Hosted by Nicky and Davina, Spirit Hounds is a podcast for dog lovers and paranormal enthusiasts alike. We have a genuine love for dogs and keen interest in all things supernatural so we aim to seamlessly weave together folklore, supernatural tales, and practical dog training advice. A place you can chill and be chilled.
You can contact us on spirithounds@yahoo.com (mailto:spirithounds@yahoo.com) with your own tales of dogs behaving strangely, your paranormal experiences, and even with requests for dog training tips. Be sure to include your name and where you are from and we will read out your submissions in future episodes.
Halloween Special #2 - 🎃 Lizzie Borden: Who Really Had the Axe? | 2026
If you have a question/ story (spooky or dog-related!) you'd like to share, send a voicemail - you might hear yourself on the next episode! (https://rss.com/podcasts/spirit-hounds/voicemail)
🪓 Lizzie Borden: Who Really Had the Axe? 🎃
On 4th August 1892, a brutal double murder shocked the quiet town of Fall River, Massachusetts.
Andrew Borden was discovered dead on the sitting-room sofa. Upstairs, his wife Abby had also been savagely attacked with a hatchet-like weapon.
Suspicion soon fell on Andrew's daughter, Lizzie Borden.
But despite becoming one of America's most infamous murder suspects, Lizzie was acquitted at trial.
So who really killed Andrew and Abby Borden?
In this extended Spirit Hounds Halloween special, Davina and Nicky from investigate one of the most enduring mysteries in American true-crime history.
🔎 In this episode, we explore:
The events of 4th August 1892 & the discovery of the bodies.
The broken hatchet, the missing murder weapon & the significance of the forensic evidence.
Other possible suspects, alternative theories & potential motives.
Lizzie Borden's sensational trial & eventual acquittal.
What happened to Lizzie after the murders.
The chilling reports of paranormal activity associated with the Borden house.
Was Lizzie an innocent woman wrongly accused of an unthinkable crime? Or did she escape justice?
And more than 130 years later, could the house itself still hold secrets?
Join us for a journey through Victorian family tensions, murder, mystery, courtroom drama & the supernatural.
One house. Two murders. A mystery that refuses to die.
🔔 Subscribe for more episodes exploring paranormal folklore, ghost dogs, and real-life encounters with the unexplained.
Links/ Credits/ References/ Recommended Reading:
- Lizzie Borden Virtual Museum & Library: (https://lizzieandrewborden.com/primary-sources/)https://lizzieandrewborden.com/primary-sources/ (https://lizzieandrewborden.com/primary-sources/)
- Library of Congress: (https://guides.loc.gov/chronicling-america-lizzie-borden)https://guides.loc.gov/chronicling-america-lizzie-borden (https://guides.loc.gov/chronicling-america-lizzie-borden)
- Smithsonian Magazine: (https://www.smithsonianmag.com/history/how-lizzie-borden-got-away-with-murder-180972707/)https://www.smithsonianmag.com/history/how-lizzie-borden-got-away-with-murder-180972707/ (https://www.smithsonianmag.com/history/how-lizzie-borden-got-away-with-murder-180972707/)
- Official Historic Lizzie Borden House: (https://lizzie-borden.com/)https://lizzie-borden.com/ (https://lizzie-borden.com/)
29 Sept 2026
Episode 1 - Mediums, Moving Bread and Peculiar Pedigrees
We are back for Series 2!
It’s been a while & a lot has happened since Series 1. Rosie has kept us busy with further IVDD flare‑ups & crate rest, yet somehow became a little media star along the way. Store Paws picked up a few awards, & the podcast itself now has listeners in more than 65 countries. Before anything else: thank you — whether you’ve been with us from the start or found us recently, we’re genuinely delighted you’re here.
In this episode, Nicky and Davina share an update on Rosie’s health. She also became an Ambassador for IVDD Awareness, appearing in multiple articles, featuring on the Petgevity podcast, & having her story highlighted by the Innate Health Assessment. She hopes her experience raises awareness of this painful condition & the importance of proper insurance, as her treatment has already cost nearly £17,000 (Petgevity Insurance have been incredible throughout).
We also have a Listener Submission from Sarah in Essex, who describes a visit to a Medium that produced oddly specific details…
We discuss Psychics & Mediums: the hits that make you pause & the misses we forget — is something genuinely unexplained happening, or are our brains simply brilliant at finding patterns in coincidence?
In the dog training segment, we look back 100 years at how some well‑known breeds have changed dramatically. We explore how selective breeding & shifting has altered canine conformation, & why appearance can sometimes come at the cost of health and welfare.
Finally, we talk about the Innate Health Assessment (IHA) — an approach that encourages assessing the physical health & functionality of the individual dog in front of us, rather than accepting issues simply because they’re considered “normal for the breed”.
Please send in any submissions to: (mailto:spirithounds@yahoo.com)spirithounds@yahoo.com (mailto:spirithounds@yahoo.com) (mailto:spirithounds@yahoo.com)
Links/ Credits/ References:
“My Dachshund’s Surgeries Nearly Cost Me£17,000” (Petgevity ): here (https://www.petgevity.co.uk/blog/my-dachshunds-surgeries-nearly-cost-me-17000)
“Read Rosie the Dachshund’s story about living with IVDD” (Innate Health Assessment website): here (https://www.innatehealthassessment.org/news-updates-blog/read-rosie-the-dachshunds-story-about-living-with-ivdd)
“IVDD in dogs: Be prepared before you need to be” (Petgevity Podcast Episode 5): here (https://pod.link/1896788064/episode/YzM3YmRiNWItYjNjZS00ZWQ3LTk1NzItMzc4NWQzNmU3MDc3)
Innate Health Assessment: here (https://www.innatehealthassessment.org/take-the-iha)
The Showman And The Shade by Nicky P Gardiner: (https://link.amazon/B04cTbKAX)https://link.amazon/B04cTbKAX (https://link.amazon/B04cTbKAX)
23 Dec 2025
Episode 8 - Winter Wraiths, Tablet Tantrums and a Carefree Canine Christmas
Hosts Nicky Gardiner and Davina discuss winter folklore from around the world, including winter ghosts, dog training tips, and pet safety during Christmas.
31 Oct 2025
Halloween Special #1 - 🎃 The Haunted Hound & The Ghost Nurse
Hosts Davina Evans and Nicky delve into the legend of Britain's Black Shuck and a personal ghost nurse encounter, exploring folklore, fear, and the bond between dogs and the afterlife in this Halloween special.
7 Jun 2025
Episode 7 - Ghosts of The London Underground, Watchful Hounds and Push-Drop-Stick
Hosts Nicky Gardiner and Davina discuss haunted London Underground stations and tragic historical events, then share a listener's shadow dog encounter and Davina's "Push-Drop-Stick" dog training assessment technique.
4 Apr 2025
Episode 6 - Dear David Haunting and Loose Lead Walking
Welcome to Episode 6 of Spirit Hounds
Nicky & Davina discuss the terrifying story of Dear David that went viral on Twitter in 2017, then review the film based on the story that was released in 2023.
In the dog training segment, Davina shares how to train your dog to walk nicely on the lead - which starts before they even leave the house! Davina discusses how to ensure you have the proper lead set-up for your dog, getting them ready to leave the house calmly, plus practical training tips on what command words to use & how to use them effectively.
Send in any submissions to: spirithounds@yahoo.com (mailto:spirithounds@yahoo.com)
Halti Training Lead: (https://amzn.to/42jhhtg)https://amzn.to/42jhhtg (https://amzn.to/42jhhtg)
Slip Lead: (https://amzn.to/42uuznP)https://amzn.to/42uuznP (https://amzn.to/42uuznP)
Chain Lead: (https://amzn.to/3FUTiJm)https://amzn.to/3FUTiJm (https://amzn.to/3FUTiJm)
Buckle Down Collar: (https://amzn.to/3Ebbwpn)https://amzn.to/3Ebbwpn (https://amzn.to/3Ebbwpn)
Martingale Collar: (https://amzn.to/4jnYfZH)https://amzn.to/4jnYfZH (https://amzn.to/4jnYfZH)
Halti Headcollar/ Face Harness: (https://amzn.to/3FQSiWw)https://amzn.to/3FQSiWw (https://amzn.to/3FQSiWw)
Beaphar Gentle Leader/ Face Harness: (https://amzn.to/42ciTot)https://amzn.to/42ciTot (https://amzn.to/42ciTot)
Julius K9 IDC Powerharness: (https://amzn.to/42gNQI3)https://amzn.to/42gNQI3 (https://amzn.to/42gNQI3)
Halti No-Pull Harness: (https://amzn.to/3R0UbCz)https://amzn.to/3R0UbCz (https://amzn.to/3R0UbCz)
Eagloo Dog Harness: (https://amzn.to/4cfVuam)https://amzn.to/4cfVuamRabbitgoo (https://amzn.to/4cfVuamRabbitgoo)
No-Pull Harness: (https://amzn.to/4cfiZjI)https://amzn.to/4cfiZjI (https://amzn.to/4cfiZjI)
BullyBillows Anti-Pull Harness: (https://amzn.to/3YlqDU3)https://amzn.to/3YlqDU3 (https://amzn.to/3YlqDU3)
The Showman And The Shade by Nicky P Gardiner: (https://amzn.to/43GVMou)https://amzn.to/43GVMou (https://amzn.to/43GVMou)
5 Mar 2025
Episode 5 - Haunted Hotels, Deadly Dybbuks and Canine Clickers
Welcome to Episode 5 of Spirit Hounds.
In this episode, hosts Nicky Gardiner and Davina Evans discuss Stone Tape Theory (a possible explanation for the phenomenon of residual haunts, or seeing visions of ghosts replaying an event but who do not interact with the witnesses), several Haunted Hotels and the experiences that visitors have reported, as well as Dybbuk Boxes and the mythology and history around them…
A listener submitted a question about how to stop her puppy from biting and chewing everything in sight, so Davina offers some helpful tips to stop this destructive behaviour, and then Davina discusses how to effectively use a clicker (or the word “Yes!”) when teaching new commands to your dog.
Warning: each episode may contain some strong language and sexual references, as well as discussion around sensitive themes such as; death, suicide, murder, abuse, animal cruelty and medical procedures.
Please send in any submissions to: spirithounds@yahoo.com (mailto:spirithounds@yahoo.com)
Follow us on Facebook: Spirit Hounds Podcast (https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61569983004388)
Follow/ Subscribe to our YouTube channel: @SpiritHounds (http://www.youtube.com/@SpiritHounds) (https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61569983004388)
Book Dog Training sessions here: www.storepaws.co.uk (https://storepaws.co.uk/pages/store-paws-dog-training-service)
The Showman And The Shade: (https://amzn.to/3Dybs2Q)https://amzn.to/3Dybs2Q (https://amzn.to/3Dybs2Q)
Links:
Painting Of A Dybbuk by Ephraim Moses Lilien (1874–1925) - Book of Job, appearing in Die Bucher Der Bibel, Public Domain: https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=19447366 (https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=19447366)
TropiClean Stay Away Chew Deterrent Spray: https://amzn.to/3FgRB8C (https://amzn.to/3FgRB8C)
15 Feb 2025
Episode 4 - War Ghosts, Creepy Colchester and IVDD
Welcome to Episode 4 of Spirit Hounds
In this episode, hosts Nicky P Gardiner and Davina Evans discuss a few more stories about battlefield ghosts from World War One, the infamous Ghost of Freddy Jackson photograph, paranormal phenomena at Colchester Castle (Essex, UK) plus another listener submission story.
Davina and Nicky then discuss Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD) in dogs, their personal experience dealing with this when Rosie needed spinal surgery, plus helpful tips on how to cope when your dog is cooped up in a crate for months to recuperate!
Warning: each episode may contain some strong language and sexual references, as well as discussion around sensitive themes such as; death, suicide, murder, abuse, animal cruelty and medical procedures.
Please send in any submissions to: (mailto:spirithounds@yahoo.com)spirithounds@yahoo.com (mailto:spirithounds@yahoo.com) (mailto:spirithounds@yahoo.com)
Follow us on Facebook: Spirit Hounds Podcast (https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61569983004388)https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61569983004388 (https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61569983004388) (https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61569983004388)
Follow/ Subscribe to our YouTube channel: @SpiritHounds (http://www.youtube.com/@SpiritHounds)
Book Dog Training sessions here: Store Paws Dog Training (https://storepaws.co.uk/pages/store-paws-dog-training-service)
(https://www.amazon.co.uk/IVDD-Handbook-Helping-through-problems/dp/B0BFTWP9H5/ref=asc_df_B0BFTWP9H5?tag=bingshoppinga-21&linkCode=df0&hvadid=80127041864054&hvnetw=o&hvqmt=e&hvbmt=be&hvdev=c&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=&hvtargid=pla-4583726559871575&psc=1)The Showman And The Shade: (https://amzn.to/3Dybs2Q)https://amzn.to/3Dybs2Q (https://amzn.to/3Dybs2Q)
25 Jan 2025
Episode 3 - The Red Baron, Flirt Poles and UFO's
Episode 3 - The Red Baron, Flirt Poles and UFO's
In this episode, hosts Nicky P Gardiner and Davina Evans discuss stories about battlefield ghosts from The Battle of Culloden, The English Civil War, The Battle of Gettysburg and World War One. A surprising UFO encounter that we stumbled upon, plus some ghost dog legends, and we read out a listener submission.
Davina then gives some training advice on Impulse Control and how using a piece of equipment called a Flirt Pole will help to reinforce the commands.
Warning: each episode may contain some strong language and sexual references, as well as discussion around sensitive themes such as; death, suicide, murder, abuse, animal cruelty and medical procedures.
Please send in any submissions to: (mailto:spirithounds@yahoo.com)spirithounds@yahoo.com (mailto:spirithounds@yahoo.com) (mailto:spirithounds@yahoo.com)
Follow us on Facebook: Spirit Hounds Podcast (https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61569983004388)https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61569983004388 (https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61569983004388)
Follow/ Subscribe to our YouTube channel: @SpiritHounds (http://www.youtube.com/@SpiritHounds) (https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61569983004388)https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61569983004388 (https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61569983004388)
Book Dog Training sessions here: Store Paws Dog Training (https://storepaws.co.uk/pages/store-paws-dog-training-service)
The Showman And The Shade: (https://amzn.to/3Dybs2Q)https://amzn.to/3Dybs2Q (https://amzn.to/3Dybs2Q)
22 Dec 2024
Episode 2 - Axes, Apes and Barking Dogs
Welcome to Episode 2 of Spirit Hounds.
Each episode will include: discussions about supernatural stories, folklore legends from around the world (such as the ghosts of famous dogs), personal paranormal experiences from the hosts, listeners and special guests. As well as a segment on Dog Training from Davina, a professional dog training instructor.
In this episode, hosts Nicky P Gardiner and Davina Evans discuss the disturbing Villisca Axe Murders (in Iowa, USA) and the alleged paranormal activity in the house, an ape called Martyn who haunts Athelhampton House (in Dorset, UK), and Nicky's first paranormal novel called The Showman And The Shade.
Davina then gives some training advice and helpful tips to stop your dog barking.
Warning: each episode may contain some strong language and sexual references, as well as discussion around sensitive themes such as; death, suicide, murder, abuse, animal cruelty and medical procedures.
Please send in any submissions to: (mailto:spirithounds@yahoo.com)spirithounds@yahoo.com (mailto:spirithounds@yahoo.com) (mailto:spirithounds@yahoo.com)
Follow us on Facebook: Spirit Hounds Podcast (https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61569983004388%E2%81%A0) (https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61569983004388)
Follow/ Subscribe to our YouTube channel: @SpiritHounds (http://www.youtube.com/@SpiritHounds) (https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61569983004388)
Book Dog Training sessions here: Store Paws Dog Training (https://storepaws.co.uk/pages/store-paws-dog-training-service)
The Showman And The Shade: (https://amzn.to/3Dybs2Q)https://amzn.to/3Dybs2Q (https://amzn.to/3Dybs2Q)
5 Dec 2024
Episode 1 - Welcome to Spirit Hounds
Welcome to episode 1 of Spirit Hounds.
Each episode will include: discussions about supernatural stories, folklore legends from around the world (such as the ghosts of famous dogs), personal paranormal experiences from the hosts, listeners and special guests. As well as a segment on Dog Training from Davina, a professional dog training instructor.
In this episode, hosts Nicky P Gardiner (author with a keen interest in the paranormal) and Davina Evans (Dog Trainer) introduce themselves and their beloved Miniature Dachshund, Rosie, discuss their beliefs about the paranormal, and share some personal, unexplainable, experiences.
Davina then gives some training advice and helpful tips for if your dog is reactive to loud noises, such as fireworks.
Warning: each episode may contain some strong language and sexual references, as well as discussion around sensitive themes such as; death, suicide, murder, abuse, animal cruelty and medical procedures.
Please send in any submissions to: spirithounds@yahoo.com (mailto:spirithounds@yahoo.com)
Follow us on Facebook: Spirit Hounds Podcast
Follow/ Subscribe to our YouTube channel: @SpiritHounds (http://www.youtube.com/@SpiritHounds)
Book Dog Training sessions here: Store Paws Dog Training (https://storepaws.co.uk/pages/store-paws-dog-training-service)
The Showman And The Shade: (https://amzn.to/3Dybs2Q)https://amzn.to/3Dybs2Q (https://amzn.to/3Dybs2Q)
Reach and audience
Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.
YouTube views
7,944
Score snapshot 15 Sept 2025
Podcast Authority Score: 21 / 100
A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.
Quality
15
Social presence
0
YouTube
65
Engagement
0
Contact Spirit Hounds
Guest appearances
Books guests
Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.
Questions about Spirit Hounds
Who hosts Spirit Hounds?
Davina and Nicky Gardiner host the show. Published by Nicky Gardiner & Davina Evans.
How often do new episodes come out?
The show publishes monthly, based on its RSS feed.
Does Spirit Hounds take guests?
Yes. Guests have been identified in episode analyses.
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