Spirits: Mythology, Legends, & Folklore

We’re joined by author and professor Veronica Schanoes, who leads us through a forest of  the feminism of Alice in Wonderland, taking moralizing out of the fairy tales, and tackling forgiveness. Stories Based on Jewish Folklore and Magic, on Electric Literature. Content Warning: This episode contains conversations about or mentions of bodily harm, antisemitism, gun violence, murder, arrest/imprisonment, depression, implied pedophilia, emotional manipulation, torture, racism, slavery, child endangerment, kidnapping, dismemberment, and religious persecution. GuestVeronica Schanoes is an American author of fantasy stories and an associate professor in the department of English at Queens College, CUNY. Her novella Burning Girls was nominated for the Nebula Award and the World Fantasy Award and won the Shirley Jackson Award for Best Novella in 2013. She lives in New York City. Burning Girls and Other Stories is her debut collection.Housekeeping- Recommendation: This week, Amanda recommends Sometimes I Trip on How Happy We Could Be by Nichole Perkins. - Books: Check out our previous book recommendations, guests’ books, and more at spiritspodcast.com/books- Call to Action: Check out Join the Party: A collaborative storytelling and roleplaying podcast, powered by the rules of Dungeons and Dragons. It’s a party, and you’re invited! Search for Join the Party in your podcast app, or go to jointhepartypod.com.Sponsors- Wildfang is an apparel company featuring clothing that offers clothes that break gender norms in fashion and society. Get $20 off a purchase of $100+, use code SPIRITS20 at wildfang.com. - Function of Beauty is hair care formulated specifically for you. Save 20% off your first order at functionofbeauty.com/spirits- Brooklinen delivers luxury bed sheets, pillows, comforters, & blankets straight to your door. Go to Brooklinen.com right now and use promo code “spirits” to get $25 off when you spend $100 or more, PLUS free shipping.Find Us OnlineIf you like Spirits, help us grow by spreading the word! Follow us @SpiritsPodcast on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and Goodreads. You can support us on Patreon (http://patreon.com/spiritspodcast) to unlock bonus Your Urban Legends episodes, director’s commentaries, custom recipe cards, and so much more. We also have lists of our book recommendations and previous guests’ books at http://spiritspodcast.com/books.Transcripts are available at http://spiritspodcast.com/episodes. To buy merch, hear us on other podcasts, contact us, find our mailing address, or download our press kit, head on over to http://spiritspodcast.com.About UsSpirits was created by Julia Schifini, Amanda McLoughlin and Eric Schneider. We are founding members of Multitude, an independent podcast collective and production studio. Our music is "Danger Storm" by Kevin MacLeod (http://incompetech.com), licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Lay your head down, close your eyes, and drift off to dreamland as we talk about the mythological stories and figures that inhabit your dreams! Also, dream interpretation via...puns?More information from We R Native. Content Warning: This episode contains conversations about or mentions of medical complications, nightmares, intrusive thoughts, drug use, sex, violence, death, feces/excrement, child endangerment, body horror, kidnapping, and cultural appropriation. Housekeeping- Recommendation: This week, Julia recommends This is How You Lose the Time War by Amal El-Mohtar and Max Gladstone. - Books: Check out our previous book recommendations, guests’ books, and more at spiritspodcast.com/books- Call to Action: It's our favorite time of year: MULTITUDE SURVEY SUMMER! Go to multitude.productions/survey to help us learn more about you and decide what's next for the collective.Sponsors- Calm is the #1 app to help you reduce your anxiety and stress and help you sleep better. Get 40% off a Calm Premium subscription at calm.com/spirits.- Skillshare is an online learning community where you can learn—and teach—just about anything. Explore your creativity at Skillshare.com/spirits and get a free trial of Premium Membership. This week Julia recommends “Teach Yourself to Draw Anything” by Hayden Aube.- ThirdLove is on a mission to find a perfect bra for everyone. Get 20% off your first order at thirdlove.com/spirits.Find Us OnlineIf you like Spirits, help us grow by spreading the word! Follow us @SpiritsPodcast on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and Goodreads. You can support us on Patreon (http://patreon.com/spiritspodcast) to unlock bonus Your Urban Legends episodes, director’s commentaries, custom recipe cards, and so much more. We also have lists of our book recommendations and previous guests’ books at http://spiritspodcast.com/books.Transcripts are available at http://spiritspodcast.com/episodes. To buy merch, hear us on other podcasts, contact us, find our mailing address, or download our press kit, head on over to http://spiritspodcast.com.About UsSpirits was created by Julia Schifini, Amanda McLoughlin and Eric Schneider. We are founding members of Multitude, an independent podcast collective and production studio. Our music is "Danger Storm" by Kevin MacLeod (http://incompetech.com), licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

There’s something very special about this episode. We answer questions like “why can’t capitalism be a ghost?”, “are ghosts part of your college orientation?” and “have you ever tried to carbon date a ghost?”. And of course, a ghost train. Content Warning: This episode contains conversations about or mentions of capitalism, abusive job situations, child death, sex, sexual assault/flashers, sexually transmitted diseases, and animal death. Housekeeping- Recommendation: This week, Julia recommends Six Wakes by Mur Lafferty. - Books: Check out our previous book recommendations, guests’ books, and more at spiritspodcast.com/books- Call to Action: Check out Exolore: Helping you imagine other worlds, but with facts and science! Every other week, astrophysicist/folklorist Moiya McTier explores fictional worlds by building them with a panel of expert guests, interviewing professional worldbuilders, or reviewing the merits of worlds that have already been built.Sponsors- Brooklinen delivers luxury bed sheets, pillows, comforters, & blankets straight to your door. Go to Brooklinen.com right now and use promo code “spirits” to get $25 off when you spend $100 or more, PLUS free shipping.- Doordash is a fast, convenient food delivery app. Get 25% off and zero delivery fees on your first order of $15 or more when you download the DoorDash app and enter code creepycool. - Rothy’s makes stylish and sustainable shoes, bags, and masks.Find Us OnlineIf you like Spirits, help us grow by spreading the word! Follow us @SpiritsPodcast on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and Goodreads. You can support us on Patreon (http://patreon.com/spiritspodcast) to unlock bonus Your Urban Legends episodes, director’s commentaries, custom recipe cards, and so much more. We also have lists of our book recommendations and previous guests’ books at http://spiritspodcast.com/books.Transcripts are available at http://spiritspodcast.com/episodes. To buy merch, hear us on other podcasts, contact us, find our mailing address, or download our press kit, head on over to http://spiritspodcast.com.About UsSpirits was created by Julia Schifini, Amanda McLoughlin and Eric Schneider. We are founding members of Multitude, an independent podcast collective and production studio. Our music is "Danger Storm" by Kevin MacLeod (http://incompetech.com), licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Robots, androids, AI - the staples of our science fiction media actually have very historical and mythological inspiration! Join us as we discuss the 1973 movie, Westworld, and explore the origins of our robot interest. Content Warning: This episode contains conversations about or mentions of death, murder, violence, gun violence, existential crisis, divorce, sex, religious persecution, assault, genocide, apocalyptic scenarios, misogyny, incels, sexual assault, politics, wealth disparity, and kidnapping. Housekeeping- Recommendation: This week, Amanda recommends Wildfang. (And get $20 off a purchase of $100+, use code SPIRITS20)  - Books: Check out our previous book recommendations, guests’ books, and more at spiritspodcast.com/books- Call to Action: Check out HORSE: A podcast about ridiculous stories, internet drama, and some of the biggest and baddest personalities out there today—all from the world of basketball.Sponsors- Stitch Fix is an online personal styling service that finds and delivers clothes, shoes, and accessories to fit your body, budget, and lifestyle. Get started at stitchfix.com/spirits for 25% off when you keep your whole box!- Function of Beauty is hair care formulated specifically for you. Save 20% off your first order at functionofbeauty.com/spirits- Skillshare is an online learning community where you can learn—and teach—just about anything. Explore your creativity at Skillshare.com/spirits and get a one month free trial of Premium Membership. This week Julia recommends “Indoor Gardening: Grow Houseplants, Veggies, and Herbs” by Ekta Chaudhary. Find Us OnlineIf you like Spirits, help us grow by spreading the word! Follow us @SpiritsPodcast on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and Goodreads. You can support us on Patreon (http://patreon.com/spiritspodcast) to unlock bonus Your Urban Legends episodes, director’s commentaries, custom recipe cards, and so much more. We also have lists of our book recommendations and previous guests’ books at http://spiritspodcast.com/books.Transcripts are available at http://spiritspodcast.com/episodes. To buy merch, hear us on other podcasts, contact us, find our mailing address, or download our press kit, head on over to http://spiritspodcast.com.About UsSpirits was created by Julia Schifini, Amanda McLoughlin and Eric Schneider. We are founding members of Multitude, an independent podcast collective and production studio. Our music is "Danger Storm" by Kevin MacLeod (http://incompetech.com), licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

We’re joined by author and storyteller, Owl Goingback. He tells us all about things like befriending the Creature from the Black Lagoon, hoping to see Sasquatch, and his personal experiences as the caretaker of the most haunted cemetery in Florida.Content Warning: This episode contains conversations about or mentions of death, torture, hauntings, body horror, animal attacks, lynching, child death, unmarked graves, murder, mass shootings, hurricanes/natural disasters, Covid-19, imprisonment, enslavement, genocide, cannibalism, disturbing burial grounds, coloization/settlement, suicide, and cultural appropriation.GuestOwl Goingback has been writing professionally for over thirty years, and is the author of numerous novels, children’s books, screenplays, magazine articles, comics, and short stories. He is a HWA Lifetime Achievement Award Winner, a two-time Bram Stoker Award Winner (Novel and First Novel), a Nebula Award Nominee, and a Storytelling World Awards Honor Recipient. His books include Crota, Darker Than Night, Evil Whispers, Breed, Shaman Moon, Coyote Rage, Eagle Feathers, and The Gift.Housekeeping- Recommendation: This week, Julia recommends A Psalm for the Wild-Built by Becky Chambers.- Books: Check out our previous book recommendations, guests’ books, and more at spiritspodcast.com/books- Call to Action: Check out Potterless: The journey of a grown man, Mike Schubert, making his way through the Harry Potter series for the very first time. Search for Potterless in your podcast app or go to potterlesspodcast.com to start listening!Sponsors- Calm is the #1 app to help you reduce your anxiety and stress and help you sleep better. Get 40% off a Calm Premium subscription at calm.com/spirits.- ShipStation is the fastest, easiest way to get products to your customers. Visit shipstation.com and use promo code Spirits for a 60-day free trial. - She’s Birdie is a personal safety alarm. Get 15% off your first purchase at shesbirdie.com/spiritsFind Us OnlineIf you like Spirits, help us grow by spreading the word! Follow us @SpiritsPodcast on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and Goodreads. You can support us on Patreon (http://patreon.com/spiritspodcast) to unlock bonus Your Urban Legends episodes, director’s commentaries, custom recipe cards, and so much more. We also have lists of our book recommendations and previous guests’ books at http://spiritspodcast.com/books.Transcripts are available at http://spiritspodcast.com/episodes. To buy merch, hear us on other podcasts, contact us, find our mailing address, or download our press kit, head on over to http://spiritspodcast.com.About UsSpirits was created by Julia Schifini, Amanda McLoughlin and Eric Schneider. We are founding members of Multitude, an independent podcast collective and production studio. Our music is "Danger Storm" by Kevin MacLeod (http://incompetech.com), licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In the past, we’ve talked about bird husbands and seal wives, but today we’re diving deep into Animal Spouses with the Japanese folk tale, the Crane Wife!Content Warning: This episode contains conversations about or mentions of animal endangerment/death, abusive relationships, arranged/forced marriages, illness, urination, pregnancy, childbirth, blinding, rape, sexual assault, child abandonment, sex, bestiality, and virginity. Housekeeping- Recommendation: This week, Amanda recommends Leverage: Redemption.- Books: Check out our previous book recommendations, guests’ books, and more at spiritspodcast.com/books- Call to Action: Check out Join the Party: A collaborative storytelling and roleplaying podcast, powered by the rules of Dungeons and Dragons. It’s a party, and you’re invited! Search for Join the Party in your podcast app, or go to jointhepartypod.com.Sponsors- Brooklinen delivers luxury bed sheets, pillows, comforters, & blankets straight to your door. Go to Brooklinen.com right now and use promo code “spirits” to get $25 off when you spend $100 or more, PLUS free shipping.- Doordash is a fast, convenient food delivery app. Get 25% off and zero delivery fees on your first order of $15 or more when you download the DoorDash app and enter code creepycool. - Skillshare is an online learning community where you can learn—and teach—just about anything. Explore your creativity at Skillshare.com/spirits and get a free trial of Premium Membership. This week Amanda recommends “Finding Fulfillment: Using Pivots to Power Your Creative Career” by Emma Gannon.Find Us OnlineIf you like Spirits, help us grow by spreading the word! Follow us @SpiritsPodcast on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and Goodreads. You can support us on Patreon (http://patreon.com/spiritspodcast) to unlock bonus Your Urban Legends episodes, director’s commentaries, custom recipe cards, and so much more. We also have lists of our book recommendations and previous guests’ books at http://spiritspodcast.com/books.Transcripts are available at http://spiritspodcast.com/episodes. To buy merch, hear us on other podcasts, contact us, find our mailing address, or download our press kit, head on over to http://spiritspodcast.com.About UsSpirits was created by Julia Schifini, Amanda McLoughlin and Eric Schneider. We are founding members of Multitude, an independent podcast collective and production studio. Our music is "Danger Storm" by Kevin MacLeod (http://incompetech.com), licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This episode is full of creepy shenanigans, don’t worry. We talk viral Tiktok ghosts, respecting funeral directors and undertakers, and what was definitely a Hot Topic teen ghost. Content Warning: This episode contains conversations about or mentions of teeth, surgery, cadavers, imprisonment, capital punishment, fire, death, ableism, funeral homes, death of family members, bodily functions, and post-surgery depression. Here’s a link to Tammy the Face Ghost. Housekeeping- Recommendation: This week, Julia recommends The Imperial Radch series by Ann Leckie. - Books: Check out our previous book recommendations, guests’ books, and more at spiritspodcast.com/books- Call to Action: Check out Meddling Adults: A whodunnit game show charity hosted by Mike Schubert. Search for Meddling Adults wherever you listen to podcasts, or visit meddlingadults.comSponsors- Stitch Fix is an online personal styling service that finds and delivers clothes, shoes, and accessories to fit your body, budget, and lifestyle. Get started at stitchfix.com/spirits for 25% off when you keep your whole box!- Function of Beauty is hair care formulated specifically for you. Save 20% off your first order at functionofbeauty.com/spirits- ThirdLove is on a mission to find a perfect bra for everyone. Get 20% off your first order at thirdlove.com/spirits.Find Us OnlineIf you like Spirits, help us grow by spreading the word! Follow us @SpiritsPodcast on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and Goodreads. You can support us on Patreon (http://patreon.com/spiritspodcast) to unlock bonus Your Urban Legends episodes, director’s commentaries, custom recipe cards, and so much more. We also have lists of our book recommendations and previous guests’ books at http://spiritspodcast.com/books.Transcripts are available at http://spiritspodcast.com/episodes. To buy merch, hear us on other podcasts, contact us, find our mailing address, or download our press kit, head on over to http://spiritspodcast.com.About UsSpirits was created by Julia Schifini, Amanda McLoughlin and Eric Schneider. We are founding members of Multitude, an independent podcast collective and production studio. Our music is "Danger Storm" by Kevin MacLeod (http://incompetech.com), licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The gods have given more advice, and we’re sharing it with you. We trick imposter syndrome with a trickster, making new houses and apartments into a home, and tackling to-do lists. Content Warning: This episode contains conversations about or mentions of fire, urination, relationships, patriarchal expectations, mental health, queerphobia, death, battle, and sacrifice. GuestDr. Moiya McTier is a New York-based astrophysicist who studies planets outside of our solar system. She’s also a folklorist who specializes in using science and logic to build fictional worlds. You can hear all about the worlds she’s built on her podcast, Exolore, where she imagines, discusses, and reviews fictional worlds, often with expert guests. You can learn more about Moiya and her work on her website, moiyamctier.com.Housekeeping- Recommendation: This week, Amanda recommends Always Only You by Chloe Liese, and If the Boot Fits by Rebekah Weatherspoon . - Books: Check out our previous book recommendations, guests’ books, and more at spiritspodcast.com/books- Call to Action: Check out Exolore: Helping you imagine other worlds, but with facts and science! Every other week, astrophysicist/folklorist Moiya McTier explores fictional worlds by building them with a panel of expert guests, interviewing professional worldbuilders, or reviewing the merits of worlds that have already been built.Sponsors- Calm is the #1 app to help you reduce your anxiety and stress and help you sleep better. Get 40% off a Calm Premium subscription at calm.com/spirits.- Skillshare is an online learning community where you can learn—and teach—just about anything. Explore your creativity at Skillshare.com/spirits and get a one month free trial of Premium Membership. This week Julia recommends “Storytelling 101: Character, Conflict, Context & Craft” with Daniel Jose Older.   - She’s Birdie is a personal safety alarm. Get 15% off your first purchase at shesbirdie.com/spiritsFind Us OnlineIf you like Spirits, help us grow by spreading the word! Follow us @SpiritsPodcast on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and Goodreads. You can support us on Patreon (http://patreon.com/spiritspodcast) to unlock bonus Your Urban Legends episodes, director’s commentaries, custom recipe cards, and so much more. We also have lists of our book recommendations and previous guests’ books at http://spiritspodcast.com/books.Transcripts are available at http://spiritspodcast.com/episodes. To buy merch, hear us on other podcasts, contact us, find our mailing address, or download our press kit, head on over to http://spiritspodcast.com.About UsSpirits was created by Julia Schifini, Amanda McLoughlin and Eric Schneider. We are founding members of Multitude, an independent podcast collective and production studio. Our music is "Danger Storm" by Kevin MacLeod (http://incompetech.com), licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

We chat with award-winning science fiction author Becky Chambers! We define space opera, talk about building big worlds without confusing your audience, and creating “cozy science fiction”.Content Warning: This episode contains conversations about or mentions of colonialism, imperialism, military, environmental disaster, climate change, and ableism.  GuestBecky Chambers is a science fiction author based in Northern California. She is best known for her Hugo Award-winning Wayfarers series. Her books have also been nominated for the Arthur C. Clarke Award, the Locus Award, and the Women's Prize for Fiction, among others. She has two new works coming out in 2021: The Galaxy, and The Ground Within (the fourth and final Wayfarers novel), and A Psalm for the Wild-Built (the first of her Monk and Robot novellas).Housekeeping- Recommendation: This week, Julia recommends Ninefox Gambit by Yoon Ha Lee. - Books: Check out our previous book recommendations, guests’ books, and more at spiritspodcast.com/books- Call to Action: Check out HORSE: A podcast about ridiculous stories, internet drama, and some of the biggest and baddest personalities out there today—all from the world of basketball.Sponsors- Brooklinen delivers luxury bed sheets, pillows, comforters, & blankets straight to your door. Go to Brooklinen.com right now and use promo code “spirits” to get $25 off when you spend $100 or more, PLUS free shipping.- Doordash is a fast, convenient food delivery app. Get 25% off and zero delivery fees on your first order of $15 or more when you download the DoorDash app and enter code creepycool. - She’s Birdie is a personal safety alarm. Get 15% off your first purchase at shesbirdie.com/spiritsFind Us OnlineIf you like Spirits, help us grow by spreading the word! Follow us @SpiritsPodcast on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and Goodreads. You can support us on Patreon (http://patreon.com/spiritspodcast) to unlock bonus Your Urban Legends episodes, director’s commentaries, custom recipe cards, and so much more. We also have lists of our book recommendations and previous guests’ books at http://spiritspodcast.com/books.Transcripts are available at http://spiritspodcast.com/episodes. To buy merch, hear us on other podcasts, contact us, find our mailing address, or download our press kit, head on over to http://spiritspodcast.com.About UsSpirits was created by Julia Schifini, Amanda McLoughlin and Eric Schneider. We are founding members of Multitude, an independent podcast collective and production studio. Our music is "Danger Storm" by Kevin MacLeod (http://incompetech.com), licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Ahoy! Is that the return of Sinbad the Sailor? It is! We’re judging the luckiest/unluckiest man in folklore this week, as well as talking about the economics of coconuts and monkeys. Content Warning: This episode contains conversations about or mentions of xenophobia, drug use, natural disaster, drowning, cannibalism, death, murder, violence against women, illness, being buried alive, starvation, animal death, strangulation, slavery, poaching, and graverobbing. Housekeeping- Recommendation: This week, Amanda recommends Full Bloom HBO Max- Books: Check out our previous book recommendations, guests’ books, and more at spiritspodcast.com/books- Call to Action: Have you heard about the MultiCrew?! This is our membership program that lets you help us invest in Multitude as we try weird new stuff. Plus, you get a members-only weekly podcast: Head Heart Gut, our weekly friendly debate show. This month, Amanda, Brandon, and Eric Silver debate best day of the week. It gets heated.Sponsors- Stitch Fix is an online personal styling service that finds and delivers clothes, shoes, and accessories to fit your body, budget, and lifestyle. Get started at stitchfix.com/spirits for 25% off when you keep your whole box!- Rothy’s makes stylish and sustainable shoes, bags, and masks.- Function of Beauty is hair care formulated specifically for you. Save 20% off your first order at functionofbeauty.com/spiritsFind Us OnlineIf you like Spirits, help us grow by spreading the word! Follow us @SpiritsPodcast on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and Goodreads. You can support us on Patreon (http://patreon.com/spiritspodcast) to unlock bonus Your Urban Legends episodes, director’s commentaries, custom recipe cards, and so much more. We also have lists of our book recommendations and previous guests’ books at http://spiritspodcast.com/books.Transcripts are available at http://spiritspodcast.com/episodes. To buy merch, hear us on other podcasts, contact us, find our mailing address, or download our press kit, head on over to http://spiritspodcast.com.About UsSpirits was created by Julia Schifini, Amanda McLoughlin and Eric Schneider. We are founding members of Multitude, an independent podcast collective and production studio. Our music is "Danger Storm" by Kevin MacLeod (http://incompetech.com), licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.