A boozy dive into mythology, legends, and folklore. Every week we pour a drink and dive into a new story from around the world. Hear fresh takes on classic myths and learn new stories from around the world. New episodes every Wednedsay!
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A comedy podcast about ghost n' ghoul history starring two idiots who don't know anything but are very good friends. The show is produced by David Freeman and Conner Russell. Theme music courtesy of The Zombie Dandies.
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Explore the dark side of Japan with the Supernatural Japan Podcast — where chilling true crime, eerie urban legends, and spine-tingling folklore come together. Each episode dives deep into Japan’s haunted history, mysterious disappearances, yokai encounters, and unsolved cases that blur the line between myth and reality. Perfect for fans of paranormal podcasts, Japanese culture, and true crime. Subscribe now and uncover the secrets lurking in the shadows of Japan.
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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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Mysterious Manga Terrifies Hong Kong Tourists! - with Jay Allen from Unseen Japan
22:44
22:44
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22:44In the next episode of Supernatural Japan, we dive into a bizarre and unsettling story that’s recently made headlines across Asia. Host Kevin O’Shea sits down with journalist Jay Allen, founder of Unseen Japan, to discuss his investigation into a decades-old manga (私が見た未来 - The Future I’ve Seen) that has resurfaced and sparked fear among Hong Kong …
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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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In this chilling episode of Supernatural Japan, we explore the terrifying legend of the Gashadokuro—the giant, fleshless skeleton said to roam the countryside at night, hunting unsuspecting travelers. Discover the dark origins of this bone-rattling yokai, born from the restless spirits of the dead, and learn how it ties into Japan’s feudal history,…
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The Birthplace of Dark Academia | Your Urban Legends 107
48:26
48:26
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48:26We’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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In this chilling episode of Supernatural Japan, we explore the unsolved 1994 Inokashira Park dismemberment case, where a Tokyo salaryman's body was found meticulously cut into 30 pieces and scattered across a serene urban park. Blending true crime and Japanese folklore, the episode delves into police investigations, surgical precision theories, yak…
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Penang’s Haunted Shih Chung Branch School
10:00
10:00
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10:00In this chilling episode of Supernatural Japan, we journey beyond Japan to explore the infamous Shih Chung Branch School in Penang, Malaysia—one of Southeast Asia’s most haunted locations. Once a colonial-era school turned Japanese military headquarters during World War II, this abandoned building is said to echo with the cries of tortured souls an…
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Urban Legends of NYC w/ Greg Young of The Bowery Boys
58:47
58:47
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58:47NYC 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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The Hollow Ship of Hitachi: Japan’s First UFO?
10:36
10:36
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10:36In this episode of Supernatural Japan, we dive into the mysterious legend of the Hollow Ship of Hitachi, one of Japan’s earliest recorded UFO sightings from 1803. Was it an alien encounter, a strange foreign vessel, or something even more mysterious? We explore the historical records, the strange details of the ship and its occupant, and how this b…
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Haunted Maruoka Castle - The Curse of Oshizu
7:49
7:49
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7:49Discover the chilling legend of Maruoka Castle in this episode of Supernatural Japan, where history and hauntings collide. Known as one of Japan’s oldest surviving castles, Maruoka is infamous for the ghost story of O-shizu, a woman sacrificed during its construction whose spirit is said to curse the fortress to this day. We explore the castle’s da…
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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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In this special episode of Supernatural Japan, we sit down with legendary paranormal podcaster Jim Harold—host of The Paranormal Podcast, Jim Harold’s Campfire, and The Paranormal Report. We explore Jim’s journey in the world of podcasting, his personal beliefs about the supernatural, and the stories that have stayed with him after nearly two decad…
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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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The Monster With 21 Faces: Japan’s Most Mysterious Criminal Mastermind
13:15
13:15
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13:15In this chilling episode of Supernatural Japan, we dive into the bizarre and terrifying case of The Monster With 21 Faces—a criminal entity that terrorized Japan in the 1980s with poison threats, corporate blackmail, and taunting letters to the police. Who were they? Why did they target food companies like Glico and Morinaga? And how did they vanis…
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In this gripping episode of Supernatural Japan, we investigate the infamous Hachioji Supermarket Murders—a brutal unsolved triple homicide that shocked Tokyo in 1995. Who killed three innocent employees inside a quiet family-owned store? Was it a robbery gone wrong or something more sinister? We explore the chilling details, mysterious leads, and h…
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Oops! All Haunted Schools! | Your Urban Legends 106
50:12
50:12
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50:12Ooops! 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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Kintaro: The Golden Boy of Japanese Folklore
7:58
7:58
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7:58In this mythic episode of Supernatural Japan, we explore the legendary tale of Kintaro—the "Golden Boy" of Japanese folklore. Raised in the mountains by a mysterious mountain witch, Kintaro possessed superhuman strength, tamed wild animals, and eventually became a warrior under the famous samurai Minamoto no Yorimitsu. But was Kintaro a real person…
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In this mini-episode, we’re stepping into the world of tsukumogami in Japan, a household object that has come to life after a hundred years! Our focus? The ever-charming and mischievous Karakasa-obake, or as some call it, the umbrella yokai." Yokai are a big part of Japanese folklore and mythology, and you will learn about one of the cuter members …
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Feed Drop: Queens Podcast - Amina of Zaria
45:08
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45:08This 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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The Mystery of the Ningen (ニンゲン) - Japan’s Icy Cryptid?
10:00
10:00
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10:00In this episode of Supernatural Japan, we plunge into the freezing waters of the Antarctic to uncover the mystery of a cryptid that has left internet users and conspiracy theorists questioning reality. Is there something massive, pale, and human-like lurking beneath the waves? This is the legend of the Ningen (ニンゲン). A Japanese paranormal mystery f…
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Women of a Certain Age w/ Deanna Raybourn
55:12
55:12
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55:12Women 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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Osorezan (Mount Fear) – Japan’s Gateway to the Afterlife
9:42
9:42
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9:42In this episode, we look at Osorezan 恐山, or Mount Fear, as it’s ominously known. Located at the northern tip of Honshu, Osorezan is more than just a mountain. It’s believed to be one of Japan’s entrances to the underworld—a sacred, haunted land where souls pass on… or linger. The Supernatural Japan Podcast uncovers Osorezan’s history, religious sig…
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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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Lost in the Snow – The Haunting of Hakkōda Mountains
8:34
8:34
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8:34In this chilling episode of Supernatural Japan, we explore the haunting true story of the Hakkōda Mountains Incident, where 199 Japanese soldiers perished in a deadly blizzard during a 1902 military exercise. As we recount the tragic march and the soldiers’ struggle against freezing temperatures and disorientation, we delve into eerie reports of gh…
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Gods of the Nile | Denial Isn’t Just a River
46:18
46:18
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46:18We’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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Lucky Animals in Japan - Part 1 - Swallows and Owls
12:42
12:42
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12:42Today, we’re diving into the world of lucky animals—creatures believed to bring fortune, protection, and prosperity in Japanese culture. From the wise owl to the mystical fox, these animals are more than just symbols; they are deeply woven into Shinto and Buddhist beliefs, folklore, and even modern superstitions. In this episode, we will focus on t…
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It’s Giving Hat Man | Your Urban Legends 105
53:24
53:24
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53:24What 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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Teke Teke テケテケ is a Japanese urban legend about the ghost of a Japanese school girl hunting those she can find. She was hit by a train and severed in half. She became an onryo, or a vengeful spirit. She lurks in urban areas and roams train stations at night. Since she no longer has a lower body, she travels on her hands, dragging her upper torso an…
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The Char Man of Ojai w/ Jess from WTF Is That Podcast
47:01
47:01
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47:01What 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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The Legend of Oiran Buchi - Chilling Betrayal at “The Courtesan’s Bridge"
10:37
10:37
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10:37The story of Oiran Buchi, also known as "The Courtesan’s Bridge," is a chilling legend from Japan, specifically associated with a region in Yamanashi Prefecture. However, its eerie reputation has reached far and wide, including being recounted in places like Sapporo. The tale is a haunting reminder of betrayal, greed, and tragedy. Support the podca…
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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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Awashima Jinja - Japan’s Shrine for Unwanted (Haunted?) Dolls
9:17
9:17
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9:17In this episode of the Supernatural Japan Podcast, we explore the mystical Awashima Shrine in Wakayama, Japan—a sacred site renowned for its unique connection to dolls and fertility. Known as the resting place for old or unwanted dolls, the shrine is steeped in spiritual lore and rituals to comfort these inanimate objects believed to harbor souls. …
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Japanese Yokai: Dorotabo - Muddy Rice-field Monk
5:15
5:15
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5:15In this bite-sized episode, we look at the Dorotabō (泥田坊, "muddy rice field monk"), who is a type of yokai from Japanese folklore. It is believed to be the restless spirit of a farmer who, in life, worked tirelessly to cultivate and care for his rice fields. After his death, if the land is neglected or mismanaged by its new owners, the Dorotabō ris…
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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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Kuchisake-onna (口裂け女) - The Slit-Mouthed Woman
12:00
12:00
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12:00In this episode, we delve into the chilling Japanese urban legend of Kuchisake-ona. We explore the origins of this tale, which tells of a vengeful spirit who approaches individuals, particularly children, asking, "Am I pretty?" Depending on the response, the encounter can lead to dire consequences. This episode also examines various aspects of the …
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Ghost Fingers Are the Worst! | Your Urban Legends 104
53:37
53:37
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53:37It’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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The Hibagon (ヒバゴン) is the Japanese equivalent of the North American Bigfoot. Many believe that it inhabits the areas around Mount Hiba in Hiroshima Prefecture, Japan. In this episode, we talk to Canadian author Kyle Brink. He has been researching Hibagon for many years and is based in Hiroshima Prefecture. He is the author of the book, “Hibagon: Ja…
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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
1:15:26
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1:15:26Sorry 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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Japanese Yokai: Akaname - The Filth Licker (Bathroom Licker)
4:42
4:42
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4:42The Akaname (垢嘗め) is a yokai from Japanese folklore with a rather unique and unsettling role—it is known as the "filth licker." Its name translates to "scum licker" or "grime licker," and it is said to haunt dirty bathrooms, bathhouses, and other unclean spaces. Learn about this bizarre creature in this Supernatural Japan “mini-episode.” Learn abou…
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Tokyo’s Haunted Yokoamicho Park and Ireido Hall
14:20
14:20
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14:20Nestled in Yokoamicho Park in Tokyo, Japan, stands the Ireido Memorial Hall, a sacred space dedicated to the tens of thousands who perished in the Great Kanto Earthquake of 1923 as well as the Tokyo Air aids of WW2. Thousands of people died in the very location that is Yokoamicho Park in 1923. Now, it is said to be the site of ghostly figures, myst…
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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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Japanese Yokai: The Tanuki - Japan’s Shapeshifting Trickster
14:02
14:02
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14:02The Tanuki, or Japanese raccoon dog, is a unique creature in Japanese culture, blending real-world zoology with centuries of rich folklore. Its mythical counterpart is a shapeshifting trickster and a symbol of good fortune in Japanese mythology. Learn more about this famous Yokai from Japan, an animal with supernatural powers and a unique sense of …
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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…
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The Inunaki Village 犬鳴村 (Terrifying Japanese Uban Legend)
13:55
13:55
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13:55In this episode, we examine the well-known and terrifying tale of the Inunaki Village in Fukuoka, Prefecture in Japan. Was there a mysterious village locked in time where its residents terrorize any unfortunate soul who stumbles across it? Tales of murder, kidnapping, zombie-like people, and more are packed into this story. We look at the famous Ja…
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Fight Off Ghosts, Stay Hydrated! | Your Urban Legends 103
52:05
52:05
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52:05We can’t buy a minor league baseball team, but we could rebrand one into something spooky with your help! Also featuring your stories of recurring childhood nightmares, another haunted field trip, and the worst thing a kid could say at a sleepover. Content Warning: This episode contains conversations about or mentions of drowning, death, murder, su…
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We’re starting the new year off right: With a goddess who is leading with both her cat face and her titties - Bastet! That’s how we all should enter the new year in my opinion. Content Warning: This episode contains conversations about or mentions of sexual content, nudity, death, child death, animal death, poisoning, pregnancy, birth, and misogyny…
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We return with Myth Movie Night to explore a wild, very silly Netflix Christmas movie: Hot Frosty. We discuss dick scarf physics, bad business practices, Mean Girls references, and the horniest ice sculptor in the world. Content Warning: This episode contains conversations about or mentions of drug use, global warming, illness (cancer), death, sexu…
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‘Tis the season for celebration, gathering, and of course, parading horse-skulled figures from door to door. We dig into the tradition of wassailing from Wales, the Mari Lywd! Content Warning: This episode contains conversations about or mentions of body horror, religious persecution, war, and animal death. Housekeeping - Recommendation: This week,…
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Ghost Cat Distribution System | Your Urban Legends 102
55:54
55:54
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55:54Sometimes you move into a new place and there’s a cat waiting for you. Sometimes that cat is a ghost. Who are you to question why that is? We’re also haunted in this episode by nurses, pranksters, and a creepy boy in a “tiny attic”. Content Warning: This episode contains conversations about or mentions of car accidents, earthquakes, sexual innuendo…
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