This week, the Boo‑Foons Mystery Investigators are crossing borders without leaving home, chasing Italian ghosts who’ve apparently taken up residence across the British Isles.
From misty moors to stately homes, reports of Roman spectres have echoed for centuries. These ancient soldiers, engineers, and citizens seem reluctant to abandon the empire’s old outposts. The most famous case? A basement in York, where witnesses claim to have seen a full legion marching through the walls, their spectral legs vanishing below the floorboards, as if still treading the buried Roman road beneath.
Armed with EMF meters, Spirit Boxes, and a healthy dose of sceptical banter, the Boo‑Foons dive head‑first into these stories to uncover what really lingers from Rome’s occupation. Are these disciplined apparitions guarding their lost empire, or simply stuck on eternal patrol?
As Steve and Dan investigate, they ask the timeless question: “What did the Romans ever do for us?” Well… they gave us this episode, and possibly a few restless ghosts still marching through Britain’s history.
To find out more about these photos, listen to the episode!
The Boo‑Foons are back with another dip into the deep, weird waters of Japanese folklore, continuing their semi‑regular exploration of the many strange and slippery Yōkai that haunt rivers, forests, bathrooms, and the occasional unsuspecting traveller.
This week’s episode? A creature that is equal parts adorable, dangerous, polite, and obsessed with cucumbers.
Yes — it’s time to talk about the Kappa.
What Exactly Is a Kappa?
In Japanese folklore, a Kappa is a water‑dwelling creature with the body of a child, the beak of a turtle, the manners of a Victorian butler, and the social skills of a gremlin who’s had too much sugar. They lurk in rivers, ponds, and lakes, waiting for the perfect moment to cause mischief.
And by mischief, we mean:
Stealing cucumbers
Wrestling humans
Pulling pranks
And… let’s just say… doing things that make you think twice before sitting on a toilet again
(If you know, you know. If you don’t, the Boo‑Foons explain it in the episode with the appropriate level of horror and giggling.)
Cucumbers, Courtesy, and Chaos
One of the most iconic Kappa traits is their love of cucumbers. Offer a Kappa a cucumber with your name carved into it, and folklore says it will leave you alone. It’s basically the world’s first personalised snack‑based protection charm.
But the Kappa’s most important feature is the dish of water on its head, a little bowl‑shaped dent called a sara. This water is the source of its power. Spill it, and the Kappa becomes weak as a kitten.
This leads to one of the most charming bits of Kappa lore:
They are bound by strict etiquette. Bow to a Kappa, and it must bow back. Bow low enough, and the water spills from its head. Congratulations, you’ve just defeated a monster using manners.
The Boo‑Foons approve.
Kappa Facts You Didn’t Know You Needed
Here are a few extra nuggets the team dig into during the episode:
Kappa are excellent swimmers But absolutely useless on dry land if their head‑dish is empty.
They’re medical pioneers Folklore credits them with teaching humans how to set bones and make salves.
They’re obsessed with sumo wrestling Challenge one, and it will almost always accept.
They have a weird fascination with human bottoms Which is why the Boo‑Foons strongly advise caution when approaching rivers, lakes, or suspiciously wobbly toilets.
They may or may not be early prototypes for Pokémon The resemblance is… uncanny.
A Semi‑Regular Series of Semi‑Reliable Monster Hunting
This episode continues the Boo‑Foons’ journey through the world of Yōkai, a world where every creature has a lesson, a warning, or a deeply questionable hobby.
Are Kappa dangerous? Are they misunderstood? Are they just wet little chaos goblins with a cucumber addiction?
The Boo‑Foons investigate, debate, and occasionally get distracted by the anatomical oddities that folklore insists on including, and at least one moment where you say “I’m sorry… the Kappa does what?” and then you remember you can find Kappas in the kids game Animal Crossing!
So, grab a cucumber, keep your bottom safely above water level, and join the Boo‑Foons as they wade into the strange, splashy world of the Kappa.
When you invite a self-confessed Ghostbusters superfan and seasoned ghost hunter onto a paranormal podcast, you know things are going to get interesting. In this episode, The Boo-Foons are joined by Paul Gannon from The CheapShow Podcast for a brilliantly weird, funny and surprisingly thoughtful dive into the supernatural.
Paul’s love of all things spooky isn’t just about movie quotes and proton packs, he’s actually been out on multiple ghost hunts, standing in the dark, asking the void if anyone wants to say hello. Naturally, we had questions.
Who is Paul Gannon?
Paul Gannon is best known as one half of the cult comedy podcast CheapShow, “the economy comedy podcast” that digs through charity shops, car boot sales and bargain bins in search of strange treasures and even stranger stories.
But away from the tat and the terrible gameshow formats, Paul has a long-running fascination with:
Ghostbusters and paranormal pop culture
Real-life hauntings and investigations
The blurred line between belief, skepticism and entertainment
That mix of curiosity and humour makes him a perfect fit for The Boo-Foons, someone who can talk about ghosts with both a raised eyebrow and genuine wonder.
Paul has taken part in many ghost hunts over the years, and he shares some of his most memorable experiences with The Boo-Foons, including:
The atmosphere: the way a location can feel “off” before anything actually happens.
The group dynamic: how belief, nerves and expectation can spread through a team.
The strange moments: knocks, shadows, odd sounds and those little incidents that are hard to fully explain, but also hard to fully trust.
He’s honest about the tension between wanting something to happen and not wanting to fool yourself. That balance, between excitement and critical thinking, is a big part of what makes his stories so compelling.
Belief, skepticism and the fun of not knowing
One of the most fascinating parts of the conversation is Paul’s take on belief.
He doesn’t claim to have all the answers. Instead, he talks about:
Enjoying the mystery without needing a neat conclusion
Questioning methods and evidence while still being open to the weird
Why the paranormal is as much about people, their fears, hopes and stories, as it is about ghosts
The Boo-Foons and Paul explore how ghost stories work as modern folklore: shared experiences that sit somewhere between truth, exaggeration and the need to make sense of the unknown.
A conversation you won’t want to miss
This episode is packed with:
Personal ghost hunt stories
Honest chat about doubt, belief and everything in between
Plenty of laughs, because it wouldn’t be The Boo-Foons without them
If you love haunted locations, skeptical curiosity, and the kind of conversation that can jump from proton packs to poltergeists in a heartbeat, this one’s for you.
Listen now
Join The Boo-Foons and Paul Gannon as they swap stories from the shadows, and lean into the delightful, eerie space where comedy and the supernatural collide.
The Boo‑Foons are heading deep into London’s theatrical heart, Drury Lane, to totally ignore the mysterious Muffin Man before stepping into the legendary Theatre Royal. Rumour has it the stage is crowded not just with actors, but with spirits: from whispering stagehands to the ghostly laughter of audiences long gone.
But tonight’s investigation has a special twist. Among the spectral cast is the ghost of one of Steve’s least favourite figures, Joseph Grimaldi, the original clown who turned slapstick into art. His painted grin is said to linger in the wings, and some swear they’ve heard his laughter echo through the stalls after midnight.
Meanwhile, the legendary Dan Leno, a beloved Victorian music hall comedian and pantomime dame, also haunts Drury Lane. His ghost is often accompanied by the faint scent of lavender, a perfume he used in life to mask his struggles with alcoholism. Leno’s spirit is said to appear in his old dressing room, offering a wistful presence among the theatre’s shadows.
Adding to the theatre’s spectral ensemble is the mysterious Grey Man, a ghostly figure dressed in 18th-century attire, complete with a grey riding cloak and tricorne hat. Sightings of the Grey Man are considered a good omen for a successful show, as he silently crosses the upper circle before vanishing into the walls.
Together, these spirits weave a rich tapestry of history, mystery, and eerie charm that the Boo‑Foons are eager to explore.
When the Steve & Dan cross paths with someone who lives and breathes the paranormal, you know things are about to get interesting. That’s exactly what happened when Sam, the sharp, quick‑witted mind behind The Thing UFO, joined us for one of the most unexpectedly intellectual episodes we’ve ever recorded.
Sam isn’t just another enthusiast with a telescope and a theory. He’s a dedicated investigator with a knack for turning everyday environments into potential alien‑spotting hotspots. From analysing sky patterns to identifying unusual aerial behaviour, Sam breaks down how anyone can begin detecting extraterrestrial activity from the comfort of their own home.
But what really sets him apart is his ability to make the complex feel accessible. Whether he’s streaming live on TikTok or diving deep into theories on Twitch, Sam brings a mix of humour, insight, and genuine curiosity that keeps audiences hooked. His streams have become a go‑to destination for anyone fascinated by the unknown, and for good reason. Watching him work is like watching a detective piece together a cosmic puzzle in real time.
If you’re curious about UFOs, love a good mystery, or simply enjoy watching passionate people talk about what they love, Sam from The Thing UFO is someone you need on your radar.
The Boo-Foons are back on the trail of the unexplained, and this time, their journey takes them deep into the misty moors and mysterious valleys of northern England. Their latest adventure unfolds in the Calder Valley, a region steeped in folklore, strange lights, and stories that blur the line between reality and the otherworldly.
Into the Valley of Mystery
Todmorden and Hebden Bridge have long been whispered about in UFO circles. Nestled among rolling hills and shadowed woods, these towns have seen their fair share of odd occurrences, glowing discs in the sky, strange figures in the fields, and encounters that defy explanation. Even a local police officer once reported an encounter that left investigators scratching their heads.
Alan Godfrey
For the Boo-Foons, this is the perfect setting for their next investigation. Armed with cameras, curiosity, and their trademark mix of humour and disbelief, they dive headfirst into the stories that have haunted the valley for decades.
The Witnesses and the Whispers
Locals recall eerie nights when the stars seemed to move in unnatural patterns, and lights hovered silently above the moorland. Some claim to have seen small grey figures darting between trees, while others insist the valley itself hums with an energy that draws the unknown.
The Boo-Foons interview witnesses, explore the sites of alleged sightings, and test every theory, from secret military experiments to interdimensional visitors. Their mission: to separate fact from folklore, and maybe, just maybe, to catch a glimpse of something truly out of this world.
Japanese folklore isn’t just rich, it’s overflowing. A whole ecosystem of spirits, monsters, tricksters, shapeshifters, and inexplicable oddities known collectively as Yōkai. Some are adorable. Some are horrifying. Some are… well… deeply confusing. Naturally, this makes them perfect territory for the Boo-Foons to investigate.
This week marks the beginning of a new semi-regular series where we dive headfirst into the world of Yōkai, starting with one of the most iconic, chaotic, and surprisingly complicated creatures of them all: the Oni.
Who (or What) Are Oni?
If you’ve ever seen Japanese art featuring a huge, muscular creature with horns, wild hair, and a club the size of a small tree, you’ve probably met an Oni. They’re often described as:
Demons
Ogres
Punishers of the wicked
Troublemakers
Occasional party animals
And, depending on the story, surprisingly emotional beings
Oni are the heavy-hitters of Japanese folklore, the kind of beings who show up when a story needs a villain, a guardian, or a chaotic force of nature. They’re powerful, unpredictable, and sometimes weirdly relatable.
Different colours. Different temperaments. Different abilities. Some stories even treat them like boss battles. If someone doesn’t eventually shout “I choose you, Red Oni!” we’ll be shocked.
The Many Faces of Oni
While Oni are often lumped together as “the bad guys,” the folklore paints a more nuanced picture. Depending on the tale, Oni can be:
Monstrous Villains
The classic version, terrorising villages, eating people, smashing things, and generally being the worst unwelcomed guests imaginable.
Punishers of Evil
In Buddhist tradition, Oni sometimes serve as enforcers in the afterlife, punishing wrongdoers.
Tragic Figures
Some Oni were once human, transformed by grief, rage, or corruption.
Comedic Characters
Because even in ancient folklore, sometimes you just need a big, silly monster to lighten the mood.
Why Start with Oni?
Simple: they’re iconic, they’re everywhere, and they set the tone for the wild, unpredictable world of Yōkai.
What’s Coming Next?
This episode is just the beginning. The Boo-Foons will be returning to Japanese folklore regularly, exploring:
Mischievous tricksters
Shape-shifting animals
Haunted household objects
Spirits that live in rivers, mountains, and abandoned toilets
And creatures so bizarre they defy all known categories
If Oni are the “starter monsters,” then the rest of the Yōkai roster is about to get progressively stranger and sillier.
Dip Into This Week’s Episode
If you’re ready for big monsters, big folklore and big chaos.
Grab your club (metaphorically), brace yourself for horned mayhem, and join the Boo-Foons as they step into the world of Yōkai, one Oni at a time.
The Boo‑Foons dive head‑first into the supernatural as they’re joined by Daniel from The True Paranormal, a man who doesn’t just study hauntings… he’s actively making his own house haunted. From personal encounters to his massive paranormal database, this episode is packed with eerie stories, wild theories, and one big question: would YOU live in a haunted home
Witchcraft, Burglary, and a Very Unsettling Candle
When the Boo-Foons stumble across a grisly relic of old witchcraft, they quickly realise they’re dealing with one of the most unsettling tools in the folklore arsenal: the Hand of Glory, a macabre charm once believed to help thieves slip silently through locked houses.
What Is a Hand of Glory?
According to centuries-old European folklore, a Hand of Glory is the preserved hand of a hanged criminal, often the right hand or the hand that “committed the deed.” Once dried and treated with various magical concoctions, it was used as a supernatural burglary tool.
The Boo-Foons’ latest investigation uncovers a version straight out of the old grimoires: a mummified hand clutching a candle made from the fat of the same executed man. Charming.
A Burglar’s Best Friend
The Hand of Glory wasn’t just a creepy ornament. It was said to grant its wielder a terrifying advantage:
Anyone inside the house would fall into a deep, unnatural sleep.
No lock could resist the thief who carried it.
The candle could only be extinguished with milk, not water.
In some tales, each finger acted as a candle wick. If a finger refused to light, it meant someone in the house was still awake.
Where the Legend Comes From
The myth appears in several 17th–19th century sources, especially in France, Germany, and the British Isles. It became widely known thanks to early folklore collectors and crime historians who documented the strange charms criminals supposedly used.
One of the most famous accounts comes from the 18th-century French Dictionnaire Infernal, which describes the ritual in unsettling detail. English folklore picked it up soon after, and by the Victorian era the Hand of Glory had become a staple of ghost stories and penny dreadfuls.
Boo-Foons Field Notes
During their investigation, the Boo-Foons discover that the Hand of Glory wasn’t just a magical sleep aid, it was a symbol of fear. The idea that a thief could freeze a household in slumber with a single cursed candle terrified communities long before CCTV and burglar alarms.
Now, centuries later, the Boo-Foons are left wondering: Is the Hand of Glory just a relic of superstition… or is someone trying to revive an old criminal craft?
The Boo‑Foons team are joined this week by the brilliantly chaotic Bantering Banshees for a deep dive into one of England’s most enduring ghost stories: the many, many sightings of Anne Boleyn. Few historical figures have left such a powerful imprint on the landscape, and even fewer are said to walk it quite so widely. From the quiet lanes of Norfolk to the stone corridors of the Tower of London, Anne’s spirit is reported in more locations than almost any other figure in British folklore.
Why Anne Boleyn Appears in So Many Places
Across the episode, the Boo‑Foons and the Banshees explore the theories behind her widespread hauntings. Several themes emerge:
A life marked by upheaval Anne’s rise and fall were dramatic, public, and politically explosive. Many believe that such emotional intensity leaves a strong “psychic imprint” on the places tied to her story.
Multiple sites of significance Unlike many historical figures associated with a single home or event, Anne’s life touched numerous estates, palaces, and political centres. Each location carries its own folklore.
A symbol of injustice Her execution remains one of the most debated acts of Henry VIII’s reign. Some sightings frame her as a restless figure seeking recognition or resolution.
Cultural storytelling Over centuries, communities have woven their own interpretations of Anne’s fate, creating a patchwork of local legends that keep her presence alive.
Key Locations Linked to Anne Boleyn’s Ghost
The conversation highlights several of the most famous sites where Anne is said to appear:
Blickling Hall, Norfolk Often cited as her birthplace, this grand estate is home to one of the most dramatic tales: Anne arriving in a spectral carriage, her head resting in her lap.
The Tower of London The site of her imprisonment and execution remains the most iconic location for sightings, with reports of her walking the corridors or appearing near the Chapel Royal of St Peter ad Vincula.
Hever Castle, Kent Her childhood home, where she is said to wander the gardens and bridge.
Hampton Court Palace A place of both triumph and tragedy for Anne, with stories of her presence lingering in the Tudor corridors.
Each location adds a different emotional note to her legend, grief, injustice, nostalgia, or defiance, creating a multi‑layered folklore tapestry that the Boo‑Foons and Banshees unpack with humour, curiosity, and a healthy dose of paranormal speculation.
Meet the Bantering Banshees
The episode also introduces listeners to the Bantering Banshees themselves, fellow lovers of folklore, ghost stories, and spirited debate. Their blend of wit and insight makes them the perfect partners for this exploration of Tudor hauntings.
