In the summer of 1936, a young woman named Helen Clevenger checked into Room 224 of Asheville’s historic Battery Park Hotel—and never checked out. Her brutal murder sent shockwaves through the city and sparked a sensational investigation that ended with more questions than answers. Nearly a century later, guests and staff still report eerie occurrences throughout the hotel—phantom footsteps, disembodied whispers, and strange red glows leaking from beneath locked doors. In this episode, we examine the tragic case of Helen Clevenger, the haunted history it left behind, and the ghostly echoes that may still walk the halls of the old hotel.
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1:35:16
GITM - Ep #11 - Sirens Of The French Broad River
Not far from the quiet bends and ancient hollows of Western North Carolina, a myth has echoed through the centuries of sirens who haunt the depths of the French Broad River. In this episode, we wade into the murky waters of this chilling legend, which tells of a haunting figure with moss-like hair and dark, mesmerizing eyes who lures the unsuspecting into the river’s embrace. We also explore a modern-day account from a camper who witnessed something that could potentially be related to the phenomena coupled with recurring nightmares of a mysterious silhouette beneath the surface. Is this tale just a disturbing dream, or a real brush with something ancient and malevolent? Join us as we unravel the dark currents of myth, memory, and mystery along the French Broad River.
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1:19:10
GITM - Ep #10 - The Brown Mountain Lights Part 2 with Dr. Dan Caton
In this follow-up to our last episode about the Brown Mountain Lights, we’re joined by physicist and astronomer Dr. Dan Caton—professor at Appalachian State University and one of the most dedicated researchers of the elusive lights. For over a decade, Dr. Caton has studied the phenomenon from the vantage point of science, deploying cameras and observatories in search of a rational explanation. In this episode, we dive deep into his findings, the enduring mysteries that remain, and how science and folklore intertwine in the shadow of Brown Mountain. Could this be geophysical activity? Plasma? Or something not yet understood? And why do the legends persist? Join us as we walk the tightrope between myth and science in the heart of Western North Carolina’s most enduring mystery.
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2:06:17
GITM - Ep #9 - The Brown Mountain Lights Part 1 with Dr. Allen Greenfield
Not far from Asheville, NC, a centuries-old mystery lingers over the Blue Ridge Mountains—strange glowing orbs flicker and dance along the ridges of Brown Mountain, defying scientific explanation. Reports of these enigmatic lights date back to the Cherokee and early settlers, with theories ranging from ghostly spirits and extraterrestrial visitations to secret underground bases and interdimensional portals. In this episode of Ghosts in the Mountains, we dive deep into the legend of the Brown Mountain Lights and explore the most compelling encounters and investigations surrounding this high-strangeness hotspot. We’re joined by renowned occultist, UFO researcher, and esoteric historian Dr. Allen Greenfield, who brings his decades of knowledge on unexplained phenomena to the discussion. Could these lights be connected to ancient rituals? Are they a natural anomaly—or something far more mysterious? Join us as we traverse the foggy ridgelines of Brown Mountain and unravel the legends, folklore, and many more theories behind one of the strangest mysteries in Appalachia.
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2:37:03
GITM - Ep #8 - The Strangling Oak
Deep in the misty landscapes of Wales, a chilling legend has stood the test of time—an ancient oak with a sinister reputation. For centuries, whispers have told of The Strangling Oak, a gnarled and looming sentinel with branches that reach not just for the sky, but for the souls of those who dare sleep beneath it. This episode of Ghosts in the Mountains unearths the unsettling history of the Nannu Estate, where weary travelers and doomed soldiers reportedly met their end beneath its shadow. Was it just an eerie coincidence, or did something far more malevolent dwell within the twisted roots of this cursed tree? With a quick guest spot from Caleb's Dad, Bucky Hanks, he provides the genealogical lineage of how Caleb’s family is linked directly to the mysterious land the oak stood on. Join us as we unravel the lore, sift through historical accounts, and explore the dark possibilities behind one of Wales’ most haunting tales.
Ghosts in the Mountains explores the eerie, unexplained, and deeply mysterious stories hiding within the misty peaks of Western North Carolina and beyond. From haunted hotels and spectral legends to cryptid sightings and lost treasures, hosts Caleb Hanks and Austin Burgess take you deep into the folklore, history, and firsthand encounters that shape the region’s paranormal landscape.
Each episode uncovers chilling tales, eyewitness accounts, and historical mysteries, blending investigative storytelling with a cozy, fireside feel. Whether you’re a skeptic or a true believer, Ghosts in the Mountains is your guide to the supernatural side of Appalachia.
Subscribe now, and let’s journey into the unknown together.