The Bonfires and Castles Podcast

Send us Fan Mail We are almost to the end of May, which means it is almost the end of Anne Boleyn Month. But the end of the month doesn't mean we need to stop remembering and learning.  In this episode, I do a hidden library review of three Claire Ridgway books that I think are not only good to start out with in learning about Anne and her brother George as they are not only good reads but al...

Send us Fan Mail Bonfires & Castles is a podcast dedicated to discussing history and ancient wisdom.   In this episode, I discuss ways to stay grounded this spring, especially if you are feeling as though the Firehorse is dragging you! How are you staying grounded this spring and moving forward into the new year (with the Spring being the true new year!)? #springequinox #firstdaysofspring #fir...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, I am excited to welcome Tempest front man, Lief Sorbye.  Lief is among the founding members of the Celtic Rock band, and since the late 1980s, Tempest has been bringing their songs steeped in traditional Celtic Folk music, ancient wisdom and modern rock.  After a brief hiatus, Tempest is back on the road with their new tour, and there may be a few surprises for bo...

Send us Fan Mail 🖤For this special Friday the 13th episode, I welcome back fhe AMAZING Susannah Sprague (whose done everything from Playboy, Reality TV shows like The Surreal Life, Fitness Competitor, Life Mentor, and also one of my co-stars in the new film Midnight Massacre)!   In this episode, the conversation goes deep as we discuss the concept of journey back to self and staying grounded as t...

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Send us Fan Mail

Send us Fan Mail I was going to release this episode in October but I felt moved to release it now (perhaps by the Cailleach herself!).  As we enter the season of the Crone it is time for us all to ground ourselves, go within and allow for our inner wisdom to speak to us. It is a time for stillness, a time for facing and alchemizing our shadows. Telling that inner child 'I see you and I hear...

Send us Fan Mail What scared you as a child? Or what story and urban legend left a profound impact on you. For many born in the later years of the 20th century it was the Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark Trilogy. In this episode I talk of my own experience growing up with this popular series and how it influenced my own storytelling going forward.  Did you grow up with the Scary Stories to Tell i...

Send us Fan Mail Greetings! In this episode I discuss the significance and ancient traditions of the festival of Lughnasadh/Lammas. In addition we get into how we can incorporate this festival of first Harvest and first fruits into our own modern lives, bringing forth the wisdom of our ancestors. I hope you enjoy listening to this episode and I would love to hear about how you're celebrating...

Send us Fan Mail Well greetings! Here in the After Hours and around the Bonfire, it's never too early to start planning your Halloween and Samhain adventures!   Today I sit down with the castle's own ghostly host Ricky Dick aka Gravely Macabre. we discuss the history of the castle (and how they came to take residence in a century 's old funeral home) along with what to expect from t...

Send us Fan Mail In this special episode of the Bonfires & Castles podcast, we pay a little homage to the Summer Solstice and the ancient festival of Litha as the Celtic Wheel of life makes yet another turn.  The history and traditions of the festival are discussed, Midsummer in the faerie realm, along with how you can honor the first day of summer and how I am personally spending today! So gr...

Send us Fan Mail On this day in 1536, England saw the first Queen executed by beheading. Queen Anne Boleyn has left quite an iconic mark on history and the English monarchy. While I plan to do more episodes on her, this episode is a tribute to her on this day. One of my favorite sources on all things Anne Boleyn is Claire Ridgway's Channel on YouTube, The Anne Boleyn Files and the Tudor Socie...

Send us Fan Mail THROWBACK EPISODE: Originally recorded back in 2022, this is a conversation I had with Celtic Rock Band Tempest front man Lief Sorbye when I interviewed him for Celtic Nations Magazine.  This is being released in light of the release of his new book in which he tells his life story. I plan to feature that book on this podcast, but for now, enjoy this Throwback episode!

Send us Fan Mail We are upon the time of year when winter begins its retreat, allowing spring to enter. When the Winter Crone makes her way back into the woods, making way for St. Brigid to usher in the warmer months. What is the significance of this Gaelic Festival of Imbolc and the feminine triage (maiden, mother, and crone) and how can we best spend our time during these final days of Winter? T...

Send us Fan Mail Sometimes in Winter we are drawn to written works that echo the still dark of the season and sometimes a short but effective read is what's needed.  Join me as I explore two short but intriguing stories by author Andrea Dean Van Scoyoc and her very unique brand of storytelling in The Silent Sentinel and The Monestary Murders. Her books can be found on her website and you can...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, I review the new Nosferatu film (directed by Robert Eggers), giving my thoughts on the overall production of the film, discussing the 2024 film in conjunction with the 1922 film starring Max Schreck, and what we might be able to take away from the story itself. I hope you enjoy this episode! And stay tuned for some news concerning the podcast. Thank you for listen...

Send us Fan Mail This episode was recorded at Fort Henry Days on Labor Day Weekend and I was happy to interview the very talented Valerie Skinner. Valerie is a very talented 18th century inspired artisan, painter, fan maker, and she also makes trade signs, trade cards, and decorative wooden and paper boxes! You can see samples of her work at market fairs and on her Instagram @vincere_vm (where you...

Send us Fan Mail Book review!

Send us Fan Mail Haunted History series.

Send us Fan Mail Haunted History episode. 

Send us Fan Mail Haunted History

Send us Fan Mail Haunted history.

Send us Fan Mail This episode of Bonfires & Castles brings you a Hidden Library Book Review. In this episode I discuss the book Victorian Secrets by Sarah Chrisman where she discusses her journey back to herself through the art of corsetry.

Send us Fan Mail Bonfires & Castles brings you another Hidden Library Reviews episode with Claire Ridgeway's "The Anne Boleyn Collection". Fans of Anne Boleyn and her story will want to check this one out!

Send us Fan Mail ORIGINALLY RECORDED BACK IN 2021 In this first episode of the Bonfires & Castles Podcast, I sit down with Rebekah Lawson of the musical acts Celtic Rain and The Lute & the Lady. Grab a beverage and join us for this fun conversation!