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PODCAST

Fabric of Folklore

Fabric of Folklore

Folktales can be strange, mystical, macabre and intriguing. Join us as we explore the stories, culture and people behind the folklore. We go beyond retelling the legends, myths and fairy tales of old. We look at the story behind the lore, behind the songs and traditions to understand more about what they mean, and their importance. These stories, many originating as oral histories, inform us of what it means to be human; what it means to be an integral part of this Earth. Stories of magic and wonder

society & culture

All Episodes

63:31

Yara Ma Yha Who: Fairy Tale Flip Ep 19

Fabric of Folklore ·

2025/09/30

Forget Dracula. Australia has its own vampire story—and it’s stranger than you think. Have you heard of the bloodsucking creature that hides in Australia’s fig trees? In episode 19 of Fairytale Flip, we dive into the Aboriginal Australian myth of the Yara-Ma-Yahoo: a toothless, red-skinned, frog-like vampire that preys on those resting beneath fig trees, draining their blood and slowly transforming them into the very monster they feared. We compare this chilling tale to European fairy tales a...

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5:51

Yara Ma Yha Who: Storytelling Mini-Episode 3

Fabric of Folklore ·

2025/09/15

Have you heard of the vampiric predator roaming the Australian Outback in search of unsuspecting victims? In this storytelling mini-episode, I share a chilling tale from the fig groves of Australia: the story of the Yara-Ma-Yha-Who. This eerie, red-skinned, toad-like creature lurks in the treetops, draining the blood of wanderers before its terrifying queen appears to finish the job. Poachers shouldn’t be poaching, but did he deserve the toe-curling, blood-sucking encounter with these monstro...

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4:35

Belling the Cat, An Aesop Tale: Mini episode...

Fabric of Folklore ·

2025/09/02

In this STORYTELLING episode of Fabric of Folklore, Vanessa Y Rogers narrates the classic Aesop's fable, 'The Belling of the Cat.' The story revolves around a group of mice trying to outsmart a stealthy cat threatening their lives. A young mouse proposes the ingenious solution of belling the cat, but the older, wiser mouse raises the crucial question: who will bell the cat? We delve into the inherently cautionary nature of Aesop's fables, explaining why their endings often feel incomplete and...

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6:29

The Frogs who Wished for a King: Mini episode,...

Fabric of Folklore ·

2025/09/02

In this mini storytelling episode, we share and reflect on the classic Aesop fable, "The Frogs Who Wished for a King." The story follows a community of frogs living peacefully in their pond, who become dissatisfied with their simple lives and ask Jupiter, the king of the gods, for a ruler. Their wish is granted—first with a passive king (a log), then with a dangerous one (a crowned crane). In the original tale it was a water snake. In many other versions its a stork. I changed the bird to a c...

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31:50

Fairy Tale Flip Ep 18 (Pt 2) : Sleeping Beauty

Fabric of Folklore ·

2025/08/19

What hidden messages lie within the fairy tale Sleeping Beauty? In Part 2 of our deep dive, we explore the layers of meaning in this timeless story—examining the prince’s motivations, the surprising motif of cannibalism, and the moral and spiritual lessons woven throughout. Building on Part 1’s look at the earliest origins, we turn to the influence, propaganda, and messaging behind the versions of Charles Perrault and the Brothers Grimm. We also trace modern adaptations, German mythology, and...

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40:41

Fairy Tale Flip Ep 18: Sleeping Beauty

Fabric of Folklore ·

2025/08/18

Do you know the dark and hidden origins of Sleeping Beauty? In Episode 18 of Fairy Tale Flip, we dive into the evolution of this classic story and the political messaging woven into its earliest versions. While today’s Sleeping Beauty feels like a simple romantic tale, its European roots stretch back nearly 700 years—and the oldest versions are far more unsettling. We explore the Arthurian romance Perceforest and Giambattista Basile’s Sun, Moon, and Talia, uncovering themes of displaced nobil...

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54:34

Fairy Tale Flip Ep 17: The Mythology of Sedna, The...

Fabric of Folklore ·

2025/07/04

You may have heard of Poseidon, the Greek god of the seas—but have you heard of Sedna, the Inuit sea goddess of marine life? In this episode, we dive into the mythological story of the mermaid-like goddess who is transformed from a young woman into a powerful deity without hands. We discuss the story’s various versions and cultural significance, as well as Sedna’s role as steward of the natural world. Themes of betrayal, sacrifice, and empowerment are explored throughout. We also look at the ...

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58:11

Fairy Tale Flip Ep 16: Persephone and Hades: Love,...

Fabric of Folklore ·

2025/05/15

Ep 16: Persephone and Hades: Love, Power, or Possession? Persephone and Hades, love story or horror story? That is the question we ask in Fairytale Flip episode 16. Is the ancient Greek myth of these gods a myth about romance or captivity? The story, although often used to explain the different seasons, is about so much more than how spring and winter came to be. We explore controversial themes of abduction, power and marriage, the empowerment of women in modern retellings, and the intersecti...

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53:50

Ep 15: Wild Swans - Fairy Tale Flip

Fabric of Folklore ·

2025/03/31

Buckle up, fairy tale enthusiasts! We're kicking off this magical episode with some thrilling news – we're launching a Fairytale Journal! Its in draft mode so we want your input! But that's just the beginning of our enchanted journey. Today, we're diving headfirst into the mesmerizing world of Hans Christian Andersen's "The Wild Swans." Episode 15 is nothing short of a wild ride as we unravel the threads of this captivating tale, exploring its hidden depths and shimmering symbolism. We ...

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76:52

Ep 72: Food, Fun & Festivals: Exploring Traditions...

Fabric of Folklore ·

2025/02/26

Why Are Festivals Culturally Important? In Episode 72, we sit down with Jacob Quijas, host of the Viva La Festiva podcast, to explore the vibrant world of festivals. From the evolution of iconic events like Burning Man to the unexpected charm of the Wife Carrying Championship—a quirky tradition originating in Finland but celebrated worldwide—we cover it all. We also dive into lesser-known but fascinating festivals like The Blob fest, Krampus parades, Pickle Fest, and Renaissance Fairs, uncove...

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65:45

Ep 71: The Liminal World of Fairies: History, Myth,...

Fabric of Folklore ·

2025/02/12

How have fairies evolved in their representations from pre-Christian times to the modern day? In Episode 71, Ivy Lewis—veteran, war artist, novelist, and folklore specialist—explores the roles of fairies across cultures, their liminal existence, and their modern portrayals in contemporary literature. We also discuss demonic possession and how medieval Christian views of the afterlife have shaped modern interpretations of fairies. Additionally, we examine the connection between the natural wor...

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78:42

Ep 70: Middle Eastern Tales and Their Impact on...

Fabric of Folklore ·

2025/01/30

Did you know that many of the stories we recognize as Western, likely have origins in the Middle East? In episode 70 we are joined by author and scholar Ulrich Marzolp as we explore the rich tapestry of folklore across cultures, particularly focusing on narratives originating in Persia. Ulrich shares his extensive research on how these tales, including the classics like Arabian Nights, have influenced Western oral traditions and how they act as cultural bridges. We discuss his recent book, "1...

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69:25

Ep 69: The Power of a Name with Alexandra (Sasha)...

Fabric of Folklore ·

2025/01/22

What is the power of a name? In this episode, we sit down with Alexandra Aikhenvald, Professor at the Jawun Research Centre at Central Queensland University (Cairns) and an Australian Laureate Fellow. Alexandra shares her extensive fieldwork experiences in north-west Amazonia (Brazil) and the Sepik region of New Guinea, diving into the significance of 'blessing names' within Amazonian cultures and reflecting on the devastating effects of colonial invasion on traditional knowledge.She also ope...

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51:58

Ep 14: Fairy Tale Flip: La Befana, The Italian...

Fabric of Folklore ·

2025/01/17

Have you ever wondered why some folktales stand the test of time, captivating generation after generation? Join me, Vanessa Y Rogers, and my insightful co-host Donna Lee Fields from Scaffolding Magic, as we unravel the enchanting legend of La Befana, Italy's beloved witchy gift-giver. This episode of Fairytale Flip takes you on a journey through the intriguing story of Old Bafana—a tale wrapped in Christmas, Epiphany traditions, and the enduring themes of redemption and transformation. As we ...

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73:57

Ep 68: Krampus and Other Frightening Christmas...

Fabric of Folklore ·

2024/12/21

Is Krampus a villain we should fear, or is he Santa's sidekick?In episode 68, we speak with Jeff Belanger—author, podcaster, storyteller, and explorer of the unexplained who specializes in paranormal phenomena, folklore, and legends. His latest book, The Fright Before Christmas: Surviving Krampus and Other Yuletide Monsters, Witches, and Ghosts, explores the darker aspects of Christmas folklore.We delve into various mythical creatures associated with the holiday season, such as Krampus, Belsn...

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80:17

Ep 67: Christmas Ghost Stories: Exploring the Lost...

Fabric of Folklore ·

2024/12/06

In Episode 67, Tony Walker—author, narrator, and host of the popular YouTube channel Classic Ghost Stories—delves into the fascinating tradition of Christmas ghost stories. Known for his weekly podcast where he reads ghost stories, horror tales, and weird fiction, Tony takes us on a journey through the cultural significance and evolution of this unique holiday custom.In this episode, we examine three iconic Christmas ghost stories: A Christmas Carol, Sir Gawain and the Green Knight, and A Dis...

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87:11

The Medieval Harvest and Christmas Celebrations with...

Fabric of Folklore ·

2024/11/26

Were the medieval times a dull era? In episode 66 Alli Templeton, a historian and author of the blog Medieval Wanderings, sets the record straight. She describes the period as colorfully vibrant and absolutely fascinating. Our discussion focuses on the traditions around the harvest, the importance of community and Christmas celebrations. We discuss the societal structure of the Middle Ages, including feudalism, the roles of women, and the significance of agricultural cycles. Allie describes m...

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53:31

Fairy Tale Flip Ep 13: La Llorona, the Mexican...

Fabric of Folklore ·

2024/11/21

Have you encountered the Latin American hauntress, La llorona? In episode 13 of Fairy Tale Flip we delve into the haunting folktale of La Llorona, exploring its origins, symbolism, and cultural implications. We trace the many and varied roots of La Llorona, from the first documentation in 1550 to its connections with Aztec mythology and themes of grief. We also discuss global variations and interpretations, highlighting the portrayal of women as "monsters" in folklore and societal narratives ...

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56:52

Fairy Tale Flip Ep 12: The Girl Who Danced with...

Fabric of Folklore ·

2024/11/07

What do fairies have to do with Halloween? And should you be afraid? That is the question we discuss in episode 12 of Fairy Tale Flip this month while exploring "The Girl Who Danced with Fairies, An Irish Halloween Tale." We take a deep dive into the history of Halloween in Ireland, including Samhain, celebrated by the Celts 2,000 years ago. While diving deep into symbolic elements, we examine dancing, music, food, spiritual growth, and self-discovery. Of course, we also explore fairy abducti...

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80:07

Ep 65: Superstitions and Folklore Around the World...

Fabric of Folklore ·

2024/10/30

Do you knock on wood or hold your breath when driving past a graveyard? Superstitions are a fascinating aspect of cultures worldwide. In episode 65, D.R. McElroy explores various superstitions from every major continent, delving into their psychological roots and their prevalence in performance-based professions. Following the structure of the handbook, each segment highlights a unique superstition as we journey around the globe. Join us for this intriguing exploration of superstitions!Book:&...

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94 results

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