Boggart and Banshee: A Supernatural Podcast Wed, 04 Mar 2026 15:13:02 -0500 https://www.buzzsprout.com/1859647 en-us © 2026 Boggart and Banshee: A Supernatural Podcast yes c93c33cf-b75f-5e67-b5a6-4337c2c0f81a Chris and Simon episodic false So a Brit and a Yank walk into a supernatural podcast… Nattering on fairies, folklore, ghosts and the impossible ensues. Cross your fingers, turn your pockets inside out and join Simon and Chris as they talk weird history, Fortean mysteries, and things that go bump in the night.

]]> Buzzsprout (https://www.buzzsprout.com) Chris and Simon https://storage.buzzsprout.com/pkrdxx7dxd5oydcxacimpneav9s4?.jpg Boggart and Banshee: A Supernatural Podcast Witness! Talking to Those Who’ve Seen the Impossible Witness! Talking to Those Who’ve Seen the Impossible Simon and Chris discuss their experiences interviewing witnesses to paranormal events. What kinds of things cause witnesses to distort their recollections? Why do some people slide from one strange story into ten stranger ones? And what should we make of angels on bridges, voltergeists, bewitched dog bowls, demonic chip bags, vampire bats (in Ohio!), and shamanic puppies? Chris draws on decades of visiting haunted houses and chatting with occupants. Simon discusses collecting reports for the Fairy Census and how people ‘know’ the difference between UFOs, ghosts, and the fey. Expect to learn red flags in interviews, Chris’ double blind-ish technique, and Simon’s tell-me-thrice memory trick, with a sprinkling of narcissism, persecution mania, environmental toxins, and one brain tumour thrown in for good measure. 

]]> Simon and Chris discuss their experiences interviewing witnesses to paranormal events. What kinds of things cause witnesses to distort their recollections? Why do some people slide from one strange story into ten stranger ones? And what should we make of angels on bridges, voltergeists, bewitched dog bowls, demonic chip bags, vampire bats (in Ohio!), and shamanic puppies? Chris draws on decades of visiting haunted houses and chatting with occupants. Simon discusses collecting reports for the Fairy Census and how people ‘know’ the difference between UFOs, ghosts, and the fey. Expect to learn red flags in interviews, Chris’ double blind-ish technique, and Simon’s tell-me-thrice memory trick, with a sprinkling of narcissism, persecution mania, environmental toxins, and one brain tumour thrown in for good measure. 

]]> Chris and Simon Buzzsprout-18767899 Sun, 01 Mar 2026 09:00:00 +0000 2966 5 6 full false Gef, the Extra Clever Mongoose: Fake, Poltergeist or Talking Animal? Gef, the Extra Clever Mongoose: Fake, Poltergeist or Talking Animal? In 1931 at the Irvings' farmhouse on the Isle of Man there were poltergeist bangs, words and, then, the appearance of Gef a talking weasel-like creature with human hands, 'the extra, extra clever mongoose'. Join Simon and Chris as they attempt to be extra, extra clever about Gef who could talk, sing, report gossip from all over the island and do selfies. Expect to learn what kind of families produce poltergeists, why Harry Price was a 'conman', and whether Gef's pronouncements are teenage or frustrated adult male. And what was Gef really? A poltergeist? Folie en famille? An actual talking animal? Tulpa? A witch's familiar? Or a hoax by one or all of the Irvings, so disappointed in their lives?

]]> In 1931 at the Irvings' farmhouse on the Isle of Man there were poltergeist bangs, words and, then, the appearance of Gef a talking weasel-like creature with human hands, 'the extra, extra clever mongoose'. Join Simon and Chris as they attempt to be extra, extra clever about Gef who could talk, sing, report gossip from all over the island and do selfies. Expect to learn what kind of families produce poltergeists, why Harry Price was a 'conman', and whether Gef's pronouncements are teenage or frustrated adult male. And what was Gef really? A poltergeist? Folie en famille? An actual talking animal? Tulpa? A witch's familiar? Or a hoax by one or all of the Irvings, so disappointed in their lives?

]]> Chris and Simon Buzzsprout-18603695 Sun, 01 Feb 2026 09:00:00 +0000 3478 5 5 full false Haunted Churches Haunted Churches What spirits (holy and otherwise) haunt churches? Women in white, ghostly clergymen, fairies, angels, organist twins, naughty nuns, and giant maggots. Simon and Chris bicker, in this ecclesiastical outing, about consecrated ground, wimples, the recording properties of stones, the mental health of vicars' families and double dipping. Chris tells of infernal churches in the States, while Simon pontificates about church porches where the dead foretell the coming year. In just forty-five minutes expect to learn: how to get to hell via a church; why churches are like muzzled dogs; and where to get a glimpse of Jimmy Garlick (bring a shilling).

]]> What spirits (holy and otherwise) haunt churches? Women in white, ghostly clergymen, fairies, angels, organist twins, naughty nuns, and giant maggots. Simon and Chris bicker, in this ecclesiastical outing, about consecrated ground, wimples, the recording properties of stones, the mental health of vicars' families and double dipping. Chris tells of infernal churches in the States, while Simon pontificates about church porches where the dead foretell the coming year. In just forty-five minutes expect to learn: how to get to hell via a church; why churches are like muzzled dogs; and where to get a glimpse of Jimmy Garlick (bring a shilling).

]]> Chris and Simon Buzzsprout-18440314 Thu, 01 Jan 2026 17:00:00 +0000 2904 5 4 full false Bunny Horror: Ghostly Rabbits and Witchy Hares Bunny Horror: Ghostly Rabbits and Witchy Hares Ghostly rabbits, witchy hares... Welcome to one of the strangest corners of the supernatural warren. Chris and Simon talk sheep-killing, human attacking, Roman-hating, bad luck bringing bunnies and speculate about why rabbits and hares so terrified our ancestors. In this episode you will learn: what a graveyard bunny is; tricks for getting off a poaching charge; and how to sabotage a witch trial with a hare in a sack. Other highlights include: Donnie Darko, the axe-wielding Bunny Man, Lewis Carroll's White Rabbit, Stonehenge encounters, and Chris's ickie rabbit foot embargo. Will the two get hopping mad with each other or will they share a carrot and be friends? Find out on Boggart and Banshee's Night of the Lepus.

]]> Ghostly rabbits, witchy hares... Welcome to one of the strangest corners of the supernatural warren. Chris and Simon talk sheep-killing, human attacking, Roman-hating, bad luck bringing bunnies and speculate about why rabbits and hares so terrified our ancestors. In this episode you will learn: what a graveyard bunny is; tricks for getting off a poaching charge; and how to sabotage a witch trial with a hare in a sack. Other highlights include: Donnie Darko, the axe-wielding Bunny Man, Lewis Carroll's White Rabbit, Stonehenge encounters, and Chris's ickie rabbit foot embargo. Will the two get hopping mad with each other or will they share a carrot and be friends? Find out on Boggart and Banshee's Night of the Lepus.

]]> Chris and Simon Buzzsprout-18272405 Mon, 01 Dec 2025 09:00:00 +0000 2585 5 3 full false Fiftieth Anniversary Episode and Listeners' Questions Fiftieth Anniversary Episode and Listeners' Questions It's been 50 glorious episodes of nattering and squabbling and dramatic readings about all forms of the supernatural!  Chris and Simon reminisce fondly about how they first met (it involves a baby, a settee and an unfortunate accident). The duo answer questions from readers: when can we expect Fairy Census 3? What is the origin of the phrase 'fairies at the bottom of the garden'? Why does Simon hate Gef? What are Chris' favourite horror reads? They reveal their favorite episodes, share some ideas about supernatural encounters, and discuss 'Is Bigfoot, known to braid horse's manes and take food offerings just a large hairy fairy?' They also give an honest answer to the question of whether they have actually encountered a fairy/boggart/leprechaun... Tune in to find out!

]]> It's been 50 glorious episodes of nattering and squabbling and dramatic readings about all forms of the supernatural!  Chris and Simon reminisce fondly about how they first met (it involves a baby, a settee and an unfortunate accident). The duo answer questions from readers: when can we expect Fairy Census 3? What is the origin of the phrase 'fairies at the bottom of the garden'? Why does Simon hate Gef? What are Chris' favourite horror reads? They reveal their favorite episodes, share some ideas about supernatural encounters, and discuss 'Is Bigfoot, known to braid horse's manes and take food offerings just a large hairy fairy?' They also give an honest answer to the question of whether they have actually encountered a fairy/boggart/leprechaun... Tune in to find out!

]]> Chris and Simon Buzzsprout-18095615 Sat, 01 Nov 2025 08:00:00 +0000 3035 5 2 full false Possessed Possessions: Haunted, Cursed, and Hoodoo Furniture Possessed Possessions: Haunted, Cursed, and Hoodoo Furniture Roll out the U-Haunt truck while Chris and Simon load up stories of haunted furniture. Simon tests out haunted chairs where ghosts sit and deftly avoids cursed seats. Chris takes joy in bouncing beds from brothels and trap beds that make human sausage meat. There is the murderer trunk and the toy box with angry gnomes. Clocks foretell death (and, in rare instances, prevent premature burials). Do humans get so attached to household furnishings that they cling to them even after death? Can a piece of furniture somehow influence us in weird ways? Or do spirits possess possessions? And what about the IKEA ghost, Chris's vacuum cleaner tale, the Monet painting and Simon's bagatelle board? All will be revealed in the October episode of Boggart and Banshee!

]]> Roll out the U-Haunt truck while Chris and Simon load up stories of haunted furniture. Simon tests out haunted chairs where ghosts sit and deftly avoids cursed seats. Chris takes joy in bouncing beds from brothels and trap beds that make human sausage meat. There is the murderer trunk and the toy box with angry gnomes. Clocks foretell death (and, in rare instances, prevent premature burials). Do humans get so attached to household furnishings that they cling to them even after death? Can a piece of furniture somehow influence us in weird ways? Or do spirits possess possessions? And what about the IKEA ghost, Chris's vacuum cleaner tale, the Monet painting and Simon's bagatelle board? All will be revealed in the October episode of Boggart and Banshee!

]]> Chris and Simon Buzzsprout-17937483 Wed, 01 Oct 2025 09:00:00 +0100 2973 5 1 full false Victorian Shapeshifters: Furries, Shaggies or Folk Angels? Victorian Shapeshifters: Furries, Shaggies or Folk Angels? Is it a dog!? Is it a calf?! No, it’s something in between or just possibly a headless bear or a giant lolloping rabbit, instead. Simon and Chris debate the appearance and habits of a class of supernatural creatures Simon insists on calling, to Chris's irritation, 'furries': solitary, shaggy shapeshifters that haunted the roads and wilds of nineteenth century Britain. These ambiguous animals, with their trademark fiery, saucer-like eyes, might predict death, assault those who confront them, or protect vulnerable travelers from attack. Then there are the big questions. Did these shapeshifters make their way to the United States as Chris claims? Did they become the Alien Big Cats and Black Dogs of modern folklore, as Simon insists? Are they ghosts, cryptids, fairy-animals, or just a mangy tabby glimpsed in the moonlight? And watch out for swelling sheep on those late-night rambles.

Further Reading

Wilder Mann, Charles Freger https://www.charlesfreger.com/portfolio/wilder-mann-fr/

Explore phantom black dogs, Bob Trubshaw

Black Dog Folklore, Mark Norman

Mystery Big Cats, Merrily Harpur

American Monsters, Linda S. Godfrey

Monsters Among Us, Linda S. Godfrey

http://hauntedohiobooks.com/news/creature-feature-something-between-a-dog-and-a-calf/

Past Praying For: Something Sinister in a Field http://hauntedohiobooks.com/news/12988/

http://hauntedohiobooks.com/news/a-ghost-of-evil-odour/

http://hauntedohiobooks.com/news/black-dogs-and-dynamite-south-mountains-washington-monument/

https://esoterx.com/2018/11/06/exit-stage-left-pursued-by-a-ghost-bear/

]]> Is it a dog!? Is it a calf?! No, it’s something in between or just possibly a headless bear or a giant lolloping rabbit, instead. Simon and Chris debate the appearance and habits of a class of supernatural creatures Simon insists on calling, to Chris's irritation, 'furries': solitary, shaggy shapeshifters that haunted the roads and wilds of nineteenth century Britain. These ambiguous animals, with their trademark fiery, saucer-like eyes, might predict death, assault those who confront them, or protect vulnerable travelers from attack. Then there are the big questions. Did these shapeshifters make their way to the United States as Chris claims? Did they become the Alien Big Cats and Black Dogs of modern folklore, as Simon insists? Are they ghosts, cryptids, fairy-animals, or just a mangy tabby glimpsed in the moonlight? And watch out for swelling sheep on those late-night rambles.

Further Reading

Wilder Mann, Charles Freger https://www.charlesfreger.com/portfolio/wilder-mann-fr/

Explore phantom black dogs, Bob Trubshaw

Black Dog Folklore, Mark Norman

Mystery Big Cats, Merrily Harpur

American Monsters, Linda S. Godfrey

Monsters Among Us, Linda S. Godfrey

http://hauntedohiobooks.com/news/creature-feature-something-between-a-dog-and-a-calf/

Past Praying For: Something Sinister in a Field http://hauntedohiobooks.com/news/12988/

http://hauntedohiobooks.com/news/a-ghost-of-evil-odour/

http://hauntedohiobooks.com/news/black-dogs-and-dynamite-south-mountains-washington-monument/

https://esoterx.com/2018/11/06/exit-stage-left-pursued-by-a-ghost-bear/

]]> Chris and Simon Buzzsprout-17736093 Mon, 01 Sep 2025 06:00:00 +0100 3014 4 12 full false Highway to Hell: Road Ghosts and Phantom Hitchhikers Highway to Hell: Road Ghosts and Phantom Hitchhikers Chris and Simon hit the road with tales of spectral travelers: headless motorcyclists, driverless hearses, ghostly coaches, and hitchhikers who vanish mid-ride. Highway hobgoblins leap into passing carriages and crossroads—where suicides were buried—are haunted by the devil. Chris steers the conversation to carriages as omens of death, while Simon says it’s his way or the highway, as the duo bicker over paths. Chris reveals how she almost became a Canadian road ghost on her vintage BMW R60/2. Simon maps out ghost coach routes, Chris tells of some terrifying first-hand experiences of phantom hitchhikers and the two finally agree on the uncanny habit of road ghosts in always keeping one step ahead. You’ll want to keep the car doors locked for this one.  

]]> Chris and Simon hit the road with tales of spectral travelers: headless motorcyclists, driverless hearses, ghostly coaches, and hitchhikers who vanish mid-ride. Highway hobgoblins leap into passing carriages and crossroads—where suicides were buried—are haunted by the devil. Chris steers the conversation to carriages as omens of death, while Simon says it’s his way or the highway, as the duo bicker over paths. Chris reveals how she almost became a Canadian road ghost on her vintage BMW R60/2. Simon maps out ghost coach routes, Chris tells of some terrifying first-hand experiences of phantom hitchhikers and the two finally agree on the uncanny habit of road ghosts in always keeping one step ahead. You’ll want to keep the car doors locked for this one.  

]]> Chris and Simon Buzzsprout-17598357 Fri, 01 Aug 2025 11:00:00 +0100 3164 4 11 full false Household Helper Spirits: from Brownie to Hob Household Helper Spirits: from Brownie to Hob Simon and Chris are pixelated by household helpers, those elusive, often hairy beings like Brownies, Tomten, and Skrats who muck out stables, scrub pans, rock babies, edit podcasts and occasionally fetch the midwife, all in exchange for a humble bowl of porridge. Our domestic duo explore why these  spirits have such complicated relationships with clothing, what draws them to a home (or sends them storming off), and wonder aloud if you can still hire one in today’s difficult real estate market.  Along the way, the two squabble over whether houses go up or down in value with a helper, the emotional climate of homes, and the surprising requirements for crafting your own supernatural assistant (spoiler: toes and horses are involved). UK helpers are compared with their Scandinavian, North European, and North American cousins. While Simon berates Chris for her shocking ignorance of the Swiss variety, Chris lectures Simon on a brave new world of railway-building brownies on the other side of the Atlantic. 

]]> Simon and Chris are pixelated by household helpers, those elusive, often hairy beings like Brownies, Tomten, and Skrats who muck out stables, scrub pans, rock babies, edit podcasts and occasionally fetch the midwife, all in exchange for a humble bowl of porridge. Our domestic duo explore why these  spirits have such complicated relationships with clothing, what draws them to a home (or sends them storming off), and wonder aloud if you can still hire one in today’s difficult real estate market.  Along the way, the two squabble over whether houses go up or down in value with a helper, the emotional climate of homes, and the surprising requirements for crafting your own supernatural assistant (spoiler: toes and horses are involved). UK helpers are compared with their Scandinavian, North European, and North American cousins. While Simon berates Chris for her shocking ignorance of the Swiss variety, Chris lectures Simon on a brave new world of railway-building brownies on the other side of the Atlantic. 

]]> Chris and Simon Buzzsprout-17422513 Tue, 01 Jul 2025 16:00:00 +0100 2852 4 10 full false Supernatural Feathers: Death Beds, Witchcraft and Angels Supernatural Feathers: Death Beds, Witchcraft and Angels Chris and Simon wing it through the strange world of feather folklore — from cursed peacock plumes to pillows that prevent the dying from slipping away. Do feather crowns signal a heavenly reward or a witch’s curse? Simon’s disturbed by beds hiding feather rats and spectral bouquets; Chris dares to suggest a rational explanation. There's a detour into swan-lined pits, angel relics, deer hunting and the suspiciously decorative world of Victorian featherwork. Listener beware: this one might leave you checking your pillow twice. 

]]> Chris and Simon wing it through the strange world of feather folklore — from cursed peacock plumes to pillows that prevent the dying from slipping away. Do feather crowns signal a heavenly reward or a witch’s curse? Simon’s disturbed by beds hiding feather rats and spectral bouquets; Chris dares to suggest a rational explanation. There's a detour into swan-lined pits, angel relics, deer hunting and the suspiciously decorative world of Victorian featherwork. Listener beware: this one might leave you checking your pillow twice. 

]]> Chris and Simon Buzzsprout-17260412 Sun, 01 Jun 2025 11:00:00 +0100 3081 4 9 full false The Deerness Mermaid: The Best Attested Nineteenth-Century Cryptid The Deerness Mermaid: The Best Attested Nineteenth-Century Cryptid Simon and Chris dive into a rare cryptid case from Orkney where hundreds of witnesses saw a 'mermaid' swimming in the sea, sitting on a rock, snacking on fish and eels, and tending to her child. Stories of the mermaid went viral in the press. What in the watery world was the creature? Manatee, mutant seal, giant otter or, say it quietly, an actual mermaid? And why, after several years of summer visits to the bay at Deerness, did it vanish from the papers and from history? The duo trade notes about favorite cryptids. Chris goes off on a tangent about giant pink lizards, monsters in the nineteenth-century press and an escaped iguana, and she and Simon nearly come to blows over Cannock Chase and the supernatural/natural nature of unknown creatures.  

The source book for the episode is available here:  https://www.amazon.co.uk/Deerness-Mermaid-Attested-Nineteenth-Century-Cryptid/dp/1915574404/ref

]]> Simon and Chris dive into a rare cryptid case from Orkney where hundreds of witnesses saw a 'mermaid' swimming in the sea, sitting on a rock, snacking on fish and eels, and tending to her child. Stories of the mermaid went viral in the press. What in the watery world was the creature? Manatee, mutant seal, giant otter or, say it quietly, an actual mermaid? And why, after several years of summer visits to the bay at Deerness, did it vanish from the papers and from history? The duo trade notes about favorite cryptids. Chris goes off on a tangent about giant pink lizards, monsters in the nineteenth-century press and an escaped iguana, and she and Simon nearly come to blows over Cannock Chase and the supernatural/natural nature of unknown creatures.  

The source book for the episode is available here:  https://www.amazon.co.uk/Deerness-Mermaid-Attested-Nineteenth-Century-Cryptid/dp/1915574404/ref

]]> Buzzsprout-17077779 Thu, 01 May 2025 11:00:00 +0100 2989 4 8 full false Supernatural Serpents: Flying, Milking and Shape-Changing Snakes Supernatural Serpents: Flying, Milking and Shape-Changing Snakes Chris and Simon lift the stone on a nest of ancient terrors, with bosom serpents, snakes on tombs and in graves, helpful household ophidians, and the medicinal horrors of Asclepius’s temple. ('It did what to you?!') Simon tells of his own blood-chilling encounter with a poisonous hisser, while fake snake women, flying serpents, and the perils of vino alla vipera slither revoltingly into the podcast. The duo bicker over cryptozoological creatures’ credibility and ask whether a snake can suckle on a breast or udder: the lap vs suck debate. Also fairies and snakes? Prepare to be amazed amid the Sicilian rosemary. 

Some biblio:

Boss snakes : stories and sightings of giant snakes in North America, Chad Arment

The bosom serpent : folklore and popular art, Harold Schechter

Towards a Critical Anthology of Pre-Modern Bosom Serpent Folklore, Davide Ermacora, Roberto Labanti, Andrea Marcon

Big Snake  The Hunt for the World’s Longest Python, Robert Twigger.

 https://richlandcountyhistory.com/2019/05/08/the-great-serpent-of-lexington/ [this needs to go up as a separate post on the page - wonderful story!]

http://hauntedohiobooks.com/news/creature-feature-the-mexican-mine-monster/

Superfluous snakes – snake showers http://hauntedohiobooks.com/interesting-people/11830/

A Woman-Eating Serpent: Hissssteria over Snakes

http://hauntedohiobooks.com/news/woman-eating-serpent-hissssteria-snakes/

https://www.the-daily-record.com/story/news/2012/08/19/when-wayne-was-whippersnapper-rogues/19462591007/

SNAIX: Vintage Snake Tales http://hauntedohiobooks.com/news/snaix-vintage-snake-tales/

For a superlative story of snake-terror, see “The Cat of the Cane-Brake,” by Frederick Stuart Greene.

https://www.atlasobscura.com/foods/snake-wine-china-vietnam#:~:text=Although%20this%20concoction%20is%20often,from%20rheumatism%20to%20hair%20loss.

https://strongspage.com/places/chester-bedell/ [This and the next one could also be put on the page]

https://www.dispatch.com/story/news/2010/07/11/mike-harden-commentary-atheist-snakes/23668024007/

]]> Chris and Simon lift the stone on a nest of ancient terrors, with bosom serpents, snakes on tombs and in graves, helpful household ophidians, and the medicinal horrors of Asclepius’s temple. ('It did what to you?!') Simon tells of his own blood-chilling encounter with a poisonous hisser, while fake snake women, flying serpents, and the perils of vino alla vipera slither revoltingly into the podcast. The duo bicker over cryptozoological creatures’ credibility and ask whether a snake can suckle on a breast or udder: the lap vs suck debate. Also fairies and snakes? Prepare to be amazed amid the Sicilian rosemary. 

Some biblio:

Boss snakes : stories and sightings of giant snakes in North America, Chad Arment

The bosom serpent : folklore and popular art, Harold Schechter

Towards a Critical Anthology of Pre-Modern Bosom Serpent Folklore, Davide Ermacora, Roberto Labanti, Andrea Marcon

Big Snake  The Hunt for the World’s Longest Python, Robert Twigger.

 https://richlandcountyhistory.com/2019/05/08/the-great-serpent-of-lexington/ [this needs to go up as a separate post on the page - wonderful story!]

http://hauntedohiobooks.com/news/creature-feature-the-mexican-mine-monster/

Superfluous snakes – snake showers http://hauntedohiobooks.com/interesting-people/11830/

A Woman-Eating Serpent: Hissssteria over Snakes

http://hauntedohiobooks.com/news/woman-eating-serpent-hissssteria-snakes/

https://www.the-daily-record.com/story/news/2012/08/19/when-wayne-was-whippersnapper-rogues/19462591007/

SNAIX: Vintage Snake Tales http://hauntedohiobooks.com/news/snaix-vintage-snake-tales/

For a superlative story of snake-terror, see “The Cat of the Cane-Brake,” by Frederick Stuart Greene.

https://www.atlasobscura.com/foods/snake-wine-china-vietnam#:~:text=Although%20this%20concoction%20is%20often,from%20rheumatism%20to%20hair%20loss.

https://strongspage.com/places/chester-bedell/ [This and the next one could also be put on the page]

https://www.dispatch.com/story/news/2010/07/11/mike-harden-commentary-atheist-snakes/23668024007/

]]> Chris and Simon Buzzsprout-16897482 Tue, 01 Apr 2025 15:00:00 +0100 2806 4 7 full false The Green Children of Woolpit: Fairies or Foreigners? The Green Children of Woolpit: Fairies or Foreigners? The Green Children of Woolpit: Fairies or Foreigners? Simon and Chris celebrate the new and definitive book by John Clark on the Green Children of Woolpit: two children with ‘leek-green’ skin who, in the middle of the twelfth century, said that they came from a twilight place called  ‘St Martin’s Land’. They wore strange clothes of an unknown fabric and spoke a language none could understand. Strangest of all, they ate only beans. Had they strayed from fairyland into Suffolk or were they lost, starving children orphaned by tragedy? Simon and Chris try to sort out some of the curious details of this very curious story and also bicker about Jinn, weird birds, kosher food and Excel spreadsheets.


*John Clark, The Green Children of Woolpit: Chronicles, Fairies and Facts in Medieval England (Exeter New Approaches to Legend, Folklore and Popular Belief, 2024) 

]]> The Green Children of Woolpit: Fairies or Foreigners? Simon and Chris celebrate the new and definitive book by John Clark on the Green Children of Woolpit: two children with ‘leek-green’ skin who, in the middle of the twelfth century, said that they came from a twilight place called  ‘St Martin’s Land’. They wore strange clothes of an unknown fabric and spoke a language none could understand. Strangest of all, they ate only beans. Had they strayed from fairyland into Suffolk or were they lost, starving children orphaned by tragedy? Simon and Chris try to sort out some of the curious details of this very curious story and also bicker about Jinn, weird birds, kosher food and Excel spreadsheets.


*John Clark, The Green Children of Woolpit: Chronicles, Fairies and Facts in Medieval England (Exeter New Approaches to Legend, Folklore and Popular Belief, 2024) 

]]> Chris and Simon Buzzsprout-16714069 Sat, 01 Mar 2025 11:00:00 +0000 2742 4 6 full false Supernatural Music: Fairy Bagpipers, Phantom Fiddlers, and The Choir Invisible Supernatural Music: Fairy Bagpipers, Phantom Fiddlers, and The Choir Invisible ***This episode has been our Jonah and has been cursed from the beginning! We are re-releasing it because the first version had fuzzy audio***

Chris and Simon wind up the old gramophone and share some numbers from angelic choirs, the nodding ones beyond the grave, and from the rarely good people in the hollow hill. Sing along with a banshee! Trill to a phantom air from Dartmoor! Rhapsodize over an orca’s mermaid song! And shake your tambourine at yellow bats, breeding foxes, Dolly Parton and finger-chewing nereids! Are our listeners in harmony with the Music of the Spheres or are these mysterious melodies something more mundane? Kudos also to our organ player from Ohio and to the poltergeist who follows us through the recording 

Bibliography

Paracoustics: Sound & The Paranormal, edited by Steven T. Parson s & Callum E. Cooper

Music from Elsewhere, Haunting Tunes From Mythical Beings, Hidden Worlds, and Other Curious Sources, Doug Skinner, 2024. Has music notation. “anomalous music”  including fairy, trow [troh or trouw ow and troll music, Spiritualist music, “music of the sky people”

No Earthly Sounds- Faery Music, Song & Verse, John Kruse
Music and the paranormal : an encyclopedic dictionary

Melvyn J. Willin (Author)

Shaman of Oberstdorf: Chonrad Stoeckhlin and the Phantoms of the Night

By Wolfgang Behringer chapter on unearthly music in the Alps

The Music of “An Adventure”, Ian Parrott, 1966

Barbara Hillers: “Music from the Otherworld: Modern Gaelic Legends about Fairy Music” in Proceedings of the Harvard Celtic Colloquium, Vol. 14 (1994), p59

Ríonach Uí Ógáin: “Music Learned from the Fairies” in Béaloideas Bay la Gish 60-61 (1992-3), pp197-214 

Chapter on fairy music in The Peat-Fire Flame: Folk-Tales and Traditions of the Highlands & Islands, Alasdair Alpin MacGregor 1937

https://archive.org/details/peatfireflamefol00macg/page/30/mode/2up?q=gigha&view=theater

Lovely and Mysterious: The Music of Fairyland, Chris Woodyard, Fortean Times October 2014

NAD A study of Some Unusual “Other-World” Experiences, D. Scott Rogo

NAD Vol. 2 A psychic study of the “Music of the Spheres”, D. Scott Rogo

Musica Trascendentale, E. Bozzano, 1943

]]> ***This episode has been our Jonah and has been cursed from the beginning! We are re-releasing it because the first version had fuzzy audio***

Chris and Simon wind up the old gramophone and share some numbers from angelic choirs, the nodding ones beyond the grave, and from the rarely good people in the hollow hill. Sing along with a banshee! Trill to a phantom air from Dartmoor! Rhapsodize over an orca’s mermaid song! And shake your tambourine at yellow bats, breeding foxes, Dolly Parton and finger-chewing nereids! Are our listeners in harmony with the Music of the Spheres or are these mysterious melodies something more mundane? Kudos also to our organ player from Ohio and to the poltergeist who follows us through the recording 

Bibliography

Paracoustics: Sound & The Paranormal, edited by Steven T. Parson s & Callum E. Cooper

Music from Elsewhere, Haunting Tunes From Mythical Beings, Hidden Worlds, and Other Curious Sources, Doug Skinner, 2024. Has music notation. “anomalous music”  including fairy, trow [troh or trouw ow and troll music, Spiritualist music, “music of the sky people”

No Earthly Sounds- Faery Music, Song & Verse, John Kruse
Music and the paranormal : an encyclopedic dictionary

Melvyn J. Willin (Author)

Shaman of Oberstdorf: Chonrad Stoeckhlin and the Phantoms of the Night

By Wolfgang Behringer chapter on unearthly music in the Alps

The Music of “An Adventure”, Ian Parrott, 1966

Barbara Hillers: “Music from the Otherworld: Modern Gaelic Legends about Fairy Music” in Proceedings of the Harvard Celtic Colloquium, Vol. 14 (1994), p59

Ríonach Uí Ógáin: “Music Learned from the Fairies” in Béaloideas Bay la Gish 60-61 (1992-3), pp197-214 

Chapter on fairy music in The Peat-Fire Flame: Folk-Tales and Traditions of the Highlands & Islands, Alasdair Alpin MacGregor 1937

https://archive.org/details/peatfireflamefol00macg/page/30/mode/2up?q=gigha&view=theater

Lovely and Mysterious: The Music of Fairyland, Chris Woodyard, Fortean Times October 2014

NAD A study of Some Unusual “Other-World” Experiences, D. Scott Rogo

NAD Vol. 2 A psychic study of the “Music of the Spheres”, D. Scott Rogo

Musica Trascendentale, E. Bozzano, 1943

]]> Chris and Simon Buzzsprout-16547152 Sun, 02 Feb 2025 15:00:00 +0000 2689 4 5 full false Pixy-Led? The Truth about Fairy Disorientation! Pixy-Led? The Truth about Fairy Disorientation! Get lost in familiar places? You're not alone! Simon and Chris are bewildered by supernatural disorientation, including cases of people being pixy-led by  Newfoundland fairies and Balkan witches. Discover traditional defenses against non-human misleaders, from carrying bread to wearing clothes inside out (and yes, sometimes even stripping naked!). While our hosts consider scientific explanations - glitches in human compasses, they grapple with bizarre reports of impossible landscapes: gardens without paths, eighty foot hedges, and fields that trap their victims. Plus, one host recounts their own uncanny pixy-led experience in a car. Care to guess who?

Our readings from this month
Janet Bord, Fairies: Real Encounters with Little People

Dermot Mac Manus, The Middle Kingdom  [stray sod]

John Gregorson Campbell, Superstitions of the Highlands & Islands of Scotland, - Gaistig on the Island of Coll 

Jeremy Harte, Explore Fairy Traditions 

Mirjam Mencej, '‘Something Came Over Him’: Narratives on Being ‘Carried by Witches’ and Their Possible Connection to Altered States of Consciousness', Preternature 7 (2018)

Barbara Rieti, Strange Terrain: The Fairy World in Newfoundland

Chris Woodyard, http://hauntedohiobooks.com/news/the-lost-children/ - disorientation in the woods

S. Young, ‘Pixy-Led in the South West’, Transactions of the Devonshire Association 148 (2016), 311-336  https://www.academia.edu/35045282/Young_Pixy_Led_in_Devon_and_the_South_West

S. Young, ‘Four Neglected Pixy-Led Sources from Devon’, The Devon Historian 85 (2016), 39-49 https://www.academia.edu/33316277/Young_Four_Neglected_Pixy_Led_Sources_from_Devon

Any others to recommend?

]]> Get lost in familiar places? You're not alone! Simon and Chris are bewildered by supernatural disorientation, including cases of people being pixy-led by  Newfoundland fairies and Balkan witches. Discover traditional defenses against non-human misleaders, from carrying bread to wearing clothes inside out (and yes, sometimes even stripping naked!). While our hosts consider scientific explanations - glitches in human compasses, they grapple with bizarre reports of impossible landscapes: gardens without paths, eighty foot hedges, and fields that trap their victims. Plus, one host recounts their own uncanny pixy-led experience in a car. Care to guess who?

Our readings from this month
Janet Bord, Fairies: Real Encounters with Little People

Dermot Mac Manus, The Middle Kingdom  [stray sod]

John Gregorson Campbell, Superstitions of the Highlands & Islands of Scotland, - Gaistig on the Island of Coll 

Jeremy Harte, Explore Fairy Traditions 

Mirjam Mencej, '‘Something Came Over Him’: Narratives on Being ‘Carried by Witches’ and Their Possible Connection to Altered States of Consciousness', Preternature 7 (2018)

Barbara Rieti, Strange Terrain: The Fairy World in Newfoundland

Chris Woodyard, http://hauntedohiobooks.com/news/the-lost-children/ - disorientation in the woods

S. Young, ‘Pixy-Led in the South West’, Transactions of the Devonshire Association 148 (2016), 311-336  https://www.academia.edu/35045282/Young_Pixy_Led_in_Devon_and_the_South_West

S. Young, ‘Four Neglected Pixy-Led Sources from Devon’, The Devon Historian 85 (2016), 39-49 https://www.academia.edu/33316277/Young_Four_Neglected_Pixy_Led_Sources_from_Devon

Any others to recommend?

]]> Chris and Simon Buzzsprout-16365588 Wed, 01 Jan 2025 12:00:00 +0000 2901 4 4 full false Hells Bells: Polts, Underground Cities and Supernatural Disinfectant Hells Bells: Polts, Underground Cities and Supernatural Disinfectant Chris and Simon ring the changes on bell folklore: bells mysteriously rung by polts (or rats or monkeys or blackbirds), bells ringing in churches beneath the waves and in coalmines, and bells with the power ('supernatural bleach') to drive away plague, the Devil and the Fae. Bells toll as death omens the 'death-bell' or ringing in the ears predicts imminent death, and Big Ben chimes thirteen when a royal is about to die. Chris finds a-peal in some physics experiments testing whether bells drive away thunderstorms and Simon chimes in with mermaids and their watery bells. Also, Great Aunt Moll, fierce disagreements over servants, and tips on how to keep your teenage kids in at night...

]]> Chris and Simon ring the changes on bell folklore: bells mysteriously rung by polts (or rats or monkeys or blackbirds), bells ringing in churches beneath the waves and in coalmines, and bells with the power ('supernatural bleach') to drive away plague, the Devil and the Fae. Bells toll as death omens the 'death-bell' or ringing in the ears predicts imminent death, and Big Ben chimes thirteen when a royal is about to die. Chris finds a-peal in some physics experiments testing whether bells drive away thunderstorms and Simon chimes in with mermaids and their watery bells. Also, Great Aunt Moll, fierce disagreements over servants, and tips on how to keep your teenage kids in at night...

]]> Buzzsprout-16200086 Sun, 01 Dec 2024 09:00:00 +0000 2794 4 3 full false The Cottingley Fairies Exposed: Beyond Photos and Fakes The Cottingley Fairies Exposed: Beyond Photos and Fakes Simon and Chris focus in on the new collection of essays on The Cottingley Fairy Photographs, developing the psychic experiences that inspired the images. The two clash over Elsie and Frances’s personalities, recounting Frances’s sightings of “little men” and Elsie’s run ins with a ghost family haunting her own home. They also trade blows over Cottingley conspiracies. And stay tuned for the unexpected dog invasion!
Available from all good online booksellers, fifteen authors from six nations: The Cottingley Fairy Photographs. 

]]> Simon and Chris focus in on the new collection of essays on The Cottingley Fairy Photographs, developing the psychic experiences that inspired the images. The two clash over Elsie and Frances’s personalities, recounting Frances’s sightings of “little men” and Elsie’s run ins with a ghost family haunting her own home. They also trade blows over Cottingley conspiracies. And stay tuned for the unexpected dog invasion!
Available from all good online booksellers, fifteen authors from six nations: The Cottingley Fairy Photographs. 

]]> Chris and Simon Buzzsprout-16030548 Fri, 01 Nov 2024 07:00:00 +0000 3196 4 2 full false Dead Famous: Celebrity Ghosts from Mary Queen of Scots to Michael Jackson Dead Famous: Celebrity Ghosts from Mary Queen of Scots to Michael Jackson From Tinseltown to Windsor: tales of mysterious encounters with James Dean, Rudolph Valentino, Elvis Presley, Lord Byron (in Florida), Elizabeth the first and second! Does the late Princess Diana visit her butler in Cheshire to console him? Has Marilyn Monroe reincarnated to marry the ghost of Michael Jackson? Are these tulpas, “real” ghostly encounters, or para-social fantasies—where an intimate connection is claimed with a celebrity? How do the Tooth Fairy, the Easter Bunny and the Jolly Green Giant fit into the puzzle? Join Chris and Simon as they unravel bizarre celebrity connections—including Chris’ movie star crush and that unforgettable moment at Rome airport (which Simon would rather forget).

]]> From Tinseltown to Windsor: tales of mysterious encounters with James Dean, Rudolph Valentino, Elvis Presley, Lord Byron (in Florida), Elizabeth the first and second! Does the late Princess Diana visit her butler in Cheshire to console him? Has Marilyn Monroe reincarnated to marry the ghost of Michael Jackson? Are these tulpas, “real” ghostly encounters, or para-social fantasies—where an intimate connection is claimed with a celebrity? How do the Tooth Fairy, the Easter Bunny and the Jolly Green Giant fit into the puzzle? Join Chris and Simon as they unravel bizarre celebrity connections—including Chris’ movie star crush and that unforgettable moment at Rome airport (which Simon would rather forget).

]]> Chris and Simon Buzzsprout-15841293 Tue, 01 Oct 2024 06:00:00 +0100 2628 4 1 full false Fairies, Nereids and Trolls: Welcome to the Social Supernatural Fairies, Nereids and Trolls: Welcome to the Social Supernatural Simon has just published a book on European fairies, trolls, and other supernatural creatures, who like humans live in societies: going to war, dancing, seducing, holding weddings and funerals, burying the elderly alive....

Looking at beliefs from Ireland to Ukraine and from Iceland to the Balkans, Simon and Chris debate the merits of trying to classify supernatural beings, find chilling parallels for the ‘fairy blast’ in Croatia and Greece, and shudder at the vengeful Nixen of Germany’s rivers. They also clash about vampires and werewolves in Ohio, but that is another story...

Sometimes these social folklore beings look human, but are given away by their hollow back or a wet hem dragging in the road. They may be helpful to humans, or they may be vampiric, luring young men and women to their doom. 

]]> Simon has just published a book on European fairies, trolls, and other supernatural creatures, who like humans live in societies: going to war, dancing, seducing, holding weddings and funerals, burying the elderly alive....

Looking at beliefs from Ireland to Ukraine and from Iceland to the Balkans, Simon and Chris debate the merits of trying to classify supernatural beings, find chilling parallels for the ‘fairy blast’ in Croatia and Greece, and shudder at the vengeful Nixen of Germany’s rivers. They also clash about vampires and werewolves in Ohio, but that is another story...

Sometimes these social folklore beings look human, but are given away by their hollow back or a wet hem dragging in the road. They may be helpful to humans, or they may be vampiric, luring young men and women to their doom. 

]]> Chris and Simon Buzzsprout-15656010 Sun, 01 Sep 2024 17:00:00 +0100 2581 3 12 full false Time Slips: Ghosts, Fairies or Black Holes? Time Slips: Ghosts, Fairies or Black Holes? Chris and Simon take a quantum leap as they ponder the mysteries of vanishing houses and time slips. Did two English ladies walk back in time at Versailles? Is there a street in Liverpool where visitors are transported to the 1950s? Did three Royal Navy cadets find themselves in a 14th century plague village? Vanishing hotels and diners, mysterious visions of medieval Paris, and inexplicable forests in Newfoundland: are faulty memories—or fairies—responsible?  

]]> Chris and Simon take a quantum leap as they ponder the mysteries of vanishing houses and time slips. Did two English ladies walk back in time at Versailles? Is there a street in Liverpool where visitors are transported to the 1950s? Did three Royal Navy cadets find themselves in a 14th century plague village? Vanishing hotels and diners, mysterious visions of medieval Paris, and inexplicable forests in Newfoundland: are faulty memories—or fairies—responsible?  

]]> Chris and Simon Buzzsprout-15512604 Thu, 01 Aug 2024 05:00:00 +0100 3297 3 11 full false Mermaids 101 Mermaids 101 Chris and Simon, don their snorkels and flippers to explore the world of mermaids. Join them as they sail past shaved monkeys, triton hot-spots and a prized vintage tuna doll. Dive in, with our daring duo, to search out mermaid fakes in Belfast, the only living Fish woman, and a singing mer-vicar in Cornwall. Then we navigate around mermaid graves in Scotland, murdered sirens in Germany, and inexplicably, a  turnip in a bag on Tyneside. Whether you're a folklore buff, a Weeki Wachee groupie, a wet-suit-wearing cryptozoologist or just like the occasional splash this, dear listener, is the episode for you. 

]]> Chris and Simon, don their snorkels and flippers to explore the world of mermaids. Join them as they sail past shaved monkeys, triton hot-spots and a prized vintage tuna doll. Dive in, with our daring duo, to search out mermaid fakes in Belfast, the only living Fish woman, and a singing mer-vicar in Cornwall. Then we navigate around mermaid graves in Scotland, murdered sirens in Germany, and inexplicably, a  turnip in a bag on Tyneside. Whether you're a folklore buff, a Weeki Wachee groupie, a wet-suit-wearing cryptozoologist or just like the occasional splash this, dear listener, is the episode for you. 

]]> Chris and Simon Buzzsprout-15340022 Mon, 01 Jul 2024 11:00:00 +0100 2919 3 10 full false Sex and the Supernatural Sex and the Supernatural Things get steamy in this R-rated episode where Simon and Chris discuss the hot topic of sex and the supernatural. The duo passionately debate the forbidden thrills of witch orgies, fairy intercourse (with one of the seven sisters), spirit marriages (generally with rich old men), randy ghosts named as co-respondents in divorce suits, and coitus in the séance room. All climaxes with succubi, mermaids and demons, oh my! You might want to listen something else if you have kids in the car...

]]> Things get steamy in this R-rated episode where Simon and Chris discuss the hot topic of sex and the supernatural. The duo passionately debate the forbidden thrills of witch orgies, fairy intercourse (with one of the seven sisters), spirit marriages (generally with rich old men), randy ghosts named as co-respondents in divorce suits, and coitus in the séance room. All climaxes with succubi, mermaids and demons, oh my! You might want to listen something else if you have kids in the car...

]]> Chris and Simon Buzzsprout-15174170 Sat, 01 Jun 2024 12:00:00 +0100 2710 3 9 full true Spectral Evidence: The Supernatural in Court Spectral Evidence: The Supernatural in Court Prepare to be haunted by the evidence as star witnesses Chris and Simon summon compelling arguments for paranormal claims in court. Our learned friends cross-examine the standard of proof for mermaid and sasquatch affidavits, exhume the details of changeling murder cases, and put a rapping medium on trial for disturbing the peace in church. The dearly departed won't escape scrutiny either, as our hosts investigate cases of defamation from beyond the grave and leave no tombstone unturned in their search for justice. Will you join the jury and decide the fate of the supernatural on the latest Boggart and Banshee podcast? 

]]> Prepare to be haunted by the evidence as star witnesses Chris and Simon summon compelling arguments for paranormal claims in court. Our learned friends cross-examine the standard of proof for mermaid and sasquatch affidavits, exhume the details of changeling murder cases, and put a rapping medium on trial for disturbing the peace in church. The dearly departed won't escape scrutiny either, as our hosts investigate cases of defamation from beyond the grave and leave no tombstone unturned in their search for justice. Will you join the jury and decide the fate of the supernatural on the latest Boggart and Banshee podcast? 

]]> Chris and Simon Buzzsprout-14989083 Wed, 01 May 2024 10:00:00 +0100 2959 3 8 full false How to Create a Ghost: the Philip Experiment, 1972-1977 How to Create a Ghost: the Philip Experiment, 1972-1977 Simon raps once for ‘yes’ and Chris raps twice for ‘no ‘over the results of the five-year ‘Philip Experiment’. Canadian parapsychology researchers invented a fictional character, the dashing but suicidal cavalier Philip. Then they began to receive communications from Philip through rappings and table tippings. Expect to learn how you can best create a ghost at home: glasses of wine, sing-songs and wishful thinking top the list. The correct pronunciation of Tibetan tulpa (sorry sprulpa). And all hail the bronies who create anthropomorphic multicoloured ponies at will.  

]]> Simon raps once for ‘yes’ and Chris raps twice for ‘no ‘over the results of the five-year ‘Philip Experiment’. Canadian parapsychology researchers invented a fictional character, the dashing but suicidal cavalier Philip. Then they began to receive communications from Philip through rappings and table tippings. Expect to learn how you can best create a ghost at home: glasses of wine, sing-songs and wishful thinking top the list. The correct pronunciation of Tibetan tulpa (sorry sprulpa). And all hail the bronies who create anthropomorphic multicoloured ponies at will.  

]]> Chris and Simon Buzzsprout-14804537 Mon, 01 Apr 2024 08:00:00 +0100 2957 3 7 full false Fairy Gifts and Fairy Heirlooms: Treasures from the Hidden People Fairy Gifts and Fairy Heirlooms: Treasures from the Hidden People The first rule of fairy gifts is you don’t talk about fairy gifts. Chris and Simon recklessly flout that rule in this look at artifacts stolen from or given by the fairies to human neighbours. Some are exotic, like The Luck of Edenhall and the Fairy Flag of Dunvegan. Others, like elf shot and tiny tobacco pipes, are common field finds. Chris waxes lyrical about fairy textiles, and the connection between Huldrefolk bridal crowns and the Virgin Mary. Simon shoe-horns in a discussion of tiny footwear said to be made by leprechauns, some of which, worringly, show signs of wear. And what about that  ‘leprechaun suit’ from County Louth? And should you ever amputate a fairy foot? (Only if you have arthritis...). Our Facebook group is here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1396529487421974

]]> The first rule of fairy gifts is you don’t talk about fairy gifts. Chris and Simon recklessly flout that rule in this look at artifacts stolen from or given by the fairies to human neighbours. Some are exotic, like The Luck of Edenhall and the Fairy Flag of Dunvegan. Others, like elf shot and tiny tobacco pipes, are common field finds. Chris waxes lyrical about fairy textiles, and the connection between Huldrefolk bridal crowns and the Virgin Mary. Simon shoe-horns in a discussion of tiny footwear said to be made by leprechauns, some of which, worringly, show signs of wear. And what about that  ‘leprechaun suit’ from County Louth? And should you ever amputate a fairy foot? (Only if you have arthritis...). Our Facebook group is here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1396529487421974

]]> Chris and Simon Buzzsprout-14594007 Thu, 29 Feb 2024 05:00:00 +0000 3007 3 6 full false The Birds: A Flight into the Avian Supernatural The Birds: A Flight into the Avian Supernatural Simon and Chris are all atwitter over stories of supernatural birds: spectral ravens, death-predicting rooks, ghostly-bloodied doves, glass-smashing partridges and, the horror, housebound robins. Chris causes a flutter with an intolerably creepy magpie rhyme; our thoughtful pair wonder at phantom birds often being heard and not seen; and why oh why do birds keep attacking Simon? 

]]> Simon and Chris are all atwitter over stories of supernatural birds: spectral ravens, death-predicting rooks, ghostly-bloodied doves, glass-smashing partridges and, the horror, housebound robins. Chris causes a flutter with an intolerably creepy magpie rhyme; our thoughtful pair wonder at phantom birds often being heard and not seen; and why oh why do birds keep attacking Simon? 

]]> Chris and Simon Buzzsprout-14419045 Thu, 01 Feb 2024 05:00:00 +0000 2877 3 5 full false Medieval X-Files: Experiencing the Impossible in the Middle Ages Medieval X-Files: Experiencing the Impossible in the Middle Ages Chris and Simon cross swords over a medieval X-files collection: necromancers, monsters emerging from graves, an encounter with a fairy-like Woman in White, the walking dead, and, best of all, a trustworthy demon named Oliver, all found in Caesarius of Heisterbach’s thirteenth-century Dialogue on Miracles. Although Caesarius’s purpose was to instruct Cistercian novices, these stories of medieval high strangeness can still delight the Fortean, the anomalist and anyone else interested in the supernatural. So step into the cloister, dear friend...

]]> Chris and Simon cross swords over a medieval X-files collection: necromancers, monsters emerging from graves, an encounter with a fairy-like Woman in White, the walking dead, and, best of all, a trustworthy demon named Oliver, all found in Caesarius of Heisterbach’s thirteenth-century Dialogue on Miracles. Although Caesarius’s purpose was to instruct Cistercian novices, these stories of medieval high strangeness can still delight the Fortean, the anomalist and anyone else interested in the supernatural. So step into the cloister, dear friend...

]]> Chris and Simon Buzzsprout-14229186 Mon, 01 Jan 2024 12:00:00 +0000 2942 3 4 full false The Dancing Fairies of Sennen Cove: An Encounter with the Impossible in Late Victorian Cornwall The Dancing Fairies of Sennen Cove: An Encounter with the Impossible in Late Victorian Cornwall In the 1880s, two sisters had an encounter with three gyrating, squeaking, white veiled supernatural women at Sennen Cove, Cornwall. Chris and Simon dance around the topics of Cornish otherworldliness, supernatural languages and circle jigs. Were the women goddesses, fairies, vestal virgins or amorous cats? Where do fairies 'foot it all the night'? Why do so many supernatural encounters report high-pitched voices? And most importantly did the ladies of Sennen Cove mess with Simon's mike, which played up in parts of this episode... The booklet with the text of the encounter is Pwca's Magicians, Red Heads and Small People: The Legends and Folklore of Sennen and Sennen Cove.

]]> In the 1880s, two sisters had an encounter with three gyrating, squeaking, white veiled supernatural women at Sennen Cove, Cornwall. Chris and Simon dance around the topics of Cornish otherworldliness, supernatural languages and circle jigs. Were the women goddesses, fairies, vestal virgins or amorous cats? Where do fairies 'foot it all the night'? Why do so many supernatural encounters report high-pitched voices? And most importantly did the ladies of Sennen Cove mess with Simon's mike, which played up in parts of this episode... The booklet with the text of the encounter is Pwca's Magicians, Red Heads and Small People: The Legends and Folklore of Sennen and Sennen Cove.

]]> Chris and Simon Buzzsprout-14069416 Fri, 01 Dec 2023 09:00:00 +0000 2813 3 3 full false Shrouded in Mystery: The Origins of the Iconic Sheeted Ghost Shrouded in Mystery: The Origins of the Iconic Sheeted Ghost Chris and Simon embark on a quest to uncover the origins of the archetypal ghost in a sheet, tracing its lineage back to the death shroud. With a dash of sartorial flair, they explore sheet chic, evolving trends of ghostly attire through the ages. They muse on shroud styles, the mystery of naked phantoms, potato thieves,  headless Vikings, and  that all-important 'Tailored Terror' accessory, rusty chains. But questions linger. Why have apparitions in white draperies become a rarity? Is there a link between zombies and shrouded spectres? And why was phosphorous so important for Victorian ghost enthusiasts?

]]> Chris and Simon embark on a quest to uncover the origins of the archetypal ghost in a sheet, tracing its lineage back to the death shroud. With a dash of sartorial flair, they explore sheet chic, evolving trends of ghostly attire through the ages. They muse on shroud styles, the mystery of naked phantoms, potato thieves,  headless Vikings, and  that all-important 'Tailored Terror' accessory, rusty chains. But questions linger. Why have apparitions in white draperies become a rarity? Is there a link between zombies and shrouded spectres? And why was phosphorous so important for Victorian ghost enthusiasts?

]]> Chris and Simon Buzzsprout-13887114 Wed, 01 Nov 2023 08:00:00 +0000 2563 3 2 full false Haunting Horses: Equine Ghosts, Portents and Shape-Changers Haunting Horses: Equine Ghosts, Portents and Shape-Changers Hold your horses for the latest episode of Boggart and Banshee. Simon and Chris gallop headlong into the world of horse spirits with headless ponies, phantom hoofbeats, and equine shape-changers, including the mischievous colt-pixie and the dread shag foal. But we're not just horsing around with were-horses. There are also serious questions to add to the neigh-rative. Why are spectral horses so often heard, but not seen? Why are trickster spirits frequently spotted in equine form? And why, on earth, do horse spirits on both sides of the Atlantic insist on coming into houses and up the stairs? A source book has been published for this epiosde:  S. R. Young, Haunting Horses: Equine Ghosts, Portents and Shapechangers from Britain, Ireland and World Folklore

]]> Hold your horses for the latest episode of Boggart and Banshee. Simon and Chris gallop headlong into the world of horse spirits with headless ponies, phantom hoofbeats, and equine shape-changers, including the mischievous colt-pixie and the dread shag foal. But we're not just horsing around with were-horses. There are also serious questions to add to the neigh-rative. Why are spectral horses so often heard, but not seen? Why are trickster spirits frequently spotted in equine form? And why, on earth, do horse spirits on both sides of the Atlantic insist on coming into houses and up the stairs? A source book has been published for this epiosde:  S. R. Young, Haunting Horses: Equine Ghosts, Portents and Shapechangers from Britain, Ireland and World Folklore

]]> Chris and Simon Buzzsprout-13692736 Sun, 01 Oct 2023 09:00:00 +0100 2815 3 1 full false Up Up and Away! The Mysteries of Levitation and Teleportation Up Up and Away! The Mysteries of Levitation and Teleportation Chris and Simon set the bar high in this uplifting episode on the mysteries of levitation. Watch our intrepid pair as they soar through cases of saintly and fairy levitation. Simon floats, too, the unbearable lightness of mystic beings, while Chris brings suspect Spiritualist levitations by Daniel Dunglas Home and the Davenport family down to earth. Our daring duo ponder the story of Mrs Guppy's three-mile flight across London in her pjs and wing it on that impossible  question: can humans really become lighter than air?

]]> Chris and Simon set the bar high in this uplifting episode on the mysteries of levitation. Watch our intrepid pair as they soar through cases of saintly and fairy levitation. Simon floats, too, the unbearable lightness of mystic beings, while Chris brings suspect Spiritualist levitations by Daniel Dunglas Home and the Davenport family down to earth. Our daring duo ponder the story of Mrs Guppy's three-mile flight across London in her pjs and wing it on that impossible  question: can humans really become lighter than air?

]]> Chris and Simon Buzzsprout-13509893 Fri, 01 Sep 2023 07:00:00 +0100 3041 2 12 full false Do You Believe in Fairies? The Fairy Census 2023 Do You Believe in Fairies? The Fairy Census 2023 Join hosts Simon and Chris as they delve into modern fairy encounters in a special episode dedicated to the Fairy Census. The Census (freely available online) now brings together almost 1000 records of bizarre, moving and sometimes terrifying contemporary run-ins with the fey. Our fairy-ridden duo offer a sneak peek at what new experiences and patterns to expect from the forthcoming second series of the Census. Then most importantly they ask for help. Can you send in your own meeting with the fair folk and help round off Fairy Census 2? As the episode is published some ten slots are still waiting to be filled!
For Fairy Census 1 (freely available) and various articles
For the survey
for part 1.1 and 1.2 in print: (1.3 is almost ready...) Volume 2 should be out in September. 

]]> Join hosts Simon and Chris as they delve into modern fairy encounters in a special episode dedicated to the Fairy Census. The Census (freely available online) now brings together almost 1000 records of bizarre, moving and sometimes terrifying contemporary run-ins with the fey. Our fairy-ridden duo offer a sneak peek at what new experiences and patterns to expect from the forthcoming second series of the Census. Then most importantly they ask for help. Can you send in your own meeting with the fair folk and help round off Fairy Census 2? As the episode is published some ten slots are still waiting to be filled!
For Fairy Census 1 (freely available) and various articles
For the survey
for part 1.1 and 1.2 in print: (1.3 is almost ready...) Volume 2 should be out in September. 

]]> Chris and Simon Buzzsprout-13328462 Tue, 01 Aug 2023 10:00:00 +0100 3143 2 11 full false The Immortals Among Us: The Wandering Jew and Other Undying Ones The Immortals Among Us: The Wandering Jew and Other Undying Ones Embark, with Simon and Chris, on a journey to meet the immortals who hide among us. Marvel as the duo unravel the mysteries around elusive figures like the Wandering Jew: he who defies time while indulging in cliff jumps, beer and botany. Goggle as our friends encounter undying ones scattered across the globe: from the Count of Saint-Germain to prophetic hitchhikers. And brace yourself for life-changing questions. Can consuming mercury unlock the gates to immortality? Do angels have beards? And, most importantly, did Victorian Bath host a two-thousand-year-old beggar? All is revealed in this month’s episode of Boggart and Banshee.
This number is accompanied by a source book: Meeting an Immortal: Encounters with the Wandering Jew in British Folklore.

]]> Embark, with Simon and Chris, on a journey to meet the immortals who hide among us. Marvel as the duo unravel the mysteries around elusive figures like the Wandering Jew: he who defies time while indulging in cliff jumps, beer and botany. Goggle as our friends encounter undying ones scattered across the globe: from the Count of Saint-Germain to prophetic hitchhikers. And brace yourself for life-changing questions. Can consuming mercury unlock the gates to immortality? Do angels have beards? And, most importantly, did Victorian Bath host a two-thousand-year-old beggar? All is revealed in this month’s episode of Boggart and Banshee.
This number is accompanied by a source book: Meeting an Immortal: Encounters with the Wandering Jew in British Folklore.

]]> Chris and Simon Buzzsprout-13142425 Sat, 01 Jul 2023 08:00:00 +0100 3088 2 10 full false Bride and Doom: Sex, Death, and Wedding Superstitions Bride and Doom: Sex, Death, and Wedding Superstitions For the bridal month of June, Chris and Simon discuss wedding divination and love charms both racy and grim, as well as the links between weddings and death. Unlucky wedding omens and dress superstitions, brides stolen by the Good People, trousseaux shrouds, and a special guest appearance by the versatile St Joseph. Adult content? Perhaps too much...

]]> For the bridal month of June, Chris and Simon discuss wedding divination and love charms both racy and grim, as well as the links between weddings and death. Unlucky wedding omens and dress superstitions, brides stolen by the Good People, trousseaux shrouds, and a special guest appearance by the versatile St Joseph. Adult content? Perhaps too much...

]]> Chris and Simon Buzzsprout-12958257 Thu, 01 Jun 2023 06:00:00 +0100 3258 2 9 full true The Fairy Corpses of Arthur's Seat: the Case for Scottish Voodoo The Fairy Corpses of Arthur's Seat: the Case for Scottish Voodoo Chris and Simon delve into the mystery of the miniature coffins and their doll-corpses, found on Arthur’s Seat in 1836. Who made them and why? Are they murder memorials, malign magic, or outsider art? The redoubtable pair look at funerary fashions, toy soldiers, and the Odd Fellows fraternal order and bicker about how best to curse your enemy. 

]]> Chris and Simon delve into the mystery of the miniature coffins and their doll-corpses, found on Arthur’s Seat in 1836. Who made them and why? Are they murder memorials, malign magic, or outsider art? The redoubtable pair look at funerary fashions, toy soldiers, and the Odd Fellows fraternal order and bicker about how best to curse your enemy. 

]]> Chris and Simon Buzzsprout-12755750 Mon, 01 May 2023 08:00:00 +0100 3166 2 8 full false The Zombies and Shapeshifters of Medieval Yorkshire The Zombies and Shapeshifters of Medieval Yorkshire Zombies and Draugar and Byland, oh my! Simon and Chris discuss a series of unique supernatural tales from Byland Abbey and fifteenth-century Yorkshire. There are revenants who talk through their entrails, very busy shapeshifters, and a revolving hay-cock with a light in the middle. Questions are raised about why the soul hangs around its rotting body, and what the purgatory do all these walking dead want. Chris herself turns very briefly into a zombie and both Chris and Simon mourn a dog. 

]]> Zombies and Draugar and Byland, oh my! Simon and Chris discuss a series of unique supernatural tales from Byland Abbey and fifteenth-century Yorkshire. There are revenants who talk through their entrails, very busy shapeshifters, and a revolving hay-cock with a light in the middle. Questions are raised about why the soul hangs around its rotting body, and what the purgatory do all these walking dead want. Chris herself turns very briefly into a zombie and both Chris and Simon mourn a dog. 

]]> Chris and Simon Buzzsprout-12560602 Sat, 01 Apr 2023 11:00:00 +0100 2768 2 7 full false The Last of the Witches The Last of the Witches In this episode on late examples of American witchcraft, Chris and Simon discuss a bewitched village, a witch trial—in Salem, Ohio, 'calico soup' made with a witch’s dress, and some horrifying witch murders. Unusually, the two actually agree on some of the similarities between American Witch/Hex Doctors and Britain's Cunning Men and Women.

]]> In this episode on late examples of American witchcraft, Chris and Simon discuss a bewitched village, a witch trial—in Salem, Ohio, 'calico soup' made with a witch’s dress, and some horrifying witch murders. Unusually, the two actually agree on some of the similarities between American Witch/Hex Doctors and Britain's Cunning Men and Women.

]]> Chris and Simon Buzzsprout-12352797 Wed, 01 Mar 2023 11:00:00 +0000 3143 2 6 full false Who Invented Fairy Wings? Who Invented Fairy Wings? Chris and Simon are all aflap over the history of fairy wings—when did fairy wings first appear and how did they become a standard feature of western fairies? Sylphs, putti, and Victorian prostitutes flit by as the two bicker over how images of supernatural beings change when influenced by popular culture. Strap into your stage flying harnesses--it's going to be a bumpy ride... 

]]> Chris and Simon are all aflap over the history of fairy wings—when did fairy wings first appear and how did they become a standard feature of western fairies? Sylphs, putti, and Victorian prostitutes flit by as the two bicker over how images of supernatural beings change when influenced by popular culture. Strap into your stage flying harnesses--it's going to be a bumpy ride... 

]]> Chris and Simon Buzzsprout-12161311 Wed, 01 Feb 2023 09:00:00 +0000 2753 2 5 full false Do You Feel Lucky? Do You Feel Lucky? Chris and Simon talk about the folklore and Forteana of charms and talismans and ways to either attract good luck or keep off the bad: bones and blood and corpse magic for gamblers, military charms of the Great War, cauls and German submarines and the condemnation of ‘mascotitis.’  Some adult content...
The source book is free! 

]]> Chris and Simon talk about the folklore and Forteana of charms and talismans and ways to either attract good luck or keep off the bad: bones and blood and corpse magic for gamblers, military charms of the Great War, cauls and German submarines and the condemnation of ‘mascotitis.’  Some adult content...
The source book is free! 

]]> Chris and Simon Buzzsprout-11959386 Sun, 01 Jan 2023 14:00:00 +0000 3138 2 4 full true Christmas Special: The Phantom Hog Train Christmas Special: The Phantom Hog Train A spooky story for our listeners from nineteenth-century Ohio. Happy Christmas and please subscribe!

]]> A spooky story for our listeners from nineteenth-century Ohio. Happy Christmas and please subscribe!

]]> Chris and Simon Buzzsprout-11876811 Thu, 15 Dec 2022 08:00:00 +0000 295 bonus false Fairy Resurrectionism in Nineteenth-Century Ireland Fairy Resurrectionism in Nineteenth-Century Ireland Chris and Simon discuss fairy food, ‘hungry ghosts’, and a little-known case of Mary Doheny, a ‘fairy resurrectionist’ in 19th century Ireland, who claimed to be able to bring the dead back to life. Transcripts from the Doheny’s trial for fraud illuminate contemporary Irish beliefs about the dead and the world of the Good People. Witnesses swore that they saw their dead loved ones in the flesh, but how did Mary do it? A booklet accompanies the podcast: The Fairy Witch of Carrick-on-Suir: A Source Book for a Nineteenth-Century Resurrectionist

]]> Chris and Simon discuss fairy food, ‘hungry ghosts’, and a little-known case of Mary Doheny, a ‘fairy resurrectionist’ in 19th century Ireland, who claimed to be able to bring the dead back to life. Transcripts from the Doheny’s trial for fraud illuminate contemporary Irish beliefs about the dead and the world of the Good People. Witnesses swore that they saw their dead loved ones in the flesh, but how did Mary do it? A booklet accompanies the podcast: The Fairy Witch of Carrick-on-Suir: A Source Book for a Nineteenth-Century Resurrectionist

]]> Chris and Simon Buzzsprout-11794574 Thu, 01 Dec 2022 06:00:00 +0000 3256 2 3 full false Ghosts 101 Ghosts 101 Chris and Simon ponder the fundamental question: What is a ghost? Are they merely folktales? Blots of undigested mustard? Proof of life after death? Also news of a boggart and banshee Facebook page, a t-rex ghost and a naked Icelandic zombie doing housework.

]]> Chris and Simon ponder the fundamental question: What is a ghost? Are they merely folktales? Blots of undigested mustard? Proof of life after death? Also news of a boggart and banshee Facebook page, a t-rex ghost and a naked Icelandic zombie doing housework.

]]> Chris and Simon Buzzsprout-11607164 Tue, 01 Nov 2022 08:00:00 +0000 3244 2 2 full false The Fewston Coven: Seventeenth-Century Witch Attacks The Fewston Coven: Seventeenth-Century Witch Attacks Simon and Chris celebrate the first year anniversary of the Boggart and Banshee podcast  by examining a little-known case of a North Yorkshire family tormented by witches and their familiars. Trances were minutely documented in a journal kept by poet Edward Fairfax, father of two bewitched and one witch-murdered daughter.  Accompanying booklet: Edward Fairfax, The Fewston Witches 1621-1623: A Yorkshire Coven (Pwca Books and Pamphlets).



]]> Simon and Chris celebrate the first year anniversary of the Boggart and Banshee podcast  by examining a little-known case of a North Yorkshire family tormented by witches and their familiars. Trances were minutely documented in a journal kept by poet Edward Fairfax, father of two bewitched and one witch-murdered daughter.  Accompanying booklet: Edward Fairfax, The Fewston Witches 1621-1623: A Yorkshire Coven (Pwca Books and Pamphlets).



]]> Chris and Simon Buzzsprout-11417914 Sat, 01 Oct 2022 08:00:00 +0100 3306 2 1 full false Fairy Fashions and the Paranormal Fairy Fashions and the Paranormal Chris and Simon discuss fairy fashions and how they have changed through the ages, in literature, folklore, fairy sightings, and popular culture. The color green, archaic fashions, wings, and a tiny pair of shoes made of mouse skin all make an appearance on the catwalk.    

]]> Chris and Simon discuss fairy fashions and how they have changed through the ages, in literature, folklore, fairy sightings, and popular culture. The color green, archaic fashions, wings, and a tiny pair of shoes made of mouse skin all make an appearance on the catwalk.    

]]> Chris and Simon Buzzsprout-11241326 Thu, 01 Sep 2022 06:00:00 +0100 3185 1 12 full false The Nail in the Skull and Other Victorian Urban Legends The Nail in the Skull and Other Victorian Urban Legends To celebrate Simon’s just released book "The Nail in the Skull and Other Victorian Urban Legends", Chris and Simon share some of their favorite gruesome and naughty urban legends from the nineteenth century.

]]> To celebrate Simon’s just released book "The Nail in the Skull and Other Victorian Urban Legends", Chris and Simon share some of their favorite gruesome and naughty urban legends from the nineteenth century.

]]> Chris and Simon Buzzsprout-11062277 Mon, 01 Aug 2022 17:00:00 +0100 3363 1 11 full true Spook Lights and the Headless Motorcyclist of Elmore Spook Lights and the Headless Motorcyclist of Elmore Chris and Simon look at the folklore of spook lights and road ghosts while discussing the story of 'The Headless Motorcyclist of Elmore,' a rural legend that shifted from a very traditional tale of the spirit of a dead man appearing as a ball of light to the dramatic tale of a motorcyclist we know today. Does folklore have its own standards of truth? 

]]> Chris and Simon look at the folklore of spook lights and road ghosts while discussing the story of 'The Headless Motorcyclist of Elmore,' a rural legend that shifted from a very traditional tale of the spirit of a dead man appearing as a ball of light to the dramatic tale of a motorcyclist we know today. Does folklore have its own standards of truth? 

]]> Chris and Simon Buzzsprout-10886683 Thu, 30 Jun 2022 23:00:00 +0100 2768 10 full false The Bathing Fairies of Ilkley The Bathing Fairies of Ilkley One midsummer’s morning, c. 1820, William Butterfield opened the door to the Wells, a healing spring on the edge of Ilkley Moor. He was startled to find a band of little creatures dressed in green from head to foot, who were noisily disporting themselves in the water. As he watched, they scurried over the eight-foot-high wall, and disappeared. Is there any way to determine exactly what William Butterfield saw that morning? Were they insects, lizards, or, as William believed, fairies? Simon and Chris investigate. 

Source: http://www.strangehistory.net/puca-ghost-witch-and-fairy-pamphlets/the-witches-and-fairies-of-nineteenth-century-ilkley/

]]> One midsummer’s morning, c. 1820, William Butterfield opened the door to the Wells, a healing spring on the edge of Ilkley Moor. He was startled to find a band of little creatures dressed in green from head to foot, who were noisily disporting themselves in the water. As he watched, they scurried over the eight-foot-high wall, and disappeared. Is there any way to determine exactly what William Butterfield saw that morning? Were they insects, lizards, or, as William believed, fairies? Simon and Chris investigate. 

Source: http://www.strangehistory.net/puca-ghost-witch-and-fairy-pamphlets/the-witches-and-fairies-of-nineteenth-century-ilkley/

]]> Chris and Simon Buzzsprout-10717712 Wed, 01 Jun 2022 10:00:00 +0100 2552 1 9 full false Know Your Death Omens Know Your Death Omens Chris and Simon look at a supernatural category: the death omen, or token of death, as it is sometimes known in the 19th century. Almost anything could be a death omen; hundreds were recorded by folklorists. These could include phantom funerals, the banshee’s scream, mysterious knockings, seeing shrouds, and ghostly birds. Is there any explanation for such portents? And would you want to know if you were about to die?

]]> Chris and Simon look at a supernatural category: the death omen, or token of death, as it is sometimes known in the 19th century. Almost anything could be a death omen; hundreds were recorded by folklorists. These could include phantom funerals, the banshee’s scream, mysterious knockings, seeing shrouds, and ghostly birds. Is there any explanation for such portents? And would you want to know if you were about to die?

]]> Chris and Simon Buzzsprout-10535058 Sun, 01 May 2022 07:00:00 +0100 2754 1 8 full false The Wesley Poltergeist The Wesley Poltergeist Simon and Chris discuss the “Wesley Poltergeist” that plagued the family of John Wesley, the founder of Methodism at Epworth Rectory in Lincolnshire for over a year with an unusual variety of mysterious knockings and noises that the family blamed on “Old Jeffrey.” A thing like a rabbit and a headless badger also put in appearances. Was this a teenage girl’s prank? Or, yet another example of poltergeist activity arising in an unhappy family?

]]> Simon and Chris discuss the “Wesley Poltergeist” that plagued the family of John Wesley, the founder of Methodism at Epworth Rectory in Lincolnshire for over a year with an unusual variety of mysterious knockings and noises that the family blamed on “Old Jeffrey.” A thing like a rabbit and a headless badger also put in appearances. Was this a teenage girl’s prank? Or, yet another example of poltergeist activity arising in an unhappy family?

]]> Chris and Simon Buzzsprout-10360286 Fri, 01 Apr 2022 15:00:00 +0100 3468 1 7 full false Adventures in Boggart Hole Clough Adventures in Boggart Hole Clough  In celebration of the publication of Simon's new book The Boggart: Folklore, History, Placenames and Dialect, Chris and Simon talk about the nature of these terrifying, solitary supernatural creatures, focusing on one of their last lairs in England: Boggart Hole Clough. 

]]>  In celebration of the publication of Simon's new book The Boggart: Folklore, History, Placenames and Dialect, Chris and Simon talk about the nature of these terrifying, solitary supernatural creatures, focusing on one of their last lairs in England: Boggart Hole Clough. 

]]> Chris and Simon Buzzsprout-10164329 Tue, 01 Mar 2022 05:00:00 +0000 4111 1 6 full false The Wollaton Gnomes: A Nottingham Fairy Mystery The Wollaton Gnomes: A Nottingham Fairy Mystery On the evening of 23 September 1979, some English schoolchildren had a bizarre encounter at Wollaton Park, Nottinghamshire with colorfully-dressed gnomes in cars. Chris and Simon look at some possible origins for these entities, and try to sort out the logistics of who, where and why, while discussing reports of other gnomes from the area.

]]> On the evening of 23 September 1979, some English schoolchildren had a bizarre encounter at Wollaton Park, Nottinghamshire with colorfully-dressed gnomes in cars. Chris and Simon look at some possible origins for these entities, and try to sort out the logistics of who, where and why, while discussing reports of other gnomes from the area.

]]> Chris and Simon Buzzsprout-9982788 Mon, 31 Jan 2022 07:00:00 +0000 3343 1 5 full false The Clothes-Cutting Poltergeist of Wooster The Clothes-Cutting Poltergeist of Wooster In 1871, the Hoffman family in Wooster, Ohio were attacked by a mysterious entity they called “IT,” which, in addition to the usual poltergeist tricks of knockings and throwing items, cut up the family’s clothing, sometimes while still on the wearer.  What was the explanation? Hostile spirits? Spiritualist mediums run amok? Or the physical manifestation of family dysfunction?

]]> In 1871, the Hoffman family in Wooster, Ohio were attacked by a mysterious entity they called “IT,” which, in addition to the usual poltergeist tricks of knockings and throwing items, cut up the family’s clothing, sometimes while still on the wearer.  What was the explanation? Hostile spirits? Spiritualist mediums run amok? Or the physical manifestation of family dysfunction?

]]> Chris and Simon Buzzsprout-9812222 Fri, 31 Dec 2021 18:00:00 +0000 2639 1 4 full false Christmas Special: Dorchester Ghost Story Christmas Special: Dorchester Ghost Story An 1878 winter ghost story for our listeners set in early nineteenth-century Dorchester. Happy Christmas and please subscribe!

]]> An 1878 winter ghost story for our listeners set in early nineteenth-century Dorchester. Happy Christmas and please subscribe!

]]> Chris and Simon Buzzsprout-9772932 Wed, 22 Dec 2021 07:00:00 +0000 215 1 bonus false Ann Jefferies and the Fairies Ann Jefferies and the Fairies In 1645 a young Cornish woman, Ann Jefferies (aka Anne Jeffries), is visited by six green-clad fairies. Within a year Ann has become a fairy healer and prophetess. Then Ann is arrested... Can the fairies save their favorite from the gallows?

]]> In 1645 a young Cornish woman, Ann Jefferies (aka Anne Jeffries), is visited by six green-clad fairies. Within a year Ann has become a fairy healer and prophetess. Then Ann is arrested... Can the fairies save their favorite from the gallows?

]]> Chris and Simon Buzzsprout-9634775 Tue, 30 Nov 2021 04:00:00 +0000 2943 1 3 full false The Women in Black of Pennsylvania The Women in Black of Pennsylvania Beginning in the 1860s, mysterious figures dressed like Victorian widows began flitting around in the dark, terrorizing communities across the United States. Who were these Women in Black? 

]]> Beginning in the 1860s, mysterious figures dressed like Victorian widows began flitting around in the dark, terrorizing communities across the United States. Who were these Women in Black? 

]]> Chris and Simon Buzzsprout-9459461 Sun, 31 Oct 2021 06:00:00 +0000 3067 1 2 full false The Elf Dancers of Cae Caled The Elf Dancers of Cae Caled A rare account of mysterious “elf dancers” seen, 1757, by four Welsh children, who were, then, chased by a threatening, copper-colored “warlike Lilliputian”. Could the fairies have taken up Morris-dancing?

Source file: https://www.academia.edu/53238330/Source_File_The_Elf_Dancers_of_Cae_Caled

]]> A rare account of mysterious “elf dancers” seen, 1757, by four Welsh children, who were, then, chased by a threatening, copper-colored “warlike Lilliputian”. Could the fairies have taken up Morris-dancing?

Source file: https://www.academia.edu/53238330/Source_File_The_Elf_Dancers_of_Cae_Caled

]]> Chris and Simon Buzzsprout-9261035 Sun, 26 Sep 2021 15:00:00 +0100 2921 1 1 full false