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Urban Legends

True Crime

Luke Mordue examines the historical impact of the stories that haunt our society, tales that have gripped towns and cities worldwide for centuries as actual events - Urban Legends. First, hear the tales retold as short stories before delving into the history of the legend, dissecting its cultural significance, factuality, and origins. Released Fortnightly alongside a mini-series that delves into shorter legends under the title of 'Modern Myths'.

Location:

United Kingdom

Genres:

True Crime

Description:

Luke Mordue examines the historical impact of the stories that haunt our society, tales that have gripped towns and cities worldwide for centuries as actual events - Urban Legends. First, hear the tales retold as short stories before delving into the history of the legend, dissecting its cultural significance, factuality, and origins. Released Fortnightly alongside a mini-series that delves into shorter legends under the title of 'Modern Myths'.

Twitter:

@ULPodcast

Language:

English

Contact:

+44 7711996056


Episodes

XXXI. The Russian Sleep Experiment

3/27/2024
This graphic chapter delves into one of the most haunting urban legends of the modern era, ‘The Russian Sleep Experiment.’ Step into the shadowy corridors of history as we explore the chilling tale that has captivated the minds of conspiracy theorists and horror aficionados alike. From the eerie confines of a remote research facility to the harrowing experiences of the subjects involved, we piece together the fragments of a story shrouded in secrecy and speculation. Was it a government conspiracy, a twisted scientific endeavour, or simply an urban legend spun from the fabric of collective fear? Support the show ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.patreon.com/urbanlegends⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ luke@lukemordue.com ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://linktr.ee/urbanlegendsfolklore⁠

Duration:00:49:55

Modern Myths. The Good Samaritan

3/15/2024
This curious chapter explores the enduring urban legend known as ‘The Good Samaritan.’ Join us as we unravel the narratives of kindness and generosity and the apparent unsung heroes connected to this enduring myth among public figures and everyday people. With it being assigned to several public figures over the years, is there really any truth to it? __________________ Modern Myths is a series running alongside Urban Legends. Not all legends have enough information to justify a full chapter, but that doesn't mean they are not fascinating tales worth sharing. These smaller chapters will arrive in the week between Urban Legends' new chapters, giving you new content on a weekly basis during a season's run. Support the show ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.patreon.com/urbanlegends⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ luke@lukemordue.com ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://linktr.ee/urbanlegendsfolklore⁠

Duration:00:16:35

XXX. Windigo

3/13/2024
In this fascinating, complex chapter, we journey into the history of North America to explore the haunting lore of the ‘Windigo’. Join us as we unravel the tales of this malevolent, cannibalistic spirit that has terrorised the imagination of indigenous peoples for centuries. We'll delve into the origins of this myth, tracing it back to Algonquian and other Native American cultures and uncovering its transformation into a symbol of greed and selfishness. Support the show ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.patreon.com/urbanlegends⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ luke@lukemordue.com ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://linktr.ee/urbanlegendsfolklore⁠

Duration:01:00:11

Modern Myths. Boo Hag

3/6/2024
Step into the mystical world of Gullah folklore as we unravel the eerie legend of the ‘Boo Hag’, a malevolent spirit that is said to prey upon unsuspecting victims as they sleep, draining their energy and vitality. In this chapter, we will not only look into the psychology behind sleep paralysis but also delve into the origins of this eerie legend, tracing its roots back to West African traditions and its evolution in the Gullah culture of the Lowcountry. __________________ Modern Myths is a series running alongside Urban Legends. Not all legends have enough information to justify a full chapter, but that doesn't mean they are not fascinating tales worth sharing. These smaller chapters will arrive in the week between Urban Legends' new chapters, giving you new content on a weekly basis during a season's run. Support the show ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.patreon.com/urbanlegends⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ luke@lukemordue.com ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://linktr.ee/urbanlegendsfolklore⁠

Duration:00:16:32

XXIX. The Green Man

2/28/2024
In this mysterious and tragic chapter, we delve into the history, the tragedy, and the enduring mystery of the urban legend “The Green Man”, also known as Charlie No-Face. Join us as we unravel the stories and folklore surrounding this enigmatic figure, who is both haunting and heart-wrenching. We'll explore the real-life events that inspired this urban legend and how it became a symbol of compassion and caution. You'll gain insight into the life of Ray Robinson, the man behind the myth. Support the show ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.patreon.com/urbanlegends⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ luke@lukemordue.com ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://linktr.ee/urbanlegendsfolklore⁠

Duration:00:42:09

Modern Myths. The Scuba Diver

2/21/2024
In this extraordinary chapter of Modern Myths, we dive into the depths of a bizarre urban legend that has puzzled and captivated imaginations for many years - the perplexing tale of a scuba diver found perched high up in a tree. Join us as we explore the bewildering origins, baffling narratives, and enduring intrigue of this underwater enigma that defies logic. __________________ Modern Myths is a series running alongside Urban Legends. Not all legends have enough information to justify a full chapter, but that doesn't mean they are not fascinating tales worth sharing. These smaller chapters will arrive in the week between Urban Legends' new chapters, giving you new content on a weekly basis during a season's run. Support the show ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.patreon.com/urbanlegends⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ luke@lukemordue.com ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://linktr.ee/urbanlegendsfolklore⁠

Duration:00:17:13

XXVIII. The Spider Bite

2/14/2024
This grim chapter unveils the mysterious and eerie tale of ‘The Spider Bite’, commonly known as ‘The Red Spot’. Join us as we explore the origins, hair-raising narratives, and the enduring fascination with this unsettling story that has sent shivers down the spines of many. Join us as we study the origins of tales about individuals who wake up with a mysterious and ominous red spot on their bodies, only to face an uncanny and horrifying revelation, before delving into the psychology of fear and the timeless appeal of stories that play on our deepest anxieties, making you question the inexplicable and the unexplained. Support the show ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.patreon.com/urbanlegends⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ luke@lukemordue.com ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://linktr.ee/urbanlegendsfolklore⁠

Duration:00:53:31

Modern Myths. The Jedi Religion

2/7/2024
In this chapter, we dissect the confusion around the existence of ‘The Jedi Religion’, a belief system inspired by the iconic figures from the Star Wars universe. Join us as we explore the stories, experiences, and philosophy behind this modern and unique spiritual path. __________________ Modern Myths is a series running alongside Urban Legends. Not all legends have enough information to justify a full chapter, but that doesn't mean they are not fascinating tales worth sharing. These smaller chapters will arrive in the week between Urban Legends' new chapters, giving you new content on a weekly basis during a season's run. Support the show ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.patreon.com/urbanlegends⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ luke@lukemordue.com ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://linktr.ee/urbanlegendsfolklore⁠

Duration:00:18:48

XXVII. Spontaneous Human Combustion

1/31/2024
This fascinating chapter delves into one of the most perplexing and chilling phenomena of ‘Spontaneous Human Combustion’. Join us as we explore the history, the bewildering cases, and the scientific mysteries that shroud this enigmatic occurrence. Let’s clear the smoke as we delve into the scientific investigations and the quest for answers surrounding this bizarre phenomenon. You'll hear about the various theories, from natural explanations to the paranormal, that have attempted to demystify spontaneous human combustion. Support the show ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.patreon.com/urbanlegends⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ luke@lukemordue.com ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://linktr.ee/urbanlegendsfolklore⁠

Duration:00:47:16

Modern Myths. The Disappearance of Kuldhara

1/24/2024
In this chapter, we journey into the past to unravel the enigmatic disappearance of Kuldhara, an abandoned village that has mystified generations. Join us as we explore the history, haunting narratives, and enduring mysteries surrounding this ghostly desert town, venturing into the arid landscapes of Rajasthan, India, where the village of Kuldhara once thrived. But the intrigue doesn't stop with the village's disappearance. We'll delve into the legends and speculations surrounding Kuldhara, discussing the tales of curses, supernatural forces, and the unanswered questions that have made this place a hub for ghost hunters and history enthusiasts alike. __________________ Modern Myths is a series running alongside Urban Legends. Not all legends have enough information to justify a full chapter, but that doesn't mean they are not fascinating tales worth sharing. These smaller chapters will arrive in the week between Urban Legends' new chapters, giving you new content on a weekly basis during a season's run. Support the show ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.patreon.com/urbanlegends⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ luke@lukemordue.com ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://linktr.ee/urbanlegendsfolklore⁠

Duration:00:15:21

XXVI. Cropsey

1/17/2024
This chilling chapter delves into the unsettling urban legend in Staten Island as "Cropsey." Join us as we dig into the haunting history, the horrifying true-crime cases, and the enduring mysteries that shroud this figure that has now been circulated for generations, painting Cropsey as a bogeyman lurking in the shadows of abandoned institutions and wooded areas, ready to snatch children away. We'll delve into the chilling true-crime cases associated with Cropsey, such as the shocking disappearances of children on Staten Island, New York. You'll hear about the investigations, trials, and the fear that gripped communities as they grappled with the dark reality that mirrored the urban myth. Support the show ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.patreon.com/urbanlegends⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ luke@lukemordue.com ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://linktr.ee/urbanlegendsfolklore⁠

Duration:00:55:56

Modern Myths. The Mercritis Epidemic

1/10/2024
This chapter delves into the depths of a fascinating and lesser-known urban legend - the Mercritis Epidemic. Join us as we explore the historical accounts, societal fears, and the enduring intrigue surrounding this mysterious phenomenon that claimed women were plagued by violent desires in the USA, turning them mad with rage. But the intrigue doesn't stop with the legend itself. We'll delve into the societal and cultural aspects of the Mercritis Epidemic, discussing how it reflects the anxieties, stereotypes, and restrictions placed on women during the time it emerged. __________________ Modern Myths is a series running alongside Urban Legends. Not all legends have enough information to justify a full chapter, but that doesn't mean they are not fascinating tales worth sharing. These smaller chapters will arrive in the week between Urban Legends' new chapters, giving you new content on a weekly basis during a season's run. Support the show ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.patreon.com/urbanlegends⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ luke@lukemordue.com ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://linktr.ee/urbanlegendsfolklore⁠

Duration:00:12:40

XXV. Shadow People

1/3/2024
This chapter enters the mysterious and unsettling world of shadow people. Join us as we explore the origins and apparent encounters whilst delving into the depths of human psychology to understand the enduring fascination with these elusive, shadowy figures. Is it possible that shadowy figures are entering our world? How can so many people experience such similar things? and how far back do the tales of Shadow People go? Support the show ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.patreon.com/urbanlegends⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ luke@lukemordue.com ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://linktr.ee/urbanlegendsfolklore⁠

Duration:01:03:17

Season IV. Trailer

12/22/2023
Prepare to delve deep into 16 new legends as Urban Legends finally returns with Season IV, launching on January 3rd, 2024. Join Luke Mordue as he breaks down the tales of several widely believed parts of folklore, expanding on their stories, their cultural significance, and what truth lies behind them. The Urban Legend of each specific legend will be announced weekly and kept secret until the day of its release. If you don’t yet, make sure to click Subscribe/Follow. If you want these episodes early & add free, join us for as little as £3.00 a month at Patreon. Simply follow the link below and click ‘JOIN’. __________________ ⁠⁠⁠https://www.patreon.com/urbanlegends⁠⁠⁠⁠ luke@lukemordue.com ⁠⁠⁠https://linktr.ee/urbanlegendsfolklore⁠⁠

Duration:00:01:13

Season IV. Trailer

12/22/2023
Prepare to delve deep into 16 new legends as Urban Legends finally returns with Season IV, launching on January 3rd, 2024. Join Luke Mordue as he breaks down the tales of several widely believed parts of folklore, expanding on their stories, their cultural significance, and what truth lies behind them. The Urban Legend of each specific legend will be announced weekly and kept secret until the day of its release. If you don’t yet, make sure to click Subscribe/Follow. If you want these episodes early & add free, join us for as little as £3.00 a month at Patreon. Simply follow the link below and click ‘JOIN’. __________________ ⁠⁠⁠https://www.patreon.com/urbanlegends⁠⁠⁠⁠ luke@lukemordue.com ⁠⁠⁠https://linktr.ee/urbanlegendsfolklore⁠⁠ Support the show ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.patreon.com/urbanlegends⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ luke@lukemordue.com ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://linktr.ee/urbanlegendsfolklore⁠

Duration:00:01:13

Urban Legends Trailer

12/1/2023
In this Fortnightly Podcast, host Luke Mordue examines the historical impact of the stories that haunt our society, tales that have gripped towns and cities worldwide for centuries as actual events. Urban Legends. This bi-weekly adventure will allow the listener to tread the line between fable and fiction whilst the study of reality and tangibility breathes new life into these classic narratives. Each story, researched, written, and narrated by Mordue, will remind the listener of the myths and legends that have terrified the masses in years past and, expectedly, will continue to do so for years to come. Mordue also explores the actual, genuine, sometimes horrifying tales that inspired the legends that spread so widely across the globe, dissecting why the stories cling so tightly to our society today. Each Episode studies a different Urban Legend, from the story to its creation's history. Join us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/urbanlegends Find More: https://linktr.ee/urbanlegendsfolklore Support the show ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.patreon.com/urbanlegends⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ luke@lukemordue.com ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://linktr.ee/urbanlegendsfolklore⁠

Duration:00:01:41

Modern Myths. Santa Stuck in Chimney

12/7/2022
Get ready for a festive, yet perplexing journey into the world of urban legends as we explore the mysterious tale of Santa stuck in chimney. Join us as we investigate the origins, variations, and enduring fascination with this quirky holiday myth. The legend of the body of a man, dressed as Santa Claus being found stuck in the chimney has endured for many years. But where did this twisted story originate? Why does it continue to spread? and has this ever really happened? __________________ Modern Myths is a series running alongside Urban Legends. Not all legends have enough information to justify a full chapter, but that doesn't mean they are not fascinating tales worth sharing. These smaller chapters will arrive in the week between Urban Legends' new chapters, giving you new content on a weekly basis during a season's run. Support the show ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.patreon.com/urbanlegends⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ luke@lukemordue.com ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://linktr.ee/urbanlegendsfolklore⁠

Duration:00:23:35

Modern Myths. The Dark Watchers

11/30/2022
Prepare to venture into the enchanting and mysterious landscapes of California as we explore the eerie legend of the Dark Watchers. Join us as we delve deep into the age-old stories of shadowy figures that have been haunting the state's rugged wilderness for centuries. The Dark Watchers, enigmatic silhouettes that appear as silent observers in the California twilight, are a fixture in local folklore and have piqued the curiosity of generations. In this chapter, we will unravel the origins and enduring allure of this chilling legend, tracing connections to Native American myths and examining the ways it has become a part of California's cultural fabric. __________________ Modern Myths is a series running alongside Urban Legends. Not all legends have enough information to justify a full chapter, but that doesn't mean they are not fascinating tales worth sharing. These smaller chapters will arrive in the week between Urban Legends' new chapters, giving you new content on a weekly basis during a season's run. Support the show ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.patreon.com/urbanlegends⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ luke@lukemordue.com ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://linktr.ee/urbanlegendsfolklore⁠

Duration:00:16:41

XXIV. Bigfoot

11/23/2022
Join us as we explore the heart of North American folklore, venturing deep into the dense forests, vast wilderness, and rugged mountains in pursuit of one of the world's most enigmatic creatures: Bigfoot. In this episode, we unravel the legend, lore, and lasting fascination with the elusive and towering figure that is Bigfoot. With countless sightings, footprints, and blurry photographs, the mystery of Bigfoot continues to captivate the imaginations of believers and sceptics alike. What drives people to search for, study, and even believe in the existence of this legendary cryptid? Let’s delve into the various theories surrounding Bigfoot, from the flesh-and-blood creature to the interdimensional being, and discuss the impact of these stories on popular culture. Support the show ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.patreon.com/urbanlegends⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ luke@lukemordue.com ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://linktr.ee/urbanlegendsfolklore⁠

Duration:00:58:56

Modern Myths. The Maine Hermit

11/16/2022
In this chapter, we unravel the tale of the Maine Hermit — a mysterious recluse who lived in the wilderness for decades, defying conventional wisdom and captivating the collective imagination. The legend of the Maine Hermit was a story that seemed too remarkable to be real—a man who vanished into the Maine woods, living a solitary life in complete isolation, unseen and untouched by modern society. In this chapter, we will explore the origins of this astounding urban legend and its incredible transformation into a verified account of human survival and resilience. __________________ Modern Myths is a series running alongside Urban Legends. Not all legends have enough information to justify a full chapter, but that doesn't mean they are not fascinating tales worth sharing. These smaller chapters will arrive in the week between Urban Legends' new chapters, giving you new content on a weekly basis during a season's run. Support the show ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.patreon.com/urbanlegends⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ luke@lukemordue.com ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://linktr.ee/urbanlegendsfolklore⁠

Duration:00:21:26