Podcast episodes on mythology, folklore, and urban legends, discussed by two tipsy history nerds. Every episode, co-hosts Julia and Amanda mix a drink and discuss a new story or character from a wide range of places, eras, and cultures. Learn brand-new stories and enjoy re-tellings of your favorite myths, served over ice every two weeks, on Spirits.
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Transcripts are available for every episode. Just click the episode title to read the transcript!
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We’re joined this week by Celticist, teacher, and musician Sharon Paice MacLeod who provides a beautiful, nuanced primer for Irish Cosmology. We discuss the Maiden-Mother-Crone, music in Celtic lore, keening, and Brigid’s cross.
Read MoreSince we’ve watched Amanda’s favorite vampire movie, it seemed like a good time to submerge ourselves in all things vampire. We touch on the vast history of vampire folklore and tradition, then dive into some of our favorite examples of vampire media. Since we’ve watched Amanda’s favorite vampire movie, it seemed like a good time to submerge ourselves in all things vampire. We touch on the vast history of vampire folklore and tradition, then dive into some of our favorite examples of vampire media.
Read MoreFirst it’s spooky. Then it’s sexy. That’s right, it’s our THIRTIETH Your Urban Legends special! Hear all about menacing cows, ghost crushes, and a very VERY sexy Mothman.
Read MoreThe internet’s newest favorite Pokémon game has real-life mythological origins, from its towns and cities to the wild new Pokémon making their debut in Sword & Shield. Join us to learn about new horrifying fossil animal mashups, Viking forest cats, and why the Weald isn’t just a Galar thing.
Read MoreVampires, werewolves, and aliens, oh my! We’re joined this week by the incomparable Emily VanDerWerff to talk about her book, the Monster of the Week genre, and the horror genre. We discover Emily’s love for A Christmas Carol, Emily breaks a cardinal vampire rule, and make a LOT of horror recommendations.
Read MoreDid we use a cheesy Christmas movie as an excuse to talk about ghost stories and haunted houses during Christmas time? We sure did. Amanda and Julia both brought the research this episode, talking about the tradition of telling ghost stories around Christmas and how hauntings are way less romantic that Hallmark would make you believe.
Read MoreDoes your college campus scare you? After these urban legends, it just might. From a scene straight out of Poltergeist (1982) to a university with SEVERAL haunted bathrooms, we think it might be time to consider whether your campus ghosts should be filling out a FAFSA form.
Read MoreAfter years of doing Spirits, Julia is once again putting Amanda to the test to see what she’s learned. This time, Amanda must decide whether a mythological story ends in a Trick or a Treat with the help of our Witches Three: Eric Silver, Mike Schubert, and Brandon Grugle.
Read MoreHave you ever wanted to ask your local forest witch a question? Enter “Ask Baba Yaga” and Taisia Kitaiskaia. We talk with the wonderful author about her process of channeling the Slavic folklore character, how she grew up with the story, AND one lucky Conspiriter gets their question answered by Baba Yaga!
Read MoreWe’re revamping our Myth Movie Nights by revisiting a Spirits favorite - selkies! We’re doing a deep dive (get it?) into the Celtic stories of ‘Song of the Sea,’ featuring: summer stones, storm hags, where a selkie coat comes from, and being kind to yourself.
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