"Astonishing Legends" is one of the most popular and respected podcasts in the realm of mystery, the unexplained, and historical enigmas. It has garnered a massive following for its deep dives and thoughtful approach to fascinating subjects.

Breakdown of "Astonishing Legends" Podcast

Hosts: Scott Philbrook & Forrest Burgess Co-Executive Producer: Tess Pfeifle Genre: Paranormal, Unexplained Phenomena, Unsolved Mysteries, Folklore, History, Cryptids, UFOs, True Crime (with a mysterious slant).

General Premise: The podcast's tagline perfectly encapsulates its mission: "The world is more mysterious than most people are comfortable imagining. We cross paths with the mystical from time to time and may not even notice it." Scott and Forrest, often described as the "Click and Clack of esoterica," delve into strange and unusual events from throughout history. They aim to investigate the unknown, speak with people who have had close encounters with the unexplained, and explore every angle of a mystery, from the "woo-woo" (paranormal) to the mundane.

Key Features & Format:

• Deep Dive Investigations: Unlike many podcasts that skim the surface, Astonishing Legends is known for its extensive research and often multi-part episodes dedicated to a single topic. They present a wide range of evidence, theories, and eyewitness accounts.

• Balanced Perspective: While deeply fascinated by the unexplained, the hosts strive for a balanced approach. Scott often takes a more skeptical, rational stance, while Forrest, who grew up with an interest in the metaphysical, offers a more open-minded perspective. This dynamic creates engaging discussions that consider various possibilities.

• Engaging Storytelling: Scott and Forrest are master storytellers, drawing listeners into complex narratives with their conversational style, wit, and genuine curiosity. Their natural "brotherly banter" adds a personal touch to the often serious or eerie subject matter.

• Listener Submissions (Dead Letter Office): They frequently feature listener stories in segments called "Dead Letter Office," where individuals share their own unexplained experiences, adding a personal and often chilling dimension to the show.

• Interviews: They interview experts, authors, researchers, and individuals who have had firsthand experiences with the paranormal or mysterious events.

• High Production Value: The podcast is known for its well-produced audio, including sound design and music, which enhances the immersive experience of the stories.

Typical Topics Covered: The range is vast, but common themes include:

• UFOs & Abductions: Famous cases like the Pascagoula Abduction, Betty and Barney Hill, the Nimitz Tic-Tac incident.

• Cryptids: Bigfoot, Nessie, Mothman, etc.

• Hauntings & Ghosts: Investigating alleged haunted locations and various types of spectral encounters.

• Unsolved Historical Mysteries: Cases like the Max Headroom Pirate TV Incident, the Dyatlov Pass incident, the Lost Colony of Roanoke, the disappearance of Ambrose Bierce.

• Time Slips & Glitches in the Matrix: Stories of inexplicable temporal anomalies.

• Folklore & Urban Legends: Examining the origins and truth behind popular myths.

• Strange Phenomena: Anything from mysterious sounds to bizarre disappearances.

History of "Astonishing Legends" Podcast

• Formation: Astonishing Legends was created by Scott Philbrook, a former TV commercial editor with a passion for broadcasting, and his longtime friend Forrest Burgess. They launched the podcast after realizing the topic of the paranormal alone was too limited for all the strange areas they wanted to explore.

• Launch Date: The podcast officially launched on October 2nd, 2014.

• Growth and Recognition: Since its inception, "Astonishing Legends" has grown significantly. It has garnered over 100 million downloads and hundreds of thousands of listeners, establishing itself as a prominent voice in the unexplained phenomena podcast space.

• Evolution: While the core format remains consistent, the show has evolved, often tackling multi-part series that delve incredibly deep into complex subjects. They also have side projects and additional content for their Patreon members.

Sources and Availability

• Official Website: The primary hub for the podcast is their official website: astonishinglegends.com. Here you can find all episodes, show notes, reference links, and information about the hosts and team.

• Audioboom: The podcast is primarily hosted on Audioboom, which is their main distribution platform.

• Major Podcast Platforms: You can find "Astonishing Legends" on virtually all major podcast listening platforms, including:

  • Apple Podcasts

  • Spotify

  • Google Podcasts

  • Audible / Amazon Music

  • Podchaser

  • Player FM

• Social Media: They maintain an active presence on social media platforms like X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram, where they engage with listeners, share updates, and post supplementary material.

• Patreon: They have a strong Patreon community where members can get exclusive content, bonus episodes ("Astonishing Junk Drawer"), commercial-free episodes, and support the show.

"Astonishing Legends" stands out for its commitment to thorough research, its engaging hosts, and its respectful yet inquisitive approach to the world's most baffling mysteries. It's a must-listen for anyone with a curious mind.