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CJ Blackburn & Kara Russo

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Campfire FilesCampfire FilesEpisode 20: Summer Camp LegendsWith a special guest, we explore the haunted history of Lake Shawnee, a cursed West Virginia campground built on bloodshed, burial grounds, and childhood tragedy. But the ghost stories don’t stop there. Stick around for three eerie bonus legends from forgotten summer camps across the U.S., where campers vanished, spirits wandered, and not everyone made it home. Because sometimes… the scariest part of summer camp isn’t the woods, it’s the past. 2025-07-2554 minCampfire FilesCampfire FilesEpisode19: The Zanfretta EncounterWhat really happened to Pier Zanfretta on that freezing night in 1978? When the Italian night watchman radioed in, screaming about huge, glowing creatures, no one believed him—until the hypnosis sessions, the polygraphs, and the terrifying details he could never forget. Was he abducted by reptilian aliens, or did he stumble upon a secret meant to stay hidden? In this episode, we dive into one of Europe’s most chilling and controversial UFO abduction cases: the Zanfretta Incident. 2025-07-1132 minCampfire FilesCampfire FilesEpisode 18: Shapeshifter of the Alaskan ShadowsDeep in the misty forests and icy waters of coastal Alaska lurks a creature from ancient Tlingit legend—the Kushtaka, or “land otter man.” In this chilling episode, we explore the eerie folklore of this shapeshifting predator, its haunting whistle, and the terrifying fate it offers to those who cross its path. Is it a myth, a metaphor... or something more? Listen—just don’t follow the sound. 2025-06-2730 minCampfire FilesCampfire FilesEpisode 17: Monsters of the DeepDive into the dark waters of legend and science as we explore three of the ocean’s most fearsome creatures. From the tentacled terror of the Kraken, to the biblical sea serpent Leviathan, and the prehistoric giant Megalodon, we uncover the myths, truths, and mysteries surrounding these legendary beasts of the deep. 2025-06-1335 minCampfire FilesCampfire FilesEpisode 16: The Dark Shadows of the AppalachiansJoin us tonight for a hike through the Appalachian Mountains to uncover three haunting tales rooted in local legend and eerie truth. Discover the true-crime ghost story of Zona Heaster Shue, whose spirit helped convict her killer. Then, drift into the mystery of the Brown Mountain Lights—strange orbs that dance above the treetops with no earthly explanation. Finally, face the infamous Bell Witch of Tennessee, a spirit so terrifying even President Andrew Jackson fled her wrath.  Come and join us by the campfire. 2025-05-3038 minCampfire FilesCampfire FilesEpisode 15: Let's play a game! Part 1In a little bit of a twist, join us tonight to play a little bit of a game. Full of adventure and survival, will Kara survive her first two weeks as a park ranger? 2025-05-1653 minCampfire FilesCampfire FilesEpisode 14: The harbinger of DoomIn this chilling episode, we explore the legend of the Mothman — a mysterious winged creature linked to ominous sightings and catastrophic events. From the eerie encounters in Point Pleasant to the collapse of the Silver Bridge, we unravel the myths, theories, and lasting impact of this harbinger of doom. 2025-05-0232 minCampfire FilesCampfire FilesEpisode 13: UnluckyWhy does the number 13 send chills down so many spines? From Friday the 13th to missing hotel floors, today we unpack the origins, cultural quirks, and lasting power of the superstition around the number 13. Join us as we dive into folklore, history, psychology, and pop culture to uncover why this number has such an unlucky reputation—and whether it’s truly cursed. 2025-04-1841 minCampfire FilesCampfire FilesEpisode 12: The lore of the Grafton MonsterIn this chilling episode, we dive into the mystery of the Grafton Monster, a creature that has haunted the dark woods of West Virginia for decades. First spotted in the 1960s, this towering, ape-like figure has baffled locals and investigators alike. Was it a cryptid, a misidentified animal, or something even more unsettling? Join us as we explore eyewitness accounts, strange encounters, and the eerie lore surrounding this legendary beast. Get ready for a deep dive into one of West Virginia's most enduring mysteries — the Grafton Monster. 2025-04-0430 minCampfire FilesCampfire FilesEpisode 11: The Emerald Isle of TerrorJoin us in discovering some terrifying tales from the land of St. Patrick. We dive into some of the spookier stories of Ireland, learn some Celtic and ponder our own deaths.   2025-03-2135 minCampfire FilesCampfire FilesEpisode 10: Curses, Lies, and the Amityville Horror"The Amityville Horror" shocked the world with its chilling tale of a family terrorized by unexplained forces in their home. But is the story true, or just a haunting hoax? In this episode, we dive into the eerie events that took place in Amityville, exploring the terrifying experiences of the Lutz family, the tragic murders that preceded them, and the mystery that still surrounds the house today. Join us as we separate fact from fiction in one of the most infamous paranormal cases of all time. 2025-03-0751 minCampfire FilesCampfire FilesEpisode 9: The Snallygaster & Dewayo: Mysterious Beasts of the American FolkloreIn this episode, we dive into two of the most intriguing and lesser-known creatures from American folklore: the Snallygaster and the Dewayo. Originating from the hills and forests of the Eastern United States, these legendary beasts have captured the imaginations of locals and cryptid enthusiasts alike. Join us as we unravel the mysteries surrounding these cryptic creatures, their origins, and why they still haunt the folklore of the Appalachian region today. 2025-02-2134 minCampfire FilesCampfire FilesEpisode 8: The WendigoIn this chilling episode, we dive deep into the mythology and legend of the Windigo, a fearsome creature from Algonquian folklore. Known as a spirit of insatiable hunger, the Windigo is said to haunt the northern forests of North America, forever hungry for human flesh. But this creature isn't just about fear and folklore—its story is intertwined with themes of survival, isolation, and the darker side of human nature. 2025-02-0736 minCampfire FilesCampfire FilesEpisode 7 : Vampires of Myth and HistoryIn this chilling episode, we dive deep into the world of vampires—creatures that have haunted our imaginations for centuries. From ancient folklore to modern pop culture, the vampire myth has evolved, taking on new forms and meanings. Join us as we sink our teeth into some vampire tales.  2025-01-2457 minCampfire FilesCampfire FilesEpisode 6: Oujia Boards and New YearsHappy New Year! Listen in as we discuss the History of Ouija Boards and some New Years Tragedies.  2025-01-1048 minCampfire FilesCampfire FilesEpisode 5: The Mischievous Yule Lads & Icelandic Holiday LegendsIn this festive episode, we dive deep into the enchanting world of Icelandic Christmas traditions with a special focus on the Yule Lads! These 13 mischievous characters, known for their unique names and cheeky antics, have become a beloved part of Iceland’s holiday folklore. From the infamous “Spoon Licker” to the troublesome “Door Slammer,” we explore the fascinating history and folklore surrounding these playful figures who visit children in the 13 days leading up to Christmas. To help us unwrap this delightful topic, we’re joined by our Friend (and now family) Jesse. 2024-12-2746 minCampfire FilesCampfire FilesEpisode 4 The CaribbeanTake a trip into the folk lore of the island nations of the Caribbean sea.  2024-12-1336 minCampfire FilesCampfire FilesEpisode 3: The Roanoke FileWe dive in a little deeper on the Roanoke Mystery and the mysteries surrounding the colony. 2024-11-2924 minCampfire FilesCampfire FilesEpisode 2 The AlbatwitchDiscover more about one of Appalachia's cryptids.  2024-11-1529 minCampfire FilesCampfire FilesEpisode 1: Chessie the Chesapeake Bay MonsterDive into the depths of the Chesapeake Bay with Campfire Files, a captivating episode dedicated to the legend of Chessie, the elusive sea monster said to inhabit these waters.  2024-10-3127 min