Are You Captain Purple
In the summer of 1983, Bedford, Indiana, was visited by a mysterious figure who left food, clothing, and handwritten letters at the doors of those in need. He left his gifts along with what would be his signature - a set of purple spray-painted footprints and called himself Captain Purple. For 43 years, his true identity has remained a mystery—until now? “Are You Captain Purple?” is an investigative podcast documentary series that revisits this hometown legend with fresh leads, never-before-published notes, and interviews with those who were forever changed by his generosity. Led by Emmy-nominated journalist Nick Storm and Bedford native Derek Ingersoll, the podcast explores not only who Captain Purple was, but why he did what he did—shining a light on the power of kindness, compassion, and community. Recently featured in Apple Podcasts’ New Shows and New Trailers section.
Episodes
In the summer of 1983, Bedford, Indiana, was visited by a mysterious figure who left food, clothing, and handwritten letters at the doors of those in need. He left his gifts along with what would be his signature - a set of purple spray-painted footprints and called himself Captain Purple. For 43 years, his true identity has remained a mystery—until now?
“Are You Captain Purple?” is an investigative podcast documentary series that ...
Bedford, Indiana, 1983. A mysterious person leaves spray painted footprints at the steps of a local church and a letter declaring himself ‘Captain Purple.’ Other similar messages start appearing across the 12 square miles of the small Indiana town. Youth Pastor Harold Neeley recounts finding the letter at the Bedford Free Methodist Church, and the national interest, and fear that followed. Despite the nature of small towns, no one ...
The search for suspects and inconsistencies between a file at the Bedford Police Department in 2025 and the stories of an officer from 1983 have Nick Storm and Derek Ingersoll chasing after the police.
In 1983, Bedford was distrustful of the captain, at least until some took a public stand. Nick and Derek track down Richard King, who was visited by Captain Purple in spring of 1983, and hear how that encounter prompted him to com...
Nick and Derek continue their investigation into Captain Purple, the mysterious do-gooder in Bedford, Indiana, from the summer of 1983 that drew national attention.
In this episode they revisit the town’s pivot into accepting Captain Purple. They also find an interesting connection into the K Street corridor of the town where a nexus of Captain Purple visits are reported, and they make contact with the widow of former Mayor John...
Captain Purple is being chased by newspaper sports reporter Gary Gosch. The caped do-gooder also leaves a package and a request with the local radio station WBIW, and hangs a massive banner from an old structure along the highway.
Nick and Derek make contact with Rosemarie Sylvester, the main Captain Purple reporter from the Bedford Times Mail in 1983, and she offers information no one has ever heard before.
Bedford Police Officer Don Taylor has been named by his former colleagues and others as being the elusive do-gooder. What will he say after 43 years of speculation?
Are you Captain Purple? You can be. Check our webstore.
Original music in this episode by Owen Beverly.
‘You’re Never Satisfied’ by Ivory Wire.
Source notes for episode 5 are available here.
Love what we’re doing? Make a donation to keep this reporting alive.
...After decades without a peep from Captain Purple the character remerges in Bedford in late 2016. Another newspaper reporter takes up the search into the mystery.
Nick and Derek get a letter from Captain Purple.
Are you Captain Purple? You can be. Check our webstore.
Original music in this episode by Owen Beverly.
‘IKYTYK’ by Quiet Confidence.
Love what we’re doing? Make a donation. https://...
Long missing files regarding Captain Purple are located and a new suspect emerges.
Are you Captain Purple? You can be. Check our webstore for Captain Purple shirts.
Original music in this episode by Owen Beverly.
‘I Need Love’ by Mechanical River.
Love what we’re doing? Make a donation to support our independent storytelling.
https://www.paypal.com/ncp/payment/JB7K5KZYR5DCE
Have a hometown mystery to pitch? Email us at ar...
The stunning finale of Are You Captain Purple.
Original music in this episode by Owen Beverly.
‘Heartstrings’ by Indianola featuring Owen Beverly.
Want to own a replica of the original Captain Purple Fan Club shirts that Janice Hamilton produced? Check our webstore.
Love what we’re doing? Make a donation to keep this reporting alive.
Have a hometown mystery to pitch? Email us at areyoucaptainpurple@gmail.com
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