Episodes

  • S05E23 - The Stately Ghosts of England (pt2)

    S05E23 - The Stately Ghosts of England (pt2)
    Mar 23 2026
    Part two of our discussion of the interesting made-for-TV film The Stately Ghosts of England(1965). Blake and Karen are joined by Matt Baxter and this is a continuation of part 1. The film stars Margaret Rutherford, her husband Stringer Davis, and celebrity clairvoyant Tom Corbett.

    Extended notes at http://monstertalk.org

    Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/monstertalk--6267523/support.

    Some product links may be affiliated with Amazon revenue sharing.
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    41 mins
  • S05E22 - The Stately Ghosts of England (pt1)

    S05E22 - The Stately Ghosts of England (pt1)
    Mar 16 2026
    Blake and Karen are joined by Matt Baxter to discuss the 1965 made-for-TV film The Stately Ghosts of England. The film stars Margaret Rutherford, her husband Stringer Davis, and celebrity clairvoyant Tom Corbett.

    Extended show notes available at MonsterTalk.org

    Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/monstertalk--6267523/support.

    Some product links may be affiliated with Amazon revenue sharing.
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    37 mins
  • BONUS: Weirdumentary with Gary Rhodes

    BONUS: Weirdumentary with Gary Rhodes
    Mar 8 2026
    I'm excited to be posting this BONUS content - an interview with film historian Gary D. Rhodes. Gary is joining me to talk about his newest book Weirdumentary: Ancient Aliens, Fallacious Prophecies, and Mysterious Monsters from 1970s Documentaries. I can't overstate how enjoyable this book was and how likely listeners to MonsterTalk and In ReSearch Of... are to be equally thrilled with it.

    extended episode notes available on our website.

    Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/monstertalk--6267523/support.

    Some product links may be affiliated with Amazon revenue sharing.
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    57 mins
  • S05E21 - Dragons & Trolls of the Marsh

    S05E21 - Dragons & Trolls of the Marsh
    Mar 1 2026
    We are delighted to talk with Dr. Christopher Beatty about his research into Dragonflies. From ancient times these insects have been the subject of wonder, fear and misinformation. Let's keep the wonder but get rid of some of the other stuff as we dive in on a creature whose lifecycle, morphology, and effectiveness as a hunter elevate its place in the lore of humanity.

    Why this title for the episode? Tune in and find out.

    Petroglyphs of Dragonflies 1000y/o (Atlas Obscura)

    Dragonflies in Japan - Akitsu Shima

    Dragonfly Helmet (Japanese)
    Those are from a class of helmets called Kiwari Kabuto - amazing variety

    Some cool electronica I used to listen to back in "the day" from an album named after dragonflies: Odonata by Amethystium
    Good lord - has it been 25 years?? Tempus fugit.

    Additional note from Dr. Beatty:
    "I’m the past-president of the Dragonfly Society of the Americas, a group that promotes public awareness, as well as research and conservation of dragonflies. We are open to anyone with interest in odonates, and membership is quite inexpensive ($15/year).

    We have an annual meeting, which for 2026 will be taking place in Hot Springs, North Carolina, in the last week of June. Info on the meeting can be found here:https://www.dragonflysocietyamericas.org/hotsprings2026."


    Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/monstertalk--6267523/support.

    Some product links may be affiliated with Amazon revenue sharing.
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    56 mins
  • S05E20 - Cults, Corps, and the Culinary with Christina Ward

    S05E20 - Cults, Corps, and the Culinary with Christina Ward
    Feb 22 2026
    We're joined by Christina Ward of Feral House publishing to talk about the intersection of food, culture, belief, control, and the weird as she tells us about two of her recent projects:
    American Advertising Cookbooks and Holy Food.

    Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/monstertalk--6267523/support.

    Some product links may be affiliated with Amazon revenue sharing.
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    52 mins
  • S05E19 A Season of Madness - Old World Carnival with Al Ridenour

    S05E19 A Season of Madness - Old World Carnival with Al Ridenour
    Feb 16 2026
    Host of Bone & Sickle, Al Ridenour joins us to talk about the traditions of European Carnival season. It's the subject of his latest book, A Season of Madness.

    Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/monstertalk--6267523/support.

    Some product links may be affiliated with Amazon revenue sharing.
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    48 mins
  • S05E18 - America Bewitched with Owen Davies (part 2)

    S05E18 - America Bewitched with Owen Davies (part 2)
    Feb 9 2026
    In part two of our two-part interview with Owen Davies, we continue the discussion of witches and witch prosecutions with thoughtful considerations of the meaning of witch and how it can be an identity or an accusation. Be sure and catch both parts of this fascinating chat.

    Some related viewing/reading:

    A curious case of Black Magic in Norfolk

    Blake's article about the "PA Hex Hollow" murders (Skeptoid #996)

    Books by Owen*:
    Grimoires: A History of Magic Books

    Popular Magic: Cunning-folk in English History

    Magic: A Very Short Introduction

    Folklore: A journey through the past and present (with Ceri Houlbrook)

    The Oxford Illustrated History of Witchcraft and Magic

    America Bewitched: The Story of Witchcraft After Salem

    *We use Amazon affiliate links for books when available


    Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/monstertalk--6267523/support.

    Some product links may be affiliated with Amazon revenue sharing.
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    41 mins
  • S05E17 - America Bewitched with Owen Davies (part 1)

    S05E17 - America Bewitched with Owen Davies (part 1)
    Feb 1 2026
    In part one of our two-part interview with Owen Davies, we discuss the history of witch trials, accusations, murder, and other troubles bubbling up from post-Salem accusations in America. In part two, next week, we will continue the discussion with thoughtful considerations of the meaning of witch and how it can be an identity or an accusation. Be sure and catch both parts of this fascinating chat.

    Some related viewing/reading:

    A curious case of Black Magic in Norfolk

    Blake's article about the "PA Hex Hollow" murders (Skeptoid #996)

    Books by Owen*:
    Grimoires: A History of Magic Books

    Popular Magic: Cunning-folk in English History

    Magic: A Very Short Introduction

    Folklore: A journey through the past and present (with Ceri Houlbrook)

    The Oxford Illustrated History of Witchcraft and Magic

    America Bewitched: The Story of Witchcraft After Salem

    *We use Amazon affiliate links for books when available

    Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/monstertalk--6267523/support.

    Some product links may be affiliated with Amazon revenue sharing.
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    34 mins