Best Vikram Baliga Podcasts (2025)

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123. Gathered: On Foraging, Feasting, and the Seasonal Life w/ Gabrielle Cerberville 58:05

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3d ago58:05

58:05

Send us a text Gabrielle Cerberville, known as the Chaotic Forager, returns to discuss her new book "Gathered on Foraging, Feasting, and the Seasonal Life" and shares insights on building relationships with wild spaces beyond mere resource collection. • Moved to Virginia at the base of Shenandoah National Park to pursue a PhD in Composition and Com…

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Demonic Possession w/ Isabel Cañas 54:56

5d ago54:56

54:56

Isabel Cañas is BACK and here to talk about her new book, The Possession of Alba Díaz. Join us as we talk about the intersection of demonic possession and bodily autonomy, writing capital-R Romance novels, and how Isabel used her historian background to create an immersive Gothic novel. Content Warning: This episode contains conversations about or …

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Merlin 2: Origins 54:56

12d ago54:56

54:56

We told you the stories of Merlin but where did he come from anyway? From Myrddin, to Lailoken, to the warrior poet Ambrosius Aurelianus, we discuss all of the different versions of Merlin before he was Merlin! And as a bonus, we chat about WHO Merlin was after his origins! Content Warning: This episode contains conversations about or mentions of d…

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Curse of the Pharaohs 51:49

19d ago51:49

51:49

What does the film industry, Louisa May Alcott, and King Tut have in common? Mummy’s curses! We dig into the history of the Curse of the Pharaohs, how they are viewed in the west, and how Tutmania changed Egyptology and the world. Content Warning: This episode contains conversations about or mentions of death, illness, racism, desecration of bodies…

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122. Green Communities, Urban Conservation, and Just Showing Up w/ Gary Cocke and Carole Fergusson 1:05:44

25d ago1:05:44

1:05:44

Send us a text Gary Cocke and Carole Fergusson share their journeys in sustainability and community conservation, revealing how partnerships between universities, cities, and local organizations create meaningful environmental impact in Waco and beyond. • Gary's background in biology and ecology led him to sustainability work, first in water conser…

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Feed Drop: The Bowery Boys - Ghost Stories of the Five Boroughs 1:28:15

26d ago1:28:15

1:28:15

Julia’s out on vacation, but to get you prepped for spooky season, please enjoy these ghost stories from all across NYC from our friends over at The Bowery Boys! Fun fact! Every single one of these ghost stories was sourced from actual newspaper and magazine reporting from their respective eras! Housekeeping - Books: Check out our previous book rec…

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Can’t Get Emails in the Fae Realm | Your Urban Legends 111 46:17

1M ago46:17

46:17

Is a year of random ghostly screaming too much? We think it is! We also discuss trying to revisit the fae portals of our youth, owl mother-in-laws, and the bartender’s mouthwash. Content Warning: This episode contains conversations about or mentions of death, home invasion, police activity, child endangerment, cancer, medical procedures, and carbon…

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Wholesome Urban Legends w/ Ronald Young Jr. 51:48

1M ago51:48

51:48

Sometimes we have a guest who just does not want to be scared! That’s why we’re breaking out some incredible yet wholesome hometown urban legends to share with friend of the pod, Ronald Young Jr. Featuring kindergarten paleontologists, bottomless lakes of fire, and how to make pirates even scarier! Content Warning: This episode contains conversatio…

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Merlin 51:01

2M ago51:01

51:01

You’ve heard his name before: Merlin. Not the first wizard, but the most important wizard! We’re taking a crack at Arthurian legend, digging into how the prototypical wizard shaped the stories, including his demonic birth, his terrible romances, and his role as Arthur’s Wizard Daddy. Content Warning: This episode contains conversations about or men…

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House Spirits 52:11

2M ago52:11

52:11

House spirits have been living in our heads (and our hearths) rent free lately! From Central America to Korea and across Europe, spirits like domovoi, brownies, duende, and more have been playing a role in home folklore. So pull up a chair by the hearth and we’ll tell you their tales! Content Warning: This episode contains conversations about or me…

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A Prophetic Middle School Crush | Your Urban Legends 110 43:31

2M ago43:31

43:31

Have you been dreaming about a new urban legend episode? Maybe your dreams are a little bit prophetic! We dig into some sweet and also terrifying prophetic dreams, creepy child ghosts, and why we trust night nurses over any other profession to combat the supernatural. Content Warning: This episode contains conversations about or mentions of illness…

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Queering the Tarot w/ Charlie Claire Burgess 49:40

2M ago49:40

49:40

Shuffle through your Tarot deck as we’re joined by author and artist Charlie Claire Burgess who talks about their work around tarot and the intersection of spirituality and queerness. We talk about witchy awakenings courtesy of the CW network, getting rid of the binary in tarot readings, and so much more! Content Warning: This episode contains conv…

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The Flatwoods Monster 49:09

3M ago49:09

49:09

We’ve talked about so many American cryptids on the show, but have you heard about the Flatwoods Monster of West Virginia? Settle around the camp fire as we tell a tale of UFO crash landings, Men in Black, and government conspiracy in small town America. Content Warning: This episode contains conversations about or mentions of vomiting, child endan…

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121. Paleobotany, Museums, and Lessons from Deep Time w/ Dr. Aaron Pan 1:02:27

3M ago1:02:27

1:02:27

Send us a text Journey through millions of years of plant evolution with paleobotanist Dr. Aaron Pan, who unearths fascinating stories locked within fossilized leaves, fruits, and seeds from Earth's distant past. As Executive Director of the Museum of Texas Tech University, Dr. Pan bridges the worlds of scientific research and public education, sha…

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Three Wise Monkeys 45:14

3M ago45:14

45:14

Hear no evil, see no evil, speak no evil. You might have heard this phrase before (or at least seen the cute little monkey emojis on your phone), but do you know where it comes from? 🙉 🙈 🙊 We do a deep dive into the philosophical and religious origins of the Three Wise Monkeys! Content Warning: This episode contains conversations about or mentions …

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What are the MOUTH PROPORTIONS?! | Your Urban Legends 109 49:57

3M ago49:57

49:57

Some kids are gay. Some kids are obsessed with death. Some kids are gay AND obsessed with death. And we love that for them! Also featuring astral projecting to family functions and helping your family break the cycle of buying haunted houses. Content Warning: This episode contains conversations about or mentions of defecation, drug use, death, miso…

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Queer and Trans Witchcraft w/ Brooke Palmieri 49:14

3M ago49:14

49:14

We’re joined this week by author and artist, Brooke Palmieri, to discuss his new book - Bargain Witch: Essays of Self-Initiation. We chat about holding onto your weirdness, the importance of astral hygiene, and how we used the Neopets roleplay forums as a way of exploring our ideal selves. Content Warning: This episode contains conversations about …

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Bloody Mary 51:27

3M ago51:27

51:27

Bloody Mary: A sleepover myth? Or something much deeper? We discuss the mirror rituals of the past, the women who might have inspired the myth, and how modern Bloody Mary might have been a way of fighting against the patriarchy! Content Warning: This episode contains conversations about or mentions of child endangerment/death, illness, death, tortu…

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120. Godfather Figs, Coastal Ecology, and Really Old Rocks w/ Phil D'Angelis 1:08:42

4M ago1:08:42

1:08:42

Send us a text What happens when scientific curiosity meets ancestral connection? Phil DeAngelis, founder of Phil's Figs and coastal geologist, takes us on a journey that weaves together seemingly unrelated passions into a life of purpose and discovery. Phil's story begins in Pennsylvania, where gardening was simply part of life in his Italian-Amer…

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Bees 47:31

4M ago47:31

47:31

There’s been a lot of buzz around bees, especially in folklore and mythology! From Ancient Egypt and Greece to Hinduism and Celtic folklore, the relationship between bees and humans has been considered divine - so we’re talking about the good friends, the bees! Content Warning: This episode contains conversations about or mentions of insects, injur…

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Everyone Assumes the Worst of Devin the Ghost | Your Urban Legends 108 54:30

4M ago54:30

54:30

We dive into three generations of hauntings, from blackbird death omens, the worst Ouija board experience we’ve ever encountered, and a haunted cabin where the ghosts should be paying the utilities. Also, Julia and Amanda plan a road trip. Content Warning: This episode contains conversations about or mentions of medical issues, gentrification, deat…

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The Mythos of Technology and Capitalism w/ Jathan Sadowski 56:06

4M ago56:06

56:06

Technology and capitalism? In your mythology podcast? It’s more likely than you’d think! We’re joined by Jathan Sadowski, professor and podcaster, to discuss the myth of inevitability, the modern Eleusinian Mysteries of Silicon Valley, and why technologists need to read better sci-fi. Content Warning: This episode contains conversations about or me…

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119. Plant Hoarding, the Garden Party, and Being an Influencer w/ Destin Noak 56:23

4M ago56:23

56:23

Send us a text Ever wondered how working with plants could transform your life? Destin Noak, known online as the Texas Garden Guy, discovered gardening's therapeutic power during a period of uncertainty after leaving the Air Force in 2011. What began with his father's simple suggestion to till the backyard evolved into a passionate pursuit that wou…

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Gnomes 2: The Nisse 50:24

4M ago50:24

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Julia really wanted to title this episode 2 Gnomes 2 Furious, but SEO! We dig into the Scandinavian Nisse and Tomte, the socialist leanings of these house spirits, and just why everyone got so into garden gnomes all of a sudden! Content Warning: This episode contains conversations about or mentions of poverty, death, theft, animal death, Nazis, nat…

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Gnomes 42:55

5M ago42:55

42:55

Those little red-hatted fellas that hang out in your garden? There’s enough for a whole Spirits episode on that? The answer might surprise you as we dig into the mythological (and alchemical, shoutout Paracelsus!) origins of just where they came from, and why they’re hanging out with your hydrangeas! Content Warning: This episode contains conversat…

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118. The Poetry of Science, Nature Check, and Groups of Belonging w/ Dr. Sheryl Hosler 1:01:35

5M ago1:01:35

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Send us a text Dr. Cheryl Hosler, creator of Nature Check and The Roving Naturalist, shares her journey from feeling inadequate in science to becoming a postdoctoral researcher and innovative science communicator who uses storytelling and gaming to connect people with ecological concepts. • Cheryl's educational path from English major to scientist,…

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The Birthplace of Dark Academia | Your Urban Legends 107 48:26

5M ago48:26

48:26

We’ve got a variety of haunted places this month for you - a haunted house (classic), a haunted college (love it), a haunted adult store (?????). Also, we explore the birthplace of Dark Academia. And yes, it’s as haunted as you’d think! Content Warning: This episode contains conversations about or mentions of sex, porn, death, homophobia, true crim…

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117. Chaos Garden Gremlins, Necessary Context, and Practical Landscapes w/ Sean Patchett 52:56

5M ago52:56

52:56

Send us a text Sean Patchett, known online as Garden Guy Muskoka, shares his multifaceted experience in horticulture, from landscape work to science communication, emphasizing the critical importance of context in gardening advice. • Context is everything when sharing gardening information – advice must be tailored to location, climate, and specifi…

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Urban Legends of NYC w/ Greg Young of The Bowery Boys 58:47

5M ago58:47

58:47

NYC has a long history, filled with (unsurprisingly) MANY ghosts. So we called in an expert to tell us about them: Greg from The Bowery Boys discusses his favorite ghost stories and urban legends from over 18 (!!!) years of podcasting about the history of NYC! Content Warning: This episode contains conversations about or mentions of death, murder, …

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Gardening Superstitions 56:09

5M ago56:09

56:09

Spring has sprung, and you’re probably wondering: What should I be planting? How do I make sure my garden is a success? Well, we’ve got all the gardening superstitions and folk magic to make your garden sparkle this year. Content Warning: This episode contains conversations about or mentions of pregnancy, misogyny, menstruation, theft, insects, dea…

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Riddling Spirits 46:43

6M ago46:43

46:43

Riddles have captivated fiction and mythology alike for thousands of years! From sphinxes and gods to kings and princesses, we’ve been posing riddles to each other for longer than we can remember. But why? That’s the real riddle we’re looking to solve this episode! Content Warning: This episode contains conversations about or mentions of genitalia,…

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116. National Parks, Leaving No Trace, and Touching Grass w/ Cassie Yahnian and Danielle LaRock 1:12:22

6M ago1:12:22

1:12:22

Send us a text Cassie Yahnian and Danielle LaRock share the captivating journey of their podcast National Park After Dark, celebrating four years of exploring the mysteries, histories, and conservation stories of America's public lands. • Former veterinary technicians who bonded over their shared love of outdoor spaces and morbid curiosity • Transf…

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Oops! All Haunted Schools! | Your Urban Legends 106 50:12

6M ago50:12

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Ooops! That’s a lot of haunted schools! Haunted school trips, haunted school theatres, haunted turrets that no child should be crawling up into! Be unruly, be ungovernable, give children nightmares! Content Warning: This episode contains conversations about or mentions of child endangerment, warfare, death, murder, suicide, hanging, and execution. …

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Feed Drop: Queens Podcast - Amina of Zaria 45:08

6M ago45:08

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This week, we give you an episode from our friends at Queens Podcast about the life of Amina of Zaria, a legendary figure in African history. Enjoy this episode capturing the incredible story of a woman who defied the norms of her time! Content Warning: This episode contains conversations about or mentions of warfare, misogyny, slavery, sexual innu…

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115. Native Landscapes, Lo-fi Dad Jazz, and the Rungs of the Ladder w/ Rooey 58:33

6M ago58:33

58:33

Send us a text Roey, a music industry marketing professional and lo-fi producer, uses his "dad jazz" instrumental music to fund native plant installations across Nashville and beyond. • Growing up in a family of avid gardeners and nature enthusiasts instilled a deep appreciation for native plants and natural spaces • Names his songs after native pl…

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Women of a Certain Age w/ Deanna Raybourn 55:12

6M ago55:12

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Women of a certain age can do anything - whether it’s being assassins, spinning the threads of fate, or doing witchy things in the woods! From the Fates of Greek mythology to Victorian scientists like Margaret Fountaine, author Deanna Raybourn shows us that older women are capable of doing anything and everything. Content Warning: This episode cont…

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Once Upon A Time… 51:13

6M ago51:13

51:13

Every story has to start somewhere. Whether it’s with “once upon a time” or “when tigers used to smoke tobacco”, storytellers have been setting the scene for their audiences in beautiful and interesting ways. Join us as we dig into the origins of story beginnings AND endings! Content Warning: This episode contains conversations about or mentions of…

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114. Food Communities, Growing Together, and No-bots w/ Dr. Jessica Tullar Caroom 57:16

7M ago57:16

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Send us a text Dr. Jessica Tullar Caroom returns to the podcast to discuss the evolution of her community food systems work and the importance of building meaningful connections through growing and sharing food. • Growing Together Texas supports gardeners, growers, and cooks as three interconnected parts of a healthy food ecosystem • Creating an on…

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Gods of the Nile | Denial Isn’t Just a River 46:18

7M ago46:18

46:18

We’ve reached the end of the river. What an amazing journey. We discuss our final 3 gods of the Nile River: Khnum, Hapy, and Sobek. Fish? They’re agents of chaos. Content Warning: This episode contains conversations about or mentions of warfare, animal death, transphobia, infidelity, animal sacrifice, and animal attacks. Housekeeping - See us LIVE!…

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It’s Giving Hat Man | Your Urban Legends 105 53:24

7M ago53:24

53:24

What if you got to dream of an urban legends episode that never actually existed? Well, it happened! Also featuring several food superstition follow-ups, two grannies blessing marriages, and an off-the-grid ghost! Content Warning: This episode contains conversations about or mentions of bodily functions, hanging, death, war, PTSD, fire, child death…

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113. Houseplants, Diabolical Weeds, and Fickle Figs- Winter 2025 Q&A 44:30

7M ago44:30

44:30

Send us a text This episode is a delightful exploration of listener-submitted plant questions, offering insights into plant care, specific plant challenges, and the relationship between environmental conditions and plant health. - Overview of the seasonal Q&A format - Discussion on controlling bindweed and morning glory - Humidity’s nuanced effect …

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The Char Man of Ojai w/ Jess from WTF Is That Podcast 47:01

7M ago47:01

47:01

What happens when the very real fear of wildfires meet folklore and urban legends? You get something like The Char Man of Ojai. We’re joined by Jess from WTF Is That Podcast to talk about this prescient urban legend, why cryptids love bridges, and why shouting for help in the woods is a bad idea! Places you can donate: Mutual Aid LA Network, Fire A…

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Anubis | Denial Isn’t Just a River 57:41

7M ago57:41

57:41

Perky little ears and a terrifying visage, we’re talking this week about the god of mummification, Anubis! Featuring a zoology corner where we learn about jackals that aren’t actually jackals, watch a guy REALLY go through it, and more as we discuss our little rotty prince. Content Warning: This episode contains conversations about or mentions of d…

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112. Gardening, Building Community, and BLT Sandwiches 41:43

8M ago41:43

41:43

Send us a text This episode emphasizes the importance of community, realistic expectations, and small beginnings in gardening. We explore how to nurture connections with neighbors, set achievable goals, and adapt to various living conditions to create a rewarding gardening experience. • Understanding why content creators should be careful with gard…

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Valentine's Day 58:38

8M ago58:38

58:38

Valentine’s Day has changed over the past millennia or so. From a martyred saint, to a feast day, to courtly love and gifting roses and chocolates, where did our current Valentine’s Day traditions come from? Hint: British postal reforms are more important than you’d think! Content Warning: This episode contains conversations about or mentions of de…

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Ghost Fingers Are the Worst! | Your Urban Legends 104 53:37

8M ago53:37

53:37

It’s confirmed: You can use Spirits as a tool for surviving in the wilderness. Also featuring another appearance of the Hat Man, cryptids from the Ozarks, and a horrifying parade of cats. Content Warning: This episode contains conversations about or mentions of mental illness, gun violence, misogyny, and drug use. Housekeeping - See us LIVE! Buy a …

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See us LIVE in Portland and NYC! 1:23

8M ago1:23

1:23

Join us in Portland on March 23 for a double-header live show! Get your tickets now at spiritspodcast.com/live And if you live in or around NYC, RSVP to our free cocktail popup on February 20 at jointhepartypod.com/popup See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.…

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You Just Lost the Game | Spirits x American Hysteria 1:15:26

8M ago1:15:26

1:15:26

Sorry to tell you, but you just lost The Game. In our first ever crossover episode with American Hysteria, we do a deep dive into the mind game with origins in Cambridge, early internet culture, and other memes of the age like the Cool S. Content Warning: This episode contains conversations about or mentions of 4chan, sexual content, and drug use. …

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The Beast of Gévaudan w/ Gigi Griffis 51:04

8M ago51:04

51:04

Animal attacks on the French peasantry, a mysterious beast, and a years long hunt. We’re joined by author Gigi Griffis as we discuss The Beast of Gévaudan, her book We Are The Beasts, and re-writing monsters as saviors. Content Warning: This episode contains conversations about or mentions of death, child death, animal attacks, animal death, misogy…

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Food Superstitions 1:02:43

9M ago1:02:43

1:02:43

Have you ever spilled some salt and tossed it over your shoulder? Broken a wishbone with friends and family? Have you ever wondered WHY we blow out candles on birthday cakes? We dig into some of our favorite and curious food superstitions from around the world! Content Warning: This episode contains conversations about or mentions of enslavement, r…