WORLD-WEARY PODCAST

This week, the World-Weary women discuss strange science and tech! Cassiopeia looks at the gruesome experiments conducted in the search for a cure for Yellow Fever. A 1980's school teacher living in a haunted cottage communicates with a 16th century vicar and a "friend from 2109" via an early microcomputer: Violet discusses the time-warp-technology case of The Dodleston Messages.

This week, the World-Weary women question "What's in a name?" with a coincidental rivalry theme. Violet explains the conquests of the mighty samurai warlord, Uesugi Kenshin: how they came to be known as the "Dragon of Echigo" and their famous rivalry with the "Tiger of Kai". Cassiopeia looks at the 19th century's scientific "name and shame" war that started with a Prince of Botany and ended with feuding palaeontologists.

This week, the World-Weary women are back with a Spooky Somerset Special! Cassiopeia drops the local scandal on the circus magnate that demanded the return of a "Witch" skeleton to his spooky attraction, the Wookey Hole Caves. Violet investigates the dark history of the haunted beauty spot and ancient monument, Dead Woman's Ditch.

This week, the World-Weary women polish some little gems. Violet explains the out-of-this-world origins of the mind-expanding Tektites, melted glass rocks believed to be formed by asteroid impacts. Cassiopeia discovers the history of the Opal and finds out why some consider it to be a jewel of misfortune.

This week, the World-Weary women investigate history's big egos. Cassiopeia looks at the wild lifestyle of baseball legend, Babe Ruth. Violet presents the violent reign of Fu Sheng, a Former Qin Dynasty emperor who was almost erased from the history books due to his cruelty and craziness.

This week, the World-Weary women invoke the atmospheric ghost lights of East Anglian legend. Violet presents the Lantern Man: a lamp wielding spirit that lures late night travellers to their deaths in the marshy Fenlands. Cassiopeia reads a 19th century account of a wise witch and some spooky lights in Norfolk.

This week the World-Weary women tell terrible colonial tales of the rich and valuable! Cassiopeia looks at the disturbing claim that a super rich Jameson Whiskey heir paid for a young slave to be cannibalised whilst he watched and painted a watercolour of the gruesome scene. In 1608, the world's biggest ever bell sank into the mud beneath the Yangon river, Myanmar: Violet presents a lost treasure, the Great Bell of Dhammazedi.

This week, the World-Weary women take a crash course in Stranger Danger! In 1973, two children playing in a field stumble upon a robot-alien-clown: Violet introduces “Sam the Sandown Clown” and it's possible connection to UFO activity on the Isle of Wight. Cassiopeia tackles the disturbing sightings of the “Gimp Man” currently on the loose in Somerset, UK.

This week, the World-Weary women learn a thing or two. Cassiopeia looks at Diogenes the Cynic; a crazy and controversial Greek philosopher who famously lived in a large ceramic jar. Violet presents Sankoré Madrasa, an ancient university in Timbuktu that was once home to priceless libraries and the greatest scholars in the world.

This week, the World-Weary women encounter the mightiest monsters of mythology. Violet ventures into the pitch black darkness of the Labyrinth seeking the true origins of the Minotaur myth. Cassiopeia tells the terrible legend of Lamia, a Libyan queen who transforms into a child-eating monster and a nocturnal ghost-seductress.

In this special episode, the World-Weary women catch up with wonderful fantasy author and creator of the "Birth Of The Fae" book series, Danielle Orsino. We discuss the second and third installments of the series: "Thine Eyes of Mercy" and "From The Ashes". Danielle tells us all about trying to write in Olde English, "aura-blending" and how her father inspired a slightly mischievous gnome character! Find out more about "Birth of the Fae" series at https://www.birthofthefae.com/

This week, the World-Weary women trip out on hallucinogenic happenings. Cassiopeia reads the story of a man who lost his mind, went to jail and almost died after ingesting the incredibly poisonous drug, Datura (aka Jimson's Weed). Violet looks at the archaeological discovery of a 1000 year old shamanic drug stash found at an ancient burial ground in the Andes mountains.

This week the World-Weary women bring deity drama. In 1963, a young woman claiming to be the reincarnation of an Aztec goddess creates a blood-drinking Mexican death cult: Violet presents the horrific true crime case of female serial killer, Magdalena Solis, aka The High Priestess of Blood. Cassiopeia teaches us wholesome and fascinating facts about the "wine and good-time" Greek god, Dionysus.

This week, the World-Weary women sail to strange and spooky islands. From prisons to psychiatric institutions, Cassiopeia discusses the history of Hart Island which now serves as a mass graveyard for New Yorkers. Violet looks at the series of misfortunes that have befallen the wealthy residents of Italy's cursed luxury island, Isola della Gaiola.

This week, the World-Weary women answer distress calls for rescue stories! In 1947, rescuers discover an entire ship's crew dead and "frozen in fear": Violet questions whether the Ourang Medan is simply a sailor's ghost story or if it could be based on true events. Cassiopeia tells the shocking story of the 1925 cave rescue of Kentucky-born cave explorer, Floyd Collins.

This week, the World-Weary women return to stories from the cursed isles. Cassiopeia explains the age-old tradition of Irish curses and discovers that everyone from magical blacksmiths to beggars, widows and even priests were casting curses! In 1960's Bedfordshire, a rector is tormented by "black magic" and the desecration of a 300 year old grave at a ruined church: Violet presents the true story of the cursed church of Clophill.

This week, the World-Weary women unlock stories of secret codes! Violet explores the archaeological mystery of the Phaistos Disc: can anyone decipher its spirals of ancient Minoan symbols? Cassiopeia looks at the Native American Code Talkers who developed an unbeatable secret code during World War I.

This week, the World-Weary women demand order in the court! Cassiopeia examines the Five Punishments of Ancient China and the tale of the brave daughter, Chunyu Tiying, who saved her father's life by persuading the Emperor to abolish the penalties. Violet presents the tragic story of the Greenbrier Ghost: the only known legal case in which testimony from the victim's ghost helped to convict their murderer.

This week, the World-Weary ladies tuck you into bed with charming tales of pretty princesses... or not. When the mummy of an ancient Persian princess surfaces in Pakistan's black market, its discovery looks set to re-write the history books... that is, until experts uncover a shocking secret: Violet unwraps the case of the Princess Mummy. Cassiopeia presents the legend of Cornwall's "Daisy Dog" and the tragic voyage of a Chinese princess.

This week, the World-Weary women mull over matrimonial madness. Cassiopeia discusses the problematic tradition of bride kidnappings and the tragic murder of a woman who was kidnapped three times. Violet looks at one of the grandest and most lavish royal weddings of all time: Violante Visconti and Lionel of Antwerp's wedding banquet is said to have included 30 courses of meat gilded in gold leaf!

This week, the World-Weary women climb to great heights in their search for stories. Violet explores China's "Hanging Coffins"; an extinct funerary practice dating back at least 3000 years where heavy wooden coffins were wedged onto the highest cliff faces. Cassiopeia checks out a crazy Slovenian castle built into an enormous cave mouth: once home to a "robber baron", learn the disturbing secrets hidden within Predjama Castle!

This week, the World-Weary women peruse their gallery of weird art. Cassiopeia searches for meaning in the literal "garbage" mosaics of Ancient Rome. From a hidden headless ghost to a cursed painting of creepy children, Violet rounds up the most haunted artwork on the internet.

This week, the World-Weary women explore stories of resurrection. Violet discusses the amazing rebirth of an extinct tree: the Judaean Date Palm bore fruit so delicious and desirable that it was once the symbol of the ancient Judaean Kingdom. Cassiopeia presents the weird and wonderful Egyptian tale of the resurrection of Osiris by the super-powerful goddess Isis.

This week, the World-Weary women tell tales of the falsehood. Cassiopeia explains the extremely weird Berners Street Hoax of 1809 that brought a large area of London to a standstill: did a practical joke go too far? In 1989, a parapsychologist presents a coffee jar containing the pickled remains of a Smurf-like cryptid on Spanish TV: Violet looks at the "Gnome of Girona".

This week, the World-Weary women regale each other with tales of immortality. Violet presents the case of the extremely powerful First Emperor of China, Qin Shi Huang, whose fear of death led to an epic quest for an invisible wizard and the fabled Elixir of Life. Cassiopeia explains what happens when a self-proclaimed immortal messiah dies a violent death: we discover the Koreshan Cult and their leader, Cyrus Teed.

This week, love is in the air in the World-Weary pod-castle. Cassiopeia looks at the oral tradition of the Soninke people: a couple in love, a seven-headed snake and the fall of the Ghana Empire. Violet rounds-up the most disgusting and dangerous ingredients to be used in ancient love potions.

This week, dangerous desserts are served in the World-Weary Podcast castle. Violet dishes up the infamous Glasgow Ice-cream Wars; when van drivers sold more than just frozen treats and turf-disputes snowballed into deadly violence. Cassiopeia dips into the strange and savage history of Mad Honey.

This week, the World-Weary women spill the beans on sports scandals. Cassiopeia presents the somber story of Danny Almonte; a phenomenal Little League pitcher whose baseball career was jeopardised by a surprising scandal. From daring disguises to testicle-twisting, Violet explains the various ways in which ancient Greek athletes could cheat the Olympic Games.

This week, the World-Weary women are perplexed by puzzles. Violet brings Bronze Age "Jigsaw" Skeletons (a.k.a Scottish Frankenstein Mummies) to the party. Cassiopeia ponders over the ancient Greek super-genius, mathematician and puzzle-game-creator, Archimedes of Syracuse.

This week, superstitions abound in the World-Weary podcast castle... Cassiopeia looks to Africa for fascinating folklore and old superstitions. Violet investigates beliefs about unlucky black cats, cats that steal baby's breath and other feline fables.

This week, the World-Weary women unearth extinct megafauna! In 1987, cavers discover a large mummified claw in the side of a mountain: Violet explores a land of birds and the rapid extermination of the massive Moa. Cassiopeia sinks into the petrifying period of Earth's history when gigantic scorpions ruled both sea and land...

This week, the World-Weary women bring fascinating culinary tales to the table. Cassiopeia serves up a Greek goddess superfood: learn the magical properties and unusual history hidden within the artichoke heart. Violet checks the cannibalistic claims surrounding a festive Mexican meat stew, Pozole, the recipe for which dates back to the time of the Aztec Empire.

The World-Weary women return to their doomsday bunker to retrieve top-secret listener stories of the strange and stressful kind. Get spooked by an unforgettable halloween spirit-board experience, a first-hand witness account of the 1997 Phoenix Lights, a creepy case of stalking and a red UFO spotted from an an ancient hilltop ruin.

This week, the World-Weary women gather together a green-themed episode. Violet explains how the U.S. urban legend of the "Green Man" that haunts State Route 351 has a very real and tragic origin story. Cassiopeia gets herbal with a fascinating history of medical cannabis in China.

This week, the World-Weary women treat themselves to tales of terror. When a hippo capsizes a holiday-maker's fishing boat in crocodile-infested waters, all manner of awful wildlife attacks ensue: Cassiopeia tells of a terrifying night on the Zambezi river. Violet presents a horrific case of grave-robbing in 19th century Ohio: the body-snatching scandal of the late John Scott Harrison.

This week, the World-Weary women discuss deeds of divination! Violet presents the occult partnership of Elizabethan Court Astrologer, John Dee, and Medium-turned-Alchemist, Edward Kelley; who held seances with angels in their quest for knowledge. Cassiopeia looks at the traditional magic spells and games that are said to help you foresee your future lover.

This week, the World-Weary women bring scary stories of discovery! Cassiopeia presents the mindblowing mission of Apollo 13; a journey to the moon that almost resulted in total disaster. On a dark December evening, reports of a car crash lead Surrey Police to make an unexpected and chilling discovery: Violets explains the A3 Ghost Crash.

This week, the World-Weary women release terrifying monsters from their podcast dungeon. Violet looks at a Cornish cryptid, The Beast of Bodmin Moor, and the ever persistent rumour that three pumas were released into the English countryside by a dodgy zoo-keeper in 1978. Cassiopeia introduces the Strigoi: Romanian mythology talks of people returning from the grave as vampiric spirits that terrorise the living.

This week, the World-Weary women call on show-biz ghosts! Cassiopeia rounds up cursed movies and haunted film sets, including a soap opera where ghostly happenings stopped some actors from filming a Halloween special. Violet reads the account of a paranormal investigator who claims that his life was ruined by the spirit of a circus ringmaster.

This week, the World-Weary women enchant with stories of sorcery from the past. Violet introduces the unjust case of "The Witch of Eye": a cowherder's wife who read fortunes, brewed potions and became embroiled in a royal scandal. Cassiopeia looks at witchcraft in Ancient Greece and the famous thinkers who were considered to be sorcerers.

This week, the World-Weary women muse upon the subject of haunted museums. Cassiopeia discusses the collection of possessed dolls and cursed objects amassed by famous ghost-hunting couple, Ed and Lorraine Warren. Violet introduces the ghosts of Brighton's historic Preston Manor House and the curious case of an allegedly haunted ledger donated to the museum.

This week the World-Weary women drive stakes through the hearts of historical vampire legends. In 1173, a Spanish Count returns from the dead to abduct young women and feast on the inhabitants of Llers Castle: Violet summons the oldest vampire story in Europe. Cassiopeia explores the theories behind "The Blood Countess", Elizabeth Báthory: serial killer noblewoman or victim of politically motivated slander?

This week, the World-Weary women's keyword is "cult"! Cassiopeia looks at the criminal case surrounding followers of "Love Has Won" after their leader's mummified body was found inside a homemade shrine in Colorado. Violet explains the brutal medieval murder of Saint Thomas of Canterbury and why pilgrims wanted to drink his blood.

This week, the World-Weary women investigate purportedly haunted castles. Violet explores the Argentinian urban legend of The Castle of La Boca: a grand house haunted by a former resident and the supernatural creatures that drove her to her death. From eerie old women to ghostly bagpipes, Cassiopeia checks out Scotland's creepiest castles.

This week, the World-Weary women talk political intrigue and scandals. Cassiopeia gets to grips with the 1998 Clinton-Lewinsky scandal and explores the problematic media and cultural reaction to the affair. Violet introduces the unorthodox life of one of Ancient Rome's youngest emperors: disliked for his eccentricity and promiscuity, was Elagabalus actually an undeserved victim of historic prejudices?

This week, the World-Weary women investigate spooky islands with dark and terrible histories. Violet presents Australia's Murder Island: aboard the Dutch merchant ship Batavia, a psycho-pirate orchestrates a violent mutiny resulting in the bloody massacre of over 100 shipwreck survivors. Cassiopeia explores the colonial horror story of Ross Island, an abandoned penal colony in the Andaman Islands.

This week, the World-Weary women bring strange 'n' spooky wildlife tales straight from the haunted pet shop. Was the missing aviation pioneer Amelia Earhart eaten by ravenous Coconut Crabs on Nikumaroro Island?: Cassiopeia investigates disturbing rumours attached to the world's largest land crab. Violet explores the Finnish folk-magic practice of burying tiny wooden Frog Coffins in graveyards.

This week, the World-Weary women seek afterlife answers from those who have returned from the land of the dead. Violet tells the uncanny tale of an Egyptologist whose past-life memories helped to discover unknown archaeology: was Dorothy Eady the reincarnation of a 3000 year old Egyptian temple priestess? Cassiopeia explores near-death experiences and reveals what people have witnessed on the 'other-side'!

This week, the World-Weary women lose themselves in a land of spooky woodlands and sinister forest fortresses! Cassiopeia finds herself in Romania's Bermuda Triangle: Hoia Baciu Forest is an infamous paranormal hotspot full of strangely warped trees, UFO sightings and unsolved disappearances. Violet explores the legend of a haunted medieval castle built to seal off a pit full of demons; was Houska Castle home to both a Gateway to Hell and Nazi occult experiments?

This week, the World-Weary women present must-have magic accessories for the fashion-conscious conjurer. Ever wondered about the origins of magic wands? From ancient mammoth ivory to sleek ebony, Violet explores the evolution of the wand and its ever-changing applications in sorcery. Why are witches and wizards synonymous with big pointy hats? Cassiopeia reveals the hidden history under the magician's headgear.

This week, the World-Weary women each bring a fascinating biography of a favourite historical figure. Cassiopeia presents the rags-to-riches life of the Wild West's most talented sharp-shooter, Annie Oakley. Violet introduces the legend of Ishikawa Goemon, the Japanese Robin Hood: a runaway ninja turned anti-authoritarian hero who suffered an infamously gruesome death!