MonsterTalk

Blake and Karen are joined by Matt Baxter to discuss the strange case of the Cottingley Fairies.   https://www.monstertalk.org/?p=2706 Hosts: Karen Stollznow, Blake Smith Guest: Matt Baxter In this episode, the MonsterTalk crew tackles one of the most famous photographic hoaxes in history - the Cottingley Fairies. In 1917, two young cousins in West Yorkshire produced five photographs that appeared...

🎙️ Blake and Karen welcome back author and paranormal investigator Richard Estep to discuss his new book from Visible Ink Press, Monsters: Myths, Legends, and Real Encounters . Richard is a paramedic, clinical educator, and the author of more than 30 books on the paranormal, true crime, and history. Karen wrote the foreword for this one - and donated her fee to Doctors Without Borders . 👏 Extende...

In Part 2 of our chat with folklorist Chris Woodyard we talk about the lore of haunted cemeteries. Find Chris on BlueSky , FaceBook , and our back catalog! Chris also partners with Dr. Simon Young on the Boggart & Banshee podcast! Extended notes at https://monstertalk.org Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/monstertalk--6267523/support . Some product links may...

In part 1 of our chat with folklorist Chris Woodyard , we discuss haunted roads and headless motorcycle ghosts. Find Chris on BlueSky , FaceBook , and our back catalog! Chris also partners with Dr. Simon Young on the Boggart & Banshee podcast! Extended notes at https://monstertalk.org  Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/monstertalk--6267523/support . Some prod...

We talk with Karen's friend, author and Ex-Mormon, Steve Cuno about paranormal ideas in the Mormon religion.  Steve Cuno:  Behind the Mormon Curtain: Selling Sex in America’s Holy City “It’s Not About the Sex” My Ass : Confessions of an Ex-Mormon, Ex-Polygamist, Ex-Wife   David W. Patten and Mormon Bigfoot: Reddit Thread Between Pulpit and Pew: The Supernatural World in Mormon History and Folklore...

Part two of our discussion of the interesting made-for-TV film The Stately Ghosts of England (1965). Blake and Karen are joined by Matt Baxter and this is a continuation of part 1 . The film stars Margaret Rutherford , her husband Stringer Davis , and celebrity clairvoyant Tom Corbett . Extended notes at http://monstertalk.org Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/mo...

Blake and Karen are joined by Matt Baxter to discuss the 1965 made-for-TV film The Stately Ghosts of England . The film stars Margaret Rutherford , her husband Stringer Davis , and celebrity clairvoyant Tom Corbett . Extended show notes available at MonsterTalk.org Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/monstertalk--6267523/support . Some product links may be affiliat...

I'm excited to be posting this BONUS content - an interview with film historian Gary D. Rhodes. Gary is joining me to talk about his newest book Weirdumentary: Ancient Aliens, Fallacious Prophecies, and Mysterious Monsters from 1970s Documentaries . I can't overstate how enjoyable this book was and how likely listeners to MonsterTalk and In ReSearch Of... are to be equally thrilled with it. extend...

We are delighted to talk with Dr. Christopher Beatty about his research into Dragonflies. From ancient times these insects have been the subject of wonder, fear and misinformation. Let's keep the wonder but get rid of some of the other stuff as we dive in on a creature whose lifecycle, morphology, and effectiveness as a hunter elevate its place in the lore of humanity. Why this title for the episo...

We're joined by Christina Ward of Feral House publishing to talk about the intersection of food, culture, belief, control, and the weird as she tells us about two of her recent projects: American Advertising Cookbooks and Holy Food . Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/monstertalk--6267523/support . Some product links may be affiliated with Amazon revenue sharing.

Host of Bone & Sickle, Al Ridenour joins us to talk about the traditions of European Carnival season. It's the subject of his latest book, A Season of Madness . Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/monstertalk--6267523/support . Some product links may be affiliated with Amazon revenue sharing.

In part two of our two-part interview with Owen Davies, we continue the discussion of witches and witch prosecutions with thoughtful considerations of the meaning of witch and how it can be an identity or an accusation.  Be sure and catch both parts of this fascinating chat.  Some related viewing/reading: A curious case of Black Magic in Norfolk Blake's article about the "PA Hex Hollow" murders (S...

In part one of our two-part interview with Owen Davies, we discuss the history of witch trials, accusations, murder, and other troubles bubbling up from post-Salem accusations in America. In part two, next week, we will continue the discussion with thoughtful considerations of the meaning of witch and how it can be an identity or an accusation.  Be sure and catch both parts of this fascinating cha...

We are joined by author and researcher Greg Skomal to talk about the mysterious and long-lived Greenland Shark.  Books by Greg: Chasing Shadows: Unraveling the Mysteries of the Great White Shark - Greg's book about Great Whites  The Shark Handbook 3rd Edition: The Essential Guide for Understanding the Sharks of the World by Greg Skomal The Great White Shark Handbook Additional online reading: Gree...

In this episode we talk with Dr. Alice Vernon about her fascinating look at the history of ghost hunting and psychical research, from the late 19th century to today. Ghosted: A History of Ghost Hunting, and Why We Keep Looking (Affiliate Link) Night Terrors: Troubled Sleep and the Stories we Tell About It Ghostwatch (wikipedia) - (our previous coverage) The Society for Psychical Research (UK) Most...

Blake and Karen discuss the legendary photo said to capture 19th century cowboys or soldiers with a giant bird or pterosaur. SHOW NOTE LINKS: The original Tombstone Epitaph article about the winged creature Karl Shuker's blogged several times on the Thunderbird Photo and wrote a eulogy for Mark Chovinsky , author of a thorough Strange Magazine article about the Thunderbird photo. Ivan T. Sanderson...

We talk with journalist Lana Hall about her piece The Dead Mall Society , which details her journey to decaying malls in the Toronto area in search of Liminal Spaces. Liminality (Wikipedia) Victor Turner: Liminality and Communitas (PDF) The Liminality Project (blog) Liminal Space (Wikipedia) The Backrooms CreepyPasta (Wikipedia) Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/...

Friend of the show Dr. Joe Laycock returns to talk about LIZARD PEOPLE with us. He also has a new book:  The Penguin Book of Cults Joe's Books: Penguin Book of Cults  (publisher) ( amazon affiliate link ) The Exorcist Effect: Horror, Religion, and Demonic Belief  (affiliate link) Other topics of discussion: Shadow Kingdom Brotherhood of the White Temple Shaver Mysteries Kull Dark Shadows (Soap Ope...

It took a minute but I finally managed to read one of these "live" to my own family for the holidays. This is such an evocative story that I wanted to add a little art to the mix. I really want to put together a slow but detailed "animated gif" that goes through the cycles of the print as described in the tale - and maybe I'll get around to that at some point. But for now here is some really nice...

Blake and Karen visit again with Colorado author of paranormal and true crime, Richard Estep. Richard's Books discussed in this episode: Ghostly Encounters The Horrors of Fox Hollow Farm Mothman: Sightings and Investigations of the Iconic Flying Cryptid Help is on the Way (pre-order for Feb 2026 Richard's memoir of being a paramedic) Monsters: Myths, Legends and Real Encounters (pre-order March 20...

Episode Summary:  In this episode, hosts Blake Smith and Dr. Karen Stollznow catch up on recent headlines and new literature. First, Blake discusses a "ripped from the headlines" update regarding the 2014 Slender Man stabbing case. We revisit the tragic story of Morgan Geyser, her recent escape from a halfway house, and the media’s handling of the mental health and transgender aspects of the story...

FLASHBACKWe're looking back at October 5, 2011 this week and an interview with Valerius Geist (February 2, 1938 – July 6, 2021) about the myths and reality of wolves.  How dangerous are they? There's complexity and nuance here.  Some people fiercely believe wolves are just peaceful misunderstood beautiful animals that would not hurt a person.  Others believe they're fierce and dangerous predators....

We're joined by Sydney Davidson - student of Dr. Jeb Card ( IRO ) - to discuss her research into Frogmen Festivals, and to discuss monster festivals and some of the reasons people report they attend. (And it's not all about the plushies and t-shirts.) Darren Naish on The Loveland Frog The Myth of Disenchantment Frogman Festival 2026 Close Encounters at Kelly And Others of 1955 (affiliate link) Bec...

We're joined by Matt Baxter to watch and discuss another vintage BBC look at the paranormal - this time in the form of an allegedly haunted chest of drawers. Check the links and watch it yourself if you've got 12 mins to spare. What do you think of our takes? Additional Links: BBC Archive Clip - A Haunted Chest of Drawers AGT: Special Head (levitation trick) The Indian Rope Trick - Penn & Tell...

We're joined by host of the Conspiracy Skeptic Podcast , Karl Mamer. Karl's working on a new book in his series of skeptically themed books of lists ( The Skeptic's Book of Lists , The Conspiracy Skeptic's Book of Lists ) and has been looking into the origins of demons & devils in Dungeons & Dragons. Further Reading: Deities & Demigods BBC: The Great 1980s D&D Panic Michael Stackpo...