Conjuring Curiosities

We’re back with part 2 of the most notorious Victorian serial killer, Jack the Ripper! In this episode, we discuss the final 2 canonical victims, focusing on who they were before their murders. Clara explains the media frenzy that this case stirred up, as well as the general paranoia in London at the time. To deal with their lack of control over the situation, citizens were writing letters to the police with a lot of “helpful” advice…including the Queen herself!See photos discussed in this episode on our instagramFollow us on tiktok for videos that cover a condensed version of topics!SOURCESRumbelow, Donald. The Complete Jack the Ripper. New York Graphic Society Ltd., 1975.Bad Women: The Ripper Retold (Season 1)Casebook - Catherine EddowesCasebook - Thomas ConwayWikipedia - Catherine EddowesJack The Ripper Tour - Catherine EddowesJack The Ripper Tour - Squibby Chased By The MobWikipedia - Jack the RipperWikipedia - Mary Jane KellyThe Guardian - Jack the Ripper’s victims had to be whores. Anyone saying different risks a trollingAETV - A Surprising New Theory About Jack the Ripper's VictimsAll That’s Interesting - The Victims Of Jack The Ripper And Their Tragically Overlooked StoriesWikipedia - ChapbookJack the Ripper 1888 - THE JACK THE RIPPER TIMELINECasebook - By Accident or Design? A Critical Analysis of the Murder of Catherine EddowesJack the Ripper Tour - Queen Victoria As Sherlock HolmesCasebook - Letter from Queen Victoria in "Ultimate Jack the Ripper Sourcebook"Crimes Through Time - The Women of Whitechapel: Mary Jane Kelly 1888Casebook - Inquest: Mary Jane KellyCasebook - THE MAN WHO SHIELDED JACK THE RIPPER: George Hutchinson & his statement – An analysis. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Water is an incredibly powerful and versatile element, capable of the gentlest bath, yet also the roughest typhoons. This episode, Sabrina is bringing tips to help you harness that energy for your spellwork! Whether you need to amp up the chaos, release emotions, or cleanse, we have suggestions you can dive into!See photos discussed in this episode on our instagramFollow us on tiktok for videos that cover a condensed version of topics! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It’s our 50th episode! To celebrate, we're finally covering one of the most notorious macabre aspects of the Victorian Era, Jack the Ripper. Clara is trying her best not to slip too deep into the rabbit-hole that is possibly the most famous serial killer of all time, but she may have finally bit off more than she can chew. With an identity so mysterious that even Sherlock Holmes would be stumped, there is an entire community of people that dedicate their lives to deducing who could have committed these horrific crimes. But sometimes lost in the salacious details is the identity of the victims, and how they may be mischaracterized. Journey back with us to 1888 to hear their stories, but make sure you hold your nose and watch your step!See photos discussed in this episode on our instagramFollow us on tiktok for videos that cover a condensed version of each topic!SOURCESRumbelow, Donald. The Complete Jack the Ripper. New York Graphic Society Ltd., 1975.Bad Women: The Ripper Retold (Season 1)Jack the Ripper Tour - Putting the Ripper into ContextBBC - How the stories of Jack the Ripper’s victims are finally being toldJack the Ripper 1888 - FREDERICK CHARRINGTONWikipedia - Mary Ann NicholsJack the Ripper - WILLIAM NICHOLSJack the Ripper 1888 - ANNIE CHAPMAN - MURDERED 8TH SEPTEMBER 1888Medium - Annie Chapman — Remembering the Victims of the Whitechapel KillerWikipedia - Annie ChapmanJack the Ripper’s Whitechapel - A Suspect In The Murder Of Annie ChapmanJack the Ripper 1888 - ELIZABETH STRIDE - MURDERED 30TH SEPTEMBER 1888Wikipedia - Elizabeth StrideCrimes Through Time - The Women of Whitechapel: Elizabeth Stride 1888Jack the Ripper Tour - East End Versus West End Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This episode, Sabrina talks about something she's wanted to address for a long time…the parts of spiritual glow ups that nobody puts on their vision board. It turns out, feeling lost is a period of spiritual crisis that many practicing witches cross on their path. Feeling wrong may just mean that things are going very right. Relationships shift, your priorities change, and the world you once felt comfortable in can start to feel like it no longer fits.We also discuss spiritual ego, and the dangers of bypassing real emotional work in favour of "love and light" thinking. If you’ve been hitting a wall in your shadow work, this might just reframe the way you think about what it means to grow.See photos discussed in this episode on our instagramFollow us on tiktok for videos that cover a condensed version of each topic! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Why is a self-love spell different from a love spell aimed at someone else? When does manifestation cross into control? This week, we’re breaking down the difference between consensual and non-consensual magic, and what to consider when you are trying to find your personal balance of ethical spellwork. Sabrina explains what consent looks like in a magical context and why certain spells (especially those involving love, influence, or manipulation) are a hard no for her. However, she always leaves room to protect those that need it, in whatever way will work best. So set your circle, and state your boundaries. Magic works better that way! See photos discussed in this episode on our instagramFollow us on tiktok for videos that cover a condensed version of each topic! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

If you want to skip the ghost in the Victorian hair brooch update at the beginning, the main episode topic starts at 21:17What if the only witness to your murder…was you? This week, we’re discussing the Greenbrier Ghost, the 1897 case where a murdered woman allegedly returned from the grave to tell everyone that her “accidental death” was far from an accident. You know when Sabrina has to warn Clara that she might start channeling from the spirit realm, it’s going to be a spooky episode! So light a candle and prepare to come face to face with a ghost on a mission! See photos discussed in this episode on our instagramFollow us on tiktok for videos that cover a condensed version of each topic!SOURCES:True West Virginia Ghost Stories (By Jonathan Moore)Greenbrier West Virginia ENews - Greenbrier Ghost, Zona Heaster ShueAppalachian History - The Greenbrier GhostTales of History and Imagination - The Greenbrier GhostWikipedia - Greenbrier GhostSkeptoid - The Greenbrier GhostFind A Grave - Erasmus Stribbling “Edward” ShueUS Ghost Adventures - Did a Ghost Really Testify? the Truth Behind the Greenbrier Ghost CaseAmerican Hauntings Ink - TESTIMONY FROM BEYOND THE GRAVE Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In modern day, mirrors are a means to do your makeup or check your outfit. But they have been feared, revered, covered, and cursed for centuries. So it’s no wonder that breaking one strikes momentary fear into the heart of many of us! This week, Sabrina takes Clara through the looking glass to explain the spiritual history of mirrors, from ancient divination practices and spirit portals to superstition, protection, and the dreaded seven years of bad luck. So light a candle. Clean the glass. And reflect on why breaking a mirror is in fact a good thing!See photos discussed in this episode on our instagramFollow us on tiktok for videos that cover a condensed version of each topic! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Trigger warning for discussions of infant death: 38:10 - 38:55The monster, the myth, the legend: Frankenstein. You know him, you love him, and you love to tell people that ACTUALLY, Dr. Frankenstein was the REAL monster, and the monster's name isn’t Frankenstein. But who do we have to thank for this cultural phenomenon? The ground breaking novel was the radical, brilliant creation of a teenage girl with a sharp mind and a very complicated life. This week, we’re talking about Mary Shelley, the writer who accidentally invented modern science fiction, horror, and the mad scientist archetype all at once.From The Year Without a Summer to grief, motherhood, and intellectual rebellion, we explore how Mary’s life shaped the monster we can’t stop retelling. There is so much to her, including the constant drama she was surrounded by, and the legacy some may say she far surpassed. This isn’t just the story of a book, it’s the story of how one woman’s imagination rewired pop culture forever. So grab a quill and stay away from sailboats, because this episode, we’re learning about the Mother of science fiction!CORRECTIONS: Regarding the Greek Mythology of Prometheus, he was the god that created humans, which is the parallel alluded to in Frankenstein. He did also bring fire to humans against the wishes of Zeus! Also, Nosferatu was never a book, it was originally created as a movie. See photos discussed in this episode on our instagramFollow us on tiktok for videos that cover a condensed version of each topic!SOURCESNational Review - Mary Shelley among the RadicalsLiterary Hub - Did Mary Shelley actually lose her virginity to Percy on top of her mother's grave?Snopes - Did Mary Shelley Lose Her Virginity on Her Mother's Grave?History Extra - Mary Wollstonecraft: the firebrand feminist thinker with a rule-breaking lifeWikipedia - Mary ShelleyWikipedia - Mary WollstonecraftWikipedia - William GodwinWikipedia - Memoirs of the Author of A Vindication of the Rights of WomanWikipedia - Free loveJane Lark - This week my scandalous woman is Mary Shelley the author of FrankensteinWikipedia - Percy Bysshe ShelleyWikipedia - Claire Clairmont Wikipedia - Lord ByronWikipedia - Ada LovelaceHistory Extra - Mary Shelley's Frankenstein: the birth of a gothic monsterHistory Extra - "Mary never shook off the consequences of eloping with Shelley": Fiona Sampson on the life of Mary ShelleyAmusing Planet - What is Galvanism, And How Did it Inspire Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein?Synapsis - Galvanism in 19th Century French Theater: Bringing Dead Words Back to Life The Ex-Classics Website - GEORGE FOSTERAnna Mazzola - Did Mary Shelley Keep Percy’s Heart? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ever feel like you’re being gently nudged in a direction you didn’t consciously choose? This episode, Sabrina breaks down the world of spirit guides: Who they are, what they do, and how to recognize their presence. For anyone who has been interested but hesitant, we break down how to tell the difference between guidance that feels steady, supportive, and positive, compared to trickster energy that thrives on confusion, fear, and chaos. This episode is an open invitation to explore the unseen support system that might already be with you! See photos discussed in this episode on our instagramFollow us on tiktok for videos that cover a condensed version of each topic! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Angels, pointing hands, weeping willows, and urns. We’ve all seen them when walking through a cemetery, but what do they mean? This week, Clara takes Sabrina on a guided tour through the graveyard to decode the symbols carved into tombstones, and what they were meant to say about death, grief, and the afterlife. From religious iconography to Victorian symbolism and Secret Societies, Clara explains how headstones functioned as messages from the living to the dead (and to anyone who wandered by centuries later). It turns out that cemeteries are never as silent as they seem. Grab a flashlight and watch your footing, we’re wandering through the graves to see what the headstones have to tell us!See photos discussed in this episode on our instagramFollow us on tiktok for videos that cover a condensed version of each topic!SOURCESGravestone studies.org - Symbolism of GravestonesWolfe Memorial - GRAVESTONE SYMBOLS and THEIR MEANINGSCatholic-cemeteries.org - Gravestone Symbols and Their MeaningsThoughtCo. - Photo Gallery of Cemetery Symbols and IconsForest Home Cemetery Overview - Gravestone SymbolsFlickr - Unusual Headstones or Grave MarkersBurials and Beyond - The Grave of Clasped Hands: Love Conquering Death  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Doorways, crossroads, and hotel hallways at midnight. The places where nothing really happens…but somehow, everything feels like it could. This week, Sabrina gives us a spiritual perspective on liminal spaces, and encourages us to embrace the in-between. After all, transformations can’t happen without transitions. Leap into the unknown with us this week as we explore the power of liminal spaces!See photos discussed in this episode on our instagramFollow us on tiktok for videos that cover a condensed version of each topic! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What happens when a wealthy widow tries to outbuild her ghosts? In this case, a confusing labyrinth of staircases to nowhere, doors that open into walls, and windows that overlook nothing. Back from hiatus, Clara and Sabrina wander the endless halls of the Winchester Mystery House, uncovering how Sarah Winchester turned her fortune (and maybe her fears) into one of the strangest architectural enigmas in history. Was she haunted by the spirits of those killed by her family’s rifles, or simply a passionate architect? Grab a map and stay close as we take you through the winding maze of madness, mourning, and meticulous design!See photos discussed in this episode on our instagramFollow us on tiktok for videos that cover a condensed version of each topic!SOURCESWinchester Mystery House - TimelineWinchester Mystery House - HistoryUS Ghost Adventures - Why the Winchester House Is HauntedSFGATE - Everything you think you know about the Winchester Mystery House probably isn't truePaulette Kennedy - THE ONE ABOUT SARAH WINCHESTERBeck Technology - Rebels of Construction—Sarah Winchester and Her Mysterious HouseWinchester Mystery House - The Untold Story of Isabel Merriman: Sarah Winchester's Spirited SisterWikipedia - Sarah WinchesterWikipedia - Winchester Mystery HouseCPI Inflation Calculator Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What would happen if a giant tank of molasses exploded in the middle of Boston? Unfortunately, that is not a hypothetical question, because over 100 years ago, one did. In January 1919, a massive storage tank burst, unleashing an unfathomable wave of deadly syrup that tore through the streets faster than anyone could run. But even after the molasses settled, the chaos was far from over. Grab your favourite molasses catching mug and some waders and join us to hear about the stickiest year Beantown ever had!See photos discussed in this episode on our instagramFollow us on tiktok for videos that cover a condensed version of each topic!SOURCESHistory.com - Why the Great Molasses Flood Was So DeadlyCity of Boston - 100 years ago today: Molasses crashes through Boston's North EndScientific American - The Science of the Great Molasses FloodUSN History - A Sticky Situation: The Navy and the Great Molasses FloodWikipedia - Great Molasses FloodThe Guardian - The Great Boston Molasses Flood: why the strange disaster matters todayBoston Public Library - Molasses Disaster, Boston, Mass., 1919Britannica - How Fast Is the World’s Fastest Human? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Brief Bewitchments, we’re lighting a candle for the original lesbian icon and lyrical enchantress herself, Sappho of Lesbos! As one of the most prolific poets of Ancient Greece, her words are still widely known today, and Sabrina will dive into the sacred and spell-worthy power of her poetry. Her passionate words can be used in modern witchcraft, and have become a part of queer magic for many who practice. So whether you’re manifesting desires, setting intentions, or trying to increase your sapphic longing, Sabrina will explain how Sappho has got you covered!See photos discussed in this episode on our instagramFollow us on tiktok for videos that cover a condensed version of each topic! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Long before Freaky Friday made body swaps an onscreen trope, a small-town teen in the 1870s started the trend. This episode, we’re covering the Watseka Wonder, a very odd case that has us asking: did this 13 year old girl actually get possessed…or was she just really committed to the bit? In 1870s Illinois, Lurancy Vennum started having seizures, slipping into trances, and claiming she was Mary Roff, a girl who had died 12 years earlier. Mary’s family were all too happy to take her in and treat her as their daughter, but was it too good to be true? Or had a spirit really slipped through the veil and traded places with Lurancy? Hop on our wagon to Watseka, and travel with us to this unique occurrence that gives Victorian Spiritualism a new perspective!See photos discussed in this episode on our instagramFollow us on tiktok for videos that cover a condensed version of each topic!SOURCES: THE CASE OF LURANCY VENNUM - A PSYCHOLOGICAL STUDY, AND AUTHENTICATED INSTANCE OF SPIRIT MANIFESTATION. BY E. W. STEVENSAncestry.com - Mary Lurancy Vennum Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ever feel like speaking your truth, setting boundaries, or showing your magic might get you metaphorically (or emotionally) burned at the stake? You might be feeling the effects of the Witch Wound, but don’t worry, Sabrina’s here to explain. In this episode, we dive into the ancestral, cultural, and collective trauma passed down from centuries of witch hunts, silencing, and spiritual repression. From the fear of being “too much” to the hesitation to take up space, this wound runs deep, but it doesn’t have to define you. Sabrina walks us through the roots of this wound, how it still shows up today, and how we can start to heal it through reclaiming our power, reconnecting with magic, and refusing to stay small. It’s time to stir the cauldron, break the spell, and put on your high-beams!See photos discussed in this episode on our instagramFollow us on tiktok for videos that cover a condensed version of each topic! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Double, double toil and… total disaster? In this drama-packed episode, we’re diving into the legendary curse of Macbeth…I mean, The Scottish Play. We’ll explore some of the most infamous examples of the curse in action, from alleged fatalities to production disasters. And while we’re talking theatre history, we’ll pull back the curtain on other thespian superstitions. Like why whistling backstage might seriously injure you, and why an actor definitely will not thank you for wishing them “good luck”. Grab your ruffs and join us on stage for a behind-the-scenes look at the haunted, hexed, and hilariously dramatic world of theatre lore.See photos discussed in this episode on our instagramFollow us on tiktok for videos that cover a condensed version of each topic!***CORRECTION: Daemonologie is a series of 3 books and a news pamphlet in one volume, and was published by King James VI of Scotland, who later became King James I of England and Ireland. Wikipedia - DaemonologieDEEPDIVE:CBR - How Superman Secretly Wrote Shakespeare’s MacbethSOURCES:The Austin Chronicle - Macbeth's Myriad of MisfortunesPenguin Random House - The curse of Macbeth: is it more than superstition?Wikipedia - The Scottish PlayPA Shakespeare - The Curse of Macbeth: “The Scottish Play”Broadway Direct - 13 Theater SuperstitionsLitcharts - Macbeth Translation - Act 4, Scene 1Ernestthesiger.org - “Macbeth”Stratford Festival - THE MACBETH CURSERoyal Shakespeare Company - The Curse of the Scottish PlayIndependent - Did Chris Rock suffer the curse of the Scottish Play? ‘Macbeth’ theory gains traction on Twitter Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Say hello to your Big 3: your Sun, Moon, and Rising signs. In this episode, Sabrina breaks down the astrological basics and gets real about what each of the Big 3 actually means. Whether you're a loud Leo Moon with a Scorpio Rising or a triple threat, Sabrina’s here to help you decode your chart without the cosmic confusion. And now, when your tinder date asks you for your time of birth, you’ll know what they’re really trying to figure out!See photos discussed in this episode on our instagramFollow us on tiktok for videos that cover a condensed version of each topic! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What could be spookier than a lighthouse on a remote Scottish island in 1900? How about the unexplained disappearance of 3 Lightkeepers from that very setting…Join us this episode as we shine a big ol’ beam on the baffling mystery of the men that vanished without a trace. Was it a wave? Madness? Aliens? Sea ghosts? (Hey, we’re not ruling anything out.) We’re diving into the facts, the theories, and folklore that surround Eilean Mòr. So light a candle, don your oilskins, and get ready to keep the lamp alight on this maritime mystery!See photos discussed in this episode on our instagramFollow us on tiktok for videos that cover a condensed version of each topic!SOURCES:History Hit - Flannan Isle Mystery: When Three Lighthouse Keepers Vanished ForeverNational Records of Scotland - Flannan Isles Lighthouse Keepers: The disappearanceThe Flannan Isle Mystery - the mysterious disappearance of the Eilean Mor Lighthouse KeepersWikipedia - Flannan IslesNorthern Lighthouse Board - Flannan IslesAll That's Interesting - Inside The Chilling Flannan Isle Mystery Of The Three Lighthouse Keepers Who Suddenly Vanished In 1900All Poetry - Flannan IsleWikipedia - Rogue Wave Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Is your phone glitching, your ex texting, and every conversation turning into a full-blown miscommunication meltdown? Don’t panic! It might just be Mercury Retrograde, and Sabrina is here to break it all down (without the doom and gloom). We’re talking tech troubles, travel mishaps, and text messages you probably shouldn’t have sent…but also how to use this chaotic cosmic energy for reflection, rest, and a little bit of magical mischief. So light a candle and back up your files, mercury will be out of the microwave in no time!See photos discussed in this episode on our instagramFollow us on tiktok for videos that cover a condensed version of each topic! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Before “spinster” meant “unmarried woman with too many cats,” it actually referred to women who made their own money (gasp!) and didn’t need a husband to survive. In this episode, we unravel the origins of the word spinster, the shifting attitudes toward single women, and the absolute gold that was Tit-Bits Magazine, which asked Victorian women why they weren’t married, and got some brutally honest, highly relatable answers. Spoiler: not much has changed. So grab your spindle and your many cats, and join us as we celebrate the spinsters who spun their own fate, no husband required! See photos discussed in this episode on our instagramFollow us on tiktok for videos that cover a condensed version of each topic!SOURCESWikipedia - SpinsterSmithsonian - ‘Spinster’ and ‘Bachelor’ Were, Until 2005, Official Terms for Single PeopleCosmopolitan - A brief history of the word "spinster" and how it's still used todayAwesome Inventions - An 1889 Magazine Asked Women Why They Think They’re Single. The Replies Were Hilariousr/historicalromance on Reddit - Tit Bits Magazine 1889- asked Victorian Single ladies the reason for their spinsterhood - and they DID NOT COME TO PLAY ! Which reply is your most favourite ? (all 20 replies transcribed in the post) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ready to tie up loose ends, literally and magically? In this episode, Sabrina breaks down the basics of knot magic, one of the oldest and simplest forms of spell-work. Whether you’re binding negativity, setting intentions, or storing energies for later; knot magic is all about using string, thread, or even your own shoelaces to work a little witchy wonder. So grab some rope and get ready to weave some magic into your life!See photos discussed in this episode on our instagramFollow us on tiktok for videos that cover a condensed version of each topic! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

You recognize the name “Kellogg” on your box of cornflakes, but Dr. John Harvey Kellogg wasn’t just a breakfast innovator, he was a full-blown health fanatic with some very questionable ideas. From his obsession with healthy living, to his extremely aggressive stance against certain…personal habits, Kellogg was on a mission to cleanse the body, mind, and…well, let’s just say he had a lot of thoughts about digestion. In this episode, we’re diving into the wild world of Kellogg’s sanitarium, his strange (and often horrifying) medical treatments, and how a cereal empire was born from a crusade against pleasure. Was he a forward-thinking health guru, a quack with a God complex, or just a man who really hated seasoning? Let’s find out! Grab a bland, fiber-rich snack and tune in. See photos discussed in this episode on our instagramFollow us on tiktok for videos that cover a condensed version of each topic!SOURCESBBC - Seventh-day AdventistsWikipedia - History of the Seventh-day Adventist ChurchWikipedia - John Harvey KelloggMcGill - The Enigmatic Dr. KelloggMelMagazine - The Disturbing True Story of Kellogg’s Anti-Masturbation CerealHistory.com - Dr. John Kellogg Invented Cereal. Some of His Other Wellness Ideas Were Much Weirdernpr - How The 'Battling' Kellogg Brothers Revolutionized American BreakfastForbes - The Surprising Reason Why Dr. John Harvey Kellogg Invented Corn FlakesAll That’s Interesting - The Wild Story Of John Harvey Kellogg, The Eccentric Wellness Guru Who Invented Corn FlakesUniversity of Michigan - “To Rid Society of Imbeciles”: The Impact of Dr. John Harvey Kellogg’s Stand for EugenicsBattle Creek Inquirer - How John Harvey Kellogg was wrong on raceWikipedia - Sojourner Truth  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This episode, Sabrina lays down the 12 laws…of the universe! If you’ve ever felt like life is playing by a set of rules you didn’t get the memo on,  don’t worry. We’ll walk through how these principles shape our lives, because it’s always a good idea to reassess how we interact with the world. Whether you want to get better at attracting opportunities, or you’ve been hoping for a little karma to kick in, tune in for a new perspective! See photos discussed in this episode on our instagramFollow us on tiktok for videos that cover a condensed version of each topic! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The invention of the sewing machine was supposed to make life easier, so why did it spark one of the messiest patent wars in history? In this episode, we unravel the dramatic story of the sewing machine, from arsonist tailors and prophetic dreams, to legal battles and backstabbing. And of course we have to mention Isaac Singer, who was a real life Count Olaf and treated adultery as an olympic sport. Who knew sewing could be so scandalous? Grab your thimble and thread and join us as we stitch together the crazy history of sewing!See photos discussed in this episode on our instagramFollow us on tiktok for videos that cover a condensed version of each topic!SOURCESGoldstar Tool - The Complete History of a Sewing MachineWindham Textile and History Museum - Sewing Revolution: The Machine That Changed AmericaSmithsonian Magazine - The Many, Many Designs of the Sewing MachineWikipedia - Sewing machineWikipedia - Barthélemy ThimonnierThoughtCo. - History of the Sewing MachineNational Museum of American History - 1854 - Walter Hunt’s Patent Model of a Sewing MachineWikipedia - Walter Hunt (inventor)Wikipedia - Elias HoweWikipedia - Isaac SingerBiography.com - Isaac SingerAmerican Business History Center - The Sordid Saga of Mr. Singer and his Sewing MachineWikipedia - Winnaretta SingerWikipedia - Overlock Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The days are getting longer, the ice is starting to melt (hopefully), and it’s time to shake off that winter slump…Imbolc is here! Sabrina walks us through a fire ritual to spark new beginnings, clear out stagnant energy, and bring a little warmth (literal and magical) into your life. So grab a candle, set your intentions, and join us as we welcome the return of the light. But remember, fire safety is key! See photos discussed in this episode on our instagramFollow us on tiktok for videos that cover a condensed version of each topic! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Grab your masks and wash your hands reallyyyy thoroughly to join us on a journey through disease, denial, and the early days of germ theory. In this episode, we’re discussing Typhoid Mary, the cook whose meals came with an unexpected side of contagion. Tracking down this “living culture tube” was a real life Sherlock of disease, Dr Soper. Will Mary ever accept the truth that Dr. Soper is so desperate to make her understand? Tune in to find out! See photos discussed in this episode on our instagramFollow us on tiktok for videos that cover a condensed version of each topic!SOURCESWikipedia - Typhoid FeverWikipedia - Plague of AthensWorld Health Organization - TyphoidNational Library of Medicine - Mary Mallon (1869-1938) and the history of typhoid feverNational Library of Medicine - The Curious Career of Typhoid Mary by George Soper Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this magical mini-episode, Sabrina shares how to create a self-love spell jar that’s all about attracting positivity, boosting confidence, and embracing the magical masterpiece that is you! From choosing empowering herbs and crystals to sealing it all with intention (and a little wax), Sabrina walks you through every step. So grab your ingredients, channel those good vibes, and tune in for a dose of enchantment and empowerment! **Suggested ingredients listed on our instagramSee photos discussed in this episode on our instagramFollow us on tiktok for videos that cover a condensed version of each topic! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Pack your bags (or maybe don’t) and join us on a trip to the wild frontier of Kansas in the 1870s! We’re uncovering the chilling story of the Bloody Benders, a family of innkeepers who turned their home into a death trap for unsuspecting travelers. We’ll also explore the public’s obsession with their gruesome crimes, the manhunt that followed their disappearance, and the lingering mysteries of what really happened to the Benders. Hop on our horse and buggy as we piece together the grisly tale of America’s first serial killer family! See photos discussed in this episode on our instagramFollow us on tiktok for videos that cover a condensed version of each topic!SOURCES:Wikipedia - Bloody BendersA&E - Who Were the 1870s Serial Killing 'Family' Known as the 'Bloody Benders'?Slate - The Story of the “Bloody Benders,” the Serial-Killing Family That Terrorized the Wild West—Then DisappearedCrime Reads - The Bloody Benders: America's First Family of Serial KillersMental Floss - The Bloody Benders, America's First Serial Killer Family Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In our first episode of 2025, Sabrina is sharing her top tips for manifestation, so we can start the New Year on the right foot!See photos discussed in this episode on our instagramFollow us on tiktok for videos that cover a condensed version of each topic! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

After a brief hiatus, we’re coming back at you with some Victorian Christmas traditions! Think your holiday traditions are weird? The Victorians would like a word. In this episode, we unwrap the strange and spooky side of Victorian Christmas, because nothing says “Merry Christmas” like ghost stories by the fire, oysters for dinner, and Christmas cards featuring… dead birds? So grab some figgy pudding (whatever that is), and join us under the mistletoe as we deck the halls with a little Victorian weirdness!See photos discussed in this episode on our instagramFollow us on tiktok for videos that cover a condensed version of each topic!SOURCES:English Heritage - Victorian Christmas TraditionsVictoria & Albert Museum - Victorian Christmas traditionsCinema Live - 5 Fascinating Victorian Christmas TraditionsMental Floss - 11 Odd Victorian Christmas TraditionsKat Devitt - 7 Weird Victorian Christmas TraditionsHistory.com - Some of the Earliest Christmas Cards Were Morbid and CreepyAlexander Meddings - Victorian Christmas Traditions: the Good, the Bad & the Batsh*t MadFriends of Dalnavert - Have Yourself a Creepy Little ChristmasRanker - 25 Bizarre and Disturbing Victorian Christmas CardsThe Guardian - Shock of the old: 11 murderous and macabre Victorian Christmas cardsThe Conversation - Charles Dickens and the birth of the classic English Christmas dinnerCultura Colectiva - 17 Creepy Vintage Christmas Cards For The Ones Who Enjoy a Dark Holiday Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

For our fifth episode of brief bewitchments, Sabrina covers the 4 elements, which are commonly used in witchcraft. Tune in for some bite-sized info on earth, air, fire, and water!See photos discussed in this episode on our instagramFollow us on tiktok for videos that cover a condensed version of each topic! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

If you’ve been curious about using a spirit board, this is the episode for you! After Clara covered the history of ouija, Sabrina wanted to share her beginners guide on how to use it. P.S. Halloween flipped the order of episodes a bit, so this was recorded before the halloween episode!See photos discussed in this episode on our instagramFollow us on tiktok for videos that cover a condensed version of each topic! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ever wondered how Halloween became the holiday of haunted houses, costumes, and candy? In this episode, we’re unraveling the eerie origins of Halloween and diving into some of the strange (and spooky) ways Victorians celebrated it. From its ancient Celtic roots as Samhaian, a night when the veil between worlds thinned, to the blend of superstitions and traditions that made it a night of magic, we’ll trace Halloween’s transformation into the holiday we know today. And Victorians put their own spooky spin on it! We'll explore their unique customs, from apple-bobbing to fortune-telling rituals meant to reveal future loves, and way more tricks than treats.***This episode starts with some noise interruptions, but they clear up less than 10 minutes in. CORRECTION: Clara refers to Lemongrab from Adventure Time as “Lemonhead” and does not realize her mistake!SOURCES:History.com - Halloween 2024History.com - Halloween Was Once So Dangerous That Some Cities Considered Banning ItFriends of Dalnavert - Victorian Hallowe’en: Love, Poetry, and Stingy JackCNN - From pagan spirits to Wonder Woman: A brief history of the Halloween costumeThe New York Times - Boo? Halloween Used to Be About Finding True LoveIrish Archaeology - Halloween in Irish FolklorePilgrimage In Medieval Ireland - Irish Halloween Traditions Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Get your candles and planchettes ready, because we’re summoning the story behind one of the most well known tools of the supernatural: the Ouija board! We’ll uncover its spiritualist roots, how it became a pop culture sensation, and the reputation it acquired during the satanic panic. And of course, Sabrina has a spooky Ouija story that further convinces Clara she won’t be handling a planchette any time soon. Tune in to say “GOODBYE” to any misconceptions you may have heard about this unique method of spirit communication!See photos discussed in this episode on our instagramFollow us on tiktok for videos that cover a condensed version of each topic!Luigi Board VideoSOURCES:Mysterious Planchette - Collection GalleryWikipedia - Fuji (planchette writing)Wikipedia - PlanchetteHistory Hit - The Strange History of the Ouija BoardVox - What "Ouija" actually means, and how the game has changedThe Guardian - The Ouija board’s mysterious origins: war, spirits, and a strange deathMental Floss - A Brief History of the Ouija BoardBuried Secrets Podcast - The History of Automatic Writing PlanchettesSmithsonian - The Strange and Mysterious History of the Ouija BoardBaltimore Magazine - Not Dead YetAtlas Obscura - How the Ouija Board Got Its NameWilliamfuld.com - New York Daily Tribune “THE NEW PLANCHETTE”Reader’s Digest - 10 Chilling Crimes Involving Ouija Boards Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This episode, Sabrina gives us some quick and easy ways to practice witchcraft! Even with a busy day to day, these will help you take a moment for self care and mindfulness. Tune in to hear some great attainable examples you can incorporate in your daily routine, if you feel disconnected or overwhelmed. We hope you find them useful! See photos discussed in this episode on our instagramFollow us on tiktok for videos that cover a condensed version of each topic! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Grab your lantern and prepare for a chilling stroll - through some of the spookiest ghost stories from the Victorian era! In this episode, we’re digging into the Illustrated Police News, the infamous tabloid that fed the public’s appetite for gruesome crimes and spooky stories. Victorian England was obsessed with the supernatural, and the Illustrated Police News knew how to serve up some seriously spine-tingling ghost stories. From haunted houses to vengeful spirits, we’ll explore the eerie tales that had Victorians clutching their pearls (and probably sleeping with the candles lit). But was the ghost just a guy all along, or did people really believe they were being haunted by the other side? Tune in to find out!See photos discussed in this episode on our instagramFollow us on tiktok for videos that cover a condensed version of each topic!SOURCES:History Extra - 5 Georgian Ghost HoaxesHistory Extra - 6 strange newspaper stories that shocked Victorian BritainThe British Newspaper Archives - Ten of The Most Spine-Chilling Ghost Stories from The Archive Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In our second episode of Brief Bewitchments, Sabrina explains the difference between a pentacle and pentagram, and how no matter which you use, you won’t summon a demon by accident. Phew!See photos discussed in this episode on our instagramFollow us on tiktok for videos that cover a condensed version of each topic! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, we dive deep into the life of the legendary escape artist, Harry Houdini, and his surprising and eventually strained friendship with the creator of Sherlock Holmes, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. Houdini dazzled the world with his death-defying stunts and escapes, but as much as he wanted to believe in spiritualism, he couldn’t escape the doubts he had about its validity. In contrast, his friend Sir Arthur was so enamoured with the idea of the afterlife, Houdini couldn’t even convince him that he himself did not have true magic powers. Sp grab your handcuffs, hold your breath, and take a journey with us through magic and mediums!CORRECTION: The world record for longest time spent awake is actually 18 days!See photos discussed in this episode on our instagramFollow us on tiktok for videos that cover a condensed version of each topic!SOURCES:Britannica - Harry HoudiniPBS - Timeline of Houdini's LifeBiography - Harry HoudiniWild About Houdini - The life of Harry HoudiniThe New Yorker - Harry Houdini and the Art of EscapeWikipedia - Harry HoudiniVilla Finale - The Spiritualist Versus the Illusionist: The Battle Between Sir Arthur Conan Doyle and Harry Houdini PART 1 PART 2Splice Today - Harry Houdini’s Spiritual Feud With Arthur Conan DoyleAmerican Magazine - When Sir Arthur Conan Doyle (maybe) spoke with the deadMurder & Mayhem - Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's Enduring Obsession With the World of SpiritualismNPR - Lessons from sleeplessness: The 60th anniversary of Randy Gardner's world record Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to our new bite sized bi-weekly episodes, Brief Bewitchments! In our first magical mini episode, the turns are tabled as Sabrina tells Clara about Victorian divination! From her specialty, tarot, to tea leaves and palmistry, Sabrina shares her expertise on some of the mediums used by mediums. See photos discussed in this episode on our instagramFollow us on tiktok for videos that cover a condensed version of each topic! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Grab your magnifying glass and your deerstalker hat, because this week we’re discussing the author behind the most famous fictional detective ever! Sir Arthur Conan Doyle may have created Sherlock Holmes, the character who revolutionized detective fiction, but he was less than fond of his own creation. Most likely because he wanted to be remembered for something else, his obsession with Spiritualism! As much as he loved logic and deduction, he was equally passionate about contacting the afterlife, which is where things get really strange.This episode is a wild ride through crime-solving, supernatural belief, and the life of a man who was just as extraordinary as his fictional detective.See photos discussed in this episode on our instagramFollow us on tiktok for videos that cover a condensed version of each topic!SOURCES:Wikipedia - Arthur Conan DoyleWikipedia - George EdaljiWikipedia - Oscar SlaterMental Floss - When Sir Arthur Conan Doyle Tried Solving a Real MysteryConan Doyle Info - Arthur Conan Doyle and SpiritualismMurder & Mayhem - Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's Enduring Obsession With the World of SpiritualismVictorian Web - Arthur Conan Doyle's Interest in Spiritualism Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, Clara teaches Sabrina how to mind her manners and show her good breeding with a little help from Florence Hartley’s “The Ladies Book of Etiquette”. While good old Flo’s advice can be just as ridiculous as you’d expect, it’s a fascinating look at all the ways that women both supported and critisized eachother.  So grab your kid gloves and your male escort (and DON’T suck on your parasol, have you not breakfasted!?) And learn all about the trials and tribulations that came with being a proper Victorian lady!See photos discussed in this episode on our instagramFollow us on tiktok for videos that cover a condensed version of each topic!SOURCE:Project Gutenburg EBook - The Ladies Book of Ettiquette by Florence Hartley Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Get ready for a true crime story that’s equal parts shocking and sinister! In this episode, we dive deep into the gruesome case of Kate Webster, the maid who made headlines in 1800’s London for her brutal crime. Kate Webster wasn’t your ordinary household help - she was a woman with a dark past and a dangerous temper. When she landed a job as a maid for the wealthy widow Julia Martha Thomas, things quickly took a deadly turn. So get your laundry pot boiling, sharpen your axe, and join us to learn about a tale of deceit, brutality, and cold-blooded murder!See photos discussed in this episode on our instagramFollow us on tiktok for videos that cover a condensed version of each topic!SOURCES:Murderpedia - Catherine WEBSTERHistory Answers - Kate Webster: The Victorian maid who boiled her mistressWikipedia - Murder of Julia Martha ThomasCambridge University - Trial, sentence & execution of Kate Webster for the murder of Mrs Thomas, at RichmondThe History Blog - The Victorian murder victim’s skull in David Attenborough’s garden CIA.gov - USE OF PSYCHICS IN LAW ENFORCEMENT  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, Clara and Sabrina explore the dazzling and sometimes disturbing history of the World’s Fairs! In this episode, we celebrate the groundbreaking inventions and innovations unveiled at these grand exhibitions, while also shedding light on the darker aspects of human exploitation. Zip up your boots and turn on your dishwasher before you join us on a journey through Victorian World’s Fairs!See photos discussed in this episode on our instagramFollow us on tiktok for videos that cover a condensed version of each topic!SOURCES:The Forgotten Files - The Human Zoo of 1904Lapham’s Quarterly - The Largest Human Zoo in World HistoryBusiness Insider - 15 inventions and landmarks that you had no idea debuted at World's FairsIntelligencer - 10 Innovations From the 1964–65 World’s Fair That Didn’t Work Out (and 5 That Did)Snapshot Of The Past - The Chicago World's Fair Invented The Best And The WorstAlarabiya News - Eiffel Tower, ketchup, live TV: Top 10 world fair inventions ahead of Dubai Expo 2020History.com - 6 Everyday Inventions That Debuted at World’s FairsHistory.com - How Early World Fairs Put Industrial Revolution Progress on DisplayListverse - Top 10 Captivating Stories From World’s FairsCracked - 7 World's Fairs That Became Utter Nightmares Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Get ready for a juicy tale of status, luxury, and fruity frenzy, as we travel back to the days when pineapples were the rarest and most coveted fruit in the world! When pineapples made their way to European shores, they set off a frenzy among the elite, and quickly became the ultimate symbol of wealth and power. Join us as we walk the promenade with a rented pineapple under one arm and discuss how people only want things when they’re hard to get!See photos discussed in this episode on our instagramFollow us on tiktok for videos that cover a condensed version of each topic!SOURCES:BBC - The rise, fall, and rise of the status pineappleFruitnet - Why the pineapple was once a symbol of wealthWIkipedia - Pineapple mania Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Step right up, step right up! Join us on a jaw-dropping journey into the real life of P.T. Barnum, the man behind the grift. In this episode, we pull back the curtain on P.T. Barnum’s life, stripping away the idealised version of Barnum by Hollywood to reveal a tale of cunning, controversy, and good old-fashioned showbiz trickery. Forget the charming, song-and-dance Hugh Jackman version; the real Barnum was a master of deception and hype, who built his empire on the backs of exploited performers and sensational hoaxes. Get ready to see beyond the glittering facade and uncover the true story of the greatest showman on earth.See photos discussed in this episode on our instagramFollow us on tiktok for videos that cover a condensed version of each topic!SOURCES:Vanity Fair - The Greatest Showman: The True Story of P.T. Barnum and Jenny LindAll That’s Interesting - The Story Of Annie Jones, P.T. Barnum’s Bearded LadyThought Co. - Biography of General Tom Thumb, Sideshow PerformerWikipedia - P.T. BarnumWikipedia - The Herald Of FreedomVerywell Health - The Most Common Types of Dwarfism Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We’re getting hysterical this episode! Clara cheers Sabrina up with some crazy facts about the Victorian diagnosis of “hysteria”; a condition that doctors diagnosed women with based on just about any reason you can imagine, from too much gas to epilepsy. In this episode, we’ll unravel the tangled mess of pseudo-science and outright sexism that defined hysteria for centuries. From ancient Greek physicians blaming wandering wombs to Victorian doctors prescribing, ahem, very personal treatments (or did they?), the story of hysteria is as ridiculous as it is infuriating. So grab your massagers and a bucket of cold water and join us as we expose the madness behind the so-called “madness.”See photos discussed in this episode on our instagramFollow us on tiktok for videos that cover a condensed version of each topic!SOURCES:Unmentionable: The Victorian Lady's Guide to Sex, Marriage, and Manners by Therese OneillBBC - The vibrator: from medical tool to revolutionary sex toyMcGill - The History of HysteriaNCBI - Gender bias in research: how does it affect evidence based medicine?Time - Declared Insane for Speaking Up: The Dark American History of Silencing Women Through PsychiatryNCBI - Women And Hysteria In The History Of Mental HealthCNN - In car crashes, women are more likely to die than men. This new crash test dummy could help save lives Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Grab your ouija board and broomstick (and also some cheesecloth) and join us as we discuss the bewitching tale of Scotland’s last witch! Hear about the spellbinding events that led to Helen Duncan’s infamous trial in the 1940s. And yes, you read that right. Witch trials in the 20th century! Turns out, there was a medium whose séances attracted the ire of the British government. Was she really summoning spirits or just pulling one over on her audience? Either way, the authorities weren’t having it and slapped her with a charge of witchcraft. We’ll also explore how this case led to the repeal of Britain’s witchcraft laws. About time, right?See photos discussed in this episode on our instagramFollow us on tiktok for videos that cover a condensed version of each topic!SOURCES:Curious Archive - The Bizarre Exploits of Helen Duncan: Ectoplasm Producing Medium and Britain’s ‘Last Witch’Military Times - Witches be crazy: How one WWII ship led to the UK’s last witch trialHistory Extra - Conjuring up the dead: Helen Duncan and her ectoplasm spiritsMercat Tours - Scotland's Last Witch: Helen DuncanBBC - Scotland’s Last WitchWikipedia - Helen DuncanWikipedia - Witchcraft Act 1735Wikipedia - Jane Rebecca Yorke Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.