Episode 114: The Curses
We’ve discussed a number of curses on the podcast before—but this episode, we dive into the murky waters of allegedly evil phone numbers and YouTube videos. Can receiving a call, owning a number, or watching a video really cause someone’s death?
Hosted, Written, and Researched by Laurah Norton
Engineered and Produced by Maura Currie
EPISODE INTEL:
In this investigation, we explore the evolution of the "cursed" object in the digital age. From viral videos said to cause physical harm to international phone numbers associated with a string of tragic ends, we examine how folklore survives and adapts in the era of the World Wide Web.
The Mereana Mordegard Glesgorv Mystery: An examination of the 2008 viral video and the elaborate lore regarding corporate conspiracies and reported physiological effects on its viewers.
The "Red Number" Phenomenon: We trace the 2004 text-message scares in Nigeria and Pakistan involving specific digits rumored to deliver fatal high-frequency signals.
The 0888 888 888 Case Study: A look at the archival records of a Bulgarian mobile number that was reportedly suspended after three consecutive owners met untimely ends within a single decade.
Digital Chain Letters and Superstition: We analyze the transition from Landline dares, like the "666-6666" landline myths of the 1990s, to modern "traveling curses" found in faked found-footage and social media trends.
Archival Sources: Reports and analysis from NPR, The Telegraph, CBS News, and the St. Mary's Beacon.
Sources on our website: https://www.onestrangethingpodcast.com/
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Works Cited
N/A, “Mobile phone number suspended after three users die in 10 years.” The Telegraph, 2010.
Brian Bernbaum, “The Odd Truth (July 23rd, 2004).” CBS News, 2004.
Scott Cameron, “Beware The Cursed Phone Number.” NPR, 2010.
Gregory Burkhart, “Don’t Answer The Phone.” The 13th Floor, 2018.
Lucia, “If You Get a Call From a Red Number. . .” The Ghost In My Machine, 2019.
Reddit, “Anybody remember. . .” R/Atlanta, 2014.
Reddit, “I watched a. . .” R/MorbidQuestions, 2021.
N/A, “Jinxed mobile number suspended after 3 users die in 10 years.” NDTV, 2010.
Paranaoid Wiki, Mereana Mordegard Glesgorv
Creepypasta Wiki, Mereana Mordegard Glesgorv
Matt Moen, “Cursed Images. . .”Paper Magazine, 2019.