Jeff Belanger

Jeff Belanger, author, adventurer, podcaster, storyteller

Adventurer, Author, Storyteller, Podcaster

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GBH's All Things Considered Radio Program.
New England Legends, News, Views, & Interviews

All Things Considered: Regaling tales of the Gloucester Sea Serpent, a forgotten legend of cryptozoology

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Jeff Belanger joined GBH’s All Things Considered host Arun Rath on the radio to discuss the weird. If we were to ask you to name the possibly real water monster with humps, you’d surely say the Loch Ness Monster. But by the time this interview is over, your answer should be the Gloucester Sea Serpent. Our local monster is arguably even older and more widely witnessed than Nessie. For a deep dive into the Gloucester Sea Serpent, there’s no better guide than local folklore expert and host of the “New England Legends” podcast Jeff Belanger. He joined GBH’s All Things Considered host Arun Rath to discuss this chapter of cryptozoology. What follows is a lightly edited transcript. You can listen to the segment and read the transcript here: https://www.wgbh.org/news/local/2024-05-22/regaling-tales-of-the-gloucester-sea-serpent-a-forgotten-legend-of-cryptozoology

BBC's Uncanny USA Podcast with Danny Robins.
News, Views, & Interviews

BBC’s Uncanny USA – Series 4 – Case 2: Dad’s Phone Featuring Jeff Belanger

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Jeff Belanger was a featured expert on the latest episode of the BBC’s Uncanny USA podcast. Wendy’s father Harry was a British Spitfire pilot during World War II who moved to Texas to work in espionage. When he becomes ill with cancer, he promises Wendy that if there is life after death, he will reach out to her. This isn’t that comforting, their relationship has always been difficult – Harry used many of the espionage techniques he was schooled in to control and monitor Wendy, like a real-life version of Robert De Niro’s character in Meet the Parents. When Harry dies, Wendy moves into his house in Austin and then… her Dad’s phone begins to ring by itself. It’s disconnected, what’s happening is impossible, so is this Harry reaching out? And what will it take to make him let go? You can listen to the episode here: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/m001yy7m Written and presented by Danny Robins Experts: Cal Cooper and Jeff Belanger Editing and sound design: Charlie Brandon-King Music: Evelyn Sykes Theme music by Lanterns on the Lake Script editor: Dale Shaw Development producer: Sarah Patten Production manager: Tam Reynolds Commissioning executive: Paula McDonnell Commissioning editor: Rhian Roberts Produced by Danny Robins and Simon Barnard A Bafflegab and Uncanny Media production for BBC Radio 4

GBH's All Things Considered Radio Program.
New England Legends, News, Views, & Interviews

All Things Considered: Nearly half a century later, ‘Dover Demon’ mystery still puzzles enthusiasts

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Jeff Belanger joined GBH’s All Things Considered host Arun Rath on the radio to discuss the weird. In April of 1977, about 15 miles south of Boston, a very strange thing appeared at night that put the town of Dover on the map in the world of cryptozoology, the study and search for legendary creatures. Multiple teen drivers reported seeing an unidentifiable, alien-like creature with glowing eyes over the course of two days. As word of these sightings spread, so did the legend of the “Dover Demon.” GBH’s All Things Considered host Arun Rath spoke about the Dover Demon with Jeff Belanger, a folklore expert and host of the “New England Legends” podcast. You can listen to the segment and read the transcript here: https://www.wgbh.org/culture/2024-04-29/nearly-half-a-century-later-dover-demon-mystery-still-puzzles-enthusiasts?72

New England Legends S2 E3 Trailer: The Tree That Ate Roger Williams
New England Legends, News, Views, & Interviews

New England Legends S2 E3 Trailer: The Tree That Ate Roger Williams

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Roger Williams is the founder of Rhode Island, but by the time of his death in 1683, most of his political cache had been used up. He was buried in an unassuming family plot in Providence. But almost two centuries later, Rhode Islanders found themselves rather proud of their radical founder. They believed his grave deserved better, so his remains were exhumed and that’s when things got weird… The full episode is now available on Amazon Prime Video! Watch the trailer here:

The Power of Places Podcast with Julia Suca.
News, Views, & Interviews

The Power of Places Podcast: The Curious Case of Haunted Places with Jeff Belanger

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Jeff Belanger was a guest on the most recent episode of The Power of Places Podcast with host Julia Suca. Get ready to crack open the door into the spooky world of haunted places with paranormal expert, Jeff Belanger! In this episode, we’ll explore the eerie allure of these mysterious locations. From creepy castles to haunted houses, join us as we explore why we’re irresistibly drawn to haunted places, even in the face of fear. Get ready for a hauntingly good time as we unravel the secrets of haunted places! You can listen to the episode here:

Hometown Ghost Stories: Jeff Belanger Interview
News, Views, & Interviews

Hometown Ghost Stories: Overnight at the Driskill Hotel ft. Jeff Belanger

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Austin, Texas, is a city with a haunted location on just about every corner, but the most haunted building in town is the infamous Driskill Hotel. Looming tall on the corner of 6th and Brazos, this 19th century Romanesque hotel is home to countless spirits; and we had a chance to visit in person and stay on the most haunted floor to see if we could connect with the dead. Jeff Belanger joins the Hometown Ghost Stories team to talk about the Driskill, ghosts, and hauntings. You can watch the full interview here:

New England Legends Zombie Prom 2023 - Photo by Tim Rice.
News, Views, & Interviews

New England Legends Presents Zombie Prom 2024: A Night of Dancing with the Dead for a Worthy Cause

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Milford, Massachusetts – January 29, 2024 – New England Legends, the creators of the popular New England Legends podcast, are thrilled to announce the return of their much-anticipated Zombie Prom fundraiser on Saturday, February 17th, 2024 at 7pm. The ghoulishly delightful event will take place at the DoubleTree Hotel in Milford, Massachusetts, promising attendees an unforgettable night of dancing, games, raffle prizes, and a pizza party—all in the spirit of raising funds for a charitable cause. Hosted by Jeff Belanger and Ray Auger, the minds behind the New England Legends podcast, the Zombie Prom has become a cherished alternative celebration for those looking to escape the clichés of Valentine’s Day. Uniting undead enthusiasts and those with a taste for the macabre, this event offers a unique, entertaining and light-hearted experience for attendees to revel in the delight of the unconventional. Event Details: Date: Saturday, February 17th, 2024 Time: 7:00 PM Location: DoubleTree Hotel, Milford, Massachusetts A Night of Fun and Philanthropy: The Zombie Prom is not just about dancing with the dead; it’s also about giving back to the community. This year’s fundraising recipient is the Community Harvest Project, a non-profit farm based in Grafton, MA. The organization engages volunteers to grow fruits and vegetables for hunger relief, working towards the vision of creating connected communities that ensure access to healthy food for all. Dress Your Worst or Be a “Victim”: Attendees are encouraged to embrace the spirit of the night by dressing in their most dreadful attire or by coming as “victims” without costumes. The more creative and gruesome, the better!  Best costumes will be crowned King and Queen of the Undead! Entertainment Highlights: – Dance the night away to the beats of DJ Neto. – Engage in games and activities throughout the evening. – Stand a chance to win exciting raffle prizes. – Indulge in a delicious pizza party to satisfy your undead appetite. Ticket Information: Ticket information for Zombie Prom 2024 can be found in the event section of www.facebook.com/newenglandlegends.  They are $25 in advance or $30 at the door. Purchase your tickets ahead of time by Venmoing Community Harvest Project at https://account.venmo.com/u/chpinc. BE SURE TO PUT “Zombie Prom 2024” in the comments. Join the New England Legends Facebook Group for more information and updates. For media inquiries, please contact: Ray Auger raywmrc@gmail.com 617-851-7542 About New England Legends: New England Legends is on a mission to chronicle every legend in New England one story at a time. We’re doing this through our award-winning weekly podcast which has garnered over 4 million downloads in 91 different countries, our award-winning, Emmy-nominated television series on PBS and Amazon Prime, and through our super-secret Facebook group. Come in and join the movement!  About Community Harvest Project: Community Harvest Project is a non-profit farm that harnesses the power of community volunteers to grow fresh fruits and vegetables for hunger relief, fostering connected communities with access to healthy food.

GBH's All Things Considered Radio Program.
News, Views, & Interviews

All Things Considered: Folklore expert explores the legend of Krampus and holiday monsters in The Fright Before Christmas

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Jeff Belanger joined GBH’s All Things Considered host Arun Rath on the radio to discuss the weird. Hallmark cards and Coca-Cola ads tend to dwell on the happy and cheerful side of Christmas. But there’s always been a dark side. The fear of St. Nick putting coal in stockings for misbehaving and even creepier, the old man watching you day and night, tracking your misdeeds. If you dig deeper into tradition, it’s darker still. The original St. Nick had an enforcer to take care of the bad kids: Krampus, a terrifying horned Christmas devil who whips misbehaving children before carrying them off to hell. And that’s not the only creepy holiday tradition out there. GBH’s All Things Considered host Arun Rath spoke with local author and folklore expert Jeff Belanger, who dives into the legend of Krampus and other frightening Christmas characters in his newest book, “The Fright Before Christmas: Surviving Krampus and Other Yuletide Monsters.” You can listen to the segment and read the transcript here: https://www.wgbh.org/culture/books/2023-12-22/folklore-expert-explores-the-legend-of-krampus-and-holiday-monsters-in-the-fright-before-christmas

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