MonsterTalk

August 20, 2023

306 – S2E45 – The Truth About Dowsing

This week we’re seeking the truth about the strange but pervasive idea that people can use sticks or rods to mysteriously locate things. Water is often the target, but certainly isn’t the only one. It might be considered aqueous yet innocuous when the quest is just for a new well, but what if the seeker is being paid to find […]

Regular Episode 39 sec read

August 13, 2023

305 – S2E44 – The Women in Black

Chris Woodyard returns to tell us all about the strange and mysterious phenomenon of The Women in Black that erupted in the United States at the end of the 1800s. Patrons can read a selection of contemporary news stories about this outbreak, which I’ve attached below. LINKS FOR THIS EPISODE: Ghost & Witch Panics Victorian Mourning Clothes Whitby Goth Weekend […]

Regular Episode 24 sec read

August 7, 2023

304 – Omens

For the next two episodes we’ll be in conversation with Chris Woodyard, an author and researcher whose work will likely be of interest to many of our listeners. This week we’re discussing omens and it turns omens can be almost anything we find symbolic or evocative – and they’re not all bad. Have a listen! Links for this episode (Omens): […]

Regular Episode 28 sec read

July 31, 2023

303 – Necrophilia

We welcome back Dr. Brian Sharpless to discuss his exciting new book (due in October) called Monsters on the Couch. The book looks at some of our most common monster types and discusses the real psychological conditions that can appear quite similar to these creatures. In this episode we’ll be talking about the sensitive topic of necrophilia – and because […]

Regular Episode 30 sec read

July 24, 2023

302 – Ghost in the Machine: pt 2

Part two of our look at time travel stories involving old computers covers the strange and twisted tale of John Titor – aka TimeTravel_0 – a self-described time warrior from the 2030s who has come back to the early 2000s to get an old computer and save the world. Hilarity ensues. Part 2 links:The Hoax Hunter reveals his candidate. Reddit […]

Regular Episode 28 sec read

July 17, 2023

301 – Ghost in the Machine: Part 1

In 1984 a group of people living in Dodleston, England, began to receive strange messages on a BBC Micro personal computer. Then things got weird… Part 1 of our 2-part coverage of time-travel and vintage computers! Links: Pathological Punning – Witzelsucht A detailed review of The Vertical Plane Where is Dodleston? The book (reprinted recently)The Vertical Plane by Ken […]

Regular Episode 29 sec read

July 10, 2023

300 – Animals that Return

Richard Sugg joins us again to discuss the weird story of Bobbie the Wonder Dog (aka Silverton Bobbie) – a dog that took a trip of more than 2500 miles to return to its family. The centenary of this event is almost on us – and this is our 300th episode of the show. Lots to think about in this […]

Regular Episode 42 sec read

July 4, 2023

299 – Hausgeister!

A discussion with artist and author Florian Schafer on his newest book about German house spirits. Links for this episode: Hausgeister: Household Spirits of German Folklore – pre-Order now (affiliate link) Fiction that inspired D&D: APPENDIX N (affiliate link)

Regular Episode 11 sec read

June 26, 2023

298 – Richard Estep

Richard Estep is a paramedic by day, paranormal investigator by night. Author of Grifters, Frauds, and Crooks: True Stories of American Corruption, he’s written more than 30 books on topics as diverse as serial killers, demons, UFOs, and haunted hospitals. Richard Estep (Amazon Author’s Page) Haunted Hospitals (Amazon Streaming) Haunted Case FIles (Amazon Streaming)

Regular Episode 14 sec read

June 19, 2023

297 – Ants

We’re delighted to talk today with Professor Jack Longino of the University of Utah as he discusses ants! Can you help Karen & Matt out of a tough financial situation? There’s a fundraiser here and they really appreciate any assist you can provide! https://bit.ly/helpkarenandmatt DISCUSSED IN THIS INTERVIEW: “Fringes of Reason” book link (Ted Schultz) Walter Tschinkel -molten metal ant […]