Portland's Shanghai Tunnels with PNW Haunts & Homicides

    Booze, Brothels and the Dark Side of Portland’s Past (Feat. PNW Haunts & Homicides)

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    Episode Summary

    In this uproarious episode of "Rainy Day Rabbit Holes," we invite you to join us on a wild adventure through the shadows of Portland's storied past, where laughter meets the macabre in a thrilling crossover with the hosts of PNW Haunts & Homicides. Grab your favorite drink and prepare to be transported beneath the bustling streets of the City of Roses, as we delve into the infamous Shanghai Tunnels—a labyrinthine network steeped in dark history and ghostly lore.

    The episode kicks off with Shea and Jody teaming up with Caitlyn and Cassie, blending their unique storytelling styles to create an engaging narrative filled with humor and historical intrigue. The conversation flows seamlessly as they recount their firsthand experience on the Shanghai Tunnels Tour at Old Town Pizza & Brewing. Listeners will feel as if they are right there with the crew, exploring the damp, brick-lined passageways that once played host to nefarious activities in the early 20th century. From the dark secrets of Portland's past to the eerily entertaining ghost stories that accompany them, this episode promises to be a gripping listen.

    As we navigate through the tales of the underbelly, the hosts take a moment to dissect the term "shanghaied," exploring its problematic origins and the ways in which history can be both embellished and misunderstood. Did you know that the term refers to the practice of kidnapping sailors to fill the crews of ships headed for far-off destinations? This nefarious practice was particularly rampant in the Pacific Northwest during the 19th century, making Portland a hotspot for such grim exploits. With a dash of sass and plenty of banter, the hosts help demystify these historical nuances, ensuring that listeners not only laugh but also learn.

    But it wouldn’t be a haunted history tour without a few ghostly encounters. The episode touches on the peculiarities of spectral sightings, including the infamous flannel-wearing apparition that supposedly roams the tunnels. With the hosts’ playful inquiries—like whether ghost pee is a legitimate phenomenon—you'll find yourself chuckling while contemplating the bizarre intersection of lore and reality.

    So, whether you're a history buff, a ghost enthusiast, or someone simply looking for a good laugh, this episode of "Rainy Day Rabbit Holes" is a perfect blend of entertainment and education. Join us as we raise a glass to the past, explore the hidden depths of Portland, and embrace the hilarity that ensues when history gets a ghostly twist. Tune in for a delightful journey filled with booze, brothels, and the delightful chaos that only the Pacific Northwest can provide.

    Booze, Brothels, and the Dark Side of Portland’s Past (Feat. PNW Haunts & Homicides)


    What happens when you toss two hilarious Pacific Northwest history podcasts into Portland’s creepiest tunnels with beer, ghosts, and a whole lot of sass? This. You get this glorious chaos.


    In this unhinged crossover episode, Shea and Jody from Rainy Day Rabbit Holes team up with Caitlyn and Cassie from PNW Haunts & Homicides for a deep, dark dive beneath the streets of Portland, Oregon. From damp brick passageways to flannel-wearing apparitions, the crew recounts their visit to the Shanghai Tunnels Tour at Old Town Pizza & Brewing, while also dissecting the problematic roots of the term “shanghaied,” historic embellishments, and whether ghost pee is a thing. Expect history, hilarity, hauntings—and maybe some drunken shenanigans. 


    👻 Learn more or book your own tunnel tour: Shanghai Tunnels Tour at Old Town Pizza & Brewing


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    🕰️ CHAPTERS


    00:00 - Intro: Setting the Spooky Mood

    03:45 - Meeting IRL for the First Time (and yes, we’re hot)

    07:10 - What Are the Shanghai Tunnels, Really?

    11:25 - Underground Pizza, Brewing, and Ambience

    16:40 - Ghosts, Perfume, and Paranormal Pee

    21:30 - History vs. Legend: Is Shea Ruining Everything?

    27:55 - Who Was Nina (Nina?) and Did She Get Moidered?

    35:45 - Tour Guide Shoutout: Doug Is a Legend

    40:30 - Crimping Ain’t Just for Hair

    44:15 - Rating the Tour: The Squatch Scale

    50:05 - That Haunted Photo... And the Phillip Experiment

    55:20 - Final Thoughts & The Case for Ziplining to Bars

    59:00 - Goodbye from the Pod Pals


    Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/history-unhinged-rainy-day-rabbit-holes--6271663/support.

    April 23, 2025

    Episode Gallery

    Portland’s infamous, ghost-filled Shanghai Tunnels

    Portland’s infamous, ghost-filled Shanghai Tunnels

    Chapters

    00:00
    Intro: Setting the Spooky Mood
    03:45
    Meeting IRL for the First Time (and yes, we’re hot)
    07:10
    What Are the Shanghai Tunnels, Really?
    11:25
    Underground Pizza, Brewing, and Ambience
    16:40
    Ghosts, Perfume, and Paranormal Pee
    21:30
    History vs. Legend: Is Shea Ruining Everything?
    27:55
    Who Was Nina (Nina?) and Did She Get Moidered?
    35:45
    Tour Guide Shoutout: Doug Is a Legend
    40:30
    Crimping Ain’t Just for Hair
    44:15
    Rating the Tour: The Squatch Scale
    50:05
    That Haunted Photo... And the Phillip Experiment
    55:20
    Final Thoughts & The Case for Ziplining to Bars
    59:00
    Goodbye from the Pod PalsBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/history-unhinged-rainy-day-rabbit-holes--6271663/support.

    Sources and Links

    Episode Location

    Portland, Oregon, United States

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    Shanghai Tunnels, Portland, Oregon

    Lat: 45.515197Lng: -122.678367

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