The Folklore Podcast

We travel back to the 11th century to examine the use of erotic magic and the church's response to this in the form of penitential literature, with a particular focus on the writings of the bishop of the Holy Roman Empire, Burchard of Worms. Guest Larissa Lyth speaks about the types of magic employed, how women were viewed by the church at this time and the types of penance given for magical use. Please note this this episode discusses adult themes of a sexual nature and carries a content warning for abortion, and as such is not considered as suitable for children. To support us in providing free folklore content across the Folklore Podcast network, please visit our Patreon page.

We are joined by author Joanne Harris, on her second visit to The Folklore Podcast network. Joanne discusses her latest book 'Honeycomb' - a collection of 100 stories set amongst the world of fairy lore which had a very unusual method of writing. If you enjoy this episode please consider making a small donation to The Folklore Podcast on our website, or signing up to our Patreon page. Thank you

We talk with American author CM McGuire about her debut Young Adult novel 'Ironspark' which takes as its central theme an ongoing battle between humans and the fae folk, through a family connection going back years. The book uses ideas of existing fairy folklore to shape its narrative.

We speak with PhD researcher Karin Murray-Bergquist about her research into ghost ship stories off the coast of Newfoundland and Labrador, and her project which is plotting these onto a new digital map of the area. To view the map, visit Karin's MapHub page To contact Karin with stories, please email her at karin.murraybergquist@gmail.com You can view Karin's other projects on her website To support The Folklore Podcast and help our network to keep producing free content, please visit our Patreon page

Guest reviewer Howard David Ingham, from Room 207 Press, discusses the book 'New Queer Horror Film and Television', published by University of Wales Press. This is an audio version of a Folklore Podcast Book Club episode originally made for YouTube. You can watch the original on our YouTube channel at youtube.com/FolklorePodcast To support The Folklore Podcast in all of its projects to preserve folklore and make it available to the public, please visit our Patreon page.

In a feature length episode, special guest Howard David Ingham takes an in-depth look at the life and career of the late Gordon Higginson - one of the most prolific psychic and physical mediums of the 20th century and yet a character who is relatively unknown by most.To see Howard's replication of the manifestation of ectoplasm, please click here.​To support all of the work of The Folklore Podcast in bringing world-class presenters and folklore resources to a global audience, please consider joining our Patreon page, or making a one-time donation

In this episode of the Folklore Podcast Book Club, originally made as a video release for YouTube, we discuss the book "Tales of Witchcraft and Wonder" with authors Candia and Tony McCormack, founders of the pagan rock group 'Inkubus Sukkubus'. The book examines the stories behind 13 of the tracks from their trilogy of albums bearing the book's title, looking at the history and folklore which led to the penning of the songs. Inkubus Sukkubus can be found on the web at www.inkubussukkubus.com To support the Folklore Podcast in producing folklore content across all of its strands and mediums, please visit our Patreon page

Our adventure in the Atlas Mines concludes as storyteller Matthew Dawkins brings our campaign in the folk horror world of Solemn Vale to a conclusion. Please note that this episode is not suitable for children. This episode was produced in association with Red Moon Roleplaying To support the Folklore Podcast on Patreon and help us to keep producing content, please sign up for our Patreon page,.

Storyteller Matthew Dawkins leads us further into the Atlas Mines in the second episode of our roleplaying adventure set in the world of the new Folk Horror game Solemn Vale, designed by Dirty Vortex. Please note that this episode is not suitable for children. This episode was produced in association with Red Moon Roleplaying To support the Folklore Podcast on Patreon and help us to keep producing content, please sign up for our Patreon page,.  

We explore the history, arts and ritual practice of the artisan Japanese performers, the Geisha, with special guest Hachiko. Hachiko is a westerner who follows a Geisha lifestyle, based in the Devon town of Totnes. To support the Folklore Podcast on Patreon and help us to keep producing content, please click here