The Mystic Menagerie Podcast

We return for another lockdown special where we discuss the 70s classic children's book, 'Usborne's World of the Unknown – Ghosts'. We also explore some of the UK's strangest museums including Littledean Jail and the Isle of Wight attraction that was responsible for many childhood nightmares; The Brading Waxwork Museum.

In this episode we discuss some of the crazy 'Kung Flu' conspiracies that are currently circulating. Was it all planned and orchestrated by the UK Government? Could it be Aliens? Could is finally be time to prepare for a Mad Max style dystopian future? All this and more in our new one hour 'bite sized' show, a perfect way to kill 60 minutes of isolation.

Carrying on the festive spirit from the last episode, this edition was first broadcast on the 29th December 2014 and sees Dan and Freddie joined by Paul Voodini for a fun, Christmas based discussion which covers weird Christmas traditions from around the world, the sinister undertones to the kids film ‘The Polar Express' and the Paranormal Corner looks at real life Santa sightings!

The third episode was our very first Christmas special and featured a great interview with the wonderful Reece Shearsmith who discusses Inside No.9, the Borley Rectory, the League of Gentlemen, serial killers and loads more! The Paranormal Corner covers the weird phenomenon of the Crying Boy picture of the 1970/80s which was allegedly responsible for the burning down of many houses in the UK. Was it truly cursed? Bizarre Music features the legendary ‘Mrs ‘o' Leary's Cow (Fire)' by The Beach Boys. This song was recorded during the sessions for the aborted ‘Smile' album and Brian Wilson believed this piece of music was responsible for a spate of fires around Los Angeles. This episode seems to have a bit of an arson theme! There is a wonderful poem called Pork Pies which was written by Jackie Kay and is read here by the dulcet tones of E.R. Perkins, the gent who provides the voice over at the start of the show!

The second episode of the show featured a real mixed bag of items and covered many aspects of the alternative arts. There is a review of a book called “The Geek Magician's Cookbook” by Mat Parrot which explains the secrets of sideshow performers, exploring bizarre music we look at the disturbing song ‘Hamburger Lady' by Throbbing Gristle and talk about the horrific real-life story that inspired it. Bizarre cinema fans are catered for with our look at the 1960s Italian ‘shockumentary', Mondo Cane which featured strange and disturbing events from around the world all set to a soundtrack of easy listening grooves. We also discuss the difference between the US and UK celebrations of Halloween and how it is seen and viewed very differently in both places. The first Paranormal Corner goes into the depth about the rather strange disappearance of student Elisa Lam and the various theories behind this odd and disturbing event.

The Mystic Menagerie Podcast, your regular descent into the world of alternative entertainment, art and culture. Bolt the door, light the fire and pour yourself a glass of virgin rouge and let your hosts Dan Baines, Freddie Valentine & Nathan Sarea guide you through the Stygian depths of your darkest delights.