Read a more in-depth article about Candyman: https://weirddarkness.com/candyman-love-story/
Say his name five times in a mirror, and Candyman, a vengeful spirit born from love, betrayal, and unspeakable violence, will appear to continue his blood-soaked legend across generations.
*No AI Voices Are Used In The Narration Of This Podcast*
IN THIS EPISODE: If you look in a mirror and say his name five times, he will appear behind you, complete with a hook for a hand – covered in blood because his hand has been cut off. Isn’t that romantic? No? Well, Clive Barker’s 1992 horror cult classic “Candyman” actually began as a real-life love story. So how did it turn so gruesome and terrifying? (The Nightmarish Love Story Behind Horror’s Candyman) *** The Enfield Poltergeist has become infamous thanks to Ed and Lorraine Warren and “The Conjuring” films. That took place in a house in Brimsdown, Enfield, London England. But on the other side of the pond there is an Enfield, Illinois. Not as well known as the one in England of course, but they still have a horror in their past. One that took place four years before the Enfield incident in London… about a terrifying creature that locals who were alive at the time still get goosebumps talking about. (The Horror of the Enfield, Illinois Monster) *** Complex family dynamics and an infatuated businessman ended in a murder that was covered up and remained hidden for three decades, buried in the grounds of the house at 10324 Canyon Road. (A Dark Secret Leads To a Death On Canyon Road) *** One girl decided to go by the name of Lila, because her true name was Delilah but she didn’t want to be associated with that harlot in the Bible. The stories behind how people get nicknames can often be fascinating. So how do you supposed Margaret Dickson got tagged with the nickname of “Half Hangit Maggie”? (Half Hangit Maggie) *** The search for intelligent life in the universe has been a goal for decades, with everyone from NASA to SETI to backyard Ufologists looking to the skies, listening to various radio waves, hoping to catch just a glimpse, at least a hint of what we hope to find. But could it be that we’re looking in the wrong place? Perhaps the extraterrestrial intelligence, the more advanced life we seek to make contact with, is not out there somewhere… but it is here somewhere… already on Earth? (There Might Be Intelligent Life On Earth After All) *** Too often we are let down by those whom we look up to – and that goes doubly so for those in religious authority. How many well-known religious figures have toppled over after being exalted on high by the followers they so skillfully misled? Jim Bakker, Robert Tilton, Ted Haggard, Jimmy Swaggart… but none compare to Major Thomas Weir – a strict Presbyterian known for his powerful prayers, earning him a reputation for being one of the most saintly men of his time. But then he made a confession so outlandish, so ghastly and profane, they executed him. (Confession of a Warlock)
CHAPTERS & TIME STAMPS (All Times Approximate)…
00:00:00.000 = Show Open
00:03:42.594 = The Nightmarish Love Story Behind Horror’s “Candyman”
00:19:53.864 = Horror of the Enfield Monster ***
00:29:03.329 = Half Hang-It Maggie
00:43:57.532 = Dark Secret Leads to a Death On Canyon Road ***
00:51:32.380 = There Might Be Intelligent Life On Earth After All
01:03:56.242 = Confession of a Warlock ***
01:17:24.131 = Show Close
*** = Begins immediately after inserted ad break
HELPFUL LINKS & RESOURCES…
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https://WeirdDarkness.com/AUDIOBOOKS = FREE Audiobooks Narrated By Darren Marlar
EPISODE BLOG PAGE (includes sources): https://weirddarkness.com/candyman
SOURCES and RESOURCES:
“The Nightmarish Love Story Behind Horror’s Candyman” by Linda Meyers for Graveyard Shift:https://weirddarkness.tiny.us/m2jehmrs; music from Candyman soundtrack by Philip Glass
“The Horror of the Enfield, Illinois Monster” by April A. Taylor for Ranker: https://weirddarkness.tiny.us/3ec4bpfh
“A Dark Secret Leads To a Death On Canyon Road” by Fiona Guy for Crime Traveller: https://weirddarkness.tiny.us/knmaee7e
“Half Hang-it Maggie” by Suzie at Digging Up 1800: https://weirddarkness.tiny.us/m438c37r
“There Might Be Intelligent Life On Earth After All” from Earth Chronicles: https://weirddarkness.tiny.us/3sehpz6w
“Confession of a Warlock” from Esoterx.com: https://weirddarkness.tiny.us/3u4tdup6
(Over time links may become invalid, disappear, or have different content. I always make sure to give authors credit for the material I use whenever possible. If I somehow overlooked doing so for a story, or if a credit is incorrect, please let me know and I will rectify it in these show notes immediately. Some links included above may benefit me financially through qualifying purchases.)
"I have come into the world as a light, so that no one who believes in me should stay in darkness." — John 12:46
WeirdDarkness® is a registered trademark. Copyright ©2026, Weird Darkness.
Originally aired: September 08, 2021
ABOUT WEIRD DARKNESS: #WeirdDarkness is a true crime and paranormal podcast narrated by professional award-winning voice actor, Darren Marlar. Seven days per week, Weird Darkness focuses on all things strange and macabre such as haunted locations, unsolved mysteries, true ghost stories, supernatural manifestations, urban legends, unsolved or cold cases, conspiracy theories, and more. Weird Darkness has been named one of the “20 Best Storytellers in Podcasting” by Podcast Business Journal. Listeners have described the show as a blend of “Coast to Coast AM”, “The Twilight Zone”, “Unsolved Mysteries”, and “In Search Of”.DISCLAIMER: Stories and content in Weird Darkness can be disturbing for some listeners and intended for mature audiences only. Parental discretion is strongly advised.
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