Bewitched Banter

Happy Thanksgiving all! This time of year during grade school you've likely heard all about the Pilgrims landing on Plymouth Rock and then later all about the next colony of Jamestown, VA. But did you know before these two Thanksgiving-themed colonies, that Roanoke came first? Set off what is the modern day Outer Banks of North Carolina, 115 colonists seemingly vanished. 400 years later no one, not even scholars, scientists, or archeologists have a plausible answer for where these men, women, and children may have gone. Was is the weather, infighting within the colony, or perhaps something more sinister? Tell us what you think!

We all learned about the Witch Trials in history class, but did you know that Werewolf Trials were a thing too? The cannibal Peter Stumpp, who was nicknamed the Werewolf Killer, was the catalyst for the hysteria that took over Europe. This caused several townies to fear that they were going to be eaten by a werewolf. He is known to be one of the most gruesome serial killers of all time.

Holdel” onto your hats for this one as Krista brings us back to darkness territory on this Haunted Hollywood case. Many of us have heard of the horrors of Elizabeth Short's murder in the 1940s and know it as one of LA's most gruesome crimes. In today's episode, we go to the seedy side of the City of Angels which ironically is home to many more demons than angels – including the most likely murder suspect of Short – Dr. George Hodel. While the Short case remains unsolved with the California's District Attorney's Office, the Bewitches are pretty damn sure Hodel was the horrible human who killed the Black Dahlia (and several other women). Do you think it was him and are you shocked he got away with murder?

OMG, exorcisms are so hot right now?! But Amy's not invited to Krista's big exorcism bash. Just kidding. Amy does explain the demons away and why this religious Rite, is actually scary for those who truly believe in its proclaimed salvation.

What if we told you the ghosts you see are defined by your religion, would you believe us? Most movies and books all depict ghosts in the same fashion because they stem from the Christian lens. Krista takes us around the world and tells us how other religions define ghosts. She even ends up having an a-ha moment and realizes that she might not even have supernatural beliefs if it wasn't for her Catholic upbringing. Tune in to find out how your spiritual or lack-of spiritual beliefs create the ghosts that haunt you. Read full episode notes and sources at bewitchedbanter.com/episodes. 

We often avoid talking about death because it is taboo and not one of the happiest of topics. Our traditional burial processes are having a devastating impact on our climate crisis. It leads to 780,000,0000 tons of carbon dioxide being added to the atmosphere on a yearly basis in the United States. What if we told you that there is a greener and more sustainable way? Tune in to learn about human composting and you may be surprised on how your views may be changed after learning about this new option. It may sound radical but this option will allow our loved ones that have passed leave less of a carbon footprint and it will help future generations have a happier and healthier planet. 

If you guessed Trump's faith was himself or something to do with his daughter-wife, your guess is on point with ours. Amy takes you through the former president's political play he made for the Evangelicals by "becoming" Episcopalian-turned nondenominational. Much to the Bewitches' dismay, this ploy in large part led us to a post-Roe rule of law in states across the country.

We all know Trump worships the ground that he walks on regardless of which side of the aisle you are on. The bewitches aren't surprised that every tactical move he has made regarding religion has been a political play that has led to evangelical beliefs taking over the Supreme Court. Being one of the first presidents since Eisenhower to switch his religion while in the White House was just a play to get us that much closer to building an America that was built on laws based on the Bible. Scary? We think so. Read full episode notes and sources at bewitchedbanter.com/episodes. 

To reference the Bewitches' very first TikTok, do you believe in the spooky and paranormal, like Krista or do you think it's all utter B.S., like Amy? Ever wonder if there's a connection between your paranormal and political beliefs? Turns out there might be according to a 2018 paper by Tyler Ferrari called "Paranormal Beliefs and their Effect on American Fears and Political Identification.” His results might surprise you! The data certainly surprised the Bewitches. Krista breaks it down for the other non-science folks out there.

To reference the Bewitches' very first TikTok, do you believe in the spooky and paranormal, like Krista or do you think it's all utter B.S., like Amy? Ever wonder if there's a connection between your paranormal and political beliefs? Turns out there might be according to a 2018 paper by Tyler Ferrari called "Paranormal Beliefs and their Effect on American Fears and Political Identification.” His results might surprise you! The data certainly surprised the Bewitches. Krista breaks it down for the other non-science folks out there. Read full episode notes and sources at bewitchedbanter.com/episodes.

Ever think you might need a "get out of jail free card?" Next time, try using a Ouija Board just like the two POWs (Elias and Cedric) that Amy covered in today's episode. The two men became unlikely friends while imprisoned during WWI and hatched a plot using the very popular "paranormal" board game to get out. Did they survive and did the spirit of Sally help them? You'll have to listen to find out.

Ever think you might need a "get out of jail free card?" Next time, try using the Ouija Board just like the two POWs (Elias and Cedric) that Amy covered in today's episode. The two men became unlikely friends while imprisoned during WWI and hatched a plot using the very popular "paranormal"  board game to get out. Did they survive and did the spirit of Sally help them? You'll have to listen to find out. Read full episode notes and sources at bewitchedbanter.com/episodes.   

We're going to take you back on this one -- to episode one, psychics and tarot history. Back in the day using psychics or "seers"  to invade or retreat was a world war playbook for ancient rulers. Today, the tactic to play on or exploit cultural superstitions is known as psychological warfare. While it has been mostly dismissed by many as pseudoscience, the U.S. military had (Krista is convinced still have) an entire army of psychic spies to investigate all sorts of paranormal phenomena like ESP, mind control, UFOs, and crop circles.  Read full episode notes and sources at bewitchedbanter.com/episodes. 

Ever wonder if Karens existed in prehistoric times? The Bewitches think they might have. In this episode, Krista takes you back to the origin of Ginni Thomas, an attorney and well known controversial Republican activist. We'll just call her the OG Karen. Ginni also happens to be the wife of Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas [ummm….] conflicts of interest, anyone? Once upon a time Ginni found herself in a cult called Lifespring. We kinda wanted to root for her after her escape and for all of her work in anti-cult activism during the 80's. Unfortunately, as her recent emails and text messages show, she's using her power and influence in Washington to continually spread election-fraud conspiracies right out of the QAnon playbook. So much for being “deprogrammed.” Read full episode notes and sources at bewitchedbanter.com/episodes.

Even Krista knows that QAnon is clownin' with their outlandish beliefs. Amy takes us through this cult's wild history that may stem from shades of the Satanic Panic. Besides Krista's deep coulrophobia (fear of clowns), Amy shares how QAnon bubbled up into the mainstream and why that is so damn scary for the masses, and especially American democracy.

Even Krista knows that QAnon is clownin' with their outlandish beliefs. Amy takes us through this cult's wild history that may stem from shades of the Satanic Panic. Besides Krista's deep coulrophobia (fear of clowns), Amy shares how QAnon bubbled up into the mainstream and why that is so damn scary for the masses, and especially American democracy. Read full episode notes and sources at bewitchedbanter.com/episodes.

We ain't afraid of no ghost….err..well Amy isn't, but Krista sure is. This week the Bewitches swap cast with Tom and Anton of The Strange Brew Podcast, and just like the name suggests something strange was brewing, and so were our views on ghosts. 2 votes for hell yeah they exist from Tom and Krista and 2 votes for no effin' way from Amy and Anton. Read full episode notes and sources at bewitchedbanter.com/episodes. 

Today, the Bewitches are joined by special guest, Terina Moldanado. Terina is a Phoenix-based life coach, author, public speaker and general bad a** B*tch giving us major Lizzo vibes. Terina bravely and candidly shares why she and her family left the Mormon Church and how her experiences led her to supporting other abuse survivors and anyone who has made the decision to leave a high-demand religion.

Today, the Bewitches are joined by special guest, Terina Moldanado. Terina is a Phoenix-based life coach, author, public speaker and general bad a** B*tch giving us major Lizzo vibes. Terina bravely and candidly shares why she and her family left the Mormon Church and how her experiences led her to supporting other abuse survivors and anyone who has made the decision to leave a high-demand religion. If you're seeking an extra boost or general support in all or any areas of your life find Terina at terinamaldonado.com.

Want to relive our Witching Hour History lesson on reincarnation? Well, here's your chance. Amy takes us through various cultural and religious beliefs on what it means to experience multiple lives.  ---- Original Air Date 12/28/21 ----  Do You Believe In Life After Love? Krista really wants to after hearing Amy tell us all about different forms of reincarnation in Buddhism, Hinduism, and some indigenous beliefs around the world. We can't reincarnate your souls, but we can take you through this witching hour history. See all ep notes at bewitchedbanter.com/episodes. 

The Bewitches take you back to the dark world of cults. From the top TRIGGER Warning ⚠️ on mental health and suicide. This episode features YouTube influencer, Teal Swan, who gained fame or infamy as she used the video platform to encourage suicide among her thousands of followers. She now has a top 10 podcast with Gizmodo called The Gateway. Then Amy takes us to Tokyo covering the cult of Aum, who the Bewitches 1,000% consider terrorists who mass murdered innocent people riding Japanese subways.

The Bewitches take you back to the dark world of cults. From the top TRIGGER Warning ⚠️ on mental health and suicide. This episode features YouTube influencer, Teal Swan, who gained fame or infamy as she used the video platform to encourage suicide among her thousands of followers. She now has a top 10 podcast with Gizmodo called The Gateway. Then Amy takes us to Tokyo covering the cult of Aum, who the Bewitches 1,000% consider terrorists who mass murdered innocent people riding Japanese subways.  Original Air Date // Nov. 9, 2021 Today the Bewitches cover the dark world of cults. Amy takes us through some background on what cults are and why they are so scary. Meanwhile, Krista is on an independent woman rant this episode as she covers the controversial YouTube influencer, Teal Swan. ⚠️TRIGGER Warning ⚠️ on mental health and suicide for all listeners. If you or anyone you know is experiencing with suicidal thoughts or expressed a desire to die by suicide, please call at 800-273-8255 or visit https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/. Finally, Amy brings us to Japan for the cult of Aum in Tokyo. See all ep notes at bewitchedbanter.com/episodes.  

After Dr. E's (OB/GYN MPH) interview last week on the aftermath of Roe, the Bewitches take you back to their episode on satanism covering Zeena Schreck, the daughter of "Father of Modern Satanism" and how how satanists did their damndest to save a woman's right to choose.  Original Episode aired: Jan. 20, 2022 On Tuesday, Amy gave us all the dirty deets on the "Father of Modern Satanism," Anton LaVey. While he was busy founding his unconventional religion, he wasted no time on throwing his three-year-old daughter, Zeena, to the fire with her globally broadcasted Satanic Baptism in 1967. Zeena Schreck may have come from "The Black House" of the "Black Pope," but today, she's one bad B*tch and Krista's kinda obsessed with her. Amy then shares how satanists may just be the ones who save Pro Choice. See how the Satanic Temple's abortion rituals may stop the pulse of the Texas “heartbeat bill.”

Hi Bewitches –  Before Amy and I get to the episode, we want to take a moment to address the June 24th, 2022 Supreme Court decision to overturn Roe versus Wade. This decision stripped away the right to have a safe and legal abortion. Everyone should have the freedom to decide what's best for themselves and their families, including when it comes to ending a pregnancy. This decision has dire consequences for individual health and safety, and could have harsh repercussions for other landmark decisions. Restricting access to comprehensive reproductive care, including abortion, threatens the health and independence of all Americans. Learn more by visiting podvoices.help. If you're able to support others, please consider donating to Planned Parenthood.  Amy and I (and especially Dr. E - OBGYN) encourage you to speak up, take care, and spread the word.Final thank you to Arielle Nissenblatt of the EarBuds pod collective for starting this incredible movement. 

What a week for women, are we right? The Bewitches are back with special guest Dr. E. (OB/GYN, MPH) to discuss the Supreme Court's ruling to overrule Roe v. Wade. Dr. Sis/Dr. E shares what this means for women's health, lives of our LGTBQ+ communities, and why this decision will have far greater fallout for so  many people in this country. On the positive, we're all moving to Mexico, which (SHOCKER) has far better laws on its books for both abortion and guns. Who knew? NOTE: Dr. E is a Board Certified, licensed physician. Views discussed in this episode are Dr. E's personal opinions do not represent the university hospital where she is employed. Consult your physician for medical advice and care.

On this week's episode, Amy takes listeners through the numbers of the largest global mail scam in history with numerology being complicit in the crime. Then saved by the bell, Krista's no math wiz, but Pythagorean Theorem and his cult conjur images of middle school math class.

On this week's episode, Amy takes listeners through the numbers of the largest global mail scam in history with numerology being complicit in the crime. Then saved by the bell, Krista's no math wiz, but Pythagorean Theorem and his cult conjur images of middle school math class.

The Bewitches return from their early summer vacations with a new format. This one is for you skeptics! Is numerology a science or pseudoscience? We'll let you do the math on this one.

The Bewitches return from their early summer vacations with a new format. This one is for you skeptics! Is numerology a science or pseudoscience? We'll let you do the math on this one. 

The Bewitches wrap their three-part Hawaiian history series with two legends. Amy covers the Night Marchers. Krista covers the one of the many stories of Pele, the Fire and Volcano Goddess, feared and revered throughout Hawai'i and Polynesia. Mahalo!

The Bewitches wrap their three-part Hawaiian history series with two legends. Amy covers the Night Marchers. Krista covers the one of the many stories of Pele, the Fire and Volcano Goddess, feared and revered throughout Hawai'i and Polynesia. Mahalo! 

On our second episode of this three part series on Hawaiian history, we're pleased to introduce you to Malia Sanders, Executive Director of the Native Hawaiian Hospitality Association (NaHHA). Please, welcome Malia with all the aloha you've got. Mahalo!

On our second episode of this three part series on Hawaiian history, we're pleased to introduce you to Malia Sanders, Executive Director of the Native Hawaiian Hospitality Association (NaHHA). Please, welcome Malia with all the aloha you've got. Mahalo! 

What is some stuff you missed in history class? Well, for Krista, it was that Hawai'i was illegally annexed by the good 'ol U.S. of A. Though that's a dark spot on the island's history, the rest is quite beautiful. Dare we say, magical? Join us for part one of three on Hawaiian history and stories.

What is some stuff you missed in history class? Well, for Krista, it was that Hawai'i was illegally annexed by the good 'ol U.S. of A. Though that's a dark spot on the island's history, the rest is quite beautiful. Dare we say, magical? Join us for part one of three on Hawaiian history and stories.

The second part of our collaboration with the Stupidest Podcast. We hand over the mic to Justin Vandeventer and Justin Rademacher and they each tell us a love story that involves a felon. Rademacher surprises us with a prison love tale that is hilarious but somewhat endearing. Vandy covers a love story of where a young teenage girl falls in love with Charles Manson but she may have had ulterior motives with getting to know him. 

Welcome to the Bewitches first-ever crossover episode with the Justins (Roddy & Vandy) from “The Stupidest Podcast.” In today's ep, Krista takes you through why the hell so many people (sadly mostly women) fall for and actively seek partners in prison. Read full episode notes and sources at bewitchedbanter.com/episodes.

They may claim to be God's witnesses of the end of days, but they also sadly witness some of the worst of humanity. Amy takes us through how Jehovah's Witnesses were grotesquely persecuted in Russia and Krista will call all its pedophiles to the stand and expose leadership for the monsters they are. Read full episode notes and sources at bewitchedbanter.com/episodes

Ever wonder why Jehovah's Witnesses can't celebrate holidays like Christmas and Halloween – not even birthdays? Krista will tell you about the history of this cult – er – religion on this week's episode. Read full episode notes and sources at bewitchedbanter.com/episodes.

Arizona aliens might be a thing. Today Krista covers the 1997 Phoenix Lights, which to many, still remains a mystery. Amy brings us to the Arizona High Country in Snowflake where the alleged alien abduction of Travis Walton happened nearly forty years ago. Read full episode notes and sources at bewitchedbanter.com/episodes. 

We are not alone in the universe. According to the Drake Equation, it is predicted that in our lifetime that we will be able to communicate to other intelligent life. However, a large group of people believe that we already have been in contact with aliens and they have been visiting planet earth for quite a while. Amy covers a few stories that echo the same question. Instead of the government covering up Alien and UFO sightings, what if the government are the guilty ones that are fabricating and creating these staged sightings to keep everyday citizens from learning about top secret information and operations that they don't want us to know about?

We are not alone in the universe. According to the Drake Equation, it is predicted that in our lifetime that we will be able to communicate to other intelligent life. However, a large group of people believe that we already have been in contact with aliens and they have been visiting planet earth for quite a while. Amy covers a few stories that echo the same question. Instead of the government covering up Alien and UFO sightings, what if the government are the guilty ones that are fabricating and creating these staged sightings to keep everyday citizens from learning about top secret information and operations that they don't want us to know about? Read full episode notes and sources at bewitchedbanter.com/episodes.

In today's episode, we cover the story that inspired Wes Craven's movie Nightmare on Elm Street. Surprisingly, this movie wasn't inspired by a serial killer. Craven's inspiration came from a chain of events that happened to the Hmong male population who sought refuge in the States after the Vietnam war ended. This story focuses on the idea if a nocebo (think the opposite of placebo) is a real thing. Can your belief system ultimately harm you? Can dreams have a lasting impact and in some cases can they end someone's life? In both of today's stories, the answer may actually be “yes.” Krista then takes us to the Philippines for the legend of The Batibat (Ilocano) and the Bangungot (Tagalog).

Can nightmares really kill you? Turns out Freddy Kurger was inspired by Hmong men who died in paralyzed fear during waking nightmares. We stayed in the Asian Pacific for the Filipino Folklore of the Batibat (Ilocano) and the Bangungot (Tagalog). Read full episode notes and sources at bewitchedbanter.com/episodes. 

Imagine waking up or falling suddenly to sleep and you cannot move. You can't speak or cry for help and you feel a tightness or pressure on your chest. Even worse, you can see, hear and feel sensations so terrifying as the stuff right out of Nightmare on Elm Street and the apparitions are 100% absolutely real to you. Can science really explain this? Turns out, it can. It's a classified sleep disorder called “parasomnia” and it can cause intense feelings of dread, anxiety and fear. Sure there's a scientific explanation for sleep paralysis, but it doesn't make the phenomenon any less terrifying for anyone who has experienced it. Just ask co-host, Krista. It's no wonder why cultures across the world have noted this occurrence as several malevolent forces from demons and a death hag even to being linked to alien abductions.

What do an old evil hag, a demon, and aliens have in common? Besides all being utterly terrifying, it turns out they're all associated with sleep paralysis or“parasomnia.”  Hear it from Krista, sure there's a science to explain this sleep disorder, but to anyone that has experienced it, it's really the stuff of your worst waking nightmare. Read full episode notes and sources at bewitchedbanter.com/episodes.

Come down to Peru with us. That is if you'd like to be possessed like the South American children and teens Krista covers. All of them tested their fate by playing around with Ouija...or so they thought. Were they actually possessed? Amy covers the trial of the killer nicknamed the "Ice Man." This case was heavily influenced by the headlines from several gossip magazines that leaked that the jury may have consulted in a Spirit Board while intoxicated. Tune in to find how many glasses of wine it takes to get advice from ghosts?

Come down to Peru with us. That is if you'd like to be possessed like the South American children and teens Krista covers. All of them tested their fate by playing around with Ouija...or so they thought. Were they actually possessed? Amy covers the trial of the killer nicknamed the "Ice Man." This case was heavily influenced by the headlines from several gossip magazines that leaked that the jury may have consulted in a Spirit Board while intoxicated. Tune in to find how many glasses of wine it takes to get advice from ghosts? Read full episode notes and sources at bewitchedbanter.com/episodes.

There is no question that the Ouija Board has a mysterious and somber backstory. The talking board was a by-product of the Spiritualism movement. This was a time when several families were experiencing the loss of their loved ones from the aftermath of the Civil War and they were desperate to find a way to communicate with them. Due to the pandemic this tale is all too familiar, we all know firsthand that businesses love to monopolize on people's heartbreaks. Did the spirits curse the creators' families with a lifelong feud and something much worse? Or was it all due to unfortunate events? More surprising to Amy is that this infamous game does have scientific proof that it works but probably not in the way you would expect.

There is no question that the Ouija Board has a mysterious and somber backstory. The talking board was a by-product of the Spiritualism movement. This was a time when several families were experiencing the loss of their loved ones from the aftermath of the Civil War and they were desperate to find a way to communicate with them. Due to the pandemic this tale is all too familiar, we all know firsthand that businesses love to monopolize on people's heartbreaks. Did the spirits curse the creators' families with a lifelong feud and something much worse? Or was it all due to unfortunate events? More surprising to Amy is that this infamous game does have scientific proof that it works but probably not in the way you would expect.  Read full episode notes and sources at bewitchedbanter.com/episodes.

Amy's not the Sleepwalk Killer, but she sure has some funny sleepwalking and sleep-talking stories scaring the bejesus out of her sister and roommates back in the day. Her story, though, is far more of a nightmare in waking life as she covers Albert Tirelle, AKA The Sleepwalker Killer. Not only was this douche a serial scumbag who slept around on his wife, but he was a serial sleepwalker who brutally murdered his second wife while sleepwalking. Listen to Amy's story to see if his sleepwalking defense held up in court even in the 1800s. Krista makes up for our International Women's Day episode featuring horrible women, with a Dreams Doctor rightfully dubbed “The Queen of Dreams,” Doctor Rosalind Cartwright. “Dr. Roz,” as her patients and colleagues also lovingly came to call her, now also holds a special place in Krista's heart as she studied sleeplessness and anxiety dreams among fellow divorced women. Read full episode notes and sources at bewitchedbanter.com/episodes.