Spirits: Mythology, Legends, & Folklore

Your hometown defines you - the stories you hear end up being the stories that you tell through the rest of your life. This week, in honor of heading home for Thanksgiving, we bring you the urban legends we grew up with! From haunted asylums, to spooky roads, to demonic possessions, hear the stories that got us into the creepy & cool early on. Hear our take on Sweet Hollow Road, Kings Park Psychiatric Center, and the Amityville Horror, classic stories from our childhood home of Long Island, New York. For more creepiness check out these haunting and beautiful photos of Chernobyl.If you like Spirits, help us grow by spreading the word! Follow us on Twitter, like us on Facebook, and review us in iTunes to help new listeners find the show. Plus, check out our Patreon for bonus audio content, behind-the-scenes photos, custom recipe cards, and more. We can also be reached at [email protected] music is "Danger Storm" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com). Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

What makes a monster? This week, we take a well-known myth and turn it on its (snake) head. Everyone knows Medusa’s image and ability to turn people to stone, but we dive into her tragic origins and fearsome legacy. Also featuring translation issues, our favorite fictional pigs, and the do’s and don'ts of Greek dating.Our first ever sponsor is Central Curios! Listener Aaron produces gorgeous, handmade, one-of-a-kind wands that all come with certificates explaining that wand’s unique lore. Check him out on Instagram @CentralCurios, and send him a message on his website to place an order. Mention Spirits for 10% off!And as mentioned, here are some deeply cool dinosaur skull earrings. Let’s all wear 3D-printed skull jewelry. If you like Spirits, help us grow by spreading the word! Follow us on Twitter, like us on Facebook, and review us in iTunes to help new listeners find the show. Plus, check out our Patreon for bonus audio content, behind-the-scenes photos, custom recipe cards, and more. We can also be reached at [email protected] music is "Danger Storm" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com). Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

How many times do we have to tell you - Stay out of graveyards! Unless you're into tragic lives, mysterious deaths, and long-lasting urban legends. Our guest Grace McCreight (@lizardtruth_) brings the myth and the wine; we bring pizza recommendations, burial advice, and New England jokes galore. Keep it spooky this Halloween with the legend of Midnight Mary!If you like Spirits, help us grow by spreading the word! Follow us on Twitter, like us on Facebook, and review us in iTunes to help new listeners find the show. Plus, check out our Patreon for bonus audio content, behind-the-scenes photos, custom recipe cards, and more. We can also be reached at [email protected] music is "Danger Storm" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com). Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

We couldn't resist bringing you a special bonus minisode on the spooky topic of Jack O'Lanterns! Where did this tradition come from? Were they always pumpkins, and always faces? How about that odd name? Join us for a short, info-packed dive into the gooey history of this Halloween classic. If you like Spirits, help us grow by spreading the word! Follow us on Twitter, like us on Facebook, and review us in iTunes to help new listeners find the show. Plus, check out our Patreon for bonus audio content, behind-the-scenes photos, custom recipe cards, and more. Our music is "Danger Storm" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com). Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

A popup ad gone wrong. A fatal taxi ride. A host of vengeful ghosts. Present-day Japan has so many creepy-cool urban legends to offer, we just had to give you a round up before Halloween. We’ll teach you how to survive an encounter with these spirits—and how to scare your friends next time you find yourselves together on a dark and stormy night. Myths discussed: The Red Room Curse, Aka Manto (Red Cape), The Fatal Fare, Kuchisake-onna (The Slit-Mouthed Woman), Teke Teke, and Kashima Reiko/Kamen Shinin Ma. If you like Spirits, help us grow by spreading the word! Follow us on Twitter, like us on Facebook, and review us in iTunes to help new listeners find the show. Plus, check out our Patreon for bonus audio content, behind-the-scenes photos, custom recipe cards, and more. Our music is "Danger Storm" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com). Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

We feel a storm coming! Find out what the X-Men, tempests, and royal succession debates have in common as we learn about the Modjadji, the long line of queens ruling the Balobedu people of South Africa’s Limpopo Province. Politics is fun when it’s matriarchal and magical, people. If you like Spirits, help us grow by spreading the word! Follow us on Twitter, like us on Facebook, and review us in iTunes to help new listeners find the show. Plus, check out our Patreon for bonus audio content, behind-the-scenes photos, custom recipe cards, and more. Every bit helps as we get our first season off the ground! Our music is "Danger Storm" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com). Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Across the misty moors of Wales and England, we stumble across the Druids' most mysterious landmark: Stonehenge. Follow us into the shadowed origins of this ancient formation and speculate with us about its purpose. Special guest Lauren Shippen, creator of the wildly successful podcast The Bright Sessions, takes us through options from aliens, to human sacrifice, to archaeoacoustics. Stumble with us through our favorite theories behind one of England's most notable landmarks! Find Lauren on Twitter @LaurenShippen and The Bright Sessions @brightpodcast. Be sure to subscribe to The Bright Sessions in your favorite podcast app -- the new season premieres soon! If you like Spirits, help us grow by spreading the word! Follow us on Twitter, like us on Facebook, and review us in iTunes to help new listeners find the show. Plus, check out our Patreon for bonus audio content, behind-the-scenes photos, custom recipe cards, and more. Every bit helps as we get our first season off the ground! Our music is: "Danger Storm" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Who knew Russian mythology includes so many half-bird, half-woman creatures?! They run the gamut from prophets to sirens to companions for very emo hunters. Plus: inexplicable boobs galore! If you like Spirits, help us grow by spreading the word! Follow us on Twitter, like us on Facebook, and review us in iTunes to help new listeners find the show. Plus, check out our Patreon for bonus audio content, behind-the-scenes photos, custom recipe cards, and more. Every bit helps as we get our first season off the ground! Our music is: "Danger Storm" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Before you see Disney’s upcoming movie Moana, learn all about the badass demigod Maui, origin stories of the Pacific Islands, and very human mythological metaphors of Polynesia and Hawaii. The sun is a pigeon, the matriarchy wins, and we meet the Jean-Ralphio of the sea. If you love Star Wars and the sunny shores of tropical islands, this is the episode for you. All this and more for our quinceañera episode! If you like Spirits, help us grow by spreading the word! Follow us on Twitter, like us on Facebook, and review us in iTunes to help new listeners find the show. Plus, check out our Patreon for bonus audio content, behind-the-scenes photos, custom recipe cards, and more. Every bit helps as we get our first season off the ground! Our music is: "Danger Storm" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Something is in the water. Follow us down a one-lane road through hills and swamps to uncover the mysteries of Cassadaga, Florida. Special guest Matt tells us all about his first-hand experience with this classic Orlando urban legend, plus the historical roots of the modern-day town. If you like Spirits, help us grow by spreading the word! Follow us on Twitter, like us on Facebook, and review us in iTunes to help new listeners find the show. Plus, check out our Patreon for bonus audio content, behind-the-scenes photos, custom recipe cards, and more. Every bit helps as we get our first season off the ground! Our music is "Danger Storm" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com). Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Dive with us into the treacherous waters of Chinese Demonology, where giant clam monsters and sea serpents lurk. We encounter everything from zombies, to Pokemon Go, to monkeys creepier than your childhood Furby. Enjoy this quick tour of the bad, the ugly, and the actually-kinda-funny! If you like Spirits, help us grow by spreading the word! Follow us on Twitter, like us on Facebook, and review us in iTunes to help new listeners find the show. Plus, check out our Patreon for bonus audio content, behind-the-scenes photos, custom recipe cards, and more. Every bit helps as we get our first season off the ground! Our music is "Danger Storm" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com). Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Feel the love as we explore Haitian Voodoo and its unique family of love spirits, the Erzulie. We look at three Erzulie who specialize in romantic love, motherly love, and love gone wrong. Plus, more about Amanda’s and Julia’s eclectic childhood hobbies! For just a taste of Once on This Island, check out their 1991 Tony Awards performance. Then imagine sixth-graders performing it. If you like Spirits, help us grow by spreading the word! Follow us on Twitter, like us on Facebook, and review us in iTunes to help new listeners find the show. Plus, check out our Patreon for bonus audio content, behind-the-scenes photos, custom recipe cards, and more. Every bit helps as we get our first season off the ground! Our music is "Danger Storm" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com). Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Kicking it old school in Dark Age Eastern Europe this week with special guest Eric Silver! We missed out on the manischewitz, but we have lots of Jewish lore, Yiddish insults, and pop culture references for you to enjoy. Find Eric on Twitter @El_Silvero.If you like Spirits, help us grow by spreading the word! Follow us on Twitter, like us on Facebook, and review us in iTunes to help new listeners find the show. Plus, check out our Patreon for bonus audio content, behind-the-scenes photos, custom recipe cards, and more. Every bit helps as we get our first season off the ground!Our music is "Danger Storm" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com). Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Break out the REM karaoke, because it's the end of the world as the Norse gods know it. Hear all about Ragnarok, apocalypse, rebirth, and more fantasy book/movie/TV references than even we can handle. If you like Spirits, help us grow by spreading the word! Follow us on Twitter, like us on Facebook, and review us in iTunes to help new listeners find the show. Plus, check out our Patreon for bonus audio content, behind-the-scenes photos, custom recipe cards, and more. Every bit helps as we get our first season off the ground! Our music is "Danger Storm" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com). Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Follow us into Asgard and beyond with our crash course on Norse mythology! Thor, Loki and Odin are just the beginning. Plus, stick around to the end for a 'Spirits' first. If you like Spirits, help us grow by spreading the word! Follow us on Twitter, like us on Facebook, and review us in iTunes to help new listeners find the show. Plus, check out our Patreon for bonus audio content, behind-the-scenes photos, custom recipe cards, and more. Every bit helps as we get our first season off the ground! Our music is "Danger Storm" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com). Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Bigfoot. Sasquatch. Yeti. Menk. This week we tackle one of the most notorious folk legends of all time with the help of special guest Jake! Learn all about famous Bigfoot sightings, the cryptozoology internet, and possible explanations for this ubiquitous legend. If you like Spirits, help us grow by spreading the word! Follow us on Twitter, like us on Facebook, and review us in iTunes to help new listeners find the show. Plus, check out our Patreon for bonus audio content, behind-the-scenes photos, custom recipe cards, and the opportunity to become a producer. Every bit helps as we get our first season off the ground! Our music is "Danger Storm" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com). Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Go beyond Noah and the Ark with great flood myths from Mesopotamia, China, Native North America, and more. We dig into flood origin stories, survival strategies, the merits of Prometheus vs. Spider Grandmother, and way too many puns to count. If you like Spirits, help us grow by spreading the word! Follow us on Twitter, like us on Facebook, and review us in iTunes to help new listeners find the show. Plus, check out our Patreon for bonus audio content, behind-the-scenes photos, custom recipe cards, and the opportunity to become a producer. Every bit helps as we get our first season off the ground! Our music is "Danger Storm" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com). Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This classic myth from Korean folklore has an ending that we didn’t see coming! Universal motifs in a uniquely Korean context make for a great episode (with some top-notch drunken diversions). If you like Spirits, help us grow by spreading the word! Follow us on Twitter, like us on Facebook, and review us in iTunes to help new listeners find the show. Plus, check out our Patreon for bonus audio content, behind-the-scenes photos, custom recipe cards, and the opportunity to become a producer. Every bit helps as we get our first season off the ground! Our music is "Danger Storm" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com). Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Learn about the Tailypo, a.k.a. “The Sphinx of West Virginia,” from our first ever guest star! Eric Schneider, also our editor and all-around right-hand man, will teach us about this creepy woodsy myth. Plus, an excellent movie pitch and some highly suspect Gilligan’s Island headcanon. If you like Spirits, help us grow by spreading the word! Follow us on Twitter, like us on Facebook, and review us in iTunes to help new listeners find the show. Plus, check out our Patreon for bonus audio content, behind-the-scenes photos, custom recipe cards, and the opportunity to become a producer. Every bit helps as we get our first season off the ground! Our music is "Danger Storm" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com). Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week, a truly epic tale of love, betrayal, jealousy, and a quest literally to Hell and back. Episode four dives into the dramatic relationship between Eros and Psyche. You may have heard their names, but never this version of their story! If you like Spirits, help us grow by spreading the word! Follow us on Twitter, like us on Facebook, and review us in iTunes to help new listeners find the show. Plus, check out our Patreon for bonus audio content, behind-the-scenes photos, custom recipe cards, and the opportunity to become a producer. Every bit helps as we get our first season off the ground! Our music is "Danger Storm" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com). Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Join us on a journey to the Philippines as we learn more about this delightfully creepy vampire/witch/ghoul. Surprisingly, aswang make pretty good neighbors! If you like Spirits, help us grow by spreading the word! Follow us on Twitter, like us on Facebook, and review us in iTunes to help new listeners find the show. Plus, check out our Patreon for bonus audio content, behind-the-scenes photos, custom recipe cards, and the opportunity to become a producer. Every bit helps as we get our first season off the ground! Our music is "Danger Storm" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com). Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week on Spirits, two very different kinds of creatures from the deep: Selkies and Kelpies. There's mischief, rumors, sexual intrigue... Only the best for you, dear listeners! If you like Spirits, help us grow by spreading the word! Follow us on Twitter, like us on Facebook, and review us in iTunes to help new listeners find the show. Plus, check out our Patreon for bonus audio content, behind-the-scenes photos, custom recipe cards, and the opportunity to become a producer. Every bit helps as we get our first season off the ground! Our music is "Danger Storm" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com). Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The first episode of Spirits introduces you to the ancient Greek gods with the story of Hades and Persephone. Find out why marrying siblings wasn't weird, hear what Hades was really like, and get tips on naming your dog straight from ancient Greece. Help Spirits grow by spreading the word! Follow us on Twitter, like us on Facebook, and review us in iTunes to help new listeners find the show. Plus, check out our Patreon for bonus audio content, behind-the-scenes photos, custom recipe cards, and the opportunity to become a producer. Every bit helps as we get our first season off the ground! Our music is: "Danger Storm" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Spirits is a boozy podcast about mythology, legends, and folklore. Every episode, co-hosts Julia and Amanda mix a drink and discuss a new story or character from a wide range of places, eras, and cultures. Learn brand-new stories and enjoy retellings of your favorite myths, served over ice every week, on Spirits. Find Us Online - Website & Transcripts: https://spiritspodcast.com - Patreon: https://patreon.com/spiritspodcast - Merch: https://spiritspodcast.com/merch - Instagram: https://instagram.com/spiritspodcast - Twitter: https://twitter.com/spiritspodcast - Tumblr: https://spiritspodcast.tumblr.com - Goodreads: https://goodreads.com/group/show/205387 Cast & Crew - Co-Hosts: Julia Schifini and Amanda McLoughlin - Editor: Bren Frederick - Music: Brandon Grugle, based on "Danger Storm" by Kevin MacLeod - Artwork: Allyson Wakeman - Multitude: https://multitude.productions About Us Spirits is a boozy podcast about mythology, legends, and folklore. Every episode, co-hosts Julia and Amanda mix a drink and discuss a new story or character from a wide range of places, eras, and cultures. Learn brand-new stories and enjoy retellings of your favorite myths, served over ice every week, on Spirits.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.