What Makes US Tick
Ticks, Lyme disease, exsanguinated cows and other fun with Dr. Danielle Tufts. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/monstertalk--6267523/support .
Aug 09, 2019•1 hr 2 min•Ep. 196
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.
Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/monstertalk--6267523/support.
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Episodes
Thomas Jefferson: Monster Hunter
The shocking true story of our nation's first president cryptozoologist. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/monstertalk--6267523/support .
Jul 29, 2019•1 hr 16 min•Ep. 195
The Mapinguari Is Not The Territory
Are the legends of the Mapinguari based on sightings of a Giant Sloth? Dr. Richard A. Fariña helps us compare the lore to the fossil record. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/monstertalk--6267523/support .
Jul 15, 2019•1 hr 8 min•Ep. 194
The Shaver Mysteries (Part 2)
In part two of our Shaver Mystery coverage, we look at the influence of Ray Palmer and Richard Shaver on Science Fiction, UFOlogy, and the cultural fringe. (Part two of our Shaver Mystery coverage featuring Drs. Jerry Drake and Jeb Card). Read the episode notes Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/monstertalk--6267523/support ....
Jun 28, 2019•1 hr 43 min•Ep. 193
The Shaver Mysteries (Part 1)
In this episode of MonsterTalk, we get a brief overview of the history of Hollow Earth theories and start our deep dive into the topic of The Shaver Mystery with repeat guests Dr. Jerry Drake and Dr. Jeb Card. Weird-Science, lost civilizations, UFOs, and Nazis — this story has more threads than a fancy bedsheet set! Read the episode notes Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/monstertalk--6267523/support ....
Jun 18, 2019•1 hr 10 min•Ep. 192
The Zana Problem
MonsterTalk revisits the story of Zana, the alleged Almasti wild woman of Abkhazia who was the subject of Bryan Sykes DNA research in his book The Nature of the Beast. A legendary forest spirit of the Balkans may have some relevance to the story of Zana and her descendants. Read the epsiode notes Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/monstertalk--6267523/support ....
May 28, 2019•30 min•Ep. 191
Dragons
Where do Dragons come from — and why do so many cultures have them? Learn about the origins of Dragon legends with Eric Mortensen of Guilford College. Our conversation also touches on Fairies and Yeti — and we will doubtless be revisiting both Eric and the topic of Dragons in future episodes. Read the episode notes Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/monstertalk--6267523/support ....
May 27, 2019•1 hr 13 min•Ep. 190
Ghosts of the White House
An interview with White House historian Lindsay Chervinsky (of the White House Historical Association) about the ghostly legends of the White House. Read the episode notes Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/monstertalk--6267523/support .
May 16, 2019•52 min•Ep. 189
Larry Blamire
Larry Blamire, the talented writer, artist and director of the indy homage to 50’s cinema, The Lost Skeleton of Cadavra joins us to talk monsters. Hurry up and support Larry’s Kickstarter for the 10-year anniversary BluRay of The Lost Skeleton Returns Again. Read the episode notes Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/monstertalk--6267523/support ....
May 02, 2019•47 min
Monsters of the Mythos
H.P. Lovecraft Literary Crossover! I’m joined by Chris Lackey and Chad Fifer of the incredible H.P. Lovecraft Literary Podcast to talk monsters of the mythos. It’s a wide-ranging wild and wacky ride. Hang on to your earbuds! If you’re not already a subscriber to their fine product, I urge you to waste no time in fixing that! Warning: Listener discretion is advised. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/monstertalk--6267523/support ....
May 02, 2019•1 hr 10 min
Disputin’ Rasputin
An illuminating discussion about the Russian Monk, Rasputin, by author Douglas Smith. We’ll be discussing the myths and facts about Rasputin as described in Smith’s book, Rasputin: Faith, Power and the Twilight of the Romanovs. Read the episode notes Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/monstertalk--6267523/support .
Apr 15, 2019•1 hr 9 min•Ep. 188
Hitler’s Monsters
In MonsterTalk episode # 187, we talk about the role of the supernatural and occult in Nazi Germany. Our guest is author Dr. Eric Kurlander, author of the book Hitler’s Monsters, which chronicles the rise of the Nazis and their strange relationship with the occult including fringe theories, Border Science, astrology, homeopathy, and even Nostradamus. Read the episode notes Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/monstertalk--6267523/support ....
Apr 03, 2019•1 hr 31 min•Ep. 187
Humans as Monsters
In MonsterTalk episode # 186 we talk with Dr. David D. Perlmutter, dean of the College of Media & Communications at Texas Tech University in Lubbock about the ways that humans can become monsters, and the ways that humans turn other humans into monsters. We discuss war crimes both recent and ancient, serial killers, and more. We reference his book, Visions of War. This free Patreon-edit of the show is brought to you by TTU’s new STEM Leadership Communication online program. Read the episode ...
Mar 29, 2019•1 hr 18 min•Ep. 186
The Resurrection of Bob Lazar(us)
A new UFO/Area-51 documentary by Jeremy Corbell (see Hunt for the Skinwalker mentioned in MonsterTalk Patreon Bonus Episode 001) has been very successful. Blake and Karen discuss the documentary and the legend of Bob Lazar. Some of Lazar’s personal history deals with adult topics, so I’m putting an explicit tag on this episode. Read the episode notes Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/monstertalk--6267523/support ....
Mar 09, 2019•1 hr 3 min•Ep. 185
Ghost Hunting Gear
In this episode of MonsterTalk, Karen and Blake are joined by Mathew Baxter (paranormal investigator, lecturer, magician and Karen’s husband) to talk about ghost hunting gear used by amateur investigators. Read the episode notes Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/monstertalk--6267523/support .
Mar 09, 2019•1 hr 13 min•Ep. 184
Monstrous Medicine: Disease
What is a disease? We’re joined by science writer Mike McRae, author of Unwell: What Makes a Disease a Disease? to discuss the history of the whole concept of diseases which turn out to have a large, often hidden, social component. For US audiences, be advised that Mike’s book is not available directly in the US. You’ll need to order it through an International bookseller like Booktopia (link above). Read the epsiode notes Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/mons...
Feb 23, 2019•56 min•Ep. 183
Skinwalker Ranch Dressing
This is Patreon Bonus content edited slightly for the regular MonsterTalk feed. (Expect more of this content thanks to the generous support of our Patrons.) This episode is a deep dive into the Skinwalker Ranch mystery and a discussion of the new documentary, Hunt for the Skinwalker. Dr. Jeb Card (Spooky Archaeology) joins me for the discussion. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/monstertalk--6267523/support ....
Jan 30, 2019•1 hr 29 min
Teaching with Monsters
In episode 182 of MonsterTalk, we are delighted to introduce Dr. Thor Hansen to listeners. For several years he’s been teaching a course at Western Washington University that uses monsters to teach science. I think you’re going to enjoy what he’s been up to — and I know some of you may want to reach out to him about similar projects or check out his course online. Listen to MonsterTalk via iTunes, Spotify, Google Play Music, TuneIn, and Stitcher. Get the MonsterTalk Podcast App for iOS, Android,...
Jan 29, 2019•1 hr 11 min•Ep. 182
The Monkey’s Paw
For the Annual MonsterTalk Christmas Special, Blake Smith reads The Monkey’s Paw by W.W. Jacobs. Read the episode notes Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/monstertalk--6267523/support .
Dec 25, 2018•30 min
La Corriveau
In this episode of MonsterTalk, we’re joined by historian Joseph Gagne to discuss the many legends and interesting facts about one of Quebec’s most legendary historical figures. Witch? Murderer? Whatever she was in life, her story has seeded hundreds of legends and fictions. Read the episode notes Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/monstertalk--6267523/support ....
Dec 25, 2018•52 min•Ep. 181
Ghosts, Gears, Gadgets and Golems
Peter Bebergal studied religion and culture at Harvard Divinity School, and is the author of the new book Strange Frequencies, which chronicles many of the ways people have sought to use technology to transcend the mundane to reach the numinous. We talk about the ways people have used (and continue to use) technology in fringe research, art, entertainment, and in pursuit of revelation. Listen to MonsterTalk via iTunes, Spotify, Google Play Music, TuneIn, and Stitcher. Get the MonsterTalk Podcast...
Dec 18, 2018•1 hr 12 min•Ep. 180
Monsters and Folklore of the Balkans
In this episode of MonsterTalk, we are joined by Christopher Klimovitz in a wide-ranging discussion of the history and monstrous folklore of the Balkans. From ghosts and vampires to fairies and Baba Yaga, this region has been fractured by war but bound together with stories. Listen to MonsterTalk via iTunes, Spotify, Google Play Music, TuneIn, and Stitcher. Get the MonsterTalk Podcast App for iOS, Android, and Windows. Read the episode notes Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreak...
Nov 30, 2018•1 hr 18 min•Ep. 179
The Bunyip Seal of Approval
In this episode, we go down to the billabong to look for a monster indigenous to Australian folklore and myth — but perhaps with a foot (-er flipper?) in the real world: The Bunyip. We are joined by cultural history professional Paul-Michael Donovan for a fascinating look at the legend (and a possible non-monstrous explanation) for this famous chimeric creek critter. Listen to MonsterTalk via iTunes, Spotify, Google Play Music, TuneIn, and Stitcher. Get the MonsterTalk Podcast App for iOS, Andro...
Nov 26, 2018•1 hr 16 min•Ep. 178
Appalachian Monsters
Asher Elbein and Tiffany Turrill join us to talk about monsters and folklore of Appalachia. Their new project about fictional witch Anna O’Brien draws heavily from authentic folklore of this storied region of the United States. Read the episode notes Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/monstertalk--6267523/support .
Nov 12, 2018•1 hr 15 min•Ep. 177
Big Footprints, Big Voice — Wild Thing
Bigfoot nests, the Patterson-Gimlin film, DNA testing — it’s all new to journalist and former NPR producer Laura Krantz. She’s digging into the world of Bigfoot in the popular new podcast Wild Thing, and she joins MonsterTalk to discuss what it’s like to walk into the strange world of cryptozoology as an outsider. Listen to MonsterTalk via iTunes, Spotify, Google Play Music, TuneIn, and Stitcher. Get the MonsterTalk Podcast App for iOS, Android, and Windows. Read the episode notes Become a suppo...
Oct 30, 2018•49 min•Ep. 176
MT/AF Cross-Over 3: Attack of the Killer Tangents
Our third annual cross-over event with the Archy Fantasies Podcast features our combined efforts to find movies which highlight a theme familiar to listeners - and in keeping with our respective shows’ motifs. You’ll find ghosts, mummies, curses and plagues a plenty. We hope you enjoy it. Read the episode notes Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/monstertalk--6267523/support ....
Oct 29, 2018•1 hr 21 min•Ep. 175
The Appeal of Yurei
Dr. Chris Harding is a lecturer on Asian History at the University of Edinburgh. He has focused on Indian and Japanese history in his academic work, and recently wrote an article about Japanese ghost stories and their context in time. He joins MonsterTalk to discuss Yurei — the ghosts of Japan. Listen to MonsterTalk via iTunes, Spotify, Google Play Music, TuneIn, and Stitcher. Get the MonsterTalk Podcast App for iOS, Android, and Windows. Read the episode notes Become a supporter of this podcast...
Oct 17, 2018•1 hr 15 min•Ep. 174
Smalltown Monsters
Since 2015, Seth Breedlove has been producing documentaries about cryptozoology and the impact that a cluster of monster sightings can have on a small town. His latest film is The Bray Road Beast, and Seth joins us to discuss the peculiar aspects of the creature that some have called a werewolf, a dog-man or even a demonic entity. Listen to MonsterTalk via iTunes, Spotify, Google Play Music, TuneIn, and Stitcher. Get the MonsterTalk Podcast App for iOS, Android, and Windows. Read the episode not...
Oct 10, 2018•1 hr 22 min•Ep. 173
Jurassic Snark
This weekend (Oct 6 & 7, 2018) Darren Naish is hosting TetZoo Con #5. It’s also been 25 years since the release of Jurassic Park. To celebrate, and promote Darren’s convention, I thought it would be fun to talk dinosaurs with a paleontologist. It was. An extended (and somewhat NSFW) version of this interview is available to Patreon supporters of any level. Read the episode notes Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/monstertalk--6267523/support ....
Oct 03, 2018•1 hr 6 min•Ep. 172
Long and Drawn Out: Bigfoot Pictographs
An interview with archaeologist Ken Feder (see numerous other episodes including Giants and Atlantis) about the Tule River reservation Mayak Datat (“Hairy Man”) pictographs which have been called evidence for Bigfoot. Hopefully, this will be part 1 of at least a 2 part look. Listen to MonsterTalk via iTunes, Spotify, Google Play Music, TuneIn, and Stitcher. Get the MonsterTalk Podcast App for iOS, Android, and Windows. Read the episode notes Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreak...
Oct 02, 2018•1 hr 26 min•Ep. 171
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