The Strange South Podcast

In this episode, Patrice, Marleah, and Courtney recount a hilarious story about losing and recovering a phone, complete with a surprise police intervention and family panic. The ladies blend humor and thoughtful commentary on modern challenges and self-improvement strategies.

Join Marleah, Patrice, and Courtney as they discuss the challenges and pressures of January, advocate for a more self-care-oriented approach to the month, and share personal experiences from the New Year. They delve into the significance of brooms in folklore and magical practices, featuring insights from Charlotte, a hand broom maker. The episode is filled with laughter, practical tips, and a deep dive into broom-related superstitions and rituals. Sip on a classic old fashioned as you tune in for a post-holiday chat!

Join the ladies on the B side as they discuss Alabama's Wheeler Wildlife Refuge, bald eagle spotting adventures, and the surprisingly rich biodiversity of the state.

In this episode, Patrice, Marleah, and Courtney sip eggnog while unraveling the mystery of Alabama's spooky White Thang - a glowy-eyed cryptid that's either a tall albino Bigfoot, a giant ghost cat, or possibly just Uncle Earl in his long johns screaming at the moon.

In this episode, the hosts delve into the unusual trend of purchasing and consuming edible clays available on Amazon, such as Grandma's White Dirt from Georgia. They discuss various types of clay, like kaolin and Fuller's Earth, their uses, industrial applications, and traditional consumption practices for digestive benefits. Additionally, they provide quirky clay recipes and read reviews from avid clay eaters. The conversation then shifts to the topic of pica, a condition where individuals crave and consume non-food items like chalk, ice, soap, and even metal or glass, discussing possible reasons and personal anecdotes.

Care for a bit'o'dirt? Patrice, Marleah, and Courtney discuss a bizarre story from Starkville, MS, where people were discovered digging up dirt to eat. They explore the history and cultural significance of geophagy, citing various traditions and the medicinal properties of kaolin clay.

In this B Side, Patrice, Marleah, and Courtney talk about "evangelist" Bob Larson.of Spiritual Freedom Church. And they take his online quiz from boblarson.org to find out whether they themselves are demons! Are they? Listen to find out!

In this episode of The Strange South, co-hosts Patrice, Marleah, & Courtney dive into three fascinating stories about demonic possession and exorcism in the American South, inspired by the television show "Evil." The episode begins with the hosts enjoying a unique "posh parmatini" - a sophisticated cocktail featuring parmesan-infused vodka, courtesy of their friend Mary. The Archive of the Afterlife: A Skeptic's TaleThe first story centers around the Archive of the Afterlife Museum in Moundsville, West Virginia, where owner Steve Hummel houses various allegedly haunted objects. One particular item, a well-worn copy of Dr. Seuss's "The Foot Book," was claimed to be haunted after being connected to a quadruple homicide. However, when skeptical investigator Kenny Biddle looked into the case, he tracked down the book's original owner - a man named Kyle who had simply enjoyed the book as a child before his father sold it at a yard sale. While the book was indeed from near the location of a tragic murder, its direct connection to the crime was debunked. The Modern-Day Demon SlayerThe second story profiles Greg Locke, a controversial fundamentalist preacher from Mount Joliet, Tennessee, who has branded himself as a "demon slayer." Through his Global Vision Bible Church, Locke conducts mass "deliverances," claiming to cast out demons of everything from video games to lactose intolerance. His 2023 movie "Come Out in Jesus Name" grossed $2.5 million in just three days. The hosts discuss how his tent revival-style events, complete with sawdust floors and no air conditioning, create an environment where mass hysteria and spiritual experiences flourish. The Medical MysteryThe final and most compelling story follows Amy Stamatis, a med flight nurse in Little Rock, Arkansas, who experienced a sudden and inexplicable mental breakdown in 2006. After treating a burn victim, she began experiencing severe cognitive issues, hearing voices, and exhibiting erratic behavior. Despite numerous medical evaluations, no physical cause was found. The situation culminated in a tragic incident where she fell from a second-story window, leaving her paralyzed. The story takes an unexpected turn when a Pentecostal evangelist named Cindy Lawson performed an exorcism in her hospital room, after which Stamatis reportedly returned to mental wellness, though she remained physically paralyzed. The hosts frame these stories through the lens of the three main characters from "Evil" - the scientist, the psychologist, and the priest - offering different perspectives on how such events might be interpreted through various lenses of understanding. The Strange South podcast continues to explore the unusual, unexplained, and unconventional stories of the American South, blending humor, skepticism, and open-minded curiosity in their storytelling approach. 00:00 Introduction to The Strange South 00:32 Casual Conversations and Catching Up 01:40 The Posh Parmatini Recipe 06:46 Book Discussion: Blackwater by Michael McDowell 13:33 Exploring the Show 'Evil' 17:13 Exorcisms and Southern Evangelicalism 21:11 Story Time: Archive of the Afterlife Museum 22:46 The Haunted Children's Book 23:43 Investigating the Book's History 24:27 Debunking the Haunted Book Myth 28:50 The Serial Killer Sod Collection 30:25 The Demon Slayer Preacher 40:58 The Exorcism of Amy Stamatis 49:36 Concluding Thoughts and Farewell

The TSS Crew is live from Romarin et Corbeaux in Anniston, AL for our annual Halloween show!

Our friend Jason comes by to share some ghost stories and, of course, to sing!!!!

In this episode of The Strange South B-Side, Patrice, Marleah, and Courtney dive into everything from discovering our ancestral roots to barefoot adventures at the local Piggly Wiggly! This time, we’re back with a B-Side, filled with all the randomness you’d expect from a chill Southern gathering.

In this episode of The Strange South, hosts Marleah, Patrice, and Courtney catch up with each other, sharing experiences from a recent Alanis Morissette concert and discussing their preferences for intimate, singer-songwriter events over big, choreographed performances. Patrice then dives into a detailed and tragic story from southern gothic history, recounting the tumultuous life of the Orchard family, marked by domestic abuse, parental kidnapping, and mental health struggles. This story details the harrowing experiences of Lucy Orchard, her battle for custody of her children, and the eventual turn of events that lead to the family's descent into seclusion and infamy. The hosts also give a shout-out to local spots they enjoyed during their travels.

Patrice, Marleah, and Courtney discuss the eerie history of the Orchard Family's haunted house in the Lakeview area of New Orleans. Thanks, Charlotte!

In this episode of The Strange South B-Side, Patrice, Marleah, and Courtney talk about a speakeasy bar in Oxford (Alabama), debunk rumors of Dollywood's closure, and share stories of bear attacks, including a family legend and a man's survival from a brutal mauling.

In this episode of The Strange South, Marleah, Patrice, and Courtney discuss their favorite frozen drinks, summer plans, and a plethora of bear encounters in Southern Appalachia, specifically around Gatlinburg, Tennessee. Highlighting the dangers of human-bear interactions, they share stories of recent bear attacks, including a harrowing account of a hiker's close call with a black bear on the Appalachian Trail. The hosts emphasize the importance of proper food storage and safety measures when hiking or camping in bear territory. Additionally, they touch on personal anecdotes, the challenges of wildlife coexisting with human activities, and the community's reaction to these frequent bear sightings.

In this light-hearted episode, the hosts discuss their plans for a vampire-themed trip to New Orleans and delve into unique home remedies from the Foxfire book. Topics range from casual chit-chat to old Appalachian cures for ailments like stomach trouble, cramps, colds, and arthritis. The conversation includes humorous anecdotes and nostalgic stories, making for an entertaining and informative session on folk medicine and future travel plans.

In this episode, Patrice, Marleah, and Courtney discuss mosquitoes, gin drinks, and local bars before delving into an eerie tale from 1932 New Orleans.

The Grand Finale of the story of the Devil's Toybox, a haunted attraction in Northern Louisiana! Plus, martini baths, chicken heads, and what would YOU do in a room full of mirrors?

In this episode, Patrice, Marleah, and Courtney discuss cat houses and a beloved childhood musical featuring the iconic Dolly Parton while drinking a delicious springtime lavender lemon drop. Oh, and Patrice tells a disturbing story about a mirrored box and the Devil's toys. Content Warning: This episode contains discussions about suicide, which some listeners may find distressing. Listener discretion is advised.

After having talked through Song of the South, Patrice, Marleah, and Courtney discuss Country Living’s 2019 list of the 21 movies every Southerner needs to watch. We have opinions. What are yours?