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.
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Episodes
Sunday Jan 04, 2026
Sunday Jan 04, 2026
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.
A podcast like you’ve never heard before: Are You Captain Purple? Launches February 2, 2026. Subscribe now.
Sunday Feb 01, 2026
Sunday Feb 01, 2026
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 knows who was behind the night time antics of Captain Purple.
2025: Nick Storm and Derek Ingersoll begin their investigation into Captain Purple heading to Bedford, Indiana, to speak with first hand sources from four-decades prior, and they begin to understand why this true story could have much deeper implications.
Are You Captain Purple merch is available now on our webstore.
Original music in this episode by Owen Beverly.
‘Words of Caution,’ by Nathan Jacques.
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****SPOILERS****
Click here for a look at the I-log report from June 14, 1983 and other source notes from our reporting.
Have a hometown mystery to pitch? Email us at areyoucaptainpurple@gmail.com
Website: CaptainPurple.com
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Sunday Feb 01, 2026
Sunday Feb 01, 2026
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 come forward in defense of the town’s budding hero.
To see source material from this episode check out our series notes on the website.
Are You Captain Purple merch is available now on our webstore.
Original music in this episode by Owen Beverly.
Radar By EXO.
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Have a hometown mystery to pitch? Email us at areyoucaptainpurple@gmail.com
Website: CaptainPurple.com
Sunday Feb 01, 2026
Sunday Feb 01, 2026
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 Williams.
Want to own a replica of the original Captain Purple Fan Club shirts that Janice Hamilton produced? Check our webstore.
Source notes for this episode are available here.
Original music in this episode by Owen Beverly.
‘Let it Go’ by Dot Dot Dot
Thank you for your support. https://www.paypal.com/ncp/payment/JB7K5KZYR5DCE
Have a hometown mystery to pitch? Email us at areyoucaptainpurple@gmail.com
Website: CaptainPurple.com
Sunday Feb 01, 2026
Sunday Feb 01, 2026
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.
Source Notes for episode 4.
Want to own a replica of the original Captain Purple Fan Club shirts that Janice Hamilton produced? Check our webstore.
Original music in this episode by Owen Beverly.
‘Testify’ by Los Coast.
Love what we’re doing? Make a donation to keep this reporting alive. https://www.paypal.com/ncp/payment/JB7K5KZYR5DCE
Have a hometown mystery to pitch? Email us at areyoucaptainpurple@gmail.com
Website: CaptainPurple.com
Sunday Feb 01, 2026
Sunday Feb 01, 2026
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.
Have a hometown mystery to pitch? Email us at areyoucaptainpurple@gmail.com
Website: CaptainPurple.com
Sunday Feb 01, 2026
Sunday Feb 01, 2026
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.
Source notes for episode 6.
Love what we’re doing? Make a donation. https://www.paypal.com/ncp/payment/JB7K5KZYR5DCE
Have a hometown mystery to pitch? Email us at areyoucaptainpurple@gmail.com
Website: CaptainPurple.com
Sunday Feb 08, 2026
Sunday Feb 08, 2026
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 areyoucaptainpurple@gmail.com
Website: CaptainPurple.com
Sunday Feb 08, 2026
Sunday Feb 08, 2026
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