MonsterTalk

Blake, Karen and Matt discover that this famous ghost photo isn't as old as they expected, and perhaps not as mysterious either. Do we get it right? Do you have a different explanation? Let us know in the comments.👻 The Spectre of Newby ChurchIn one black-and-white photograph of a church altar, a tall, hooded figure stands where the photographer swore no one was standing. The "Newby Monk" has haunted paranormal books, websites, and late-night clip shows for decades, and it remains one of the most reproduced ghost photographs ever taken. In this episode we dig into where the image really came from, who took it, when it was actually shot, and how a clever photographer might have made it.Extensive show notes at monstertalk.orgBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/monstertalk--6267523/support.Some product links may be affiliated with Amazon revenue sharing.

We talk with Karen's friend, author and Ex-Mormon, Steve Cuno about paranormal ideas in the Mormon religion. Steve Cuno: Behind the Mormon Curtain: Selling Sex in America’s Holy City“It’s Not About the Sex” My Ass: Confessions of an Ex-Mormon, Ex-Polygamist, Ex-Wife David W. Patten and Mormon Bigfoot:Reddit ThreadBetween Pulpit and Pew: The Supernatural World in Mormon History and FolkloreBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/monstertalk--6267523/support.Some product links may be affiliated with Amazon revenue sharing.

Blake and Karen are joined by Matt Baxter to discuss the 1965 made-for-TV film The Stately Ghosts of England. The film stars Margaret Rutherford, her husband Stringer Davis, and celebrity clairvoyant Tom Corbett.Extended show notes available at MonsterTalk.orgBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/monstertalk--6267523/support.Some product links may be affiliated with Amazon revenue sharing.

We are delighted to talk with Dr. Christopher Beatty about his research into Dragonflies. From ancient times these insects have been the subject of wonder, fear and misinformation. Let's keep the wonder but get rid of some of the other stuff as we dive in on a creature whose lifecycle, morphology, and effectiveness as a hunter elevate its place in the lore of humanity.Why this title for the episode? Tune in and find out.Petroglyphs of Dragonflies 1000y/o (Atlas Obscura)Dragonflies in Japan - Akitsu ShimaDragonfly Helmet (Japanese)Those are from a class of helmets called Kiwari Kabuto - amazing varietySome cool electronica I used to listen to back in "the day" from an album named after dragonflies: Odonata by AmethystiumGood lord - has it been 25 years?? Tempus fugit.Additional note from Dr. Beatty:"I’m the past-president of the Dragonfly Society of the Americas, a group that promotes public awareness, as well as research and conservation of dragonflies. We are open to anyone with interest in odonates, and membership is quite inexpensive ($15/year).We have an annual meeting, which for 2026 will be taking place in Hot Springs, North Carolina, in the last week of June. Info on the meeting can be found here:https://www.dragonflysocietyamericas.org/hotsprings2026."Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/monstertalk--6267523/support.Some product links may be affiliated with Amazon revenue sharing.

Host of Bone & Sickle, Al Ridenour joins us to talk about the traditions of European Carnival season. It's the subject of his latest book, A Season of Madness.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/monstertalk--6267523/support.Some product links may be affiliated with Amazon revenue sharing.

In part one of our two-part interview with Owen Davies, we discuss the history of witch trials, accusations, murder, and other troubles bubbling up from post-Salem accusations in America. In part two, next week, we will continue the discussion with thoughtful considerations of the meaning of witch and how it can be an identity or an accusation. Be sure and catch both parts of this fascinating chat. Some related viewing/reading:A curious case of Black Magic in NorfolkBlake's article about the "PA Hex Hollow" murders (Skeptoid #996)Books by Owen*:Grimoires: A History of Magic BooksPopular Magic: Cunning-folk in English HistoryMagic: A Very Short IntroductionFolklore: A journey through the past and present (with Ceri Houlbrook)The Oxford Illustrated History of Witchcraft and Magic America Bewitched: The Story of Witchcraft After Salem*We use Amazon affiliate links for books when availableBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/monstertalk--6267523/support.Some product links may be affiliated with Amazon revenue sharing.

In this episode we talk with Dr. Alice Vernon about her fascinating look at the history of ghost hunting and psychical research, from the late 19th century to today.Ghosted: A History of Ghost Hunting, and Why We Keep Looking (Affiliate Link)Night Terrors: Troubled Sleep and the Stories we Tell About ItGhostwatch (wikipedia) - (our previous coverage)The Society for Psychical Research (UK)Most Haunted (wikipedia)The Haunting of Borley Rectory - the text of this critical book appears to be on the Harry Price website.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/monstertalk--6267523/support.Some product links may be affiliated with Amazon revenue sharing.