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PODCAST

MonsterTalk

MonsterTalk: The Science Show About Monsters is a free audio podcast that critically examines the science behind cryptozoological (and legendary) creatures, such as Bigfoot, the Loch Ness Monster, or werewolves. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/monstertalk--6267523/support.

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All Episodes

40:31

S05E23 - The Stately Ghosts of England (pt2)

MonsterTalk ·

2026/03/23

Part two of our discussion of the interesting made-for-TV film The Stately Ghosts of England(1965). Blake and Karen are joined by Matt Baxter and this is a continuation of part 1. The film stars Margaret Rutherford, her husband Stringer Davis, and celebrity clairvoyant Tom Corbett.Extended notes at http://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.

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37:02

S05E22 - The Stately Ghosts of England (pt1)

MonsterTalk ·

2026/03/16

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.

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57:12

BONUS: Weirdumentary with Gary Rhodes

MonsterTalk ·

2026/03/08

I'm excited to be posting this BONUS content - an interview with film historian Gary D. Rhodes. Gary is joining me to talk about his newest book Weirdumentary: Ancient Aliens, Fallacious Prophecies, and Mysterious Monsters from 1970s Documentaries. I can't overstate how enjoyable this book was and how likely listeners to MonsterTalk and In ReSearch Of... are to be equally thrilled with it.extended episode notes available on our website. Become a supporter of this podcast:

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55:55

S05E21 - Dragons & Trolls of the Marsh

MonsterTalk ·

2026/03/01

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

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52:11

S05E20 - Cults, Corps, and the Culinary with...

MonsterTalk ·

2026/02/22

We're joined by Christina Ward of Feral House publishing to talk about the intersection of food, culture, belief, control, and the weird as she tells us about two of her recent projects: American Advertising Cookbooks and Holy Food.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/monstertalk--6267523/support.Some product links may be affiliated with Amazon revenue sharing.

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48:02

S05E19 A Season of Madness - Old World Carnival with...

MonsterTalk ·

2026/02/16

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.

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41:21

S05E18 - America Bewitched with Owen Davies (part 2)

MonsterTalk ·

2026/02/09

In part two of our two-part interview with Owen Davies, we continue the discussion of witches and witch prosecutions 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

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33:39

S05E17 - America Bewitched with Owen Davies (part 1)

MonsterTalk ·

2026/02/01

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

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48:07

S05E16 Greenland Sharks with Greg Skomal

MonsterTalk ·

2026/01/26

We are joined by author and researcher Greg Skomal to talk about the mysterious and long-lived Greenland Shark. Books by Greg:Chasing Shadows: Unraveling the Mysteries of the Great White Shark - Greg's book about Great Whites The Shark Handbook 3rd Edition: The Essential Guide for Understanding the Sharks of the World by Greg SkomalThe Great White Shark HandbookAdditional online reading:Greenland SharkCookie Cutter Shark Ommatokoita - the eye parasite endemic to Greenland SharksNew paper on the

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50:35

S05E15 Ghosted with Alice Vernon

MonsterTalk ·

2026/01/19

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

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39:52

S05E14 The Case of the Missing Thunderbird Photo

MonsterTalk ·

2026/01/12

Blake and Karen discuss the legendary photo said to capture 19th century cowboys or soldiers with a giant bird or pterosaur.SHOW NOTE LINKS:The original Tombstone Epitaph article about the winged creatureKarl Shuker's blogged several times on the Thunderbird Photo and wrote a eulogy for Mark Chovinsky, author of a thorough Strange Magazine article about the Thunderbird photo.Ivan T. Sanderson figures into the story prominently. Kevin J. Guhl has written an extensive article about this.I think all

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45:27

S05E13 - Liminal Space Invaders

MonsterTalk ·

2026/01/05

We talk with journalist Lana Hall about her piece The Dead Mall Society, which details her journey to decaying malls in the Toronto area in search of Liminal Spaces.Liminality (Wikipedia)Victor Turner: Liminality and Communitas (PDF)The Liminality Project (blog)Liminal Space (Wikipedia)The Backrooms CreepyPasta (Wikipedia)Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/monstertalk--6267523/support.Some product links may be affiliated with Amazon revenue sharing.

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51:12

S05E12 The Secret History of Lizard People

MonsterTalk ·

2025/12/29

Friend of the show Dr. Joe Laycock returns to talk about LIZARD PEOPLE with us. He also has a new book: The Penguin Book of CultsJoe's Books:Penguin Book of Cults (publisher) (amazon affiliate link)The Exorcist Effect: Horror, Religion, and Demonic Belief (affiliate link)Other topics of discussion:Shadow KingdomBrotherhood of the White TempleShaver MysteriesKullDark Shadows (Soap Opera) "Leviathan" storylineThe Naga who wanted to be a priestSerpent PeopleAum Shenrikyo Japanese death cultSkeptoid

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33:40

Christmas Special #13 - The Mezzotint by M. R. James

MonsterTalk ·

2025/12/22

It took a minute but I finally managed to read one of these "live" to my own family for the holidays. This is such an evocative story that I wanted to add a little art to the mix. I really want to put together a slow but detailed "animated gif" that goes through the cycles of the print as described in the tale - and maybe I'll get around to that at some point.But for now here is some really nice artwork that captures the ideas of the tale in gothic majesty. This piece is by Catherine Gogerty. (link

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49:19

S05E11 Ghostly Encounters with Richard Estep

MonsterTalk ·

2025/12/15

Blake and Karen visit again with Colorado author of paranormal and true crime, Richard Estep. Richard's Booksdiscussed in this episode:Ghostly EncountersThe Horrors of Fox Hollow FarmMothman: Sightings and Investigations of the Iconic Flying CryptidHelp is on the Way (pre-order for Feb 2026 Richard's memoir of being a paramedic)Monsters: Myths, Legends and Real Encounters (pre-order March 2026)Additional Links:The Hamlyn Book of Ghosts (affiliate)The Haunting of Borley Rectory: The Story of a Ghost

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49:00

S05E10_Monstertalk

MonsterTalk ·

2025/12/08

Episode Summary: In this episode, hosts Blake Smith and Dr. Karen Stollznow catch up on recent headlines and new literature. First, Blake discusses a "ripped from the headlines" update regarding the 2014 Slender Man stabbing case. We revisit the tragic story of Morgan Geyser, her recent escape from a halfway house, and the media’s handling of the mental health and transgender aspects of the story.Later, Karen reviews a pre-publication copy of the upcoming book How to Build a Haunted House: The

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28:08

S05E09 Flashback: Bad Wolf

MonsterTalk ·

2025/12/02

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

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38:51

S05E08 A Survey of Frogmen Festivals

MonsterTalk ·

2025/11/24

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 FrogThe Myth of DisenchantmentFrogman Festival 2026Close 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

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62:26

S05E07 A Haunted Chest of Drawers

MonsterTalk ·

2025/11/17

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 DrawersAGT: Special Head (levitation trick)The Indian Rope Trick - Penn & Teller documentary about the history of the trickDavid Berglas - Magician and Skeptical InvestigatorMassimo

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55:04

S05E06 Monster Manual & Mamer

MonsterTalk ·

2025/11/10

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 & DemigodsBBC: The Great 1980s D&D PanicMichael 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

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