Épisodes

  • The Only Thing We Have to Fear…is Apparently Everything

    The Only Thing We Have to Fear…is Apparently Everything
    Feb 20 2025
    Beware Friday the 13th! Yawns can invite Satan in!! Keep a steady supply of salt to cast away the Devil!!! Join us as we discuss season 1, episode 13 of Charmed, From Fear to Eternity, as we dive into the fascinating world of superstitions and where they come from.Trigger Warning: This episode contains a brief reference to animal cruelty - those poor black kitties.Learn more:Carnegie Museum of Natural History. (2024). Superstitions and black cats. https://carnegiemnh.org/superstitions-and-black-cats/#:~:text=In%20some%20European%20folklore%2C%20black,reliable%20weather%20predictor%20(3) Dell’Amore, C. (2025). Myth busted: Friday the 13th. National Geographic Kids. https://kids.nationalgeographic.com/history/article/myth-busted-friday-13th#:~:text=Origin%20story,unfortunate%20things%20happened%20on%20Fridays Hathaway, D. (2022, April 21). Are ladybugs good luck? Understanding this superstition. Love to Know. https://www.lovetoknow.com/home/design-decor/ladybugs-bring-good-luck Morton Salt Company (n.d.). The history of salt. https://www.lib.uchicago.edu/ead/pdf/century0030.pdf Mutual Benefit Group (2025). Bad-luck ladders: Ladder accidents and how to prevent them. https://www.mutualbenefitgroup.com/insurance-101/safety-on-the-job/bad-luck-ladders-ladder-accidents-and-how-to-prevent-them#:~:text=While%20origins%20of%20this%20myth,destined%20for%20the%20gallows%20yourself Neufeld, C. (1999). Speakerly women and scribal men. Oral Tradition, 14(2), 420-429. https://mospace.umsystem.edu/xmlui/bitstream/handle/10355/64783/OralTradition14-2-neufeld.pdf?sequence=1&isAllowed=y O. Walusinski, O., Meenakshisundaram, R., Thirumalaikolundusubramanian, P., Diwakar, S., & Dhanalakshmi, G. (2004). Yawning : comparative study of knowledge and beliefs, popular and medical. BMJ. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.328.7445.963-a S. D. (2024, February 13). Salt as warding off evil: Exploring the mysterious tradition across the globe. Medium. https://medium.com/@barkarole224/salt-as-warding-off-evil-exploring-the-mysterious-tradition-across-the-globe-fd602132073c Shesso, R. (2007). Math for mystics: from the Fibonacci sequence to Luna's labyrinth to the golden section and other secrets of sacred geometry. Weiser BooksTrasser, S. (2024, February 12). The power of black cats: Legends that haunt them, responsible adoptions. Mount St. Joseph University. https://www.msj.edu/news/2024/02/the-power-of-black-cats.html Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge. (2025). Black cats: Bad Luck or misunderstood?. https://education.turpentinecreek.org/2022/10/29/black-cats-bad-luck-or-misunderstood/#:~:text=Black%20cats%20are%20the%20source,evil%2C%20connected%20with%20the%20devil
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    57 min
  • Things That Go Bump in the Night: Indigenous Tales and Warnings

    Things That Go Bump in the Night: Indigenous Tales and Warnings
    Feb 6 2025

    T found the research for season 1, episode 12 on windigos so fascinating, she decided to dig a little deeper. In this brief special episode, join T as she recaps the lore around windigos and introduces what is known about skin-walkers! From cannibalism to dark magic, there is so much to explore!

    Trigger Warning: This episode references cannibalism, killings, and violence.

    Learn More:

    • Alexander, K. (2023, February). Navajo skinwalkers – Witches of the Southwest. Legends of America. https://www.legendsofamerica.com/navajo-skinwalkers/

    • Alford, P.E. (1992). Anglo-American perceptions of Navajo skinwalker legends. Contemporary Legend, 2, 119-136. https://scholarworks.iu.edu/journals/index.php/cl/article/view/34775/37978

    • Kellen. (2013, October 27). Skinwalkers, wendigos, and the witchery way. Denver Public Library Special Collections and Archives. https://history.denverlibrary.org/news/skinwalkers-wendigos-and-witchery-way

    • Mentz, S. (2020, October 9). Skin-walkers. Paranormal Investigation: Ghosts, Folklore, & More. https://blogs.uww.edu/paranormalinvestigation/2020/10/09/skinwalkers/

    • Navajo Traditional Teachings. (2023, September 11). Skinwalkers,demons, and the Evil One [Video]. YouTube. https://youtu.be/YC6ImkQLohE?si=FqxXJYN98Lv6qwhg

    • Shanclen Shadow Productions. (2023, September 1). Truth of skinwalkers... Stories from the Navajo Nation [Video]. YouTube. https://youtu.be/xKg1pYvhIYw?si=QgtK8n7wrerWcSnR

    • Skin-walker. (2024, October 30). In Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Skin-walker

    • Sky History. (n.d.). What is a skinwalker? Facts about the Native American legend. Sky History. https://www.history.co.uk/articles/from-skinwalkers-to-wendigos-4-native-american-myths-and-legends

    • UPARS. (2019, May 8). Navajo Ranger Jonathan Dover (04-16-19) skinwalkers, UFOs, Bigfoot & paranormal exploits [Video]. YouTube. https://youtu.be/oMhIaLvlw1E?si=dzKWFuEymo7vw3ds

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    13 min
  • Windigos: From Folklore to Fearsome Pop Culture Icons

    Windigos: From Folklore to Fearsome Pop Culture Icons
    Jan 23 2025

    In this chilling episode, we delve into the haunting legend of the Wendigo. Rooted in Indigenous folklore, this cannibalistic spirit embodies greed, hunger, and the perils of losing one’s humanity. We explore the origins of the Wendigo myth, its cultural significance, and its cautionary themes. Then, we shift our focus to pop culture, examining how the Wendigo has been reimagined in movies, TV shows, and literature—from terrifying monsters to psychological metaphors. Join us as we uncover the complex evolution of this legendary creature and what it reveals about our collective fears.

    Trigger Warnings: This episode contains topics of violence and cannibalism.

    Learn More:

    • DeSanti, B. (2018). Classroom cannibal: A guide on how to teach Ojibwe spirituality using the windigo and film. Journal of Religion & Film, 22(1), Article 36. https://doi.org/10.32873/uno.dc.jrf.22.01.36

    • McCauley, E. (2016, November 23). The mythology and misrepresentation of the windigo. Backstory. https://backstoryradio.org/blog/the-mythology-and-misrepresentation-of-the-windigo/

    • Ostberg, R. (2024). Wendigo. In Encyclopedia Britannica. Retrieved August 29, 2024 from https://www.britannica.com/topic/wendigo

    • Smith, K. (2021, November 30). More than monsters: The deeper significance of wendigo stories. Facing History and Ourselves. https://www.facinghistory.org/ideas-week/more-monsters-deeper-significance-wendigo-stories

    • Storied. (2019, August 28). Windigo: The flesh-eating monster of Native American legend [Video]. YouTube. https://youtu.be/guiuXIMZ2vE?si=4fwFhPANNNXY95vr

    • Turner, D. H. (1977). Windigo Mythology and the Analysis of Cree Social Structure. Anthropologica, 19(1), 63–73. https://doi.org/10.2307/25604977

    • Wendigo. Charmed Wiki. https://charmed.fandom.com/wiki/Wendigo

    Literature Referenced:

    • The House of the Seven Gables by Nathaniel Hawthorne (1851)

    • Pet Sematary by Stephen King (1983)

    • “Romance and Real Estate” (essay) by Walter Benn Michaels (1987)

    • The Round House by Louise Erdrich (2012)

    • Sacred Legend of the Sandy Lake Cree by James Stevens and Carl Ray (1971)

    • Strange Things: The Malevolent North in Canadian Literature by Margaret Atwood (1995)

    • Tracks by Louise Erdrich (2004)

    • The Wendigo by Algernon Blackwood (1910)

    • The Wendigo Border by Catherine Montrose (1995)

    • Windigo (poem) by Louise Erdrich (1984)
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    58 min
  • Mystic Visions and Ancient Rituals: The Third Eye, Astral Projection, and Egyptian Mummification

    Mystic Visions and Ancient Rituals: The Third Eye, Astral Projection, and Egyptian Mummification
    Jan 9 2025
    This episode takes you on a journey through the realms of the mystical and the ancient. We delve into the mysteries of the third eye, exploring its spiritual significance across cultures and its connection to heightened perception. Next, we traverse the astral plane, unpacking the phenomenon of astral projection and its place in both lore and practice. Finally, we step into the tombs of ancient Egypt to unravel the sacred art of mummification, uncovering its spiritual purpose and enduring fascination. Tune in for a fascinating blend of metaphysics, history, and culture! Learn More: Baum, H. (n.d.). Egyptian funerary practices and the first intermediate period. https://www.uc.edu/content/dam/refresh/cont-ed-62/olli/21-fall/egypt3.pdf Blanke, O., Landis, T., Spinelli, L., & Seeck, M. (2004). Out-of-body experience and autoscopy of neurological origin. Brain : a journal of neurology, 127(Pt 2), 243–258. https://doi.org/10.1093/brain/awh040 Buckland, R. (2018). Buckland’s complete book of Witchcraft. Llewellyn Publications. Buckley, L. (2024, October 24). Astral projection: How to have an out-of-body experience. Dreams. https://www.dreams.co.uk/sleep-matters-club/astral-projection Cox, D. (2015, October 30). Vampires, ghosts and demons: the nightmare of sleep paralysis. The Guardian. https://www.theguardian.com/science/blog/2015/oct/30/vampires-ghosts-and-demons-the-nightmare-of-sleep-paralysis Crawford, A.. (2023, April 27). Seeking truth in an age of lies [remarks]. Journalism department's annual scholarship awards ceremony, Connecticut. https://journalism.uconn.edu/2023/05/01/seeking-truth-in-an-age-of-lies/ Dale, C. (2020). Llewellyn’s complete book of chakras: Your definitive source of energy center knowledge for health, happiness, and spiritual evolution. Llewellyn Publications. Handy, A. B., Greenfield, S. F., Yonkers, K. A., & Payne, L. A. (2022). Psychiatric Symptoms Across the Menstrual Cycle in Adult Women: A Comprehensive Review. Harvard review of psychiatry, 30(2), 100–117. https://doi.org/10.1097/HRP.0000000000000329 Herbert, E. (2009, August 11). Once-a-month psychic: How PMS can make you more clairvoyant and how to hone your skills. Elle. https://www.elle.com/beauty/health-fitness/advice/a10376/once-a-month-psychic-338020/ McKee, T. (2024, November 4). How to perform astral projection. wikiHow. https://www.wikihow.com/Perform-Astral-Projection Mudgal, V., Dhakad, R., Mathur, R., Sardesa, R., & Pal, V. (2021, August 09) Astral projection: A strange out-of-body experience in dissociative disorder. Cureus, 13(8). doi:10.7759/cureus.17037 Preparation of the Mummy. (n.d.). Mortuary practices of ancient Egypt. http://myweb.usf.edu/~liottan/prepofthemummy.html Radford, B., McKelvie, C. (2022, February 25). Astral projection: Facts and theories. Live Science. https://www.livescience.com/27978-astral-projection.html Restivo, J. (2023, October 20). Sleep paralysis: Causes, symptoms, and treatments. Harvard Health Publishing. https://www.health.harvard.edu/diseases-and-conditions/sleep-paralysis-causes-symptoms-and-treatments Sheridan, A. (2020, April 6). Preserving the soul for the afterlife. Iowa State University: University Museums. https://www.museums.iastate.edu/virtual/blog/2020/04/06/preserving-the-soul-for-the-afterlife … For more resources: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1BGciIwoXKmhEmHHTbUv1WqNOiQRg6HFP3RD762se8VE/edit?usp=sharing
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    56 min
  • The Witch Is Back... with a Reading List!

    The Witch Is Back... with a Reading List!
    Dec 26 2024
    Lex briefly discusses Episode 9 of Season 1 Charmed with “The Witch is Back.” In the episode, the sisters summon their ancestor to help defeat a warlock she cursed. The sisters learn more about the Craft from their ancestor. Inspired by this, Lex shares a few resources, websites, books, and podcasts that may be of interest to anyone new or interested in Wicca or general witchy and pagan things. Learn more: Reading Resources: Buckland, R. (2002). Buckland’s complete book of witchcraft (2nd Edition). Llewellyn Publications. Cunningham, S. (1988). Wicca: A Guide for the solitary practitioner. Llewellyn Publications. Farrars, J. & Farrars, S. (1987). A Witches’ bible: The Complete witches’ handbook. Phoenix Publishing. King James Bible. Psalms 113:2-3. Retrieved from https://www.bible.com/bible/compare/PSA.113.2-3 McShane, R. (2023). TAMUC History Professor Busts Myths About The Salem Witch Trials. East Texas A&M. Retrieved 27 Nov. 2024. Starhawk (2011). The Spiral dance: A Rebirth of the ancient religion of the goddess: 10th Anniversary Edition. HarperCollins. Wigington, P. (2019). Biography of Gerald Gardner and the Gardnerian wiccan tradition. Learn Religions. Retrieved from https://www.learnreligions.com/what-is-gardnerian-wicca-2562910 – (2024). Blessed be: Wiccan phrases and meanings. Learn Religions. Retrieved from: https://www.learnreligions.com/what-is-blessed-be-2561872 – (2019). NeoWicca: Definition and meaning. Learn Religions. Retrieved from: https://www.learnreligions.com/what-is-a-neowicca-2561935 https://www.goodreads.com/shelf/show/baby-witch https://www.bookshopsantacruz.com/how-to-beginner-witch Listening Resources: Bundy, S. (Creator). (2023-2024). The Moon in Carolina. [audio podcast]. https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-moon-in-carolina/id1705751990 Burgess, C. C. (Creator). (2018-2021). The Word Witch. [audio podcast]. https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-word-witch/id1439486956 Mack, L. (Founder). (2017-2024). Tarot for the Wild Soul. [audio podcast].https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/tarot-for-the-wild-soul-with-lindsay-mack/id1253597385 Rise up! Good witch podcast (2018-2024). Rise up! Good witch: self care as resistance [audio podcast]. https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/rise-up-good-witch-podcast/id1378799340 Sanders, K. & Holmes, S. (hosts and producers). (2003-2024). The Herbal Highway [audio podcast]. 94.1 KPFA. https://kpfa.org/program/the-herbal-highway/page/98/ Tamed Wild (Creator). (2020-2024). Magick & Alchemy. [audio podcast]. https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/magick-alchemy/id1540643661 Witchy Business (Creator) (2023-2024). Witchy Business. [audio podcast]. https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/witchy-business/id1663300836 Yates Garcia, A. & Pennypacker Riggs, C. (Creators). (2018-2024). Between the Worlds. [audio podcast]. Retrieved from https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/between-the-worlds-podcast/id1437333094 Websites: https://www.ritualcravt.com/ https://tamedwild.com/
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    8 min
  • Deities and Demons: Hekate & Kali in Charmed

    Deities and Demons: Hekate & Kali in Charmed
    Dec 12 2024
    In this episode, we dive into the mystical world of Charmed to explore two powerful goddesses—Hekate and Kali. We uncover their fascinating origin stories, their roles in mythology, and the ways they have been worshipped or feared throughout history. Then, we shift focus to how these deities are represented in the series, examining the creative liberties taken and what it says about their place in popular culture. Join us as we blend mythology, magic, and media in this spellbinding discussion! TRIGGER WARNING: Some references to kidnapping, rape, sexual coercion, and violence are included in this episode as related to the episodes and to mythology. Learn more: The Arcana Wiki. (2019). Lasa. http://arcana.wikidot.com/lasa Atsma, A. J. (2019). Hekate. Theoi Project. https://www.theoi.com/Khthonios/Hekate.html British Museum and London Durgotsav Committee (2022, September 20). Feminine power: Welcoming a new goddess Kali icon. The British Museum. https://www.britishmuseum.org/blog/feminine-power-welcoming-new-goddess-kali-icon Cartwright, M. (2013, June 21). Kali. World History Encyclopedia. https://www.worldhistory.org/Kali/ Charmed Wiki. (n.d.). Jeweled poignard of the Order of the Stephanine Cross. https://charmed.fandom.com/wiki/Jeweled_Poignard_of_the_Order_of_the_Stephanine_Cross Conway, D. J. (2023). Maiden, Mother, Crone: The myth and reality of the Triple Goddess. Llewellyn Publications . Doniger, W. (2024, December 7). Kali: Hindu goddess. Encyclopedia Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/topic/Kali Grimassi, R. (2003). The Witch’s familiar: Spiritual partnerships for successful magic. Llewellyn publications. Mackay, D. (2024, June 13). Everything you need to know about Hecate (Maiden, Mother, Crone). The Collector. https://www.thecollector.com/hecate-goddess-magic-witchcraft/ The Met. (2024). Goddess Kali. Site name. https://www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/849495 Natesan, S. (2020, November 20). Ma Kali. Hindu American Foundation. https://www.hinduamerican.org/blog/ma-kali Palmer Museum of Art (n.d.). African brilliance: A diplomat’s sixty years of collecting, catalogue 27. https://exhibitions.psu.edu/s/african-brilliance/page/catalogue-27 Struck, P. T. (2020). Dictionary. University of Pennsylvania: Arts & Sciences Department of Classical Studies. https://www2.classics.upenn.edu/myth/php/tools/dictionary.php?regexp=HECATE&method=standard Took, T. (2013). Lasa. The obscure goddess online directory. https://www.thaliatook.com/OGOD/lasa.php Toothpickings. (2018, August 30). Vampires & mirrors: Shattering a myth. Medium. https://toothpickings.medium.com/vampires-mirrors-shattering-a-myth-bcb4199e0531
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    59 min
  • Dream Sorcer-eww

    Dream Sorcer-eww
    Nov 28 2024

    S1E5, Dream Sorcerer introduces the world’s most dangerous animal: man! Can you die in your sleep if you die in your dream? What is an unreliable narrator? Why did the actor for Berman decide to use THAT voice? This episode, we take a deep dive exploring a topic that is a little more serious and parallels the horrors of reality.


    TRIGGER WARNING: Throughout this episode there is frequent reference to sexual assault and aspects associated with this topic.


    Learn more:

    • https://news.web.baylor.edu/news/story/2018/hallucinations-full-moons-and-coffee-baylor-sleep-expert-debunks-common-sleep-myths
    • https://www3.nd.edu/~ghaeffel/OnineDating_Aron.pdf
    • https://reporter.rit.edu/tech/dear-online-dating-we-are-never-ever-getting-back-togetherlike-ever

    • https://www.bu.edu/com/articles/dating-apps-not-best-way-to-find-soulmate-but-still-worth-it-survey-says/
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    53 min
  • A Feast for Ghosts…and Us Romantics

    A Feast for Ghosts…and Us Romantics
    Nov 15 2024

    We’re moving on to Charmed, season 1 episode 4, “Dead Man Dating.” Mark, the only other man Trisha would have accepted for Piper if she couldn’t be with Leo, is a ghost who seeks help from the Charmed Ones. Meanwhile, Phebe dons her best I Dream of Jeannie costume and chases a man down about a wallet. During this episode, Lex and Trisha talk a bit about divination and explore Chinese beliefs in the afterworld.


    Learn more:

    Buckland, R. (2002). Buckland’s complete book of witchcraft (2nd Edition). Llewellyn Publications.


    Dale, C. (2016). LLewellyn’s Complete Book of Chakras: Your definitive source of energy center knowledge for health, happiness, and spiritual evolution. Llewellyn Publications.


    Mythology Worldwide. (2024, February 29). Ghosts and spirits in Chinese mythology. Mythology worldwide. https://mythologyworldwide.com/ghosts-and-spirits-in-chinese-mythology/


    Tadd, R. (2020, July 17). A journey through DI Yu - “Chinese hell”. China beasts and legends. (https://www.chinabeastsandlegends.com/blog/a-journey-through-di-yu-chinese-hell/a-journey-through-di-yu-chinese-hell


    Weatherhead East Asian Institute. (2024). The ten magistrates of the underworld realm. The Chinese cosmos. https://afe.easia.columbia.edu/cosmos/prb/underworld.htm


    Yama. (2024, September 23). In Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yama
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    44 min