241 – Monster Theory
We talk with Dr. Jeffrey Weinstock (Central Michigan University) about “Monster Theory” and his new volume which collects a panoply of essays on this interesting topic.
240 – Frankenstein and Mermaids
In this episode of MonsterTalk Radio, Blake and Karen have David Farnell of Fukuoka University on the show to talk about Frankenstein and the novel’s—and the monster’s—impact on pop culture, as well as how the definition of what a monster is and how monsters are perceived have evolved through literature. David has published numerous papers on monsters and monsters in literature.
239 – Monsterology
When we think about monsters, the number one reaction most people will have is fear. Why is that and where does it come from? How do our brains process the concept of monsters, our gut reactions to them, and about where we stand with all of that? In this episode of MonsterTalk, Blake sits down with author, professor, and artist, Stephen Asma to delve into how monsters evolved with us as humans culturally, how our imaginations play a role in it, and how our minds wrap themselves around our beliefs—among many other things.
238 – The Grand Guignol
A look at the brief but influential “life” of the Grand Guignol theater, a Paris stage venue that specialized in gore and terror. We interview Professor Richard Hand, who has co-authored four volumes about this amazing little production company that for a brief while made much of true-crime and visceral nightmarish plots to present gore, horror and terror to Paris audiences. With less than 300 seats but with thousands of performances, the screams that came from its stage still echo through the world of theater to this very day.
237 – Lord Dufferin and the Ghost
We’re joined by the Spooky Science Sisters to talk about one of our favorite ghost stories, the psychic/omen/folklore/horror story that has haunted Karen and me since we were kids – the tale of Lord Dufferin and his encounter with the beyond. Lord Dufferin: Hans Conried as Wrong-Way Feldman (Gilligan’s Island) Links:The Signalman by Dickens – Radio Drama version (Suspense) Room […]
236 – Carnivorous Plants
In this episode, Blake and Karen dive into the world of monstrous plants, with Peter D’Amato as their guide. Having grown them for over 40 years, Peter D’Amato is the authority on carnivorous plants. He also authored the book, The Savage Garden: Cultivating Carnivorous Plants, which has been reprinted over 25 times.
235 – Hungarian Ghoulish: The Elizabeth Bathory Mystery
Was Elizabeth Bathory the most vicious serial killer of all time? We’re joined by historian Kayla of Historical AF to talk about the facts behind the brutal legend of the blood countess. [EXPLICIT WARNING] Links to stuff mentioned (or relevant to) this episode: The Historical AF podcast by Kyna Celtic chieftain sometimes credited with inspiring Dracula – Abhartach Books about […]
234 – Toby Ball and Strange Arrivals S2
Blake and Karen speak with Toby Ball, author and host of the Strange Arrivals, a podcast that presents a historical UFO event within a social and scientific context. They deep dive not just on the UFO phenomenon, but also on ufology, aspects of which Blake has strong feelings about, as he ardently shows throughout this episode.
Bonus: Chaosium and the Malleus Monstrorum
We’re making big changes in MonsterTalk, joining up with the AirWave podcasting network. This should mean more regular release schedules! Karen and I have been banking content and I’ve been working my arse off with behind-the-scenes administrative work. So our next regular episode is about UFOs and I’m excited about it because there is a lot of really interesting […]
233 – Bigfoot: America’s Abominable Snowman (with Stephen R. Bissette)
On July 18, 2021 the AiPT SciPhiFest Conference included a 45 min segment of my interview with author and comic-book artist Stephen R. Bissette (who is probably best known for his work on the Alan Moore run of the DC comic Swamp Thing). The interview is about Stephen’s book CRYPTID CINEMA (http://bit.ly/CryptidCinema) with a special focus on the little-known touring […]