MonsterTalk

February 22, 2026

S05E20 – Cults, Corps, and the Culinary with Christina Ward

We’re joined by Christina Ward of Feral House publishing to talk about the intersection of food, culture, belief, control, and the weird as she tells us about two of her recent projects:American Advertising Cookbooks and Holy Food.

Regular Episode 37 min read

February 15, 2026

S05E19: A Season of Madness – Old World Carnival with Al Ridenour

Host of Bone & Sickle,Al Ridenour joins us to talk about the traditions of European Carnival season. It’s the subject of his latest book, A Season of Madness. Author Al Ridenour (right) with masked carnival figure.

Regular Episode 32 min read

February 8, 2026

S05E18 – America Bewitched with Owen Davies (part 2)

In part two of our two-part interview with Owen Davies, we continue the discussion of witches and witch prosecutions with thoughtful considerations of the meaning of witch and how it can be an identity or an accusation. Be sure and catch both parts of this fascinating chat. Some related viewing/reading: A curious case of Black Magic in Norfolk Blake’s article […]

Regular Episode 29 min read

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 11, 2026

S05E14 – The Case of the Missing Thunderbird Photo

Blake and Karen discuss the legendary photo said to capture 19th century cowboys or soldiers with a giant bird or pterosaur.

Regular Episode 25 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 […]