← The Big Story
Ghost Town Ghosts: The Avenging Skull of Saint Leonards artwork

Ghost Town Ghosts: The Avenging Skull of Saint Leonards

The Big Story
E124331:11
Play episode

Show notes

Saint Leonards, Newfoundland, is a community with more than its fair share of ghost stories. Headless dogs are said to wander the abandoned churchyard at night. A phantom ship was seen gliding through the eastern reach. And some believe long ago, an unearthed skull taught the town a powerful lesson about honouring the past, and respecting the dead. Tonight, we unpack the myths, legends and lore of this once-thriving coastal town. This is Part One in a four-part series called Ghost Town Ghosts which explores the phantoms and spirits once said to haunt Canadian communities that no longer exist. Fireside Canada is a podcast about Canadian legends, lies and lore. Focused on both the storytelling and the historical aspects of folklore, each episode includes a creative retelling or story inspired by the folklore as well as an exploration and analysis of its history and cultural significance: the story behind the story. You can learn more at FiresideCanada.ca. David Williams is the host, writer and researcher behind the show. You can find him on Instagram and X (formerly Twitter). We love feedback at The Big Story, as well as suggestions for future episodes. You can find us: Through email at hello@thebigstorypodcast.ca Or @thebigstory.bsky.social on Bluesky Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

More from this show

More
  1. Weekend Listen: Will an interest rate hike derail our housing market?

    Few things are spookier than an interest rate hike. Enjoy this special feed drop of our sister show "In This Economy?!" The Bank of Canada opted to hike interest rates for the firs…

    E210117:29
  2. Big Headlines: Canada-EU summit continues in Montreal as Carney pushes to become an 'associate member' again and businesses want to scrap Daylight Saving Time

    Plus: Canada is still reviewing its F-35 purchase even after receiving its first two fighter jets. Federal ministers won't say much about environment and climate change Canada aban…

    E210207:57
  3. The Nine: Did Danielle Smith get her mandate?

    Now that Question 10 has been put to rest, what about the other 9? Albertans were asked a range of questions regarding the future of the economy, immigration system, and Canada's…

    E209821:13
  4. Big Headlines: EU drops 'associate member' title for Canada as summit begins in Montreal and no Canada-U.S. trade deal coming with American midterms next week

    Plus: Prime Minister Mark Carney says Canada is not yet in a position to reach a trade deal with the U.S., even with the congressional midterms just days away. Industry Minister Mé…

    E210006:53
  5. The election that left Israel in limbo

    Israelis showed up in historic numbers to have their voice heard in Tuesday's National election. It's been more than a day since polls closed, and although official results remain…

    E209725:17
  6. Big Headlines: Most Canadians believe Carney is on the right track cozying up to Europe and Ottawa wants to hear from First Nations as it reviews the Indian Act

    Plus: Indigenous Services Minister Mandy Gull-Masty says First Nations have offered mixed reactions to Ottawa's plan to review the Indian Act, a Ukraine-based animal rescue group s…

    E209606:26
Now Playing