MonsterTalk

FLASHBACKWe're looking back at October 5, 2011 this week and an interview with Valerius Geist (February 2, 1938 – July 6, 2021) about the myths and reality of wolves.  How dangerous are they? There's complexity and nuance here.  Some people fiercely believe wolves are just peaceful misunderstood beautiful animals that would not hurt a person.  Others believe they're fierce and dangerous predators.  Internet debates will happen but history - and Valerius Geist - suggest using extreme caution if you find yourself in close proximity to these beautiful predators in the wild. MonsterTalk Live (Disco Edition) ----FLASHBACK---- ON NOVEMBER 8, 2005 Canadian geological engineering student Kenton Carnegie went for a walk. He told people that he’d be back by 5 pm. When he hadn’t returned by 7 pm, a search party went out and discovered his remains in the woods. In this episode of Monstertalk (a follow-up to last week’s), we interview professor Valerius Geist about the true cause of Kenton Carnegie’s death. Some people thought he was killed by a bear, but more likely he was killed by a myth.Todd Svarckopf confronting a habituated wolf, four days before the Kenton Joel Carnegie wolf attack. (Photo by Chris van Gelder at North Point Landing Saskatchewan)Further Reading When do wolves become dangerous to humans? (by Valerius Geist)The Kenton Carnegie Wolf Attack on WikipediaMusic Our Breath Shall Intermix by Symbion Project (used with permission)Le Fétichisme Dans L’amour by Symbion Project (used with permission)Monstertalk Theme: Monster by Peach Stealing Monkeys Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/monstertalk--6267523/support. Some product links may be affiliated with Amazon revenue sharing.

Transcribed - Published: 2 December 2025

We're joined by Sydney Davidson - student of Dr. Jeb Card (IRO) - to discuss her research into Frogmen Festivals, and to discuss monster festivals and some of the reasons people report they attend. (And it's not all about the plushies and t-shirts.) Darren Naish on The Loveland Frog The Myth of Disenchantment Frogman Festival 2026 Close Encounters at Kelly And Others of 1955 (affiliate link) Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/monstertalk--6267523/support. Some product links may be affiliated with Amazon revenue sharing.

Transcribed - Published: 24 November 2025

We're joined by Matt Baxter to watch and discuss another vintage BBC look at the paranormal - this time in the form of an allegedly haunted chest of drawers. Check the links and watch it yourself if you've got 12 mins to spare. What do you think of our takes? Additional Links: BBC Archive Clip - A Haunted Chest of Drawers AGT: Special Head (levitation trick) The Indian Rope Trick - Penn & Teller documentary about the history of the trick David Berglas - Magician and Skeptical Investigator Massimo Polidoro - modern skeptical investigator Tony Cornell - British Parapsychologist and antiquarian Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/monstertalk--6267523/support. Some product links may be affiliated with Amazon revenue sharing.

Transcribed - Published: 17 November 2025

We're joined by host of the Conspiracy Skeptic Podcast, Karl Mamer. Karl's working on a new book in his series of skeptically themed books of lists (The Skeptic's Book of Lists, The Conspiracy Skeptic's Book of Lists) and has been looking into the origins of demons & devils in Dungeons & Dragons. Further Reading: Deities & Demigods BBC: The Great 1980s D&D Panic Michael Stackpole and the Pulling Report (counter to B.A.D.D.) The composite D&D title card is based on the work of David C. Sutherland III. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/monstertalk--6267523/support. Some product links may be affiliated with Amazon revenue sharing.

Transcribed - Published: 10 November 2025

In this episode, I talk about why I don't believe in Bigfoot and the core of my basis of doubt. This is part of a new intermittent series wherein we'll be looking at why a lot of monster stories fall apart when you attack them with Occam's Razor and other similarly sharp tools. The clip in the intro is from In Search Of... Season 1, Episode 5. If you want to hear A LOT more about that episode, check out this episode of In ReSearch Of.... Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/monstertalk--6267523/support. Some product links may be affiliated with Amazon revenue sharing.

Transcribed - Published: 4 November 2025

This week on MonsterTalk, Blake and Karen are joined by Matthew Baxter to revisit Karen’s classic investigation book Haunting America — newly re-released in paperback just in time for Halloween 🎃. Together they discuss how the book began as a project for the James Randi Educational Foundation (JREF), the fieldwork behind its famous cases, and the updated edition’s new conclusion and color photos.👻 Topics discussed: • Origins of Haunting America — conceived at the JREF as a skeptical investigation anthology. • Behind-the-scenes stories from Karen and Matt’s fieldwork across the U.S. • Visits to legendary “haunted” sites including:   🏠 The Myrtles Plantation — tracing the truth behind the tale of “Chloe.”   🏥 Waverly Hills Sanatorium — separating tuberculosis history from ghost folklore.   🔫 Winchester Mystery House — examining Sarah Winchester’s real story vs. myth. • Working with the JREF and Tim Farley (“What’s the Harm?”) on skeptical outreach. • Revisiting historic ghost claims through the historical method rather than gadgets and TV tropes. • Comparing early 2000s ghost hunting culture with modern media portrayals. • The enduring folklore vs. fact tension in places like the Stanley Hotel, Amityville, and Lizzie Borden House. • The value of myth-busting as a form of respect for real history and real people.🕯️ About the new edition: • Now in paperback with color photographs and updated research. • Includes follow-up findings on the Myrtles Plantation and San Antonio Railroad “ghost tracks.” • Adds a new concluding chapter reflecting on skepticism and folklore after a decade of investigations. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/monstertalk--6267523/support. Some product links may be affiliated with Amazon revenue sharing.

Transcribed - Published: 27 October 2025

UAPs, “Disclosure,” and the Influence Machine 🔦🛰️ This episode looks at the latest UAP theater around Rep. Eric Burlison’s congressional presentation of the “Hellfire vs. orb” video, how it intersects with long-running media and funding networks (Skinwalker Ranch/NIDS/Las Vegas circle), and why skepticism and provenance still matter. We discuss the hearing, witness line-up, and the ecosystem that amplifies these claims—along with grounded, testable explanations where available. With Matt Baxter. 🎥 Primary Items from the Episode • Eric Burlison’s Congressional Presentation of Video (with George Knapp testimony) • Eric Burlison’s UAP DISCLOSURE ACT 🧪 Skeptical Takes & Analysis • Mick West’s take — It’s a balloon again • Hank Green’s take — Seriously — it’s just a balloon 🎧 Related Listening from the Episode • Strange Arrivals podcast • Toby Ball’s visits to MonsterTalk 📚 Books & Authors Mentioned • Sarah Scoles — They Are Already Here • Sarah’s visits to MonsterTalk 🧩 Quick Reference: Acronyms, Players, and Context • AATIP — Pentagon program often associated with Luis Elizondo • TTSA — To The Stars Academy (Tom DeLonge, Hal Puthoff): company, Tom DeLonge, Harold Puthoff • UAP — Unidentified Aerial Phenomenon (newer terminology): overview • UFO — Unidentified Flying Object (classic term with cultural baggage): background • Robert Bigelow — hotelier, space entrepreneur, longtime funder in the anomaly space: bio 📰 Key Reporting That Shifted the Conversation • The New York Times story that broke AATIP publicly: read • The 2020 follow-up from two of the authors (Kean & Blumenthal): read Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/monstertalk--6267523/support. Some product links may be affiliated with Amazon revenue sharing.

Transcribed - Published: 21 October 2025

This week Blake Smith and Karen Stollznow are joined by clinical psychologist Dr. Brian A. Sharpless, author of Monsters on the Couch, to discuss cannibalism—what it is, why humans have done it, and how the taboo shows up in archaeology, medicine, psychology, and horror cinema. They cover definitions (endocannibalism vs. survival cannibalism), prion diseases such as Kuru, criminal and paraphilic cases, and pop-culture touchpoints from Ravenous to The Texas Chain Saw Massacre, plus legend-tripping at Lovelock Cave and the “giants” folklore around the Mound Builder myth. Don't forget to grab Karen's latest: Bitch: The Journey of a Word 🔎 Quick Links & References • Cannibalism (overview) — Wikipedia: Cannibalism • Kuru & prion diseases — Kuru (Britannica) • Prion • Survival cannibalism cases — Donner Party • Uruguayan Air Force Flight 571 • Medicinal cannibalism — Mumia (medication) • Hand of Glory • Criminal/forensic examples — Albert Fish • Jeffrey Dahmer • Paraphilias mentioned — Vorarephilia • Autosarcophagy (self-cannibalism) • Films discussed — Ravenous (1999) • The Hills Have Eyes • The Texas Chain Saw Massacre • A Nightmare on Elm Street 3: Dream Warriors • Cannibal Holocaust • The Green Inferno (2013) • Legends & sites — Lovelock Cave • Paiute people • Mound Builder myth • Wendigo🧾 Episode Breakdown • 🍽️ What counts as cannibalism? Clear definition limited to consumption of human flesh; distinctions from blood drinking and other bodily materials. • 🗺️ How widespread is it? Cross-cultural evidence, past debates in anthropology, and the modern scholarly consensus that it occurred in multiple contexts (ritual, survival, criminal, etc.). See the overview above. • 📚 Ten motives framework (from Dr. Sharpless’s work): survival, ritual/endocannibalism, exocannibalism, benign/unwitting, criminal/cover-up, gastronomic preference, medicinal, and more—with historical examples. (See Monsters on the Couch) • 🧪 Prions & Kuru: funerary cannibalism among the Fore in Papua New Guinea, transmission via neural tissue, and broader prion disease context. See links above. • 💊 “Medicinal” cannibalism in early‑modern Europe: mummy powders, fat, and other preparations; “hand of glory” magical lore. Folger Shakespeare Library entry on corpse medicine. • ⚖️ Forensic & clinical angles: overlap with antisocial personality disorder, psychosis in some cases, and how/when behaviors rise to diagnosable paraphilias. • 🎥 Horror on screen: from Ravenous and The Hills Have Eyes to Texas Chain Saw Massacre, plus genre riffs on “taking the victim’s traits.” • 🧸 Vorarephilia & internet subcultures: “hard” vs. “soft” vore, online communities, and clinical caution about distress/impairment. • 🗿 Lovelock Cave & the “giants” stories: local legend‑tripping, Paiute lore about cannibal enemies, and a skeptical look at Mound Builder/“Smithsonian cover‑up” narratives. • 📖 Reading & viewing: Dr. Sharpless’s Monsters on the Couch; films noted above; folklore touchpoints like Wendigo. • 📖 Bob Burns Disambiguation: Texas Chainsaw Bob (Robert A. Burns) and Tracy the Gorilla Bob (Bob Burns III)📚 Books Mentioned • Brian A. Sharpless, Monsters on the Couch • Richard J. Dewhurst, The Ancient Giants Who Ruled America (decidedly NOT skeptical) • Jason Colavito, The Mound Builder Myth: Fake History and the Hunt for a "Lost White Race" Affiliate disclosure: Some links above are affiliate links that may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. This helps support the show’s production. Thank you! Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/monstertalk--6267523/support. Some product links may be affiliated with Amazon revenue sharing.

Transcribed - Published: 13 October 2025

🎙 MonsterTalk — The Cult of Moloch Show Notes · Hosts: Blake Smith & Karen Stollznow In this episode, Blake Smith and Karen Stollznow explore the history, mythology, and propaganda surrounding the idea of the Cult of Moloch—a figure long associated with child sacrifice and moral panic. They trace Moloch’s biblical origins in Leviticus and Kings, the contested archaeological claims from Carthage’s Tophet, and Roman accusations against rivals such as the Celts and Druids. The discussion moves through how child-sacrifice narratives have been weaponized across history—from Rome’s propaganda and medieval blood libel to the Satanic Panic and modern conspiracy culture—while separating those myths from documented, contemporary abuse scandals. Topics in this episode: 🔥 Moloch in Scripture and History ⚱️ Archaeology of Carthage & the Tophet Debate 🪵 Celts, Druids & the Wicker Man 🎃 Samhain, Halloween & Sacrificial Myths 🗡 Accusations as Propaganda 😈 Satanic Panic & Modern Moral Panics ⚖️ Real Scandals & Institutional Abuse 🧠 Critical Thinking & Evidence ⚠️ Content Warning: This episode includes discussion of child sacrifice, infanticide, sexual abuse, religious violence, and moral panics. While handled through a skeptical and historical lens, some material may be distressing to listeners. Parental discretion is advised. 🔥 Moloch in Scripture and History • Hebrew Bible: Leviticus 18:21; 20:2–5; 2 Kings 23:10. • Further reading: — John Day, Molech: A God of Human Sacrifice in the Old Testament — Jewish Virtual Library — “Molech” ⚱️ Archaeology of Carthage & the Tophet Debate • Quinn & Xella (2014), “Carthaginian Child Sacrifice: Reassessing the Evidence,” Antiquity • Lawrence Stager, “The Rite of Child Sacrifice at Carthage,” Biblical Archaeology Review 🪵 Celts, Druids & the Wicker Man • Miranda Aldhouse-Green, Human Sacrifice: Archaeological Perspectives (affiliate link) • BBC History — “Who Were the Druids?” 🎃 Samhain, Halloween & Sacrificial Myths • Ronald Hutton, The Stations of the Sun (affiliate link) • History.com — “Samhain and the Origins of Halloween” 🗡 Accusations as Propaganda • USHMM — “Blood Libel” • Tertullian, Apologeticus (English) 😈 Satanic Panic & Modern Moral Panics • Skeptical Inquirer — “The Return of the Satanic Panic” • FBI (1992) — “Satanic Ritual Abuse” report ⚖️ Real Scandals & Institutional Abuse • Rotherham CSE — Alexis Jay Report (2014) • Jimmy Savile — BBC Inquiry Findings • Jeffrey Epstein — BBC Timeline • Catholic Church — John Jay Report (2004) 🧠 Critical Thinking & Evidence • Carl Sagan, The Demon-Haunted World • The Foundation for Critical Thinking 📚 Bonus: Don’t forget Karen’s latest short story, The Walsingham Ghosts — available as text or audiobook exclusively from Amazon! Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/monstertalk--6267523/support. Some product links may be affiliated with Amazon revenue sharing.

Transcribed - Published: 6 October 2025

We finish up Season 4 of MonsterTalk, not with a bang - but a chuckle, as we welcome Science Comedian Brian Malow to talk about using humor and science to entertain.  https://sciencecomedian.com/ Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/monstertalk--6267523/support. Some product links may be affiliated with Amazon revenue sharing.

Transcribed - Published: 29 September 2025

We discuss the sketchy "science by press release" of Colossal Biosciences and the controversies lurking in the history of its lead scientist. Have they resurrected dire wolves? No. Definitely not. If only overblown celebrity endorsed hype was the only problem… Did they make a Dire Wolf? (Spoiler: NOT EVEN REMOTELY CLOSE) George Church's explanation of Epstein ties James Arthur Ray - Guru of Death? Tony Robbins (more from Quora and Reddit) Peter Jackson and the Moa George R. R. Martin and the Dire Wolf For a more… salacious take on this, check out the 2-part "Behind the Bastards" coverage of this topic. Part 1 and Part 2. --- on a more positive note --- What is CRISPR? Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/monstertalk--6267523/support. Some product links may be affiliated with Amazon revenue sharing.

Transcribed - Published: 22 September 2025

We take a look at a fascinating slice of paranormal history in the form of a 1975 BBC documentary The Ghost Hunters. How much has changed in paranormal research since 1975? Not much, after a fashion…  Anybody know something about these plastic pub barrels from the 1970s? Show Notes: Benson Herbert - ghost hunter Andrew Green - the Spectre Inspector John Cutten (SPR, Inventor) Watch this masterpiece on YouTube here. Yes - the Ion Gun is, in fact, a device for cleaning vinyl records. Hugh’s other paranormal doco - "Out of this World" from 1977 The Three Horseshoes Pub (Wiltshire) Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/monstertalk--6267523/support. Some product links may be affiliated with Amazon revenue sharing.

Transcribed - Published: 15 September 2025

Blake catches Karen up on his current research projects: The four-wall tour dates of the PGF, and a contextual look at the Van Meter Visitor. Neither of these projects are finished but he is excited to share what he's been working on. Dolemite is mentioned favorably. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/monstertalk--6267523/support. Some product links may be affiliated with Amazon revenue sharing.

Transcribed - Published: 8 September 2025

Blake is joined by regular contributor Matt Baxter, and special guest Kara Van Hoose from the Colorado Department of Parks and Wildlife to discuss the (not that mysterious) outbreak of "tentacle bunnies" in Colorado this summer.   News reports of "rabbits with tentacles" Deer wasting disease (zombie deer) "Colorado Cannibal" Alfred Packer Colorado Parks & Wildlife  Colorado Parks & Wildlife Karl Shuker's blog about Jackalope 99% Invisible episode on Jackalope Wall Drug Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/monstertalk--6267523/support. Some product links may be affiliated with Amazon revenue sharing.

Transcribed - Published: 1 September 2025

Karen and Matt are back from their book tour in the UK and they got to have some real MonsterTalk moments! Loch Ness, Boleskine House and more plus Blake wrestles with gremlins! More photos will be available on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/posts/137274189?pr=true&cr=true  Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/monstertalk--6267523/support.

Transcribed - Published: 25 August 2025

It's Hollow Earth, UFOs, the birth of Sci-Fi, and more wierdshit than you can believe as we present a super-cut of our 2-part interview with Jerry Drake and Jeb Card about one of the foundational stories of "weirdshitology" in a new ginormous single episode.  And there's a little bit of reading if you want to follow us down the rabbit hole...  EXTENSIVE show notes freely viewable at Patreon. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/monstertalk--6267523/support.

Transcribed - Published: 18 August 2025

Karen and Matt check in from the UK! Karen is on tour promoting her new book Bitch: The Journey of a Word.  (affiliate link) Islands are engines of language diversity Borley Rectory Mentioned for future coverage (but touched on before): The Black Monk of Pontefract Episodes covering Enfield and Poltergeists Boleskine House Some Nessie & Scotland coverage Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/monstertalk--6267523/support.

Transcribed - Published: 11 August 2025

A fascinating chat about Australian Magpies (Gymnorhina tibicen) with Dr. Grainne Cleary in which we talk about the role of stories in creating monsters, the role of citizen science, and lots of cool biology facts about these birds. Not everything about Magpies is black and white, it turns out. Why do birds do that? (affiliate link) Your Backyard Birds (booktopia - Australian bookshop) And remember: Why do Birds Sing? will be dropping into stores September 2nd, 2025! Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/monstertalk--6267523/support.

Transcribed - Published: 4 August 2025

Blake recounts his recent visit to see Robert the Doll, and his findings after a deep dive into newspapers and other literature.   Patrons get follow-up info from the girl who was the subject of the "true doll haunting" from episode #114!  Karen's latest book:  Bitch: The Journey of a Word Recent death "associated" with demonic doll Annabelle Official website of the museum hosting Robert the Doll Call for Papers: Of Gods and Monsters II (July 15, 2025 - November 1, 2025) Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/monstertalk--6267523/support.

Transcribed - Published: 28 July 2025

Flashback to October 2016! Updated content on Robert coming soon.In this week’s episode of MonsterTalk, we talk about demonic or evil dolls, and look into the history of one of America’s most famous creepy playthings: Robert the Doll. Our interview is with Dr. Cori Convertito, Curator of the Key West Art and Historical Society, which oversees the Fort East Martello Museum, home of Robert the Doll.Robert the Doll links dramatized film (now "Films" as of 2025)authorized history booknovelFacebook pageTwitter accountofficial websiteStories about Robert — Lore podcastVideos Child’s Play (not based on Robert the Doll. See episode for details.)Twilight Zone — Season 5, Episode 6: Living Doll (watch Episode 6 on Amazon)Twilight Zone — Season 3, Episode 33: The Dummy (watch Episode 33 on Amazon)Trilogy of Terror — a creepy doll classicFurther Reading The Science of Superstition: How the Developing Brain Creates Supernatural Beliefs by Bruce M. HoodMusic Monstertalk Theme: Monster by Peach Stealing MonkeysAdditional music: Creepy Doll by Jonathan Coulton. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/monstertalk--6267523/support.

Transcribed - Published: 21 July 2025

Flashback to January 2018: In this episode of MonsterTalk, we return to discussion of the Ultraterrestrial Hypothesis (UTH) and what seems to be its growing influence in paranormal circles. It’s been used to explain UFOs, mothman, bigfoot, fairies, dogman, ghosts and many other phenomena which defy scientific demonstrability. Now it crops up again in a new film event titled Alien Intrusion which turned out to be a stealth evangelical creationist film which suggests that aliens and UFOs are actually demonic. We are joined by MonsterTalk alum Joe Laycock, Natasha Mikles and Jeb Card to discuss the UTH and Jeb’s Paranormal Unified Field Theory (PUFT) as it relates to this film and the work of John Keel and others. In Research Of… MonsterTalk Joe Laycock Natasha Mikles Jeb Card Music Monstertalk Theme: Monster by Peach Stealing Monkeys Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/monstertalk--6267523/support.

Transcribed - Published: 13 July 2025

FLASHBACK to December 2013: A FAMILIAR VOICE returns to MonsterTalk as Dr. Karen Stollznow joins us to discuss her (then new) book, God Bless America. Items of Interest Haunting America on Amazon More information on the case of Anneliese Michel Wade Davis’s book on Haitian zombies — The Serpent and the Rainbow More reading on the Satanic Panic — In Pursuit of Satan: The Police and the Occult Music Monstertalk Theme: Monster by Peach Stealing Monkeys Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/monstertalk--6267523/support.

Transcribed - Published: 7 July 2025

Flashback to May 2015: IS THERE A LOST CITY somewhere that formed the basis of the legend of Atlantis? Dr. Kenny Feder returns, not to praise Atlantis, but to bury it. Kenny Feder: Selected Works The Past in Perspective Frauds, Myths and Mysteries Linking to the Past Related Links Atlantis by Donovan Podcast — Archeology Fantasies In Search Of… Atlantis Music Monstertalk Theme: Monster by Peach Stealing Monkeys Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/monstertalk--6267523/support.

Transcribed - Published: 30 June 2025

We will be playing some episodes from our archives for a few weeks this Summer - let's kick it off with this classic from October 2013! THE WARREN OMISSION.WAS THE STORY OF The Conjuring the true story of how Ed and Lorraine Warren fought demonic forces in Rhode Island? In this special episode of MonsterTalk, we hear a different side to the story of America’s first family of ghost hunting. Features interviews with investigators Joe Nickell and Steven Novella. Full Notes Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/monstertalk--6267523/support.

Transcribed - Published: 23 June 2025

We're joined by Erik Davis to discuss his book High Weirdness - a history of psychedelics and counterculture as a triptych embodied with three prominent figures: Terrence McKenna, Philip K. Dick, and Robert Anton Wilson. From Blade Runner to the Illuminati to Magic Mushrooms these three laid down foundational blocks decades ago that underpin (or perhaps undermine?) our present.  Terrence McKenna Philip K. Dick Robert Anton Wilson Pyrrho - ancient Greek skeptic Our coverage of Operation Mindf*ck (part 1 and part 2) Erik Davis links: Burning Shore (Substack) Techgnosis (huge web archive) Techgnosis (Book - Affiliate Link) High Weirdness (Affiliate Link) - the Audiobook read by the author is very good.  -B. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/monstertalk--6267523/support.

Transcribed - Published: 16 June 2025

We’re joined by Matt Baxter to discuss what we thought was a horror film but turned out to be something quite different.Warning: This film and episode deal with suicide, murder, abortion, politics, religion, and pretty much most of the hot potato topics we generally try to eschew. Hopefully we do a decent job of discussing it. Nefarious (streaming) – Affiliate Link More on Blaze Media Some reviews: 7th Day Adventist review A Christian review with interesting comments Reddit tackles Nefarious Horror Obsessive – really didn’t care for the “bait & switch” Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/monstertalk--6267523/support.

Transcribed - Published: 9 June 2025

Matt Baxter returns to join Karen and Blake in a discussion of allegedly haunted “bothies” in the remote hiking regions of the UK. This episode contains some discussion of guns, suicide, and cannibalism. Links to further reading/listening: What is a “bothy?” Mountain Bothy Association BBC’s Uncanny episodes we mention: Don’t Sleep in this House – December 2021 Return to Luibeilt Christmas Special 2024 Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/monstertalk--6267523/support.

Transcribed - Published: 2 June 2025

Jerry Drake returns to discuss his new book: Hazel was a Good Girl: The Murder that Inspired Twin Peaks Jerry has been with quite a few times to discuss Grimoires, Jack Parsons, The Hollow Earth, Internet Mysteries and Ghost Lights and we're excited to see what he makes of this real life unsolved murder with ties to one of the most influential shows to ever air on TV. This episode does discuss murder, sexual assault, and other sensitive topics. It's not really explicit but it might not be suitable for children, hence the tag. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/monstertalk--6267523/support.

Transcribed - Published: 26 May 2025

We're back with part two of our 2-part coverage of the 1976 episode of The Six Million Dollar Man that introduced a generation of kids to Bigfoot, and the idea that the creature might be interconnected with space aliens living inside a California mountain.Related Links: The Bionic Book by Herbie Pilato (affiliate link) Operation Plowshare The Six Million Dollar Man series (DVD) Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/monstertalk--6267523/support.

Transcribed - Published: 19 May 2025

Karen joins Blake to discuss the influential 2-part episodes of The Six Million Dollar Man that introduced a generation of kids to Bigfoot, and the idea that the creature might be interconnected with space aliens living inside a California mountain. This is part one of a two-part special edition. The patron edition has extended footage and no modern commercials. Extensive show notes available here: https://www.patreon.com/posts/128686370?forSale=true  Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/monstertalk--6267523/support.

Transcribed - Published: 12 May 2025

Blake and Karen take a minute to catch their breath and talk about where things are in their lives and what's up next in MonsterTalk news. Links: Bitch: The Journey of a Word Adhesive Capsulitis  Idiopathic Illnesses Mechanical Turk Speaking Machine Replica of Speaking Machine (YouTube) Wolfgang von Kempelen Deep Mind Deep Blue Marvin Minsky John McCarthy Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/monstertalk--6267523/support.

Transcribed - Published: 5 May 2025

This is part two of our two part look at Dragons and how these mythical beasts are being used to promote Creationism. Our guest is Dr. Philip Senter and he's the author of a new book about this topic.  We use the word bullsh!t a lot in this episode so I slapped an explicit tag on - but I don't think it's too explicit otherwise.  Get Dr. Senter's book here: The Real Story of Dinosaurs and Dragons News story about Mokele Mbembe being compromised by Creationists Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/monstertalk--6267523/support.

Transcribed - Published: 28 April 2025

This is part one of our two part look at Dragons and how these mythical beasts are being used to promote Creationism. Our guest is Dr. Philip Senter and he's the author of a new book about this topic. Get Dr. Senter's book here: The Real Story of Dinosaurs and Dragons Read more about "The Dragon of Bologna" Another Book about fake historical zoological specimens  The National Center for Science Education has long been a source for how to take action to combat the injection of Creationist material into public education. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/monstertalk--6267523/support.

Transcribed - Published: 21 April 2025

Matt & Karen went out for a little getaway weekend to Victor, Colorado and ended up investigating the allegedly haunted Victor Hotel. Did Eddie die in the hotel elevator? Was Matt caught in embarrassing circumstances? Find out inside! The show notes here won't show the images so you'll need to hop over to our episode webpage to see them. https://www.monstertalk.org/s04e28-the-victor-hotel-ghost/ Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/monstertalk--6267523/support.

Transcribed - Published: 14 April 2025

We're excited to welcome back Peter Bebergal. This time we're talking about mysticism and dybbuks. Be sure and check out the links below including the upcoming talk Peter is giving April 14th for The Last Tuesday Society. Peter on Jewish Boston podcast All the Haunts Be Ours (affiliate link) 15-Disk Horror Collection The Ibbur from Jewish mysticism Peter will be talking monster culture for The Last Tuesday Society on April 14th at 3 pm ET - check it out Grab all of Peter's Books at Amazon and support this show! Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/monstertalk--6267523/support.

Transcribed - Published: 7 April 2025

We're delighted to get to talk with Adrian Shine, who has worked for decades to raise awareness about Loch Ness and investigated the legendary creature said to inhabit the dark waters of that deep Scottish lake.  He's written a new book about Sea Monsters and their connection to the Loch Ness Mystery which releases April 1st, 2025.  A Natural History of Sea Monsters (affiliate link) The Loch Ness Centre In the intro you hear a clip of IN SEARCH OF from S01E20 - which features a young Adrian. Check out In Research Of's coverage with guest Daniel Loxton here. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/monstertalk--6267523/support.

Transcribed - Published: 31 March 2025

We're back with part 2 of our interview with Dr. Eleanor Janega to discuss Demons in Medieval Europe - and a lot of that has to do with sexy sex.  So… another EXPLICIT tag!  Eleanor's Blog Going-Medieval Eleanor's book The Once and Future Sex The Apocalypse Tapestry of Angers (The Guardian) The Apocalypse Tapestry (Wikipedia) YouTube videos with Eleanor  Monty Summers translation of the Malleus Maleficarum  (AMZ affiliate link) Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/monstertalk--6267523/support.

Transcribed - Published: 24 March 2025

We're joined by the engaging historian Dr. Eleanor Janega to talk about how the people of Europe considered demonic sex during the medieval period of history. This episode is in two parts, and both are explicit.  Presenter on the History Hit channel - https://www.historyhit.com/  Blog - https://going-medieval.com/  Medievalist, author, blogs about medieval history, pop culture, and swearing  Author of: The Once and Future Sex: Going Medieval on Women's Roles in Society Article: “On sex with demons” - https://going-medieval.com/2020/07/30/on-sex-with-demons/ Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/monstertalk--6267523/support.

Transcribed - Published: 16 March 2025

A brief remembrance of our friend, Joe Nickell. (December 1, 1944 – March 4, 2025) Joe Nickell's extraordinary life came to an end on Tuesday, March 4th and we're posting this brief remembrance this week instead of our regular episode. Check out Joe's many "personas." The Science of Monsters: Tracking the Real-Life Creatures Archive episodes with Joe The sourtoe cocktail Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/monstertalk--6267523/support.

Transcribed - Published: 10 March 2025

We're joined by Allison Jornlin (paranormalwomen.com) to talk about the footprint of women in the field of parapsychology and paranormal investigation.  We most recently talked with Allison during "the dark times" on our COVID-era MonsterTalk Live series. She also covered the Chicago Mothman flap with us back in 2018! Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/monstertalk--6267523/support.

Transcribed - Published: 3 March 2025

Is the cave of the winds near Manitou Springs, CO HAUNTED!? Matt Baxter has investigated and he joins us to talk about what he found. Related Links: Spooky Science Sisters - Roanoke episode with Karen In Research Of… The Lost Colony - Blake & Jeb Card discuss the In Search Of… episode about Roanoke. Eclectic Shopping options in Manitou Springs The history of Manitou Springs The Cave of the Winds (Official Site) The Manitou (1978 film) Manitou - the spirit Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/monstertalk--6267523/support.

Transcribed - Published: 24 February 2025

We're joined by Dr. Justin Mullis to get a better understanding of the incredibly lore-dense anime series Dan Da Dan. Justin's academia profile Legend of Momotaro Some links recommended by Justin: This is a really good video about the history of the Flatwoods Monster in Japanese video games. Highly recommended. This is the Religious Dispatches article about koro. Here's the Japan Today interview with the current editor of MU magazine.And here's the MU magazine article I mentioned about Turbo Granny (in Japanese). The book on Japanese mountain witches I mentioned. And here's an article by Japanese folklorist and manga translator Zack Davisson on Dandadan.  Additional:  Dan Da Dan (Netflix) Karen's book Missed Conceptions is mentioned in the episode - get it here. And her latest book too:  Bitch: The Journey of a Word Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/monstertalk--6267523/support.

Transcribed - Published: 17 February 2025

As Valentine's day bears down upon us, we turn to the monsters whose origins lie in passion, betrayal, and tragedy. If love is the strongest human emotion, surely rage at betrayal is its nightmarish mirror - and such emotions are embodied in a variety of creatures around the world and throughout history. Content Warning - this episode contains stories of child death, suicide, murder, and other unplesantness. And also some discussion of candy. So there's that. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/monstertalk--6267523/support.

Transcribed - Published: 10 February 2025

Cemeteries Cleaning and Grave Rubbing - Karen and Blake are joined by Matt Baxter to discuss the ethics and best practices around maintaining and preserving graveyards.  Links for Grave Rubbers from CyberSpace: The article that inspired this conversation (via The Conversation) Ken Feder (friend of the show and emeritus professor of archaeology) sent along this helpful article about grave preservation. The woman with the pink foam (Kaeli Mae McEwen - aka "Clean Girl") has a site where she sells the stuff. In Atlanta - at historic Oakland Cemetery - they have community cleaning projects.  They list this under an article titled "Pro Team Field Notes on Scrubbing the Surface" Thoughts on Grave Rubbing from a blogger. Additional Links: Since we mentioned The Conversation, by coincidence Jeb Card got interviewed about his paranormal course at University of Ohio - check it! Karen's book Bitch: The Journey of a Word is out now - grab a copy! (affiliate link) Don't forget to grab a copy of Joe Nickell's The Science of Monsters: Tracking the Real-Life Creatures - every sale helps MonsterTalk! (affiliate link) And if you want to meet me at sea in the Bermuda Triangle, sign up for the Skeptoid Adventure - there's still a few cabins left! (as of 2/1/2025) Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/monstertalk--6267523/support.

Transcribed - Published: 3 February 2025

This week we're welcoming back historian Dr Joseph Gagne to tell us about a ghost story that straddles North America and Scotland.  He was last with us to tell us about the legend of La Corriveau in episode 181.  Appearances of the Dead: A Cultural History of Ghosts by Ronald C. Finucane - mentioned by Joseph as his introduction to this story. This is an affiliate link and the book is out of print, so be advised it's PRICEY. But wait!  You can read it for free at Archive.org. Joseph asked me to be sure and share links to: Bibliothèque et Archives Nationales Du Québec Also to his blog: Curieuse Nouvelle France And of course the official site of Fort Ticonderoga  Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/monstertalk--6267523/support.

Transcribed - Published: 27 January 2025

Today we're discussing the strange story of The Houdini Seance and Arthur Ford the Spiritualist.     The last Houdini Seance (1936) - Audio + Story   Bess Houdini    Arthur Ford - Spiritualist   Arthur Ford - Obituary   The Houdini Code   The Bishop James Pike   Was Pike Seance Hoax? The Skeptics Dictionary: Arthur Ford Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/monstertalk--6267523/support.

Transcribed - Published: 20 January 2025

In the mountains of North Georgia on a spooky civil war battlefield there is a legend of a green eyed monster. This is not that story. This is the story of the new festival set up to commemorate the monster, but also bring people and revenue to this rural southern town. We'll be talking with Nate Tucker and Dillan Whisenant about their experience kicking off the first Green Eyes Festival of Chicamauga, Georgia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Chickamauga https://www.greeneyesfestival.com/ Phil's Primetime Pizza Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/monstertalk--6267523/support.

Transcribed - Published: 13 January 2025

This is the audio from our 2024 livestream (http://youtube.com/monstertalk).  If you saw that live, this is the same audio without the moving picture bits. If you didn't see it but want to see our mugs waggin' synchronously to our voices, you can find this particular episode here. Otherwise - happy new year! We'll be back next week talking about how to make a successful monster festival with some guys who just did it for the Green Eyes Festival. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/monstertalk--6267523/support.

Transcribed - Published: 6 January 2025

We're joined by fellow podcaster and friend of the show, Andy Driscoll, to introduce a peculiar region in Massachusetts said to be home to concentrated high strangeness. We'll definitely be coming back to deep dive in these swamps for more details on particular claims but Andy gives us a great "hometown" introduction to this fascinating area. Video Segment with Jeff Bellanger introducing the topic (CBS News) The popular podcast Lore's coverage during their first season (2015) Pukwudgie Maushop Dighton Rock Larry Kusche Obituary and his Wiki Page More with Andy Driscoll: The Old Colony Cast (YouTube) or Apple Podcasts Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/monstertalk--6267523/support.

Transcribed - Published: 30 December 2024

One of the most "Christmas Ghost Story" ghost stories for Christmas that I've ever come across. Smee tells of a night of holiday revelry turned chilling and mysterious by the appearance of an unexpected attendee at the festivities. You can read along with the ebook by purchasing it here. (affiliate Link) Read more about A. M. Burrage if you like. (Wikipedia) Art for this episode is by one of my progeny. -B Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/monstertalk--6267523/support.

Transcribed - Published: 24 December 2024