Evil Everywhere: A True Crime and Horror Podcast

Episode 54: The Murder of Emily Jean (Schwarz) Ferlazzo

In a world where statistics paint a sobering picture—nearly 1 in 2 women and more than 2 in 5 men will experience intimate partner violence at some point in their lives—one mother’s love and wisdom would be tested in the most unimaginable way. Adrienne Bass knew what it was like to see her child in an unhealthy relationship. She understood the impulse to intervene, to tell her daughter that she deserved better, to push for her to leave. But through her own painful experience, Adrienne knew something deeper: pushing too hard could drive a wedge between them. She didn’t want to lose her daughter—she knew that sometimes, love meant patience. It was 2021 when Adrienne’s daughter, Emily Jean, and her husband, Joseph, planned a trip to Bolton, Vermont. It was meant to be a fresh start, a celebration of their one-year anniversary, and an attempt to mend the cracks in their marriage. But that trip, meant to heal, would end in horror. Joseph returned alone. Emily Jean was gone. His story? That they’d gotten into an argument, and Emily had decided to take an Uber back to New Hampshire. But Emily never showed up. No one heard from her. No one saw her. What happened to Emily?
 
National Domestic Violence Support
1-800-799-SAFE (7233)
 
Sources:
People – Man Convicted of Dismembering Wife During Anniversary Trip, Leaving Remains in Camper Bathroom – Samira Asma-Sadeque – December 17, 2024 - Man Convicted of Dismembering Wife During Anniversary Trip, Left Remains in Camper Bathroom
Legacy – Emily Schwarz Obituary - Emily Schwarz Obituary (1999 - 2021) - Laconia, NH - Valley News
Law & Crime Network – YouTube – Husband Dismembered Wife on Romantic Anniversary Trip to Vermont – January 2025
Burlington Free Press – Ferlazzo’s family remembers vibrant life – Elizabeth Murray – October 29, 2021
Burlington Free Press – Fear of Joseph Ferlazzo has kept her from speaking out – Elizabeth Murray – November 28, 2021
Crime Online – Jury Convicts New Hampshire Tattoo Artist of Killing, Dismembering Wife During Anniversary Camper Trip – KC Wildmoon – December 16, 2024 - Jury Convicts New Hampshire Tattoo Artist of Killing, Dismembering Wife During Anniversary Camper Trip – Crime Online
MEAWW – Who is Joseph Ferlazzo? Man who admitted to killing and dismembering wife asked to pay her family $1.5 million – Srijal Sharma – January 19, 2023 - Who is Joseph Ferlazzo? Man who admitted to killing and dismembering wife asked to pay her family $1.5M - MEAWW
Burlington Free Press – ‘That was almost me’: Murder suspect Ferlazzo previously accused of assault by another VT woman – Elizabeth Murray – November 28, 2021 - Vermont woman says she was attacked by homicide suspect in 2018
CourtTV – VT v. Joseph Ferlazzo: Van-Life and Death Murder Trial – Ivy Brown and Tiffany Smith – December 13, 2024 - VT v. Joseph Ferlazzo: Van-Life and Death Murder Trial | Court TV
Conan Daily – Joseph Ferlazzo Jr. biography: 13 things about Northfield, New Hampshire Man – Jillianina Estevez – December 13, 2024 - Joseph Ferlazzo Jr. biography: 13 things about Northfield, New Hampshire man – CONAN Daily
Town of Bolton, VT - Welcome to the Town of Bolton, Vermont - Bolton, Vermont

Episode 53: The Bizarre Disappearance of Bryce Laspisa

In August of 2013, Bryce Laspisa, a 19-year-old college student in California, vanished without a trace. After breaking up with his girlfriend randomly, Bryce set out to drive back to his apartment 90 miles away, or so everyone thought. The next day however, he was in a completely different area, closer to his parents house than his apartment. After extremely bizarre behavior for HOURS and the help from a good Samaritan, Bryce was back on the road seemingly towards his parent’s. When Bryce’s car was found crashed and abandoned the next morning, a frantic search ensued, but no clues emerged to explain his sudden disappearance. Theories ran wild - some suspect foul play, others wonder if it was a tragic mental health crisis, or even if Bryce chose to disappear on his own. Despite all the efforts to find him, Bryce Laspisa's fate remains a mystery, and he has never been seen again. Some would say losing a loved one to death is the worst pain imaginable, however the families of the missing would tell you the not knowing is much worse.
 
Facebook
 
If anyone has any details on the disappearance or whereabouts of Bryce Laspisa, please call Los Angeles County Sheriff 323 890 5500 or Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-TIPS
 
Sources:
“Search on for Missing Teen” by Jim Holt in The Signal in Santa Clarita, CA on September 2, 2013
“Laguna Niguel Couple Traces Steps of Missing Teenage Son” by Jim Holt in The Signal in Santa Clarita, CA on September 3, 2013
“What Happened to Bryce Laspisa? Inside His Unsolved 2013 Disappearance” on All that’s Interesting website November (https://allthatsinteresting.com/history-uncovered/bryce-laspisa)
https://oag.ca.gov/missing/person/bryce-david-laspisa
“Search Efforts Ramp Up for Missing Teenager” by Jim Holt in The Signal in Santa Clarita, CA on September 4, 2013
“Still No Signs Of Bryce Laspisa 11 Years Later” by Louie Diaz in The Santa Clarita News on August 30, 2024 (https://www.hometownstation.com/santa-clarita-news/community-news/still-no-signs-of-bryce-laspisa-11-years-later-519173)
“Bryce Laspisa Still Missing One Decade After Unexplained Disappearance” by Jade Aubuchon in The Santa Clarita News on August 30, 2023 (https://www.hometownstation.com/santa-clarita-news/crime/bryce-laspisa-still-missing-one-decade-after-unexplained-disappearance-480422)
“Vigil Held in Castaic for Missing Teen” by “Search Efforts Ramp Up for Missing Teenager” by Jim Holt and Charlie Kaijo in The Signal in Santa Clarita, CA on October 1, 2013
“Missing College Student's Girlfriend “Hopeful” as Lake Search Continues” by Jonathan Lloyd, Toni Guinyard and Robert Kovacik on NBC Los Angeles on September 3, 2013 (https://www.nbclosangeles.com/news/local/bryce-laspisa-missing-person-castaic-lake/1959070/)
“Search for Missing Teen Continues” by Jim Holt in The Signal in Santa Clarita, CA on October 21, 2013
“Search continues, 2 years after Central grad vanished” by Susan Frick Carlman in The Chicago Tribune, updated on May 16, 2019 (https://www.chicagotribune.com/2015/08/28/search-continues-2-years-after-central-grad-vanished-2/)
“Site being searched for missing Sierra College student turns up body” by Kevin Oliver and Brian Hickey on KCRA 3 updated on September 4, 2013 (https://www.kcra.com/article/site-being-searched-for-missing-sierra-college-student-turns-up-body/6407433)  
“One Year After Bryce Laspisa's Disappearance, Parents Ask For Acts Of Kindness” by
“Road to Nowhere” on Disappeared Season 7, Episode 3 – Discovery+ on April 25, 2016

Episode 52: The Murder of Adam Chase

It’s said that one in five marriages will face the painful sting of infidelity at some point. For some, it’s a single mistake—a fleeting lapse in judgment—that the couple can eventually work through. But for others, it’s something much darker. A repeated betrayal, chipping away at trust until only resentment and contempt remain. And in some cases, infidelity doesn't just damage a relationship; it ignites a firestorm of emotions that can lead someone to take extreme actions. Take the story of Rose Chase and her husband, Adam. When Adam confronted Rose about a photo showing her snuggled up to another man, something inside him snapped. What started as a simple confrontation quickly spiraled into a fiery argument—one that ended with Adam storming out of the house, never to return. Rose would later tell investigators that Adam had been so distraught over her affair that he left, never to be seen again. But where did Adam go? What happened to him? Adam had struggled with his mental health for years. Was he simply retreating into his own pain, seeking solace in isolation? Or did something more sinister unfold that day? This is a chilling tale of a missing person’s case with a tragic and deadly conclusion. This story reminds us that evil is everywhere and that the darkest sides of human nature are sometimes closer than we realize.
 
Sources:
The Cinemaholic – Adam Chase Murder: Where is Rose Chase Now? – Sounak Sengupta – August 9, 2023
Investigation Discovery – A Body in the Basement – S1, E4 Chase and Lies – Discovery +
Democrat and Chronicle – “Mother-in-law reacts to Rose Chase guilty verdict: ‘Justice was done, my son can rest’” – Victoria Freile – October 19, 2013 - Mother-in-law reacts to Rose Chase guilty verdict: 'Justice was done, my son can rest'
Balletopedia – William Kocher - William Kocher - Ballotpedia
Wikipedia – Gorham, New York - Gorham, New York - Wikipedia
Wikipedia – Ontario County, New York - Ontario County, New York - Wikipedia
Democrat and Chronicle – “Husband killer’s endangering conviction overturned” – Victoria E. Freile – February 12, 2018 - Husband killer Rose Chase no longer tied to endangering conviction
USA Today - Democrat and Chronicle – “Woman found guilty of killing and dismembering husband” – Victoria E. Freile – October 18, 2013 - Woman found guilty of killing, dismembering husband

Episode 51: The Murder of Howard Witkin

In 1980, Howard Witkin was the life of the party—a fun-loving, adventurous socialite who had made Santa Clara his home. After a whirlwind romance and 9 years of marriage, Howard and his wife Judith parted ways. Judith moved to Michigan with her new husband, taking their three children with her. Howard, though heartbroken, embraced the single life, still remaining a devoted father, despite the distance between him and his kids. On March 22, 1980, Howard was supposed to meet friends for a casual BBQ. But as the hours passed and Howard didn’t show, concern began to set in. Some of his friends decided to check on him. What they found inside his home was gruesome, Howard had been shot multiples times. It wasn’t a robbery gone wrong, there were no signs of forced entry. Investigators quickly suspected that this wasn’t some random act of violence but rather a professional hit. Suspect after suspect were eliminated until investigators received a call which would change the entire direction of the investigation. Join us as we delve into the story of Howard Witkin—his vibrant life, his tragic death, and the intricate web of clues that detectives had to navigate to uncover the chilling truth behind his murder.
 
Sources:
“People v. Singer (1990)” on Justia U.S. Law (https://law.justia.com/cases/california/court-of-appeal/3d/226/23.html)
“Flint native Judith Barnett, guilty of murder, featured in new book, TV show” by Omar Abdel-Baqui in  Detroit Free Press on March 30, 2020 (https://www.freep.com/story/news/local/michigan/2020/03/30/convicted-murderess-judith-barnett-flint-native-back-spotlight/5050788002/)
“Journalist Reflects on Covering a Grisly Case With Detroit Jewish Connections” by Madeline Halpert in The Detroit Jewish News on April 20, 2020 (https://www.thejewishnews.com/culture/arts/journalist-reflects-on-covering-a-grisly-case-with-detroit-jewish-connections/article_b221344e-1f57-5ae7-a3b9-a472d6616894.html)
“Notorious South Bay Murder-For-Hire Convict Found Fit For Parole” by Ian Cull and Stephen Ellison on NBC Bay Area on June 5, 2019 (https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/notorious-south-bay-murder-for-hire-convict-found-fit-for-parole/172147/)
https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/199459621/howard_l-witkin
“Woman Behind Santa Clara Murder for Hire Plot Free on Parole” by Erika Towne in The Silicon Valley Voice on October 17, 2019 (https://www.svvoice.com/woman-behind-santa-clara-murder-for-hire-plot-free-on-parole/)
“The Story that Wouldn’t Let Me Go” by Katherine Ellison on September 24, 2019 (https://katherineellison.com/2019/09/24/the-story-that-wouldnt-let-me-go/)
https://www.facebook.com/groups/SanJoseHistory/posts/2161250884006134/
“Kill Now, Pay Later” on Unusual Suspects, Season 8, Episode 10 – HULU on March 21, 2016
“Judith Singer” on SNAPPED, Season 27, Episode 5 – Peacock on April 5, 2020
 
 

Episode 50: Jennifer Gail Paxton

In 2020, an unsettling statistic surfaced: 37.3 million Americans were living with addiction to illegal substances. Addiction, a cruel and invisible force, tears apart lives, families, and futures. Jennifer Gail Paxton knew this pain all too well. For years, she was trapped in the grip of heroin addiction, a battle that slowly consumed her entire existence. Her addiction cost her dearly—most devastatingly, the custody of her seven children. What followed was a spiral of hopelessness and desperation. Homeless and alone, Jennifer wandered from place to place, consumed by her demons, until one day, a couple came into her life. They offered her what felt like a lifeline—a roof over her head, a place to stay. Jennifer, desperate for shelter, gratefully accepted. What she didn’t know, however, was that this act of kindness would be the start of something far darker. She had no idea who these strangers were, or the twisted desires they hid beneath their kind facades. In the following days, Jennifer’s life would unravel in ways that are almost too harrowing to believe. For over eight months, Jennifer’s family would be left in the dark, unaware of her whereabouts, unable to find any answers. When the truth finally came to light, it was far worse than anyone could have imagined. This story serves as a haunting reminder that evil can lurk in the most unexpected places, even in the homes of those who offer a helping hand. It’s a story that shows just how fragile life can be and how sometimes, even those who seem to be offering help may have hidden motives that are far from benign.
National Helpline & Information for Mental Health and/or Substance Abuse Disorders
 1-800-662-HELP (4357)
 
Sources:
MSN – Who was Jennifer Gail Paxton, the victim in the first-degree murder case – Donna Smith, the Oak Ridger – October 5, 2024 - Who was Jennifer Gail Paxton, the victim in the first-degree murder case?
Law & Crime – He Tortued, Raped, and Murdered a Tennessee Woman with His Girlfriend – YouTube
CourtTV – What happened to Jennifer Paxton? Kept alive to tortue murder trial, TN v.
Sean Finnegan - What Happened to Jennifer Paxton? Kept Alive to Torture Murder Trial, TN v Sean Finnegan
The Knoxville News-Sentinel – August 12, 2020 – Jennifer Paxton – Obituary
The Knoxville News-Sentinel – August 22, 2024 – Sean Finnegan gets the death penalty for murder – Donna Smith
The Knoxville News-Sentinel – September 6, 2023 – Oak ridge woman pleads guilty to murder charges – Donna Smith
Hoodline Knoxville – Sean Finnegan faces death penalty in shocking dismemberment murder trial – Tyler Evans – August 12, 2024 - Sean Finnegan Faces Death Penalty in Shocking Dismemberment Murder
Oak Ridge Tennessee - Oak Ridge, Tennessee - Wikipedia
People – Man who tortured woman to death pausing for smoke breaks, before stowing body in freezer is sentenced to death – Marina Watts – August 23, 2024 - Man Who Tortured Woman to Death, Pausing for Smoke Breaks, Sentenced to Death
National Center for Drug Abuse Statistics - NCDAS: Substance Abuse and Addiction Statistics [2023]
Manhattan Project - Manhattan Project - Wikipedia

Episode 49: The Murder of Nikki Whitehead

Just outside of Atlanta, lies Conyers—a city where Southern hospitality thrives. Conyers is a place where shoppers, outdoor lovers, and sightseers alike find something to enjoy. It was here, in this friendly community, that Nikki chose to put down roots. A young mother of twin daughters, Jas and Tas, Nikki was determined to build a life that would give her children everything they needed. She worked tirelessly to make her mark in the beauty industry, becoming a skilled hairstylist. But on January 13, 2010, when Jas and Tas returned home from school, they were met with a scene of horror. Their mother, Nikki, had been brutally killed in what seemed like a senseless act of violence, shocking all who knew her. Investigators ruled out multiple suspects, CCTV footage from a nearby location revealed something unexpected: someone was lying. Who could have taken the life of this gorgeous, vibrant woman? The search for answers was just beginning, and no one knew just how far the truth would reach.
 
Sources:
“Georgia Mom Fatally Stabbed, Bitten by Her Own Teen Twin Daughters: "No One Saw That Coming” by Joe Dziemianowicz on Oxygen True Crime on September 7, 2024 (https://www.oxygen.com/the-real-murders-of-atlanta/crime-news/jarmecca-nikki-whitehead-killed-bitten-by-twin-daughters)
“Long Road to Recovery” by Staff Report in The Covington News on January 7, 2011 (https://www.covnews.com/news/long-road-to-recovery/)
“Question will Haunt Loved Ones: Why?” by Mark Davis in The Atlanta Constitution on June 13, 2010
“Twins to be tried as Adults in Murder” by Christian Boone in The Atlanta Constitution on May 26, 2010
“Georgia Teen Twins Charged With Mother's Murder” by ABC News in ABC News on May 27, 2010 (https://abcnews.go.com/US/Media/georgia-twins-charged-stabbing-death-beautician-mother-nikki/story?id=10762424)
“Twin 16-Year-Old Girls Murder Their Mother After Fight Over Being Late For School” by Aaron Rasmussen on ID Crime Feed on April 20, 2023 (https://www.investigationdiscovery.com/crimefeed/murder/twin-16-year-old-girls-murder-their-mother-after-fight-over-being-late-for-school)
”Bond denied for one of the twins charged with mother's murder” by Michelle Kim in The Covington News on June 14, 2010 (https://www.covnews.com/rockdale-archives/bond-denied-for-one-of-the-twins-charged-with-mothers-murder/)
“Twins Come Home, Find Mom Stabbed to Death” by Christian Boone in The Atlanta Constitution on January 15, 2010
“Police visited home before twins murder of mother” by Michelle Kim in The Covington News on October 17, 2015 (https://www.covnews.com/news/police-visited-home-before-twins-murder-of-mother/)
“What happened to the Twisted Twins Jasmiyah and Tasmiyah Whitehead and where are they now?” by Gina Kalsi in The Daily Mail on October 8, 2024 (https://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-13937333/where-jasmiyah-tasmiyah-whitehead-twisted-twins.html)
“Whitehead one-year memorial service” by Tonya Y. Parker in The Covington News on January 29, 2011 (https://www.covnews.com/rockdale-archives/whitehead-one-year-memorial-service/)
“Blood Bath” on See No Evil, Season 2, Episode 13, Discovery + on May 17, 2016

Bonus Episode: Sam Nordquist

This is our very first bonus episode. This episode is a bit shorter than usual, but it’s one that weighs heavily on our hearts. We’ll be discussing the tragic story of Sam Nordquist, a man who came to Western New York to meet a woman he had connected with online. What was meant to be the beginning of a promising relationship took a horrific turn when he encountered pure evil. While some of the perpetrators have been indicted, a trial date is still pending. In this bonus episode, we’ll share what we know so far, and we’ll continue to provide updates as more information comes to light. We all hope for justice, but we know that no matter what, nothing will ever bring Sam back. We also want to remind you that if you’d like to help Sam’s family during this unimaginable time—especially with the difficult travel between Minnesota and New York—there’s a link in the episode description and show notes where you can contribute. Our thoughts are with Sam’s family as they navigate this tragic loss.
 
GoFundMe - Sam Nordquist

Episode 48: The Survival of Mary Vincent

Mary Vincent is an artist who brings powerful, uplifting women to life through vibrant chalk pastels – whether they’re everyday heroines or iconic female superheroes. But where does this inspiration come from? Is it a reflection of her work as a women’s advocate, or does it run even deeper, rooted in something more personal? Well, Mary Vincent was her own hero. In September of 1978, at just 15 years old, she found herself alone on the side of the road, trying to hitchhike from California back to Las Vegas. The solitude weighed heavily on her, but she wouldn’t be alone for long. A man pulled over, offering her the company and ride she had hoped for. But what she hadn’t expected was that the man’s intentions would turn her journey into a nightmare. In that moment, she realized that being alone might have been the safer, better choice. The man who first appeared kind and paternal, similar to a grandfather, would soon reveal a darkness beyond belief. Tune in to hear a story that reminds us that while evil is everywhere, so is strength and resilience. 
 
Sources:
All That’s Interesting – The Chilling Story of Mary Vincent, The Hitchhiking Teen Who Lost Both Her Arms in A Violent Attack – Austin Harvey – December 4, 2022 - How Mary Vincent Survived A Horrific Abduction While Hitchhiking
Camarillo Star – November 10, 1978 – Mary’s plight is ‘big news’ – Peter Boyer
Mary Vincent - Mary Vincent (artist) - Wikipedia
I Survived… Episode 1, Season 4
The Netline – Where is Mary Vincent today? Her healing journey detailed – Kate Marin – August 23, 2022  - Where is Mary Vincent today? Her healing journey detailed - TheNetline
Lawrence Singleton - Lawrence Singleton - Wikipedia
Deseret News – Paroled rapist is found guilty of killings prostitute – February 21, 1998 - Paroled rapist is found guilty of killing prostitute – Deseret News
Ranker – The Harrowing Story of Mary Vincent, Lawrence Singelton’s Assault Victim – Laura Allan – August 21, 2024 - The Mary Vincent Story: Lawrence Singleton's Assault Victim
Criminally Intrigued – The Case of Lawrence Singleton – May 25, 2019 - The Case of Lawrence Singleton — Criminally Intrigued
Find a Grave – Lawrence Singleton - Lawrence Bernard “Larry” Singleton (1927-2001) - Find a Grave Memorial
The Fresno Bee – March 24, 1979 – Ax-Rape Suspect’s Trial Singleton Found Guilty
The Handford Sentinel – March 17, 1979 – Mary Vincent Gets Press Agent’s Help
The Naples Daily News – Jury wants death for Singleton – Lisa Holewa – February 26, 1998

Episode 47: The Lore of the Djinn

Witch familiars, ghouls, fairies and ghosts. These beings produce certain images and situations in our heads of what they look like and how they act. But what if all these supernatural beings were all variations of one type of cryptid? Many ancient cultures describe some sort of paranormal being which relates to what is called a Jinn. Jinn are highly respected in Middle Eastern culture however it is unknown when the jinn first came to be. It is said they have been around for centuries before mankind even existed.  When one hears jinn, most think of some evil, beastly creature. Not all jinn are evil though. Like mankind, they have the free will to choose to be evil or moral. There are many folklores which describe experiences with jinn. Join us as we talk about the history of jinn, who they are and how to protect oneself from those who mean to cause mankind harm.
 
Sources:
“A Brief Account of Life with Djinn” on Mythos: Making Mythology Accessible on November 10, 2020 (https://www.mythosblog.org/post/a-brief-account-of-life-with-djinn)
“Possession and jinn” by Najat Khalifa and Tim Hardie on The Journal of the Royal Society of Medicine in August 2005 (https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC1181833/)
“What Are Jinn, The Mysterious Genies of Arabian Mythology?” by Marco Margaritoff on All that’s Interesting on September 3, 2022 (https://allthatsinteresting.com/jinn)
“Understanding Jinn” by Quranic on December 7, 2021 (https://www.getquranic.com/understanding-jinn/)
“Jinn: Who are the supernatural beings of Arabian and Islamic tradition?” by Indlieb Farazi Saber on Middle East Eye on September 20, 2022 (https://www.middleeasteye.net/discover/jinn-islamic-arabian-tradition-supernatural-beings)
“SAUDI ARABIA: A lawsuit against a genie” by Jeff Fleishman in The Los Angeles Times on July 13, 2009 (https://www.latimes.com/archives/blogs/babylon-beyond/story/2009-07-13/saudi-arabia-a-lawsuit-against-a-genie)
“The Jinn: The Reality of Their Existence and How to Protect Ourselves From Them” by Ustadh Abdullah Anik Misra on Seekers Guidance: The Global Islamic Academy on July 31, 2011 (https://seekersguidance.org/answers/general-counsel/the-jinn-the-reality-of-their-existence-and-how-to-protect-ourselves-from-them/)
“A Brief Overview of al Jinn within Islamic Cosmology and Religiosity” by Vivian A. Laughlin https://digitalcommons.andrews.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1268&context=jams)
https://mojosiedlak.com/the-myth-of-djinn-the-shapeshifting-spirits/
https://www.rcpsych.ac.uk/docs/default-source/members/divisions/london/london-essay-prizes/5-naila-choudhury_med-student_essay-prize-2022.pdf?sfvrsn=1c69cd48_2#:~:text=For%20example%2C%20faith%20healers%20in,%2C%20glossolalia%2C%20abnormal%20physical%20sensations%2C
“The Origin of the Jinn Race” on Islamic Guidance YouTube Channel (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HuetaHtM1Zg)
“New York UFO and More” and “Kentucky Poltergeist and More” on Paranormal Caught on Camera on Discovery+ (Season 3, Episode 12 and Season 4 Episode 1)
“We are not Alone” by iHeartPodcasts and Grim & Mild on The Hidden Djinn podcast, Episode 1 on Spotify, on September 8, 2020

Episode 46: Sleep Paralysis and the Hat Man

From the dawn of time, sleep was meant to bring rest and rejuvenation. Time for your body to take a break, to heal, to grow. But for centuries, millions of people around the world have had their sleep disturbed by something terrifying and possibly otherworldly. Imagine waking up with the inability to move, to speak, to scream out for help. And while you’re there laying in bed, in the dark, trapped within your own body you sense a presence and possibly even see the shadow, the silhouette of a man standing in your room or in your doorway with no distinguishable features other than his round brimmed hat. Otherwise known as the Hat Man, this being or as some would call, sleep paralysis demon, has visited the homes of millions throughout history. Gaining traction online in the last two decades, so many people around the world were able to connect with their shared experiences. But who is the Hat Man? Where does he come from? Is he some evil entity that appears to terrify his victims, is he some type of silent watch dog coming to watch over you if you’re going through a heartbreak or stressful time in your life, or is the Hat Man a figure that lies in the collective unconscious? An image passed down through generations, across cultures and across time. What do you think?
 
Sources:
The Week – Who is the Hat Man? ‘Shadow People’ and Sleep Paralysis - Who is the Hat Man? 'Shadow people' and sleep paralysis | The Week
The Nightmare – Amazon Prime
Stranger Dimensions – The Hat Man: A Shared Shadow Phenomenon – October 28, 2011 – Updated August 16, 2024 – Rob Schwarz - The Hat Man: A Shared Shadow Phenomenon - Stranger Dimensions
Ripleys Believe it or Not – Who is the Hat Man? A Nightmare Shared by Dreamers Around the World – March 22, 2023 – Diana Bocco - Who is the Hat Man? The Nightmare Shared By Dreamers Around The World | Ripley's Believe It or Not! | Aquariums, Attractions, Museums
Sleep Paralysis – Cleveland Clinic - Sleep Paralysis: What It Is, Causes, Symptoms & Treatment
Parasomnias – Cleveland Clinic -  Parasomnias: What They Are, Symptoms, Treatment & Types
The Hat Man Project - - The Hatman Project