Monstras

Tales have persisted for over a century of a mysterious creature that lurks in the forests of the Dominican Republic. Both beautiful and deadly, her backwards feet lead men astray. But was her story created by one man, or was it a tale created before colonization...   Music by Patrick Mullens Twitter  -  Facebook  -  Website  -  Instagram Show Notes:  Poem - From "La Ciguapa Speaks" by Marianela M...

Sihuehuet was a woman whose beauty and charm ensnared a prince's heart. But her avarice, lust, and thirst for power transforms her into La Siguanaba, a horrific horse faced woman who lurks beside rivers, luring men and children to their deaths.  What does this story tell us about women's role in society? And what does this 400 year old story tell us about the past, Indigeneity, and colonization? F...

In this episode we dive into the origins of La Virgen de Guadalupe and her rise in popularity in Europe and then Mexico. Was La Virgen a tool for colonization? Is she a figure of female oppression? We explore that and more!  TW: rape (one single mention in regards to La Virgen), Catholicism, religion, and of course colonization  Theme song by Patrick Mullens

For the holiday season we torture ourselves by reviewing Santa Claus Vs The Devil (1960) with special guest Ze.  It features Santa Claus, Merlin, Vulcan, & and an array of cute children! The movie was released in Mexico in 1959 and was directed by Rene Cardona and co-written with Adolfo Torres Portillo.  You can watch the movie for free here . 

15,000 years ago dogs accompanied the first human settlers across the Bering Strait. These dogs flourished alongside the incredible civilizations Indigenous people built across North, Central, and South America.  Although those ancient dog breeds have all but disappeared their legacy remains in the form of myth, folklore, and archeological evidence.  In this episode we take a quick jaunt back in t...

Happy Halloween! We explore spooky tales about a woman who dances with the devil and a priest who hears a dead man's confession. With special guests Coffee+Chisme!   Tw: horny ghosts, death, & Satan   Music by Patrick Mullens Twitter  -  Facebook  -  Website  

We review What we do in the Shadows! A show about four lame vampire roommates living together with their overworked and underappreciated familiar.  This is not a spoiler free review, we do go over major plot points.  Music by Patrick Mullens Twitter  -  Facebook  -  Website Show Notes:  Harvey Guillen/Guillermo AMA Latinas & Latinos on TV - Book Runaways Topher: Example we mentioned in the episode...

An aging military general guilty of genocide comes face to face with his past misdeeds in the shape of an Indigenous dark haired woman...   We review the powerful 2019 movie La Llorona by Jayro Bustamante, which premiered on Shudder on Thursday, August 6th.  If you want to listen to our short spoiler free final thoughts you can forward to 49:30.    Music by Patrick Mullens Twitter - Facebook - Web...

77 years ago in the quiet town of Parícutin, Mexico, a farmer encountered a fissure that began spewing ash and sulfur. Pretty soon, that fissure grew into a volcano that buried the entire town in lava. In this episode, we explore the the day hell opened up and examine the folklore and myths that the Parícutin volcano gave birth to.  TW: hell, satan, cooked babies (fictional, not real ones)  If you...

The word goth often conjures up images of people dressed all in black, with black hair, black lipstick, and pale skin. But goth culture has crossed borders and this subculture has attracted people from all over the world, including Latin America and Los Angeles. In this episode we interview Professor Desirée A. Martín, who gives us an overview of what Latinx goth is, its origins, and more!  For mo...

This week we review and discuss the first episode of the new Penny Dreadful series, City of Angels. This series is a dark fantasy set in 1930's Los Angeles and centers on a Latinx family. It features Mexican folklore, music, and culture prominently along with our favorite scythe wielding mythological figure... We recommend watching the episode before listening, which you can find for free on Amazo...

In this episode we explore the creepy world of El Cucuy, a Mexican monster with very strong European ties and origins. Listen to how this shape shifting monster has been terrifying children for centuries... Theme song by Patrick Mullens Music Credits: Lullaby Music Box , Door opening , footsteps , vocals by Alicia Calvo

In this episode we explore Guillermo de Toro's first feature length film, Cronos. Originally released in 1993, it stars Federico Luppi, Margarita Isabel, Tamara Shanath, Claudio Brook and a very young Ron Perlman!  Just a warning: there are massive spoilers and some body horror mentioned. 

Starting around 1545 a series of epidemics decimated the already ravaged Indigenous population of "New Spain" or present day Mexico. It is the worst epidemic in Mexico's history. The mysterious illness still baffles modern researchers. We continue our exploration of disease and it's affects on the Indigenous populations by exploring how small pox was partially responsible for bringing down the Inc...

Healers have always been coveted for their extensive knowledge in how to relieve pain and cure ailments. Curanderos, a combination of Indigenous and Spanish practices, have been an integral part of Latinx/Latin American culture. In this month's episode we try to uncover some of those practices, along with their origins.  TW: mention of broken bones, sickness, and GOOP Theme song by Patrick Mullens

Who was Juana Barraza? And what made her go from a promising career as a Luchadora to one of Mexico's most infamous serial killers?  We take a glimpse at her childhood and possible motivations behind her gruesome crimes.  TW: serial murder, rape (mentioned, no detail), machismo, three beers  Theme song by Patrick Mullens

This month we bring you a two part episode on the Mataviejitas, one of Mexico's most infamous serial killers. In this first part we explore the murders, police ineptitude, and we take a brief look at Mexico's LGBTQ history.  TW: murder of elders, serial murder, violence, and untrue and outdated beliefs about the trans community Theme song by Patrick Mullens

No new episode this month, but we will be back in 2020 with TWO new episodes in January.  Happy New Year, Feliz Navidad y Año Nuevo! Thank you to all our listeners for being amazing, and we are looking forward to a great 2020 (hopefully).   

A Werewolf in Argentina? A Guaraní legend, the Lobison is a half man half beast creature that loves to consume dead flesh. Find out where he loves to hang out by listening to this episode!  TW: war, dead bodies, dog (?) attacks Theme song by Patrick Mullens

Happy Halloween! Our favorite holiday is here along with our one year anniversary of this podcast. Celebrate with us by listening to us talk about some haunted places in Latin America, including Casa Matusita in Peru, Lima and Linea A in Argentina.  Review the podcast and get a shout out!  TW: witch burning, child murder, torn limbs, blood

Traitor or victim? You decide! On this episode we talk about La Malinche one of Mexican history's most infamous women. She's been immortalized as the traitor who helped the Conquistadors bring down the mighty Aztec Empire.   TW: child murder, murder, Hernan Cortez, betrayal  Theme song by Patrick Mullens Other music by Tri-Tachyon

Well we did it. We went ahead and watched the Syfy made for tv movie Chupacabra vs The Alamo. We review it and we have strong opinions about it.  Spoilers up ahead, so be warned.  Theme song by Patrick Mullens

The Chupacabra is a fascinating cryptid whose origin story began in Puerto Rico and quickly spread worldwide. It continues to capture people's imagination with sightings still being reported today. Join us this episode as we explore the origins of this elusive goat sucking creature.    TW: vampires, animal death, mange, colonialism, and of course aliens   Theme song by Patrick Mullens Other music...

Attention demon dog lovers, this episode tackles a tale from El Salvador, El Cadejo, a special dog with glowing red eyes and a taste for human souls.    Theme Song by Patrick Mullens   TW: evil dogs, furries, soul stealing, dog attacks, and some talk of dog eating (historical, as if that somehow makes it better, but its brief)   Show notes:  El Cadejo Brewery   El Kadejo Movie   Werewolf Bar Mitzv...

This month we are releasing a bonus episode on "The Curse of La Llorona" currently in theaters now. Does this movie accurately portray the mythos of La Llorona, Curanderos, and Latinxs? Or does it fall short?  SPOILER ALERT!! Do not listen if you do not want the movie spoiled.  Theme Song by Patrick Mullens TW: crying woman, child murder, death, and spoilers