

Astonishing Legends
Astonishing Legends Productions
The world is more mysterious than most people are comfortable imagining. We cross paths with the mystical from time to time and may not even notice it. If we do, we quickly return to our usually mundane daily existence. But what if we not only acknowledged the unknown, we investigated it and spoke with those in the know? That's what co-hosts Scott Philbrook & Forrest Burgess, and co-executive producer Tess Pfeifle do at Astonishing Legends. Over 100 million downloads and hundreds of thousands of listeners have discovered the thrill of exploring the mysteries of our world, showing that the unknown can be both captivating and intriguing. Welcome to Astonishing Legends!
Episodes
Mentioned books

Jan 22, 2015 • 1h 11min
The Birds, The Psychic and Ollie the Crime-Fighting Dog
Legend:Bird flies at the window, death knocks at the door.According to legend, if a bird crashes into a window in your house and dies from the collision, it is a portent that someone close to you is going to die.Background:Can someone who's passed away send the living messages by manipulating our world and even other living things in it? That's what Eric Robinson says happened to him and his entire family and when you hear the details, you'll have a hard time drawing a different conclusion.Stories:If you can't click on this link, visit our website. Eric's story starts out with the passing of his mom in 2004 and the events that lead up to that and followed it as well.A Great List of Eerie Bird Superstitions Bird Flies at the Window, Death Knocks at the DoorMoses MaimonidesThe Wikipedia Page on MaimonidesHervey MedellinThe Crime The Arrest of the PerpetratorInteresting Fact: On the day that Lucille Ball's dad passed away from Typhoid Fever, a bird flew into her house becoming trapped and knocking down a picture. After that event, she had a fear of birds (ornithophobia) for the rest of her life. She didn't even like to see them flying outside and forbid the use of wallpaper with birds on it everywhere she went.For more information on this episode visit our website!Credits:Episode 009 - 'The Birds, the Psychic and Ollie the Crime-Fighting Dog' Produced by Scott Philbrook & Forrest Burgess, Ryan McCullough Sound Design Copyright Scott Philbrook & Forrest Burgess 2015, All Rights Reserved. photos: Bird Smack by Scott Philbrook Copyright 2015 All Rights Reserved, Robinson Family photo (from Left, Eric's sister, Eric, and his mom about a month before she passed, Copyright Eric Robinson 2015 All Rights Reserved, Eric's Dad's Barbershop via Google Streetview, Moses Maimonides public domain, Ollie the dog, Copyright Eric Robinson 2015 All Rights Reserved, Hervey Medellin and the man who killed him.

Jan 9, 2015 • 38min
The Devil in the Diner
Background:Have you ever encountered someone other-worldly? Someone who seemed to exude a dark charisma that frightened you with their ability to be so magnetic?Legend:Talented comedy writer, Paula Pell, joins us in this episode for a glimpse over her shoulder at an event from her past that while fleeting, was so poignant it stuck with her for the rest of her life. A chance crossing of paths with what on the surface seemed to be a man, but upon closer inspection felt like much, much more than that.Stories:If you can't click on this link, visit our website. This story is a personal one and it took place years ago so there are not many images to offer with this particular posting, but we are including at least a link Paula's IMDB page. The crux of this story is in the interview. We hope you enjoy! Happy New Year!Paula's IMDB page with her credits.For more information on this episode visit our website!Credits:Episode 008 - 'The Devil in the Diner' Produced by Scott Philbrook & Forrest Burgess, Ryan McCullough Sound Design, Scott Philbrook Editing. Copyright Scott Philbrook & Forrest Burgess 2015, All Rights Reserved.

Dec 20, 2014 • 50min
A Krampus Christmas
All pictures from The Running of the Butt Mandle in Bertchesgaden, Germany, Dec 6th 2014. Photos property of Astonishing Legends/Scott Philbrook & Forrest Burgess 2014 - All Rights ReservedBackground:Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanza, Krampus? Every part of the world has different traditions at the end of the year. Have you ever stopped to think about the origins of those traditions? Ever stop to think they might be Pagan in nature? Well we not only stopped to think about it, we dove into it and came back with some amazing information, bolstered with an iPhone movie taken only days ago in Germany at one of the strangest, but most interesting traditions of them all, The Krampus!Legend:Twas the Night Before Christmas and all through the house not a creature was stirring except for The Krampus on the front porch waiting for the bad kids so he could kidnap them in the basket on his back and take them away.Stories:If you can't click on these links, visit our website. We've got some good stuff for this one. Chuck Jones, born in the regions of Mr. F.M. Burgess. Perry Futard (yes I mispelled that on purpose to aggravate Forrest) A link to one of our inspirations, Jim Harold and Scott's favorite show of his, Campfire. Friends of the show, George and Ashley have agreed to share their video from The Running of the Butt Mandle, shot just days ago on December 6th, 2014, clicking this link will put it in your downloads folder, don't worry, it's only 20MB and about 1 minute long. Kindle version of Mary Beth Crain's book, 'Haunted Christmas'. The Venture Brothers - A Very Venture ChristmasFor more information on this episode visit our website!Credits:Episode 007 - 'A Krampus Christmas' Produced by Scott Philbrook & Forrest Burgess, Ryan McCullough Sound Design, Scott Philbrook Editing. Copyright Scott Philbrook & Forrest Burgess 2014, All Rights Reserved. photo sources: All photos by Astonishing Legends, Copyright 2014. All Rights Reserved.

Dec 11, 2014 • 41min
Celebrity Cemetery
Background:Marc D'Andre our Correspondent at Large, is back with one of his special tours of the final resting place of not only Marilyn Monroe, but countless Hollywood icons of film and television. Put your headphones on and be transported to the park with Marc as he tells you a little bit about its residents who are probably all going to be glad to know you still care about them.Legend:A large collection of some of the most famous people in the world have been put to rest in this small, unassuming cemetery that is nearly impossible to find if you don't know exactly where it is.Stories:Links for this episode, compiled and curated by Marc D'Andre. If you can't click on these, visit our website.The Park on WikipediaOn Natalie WoodRebel Without a Cause Trailer w/Natalie Wood A recent article looking into Natalie's deathOn Bob CraneThe Private Passions of Bob Crane Bob's Official WebsiteOn Eddie AlbertThe Green Acres OpeningInteresting Fact:While we weren't looking for him, we also stumbled across Jay Sommers at Pierce Brothers. He is buried a short walk from the star of the show he created, based somewhat on an old radio show that he worked on 15 years prior, called "Granby's Green Acres".On Richard ConteGodfather WikiOn Roy OrbisonRoy performs 'Pretty Woman' not too many years before he passed away at a concert backed by music giantsOn Jim BackusJim's last TV appearance, as Mr. Howell, in an Orville Redenbacher commercial with 'Lovey' from Gilligan's Island Backus as Mr. MagooOn Frank ZappaFrank talks about drugsOn Dorothy StrattenDorothy on Carson from 1980 A people magazine article on Peter Bogdonavich and Dorothy (We linked to both of these in our first show as well)On Carl WilsonCarl performs 'God Only Knows' in a small setting.On Dominique DunneA People Magazine article on Dominique from 1983 A Vanity Fair article from 1984 about her dad and the caseOn James CoburnBruce Lee training at home with Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and James Coburn. James Coburn on The Muppet ShowOn Peggy LeePeggy Lee, 'Is That All There Is?' Peggy Lee and the Benny Goodman Orchestra, 'Why Don't You Do Right' 1942 Peggy Lee on the Judy Garland show singing 'I Like Men' in a duet with JudyOn Janet Leigh1995 Article on Janet Leigh in the New York Times about Psycho The infamous 'Psycho' shower sceneOn Ray BradburyHis official website The Wikipedia page on him A short film on Mr. BradburyOn Carrie HamiltonThe Wikipedia page on her An anti-drug PSA she made when she was youngerOn Eric DouglasThe Wikipedia page on Eric An Interview with EricOn Karl MaldenAn Interview with Karl Malden Karl Malden's monologue from 'On The Waterfront'On Walter MatthauThe Trailer for 'The Bad News Bears' Walter's monologue for Jack Lemmon when Jack received the AFI lifetime achievement awardOn George C. ScottA HuffPo piece on Mr. Scott The movie trailer for 'Patton'On Merv GriffinThe Wikipedia page on Merv Buy 'The Merv Griffin Show' An LA Times article from the Wednesday before this posting (12.10.14) Don Rickles and Mr. T on the Merv Griffin ShowOn Farrah FawcettFarrah Fawcett: A Life in Pictures (Time Magazine) Vanity Fair on FarrahOn Rodney DangerfieldRodney on bio.com Some of Rodney's best jokes The movie trailer for 'Ladybugs'On Peter FalkA great article on Falk and Cassavettes Falk from 'The In-Laws"On Carroll O'ConnorThe 'Dean Martin Celebrity Roast' of Carroll O'Connor An article about the death of Carroll's sonOn Billy Wilder'The Paris Review' on Billy Wilder The end of 'Some Like It Hot', written and directed by WilderOn Jack LemmonRoger Ebert interviews Jack Lemmon What role Walter Matthau really wanted to play A great scene from 'Grumpy Old Men'On Sage StalloneAn article about Sage and Sly The Wikipedia page on SageOn Dean MartinMartin and Lewis, 'Singin' in the Rain' Dean Martin, Ted Knight & Tim ConwayOn Burt LancasterRoger Ebert interviews Burt Lancaster Movie trailer for 'Birdman of Alcatraz'On Marilyn MonroeVanity Fair on Marilyn Monroe Crime Library on her death Her Life Magazine covers from '52 to '62On Richard PoncherThe bid on the slot above Marilyn at Pierce Brothers Crypt remains unsoldOn Buddy RichBuddy's appearance on 'The Jerry Lewis Show' Buddy on 'The Muppet Show'On Christopher GeorgeA great review of 'Pieces' A scene with Christopher from 'Pieces'On Mel Torme´The Wikipedia page on Mel Mel's music streamingOn Swifty LazarA Hollywood Reporter piece on Swifty Cher and Swifty at the Oscars in 1986On John CassavettesThe New York Times on Cassavettes Roger Ebert on CassavettesOn Eva GaborSome great quotes by Eva Eva as Mystery Guest on 'What's My Line?' with Jim Backus as a bonus!On Armand HammerThe Straight Dope on Armand Hammer and Arm & Hammer The Wikipedia page on Armand HammerOn Don KnottsThe New York Times on Knotts bio.com on Knotts Don Knotts as The Nervous WeathermanOn Truman CapoteA Vanity Fair Article on Truman And another Capote and Groucho Marx on Dick CavettOn Heather O'Rourke
Snopes.com report on the strange deaths surround the 'Poltergeist' movie Bio.com on the 'Poltergeist Curse'On Groucho MarxSome great Groucho quotes Cemetery Guide on Groucho Interesting Fact:People often leave tokens of love and appreciation on gravestones. Sometimes they leave change. Although the origins of this are muddy, some believe that if you leave some change, the deceased will grant you a wish. Others believe in the change as an offering that dates back to being able to pay the toll to be ferried across the River Styx by Charon (Greek Mythology).For more information on this episode visit our website!Credits:Episode 006 - 'Celebrity Cemetery' Produced by Scott Philbrook,Forrest Burgess, & Marc D'Andre, Ryan McCullough Sound Design, Scott Philbrook Editing. Copyright Scott Philbrook & Forrest Burgess 2014, All Rights Reserved. photo sources: all photos by Scott Philbrook for Astonishing Legends.

Nov 27, 2014 • 2h 1min
Amelia Earhart Vanishes Part 2
Legend:Did Amelia Earhart and Fred Noonan live short lives as castaways, or were they lost at sea after running out of fuel and ditching their Lockheed Electra 10E? Maybe they were taken prisoner, interrogated and eventually executed by the Japanese in Saipan? If none of those are right, maybe Amelia changed her identity and lived her days out as a woman named Irene Bolam who settled down in New Jersey?This episode is part 2 of a special about aviation's most famous disappearance of all time, that of Amelia Earhart.Stories:Normally we break these down a little more, but it's Thanksgiving Day and I've got to get in the kitchen. All links as promised from this episode are below. If you can't click on these, visit our website.Triangulating Amelia's last radio signals, Youtube. TIGHAR's Smoking Gun, Artifact 2-2-v-1, The Aluminum Panel The 1991 LA Times Article by Paul Dean discounting 2-2-v-1 Earhart and Noonan's Take-off from Lae, Papua New Guinea. TIGHAR's Wire & Rope Movie Mike Campbell's Blog, Earhart Truth. TIGHAR's Debris Field Analysis TIGHAR on the Bevington Object Prepping the Electra for the trip. The In Search Of on Amelia Earhart The SS Norwich City The Consolidated PBY on Wikipedia TIGHAR's PBY Rebuttal, posted just days ago TIGHAR's page on the Norwich City shipwreck. TIGHAR on feasibility of Betty Klenck hearing Amelia. A diagram of Betty Klenck's shortwave radio antenna. Betty Klenck's notes from the day she thought she heard Amelia. SKIP on CB Radios. Documentary, Earhart's Electra. World of Mysteries Documentary supporting Elgen Long's hypothesis. The Chater Report. Flight Route Map Nauticos Mike Campbell's Book, The Truth at Last on Amazon. Richard Martini's Film, Earhart's Electra on Amazon. Earhart on Saipan, Martini and Mike Harris' website. For more information on this episode visit our website!Credits:Episode 005 - 'Amelia Earhart Vanishes (Part 2)' Produced by Scott Philbrook & Forrest Burgess, Ryan McCullough Sound Design, Scott Philbrook Editing. Copyright Scott Philbrook & Forrest Burgess 2014, All Rights Reserved.

Nov 14, 2014 • 46min
Amelia Earhart Vanishes Part 1
Background:Amelia Earhart is one of the most famous aviators in the world and she flew into the history books in July of 1937 when she and her navigator, Fred Noonan, took off from Lae, Papua New Guinea for Howland Island. They never made it. Come with us on part 1 of this 2 part special while we take you back to what her life was really like in the years leading up to her vanishing.Legend:There are dozens of theories about Amelia's disappearance, most of which don't hold water, but there are three or four that any one of which proven true would make for one of the most fantastic tales ever told.This episode is about aviation's most famous disappearance of all time, Amelia Earhart.Stories(Links work best in iOS on iTunes or on our webpage at astonishinglegends.com)On Amelia Earhart:The Wikipedia Page on Amelia Her Official Website A great History Channel Page on Amelia The 99's Her Lockheed Electra 10E Special Her Lockheed Vega 5BInteresting Facts: Contrary to popular belief, Amelia was considered by many, including close friends, not to be a great pilot. Paul Mantz supposedly cited pilot error after their failed take-off in Hawaii (he later died of pilot error himself). Her lack of finesse was also apparent on various occasions when she would compete in air races and finish far in the field with a bouncy landing in front of all the spectators.No one on Earth ever doubted her courage however. On Fred Noonan:The Wikipedia Page on Fred A History Channel Page on FredInteresting Facts: Noonan had reportedly wanted to open a navigation school and saw his participation in the circumnavigation as a way to generate interest. Unfortunately he was lost at sea. On Paul Mantz:Wikipedia Page on Mantz Youtube Video showing Paul Mantz's final fatal accident.Interesting Facts: Paul Mantz became a movie stuntman and died filming 'Flight of the Phoenix'.For more information on this episode visit our website!Credits:Episode 004 - 'Amelia Earhart Vanishes (Part 1)' Produced by Scott Philbrook & Forrest Burgess, Ryan McCullough Sound Design, Scott Philbrook Editing. Copyright Scott Philbrook & Forrest Burgess 2014, All Rights Reserved.

Oct 30, 2014 • 1h 4min
Greyfriars Kirkyard Halloween Special
Welcome to episode 3 of Astonishing Legends!This episode is about the most well documented ongoing physical haunting in the world at the legendary Greyfriars KirkyardLinks for folks who are interested!(Links not clickable in all podcast apps, visit our website if they aren't working for you.)The Kirkyard -The Wikipedia entry on Greyfriars Kirkyard.Greyfriars Bobby -The Wikipedia page on Bobby.The Disney Movie.Covenanter's Prison -On Covenanters.A memorial to the battle.Bloody George Mackenzie - The Wikipedia page on Bloody George.Interesting Fact about Mackzenzie:He had several male children, but every single one of them died before they could father a child. The Black Mausoleum -Pictures of the source of evil. The Battle of Bothwell Brig -Wikipedia page on the battle.St. Giles Kirk -The High Kirk of Scotland, where it all started. Plague Masks -Fun visit from the Doctor?City of the Dead Tours -WebsiteOutstanding Book if you're interested in this story -The Ghost that Haunted Itself, by Jan-Andrew Henderson AL003For more information on this episode visit our website!

Oct 17, 2014 • 44min
Queen Mary & The Haunted Valentine
Welcome to episode 2 of Astonishing Legends!This episode is about the floating hotel that the RMS Queen Mary has become and how she treats a couple of guests who've selected her for a romantic Valentine's Day getaway. Links for folks who are interested!(Links not clickable in all podcast apps, visit our website if they aren't working for you.)The RMS Queen Mary -The Wikipedia entry on the Queen Mary..The award for the fastest Atlantic crossing by a cruise ship, the Blue Riband.A timeline of her history from the Hotel website. Some amazing older photos of her.The Queen Mary during World War II from the Hotel Website.A great article on rogue waves, including the one that hit the Queen Mary.A brief page on hauntings aboard her. There are many hundreds of websites on this.Here's a page detailing WWII troop crossings, aboard her.More amazing photos of her history. John Pedder & Watertight Door 13 -A brief site discussing the death of John Pedder at watertight door #13. The Munich -The Munich and the story as it's understood about her sinking. The HMS Curacoa -Here's the wikipedia entry on the HMS Curacoa. Indrid Cold - A good page on Indrid Culd. The Poseidon Adventure (original 1972) -One of the best original disaster movies there is, inspired by the Queen Mary and her brush with capsizing. AL002For more information on this episode visit our website!

Oct 2, 2014 • 26min
Hollywood Ending
Welcome to the first episode of Astonishing Legends!This episode is about what The City of Angels gives back when you come here seeking fame and fortune and includes a death tour among the Hollywood Hills with a visit to a particularly macabre destination at the end. Links for folks who are interested!(Links work best in iOS only on iTunes or on our webpage at astonishinglegends.com)Full URL's shared at bottom of text if your podcast app doesn't show them as clickable.On Dorothy Stratten - A fan site dedicated to Dorothy. The Wikipedia entry on Dorothy.An interview with Peter Bogdanavich from People Magazine in 1989 about Dorothy.Dorothy on Johnny Carson in 1980.Pictures of Dorothy and Paul Snider, the loser pimp and her murderer. More on Dorothy and Paul and her Death.Interesting Fact: Sleazeball Paul Snider had to get Dorothy's mom to sign a waiver so he could have her professionally photographed nude when he 'discovered' her in Canada because she was underaged.Paul, strangely, was also friends with Max Baer (Jethro on The Beverly Hillbillies), and Max, at one point dated Sharon Tate. On the Manson-Tate Murder and 10050 Cielo Drive -10050 Cielo Drive, the infamous house.The Wikipedia entry on Sharon Tate.This day in History (History Channel) Sharon Tate.Find-a-death on Sharon Tate.Interesting Fact: Trent Reznor was the last resident of the house before it was torn down and the address was changed. He recorded 'The Downward Spiral' here in fact, in a studio he named 'Le Pig' as an homage(?) to the murder. He reportedly had not thought much of being in the house past it being a part of 'American Folklore', in his words, until he met Tate's sister by chance and she asked him point blank if he was trying to capitalize on her death. He ultimately moved out before the house was torn down, but he took the front door with him and uses it at the new version of his recording studio to this day.On Lana Turner and Johnny Stompanato -The Wikipedia entry on Lana Turner.The Wikipedia entry on Johnny Stompanato.The Wikipedia entry on Lana's daughter, Cheryl.Lana & Johnny - Crime Library LinkThe Daily Mirror Newspaper from that day. On Yvette Vickers - The Wikipedia entry on Yvette Vickers. A People Magazine Article on Yvette.HuffPo on Yvette's cause of death.A good blog entry on Yvette.Another article.An amazing intimate portrait with Yvette as told by someone who knew her personally.Interesting Fact: Paul Newman's wife, Joanne Woodward was none too pleased with Yvette's on set chemistry with Newman during the filming of HUD and saw to it that she was nearly cut out of the film entirely. This happened to Yvette more than once, who herself confessed to being flirty, but most certainly not a tramp and completely monogamous when she was with someone. Jealousy in Hollywood can be a true monster and it's fair to say that it contributed to the death of all of the starlets featured in this episode of our show. Connections: Max Baer was friends with and briefly dated Sharon Tate. Sharon Tate was murdered in the house that Cary Grant and Dyan Cannon lived in after they got married. Cary broke up with Yvette Vickers to marry Dyan.
http://www.dorothystratten.com/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dorothy_Stratten
http://www.people.com/people/archive/article/0,,20119405,00.html
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SahoSvAAbH4
http://www.findadeath.com/Deceased/s/Dorothy%20Stratten/dorothy_stratten.htm
http://www.franksreelreviews.com/shorttakes/stratton.htm
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/10050CieloDrive
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sharon_Tate
http://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/actress-sharon-tate-found-murdered
http://www.findadeath.com/Deceased/t/tate/tate_murders.htm
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lana_Turner
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Johnny_Stompanato
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cheryl_Crane
http://www.crimelibrary.com/notoriousmurders/famous/lanaturner/8.html
http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/thedailymirror/2008/04/johnny-stompana.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yvette_Vickers
http://www.people.com/people/article/0,,20487308,00.html
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/05/13/yvette-vickers-cause-of-dn861762.html
http://www.pitch.com/FastPitch/archives/2011/05/09/kansas-citys-yvette-vickers-from-playmate-to-mummy
http://www.theweek.co.uk/people-news/5801/%E2%80%9850-foot-woman%E2%80%99-starlet-may-have-been-dead-year
http://www.john-odowd.com/writings/remembering-my-friend-yvette-vickers-page-2/ AL001 For more information on this episode visit our website!


