Unexplained

Unexplained Podcast

Unexplained is a narrative-driven podcast that investigates real-life mysteries, historical enigmas, and paranormal phenomena. Created and hosted by British writer and musician Richard MacLean Smith, and distributed by iHeartPodcasts, the series employs a bi-weekly format to explore events that defy conventional explanation. The show utilizes a mixture of spoken-word narrative, historical research, and atmospheric sound design to examine the boundary between established reality and the unknown.

The editorial focus of the show is philosophical and objective, often contextualizing strange events within broader historical or scientific frameworks rather than seeking to prove or disprove supernatural claims. Episodes typically range from 25 to 45 minutes and focus on a single case or a serialized exploration of a complex mystery. While the production is rooted in the United Kingdom, its scope is international, frequently detailing incidents from around the globe.

Current content in the ninth season reflects this international breadth, with recent episodes covering a diverse range of topics. These include the 1935 "Shark Arm" case in Sydney, Australia—a bizarre murder mystery involving a regurgitated limb—and the 1959 disappearance of Gerry Irwin in Utah, often associated with theories of extraterrestrial abduction. Other recent installments have explored the haunting of the Summerwind Mansion in Wisconsin and the tragic history of the Waverly Hills Sanatorium in Kentucky.

The show's presentation is characterized by its measured pacing and evocative storytelling, which has earned it recognition as a leading title in the narrative non-fiction and horror genres. It resists sensationalism, opting instead for a contemplative tone that allows listeners to draw their own conclusions about the incidents presented. Since its launch in 2016, the podcast has expanded into other media, including a companion book by MacLean Smith. It remains a staple of the iHeartPodcasts network, maintaining a consistent release schedule that delves into the darker and more baffling corners of human history.

00:00
00:00

Episode's summary

In this episode of 'Night Tales,' host Catherine Marsh investigates a brutal 1975 murder in Ilsham, England. The case centers on the discovery of Peter Calloway, covered in blood, following the violent death of his wife, Rachel. As the investigation unfolds, a mysterious figure named 'Cassie' emerges, linked to a local church group. The narrative explores the potential connection between Calloway's past identity as Daniel Greaves and a 1961 rape allegation involving Cassandra Linton. The episode concludes by reflecting on the tragic life of Cassie Linton and the unresolved mysteries surrounding the events of 1975 and Calloway's claims of memory loss.

Chapters

Click on a chapter to go directly to that moment

Highlights

It wasn't paint the man was covered in. It was blood.

00:07:26 · The officer on the scene realizes the substance covering the naked man is much more sinister than initially thought.

Cassie made me do it.

00:07:54 · This cryptic statement from the suspect introduces the central mystery of the investigation.

Peter Calloway had done everything, including removing Rachel's eyes and tongue with his bare hands.

00:11:36 · The narrator describes the extreme brutality of the crime scene discovered by the officers.

the reason there is no Peter Calloway before the age of 21 is because for those first 21 years of his life, Peter Calloway had a completely different name.

00:20:55 · This reveals the pivotal discovery that links the subject to a previous identity and a specific criminal allegation.

A man who cannot remember is a man who cannot be touched.

00:31:54 · The narrator reflects on how Peter Calloway's claimed amnesia serves as a shield against accountability.

Episodes

459-

Unexplained Halloween Special: Night Tales

In this episode of 'Night Tales,' host Catherine Marsh investigates a brutal 1975 murder in Ilsham, England. The case centers on the discovery of Peter Calloway, covered in blood, following the violent death of his wife, Rachel. As the investigation unfolds, a mysterious figure named 'Cassie' emerges, linked to a local church group. The narrative explores the potential connection between Calloway's past identity as Daniel Greaves and a 1961 rape allegation involving Cassandra Linton. The episode concludes by reflecting on the tragic life of Cassie Linton and the unresolved mysteries surrounding the events of 1975 and Calloway's claims of memory loss.

31 Oct 2026
458-

S01 Episode 4: Where Darkness Plays - The Pontefract Poltergeist (RERUN)

The host provides updates regarding the podcast's hiatus, a new release date for Season 10, and addresses listener feedback concerning advertisements and vocal delivery. The episode then transitions into a rerun of 'Unexplained' focusing on the Pontefract Poltergeist, detailing paranormal activity involving the Pritchard family in 1966. The segment details the escalation of poltergeist activity in the Pritchard household, including physical attacks on family members and the eventual use of garlic to end the haunting. It also explores the 'Philip Experiment,' where scientists seemingly contacted a fictitious spirit through collective telekinesis, before concluding with a philosophical reflection on how conscious observation might manifest physical reality.

30 Oct 2026
457-

Cautionary Tales - Aliens in Wilshire

This episode of 'Cautionary Tales' investigates the mystery of crop circles, detailing Colin Andrews' investigation into flattened crops in England. The exploration covers the possibility of human-made pranks, specifically the work of Doug and Dave, and examines how a 1992 competition proved complex designs could be forged. The episode further delves into the psychological phenomenon of belief perseverance, illustrating why researchers often cling to extraterrestrial theories despite evidence of human involvement. The episode concludes with various podcast trailers for upcoming series.

27 Oct 2026
456-

Introducing Midnight Radio

Midnight Radio presents a terrifying new series from the creators of The Black Phone and Sinister. Featuring Ethan Hawke, the program explores the veil between our world and the next, delving into supernatural encounters involving shadows in the fog and entities that lack human skin. The narrative touches upon themes of time travel, unexplained phenomena, and secrets that authorities refuse to declassify.

26 Oct 2026
455-

S09E37: Anger is An Energy Pt.2 of 2 (The Tina Resch Story)

This episode features a compilation of iHeartRadio podcast trailers and promotions, including previews for 'Don't Lie to Me', 'Out of Character', 'Betrayal', and 'Death of an Artist'. The main narrative explores the case of Tina Resch, detailing her alleged psychokinetic abilities and the experiments conducted by William Roll and Steve Baumann. The episode also covers her turbulent upbringing, her later life struggles, and a detailed investigation into the tragic case of Tina Boyer and her daughter Amber.

16 Oct 2026