Episodes

  • The Amateur Mendicant Society

    The Amateur Mendicant Society
    Mar 30 2026
    "Those were the early days" [VALL] Join us as we explore the roots of Sherlockian tradition in the Motor City with Christopher Music, archivist and Commissionaire of The Amateur Mendicant Society, and the group's Gasogene, our own Scott Monty. As one of the "Original Eight" scion societies in the U.S., the Mendicants hold a unique place in literary history — from their 1946 founding held on the same night as an early meeting of The Speckled Band of Boston, to producing the first-ever televised Sherlock Holmes performance of a society. Chris discusses the founding members of the group, including newspaperman Russell McLauchlin, who was welcomed into the BSI by Vincent Starrett himself. You'll hear about the Mendicants' evolution, and look ahead to April 25, 2026, when the group will return to their original Detroit meeting site to celebrate 80 years of fellowship. Our "Learned Societies" segment kicks off with Sherlockian society activities coming up in the first half of June. Then, it's a new edition of "Examining the Pictures," with the film critic, journalist, and author Christian Monggaard, BSI, as Christian offers a fascinating perspective on the television series Elementary. Finally, the Canonical Couplet quiz will test your Sherlock Holmes knowledge, with a copy of something from the IHOSE vaults for the winner. Send your answer to comment @ihearofsherlock.com by April 14, 2026 at 11:59 p.m. DST. All listeners are eligible to play. As a reminder, our supporters can listen to the show ad-free and have access to occasional bonus material. Join us on the platform of your choice (Patreon | Substack). And if you need some show swag or gift ideas, or if you want to show off your good taste to other Sherlockians, check out our Merch Store, with mugs, notepads and more. Leave I Hear of Sherlock Everywhere a five-star rating on Apple Podcasts and Spotify; listen to us wherever you listen to podcasts. Links The Amateur Mendicant SocietyThe 80th Anniversary Meeting of the Amateur MendicantsFrom the Lower Vault: Treasures from the Archives of the Amateur Mendicant Society of Detroit 1946-1961 by Christopher Music (Battered Silicon Dispatch Box)Cliff Bell'sOther links:The Learned Societies: Sherlockian Calendar I Hear of Sherlock Everywhere / Trifles Merch Store Explore more here. Find all of our relevant links and social accounts at linktr.ee/ihearofsherlock. And would you consider leaving us a rating and or a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or Goodpods? It would help other Sherlockians find us. Your thoughts on the show? Leave a comment below, send us an email (comment AT ihearofsherlock DOT com), call us at 5-1895-221B-5. That's (518) 952-2125.
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    1 hr and 5 mins
  • And It Is Always 1895

    And It Is Always 1895
    Mar 15 2026
    "A collector of obscure volumes" [EMPT] Today we honor the enduring legacy of Vincent Starrett — the legendary journalist, bibliophile, and founding member of the Baker Street Irregulars — as we approach the 140th anniversary of his birth. To celebrate, the Torists International S.S. will host a landmark conference from October 23-25, 2026, in Starrett's longtime home of Chicago. The event's organizers, Jonathan Shimberg and Linda Crohn, share the inspiration behind the gathering and their own storied history within the Sherlockian community. They explain how the conference came together, and why Starrett's influence remains so vital to readers and collectors today. Our "Learned Societies" segment kicks off with Sherlockian society activities coming up the last half of May. Then, it's a new edition of "Examining the Pictures," with the film critic, journalist, and author Christian Monggaard, BSI, as he reviews Guy Ritchie's new Amazon Prime series, Young Sherlock. Finally, the Canonical Couplet quiz will test your Sherlock Holmes knowledge, with a copy of something from the IHOSE vaults for the winner. Send your answer to comment @ihearofsherlock.com by March 30, 2026 at 11:59 p.m. EST. All listeners are eligible to play. Oh, and make sure you stay until the very end of the episode. There's a special audio clip included after the closing theme. As a reminder, our supporters can listen to the show ad-free and have access to occasional bonus material. Join us on the platform of your choice (Patreon | Substack). And if you need some show swag or gift ideas, or if you want to show off your good taste to other Sherlockians, check out our Merch Store, with mugs, notepads and more. Leave I Hear of Sherlock Everywhere a five-star rating on Apple Podcasts and Spotify; listen to us wherever you listen to podcasts. Links And It Is Always 1895 ConferenceThe Newberry LibraryThe Cliff DwellersOther links:The Learned Societies: Sherlockian CalendarExamining the Pictures: Young Sherlock (Prime Video) I Hear of Sherlock Everywhere / Trifles Merch Store Explore more here. Find all of our relevant links and social accounts at linktr.ee/ihearofsherlock. And would you consider leaving us a rating and or a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or Goodpods? It would help other Sherlockians find us. Your thoughts on the show? Leave a comment below, send us an email (comment AT ihearofsherlock DOT com), call us at 5-1895-221B-5. That's (518) 952-2125.
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    Not Yet Known
  • The Epilogues of Sherlock Holmes

    The Epilogues of Sherlock Holmes
    Feb 28 2026
    "Only one word of epilogue" [DANC] Today we're joined by Bob Katz, BSI, the founder of The Epilogues of Sherlock Holmes, a scion society that spent over three decades exploring the world of 221B Baker Street. Bob named the group after the subhead of "His Last Bow," observing that an epilogue, after all, is something that follows — and for thirty years, the group followed the Great Detective through meetings dedicated to friendship and story discussions. All of their meetings were held in the resonant walls of a Quaker meeting house, with the group soon adopting a two-story format, where discussions of two of Watson's cases were followed by unearthing the hidden links and echoes between them. Beyond the scholarly deep dives, the Epilogues were legendary for their informal, affordable atmosphere, fueled, in large part, by Peter McIntyre's celebrated homemade ice cream. Having now concluded their own Great Hiatus, the Epilogues will officially kick off a new chapter with their first online meeting later this year. Join us as we discuss the group's history, the art of finding connections between stories, and their relaunch this coming May, when they invite a new generation of Sherlockians to join the conversation. And sign up to be notified. We kick off our "Learned Societies" segment with Sherlockian society activities in the first half of May. Then it's a new edition of "Examining the Pictures," with the film critic, journalist, and author Christian Monggaard, BSI. This time, Christian explores Bill Condon's 2015 film, Mr. Holmes, with the script by Jeffrey Hatcher, BSI. The Canonical Couplet quiz then tests your Sherlock Holmes knowledge, with a copy of something from the IHOSE vaults for the winner. Send your answer to comment @ihearofsherlock.com by March 14, 2026 at 11:59 p.m. EST. All listeners are eligible to play. As a reminder, our supporters can listen to the show ad-free and have access to occasional bonus material. Join us on the platform of your choice (Patreon | Substack). And if you need some show swag or gift ideas, or if you want to show off your good taste to other Sherlockians, check out our Merch Store, with mugs, notepads and more. Leave I Hear of Sherlock Everywhere a five-star rating on Apple Podcasts and Spotify; listen to us wherever you listen to podcasts. Links Sign up to be notified when the Epilogues launch and announce new meetingsBob's previous episodes:Episode 50: A Golden PassageEpisode 63: Irregular StainEpisode 76: Out of the AbyssEpisode 93: Nerve and KnowledgeEpisode 138: The War Service of Sherlock HolmesEpisode 261: Stimulating Medicine Other links:The Learned Societies: Sherlockian Calendar I Hear of Sherlock Everywhere / Trifles Merch Store Explore more here. Find all of our relevant links and social accounts at linktr.ee/ihearofsherlock. And would you consider leaving us a rating and or a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or Goodpods? It would help other Sherlockians find us. Your thoughts on the show? Leave a comment below, send us an email (comment AT ihearofsherlock DOT com), call us at 5-1895-221B-5. That's (518) 952-2125.
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    1 hr and 24 mins
  • On the Shoulders of Giants

    On the Shoulders of Giants
    Feb 15 2026
    "I cultivate a large number of friends" [WIST] What does it take to build a legacy that lasts nearly a century? Today we're joined by Peter Eckrich and Rob Nunn to discuss their new book, On the Shoulders of Giants. It's a portrait gallery of twenty-one of the influential men and women who founded and fueled the Sherlock Holmes literary scene from its infancy in the 1930s. We dive into the lives of these bookish, clubbable people, who were all as knowledgeable as they were sociable. Whether you're a lifelong Sherlockian or a newcomer to the Great Game, our conversation takes a fresh look at the "Giants" whose scholarship and camaraderie created the community we know today. Our "Learned Societies" segment kicks off with Sherlockian society activities in the second half of April. Then it's a new edition of "Examining the Pictures," with the film critic, journalist, and author Christian Monggaard, BSI. This time, Christian explores Disney's 1986 success, The Great Mouse Detective. Then the Canonical Couplet quiz tests your Sherlock Holmes knowledge, with a copy of On the Shoulders of Giants for the winner. Send your answer to comment @ihearofsherlock.com by February 27, 2026 at 11:59 p.m. EST. All listeners are eligible to play. As a reminder, our supporters can listen to the show ad-free and have access to occasional bonus material. Join us on the platform of your choice (Patreon | Substack). And if you need some show swag or gift ideas, or if you want to show off your good taste to other Sherlockians, check out our Merch Store, with mugs, notepads and more. Leave I Hear of Sherlock Everywhere a five-star rating on Apple Podcasts and Spotify; listen to us wherever you listen to podcasts. Links On the Shoulders of Giants: Great Sherlockians Remembered (Wessex Press)Other episodes mentioned on the show:Episode 244: The Finest Assorted CollectionEpisode 283: Canonical CornerstonesEpisode 290: Legends of the BSJ - James Montgomery Other links:The Learned Societies: Sherlockian CalendarAnd It Is Always 1895 conference I Hear of Sherlock Everywhere / Trifles Merch Store Explore more here. Find all of our relevant links and social accounts at linktr.ee/ihearofsherlock. And would you consider leaving us a rating and or a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or Goodpods? It would help other Sherlockians find us. Your thoughts on the show? Leave a comment below, send us an email (comment AT ihearofsherlock DOT com), call us at 5-1895-221B-5. That's (518) 952-2125.
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    1 hr and 22 mins
  • The 2026 BSI Weekend in Review

    The 2026 BSI Weekend in Review
    Jan 30 2026
    "I was invited to a week-end gathering" [LAST] Join us as we look back on four whirlwind days of Sherlockian festivities in New York City, when hundreds of Sherlock Holmes enthusiasts gathered for plays, dinners, luncheons, lectures, auctions, and — most importantly — each other's company, from January 7 to 11, 2026. We recap the full slate of events, from intimate meals to the grand annual Baker Street Irregulars Dinner, an invitation-only evening that remains the centerpiece of the weekend. Along the way, we share personal travel stories, New York side adventures, and the rich history behind several of the luncheons and receptions, including tributes to honorees and a memorable lecture by the award-winning composer, singer-songwriter, dramatist and author, Rupert Holmes. Our conversation reflects what makes these gatherings special: not just Sherlock Holmes, but the friendships, traditions, and shared enthusiasm that bring this community together year after year. Then it's on to Sherlockian society activities in the first half of April in "The Learned Societies" segment, and we introduce a major new segment: "Examining the Pictures," featuring the prominent film critic, journalist, and author Christian Monggaard, BSI. We are delighted to bring Christian's extensive knowledge of Sherlock Holmes and the cinema to our listeners. The Canonical Couplet quiz then tests your Sherlock Holmes knowledge, with a souvenir from the BSI Weekend for the winner. Send your answer to comment @ihearofsherlock.com by February 14, 2026 at 11:59 a.m. EST. All listeners are eligible to play. As a reminder, our supporters can listen to the show ad-free and have access to occasional bonus material. Join us on the platform of your choice (Patreon | Substack). And if you need some show swag or gift ideas, or if you want to show off your good taste to other Sherlockians, check out our Merch Store, with mugs, notepads and more. Leave I Hear of Sherlock Everywhere a five-star rating on Apple Podcasts and Spotify; listen to us wherever you listen to podcasts. Links The BSI WeekendThe Frick CollectionTrifles CollectionsFrederic Dorr Steele MemorialThe 2026 BSI — Weekend Awards and HonorsThe Baker Street JournalRemembering Susan Rice, ASH, BSI, 2s.Other episodes mentioned on the show:Episode 89: The Adventuresses of Sherlock HolmesEpisode 126: Becoming the GillettesEpisode 236: The Legion of ZoomEpisode 272: Legends of the BSJ - Christopher MorleyEpisode 287: Legends of the BSJ - Edgar W. SmithEpisode 290: Legends of the BSJ - James Montgomery Other links:The Learned Societies: Sherlockian Calendar I Hear of Sherlock Everywhere / Trifles Merch Store Explore more here. Find all of our relevant links and social accounts at linktr.ee/ihearofsherlock. And would you consider leaving us a rating and or a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or Goodpods? It would help other Sherlockians find us. Your thoughts on the show? Leave a comment below, send us an email (comment AT ihearofsherlock DOT com), call us at 5-1895-221B-5. That's (518) 952-2125.
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    1 hr and 20 mins
  • But I Digress

    But I Digress
    Jan 15 2026
    "All good comradeship and friendship" [ABBE] Bob Sharfman's first impression of Sherlock Holmes came from Basil Rathbone's movies. Bob read Watson's cases later in life, and met others who shared his interest almost accidentally, when he came to a meeting of Hugo's Companions, a Chicago group then led by the legendary Vincent Starrett. Although Bob became a serious player of the "Great Game" just a few years ago, his gifts for storytelling, research, and writing earned him the investiture of Killer Evans in 2024. His ideas about the canon and its events have made him a popular speaker, and dozens of Sherlockians have embraced him as a fast friend. Join us as we explore his essays, note his upcoming 90th birthday, and discuss his new book, … but I digress, the Musings of a Sherlockian Motormouth. Then it's on to Sherlockian society activities in the second half of March in "The Learned Societies" segment, and the Canonical Couplet quiz tests your Sherlock Holmes knowledge, with a prize from the IHOSE vaults for the winner. Send your answer to comment @ihearofsherlock.com by January 29, 2026 at 11:59 a.m. EST. All listeners are eligible to play. As a reminder, our supporters can listen to the show ad-free and have access to occasional bonus material. Join us on the platform of your choice (Patreon | Substack). And if you need some show swag or gift ideas, or if you want to show off your good taste to other Sherlockians, check out our Merch Store, with mugs, notepads and more. Leave I Hear of Sherlock Everywhere a five-star rating on Apple Podcasts and Spotify; listen to us wherever you listen to podcasts. Links ...but I digress: The Musings of a Sherlockian Motormouth by Bob Sharfman (Amazon)Happy 172nd Birthday, Sherlock Holmes!Sherlock Holmes's Birthday Is NOT January 6 After AllRelated episodes: Episode 61: The Private Life of Vincent Starrett Episode 169: Studies in StarrettEpisode 272: Legends of the BSJ - Christopher Morley Other links:The Learned Societies: Sherlockian Calendar I Hear of Sherlock Everywhere / Trifles Merch Store Explore more here. Find all of our relevant links and social accounts at linktr.ee/ihearofsherlock. And would you consider leaving us a rating and or a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or Goodpods? It would help other Sherlockians find us. Your thoughts on the show? Leave a comment below, send us an email (comment AT ihearofsherlock DOT com), call us at 5-1895-221B-5. That's (518) 952-2125.
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    1 hr and 22 mins
  • The Unexpurgated Sherlock Holmes

    The Unexpurgated Sherlock Holmes
    Dec 30 2025

    "Holmes took it with admirable good-humour" [PRIO]

    For years, Holmes and Watson have served as a blueprint for an "odd couple" dynamic, usually by poking fun at the detective's ego, and the doctor's struggle to keep up. Humor can humanize these literary giants, making them feel less like statues and more like friends.

    Now Nicholas Sercombe's The Unexpurgated Adventures of Sherlock Holmes series goes down this path, suggesting Watson's reports were just too risque for the morals of Victorian England. Join us as he shares the facts Watson really discovered about Holmes's family, Mrs. Hudson's real estate empire, and much more, and the live-action and animated television series under development.

    Don't miss our round-up of Sherlockian society activities in the second half of February in "The Learned Societies" segment, and the Canonical Couplet quiz that tests your Sherlock Holmes knowledge, with a copy of one of N.P. Sercombe's books for the winner. Send your answer to comment @ ihearofsherlock.com by January 14, 2026 at 11:59 a.m. EST. All listeners are eligible to play.

    As a reminder, our supporters can listen to the show ad-free and have access to occasional bonus material, such as additional conversation from this episode. Join us on the platform of your choice (Patreon | Substack).

    And if you need some show swag or gift ideas, check out our Merch Store, with mugs, notepads and more.

    Leave I Hear of Sherlock Everywhere a five-star rating on Apple Podcasts and Spotify; listen to us wherever you listen to podcasts. Links
    • Unexpurgated Sherlock
    • Harry King Films
    • Other links:
      • The Learned Societies: Sherlockian Calendar
    • I Hear of Sherlock Everywhere / Trifles Merch Store

    Explore more here.

    Find all of our relevant links and social accounts at linktr.ee/ihearofsherlock.

    And would you consider leaving us a rating and or a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or Goodpods? It would help other Sherlockians find us.

    Your thoughts on the show? Leave a comment below, send us an email (comment AT ihearofsherlock DOT com), call us at 5-1895-221B-5. That's (518) 952-2125.
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    1 hr and 2 mins
  • Sherlockian Road Tripping

    Sherlockian Road Tripping
    Dec 15 2025
    "Important issues might hang upon our journey." [SIGN] Join us as we speak to Steve Mason and Greg Ruby about their adventure this past summer — a whirlwind, five-day odyssey through the rugged landscapes of Oklahoma, Texas, and New Mexico, tracking down 39 locations with hidden ties to Baker Street. Decades after a simpler, four-stop Texas road trip set the precedent, our intrepid investigators clocked 2,414 miles in heat of the last week of August, all to prove that the Great Detective's influence knows no borders. You'll hear how they bridged the gap between the dusty plains and the foggy streets of London, and found Holmesian echoes in the most unexpected places. It's all about imagination, and how their "Great Sherlockian Whimsical Tour II" transformed the American Southwest into a sprawling map of Victorian mystery. We also give you a glimpse of Sherlockian society activities, this time in the first half of February in "The Learned Societies" segment. Then we announce an exciting new segment launching in 2026, and the Canonical Couplet quiz will test your Sherlock Holmes knowledge, with a prize from the IHOSE vaults for the winner. Send your answer to comment @ihearofsherlock.com by December 29, 2025 at 11:59 a.m. EST. All listeners are eligible to play. As a reminder, our supporters can listen to the show ad-free and have access to occasional bonus material, such as additional conversation from this episode. Join us on the platform of your choice (Patreon | Substack). And if you need some show swag or gift ideas, check out our Merch Store, with mugs, notepads and more. Leave I Hear of Sherlock Everywhere a five-star rating on Apple Podcasts and Spotify; listen to us wherever you listen to podcasts. Links The Great Sherlockian Whimsical Tours of 2005 and 2025 (Crew of the Barque Lone Star)Episodes mentioned in this show:Steve's episode appearances: Episode 183: The Beacon Society; Episode 236: The Legion of ZoomGreg's episode appearances: Episode 128: Sherlockian Coin Collecting Other links:The Learned Societies: Sherlockian Calendar I Hear of Sherlock Everywhere / Trifles Merch Store Explore more here. Find all of our relevant links and social accounts at linktr.ee/ihearofsherlock. And would you consider leaving us a rating and or a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or Goodpods? It would help other Sherlockians find us. Your thoughts on the show? Leave a comment below, send us an email (comment AT ihearofsherlock DOT com), call us at 5-1895-221B-5. That's (518) 952-2125.
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    1 hr and 12 mins