MonsterTalk: The Science Show About Monsters is a free audio podcast that critically examines the science behind cryptozoological (and legendary) creatures, such as Bigfoot, the Loch Ness Monster, or werewolves.
Blake Smith and Dr. Karen Stollznow
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The MonsterTalk podcast is a must-listen for fans of the weird and wonderful. Hosted by Blake Smith and Karen Stollznow, this show takes a scientific approach to exploring monsters, myths, and legends. They provide in-depth research and analysis while maintaining a critical lens throughout. The hosts clearly have a genuine love for the subject matter and are open-minded skeptics who are always on the lookout for game-changing evidence of the paranormal.
One of the best aspects of MonsterTalk is its ability to approach content with a critical eye. Unlike many stereotypical skeptics, Blake and Karen genuinely appreciate the vastness and complexity of the topic they delve into. They are able to balance their skepticism with a general love for the subject matter, making their discussions engaging, informative, and entertaining. The show also features interesting guests who provide additional insights into various supernatural phenomena.
Another great aspect of this podcast is its production value. The show is well-researched and presented in a professional manner. Blake and Karen's chemistry as co-hosts shines through, creating an enjoyable listening experience. Additionally, their use of puns and humorous banter adds a lighthearted touch to the episodes.
As for drawbacks, there aren't many to note. Some listeners may find that Blake's laughter occasionally overwhelms his microphone, causing audio issues during particularly funny moments. However, this minor issue doesn't detract from the overall quality of the show.
In conclusion, MonsterTalk is an amazing podcast that combines scientific inquiry with a passion for all things paranormal. Whether you're a skeptic or a true believer, this show offers thought-provoking discussions about creatures like aliens, Bigfoot, cryptids, and more. Blake Smith and Karen Stollznow do an excellent job as hosts, providing well-informed insights while maintaining an entertaining atmosphere. With its informative content and engaging presentation style, MonsterTalk is definitely worth your time if you're a fan of monsters and the strange.
We will be playing some episodes from our archives for a few weeks this Summer - let's kick it off with this classic from October 2013! THE WARREN OMISSION.WAS THE STORY OF The Conjuring the true story of how Ed and Lorraine Warren fought demonic forces in Rhode Island? In this special episode of MonsterTalk, we hear a different side to the story of America's first family of ghost hunting. Features interviews with investigators Joe Nickell and Steven Novella.Full NotesBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/monstertalk--6267523/support.
We're joined by Erik Davis to discuss his book High Weirdness - a history of psychedelics and counterculture as a triptych embodied with three prominent figures: Terrence McKenna, Philip K. Dick, and Robert Anton Wilson. From Blade Runner to the Illuminati to Magic Mushrooms these three laid down foundational blocks decades ago that underpin (or perhaps undermine?) our present. Terrence McKennaPhilip K. DickRobert Anton WilsonPyrrho - ancient Greek skepticOur coverage of Operation Mindf*ck (part 1 and part 2)Erik Davis links:Burning Shore (Substack)Techgnosis (huge web archive)Techgnosis (Book - Affiliate Link)High Weirdness (Affiliate Link) - the Audiobook read by the author is very good. -B.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/monstertalk--6267523/support.
We're joined by Matt Baxter to discuss what we thought was a horror film but turned out to be something quite different.Warning: This film and episode deal with suicide, murder, abortion, politics, religion, and pretty much most of the hot potato topics we generally try to eschew. Hopefully we do a decent job of discussing it.Nefarious (streaming) – Affiliate LinkMore on Blaze MediaSome reviews:7th Day Adventist reviewA Christian review with interesting commentsReddit tackles NefariousHorror Obsessive – really didn't care for the “bait & switch”Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/monstertalk--6267523/support.
Matt Baxter returns to join Karen and Blake in a discussion of allegedly haunted “bothies” in the remote hiking regions of the UK. This episode contains some discussion of guns, suicide, and cannibalism.Links to further reading/listening:What is a “bothy?”Mountain Bothy AssociationBBC's Uncanny episodes we mention:Don't Sleep in this House – December 2021Return to Luibeilt Christmas Special 2024Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/monstertalk--6267523/support.
Jerry Drake returns to discuss his new book:Hazel was a Good Girl: The Murder that Inspired Twin PeaksJerry has been with quite a few times to discuss Grimoires, Jack Parsons, The Hollow Earth, Internet Mysteries and Ghost Lights and we're excited to see what he makes of this real life unsolved murder with ties to one of the most influential shows to ever air on TV.This episode does discuss murder, sexual assault, and other sensitive topics. It's not really explicit but it might not be suitable for children, hence the tag.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/monstertalk--6267523/support.
We're back with part two of our 2-part coverage of the 1976 episode of The Six Million Dollar Man that introduced a generation of kids to Bigfoot, and the idea that the creature might be interconnected with space aliens living inside a California mountain.RelatedLinks:The Bionic Book by Herbie Pilato (affiliate link)Operation PlowshareThe Six Million Dollar Man series (DVD)Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/monstertalk--6267523/support.
Karen joins Blake to discuss the influential 2-part episodes of The Six Million Dollar Man that introduced a generation of kids to Bigfoot, and the idea that the creature might be interconnected with space aliens living inside a California mountain.This is part one of a two-part special edition.The patron edition has extended footage and no modern commercials.Extensive show notes available here:https://www.patreon.com/posts/128686370?forSale=true Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/monstertalk--6267523/support.
Blake and Karen take a minute to catch their breath and talk about where things are in their lives and what's up next in MonsterTalk news.Links:Bitch: The Journey of a WordAdhesive Capsulitis Idiopathic IllnessesMechanical TurkSpeaking MachineReplica of Speaking Machine (YouTube)Wolfgang von KempelenDeep MindDeep BlueMarvin MinskyJohn McCarthyBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/monstertalk--6267523/support.
This is part two of our two part look at Dragons and how these mythical beasts are being used to promote Creationism. Our guest is Dr. Philip Senter and he's the author of a new book about this topic. We use the word bullsh!t a lot in this episode so I slapped an explicit tag on - but I don't think it's too explicit otherwise. Get Dr. Senter's book here: The Real Story of Dinosaurs and DragonsNews story about Mokele Mbembe being compromised by CreationistsBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/monstertalk--6267523/support.
This is part one of our two part look at Dragons and how these mythical beasts are being used to promote Creationism. Our guest is Dr. Philip Senter and he's the author of a new book about this topic.Get Dr. Senter's book here: The Real Story of Dinosaurs and DragonsRead more about "The Dragon of Bologna"Another Book about fake historical zoological specimens The National Center for Science Education has long been a source for how to take action to combat the injection of Creationist material into public education.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/monstertalk--6267523/support.
Matt & Karen went out for a little getaway weekend to Victor, Colorado and ended up investigating the allegedly haunted Victor Hotel. Did Eddie die in the hotel elevator? Was Matt caught in embarrassing circumstances? Find out inside!The show notes here won't show the images so you'll need to hop over to our episode webpage to see them.https://www.monstertalk.org/s04e28-the-victor-hotel-ghost/Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/monstertalk--6267523/support.
We're excited to welcome back Peter Bebergal. This time we're talking about mysticism and dybbuks. Be sure and check out the links below including the upcoming talk Peter is giving April 14th for The Last Tuesday Society.Peter on Jewish Boston podcastAll the Haunts Be Ours (affiliate link) 15-Disk Horror CollectionThe Ibbur from Jewish mysticismPeter will be talking monster culture for The Last Tuesday Society on April 14th at 3 pm ET - check it outGrab all of Peter's Books at Amazon and support this show!Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/monstertalk--6267523/support.
We're delighted to get to talk with Adrian Shine, who has worked for decades to raise awareness about Loch Ness and investigated the legendary creature said to inhabit the dark waters of that deep Scottish lake. He's written a new book about Sea Monsters and their connection to the Loch Ness Mystery which releases April 1st, 2025. A Natural History of Sea Monsters (affiliate link)The Loch Ness CentreIn the intro you hear a clip of IN SEARCH OF from S01E20 - which features a young Adrian. Check out In Research Of's coverage with guest Daniel Loxton here.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/monstertalk--6267523/support.
We're back with part 2 of our interview with Dr. Eleanor Janega to discuss Demons in Medieval Europe - and a lot of that has to do with sexy sex. So… another EXPLICIT tag! Eleanor's Blog Going-MedievalEleanor's book The Once and Future SexThe Apocalypse Tapestry of Angers (The Guardian)The Apocalypse Tapestry (Wikipedia)YouTube videos with Eleanor Monty Summers translation of the Malleus Maleficarum (AMZ affiliate link)Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/monstertalk--6267523/support.
We're joined by the engaging historian Dr. Eleanor Janega to talk about how the people of Europe considered demonic sex during the medieval period of history. This episode is in two parts, and both are explicit. Presenter on the History Hit channel - https://www.historyhit.com/ Blog - https://going-medieval.com/ Medievalist, author, blogs about medieval history, pop culture, and swearing Author of: The Once and Future Sex: Going Medieval on Women's Roles in SocietyArticle: “On sex with demons” - https://going-medieval.com/2020/07/30/on-sex-with-demons/Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/monstertalk--6267523/support.
A brief remembrance of our friend, Joe Nickell. (December 1, 1944 – March 4, 2025)Joe Nickell's extraordinary life came to an end on Tuesday, March 4th and we're posting this brief remembrance this week instead of our regular episode.Check out Joe's many "personas."The Science of Monsters: Tracking the Real-Life CreaturesArchive episodes with JoeThe sourtoe cocktailBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/monstertalk--6267523/support.
We're joined by Allison Jornlin (paranormalwomen.com) to talk about the footprint of women in the field of parapsychology and paranormal investigation. We most recently talked with Allison during "the dark times" on our COVID-era MonsterTalk Live series.She also covered the Chicago Mothman flap with us back in 2018!Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/monstertalk--6267523/support.
Is the cave of the winds near Manitou Springs, CO HAUNTED!? Matt Baxter has investigated and he joins us to talk about what he found.Related Links:Spooky Science Sisters - Roanoke episode with KarenIn Research Of… The Lost Colony - Blake & Jeb Card discuss the In Search Of… episode about Roanoke.Eclectic Shopping options in Manitou SpringsThe history of Manitou SpringsThe Cave of the Winds (Official Site)The Manitou (1978 film)Manitou - the spiritBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/monstertalk--6267523/support.
We're joined by Dr. Justin Mullis to get a better understanding of the incredibly lore-dense anime series Dan Da Dan.Justin's academia profileLegend of MomotaroSome links recommended by Justin:This is a really good video about the history of the Flatwoods Monster in Japanese video games. Highly recommended.This is the Religious Dispatches article about koro.Here's the Japan Today interview with the current editor of MU magazine.And here's the MU magazine article I mentioned about Turbo Granny (in Japanese).The book on Japanese mountain witches I mentioned.And here's an article by Japanese folklorist and manga translator Zack Davisson on Dandadan. Additional: Dan Da Dan (Netflix)Karen's book Missed Conceptions is mentioned in the episode - get it here.And her latest book too: Bitch: The Journey of a WordBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/monstertalk--6267523/support.
As Valentine's day bears down upon us, we turn to the monsters whose origins lie in passion, betrayal, and tragedy. If love is the strongest human emotion, surely rage at betrayal is its nightmarish mirror - and such emotions are embodied in a variety of creatures around the world and throughout history.Content Warning - this episode contains stories of child death, suicide, murder, and other unplesantness. And also some discussion of candy. So there's that.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/monstertalk--6267523/support.
Cemeteries Cleaning and Grave Rubbing - Karen and Blake are joined by Matt Baxter to discuss the ethics and best practices around maintaining and preserving graveyards. Links for Grave Rubbers from CyberSpace:The article that inspired this conversation (via The Conversation)Ken Feder (friend of the show and emeritus professor of archaeology) sent along this helpful article about grave preservation.The woman with the pink foam (Kaeli Mae McEwen - aka "Clean Girl") has a site where she sells the stuff.In Atlanta - at historic Oakland Cemetery - they have community cleaning projects. They list this under an article titled "Pro Team Field Notes on Scrubbing the Surface"Thoughts on Grave Rubbing from a blogger.Additional Links:Since we mentioned The Conversation, by coincidence Jeb Card got interviewed about his paranormal course at University of Ohio - check it!Karen's book Bitch: The Journey of a Word is out now - grab a copy! (affiliate link)Don't forget to grab a copy of Joe Nickell's The Science of Monsters: Tracking the Real-Life Creatures - every sale helps MonsterTalk! (affiliate link)And if you want to meet me at sea in the Bermuda Triangle, sign up for the Skeptoid Adventure - there's still a few cabins left! (as of 2/1/2025)Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/monstertalk--6267523/support.
This week we're welcoming back historian Dr Joseph Gagne to tell us about a ghost story that straddles North America and Scotland. He was last with us to tell us about the legend of La Corriveau in episode 181. Appearances of the Dead: A Cultural History of Ghosts by Ronald C. Finucane - mentioned by Joseph as his introduction to this story. This is an affiliate link and the book is out of print, so be advised it's PRICEY.But wait! You can read it for free at Archive.org.Joseph asked me to be sure and share links to:Bibliothèque et Archives Nationales Du QuébecAlso to his blog: Curieuse Nouvelle FranceAnd of course the official site of Fort Ticonderoga Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/monstertalk--6267523/support.
Today we're discussing the strange story of The Houdini Seance and Arthur Ford the Spiritualist. The last Houdini Seance (1936) - Audio + Story Bess Houdini Arthur Ford - Spiritualist Arthur Ford - Obituary The Houdini Code The Bishop James Pike Was Pike Seance Hoax?Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/monstertalk--6267523/support.
In the mountains of North Georgia on a spooky civil war battlefield there is a legend of a green eyed monster. This is not that story. This is the story of the new festival set up to commemorate the monster, but also bring people and revenue to this rural southern town. We'll be talking with Nate Tucker and Dillan Whisenant about their experience kicking off the first Green Eyes Festival of Chicamauga, Georgia.https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Chickamaugahttps://www.greeneyesfestival.com/Phil's Primetime PizzaBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/monstertalk--6267523/support.
This is the audio from our 2024 livestream (http://youtube.com/monstertalk). If you saw that live, this is the same audio without the moving picture bits. If you didn't see it but want to see our mugs waggin' synchronously to our voices, you can find this particular episode here.Otherwise - happy new year! We'll be back next week talking about how to make a successful monster festival with some guys who just did it for the Green Eyes Festival.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/monstertalk--6267523/support.
We're joined by fellow podcaster and friend of the show, Andy Driscoll, to introduce a peculiar region in Massachusetts said to be home to concentrated high strangeness. We'll definitely be coming back to deep dive in these swamps for more details on particular claims but Andy gives us a great "hometown" introduction to this fascinating area.Video Segment with Jeff Bellanger introducing the topic (CBS News)The popular podcast Lore's coverage during their first season (2015)PukwudgieMaushopDighton RockLarry Kusche Obituary and his Wiki PageMore with Andy Driscoll:The Old Colony Cast (YouTube) or Apple PodcastsBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/monstertalk--6267523/support.
One of the most "Christmas Ghost Story" ghost stories for Christmas that I've ever come across. Smee tells of a night of holiday revelry turned chilling and mysterious by the appearance of an unexpected attendee at the festivities.You can read along with the ebook by purchasing it here. (affiliate Link)Read more about A. M. Burrage if you like. (Wikipedia)Art for this episode is by one of my progeny. -BBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/monstertalk--6267523/support.
We're excited to have Laura Krantz back to talk about her latest book - a youth-focused look at how to distinguish between magical and scientific thinking: Do You Believe in Magic?Laura's very entertaining and informative podcasts: LINKLaura's other writings (affiliate LINK)Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/monstertalk--6267523/support.
An interview with writer, researcher and podcaster Aaron Gulyas - host of the UFO themed history podcast The Saucer Life.Gulyas is also the author of many books (affiliate link) including some likely to be of particular interest to MT listeners:Extraterrestrials and the American Zeitgeist: Alien Contact Tales Since the 1950sConspiracy Theories: The Roots, Themes and Propagation of Paranoid Political and Cultural Narratives -----If you like the 1970s In Search Of... why not check out our sister show In reSearch Of...Blake (and his wife Kathleen) will be participating in the 2025 "Skeptoid Bermuda Triangle Adventure" - details here if you want to come along and explore Robert the Doll, the Bimini Wall, or to look for the missing planes of Flight 19...Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/monstertalk--6267523/support.
We welcome back Chris Woodyard to discuss the very odd story of the Wollaton Gnomes - a 1979 reported sighting of little men in little cars by a group of children in a British park. Chris & Simon's podcast Boggarts & Banshees (Apple Podcasts)Transcript of the gnome witness children's Interview (courtesy Simon Young)Wollaton Hall (wiki)Blog by Frank Earp, who claims to have investigated the gnomes contemporary to the events. Laughing Gnome (1967) David Bowie songThe Original Fairy Investigation Society (wiki)The reborn Fairy Investigation Society (facebook)Fairy Census OneFairy Census TwoGeorge Harrison's Friar Park (and gnomes)Gnomes (wiki)Garden Gnomes (wiki)Kabouter (wiki)Klabautermann (wiki)Paracelsus book about various spirits (wiki)Tom Clark Gnomes (retail site)Books (Affiliate Links):Gnomes by Wil HuygenThe Wollaton Gnomes: A Nottingham Fairy Mystery by Dr. Simon Young (and others)A is for Arsenic - by Chris WoodyardOther books by Chris Woodyard========Got a show suggestion? Fill out this form: https://bit.ly/MTsuggestionsWant to buy someone a subscription to the commercial-free Patreon version of the show? Gift SubscriptionsBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/monstertalk--6267523/support.
We're delighted to celebrate Thanksgiving with the return of Dr. Brian Regal. He's here to talk about a favorite monster film, and announce the release of his autobiography, The Monster from Newark.Links: Brian's autobiography - The Monster From Newark (affiliate link)Karen's anthology of skeptics having weird experiences:Would You Believe It? (affiliate link)Lucky Dragon No 5 (wiki)Castle Bravo test & "maru" ship (wiki)List of Giant Ant Movies List of Giant Monster MoviesThe Pet (1921)The Lost World (1925)Reptilicus MST3KBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/monstertalk--6267523/support.
Thanks to your generous support I was able to make it to CryptidCon 2024 and this is a chat with Karen and me, reporting on day one.I'll be heading out later today for the five and a half hour drive back home but this has been delightful and you're sure to hear more from the connections I made and the ideas I heard while immersing myself in the cryptid community once more.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/monstertalk--6267523/support.
I'm sorry to come to you with hat in hand, but our family vehicle's water pump just went out a day before I was to head up to Kentucky to go to CryptidCon. If just 10% of our listeners would donate $1 it would absolutely cover this repair and restore my confidence in heading out of town.I hate to ask but I don't know any other way to come up with the money on such short notice. So if you enjoy the show and want to hear more cryptid content in particular, please check the show notes and consider giving a buck or two to help me get our family vehicle repaired. Thanks so much for ANY consideration you give this request.https://gofund.me/95e85c4aBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/monstertalk--6267523/support.
Blake and Karen are joined by Matt Baxter to discuss the 2023 film Nandor Fodor and the Talking Mongoose, based on the story of Gef, the talking mongoose at the heart of the story.Visit our original coverage of Gef in episode #67Watch the film (Amazon affiliate link) A list of the clever things a mongoose might say...The Haunting of Alma Fielding - a recent book about Nandor Fodor's investigation of an alleged psychic (Affiliate Link) Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/monstertalk--6267523/support.
We're joined by author and professor Anne McClannan to discuss her new book Griffinology. These monsters are visually easily recognized - but how much do you know about their history?Links:Griffinology is available directly from University of Chicago Press.Coupon code UCPNEW is good through Dec 2024 for 30% off - which brings the price down to $28 off its regular cover price of $40! Griffins (wikipedia)Here is a link to some Griffins in ancient artwork. The artwork in Griffinology is a stunning and impressive selection of such examples.PopSci article on plausibility of Griffin/Fossil ConnectionAdditional:The Leucrotta (per Reddit)The same beast per D&DBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/monstertalk--6267523/support.
We managed to catch up with Joe Laycock for ONE MORE VAMPIRE EPISODE! This time we're having a look at the world of people who believe they are really vampires. Some drink blood, some drink energy, most embrace vampire gaming.Joe wrote Vampires Today: The Truth About Modern Vampirism In fact, Joe has written a lot of books that will be of interest to you guys!And I'm so excited about Joe's current research - which you'll hear about at the end.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/monstertalk--6267523/support.
Blake and Karen are joined again by Matt Baxter to talk about vampires in books, film, tv, and comics! This episode is EXPLICIT and contains adult language. We talk about a ton of topics in this one and too many shows and movies to list - but I'll try and post a list when I get time to all the things referenced over at this episode's page on MonsterTalk.org - Thanks for your patience!You can watch this video on YouTube here:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0vBNyYz6y0M Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/monstertalk--6267523/support.
We're joined by researcher Katarzyna “Kasia” Ancuta to learn more about the Chinese creature known as the Jiangshi – but more famous in the West as “Hopping Vampires.” It turns out that their history is being complicated by their appearances in pop-culture!Jiangshi Movies: (affiliate links)Encounters of the Spooky KindMr. VampireRigor MortisThe Legend of the 7 Golden VampiresAdditional Reading:The Hun and Po soulScared Stiff: Jiangshi and Chinese Vampires – from the Palgrave Handbook of VampiresStrange Tales from a Chinese Studio by Pu Songling (wiki)The Shibian (The Animated Corpse) by Pu Songling (project gutenberg)Penanggal (pen-nan-gal)Manananggal (Mana nan gal)Pop (Thai Ghost) – wikiKrasue (Thai version of Manananggal) “pop krasue” in episode audio – sounds like “pi-krasue”Previous Episodes Related:Chinese GhostsMr. Vampire is available on DVD and Blu-Ray now, but you might have to track down an import. Or you can watch it streaming on The Criterion Channel. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/monstertalk--6267523/support.
We're delighted to have Brian Sharpless (Monsters on the Couch) back with us to discuss some of the Psychology elements of vampirism, as well as some of his favorite historical cases. Be sure and grab his book if you're at all interested in the intersection of monsters and Psychology.Show Notes:Monsters on the CouchRenfield Syndrome (wikipedia)2005 Romanian Vampire case (The Guardian)Richard Chase - Serial Killer (wikipedia)Mercy Brown vampire case (wikipedia)Vlad the Impaler (wikipedia)Example of Vlad's violence on the Turks (wikipedia)Elizabeth Bathory (wikipedia)Hungarian Ghoulish - MT 235Be sure and check out Karen's new book Bitch: The Journey of a Word from Cambridge University Press!Our show uses Amazon affiliate links to help raise funds to support our research and outreach.Title card image courtesy Brian Sharpless - walkway where alleged vampire Jure Grando was most likely buriedBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/monstertalk--6267523/support.
We kick off our Vampire October with the story of Arnold Paole and we're joined by Matt Baxter. This story appeared in the 1979 edition of Usborne's Haunted Houses, Ghosts, and Spectors. Arnold PaoleLee Illis 1964 - Porphyria and Werewolves1985 - David Dolphin - NYT article on Porphyria and VampiresPenanggal ManananggalBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/monstertalk--6267523/support.
In this episode we look at the history of the Vampire in folklore and literature with professor Nick Groom - aka "The Prof of Goth."Links related to Professor Groom:The Vampire: A New History by Nick Groom (affiliate link)Nick Groom - University of Macau faculty page - NickGroom@um.edu.mo University of Exeter faculty page - N.Groom@exeter.ac.uk Times Literary Supplement - articles by Nick GroomAuthor's page at Simon & SchusterInterview with The One Ring about Groom's Tolkien scholarshipArticles at Literary Hub by GroomSome Vampire Links:The Vampyre - John Polidori (Full Text - 1819)The Black Vampyre: A Legend of St. Domingo (Full Text - 1819) (affiliate link) - wiki Varney the Vampire: Or the Feast of Blood (Full Text - 1847) (affiliate link) - wikiCarmilla by Joseph Sheridan Le Fanu (Full Text - 1872) (affiliate link) - wikiDracula by Bram Stoker (Full Text - 1897) (affiliate link) - wikiVampire Panics (1790s - 1890s)The AckermansionThis episode brought to you by Factor Meals – use our link or code MonsterTalk50 to 50% off your first order!Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/monstertalk--6267523/support.
Karen and her husband Matt are back from visiting Australia and in this episode we discuss some viral ghost photos. The photos will be in the show notes, and we will cross-post a version of this on our YouTube page with image inserts. Karen's new book BITCH is on sale now. Blake's recent article about mind viruses seems to be backed up by an even more recent article confirming that clinical evidence doesn't support a "mind virus" explanation for idea spread. This episode brought to you by Factor Meals – use our link or code MonsterTalk50 to 50% off your first order! =========== Now on to our photos that we talk about in this episode: Giant "humanoid" over mall in Zambia. (Or over photoshop in Internet) Party scene with crying girl also hides "ghost face" 2007 - Parma Gas Station "ghost" or "angel" Ghostly "shadow person" walks through traffic(original video is gone but version here) "Cowboy ghost" at abandoned mine A bird landing can look like a hat in the distance - but we don't know the scale here.It could be a lot of things. This (pretty obvious) long exposure shot shows up on a lot of ghost photo sites. Irish Flax Workers and the mysterious "extra hand" Detail shows "ghost hand" but you can also see manipulation has been done to the plate, erasing some of the pleats in the dress behind the woman with the hand on her shoulder.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/monstertalk--6267523/support.
Part one of our two-part talk with author Adam Gorightly about his research into the very strange history of Discordianism and The Illuminati. If you have never heard of Operation Mindf*ck, get ready for a ride.LINKS:Adam Gorightly Books (affiliate) Historia Discordia (affiliate) Illuminati (wiki) INWO game (SJGAMES) and Board Game Geek review Can't Get You Out Of My Head (Youtube) JFK Movie (affiliate link) The famous Playboy Illuminati Letter Barkun - A Culture of Conspiracy 60s Counter Culture Robert Anton Wilson Kerry Thornley (wiki) Can't Get You Out of My Head or Documenting Operation Mindf*ck - POV Magazine This episode brought to you by Factor Meals – use our link or code MonsterTalk50 to 50% off your first order!Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/monstertalk--6267523/support.
In this episode Blake continues his conversation with Richard Hatem (Mothman Prophecies, Titans, Under Siege 2) about his new podcast. Karen was away during this episode but will be back next week.Additional Links:Spiricom via Encyclopedia.comSpiricom – by Kenny Biddle via Skeptical InquirerRecording of a Spiricom Session (YouTube)The Mothman Prophecies (amz affiliate link)Titans (amz affiliate link)Miracles (amz affiliate link - to DVD)This episode brought to you by Factor Meals - use our link or code MonsterTalk50 to 50% off your first order!Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/monstertalk--6267523/support.
In this episode Blake talks with Richard Hatem (Mothman Prophecies, Titans, Under Siege 2) about his new podcast.Additional Links:Spiricom via Encyclopedia.comSpiricom - by Kenny Biddle via Skeptical InquirerRecording of a Spiricom Session (YouTube)Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/monstertalk--6267523/support.
Part two of a two-part discussion with paleontologist Darren Naish about the history of Dogman lore. In part two, we discuss the current state of cryptozoology.Be sure and check out Darren's Dogman article below:Darren's Dogman Article (TetZoo)Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/monstertalk--6267523/support.
Part one of a two-part discussion with paleontologist Darren Naish about the history of Dogman lore. Next week in part two, we discuss the current state of cryptozoology. Darren's Dogman Article (TetZoo) STM - Beast of Bray Road (YouTube) Drive down Bray Road on your computer (Google Maps) Linda Godfrey's Obituary Beast of Bray Road (wiki) Dogman (wiki) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
We're delighted to welcome back Dr. Ken Feder to talk about his new YouTube series that covers many archaeological frauds & hoaxes, and explains how archaeologists know what they know. Catch his web series here. Ken's books are great - here's an affiliate link to his author's page. Catch our previous episodes with Ken. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
We're excited to bring you an interview with Dr. Emily Zarka, host of PBS's Monstrum series on the humanities web channel Storied. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Werewolves are an ancient idea, but the meaning and beliefs around the concept have changed over time. How were they viewed in the classical world and even earlier? Find out in this week's episode as we interview Dr. Tanika Koosmen. Dr. Koosmen's thesis at Newcastle online archive The werewolf story in Satyricon Some movies mentioned: Van Helsing (2004) Deep Rising (1998) Interesting terms: Versipellis - In Roman mythology and literature, a "versipellis" is literally a "skin changer" and referred to someone who could change their skin or shape, similar to a shapeshifter. The term is derived from "versus" (changed) and "pellis" (skin). Episode art by Team Smith (my kids worked together on this one) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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