Episode 34: The History of Thanksgiving, America’s Oldest Holiday with Melanie Kirkpatrick
Do you know the history beyond the famous “first Thanksgiving” feast of 1621? Our guest, Melanie Kirkpatrick, author of Thanksgiving: The Holiday at the Heart of the American Experience, spoke to us about this uniquely American holiday in episode 34. In our conversation, we discuss the heart of the tradition and what this holiday represents […]
Episode 33: Fairytales and their social and political implications with Dr. Jack Zipes
Are fairytales only for children? Our guest Jack Zipes argues that folktales and fairytales are not designed purely for the amusement of children but contain serious social and political implications. Dr. Zipes, a retired Professor from the University of Minnesota is known for his lectures on German literature, critical theory, German Jewish culture, children’s literature, […]
Episode 32: All about Asian mythological characters with graphic novelist Fairlane Raymundo
What do you know about Asian mythological characters? In episode 32, we spoke with Fairlane Raymundo the author of Aswang, the first graphic novel NFT inspired by Asian mythology and literature. Fairlane Raymundo is a Filipino-born, Californian resident who besides being an author, is also an illustrator, scriptwriter, and marketer with a YouTube Channel, Asian […]
Episode 31: Unmasking the Mysteries of Halloween: A Deep Dive with Lisa Morton
What do you know about Halloween? Halloween is one of the most popular holidays in America, and yet its origins are misunderstood. Lisa Morton, the author of the book Trick or Treat: The History of Halloween, a six-time winner of the Bram Stoker Award®, and also a world-class Halloween and paranormal expert, attempts to clarify […]
Episode 30: Folklore of Plants: Uncovering the Spooky Secrets of Portals to Other Worlds with Nina
Did you know there is a spooky side to plants? Nina Veteto is a long time forager, explorer, plant lover and artist who lives in the stunning Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina. She explores and forages special places, explains the folklore of plants, and inspires her followers to learn more about the botany of […]
Episode 29: Ghost Stories Throughout Time, and Around the World with Dr. Tok Thomspon
What ghost story has haunted you since you heard it? This spooky show with Tok Thompson, professor at University of Southern California, is part of our Halloween/ October series- all about ghosts and ghost stories and why they haunt us. Dr. Thompson teaches folklore and mythology, including a course called Ghost Stories: Throughout Time and […]
Episode 28: Eerie Tales with Southern Gothic host Brandon Schexnayder
Have you ever heard of the Curse of Juilia Brown, the voodoo priestess who supposedly destroyed a small Louisiana town. Join us as we step into the world of the eerie and infamous legends of the American South. Our guest, and fellow podcaster, Brandon Schexnayder helps us unravel the dark and creepy history of The […]
Episode 27: Blues Music, the African American Experience and Folklore
Episode 27: Blues Music, the African American Experience and Folklore Forget what you think you know about Blues Music and join us as we speak with award-winning Independent Filmmaker and radio journalist Lamont Jack Pearley who explains what blues music is and isn’t. Pearley is founder of the African American Folklorist Magazine and Podcast and […]
Episode 26: Chalk Horse Music and the Folklore Behind Their Folk Music
Do you have a favorite folk band? We might just have your new favorite that you didn’t even know was missing in your life? In episode 26 we speak with Liz Pearson, vocalist for the folk band Chalk Horse Music with songs inspired by local stories, legends and places. Stephen Thomas from Folkroom Records says […]
Episode 25: All About the Mahabharata and Reconnecting with One’s Roots
Did you know the Mahabharata is the longest epic poem ever written? At 100,000 verses, it is about 10 times the length of Homer’s Iliad and Odyssey combined. The Bhagavad Gita, a section of the epic, is considered one of the most important Hindu scriptures. Our guest, Parag Shan is an author on the Mahabharata, […]