleofficial/ Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@prestoncastleofficial YouTube: @prestoncastlehalloweenhaun9966 #PrestonCastle #hauntedcalifornia #paranormalinvestigation โš ๏ธ VIEWER DISCRETION: This content discusses historical violence, murder, and supernatural phenomena. Suitable for mature audiences interested in paranormal and historical content. This interview was recorded in August 2025. Preston Castle information is current as of the filming date.

    42 min

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We take a deeper dive into History, Paranormal, and True Crime topics that perplex us all.