Common Mystics

Ride shotgun with psychic sisters Jennifer James and Jill Stanley as they road trip to uncover extraordinary stories (we’re talking ghosts, murder, mayhem) in ordinary places (shout out to middle America!). Giving voice to the voiceless, these sisters use their intuitive powers, incredible research skills and wicked humor to “tune in” and bring untold history to life. So, hop in, buckle up and get ready for a smart, silly, spooky good time.

Common Mystics is a religion podcast hosted by Jennifer James and Jill Stanley, with 180 episodes on record and a Required Pod Score of 80.

Jennifer James and Jill Stanley hosts Common Mystics, a religion show with 180 episodes published.

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  Episode #159

  159: The Mysterious Death of a Nazi Hunter in Los Angeles, CA

  Sep 17, 20261h 1m

  On this episode of Common Mystics, Jen and Jill uncover the extraordinary life and mysterious death of Captain John Schmidt, one of America’s earliest Nazi hunters. In 1930s Los Angeles, Nazi organizations operated openly: spreading propaganda, recruiting supporters, stockpiling weapons, and discussing violent plans. When government agencies failed to act, Jewish attorney Leon Lewis assembled a secret network of unlikely spies, including Schmidt and his wife, Alyce, to infiltrate the movement from within. Schmidt risked his life gathering evidence, exposing extremists, and testifying against Nazi leaders—even after receiving death threats inside a packed courtroom. Then, in 1944, he died suddenly under circumstances suspicious enough to trigger a poisoning investigation. Was his death natural, or had the enemies he spent years pursuing finally caught up with him? For the full visual experience, watch this episode on the Common Mystics YouTube channel, where historical photographs, documents, maps, and archival footage help bring Schmidt’s forgotten story to life. Can’t get enough hidden history, mysterious happenings, and the forgotten stories lurking in the places we explore? Join us on Patreon at patreon.com/commonmystics for extra content, monthly live calls with Jen and Jill, and plenty of spirited fun with our fabulous community of Mysties!

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  Episode #158

  158: Judy Garland and the Studio Drug Machine in Old Hollywood, CA

  Sep 3, 20261 hour

  On this episode of Common Mystics*, Jen and Jill head back to the glittering days of Old Hollywood—when movie studios didn’t just control the films their stars made. They controlled their schedules, their appearances, their weight…and sometimes, even when they slept. No one embodies the devastating consequences of the studio system quite like Judy Garland. She entered MGM as a 13-year-old girl with an extraordinary voice and emerged as one of the biggest stars in America—but the price of keeping Judy Garland camera-ready would follow her long after the studio lights went dark. So today, we’re pulling back the curtain on Hollywood’s studio drug machine—and telling the heartbreaking story of the girl who followed the Yellow Brick Road straight into the machinery of MGM. For the full experience, head over to the Common Mystics YouTube channel, where historical photographs and other visuals help bring this incredible story—and the real people and places at its heart—to life. Can’t get enough Common Mystics? Come join us on Patreon! Get extra Mystics content, exclusive deep dives, and monthly live Zooms with Jen and Jill, where we explore all things spiritual, learn together, swap ideas, and connect with an amazing community of fellow seekers. Plus, your support helps keep the Mystics on the road—traveling, researching, and giving voice to the forgotten stories waiting to be told. Join the Mystics community: https://www.patreon.com/commonmystics *This episode discusses prescription drug misuse and addiction, restrictive dieting and body shaming, the exploitation of young performers, mental health struggles, and death by accidental overdose. Please listen with care.

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  Episode #157

  157: Massacre in the Canyon in San Bernardino Co., CA

  Aug 20, 202657 min

  On this episode of Common Mystics, Jen and Jill head back to the lawless days of 1851 Southern California, where a stolen herd of horses, two murdered teamsters, and the arrest of two teenage members of the powerful Lugo family set off a deadly chain of events. What followed was a sensational trial, a revenge-hungry gang, and a bloody massacre in the mountains where nearly everyone involved would end up dead. For the full video experience, head over to the Common Mystics YouTube channel, where we’ve included historical photographs, maps, and other visuals to help bring this incredible story—and the people and places behind it—to life. If you can’t get enough Common Mystics , come hang out with us on Patreon! You’ll get extra Mystics content, exclusive deep dives, and monthly live Zooms with Jen and Jill, where we explore all things spiritual, learn together, ask questions, and connect with a wonderful community of fellow seekers. Your support also helps keep us on the road—traveling, researching, and uncovering the forgotten stories that are waiting to be told. Join the Mystics community at https://www.patreon.com/commonmystics—we’d love to see you there!

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  Episode #156

  156: Interview with Rebekah Carmichael, author of The Not-So-Scary Guide to Ghosts

  Aug 6, 20261h 9m

  On this episode of Common Mystics, Jen and Jill sit down with paranormal investigator, psychic medium, and author Rebekah Carmichael to chat about her book, The Not-So-Scary Guide to Ghosts . Rebekah challenges some of the biggest assumptions about ghosts, explaining her fascinating ideas about different types of spirits, psychic development, and why connecting with the unseen doesn't have to be frightening. We also compare investigation styles, swap ghost stories, and discover we have more in common than we expected—including an encounter with one very famous pirate! We also tackle some of the questions everyone wants answered: Are Ouija boards really dangerous? Can anyone develop psychic abilities? What separates a truly gifted psychic from a convincing fake? Plus, Rebekah shares practical advice for anyone just beginning their spiritual journey and reminds us that the spirit world may be a lot more welcoming—and a lot less scary—than we've been taught to believe. If you love uncovering hidden history and discovering the powerful stories woven into the places we explore, please consider supporting Common Mystics on Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/commonmystics . Your support helps us continue traveling, researching, and giving voice to the forgotten stories that still linger in the shadows.

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  Episode #155

  155: The Voice We Couldn't Ignore in Victorville, CA

  Jul 23, 202643 min

  On this episode of Common Mystics, Jen and JIll step outside their usual historical time frame to explore a heartbreaking case from the High Desert of Southern California in 2001. While we typically focus on stories from the more distant past, recent developments surrounding this investigation made us feel that the voiceless was reaching out, asking to be heard. To honor the privacy of those who continue to live with this tragedy, we have chosen not to use the victim's name throughout the episode. Instead, we focus on her story, the circumstances surrounding her abduction and murder, the investigation that unfolded over the years, and the remarkable events that recently brought new attention to the case. Join us as we explore a case that reminds us that, sometimes, justice may take years—but a voice seeking to be heard is never truly silenced. For the video of this episode, be sure to visit the Common Mystics YouTube channel. If you love uncovering hidden history and discovering the powerful stories woven into the places we explore, please consider supporting Common Mystics on Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/commonmystics . Your support helps us continue traveling, researching, and giving voice to the forgotten stories that still linger in the shadows.

  ListenShow Notes

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