The Arkin's Hearth

Michael J Chandler

Where desert winds carry secrets and mountains whisper old stories, where history refuses to stay buried. We’re a podcast for everyone — the curious, the skeptical, the believers, the history lovers, the late-night thinkers, and the people who just love a good story. Based in the legendary Four Corners region — where New Mexico, Arizona, Colorado, and Utah meet — we dive deep into the mysteries that haunt this rugged and beautiful land. Each episode explores stories rooted in the Four Corners, including stories of murder, crime, aliens, cryptids, ghosts, and history. Contact Us: thearkinshearthpodcast@gmail.com

  1. 1d ago

    The Devils Highway

    In this episode of The Arkins Hearth Podcast, we travel down the infamous Devil's Highway, formerly U.S. Route 666, a lonely stretch of road cutting through the American Southwest. Blending documented history, real-world tragedies, unsolved mysteries, and decades of local legends, we explore how a dangerous highway became a breeding ground for stories of phantom vehicles, unexplained encounters, UFO sightings, and supernatural folklore. Is the fear surrounding the road rooted in something paranormal, or does isolation itself create the perfect conditions for legend? Join us as we separate fact from folklore and examine why the Devil's Highway still haunts the imagination long after its name disappeared from the map. Podcast art by The Pixie References Associated Press. (2025, May 5). Indigenous people raise awareness about their missing and murdered. AP News. https://apnews.com/article/3d4aa3a887b3dafa77e75b6ddde78b21 Nowell, C. (2025, April 8). New Mexico creates turquoise alert for missing Indigenous Americans. The Guardian. https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/apr/08/new-mexico-indigenous-missing-alert Weingroff, R. F. (2003, June 18). U.S. 666: "Beast of a Highway"? Federal Highway Administration. https://highways.dot.gov/highway-history/general-highway-history/us-666-beast-highway Wikipedia contributors. (n.d.). U.S. Route 491. Wikipedia. Retrieved June 7, 2026, from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/U.S._Route_491 Reddit contributors. (2022, October 8). Highway 666: The cursed Devil's Highway [Online forum post]. Reddit, r/Unexplained. https://www.reddit.com/r/Unexplained/comments/xydku9/

    44 min

  2. May 30

    The Strong City Cult

    In this episode of The Arkin’s Hearth, we explore the disturbing story of Strong City and the Lord Our Righteousness Church, a secluded religious group led by Wayne Bent, also known as Michael Travesser. What began as an apocalyptic breakaway movement from the Seventh-day Adventist Church evolved into a high-control cult centered around Bent’s claims of divine authority and messianic identity. Art By the Pixie If you need help in the US Text 988 Support Right Now Free, Private and Confidential Support 24/7 by Phone, Text or Chat For anonymous, confidential help available 24/7, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 (SAFE) or 1-800-787-3224 (TTY) now. References Bowman, M. (2011). Apocalypse in the desert: The Lord Our Righteousness Church and Strong City. Nova Religio, 15(2), 5-26. https://doi.org/10.1525/nr.2011.15.2.5 BBC. (2007). The End of the World Cult [Television documentary]. BBC Two. https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b008q4ff (Now avaliable in Vimeo) State of New Mexico v. Wayne Bent, No. D-818-CR-200800013 (N.M. 2008).

    37 min

  3. May 24

    Part Five: Shadows in Albuquerque: Finale Part Two

    In this finale episode of Shadows Over Albuquerque, host Michael Jason Chandler and the Arkins Hearth crew examine the ongoing federal case against Labar Tsethlikai, a Zuni Pueblo man accused of multiple violent crimes across New Mexico between 2022 and 2024. The episode explores the investigation, forensic evidence, witness testimony, and arrest that led to national attention on the case, while also discussing the broader impact of violence against Indigenous communities, Albuquerque’s crime trends, and the difficult question of whether the allegations fit the definition of a serial killer. Please support us on Patreon. Click this link here The Arkins Hearth Podcast | A podcast with stories from the Four Corners of murder and myth | Patreon Art By the Pixie References Albuquerque Police Department. (2024). Homicide statistics and annual reports. City of Albuquerque. https://www.cabq.gov/police Federal Bureau of Investigation. (2023). Crime in the United States (Uniform Crime Reporting Program). U.S. Department of Justice. https://crime-data-explorer.fr.cloud.gov/ Federal Bureau of Investigation. (n.d.). Serial murder: Multi-disciplinary perspectives for investigators. https://www.fbi.gov United States Department of Justice. (n.d.). Press releases. https://www.justice.gov/news Bureau of Indian Affairs. (n.d.). Indian country crime data. https://www.bia.gov National Institute of Justice. (2016). Violence against American Indian and Alaska Native populations. U.S. Department of Justice. https://nij.ojp.gov New Mexico Department of Public Safety. (2023). Uniform crime reports for New Mexico. https://www.nmsp.dps.state.nm.us Albuquerque Journal. (2022–2025). Coverage of Albuquerque homicide trends. https://www.abqjournal.com KRQE. (2022–2025). Local crime and homicide reporting. https://www.krqe.com

    38 min

  4. May 17

    Part Four: Shadows in Albuquerque: Finale Part One

    In this first part of the Finale of the Arkin's Hearth series, Shadows Over Albuquerque, Michael, Pixie, Thorin, and Ginger dive into Albuquerque’s homicide rates and the city's changing, uneasy battle with high levels of violence. Join the team as we conclude our dark journey through the stories of some of Albuquerque's most dangerous killers by looking at the open case of a current alleged murderer and the questions raised about missing and murdered indigenous people. Art By the Pixie Links to help missing and murdered indigenous people: Missing and Murdered Indigenous People | Indian Affairs Not Our Native Daughters StrongHearts Native Helpline | Home Tribal Victim Services Set-Aside | AI/AN Victim Services Resources Home | NamUs What is the Not Invisible Act Commission? | Indian Affairs AMBER Alert in Indian Country – AMBER Advocate National Center for Missing & Exploited Children Home | National Human Trafficking Hotline Welcome | NIWRC References https://www.cabq.gov/police https://crime-data-explorer.fr.cloud.gov/ .https://www.fbi.gov https://www.justice.gov/news Bureau of Indian Affairs. (n.d.). Indian Country Crime Data. https://www.bia.gov National Institute of Justice. (2016). Violence against American Indian and Alaska Native populations. U.S. Department of Justice. https://nij.ojp.gov New Mexico Department of Public Safety. (2023). Uniform crime reports for New Mexico. https://www.nmsp.dps.state.nm.us Albuquerque Journal. (2022–2025). Coverage of Albuquerque homicide trends. https://www.abqjournal.com KRQE. (2022–2025). Local crime and homicide reporting.https://www.krqe.com

    45 min
  5. Part Three: Shadows in Albuquerque: The Sunport Murders

    May 10

    Part Three: Shadows in Albuquerque: The Sunport Murders

    This episode of The Arkins Hearth explores the chilling case of Sean Lannon, whose crimes came to light after four bodies were discovered in a vehicle at Albuquerque’s Sunport in 2021. The hosts trace Lannon’s unraveling life, the brutal murders of people close to him, and the multi-state investigation that followed. After his arrest, Lannon confessed to multiple killings, though many details remain unclear. The episode reflects on the victims, the unanswered questions, and how an ordinary place became the center of something horrific. Art by: The Pixie REFERENCES Wikipedia contributors. (2026). Sean M. Lannon. In Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. Associated Press. (2022). Man pleads guilty in New Jersey killing tied to multi-state case. Associated Press. (2024). Man sentenced in New Mexico killings connected to Sunport case. Reisen, M. (2024). Grants man pleads guilty to 4 killings in 2021 case. Albuquerque Journal.

    42 min
  6. Part Two: Shadows in Albuquerque: The Hollywood Video Murders

    May 4

    Part Two: Shadows in Albuquerque: The Hollywood Video Murders

    On a quiet night in Albuquerque in March 1996, a routine closing shift at a neighborhood video store turned into one of the city’s most haunting crimes. What began as a robbery at a local Hollywood Video escalated into a brutal chain of events that left five people dead, including two grandparents who arrived at the wrong place at the wrong time. In this episode, we unpack the timeline, the investigation, and the lasting impact of the Hollywood Video Murders. From the lives of the victims to the arrests of Shane Harrison and Esther Beckley, we explore how a single night shattered a sense of safety for an entire community, and why, decades later, the echoes of that night still linger. Art By the Pixie References Albuquerque Journal. (1996, March–April). Coverage of the Hollywood Video killings. Retrieved from https://www.abqjournal.com (Search: “Hollywood Video murders Albuquerque 1996”)The New York Times. (1996, March 6). 5 Are Slain in New Mexico Video Store Robbery. Retrieved from https://www.nytimes.comAssociated Press. (1996). Reports on Albuquerque video store killings. Available via multiple archives (e.g., Google News Archive).KOAT-TV. (Various years). Cold case and anniversary coverage of the Hollywood Video murders. Retrieved from https://www.koat.comKRQE News 13. (Various years). Remembering the Hollywood Video murders. Retrieved from https://www.krqe.comState of New Mexico v. Harrison, court records (1996–1998). (Available via New Mexico court archives or legal databases such as Justia or Lexis summaries.)Murderpedia. (n.d.). Shane Harrison. Retrieved from https://murderpedia.org

    56 min
  7. Part One: Shadows in Albuquerque and the murder of Girly Chew

    Apr 26

    Part One: Shadows in Albuquerque and the murder of Girly Chew

    Unwrap this insane case of murder in this true-crime episode from The Arkins Hearth, which explores the 1999 disappearance of Girly Chew Hossencofft in Albuquerque, uncovering a calculated, body-less murder driven by deception, control, and chilling ideology. Art by the Pixie References Barrett, J. (2002). No body homicide cases: Legal strategies and challenges. Journal of Criminal Law, 45(3), 233–251. McGaffin, J. (2002). The Hossencofft case: A study in circumstantial evidence. Albuquerque Journal Archives. New Mexico v. Hossencofft, 2002-NMSC-005 (New Mexico Supreme Court). Ochoa, J. (2001). Conviction without a body: The evolving standards of proof. American Criminal Review, 38(4), 1275–1302. State of New Mexico v. Henning, CR-1999-XXXX (District Court Records). State of New Mexico v. Reid, CR-1999-XXXX (District Court Records). Federal Bureau of Investigation. (2000). Behavioral analysis in no-body homicide cases. FBI Law Enforcement

    55 min
  8. The Meow Wolf Universe

    Apr 19

    The Meow Wolf Universe

    Step beyond the ordinary and into the surreal as we explore Meow Wolf—the mind-bending art collective redefining what an “experience” can be. In this episode, our four hosts share their firsthand journeys through the original House of Eternal Return in Santa Fe, from crawling through hidden passageways to unraveling the strange, interconnected storylines buried inside the walls. We swap personal moments of confusion, awe, and even a little existential dread, as one of us compares experiences between Santa Fe and Convergence Station in Denver, revealing how each location builds its own unique universe. We also look ahead to Meow Wolf’s expanding future, including new locations on the horizon and the upcoming tabletop role-playing game that promises to bring its chaotic, creative worlds right to your own table. If you’ve ever wondered what it feels like to step inside a living story, or just want to hear what happens when four people try to make sense of it, this episode pulls you into the mystery. Original Art by the Pixie

    1h 4m
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About

Where desert winds carry secrets and mountains whisper old stories, where history refuses to stay buried. We’re a podcast for everyone — the curious, the skeptical, the believers, the history lovers, the late-night thinkers, and the people who just love a good story. Based in the legendary Four Corners region — where New Mexico, Arizona, Colorado, and Utah meet — we dive deep into the mysteries that haunt this rugged and beautiful land. Each episode explores stories rooted in the Four Corners, including stories of murder, crime, aliens, cryptids, ghosts, and history. Contact Us: thearkinshearthpodcast@gmail.com

Information

  • Creator
    Michael J Chandler
  • Years Active
    2K
  • Episodes
    17
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © notdeadyetllc
  • Show Website
    The Arkin's Hearth