Willing & Fable

For our 100th episode we decided it was time to address the Zeus in the room. We bring you two tales about Zeus and his exploits as an animal with women in the Greek pantheon. Sources Wikipedia https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zeus https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Europa_(consort_of_Zeus) https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Leda_and_the_Swan The Collector https://www.thecollector.com/zeus/ Greek Mythology htt...

For the second to last episode of this season, we’re hosting a double episode. Join us to discuss The Great Molasses Flood of Boston & The History of Moonshine in the Appalachias. Sources Wikipedia https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moonshine https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Great_Molasses_Flood https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eighteenth_Amendment_to_the_United_States_Constitution https://en.wikipedia.o...

Join us this week to explore the myths (and mythos) that surround the famed French spirit: absinthe. We’re diving deep into the culture of art and alcoholism following the French Revolution. The artists of the Belle Epoch may have been sad bois on a lot of drugs, but we promise there will be at least one Green Fairy. Sources Wikipedia https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Absinthe Science History Institut...

This week Rowan and Tracey come together to bring you the real history of the "freak show" performances of of the late 19th century. We talk about William Henry Johnson aka "Zip the Pinhead", Ella Harper aka "The Camel Girl", Chang and Eng Bunker aka "The Siamese Twins", and Annie Jones the "Bearded Lady". Sources Wikipedia https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Freak_show https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zip...

This week Tracey and Rowan combined forces to bring you a Halloween-themed variety episode. Join our hosts to learn about the ghosts that occupy the great castles of the world (and stick around to learn how to DIY your own haunting!) The team explores the histories and ghost stories of Leap Castle, Castle Eltz, Predjama Castle, Himeji Castle, and Chillingham Castle. Haunted stories include: a cast...

This week Tracey brings you four of the most haunted homes, hotels, and castles across the United States. She covers the history and the ghosts of the Chelsea Hotel, the Whaley House, the Joshua Ward House, and Franklin Castle. Sources HGTV https://www.hgtv.com/lifestyle/holidays/americas-scariest-homes-real-life-haunted-houses-pictures Wikipedia https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Whaley_House_(San_Die...

This episode is our Part 2 of our true tale of the most kissed woman in the world. In this miniseries, Rowan presents the story of L’Inconnue de la Seine or, The Ophelia of the Seine. Our hosts discuss poetry, inspiration, CPR, and also tell a classic horror story about a man who makes death masks. Sources Wikipedia  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/L%27Inconnue_de_la_Seine The Guardian https://...

We’re kicking off spooky season with what may be one of the eeriest true-history stories we’ve had on the show. In this two part series, Rowan presents the story of L’Inconnue de la Seine or, The Drowned Mona Lisa. Our hosts discuss the Victorian “culture of looking”, the famous Paris Morgue, death masks, drowning…and how it’s possible that they’ve both kissed a woman from the 19th century (psst…y...

This week resident art historian Jamie Harrison is back to tell us all about the Mona Lisa. She dives into the life of DaVinci as well as the history of the painting. Sources Science ABC https://www.scienceabc.com/social-science/why-is-mona-lisa-so-famous-worth-cost-today-meaning.html Wikipedia https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mona_Lisa Leonardo Davinci  https://www.leonardodavinci.net/the-mona-...

This week Tracey covers the mythology behind Nana Buluku, Mawu, & Lisa. She also dives into Vodun mythology and the impacts of the trans atlantic slave trade. Sources Wikidpedia  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nana_Buluku https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mawu https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/West_African_Vodun https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Atlantic_slave_trade Face 2 Face Africa https://face2fac...

This week, Rowan tells us what she learned about the Hindu Goddess Durga and her association with strength, destruction, and motherhood. Our hosts discuss shakti, colonialism, and the myriad of ways to be a woman. Sources Wikipedia https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Durga https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brahman https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mahishasura https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kalaratri https://en.w...

This week Tracey talks about the famous 17th century poison Aqua Tofana. She dives into the tale of Giulia Tofana the supposed woman who killed over 600 men. Sources National Domestic Violence Hotline Hours: 24/7. Languages: English, Spanish and 200+ through interpretation service Learn more 800-799-7233 SMS: Text START to 88788 Wikipedia https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Giulia_Tofana https://en.wiki...

We’re ready for spooky season! To close Aug-tober, Rowan is presenting a variety show of Haunted Dolls. Join us getting creeped out by Robert the Doll, Okiku, The Island of Dolls, and more… Sources Wikipedia https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fetishism https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Haunted_doll#:~:text=According%20to%20modern%20Japanese%20folklore,on%20the%20doll%20was%20growing . Smithsonian Mag https...

This week Tracey brings you the story of one of America's most brilliant code breakers. She was a mother, a wife, and nemesis to multiple men Sources NCPedia https://www.ncpedia.org/history/20th-Century/1920s-women#:~:text=Women%20found%20their%20lives%20changed,woman%E2%80%9D%20was%20on%20her%20way . Wikipedia  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Elizebeth_Smith_Friedman https://en.wikipedia.org/w...

Coming back from hiatus, Rowan brings us stories of unicorns. Turns out: if it looks like a mythical creature, and has one horn like a mythical creature, it’s probably a rhinoceros. Join us in examining one-horned, magical creatures from Ancient Greece, the Indus Valley, China, England, and beyond. Sources Wikipedia https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unicorn https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unicorn_horn h...

This week, Tracey is sharing what she learned about the ancient Mesoamerican god Quetzalcoatl. His story survived centuries, spanning the rise and fall of nations to make him one of the most famous shape-shifting gods of the modern world. Quetzalcoatl is part bird, part snake; sometimes a god’s terrifying pet, sometimes a man and creator god in his own right. “Buckle up, Buttercup”, this mythologi...

In this relaxed post COVID-19 episode (Yup, our hosts caught it. Don’t forget to stay up on your COVID vaccine and boosters! W&F is team science!), Rowan and Tracey take it easy and chat with all of you. We read your Listener Legends as well as answer the questions you sent into us! To submit your own Listener Legends, visit: https://www.willingandfable.com/contact Sources Sant Cruz Ghost Hunt...

Jamie Harrison joins Rowan to bring us the tale of the most famous statue that almost never existed - Michelangelo’s statue of David. She covers the life of Michelangelo and the creation of the statue of David. She and Rowan also dive into modern art, teenage mutant ninja turtles, and the queer relationships Michelangelo may (or may not) have had. Sources Mental Floss: https://www.mentalfloss.com/...

The podcast is getting heated this week! Rowan explains why the world keeps referencing the Ancient Greek play “Lysistrata” in the wake of Judge Alito’s draft opinion overturning Roe v. Wade. She also teaches us about the history of sex strikes, Romania’s Decree 770 outlawing abortion, and how the chainsaw was actually invented for use in childbirth. Sources Politico https://www.politico.com/news/...

This week Tracey talks about a painting that sparked centuries of speculation and debate. That painting is of Dido Elizabeth Belle, a mixed raced woman in high society and her cousin Elizabeth Murray. Join us as we discuss society, culture, and race in Georgian England. Sources Wikipedia https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dido_Elizabeth_Belle https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Belle_(2013_film) Jane Austens...

This week, friend of the pod Spenser Starke is back! He and Rowan continue their exploration of the famous Ancient Greek myth of “Orpheus and Eurydice”. Spenser Starke is a game designer at Critical Role, one of the designers behind the TTRPG “Kids on Brooms” and he’s also the brilliant mind behind “Icarus: A Storytelling Game About How Great Civilizations Fall”. His latest game, “Alice is Missing...

This week, friend of the pod Spenser Starke joins Rowan in a discussion about the famous Ancient Greek myth of “Orpheus and Eurydice”. Spenser Starke is a game designer at Critical Role, one of the designers behind the TTRPG “Kids on Brooms” and he’s also the brilliant mind behind “Icarus: A Storytelling Game About How Great Civilizations Fall”. His latest game, “Alice is Missing” was recognized i...

Thea has successfully convinced her old friend, the very nervous librarian Byron, to join the team and gain them access to the restricted portion of the Lassera Library. Now, the unlikely trio should be able to steal the heretical texts fairly easily…If Roslyn can cause a large enough distraction to stop the city guard from catching them (again). To hear the previous chapter of The Wizard & Th...

We love a good dog! This week the pair explores the stories that surround one of the most famous dogs in history — Cerberus, the three headed hound who guards the Underworld. If you want to support the show check us out on Patreon at patreon.com/willingandfable or check out our merch at willingandfable.com/merch Follow us everywhere @WillingAndFable Sources Wikipedia https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/...

This week Rowan and Tracey discuss the links between cats and femininity; and the disastrous effects it’s had on women and pets. They explore the many stories surrounding the Sphinx, and take listeners through the history of cats and sexism. From historical suffragette memes, to modern expressionist theatre, as Robert Heinlein says, “Women and cats will do as they please, and men and dogs should r...