Three American-raised friends living in China candidly explore the madness of modern behavior. We’ll be sipping on drinks with special guests as we tackle different topics on current culture, self-help, society, human psychology, nationality, politics, news and life. All this in an effort to reduce misconceptions about the world and ourselves. Tune in as we make these attempts and stumble our way towards becoming happier, healthier and wiser.
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Join us as we explore the stranger aspects of our world. From bigfoot creatures and other cryptids to hauntings, hexes, magick, and more. A combination of historical research, witness interviews, discussion, and on-site recordings (where possible) is used to tell stories of the weird-but-true.
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Fort Ghosts, UFOs, and Hairy Beings
1:40:50
1:40:50
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1:40:50Noah and John share some ghost encounters which happened when they were participating in a Civil war reenactment, as well as some UFO sightings and possible bigfoot encounters. If you would like to help us continue to make Strange Familiars, get bonus content, t-shirts, stickers, and more rewards, you can become a patron: http://www.patreon.com/Str…
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First, we present a variety of tales told around an open fire in Indiana, during our first Witch Diggers trip. Ghosts, bigfoot, a gang of eerie cats, levitation, and more. Next, Jon shares a recording of his father telling a powwow healing tale. If you would like to help us continue to make Strange Familiars, get bonus content, t-shirts, stickers, …
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We present the story of Paul Heim, perhaps the first powwow doctor in Pennsylvania. Heim made his home in Schuylkill County, as one of the earliest residents and founders of the Red Church. It was said that he could transform himself – or his enemies – into animals or inanimate objects. If you would like to help us continue to make Strange Familiar…
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175- Ron Lee: The AI Dumpling Dilemma
2:06:25
2:06:25
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2:06:25Ron Lee is an award-winning creative technologist and VP, head of growth at Monks, a digital-first marketing, technology services and consulting company. He is a technical expert in the fields of digital interaction, game experience, connected retail, and integrated design. As an industry opinion leader, Ron has been invited by media and top indust…
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The Floating Gravestone and the Black Dog
1:29:39
1:29:39
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1:29:39Jason shares story of a ghostly black dog–or was it a floating tombstone?–as well as encounters with disembodied legs, spirits appearing in his house, a steampunk airship, and more. If you would like to help us continue to make Strange Familiars, get bonus content, t-shirts, stickers, and more rewards, you can become a patron: http://www.patreon.co…
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Ben continues sharing his stories: a bigfoot sighting, other bigfoot encounters, a predator-like cloaked thing, and more. If you would like to help us continue to make Strange Familiars, get bonus content, t-shirts, stickers, and more rewards, you can become a patron: http://www.patreon.com/StrangeFamiliars If you would prefer a one-time payment to…
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Ben shares stories of frightening shadow-man encounters, ghosts, bigfoot, and more. If you would like to help us continue to make Strange Familiars, get bonus content, t-shirts, stickers, and more rewards, you can become a patron: http://www.patreon.com/StrangeFamiliars If you would prefer a one-time payment to help us out, here is a PayPal.me link…
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174 - Lily Lam: A Change Gonna Come
1:59:47
1:59:47
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1:59:47Lily Lam is a content creator and designer based in New York City. She creates content that speaks to underrepresented voices and is an influencer within the world of Magic: The Gathering. Today, we talk about gentrification in New York’s Chinatown, cultural identity as Chinese-Americans, and the recent rise of Chinese soft power. Lily shares her t…
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In 1911 a family outside of Pottsville, Pennsylvania felt they were cursed by a witch who set a strange black cat upon them. The cat could grow gigantic in size, was unable to be killed with normal bullets, and brought all manner of bad luck in its wake. Years later, members of the family insisted the hexcat was still haunting them. If you would li…
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Aelfwynn shares stories of growing up in a haunted house with a static orb, a terrifying cartoon doctor, poltergeist activity, and more. Then we hear of her encounters with possible bigfoot creatures – being bluff charged and having rocks thrown into her camp. If you would like to help us continue to make Strange Familiars, get bonus content, t-shi…
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Jason Oakley is a renowned Chef who has spent his career working in multiple Michelin star restaurants and 5 star hotels around the world, including the Mandarin Oriental, St Regis, Peninsula, Wynn Las Vegas, the French Laundry and 3 on the Bund just to name a few. Having spent a career serving upscale fine dining patrons, he now pursues his real p…
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Jon shares stories about glowing-eyed little people, a possible earth elemental, shadow people, the Copperman, and more. If you would like to help us continue to make Strange Familiars, get bonus content, t-shirts, stickers, and more rewards, you can become a patron: http://www.patreon.com/StrangeFamiliars If you would prefer a one-time payment to …
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We continue reading listener stories featuring recurring dreams; ouija weirdness; an orb; odd apports; and more. If you would like to help us continue to make Strange Familiars, get bonus content, t-shirts, stickers, and more rewards, you can become a patron: http://www.patreon.com/StrangeFamiliars If you would prefer a one-time payment to help us …
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Alison and Timothy read listener stories regarding strange entities, a possible waving bigfoot, poltergeist phenomena/apports, a forest that takes souls, and more. If you would like to help us continue to make Strange Familiars, get bonus content, t-shirts, stickers, and more rewards, you can become a patron: http://www.patreon.com/StrangeFamiliars…
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172. Amy Fu & John Kuo: See You Never
1:08:24
1:08:24
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1:08:24Amy Fu and John Kuo are old friends of the show. In this episode we do a lot of drinking and explore Amy’s transformative experience living a minimalist life in a van and how it reshaped her values and outlook. Amy shares her experiences of breaking away from societal norms, quitting her job, and being disowned by her tiger parents. The discussion …
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Branden, from The Devil Within podcast, stops by to talk about his show, demonic possession, haunted video games, ghost stories, and more. If you would like to help us continue to make Strange Familiars, get bonus content, t-shirts, stickers, and more rewards, you can become a patron: http://www.patreon.com/StrangeFamiliars If you would prefer a on…
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171. Matt Galat & Tice Kralt: Keep It Moving
1:22:20
1:22:20
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1:22:20Matt Galat (加油马特) is a vlogger, global traveler, and filmmaker. He is best known for his video channel JaYoe Nation and his newer YouTube channel Nuance, where he continues to explore East-West topics while traveling. Tice Kralt is a bicycle tourer turned web developer, currently working remotely as a full-stack engineer in Taiwan. Today we talk ab…
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Rebecca shares stories of encounters with a possible unhuman, a little person, dinosaurs, a black dragon and more. If you would like to help us continue to make Strange Familiars, get bonus content, t-shirts, stickers, and more rewards, you can become a patron: http://www.patreon.com/StrangeFamiliars If you would prefer a one-time payment to help u…
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Victor continues his stories, including a boggart seen in the haunted house and a roadside bigfoot encounter. If you would like to help us continue to make Strange Familiars, get bonus content, t-shirts, stickers, and more rewards, you can become a patron: http://www.patreon.com/StrangeFamiliars If you would prefer a one-time payment to help us out…
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Victor relates stories of growing up in a haunted house. Items going missing and returned, unexplained noises, unseen beings, and terrifying visits from the Night Hag and a creepy, whispering entity. If you would like to help us continue to make Strange Familiars, get bonus content, t-shirts, stickers, and more rewards, you can become a patron: htt…
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170. Cameron Johnson: Trade War 2.0
1:43:07
1:43:07
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1:43:07Cameron Johnson returns to talk about the current US trade war, tariffs, and the new world order. Cameron Johnson is an expert in supply chains, manufacturing, and technology. He is frequently sought out for his expertise on US-China trade and supply chain issues, and is a delegate to Washington DC where he advises US politicians and officials. He …
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Terry shares stories of a samurai ghost, ghosts and poltergeist-like activity in a theatre, and more. If you would like to help us continue to make Strange Familiars, get bonus content, t-shirts, stickers, and more rewards, you can become a patron: http://www.patreon.com/StrangeFamiliars If you would prefer a one-time payment to help us out, here i…
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First, we begin a new series exploring black dog ghosts in the United States. Next, Amy shares stories of a mouse lady, a moving sarcophagus, and oak leaf synchronicities. If you would like to help us continue to make Strange Familiars, get bonus content, t-shirts, stickers, and more rewards, you can become a patron: http://www.patreon.com/StrangeF…
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Michelle shares stories of her encounters with ghosts, the hatman, an unhuman hitchhiker, UFOs, and a possibly-demonic fireball. If you would like to help us continue to make Strange Familiars, get bonus content, t-shirts, stickers, and more rewards, you can become a patron: http://www.patreon.com/StrangeFamiliars If you would prefer a one-time pay…
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Anna Yang is an award-winning advertising creative. She has been named one of the Top 30 creatives in China by Campaign Brief. She is also the youngest ever delegate to have represented China and won gold at the Cannes Lions Festival of Creativity. In this episode, we engage in a chaotic and diverse conversation about chaos theory, gravity, and Ann…
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Dr. Dady's Elixir and Phantom Fiddlers
1:02:13
1:02:13
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1:02:13First, Octavian and Timothy present the story of Dr. Dady – who played part in a conspiracy that featured a ghost in black, a ghost in white, strange rituals, a dulcimer elixir, and other weird elements. Next, we hear two tales of phantom fiddlers from Pennsylvania. If you would like to help us continue to make Strange Familiars, get bonus content,…
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Divina and Jeff share stories of seeing UFOs, ghost hunting, deja vu, and dream visitors – including a possible Flannel Man. If you would like to help us continue to make Strange Familiars, get bonus content, t-shirts, stickers, and more rewards, you can become a patron: http://www.patreon.com/StrangeFamiliars If you would prefer a one-time payment…
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Amie shares stories of a blacker-than-black bigfoot sighting from her youth; her son’s complaints of the Hahas – frightening, floating, bodiless heads; a helpful voice; and more. If you would like to help us continue to make Strange Familiars, get bonus content, t-shirts, stickers, and more rewards, you can become a patron: http://www.patreon.com/S…
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168. Cameron Johnson: The Big Connection
1:50:33
1:50:33
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1:50:33Cameron Johnson is an expert in supply chains, manufacturing, and technology. He is frequently sought out for his expertise on US-China trade and supply chain issues, and is a delegate to Washington DC where he advises US politicians and officials. He is also a professor at New York University and former Vice-Chair of the board at the American Cham…
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First, Jared shares an interview done with his father Gary about bigfoot in Indiana. Next, Chadwick talks to the owners of a property who are experiencing dogman and other strangeness. Finally, Lenni shares stories of encounters with a flame-man, tiny witches, and more. If you would like to help us continue to make Strange Familiars, get bonus cont…
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Laura shares stories of poltergeist activity, ghosts, and more – including her encounters with little beings with skin like tree bark. If you would like to help us continue to make Strange Familiars, get bonus content, t-shirts, stickers, and more rewards, you can become a patron: http://www.patreon.com/StrangeFamiliars If you would prefer a one-ti…
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167. Frank Tsai: Careful When Opening
1:44:08
1:44:08
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1:44:08Frank Tsai is the largest organizer of public lectures in Shanghai. He is the founder of China Crossroads, hosting public talks on "China and the World" where he invites senior figures in academia, politics, business and foreign affairs. He formerly worked at The Economist, and Control Risks, the top global risk consultancy. He is an American with …
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Nicole shares stories of growing up in a house which seemed to hold a darkness within its walls. Inhuman shadow beings, an imaginary friend with a possible connection to disturbing collections found in the basement, and a weird, oily stain which appeared overnight. If you would like to help us continue to make Strange Familiars, get bonus content, …
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166. Steve Shi: The Art of Aggression
1:42:05
1:42:05
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1:42:05Steve Shi is one of China’s leading psychotherapists and host of the 史蒂夫说 podcast. He returns to discuss Inner Wild, his unique project that combines boxing with mental health discussions. We talk about young professionals and couples grappling with pressures of modern society and the importance of physical contact, controlled aggression and buildi…
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First, George shares stories of growing up in a haunted house, as well as an intense visit from a nighttime invader – was it related to his father’s experience with a UFO/missing time? Then we share some listener stories about Sabe/Sasquatch encounters and a plane frozen in the sky. If you would like to help us continue to make Strange Familiars, g…
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Alison interviews Timothy about his new book, I Have Never Minded the Loneliness: Hermits and Their Stories. We discuss the book, hermits and their pets, John Smith, John Stink, the Hermit Queen of Happy Hollow, the Giant Hermit of the Adirondacks, the Old Leather Man, and more. Timothy reads the stories of hermits Left-Handed Charley, who was caug…
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As we head into Chinese New Year, return guest and intercultural leadership coach Gabor Holch joins Justin and Aric for a thought-provoking conversation on self-reflection, leadership, and the human condition. Gabor shares how gratitude and perspective helped him overcome recent challenges while embracing the freedom of self-employment. Together, w…
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Trisha shares stories of her grandfather’s encounters with a possible bigfoot and a UFO/alien; as well as her own stories of meeting an unhuman or possible angel, disembodied voices, and more. Then we hear a recording of Trisha’s grandfather telling a story about a bear encounter. If you would like to help us continue to make Strange Familiars, get…
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Goblins, Ghosts, Werewolves, and Other Weirdness
1:15:47
1:15:47
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1:15:47First, Chadwick stops by to discuss a property he has been investigating where witnesses have encountered werewolves, goblins, orbs, bigfoot, and other strange things. Next, Tyler discusses a disturbing vision of a cartoon character in a closet from his youth. Finally, Timothy and Alison present several stories of haunted hollows and spooky ghosts …
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It Looked Like It was Ready To Kill Me
1:17:18
1:17:18
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1:17:18Larry shares his story of encounters with The Other: little people, weird creatures in his bedroom, Flannel Man, a black dog, and a very intense bigfoot sighting. If you would like to help us continue to make Strange Familiars, get bonus content, t-shirts, stickers, and more rewards, you can become a patron: http://www.patreon.com/StrangeFamiliars …
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First, we present several stories submitted by listeners. Bigfoot, sleep paralysis, strange entities, Flannel Man, and more. Next, Timothy discusses some forthcoming projects for 2025: new books, new music, and new ideas for the podcast. If you would like to help us continue to make Strange Familiars, get bonus content, t-shirts, stickers, and more…
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Brother Richard returns for our annual Christmas chat. We explore the idea of the wild man and, perhaps, the dogman/werewolf being an even more savage, wilder version of our modern wild man. We also discuss Saint Christopher and the cynocephalic saints – those who are pictured with dog heads; werewolves; Saint Patrick’s and Saint Natalis’ werewolf …
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Rob and Eamonn from Monster Fuzz stop by to discuss mystery lights and Christmas. An old newspaper article on the history of Christmas candles leads to a story of strange lights in Ireland from 1910, followed by a long discussion of the Egryn lights–a flap of Welsh weirdness from 1904 and 1905. Next, we tackle some Christmastime orbs from Pennsylva…
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Brother Richard shares a story about a boy’s possible encounter with a faerie in the for of a white crow. He also shares stories of possible time-slips, disappearing shops, and more. If you would like to help us continue to make Strange Familiars, get bonus content, t-shirts, stickers, and more rewards, you can become a patron: http://www.patreon.c…
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On Episode 500 part two, several guests join Timothy: Seriah from Where Did the Road Go; Wes Germer from Sasquatch Chronicles; Joshua Cutchin; Brother Richard; Adam and Serfiel from Conspirinormal; and Rob and Eamonn from Monster Fuzz. Chad returns to join Jon and Timothy on a long hike through Michaux Forest. Finally, we present a round table disc…
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On episode 500 part one, we hear stories recorded at Pine Ridge Reservation by Lucinda, Jon, and Timothy. Bigfoot, little people, giant white owls, and more. If you would like to help us continue to make Strange Familiars, get bonus content, t-shirts, stickers, and more rewards, you can become a patron: http://www.patreon.com/StrangeFamiliars If yo…
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We present several stories from the past: Mysterious airships, a ghostly flutist, the spirit of a frightening old man, black dogs, and other animal spirits. If you would like to help us continue to make Strange Familiars, get bonus content, t-shirts, stickers, and more rewards, you can become a patron: http://www.patreon.com/StrangeFamiliars If you…
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164. Dr Stewart Desson, Yimin Wang & Jonathan Cannon
1:46:29
1:46:29
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1:46:29Dr. Stewart Desson is a leading expert in psychometrics and the developer of the renowned personality assessment, Lumina Spark. His approach is a blend of the “analytical” and the “humanistic” for personal and organizational development. He is also on the board of the Association for Business Psychology (ABP) and is the CEO of Lumina Learning. Yimi…
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The Necronomicon, Ghost Lights, and Other Things
1:23:14
1:23:14
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1:23:14Mystery lights are seen on top of a mountain; a family sees a donut-shaped UFO; Timothy notices something interesting at the site of the Carbondale UFO pond; Seriah joins Timothy and Octavian to discuss some weird experiences he had upon reading the Necronomicon. If you would like to help us continue to make Strange Familiars, get bonus content, t-…
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Delainey stops by to discuss Monsters Among Us Junior – a new show from the Monsters Among Us folks which presents children’s stories of the paranormal. If you would like to help us continue to make Strange Familiars, get bonus content, t-shirts, stickers, and more rewards, you can become a patron: http://www.patreon.com/StrangeFamiliars If you wou…
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