The Folklore Podcast
Society & Culture
About
Folklore: Beliefs, traditions & culture of the people. Traditional folklore themes from around the world. An accessible podcast ranked in the top 0.5% of shows globally, bringing free access to many of the world's experts in folklore, authors, broadcasters and more.
Episodes
- Episode 192 - FAIRY IMAGERY
Mark Norman and Tamsin Rosewell discuss the imagery of fairies, including their representation in art, literature, and culture. They also invite listener views on early memories of fairy images and how fairies might change over time, which…
- Episode 191 - TALKING GHOSTS PART 1
In the first of two episodes from the UK Ghost Story Festival, host Mark Norman interviews Dan Webber on queer readings of Dracula, Tracy Fahey on Irish ghosts, Anthony Kerrigan on fairy folklore and abduction cases, and Richard Farren Bar…
- Episode 190 - AND 'OTHER' STORIES
Host Mark Norman meets members of the Turning Tides Project to discuss their 'AND 'OTHER' STORIES' initiative, which reworks folktales using a multi-sensory approach to challenge ideas about disability and promote inclusivity for everyone.
- Episode 189 - OPENING THE BOX OF DELIGHTS
Host Mark Norman discusses the classic children's title 'The Box of Delights' with guests including author Phil Errington, playwright Piers Torday, and documentary maker Chris Chapman.
- Episode 188 - UK GHOST STORY FESTIVAL CHATS
The Folklore Podcast visited the 2025 UK Ghost Story Festival at the Museum of Making in Derby. Host Mark Norman spoke with author Alex Foulkes about children's vampire stories, author Teika Marija Smits about fairy tales and ghost fiction…
- Episode 187 - WICKED STRANGE: GHOSTS AND LEGENDS OF NEW ENGLAND
Host Mark Norman talks with Jeff Belanger about ghosts, folklore, and legends of New England. The episode includes a remastered folk music recording from 1966 performed by Dave Van Ronk.
- Episode 186 - MEDIEVAL GHOSTS
On The Folklore Podcast, Mark Norman and Dr Eleanor Janega discuss the role of ghosts in the medieval period. They examine recognisable ghost behaviours, the church's perspective on spirits, and the use of ghosts for entertainment.
- Episode 185 - THE FOLKLORE OF PROVERBS
This episode of The Folklore Podcast, presented by host Mark Norman, explores the role of proverbs within folklore. The content was inspired by the music track 'Breadcrumbs' by Amy Hopwood.
- Folklore Podcast 2026 announcement
Host Mark Norman provides a brief announcement regarding The Folklore Podcast's direction for 2026 and how listeners can access content.
- Christmas Special 2025 - The Mistletoe Bride
The Folklore Podcast's 2025 Christmas Special features host Mark Norman relating the legend of the Mistletoe Bride, discussing its earliest known printed reference from 1809 Germany, and includes a performance of the song 'The Mistletoe Bo…
- Episode 184 - THIRST: RIVERS AND FOLKLORE
Host Mark Norman explores river folklore and its association with annual sacrifices and claiming a heart. The episode features writer Darren Simpson discussing his folk horror novel 'Thirst' and includes the song 'Yarrow' by folk duo Lunat…
- Episode 183 - GHOST STORIES WITH MICHELLE PAVER
Author Michelle Paver joins The Folklore Podcast to discuss the art of ghost stories, her personal favorites, and their significance. The conversation delves into her novel 'Rainforest', exploring its setting in the Mexican rainforest, May…
- Episode 182 - GATHERINGS
The Folklore Podcast interviews director Dave Brewis about the documentary series "Gatherings," which explores the folklore and traditions behind British public events, festivals, and sports without a presenter or narrative. The series cap…
- Episode 181 - THE TRAITORS: WHIMSY OR WITCH-HUNT?
This episode of The Folklore Podcast features witchcraft historians Professor Marion Gibson, Dr. Tabitha Stanmore, and Tracey Norman discussing the TV gameshow "The Traitors". They explore the parallels between the contestants' machination…
- Episode 180 - EDITH NESBIT'S GHOST STORIES
This episode of The Folklore Podcast discusses the adult ghost stories of Edith Nesbit, a writer often known for her children's literature. The discussion features Claire Louise Amias, who performs in the new one-woman show 'HAUNTED SHADOW…
- Episode 179 - WITCHCRAFT: A HISTORY IN 13 TRIALS
Professor Marion Gibson joins The Folklore Podcast to discuss her book 'Witchcraft: A History in 13 Trials'. The episode delves into the history of witchcraft accusations and persecution by examining significant trials throughout different…
- Episode 178 - HETTIE NETTLE'S HANDBOOK FOR HEDGEWITCHES
The Folklore Podcast features creator Mark Norman and author Claire Barker discussing Barker's book, 'Hettie Nettle's Handbook for Hedgewitches.' The episode explores the book's approach to solitary witchcraft, nature, folklore, and the bl…
- Episode 177 - LORE OF THE LAND: BRITISH ACADEMY
The Folklore Podcast presents a panel discussion titled 'Stories of wetlands, woods and weather' chaired by the podcast host. Panelists Professor Melanie Giles, Fiona Stafford, and Marilina Cesario explore historical and contemporary perce…
- Episode 176 - THE WHITE WITCH OF EXETER
This episode examines the historical figure known as the White Witch of Exeter, exploring their practices and cures from the mid-nineteenth century onwards. The content is based on the book 'Devon's Forgotten Witches, 1860-1910' by Tracey…
- Seven County Witch Hunts Ep.6 - ARCHIVE HIGHLIGHTS
Professor Marion Gibson and Dr Tabitha Stanmore discuss their favourite research findings with host Mark Norman in the final episode of the Seven County Witch Hunt series. They reflect on the project and its future.
- Folklore in the Field - MEDICAL HERBALISM
Medical herbalist Jenny Carden discusses her practice, 'The Dartmoor Herbalist', and clarifies the legal distinctions of dispensing herbal blends compared to other historical and current herbalism practices. The interview was recorded live…
- Seven County Witch Hunts Ep.5 - ENVIRONMENTAL CHANGE AND WITCH TRIALS
This episode of The Folklore Podcast discusses the influence of environmental factors, including weather, farming, and coastal trade, on the 17th-century witch trials in eastern England. Professor Marion Gibson and Dr. Tabitha Stanmore joi…
- Seven County Witch Hunts Ep.4 - WITCH FAMILIES AND GHOST FAMILIARS
This episode delves into the complex family dynamics during witch hunts, examining accusations between family members and the role of ghost familiars and spectral evidence. Hosted by Mark Norman, with insights from Professor Marion Gibson…
- Folklore in the Field - FOLK HORROR with Prof Bob Edgar
Professor Bob Edgar discusses the theme of Folk Horror in this mini-episode of The Folklore Podcast, recorded live at the UK Ghost Story Festival. Edgar is an expert on the subject, with publications on folk horror and hauntology.
- Seven County Witch Hunts Ep.3 - GENDER AND WITCHCRAFT
This episode of The Folklore Podcast delves into the role of gender in the Seven County Witch Hunts, exploring how many accused were women and how gender influenced the execution of these hunts. The discussion features host Mark Norman wit…
- Seven County Witch Hunts Ep.2 - WHAT WERE 'WITCHES' ACCUSED OF
This episode examines accusations made during 17th-century English witch hunts, questioning if they involved the Devil or reflected community tensions. It features Mark Norman in conversation with Professor Marion Gibson and Dr. Tabitha St…
- Episode 175 - SCOTTISH FOLKLORE
Host Mark Norman talks with writer Lyndsey Croal about Scottish folklore, including unique traditions and sea-related themes featured in Croal's short story collection, Dark Crescent.
- Seven County Witch Hunts Ep.1 - METHODS AND STORIES
Episode one of a 6-part series on the Seven County Witch Hunts delves into the English Civil War trials of 1645-1647. It focuses on recovering the voices of the accused, their neighbors, and accusers, moving beyond the traditional focus on…
- Episode 174 - FOLKLORE AND HERBALISM
Host Mark Norman interviews herbalist and writer Su Bristow about folk medicine, including the history and modern use of plants, and her novels based on selkie and fairy folklore. Bristow also discusses her current work in progress.
- A History of Paganism: Folklore Podcast Rewind with Liz Williams
Award-winning author Liz Williams discusses her book on the history of paganism. The interview covers paganism's history, Williams's Druidry work, and her writing.
- Episode 173 - BROKEN FOLK
Host Mark Norman interviews Lunatraktors (Carli Jefferson and Dr Clair Le Couteur) on folk music and performance. They discuss their research into Anglo-Celtic music, their modern approach, and their release 'Wassail'.
- Meet the Author: Kailey Tedesco
In a bonus 'Meet the Author' episode, Mark Norman introduces a discussion between Hilary Wilson and Kailey Tedesco. Tedesco, a university lecturer and poet, explores her collection 'Motherdevil,' which draws on the Jersey Devil legend to e…
- Episode 172 - DRACULA AND THE WESTCOUNTRY
Mark Norman, host of The Folklore Podcast, examines the theory that Bram Stoker drew inspiration for Dracula from the Devonshire region of the UK. The episode considers if Count Dracula's origins lie as much in the Devon countryside as in…
- Folklore in the Field - RONNIE TURNER
Mark Norman, host of The Folklore Podcast, interviews author Ronnie Turner, whose novel 'Small Fires' is described as gothic and folk horror. The interview was recorded on location during Turner's book signing tour.
- Special Edition - CYNTHIA PELAYO
This episode features horror author Cynthia Pelayo discussing her award-winning work and new book 'Vanishing Children,' inspired by fairy tales. The interview touches on mature themes.
- Bonus Episode: FOLK HORROR IN GAMING - GAST
Host Mark Norman talks with Kat the Lore Mistress about incorporating folklore and folk horror into tabletop roleplaying games. They specifically discuss the folk horror game GAST, part of which Kat helped develop.
- Episode 171 - NORDIC FOLK
Einar Selvik returns to The Folklore Podcast to discuss his expertise in Old Norse music and culture. He shares insights into his connection with nature, his compositional methods using runes, and his latest piece, 'Birna'.
- Meet the Author: Alexandra Beaumont
The Folklore Podcast features an interview with British fantasy author Alexandra Beaumont. She shares insights into her writing, which incorporates folklore and gothic elements, and discusses her novel 'Dissonance of Bird Song'.
- Episode 170 - SCOTT COHEN
Actor Scott Cohen discusses his role as Wolf in 'The 10th Kingdom', the possibility of a sequel, and his broader career in acting and theatre production. The episode also touches on genre fiction.
- Bonus Episode: THE MAIDEN AND THE DRAGON
This bonus episode of The Folklore Podcast features writer and creator Charlie Dobres, discussing his audio drama, The Maiden and the Dragon. The 6-part production reimagines the folk tale The Lambton Worm with a female lead.
- Episode 169 - SLAVIC VAMPIRES
The Folklore Podcast explores Slavic vampire folklore with guest Sam Grant. Grant, author of 'Bunika', discusses the origins and characteristics of vampires in Slavic regions with host Mark Norman.
- Folklore Podcast Rewind - CHRIS ALLAUN
Pagan author Chris Allaun discusses his books "The Black Book of Johnathan Knotbristle" and "Whispers from the Coven." These books combine fiction with usable spells.
- Episode 168 - THE SEANCE
Chris Stagg, writer and director of the live theatre piece 'The Seance,' discusses his work with Mark Norman on The Folklore Podcast. The episode explores themes of horror, spiritualism, and the paranormal, centered around a seance experie…
- Special Edition - GRADY HENDRIX
The Folklore Podcast features an interview with New York Times Bestselling horror author Grady Hendrix. They discuss his fiction and non-fiction writing, and his new book 'Witchcraft for Wayward Girls', released January 14th, 2025.
- Folklore in the Field - CLAIRE BARKER
This episode of Folklore in the Field features host Mark Norman in conversation with children's author Claire Barker. They discuss Barker's interests in folklore and her published works, such as 'Knitbone Pepper, Ghost Dog' and 'Picklewitc…
- Episode 167 - The 10th Kingdom
This episode marks the 10th anniversary season of The Folklore Podcast, focusing on the TV mini-series 'The 10th Kingdom.' Host Mark Norman interviews special guest Simon Moore, the show's screenwriter, who shares insights into his writing…
- Episode 166 - LOST IRISH FOLKLORE: LIFTING STONES
This episode discusses the ancient Irish tradition of lifting large stones, known as testing stones, for various purposes like funerals and rites of passage. Guest David Keohan's research is helping to rediscover and map these forgotten st…
- Folklore in the Field - Dr Megan Kenny
Dr. Megan Kenny, Senior Lecturer in Psychology, discusses power and psychology in folklore with Mark Norman and Perry Carpenter. The interview was recorded live at the International Society for Contemporary Legend Research 40th anniversary…
- Bonus Minisode: THANKSGIVING
This bonus minisode of The Folklore Podcast explores the historical reality of the American Thanksgiving holiday, differentiating between factual history and common myths.
- Episode 165 - SIDESHOW GEEKS
This episode of The Folklore Podcast delves into the secretive traditions and folklore of circus and carnival sideshows, featuring guest Nathan Wakefield. They discuss the controversial and eccentric acts that once shocked audiences, exami…