May 24, 2026

S05E32 – Monsters of the Deep with Dr. Darren Naish

Guest: Dr. Darren NaishHosts: Blake Smith & Dr. Karen Stollznow 📝 Episode Summary Darren joins Blake and Karen to discuss his new article in Geology Today, which grew out of his work on the Monsters of the Deep museum exhibition. The exhibition originally opened at the National Maritime Museum in Falmouth, Cornwall in 2020, traveled to two additional venues, and […]

Regular Episode 40 min read
May 10, 2026

S05E30 – From Loup Garou to Rougarou (pt 1) with Louisiana Dread’s Kyle Crosby

🎙️ Episode Introduction This is part one of a two-part conversation. Blake and Karen are joined by Kyle Crosby, filmmaker, historian, and founder of Louisiana Dread, a multimedia project dedicated to documenting the dark history, folklore, and culture of the Pelican State. Kyle is a native of Larose, Louisiana, who grew up in Lafourche Parish and on Grand Isle. He […]

Regular Episode 30 min read
May 3, 2026

S05E29 – Science of the Supernatural with Melissa MaffeoS05E29

🎙️ Episode Summary Neuroscientist Dr. Melissa Maffeo joins Blake and Karen to discuss her new book Science of the Supernatural: Critical Thinking for the Mind and Brain (Cambridge University Press, 2026). Melissa is an associate teaching professor of psychology at Wake Forest University, where she also serves as Associate Director of the Neuroscience Program. In this episode, Melissa talks about […]

Regular Episode 36 min read
April 26, 2026

S05E28 The Cottingley Fairies

Hosts: Karen Stollznow, Blake SmithGuest: Matt Baxter In this episode, the MonsterTalk crew tackles one of the most famous photographic hoaxes in history – the Cottingley Fairies. In 1917, two young cousins in West Yorkshire produced five photographs that appeared to show real fairies dancing in the garden behind their home. What began as a bit of childhood mischief spiraled into a […]

Regular Episode 58 min read
April 12, 2026

S05E26 – Haunted Cemeteries with Chris Woodyard

In Part 2 of our chat with folklorist Chris Woodyard we talk about the lore of haunted cemeteries. Find Chris on BlueSky, FaceBook, and our back catalog! Chris also partners with Dr. Simon Young on the Boggart & Banshee podcast! Mentioned in this episode: Allegedly haunted Woodland Cemetery, Cincinnati OH Bachelor’s Grove and the famous “Madonna” photo from 1991. (Sad […]

Regular Episode 23 min read
April 6, 2026

S05E25 – Headless Motorcyclist Ghosts

In part 1 of our chat with folklorist Chris Woodyard, we discuss haunted roads and headless motorcycle ghosts.Find Chris on BlueSky, FaceBook, and our back catalog! Chris also partners with Dr. Simon Young on the Boggart & Banshee podcast! Mentioned in the episode: Silver Cliff Cemetery in Colorado Resurrection Mary (Chicago) Dr. Simon Young’s FAIRY CENSUS (Chris’s podcasting partner) Third […]

Regular Episode 30 min read
March 29, 2026

S05E24 – ParaMormonal Activity with Steve Cuno

We talk with Karen’s friend, author and Ex-Mormon Steve Cuno about paranormal ideas in the Mormon religion.  Steve Cuno:  Behind the Mormon Curtain: Selling Sex in America’s Holy City “It’s Not About the Sex” My Ass: Confessions of an Ex-Mormon, Ex-Polygamist, Ex-Wife  David W. Patten and Mormon Bigfoot: Reddit Thread Between Pulpit and Pew: The Supernatural World in Mormon History […]

Regular Episode 39 min read
March 22, 2026

S05E23 – The Stately Ghosts of England (pt2)

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. Blake noticed early use on screen of ghost hunting equipment like time-lapse cameras. Blake suspects […]

Regular Episode 27 min read