Best Bree NicGarran Podcasts (2025)

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83. An Honest Review of Thorn Mooney’s “Witches Among Us” 54:44

15h ago54:44

54:44

One year ago I put out this podcast’s first book review. It was for Annwyn Avalon’s Celtic Goddess Grimoire, and I absolutely hated it. It was everything I despise in modern witchcraft publishing, and it just left a bad taste in my mouth. I felt like I needed to fix that. So I decided to make it my mission to find a new witchcraft book I might actu…

1
Ep. 055 - Fact-Checking In Witchcraft Spaces with Daylina Miller 1:27:48

20d ago1:27:48

1:27:48

Our quest to sharpen those critical thinking skills returns with a lesson from none other than Daylina Miller, NPR journalist, LGBTQ+ activist, and CritWitchCon veteran. We chat about fact-checking in witchcraft spaces, red flags to watch out for, how to vet resources, and where to go to find good information in a world full of AI, SEO, and an endl…

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82. The Pagan Invasion and Propaganda 45:13

1M ago45:13

45:13

The 1991 Christian propaganda series the Pagan Invasion by Jeremiah Films was oddly formative for me. It’s a masterclass in propaganda, and a perfect example of the kind of misinformation that was spreading during the heights of the Satanic Panic. So in this episode we’re going to break down how “documentaries” like these work to push an agenda, an…

1
Ep. 054 - Witching With Your Local Biome 44:03

2M ago44:03

44:03

Spring has sprung at HexPos Central, but no matter what the weather looks like outside, there are dozens of species of plants to discover in your local biome. Grab your basket and field guide and take a walk through this month's study exercise, where you'll learn to observe, identify, and find magical uses for local flora. (Listen to the end for co…

1
81. Reflections 32:36

2M ago32:36

32:36

This month on the show we’re talking about the importance of taking stock and realizing that the person you used to be isn’t the person that you are — and how important it is to document who you are now so that you might know yourself better later. Or something. It makes sense if you listen, I swear. Remember you can always buy Trae’s Books and vis…

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Ep. 053 - Creating Your Own Runes 30:45

3M ago30:45

30:45

On the heels of last month’s discussion about astrology and forecasting, Bree introduces a fun and easy project for building your craft and honing your divination skills - creating your own personalized set of runes. Stay safe and Happy Witching! Cited Title: The Real Witches’ Book of Spells & Rituals, Kate West, Llewellyn Publications, 2003. Visit…

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80. A Couple of Things… 35:27

3M ago35:27

35:27

This month I wanted to talk about a couple of things that wouldn’t necessarily fill out a whole episode on their own. First off, after last month’s episode I wanted to clarify some of my thoughts on psychics. Secondly, I wanted to talk about bias and what we do with evidence that runs contrary to our beliefs. It should be a fun one though. Remember…

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Ep. 052 - Mercury's In The Microwave with Alisha Abdelilah of Soul Riot LLC 1:38:15

4M ago1:38:15

1:38:15

The pod gets cosmic as Alisha Abdelilah of Soul Riot LLC joins the chat to talk about her approach to astrology - a refreshingly down-to-earth attitude that focuses on personal gifts and self-improvement, rather than the nebulous woo-speak of pop horoscopes. This month, we’re blaming it ALL on the retrograde! Follow Soul Riot on Instagram or sign u…

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79. The Telepathy Tapes and the Dangers of ‘Magical Autism’ 31:46

4M ago31:46

31:46

One of the biggest podcasts out there right now is The Telepathy Tapes. It’s topping the podcast charts on both Apple and Spotify’s American listings, but it perpetrates an incredibly dangerous idea about people with autism. But none of this is new, and we’ve seen this kind of trend before. So it’s about time we talked about it. Remember you can al…

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Ep. 051 - Weather Witching with Marci the StormBornWitch 1:02:35

5M ago1:02:35

1:02:35

As so many of us are watching the weather reports with no small amount of anxiety, I sat down with my good buddy Marci (aka StormBornWitch from tumblr) to talk about her particular brand of weather magic and how a weather witch gets things down in a biome that looks very little like the one upon which the ubiquitous Wheel of the Year is based. Foll…

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78. The State of the Trae 31:57

5M ago31:57

31:57

This month we’re going to do something a little different — I’m going to just talk to you about how I’m doing right now. Stuff’s not necessarily the best, so I kind of had a few things I needed to get out of my system. But I’m still here, still fighting, and still sticking by you. Remember you can always buy Trae’s Books (And, of course, don’t forg…

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Holiday Break Episode - Fall Feast Recipes 19:34

6M ago19:34

19:34

Seasons Greetings, witches! Due to some ongoing home repair issues here at Podcast Central, I haven't been able to prepare an episode for this December. My sincere apologies and please be assured that the topic WILL be covered in a future episode. While we wait for a working furnace and a new roof, please enjoy this holiday bonus episode from the v…

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77. Agatha All Along Review (with Bree NicGarran) 1:39:49

6M ago1:39:49

1:39:49

It’s been about a year since Hex Positive‘s Bree NicGarran showed up to review a piece of witchcraft media with Trae, and with how terrible the world is, why not take a break and listen to two witches reviewing the latest piece of the Marvel Cinematic Universe — Agatha All Along! Because we all need a distraction… and it’s an amazing show. Read Tra…

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Ep. 050 - Exploring the Ogham with Mara Levy 1:08:45

7M ago1:08:45

1:08:45

Sometimes you make a new friend and they share something that really gets your brain going! So this month, Bree welcomes Mara Levy to the virtual studio for a discussion about ogham - its’ history and meaning and use in both ancient and modern magic. (Perennial notetakers will want to have pencils handy when we talk about the kennings!) Visit Mara …

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76. A Spooky-ish Episode (with Lozzie Stardust) 1:52:19

7M ago1:52:19

1:52:19

It’s October, so even though we took the year off last year, we’re going back to the show’s roots with yet another spooky episode! This time around, Lozzie Stardust takes the guest spot and we talk about ghosts, cryptids, and a whole bunch of other stuff. Look, we got really off track on this one. But I think you’ll like it. Read Trae’s Books: The …

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Ep. 049 - Satanic Panic? In MY Witchcraft Community? (with Trae Dorn) 1:42:40

8M ago1:42:40

1:42:40

(It's more likely than you think....) Welcome back, witches! We’re diving back into things with another classic collaboration between your friendly neighborhood Witchstorian and everyone’s favorite curmudgeon and host of BS-Free Witchcraft, Trae Dorn. Feeling the weight of our years just a LITTLE bit, we sit down to discuss the stubborn traces of S…

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75. Plans. 28:38

8M ago28:38

28:38

You do your best in this life to try and figure out what you’re doing. You write everything down, you make a schedule, and you plan. And sometimes those plans work out and sometimes they don’t. That’s what this episode is about. Sort of. Kind of. In a way. I think. Read Trae’s Books: The Witch and the Rose ISBN: 9798869132666 Available Via: Amazon …

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74. Homeopathy is Bulls***. 38:16

9M ago38:16

38:16

Homeopathy is harmful and complete and total bull. I can’t emphasize that enough. In this episode we’re diving into the history of Homeopathy, what it is, and why it’s bad. And I think, by the end of it, you’ll agree with me. Further Reading: What is the lawsuit against CVS and Walmart? Chains targeted over homeopathic product sales (USA Today) ‘Ho…

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73. Feedback/Q&A Special 2024! 1:10:30

10M ago1:10:30

1:10:30

It’s July, so that means we’re doing the annual feedback and Q&A special! You guys spent the last few months sending in witchcraft questions, and they got shuffled around, picked at random, and now you’re getting some answers! We’ve played this dance before, you know what’s up. Read Trae’s Books: The Witch and the Rose ISBN: 9798869132666 Available…

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Ep. 048 - Land Healing with Dana O'Driscoll 1:08:14

11M ago1:08:14

1:08:14

Multi-talented author, artist, permaculturist, and head of the AODA Dana O’Driscoll drops by the virtual studio to discuss her newest book, “Land Healing: Physical, Metaphysical, and Ritual Practices for Healing the Earth.” Among the topics discussed are processes and procedures for connecting with the land spirits where you live, what’s in a crane…

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72. Arrogance.

11M ago

—

The entire #ReturnTheStone debacle over the last couple of weeks on WitchTok is honestly just a symptom of a a larger problem. One of the core, underlying issues that is the cause of a lot of these issues in the Modern Witchcraft Movement is arrogance, and it’s about time we talk about it. Reminder! The annual Q&A episode is coming up soon, and I n…

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Ep. 047 - What My Granny (Weatherwax) Taught Me feat. Lozzie Stardust 1:44:32

12M ago1:44:32

1:44:32

Lozzie’s back, friends and neighbors! And this month, we’re sitting down to talk about everybody’s favorite coven - the Witches of Lancre, from Discworld. Longtime fans of the show have heard the works of Sir Terry Pratchet (RIP) and the wisdom of Granny Weatherwax quoted many times on the show, but what other lessons might the Lancre coven have fo…

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71. I Hate This Book.

1y ago

—

When the publicist for Weiser Books reached out to the show asking if I wanted a review copy of Annwyn Avalon’s new book “Celtic Goddess Grimoire,” I don’t really think they knew what they were getting into. Because I said yes. And this is my review. And this is not a good book. Reminder! The annual Q&A episode is coming up soon, and I need your qu…

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Ep. 46 - Bree and Lozzie Ruin Everything, 4th Anniversary Special 1:24:25

1y ago1:24:25

1:24:25

It’s the fourth anniversary special and somebody turned Bree and Lozzie loose on another piece of occult history! This month, your intrepid host and everyone’s favorite horrible goose sit down in the virtual studio to discuss the history and tenets of the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn. And to the surprise of absolutely no one, things go off the…

1
70. It’s Not About Us

1y ago

—

Sometimes in this community folks have a habit of making things about them that… aren’t. So that’s what we’re addressing this time around. Because there are times where we need to step back and get some perspective. Links: Bennett Braun, Psychiatrist Who Fueled Satanic Panic, Dies at 83 (NYT) Pastor Greg Locke Threatens to Dox ‘Witches’ (Independen…

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Ep. 045 - Warding A Witchy Home pt 2 33:02

1y ago33:02

33:02

Returning once more to the topic of protection magic, this month we’re delving a little deeper into the topic of wards and warding. Bree shares some insight on the methods and concepts that she’s developed and discovered over the years, and shares a Witchcraft 201 level primer on some slightly more advanced warding techniques. (If you haven’t heard…

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69. Cultural Appropriation

1y ago

—

One of the most frustrating conversations we keep having to have in the modern witchcraft movement is about cultural appropriation. And while we’ve repeatedly touched on this before, I’ve never focused an episode purely on the topic. So let’s do that. Let’s talk about exactly what it is and why it’s such a problem. Trae’s new novel, “The Witch and …

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Ep. 044 - THE LAST WITCH with Annika Hylmö 1:24:58

1+ y ago1:24:58

1:24:58

Bree is joined in the virtual studio by Annika Hylmö, documentarian and director of the forthcoming film THE LAST WITCH. The film tells the story of a Massachusetts middle school Civics class and their campaign to secure exoneration for the last unpardoned victim of the Salem witch trials, Elizabeth Johnson Jr. It’s a poignant story about history, …

1
Ep. 043 - This Seems Familiar 45:45

1+ y ago45:45

45:45

(Sorry for the lateness of the episode, there were some technical difficulties to fix and a very sick Producer Penny to care for, but thankfully both are all better now. Thank you for your patience!) This month, we delve into the concept of familiars and familiar spirits, both in the context of folklore and witch trials, and what the term means to …

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68. What is Witchcraft?

1+ y ago

—

A question that is significantly harder to answer than most people think is “What is Witchcraft?” This month I’m going to try to answer that, and if I fail you’ll be at least as confused as I am by the end. And hey, isn’t nice to do something together from time to time? Trae’s new novel, “The Witch and the Rose,” is available to purchase right now …

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Witch Ways 27 - Two Powders For Valentine's 6:16

1+ y ago6:16

6:16

There’s been a slight delay with the main episode this month due to technical issues, so I hope you enjoy these two powder recipes, one for attracting romance and desire, the other for repelling it. The recipes for Come Hither Powder and Get Thee Hence Powder can be found in Pestlework, now available on Amazon and in the Willow Wings Witch Shop. Ma…

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67. The Headache of Misinformation

1+ y ago

—

Combating misinformation has always been one of the primary missions of this show, and honestly? It just gets exhausting sometimes. Why are people in this community so willing to uncritically pass on bad information? Why can’t people be bothered to do the minimum to verify what they’re saying’s correct? It’s incredibly frustrating. Trae’s new novel…

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Ep. 042 - Extended Warren Tea with Jenn the Ouija Girl and Lorelei Rivers 1:48:25

1+ y ago1:48:25

1:48:25

Happy New Year, witches! While we’re recovering from the mad rush of the holiday season, I’m sitting down with returning friend of the show Jenn the Ouija Girl and new pal from the tumblrverse Lorelei Rivers to both drink AND the spill the tea on those ghost-hunting grifters we all love to despise, Ed and Lorraine Warren. Discussions about the care…

1
66. Hocus Pocus 2 (2022)

1+ y ago

—

Last month Hex Positive‘s Bree NicGarran joined Trae to take a look at the classic witch-centric movie Hocus Pocus (1993). This month, Bree’s back to help review the 2022 sequel to that movie — Hocus Pocus 2. (And, of course, don’t forget this show is part of the Nerd & Tie Podcast Network, and funded by listeners like you via Patreon. Consider joi…

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Ep. 041 - Holiday Folklore Frights with Ana Mor 59:16

1+ y ago59:16

59:16

BAH HUMBUG! The annual onslaught of holiday music has begun, we’re all up to our necks in consumerism, and the glitter is EVERYWHERE. Thankfully, there’s refuge from the mad rush here on Hex Positive, where I cozy up with my CritWitchCon buddy Ana Mor to talk about fun and witchy folklore from the holiday season! Most of the stories come from Catho…

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65. Hocus Pocus (1993)

1+ y ago

—

It’s time to dig back into the VHS tapes that you’ve shoved in a box in your basement (or just open Disney Plus), and talk about the classic witch-centric movie Hocus Pocus (1993). Hex Positive‘s Bree NicGarran joins Trae this month for an indepth look at this Halloween movie… in November. But c’mon, we all know it’s Halloween year round in these p…

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Ep. 040 - Bree and Lozzie Ruin Everything (CritWitchCon 2023) 44:47

1+ y ago44:47

44:47

Here it is - the episode you’ve all been waiting for! CritWitchCon 2023 was an absolute blast and Lozzie and I made the most of it with another LIVE episode of The Stardust Sessions. And as you may have inferred, the title of said panel was, “Bree and Lozzie Ruin Everything.” We each picked a topic which is taken for granted as Gospel Truth by cert…

1
64. Ask the Question.

1+ y ago

—

For the first time in five years, we’re breaking the “Trae talks to someone about ghosts for an hour in October” pattern. Instead we’re using this month and the witchcraft movement’s obsession with Halloween to ask “why are we doing any of this stuff?” It should make sense in the end. I hope. (And, of course, don’t forget this show is part of the N…

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Ep. 039 - "We Are The Queerdos, Mister" with Murphy Lawless 2:24:04

1+ y ago2:24:04

2:24:04

There’s a chill in the breeze, the leaves are turning, the pumpkins are grinning, it’s time for SPOOKY SEASON! Accordingly, I’ve brewed up a special surprise for all my witches and horror fans out there. This month’s episode is a crossover with Queerdo Babes From The Horror Pod-O-Rama, hosted by the absolutely fabulous Murphy Lawless. We sat down f…

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63. Nature and Witchcraft

1+ y ago

—

One of the most common descriptions of “witchcraft” you’ll find out there will say that it’s a “nature based” practice. That’s also reinforced in so many witchcraft books over the last century, as well as in the current social media witchcraft circles. This episode is here to ask the question so many folks seem to be ignoring. Is it really? (And, o…

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BONUS - One Chat Room, Fulla Crit Witches (CritWitchCon 2023 Preview) 31:18

1+ y ago31:18

31:18

What do you get when you throw four witches with ADHD and a tendency to infodump into one chat room and give them an assignment? Utter chaos, of course. But somewhere along the way, they also produce a pretty damn good sneak peek at the upcoming Critical Thinking Witch Convention! Join Bree, Lozzie, Amethyst, and Ana Mor for this madcap ramble / ev…

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Ep. 038 - Creating Your Personal Grimoire 41:55

1+ y ago41:55

41:55

Since magic and writing first existed together, there have been books of magic. Grimoires and other mystical tomes dot the historical record, from illuminated manuscripts to beloved props of modern pop culture. For the modern witch, a grimoire is as much a personal reference guide as it is a self-written textbook of the craft. This month, we’ll dis…

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62. Wrong Way to Witch?

2y ago

—

Variations of the phrase “There’s No Wrong Way to Witch” get tossed around our community, and I think it’s about time we discuss why we say actually say that. But beyond that, there are folks who try to twist the phrase to make it mean things it doesn’t — and we need to talk about how being valid as a witch doesn’t mean you’re not being a complete …

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Ep. 037 - Cleaning, Cleansing, and Magical Germophobia 29:22

2y ago29:22

29:22

Cleansing is one of the most frequently-employed types of magic in the modern witchcraft community. Every time you turn around, you’ll see references to cleansing because of an auspicious occasion or recent castings or a particular celestial event or just because The Vibes Are Off. What we’re only beginning to see discussed is the practical aspect …

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61. Feedback/Q&A Special 2023!

2y ago

—

It’s July! You know what that means — it’s time for our annual Q&A special! Where you the audience send in your questions for the show, so we don’t have to research anything for a month… or something. In this supersized episode, we talk about what you wanted to talk about, instead of this month’s random whim. I did so little work this month, I even…

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Ep. 036 - Margaret Effing Murray with Trae Dorn 1:33:07

2y ago1:33:07

1:33:07

Margaret Murray was a celebrated author, historian, folklorist, Egyptologist, archaeologist, anthropologist, first-wave feminist, and the first woman to be appointed to the position of lecturer in archaeology in the UK. So why so we get so annoyed whenever her name is mentioned in conversations about witchcraft? Well, it all has to do with a book M…

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60. Doubt is Good.

2y ago

—

This month we’re talking about a very important concept: doubt. There are times when we question our beliefs and our witchcraft, and why that’s a good thing. Blind faith never helped anyone, and can actively harm you. Remember! Our Annual Q&A Episode is coming up in July! Make sure you submit your questions and comments here before July 10, 2023 to…

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Ep. 035 - Money Magic (or Why I'm Not A Rich Witch) 30:13

2y ago30:13

30:13

Prosperity spells are some of the most commonly-found types of magical workings to be found in modern witchcraft and in the historical record. So why aren’t witches absolutely rolling in dough? And how do you make sure your magical windfall doesn’t come with unwanted consequences? As it turns out, mostly by keeping things simple. Pride Witch Market…

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59. Should There Be Wiccan Clergy?

2y ago

—

The Aquarian Tabernacle Church has announced a new accreditation program to “professionalize” Wiccan Clergy. They’re not the first people to try and set something up like this, and they likely won’t be the last. Is this a good thing? Is this a bad thing? Mostly I just think this is just a complicated thing. Links: ATC Setting Up Accreditation Progr…

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Ep. 034 - Building Your Witchcraft Library 42:51

2y ago42:51

42:51

A well-read witch is a happy witch. But how does one go about building a personal library to support their craft? Let’s talk about it! (And if you'd like to add any of my books to your library, you can visit the Willow Wings Witch Shop!) Hex Positive is now on YouTube! Check my Wordpress for full show notes, as well as show notes for past episodes …

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Bree NicGarran Podcasts

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