Spirits: Mythology, Legends, & Folklore

A year ago, we said we’d have Emily VanDerWerff on to talk about A Christmas Carol, and damn it, we delivered! We talk cozy ghost stories, bringing back the tradition of wrecking the homes of the rich, and how trickle down economics ruined A Christmas Carol. Content Warning: This episode contains conversations about or mentions of death, social inequality, trauma, Covid-19, capitalism, politics, cultural erasure, religious persecution, and depression.GuestEmily VanDerWerff is Critic at Large for Vox and co-creator of the podcast Arden. Follow her on Twitter @Emilyvdw.  Housekeeping- Recommendation: This week, Amanda recommends The Great Pottery Throw-Down on HBO Max. Check out our previous book recommendations, guests’ books, and more at spiritspodcast.com/books- Merch: Check out our digital merch, including the Cool Cryptid Compendium, at spiritspodcast.com/merch!- Multitude: Whether you're a podcaster, a creator, or interested in learning more about how our podcasts get made, we have dozens of free articles and videos for you! Find them at multitude.productions/resourcesSponsors- Dipsea, an app to help you get more pleasure, more rest, and more time to connect with yourself. Get a 30-day free trial at dipseastories.com/spirits- BetterHelp is a secure online counseling service. Get 10% off your first month at betterhelp.com/spirits- EveryPlate is a meal kit with great value. Get 3 weeks of EveryPlate meals for only $2.99 per meal by going to EveryPlate.com and entering code SPIRITS3.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.Transcripts are available at http://spiritspodcast.com/episodes. To buy merch, hear us on other podcasts, contact us, find our mailing address, or download our press kit, head on over to http://spiritspodcast.com.About UsSpirits was created by Julia Schifini, Amanda McLoughlin and Eric Schneider. We are founding members of Multitude, an independent podcast collective and production studio. Our music is "Danger Storm" by Kevin MacLeod (http://incompetech.com), licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Sometimes we ask a question on this show that simply does not have an answer. And that’s probably for the best. We talk hair-styling witches, flipping haunted homes, and… well you’ll just have to wait to find out. Content Warning: This episode contains conversations about or mentions of sex, Covid-19, curses, war/violence/conquering, genitals, masturbation, ageism, religious persecution, ableism, “Satanism”, mental illness, death, plane crashes, and injury.Housekeeping- Recommendation: This week, Amanda recommends Keep Calm and Cook On with Julia Turshen. Check out our previous book recommendations, guests’ books, and more at spiritspodcast.com/books- Merch: Check out our new digital merch, including the Cool Cryptid Compendium, at spiritspodcast.com/merch!- Multitude: Whether you're a podcaster, a creator, or interested in learning more about how our podcasts get made, we have dozens of free articles and videos for you! Find them at multitude.productions/resourcesSponsors- Skillshare is an online learning community where you can learn—and teach—just about anything. Explore your creativity at Skillshare.com/spirits and the first 1,000 people to use our link will get a free trial of Skillshare Premium Membership. This week Amanda recommends “iPhone Photography: How to Shoot & Edit Conceptual Photos on Your Phone” by Amelie Satzger.- ThirdLove is on a mission to find a perfect bra for everyone. Get 10% off your first order at thirdlove.com/spirits.- Function of Beauty is hair care formulated specifically for you. Save 20% off your first hair care order at functionofbeauty.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.Transcripts are available at http://spiritspodcast.com/episodes. To buy merch, hear us on other podcasts, contact us, find our mailing address, or download our press kit, head on over to http://spiritspodcast.com.About UsSpirits was created by Julia Schifini, Amanda McLoughlin and Eric Schneider. We are founding members of Multitude, an independent podcast collective and production studio. Our music is "Danger Storm" by Kevin MacLeod (http://incompetech.com), licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

We haven’t gotten existential about death in a while, so let’s talk about past lives! We touch upon the religious and philosophical origins of rebirth and reincarnation, and discuss the modern interest and study of past life regression. Content Warning: This episode contains conversations about or mentions of death, parapsychology, pseudoscience, child death, religious persecution, war, World War II, colonialism/cultural appropriation, mental illness, scientific experimentation, and racism.  Housekeeping- Recommendation: This week, Julia recommends Gideon the Ninth by Tamsyn Muir. Check out our previous book recommendations, guests’ books, and more at spiritspodcast.com/books- Merch: Check out our new digital merch, including the Cool Cryptid Compendium, at spiritspodcast.com/merch!- Multitude: Check out the other shows on Multitude!Sponsors- Stitch Fix is an online personal styling service that finds and delivers clothes, shoes, and accessories to fit your body, budget, and lifestyle. Get started at stitchfix.com/spirits for 25% off when you keep your whole box!- 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.- BetterHelp is a secure online counseling 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.Transcripts are available at http://spiritspodcast.com/episodes. To buy merch, hear us on other podcasts, contact us, find our mailing address, or download our press kit, head on over to http://spiritspodcast.com.About UsSpirits was created by Julia Schifini, Amanda McLoughlin and Eric Schneider. We are founding members of Multitude, an independent podcast collective and production studio. Our music is "Danger Storm" by Kevin MacLeod (http://incompetech.com), licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Bro! Gather round the mead hall, because we’re gonna tell the story of Beowulf, talk the nuance of translation, and gush over warrior queens with author Maria Dahvana Headley. Content Warning: This episode contains conversations about or mentions of murder, violence, toxic masculinity, misogyny/sexism, rape/sexual assault, and xenophobia.  GuestMaria Dahvana Headley is the New York Times-bestselling author of eight books, most recently BEOWULF: A NEW TRANSLATION (MCD x FSG). THE MERE WIFE (MCD x FSG), a contemporary adaptation of Beowulf, was named by the Washington Post as one of its Notable Works of Fiction in 2018. You can follow her on Twitter at @mariadahvana. Housekeeping- Recommendation: This week, Amanda recommends Go Ahead in the Rain: Notes to a Tribe Called Quest by Hanif Abdurraqib (and listen to his interview on My 90s Playlist here). Check out our previous book recommendations, guests’ books, and more at spiritspodcast.com/books- Merch: Check out our new digital merch, including the Cool Cryptid Compendium, at spiritspodcast.com/merch!- Multitude: Check out the other shows on Multitude!Sponsors- Skillshare is an online learning community where you can learn—and teach—just about anything. Explore your creativity at Skillshare.com/spirits and the first 1,000 people to use our link will get a free trial of Skillshare Premium Membership. This week Julia recommends “Plants at Home: Uplift Your Spirit & Your Space” by Christopher Griffin.- Function of Beauty is hair care formulated specifically for you. Save 20% off your first order at functionofbeauty.com/spirits- Away creates thoughtful suitcases, bags, and other travel products designed to change how you see the world. Shop their selection of suitcases and bags at awaytravel.com/spirits and gift someone something to look forward to this holiday season. 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.Transcripts are available at http://spiritspodcast.com/episodes. To buy merch, hear us on other podcasts, contact us, find our mailing address, or download our press kit, head on over to http://spiritspodcast.com.About UsSpirits was created by Julia Schifini, Amanda McLoughlin and Eric Schneider. We are founding members of Multitude, an independent podcast collective and production studio. Our music is "Danger Storm" by Kevin MacLeod (http://incompetech.com), licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

It’s time to turn to the gods for some divine advice. We welcome Moiya McTier back to the show to channel the gods like the oracles of old and answer questions about long distance relationships, working from home, and keeping your plants alive! Content Warning: This episode contains conversations about or mentions of Covid-19, drug use, self-mutilation, debt, sex, mental health, and relationship problems.  GuestMoiya McTier is a New York-based astrophysicist who studies planets outside of our solar system. She’s also a folklorist who specializes in using science and logic to build fictional worlds. You can hear all about the worlds she’s built on her podcast, Exolore, where she imagines, discusses, and reviews fictional worlds, often with expert guests. You can learn more about Moiya and her work on her website, moiyamctier.com.Housekeeping- Recommendation: This week, Julia recommends the What We Do in the Shadows TV show. Check out our previous book recommendations, guests’ books, and more at spiritspodcast.com/books- Merch: Check out our new digital merch, including the Cool Cryptid Compendium, at spiritspodcast.com/merch!- Live Show: Our virtual live show is available for video on demand, so you can rewatch it whenever. Purchase your copy at spiritspodcast.com/live!Sponsors- BetterHelp is a secure online counseling service. Get 10% off your first month at betterhelp.com/spirits- Brooklinen delivers luxury bed sheets, pillows, comforters, & blankets straight to your door. Go to Brooklinen.com right now and use promo code “spirits” for 20% off and freeshipping.- Cocktail Uncultured takes the mystery out of what's in your glass through live interactive virtual cocktail classes. Visit their website at cocktailuncultured.com/spirits and take 20% off your first class with code SPIRITS at checkout.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.Transcripts are available at http://spiritspodcast.com/episodes. To buy merch, hear us on other podcasts, contact us, find our mailing address, or download our press kit, head on over to http://spiritspodcast.com.About UsSpirits was created by Julia Schifini, Amanda McLoughlin and Eric Schneider. We are founding members of Multitude, an independent podcast collective and production studio. Our music is "Danger Storm" by Kevin MacLeod (http://incompetech.com), licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

We’re all over the place in this one, both in terms of content and geography. From Scandinavia to Alaska, we’re questioning your choices left and right when dealing with the supernatural. It’s a fiesty one, folks! Content Warning: This episode contains conversations about or mentions of possession, death, disturbed graves, science experimentation, zombies, violence against women, animal death/butchery, threat of animal attack, pandemic/Covid-19, feces, and curses.  Housekeeping- Recommendation: This week, Julia recommends The City We Became by N.K. Jemisin. Check out our previous book recommendations, guests’ books, and more at spiritspodcast.com/books- Merch: Check out our new digital merch, including the Cool Cryptid Compendium, at spiritspodcast.com/merch!- Live Show: Our virtual live show is available for video on demand, so you can rewatch it whenever. Purchase your copy at spiritspodcast.com/live!Sponsors- Skillshare is an online learning community where you can learn—and teach—just about anything. Explore your creativity at Skillshare.com/spirits and the first 1,000 people to use our link will get a free trial of Skillshare Premium Membership. This week Amanda recommends “The Ten Principles of Painting In Daily Sketchbook Lessons” by Amarilys Henderson.- Stitch Fix is an online personal styling service that finds and delivers clothes, shoes, and accessories to fit your body, budget, and lifestyle. Get started at stitchfix.com/spirits for 25% off when you keep your whole box!- ThirdLove is on a mission to find a perfect bra for everyone. Get 10% off your first order at thirdlove.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.Transcripts are available at http://spiritspodcast.com/episodes. To buy merch, hear us on other podcasts, contact us, find our mailing address, or download our press kit, head on over to http://spiritspodcast.com.About UsSpirits was created by Julia Schifini, Amanda McLoughlin and Eric Schneider. We are founding members of Multitude, an independent podcast collective and production studio. Our music is "Danger Storm" by Kevin MacLeod (http://incompetech.com), licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Right this way! We’ll be your tour guides through the Greek Underworld this episode as we talk about the new game, Hades, as well as the chthonic gods, hot Furies, sleepy lads, and who this Zagreus guy is, anyway. Content Warning: This episode contains conversations about or mentions of ritual sacrifice, animal death, death, cannibalism, child death, dismemberment, implied drug use, war/battles, misogyny, and guns. Housekeeping- Follow our beloved Video Game Correspondent Eric Silver on Twitter @el_silvero!- Recommendation: This week, Amanda recommends The Duke Who Didn’t by Courtney Milan. Check out our previous book recommendations, guests’ books, and more at spiritspodcast.com/books- Merch: Check out our new digital merch at spiritspodcast.com/merch!- Live Show: Our virtual live show is available for video on demand, so you can rewatch it whenever. Purchase your copy at spiritspodcast.com/live!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.- BetterHelp is a secure online counseling service. Get 10% off your first month at betterhelp.com/spirits- Function of Beauty is hair care formulated specifically for you. Save 20% off your first hair care order at functionofbeauty.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.Transcripts are available at http://spiritspodcast.com/episodes. To buy merch, hear us on other podcasts, contact us, find our mailing address, or download our press kit, head on over to http://spiritspodcast.com.About UsSpirits was created by Julia Schifini, Amanda McLoughlin and Eric Schneider. We are founding members of Multitude, an independent podcast collective and production studio. Our music is "Danger Storm" by Kevin MacLeod (http://incompetech.com), licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

October might be over, but when you’re Mary Shelley, every day is a great day to talk about death. That’s why we were so excited to have guest Rose Eveleth, who walked us through the scientific origins behind Frankenstein and his monster, and the life and times of Mary Shelley. Content Warning: This episode contains conversations about or mentions sex, misogyny, miscarriage, child death, Covid-19, scientific experimentation, hanging/execution, racism, murder, loss & grief, brain tumor, drowning, and suicide.  GuestRose Eveleth is a writer and producer who explores how humans tangle with science and technology. She’s the creator of Flash Forward Presents, a podcast network that demystifies the future, featuring hit shows like Flash Forward, Open World, and Advice For And From The Future. Her work has covered everything from spoofed fingerprints to fake tumbleweed farms to million dollar baccarat heists. You can read more about her, and see her other work, here.Housekeeping- Recommendation: This week, Julia recommends the Mountain Goats new album, Getting into Knives. Check out our previous book recommendations, guests’ books, and more at spiritspodcast.com/books- Merch: Check out our new digital merch at spiritspodcast.com/merch!- Live Show: Our virtual live show is available for video on demand, so you can rewatch it whenever. Purchase your copy at spiritspodcast.com/live!Sponsors- Skillshare is an online learning community where you can learn—and teach—just about anything. Visit skillshare.com/spirits and the first 1,000 people to use our link will get a free trial of Skillshare Premium Membership! This week Julia recommends “Digital Illustration for All: Discover, Cultivate and Share Your Unique Personal Style” with Laci Jordan.- BetterHelp is a secure online counseling service. Get 10% off your first month at betterhelp.com/spirits- SunSoil makes pure and simple CBD products at an unbeatable price. Get 30% off your first order by going to sunsoil.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.Transcripts are available at http://spiritspodcast.com/episodes. To buy merch, hear us on other podcasts, contact us, find our mailing address, or download our press kit, head on over to http://spiritspodcast.com.About UsSpirits was created by Julia Schifini, Amanda McLoughlin and Eric Schneider. We are founding members of Multitude, an independent podcast collective and production studio. Our music is "Danger Storm" by Kevin MacLeod (http://incompetech.com), licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Only on Spirits do we get really into the logistics and philosophy of a Disney Channel Original Movie. We’re talking Halloweentown, and stress that there’s no such thing as witch DNA, and magic should go back to being more democratic.  Content Warning: This episode contains conversations about or mentions of elitism, biological essentialism, religious persecution, societal inequity, and witch trials.  When Did Magic Become Elitist?Hereditary WitchcraftAre You Descended from Witches?Housekeeping- Recommendation: This week, Amanda recommends the podcast The Walk-In by Chef Elle Simone Scott. Check out our previous book recommendations, guests’ books, and more at spiritspodcast.com/books- VOTE! If you are eligible to vote in the U.S., please make your plan today at vote.gov- Merch: Keep your eyes on spiritspodcast.com/merch this Halloween...- LIVE SHOW! Go to spiritspodcast.com/live to get your tickets to our digital live show on October 28 at 8 PM ET. Your ticket includes a copy of the video on demand recording of the show, so you can grab a ticket to watch later even if you can’t join live!Sponsors- Stitch Fix is an online personal styling service that finds and delivers clothes, shoes, and accessories to fit your body, budget, and lifestyle. Get started at stitchfix.com/spirits for 25% off when you keep your whole box!- 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.- Dirt Cheap is a new podcast that digs deep into the dollar bins of used bookstores. Subscribe in any podcast player.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.Transcripts are available at http://spiritspodcast.com/episodes. To buy merch, hear us on other podcasts, contact us, find our mailing address, or download our press kit, head on over to http://spiritspodcast.com.About UsSpirits was created by Julia Schifini, Amanda McLoughlin and Eric Schneider. We are founding members of Multitude, an independent podcast collective and production studio. Our music is "Danger Storm" by Kevin MacLeod (http://incompetech.com), licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

It’s Halloween month, which means we are breaking out some of the best urban legends in our inbox. Cursed buildings, cursed objects, cursed woods. You name it, we’ve got scary urban legends about it!Content Warning: This episode contains conversations about or mentions of the USSR, loans/debt, possession, spirit binding, curses, pranks, revenge, death, Covid-19, sacrilegious acts, grave robbing, animal bones, serial killers, family member death, insects/dead insects, and science experimentation. Housekeeping- Recommendation: This week, Julia recommends the movie, Oculus. Check out our previous book recommendations, guests’ books, and more at spiritspodcast.com/books- LIVE SHOW! Go to spiritspodcast.com/live to get your tickets to our digital live show on October 28 at 8 PM ET. Your ticket includes a copy of the video on demand recording of the show, so you can grab a ticket to watch later even if you can’t join live!Sponsors-  Dipsea is an audio app full of short, sexy stories and wellness sessions that are designed to turn you on and help you get in touch with yourself. Start your 30 day free trial by going to dipseastories.com/spirits - Skillshare is an online learning community where you can learn—and teach—just about anything. Visit skillshare.com/spirits and the first 1,000 people to use our link will get a free trial of Skillshare Premium Membership! This week Julia recommends “Start Drawing: 3 Fun, Freeing Exercises to Spark Your Creativity” with Carly Kuhn.- BetterHelp is a secure online counseling 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.Transcripts are available at http://spiritspodcast.com/episodes. To buy merch, hear us on other podcasts, contact us, find our mailing address, or download our press kit, head on over to http://spiritspodcast.com.About UsSpirits was created by Julia Schifini, Amanda McLoughlin and Eric Schneider. We are founding members of Multitude, an independent podcast collective and production studio. Our music is "Danger Storm" by Kevin MacLeod (http://incompetech.com), licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.