This week on Strange Talk, Alyx and Creature venture deep into the eerie heart of Eastern Kentucky, a land where foggy hollers hide stories of the supernatural. They’re joined by Olivia Sizemore and Dr. Matthew Sparks, both natives of the region and co-authors of the haunting new book Haint Country. Growing up amidst the mist-covered hills and isolated backroads, Olivia and Matthew were surrounded by chilling tales of restless spirits and unexplained phenomena, passed down through generations around crackling campfires. Now, they’ve captured these elusive stories on paper for the first time, preserving the ghostly folklore that has long haunted the hills.
Appalachia is steeped in a unique blend of mystery and folklore that makes it one of the spookiest regions in America, and Eastern Kentucky is no exception.From the blood-curdling screams of the Black Panthers seen lurking the hills to the ghostly lights of the cursed Witch’s Cave, these legends are more than just old wives’ tales—they’re part of a living, breathing tradition that still sends shivers down the spines of those who dare to listen. As Olivia and Matthew share their own childhood encounters with the unexplained, Alyx and Creature dig deeper into the mysteries of the region, uncovering the eerie truths behind these ghostly tales. What secrets lie buried in the soil of this haunted land, and why do these spirits refuse to rest?This is one episode you won’t want to tune into alone, especially if you’re close to the hollers where these haints and boogers still roam...Music for this episode includes the Strange Talk Intro by Star Silk, Born in Old Kentucky by Banjo Bill Cornett, and backing tracks by LoFiGeek