July 15, 2015

#100 – CONCLUSIONS (EPISODE 100)

AFTER 100 EPISODES of MonsterTalk, what is left to be said about science and monsters? Probably a lot. In this episode, we are joined by author and researcher Dr. Bryan Sykes, whose landmark examination of the DNA and physical evidence for Bigfoot and Yeti form the basis of his newest book, The Nature of the Beast. We also hear from many listeners […]

Regular Episode 7 min read
June 3, 2015

#099 – LET’S GET THIS OFF OUR CHEST

The Nightmare, by John Henry Füseli (Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons) THE INCUBUS, THE SUCCUBUS, the old hag and many other monster stories focus on strange attacks that come in the night. An entity, sometimes beautiful, sometimes hideous, sits on the chest of the victim and sucks out their life force. Science has an explanation for this global phenomena, and […]

Regular Episode 5 min read
May 20, 2015

#098 – DOCTOR ATLANTIS

IS THERE A LOST CITY somewhere that formed the basis of the legend of Atlantis? Dr. Kenny Feder returns, not to praise Atlantis, but to bury it. Kenny Feder: Selected Works The Past in Perspective Frauds, Myths and Mysteries Linking to the Past Related Links Atlantis by Donovan Podcast — Archeology Fantasies In Search Of… Atlantis Music Monstertalk Theme: Monster by Peach Stealing Monkeys

Regular Episode 5 min read
April 15, 2015

#097 – SHAME ON THE LIZARD PEOPLE

THERE IS A WELL KNOWN CONSPIRACY THEORY that says there is a secret elite group of people who rule the world. There is a lesser known theory that this elite group is comprised of Satanic pedophilic lizard people. One man has made it his mission to tell the world about this threat to world freedom and his name is David […]

Regular Episode 5 min read
March 18, 2015

#096 – FEAR ITSELF

IN THIS EPISODE of MonsterTalk, we interview Dr. Kerry Ressler. Dr. Ressler’s lab researches the biological basis of fear, including work to discover the molecular, neural-circuitry and cellular aspects of how fear manifests in the brain. In this interview we discuss the positive nature of fear, the pathology of fear and the evolutionary role of fear. Dr. Kerry Ressler in Ressler Lab Recommended reading […]

Regular Episode 6 min read
March 4, 2015

#095 – EL D20ABLO — THE SATANIC PANIC & ROLE-PLAYING GAMES

THE LATE 1970s AND 1980s saw the rise of a new kind of game. Dungeons & Dragons and its many competitors captivated many high-school and college students, but many parents and authority figures feared that these new games were a gateway to Satanic ritual and perhaps even murder. Author Joseph Laycock returns to discuss his new book: Dangerous Games. Related Links Dangerous Games by […]

Regular Episode 7 min read
January 28, 2015

#094 – A FEAR OF SPIDERS

ONE OF THE MOST COMMON FEARS in the world is the fear of spiders. But what does a rationalist do when gripped by an irrational fear? MonsterTalk interviews author Lynne Kelly about her transition from arachnophobia to spider enthusiast. Note: This episode deals with spider sexual reproduction which includes masturbation and cannibalism. Further Reading Spiders: Learning to Love Them The Skeptics Guide […]

Regular Episode 5 min read
October 22, 2014

#092 – FANGS THAT GO BUMP IN THE NIGHT

WE’VE ALL SEEN THE VAMPIRES of cinema and pop culture. Caped aristocrats, sparkling teens, monstrous revenants—which of these best corresponds to the real legends of vampires? Richard Sugg returns to talk about his fascinating research into historic vampire cases. He’s uncovered a recurring relationship between outbreaks of vampirism and poltergeist activity, which will be the subject of his next book. Media Links […]

Regular Episode 7 min read
October 15, 2014

#091 – DEMON PURRSESSION: Tales of Demonically Possessed Cats

Credit: Dr. Paul Koudounaris’s PhotoBucket CAN A DOMESTICATED CAT BE A MONSTER? What if it can talk, fly, predict the future and grow to enormous size? Get ready for some of the strangest lore we’ve ever covered on MonsterTalk as we interview art historian Dr. Paul Koudounaris about demonically possessed cats. Art historian Dr. Paul Koudounaris has written some books that will probably be of […]

Regular Episode 7 min read