Chasing Foxfire

We’re visiting summer camp, where we’ll write letters to home about spooky stories of cursed and haunted campgrounds (or at least one retreat in Utah with a scary reputation in both story and fact). We’ll also go on a snipe hunt for strange critters, called cryptids, and find out why these creatures fascinate us so much.

Is a “witch” a creature of fantasy flying through the midnight skies on a broomstick? A powerful woman stirring a little pot of potions (and maybe a bigger pot of political change)? Is a “witch” someone (or something) magical, something scary, something wonderful, or something else entirely?

We explore the roads to the Underworld with a medieval historian, and then examine the way that battling demons and darkness in video games can help us face our own inner hellscapes

We look at the tropes of damsels in distress and princesses in fairy tales in this episode. We speak with a folklorist whose work focuses on the language of body and gender in folktales, then talk to an author who has written a series of books about a woman reconfiguring gender as she saves people in a post-apocalyptic world.

We look at the land of giants in both our imagination and our history. We talk to a folklorist about the mythology of giants, famed American giant Paul Bunyan (and his rather murky origins), and then hear about the infamous Cardiff Giant hoax from one of the giant's current keepers.

SHOWNOTES Summary This time around, we return from a long absence with whispers and hearsay. We speak to two experts on the power of rumor in a variety of real-world situations. First, we discuss the importance of listening to medical rumors—even when we know they’re wrong. Second, we talk about the Satanic Panic’s connection to […]

Gods made of lava, swarms of zombies, and Thomas Jefferson's moose pelt.

SHOWNOTES Summary In this episode, we’re looking at the lore of U.S. Presidents, from cherry trees to George Washington weeping in his mother’s arms. Along the way, we’ll talk about blind dates, Ouija boards, and animal magnetism. Please consider supporting us on Patreon, and following us on Facebook and Twitter. Contact us at [email protected] […]

SHOWNOTES Summary This episode features briar patches, bunny rabbits, and bad decisions. We have stories about the color line in America, mastodons that can open doors, and a hole in the rug under the couch that you didn’t even know was there. Please consider supporting us on Patreon, and following us on Facebook and […]

SHOWNOTES Summary In our first episode, we hear tales of glowing Civil War soldiers, a Pixar princess, and musical bugs. Please consider supporting us on Patreon, and following us on Facebook and Twitter. Contact us at [email protected] or visit us at www.chasingfoxfire.com. Listen Play: Download: Episode 1 – Glow Sources: Special thanks […]