The Folklore Podcast
Society & Culture
About
Folklore: Beliefs, traditions & culture of the people. Traditional folklore themes from around the world. One episode each month features a special guest from the field of folklore. Recalling our forgotten history, recording the new. The Folklore Podcast
Episodes
- Episode 192 - FAIRY IMAGERY
Folklorist Mark Norman and illustrator Tamsin Rosewell explore the imagery of fairies in art, literature, and culture. They discuss the historical portrayal and evolution of fairy imagery, inviting listener opinions on the subject for a fu…
- Episode 191 - TALKING GHOSTS PART 1
In this first installment of a two-part series, host Mark Norman interviews four presenters from the UK Ghost Story Festival in Derby. The conversation covers queer readings of Dracula, Irish ghost estates, fairy folklore and abduction, an…
- Episode 190 - AND 'OTHER' STORIES
Host Mark Norman talks with Abi, Jane, and participants from the Turning Tides Project about their 'And 'Other' Stories' initiative. The project uses reworked folktales to examine disability labels and promote inclusivity through multi-sen…
- Episode 189 - OPENING THE BOX OF DELIGHTS
Host Mark Norman speaks with John Masefield expert Phil Errington, playwright Piers Torday, and documentary maker Chris Chapman about the classic children's title 'The Box of Delights' and its enduring appeal.
- Episode 188 - UK GHOST STORY FESTIVAL CHATS
This episode of The Folklore Podcast features conversations from the 2025 UK Ghost Story Festival. Host Mark Norman talks with children's author Alex Foulkes, author Teika Marija Smits, and academic Dr Sam Hirst about ghost stories, fairy…
- Episode 187 - WICKED STRANGE: GHOSTS AND LEGENDS OF NEW ENGLAND
Host Mark Norman talks with Jeff Belanger about New England's ghosts, folklore, and legends, drawing from Belanger's book 'Wicked Strange'. The episode includes a remastered 1966 folk music recording by Dave Van Ronk.
- Episode 186 - MEDIEVAL GHOSTS
Dr Eleanor Janega discusses the role of ghosts in the medieval period with Mark Norman, exploring recognizable behaviors, the church's view, and historical entertainment aspects.
- Episode 185 - THE FOLKLORE OF PROVERBS
Season 11 of The Folklore Podcast begins with host Mark Norman exploring the role of proverbs in folklore. The episode was inspired by the music track 'Breadcrumbs' by Amy Hopwood, which is featured at the end.
- Folklore Podcast 2026 announcement
Host Mark Norman provides an announcement regarding The Folklore Podcast's direction and content availability leading into 2026.
- Christmas Special 2025 - The Mistletoe Bride
In the 2025 Christmas Special, host Mark Norman explores the legend of the Mistletoe Bride, referencing an 1809 German version. The episode includes a performance of the song 'The Mistletoe Bough' by Jackie Oates.
- Episode 184 - THIRST: RIVERS AND FOLKLORE
This episode of The Folklore Podcast, hosted by Mark Norman, delves into river folklore, including themes of sacrifice and yearly 'heart claiming.' It also features a discussion with writer Darren Simpson about his folk horror book 'Thirst…
- Episode 183 - GHOST STORIES WITH MICHELLE PAVER
Michelle Paver discusses what makes a good ghost story and her favorites. The conversation also covers her novel 'Rainforest,' exploring Mayan folklore and shamanism, featuring an extract read by Richard Armitage.
- Episode 182 - GATHERINGS
This episode of The Folklore Podcast features a discussion with director Dave Brewis about the new 6-part documentary series "Gatherings." The series focuses on public events, sports, games, processions, and festivals within the British ri…
- Episode 181 - THE TRAITORS: WHIMSY OR WITCH-HUNT?
The Folklore Podcast features witchcraft historians discussing the reality TV show "The Traitors," exploring parallels between contestants' machinations and Early Modern witch-hunts.
- Episode 180 - EDITH NESBIT'S GHOST STORIES
This episode delves into the spooky adult ghost stories of Edith Nesbit, primarily known as a children's writer. Actress Claire Louise Amias discusses Nesbit's gothic tales and her one-woman show, "Haunted Shadows," which brings these stor…
- Episode 179 - WITCHCRAFT: A HISTORY IN 13 TRIALS
Professor Marion Gibson returns to The Folklore Podcast to discuss her book, 'Witchcraft: A History in 13 Trials.' The interview covers the history of witchcraft accusations and persecution, examining key trials throughout history.
- Episode 178 - HETTIE NETTLE'S HANDBOOK FOR HEDGEWITCHES
Mark Norman talks with children
- Episode 177 - LORE OF THE LAND: BRITISH ACADEMY
In May 2025, The Folklore Podcast chaired the British Academy's "Lore of the Land" panel, part of the "Folklore Reimagined" series. The discussion focused on how landscapes, including wetlands, woods, and weather, have been perceived throu…
- Episode 176 - THE WHITE WITCH OF EXETER
This episode of The Folklore Podcast features host Mark Norman discussing the White Witch of Exeter. The content, based on the book 'Devon's Forgotten Witches, 1860-1910,' examines the history and practices of this unique figure from mid-n…
- Seven County Witch Hunts Ep.6 - ARCHIVE HIGHLIGHTS
This episode highlights favourite stories from The Seven County Witch Hunt Project research, with Professor Marion Gibson, Dr Tabitha Stanmore, and Mark Norman reflecting on the mini-series and its future. The associated blog will continue…
- Folklore in the Field - MEDICAL HERBALISM
Medical herbalist Jenny Carden discusses her work and the legal distinctions of dispensing herbal blends compared to other forms of herbalism. The interview was recorded live at the Museum of Dartmoor Life.
- Seven County Witch Hunts Ep.5 - ENVIRONMENTAL CHANGE AND WITCH TRIALS
Episode 5 of the Seven County Witch Hunts series explores the connection between environmental changes, including weather, farming, and coastal fishing, and the witch trials of 17th-century England. Host Mark Norman is joined by Professor…
- Seven County Witch Hunts Ep.4 - WITCH FAMILIES AND GHOST FAMILIARS
This episode of The Folklore Podcast, hosted by Mark Norman, features Professor Marion Gibson and Dr Tabitha Stanmore discussing the dynamics of families entangled in witch hunts, including inter-family accusations and the phenomenon of gh…
- Folklore in the Field - FOLK HORROR with Prof Bob Edgar
Professor Bob Edgar joins The Folklore Podcast for a mini-episode recorded at the UK Ghost Story Festival 2025. They discuss the theme of Folk Horror, with Edgar sharing his expertise on the subject.
- Seven County Witch Hunts Ep.3 - GENDER AND WITCHCRAFT
Episode 3 of The Seven County Witch Hunt Project podcast examines the role of gender in the witch hunts conducted by Matthew Hopkins and John Stearne, discussing the proportion of accused women and how gender influenced the proceedings. Th…
- Seven County Witch Hunts Ep.2 - WHAT WERE 'WITCHES' ACCUSED OF
This episode of The Folklore Podcast's mini-series examines accusations made during the 17th-century English witch hunts, discussing potential links to the Devil and community tensions. It also debunks myths surrounding witch hunters, incl…
- Episode 175 - SCOTTISH FOLKLORE
Host Mark Norman talks with Scottish writer Lyndsey Croal about the diverse folklore of Scotland, touching on both common and obscure elements, as well as sea-related lore featured in Croal's collection 'Dark Crescent'.
- Seven County Witch Hunts Ep.1 - METHODS AND STORIES
This episode discusses the "England's Mass Witch-Hunt: A Seven County History of the Hunt" project, which aims to uncover the stories of those accused during the 1645-1647 witch trials in South East England. Hosts Mark Norman, Marion Gibso…
- Episode 174 - FOLKLORE AND HERBALISM
This episode features an interview with herbalist and writer Su Bristow, discussing the history and use of plants in folk medicine, approaches to herbalism, and the relevance of historical texts like Culpeper's Herbal. The conversation als…
- A History of Paganism: Folklore Podcast Rewind with Liz Williams
Award-winning author Liz Williams discusses her book 'Miracles of our own Making: A History of Paganism'. The conversation covers the history of paganism, Williams's work in Druidry, and her writing career.
- Episode 173 - BROKEN FOLK
The Folklore Podcast features host Mark Norman interviewing the music duo Lunatraktors, comprised of Carli Jefferson and Dr Clair Le Couteur. They discuss their approach to folk music, focusing on rhythm and voice, their research into Angl…
- Meet the Author: Kailey Tedesco
In this bonus episode, author Kailey Tedesco discusses her poetry collection 'Motherdevil,' which uses the Jersey Devil legend to explore folklore and motherhood. Tedesco also discusses her background teaching horror writing and gothic lit…
- Episode 172 - DRACULA AND THE WESTCOUNTRY
Mark Norman examines the theory that Bram Stoker's 'Dracula' was inspired by the Devonshire countryside in the UK, questioning the extent to which the character originated from this region compared to the Carpathian mountains.
- Folklore in the Field - RONNIE TURNER
Host Mark Norman interviews author Ronnie Turner, author of 'Small Fires', on location during Turner's book tour. The discussion focuses on gothic and folk horror.
- Special Edition - CYNTHIA PELAYO
The Folklore Podcast features an interview with horror author Cynthia Pelayo about her new book 'Vanishing Children,' which draws inspiration from fairy tales. The discussion includes themes of parental loss and suicide.
- Bonus Episode: FOLK HORROR IN GAMING - GAST
Folklore Podcast host Mark Norman interviews Kat the Lore Mistress about incorporating folklore and folk horror into TTRPGs, specifically discussing the folk horror game GAST.
- Episode 171 - NORDIC FOLK
Einar Selvik, founder of Wardruna, returns to The Folklore Podcast to discuss his expertise in Old Norse music and culture. He shares insights into his connection with nature, his methods of composing using ancient runes, and his new piece…
- Meet the Author: Alexandra Beaumont
This episode features British fantasy author Alexandra Beaumont, discussing her writing which incorporates folklore and gothic themes. She specifically touches on Cornish folklore and her novel, 'Dissonance of Bird Song,' recognized by the…
- Episode 170 - SCOTT COHEN
Actor Scott Cohen joins The Folklore Podcast to discuss his role as Wolf in 'The 10th Kingdom,' potential sequels, and genre fiction. The conversation also touches on his acting and theatre production career.
- Bonus Episode: THE MAIDEN AND THE DRAGON
This bonus episode of The Folklore Podcast highlights the audio drama 'The Maiden and the Dragon,' created by Charlie Dobres. The 6-part production reimagines the folk tale 'The Lambton Worm' with a female protagonist.
- Episode 169 - SLAVIC VAMPIRES
The Folklore Podcast features a discussion on Slavic vampires with guest Sam Grant. Sam Grant, author of the unpublished novel 'Bunika', shares insights into Slavic vampire lore based on his research in the region.
- Folklore Podcast Rewind - CHRIS ALLAUN
This episode of The Folklore Podcast features a previously unaired interview with pagan author Chris Allaun. He discusses his books, 'The Black Book of Johnathan Knotbristle' and 'Whispers from the Coven', noting their blend of fiction and…
- Episode 168 - THE SEANCE
This episode of The Folklore Podcast features Chris Stagg, the writer and director of the live theatre piece 'The Seance'. Stagg discusses his interest in horror and the challenges of staging a séance on a live stage with host Mark Norman.
- Special Edition - GRADY HENDRIX
This special episode features an interview with New York Times Bestselling horror author Grady Hendrix. They discuss his fiction and non-fiction work, and his new book, 'Witchcraft for Wayward Girls', released January 14th, 2025.
- Folklore in the Field - CLAIRE BARKER
This episode of The Folklore Podcast features a conversation with children's author Claire Barker about her folklore interests and writing. They discuss her books, including 'Knitbone Pepper, Ghost Dog', 'Picklewitch and Jack', and her for…
- Episode 167 - The 10th Kingdom
This episode of The Folklore Podcast celebrates its 10th anniversary season by examining the TV mini-series 'The 10th Kingdom'. Host Mark Norman and screenwriter Simon Moore discuss fairy tales, folklore, and the possibility of new noveliz…
- Episode 166 - LOST IRISH FOLKLORE: LIFTING STONES
This episode explores the forgotten Irish tradition of lifting large stones, known as testing stones, for various purposes like funerals and rites of passage. David Keohan's research is helping to rediscover and revive this ancient practic…
- Folklore in the Field - Dr Megan Kenny
Dr. Megan Kenny, a Senior Lecturer in Psychology, discusses power and psychology in folklore. The interview was recorded live at the International Society for Contemporary Legend Research conference and features host Mark Norman and Perry…
- Bonus Minisode: THANKSGIVING
This bonus minisode of The Folklore Podcast examines the history of the Thanksgiving celebration, comparing the popular myth with historical facts.
- Episode 165 - SIDESHOW GEEKS
This episode of The Folklore Podcast explores the secretive world of circus and carnival sideshows with guest Nathan Wakefield. They discuss the folklore, traditions, and controversial acts of 'Sideshow Geeks,' examining the line between g…