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
March 15, 2026

S05E22 – The Stately Ghosts of England (pt1)

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. The film was directed by Frank De Felita who previously cam up in our  DEBASED ON A TRUE STORY about The Entity, which he also wrote. The […]

Regular Episode 25 min read
March 8, 2026

BONUS: Weirdumentary with Gary Rhodes

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 […]

Bonus Episode 40 min read
March 1, 2026

S05E21 – Dragons & Trolls of the Marsh

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 […]

Regular Episode 38 min read