The Mothball Prophecies

This week Sam, Mel, Grae, and I (Spellcheck) all crammed into the pod office to talk about whatever's been filling our brains for the last few weeks. We had our coffee and snacks and just had a regular (for us) conversation. Once or twice a month, we'll be dropping an episode of just our ADHD braindumps. After existing every day in the world, like we all must, sometimes we just want to to let our minds go to autopilot, and we want you all to be a part of it. Topics range from new hobbies, Spartan races, vultures, being a kid again, and doing the thing that makes you happy. We love you guys. Let's hang out.

This Curio Corner is mostly about the cool stuff the Mavens talked to Jessie (British fashion historian in the making and parallel universe Spellcheck) about on Monday's episodes. It's also something of a walk down nostalgia lane for Sam, Mel, and Grae: internet connections in the 90s, music from their formative years, and early signs of neuro divergence that are so obvious, it's truly astounding. Listen in for lessons on Tuberculosis Chic and its lasting influence on fashion, the surprising science behind why all of us should be taking cold showers, and Spellcheck's newest obsession: Pond's Cold Cream and vintage skincare.

Step into a parallel universe with our guest this week, where Spellcheck is British and went to university to study the history of fashion (which, in reality, is something Spellcheck genuinely wanted to do). A certain writer for the podcast was shocked more than a few times. The similarities are numerous. Jessie (ghostsintime) a person of the English persuasion, is an absolute doll. Sweet and polite, knowledgeable about her subject, she was a joy to chat with. The Mavens are smitten. Her Instagram account is filled with beauty-related historical posts and reels, some of which lean heavily toward the bizarre. We don't know about you, but we've never considered adding a raw meat mask to our nighttime skincare routine. Jessie is younger than everyone on the Mothball team, and we all felt it when the topic of 90s fashion came up. Grae pops up momentarily to defend the voluntary taking of cold showers. Barbies, the Spice Girls, and the "Goth to History" pipeline all make an appearance. If you haven't already, Jessie recommends watching The Love Witch (2016) as soon as humanly possible.

Sam and Mel sit down to share the unlikely demise of Evergleam Christmas Trees, what boundaries their implementing with collectibles, and share about the oldest crewel.

We're all finally settling down from the rush and bustle of Thanksgiving (if you're in the States, anyway) and our butts are more than ready for a long sit on the couch. The weather in Idaho is getting colder and snowier as the days pass, sending us all into the pod office with hot coffee and retro crocheted afghans. This week, the hygge mood is complete as Sam and Spellcheck have a relaxed chat with vintage maximalism enthusiast and down-to-earth music teacher, Kristi Snarsky. Her collection is a choreographed ballet of mid-century color and class. Her precise decorating skills are the envy of the team, with teal and pink playing a central role. Bowls and platters and Pyrex, oh my! Kristi brings to light the concept of boundaries within a collection and we all get confused about how to pronounce Cathrineholm. Plus, Sam gets a chance to brag about the amazing holiday Holy Grail item she recently acquired.

We could have listened to Josh talk for hours and hours about all the incredible parts of his collections and his plans to spread that knowledge to the masses. But we all have lives to live and families to tend to. In lieu of having Josh back to nerd out over pirate history (which we're hoping to make happen, don't you worry), your weekend Curio Corner has Sam, Spellcheck, and Grae in the Pod Office chatting over an actual mountain of silver in Bolivia, Sam Bellamy's treasure on the shipwrecked Whydah, and a brief history of the flintlock firing mechanism on those fancy pistols seen in every pirate movie ever made.

Good morning, Mothballers. The team was hit with a few curve balls this year and we are more than ready to get back to what brought us together in the first place: Collectors and their stories. To celebrate our renewed joie de vivre, we have an incredible guest who's ready to wade with us through a topic never before visited by the Mavens... Literal pirate treasure! Josh Scott of Redbeard Coins,Commodore Coins, and Tortuga Trading, is a real life treasure hunter. He collects and sells gold doubloons, pirate weapons, rare documents and books, and more. He has so many other unique items in his personal collection and available in his store, but we just don't have enough space or time to give them justice. Josh is enthusiastic, charismatic, and deeply knowledgeable about his subject. He was so electrifying to talk to that the Mothball Team has already claimed him as one of our own. If you watched The Goonies or Pirates of the Caribbean as a kid and dreamt of a map with a big, red X on it, then you cannot miss this episode.

Last week the Mavens had a grand ol' time with @fare11kat, a previous guest that the Mothball team adopted by force. Lady Erin of the Almost-Hairless Cats is a dashing young woman with hair of fire and a ridiculous streak of good luck. But her latest episode seemed different. Truncated, somehow... Where did the Curio Corner go? During the 100th episode, Sam and Mel announced that we would be trying out a new format for the show. Interviews will still come out on Mondays. But the Curio Corner will be its own episode, a treat for the weekend, released on Thursdays. With this being the maiden voyage of said experiment, the Mavens are joined by Grae (because he was already in Sam's basement) to mull over the existence of luck and chat about the most recent estate sale.

This week on The Mothball Prophecies, we talk holiday traditions. Sam,Melissa, and Grae reminisce about childhood meals, grandparents houses, and horrifying genetic turkey mutations.

Erin Pipgras, perhaps better known as fare11kat on Instagram, has been a guest on the show before (episode 39, if you're curious about our first encounter with her). Obviously we all fell madly in love with each other, but in a sweary, meme fueled sort of way. Erin has become a staple in every day conversation for the Mothball team, and is frequently asked to petition the universe on our behalf. On top of being perhaps the luckiest human in Wisconsin, she also has the distinct honor of igniting a new porcine passion in Spellcheck. Hear tell of the mighty pig of fortune and how luck isn't really luck. Melissa and Sam talk shop and Sam  used the word "gooses" about half way through the interview. This editor threw up slightly. Fortunately, we're all still friends. 

We know you have questions. Where have you been? Is the podcast still a thing? Are you still alive!? The answers, in order: The Mavens are running a wildly successful estate sale business. Absolutely the podcast is still a thing. The Mothball universe is expanding, so schedules are shifting. We're all settling into a new routine. And yes, we're alive and thriving. The last three months have been chaotic, but in the best way. The estate sale company is booming. Grae moved to Idaho (10 points if you guess where he's currently living). Sam and Melissa are learning and growing and it's just fantabulous. Today, these two dish on all the weird and wonderful behind the scenes of the most recent estate sales, explain the new format for the podcast, and ponder why they both seem to injure themselves at every single sale house. So if you've been missing us, never fear! We aren't going anywhere.

Mandy Arnold is a long time friend of the pod and all around glorious human. She has now shifted from regular podcast listener to a part of the foundational mythology of the Mothball Prophecies. She was LITERALLY one of the very first people to follow the pod, become a patron, and now is stuck with all of us as friends for the rest of her days. The prodigal daughter returned to her homeland, from that far off land of holly and wood, to wine and dine with the Mavens and hit the latest Mothball estate sale. She regales us with tales of her possibly problematic predilection for pyrex and volumes of vintage Halloween. Her to-DIE-for wardrobe and style are enthusiastically discussed, as is only right for such an adorable creature. And, as for the Estate Sale Walkthrough goes, she was a real champ. Cheers to Mandy, for making the trip to hang out with us and for wearing that damn egg shirt to dinner.  Thank you to our team :Edit and Sound Design by: Grae @ Grae Matter Studios Intro by: Caylin Temple Copyediting by: Spell Check intro and Outro Music: Down the Rabbit Hole by myuu Source: https://soundcloud.com/myuu/down-the-rabbit-hole License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

A while back, Sam did some mini-interviews with some Mothball listeners. Alex Di Giovanni was one of those interviewees, and we just had to have him back for a full episode! Alex started reselling as a teen, but he didn't start collecting until his early 20s; it's a bit backwards from most people and we LOVE IT. For his personal collection, Alex loves signs and American license plates. In his professional life, he's an avian ecologist, with a full-blown master's degree. This dude knows his birds. He drops some sweet ontological knowledge on us in between blowing Spellcheck's mind with the history of porcelain license plates and needing out with Sam over classic signage. Bird-related felonies are discussed, along with a mutual love of the dearly departed Dodo. Sam deserves a medal for not making the hundreds of bird puns she was probably dying to make. They would have flown right over Spellcheck's head, anyway. Thank you to our team :Edit and Sound Design by: Grae @ Grae Matter Studios Intro by: Caylin Temple Copyediting by: Spell Check intro and Outro Music: Down the Rabbit Hole by myuu Source: https://soundcloud.com/myuu/down-the-rabbit-hole License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

We recently recorded the 100th episode. But because all that frivolity took up so many hours, we weren't able to cover everything we wanted to talk about during the recording. To correct this, Grae and Sam sit down to expand, in a bit more detail, on the future of the podcast. Additionally, Sam gives a blow for blow account of the first Mothball estate sale at the Eleanor house, and Grae explains the more mysterious parts of what his job actually entails. Warning for anyone legally considered an adult: you will feel your age with this episode. Lo, the passage of time.

Sam, Jill, Melissa, Grae, and Spellcheck. We were once five people with no connections, whatsoever. We each met at different times, under different circumstances. We grew up in different places, lived separate lives, had unique views and experiences... Until this podcast threw us together. If The Mothball Prophecies was a child, we were soda. And that child mixed all the flavors together with reckless abandon. Each of us has our part to play, much like each soda adds it's own zing to the final product. This was the first time all five of us had been in the same room together, and we were all on cloud nine. It was like meeting a long distance boyfriend for the first time. In this episode, we talk about our favorite guests, least favorite interviews, answer listener questions, put Sam through a retaliatory Estate Sale Walkthrough, and make some announcements. Sit with us. Laugh with us. Cry, if you feel up to it. But always remember, no matter what, to look under the damn tables. 

Next week's episode is all about the future of the podcast, where we're all headed, and what you, as listeners, can expect. For a study in opposites, the 99th episode is none of those things. This week, we are releasing an episode that has never seen the light of day, an episode that was recorded back in 2020 shortly after quarantine ended. People were getting back to a new version of normal while Jill and Sam recorded a pre-ADHD diagnosis cornucopia of unfiltered thoughts. They literally sat in the car, in a parking lot, and pinged off eachother for almost an hour. The intro originally had different music, the Estate Sale Walkthrough is a mere fetus, and there is no Curio Corner whatsoever. But in the midst of the fumbles and technical issues, you can see the origin of the podcast you know today. Cheers to humble beginnings and fruitful futures.  Thank you to our team :Edit and Sound Design by: Grae @ Grae Matter Studios Intro by: Caylin Temple Copyediting by: Spell Check intro and Outro Music: Down the Rabbit Hole by myuu Source: https://soundcloud.com/myuu/down-the-rabbit-hole License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

We still don't know what this segment will be called, so its temporary name will be: "Down the Curiosity Rabbit Hole With Sam, Jill, and Spellcheck." This month's Patreon special is all about the dangerous chemicals found in antiques and vintage items that might be in your collection. Death lurks around every corner, beneath tea towels and on window sills. No ceiling is safe, no bowl left untouched by the chilly fingers of poison. From lead (which is extremely common) to asbestos to arsenic, there are all kinds of fatal goodies to be found in your curio cabinet. Learn about the ancient history of asbestos, all the places lead likes to hide, and the commonality of JILL'S Uranium. There's even a recipe for uranium glass!

This week on The Mothball Prophecies, Sam sits down solo with the queen of fireplaces, Riley Reyes of Darling Diddies. Riley and Sam commiserate about the insanity of an “I don't need to buy this because I can build it' attitude. Both ladies suffer from said affliction. Our guest laments the projects that get left behind in between fireplace and lighting restoration. Riley steps in as our podcast dad to share her knowledge and the steps she takes to bring something back to life and ensure modern energy efficiency. The estate sale walkthrough is on the fly and quite possibly the strangest scenario to date. Here's a hint, pack some mentholatum and re-up your TV Land subscription. Thank you to our team :Edit and Sound Design by: Grae @ Grae Matter Studios Intro by: Caylin Temple Copyediting by: Spell Check intro and Outro Music: Down the Rabbit Hole by myuu Source: https://soundcloud.com/myuu/down-the-rabbit-hole License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/ 

The cat has officially been released from the bag: Mothball Estate Sales has manifested itself at last, when absolutely no one was expecting it. The idea of this company has been a dream for longer than the podcast, believe it or not, and is currently unfolding in the most unlikely way imaginable. Sam is joined by Grae this week to discuss the origins of the company, his steadfast refusal to bullshit anyone, and the future of the Mothball universe. Grae conveniently edited out the part where he admits that he hates dipping fries into frosties. Please send all thoughts and opinions on said topic to the official Mothball Prophecies website.  Thank you to our team :Edit and Sound Design by: Grae @ Grae Matter Studios Intro by: Caylin Temple Copyediting by: Spell Check intro and Outro Music: Down the Rabbit Hole by myuu Source: https://soundcloud.com/myuu/down-the-rabbit-hole License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

Being a Patreon member comes with its own set of perks. Extra episodes are one of those. But this episode is too cool and has sat for too long, so we've decided to set it free! Enjoy! Here at Mothball headquarters, we're always brainstorming new and weird ideas to keep you monsters entertained. You're a ravenous lot, and we love you for it. To answer your question, "How much do you love us?" we've cooked up a new treat. Every month, for our Patreon members only, The Mothball Prophecies will release a full-length, hyper-specific Curio Corner. Each bonus episode will focus on an iconic place or object. We're talking about the crown jewels of the vintage world; subjects that are just too vast for a regular Curio Corner. To start off this new series, we're taking a mental trip to a celebrated California hotel. The Madonna Inn is legendary for its kitschy decor and unrivaled gift shop. If you're looking for new glassware to collect, the Inn's signature goblets are to die for. Grab your drink of choice and get cozy because we're about to plunge headlong into the most glamorous hotel this side of the Mississippi. Thank you to our team :Edit and Sound Design by: Grae @ Grae Matter Studios Intro by: Caylin Temple Copyediting by: Spell Check intro and Outro Music: Down the Rabbit Hole by myuu Source: https://soundcloud.com/myuu/down-the-rabbit-hole (https://soundcloud.com/myuu/down-the-rabbit-hole) License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/ (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/)

Hardly an honorary Maven at this point, but a truly integral part of the Mothball team, Melissa hangs out with Sam this week to interview sweet-as-pie duo Elizabeth Sweigart and Ricky Saetta of The Times Vintage in Greenport, New York. The former is the proprietor of the shop and the latter, is a skilled carpenter. The carpenter, it just so happens, is responsible for all of the jaw-dropping woodwork within the shop itself. Elizabeth and Ricky are a vintage power couple (our words, not theirs), out to spread peace, love, and thrift to the masses. We love interviewing couples, especially ones like these two: so affectionate and loving, it almost makes you blush. Sit tight for a cozy collaboration of creatives, an adorable love story, and Sam making weird apologies to the pod's namesake. Moral of the story? Trust your gut. It's probably right.  Thank you to our team :Edit and Sound Design by: Grae @ Grae Matter Studios Intro by: Caylin Temple Copyediting by: Spell Check intro and Outro Music: Down the Rabbit Hole by myuu Source: https://soundcloud.com/myuu/down-the-rabbit-hole License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

The Mavens sit down with Michael Ray Williams to talk about his job with Replacements Ltd., Movies, and The Gem Belt. Thank you to our team :Edit and Sound Design by: Grae @ Grae Matter Studios Intro by: Caylin Temple Copyediting by: Spell Check intro and Outro Music: Down the Rabbit Hole by myuu Source: https://soundcloud.com/myuu/down-the-rabbit-hole License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

We get a bit of hurricanes." If you were in any doubt, here is your proof: Mothballers are hardcore. The fans of this podcast are top-tier, badass (CAN I SAY THIS?) humans and the whole foundation of the show. Sam, Jill, and the rest of the team can create content all day long, but if no one loves what we do here at the Mothball Prophecies, we would cease to exist. So this week's episode is a thank you to all you listeners. Sam sits down for some mini-interviews with Mothballers from all walks of life. Get to know members of this weird little community during this cozy Q&A, and if you missed your chance to record this time, let us know so we can hit you up for the next one.  Thank you to our team :Edit and Sound Design by: Grae @ Grae Matter Studios Intro by: Caylin Temple Copyediting by: Spell Check intro and Outro Music: Down the Rabbit Hole by myuu Source: https://soundcloud.com/myuu/down-the-rabbit-hole License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

Everyone on the Mothball team grew up, to some extent, in the 90s, which means we all have some weird attachments to certain toys. That being said, this week's guests came in on a flaming chariot of Cosmic Brownies and Kool-aid to shower us with nostalgia. Laura and Jeannine of Shiny Brite Doggo are a couple of fabulous millennials who are paving the way for others of that ilk who refuse to let go of our childhoods. 90s toys and vintage Halloween are their favorite items to find, and the joy doesn't stop there. These two share their estate sale and secondhand store expeditions on their YouTube channel, where they throw down thrifting tips, info on identification, and the general aura of happiness they both emit. This episode is co-hosted by Spellcheck, so of course, there's a weird family story involved. Make it to the Curio Corner for some game instruction and Sam's haunting rendition of a Michael Bolton classic. Thank you to our team :Edit and Sound Design by: Grae @ Grae Matter Studios Intro by: Caylin Temple Copyediting by: Spell Check intro and Outro Music: Down the Rabbit Hole by myuu Source: https://soundcloud.com/myuu/down-the-rabbit-hole License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

Hey kids, it's me, your friendly neighborhood Spellcheck. I'm breaking the fourth wall here but please, stay with me. This episode is an interview with my paternal grandmother, Mickey. She was recently diagnosed with dementia, brought on by Alzheimer's. This is my last chance to hear the stories that now only reside in her mind. Stories that I've always been too afraid to ask about. Stories that may only now be remembered by two elderly great aunts who live in a different country, if they remember at all. I am not dealing well with her decline, but I hope this interview will, in the future, be of some comfort to me and my family. I thank Sam for the respect she showed my grandmother during the interview and Grae for taking such care to present her words with dignity. You both have done my family a great service. Please also enjoy sundry additions from my father, who assisted with the recording, and is a real gem when he wants to be.  Thank you to our team :Edit and Sound Design by: Grae @ Grae Matter Studios Intro by: Caylin Temple Copyediting by: Spell Check intro and Outro Music: Down the Rabbit Hole by myuu Source: https://soundcloud.com/myuu/down-the-rabbit-hole License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

It's been a long, strange road following the birth of glass manufacturing in the United States. We've met some weird characters over the past few episodes and this week will be no different. Though, in place of eccentric producers, we get a laundry list of laws and practices that will cock even the most discerning of eyebrows. And because Jill is off galavanting with her children again (she really is the epitome of a hardcore soccer mom), Sam has to make due with the editors of the podcast, Spellcheck, and Grae. For a fun drinking game: take a shot every time someone says windows. You might pass out before the episode is done, but we'll all be having a good time.

We've got something new this week: Birdie is a native Texan with a decidedly deceptive collection. Deceptive in that it seems so mundane. Birdie deals exclusively with paper ephemera. The podcast has certainly had guests whose collections include ephemera, but not on this scale and not this level of prestige. Also, other paper collectors probably don't have estate sale stories that involve... such delicate circumstances. Birdie and Sam's collective ADHD brains make this episode both fact-filled and erratic, while Jill plays the role of Adderall in human form. The Curio Corner is a historical breakdown of why you actually should be collecting stamps, so make sure to check out the bins of old cards next time you're at an estate sale.  ReplyForwardBirdies Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/feedthebirdies/ (https://www.instagram.com/feedthebirdies/) Thank you to our team : Edit and Sound Design by: Grae @ Grae Matter Studios Intro by: Caylin Temple Copyediting by: Spell Check intro and Outro Music: Down the Rabbit Hole by myuu Source: https://soundcloud.com/myuu/down-the-rabbit-hole License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

With Jill off on soccer-related adventures out of town, Melissa joins up with Sam for this week's episode. Maven and Mavenette read some listener-submitted stories and talk about some of their own "in the wild" finds. Sam shares with us some more amazing tidbits from cleaning her late grandmother's home. There were some interesting finds, lots of tears, and some true catharsis found in the home, which is now on its way to becoming a home for another family. Listener stories include possible drug references, vintage tips, and so much swag. Remember kids: yard sales contain multitudes. Thank you to our team :Edit and Sound Design by: Grae @ Grae Matter Studios Intro by: Caylin Temple Copyediting by: Spell Check intro and Outro Music: Down the Rabbit Hole by myuu Source: https://soundcloud.com/myuu/down-the-rabbit-hole License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

Kevin Jones (Instagram: Blactiquing) collects items that make people uncomfortable, and that is entirely on purpose. Racism in the antique world is nothing new and still thrives across the country. On this podcast, we are always learning and making changes where needed. This week Kevin speaks frankly about race, oppression, and antiques with hateful legacies, and his mission to liberate them. Jill also opens up about her own experiences with racism. Blactiquing, to Kevin, is the intentional process of collecting, preserving and sharing stories of Black experiences. This is an important conversation to be had, and we're so thankful for it. So please take a moment from whatever you're doing, and listen with us. This week's guest deserves our undivided attention. Thank you to our team :Edit and Sound Design by: Grae @ Grae Matter Studios Intro by: Caylin Temple Copyediting by: Spell Check intro and Outro Music: Down the Rabbit Hole by myuu Source: https://soundcloud.com/myuu/down-the-rabbit-hole License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

Repeat listeners will already know this, but if you're new to the Mothball Prophecies you might not: Jill, one of the two lovely hosts of the show, likes Pyrex. She has a few bowls at home and occasionally browses eBay for interesting patterns. Nothing too crazy, *wink wink nudge nudge*... That may or may not be sarcasm. She's also not the most loquacious of people. Enter Rachel of Pyrexowl, a connoisseur of all things Pyrex and this week's fab guest. Jill and Rachel are definitely chips off the same Cinderella bowl. These two nerd out hard while Sam watches in delight. We get some fantastic insight into Jill's buying process and some past antique regret, a pain all collectors feel from time to time. Remodeling with original materials is discussed briefly, as is an unusual collectable item called Neil the Frog. Stick around for the Curio Corner to find out how this frog connects to one of the most celebrated horror films of all time. Thank you to our team :Edit and Sound Design by: Grae @ Grae Matter Studios Intro by: Caylin Temple Copyediting by: Spell Check intro and Outro Music: Down the Rabbit Hole by myuu Source: https://soundcloud.com/myuu/down-the-rabbit-hole License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

In the next installation of Mothball Miscellaneous, Sam and Melco finish up the story of the complete insanity that constitutes the Wistarburgh Glass Company. Not only do we get a full commentary on glassmaking in the 18th century (including Melissa's thoughts on labor rights), there's also a cameo by one of America's Founding Fathers. Here's your hint: he wanted the national bird to be a turkey. Now we'll know who was listening in grade school and who wasn't. Post Revolutionary War glassmaking rounds out the latest episode on the weirdest segment yet to come out of Sam's fever dreams. Seriously, none of us thought glass was going to be this crazy.

Jasmine and Kyla are staples in the behind the scene production of the show. Not in an editorial capacity like Grae and Spellcheck, but in a "Marco Polo the group chats at 2 in the morning to show off a cool find" capacity. Since their first visit to the show, the ladies of Corkscrew have become lifetime inmates at the Mothball Asylum. And that's the way we like it. The foursome cover the opening of the brick and mortar extension of Corkscrew Curiosities, go over tips for selling and prices (if that's what you're into), and just generally faun over each other until everyone is crying. But really it was just Sam who cried. Because this week's guests are family, the Estate Sale Walkthrough was basically the Texas Chainsaw Massacre in podcast form. The Curio Corner is an especially divine treat this week. We are graced with the presence of Mr. Grae himself, filling in for Jill who is currently out of town (and as such feels no obligation to work in any capacity). Phrenology, UFOs, and the living embodiment of nature's rage all make appearances. Listen to this one twice because who knows when we'll get to hear Grae's voice again. He's basically Punxsutawney Phil. Thank you to our team : Edit and Sound Design by: Grae @ Grae Matter Studios Intro by: Caylin Temple Copyediting by: Spell Check intro and Outro Music: Down the Rabbit Hole by myuu Source: https://soundcloud.com/myuu/down-the-rabbit-hole License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

The passage of time allows for a great many things. The lives of those closest to us shape the history of our existence. We hear stories of those who've come before, of faces we will never see smile, laugh, or cry but still we feel the richness of their emotions. We exchange memories over cups of tea and slices of hummingbird cake or huckleberry pie. Through stories, we learn lessons we cannot fully comprehend until we become wise with experience. These tales smooth over the cracks, bringing to light details we may have missed before. Thus is the magic of storytelling. I was shaped under the watchful eye of my grandfather and the careful nudging of my grandmother. They helped mold the person you see before you. My grandmother deserves all of the credit for my love of old things and dusty treasures. She taught me the value of a good deal. She showed me how to identify fine porcelain and where it was made by checking for marks, hieroglyphs, that secret code just for me. She showed me how to crochet granny squares and taught me to sew straight lines on yellow legal pads. She taught me how to pair jewelry with outrageous outfits. She paid extra for haircuts before I went to my first global training. She taught me the importance of recording memories so we might look back one day and marvel at them. She tsked at my choice of hair color, but always admired my bravery. She brought me to the threshold of curiosity and threw open the doors. She instilled in me my effervescence for life and stories. She encouraged all of my ideas and dreams. She filled my life with so much light; I can never repay her. I want to thank her for taking me, the girl who could barely keep her hands in her pockets, to places filled with magic. This week has left me with an internal hole that will be impossible to fill. It is only truthful to say my Grandmother deserves all the credit for this entire podcast. Without her love of antiques, there is no Mothball Prophecies. I'm so thankful I was able to share her with all of you. The last time we were together I told her about all of the places in the world where her episode had been played. She was absolutely tickled pink and so grateful. She was proud of me for what I have made in this world and proud of all of you for bearing witness to it. We laid her to rest this past week but today we all honor her. So please, have a cup of tea, watch some QVC, peruse an antique store, and have some fudge cake.  this episode has been reshared with additions to the original episode posting we share this episode in honor of Jacquelyn Swenson. Beloved Sister, Mother, Grandmother, Aunt, and Friend. May 23, 1945 - February 27, 2022 https://www.themothballprophecies.com/episodes (attribution link)

Ash from Ashtomaton is living in an actual Disney movie. There's a kindly old organ grinder and everything. She's an ex-pat currently living in Holland. And yes, the screeching you hear is Spellcheck in the distance repeating (again) that she is also Dutch. Pickings in that land of wooden shoes and tulip fields are much fancier than what you might find in Idaho. Truthfully, most of Europe is fancier than Idaho. Or all of it. Ash keeps an eye out for antique toys, wind-ups, and other automatons (hence her clever name). Her shopping grounds now range from small-town Holland to Amsterdam to Berlin, and more. Learn about 17th-century housing, 18th-century toys for the rich, and 19th century finds on eBay. Did Sam mention she likes Victorian hair art? Because, you know, she does. Just in case you forgot. https://www.instagram.com/ashtomaton/ (Ashtomaton Instagram)https://linktr.ee/themothballpropheciess (The Mothball Links) Thank you to our team :Edit and Sound Design by: Grae @ Grae Matter Studios Intro by: Caylin Temple Copyediting by: Spell Check https://www.themothballprophecies.com/episodes#:~:text=Thank%20you%20to,licenses/by/3.0/ (attribution link for the intro music)

She grew up in Hawaii, she sews for a living, and she understands your obsession with glass toothpick holders. Please welcome Dawn Emry (IG: Dawnbythebay). Dawn is most definitely someone the Mavens dreamt up and accidentally brought to life. She's a long time thrifter packing some serious talent behind the sewing machine. Dawn takes vintage fabrics, sheets, quilts, you name it, and turns them into jaw-dropping pieces of complete couture clothing. But wait, if you aren't already head over heels, there's more. Just like the creation of the podcast you're listening to, Dawn started seriously sewing in quarantine in 2020. The interview spans all the topics, from finding a new career, believing in your own worth, the vintage community, Hawaii (if you didn't know, Jill is Hawaiian and has the hair of a goddess), and plenty of amazing advise about doing what makes you happy in the truest sense of the word. If you're looking for motivation to start a new job or dive into a project or even learn a new skill, this is your sign. Hear the universe (and Sam) scream encouragement at you. Also, if you're going to Hawaii any time soon, don't tell Jill. She won't be excited about it.  Thank you to our team :Edit and Sound Design by: Grae @ Grae Matter Studios Intro by: Caylin Temple Copyediting by: Spell Check intro and Outro Music: Down the Rabbit Hole by myuu Source: https://soundcloud.com/myuu/down-the-rabbit-hole License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

Mothball Miscellaneous is a series on the Mothball Prophecies all about American manufacturing and how to find and identify possible collectables. This week Sam nerds out with Melissa Watson, everyone's favorite leather worker. These two marvelous ladies go over how glass making came to the United States (colonies of Great Britain at the time), some of the big players at the time, and how serious glass used to be. Melissa confesses that she didn't find this subject interesting at first, but was pleasantly surprised upon closer inspection. So if you're tilting your head at "American Made Glass" and thinking of skipping this episode, pull up a chair; you're about to learn something. Also, please remember to support your local ecosystem by not chopping down and burning all available trees for your business.

Jennifer Perkins, for those of you who don't watch TV, is an actual TV personality. She has hosted multiple programs on both HGTV and the DIY Network. On top of that, she's a crafting Queen and old hat when it comes to vintage and thrift. As in, she's been collecting bakelite since infancy. But don't worry, she's real low key about it. Really chill. The same kind of chill she is while casually mentioning the NINE full-sized Christmas trees she had up for this past holiday season. She doesn't really count the ones that are shorter than three feet. Oh, and she used to be a brand ambassador for Treetopia. Again, catching our breath, trying to remember that this is actually happening. Turns out, though, that she's just a giant weirdo like all of us. It's fantastic. Enjoy her descriptions of growing up in an old Victorian home with her mildly eccentric parents. Please also listen for the sign of quiet shame that rolls out of Sam when Jennifer mentions anthropomorphic tableware. It's, um, not at all a sigh of defeat.  Attribution: https://www.themothballprophecies.com/episodes (https://www.themothballprophecies.com/episodes)

For those of you not running your own business or podcast or vintage reselling empire, you probably haven't ever thought about how much time and brainpower goes into marketing. Business marketing is essential if you want to succeed. If you don't believe it, ask Sam and Jill. The learning curve is sharp and the Mavens had to learn quickly what works and what doesn't. Lucky for all of you lovely humans, this episode is chock full of useful info from real-life marketing lady du jour Ruth Rosenfield. Ruth is the head of Squirrel Vintage Shop on Instagram and business is booming. Wait till you hear how many Halloween blow molds she sold recently, but grab the smelling salts first. She's trained in marketing and attended Art School in California. She even worked in a Mad Men-style advertising office in New York City. This was in the 80s when the real Don Drapers were still boozing it up at 7 am and chain-smoking in their offices. Ruth doesn't collect any one specific thing, she's more of a Jane of all trades when it comes to what she likes to bring home. Tins, paper, glassware, you name it, she has it. She's got an especially large Jadite collection that Spellcheck is supremely jealous of. Listen for Sam's glassware fiasco confession or if you want to hear how to properly find an estate sale without a listed address. It's exactly what you think it is.  attribution: https://www.themothballprophecies.com/episodes

Raise your hand if you absolutely loved listening to Megan Powell of Goods Resurrected (https://www.themothballprophecies.com/episodes/vcmu7fdpg8j8axrf6x8g2fmp93l0ez (Ep 36)) and have been silently screaming at Sam and Jill to bring her back. Everyone? That's how we feel too. So here she is: Megan hops back on the Mothball train with tales of her newest venture. Last year you may remember Megan talking about living the ultimate dream of quitting her job to resell full time. Are you still jealous? Megan has been expanding her portfolio this past year from reseller and vintage genius to coaching others. On top of dropping some more tried and true tricks for reselling, she also gives us some words of wisdom about allowing yourself to do the things that make you happy. There's a common thread with a lot of interviews on the show of the misfit finally finding their people. Almost every guest has spoken about their moment of realization, the epiphany that tears down the wall of insecurity, that shows them they are not an outcast. We've all been there. But if your moment hasn't come yet, then let this episode be your sign from the universe that you found your people. And those people probably carry around keychain black lights every time they go to a thrift store. Not mentioning any names here. Sam. It's Sam. We're talking about Sam. Thank you to our team :Edit and Sound Design by: Grae @ Grae Matter Studios Intro by: Caylin Temple Copyediting by: Spell Check intro and Outro Music: Down the Rabbit Hole by myuu Source: https://soundcloud.com/myuu/down-the-rabbit-hole License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

The Mothball Prophecies fully endorses the urge to spend hours, if not days, researching every aspect of a particular niche subject until you pass out on your laptop from lack of sleep. In fact, we tend to encourage it. But with Mothball Miscellaneous, we do the hard part and you get to relax. Reap the rewards of our labor. This month's installment is all about Sunbeam Appliances, and boy howdy, this company is way more ridiculous than you thought. Honestly, 100% of the names in this episode are true. Strap in kids and be careful if you're sipping something while listening; it might end up shooting through your nose.  https://www.themothballprophecies.com/

If any of you were put a little on edge by the Holiday Special's detailed depiction of Rushton Santas (Thanks for giving us all nightmares Erin), then you may need a weighted blanket for this week's episode. Kewt Kitsch was recommended to us by a fan with a not so vague threat of bodily harm should we refuse. She's an obsessive Rushton toy fan with her own website dedicated to the founder of the Rushton Toy Company, Mary Rushton. Rushtons are soft stuffed toys, plushies if you will, with rubber faces. They are not unlike another specific toy we've talked about on the show in that they only partially resemble the animals they are supposed to represent. Some people relish the creep factor of these tiny monsters, while others, like our guest (whose eyebrows may not be sisters but probably share a lot of DNA) find the cute in even the most uncomfortable of faces. Kewt joins us from that land of strange news articles, Florida. It's her first stint in the alligator state and she's definitely missing the cold Christmases of her youth in the snowy midwest. The Mavens talk over the surreal feeling of having childhood toys and fashions come back into vogue and Kewt speaks fluent fangirl at all of us. Sam is particularly brutal in the Estate Sale Walkthrough. She calls it "generous"; normal humans call it torture. Thank you to our team :Edit and Sound Design by: Grae @ Grae Matter Studios Intro by: Caylin Temple Copyediting by: Spell Check intro and Outro Music: Down the Rabbit Hole by myuu Source: https://soundcloud.com/myuu/down-the-rabbit-hole License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

Happy New Year to one and all! How any of us are still sane after the past two years is a total mystery, but we made it. It's officially 2022 and the Mothball Team is ready for something new. The Vintage Tip of the Week is a feature of the show that came about completely by accident. In the middle of an episode, many, many moons ago, Sam's brain momentarily exploded with inspiration. On a whim, she asked Grae jokingly for a "Tip of the Week" sound effect, and of course, he delivered. He's rather good about that. Now we have a retro-centric educational feature to look forward to in each episode. However, there's a bit of an issue we've run into: There is no index of these tips. There's no way to refer back to them in times of need. What is there to do? How to fix such a problem... Most of us don't have the time to search through each episode to find the tip clips. Lucky for you, the Mavens are smart ladies and have come up with a simple solution. The podcast is rolling out a blog made up of all past tips, future tips, and whatever pops up in between. This episode is an audio companion to the official release of the blog (1/3/2022 @ 7 pm MST). Listen in for clips of previous tips and some new ideas from the Mavens. Then go check out the website's new blog page to learn how to clean and identify brass in the blog's inaugural post. Get your magnets ready. Thank you to our team :Edit and Sound Design by: Grae @ Grae Matter Studios Intro by: Caylin Temple Copyediting by: Spell Check intro and Outro Music: Down the Rabbit Hole by myuu Source: https://soundcloud.com/myuu/down-the-rabbit-hole License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

'Tis the season! Come one and all! Join the Mothball Prophecies in a jolly jaunt through the various holiday traditions and family stories. We're joined by some of our favorite past guests. First, we are blessed with a visit from our Fairy Goth Mother: Kate from Bittersqueaks. Kate spills the hot thrift goss' on restoring old and second-hand ornaments and wrapping presents in the most artistic ways possible. Next, the goddess of glitter herself, Elrod of MexaKitsch, sits us down for Glitter University. We've all been glittering wrong apparently and we must repent. From the great white north, we chat with Erin or Farre11kat, and Dave Rademacher who discuss creepy demon Santa's and weird re-gifted stools respectively. To round out this parfait of pod guests, we get a peek behind the curtain to meet the fabled Grae, man of mystery that he is, and hear some more about the origins of the podcast. P.S. Listen, my baby cryptids. Elf on the Shelf is the actual devil. I burn with hatred for that little stuffed monster and cannot reiterate enough how much you should NOT start that farse of a tradition. DON'T DO IT. Save yourself from the anguish, nay! the visceral self-flagellation, and deny the existence of these creatures to your offspring. It isn't worth it. There will only be tears and broken hearts and you, the parent, up at some ungodly hour to move that satanic imp into a new position so that your children may experience one more year of winter magic. This year I may have finally killed our elf in the minds of my children. I plan to ritualistically sacrifice him under cover of darkness on the eve of the new year. Learn from my folly, dear ones, and forgo the elf. Instead, scare the shit out of your kids with Krampus. Thus I give you your gift of the season. Hugs and kisses and possible frostbite. Spellcheck. Thank you to our team :Edit and Sound Design by: Grae @ Grae Matter Studios Intro by: Caylin Temple Copyediting by: Spell Check intro and Outro Music: Down the Rabbit Hole by myuu Source: https://soundcloud.com/myuu/down-the-rabbit-hole License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

Immigration is a part of every American. For some, our ancestors arrived in a new hundreds of years ago. For some, our great grand parents left the only home they knew to find greener pastures. Others though, they straddle the line between two countries. Cristina talks to us through the latter most lense. She came to the states from Romania as a small child. Growing up without heirlooms or extended family made Cristina gravitate toward items for a slightly different reason. The Mavens chat with the former American Folk Art Museum's former social media manager (we are very impressed) about the original intent for thrift stores, the gentrification of secondhand, and the effect social media is having on vintage fashions. Cristina walks us through her fabric obsession and vocalizes the universal need to randomly jump in the car and go for a drive, like we all secretly harbor the urge to be a middle aged dad.  Thank you to our team :Edit and Sound Design by: Grae @ Grae Matter Studios Intro by: Caylin Temple Copyediting by: Spell Check intro and Outro Music: Down the Rabbit Hole by myuu Source: https://soundcloud.com/myuu/down-the-rabbit-hole License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

 Winter is upon us, and with that come a multitude of holidays. Thanksgiving for the Americans, Christmas for some, Hanukkah for others, Yule or a little Winter Solstice maybe? Whatever you celebrate this time of year, most of us have family traditions that we hold near and dear. On this week's intimate episode we get the full rundown of the Christmas customs of our most esteemed hostesses Samantha and Jill-iffer (most definitely not her real name but a fancier, Christmas version). The Mavens saunter down memory lane recounting the Christmases of their childhoods and those first holidays after marriage. Instead of a separate Curio Corner this time, Sam and Jill dive into the histories of electric tree lights and nutcrackers mid-episode. Get your cocoa or your Bailey's or whatever you drink (peppermint tea for a certain copywriter), watch the snowfall and get cozy while you listen. Thank you to our team :Edit and Sound Design by: Grae @ Grae Matter Studios Intro by: Caylin Temple Copyediting by: Spell Check intro and Outro Music: Down the Rabbit Hole by myuu Source: https://soundcloud.com/myuu/down-the-rabbit-hole License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

This episode is not at all what you think it's going to be. In any way. The Mavens met a plethora of amazing and episode worthy people while on their trip to the Oddities Expo. One of these was Kat Handler of Century Guild. Conversations were had and friends were made over art nouveau and Kat was promptly scheduled to be a guest on the show. She is a first for the podcast, something we are always looking for. Kat is a passionate collector of clowns. Clowns not in the shallow, caricatured versions we generally see now. No, Kat is a genuine historian of the art of pantomime, french 19th century theater, clown archetypes, and so many other subjects under that umbrella that we honestly cannot give justice to in a written description. This is an intense episode containing so much information that our heads are still processing it. Sit in a quiet room with no distractions so you can take it all in. After listening to Kat waxing poetic about clowns you'll never look at Pennywise the same way again.  Thank you to our team :Edit and Sound Design by: Grae @ Grae Matter Studios Intro by: Caylin Temple Copyediting by: Spell Check intro and Outro Music: Down the Rabbit Hole by myuu Source: https://soundcloud.com/myuu/down-the-rabbit-hole License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

 If you're the sort of person who likes vintage Halloween, classic movie monsters, or VHS then you may already know this week's guest. Her hair is a dream and her lashes could kill. The lady of the hour is none other than Atomic Bettie (or Tanya if you must). This devilish queen hails from a quiet, out of the way lane in the middle of Amish country, Pennsylvania. But don't mistake her Pennsylvania Dutch roots for Amish or Mennonite. Bettie gives us a culture lesson before diving into her twin loves of mid century kitsch and classis horror. She has a bathroom dedicated to the creature from the Black Lagoon FOR PETE'S SAKE. But don't forget one of her biggest collections: Bettie's got an entire spare room that was converted into a closet for her massive stockpile of real vintage clothing. Architecture built around a collection really is a dream come true.  Thank you to our team :Edit and Sound Design by: Grae @ Grae Matter Studios Intro by: Caylin Temple Copyediting by: Spell Check intro and Outro Music: Down the Rabbit Hole by myuu Source: https://soundcloud.com/myuu/down-the-rabbit-hole License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

If you are blessed with a petite frame that fits genuine vintage clothing, then you are one lucky ducky and we at the pod applaud you for it. For many a modern human, however, vintage clothing feels like it was made for children or elves. Josie Chase is changing that in a big way. In a fabulous response to fast fashion and the lack of plus size (or even just regular size) clothes found in antique shops, Josie Chase is filling a need the vintage world maybe didn't know it had: she's creating (technically new) retro-style clothes with all vintage and sustainable materials. She's literally making vintage clothes with people-sized people in mind! Currently living in little town, Idaho, Josie is using her self-taught sewing skills to change the world, one seam at a time. Sam reminisces about falling asleep to the sound of a sewing machine as a kid and Jill temporarily loses her mind: does she actually think she doesn't have "that much" Pyrex? Girl, please. Thank you to our team :Edit and Sound Design by: Grae @ Grae Matter Studios Intro by: Caylin Temple Copyediting by: Spell Check intro and Outro Music: Down the Rabbit Hole by myuu Source: https://soundcloud.com/myuu/down-the-rabbit-hole License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

Get ready to swoon. This week we get a real treat. Firstly: He's Irish. Secondly: He's a history buff (Spellcheck is currently hyperventilating). Our guest is a multi-generational jeweler with a great grandfather who was hired by the Irish government to recover the stolen Irish crown jewels. Spoiler: They were never found. His other great grandfather was the accountant for Michael Collins during the irish revolution and subsequent civil war. If you aren't sure who Collins is, pause this recording to go do your research. Matthew Weldon is a jeweler by trade but a collector by heart; antique jewelry runs in his veins. With a personal family history steeped in literal treasure and the pedigree to match, his collection is a thing to behold. Hear about Matthew's travels to antique shows, the feeling of an amazing find, and the subsequent mini party we all have in our car. Unless you're Jill, then you silently, aloofly bask in it. May we all one day be as cool and calm as Jill is.  Thank you to our team :Edit and Sound Design by: Grae @ Grae Matter Studios Intro by: Caylin Temple Copyediting by: Spell Check intro and Outro Music: Down the Rabbit Hole by myuu Source: https://soundcloud.com/myuu/down-the-rabbit-hole License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

Back at the end of summer the Mavens purchased tickets to The Oddities Flea Market Curated and hosted by the queen and king of weird antiques, Regina and Ryan Cohn. The show took place over the course of a single weekend in October in Los Angeles, California. This week's episode is Jill, Sam, and honorary Maven Riley of Darling Diddies rehashing the weird, the beautiful, the unexpected, and the hilarious. We all get to meet Fishnets. Sam and Jill were able to meet long time fans and members of the Patreon. Riley is now able to confirm Grae's existence. Bittersqueaks and Riley ordered deviled eggs and the world fell to pieces. A whole lot happened and you'll just have to listen to find out. L. A. is an objectively weird place, but that's not a bad thing. Thank you to our team :Edit and Sound Design by: Grae @ Grae Matter Studios Intro by: Caylin Temple Copyediting by: Spell Check intro and Outro Music: Down the Rabbit Hole by myuu Source: https://soundcloud.com/myuu/down-the-rabbit-hole License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

The MothGhouls are here for the best time of year with a Spoopy Season Special! Sam and Jill, joined by Spellcheck, tell three creepy tales of haunted items. It might be a joke among some collectors, but accidentally bringing home a ghost or two in that cool old cigar box isn't something to fool around with. We are all, therefore, quite lucky that none of these items can possibly come home with you. But you certainly can go to them. Jill adamantly warns us not to sit in it, but you can go see the Busby Stoop Death chair in Thirsk. Spellcheck chatters excitedly about a literal axe murder from the 1890s and the house where it happened in Massachusetts. And Sam regales us with tales of an actual haunted doll all the way down in Key West. Listen whenever you wish, but the MothGhouls think this episode is best enjoyed by candlelight. Preferably while home alone. Happy hauntings.  thank you to our team :Edit and Sound Design by: Grae @ Grae Matter Studios Intro by: Caylin Temple Copyediting by: Spell Check intro and Outro Music: Down the Rabbit Hole by myuu Source: https://soundcloud.com/myuu/down-the-rabbit-hole License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/