

Digital Folklore
Perry Carpenter & Mason Amadeus | Realm
Digital Folklore is an immersive audio adventure that takes place inside a fictional universe, but explores the real-world truths behind various expressions of internet culture and how each holds up a mirror to the society from which they emerge.This podcast is great for audio fiction fans who really really want to enjoy interview-based shows, or for listeners who love expert interviews and insights but long for something unique and unexpected.Join Perry Carpenter and Mason Amadeus as they explore the wild and wonderful world of online folklore, encountering a wide range of characters—both real and fictional—who provide a wealth of folkloric insight while simultaneously creating new lore. With topics ranging from the absurd to the unsettling, the Digital Folklore podcast is an accessible and entertaining way to learn about folkloric concepts and societal truths. Oh...and be sure to listen carefully—you never know what you might find.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Feb 2, 2024 • 47min
Unwrapping Our Presence (Folklorist Favorites)
The podcast features discussions on favorite emojis, the impact of the anger emoticon, and the use of emojis in digital communication. They also explore theories of an alternate dimension and share favorite urban legends. The chapter 'A Confrontation and Escape' introduces a confrontation with Todd and an escape to a wizard tower.

Jan 25, 2024 • 51min
Dr. Ian Brodie | Unplugged
Unplugged episodes are where we ditch all the fancy production and story elements and bring you the raw (or slightly edited) interviews with folklore experts.On today’s episode, Mason & Perry got to speak with Ian Brodie. Dr. Brodie leads us through a fascinating discussion about humor, absurdism, dad jokes, improv, and the human condition.Ok, let’s get unplugged…Guest:Dr. Ian Brodie (Twitter) (LinkedIn) (YouTube) (Website)Additional Resources (Books are Amazon Associates Links to help support the show)
University Page
A Vulgar Art: A New Approach to Stand-Up Comedy (Folklore Studies in a Multicultural World Series), by Ian Brodie
Old Trout Funnies: The Comic Origins of the Cape Breton Liberation, by Ian Brodie
COVID-19 Conspiracy Theories: QAnon, 5G, the New World Order and Other Viral Ideas, by John Bodner, Wendy Welch, Ian Brodie, Anna Muldoon, Donald Leech, and Ashley Marshall
Folkwise Interview with Ian Brodie
🗣 Join our Discord community💁♀️ Support us on Patreon🕸 Sign-up for our newsletter, check our our merch, and learn more about the show at digitalfolklore.fm.📚 Check our book list for some great folklore-related booksFind us on the socials:
Twitter: @digiFolklorePod
Facebook: DigitalFolklorePod
Instagram: DigitalFolklorePod
TikTok: digitalfolklore
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jan 15, 2024 • 41min
After the Episode | S2E8 (The Death of Meaning)
Perry & Mason catch up after the production of the last episode.Things we mentioned:
We are joined again by our interview editor and all around great guy, Matthew Bliss!
Let's talk about Todd
We forecast the upcoming 'Unplugged Episode' with Ian Brodie
Mason says, "I'm gonna say absolutely nothing useful" and then shares something mildly interesting.
Listener messages and shout outs
Episode editing by Matt Bliss of MBPod.If you want to find the extra clips and BTS snippets, join our Discord server using the link below!🗣 Join our Discord community💁♀️ Support us on Patreon🕸 Sign-up for our newsletter, check our our merch, and learn more about the show at digitalfolklore.fm.📚 Check our book list for some great folklore-related booksFind us on the socials:
Twitter: @digiFolklorePod
Facebook: DigitalFolklorePod
Instagram: DigitalFolklorePod
TikTok: digitalfolklore
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jan 8, 2024 • 52min
The Death of Meaning (Gen Z Humor, Absurdism, & Trust in Platforms)
Exploring Gen Z humor, the erosion of trust in online platforms, expressions of authenticity, and the study of humor. Guests discuss the impact of internet regulation and the evolution of memes, from counterculture to online marketing. The episode concludes with closing remarks and a promotion for another podcast.

Dec 25, 2023 • 60min
Ben Radford | Unplugged
Welcome to Digital Folklore Unplugged!Unplugged episodes are where we ditch all the fancy production and story elements and bring you the raw (or slightly edited) interviews with folklore experts.On this episode, Perry & Mason sit down with Ben Radford to get the lowdown on creepy clowns, media literacy, the influence of folklore, and the psychological aspects of human beliefs. We touch on how misinformation and panic are spread through hoaxes and social media, using the example of clown sighting panics as a case study. Ben also discusses his investigations into paranormal phenomena and the experiences and empathy needed for effective investigation. His approach to investigative skepticism emphasizes the necessity for empathy, respect, and rigorous research. Ok, let’s get unplugged…Guest:Ben Radford (Twitter) (Website) (Podcast)Ben's Books (Amazon Associate Links)
America the Fearful: Media and the Marketing of National Panics
Bad Clowns
Investigating Ghosts: The Scientific Search for Spirits
Scientific Paranormal Investigation: How to Solve Unexplained Mysteries
Tracking the Chupacabra: The Vampire Beast in Fact, Fiction, and Folklore
... and many more books by Ben
🗣 Join our Discord community💁♀️ Support us on Patreon🕸 Sign-up for our newsletter, check our our merch, and learn more about the show at digitalfolklore.fm.📚 Check our book list for some great folklore-related booksFind us on the socials:
Twitter: @digiFolklorePod
Facebook: DigitalFolklorePod
Instagram: DigitalFolklorePod
TikTok: digitalfolklore
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dec 24, 2023 • 9min
A Special Holiday Message for You
Happy Holidays!Everyone here at Digital Folklore wants to extend their holiday well-wishes, as well as a special reading of a classic Christmas poem.Thank you, for everything. We wouldn't be here if it weren't for you!Happy holidays, happy new year, and to all a good night.🗣 Join our Discord community💁♀️ Support us on Patreon🕸 Sign-up for our newsletter, check our our merch, and learn more about the show at digitalfolklore.fm.📚 Check our book list for some great folklore-related booksFind us on the socials:
Twitter: @digiFolklorePod
Facebook: DigitalFolklorePod
Instagram: DigitalFolklorePod
TikTok: digitalfolklore
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dec 11, 2023 • 56min
Digital Folklore: The Journey So Far
In this special catch-up episode, Digital Folklore podcast creators Perry Carpenter and Mason Amadeus have a candid chat about the show so far.They spill behind-the-scenes secrets about unexpected plot twists, their creative process for audio storytelling, and how they brought this modern folklore to life. You'll also learn some fun and interesting ways their real life circumstances have woven their way into the show's mythos.The hosts share behind-the-scenes insights from interviews and emphasize the value of preserving modern folklore. Whether you're a longtime listener or just tuning in, this episode lets you in on the hosts' journey and the growth of Digital Folklore from idea to award-winning show.🗣 Join our Discord community💁♀️ Support us on Patreon🕸 Sign-up for our newsletter, check our our merch, and learn more about the show at digitalfolklore.fm.📚 Check our book list for some great folklore-related booksFind us on the socials:
Twitter: @digiFolklorePod
Facebook: DigitalFolklorePod
Instagram: DigitalFolklorePod
TikTok: digitalfolklore
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dec 4, 2023 • 56min
Dr. Andrea Kitta | Unplugged
Welcome to Digital Folklore Unplugged!Unplugged episodes are where we ditch all the fancy production and story elements and bring you the raw (or slightly edited) interviews with folklore experts.In this interview Perry and Mason speak with Dr. Andrea Kitta. Dr. Kitta provides her thoughts on the importance of being able to view world events and trends through the lens of folklore. We also hit on how both positive and negative forms of folklore arose during the pandemic. Folklore and public health. Folklore and technology. And you’ll also hear Andrea Kitta’s favorite urban legend… It's a creepy twist on a classic.Ok, let’s get unplugged…Guest:Dr. Andrea Kitta (Twitter) (Google Scholar Page)Additional Resources (Books are Amazon Associates Links to help support the show)
University page and CV
The Kiss of Death: Contagion, Contamination, and Folklore, by Andrea Kitta
Vaccinations and Public Concern in History: Legend, Rumor, and Risk Perception, by Andrea Kitta
Andrea Kitta on The Fabric of Folklore podcast: Ep 16: Dr Andrea Kitta, The kiss of death and other medical beliefs and legends
Folkwise interview with Dr. Andrea Kitta
🗣 Join our Discord community💁♀️ Support us on Patreon🕸 Sign-up for our newsletter, check our our merch, and learn more about the show at digitalfolklore.fm.📚 Check our book list for some great folklore-related booksFind us on the socials:
Twitter: @digiFolklorePod
Facebook: DigitalFolklorePod
Instagram: DigitalFolklorePod
TikTok: digitalfolklore
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dec 4, 2023 • 39min
After the Episode | S2E7 (If Memory Serves)
Perry & Mason catch up after the production of the last episode.Things we mentioned:
We formally introduce Matthew Bliss!
Geeking out about audio stuff
Perry and Mason remember being floored by receiving an email from Andrew Peck after the pilot episode
We are in awe of Andrea Kitta
Listener messages
Episode editing by Matt Bliss of MBPod.If you want to find the extra clips and BTS snippets, join our Discord server using the link below!🗣 Join our Discord community💁♀️ Support us on Patreon🕸 Sign-up for our newsletter, check our our merch, and learn more about the show at digitalfolklore.fm.📚 Check our book list for some great folklore-related booksFind us on the socials:
Twitter: @digiFolklorePod
Facebook: DigitalFolklorePod
Instagram: DigitalFolklorePod
TikTok: digitalfolklore
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Nov 30, 2023 • 1h 2min
If Memory Serves (The Mandela Effect, Trust vs. Truth, & AI)
Guest Andrew Peck, an artist searching for his place as an artificially-intelligent raccoon, discusses the impact of AI on disinformation, the Mandela Effect, and the unreliability of memory. Folklorist Andrea Kitta covers various aspects of folklore in the modern age and the deferral of fact-checking within folk groups.