February 1, 2026

S05E17 – America Bewitched with Owen Davies (pt1)

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 […]

Regular Episode 24 min read
January 25, 2026

S05E16 – Greenland Sharks with Greg Skomal

We are joined by author and researcher Greg Skomal to talk about the mysterious and long-lived Greenland Shark.  Books by Greg: Chasing Shadows: Unraveling the Mysteries of the Great White Shark – Greg’s book about Great Whites  The Shark Handbook 3rd Edition: The Essential Guide for Understanding the Sharks of the Worldby Greg Skomal The Great White Shark Handbook Additional […]

Regular Episode 33 min read
January 18, 2026

S05E15 Ghosted with Alice Vernon

In this episode we talk with Dr. Alice Vernon about her fascinating look at the history of ghost hunting and psychical research, from the late 19th century to today.  Ghosted: A History of Ghost Hunting, and Why We Keep Looking (Affiliate Link) Night Terrors: Troubled Sleep and the Stories we Tell About It Ghostwatch (wikipedia) – (our previous coverage) The […]

Regular Episode 36 min read
January 4, 2026

S05E13 – Liminal Space Invaders

We talk with journalist Lana Hall about her piece The Dead Mall Society, which details her journey to decaying malls in the Toronto area in search of Liminal Spaces. Liminality (Wikipedia) Victor Turner: Liminality and Communitas (PDF) The Liminality Project (blog) Liminal Space (Wikipedia) The Backrooms CreepyPasta (Wikipedia)

Regular Episode 32 min read
December 28, 2025

S05E12 The Secret History of Lizard People

Friend of the show Dr. Joe Laycock returns to talk about LIZARD PEOPLE with us. He also has a new book: The Penguin Book of Cults Joe’s Books:Penguin Book of Cults (publisher) (amazon affiliate link)The Exorcist Effect: Horror, Religion, and Demonic Belief (affiliate link) Other topics of discussion:Shadow KingdomBrotherhood of the White TempleShaver MysteriesKullDark Shadows (Soap Opera) “Leviathan” storylineThe Naga who wanted to […]

Regular Episode 36 min read
December 21, 2025

Christmas Ghost Story #13 – The Mezzotint

It took a minute but I finally managed to read one of these “live” to my own family for the holidays. This is such an evocative story that I wanted to add a little art to the mix. I really want to put together a slow but detailed “animated gif” that goes through the cycles of the print as described […]

Regular Episode 24 min read
December 14, 2025

S05E11 Ghostly Encounters with Richard Estep

Blake and Karen visit again with Colorado author of paranormal and true crime, Richard Estep. Richard’s Books discussed in this episode: Ghostly Encounters The Horrors of Fox Hollow Farm Mothman: Sightings and Investigations of the Iconic Flying Cryptid Help is on the Way (pre-order for Feb 2026 Richard’s memoir of being a paramedic) Monsters: Myths, Legends and Real Encounters(pre-order March […]

Regular Episode 36 min read
December 7, 2025

S05E10 Slenderman Update + How to Build a Haunted House

Episode Summary: In this episode, hosts Blake Smith and Dr. Karen Stollznow catch up on recent headlines and new literature. First, Blake discusses a “ripped from the headlines” update regarding the 2014 Slender Man stabbing case. We revisit the tragic story of Morgan Geyser, her recent escape from a halfway house, and the media’s handling of the mental health and transgender […]

Regular Episode 35 min read
December 1, 2025

S05E09 – Flashback: Bad Wolf

FLASHBACKWe’re looking back at October 5, 2011 this week and an interview with Valerius Geist (February 2, 1938 – July 6, 2021) about the myths and reality of wolves.  How dangerous are they? There’s complexity and nuance here.  Some people fiercely believe wolves are just peaceful misunderstood beautiful animals that would not hurt a person.  Others believe they’re fierce and […]

Flashback 18 min read