• The Haunting Legends of Latin America
    Jan 11 2026

    Summary


    In this conversation, host Jose Rivera explores the haunting legends of the Women in White from Latin American folklore, focusing on three prominent figures: La Llorona, La Ciguanaba, and La Ciguapa. Each story reveals deep cultural meanings, moral lessons, and the archetypal themes of sorrow, betrayal, and the supernatural. The discussion delves into the origins, characteristics, and societal implications of these ghostly figures, highlighting their roles as cautionary tales that reflect the fears and values of the cultures they emerge from.


    1. "She is the spirit of the untamable wild."
    2. "La Llorona is the ultimate tragic figure."
    3. "They all serve as powerful cautionary tales."

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    25 Min.
  • Thanksgiving Reflections: A Personal Touch
    Dec 1 2025

    In this Thanksgiving episode, Joe Rios reflects on his holiday plans, shares insights on transforming traditional Thanksgiving meals, and emphasizes the importance of flavor and family in celebrating the holiday. He discusses how his family has redefined Thanksgiving with vibrant dishes that celebrate their cultural heritage, moving away from bland traditions to create a feast that is rich in flavor and meaning.


    Chapters

    00:00 The Emotional Resonance of Music

    08:55 Reinventing Thanksgiving Traditions

    20:01 A Vibrant Thanksgiving Feast


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    22 Min.
  • Ghostly Whispers of Colombia
    Nov 10 2025

    Summary


    In this episode of Spooky Mysteries, Joe Rios delves into the rich tapestry of Colombian folklore, exploring various ghost stories and legends that reflect the cultural heritage and moral lessons of the region. From the river guardian El Mohan to the identity thief La Tunda, each tale serves as a reminder of the respect owed to nature and the consequences of greed and disrespect. The conversation weaves through chilling narratives, emphasizing the psychological horror embedded in these stories, and concludes with a call to respect the land and its spirits.


    Chapters


    00:00 Introduction and Technical Difficulties

    02:41 Exploring Colombian Folklore

    13:20 Legends of El Mohan and El Hombre Caiman

    16:44 The Spirit of La Madre Monte

    18:56 Tales of El Silbón and La Tunda

    24:59 The Mysterious Patasola and Borrarro

    28:46 Lessons from Colombian Horror Stories


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    31 Min.
  • True Crime Conversations: Beyond the Headlines
    Oct 26 2025

    In this engaging conversation, Joe Rios and Doll delve into the complexities of serial killers, discussing infamous figures like Ted Bundy and Gary Ridgway. They explore the psychological aspects, societal impacts, and media portrayals of these criminals, while also touching on personal anecdotes and broader themes of mental health and societal perceptions.


    Chapters


    00:00 Introduction to the Conversation

    02:27 Exploring Ted Bundy and the Green River Killer

    06:12 Mental Health and Serial Killers

    09:50 Cultural Reflections on Serial Killers

    12:59 Netflix's Portrayal of Serial Killers

    17:09 Personal Experiences with Fear and Horror

    20:31 The Impact of Serial Killers on Society

    24:31 American Horror Story and Its Themes

    28:06 Pop Culture and Horror Shows

    31:47 The Science Behind Horror: Cordyceps and Realism

    32:46 Serial Killers: A Deep Dive into Gary Ridgway and Ted Bundy

    42:12 The Psychology of Serial Killers

    43:55 Mental Health Stigmas and Media Representation

    45:00 The Intriguing Nature of Criminal Minds

    46:50 Pets and Their Paranormal Connections

    51:28 Personal Experiences with the Paranormal

    53:50 The Impact of Sobriety on Spiritual Awareness

    56:16 Exorcisms and Spiritual Cleansing

    59:37 The Psychology of Serial Killers

    01:08:09 Cultural Reflections on Crime and Morality

    01:09:33 The Legacy of Ed Gein and His Influence on Serial Killers

    01:10:54 The Complex Persona of Charles Manson

    01:13:00 Manipulation and Control in Cult Leadership

    01:16:10 The Power Dynamics in Serial Killings

    01:19:35 Femicide and Gendered Violence in Mexico

    01:24:21 The Rehabilitation of Serial Killers in Society

    01:31:55 Exploring Complex Characters

    01:34:21 Cultural Reflections Through Media

    01:37:09 The Art of Portrayal in Acting

    01:41:54 Navigating Personal Stories and Accountability

    01:45:06 The Role of Community in Crime Solving



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    1 Std. und 58 Min.
  • Unveiling the Hidden Crimes: A True Crime Discussion
    Oct 6 2025

    Summary


    This conversation delves into the often-overlooked stories of Hispanic crime victims in America, highlighting the systemic issues that contribute to their invisibility in media and law enforcement. Joe Rios discusses specific cases, such as that of Marisol Sanchez, and emphasizes the importance of community action, policy change, and persistent advocacy in seeking justice for these individuals. The conversation also addresses the challenges faced by families in reporting missing persons and the need for better representation and resources for Hispanic communities.


    Chapters

    00:00 Introduction to True Crime and Hispanic Stories

    01:18 The Vanishing Point: Marisol Sanchez's Case

    11:07 The Role of Community in Missing Persons Cases

    18:38 Turning Pain into Policy: Activism and Change

    25:27 The Cartel Wars: A New Era of Violence

    Keywords


    true crime, Hispanic crime, social justice, missing persons, community action, crime reporting, grassroots movements, policy change, Marisol Sanchez, cross-border crime

    #TrueCrimeStories #HispanicVoices #SocialJustice #JusticeForAll

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    26 Min.
  • The Haunting of La Llorona and Friends
    Sep 15 2025

    In this engaging conversation, Joe Rios delves into the rich tapestry of Latin American ghost stories, exploring the haunting tales of La Llorona and other spectral figures. He shares personal anecdotes, cultural insights, and advice on supporting friends through difficult times, particularly breakups. The discussion is interspersed with humor and relatable experiences, making it both entertaining and informative.

    Chapters


    00:00 Introduction and Setup

    05:39 Exploring Latin American Ghost Stories

    12:11 Traveling Ghosts and Their Legends

    21:30 The Final Warning and Lessons from Ghosts

    24:36 Advice on Supporting Friends Through Breakups

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    29 Min.
  • How Hispanic Folklore Shapes Our Fears
    Aug 25 2025

    Summary


    In this conversation, Joe Rios explores the rich tapestry of Hispanic folklore, focusing on iconic figures like La Llorona and El Cucuy. He delves into how these stories serve as cultural programming, reinforcing societal norms and values, particularly around gender roles. Rios discusses the historical context of these tales, tracing their origins to the syncretism of Spanish and indigenous cultures. He emphasizes the living nature of folklore, its evolution over time, and its role in shaping community identity and personal reflections on heritage.


    Chapters


    00:00 Introduction to Cultural Folklore

    02:13 La Llorona: The Weeping Woman

    04:44 El Cucuy: The Boogeyman of Discipline

    07:26 Cultural Syncretism and the Origins of Folklore

    10:12 The Evolution of Folklore and Personal Reflections

    Takeaways


    Hispanic folklore serves as cultural programming that reinforces societal norms.

    La Llorona is a cautionary tale about women's roles in society.

    El Cucuy embodies parental authority and discipline through fear.

    Folklore is a powerful tool for passing down cultural values and history.

    The blending of Spanish and indigenous cultures created unique folklore.

    These stories are alive and evolve with each generation.

    Folklore strengthens family and community bonds.

    Chicana artists are reclaiming figures like La Llorona as symbols of resistance.

    Folklore reflects changing societal values and identities.

    Stories told with heart are powerful forces in the world.



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    10 Min.
  • Inside the Shadows: The Story of Brenda Paz and MS-13
    Aug 18 2025

    Summary


    In this episode, Joe Rios shares a personal story about his encounters with the notorious gang MS-13, detailing the gang's history, recruitment tactics, and the tragic tale of Brenda Paz, a young woman who became an informant and ultimately paid the price for her betrayal. The conversation explores the ongoing threat of gang violence in communities and the complexities of gang culture.


    https://faceofhalloween.org/2025/jose-rivera-6


    Chapters


    00:00 Introduction to Spooky Mysteries and Personal Anecdote

    05:20 Encounter with MS-13: A Personal Story

    10:45 The Rise and Brutality of MS-13

    16:11 Brenda Paz: The Informant's Story

    21:23 The Tragic Fate of Brenda Paz

    28:09 The Ongoing Threat of Gangs in Communities


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    30 Min.