In this special fan-fiction episode of Rainy Day Rabbit Holes, Shea and Jody dive headfirst into myth, memory, and maritime magic with a story written especially for beloved Patreon supporter Captain Dan.

Set against the storm-soaked docks and taverns of the 19th-century Salish Sea, this tale follows a seasoned ship’s captain whose final voyage brings him face-to-face with Cadborosaurus—the legendary sea serpent said to haunt the waters of Cadboro Bay. What begins as a routine herring run turns into an encounter with something ancient, terrifying, beautiful… and irresistible.

Blending historical texture, Pacific Northwest folklore, and unapologetic romantic weirdness, this episode is a love letter to:

• Old sailors with haunted eyes

• Sea monsters who may not be monsters at all

• The pull of the ocean—and what happens when you answer it

This story is inspired by Episode 26, “Release the Kraken: Sea Monsters of the Salish Sea,” and created as a thank-you to Rainy Day Rabbit Holes Patreon supporters. It is fan fiction, folklore, and birthday present all rolled into one slightly damp, fish-scented package.

🎂 Happy (belated) 70th birthday, Captain Dan.
⚓ Some sailors retire. Others sail on forever.

If fog rolls in and you hear singing from the harbor… maybe don’t follow it. Or do.

Chris Staudinger, sorry we killed you off.

🎉 This week is a little different—and very special.

We’re not bringing you a new historical story in this episode. Instead, we invite you to curl up with us as we look back, laugh, and reflect on the last 100 episodes of Rainy Day Rabbit Holes.

If you’re in the mood for something story-driven instead, no worries at all—feel free to hop over to our latest fan fiction episode, which is ready and waiting for you. 🐇

🎙️ 100 episodes. Somehow.

In this milestone episode, Shea and Jody celebrate over two years of podcasting chaos, curiosity, friendship, and forgotten history. What started as a half-formed idea in the Pacific Northwest turned into 100 full episodes, countless rabbit holes, a growing community, and friendships we never expected.

This episode is part celebration, part reflection, and part love letter—to listeners, collaborators, historians, and each other.

🐇 What We Talk About:

• Why reaching 100 episodes is such a rare podcast milestone

• Early audio struggles, evolving formats, and champagne-fueled recording days

• The episodes that still stick with us (and why)

• Listener-favorite stories like:

  • Madam Mustache

  • The Salish Sea Human Foot Discoveries

  • The Traveling Corpse of Elmer McCurdy

  • Ishi: The Last Wild Indian

  • Sea Monsters of the Salish Sea

• How podcasting changed the way we see history—and historians

• Why preserving uncomfortable history matters

• Messages and reflections from listeners, friends, and fellow podcasters

• The friendships and creative communities that grew out of this show

💖 Gratitude & Community:

We take time to thank the people who made the last 100 episodes possible—from collaborators and historians to fellow podcasters, Radio Tacoma, behind-the-scenes helpers, and the listeners who stuck with us while we figured things out.

🔮 What’s Next:

We also share news about an upcoming project, State of Disgrace, where we’ll explore moments in history that echo loudly into the present—starting with McCarthyism, fear politics, and how societies find their way back from the brink.

This new show will be more focused and seasonal, but rooted in the same curiosity that drives Rainy Day Rabbit Holes.

🥂 Final Thoughts:

This episode isn’t about numbers or algorithms. It’s about showing up, staying curious, and building something together.

Whether you’ve been here since episode one or just fell down the rabbit hole—thank you for being part of this journey.

🕳️ Here’s to 100 more. See you down the rabbit hole.

What happens when ancient mythology collides with modern travel, sibling dynamics, and a very tight bus schedule?

In this episode of Rainy Day Rabbit Holes, Shea takes us deep into the mountains of Nagano Prefecture to explore Togakushi Shrine, one of Japan’s most sacred—and least touristy—Shinto sites. Along the way, we unravel the myth of Amaterasu, the sun goddess who plunged the world into darkness after her brother Susanoo’s chaos drove her into hiding inside a cave.

As Shea hikes the same forest paths once walked by gods—beneath towering 800-year-old cedar trees—Japanese legend comes vividly to life. We explore the five shrines of Togakushi, the divine doorway sealed shut to save the world, dancing gods, nine-headed dragons, spiritual power spots, and what it really means to experience Japan beyond the “Golden Route” of Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka.

This episode blends Japanese mythology, spiritual travel, off-the-beaten-path adventure, and real-life mishaps, including sprinting down mountain roads, surviving a hair-raising taxi ride, and realizing—too late—that the bus was actually running behind schedule.

If you’re fascinated by Shinto legends, sacred hikes, authentic travel experiences, or Japan beyond the tourist crowds, this episode is your invitation to step into the forest, slow down, and walk where the gods once did.

Summary

The conversation explores the story of a wild man who emerges from the wilderness, highlighting themes of cultural identity and the challenges of communication across different languages and backgrounds. The narrative illustrates the complexities of understanding and interpreting the experiences of those who are marginalized or misunderstood.

This conversation explores the rich and tumultuous history of the Muckleshoot Tribe, from their deep-rooted connection to the land and salmon to the devastating impacts of colonization and treaty betrayals. It highlights their struggle for survival, the significance of the Fish Wars, and the transformative power of the Muckleshoot Casino in revitalizing their community. The discussion also addresses the challenges that come with newfound prosperity and the tribe's ongoing efforts to revive their culture and language.