Lights On Still Scared

Karen Swanston & Graeme Milne

Paranormal stories, folklore & real-life encounters. Hosted by psychic medium Karen Swanston and paranormal investigator & author Graeme Milne.

Play

Open in

30 episodes
Avg 41 min
English

Support the show

Goes straight to the publisher. podnod takes nothing.

Become a member!

Episodes 30

Newest Oldest Longest

All20 Unplayed20 In progress0 Played0

Counted on this page — what you have heard stays on this device, so it is not something the list can be paged by.

Tuesday · 49 min
Episode 23 Haunted Objects Part 2
A crystal ball from an old loft, a famously unsettling doll, and a Ouija-board table all raise the same question: can an object carry a presence or is there another explanation? Graham Milne and Karen Swanston swap eerie stories from Scotland and beyond, weighing reported experiences against folklore and the possibility of coincidence. The episode ranges from recurring nightmares and a haunted mummy’s head to Robert the Doll in Key West. The hosts also share personal accounts involving a family heirloom doll, a supposedly cursed necklace, and reports of haunted clothing. Image shows artist's interpretation. Key Topics [00:01:07] - A crystal ball found in a loft—and the nightmares that followed [00:04:46] - Graham’s story of an old bottle and a disturbing dream [00:06:05] - Strange activity at Aden Country Park, including a story about a mummy’s head [00:09:58] - Robert the Doll: his history, reputation, and visitor etiquette [00:20:39] - A Ouija-board table and a chilling story shared by folklorist Stanley Robertson [00:29:27] - A doll-reading experiment and Karen’s family doll, Loopy Lou [00:36:14] - The Loch Leven necklace and reports of its unsettling effects [00:41:08] - Haunted clothing, including an Edwardian dress and stories of phantom jackets Relevant Links Fort East Martello Museum — Key West Art & Historical Society — home of Robert the Doll Aden Country Park NHS: Sleep paralysis — a possible non-paranormal explanation discussed in the episode From haunted heirlooms to objects surrounded by local legend, these stories leave room for both scepticism and curiosity. If you’ve had an unexplained experience with an object—or a story about one—keep it respectful, keep asking questions, and, as the hosts say, keep the lights on.
- Transcript
October 13 · 34 min
Episode 22 Haunted Objects Part 1
Graeme Milne and Karen Swanston explore four unsettling haunted-object stories, from mass-produced paintings blamed for house fires to mysterious carved heads, a reportedly haunted mirror, and a bone said to bring misfortune. Along the way, they weigh the eerie legends against the ordinary explanations and unanswered questions behind them. The stories span Britain, Louisiana, and Edinburgh, with reported apparitions, strange reflections, unexplained disturbances, and one very ill-advised souvenir. These are tales of folklore and reported experiences, not settled evidence and some of their details remain disputed. Key Topics [00:01:31] - The Crying Boy prints and Britain’s “blazing curse” scare [00:07:20] - The legend of the boy said to be connected to the paintings [00:09:20] - The newspaper bonfire and the curse’s supposed end [00:11:24] - The Hexham Heads and reports of a werewolf-like visitor [00:17:03] - The Myrtles Plantation mirror and its unsettling reflections [00:20:00] - The alleged mummy’s curse at a house in Edinburgh [00:27:42] - What happened to the bone—and a more recent reported sighting Relevant Links The Myrtles Plantation — official website Crying Boy — background on the paintings and legend Hexham Heads — background on the objects and reported haunting British Museum Collection Graeme and Karen close with a promise to return for Haunted Objects Part Two. Until then, keep the lights on—and stay a little scared.
- Transcript
October 6 · 40 min
Episode 21 Ghost Pets Part 2
Graeme Milne and Karen Swanston return with more stories of phantom pets and spooky animals, from a spectral chicken in Highgate to cats that seem to return after death. This episode explores the strange, touching and occasionally amusing ways animals appear in ghost stories. Hear reported encounters with ghostly cats, a huge red-eyed hound near Blairgowrie, a phantom dog at Edinburgh’s Witchery, and even a fish that reportedly reappeared after being flushed away. The hosts also revisit the tale of a supposed poltergeist in Tarves and the very human explanation behind it. Key Topics [00:01:41] - The phantom chicken of Highgate and the story linked to Francis Bacon [00:05:56] - A witness’s account of a huge, red-eyed phantom hound near Blairgowrie [00:09:09] - Ghost cats: unexplained sounds, moving toys and apparitions [00:16:01] - A ghost dog at the Witchery, and the curious story of three hats [00:20:29] - A llama’s reported visits after death and the phantom monkey at Culross Palace [00:26:13] - The fish that allegedly returned to its aquarium after being flushed [00:31:20] - The Tarves “poltergeist”—and the jackdaw behind the wall Relevant Links John Aubrey’s Brief Lives Culross Palace — National Trust for Scotland The Witchery by the Castle Emory Digital Collections From loyal animal companions to eerie apparitions, these stories leave room for wonder—and for a healthy dose of skepticism. Keep the lights on, and stay scared. Hosts: Graeme Milne and Garen Swanston.
- Transcript
September 29 · 32 min
Episode 20 Ghost Pets Part 1
If you’ve ever wondered whether pets can leave a sign after they’re gone, this conversation explores some of the strangest and most comforting ghost pet stories people have shared. From a grieving dog owner seeing a possible visitation to animal encounters that seem to cross the line between memory and haunting, it’s a spooky-but-sweet look at how deeply we bond with the animals in our lives. Graeme Milne and Karen Swanston share personal stories and reported paranormal encounters involving dogs, budgies, squirrels, and even an invisible creature in the Scottish Highlands. Along the way, they dig into the idea that animals may appear after death to reassure their people, often looking healthy, peaceful, or somehow “returned” to their best selves. The episode also touches on grief, guilt, and the strange ways people interpret unexplained experiences when they’re missing a beloved pet. If you enjoy haunted animals, paranormal folklore, or personal ghost stories with a human heart, this one delivers plenty to think about. Key Topics [00:00:04] - Introduction to ghostly pets and haunted animals [00:01:24] - The story of Sadie, a much-loved cocker spaniel [00:02:20] - The porch conversation and the possible sign from Sadie [00:04:33] - Graeme’s personal story about Tertia and a possible visit [00:05:48] - A family account from Bodham involving strange animal footprints and attic noises [00:11:25] - Karen’s childhood budgie Jimmy and the uncanny cuckoo clock moment [00:16:58] - The phantom collie stories from Dumfriesshire [00:19:49] - The squirrel story: Squiggy, the rainbow bridge, and a memorial figurine [00:22:56] - The idea of spirits appearing without ailments or physical limitations [00:24:23] - An invisible creature in Rothiemurchus Forest and the Big Grey Man folklore [00:28:05] - Closing reflections and goodbye Relevant Links Rainbow Bridge concept: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rainbow_Bridge_(pets) The Big Grey Man of Ben Macdui: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Big_Grey_Man_of_Ben_Macdui Rothiemurchus Forest: https://www.rothiemurchus.net/ Cairngorms National Park: https://cairngorms.co.uk/ These stories range from tender to eerie, but they all circle back to the same idea: animals can leave a lasting imprint that doesn’t always feel finished when they’re gone. Whether you see these moments as coincidence, comfort, or something beyond explanation, the episode offers a thoughtful reminder of how powerful our connections with pets can be. Sometimes the most unforgettable signs are the ones that arrive quietly.
- Transcript
September 28 · 30 min
Episode 19 Ghostly Hitchhikers Part 2
Haunted hitchhiking stories take center stage in this eerie conversation, from faceless roadside apparitions to ghostly passengers who vanish from moving cars. If you’re drawn to phantom hitchhiker legends, roadside hauntings, and true ghost accounts with a local-history twist, this episode delivers plenty to keep you looking over your shoulder. Graeme Milne and Karen Swanston revisit a mix of Scottish and English supernatural encounters, including the White Wife of Unst, the Gray Lady of Kinghorn, and a well-documented Bedfordshire sighting that made it into the newspapers. Along the way, they compare older folklore with contemporary witness reports, asking what happens when a story is repeated, recorded, and passed on through generations. There’s also a fascinating detour into cinema, with a look at Return to Glennascaul, Orson Welles’ atmospheric short film inspired by ghostly road encounters. It’s a fitting companion piece to the real-life tales discussed here, and a great pick if you enjoy your hauntings with a side of classic black-and-white mystery. Key Topics [00:00:04] - Opening chat and introduction to more haunted hitchhiking stories [00:01:28] - The faceless woman of Caterham Bypass, Surrey [00:03:31] - The White Wife of Unst, Shetland: origins, sightings, and family second sight [00:06:54] - A late-night encounter beside the loch and the “White Wife” legend in local reports [00:08:16] - Three witnesses on Unst and the figure on the dark country road [00:10:05] - Lincolnshire, 1918: the mysterious passenger and the drowned man [00:12:16] - Orson Welles and Return to Glennascaul [00:16:00] - Roy Fulton’s 1979 Bedfordshire phantom hitchhiker encounter [00:19:43] - The Gray Lady of Kinghorn, Fife: bus stops, buses, and hotel hauntings [00:26:06] - Closing thoughts and sign-off Relevant Links Return to Glennascaul (full film): https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=Return+to+Glenascaul+Orson+Welles Orson Welles biography: https://www.britannica.com/biography/Orson-Welles Arthur C. Clarke’s World of Strange Powers: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arthur_C._Clarke%27s_World_of_Strange_Powers Phantom hitchhiker folklore overview: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phantom_hitchhiker Unst, Shetland: https://www.visit-shetland.com/places/unst Kinghorn, Fife: https://www.visitfife.com/destinations/kinghorn/ This episode is a reminder that some of the best ghost stories begin on empty roads, after dark, with only a passing stranger for company. Whether you prefer folk legend, newspaper accounts, or cinematic hauntings, these stories blur the line between folklore and lived experience in a deeply unsettling way. Keep the lights on for the next one.
- Transcript
September 15 · 33 min
Episode 18 Ghostly Hitchhikers Part 1
Haunted hitchhikers have a way of turning an ordinary drive into something unforgettable. In this episode, Graeme Milne and Karen Swanston share a series of eerie roadside encounters, from phantom women and vanished passengers to stories that seem to repeat across different places and decades. The conversation moves through classic ghost-lift folklore and regional legends, exploring why these stories persist, how they change in the retelling, and what makes them so unsettling: the wrongness of a stranger at the roadside, the cold in the car, the impossible disappearance, and the feeling that some roads never quite let go of the dead. Along the way, they cover well-known accounts from Lincolnshire, Edinburgh, the Wirral, Peterhead, Somerset, and beyond, including a memorable story associated with Telly Savalas that blends celebrity, coincidence, and paranormal folklore into one of the most striking hitchhiker tales. Key Topics [00:01:15] - The Metheringham Lass: RAF Metheringham, the roadside apparition, and the legend’s chilling variations [00:03:22] - The backstory of Katherine Bystock and the idea of a crisis apparition [00:04:32] - The Edinburgh fireman’s story: a midnight pickup, strange conversation, and the childproof locks mystery [00:08:17] - The White Lady of Dibbinsdale Bridge: nun, monk, drowning legend, and multiple ghostly forms [00:11:20] - The alternate Dibbinsdale tale and the elderly cyclist who vanishes on the bridge [00:12:39] - The Peterhead hitchhiker story and the jacket left at the graveside [00:17:20] - Harry Unsworth and the A38 in Somerset: repeated encounters with the same hitchhiker [00:21:18] - Telly Savalas and the ghost hitchhiker in New Jersey [00:27:37] - The second encounter and the eerie connection to JFK’s assassination [00:28:45] - Closing thoughts and sign-off Relevant Links RAF Metheringham: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/RAF_Metheringham Dibbinsdale Nature Reserve / area context: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dibbinsdale Peterhead: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peterhead A38 road: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/A38_road Telly Savalas: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Telly_Savalas Ghost stories and folklore archive (general reference): https://www.sacred-texts.com/fort/ YouTube search for the Telly Savalas hitchhiking story: https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=Telly+Savalas+hitchhiking+ghost+story What makes these stories endure is their familiarity: a lonely road, a stranger in distress, and a moment that turns impossible. Whether told as local legend, personal testimony, or folklore handed down over time, the haunted hitchhiker remains one of the most compelling ghost stories because it feels just close enough to be true. If you’ve ever driven a quiet road late at night, this episode may make you look twice at the shoulder — and wonder who, exactly, might still be waiting there.
- Transcript
September 8 · 34 min
Episode 17 Haunted Transport Part 2
Haunted ships, eerie premonitions, and legendary transport disasters collide in this spooky conversation about why certain vehicles seem to carry a shadow with them. From the Titanic to a cursed-looking Porsche, the stories here explore the thin line between coincidence, intuition, and something far harder to explain. Karen Swanston and Graham Milne dig into real-world maritime tragedy, reported hauntings, and infamous warnings that seemed to come true. Along the way, they ask the bigger question: are these just strange accidents and hindsight, or do some places and objects hold onto fear in ways we can still feel? There’s also a chilling Scottish tale involving a stranded yacht and a spectral sailor, plus a powerful retelling of the Tay Bridge disaster and the eerie stories that grew around it. If you’re drawn to paranormal history, ghostly transport lore, and unexplained warnings, this one is packed with it. Key Topics [00:00:00] - Introduction to haunted transport stories and the Titanic [00:01:09] - Titanic’s maiden voyage, collision, and sinking timeline [00:02:35] - Ice warnings, wireless messages, and safety decisions [00:04:26] - Ship design, flooding, and why the Titanic may have failed so quickly [00:05:09] - Morgan Robertson’s Futility and eerie premonitions in fiction [00:06:23] - Dreams, warnings, and passengers who sensed disaster before sailing [00:07:35] - Titanic hauntings, museum reports, and paranormal claims tied to relics [00:08:56] - The Silver Cloud incident off Fraserburgh and the young sailor apparition [00:11:30] - The spirit’s warning and the connection to the Lancastria disaster [00:13:51] - James Dean’s Porsche 550 Spyder and the “Little Bastard” legend [00:16:20] - Alec Guinness’s warning and the fatal crash that followed [00:19:19] - Rumors of curses around the wreck, parts, and later accidents [00:22:11] - The Tay Bridge disaster and the man who avoided the doomed train [00:26:59] - Later sightings of a phantom train near the Tay Bridge line [00:28:53] - The story’s literary retelling and closing thoughts Relevant Links List Titanic history overview: https://www.britannica.com/topic/Titanic-ship Titanic Belfast museum: https://titanicbelfast.com/ RMS Titanic Inc. / Titanic artifacts and recovery context: https://www.rmstitanicinc.com/ James Dean archive and biography: https://www.britannica.com/biography/James-Dean Porsche 550 Spyder background: https://www.porsche.com/international/accessoriesandservice/classic/models/550-spyder/ Tay Bridge disaster overview: https://www.scottish-places.info/features/featurefirst2099.html National Records of Scotland: https://www.nrscotland.gov.uk/ The Lancastria disaster history: https://www.iwm.org.uk/history/the-lancastria-disaster Morgan Robertson’s Futility info: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Futility,_or_the_Wreck_of_the_Titan White Star Line history: https://www.white-star.co.uk/ The episode closes with a recurring theme throughout the discussion: some disasters seem to leave a story behind them that outlives the event itself. Whether you interpret these moments as warnings, psychic impressions, or coincidence, the emotional weight of each story is unmistakable. And if transport can carry more than people and cargo, maybe it can also carry memory.
- Transcript
September 1 · 33 min
Episode 16 Haunted Transport Part 1
Haunted transport gets unsettling fast when old race tracks, phantom cars, and ghost coaches seem to linger long after the roads have changed. In this episode, Graeme Milne and Karen Swanston dig into stories where motion, memory, and tragedy appear to leave something behind. They begin at Brooklands in Surrey, the world’s first purpose-built motor racing circuit and later a key site in British aviation history, before exploring the accidents, wartime damage, and ghostly reports tied to the track. From there, the conversation shifts to a former Inverness garage with multiple eyewitness accounts of strange vehicle activity and a mysterious figure in black. The episode then crosses the Atlantic to the legend of the Golden Eagle, a supposedly haunted 1964 Dodge that reacts badly to disrespect and may have a very dark history. The discussion closes in Caithness, where a phantom coach is said to appear as an omen — sometimes with life-saving timing. Key Topics [00:00:00] - Welcome and introduction from Graeme Milne and Karen Swanston [00:01:35] - Brooklands: Britain’s first purpose-built motor racing circuit [00:03:30] - Brooklands’ aviation history and wartime bombing [00:06:20] - Fatal crashes, racing danger, and the Lambert record attempt [00:10:05] - Phantom racing cars, spectral drivers, and haunted houses at Brooklands [00:14:00] - Inverness garage stories: phantom cars, a dark figure, and a ghostly horse [00:19:00] - The Golden Eagle: a supposedly haunted Dodge in the United States [00:23:15] - Christine comparisons and cursed-car folklore [00:25:33] - Caithness phantom coach and the warning-at-the-cliff story [00:28:33] - Closing thoughts and sign-off Relevant Links Brooklands Museum: https://www.brooklandsmuseum.com/ Brooklands history overview: https://www.britannica.com/place/Brooklands Timespan Museum (Helmsdale): https://www.timespan.org.uk/ Christine (film reference): https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0085333/ Stephen King’s Christine: https://stephenking.com/works/novel/christine.html Haunted transport stories often blur the line between folklore and memory, especially when places have seen real danger, loss, and dramatic change. Whether these accounts are echoes of history or something harder to explain, they make a strong case for keeping the lights on and staying curious. Graeme and Karen’s conversation shows how local legends can grow around places where speed, machinery, and human risk were once part of everyday life. If you enjoy ghost stories rooted in real locations, this episode offers plenty to explore.
- Transcript
September 1 · 33 min
Episode 16 Haunted Transport Part 1
Haunted transport gets unsettling fast when old race tracks, phantom cars, and ghost coaches seem to linger long after the roads have changed. In this episode, Graeme Milne and Karen Swanston dig into stories where motion, memory, and tragedy appear to leave something behind. They begin at Brooklands in Surrey, the world’s first purpose-built motor racing circuit and later a key site in British aviation history, before exploring the accidents, wartime damage, and ghostly reports tied to the track. From there, the conversation shifts to a former Inverness garage with multiple eyewitness accounts of strange vehicle activity and a mysterious figure in black. The episode then crosses the Atlantic to the legend of the Golden Eagle, a supposedly haunted 1964 Dodge that reacts badly to disrespect and may have a very dark history. The discussion closes in Caithness, where a phantom coach is said to appear as an omen — sometimes with life-saving timing.
- Transcript
August 25 · 35 min
Episode 15 Timeslips Part 2
From time slips in the Scottish Highlands to eerie scenes in Tudor and medieval landmarks, this episode explores some of the strangest reports of people seemingly stepping into another era. The stories move through silent villages, battlefield visions, and sudden glimpses of everyday life from the past — all without warning, and often in broad daylight. Karen Swanston and Graham Meehan unpack a mix of witness accounts, historical context, and the lingering question at the heart of every story: were these shared hallucinations, misread surroundings, or genuine time slips? You’ll hear about reports from Kersey, Torry Battery, Provost Skene’s House, Hampton Court Palace, and more — with each account offering a different kind of unsettling detail, from muffled sound and missing modern features to crowds in old-fashioned dress and silent marching armies. Key Topics [00:01:01] - Frank Smythe’s 1941 time slip account from the Scottish Highlands [00:02:58] - The massacre vision near Loch Alsh and Glen Shiel [00:05:00] - Kersey, Suffolk: the village that seemed to exist in another century [00:06:06] - Royal Navy cadets and the silent, old-fashioned village atmosphere [00:09:55] - Torry Battery in Aberdeen and the silent crowd of soldiers, women, and children [00:13:27] - A recent roadside encounter with a possible Roman procession near Birmingham [00:19:19] - Provost Skene’s House and the painted gallery time slip [00:21:59] - Hampton Court Palace and repeated reports of Tudor-era activity [00:25:24] - Battle time slips, drumming, and silent armies in Aberdeenshire [00:29:41] - What’s coming next: haunted objects and future tours Relevant Links Hampton Court Palace: https://www.hrp.org.uk/hampton-court-palace/ Provost Skene’s House: https://www.aberdeencity.gov.uk/services/leisure-culture-and-parks/museums-and-galleries/provost-skenes-house Kersey, Suffolk: https://www.kerseyparish.gov.uk/ The Scotsman archive: https://www.scotsman.com/ Historic Environment Scotland: https://www.historicenvironment.scot/ These stories suggest that time slips, if real, may be far less dramatic than fantasy usually makes them seem. Instead of thunderclaps and special effects, the most unsettling accounts are often ordinary moments: a village street, a palace corridor, a road at night, or a battlefield seen in perfect silence. Whether you come for the history, the mystery, or the eerie atmosphere, this episode offers plenty to think about long after the lights go out.
- Transcript
August 25 · 35 min
Episode 15 Timeslips Part 2
From time slips in the Scottish Highlands to eerie scenes in Tudor and medieval landmarks, this episode explores some of the strangest reports of people seemingly stepping into another era. The stories move through silent villages, battlefield visions, and sudden glimpses of everyday life from the past — all without warning, and often in broad daylight. Karen Swanston and Graham Meehan unpack a mix of witness accounts, historical context, and the lingering question at the heart of every story: were these shared hallucinations, misread surroundings, or genuine time slips? You’ll hear about reports from Kersey, Torry Battery, Provost Skene’s House, Hampton Court Palace, and more — with each account offering a different kind of unsettling detail, from muffled sound and missing modern features to crowds in old-fashioned dress and silent marching armies.
- Transcript
August 18 · 36 min
Episode 14 Timeslips Part 1
Time slips, ghost roads, and wartime echoes take center stage in this eerie discussion of reported supernatural encounters across the UK. From Roman soldiers in York to phantom battlefields and vanishing roads, these stories explore what happens when the past seems to break through into the present. Graeme Milne and Karen Swanston compare some of the best-known time slip accounts, including firsthand witness testimony, historical context, and later research that appears to support parts of the sightings. The result is a mix of folklore, archaeology, and unresolved mystery that asks a simple question: are these places replaying history, or are people somehow stepping into it? Along the way, the episode looks at cases that have become famous among paranormal researchers and ghost-story readers alike, with particular attention to reported visual details, consistency of testimony, and how location history may fit the accounts.
- Transcript
August 18 · 36 min
Episode 14 Timeslips Part 1
Time slips, ghost roads, and wartime echoes take center stage in this eerie discussion of reported supernatural encounters across the UK. From Roman soldiers in York to phantom battlefields and vanishing roads, these stories explore what happens when the past seems to break through into the present. Graeme Milne and Karen Swanston compare some of the best-known time slip accounts, including firsthand witness testimony, historical context, and later research that appears to support parts of the sightings. The result is a mix of folklore, archaeology, and unresolved mystery that asks a simple question: are these places replaying history, or are people somehow stepping into it? Along the way, the episode looks at cases that have become famous among paranormal researchers and ghost-story readers alike, with particular attention to reported visual details, consistency of testimony, and how location history may fit the accounts. Key Topics [00:00:04] - Introduction to time slips and what they may be [00:01:49] - Treasures House in York and the Roman military context [00:03:06] - Harry Martindale’s 1953 Roman soldier encounter [00:07:51] - Discussion of the York case and possible historical explanations [00:08:50] - Dundee and the reported Dunnechtan battlefield time slip [00:13:49] - The A21 “ghost road” and phantom lane reports [00:17:37] - The A73 Kinmount Straight and multiple witness accounts [00:21:38] - The 1962 haunting near Dumfries and Annan [00:25:14] - Edgehill battlefield and echoes of the English Civil War [00:30:29] - A personal encounter in Old Aberdeen [00:31:21] - Closing thoughts and preview of Part 2 Relevant Links National Trust – Treasurer’s House, York Society for Psychical Research York Minster Edge Hill Battlefield A21 road information The Gazetteer of Scottish Ghosts These stories blur the line between witness testimony and historical replay, but they all share the same unsettling feeling: the past may be far closer than we think. Whether you see them as hauntings, time slips, or something else entirely, the accounts in this episode leave plenty to ponder. Thanks for listening, and stay tuned for Part 2, where the conversation continues with more haunted locations and unexplained encounters.
- Transcript
August 11 · 27 min
Episode 13 Haunted Roads part 2
Haunted roads can hold more than eerie legends, sometimes they seem to preserve the final moments of real people. In this episode, Karen Swanston and Graham Milne explore a series of ghostly road stories tied to the A3, the old Portsmouth Road, and other unsettling stretches of highway where tragedy, folklore, and unexplained sightings overlap. From the infamous A3 “crash” that led police to a long-hidden vehicle, to the historic murder at Devil’s Punch Bowl and the grim legacy of Gibbet Hill, the discussion moves between documented history and encounters that feel like echoes of the past. Along the way, the hosts dig into apparitions, phantom figures, missing dashcam footage, and the strange question of whether some sightings are hauntings or something closer to a replay of trauma. Key Topics [00:00:00] - Introduction to haunted roads and the episode’s focus on unsettling roadside encounters [00:01:00] - The A3 near Guildford: a reported crash that turned out to be a long-hidden vehicle [00:03:16] - Christopher Brine Chandler’s disappearance and the discovery of human remains [00:04:50] - Residual haunting vs. crisis apparition: what might explain the ghost car sighting? [00:05:12] - The Devil’s Punch Bowl legend and the old A3 at Hindhead [00:06:18] - The 1786 sailor murder near Thursley, Gibbet Hill, and the hanging of the killers [00:08:24] - Gibbet Hill’s fearsome reputation, phantom coaches, and local superstition [00:09:18] - The Celtic cross erected in 1851 and the 1945 aircraft disaster near Gibbett Hill [00:10:17] - Highwayman Jerry Abershaw and other violent histories along the Portsmouth Road [00:12:27] - Ghostly roadside figure on the A83 near Inveraray and Loch Gilp [00:14:31] - Orpheus band story from Banff to Aberdeen: the figure in the road [00:16:45] - Leatherhead dashcam encounter: the hitchhiker in the pale blue suit [00:22:28] - Closing thoughts and a call for listener-submitted ghost stories Relevant Links A3 road overview: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/A3_road Devil’s Punch Bowl, Surrey: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Devil%27s_Punch_Bowl,_Surrey Gibbet Hill, Surrey: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gibbet_Hill Thursley, Surrey history: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thursley Portsmouth Road history: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Portsmouth_Road Surrey History Centre: https://www.surreycc.gov.uk/culture-and-leisure/history-centre Historic England listings search: https://historicengland.org.uk/listing/the-list/ UK road safety information: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/road-safety These stories show how haunted roads often sit at the intersection of memory, violence, and folklore. Some encounters may be easy to dismiss — until a witness describes details that later line up with real history, or a “ghost” vanishes from every camera frame. If you’ve had an unexplained experience on a road, in a car, or near a place with a grim past, send it in — the next haunting may already be waiting to be told.
- Transcript
August 11 · 27 min
Episode 13 Haunted Roads Part 2
Haunted roads can hold more than eerie legends, sometimes they seem to preserve the final moments of real people. In this episode, Karen Swanston and Graham Milne explore a series of ghostly road stories tied to the A3, the old Portsmouth Road, and other unsettling stretches of highway where tragedy, folklore, and unexplained sightings overlap. From the infamous A3 “crash” that led police to a long-hidden vehicle, to the historic murder at Devil’s Punch Bowl and the grim legacy of Gibbet Hill, the discussion moves between documented history and encounters that feel like echoes of the past. Along the way, the hosts dig into apparitions, phantom figures, missing dashcam footage, and the strange question of whether some sightings are hauntings or something closer to a replay of trauma.
- Transcript
August 4 · 33 min
Episode 12 Haunted Roads Part 1
Exploring haunted roads across Scotland and England, this episode dives into some of Britain’s most unsettling roadside legends, from vanishing hitchhikers to ghost cars, unexplained figures, and sightings that seem to leave more questions than answers. Graeme Milne and Karen Swanston go on a tour through some of the best-known and strangest reports associated with the A229 at Blue Bell Hill, the M25, and the roads of the Scottish Highlands. Along the way, the stories blur the line between tragedy, folklore, and the kind of encounters that drivers never forget. If you’ve ever wondered why certain roads gather so many ghost stories or whether repeated sightings can be explained by history, memory, or something far stranger, this episode offers plenty to think about. Key Topics [00:01:23] - Blue Bell Hill and the ghost of the A229 in Kent [00:02:36] - The 1965 car crash and the vanishing hitchhiker legend [00:05:32] - Morris Goodenough’s encounter with a disappearing child [00:06:40] - Further Blue Bell Hill sightings: the woman in light clothing and red headscarf [00:09:02] - Phantom cars on the Isle of Skye [00:11:16] - The old Austin, vanishing vehicles, and the “wee black car” [00:15:02] - The M25 and strange roadside phenomena [00:16:03] - The giant black cat near Chorleywood [00:17:36] - The shadow man on Chorleywood Common [00:20:08] - The spectral bride of South Mimms [00:21:56] - The UFO sighting near the M25 [00:23:20] - Highland roadside visions and premonitions [00:24:48] - The black car near Inverness and single-track road encounters [00:26:52] - A family’s chilling ghost-car experience near Fort William Relevant Links Blue Bell Hill / A229: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blue_Bell_Hill M25 motorway: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/M25_motorway Isle of Skye: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Isle_of_Skye Secret Scotland: https://www.secretscotland.org.uk/ Peter Underwood, A Gazetteer of Scottish Ghosts: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/1704519.A_Gazetteer_of_Scottish_Ghosts A229 road information: https://www.roads.org.uk/road/a229 These stories show why haunted roads remain such a powerful part of folklore: they’re tied to real places, real losses, and reports that refuse to fade. Whether you lean toward superstition or skepticism, the recurring patterns — ghostly figures, phantom vehicles, sudden cold spots, and impossible disappearances — make these roads feel uniquely alive with memory. If you have a haunted road story of your own, the hosts invite listeners to share it. More chilling journeys may be coming soon.
- Transcript
August 4 · 33 min
Episode 12 Haunted Roads
Exploring haunted roads across Scotland and England, this episode dives into some of Britain’s most unsettling roadside legends, from vanishing hitchhikers to ghost cars, unexplained figures, and sightings that seem to leave more questions than answers. Graeme Milne and Karen Swanston go on a tour through some of the best-known and strangest reports associated with the A229 at Blue Bell Hill, the M25, and the roads of the Scottish Highlands. Along the way, the stories blur the line between tragedy, folklore, and the kind of encounters that drivers never forget. If you’ve ever wondered why certain roads gather so many ghost stories or whether repeated sightings can be explained by history, memory, or something far stranger, this episode offers plenty to think about.
- Transcript
July 28 · 32 min
Haunted Theatres Part 2
Haunted theatres have a way of turning performance history into something far stranger, and this conversation explores some of the most intriguing reports from Edinburgh, London, Aberdeen, and Kirkcaldy. From apparitions that seem to repeat the same route night after night to playful presences that nudge props and equipment backstage, these stories blur the line between folklore, memory, and the atmosphere of old performance spaces. Along the way, the discussion touches on famous theatrical figures including the Man in Grey, Charles Macklin, Joseph Grimaldi, Tommy Cooper, and Al Jolson—along with the idea that some theatres treat their resident ghosts less like threats and more like a peculiar kind of good luck. There’s also a personal look at visiting old venues, the feeling of cold spots in derelict buildings, and how a theatre’s history can make even the most ordinary corner feel charged with something unseen. Key Topics [00:00:11] - Haunted theatres part two begins with a story from Edinburgh’s King’s Theatre [00:02:10] - A patron reportedly becomes lost in a familiar building and sees a woman in old-fashioned clothing [00:05:08] - Theatre Royal Drury Lane’s long history and its reputation for good-luck hauntings [00:06:04] - The Man in Grey, the theatre’s best-known ghostly figure [00:07:45] - The discovery of a skeleton hidden in the wall near the ghost’s route [00:08:14] - Charles Macklin, the backstage altercation, and his alleged lingering presence [00:11:31] - Joseph Grimaldi’s legacy and his kinder, protective ghost stories [00:14:29] - Aberdeen’s Tivoli Theatre, its restoration, and the blue-clad figure linked to Florrie Ford [00:21:04] - Tommy Cooper’s collapse on live television and the reported mischief at His Majesty’s Theatre [00:25:10] - Kirkcaldy’s Adam Smith Centre and the sighting of Al Jolson in the dressing room Relevant Links https://www.edtheatres.com/kingstheatre https://www.atgtickets.com/venues/theatre-royal-drury-lane/ https://www.hmt.co.uk/ https://www.thetivoliaberdeen.com/ https://www.adamsmiththeatre.com/ https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tommy_Cooper https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joseph_Grimaldi https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Al_Jolson These stories suggest that theatres may hold onto more than applause and performance—they can also preserve old routines, old emotions, and old reputations that never quite leave the stage. Whether the hauntings are symbolic, atmospheric, or genuinely paranormal, the recurring theme is the same: these spaces feel alive long after the audience has gone home. If you enjoy ghost stories rooted in real places and theatrical history, this episode offers plenty to explore. The next instalment turns toward phantom roads and spooky transport—where the journey itself may be the haunting.
- Transcript
July 28 · 32 min
Episode 11Haunted Theatres Part 2
Haunted theatres have a way of turning performance history into something far stranger, and this conversation explores some of the most intriguing reports from Edinburgh, London, Aberdeen, and Kirkcaldy. From apparitions that seem to repeat the same route night after night to playful presences that nudge props and equipment backstage, these stories blur the line between folklore, memory, and the atmosphere of old performance spaces. Along the way, the discussion touches on famous theatrical figures including the Man in Grey, Charles Macklin, Joseph Grimaldi, Tommy Cooper, and Al Jolson—along with the idea that some theatres treat their resident ghosts less like threats and more like a peculiar kind of good luck. There’s also a personal look at visiting old venues, the feeling of cold spots in derelict buildings, and how a theatre’s history can make even the most ordinary corner feel charged with something unseen.
- Transcript
July 23 · 38 min
Episode 10 Haunted Theatres Part 1
Episode 10: Haunted Theatres When the audience has gone home and the stage lights have faded, are Britain’s theatres ever truly empty? In this episode, Karen and Graeme step behind the curtain to explore some of the ghost stories associated with Britain’s historic theatres. From unexplained footsteps and shadowy figures to mysterious reflections and performers who may never have taken their final bow, they examine the history, tragedy and theatrical folklore behind these reported hauntings. Why do theatres seem to attract so much paranormal activity? Could centuries of powerful performances and heightened emotion leave an impression upon a building—or do people working in the theatre simply enjoy a good ghost story? Expect haunted dressing rooms, spectral performers and the usual mixture of serious discussion and occasional distraction. We take the stories seriously. Ourselves? Less so.
- Transcript

Showing 1–20 of 30 episodes