Hello, friends, and welcome back to your favorite podcast. You know, the one that doesn't exist. Can you hear the sound of me winking?
Today's episode will make you question everything you think you know about lights, and pumpkins, and maybe ghosts.
I'm Karlie Q, and this is Who Went Wow Mystery Edition.
Our past is vast and wild Many things have brought us to this day As history has been compiled Some important details have slipped away In our spectacular shared existence We consider it our business To recognize a few folks you may not know Made important inventions Asked all the right questions History will never be the same As you know, I work at Butthead as a junior temporal analyst during business hours.
Hey! How was your time in Thailand?
Oh, it was wonderful.
You should come sometime.
you know i take my vacations here kind of but i spend my lunch breaks doing my real work investigating history's mysteries to bring my findings to you through this super important podcast and there was lewis coming towards me with a greeting card and a pen in his hand you're just now getting to work huh you know what lewis i am kind of in a hurry actually what pretend to work until you can get inside that time travel elevator at lunch do not say that up here Well, I'm sorry to say I actually have lunch plans already.
So I can't hang with you at lunch today.
I know. Bummer. Found you, Faye!
Oh my goodness, it's a real bummer!
Um, did you have a reason for stopping me?
Or, can I head down to my desk?
Sign this card. You know Watson over in acquisitions, right?
He wears holiday sweaters all year round.
Uh -huh. Yeah. Well, he's retiring after 30 years at Butthead and I thought it would be nice It's nice for everyone to sign this happy retirement card for him.
Oh, that's nice of you, Lewis.
I know. Here you go.
Carly Q -oo -oo -oo -oo.
Wow, that's a lot of loops for one letter.
I know, right? It's taken me years to perfect it.
Good talk. See you later.
Not so fast. Carly Q -oo -oo -oo -oo -oo.
I have an exceptionally busy day, so i'm assigning you the very important task of getting everyone at butthead to sign watson's card what but you only have two signatures mine and yours precisely and i need this done by 3 p .m that's impossible if you break up the word impossible it spells i'm possible you're possible carly good luck that makes no sense i'm going to do have you ever been so frustrated that you You just wanted to poke holes in all the Post -it notes?
Yes, that was me. But I took a deep breath and headed down to the basement.
I am going to poke so many holes in so many Post -its.
It's going to look like a bunch of cheese art.
I was extremely unsure about how I would get a signature from everybody in the butthead building.
Time -sealed event. I couldn't stress about retirement cards anymore.
It was time to get to work.
Event, Texas 2022. Swampy forest, floating lights.
A new mystery. As always, this was my chance to use Butthead's time -traveling elevator to sneak back in time and investigate what was being hidden in that file.
Time for the time seal happy dance.
OK, I know you can't see me doing it, but the time seal happy dance is an exuberant celebration of life's mysteries.
It kind of looks like a cross between the running man and the Gritty.
A little more hip action though.
I stopped dancing, pulled my HDAD device from my drawer, and entered my clues.
Texas 2022, swampy forest, and floating lights.
We're going to Texas!
And 2022 is practically yesterday?
This is a current -ish mystery.
Wait, I've never been to Texas before.
Ooh, maybe I should work on sounding like a Texan so I can blend in.
Howdy, howdy, welcome to Texas.
Yee -haw. Hey, y 'all.
Hey, y 'all, welcome to Texas.
Hey, y 'all, welcome to Texas.
I could have sworn Nibbles was squeaking in a Southern accent, but it was clear we needed to do more research. Okay, bless your heart.
Analysis complete. Texas 2022.
Swampy forest. Floating lights.
It is with 96 .796 % accuracy that the time sealed event referenced here is the Ghost Road of Saratoga.
Ghost Road of Saratoga?
We're going to a road full of ghosts?
This is not a drill, Nibbles.
We have been preparing for this our whole lives.
Do not panic. A reminder to everyone that the printer inked cartridges are not called blue and pink.
They should be referred to as cyan and magenta.
Thank you for your diligence on this matter.
This place is so weird. Also, you can eat lunch now.
Lunch time. Time to see some ghosts.
I grabbed H -Dad and tucked nibbles away in my backpack and then made my way to the time travel elevator.
We're looking at ghosts.
Boo! Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, dee, dee, dee.
Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, dee, dee.
Someone's in a singing mood today.
I'm excited because we're headed to Texas!
Yeehaw! Where? Texas!
You're going to do your taxes?
Texas! Oh, wow, is my Texas accent that bad?
Butthead has a strict positive comments only policy, so I will not answer that question.
But people from Texas don't all talk like cowboys, you know.
Right, yeah, of course, of course not.
Yeehaw. Okay, well, I need you to sign something for me.
I don't do autographs anymore.
No, no, I need you to sign this card. You know Watson and Acquisitions?
He's retiring. Oh yes, I heard that.
I will miss his holiday sweaters.
He got me one for Groundhog Day with Punxsutawney Phil on it.
Hm, I never got a sweater.
Anyway, Lewis is making me get everyone to sign this card for him today.
That sounds like a big job.
I know, right? I don't know if it is physically possible for me to pull this off.
Well, I'm happy to sign, of course.
Oh, and basement companion.
Banyan. Remember, you don't always need the answer to enjoy the question.
One of these days, you are gonna have to tell me how you make that sound.
What sound? Never mind.
Anyway, you should get moving.
You know the rules, Carly, but I'll repeat them just in case.
When you go to the past, you can't change or stop anything, so don't try.
You may observe and ask questions, but do not meddle.
Understand? 100%. When you arrive back in time, a card reader will remain where you came in.
Use your key card and the elevator will reappear.
You can also use it to fast forward to other time periods on the file.
But you must be back here before the end of your lunch break.
Ready? I'm ready. Well, have fun doing your taxes.
is. I'm not doing my taxes.
I, oh, I get it. Yeah.
Whoa, yeehaw! Greetings, Earthlings!
I am called Flip! And I'm Mosey!
And we're the travel blogging aliens from the Tinkercast podcast Flip and Mosey!
Last year, Flip here, crashed our spaceship onto your lovely planet Earth.
Actually, it was an asteroid that crashed our spaceship.
The representative at Milky Way Insurance said I was, quote, not responsible.
While we wait for the next tow ship, we're traveling Earth and teaching Earthling family units about the wonders of this big blue planet.
Like the peregrine falcon, alligator, and with every adventure, we get closer to learning how to be an Earthling.
Join us for more musical adventures by listening to Flippin' Mosey, wherever you get your podcasts.
Ooh, that was really fast. Okay, well, I guess this is it.
But, Nibbles, we are deep in the hard Texas.
It's so dark. How can you tell?
Well, the stars at night are big and bright.
Ah, I see what you did there.
Like the song. Well played.
Thank you, thank you.
Oh, I am glad I brought a flashlight.
The stars actually aren't all that bright, if I'm being honest. Look, that sign over there says we're in the Big Thicket National Preserve.
I wonder what they're preserving.
They're probably preserving the dark secrets that haunt the Ghost Road.
And apparently I will be preserving the rational thinking for the two of us.
Wait, you don't believe in ghosts?
I'm a rodent! I don't believe in anything I can't see, or smell, or taste.
Mmm, especially taste.
Well, if this place is preserving anything unusual, we are going to find out what it is.
We were in the middle of a huge, swampy forest. The trees above us were tall and lush.
And the shadows and darkness made everything look really creepy.
I gotta say, this would be a perfect place for ghosts to live, Nibbles.
If you believe in ghosts.
Shh! What if they can hear you?
You think ghosts are listening?
Come on, Nibs. The sign says the ghost road is this way.
Are we there yet? Are we there yet?
Are we there yet? ghost require patience.
Patience, patience, patience.
Why just stop? This is it?
I guess. Is this even a road?
Even if it had been daytime, there wouldn't have been much to see on the Ghost Road, which, according to a small signpost, is actually named Brag Road?
It was just an ordinary road, only very dark.
I don't see anything unique here.
Do you, Nipples? Nada.
I've seen alleys with more going on.
Yeah, okay. Let's just keep going.
So, let me get this straight.
We traveled all the way to Texas to stand on a dirt road at night?
I could have stayed in the basement.
She was right. There wasn't anything there.
But then... Wait. Do you see that light over there?
Is that it? Is that the ghost?
I wouldn't get too carried away.
It's just a light. It's coming closer.
You're right, Carly.
It is coming closer.
Should we run away?
We're here to solve a mystery, Nibbles.
We can't just scurry away.
I'm a rat. Scurrying away is literally what I do.
I was shaking in my boots.
But I needed to find out what was behind that light.
Come on, Nibbles. Let's do this.
The light got bigger for each step.
We're going to catch the ghost!
We got closer and closer until...
Whoa there! What are you doing out on this road so late?
It was a woman. And the light was her flashlight.
I thought I was chasing a ghost. I saw your flashlight and thought the same thing.
I'm Carly Q. And I'm Ranger May.
Is that your pet rat?
Yes. Her name is Nibbles.
Well, pleasure to meet you both.
Both. But you shouldn't be out here.
It isn't safe at night.
Why isn't it safe? Because of the ghosts?
That's one theory. Ooh, are there others?
Oh, there's some animals out here who don't like to share their space.
Now let's get inside and out of the dark.
Follow me to my ranger station?
Yes, please. Have you lived here long, Ranger Mae?
Since I was knee -high to a grasshopper, as the old saying goes, my father and his father grew up here, too.
Wow, your whole life?
Can you tell me more about the lights?
Why do people call it the Ghost Road?
During the day, Brad Road, it's a normal -looking street through a swamp, but at night, it becomes one of the most haunted roads in Texas.
Haunted how? There are some pumpkin -sized lights that show up almost every night.
They're usually white or blue, and it seems like no matter how hard you chase them, you can never catch up or even come close.
to be honest. Oh, oh, oh, what if it's a baby ghost who got separated from his family so he's waiting on Bragg Road until they come back?
That's an interesting theory.
Maybe I'll add it to the display.
Display? You got a display?
In my ranger station, I've got a ghost road display where I'll list some of the theories people have. I'll show ya.
Ooh, yes, score. We made it to the ranger station.
It was a log cabin that looked old enough Enough for my grandfather's grandfather to have built it.
Hang tight for just a sec while I take this call.
Huh, what's this? Looks like people litter in the woods, just like they do in the city.
Rude, I'll throw it away.
Wait, what is this?
When I picked it up, I realized the trash was actually a travel brochure for the ghost road.
It was torn up, but I could make out some of the words.
Decay of phosphorous and methane.
Sounds sciencey and exciting.
Hdad, what does this mean when talking about the ghost road?
Analyzing? This is in relation to the term will -o' -the -wisp.
Oh! I love her new single!
Wait, will -o' who? A will -o' -the -wisp.
In folklore a will -o' -the -wisp is an atmospheric ghost light seen by travelers at night especially in bogs, swamps, or marshes.
Hmm. Sounds familiar.
Metaphorically will -o' -the -wisp refers to a goal that seems impossible to reach. Like lunch. That's just like what Ranger May said the lights do.
All set. Let's check out those ghost road theories I told you about.
In the corner of the ranger station was a big display of pictures of the ghost road.
And next to that was a big red button.
Ooh, can I push the button?
I love pushing buttons.
Be my guest. I hope one of the theories is pumpkin invaders from the planet Jack -o -Lant.
It's gonna be weather balloons.
It's always weather balloons.
Bragg Road was once a railroad track.
According to legend, the lights are the ghost of a railroad conductor wandering the road with a lantern.
I love people who are dedicated to their job, even as a ghost. Let's hear another.
After her wedding, a bride went for a walk on Bragg Road and never returned.
The legend is the lights are the lantern of her husband, looking for her.
Her dress definitely got dirty walking around on that road.
She should try stain remover sticks.
Honestly they're like magic.
The most popular theory is a mysterious phenomenon known as Will of the Wisps.
That's my clue from the flyer.
Scientists say the lights can be happening when swamp gases catch fire or are mixed with oxygen.
So you've heard all the theories.
What do you think? think the lights are, Carly Q?
I can't be sure. Will -o' -the -wisp sounds like a very logical explanation, but I am not ruling out the idea of extraterrestrials with glow sticks.
That's fair. Do you have a favorite theory about the Ghost Road, Ranger May?
It is hard to pick one favorite.
I like them all so much for different reasons.
I mean, after all, I did make this display.
Wait, you made this whole display?
Whoa. Someone's crafty.
I did. I really enjoy how excited folks get when they learn about these mysterious lights.
But you must have some opinion about what's causing the ghost lights.
I'm telling you. It's a weather balloon.
She just doesn't want to say it.
Well, I suppose I might have some opinions, but I keep them to myself.
It's more fun that way.
Fun? Well, yeah. Aren't you enjoying Enjoying this?
Of course. Well, there you go.
These lights aren't hurting anybody, and people seem to like the mystery.
You are very smart, which I presume is why you are in charge.
Thank you, Carly Q.
Would you like to stay for a light supper?
Uh, yes. I love supper.
I also love pie, and I actually skipped lunch today because, oh, you know what?
Actually, we gotta go, Ranger Mae.
Thank you so much. It was great meeting you and learning about the Ghost Road, but we're outta here.
Thank you, I'm glad we ran into each other.
Stay safe on the road.
Incoming message from Butt Headquarters.
Attention Butt Headors!
Finish shoving food down your gullets and get back to work.
Good luck! We gotta go, Nibs, but before we do...
The stars at night are big and bright!
Right deep in the heart of Texas.
Right on time. How was your mystery?
It was very special, Odie.
We stood on one of the most haunted roads in the country.
Oh, did you see the ghosts?
Well, we saw something, and it was very spooky at first. Yes?
But it wasn't a ghost. Not this time.
I might take a vacation there, though, and, you know, do the ghost tour.
Oh. Well, that sounds lovely.
But now I gotta get started on getting Mr. Watson's retirement card signed.
I guess I'll just go right back up to the third floor.
Hey, where is it? What do you mean, where is what, Nibbles?
The retirement card. I must have dropped it.
Maybe you should look on your desk.
I hope I didn't drop it in the elevator, or even worse, on the ghost road.
Maybe you should look on your desk.
I mean, I had no reason to bring it with me in the elevator, so it would make sense.
Maybe you should look on your desk.
Maybe I should just check my desk.
Exceptional idea. I was so scared that I had lost the card. Louis was going to be furious with me, and poor Mr. Watson would never know how much his seasonal sweater meant to everyone.
But when I got back to my desk...
Wait, what is this?
I know it's the card, Nibbles.
but it's been placed so carefully on my keyboard. I didn't put it there.
Oh, and it's already been signed by everybody.
How did... Oh, hey, Carly Q.
How was that time -traveling adventure?
Oh, it was so good.
I don't really care.
Is that the retirement card?
Yeah, and it's been signed by the whole office.
Well, good for you.
Except, well, I had nothing to do with it.
I lost the card. I mean, I must have dropped it somewhere or something, and then I just found it on my desk with everybody's signatures on it already.
Look, Mario and accounting drew a little smiley face.
Aw, that's sweet. I think that's a frowny face, or maybe a flower.
But anyway, good job.
But I didn't do it.
Hmm, sounds like you have another mystery on your hands, Carly Q.
The only person that I got to sign this card was...
Oh, hello, Odie. Odie.
That's my name, don't wear it out.
You, you, did you get that card signed?
I have nothing to say on this subject, except to remind you, you don't always need the answer to enjoy the question.
Aha! It was you! I did not say that.
I would not say that.
And if you say that, I will deny it.
Odie never did really explain how the retirement card got signed, but just like Ranger May and the Ghost Road, I think she's enjoying the mystery.
And I'm enjoying it, too.
I always enjoy a mystery, especially when I can share it with good friends.
I can't wait to see what I'll learn on my next time traveling adventure.
But until then, I'm Carly Q signing off from your favorite fairy secret podcast. mystery edition is an original tinker cast production with help from gen z media handshake emoji high five emoji for tinker cast the executive producers are guy roz mindy thomas and meredith halpern ranzer the shows are written by aaron weissman danielle nicky tom van kalkin kenny curtis and mindy thomas carly shiraki is a producing consultant big shout outs to jed anderson steph sosa henry moskel jessica bodey natasha krendel rebecca kaban sona ali mohammed Anna Daneker, Anna Zagorski, and the rest of the team at Tinkercast. Megaphone
emoji, applause emoji.
Who Went Wow's theme song was composed and performed by The Pop -Ups.
For more information on their three -time Grammy -nominated all -ages music, find them at thepopups .com.
Producers for Gen Z Media are David Kreisman, Ben Strauss, Chris Terry, Claire McClanahan, and Amy Cervini at gzmshows .com.
Sound design and editing is by Chris Terry and Oded Lev Ari.
Voice editing by Yodi Reckham.
Headphones emoji, microphone emoji, thumbs up emoji.
Original music was created by Jennifer Rohkamp.
And voice direction is handled by David Kreisman.
Our main cast features Carly Shiraki as Carly Q.
Brandon Salerno as Lewis.
Melissa Vanderschiff as Nibbles the Rat.
Kenny Curtis as H -Dad.
And Angela Desai as Odie.
Want to explore Who Went Wow's mysteries even further?
You can find free activities and resources to extend the wow at whowentwow .com.
And if you have a time -sealed mystery you want Carly Q to explore, email us at hello at tinkercast .com.
H -Den, powering off.
Who, When, Where was made by Tinkercast and sent to you by Wondery.
Shh, it's starting.
GZM Shows. Imagination Amplified.
