Secrets of Alcatraz and California's Haunted Ghost Town

On this episode of the California Now Podcast, host Josh Meyers kicks off a new season by exploring the Golden State’s eeriest sites: Alcatraz Island and Bodie State Historic Park. 

He starts the episode by chatting with John Martini, one of the foremost experts on Alcatraz history. The island’s notorious federal prison once held criminals including Al Capone and Machine Gun Kelly. Martini shares stories from his many years guiding tours and exploring the lesser-seen areas of Alcatraz Island. 

From its history as a military fort and prison to its transition to a federal prison, then a national park site, Martini reveals some spooky history and secrets from The Rock. “There are a couple of areas in the factory buildings where the escape attempts took place, and the hospital is notoriously creepy, specifically the psychiatric cells.” 

Next up, Meyers dives into the story of the world’s largest gold-mining ghost town, Bodie State Historic Park, with former Bodie resident and executive director of the Bodie Foundation, Shannon Boniface. “There was a lot happening in the Wild West genre,” shares Boniface, “and the ghosts didn’t come with it becoming a ghost town; there are stories from way before that.” She also discusses the history of Bodie Bill, Jerry the ghost mule, and the infamous Curse of Bodie. 

GUESTS

John Martini, Alcatraz historian, volunteer guide, and author of Fortress Alcatraz
Shannon Boniface, executive director of the Bodie Foundation 

RESOURCES

John Martini is a native San Franciscan and has spent more than 25 years as a National Park Ranger at historic sites including Alcatraz Island, the Presidio, and Fort Point.

Alcatraz – Specialty Tours
Alcatraz Cruises
Fisherman’s Wharf
Golden Gate National Recreational Area

Shannon Boniface is the executive director of the Bodie Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to the preservation, interpretation, and public enjoyment of Bodie State Historic Park. 

Bodie State Historic Park
Bodie Foundation
Mono County 
Mammoth Lakes 
Mono Lake 
Lee Vining 
Bridgeport 
Highway 395

ABOUT THE HOST

Josh Meyers is a comedian, actor, and new host of the California Now Podcast. He also co-hosts the podcast Family Trips with the Meyers Brothers.

OUR TEAM

Host and Executive Producer, Josh Meyers
Editorial Director, Jené Shaw
Producer, Kate Eplboim
Technical Producer, Jessica Marshall
Theme music, Staffan Carlén