• The Witch Engine: THE OLD WOMAN PROBLEM
    Jan 26 2026

    In this episode of Grab Your Brew, hosts Jodie and Leanne delve into the complex narrative surrounding older women in society, particularly focusing on the historical and cultural perceptions of the 'Crone'. They discuss how older women, often seen as inconvenient or suspicious, have played crucial roles in various societies as keepers of knowledge and tradition. The conversation highlights the paradox of reverence and suspicion that older women face, especially as societies become more stratified and property-based. The hosts explore the implications of these societal changes, including the witch hunts and the marginalization of elderly women, drawing parallels to contemporary issues in different cultures around the world.The episode also touches on the 'grandmother effect', where older women significantly contribute to child survival rates, and how their wisdom is often overshadowed by societal perceptions of usefulness. Jodie and Leanne emphasize the importance of recognizing the value of older women, not just as bearers of knowledge but as integral parts of the community that should be respected rather than marginalized. The discussion serves as a reminder of the historical context that shapes current attitudes towards aging and gender, urging listeners to reconsider the narratives surrounding older women in their own lives and communities.Chapters00:00 Introduction to the Old Woman Problem01:32 The Crone in Historical Context03:50 The Grandmother Effect and Societal Value06:05 Archaeological Insights on Older Women08:00 Stratification and the Marginalization of the Crone10:00 Case Study: Pendle Witch Trials11:59 Modern Accusations and Cultural Contexts13:57 The Role of Violence in Societal Fear14:59 Conclusion and Future Episodes#podcast #witchcraft #innocent #ghana #india #cronewisdom #england #ironage #darkhistory #sisters Please check out the people below for full versions of the videos used in this week's episode. @thesugarcoatedsisters @PBS @HanParker @townsquare @France24_en ​

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    13 mins
  • Unmasking TikTok's Most Convincing Paranormal Hoaxes: Real or Glitch?
    Jan 21 2026

    In this episode of Spooky Time Wednesday, hosts Jodie and Leanne react to various creepy TikTok videos, discussing their thoughts on the authenticity of the content and the emotions it evokes. They explore themes of fear, skepticism, and the impact of storytelling, while also inviting listeners to share their own spooky experiences.TikTok’s viral paranormal events, meticulously sifting through alleged ghostly encounters and glitches to discern whether we’re witnessing genuine otherworldly phenomena or cunningly crafted digital deceptions. This involves forensic analysis of visual artifacts, audio anomalies, and user claims, ultimately unmasking the truth behind the digital veil


    Chapters


    00:00 Introduction to Spooky Time Wednesday

    00:29 Reacting to Creepy TikTok Videos

    05:02 Fear of the Unknown in Water

    09:55 Skepticism Towards Viral Videos

    10:07 Believability of Paranormal Encounters

    12:32 Creepy Costumes and Clowns

    13:18 Narrating the Horror Experience

    18:38 The Impact of Stories on Emotions

    21:52 Conclusion and Call to Action

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    20 mins
  • EPISODE 1: THE WITCH ENGINE |The Dark History of Witches | Unraveling Historical Persecution |
    Jan 19 2026

    In this episode of the podcast, the hosts delve into the complex history and societal dynamics surrounding witchcraft and witch hunts. They explore the concept of witches as roles assigned in times of crisis, the historical context of persecution across cultures, and the patterns of accusation that arise from societal pressures. The discussion highlights the gender dynamics involved in witch accusations, emphasizing that while many accused were women, the crime itself was not gendered. The episode concludes by drawing parallels to modern societal issues, urging listeners to recognize these patterns to prevent their recurrence.Chapters00:00 Introduction to the Witch Series00:57 Understanding the Concept of Witches03:02 Historical Context of Witch Persecution05:59 The Witch Engine: A Pattern of Accusation08:53 Gender Dynamics in Witch Accusations11:57 Modern Parallels and ConclusionFULL SOURCE LIST (PUBLIC)This episode draws on peer-reviewed scholarship, primaryhistorical sources, and reputable reference works.Interpretive frameworks are clearly distinguished fromdocumented historical facts.#witch #witchcraft #podcast #darkhistory #women

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    16 mins
  • Christmas Reddit Story time: Merry Fu*king Christmas #redditstories #reddit #scarystories #podcast
    Dec 31 2025

    In this chilling Christmas special, Leanne and Jodie share spine-tingling stories that explore the darker side of the holiday season. The first story, 'The Haunting Christmas Tree,' reveals a traumatic childhood experience that leads to a horrifying Christmas night. The second story, 'The Last Christmas as Santa,' follows a mall Santa's emotional farewell to his role, culminating in a tragic encounter with a lost child. Each tale delves into themes of fear, loss, and the unexpected horrors that can lurk behind festive traditions.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Scary Christmas Stories01:57 The Haunting Christmas Tree28:12 The Last Christmas as Santa36:29 The Tragic Tale of Lisa Wheeler#reddit #storytime

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    28 mins
  • Christmas, The Dead, the Dark & the Season of Misrule #ghost #victorianera #christmas #medevil
    Dec 29 2025

    This conversation explores the rich tapestry of winter traditions, focusing on the themes of ghosts, ancestors, and the historical significance of midwinter celebrations. The hosts discuss how these traditions have evolved from ancient customs to modern practices, highlighting the role of ghost stories in Victorian society and their connection to grief and social conscience. They also delve into medieval customs and the psychological aspects of midwinter misrule, emphasizing the importance of storytelling and community during the darkest times of the year.Chapters00:00 Ghosts and Ancestors: A Festive Tradition05:26 Victorian Ghost Stories: A Seasonal Ritual10:50 Medieval Customs: The Feast of Fools15:28 Midwinter Misrule: Coping with Winter Anxiety18:57 Modern Reflections: Ghostly Themes in Christmas20:51 Celebrating Chaos: The Sacred Combo of Winter Traditions

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    18 mins
  • Gingerbread Voodoo and Grandma's Christmas rules #reddit #redditstories #christmas #voodoo #demons
    Dec 26 2025

    This conversation explores two chilling holiday-themed stories. The first story revolves around an office potluck where a seemingly innocent batch of gingerbread cookies leads to a horrifying turn of events, revealing the dark side of holiday cheer. The second story follows a young man visiting his grandmother for Christmas, only to find himself in a night filled with eerie rules and supernatural occurrences. Both tales intertwine themes of nostalgia, fear, and the unexpected darkness that can lurk behind festive traditions.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Spooky Tales00:12 Carol's Christmas Cookies: A Festive Setup05:27 The Unveiling of the Gingerbread Cookies10:44 The Dark Turn: Cookie Cannibalism12:44 The Aftermath of the Cookie Incident14:02 The Final Bite: A Sinister Gift15:30 Transition to Another Spooky Story16:24 A Visit to Grandma: Nostalgia and Fear25:43 The Haunting Night: Following the Rules27:02 Conclusion and Reflections on the Stories#ghost #ghoststories #reddit

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    27 mins
  • Krampus, Perchta & the Beasts of December #krampus #podcast #norsemythology #christmas #horror
    Dec 22 2025

    In this conversation, Jodie and Leanne explore various winter folklore traditions, focusing on the darker aspects of Christmas myths. They discuss figures like Krampus, Frau Perchta, the Yule Cat, and Gryla, highlighting how these characters serve as cautionary tales that reflect historical survival strategies during harsh winters. The discussion emphasizes the role of folklore in shaping behavior and community values, particularly in the context of winter's dangers.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Winter Folklore02:24 The Legend of Krampus05:25 Frau Perchta: The Witch of Winter08:09 The Yule Cat: A Christmas Threat10:39 Gryla and the Yule Lads13:22 Monsters as Winter Safety Manuals#history #norse #chrismasspecial

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    15 mins
  • Elf on the Shelf: A Tale of Fear & Trauma #redditstories #ghost #horror #scarychristmas #christmas
    Dec 17 2025

    In this episode of 'Grab Your Brew', hosts Jodie and Leanne delve into the dark and twisted tales of Christmas from Reddit, exploring themes of childhood trauma and the haunting folklore surrounding Santa Claus and his counterpart, Krampus. Through storytelling, they reflect on the psychological impacts of fear and the complexities of good and evil, all while maintaining a light-hearted banter that keeps the conversation engaging.Chapters00:00 Spooky Christmas Introduction02:49 The Dark Tale of Elf on the Shelf08:26 A Haunting Encounter with Santa's Brother25:26 Reflections on Fear and Folklore#reddit #scarystories #scarychristmas Story Credit : @LighthouseHorror ​

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    24 mins