Digital Folklore - podcast cover

Digital Folklore

Perry Carpenter & Mason Amadeus | Realmdigitalfolklore.fm
Digital Folklore is an immersive audio adventure that takes place inside a fictional universe, but explores the real-world truths behind various expressions of internet culture and how each holds up a mirror to the society from which they emerge. This podcast is great for audio fiction fans who really really want to enjoy interview-based shows, or for listeners who love expert interviews and insights but long for something unique and unexpected. Join Perry Carpenter and Mason Amadeus as they explore the wild and wonderful world of online folklore, encountering a wide range of characters—both real and fictional—who provide a wealth of folkloric insight while simultaneously creating new lore. With topics ranging from the absurd to the unsettling, the Digital Folklore podcast is an accessible and entertaining way to learn about folkloric concepts and societal truths. Oh...and be sure to listen carefully—you never know what you might find.

Episodes

Artifacts of Deception (Deceptive Minds - issue #2)

This is the 2nd of 2 sample episodes/issues of Perry's new audio newsletter, Deceptive Minds. If you enjoyed these and want to receive future editions, please subscribe here. ---- Hey friends! Here's issue 2 of Deceptive Minds: a newsletter about how we are fooled, how we fool ourselves, and what we can do about it. 🔥 Since starting this newsletter last week, we're already closing in on 3,000 subscribers to the print edition! 🔥 Huge thanks to everyone who's jumped in early! This week, I'm divi...

Apr 29, 202511 min

Introducing: Deceptive Minds (the audio experience)

Hey listeners, Perry Carpenter here. I've got something exciting that I think you'll be interested in. It's the audio version of a newsletter that I recently started. The newsletter is called Deceptive Minds, and it's all about how we are fooled, how we fool ourselves, and what we can do about it. I'm dropping the first two episodes/issues in this feed so you can decide if you like it and might be interested in subscribing to the ⁠audio⁠ or ⁠print⁠ versions. Oh -- and while I've got your attenti...

Apr 29, 20256 min

FAIK Miniseries (sneak peek) | Chapter 3: The Mindset and Tools of a Digital Manipulator

This is Part Three of a ten-part miniseries exploring Perry Carpenter's latest book, FAIK: A Practical Guide to Living in a World of Deepfakes, Disinformation, and AI-Generated Deceptions. Each episode kicks off with a dramatized reading of the "Whispers from the Static" vignette that opens the chapter, followed by an in-depth conversation with Perry Carpenter and Mason Amadeus, where they unpack the chapter's themes and real-world implications. Get the Book (Amazon Associate Link): FAIK: A Prac...

Oct 07, 202431 min

FAIK Miniseries (sneak peek) | Chapter 2: New Frontiers of Deception: AI and Synthetic Media

This is Part Two of a ten-part miniseries exploring Perry Carpenter's latest book, FAIK: A Practical Guide to Living in a World of Deepfakes, Disinformation, and AI-Generated Deceptions. Each episode kicks off with a dramatized reading of the "Whispers from the Static" vignette that opens the chapter, followed by an in-depth conversation with Perry Carpenter and Mason Amadeus, where they unpack the chapter's themes and real-world implications. Get the Book (Amazon Associate Link): FAIK: A Practi...

Sep 30, 202434 min

FAIK Miniseries (sneak peek) | Chapter 1: The Eternal Battle for the Mind

This is Part One of a ten-part miniseries exploring Perry Carpenter's latest book, FAIK: A Practical Guide to Living in a World of Deepfakes, Disinformation, and AI-Generated Deceptions. Each episode kicks off with a dramatized reading of the "Whispers from the Static" vignette that opens the chapter, followed by an in-depth conversation with Perry Carpenter and Mason Amadeus, where they unpack the chapter's themes and real-world implications. Get the Book (Amazon Associate Link): FAIK: A Practi...

Sep 30, 202435 min

UPDATE: Perry Made Something Cool...

B&N Preorder Link: https://faik.to/GetFAIKed Amazon Preorder Link: https://amzn.to/3Lg55kZ Barnes & Noble is offering 25% off of pre-order books until July 17th if you join their free rewards program. Perry's new book FAIK: A Practical Guide to Living in a World of Deepfakes, Disinformation, and AI-Generated Deceptions comes out October 1st of this year! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jul 11, 20242 min

Dr. Andrew Peck | Unplugged

Unplugged episodes are where we ditch all the fancy production and story elements and bring you the raw (or slightly edited) interviews with folklore experts. On today’s episode, Mason & Perry got to speak with Andrew Peck. This was a very special interview for us because it ties all the way back to the ending lines of season 1 episode 1. If it’s been a while since you’ve listened to that episode, you may have forgotten that we ended with a quote from Andrew’s paper: Tall, Dark, and Loathsome: T...

May 13, 202444 min

After the Episode | S2E10 (No-clipping Reality)

Perry & Mason catch up after the production of Season Two! Alas, Perry's audio track suffered some stuttering - but the gang reconvenes to debrief after a chaotic and wonderful adventure. Things we mentioned: How chaotically this episode came together, and we hint vaguely about a bunch of really cool stuff we almost did - and will be doing in the future. Some insight into details of the season's production, sound design, writing, etc. Mason brings up the "Dead Internet Theory" which he didn't cl...

Mar 11, 202451 min

No-Clipping Reality (Liminal Spaces & Possibility)

No-Clipping Reality (Liminal Spaces & Possibility) Out of the frying pan, and into the... backrooms, I guess? Welcome to the final episode of Digital Folklore's second season! We hope you've enjoyed the ride so far. Perry and Mason wander through endless, yellow, dank, decrepit hallways. Will they find Digby? Will Todd find them? What's going on? Where do we go from here? I don't know, I just write the shownotes. Speaking of writing the shownotes - Hey, if you're reading this - please join our D...

Feb 29, 202444 minSeason 2Ep. 10

After the Episode | S2E9 (Unwrapping our Presence)

Perry & Mason catch up after the production of the last episode! Things we mentioned: Perry & Mason discuss their most/least favorite emoji, their favorite contemporary legends, and their own embarrassing browser histories! Todd is real, and cursed Mason's editing computer. Mason reveals that he owns PregnantSonic.com, which points to the patreon page for the excellent audio drama podcast Inn Between (which Mason is a character on in the current season!) Perry retells an upsetting legend to Maso...

Feb 05, 202435 min

Unwrapping Our Presence (Folklorist Favorites)

Unwrapping Our Presence (Folklorist Favorites) Trapped by local small business owner, Todd, the gang attempts a daring escape. However, the fabric of this reality seems to be unraveling around them. Will they escape? Is this how they ended up driving off a cliff? Is Digby going to set off on his own, or stick with the crew? Tune in for all the answers - or perhaps, just more questions. In This Episode: Several familiar voices from season two, all together! Folklorists' favorite (and least favori...

Feb 02, 202447 minSeason 2Ep. 9

Dr. Ian Brodie | Unplugged

Unplugged episodes are where we ditch all the fancy production and story elements and bring you the raw (or slightly edited) interviews with folklore experts. On today’s episode, Mason & Perry got to speak with Ian Brodie. Dr. Brodie leads us through a fascinating discussion about humor, absurdism, dad jokes, improv, and the human condition. Ok, let’s get unplugged… Guest: Dr. Ian Brodie (Twitter) (LinkedIn) (YouTube) (Website) Additional Resources (Books are Amazon Associates Links to help supp...

Jan 25, 202451 min

After the Episode | S2E8 (The Death of Meaning)

Perry & Mason catch up after the production of the last episode. Things we mentioned: We are joined again by our interview editor and all around great guy, Matthew Bliss! Let's talk about Todd We forecast the upcoming 'Unplugged Episode' with Ian Brodie Mason says, "I'm gonna say absolutely nothing useful" and then shares something mildly interesting. Listener messages and shout outs Episode editing by Matt Bliss of MBPod. If you want to find the extra clips and BTS snippets, join our Discord se...

Jan 15, 202441 min

The Death of Meaning (Gen Z Humor, Absurdism, & Trust in Platforms)

The Death of Meaning (Gen Z Humor, Absurdism, & Trust in Platforms) The gang reconvenes! Perry & Mason venture once again into Todd's Pawn Shop, just in time for "Dada December" - but it would seem that the prices aren't the only unbelievable thing there... In This Episode: Two familiar voices! Why is Gen Z humor so absurd? Or... is it even that unique? How our trust in online platforms has been eroded. Expressions of authenticity online. What we can learn from studying humor. Several easter egg...

Jan 08, 202452 minSeason 2Ep. 8

Ben Radford | Unplugged

Welcome to Digital Folklore Unplugged! Unplugged episodes are where we ditch all the fancy production and story elements and bring you the raw (or slightly edited) interviews with folklore experts. On this episode, Perry & Mason sit down with Ben Radford to get the lowdown on creepy clowns, media literacy, the influence of folklore, and the psychological aspects of human beliefs. We touch on how misinformation and panic are spread through hoaxes and social media, using the example of clown sight...

Dec 25, 20231 hr

A Special Holiday Message for You

Happy Holidays! Everyone here at Digital Folklore wants to extend their holiday well-wishes, as well as a special reading of a classic Christmas poem. Thank you, for everything. We wouldn't be here if it weren't for you! Happy holidays, happy new year, and to all a good night. 🗣 Join our Discord community 💁‍♀️ Support us on Patreon 🕸 Sign-up for our newsletter, check our our merch, and learn more about the show at digitalfolklore.fm. 📚 Check our book list for some great folklore-related book...

Dec 24, 20239 min

Digital Folklore: The Journey So Far

In this special catch-up episode, Digital Folklore podcast creators Perry Carpenter and Mason Amadeus have a candid chat about the show so far. They spill behind-the-scenes secrets about unexpected plot twists, their creative process for audio storytelling, and how they brought this modern folklore to life. You'll also learn some fun and interesting ways their real life circumstances have woven their way into the show's mythos. The hosts share behind-the-scenes insights from interviews and empha...

Dec 11, 202356 min

Dr. Andrea Kitta | Unplugged

Welcome to Digital Folklore Unplugged! Unplugged episodes are where we ditch all the fancy production and story elements and bring you the raw (or slightly edited) interviews with folklore experts. In this interview Perry and Mason speak with Dr. Andrea Kitta. Dr. Kitta provides her thoughts on the importance of being able to view world events and trends through the lens of folklore. We also hit on how both positive and negative forms of folklore arose during the pandemic. Folklore and public he...

Dec 04, 202356 min

After the Episode | S2E7 (If Memory Serves)

Perry & Mason catch up after the production of the last episode. Things we mentioned: We formally introduce Matthew Bliss! Geeking out about audio stuff Perry and Mason remember being floored by receiving an email from Andrew Peck after the pilot episode We are in awe of Andrea Kitta Listener messages Episode editing by Matt Bliss of MBPod. If you want to find the extra clips and BTS snippets, join our Discord server using the link below! 🗣 Join our Discord community 💁‍♀️ Support us on Patreon...

Dec 04, 202339 min

If Memory Serves (The Mandela Effect, Trust vs. Truth, & AI)

If Memory Serves (Mandela Effect, Folk Trust, & AI) We split the party! While Perry is searching for answers to all the inexplicable weird things happening lately, Mason is searching for Digby. Meanwhile, Digby is out to find his place in the world as an artificially-intelligent raccoon - and he just so happens to catch a ride with Andrew Peck. Perry finds something strange in a pre-recorded interview with Andrea Kitta, and as the crew goes their separate ways... it seems that everything is conv...

Nov 30, 20231 hr 2 minSeason 2Ep. 7

Dr. Kristina Downs | Unplugged

Welcome to Digital Folklore Unplugged! Unplugged episodes are where we ditch all the fancy production and story elements and bring you the raw (or slightly edited) interviews with folklore experts. On this episode, Perry got to speak with Dr. Kristina Downs. This was a fun one. We talk about conspiracies at the Dallas zoo, the power of memes and satire accounts, meme warfare, and tons of fun with urban legends. Ok, let’s get unplugged… Guest: Dr. Kristina Downs (Twitter) (Podcast) Additional Res...

Nov 21, 202354 min

After the Episode | S2E6 (Statistically Conscious)

Perry & Mason catch up after the production of the last episode. Things we mentioned: We start off way too formal for some reason... New AI gadgets. A notebook/pen combo and StarTrek like communicator pin. AI and the human condition. Mason hates doing sound design for footsteps. A bit of listener feedback We feel sad for Digby Hints at what and who to expect on the next episode Episode editing by Matt Bliss of MBPod. If you want to find the extra clips and BTS snippets, join our Discord server u...

Nov 15, 202333 min

Statistically Conscious (Artificial Intelligence)

Statistically Conscious (Artificial Intelligence) After the procedure revealed that Digby's implant is essentially running an artificial intelligence, Digby falls into an existential crisis about whether or not he is actually a sapient being. Mason is worried because the podcast is falling behind on production, and Digby is not helping. He and Perry decide to try and kill two birds with one stone by interviewing experts on artificial intelligence. They learn about how the technology works, the i...

Nov 13, 20231 hr 4 minSeason 2Ep. 6

Dr. Jeana Jorgensen | Unplugged

Welcome to Digital Folklore Unplugged! Unplugged episodes are where we ditch all the fancy production and story elements and bring you the raw (or slightly edited) interviews with folklore experts. On this episode, Perry & Mason sit down with Dr. Jeana Jorgensen. We touch on several key themes in this interview… everything from the multidisciplinary nature of Folklore Studies, to the value of studying folklore, the dark side of folklore… how it can be weaponized, and a whole lot more. Ok, let’s ...

Nov 08, 202351 min

After the Episode | S2E5 (Down the Raccoon Hole)

Perry & Mason catch up after the production of the last episode. Things we mentioned: Mason's continued travel adventures and mishaps Mick West's interview on Perry's other podcast, 8th Layer Insights. Mason talks about the movie in his head that forms the sound design for the opening scene Crazy stuff about creepy clowns Apparently attending the ISCLR event this year was great for finding guests! Everything connects to Mick West LOTS of listener messages... and Digby got fan mail! Fun with Chat...

Nov 03, 202337 min

Down The Raccoon Hole (Deprogramming Conspiracies & Creepy Clown Lore)

Down the Raccoon Hole (Deprogramming Conspiracies & Creepy Clown Lore) Digby is fully lost in a conspiracy rabbit hole. Perry dreams of an earlier interview he did with Mick West about how people get wrapped-up in conspiracies which shakes loose the memory of an underground 'deprogramming' center. The gang trick Digby into a road trip to the deprogramming center by telling him that the location is actually the enemy's secret headquarters. In This Episode: We continue to play with our intro seque...

Oct 31, 20231 hr 7 minSeason 2Ep. 5

Dr. Sara Cleto and Dr. Brittany Warman | Unplugged

Welcome to Digital Folklore Unplugged! Unplugged episodes are where we ditch all the fancy production and story elements and bring you the raw (or slightly edited) interviews with folklore experts. On this episode, Perry & Mason speak with Dr. Sara Cleto and Dr. Brittany Warman from the Carterhaugh School of Folklore & the Fantastic. You’ll hear early on that we were interviewing them primarily as part of our “Why is Old Tech Creepy” episode from last season… so we touched on themes of The Gothi...

Oct 23, 20231 hr 2 min

After the Episode | S2E4 (Think of the Children)

Perry & Mason catch up after the production of the last episode. Things we mentioned: Joel Best as a jack o'lantern, on Adam Ruins Everything. Elizabeth (Libby) Tucker We won 5 awards from the Signal Awards! Digital Void and Josh Chapdelaine The jorts revival we all feared. Ben Radford and the Squaring the Strange Podcast Episode editing by Matt Bliss of MBPod and Blissery.fm. If you want to find the extra clips and BTS snippets, join our Discord server using the link below! 🗣 Join our Discord ...

Oct 17, 202334 min

Think of the Children (Halloween Sadism & Internet Challenges)

Think of the Children (Halloween Sadism & Internet Challenges) After MEMExpo, the crew reconvenes to find Digby in a state of absolute chaos. He has absorbed every conspiracy he could find, and linked it all back to a pipeline starting with tainted Halloween candy. In an effort to convince Digby that he is being ridiculous, Perry and Mason decide to do some research... In This Episode: Joel Best as a jack o'lantern, from Adam Ruins Everything. Guests: Joel Best, professor of sociology and crimin...

Oct 16, 20231 hr 1 minSeason 2Ep. 4

Dr. Lynne S. McNeill (Part 2) | Unplugged

Welcome to another installment of Digital Folklore Unplugged. Unplugged episodes are all about stripping away the fancy production elements so that we can give you access to raw (or slightly edited) interviews with folklore experts. This is part two of our interview with Dr. Lynne McNeill. If you’ve not yet listened to part 1, you can find it here… but that’s not really necessary to appreciate today’s discussion. Lynne McNeill’s name is nearly synonymous with the study of Digital Folklore. Her w...

Oct 09, 202359 min
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