Best Magic Circle Entertainment Podcasts (2025)

1
Gaming-inspired science 49:29

13m ago49:29

49:29

This week, get ready for a whole loot box of gaming-related stories! First up, we find out about a video game that could give people the power to battle misinformation. We also hear how scientists are putting harbour seals in front of a computer monitor to decipher how they navigate under the water. And Dr Brett Kagan from Cortical Labs joins us do…

1
507: Andor (Season 2), Final Destination (Bloodlines), Picard Season 3 Ep 4, Grizzly, Snowbeast and MORE 1:03:04

2h ago1:03:04

1:03:04

On the latest ep of ChinStroker VS Punter, Mike and Paul discuss and riff on: 00:00 - Intro 01:11 - The Monkey REVIEW 08:45 - Andor Season Two REVIEW 20:37 - Light & Magic (Paul's Take) 30:11 - Snow Beast & Grizzly REVIEWS 38:00 - Final Destination Bloodlines REVIEW 45:00 - Star Trek Picard: Season 3 Episode 4 No Win Scenario Subscribe (and review …

1
Dark Tide 46. The Return to Orzammar 1:12:23

2d ago1:12:23

1:12:23

Finally, our Grey Wardens are back in Orzammar! Doubtless, they will find or create chaos! This is our first streamed non-DnD TTRPG campaign, watch on Sunday 2.30pm UK at https://www.twitch.tv/penancerpg or catch up on YouTube Horror, co-op & puzzle games are played most days with more co-op games weekly. Learn more at Penancerpg.com Support us on …

1
Mission unexpectedly possible 51:31

4d ago51:31

51:31

With the new Mission Impossible film playing in cinemas, the Unexpected Elements team is channelling Tom Cruise’s energy to see if scientists can push the boundaries of what is considered ‘impossible.’ First up, we fuse medieval alchemy with particle physics and explore a method to turn lead into gold. We then look at the latest research that uses …

1
Thir13en Ghosts and 13 Ghosts! 1:02:13

5d ago1:02:13

1:02:13

When Cyrus Kriticos, a very rich collector of unique things, dies, he leaves his house, fortune, and his prized collection of ghosts. This week on the Witches Movie Coven we're talking "Thir13en Ghosts" from 2001. A remake of the 1960 film 13 Ghosts by William Castle, the film stars Tony Shalhoub, Embeth Davidtz, Matthew Lillard, Shannon Elizabeth,…

1
Story time 50:49

11d ago50:49

50:49

Much ado was made about a cancelled auction of an ultra-rare set of Shakespeare’s folios, which could have fetched millions of dollars. This headline – along with Shakespeare being one of the world’s most well-known playwrights – inspired the Unexpected Elements team to delve into the science of stories. First up, we find out why your brain loves a…

1
The Tragedy of Macbeth 1:00:27

12d ago1:00:27

1:00:27

Double, double toil and trouble; Fire burn, and cauldron bubble! We're talking the A24 version of The Tragedy of Macbeth staring Denzil Washington, directed and produced by Joel Coen. It's a good one if you haven't seen it yet. But what will the Witches Movie Coven have to say? Join the Coven this week and find out with Richard-Lael Lillard, Heathe…

1
Enduring it all 49:30

18d ago49:30

49:30

This month will see thousands of people take to streets around the world to test their feats of endurance. It’s marathon season. And this week, we’re looking at the science behind what keeps you running. We’ll learn about the psychological preparation that goes into undertaking mammoth challenges, like marathons and expeditions, and meet a scientis…

1
506: The Amityville Horror Franchise, Light & Magic (Season 2) & Star Trek Picard Season 3 Ep 3 ("17 Seconds") REVIEWS & MORE 1:14:53

21d ago1:14:53

1:14:53

On the audio version of the latest ChinStroker VS Punter, Paul and Mike discuss, review and riff on: 00:00 - Star Trek Picard: Season 2 Episode - "Seventeen Seconds" REVIEW 23:10 - Light & Magic season 2 REVIEW 36:42 Picard FINAL THOUGHTS 42:06 Last One Laughing (UK) REVIEW 48:10 Amityville Horror Franchise REVIEW 01:02:25 The Why Files YOUTUBE CHA…

1
Ant antics 49:29

25d ago49:29

49:29

This week, a court in Kenya sentenced four men to either a year in prison or a fine of £5,800 for trying to smuggle 5,000 ants out of the country. The contraband included highly-valued ants like the giant African harvester ant, and it’s believed these ants were intended for exotic pet markets abroad. But all this talk of ant smuggling got the Unexp…

1
Raymond Buckland's Witchcraft Yesterday and Today 1:02:28

26d ago1:02:28

1:02:28

Boobs, Butts, and Broomsticks oh my! Join the Witches Movie Coven as we discuss Raymond Buckland's classic witchcraft documentary as well as Jason Mankey's new book on the filmmaker. But will it be wands up, wands down or wands out from Patti Negri, Heather Greene, Jason Mankey (High Priest: ), Richard-Lael Lillard, Thumper Forge and Thorn Mooney? …

1
Dark Tide 45. Apparitions and Ascension 1:12:01

30d ago1:12:01

1:12:01

Following their negotiations with the Dalish, our group start to head back towards Orzammar, on the border of Felrelden. This is our first streamed non-DnD TTRPG campaign, watch on Sunday 2.30pm UK at https://www.twitch.tv/penancerpg or catch up on YouTube Horror, co-op & puzzle games are played most days with more co-op games weekly. Learn more at…

1
In memoriam 49:30

1M ago49:30

49:30

On 21st April 2025, Pope Francis, the head of the Catholic Church, died. His funeral took place on 26th April, with thousands of mourners crowding into St Peter’s Square to pay their respects. Following the death of a Pope, there are centuries-old traditions and rituals that must be followed, and that got the Unexpected Elements team thinking about…

1
Not the Bees! Cage Rages in The Wicker Man 1:00:37

1M ago1:00:37

1:00:37

From bees to bonfires, join the Witches Movie Coven as we unpack the eccentricities of The Wicker Man (2006) starring Nicholas Cage. Is it cult cinema or cinematic chaos? Tune in to find out! 🐝🔥 #WickerMan #NicholasCage #MovieMagicBy Co-Conspiracy Entertainment.

1
Ramblecast 28: The Old WoW Players' Home 1:35:25

1M ago1:35:25

1:35:25

This week we bring you another extended collection of tangents, questions and bizarre situations from the cutting room floor of Penance RPG episodes from some point in the past year or few. Featuring rambles on: 2115 Characters, Bees, Teleportation, Rattrun characters, Anime, sign language, scottish castles & tourism, Rain, living on islands/in the…

1
Kenya believe it? 49:30

1M ago49:30

49:30

This week the Unexpected Elements team left our windowless BBC studio and paid a visit to the CGIAR conference in Nairobi, Kenya. In this episode, we find out about the Kenyan invention that’s pulling clean, safe water from thin air, before discovering what makes Kenyan coffee taste so great. Next, we hear about the problems with burning charcoal a…

1
Hereditary 59:47

1M ago59:47

59:47

"When the matriarch of the Graham family passes away, her daughter and grandchildren begin to unravel cryptic and increasingly terrifying secrets about their ancestry, trying to outrun the sinister fate they have inherited." This week's film is Heredity and if you haven't seen it yet, now's the time! Creepy as heck and upsettingly good. But will it…

1
The Varlastan Circle Season 3 Pre-Finale Catch Up 25:46

1M ago25:46

25:46

Have you been enjoying our The Varlastan Circle series? As Sillik awakes, Mal and Ari-ah update him on the happenings since he was bespelled in Gl'th. This usefully works as a catch up for our viewers before the finale of Season 3! Our DM is Lunrwolf, an occasional variety streamer and creator of the Varlastan setting who will be guiding our cast t…

1
An eggciting episode 49:30

2M ago49:30

49:30

This week is the Christian celebration of Easter, which sent the Unexpected Elements team scrambling for egg-related stories. First up, we find out about the rise of a vegan egg substitute. Next, we discover how to cook the perfect boiled egg, according to science. We then turn our attention to climate change, and find out how it is affecting the b…

1
Nicolas Cage and "Season of the Witch" 1:00:11

2M ago1:00:11

1:00:11

🎥✨ Grab your popcorn and join us as we dive into the witchy world of "Season of the Witch" with Nicolas Cage! 🧙‍♀️ From swords and spells to unexpected laughs, this review has it all. Don't miss the fun and fabulous insights from Patti Negri, Heather Greene, Thumper Forge, Courtney Buckley and Richard-Lael Lillard! #CageRage #MovieNight #SeasonOfTh…

1
505: Electric State, A Simple Plan, Star Trek Picard (3x02: "Disengage") REVIEWS 57:13

2M ago57:13

57:13

On the audio version of the latest ep of Chin Stroker VS Punter we look at Electric State, A Simple Plan, Star Trek Picard (3x02: "Disengage") Episode timings: 00:00 - Intro and YouTube copyright DISCUSSION 27:05 - The Electric State REVIEW 36:00 - A Simple Plan REVIEW 42:55 - Star Trek Picard: Season 2 Episode 2 - "Disengage" REVIEW Subscribe (and…

1
Navigating northward 49:29

2M ago49:29

49:29

The Aurora Borealis – also known as the Northern Lights – won’t be at their peak activity much longer, and the Unexpected Elements team dreams of going north to see them. And that has got us looking at the science of navigating our way north! We hear about how humans have been using the sky to navigate for millennia, and we learn about how relying …

1
The Magic and Mayhem of Willow 59:19

2M ago59:19

59:19

Did you miss our deep dive into the whimsical world of Willow? Tune in to the latest episode filled with spirited debates, movie insights, and a special tribute to the legend, Val Kilmer. #MagicAndMayhem #ValKilmerTributeBy Co-Conspiracy Entertainment.

1
Oh, Rats! 49:29

2M ago49:29

49:29

On World Rat Day, we’re getting ratty! We look at the biology behind the eternal struggle between rats and rat poison, and we hear about rat-on-rat warfare and other forms of pest control. We don’t play games when it comes to rats, but we know someone who does. Dr Michael Brecht from the Humboldt University of Berlin tells us how he played hide-and…

1
Blood Orgy of the She-Devils: Witchy Laughs and Cringe 1:01:07

2M ago1:01:07

1:01:07

Ever seen a movie so bad it's good? Dive into "Blood Orgy of the She-Devils" with us on Witches Movie Coven! We've got rock-throwing laughs, historical tidbits, and all the witchy commentary you crave. 🐐📚 #BloodOrgy #MovieCritique #PodcastMagicBy Co-Conspiracy Entertainment.

1
Dark Tide 44. The "Dalish" from Denerim 50:17

2M ago50:17

50:17

A confusing battlefield confronts our Grey Wardens, some of the fallen resemble Dalish, and others, dwarves? This is our first streamed non-DnD TTRPG campaign, watch on Sunday 2.30pm UK at https://www.twitch.tv/penancerpg or catch up on YouTube Horror, co-op & puzzle games are played most days with more co-op games weekly. Learn more at Penancerpg.…

1
Don’t be a fool! 49:29

2M ago49:29

49:29

April 1st is notorious across the globe. Renowned for being a day of practical jokes. And it’s no different here on the BBC World Service. Mischievous elephants, the secret to fool's gold and one of the biggest scientific hoaxes in scientific history. From the Magic Circle to the Magic Lab, the psychology underpinning why we humans are so delightfu…

1
Clash of the Titans Unpackin' The Kraken! 1:00:53

2M ago1:00:53

1:00:53

Grab your goat and mechanical owl! 🦉 Join @PattiNegri & friends on a wild ride with the #WitchesMovieCoven as they dive into the mystical world of "Clash of the Titans." From Greek myths to epic movie memories, it's a spellbinding chat you won't want to miss! 🎬✨ #PodcastMagic #witchesmoviecoven #clashofthetitans…

1
What’s that smell? 49:30

3M ago49:30

49:30

Five years ago, people around the world were enduring COVID lockdowns as we attempted to prevent the spread of the virus. Today, many of those who caught COVID-19 are still suffering from lingering symptoms, including a loss of their sense of smell. And that got the Unexpected Elements team thinking about all things olfactory. First up, hold your n…

1
504: Star Trek Picard season 3 episode 1, Captain America: Brave New World , Tomorrow Never Dies, Sharksploitation, Shin Kamen Rider, Fight or Flight and MORE... 1:05:22

2M ago1:05:22

1:05:22

On the audio version of the latest ep of Chin Stroker VS Punter we look at the first ep of the Star Trek The Next Generation reunion in episode one of season 3 of Star Trek Picard. We also catch up on what we've been watching. EPISODE TIMINGS: 00:00 - Intro 03:06 - Star Trek Picard Season 3 Episode 1 Review ("The Next Generation")REVIEW 32:57 - Fig…

1
The Witchcraft of Snow White 1:00:24

3M ago1:00:24

1:00:24

Dive into the world of magic, mystery, and classic animation with us as we explore the timeless tale of "Snow White" in our latest episode! Let's discuss Disney's first-ever animated film and its enchanting impact on cinema. 🍎🌟 #SnowWhite #DisneyMagic #MovieLovers #witchcraftBy Co-Conspiracy Entertainment.

1
Dark Tide 43 Feathery Fiends 1:32:35

3M ago1:32:35

1:32:35

As our brave novice Grey Wardens travel on, they meet an oncoming rush of evacuating villagers "He's done it again, he's done it again"...? This is our first streamed non-DnD TTRPG campaign, watch on Sunday 2.30pm UK at https://www.twitch.tv/penancerpg or catch up on YouTube Horror, co-op & puzzle games are played most days with more co-op games we…

1
The fast and the curious 49:29

3M ago49:29

49:29

It’s the month of Ramadan, when Muslims across the world fast between dawn and sunset in the belief that it will bring them closer to Allah. And this has inspired the Unexpected Elements team to turn their attention to all things fast. First, we explore the latest research around intermittent fasting. Next, we contemplate a new way to relax by harn…

1
Horror Hotel (1960): Witches, Fog, and Christopher Lee 1:00:35

3M ago1:00:35

1:00:35

Dive into the foggy depths of witchcraft, mystery, and vintage horror with us! This week on the Witches Movie Coven we're talking Horror Hotel with Christopher Lee. Will it be wands up or wands down from our witches? Join Patti Negri, Heather Greene, Jason Mankey, Heather Greene and Richard-Leal Lillard to find out! #WitchesMovieCoven #HorrorHotel …

1
Ramblecast 27: Speedboats, Swords & "lovely" Smelling Fingers 1:35:02

3M ago1:35:02

1:35:02

This week we bring you another extended collection of tangents, questions and bizarre situations from the cutting room floor of Penance RPG episodes from some point in the past year or few. Featuring rambles on: ghosts, bees. amy's voice, being on a speedboat, the woes of doing visual novels on stream, toms laptop, laundry, sword fighting, bees (co…

1
Silent science 49:26

3M ago49:26

49:26

Sparked by a silent album released by 1,000 musicians in protest of the UK government’s planned changes to copyright law, Unexpected Elements hits the pause button... Is there any science to silence? Fear not, this week’s show is packed full of chatter! You might think there’s only one type of silence, but supposedly exists in political science too…

1
The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Witches 1:00:47

3M ago1:00:47

1:00:47

Ever wondered what happens when the worlds of witchcraft and Middle Earth collide? Dive into our latest podcast episode where we put a magical spin on 'The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Witches.' Join Patti Negri, Heather Greene, Jason Mankey, Courtney Buckley and Richard-Lael Lillard on the Witches Movie Coven. #WitchyWednesdays #LOTR #…

1
Dark Tide 42. Clicks, Whistles, Flares & Dust 1:02:06

3M ago1:02:06

1:02:06

Conflicting orders require some juggling by our novices, and strange noises abound! This is our first streamed non-DnD TTRPG campaign, watch on Sunday 2.30pm UK at https://www.twitch.tv/penancerpg or catch up on YouTube Horror, co-op & puzzle games are played most days with more co-op games weekly. Check out our episode sponsor Newsly! Get a free 1…

1
Topsy turvy 49:30

3M ago49:30

49:30

Unexpected Elements has a shake up looking into the topsy turvy world of science, all thanks to an upturned campervan in Western France. Explore why scientists are suspending rhinos from cranes, brace yourself for a quirky elementary particle that is hard to get your head around and if you love getting yourself in a tizz then fasten your seatbelts …

1
Ghostbusters II - 1989 1:01:12

3M ago1:01:12

1:01:12

"The discovery of a massive river of ectoplasm and a resurgence of spectral activity allows the staff of Ghostbusters to revive the business." We're talking 1989's GHOSTBUSTERS II. But will it be Proton Blasters up or down from our favorite witches? Join Patti Negri, Jason Mankey, Courtney Buckley, Tabitha Meadows and Richard-Lael Lillard as we dis…

1
Ramblecast 26: Bananas, Necks and Pickles 1:36:16

3M ago1:36:16

1:36:16

This week we bring you another extended collection of tangents, questions and bizarre situations from the cutting room floor of Penance RPG episodes from some point in the past year or few. Featuring rambles on: traffic, bananas, drinking games, animatronic tails, chainsaw man plots, distracting things in manga, Scottish terms, getting old, picklin…

1
Standing on the shoulders of giants 49:29

4M ago49:29

49:29

Monty the giant schnauzer won best in show at the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show. And rather than thinking of all things canine, this week the Unexpected Elements team turn their attention to all things giant. First, we find out how a giant virus could help keep our planet cool. Next up, we discover the origins of enormous Greek characters, such …

1
Dragonmeet 2023: More Fever Dreams - Attorneys at Jaw & Other Chaos 1:48:23

4M ago1:48:23

1:48:23

Is it truly Dragonmeet if we havent found a oneshot, not looked at it at all before recording starts and then it all descends into a fever dream? In 2023 we tried "Attorneys at Jaw" and other homebrew ideas... Hopefully you enjoy! "Attorneys at Jaw" can be found at: https://potatocubed.itch.io/attorneys-at-jaw Learn more at Penancerpg.com Support u…

1
503: Star Trek: Section 31, Star Wars: Skeleton Crew, Lord of the Rings: War of the Rohirrim, The Gorge, George Romero's Resident Evil 1:02:26

4M ago1:02:26

1:02:26

On the latest edisio of Chin Stroker VS Punter, Paul and Mike take a look at Star Trek: Section 31, Star Wars: Skeleton Crew, Lord of the Rings: War of the Rohirrim, The Gorge, George Romero's Resident Evil. Episode timings: 00:00 - Intro 04:00 - Star Trek Section 31 REVIEW 21:21 - George Romero's Resident Evil REVIEW 34:16 - Lord of the Rings: War…

1
Let’s talk about love 49:29

4M ago49:29

49:29

Valentine’s Day is here - the one day of the year where you can be unashamedly romantic and splash out on posh dinners, flowers and chocolates for your beloved. So we dig into the science of love. First, we find out about a monogamous rodent that has a special way of forming lifelong bonds with its partner. Next, we discover how to apply maths to y…

1
Dark Tide 41. Benjamin 53:21

4M ago53:21

53:21

Its the return of Dark Tide!! Rejoin our intrepid Grey Wardens as they struggle to survive and fight back Dark Spawn in this alternate timeline! This is our first streamed non-DnD TTRPG campaign, watch on Sunday 2.30pm UK at https://www.twitch.tv/penancerpg or catch up on YouTube Horror, co-op & puzzle games are played most days with more co-op gam…

1
All by myself 49:29

4M ago49:29

49:29

French president Emmanuel Macron recently announced that Leonardo da Vinci’s famous Mona Lisa painting will be moved to her very own room at the Louvre, as part of a plan to renovate the iconic museum. And that got us thinking. Once the crowds have gone home every night, the Mona Lisa will be all by herself, with no other paintings to smile at enig…

1
Snake science 49:29

4M ago49:29

49:29

Celebrations for the Lunar New Year kicked off on 29th January, and this year is the Year of the Snake. We start things off by discussing the purpose of some mysterious serpent markings on the banks of the Orinoco River. Next, we find out about the origins of snake oil, before digging into the psychology of why we trust snake-like people. Plus, her…

1
Keep it clean 49:29

4M ago49:29

49:29

The Hindu festival of Kumbh Mela is currently underway in India. As part of the event, millions of pilgrims will take a cleansing dip in the confluence of the Ganges, Yamuna and the mythical Saraswati. Inspired by this headline, we splash into a whole bathtub of stories about the science of cleaning. We find out why it’s so important to prevent con…