Best Rowan Hall Podcasts (2025)

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My Favourite Mystic 56: Alicia Spencer-Hall on Christina Mirabilis 45:21

5M ago45:21

45:21

Welcome back! Having finally completed her PhD, Dr (!) AJ Langley is back, joined by Alicia Spencer-Hall to talk about the living/zombie saint, Christina Mirabilis (c.1150-1224). We talk about neurodivergence, crip narratives, and having to die three times before you actually get to rest!

1
Ep 125 - The Origins of Mythology 2:32:47

1y ago2:32:47

2:32:47

For the 125th episode, Rowan and Tracey go all the way back to the beginning and ask: what is mythology? They discuss the history and science behind storytelling, the chemical effects of religion on the brain, and whether or not trees have their own versions of folklore. Tracey tells us an original love story about the sun and the moon, and Rowan’s…

1
Ep. 124 - Goblins - A Complicated Mythology 1:32:51

1y ago1:32:51

1:32:51

This week, Rowan presents the mythologies of goblins from around the world—knockers, red caps, duendes, and dokkaebi (to name a few). We also learn about the ways goblins have been used as harmful antisemitic tropes and discuss other symbols from religion and folklore that have been used to influence public perception. Note: In this episode, we dis…

1
Ep. 123 - Appalachian Overview - Witches, Aliens, and Closed Traditions 1:27:15

1+ y ago1:27:15

1:27:15

Our hosts explore a variety of folklore from the Appalachian Mountains. Tracey dives into the folklore of the Bell Witch, the Brown Mountain Lights, and the Flat Woods Monster. Rowan tells a story about the Cryptid Community Convention and discusses some of the reasons why non-indigenous people aren’t welcome to say the name of the W. Sources Wikip…

1
Ep. 122 - The Greek Fates - Scissor Sisters 1:33:16

1+ y ago1:33:16

1:33:16

Continuing their conversation examining stories about the threads of fate, Rowan and Tracey discuss the Three Fates of Ancient Greek Mythology: Clotho, Lachesis, and Atropos. Tracey tells a story from the perspective of god experiencing manic love, the pair learn about marriage practices in Ancient Greece and China, and they explore reasons why sto…

1
Ep. 121 - Red Thread of Fate - Heartstrings & The God of Gay Men 1:45:37

1+ y ago1:45:37

1:45:37

The Red String of Fate is famous online, but where does this myth come from? Join us as we learn more about Chinese mythology, Yue Lao (the god of love and marriage), and Tu’er Shen (the patron of homosexual love between men as far back as the 17th century). Rowan presents a gut-wrenching story about a lifetime of love, and Tracey brings the histor…

1
Ep. 120 - Bermuda Triangle Pt. 2 - Time Travel & T.S. Eliot 1:05:15

1+ y ago1:05:15

1:05:15

Continuing their discussion on the Bermuda Triangle, Tracey presents theories about time travel, parallel universes, the lost city of Atlantis, methane gas, and UFOs. Rowan tells her story from the perspective of a god, exploring heaven, hell, and chronic illness. The pair also geek out about one of their favorite poets: the man, the myth, the lege…

1
Ep. 119 Bermuda Triangle - Unmanned Ships, Unpredictable Seas, & Unidentified Transmissions 1:35:29

1+ y ago1:35:29

1:35:29

This week, the discussion gets pointed (that's a triangle joke) when Tracey and Rowan explore the mythology of the Bermuda Triangle. Stories include the misadventures of Christopher Columbus, wandering ghost ships, ocean farts caused by methane gas, an FBI investigation, and the mysterious disappearance of Flight 19. The pair also reads the last tr…

1
Ep 118 - Werewolves - Lycanthropy, Witch Trials, and Modern Medicine 1:18:31

1+ y ago1:18:31

1:18:31

In this week’s episode, Rowan explores the lore of lycanthropes–those unfortunate souls who transform into wolves under the full moon. We explore numerous versions of werewolf mythology, the way these stories were used against innocents throughout history, how modern medicine has affected the discussion, and ways someone might gain this transformat…

1
Ep 117 - Acts of God - Deadly Debris, Solar Storms, and a Lethal Lake - Feat. Spenser Starke 2:07:43

1+ y ago2:07:43

2:07:43

This week Spenser Starke joins us to discuss “Acts of God” from around the world. We talk about the Lake Nyos Disaster, the Carrington Event, and the Tunguska Incident. Instead of a story, Spenser brings in an original TTRPG that gets everyone involved in crafting an archeological adventure. Sources Wikipedia https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Act_of_Go…

1
Ep 116 - Pompeii Pt. 2 - Oh, Sexy Pompeii! - Feat. Spenser Starke 1:26:03

1+ y ago1:26:03

1:26:03

This week Spenser Starke joins us for the second in a three-part series on Pompeii, Herculaneum, and other acts of God. We talk about the history of the sexy history of Pompeii, the Herculaneum Papyri, and scandalous ancient graffiti. Sources Wikipedia https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Act_of_God https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Herculaneum https://en.wik…

1
Ep 115 - Pompeii Pt. 1 - A Pliny for Your Thoughts - Feat. Spenser Starke 1:53:52

1+ y ago1:53:52

1:53:52

This week Spenser Starke joins us for the first in a three-part series on Pompeii, Herculaneum, and other acts of God. We talk about the history of the Pompeii, the science of volcanoes, and the art of archeology Sources Wikipedia https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Act_of_God https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Herculaneum https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hercul…

1
My Favourite Mystic 55: Lee Irwin on Black Elk/Heȟáka Sápa 44:52

1+ y ago44:52

44:52

AJ Langley is joined by Lee Irwin to talk about the Lakota mystic and healer Heȟáka Sápa (Black Elk). We talk about the difference between Native and Christian conceptions of visionary experiences, embodied spiritual practices, and the importance of acting on visions for the benefit of community.

1
My Favourite Mystic 54: Barbara Newman on Charles Williams 44:49

2y ago44:49

44:49

CW: non-consensual/coercive relationshipsOn this episode Barbara Newman tells host AJ Langley all about her guilty pleasure, the poet, novelist, theologian and literary critic, Charles Williams (1886-1945). We talk about coinherence, charisma, energy harvesting rituals, Dante and Beatrice, and Barbara's love for Taliessin through Logres.Follow us o…

1
Ep 114 - Beauty and the Beast - Feminism & Fairytales Pt. 2 - Feat. Kailey Bray 1:11:30

2y ago1:11:30

1:11:30

The second half of our two part series on Beauty and the Beast with Kailey Bray! We talk about the authors of Beauty and the Beast, the impacts of its creation on story, and the idea of the woman as a muse. Also, Kailey tells a us her own tale. Sources From the Beast to the Blonde: On Fairy Tales and Their Tellers by Marina Warner Beauty and the Be…

1
Ep 113 - Beauty and the Beast Pt. 1 - Feminism & Fairytales - Feat. Kailey Bray 1:14:45

2y ago1:14:45

1:14:45

Kailey Bray joins us once again, this time she brings to light the tale of Beauty and the Beast. We discuss feminism, fairytales, storytelling, and Shrek Sources From the Beast to the Blonde: On Fairy Tales and Their Tellers by Marina Warner Beauty and the Beast, Old and New by Terry Windling La Belle et La Bête by Gabrielle-Suzanne de Villeneuve L…

1
My Favourite Mystic 53: Rowan Wilson on Walter Hilton 42:01

2y ago42:01

42:01

Rowan Wilson joins AJ Langley to celebrate the works of Walter Hilton (d. 1396). We talk about the moral stakes of a life in the world, the existence of devotional guides as proof that devotion wasn't always easy, and the importance of a good night's sleep. Follow us on Twitter @myfavmystic and we will see you next month!…

1
Ep 112 - Asmodeus - The Misunderstood Bad Boy of Hell- Feat. Casie Ropski 50:30

2y ago50:30

50:30

This week Tracey dives into the history and mythology behind one of Hell's top demons. The demon Prince of Lust, himself: Asmodeus Join us as we explore the enigmatic world of Asmodeus, Hell's misunderstood bad boy. Discover the depths of his character, debunk the misconceptions, and uncover his potential as a surprising love interest. From mytholo…

1
Ep 111 - The Sacred Band of Thebes - Ancient Heroes, Epic Battles, & Gay Love - Feat. Casie Ropski 1:13:20

2y ago1:13:20

1:13:20

Casie comes back to the show to share the fascinating story behind the Sacred Band of Thebes. She goes into the queer history behind the most powerful group of gay soldiers in Ancient Greece Sources Britannica https://www.britannica.com/topic/Boeotian-League History of War http://www.historyofwar.org/articles/peace_antalcidas.html The Ancients podc…

1
Ep 110 - Aka Manto - Urban Legends & a Toilet Ghost 43:55

2y ago43:55

43:55

This week Tracey shares the tale of Aka Manto, a Japanese Urban legend about a toilet ghost. Be careful when walking into public bathrooms… Sources Wikipedia https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aka_Manto https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Japanese_urban_legends Generasian https://generasian.blog/2020/12/22/deconstructing-japanese-urban-legend-and-its-cultural…

1
Ep 109 - Victorian Ghost Stories - The Horror of Technology, Fashion, and the Economy 47:01

2y ago47:01

47:01

This week, Tracey answers the age-old question: Why were the Victorians so spooky? The answer includes Rowan’s favorite fact to tell at parties, a bit about women writers, and a scandalizing detail about…naked ghosts? Sources Cambridge https://www.cambridge.org/core/books/abs/cambridge-history-of-the-gothic/genesis-of-the-victorian-ghost-story/BF01…

1
My Favourite Mystic 52: Genevieve Caufield on Dorothea of Montau 32:48

2y ago32:48

32:48

Genevieve Caufield joins the podcast to speak about the Prussian anchoress and visionary Dorothea of Montau (1347-1394). We talk about the joys of having two "lives" (neither of which say mush about her life), replacing her heart with a fiery lump of flesh, and declarations of orthodoxy.

1
My Favourite Mystic 51: Maria Oen on Birgitta of Sweden 44:35

2y ago44:35

44:35

And we are back! On this episode Maria Oen talks about her long-lasting interest in the mystic, saint, and founder of the Bridgettines, Birgitta of Sweden (d. 1373). We talk about her time in Italy, her high-status connections, her insistence that the Pope return to Rome, and her duties as the Virgin Mary's daughter-in-law.…

1
Ep 108 - Mini Myth: Telling the Bees - Grief, Gardens and Rituals 47:25

2y ago47:25

47:25

This week’s show is all about sadness and sweetness. In her mini myth, Rowan describes the tradition of “telling the bees.” We dive into the grief, bee friendly gardening, and the joy of little outfits. Sources The Bee Conservancy https://thebeeconservancy.org/10-ways-to-save-the-bees/ Planet Bee Foundation https://www.planetbee.org/how-to-help-bee…

1
Ep 107 - Mini Myth: Adapa - Ancient Mesopotamia and Artificial Intelligence 40:55

2y ago40:55

40:55

Mythology, Technology & The Fall of Man This week is our first Mini Myth! Tracey brings us the tale of Adapa and the Food of Life. Rowan and Tracey have conversations about technology, AI (we’re looking at you Chat GPT), zoochosis, and ancient mythology. Sources World history https://www.worldhistory.org/article/216/the-myth-of-adapa/ Wikipedia htt…

1
Ep 106 - Hans Christian Andersen - The Little Mermaid’s Queer Icon 1:53:27

2y ago1:53:27

1:53:27

In Episode 106, Rowan tells us the history of Hans Christian Andersen and the many people he longed for the course of his life. Our hosts discuss his fairy tales, anxiety, queer identity…and that time he pissed off Charles Dickens. Was he bisexual? Was he ace? Did he compare himself to a snowman in love with a stove? (The world may never know.) Sou…

1
Ep 105 - Radclyffe Hall - The Literary Lesbian Who Defied Gender Norms 2:01:05

2y ago2:01:05

2:01:05

This week Tracey talks about the (in)famous John Radclyffe Hall, a woman who defied gender norms and wrote a famously banned book: The Well of Loneliness. We also discuss the state of LGBTQ+ youth in America today and what can be done to protect the queer community Sources Wikipedia https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Radclyffe_Hall https://en.wikipedia.…

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Ep 104 - Storytime - We’re Here, We’re Queer 1:18:31

2y ago1:18:31

1:18:31

For our final Storytime episode in this series we are discussing four of our favorite LGBTQ+ stories that we've written over the last three seasons. This week we talk about out and proud lesbian icon: Anne Lister, the bible’s kinkiest love story: Samson and Delilah, a goddess with gender fluid priests: Inanna, and the definitely-not-just-roommates …

1
Ep 103 - Storytime - Badass Women of History 1:15:53

2y ago1:15:53

1:15:53

In this episode, Tracey is taking us on a tour of her past stories about amazing women from history. This week’s episode includes the stories of groundbreaking baroque painter: Artemesia Gentileschi, iconic Black woman in Georgian society: Dido Elizabeth Belle, “The Terror of the South China Seas” pirate Ching Shih, and CIA’s Moscow Rules made famo…

1
Ep 102 Storytime - Myriad of Muses 1:33:47

2y ago1:33:47

1:33:47

For our second Storytime episode, Rowan compiled a collection of her stories all centered around the topic of the artistic muse in history and mythology. This week’s episode includes W.B. Yates’ Leanan Sidhe, the Green Fairy of absinthe, the tragic death of the Unknown Woman of the Seine, and the tale of a science fiction unicorn. For the full hist…

1
Ep 101 - Storytime - Wholesome Monsters 1:21:36

2y ago1:21:36

1:21:36

To start off Season 4, we’re introducing Storytime Episodes! Join Rowan and Tracey for a look back on the last three years of mythology. This week’s episode includes the tales of Pennsylvania’s State cryptid the Squonk, a gargoyle from the Notre Dame, a nurturing kraken mother, and our favorite ‘bro from West Virginia: Mothman. For the full history…

1
My Favourite Mystic 50: Andrew Kraebel on Richard Rolle 39:15

2+ y ago39:15

39:15

Andrew Kraebel (@hermitofhampole) joins the podcast for our second episode on the fourteenth-century English mystic, hermit, and religious writer Richard Rolle (c. 1300-1349). We talk about translating Rolle's writing, his poetry, his writing for women, and the importance of the whole person to the mystical experience. Follow us on Twitter @myfavmy…

1
My Favourite Mystic 49: Harri Hudspith on Teresa of Ávila 42:18

2+ y ago42:18

42:18

This month, artist and researcher Harri Hudspith (@harri_hudspith) joins host AJ Langley (@medievalmystics) to discuss the Carmelite nun, reformer, mystic, and saint Teresa of Ávila. We talk about playing hermits in the garden, learning how to cry over the Passion, and how to become so virile that you shock men. To see more of Harri's work, visit h…

1
My Favourite Mystic 48: Delfi Nieto-Isabel on Na Prous Boneta 53:53

2+ y ago53:53

53:53

On this episode, AJ Langley (@medievalmystics) is joined by Delfi Nieto-Isabel (@delfinietois) speaks about the charismatic heretic, mystic, and incarnation of the Holy Spirit, Na Prous Boneta (c. 1296-1328). We talk about why she thought that Pope John XXII was the Anti-Christ, the age of the Holy Spirit, Peter John Olivi and apocalyptic theology,…

1
Ep 100 - Zeus vs. Women - The Awful Animal of the Greek Pantheon

2+ y ago

—

For our 100th episode we decided it was time to address the Zeus in the room. We bring you two tales about Zeus and his exploits as an animal with women in the Greek pantheon. Sources Wikipedia https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zeus https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Europa_(consort_of_Zeus) https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Leda_and_the_Swan The Collector http…

1
Ep 99 - Deadly Drinks - The Great Molasses Flood & Moonshine 1:40:04

2+ y ago1:40:04

1:40:04

For the second to last episode of this season, we’re hosting a double episode. Join us to discuss The Great Molasses Flood of Boston & The History of Moonshine in the Appalachias. Sources Wikipedia https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moonshine https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Great_Molasses_Flood https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eighteenth_Amendment_to_the_Uni…

1
Ep 98 - Absinthe - Hallucinations, the Green Fairy, and the Belle Epoch 1:28:22

2+ y ago1:28:22

1:28:22

Join us this week to explore the myths (and mythos) that surround the famed French spirit: absinthe. We’re diving deep into the culture of art and alcoholism following the French Revolution. The artists of the Belle Epoch may have been sad bois on a lot of drugs, but we promise there will be at least one Green Fairy. Sources Wikipedia https://en.wi…

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My Favourite Mystic 47: Biörn Tjällén on Margareta 34:27

2+ y ago34:27

34:27

This month, Biörn Tjällén joins AJ Langley to speak about the Christian mystic Margareta, a woman of Sámi origin who travelled through Sweden in the late fourteenth and early fifteenth century to gain support from Swedish religious authorities for the increase in pastoral care from those in the Northern regions of Sweden. We talk about the lack of …

1
My Favourite Mystic 46: Sander Vloebergs on Lutgardis 27:24

2+ y ago27:24

27:24

This week, AJ Langley s joined by dancer, choreographer, and theologian Sander Vloebergs to discuss the medieval mystic Lutgardis (c. 1182-1246). Turns out, she was an absolute boss! She returned God's gifts until she got the one that worked the best for her, she controlled their relationship and demanding God be as compassionate as He claimed, and…

1
Ep 97 - Side Show Freaks - Language, Disability, & Performing at the Turn of the Century 1:50:30

2+ y ago1:50:30

1:50:30

This week Rowan and Tracey come together to bring you the real history of the "freak show" performances of of the late 19th century. We talk about William Henry Johnson aka "Zip the Pinhead", Ella Harper aka "The Camel Girl", Chang and Eng Bunker aka "The Siamese Twins", and Annie Jones the "Bearded Lady". Sources Wikipedia https://en.wikipedia.org…

1
My Favourite Mystic 45: Becky Field on the Cloud Author 36:35

2+ y ago36:35

36:35

Fleshly Janglers and Pinchers be gone! The wisdom of this episode in not for you! Becky Field joins the podcast this week to speak about the Cloud Author. We talk about the frustration, confusion, and peace (?) that comes from becoming nothing, the best insults in the mystical theology game, random one-syllable words for meditative focus, and the q…

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Ep 96 - Haunted Castles Around The World - Dungeons, Seances, and How to DIY a Poltergeist 1:19:26

2+ y ago1:19:26

1:19:26

This week Tracey and Rowan combined forces to bring you a Halloween-themed variety episode. Join our hosts to learn about the ghosts that occupy the great castles of the world (and stick around to learn how to DIY your own haunting!) The team explores the histories and ghost stories of Leap Castle, Castle Eltz, Predjama Castle, Himeji Castle, and C…

1
Ep 95 - The Most Haunted Homes in America - Houses, Hotels, and Hipsters 1:16:00

2+ y ago1:16:00

1:16:00

This week Tracey brings you four of the most haunted homes, hotels, and castles across the United States. She covers the history and the ghosts of the Chelsea Hotel, the Whaley House, the Joshua Ward House, and Franklin Castle. Sources HGTV https://www.hgtv.com/lifestyle/holidays/americas-scariest-homes-real-life-haunted-houses-pictures Wikipedia h…

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My Favourite Mystic 44: Marisa Michaud on Colette of Corbie 42:21

2+ y ago42:21

42:21

The wonderful Marisa Michaud joins the podcast this week to tell us about the fascinating St Colette of Corbie (1381-1441). We talk about Franciscan reforms, Valois Burgundy, the joys of artistic depictions of mystics, and cherry-picking religious vocations! Follow us on Twitter @myfavmystic, and if you are enjoying the podcast, rate and review us …

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Ep 94 - L’Inconnue de la Seine Part 2 - The Mask of the Muse 1:26:58

2+ y ago1:26:58

1:26:58

This episode is our Part 2 of our true tale of the most kissed woman in the world. In this miniseries, Rowan presents the story of L’Inconnue de la Seine or, The Ophelia of the Seine. Our hosts discuss poetry, inspiration, CPR, and also tell a classic horror story about a man who makes death masks. Sources Wikipedia https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/L%…

1
Ep 93 - L’Inconnue de la Seine Part 1 - The Most Kissed Woman in the World 1:07:23

2+ y ago1:07:23

1:07:23

We’re kicking off spooky season with what may be one of the eeriest true-history stories we’ve had on the show. In this two part series, Rowan presents the story of L’Inconnue de la Seine or, The Drowned Mona Lisa. Our hosts discuss the Victorian “culture of looking”, the famous Paris Morgue, death masks, drowning…and how it’s possible that they’ve…

1
My Favourite Mystic 43: Elsa McDonald on Marguerite Porete 39:19

2+ y ago39:19

39:19

This week Elsa McDonald joins the podcast to speak about Marguerite Porete (c. 1250-1310), author of The Mirror of Simple Souls who was burned at the stake for heresy. We talk about why theology can be confusing, the contradiction between the views of the inquisitors and the spectators at her burning, careful reading of texts, and how impressive co…

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Ep 92 - Mona Lisa - DaVinci and the Most Famous Painting in the World

2+ y ago

—

This week resident art historian Jamie Harrison is back to tell us all about the Mona Lisa. She dives into the life of DaVinci as well as the history of the painting. Sources Science ABC https://www.scienceabc.com/social-science/why-is-mona-lisa-so-famous-worth-cost-today-meaning.html Wikipedia https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mona_Lisa Leonardo Davin…

1
Ep 91 - Nana Buluku - West African Mother Supreme

2+ y ago

—

This week Tracey covers the mythology behind Nana Buluku, Mawu, & Lisa. She also dives into Vodun mythology and the impacts of the trans atlantic slave trade. Sources Wikidpedia https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nana_Buluku https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mawu https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/West_African_Vodun https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Atlantic_slave_t…

1
My Favourite Mystic 42: Delphine Conzelmann on William of St-Thierry 37:38

2+ y ago37:38

37:38

Delphine Conzelmann joins AJ Langley to talk all about 12th century theologian William of St-Thierry (1085-1148). We discuss his "friendship" with Bernhard of Clairvaux, his conflict with Peter Abelard, the chest of Jesus, how we need to be better academic friends and reinstate academic infirmaries to deal with burnout and bound over our ideas. Fol…

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