Spirits: Mythology, Legends, & Folklore

What’s the deal with all these towers? We’re deep diving into the origins of the fairy tale tower, the historical reasons why they were keeping people in towers anyway, and laying out all the romance novel tropes beat by beat.Content Warning: This episode contains conversations about or mentions of arophobia/aphobia, animal death, injury, imprisonment, abusive relationships, death, sex, suicidal ideation, war, misogyny, patriarchy, religious persecution, torture, beheading, death by lightning, and animal attacks.   Housekeeping- Recommendation: This week, Julia recommends Thistlefoot by GennaRose Nethercott!- Books: Check out our previous book recommendations, guests’ books, and more at spiritspodcast.com/books- Call to Action: Games and Feelings is an advice podcast about games. Join Question Keeper Eric Silver and permanent guest Jasper Cartwright weekly as they recommend games, answer advice questions, and play whatever quizzes Eric comes up with. New episodes every Friday! Sponsors- BetterHelp is an online therapy service. Get 10% off your first month at betterhelp.com/spirits- Shaker & Spoon is a subscription cocktail service that helps you learn how to make hand-crafted cocktails right at home. Get $20 off your first box at shakerandspoon.com/cool  Find Us OnlineIf you like Spirits, help us grow by spreading the word! Follow us @SpiritsPodcast on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and Goodreads. You can support us on Patreon (http://patreon.com/spiritspodcast) to unlock bonus Your Urban Legends episodes, director’s commentaries, custom recipe cards, and so much more. We also have lists of our book recommendations and previous guests’ books at http://spiritspodcast.com/books.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

We hear about Amanda’s bathroom ghost, how all science laboratories are haunted, and cars are just horses and that’s why it works better for some people compared to others. Content Warning: This episode contains conversations about or mentions of heart attacks, death, implied child death, clowns, body horror, and child endangerment. GuestJanet Varney is an Emmy-Nominated actor, comedian, writer and producer. Her podcast on the Max Fun network, The JV Club with Janet Varney, has been going since 2012 and features almost 400 interviews with celebrities about their awkward teenage years.Housekeeping- Recommendation: This week, Amanda recommends volunteering at a local garden!- Books: Check out our previous book recommendations, guests’ books, and more at spiritspodcast.com/books- Call to Action: Check out the MultiCrew! Sponsors- BetterHelp is an online therapy service. Get 10% off your first month at betterhelp.com/spirits- Unthinkable with Jay Acunzo, available in your podcast app now or at jayacunzo.com/unthinkable-podcast- Calm is the #1 app to help you reduce your anxiety and stress and help you sleep better. Get 40% off a Calm Premium subscription at calm.com/spirits. Find Us OnlineIf you like Spirits, help us grow by spreading the word! Follow us @SpiritsPodcast on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and Goodreads. You can support us on Patreon (http://patreon.com/spiritspodcast) to unlock bonus Your Urban Legends episodes, director’s commentaries, custom recipe cards, and so much more. We also have lists of our book recommendations and previous guests’ books at http://spiritspodcast.com/books.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

We’re feeling nostalgic, so we’re bringing back an old favorite: THE BIRD HUSBAND. We explore the trope, its origins, and various types of birds who wind up as various types of husbands. As we discover, it’s hard to be a bird. Content Warning: This episode contains conversations about or mentions of death, animal death, animal injury, abusive relationships, imprisonment, forced marriage, sexual references, and violence. Housekeeping- Recommendation: This week, Julia recommends the video game, Dredge. - Books: Check out our previous book recommendations, guests’ books, and more at spiritspodcast.com/books- Call to Action: Check out Exolore: Helping you imagine other worlds, but with facts and science! Every other week, astrophysicist/folklorist Dr. Moiya McTier explores fictional worlds by building them with a panel of expert guests, interviewing professional worldbuilders, or reviewing the merits of worlds that have already been built. Sponsors- BetterHelp is an online therapy service. Get 10% off your first month at betterhelp.com/spirits- Kitsch is a global beauty powerhouse built on positivity and pure hard work. Get 30% off your order at MyKitsch.com/spiritsFind Us OnlineIf you like Spirits, help us grow by spreading the word! Follow us @SpiritsPodcast on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and Goodreads. You can support us on Patreon (http://patreon.com/spiritspodcast) to unlock bonus Your Urban Legends episodes, director’s commentaries, custom recipe cards, and so much more. We also have lists of our book recommendations and previous guests’ books at http://spiritspodcast.com/books.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Join us as we talk with writer and academic, Colin Dickey, and discuss hot takes of ghost hunting shows as reality TV, the banality of evil, and how haunted architecture reflects what society is most afraid of.Content Warning: This episode contains conversations about or mentions of death, the Satanic Panic, ableism, gun violence, toxic masculinity, murder, Flat Earth and conspiracy theories, anti-semietism, sexual assault/abuse, infanticide, and assassination. GuestColin Dickey is a writer, speaker, and academic, and has made a career out of collecting unusual objects and hidden histories all over the country. He’s the author of multiple books, including Ghostland: An American History in Haunted Places, and The Unidentified: Mythical Monsters, Alien Encounters, and Our Obsession with the Unexplained. A regular contributor to the New Republic and Lapham’s Quarterly, he is also the co editor of The Morbid Anatomy Anthology. Check out his upcoming book, Under the Eye of Power: How Fear of Secret Societies Shapes American Democracy.Housekeeping- Recommendation: This week, Julia recommends The Bright and Breaking Sea by Chloe Neill- Books: Check out our previous book recommendations, guests’ books, and more at spiritspodcast.com/books- Call to Action: Check out Join the Party, a collaborative storytelling and roleplaying podcast co-hosted in part by Julia and Amanda. Search for Join the Party in your podcast app, or go to jointhepartypod.com.Sponsors- BetterHelp is an online therapy service. Get 10% off your first month at betterhelp.com/spirits- Unthinkable with Jay Acunzo, available in your podcast app now or at jayacunzo.com/unthinkable-podcastFind Us OnlineIf you like Spirits, help us grow by spreading the word! Follow us @SpiritsPodcast on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and Goodreads. You can support us on Patreon (http://patreon.com/spiritspodcast) to unlock bonus Your Urban Legends episodes, director’s commentaries, custom recipe cards, and so much more. We also have lists of our book recommendations and previous guests’ books at http://spiritspodcast.com/books.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

We couldn’t do It’s Norse, Of Course without talking about our favorite trickster, Loki. We chat about his origins, the shenanigans he gets himself into, and why everyone is mad at him basically all the time!Content Warning: This episode contains conversations about or mentions of sexual situations, misogyny, pregnancy, abduction, death, genitalia, crude humor, toxic masculinity, slavery, and violence. Housekeeping- Recommendation: This week, Julia recommends The Adventures of Amina al-Sirafi by Shannon Chakraborty- Books: Check out our previous book recommendations, guests’ books, and more at spiritspodcast.com/books- Call to Action: Games and Feelings is an advice podcast about games. Join Question Keeper Eric Silver and permanent guest Jasper Cartwright weekly as they recommend games, answer advice questions, and play whatever quizzes Eric comes up with. New episodes every Friday!- FLASH SALE: Get 25% off ALL MERCH at the Spirits Merch Store! Sponsors- BetterHelp is an online therapy service. Get 10% off your first month at betterhelp.com/spirits- Blueland creates everyday eco-friendly cleaning productions that save you money and space, without any plastic waste. Get 20% off your first order when you go to blueland.com/spirits. Find Us OnlineIf you like Spirits, help us grow by spreading the word! Follow us @SpiritsPodcast on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and Goodreads. You can support us on Patreon (http://patreon.com/spiritspodcast) to unlock bonus Your Urban Legends episodes, director’s commentaries, custom recipe cards, and so much more. We also have lists of our book recommendations and previous guests’ books at http://spiritspodcast.com/books.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Joining the conversation are Amanda, a scholar who reflects on pre-industrial revolution themes, and Julia, who humorously sings her social security number. They explore the classic fairy tale of Rumpelstiltskin, discussing its origins, moral implications, and various adaptations. The duo delves into themes of greed and desperation while uncovering the significance of names in folklore. They also recommend the nostalgic Super Mario Bros. movie and bond over their shared love for cocktails, all with a lighthearted twist!

Julia reminds you to warn your partners about your childhood hauntings, Amanda discovers something creepier than smells, and Eric makes it harder for us to sleep. It’s an urban legends episode, y’all! Content Warning: This episode contains conversations about or mentions of illness, arson, fire, child labor, misogyny, sexual harassment, gore, guns, and home invasion. Housekeeping- Recommendation: This week, Julia recommends BBC’s Ghosts - Books: Check out our previous book recommendations, guests’ books, and more at spiritspodcast.com/books- Call to Action: Check out Tell Me About It, a madcap game show about proving that the things you like are actually interesting, hosted by Adal Rifai (from Hello From the Magic Tavern and Hey, Riddle Riddle) and our own Eric Silver.Sponsors- Brooklinen delivers luxury bed sheets, pillows, comforters, & blankets straight to your door. Visit Brooklinen.com today and save 15% on your first purchase plus free shipping - BetterHelp is an online therapy service. Get 10% off your first month at betterhelp.com/spirits- Kitsch is a global beauty powerhouse built on positivity and pure hard work. Get 30% off your order at MyKitsch.com/spiritsFind Us OnlineIf you like Spirits, help us grow by spreading the word! Follow us @SpiritsPodcast on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and Goodreads. You can support us on Patreon (http://patreon.com/spiritspodcast) to unlock bonus Your Urban Legends episodes, director’s commentaries, custom recipe cards, and so much more. We also have lists of our book recommendations and previous guests’ books at http://spiritspodcast.com/books.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

We’re back on our theatre grind, this time with a play about debauchery, tragedy, and our boy Dionysus: The Bacchae! It’s a play about plays! What’s not to love?Content Warning: This episode contains conversations about or mentions of death, dismemberment, immolation, pregnancy, injury, concussion, violence, imprisonment, and animal death. Housekeeping- Recommendation: This week, Julia recommends The Secrets of Hartwood Hall by Katie Lumsden. - Books: Check out our previous book recommendations, guests’ books, and more at spiritspodcast.com/books- Call to Action: Sign up or gift a spot in Multitude’s classes today! Sponsors- Calm is the #1 app to help you reduce your anxiety and stress and help you sleep better. Get 40% off a Calm Premium subscription at calm.com/spirits. - Blueland creates everyday eco-friendly cleaning productions that save you money and space, without any plastic waste. Get 20% off your first order when you go to blueland.com/spirits. - BetterHelp is an online therapy service. Get 10% off your first month at betterhelp.com/spiritsFind Us OnlineIf you like Spirits, help us grow by spreading the word! Follow us @SpiritsPodcast on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and Goodreads. You can support us on Patreon (http://patreon.com/spiritspodcast) to unlock bonus Your Urban Legends episodes, director’s commentaries, custom recipe cards, and so much more. We also have lists of our book recommendations and previous guests’ books at http://spiritspodcast.com/books.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

She’s the Queen of the Asgard, highest ranking goddess of the Aesir, and overall badass lady, it’s Frigga! Learn about her squad of goddesses, her magic box, and her confusing glimpses of the future on our newest It’s Norse, Of Course. Content Warning: This episode contains conversations about or mentions of misogyny, death, war, conquering, torture, impaling, and bugs/infestation. Housekeeping- Recommendation: This week, Amanda recommends bringing the coffee you love on vacation!- Books: Check out our previous book recommendations, guests’ books, and more at spiritspodcast.com/books- Call to Action: Check out Pale Blue Pod: an astronomy podcast for people who are overwhelmed by the universe but want to be its friend! New episodes every Monday, wherever you get your podcasts!Sponsors- Queer Candle Co. is a queer & trans owned business that makes small batch soy wax candles, hand poured with love. Use code “spirits” to get 10% off your first order at queercandleco.com- Shaker & Spoon is a subscription cocktail service that helps you learn how to make hand-crafted cocktails right at home. Get $20 off your first box at shakerandspoon.com/cool - BetterHelp is an online therapy service. Get 10% off your first month at betterhelp.com/spiritsFind Us OnlineIf you like Spirits, help us grow by spreading the word! Follow us @SpiritsPodcast on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and Goodreads. You can support us on Patreon (http://patreon.com/spiritspodcast) to unlock bonus Your Urban Legends episodes, director’s commentaries, custom recipe cards, and so much more. We also have lists of our book recommendations and previous guests’ books at http://spiritspodcast.com/books.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Listen, kids love to join clubs. Even if it means potentially selling their souls to the ghosts haunting their homes. Also an abandoned gym, a mean ghost teacher, and Amanda becomes a Victorian ghost!Content Warning: This episode contains conversations about or mentions of pregnancy, child endangerment, and death. Housekeeping- Recommendation: This week, Amanda recommends journaling at a bar!- Books: Check out our previous book recommendations, guests’ books, and more at spiritspodcast.com/books- Call to Action: Check out Join the Party, a collaborative storytelling and roleplaying podcast co-hosted in part by Julia and Amanda. Search for Join the Party in your podcast app, or go to jointhepartypod.com.Sponsors- Skin Deep by Marie Blanchet, a great selkie novel available in English and French!- Digital Folklore podcast, which you can check out in your podcast app now!- BetterHelp is an online therapy service. Get 10% off your first month at betterhelp.com/spiritsFind Us OnlineIf you like Spirits, help us grow by spreading the word! Follow us @SpiritsPodcast on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and Goodreads. You can support us on Patreon (http://patreon.com/spiritspodcast) to unlock bonus Your Urban Legends episodes, director’s commentaries, custom recipe cards, and so much more. We also have lists of our book recommendations and previous guests’ books at http://spiritspodcast.com/books.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.