On this episode of Common Mystics, Jen and Jill explore the mysterious murder of Benjamin J. Burton, once Rhode Island’s most affluent Black businessman. A self-made man, Burton began his career loading cargo at the docks of Newport, RI, eventually founding an express company and establishing the city’s first mass transit system. Admired and respected, his tragic death from gunshot wounds on October 6, 1885, sent shockwaves through Newport society. Initially ruled a suicide by the coroner, community outcry prompted a reexamination, leading to the uncovering of a sinister truth.

On this episode of Common Mystics Jen and Jill delve into the tale of a wise woman turned vengeful witch according to a local legend. Foster, RI, now a quaint settlement, has faced numerous challenges and documented hauntings over time. The town’s struggles have been attributed to a witch named Dolly Cole, yet evidence suggests alternative origins for the negative energies. Support Common Mystics on Patreon here: https://www.patreon.com/commonmystics and sign up for exclusive bonus content like the Detours from each episode. *Please note that this episode contains references to suicide and may be triggering for sensitive audiences. Please take care while you listen. If you are having thoughts of suicide, call or text 988 for free assistance 24/7.

On this episode of Common Mystics Jen and Jill explore the mysterious death of Tom Hepburn*. Before she was a Hollywood legend, Katharine Hepburn was one six offspring of Dr. Thomas Hepburn and Katharine Houghton Hepburn. The children enjoyed a life of privilege, and were brought up in an environment of intellectual pursuits and social activism. Tom Hepburn, the eldest son and closest sibling to young Katharine, was bright, athletic, handsome and popular. He planned to attend Yale and John’s Hopkins in his father’s footsteps. Why, then, in 1921 was his life cut short at the tender age of 15? Support Common Mystics on Patreon here: https://www.patreon.com/commonmystics and sign up for exclusive bonus content like the Detours from each episode. *Please note that this episode contains discussion of suicide and may be triggering for sensitive audiences. Please take care while you listen. If you are having thoughts of suicide, call or text 988 for free assistance 24/7.