Most haunted hotels are famous for a reason: a cocktail of tragic deaths, mysterious apparitions, and decades of spooky stories. But what if some of those ghosts are just clever marketing? In this episode, we dive into the shadowy world of haunted hotels—from the ghostly tales of Colombia’s Hotel de Salto to LA’s infamous Cecil Hotel—and uncover whether there’s real supernatural substance or just good old-fashioned scammy marketing.You'll discover the chilling history behind Colombia’s haunted Hotel de Salto, perched above deadly waterfalls where indigenous legends say spirits still lurk—plus the bizarre stories of apparition sightings, suicides, and murders that make it one of the most haunted spots in South America. Meanwhile in LA, the Cecil Hotel’s long history of violence, serial killers, and mysterious deaths fuels fears—are the spirits of victims still wandering, or is it all just chaos and bad luck? And what about the real-life inspiration behind The Shining—the hotel Stephen King actually stayed in? Spoiler: it’s haunted, but not in the way the movies suggest.We break down the common tricks hotels use to amplify their haunted reputation, from fake ghostly voices to hauntingly staged photos. You'll learn why ghost-hunting TV shows rarely catch actual spirits, and how real paranormal activity remains elusive in a sea of fake “haunts.” Plus, we explore whether haunted hotels are just clever marketing plays or if ancient legends might have some truth lurking beneath the spooky stories.Whether you’re a thrill-seeker, a skeptic, or just in it for a good story, this episode is perfect for anyone who loves a good ghost story—especially when those stories might be just a little too good. So, get ready to question everything you thought you knew about haunted hotels, and maybe even plan your own spooky stay—just don’t expect to find Casper waiting for you.And yes, we promise—no Mr. T cameos this time! Plus, a bonus farewell to ghost-hunting shows and stories that are scarier for how believable they sound. Are haunted hotels real, or are they clever stories made to fill rooms with guests eager for a thrill? Hit play to find out—and prepare for a wild, creepy, and downright hilarious ride through the ghostly side of hospitality.

The conversation covers a wide range of topics, from weather chit-chat to geopolitical discussions, literary debates, and the fabled lost city of Atlantis. It delves into the influence of the Strange Stuff Podcast, the impact of social media, and the political landscape, offering insights into Plato's allegorical tale of Atlantis and its connection to his political and moral ideas. The conversation delves into the legends and mysteries surrounding lost cities such as Atlantis, El Dorado, Zed, and Iram. It explores the historical and archaeological evidence supporting the existence of these cities, captivating the audience with tales of ancient civilizations and their enigmatic disappearances. The conversation delves into the captivating allure of lost cities and ancient legends, exploring the mysteries of Iram, Thule, Russia's underwater holy city, and the lost city of Zerzura. Each chapter uncovers the fascination with these ancient tales and the enduring quest to uncover their secrets.

Takeaways

• Atlantis as an allegory
• Plato's political and moral ideas Lost cities and their legends have captivated popular interest for centuries.
• Modern archaeology has provided evidence to support the existence of advanced settlements in the Amazon and the Arabian Peninsula. Lost cities and ancient legends continue to captivate the imagination of explorers and scholars.
• The search for lost cities is often driven by the allure of treasure and the mystery of ancient civilizations.

Chapters

• 00:00 Introduction and Weather Chit-Chat
• 05:02 Capital Markets and Trump's Inconsistency
• 25:02 Atlantis: A Philosophical Allegory
• 30:34 The Search for El Dorado
• 44:42 The Mystery of Zed
• 57:41 The Lost City of Iram
• 01:05:23 Thule and the Edge of the Ancient World
• 01:14:41 Russia's Underwater Holy City
• 01:23:16 The Lost City of Zerzura

Exactly what it says on the tin... Part 2