Bound by the Cloak

Bound by the Cloak

Bound By the Cloak, a podcast about candid stories that are seldom heard. We dare to discuss the topics that aren’t always easy. to talk about. Join us as we hear from ordinary people with extraordinary experiences. Everyone has a story to tell and we’re here to listen.

Episodes

What happens when the paranormal meets storytelling and community? Welcome to Windy City Paranormal Fest, Chicago’s celebration of all things strange and unexplained. In this episode, two of the creators, Franky Everleigh and Christina Rappel, share the story behind this unique fest, which brings together the curious and the courageous to explore everything from spirits and cryptids to psychic phenomena and UFOs.

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What does it truly mean to be healthy in today’s world, where diet culture and social pressures shape our perceptions of wellness? Martina Cartwright helps us break down the myths surrounding "perfect" health and wellness, offering empowering insights on how to reclaim a balanced, self-compassionate approach to living well.

Martina is a registered dietitian and expert with over 26 years of experience in cl...

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March 26, 2025 56 mins

We've explored the world of escort service as well as the life of an OnlyFans model. This time we thought we'd explore the industry as it pertains to strippers.

NatsHoney is an industry veteran with years of experience. NatsHoney is the President of Strippers United, a labor organization led by strippers advocating for fair wages, safety, and dignity in the industry. We caught up with her to discuss her ex...

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March 11, 2025 58 mins

What exactly is a rape kit? What goes into it? Who created it? It's a question most of us have never thought to ask. The rape kit revolutionized forensic science and gave sexual assault survivors a powerful tool in the pursuit of justice.

Pagan Kennedy had questions and went on a search for answers. While digging around, she learned of Marty Goddard and her quest in the 1970s to help create a system for co...

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February 26, 2025 74 mins
The Furry subculture is a subculture that’s often misunderstood, misrepresented and wrapped in myth. So, what’s the real story behind the fandom? With Dr. Courtney Plante and others, we hear about the world of furries - the creativity, community, and identity of it all.
 
Courtney is a social psychologist and co-founder of FurScience, the leading research group dedicated to studying the furry community. A...
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January 22, 2025 46 mins

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Imagine setting foot in a place you've never been, meeting people from all walks of life, and facing challenges that push you beyond your limits—only to discover the incredible impact travel has on one's life. 

We're joined by Emma Wong-Stephens, an avid traveler and blogger who has turned her passion for exploring the world into a platform for storytelling and inspiration. From bustling cities to remote landscapes, Emma shares he...

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December 24, 2024 51 mins

Genetic disorders can be a mystery to many, but for those living with them, they’re a daily reality. In this episode, we talk to Melissa, who shares her life with Senior-Løken Syndrome — a rare condition that affects her vision and kidney function. Melissa opens up about her experiences...

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December 18, 2024 37 mins

This mini episode includes even more sleep paralysis stories. Some of these stories are more stories from the guests featured in episode 26 and some are brand new!

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December 10, 2024 56 mins

Sleep paralysis is a condition that blurs the lines between dreams and waking life, leaving those who experience it frozen in fear. In this episode, we delve into the eerie and fascinating world of sleep paralysis by talking to individuals who’ve faced this mysterious phenomenon.

Our featured guest, Ranita Roy, shares her vivid and haunting experiences, providing a glimpse into what it feels like to be awa...

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Have you ever wondered why certain illnesses only seem to appear in specific cultures? How do cultural beliefs shape our experience of health and illness?  In this episode, we explore the world of culture-bound syndromes with medical anthropologist, Peter Guarnaccia. 

These intriguing, culturally specific disorders—such as susto, koro, and ataque de nervios—offer unique insights into how mental health, the body, and culture in...
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November 5, 2024 48 mins
Step into the surreal and fiercely imaginative world of DONNAVILLE, the latest novel by award-winning writer Donna Minkowitz. In this episode, Donna uncovers the layers of her unique, genre-defying book—a world where personal history, fantasy, and feminist themes converge.

Donna is a writer of fantasy, memoir, and journalism lauded by Lilith Magazine for her “fierce imagination and compelli...
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Ever wondered how Halloween evolved from its ancient origins to the costume-filled celebration we know today? In this Halloween special, we sat down with the incredible Lisa Morton, author, historian, and one of the world’s leading experts on Halloween. From ancient Celtic traditions to the modern-day thrill of haunted houses and costumes, Lisa takes us on a journey through the fascinating evolution of Halloween. Explore how t...
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What happens when love turns deadly in the shadow of race and privilege? In this episode, we unravel a true crime that shook the foundations of Georgia's high society.

Deb Miller Landau, joins us to discuss the tragic and harrowing murder of Lita McClinton. Lita, a young woman from Atlanta, became the victim of a calculated murder-for-hire scheme led by her estranged husband. The crime would expose a world...

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October 20, 2024 33 mins

Field of Screams is one of America's best haunted attractions, and it's been striking fear into and scaring the souls out of the souls of the thousands of guests that show up year after year. Started by brothers Gene and Jim Schopf back in 1993, it's transformed from just a haunted hayride into so much more with three haunted houses and escape rooms. We spent some time at Field of Screams getting to know the Schopfs, making our own...

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In this episode, we explore the unique experience of growing up in a motel as a family business, where the line between home and work blurs in the most fascinating ways. Our guest, Foram Mehta, reflects on her childhood spent amidst the hustle and bustle of transient guests, offering insights into the challenges and rewards of motel life. She shares stories of the diverse travelers who passed through, the lessons learn...

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September 24, 2024 61 mins

Crime, scandal and intrigue in Beverly Hills. From high-profile heists to shocking murders, we uncover the hidden, dark side of 90210, some of which has long been forgotten. We sat down with renowned entertainment journalist and author Scott Huver to explore the dark underbelly of one of America's most glamorous zip codes — Beverly Hills. Scott takes us behind the glitz and into the gripping stories that inspired his upcoming book,...

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In this powerful episode, we sit down with James Donaldson, former NBA star and mental health advocate, to discuss his deeply personal journey through the highs of professional basketball and the lows of battling severe depression and suicidal ideation. James opens up about the mental health crisis that nearly ended his life, sharing the pivotal moments that pulled him back from the brink.

Now, through his...

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August 27, 2024 48 mins

In this gripping episode, we sit down with Ashley Randele, daughter of Thomas Randele, to uncover the incredible story of her father's secret life. For decades, Thomas Randele lived a seemingly ordinary life as a loving husband and father, until the shocking revelation that he had been living under an alias, hiding a past no one could have imagined. 

Ashley takes us through her journey of discovery, grappl...

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