98: Colonel Shy's Grave

98: Colonel Shy's Grave

On Christmas Eve 1977, a headless body dressed in what appeared to be a tuxedo was discovered sitting atop the grave of Confederate officer Colonel William Shy in Franklin, Tennessee. Investigators initially believed they were dealing with a recent homicide, but forensic anthropologist Dr. William Bass soon uncovered a startling truth. The bizarre case became one of Tennessee’s most famous forensic mysteries and is credited with helping inspire the creation of the University of Tennessee’s Body Farm. Local legend still claims Colonel Shy’s ghost can be seen watching over Shy’s Hill, where he fell in battle.

97: Cecil Caywood

In March 1964, Cleveland cab company owner Cecil Caywood left for work and never came home in Cleveland, Tennessee. Less than 24 hours later, his blood-stained taxi and brutally murdered body were discovered in rural Bradley County, launching a murder investigation that would shock the community and remain unsolved for more than a year. In this episode, we examine the life of Cecil Caywood, the crime that stunned Cleveland, Tennessee and the investigation that ultimately led authorities to four local men accused of one of Bradley County and Cleveland, Tennessee's most notorious murders.

96: "Chief" Jack Walker

This week we’re diving into the controversial story of Chief Jack Walker — one of the most debated figures in early Southeast Tennessee history. Known for his complicated role during the growing tensions between Cherokee leaders and white settlers, Walker’s life and violent death left behind rumors, resentment, and questions that still linger around present day Cleveland, Tennessee. Inspired by Joe Guy’s book The Hidden History of Southeast Tennessee, this episode explores the politics, power struggles, and betrayals surrounding Walker’s murder and the uneasy time leading up to Cherokee removal in our region.

95: George Owens

In this episode, we’re covering the strange disappearance of George Owens, a 79-year-old minister from Nolensville who vanished in July 1985 after failing to pick up his wife from the bus station. Later sightings described him as confused and disoriented, and his car was eventually found abandoned more than 100 miles away with odd details inside, including stacks of wood as if a fire had been planned. With no signs of a struggle and no trace of George ever found, his case remains one of Tennessee’s most unsettling unsolved mysteries. Fast forward about three minutes in if you want to skip our chatter.

94: Kentucky Meat Showers

On March 3, 1876, in Olympia Springs, Kentucky, a quiet afternoon turned bizarre when chunks of raw meat suddenly fell from the sky, covering a large area around a local farm. Witnesses watched in shock as pieces of flesh—some small, others fist-sized—rained down, and curious locals even tasted it, comparing it to venison or beef. Scientists later analyzed samples but couldn’t agree on what it was, with theories ranging from animal lung tissue to cartilage. The most widely accepted explanation is that a flock of vultures regurgitated their stomach contents mid-flight, though the true cause remains uncertain, making the “Kentucky Meat Shower” one of America’s strangest unexplained events.