Conjuring Curiosities

The Demon of Whitechapel Part 2: Crowd Control

Fri, 03 Apr 2026 02:10:16 GMT

We’re back with part 2 of the most notorious Victorian serial killer, Jack the Ripper! In this episode, we discuss the final 2 canonical victims, focusing on who they were before their murders. Clara explains the media frenzy that this case stirred up, as well as the general paranoia in London at the time. To deal with their lack of control over the situation, citizens were writing letters to the police with a lot of “helpful” advice…including the Queen herself!

See photos discussed in this episode on our instagram

SOURCES

Rumbelow, Donald. The Complete Jack the Ripper. New York Graphic Society Ltd., 1975.

Bad Women: The Ripper Retold (Season 1)

Casebook - Catherine Eddowes

Casebook - Thomas Conway

Wikipedia - Catherine Eddowes

Jack The Ripper Tour - Catherine Eddowes

Jack The Ripper Tour - Squibby Chased By The Mob

Wikipedia - Jack the Ripper

Wikipedia - Mary Jane Kelly

The Guardian - Jack the Ripper’s victims had to be whores. Anyone saying different risks a trolling

AETV - A Surprising New Theory About Jack the Ripper's Victims

All That’s Interesting - The Victims Of Jack The Ripper And Their Tragically Overlooked Stories

Wikipedia - Chapbook

Jack the Ripper 1888 - THE JACK THE RIPPER TIMELINE

Casebook - By Accident or Design? A Critical Analysis of the Murder of Catherine Eddowes

Jack the Ripper Tour - Queen Victoria As Sherlock Holmes

Casebook - Letter from Queen Victoria in "Ultimate Jack the Ripper Sourcebook"

Crimes Through Time - The Women of Whitechapel: Mary Jane Kelly 1888

Casebook - Inquest: Mary Jane Kelly

Casebook - THE MAN WHO SHIELDED JACK THE RIPPER: George Hutchinson & his statement – An analysis.

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BB #20: Water Magic

Mon, 23 Mar 2026 23:39:47 GMT

Water is an incredibly powerful and versatile element, capable of the gentlest bath, yet also the roughest typhoons. This episode, Sabrina is bringing tips to help you harness that energy for your spellwork! Whether you need to amp up the chaos, release emotions, or cleanse, we have suggestions you can dive into!

See photos discussed in this episode on our instagram

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The Demon of Whitechapel Part 1: Murders Most Foul

Wed, 18 Mar 2026 02:13:24 GMT

It’s our 50th episode! To celebrate, we're finally covering one of the most notorious macabre aspects of the Victorian Era, Jack the Ripper. Clara is trying her best not to slip too deep into the rabbit-hole that is possibly the most famous serial killer of all time, but she may have finally bit off more than she can chew. With an identity so mysterious that even Sherlock Holmes would be stumped, there is an entire community of people that dedicate their lives to deducing who could have committed these horrific crimes. But sometimes lost in the salacious details is the identity of the victims, and how they may be mischaracterized. Journey back with us to 1888 to hear their stories, but make sure you hold your nose and watch your step!

See photos discussed in this episode on our instagram

SOURCES

Rumbelow, Donald. The Complete Jack the Ripper. New York Graphic Society Ltd., 1975.

Bad Women: The Ripper Retold (Season 1)

Jack the Ripper Tour - Putting the Ripper into Context

BBC - How the stories of Jack the Ripper’s victims are finally being told

Jack the Ripper 1888 - FREDERICK CHARRINGTON

Wikipedia - Mary Ann Nichols

Jack the Ripper - WILLIAM NICHOLS

Jack the Ripper 1888 - ANNIE CHAPMAN - MURDERED 8TH SEPTEMBER 1888

Medium - Annie Chapman — Remembering the Victims of the Whitechapel Killer

Wikipedia - Annie Chapman

Jack the Ripper’s Whitechapel - A Suspect In The Murder Of Annie Chapman

Jack the Ripper 1888 - ELIZABETH STRIDE - MURDERED 30TH SEPTEMBER 1888

Wikipedia - Elizabeth Stride

Crimes Through Time - The Women of Whitechapel: Elizabeth Stride 1888

Jack the Ripper Tour - East End Versus West End

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BB #19: Spiritual Glow Ups

Mon, 23 Feb 2026 01:03:57 GMT

This episode, Sabrina talks about something she's wanted to address for a long time…the parts of spiritual glow ups that nobody puts on their vision board. It turns out, feeling lost is a period of spiritual crisis that many practicing witches cross on their path. Feeling wrong may just mean that things are going very right. Relationships shift, your priorities change, and the world you once felt comfortable in can start to feel like it no longer fits.We also discuss spiritual ego, and the dangers of bypassing real emotional work in favour of "love and light" thinking. If you’ve been hitting a wall in your shadow work, this might just reframe the way you think about what it means to grow.

See photos discussed in this episode on our instagram

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BB #18: Consensual Magic

Mon, 09 Feb 2026 06:18:09 GMT

Why is a self-love spell different from a love spell aimed at someone else? When does manifestation cross into control? This week, we’re breaking down the difference between consensual and non-consensual magic, and what to consider when you are trying to find your personal balance of ethical spellwork. Sabrina explains what consent looks like in a magical context and why certain spells (especially those involving love, influence, or manipulation) are a hard no for her. However, she always leaves room to protect those that need it, in whatever way will work best. So set your circle, and state your boundaries. Magic works better that way!

See photos discussed in this episode on our instagram

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Haunting in the Court

Tue, 03 Feb 2026 04:57:48 GMT

If you want to skip the ghost in the Victorian hair brooch update at the beginning, the main episode topic starts at 21:17

What if the only witness to your murder…was you? This week, we’re discussing the Greenbrier Ghost, the 1897 case where a murdered woman allegedly returned from the grave to tell everyone that her “accidental death” was far from an accident. You know when Sabrina has to warn Clara that she might start channeling from the spirit realm, it’s going to be a spooky episode! So light a candle and prepare to come face to face with a ghost on a mission!

See photos discussed in this episode on our instagram

SOURCES:

True West Virginia Ghost Stories (By Jonathan Moore)

Greenbrier West Virginia ENews - Greenbrier Ghost, Zona Heaster Shue

Appalachian History - The Greenbrier Ghost

Tales of History and Imagination - The Greenbrier Ghost

Wikipedia - Greenbrier Ghost

Skeptoid - The Greenbrier Ghost

Find A Grave - Erasmus Stribbling “Edward” Shue

US Ghost Adventures - Did a Ghost Really Testify? the Truth Behind the Greenbrier Ghost Case

American Hauntings Ink - TESTIMONY FROM BEYOND THE GRAVE

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BB #17: Mirrors

Tue, 27 Jan 2026 06:12:50 GMT

In modern day, mirrors are a means to do your makeup or check your outfit. But they have been feared, revered, covered, and cursed for centuries. So it’s no wonder that breaking one strikes momentary fear into the heart of many of us! This week, Sabrina takes Clara through the looking glass to explain the spiritual history of mirrors, from ancient divination practices and spirit portals to superstition, protection, and the dreaded seven years of bad luck. So light a candle. Clean the glass. And reflect on why breaking a mirror is in fact a good thing!

See photos discussed in this episode on our instagram

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Mother of Monsters

Mon, 19 Jan 2026 09:24:46 GMT

Trigger warning for discussions of infant death: 38:10 - 38:55

The monster, the myth, the legend: Frankenstein. You know him, you love him, and you love to tell people that ACTUALLY, Dr. Frankenstein was the

REAL monster, and the monster's name isn’t Frankenstein. But who do we have to thank for this cultural phenomenon? The ground breaking novel was the radical, brilliant creation of a teenage girl with a sharp mind and a very complicated life. This week, we’re talking about Mary Shelley, the writer who accidentally invented modern science fiction, horror, and the mad scientist archetype all at once.

From The Year Without a Summer to grief, motherhood, and intellectual rebellion, we explore how Mary’s life shaped the monster we can’t stop retelling. There is so much to her, including the constant drama she was surrounded by, and the legacy some may say she far surpassed. This isn’t just the story of a book, it’s the story of how one woman’s imagination rewired pop culture forever. So grab a quill and stay away from sailboats, because this episode, we’re learning about the Mother of science fiction!

CORRECTIONS: Regarding the Greek Mythology of Prometheus, he was the god that created humans, which is the parallel alluded to in Frankenstein. He did also bring fire to humans against the wishes of Zeus! Also, Nosferatu was never a book, it was originally created as a movie.

See photos discussed in this episode on our instagram

SOURCES

National Review - Mary Shelley among the Radicals

Literary Hub - Did Mary Shelley actually lose her virginity to Percy on top of her mother's grave?

Snopes - Did Mary Shelley Lose Her Virginity on Her Mother's Grave?

History Extra - Mary Wollstonecraft: the firebrand feminist thinker with a rule-breaking life

Wikipedia - Mary Shelley

Wikipedia - Mary Wollstonecraft

Wikipedia - William Godwin

Wikipedia - Memoirs of the Author of A Vindication of the Rights of Woman

Wikipedia - Free love

Jane Lark - This week my scandalous woman is Mary Shelley the author of Frankenstein

Wikipedia - Percy Bysshe Shelley

Wikipedia - Claire Clairmont

Wikipedia - Lord Byron

Wikipedia - Ada Lovelace

History Extra - Mary Shelley's Frankenstein: the birth of a gothic monster

History Extra - "Mary never shook off the consequences of eloping with Shelley": Fiona Sampson on the life of Mary Shelley

Amusing Planet - What is Galvanism, And How Did it Inspire Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein?

Synapsis - Galvanism in 19th Century French Theater: Bringing Dead Words Back to Life

The Ex-Classics Website - GEORGE FOSTER

Anna Mazzola - Did Mary Shelley Keep Percy’s Heart?

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BB #16: Spirit Guides

Tue, 13 Jan 2026 02:52:06 GMT

Ever feel like you’re being gently nudged in a direction you didn’t consciously choose? This episode, Sabrina breaks down the world of spirit guides: Who they are, what they do, and how to recognize their presence. For anyone who has been interested but hesitant, we break down how to tell the difference between guidance that feels steady, supportive, and positive, compared to trickster energy that thrives on confusion, fear, and chaos. This episode is an open invitation to explore the unseen support system that might already be with you!

See photos discussed in this episode on our instagram

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Everlasting Epitaphs

Mon, 05 Jan 2026 09:45:18 GMT

Angels, pointing hands, weeping willows, and urns. We’ve all seen them when walking through a cemetery, but what do they mean? This week, Clara takes Sabrina on a guided tour through the graveyard to decode the symbols carved into tombstones, and what they were meant to say about death, grief, and the afterlife. From religious iconography to Victorian symbolism and Secret Societies, Clara explains how headstones functioned as messages from the living to the dead (and to anyone who wandered by centuries later). It turns out that cemeteries are never as silent as they seem. Grab a flashlight and watch your footing, we’re wandering through the graves to see what the headstones have to tell us!

See photos discussed in this episode on our instagram

SOURCES

Gravestone studies.org - Symbolism of Gravestones

Wolfe Memorial - GRAVESTONE SYMBOLS and THEIR MEANINGS

Catholic-cemeteries.org - Gravestone Symbols and Their Meanings

ThoughtCo. - Photo Gallery of Cemetery Symbols and Icons

Forest Home Cemetery Overview - Gravestone Symbols

Flickr - Unusual Headstones or Grave Markers

Burials and Beyond - The Grave of Clasped Hands: Love Conquering Death

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BB #15: Liminal Spaces

Thu, 13 Nov 2025 02:34:28 GMT

Doorways, crossroads, and hotel hallways at midnight. The places where nothing really happens…but somehow, everything feels like it could. This week, Sabrina gives us a spiritual perspective on liminal spaces, and encourages us to embrace the in-between. After all, transformations can’t happen without transitions. Leap into the unknown with us this week as we explore the power of liminal spaces!

See photos discussed in this episode on our instagram

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The Mysterious Mansion of Mazes

Tue, 28 Oct 2025 04:38:08 GMT

What happens when a wealthy widow tries to outbuild her ghosts? In this case, a confusing labyrinth of staircases to nowhere, doors that open into walls, and windows that overlook nothing. Back from hiatus, Clara and Sabrina wander the endless halls of the Winchester Mystery House, uncovering how Sarah Winchester turned her fortune (and maybe her fears) into one of the strangest architectural enigmas in history. Was she haunted by the spirits of those killed by her family’s rifles, or simply a passionate architect? Grab a map and stay close as we take you through the winding maze of madness, mourning, and meticulous design!

See photos discussed in this episode on our instagram

SOURCES

Winchester Mystery House - Timeline

Winchester Mystery House - History

US Ghost Adventures - Why the Winchester House Is Haunted

SFGATE - Everything you think you know about the Winchester Mystery House probably isn't true

Paulette Kennedy - THE ONE ABOUT SARAH WINCHESTER

Beck Technology - Rebels of Construction—Sarah Winchester and Her Mysterious House

Winchester Mystery House - The Untold Story of Isabel Merriman: Sarah Winchester's Spirited Sister

Wikipedia - Sarah Winchester

Wikipedia - Winchester Mystery House

CPI Inflation Calculator

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Death By...Molasses?

Wed, 30 Jul 2025 09:09:04 GMT

What would happen if a giant tank of molasses exploded in the middle of Boston? Unfortunately, that is not a hypothetical question, because over 100 years ago, one did. In January 1919, a massive storage tank burst, unleashing an unfathomable wave of deadly syrup that tore through the streets faster than anyone could run. But even after the molasses settled, the chaos was far from over. Grab your favourite molasses catching mug and some waders and join us to hear about the stickiest year Beantown ever had!

See photos discussed in this episode on our instagram

SOURCES

History.com - Why the Great Molasses Flood Was So Deadly

City of Boston - 100 years ago today: Molasses crashes through Boston's North End

Scientific American - The Science of the Great Molasses Flood

USN History - A Sticky Situation: The Navy and the Great Molasses Flood

Wikipedia - Great Molasses Flood

The Guardian - The Great Boston Molasses Flood: why the strange disaster matters today

Boston Public Library - Molasses Disaster, Boston, Mass., 1919

Britannica - How Fast Is the World’s Fastest Human?

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BB #14: The Spells of Sappho

Fri, 04 Jul 2025 09:20:28 GMT

In this episode of Brief Bewitchments, we’re lighting a candle for the original lesbian icon and lyrical enchantress herself, Sappho of Lesbos! As one of the most prolific poets of Ancient Greece, her words are still widely known today, and Sabrina will dive into the sacred and spell-worthy power of her poetry. Her passionate words can be used in modern witchcraft, and have become a part of queer magic for many who practice. So whether you’re manifesting desires, setting intentions, or trying to increase your sapphic longing, Sabrina will explain how Sappho has got you covered!

See photos discussed in this episode on our instagram

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The Peculiar Possession of Lurancy Vennum

Thu, 19 Jun 2025 06:19:52 GMT

Long before Freaky Friday made body swaps an onscreen trope, a small-town teen in the 1870s started the trend. This episode, we’re covering the Watseka Wonder, a very odd case that has us asking: did this 13 year old girl actually get possessed…or was she just really committed to the bit? In 1870s Illinois, Lurancy Vennum started having seizures, slipping into trances, and claiming she was Mary Roff, a girl who had died 12 years earlier. Mary’s family were all too happy to take her in and treat her as their daughter, but was it too good to be true? Or had a spirit really slipped through the veil and traded places with Lurancy? Hop on our wagon to Watseka, and travel with us to this unique occurrence that gives Victorian Spiritualism a new perspective!

See photos discussed in this episode on our instagram

SOURCES:

THE CASE OF LURANCY VENNUM - A PSYCHOLOGICAL STUDY, AND AUTHENTICATED INSTANCE OF SPIRIT MANIFESTATION. BY E. W. STEVENS

Ancestry.com - Mary Lurancy Vennum

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BB #13: The Witch Wound

Fri, 06 Jun 2025 05:55:53 GMT

Ever feel like speaking your truth, setting boundaries, or showing your magic might get you metaphorically (or emotionally) burned at the stake? You might be feeling the effects of the Witch Wound, but don’t worry, Sabrina’s here to explain. In this episode, we dive into the ancestral, cultural, and collective trauma passed down from centuries of witch hunts, silencing, and spiritual repression. From the fear of being “too much” to the hesitation to take up space, this wound runs deep, but it doesn’t have to define you. Sabrina walks us through the roots of this wound, how it still shows up today, and how we can start to heal it through reclaiming our power, reconnecting with magic, and refusing to stay small. It’s time to stir the cauldron, break the spell, and put on your high-beams!

See photos discussed in this episode on our instagram

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The Bard's Curse

Sun, 25 May 2025 05:45:33 GMT

Double, double toil and… total disaster? In this drama-packed episode, we’re diving into the legendary curse of Macbeth…I mean, The Scottish Play. We’ll explore some of the most infamous examples of the curse in action, from alleged fatalities to production disasters. And while we’re talking theatre history, we’ll pull back the curtain on other thespian superstitions. Like why whistling backstage might seriously injure you, and why an actor definitely will not thank you for wishing them “good luck”. Grab your ruffs and join us on stage for a behind-the-scenes look at the haunted, hexed, and hilariously dramatic world of theatre lore.

See photos discussed in this episode on our instagram

***CORRECTION: Daemonologie is a series of 3 books and a news pamphlet in one volume, and was published by King James VI of Scotland, who later became King James I of England and Ireland. Wikipedia - Daemonologie

DEEPDIVE:

CBR - How Superman Secretly Wrote Shakespeare’s Macbeth

SOURCES:

The Austin Chronicle - Macbeth's Myriad of Misfortunes

Penguin Random House - The curse of Macbeth: is it more than superstition?

Wikipedia - The Scottish Play

PA Shakespeare - The Curse of Macbeth: “The Scottish Play”

Broadway Direct - 13 Theater Superstitions

Litcharts - Macbeth Translation - Act 4, Scene 1

Ernestthesiger.org - “Macbeth”

Stratford Festival - THE MACBETH CURSE

Royal Shakespeare Company - The Curse of the Scottish Play

Independent - Did Chris Rock suffer the curse of the Scottish Play? ‘Macbeth’ theory gains traction on Twitter

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BB #12 - The Big 3

Mon, 12 May 2025 05:56:30 GMT

Say hello to your Big 3: your Sun, Moon, and Rising signs. In this episode, Sabrina breaks down the astrological basics and gets real about what each of the Big 3 actually means. Whether you're a loud Leo Moon with a Scorpio Rising or a triple threat, Sabrina’s here to help you decode your chart without the cosmic confusion. And now, when your tinder date asks you for your time of birth, you’ll know what they’re really trying to figure out!

See photos discussed in this episode on our instagram

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The Lost Keepers of Eilean Mòr

Fri, 18 Apr 2025 19:54:25 GMT

What could be spookier than a lighthouse on a remote Scottish island in 1900? How about the unexplained disappearance of 3 Lightkeepers from that very setting…Join us this episode as we shine a big ol’ beam on the baffling mystery of the men that vanished without a trace. Was it a wave? Madness? Aliens? Sea ghosts? (Hey, we’re not ruling anything out.) We’re diving into the facts, the theories, and folklore that surround Eilean Mòr. So light a candle, don your oilskins, and get ready to keep the lamp alight on this maritime mystery!

See photos discussed in this episode on our instagram

SOURCES:

History Hit - Flannan Isle Mystery: When Three Lighthouse Keepers Vanished Forever

National Records of Scotland - Flannan Isles Lighthouse Keepers: The disappearance

The Flannan Isle Mystery - the mysterious disappearance of the Eilean Mor Lighthouse Keepers

Wikipedia - Flannan Isles

Northern Lighthouse Board - Flannan Isles

All That's Interesting - Inside The Chilling Flannan Isle Mystery Of The Three Lighthouse Keepers Who Suddenly Vanished In 1900

All Poetry - Flannan Isle

Wikipedia - Rogue Wave

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BB #11: Mercury Retrograde

Sun, 06 Apr 2025 03:15:09 GMT

Is your phone glitching, your ex texting, and every conversation turning into a full-blown miscommunication meltdown? Don’t panic! It might just be Mercury Retrograde, and Sabrina is here to break it all down (without the doom and gloom). We’re talking tech troubles, travel mishaps, and text messages you probably shouldn’t have sent…but also how to use this chaotic cosmic energy for reflection, rest, and a little bit of magical mischief. So light a candle and back up your files, mercury will be out of the microwave in no time!

See photos discussed in this episode on our instagram

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All The Spinster Ladies

Fri, 28 Mar 2025 02:40:14 GMT

Before “spinster” meant “unmarried woman with too many cats,” it actually referred to women who made their own money (gasp!) and didn’t need a husband to survive. In this episode, we unravel the origins of the word spinster, the shifting attitudes toward single women, and the absolute gold that was Tit-Bits Magazine, which asked Victorian women why they weren’t married, and got some brutally honest, highly relatable answers. Spoiler: not much has changed. So grab your spindle and your many cats, and join us as we celebrate the spinsters who spun their own fate, no husband required!

See photos discussed in this episode on our instagram

SOURCES

Wikipedia - Spinster

Smithsonian - ‘Spinster’ and ‘Bachelor’ Were, Until 2005, Official Terms for Single People

Cosmopolitan - A brief history of the word "spinster" and how it's still used today

Awesome Inventions - An 1889 Magazine Asked Women Why They Think They’re Single. The Replies Were Hilarious

r/historicalromance on Reddit - Tit Bits Magazine 1889- asked Victorian Single ladies the reason for their spinsterhood - and they DID NOT COME TO PLAY ! Which reply is your most favourite ? (all 20 replies transcribed in the post)

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BB #10: Knot Magic

Wed, 12 Mar 2025 03:05:51 GMT

Ready to tie up loose ends, literally and magically? In this episode, Sabrina breaks down the basics of knot magic, one of the oldest and simplest forms of spell-work. Whether you’re binding negativity, setting intentions, or storing energies for later; knot magic is all about using string, thread, or even your own shoelaces to work a little witchy wonder. So grab some rope and get ready to weave some magic into your life!

See photos discussed in this episode on our instagram

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A Spoonful of Suffering

Thu, 27 Feb 2025 04:08:13 GMT

You recognize the name “Kellogg” on your box of cornflakes, but Dr. John Harvey Kellogg wasn’t just a breakfast innovator, he was a full-blown health fanatic with some very questionable ideas. From his obsession with healthy living, to his extremely aggressive stance against certain…personal habits, Kellogg was on a mission to cleanse the body, mind, and…well, let’s just say he had a lot of thoughts about digestion. In this episode, we’re diving into the wild world of Kellogg’s sanitarium, his strange (and often horrifying) medical treatments, and how a cereal empire was born from a crusade against pleasure. Was he a forward-thinking health guru, a quack with a God complex, or just a man who really hated seasoning? Let’s find out! Grab a bland, fiber-rich snack and tune in.

See photos discussed in this episode on our instagram

SOURCES

BBC - Seventh-day Adventists

Wikipedia - History of the Seventh-day Adventist Church

Wikipedia - John Harvey Kellogg

McGill - The Enigmatic Dr. Kellogg

MelMagazine - The Disturbing True Story of Kellogg’s Anti-Masturbation Cereal

History.com - Dr. John Kellogg Invented Cereal. Some of His Other Wellness Ideas Were Much Weirder

npr - How The 'Battling' Kellogg Brothers Revolutionized American Breakfast

Forbes - The Surprising Reason Why Dr. John Harvey Kellogg Invented Corn Flakes

All That’s Interesting - The Wild Story Of John Harvey Kellogg, The Eccentric Wellness Guru Who Invented Corn Flakes

University of Michigan - “To Rid Society of Imbeciles”: The Impact of Dr. John Harvey Kellogg’s Stand for Eugenics

Battle Creek Inquirer - How John Harvey Kellogg was wrong on race

Wikipedia - Sojourner Truth

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BB #9: The 12 Universal Laws

Thu, 20 Feb 2025 23:29:24 GMT

This episode, Sabrina lays down the 12 laws…of the universe! If you’ve ever felt like life is playing by a set of rules you didn’t get the memo on, don’t worry. We’ll walk through how these principles shape our lives, because it’s always a good idea to reassess how we interact with the world. Whether you want to get better at attracting opportunities, or you’ve been hoping for a little karma to kick in, tune in for a new perspective!

See photos discussed in this episode on our instagram

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The Sewing Machine Wars

Wed, 12 Feb 2025 06:25:12 GMT

The invention of the sewing machine was supposed to make life easier, so why did it spark one of the messiest patent wars in history? In this episode, we unravel the dramatic story of the sewing machine, from arsonist tailors and prophetic dreams, to legal battles and backstabbing. And of course we have to mention Isaac Singer, who was a real life Count Olaf and treated adultery as an olympic sport. Who knew sewing could be so scandalous? Grab your thimble and thread and join us as we stitch together the crazy history of sewing!

See photos discussed in this episode on our instagram

SOURCES

Goldstar Tool - The Complete History of a Sewing Machine

Windham Textile and History Museum - Sewing Revolution: The Machine That Changed America

Smithsonian Magazine - The Many, Many Designs of the Sewing Machine

Wikipedia - Sewing machine

Wikipedia - Barthélemy Thimonnier

ThoughtCo. - History of the Sewing Machine

National Museum of American History - 1854 - Walter Hunt’s Patent Model of a Sewing Machine

Wikipedia - Walter Hunt (inventor)

Wikipedia - Elias Howe

Wikipedia - Isaac Singer

Biography.com - Isaac Singer

American Business History Center - The Sordid Saga of Mr. Singer and his Sewing Machine

Wikipedia - Winnaretta Singer

Wikipedia - Overlock

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BB #8: Fire Ritual for Imbolc

Mon, 03 Feb 2025 06:58:33 GMT

The days are getting longer, the ice is starting to melt (hopefully), and it’s time to shake off that winter slump…Imbolc is here! Sabrina walks us through a fire ritual to spark new beginnings, clear out stagnant energy, and bring a little warmth (literal and magical) into your life. So grab a candle, set your intentions, and join us as we welcome the return of the light. But remember, fire safety is key!

See photos discussed in this episode on our instagram

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Mary Did You Know? That You Spread Disease...

Tue, 28 Jan 2025 07:24:05 GMT

Grab your masks and wash your hands reallyyyy thoroughly to join us on a journey through disease, denial, and the early days of germ theory. In this episode, we’re discussing Typhoid Mary, the cook whose meals came with an unexpected side of contagion. Tracking down this “living culture tube” was a real life Sherlock of disease, Dr Soper. Will Mary ever accept the truth that Dr. Soper is so desperate to make her understand? Tune in to find out!

See photos discussed in this episode on our instagram

SOURCES

Wikipedia - Typhoid Fever

Wikipedia - Plague of Athens

World Health Organization - Typhoid

National Library of Medicine - Mary Mallon (1869-1938) and the history of typhoid fever

National Library of Medicine - The Curious Career of Typhoid Mary by George Soper

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BB #7: Self-Love Spell Jar

Tue, 21 Jan 2025 00:14:06 GMT

In this magical mini-episode, Sabrina shares how to create a self-love spell jar that’s all about attracting positivity, boosting confidence, and embracing the magical masterpiece that is you! From choosing empowering herbs and crystals to sealing it all with intention (and a little wax), Sabrina walks you through every step. So grab your ingredients, channel those good vibes, and tune in for a dose of enchantment and empowerment!

**Suggested ingredients listed on our instagram

See photos discussed in this episode on our instagram

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Terror on the Trail

Sun, 12 Jan 2025 23:21:00 GMT

Pack your bags (or maybe don’t) and join us on a trip to the wild frontier of Kansas in the 1870s! We’re uncovering the chilling story of the Bloody Benders, a family of innkeepers who turned their home into a death trap for unsuspecting travelers. We’ll also explore the public’s obsession with their gruesome crimes, the manhunt that followed their disappearance, and the lingering mysteries of what really happened to the Benders. Hop on our horse and buggy as we piece together the grisly tale of America’s first serial killer family!

See photos discussed in this episode on our instagram

SOURCES:

Wikipedia - Bloody Benders

A&E - Who Were the 1870s Serial Killing 'Family' Known as the 'Bloody Benders'?

Slate - The Story of the “Bloody Benders,” the Serial-Killing Family That Terrorized the Wild West—Then Disappeared

Crime Reads - The Bloody Benders: America's First Family of Serial Killers

Mental Floss - The Bloody Benders, America's First Serial Killer Family

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BB #6: Manifestation 101

Tue, 07 Jan 2025 06:23:53 GMT

In our first episode of 2025, Sabrina is sharing her top tips for manifestation, so we can start the New Year on the right foot!

See photos discussed in this episode on our instagram

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Have a Spooky, Scary, Christmas

Tue, 24 Dec 2024 21:10:40 GMT

After a brief hiatus, we’re coming back at you with some Victorian Christmas traditions! Think your holiday traditions are weird? The Victorians would like a word. In this episode, we unwrap the strange and spooky side of Victorian Christmas, because nothing says “Merry Christmas” like ghost stories by the fire, oysters for dinner, and Christmas cards featuring… dead birds? So grab some figgy pudding (whatever that is), and join us under the mistletoe as we deck the halls with a little Victorian weirdness!

See photos discussed in this episode on our instagram

SOURCES:

English Heritage - Victorian Christmas Traditions

Victoria & Albert Museum - Victorian Christmas traditions

Cinema Live - 5 Fascinating Victorian Christmas Traditions

Mental Floss - 11 Odd Victorian Christmas Traditions

Kat Devitt - 7 Weird Victorian Christmas Traditions

History.com - Some of the Earliest Christmas Cards Were Morbid and Creepy

Alexander Meddings - Victorian Christmas Traditions: the Good, the Bad & the Batsh*t Mad

Friends of Dalnavert - Have Yourself a Creepy Little Christmas

Ranker - 25 Bizarre and Disturbing Victorian Christmas Cards

The Guardian - Shock of the old: 11 murderous and macabre Victorian Christmas cards

The Conversation - Charles Dickens and the birth of the classic English Christmas dinner

Cultura Colectiva - 17 Creepy Vintage Christmas Cards For The Ones Who Enjoy a Dark Holiday

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BB #5: The Four Elements

Mon, 25 Nov 2024 06:10:37 GMT

For our fifth episode of brief bewitchments, Sabrina covers the 4 elements, which are commonly used in witchcraft. Tune in for some bite-sized info on earth, air, fire, and water!

See photos discussed in this episode on our instagram

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BB #4: Ouija for Beginners

Mon, 11 Nov 2024 04:30:51 GMT

If you’ve been curious about using a spirit board, this is the episode for you! After Clara covered the history of ouija, Sabrina wanted to share her beginners guide on how to use it.

P.S. Halloween flipped the order of episodes a bit, so this was recorded before the halloween episode!

See photos discussed in this episode on our instagram

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Scares and Screams on Halloween

Thu, 31 Oct 2024 05:59:33 GMT

Ever wondered how Halloween became the holiday of haunted houses, costumes, and candy? In this episode, we’re unraveling the eerie origins of Halloween and diving into some of the strange (and spooky) ways Victorians celebrated it. From its ancient Celtic roots as Samhaian, a night when the veil between worlds thinned, to the blend of superstitions and traditions that made it a night of magic, we’ll trace Halloween’s transformation into the holiday we know today. And Victorians put their own spooky spin on it! We'll explore their unique customs, from apple-bobbing to fortune-telling rituals meant to reveal future loves, and way more tricks than treats.

***This episode starts with some noise interruptions, but they clear up less than 10 minutes in.

CORRECTION: Clara refers to Lemongrab from Adventure Time as “Lemonhead” and does not realize her mistake!

SOURCES:

History.com - Halloween 2024

History.com - Halloween Was Once So Dangerous That Some Cities Considered Banning It

Friends of Dalnavert - Victorian Hallowe’en: Love, Poetry, and Stingy Jack

CNN - From pagan spirits to Wonder Woman: A brief history of the Halloween costume

The New York Times - Boo? Halloween Used to Be About Finding True Love

Irish Archaeology - Halloween in Irish Folklore

Pilgrimage In Medieval Ireland - Irish Halloween Traditions

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Ouija Play With Me?

Thu, 24 Oct 2024 06:03:00 GMT

Get your candles and planchettes ready, because we’re summoning the story behind one of the most well known tools of the supernatural: the Ouija board! We’ll uncover its spiritualist roots, how it became a pop culture sensation, and the reputation it acquired during the satanic panic. And of course, Sabrina has a spooky Ouija story that further convinces Clara she won’t be handling a planchette any time soon. Tune in to say “GOODBYE” to any misconceptions you may have heard about this unique method of spirit communication!

See photos discussed in this episode on our instagram

Luigi Board Video

SOURCES:

Mysterious Planchette - Collection Gallery

Wikipedia - Fuji (planchette writing)

Wikipedia - Planchette

History Hit - The Strange History of the Ouija Board

Vox - What "Ouija" actually means, and how the game has changed

The Guardian - The Ouija board’s mysterious origins: war, spirits, and a strange death

Mental Floss - A Brief History of the Ouija Board

Buried Secrets Podcast - The History of Automatic Writing Planchettes

Smithsonian - The Strange and Mysterious History of the Ouija Board

Baltimore Magazine - Not Dead Yet

Atlas Obscura - How the Ouija Board Got Its Name

Williamfuld.com - New York Daily Tribune “THE NEW PLANCHETTE”

Reader’s Digest - 10 Chilling Crimes Involving Ouija Boards

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BB #3: Everyday Witchcraft

Mon, 14 Oct 2024 23:33:30 GMT

This episode, Sabrina gives us some quick and easy ways to practice witchcraft! Even with a busy day to day, these will help you take a moment for self care and mindfulness. Tune in to hear some great attainable examples you can incorporate in your daily routine, if you feel disconnected or overwhelmed. We hope you find them useful!

See photos discussed in this episode on our instagram

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Victorian Stories to Tell in the Dark

Tue, 08 Oct 2024 05:50:17 GMT

Grab your lantern and prepare for a chilling stroll - through some of the spookiest ghost stories from the Victorian era! In this episode, we’re digging into the Illustrated Police News, the infamous tabloid that fed the public’s appetite for gruesome crimes and spooky stories. Victorian England was obsessed with the supernatural, and the Illustrated Police News knew how to serve up some seriously spine-tingling ghost stories. From haunted houses to vengeful spirits, we’ll explore the eerie tales that had Victorians clutching their pearls (and probably sleeping with the candles lit). But was the ghost just a guy all along, or did people really believe they were being haunted by the other side? Tune in to find out!

See photos discussed in this episode on our instagram

SOURCES:

History Extra - 5 Georgian Ghost Hoaxes

History Extra - 6 strange newspaper stories that shocked Victorian Britain

The British Newspaper Archives - Ten of The Most Spine-Chilling Ghost Stories from The Archive

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BB #2: Pentacle vs. Pentagram

Fri, 27 Sep 2024 06:37:26 GMT

In our second episode of Brief Bewitchments, Sabrina explains the difference between a pentacle and pentagram, and how no matter which you use, you won’t summon a demon by accident. Phew!

See photos discussed in this episode on our instagram

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The Magician Among the Spirits

Mon, 23 Sep 2024 08:25:22 GMT

In this episode, we dive deep into the life of the legendary escape artist, Harry Houdini, and his surprising and eventually strained friendship with the creator of Sherlock Holmes, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. Houdini dazzled the world with his death-defying stunts and escapes, but as much as he wanted to believe in spiritualism, he couldn’t escape the doubts he had about its validity. In contrast, his friend Sir Arthur was so enamoured with the idea of the afterlife, Houdini couldn’t even convince him that he himself did not have true magic powers. Sp grab your handcuffs, hold your breath, and take a journey with us through magic and mediums!

CORRECTION: The world record for longest time spent awake is actually 18 days!

See photos discussed in this episode on our instagram

SOURCES:

Britannica - Harry Houdini

PBS - Timeline of Houdini's Life

Biography - Harry Houdini

Wild About Houdini - The life of Harry Houdini

The New Yorker - Harry Houdini and the Art of Escape

Wikipedia - Harry Houdini

Villa Finale - The Spiritualist Versus the Illusionist: The Battle Between Sir Arthur Conan Doyle and Harry Houdini PART 1 PART 2

Splice Today - Harry Houdini’s Spiritual Feud With Arthur Conan Doyle

American Magazine - When Sir Arthur Conan Doyle (maybe) spoke with the dead

Murder & Mayhem - Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's Enduring Obsession With the World of Spiritualism

NPR - Lessons from sleeplessness: The 60th anniversary of Randy Gardner's world record

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Introducing: Brief Bewitchments

Sat, 14 Sep 2024 18:58:36 GMT

Welcome to our new bite sized bi-weekly episodes, Brief Bewitchments! In our first magical mini episode, the turns are tabled as Sabrina tells Clara about Victorian divination! From her specialty, tarot, to tea leaves and palmistry, Sabrina shares her expertise on some of the mediums used by mediums.

See photos discussed in this episode on our instagram

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Elementary, My Dear Spirit!

Fri, 06 Sep 2024 06:36:34 GMT

Grab your magnifying glass and your deerstalker hat, because this week we’re discussing the author behind the most famous fictional detective ever! Sir Arthur Conan Doyle may have created Sherlock Holmes, the character who revolutionized detective fiction, but he was less than fond of his own creation. Most likely because he wanted to be remembered for something else, his obsession with Spiritualism! As much as he loved logic and deduction, he was equally passionate about contacting the afterlife, which is where things get really strange.This episode is a wild ride through crime-solving, supernatural belief, and the life of a man who was just as extraordinary as his fictional detective.

See photos discussed in this episode on our instagram

SOURCES:

Wikipedia - Arthur Conan Doyle

Wikipedia - George Edalji

Wikipedia - Oscar Slater

Mental Floss - When Sir Arthur Conan Doyle Tried Solving a Real Mystery

Conan Doyle Info - Arthur Conan Doyle and Spiritualism

Murder & Mayhem - Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's Enduring Obsession With the World of Spiritualism

Victorian Web - Arthur Conan Doyle's Interest in Spiritualism

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Oh, Behave!

Fri, 23 Aug 2024 05:22:40 GMT

This week, Clara teaches Sabrina how to mind her manners and show her good breeding with a little help from Florence Hartley’s “The Ladies Book of Etiquette”. While good old Flo’s advice can be just as ridiculous as you’d expect, it’s a fascinating look at all the ways that women both supported and critisized eachother. So grab your kid gloves and your male escort (and DON’T suck on your parasol, have you not breakfasted!?) And learn all about the trials and tribulations that came with being a proper Victorian lady!

See photos discussed in this episode on our instagram

SOURCE:

Project Gutenburg EBook - The Ladies Book of Ettiquette by Florence Hartley

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The Murderous Maid

Fri, 09 Aug 2024 06:01:19 GMT

Get ready for a true crime story that’s equal parts shocking and sinister! In this episode, we dive deep into the gruesome case of Kate Webster, the maid who made headlines in 1800’s London for her brutal crime. Kate Webster wasn’t your ordinary household help - she was a woman with a dark past and a dangerous temper. When she landed a job as a maid for the wealthy widow Julia Martha Thomas, things quickly took a deadly turn. So get your laundry pot boiling, sharpen your axe, and join us to learn about a tale of deceit, brutality, and cold-blooded murder!

See photos discussed in this episode on our instagram

SOURCES:

Murderpedia - Catherine WEBSTER

History Answers - Kate Webster: The Victorian maid who boiled her mistress

Wikipedia - Murder of Julia Martha Thomas

Cambridge University - Trial, sentence & execution of Kate Webster for the murder of Mrs Thomas, at Richmond

The History Blog - The Victorian murder victim’s skull in David Attenborough’s garden

CIA.gov - USE OF PSYCHICS IN LAW ENFORCEMENT

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Around the World's Fair in 60 Minutes

Fri, 26 Jul 2024 06:31:11 GMT

This week, Clara and Sabrina explore the dazzling and sometimes disturbing history of the World’s Fairs! In this episode, we celebrate the groundbreaking inventions and innovations unveiled at these grand exhibitions, while also shedding light on the darker aspects of human exploitation. Zip up your boots and turn on your dishwasher before you join us on a journey through Victorian World’s Fairs!

See photos discussed in this episode on our instagram

SOURCES:

The Forgotten Files - The Human Zoo of 1904

Lapham’s Quarterly - The Largest Human Zoo in World History

Business Insider - 15 inventions and landmarks that you had no idea debuted at World's Fairs

Intelligencer - 10 Innovations From the 1964–65 World’s Fair That Didn’t Work Out (and 5 That Did)

Snapshot Of The Past - The Chicago World's Fair Invented The Best And The Worst

Alarabiya News - Eiffel Tower, ketchup, live TV: Top 10 world fair inventions ahead of Dubai Expo 2020

History.com - 6 Everyday Inventions That Debuted at World’s Fairs

History.com - How Early World Fairs Put Industrial Revolution Progress on Display

Listverse - Top 10 Captivating Stories From World’s Fairs

Cracked - 7 World's Fairs That Became Utter Nightmares

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King Pine: The Golden Fruit

Fri, 19 Jul 2024 03:06:58 GMT

Get ready for a juicy tale of status, luxury, and fruity frenzy, as we travel back to the days when pineapples were the rarest and most coveted fruit in the world! When pineapples made their way to European shores, they set off a frenzy among the elite, and quickly became the ultimate symbol of wealth and power. Join us as we walk the promenade with a rented pineapple under one arm and discuss how people only want things when they’re hard to get!

See photos discussed in this episode on our instagram

SOURCES:

BBC - The rise, fall, and rise of the status pineapple

Fruitnet - Why the pineapple was once a symbol of wealth

WIkipedia - Pineapple mania

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There's A Con Man Born Every Minute

Fri, 12 Jul 2024 03:21:25 GMT

Step right up, step right up! Join us on a jaw-dropping journey into the real life of P.T. Barnum, the man behind the grift. In this episode, we pull back the curtain on P.T. Barnum’s life, stripping away the idealised version of Barnum by Hollywood to reveal a tale of cunning, controversy, and good old-fashioned showbiz trickery. Forget the charming, song-and-dance Hugh Jackman version; the real Barnum was a master of deception and hype, who built his empire on the backs of exploited performers and sensational hoaxes. Get ready to see beyond the glittering facade and uncover the true story of the greatest showman on earth.

See photos discussed in this episode on our instagram

SOURCES:

Vanity Fair - The Greatest Showman: The True Story of P.T. Barnum and Jenny Lind

All That’s Interesting - The Story Of Annie Jones, P.T. Barnum’s Bearded Lady

Thought Co. - Biography of General Tom Thumb, Sideshow Performer

Wikipedia - P.T. Barnum

Wikipedia - The Herald Of Freedom

Verywell Health - The Most Common Types of Dwarfism

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Let's Get Hysterical

Thu, 04 Jul 2024 12:40:07 GMT

We’re getting hysterical this episode! Clara cheers Sabrina up with some crazy facts about the Victorian diagnosis of “hysteria”; a condition that doctors diagnosed women with based on just about any reason you can imagine, from too much gas to epilepsy. In this episode, we’ll unravel the tangled mess of pseudo-science and outright sexism that defined hysteria for centuries. From ancient Greek physicians blaming wandering wombs to Victorian doctors prescribing, ahem, very personal treatments (or did they?), the story of hysteria is as ridiculous as it is infuriating. So grab your massagers and a bucket of cold water and join us as we expose the madness behind the so-called “madness.”

See photos discussed in this episode on our instagram

SOURCES:

Unmentionable: The Victorian Lady's Guide to Sex, Marriage, and Manners by Therese Oneill

BBC - The vibrator: from medical tool to revolutionary sex toy

McGill - The History of Hysteria

NCBI - Gender bias in research: how does it affect evidence based medicine?

Time - Declared Insane for Speaking Up: The Dark American History of Silencing Women Through Psychiatry

NCBI - Women And Hysteria In The History Of Mental Health

CNN - In car crashes, women are more likely to die than men. This new crash test dummy could help save lives

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Which Witch was the Last Witch?

Thu, 27 Jun 2024 05:38:23 GMT

Grab your ouija board and broomstick (and also some cheesecloth) and join us as we discuss the bewitching tale of Scotland’s last witch! Hear about the spellbinding events that led to Helen Duncan’s infamous trial in the 1940s. And yes, you read that right. Witch trials in the 20th century! Turns out, there was a medium whose séances attracted the ire of the British government. Was she really summoning spirits or just pulling one over on her audience? Either way, the authorities weren’t having it and slapped her with a charge of witchcraft. We’ll also explore how this case led to the repeal of Britain’s witchcraft laws. About time, right?

See photos discussed in this episode on our instagram

SOURCES:

Curious Archive - The Bizarre Exploits of Helen Duncan: Ectoplasm Producing Medium and Britain’s ‘Last Witch’

Military Times - Witches be crazy: How one WWII ship led to the UK’s last witch trial

History Extra - Conjuring up the dead: Helen Duncan and her ectoplasm spirits

Mercat Tours - Scotland's Last Witch: Helen Duncan

BBC - Scotland’s Last Witch

Wikipedia - Helen Duncan

Wikipedia - Witchcraft Act 1735

Wikipedia - Jane Rebecca Yorke

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Burke and Hare: A Terrible Pair

Thu, 20 Jun 2024 06:22:27 GMT

Clara tells Sabrina about a terrible pair of Williams, who decided that robbing graves was just too much work, and opted to end their victims lives before they entered the ground in the first place. Wanting to keep those medical schools stocked with fresh cadavers, but most importantly keep their pockets stuffed with cash, Burke and Hare fast-tracked their supply by offing people themselves. So grab your chests and a bottle of whisky, and join us in Edinburgh to hear all about the gruesome twosome!

See photos discussed in this episode on our instagram

Most of Burke & Hare’s victims names were unknown, but here is a list of everyone as best as I could find: Donald (died of dropsy), Joseph (sick lodger), Abigail Simpson, Mary Paterson, “Old Woman”, “Englishman”, Mary Haldane, Effie, “Grandmother”, “Grandson”, “Drunk Woman”, “Unamed Lodger” (Hare only), Margagret Haldane, Mrs Ostler, Ann McDougal, Jamie Wilson, Mary Dougherty

SOURCES:

Wikipedia - Burke and Hare murders

Britannica - William Burke and William Hare

Historic UK - The Story of Burke and Hare

BBC - Anatomy and crime - Burke and Hare: The body snatchers

The University of Edinburgh - 5 things you didn’t know about Burke and Hare

History - BURKE AND HARE: THE EDINBURGH KILLERS WHO SOLD THEIR VICTIM'S BODIES FOR DISSECTION

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Invasion of the Body Snatchers

Thu, 13 Jun 2024 06:02:13 GMT

In our most morbid episode yet, we step into the eerie shadows of Victorian graveyards, where the dead couldn’t always rest in peace. Clara tells Sabrina about the grim and ghastly practice of body snatching, an illicit trade that supplied fresh corpses to the booming field of medical science. So if you’re steadfast enough (and not eating lunch), grab a shovel and a lantern, and meet us in the cemetery at midnight to dig up some seriously disturbing history…

See photos discussed in this episode on our instagram

ORGAN DONATION:

Canada

United States of America

United Kingdom

SOURCES:

Mcdreeamie Musings - Medical school medieval style

Smithsonian - In Need of Cadavers, 19th-Century Medical Students Raided Baltimore’s Graves

University of Cambridge - The body snatchers: corpse and effect

Vancouver Police Museum - Cadavers, Corpses, and Bodysnatchers: A Brief History of Medical Dissection

Owlcation - The Resurrection Men: Body Snatching in 19th-Century Britain

Canada’s History - Anatomically Incorrect: Bodysnatching in the 19th Century

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I Just Called To Say Ahoy

Thu, 06 Jun 2024 08:20:11 GMT

In this episode, Clara takes Sabrina on a hometown history fieldtrip, and calls on the past to talk about the notorious AGB (Alexander Graham Bell). From beginnings in Scotland making talking machines for his elocutionist Father, to believing telegraph lines could send so much more than morse code, Alec was truly ahead of his time. So grab your landlines and dial in to find out how we almost said “Ahoy” instead of “Hello”!

SOURCES:

Reluctant Genius; The Passionate Life and Inventive Mind of Alexander Graham Bell, by Charlotte Gray (book)

Wikipedia - Alexander Graham Bell

Britannica - Alexander Graham Bell

The Canadian Encyclopedia - Alexander Graham Bell

Rag Piano - Hello, Ma Baby

Songfacts - Hello! Ma Baby

The Saturday Evening Post - World Hello Day: History of a Greeting

Wikipedia - Hello! Ma Baby

NPR - A (Shockingly) Short History Of 'Hello'

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Edison's Little Monsters

Thu, 30 May 2024 05:03:50 GMT

This week, we find out why some ideas are better left on the drawing board. Thomas Edison, the inventor behind the light bulb and phonograph, thought it would be a great idea to make dolls talk. Spoiler alert: it wasn’t. What was supposed to be a groundbreaking toy turned into a nightmare, with dolls spewing scratchy, eerie nursery rhymes that left children and parents terrified. And you know if it creeped the Victorians out, it was seriously creepy. So grab your phonographs and ready your ears for some serious nightmare fuel!

See photos discussed in this episode on our instagram

VIDEO:

ItWorks - How does a record player work with sound…

RECORDINGS:

Wikipedia - Edison’s Phonograph Doll

SOURCES:

Wikipedia - Phonograph

Smithsonian - Edison Talking Doll

npca.org - The World’s First Talking Dolls

Smithsonian Magazine - The Epic Failure of Thomas Edison’s Talking Doll

The Henry Ford - Edison Talking Doll, 1889-1890

Smithsonian Magazine - How Porcelain Dolls Became the Ultimate Victorian Status Symbol

Reddit - "Victorian Mourning Dolls"- Where's The Evidence?

Burials and Beyond - The World of Victorian Grave Dolls

The Order of the Good Death - Cabinet of Curiosities: Victorian Death Dolls

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The Last American Vampire

Thu, 23 May 2024 04:00:00 GMT

Get ready to sink your teeth into a bizarre and blood curdling story, because this week we’re discussing the New England Vampire Panic! A time when fear, superstition, and a dash of hysteria convinced a rural community in Rhode Island that the dead were rising from their graves to prey on the living. Clara tells Sabrina about Mercy Brown, the so-called "last American vampire," whose exhumation in 1892 marked the peak of this macabre panic. So grab your pitchforks and head to the cemetery with us to learn about Victorian vampires!

See photos discussed in this episode on our instagram

SOURCES:

History.com - When New Englanders Blamed Vampires for Tuberculosis Deaths

Wikipedia - Mercy Brown vampire incident

Wikipedia - New England vampire panic

Newengland.com - Vampire Mercy Brown | When Rhode Island Was “The Vampire Capital of America”

History.com - The Last American Vampire

Smithsonian Magazine - The Great New England Vampire Panic

All That’s Interesting - Why The Mercy Brown Case Remains One Of History’s Craziest “Vampire” Incidents

My Macabre Roadtrip - Why Are There Cages Over Graves? It’s Not For Vampires!

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Consumption: TB or not TB?

Thu, 16 May 2024 05:16:38 GMT

Consumption wasn't just a disease - it was a lifestyle. Afflicting millions with its debilitating symptoms, consumption became synonymous with romance and tragedy in the popular imagination. Join Clara and Sabrina as they explore the morbid fascination with illness, and the macabre allure of looking sickly and dying. So grab your handkerchiefs to cough dramatically into, and prepare to confront the dark allure of consumption in the 1800s.

See photos discussed in this episode on our instagram

SOURCES:

Science Museum - Tuberculosis : A Fashionable Disease?

Lockport Journal - ABANDONED HISTORY: Sanitariums and sanatoriums of Niagara County

Wikipedia - Sanatorium

Welcome Collection - The history of sanatoriums and surveillance

Medical Records at the Archives of Ontario - Tuberculosis Records

CDC - History of World TB Day

Wikipedia - Tuberculosis

VL McBeath - Victorian Era Consumption

Taconic Biosciences - Mountain Cottages, Fresh Air, and TB Research

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Put A Hatpin In It

Thu, 09 May 2024 05:26:08 GMT

Grab your largest hats and your pointiest umbrellas, this episode we’re exploring the badass world of hatpin and umbrella self-defense! The long forgotten hatpin wasn't just for securing hats; it was also the secret weapon of Victorian ladies looking to jab back at the patriarchy. Women also took chaperoning into their own hands with their trusty parasols, ready to rain down justice on anyone foolish enough to cross their path. Sharpen your style and arm yourself with the knowledge of how fashion accessories became tools of empowerment by tuning in!

See photos discussed in this episode on our instagram

SOURCES:

Racing Nellie Bly - Victorian Umbrella Defense Surpassed Perilous Hatpins

Smithsonian Magazine - “The Hatpin Peril” Terrorized Men Who Couldn’t Handle the 20th-Century Woman

History.com - Early 1900s Women Had an Ingenious Method for Fending Off Gropers

Wikipedia - Hatpin

The Pragmatic Costumer - Call the Fashion Police! I’m Wearing an Illegal Hatpin

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Oh My Codpiece!

Thu, 02 May 2024 03:56:19 GMT

Be warned, fair listeners, this episode gets a bit raunchier than usual! Clara tells Sabrina about the Shakespearian fashion trend that she has become very well acquainted with as of late, codpieces! The Elizabethan gentleman's particular protrusion that showed off his...virility. During the peak of Shakespeares popularity, men decided that actual size doesn't have to matter if you choose to purposefully "pitch a tent" for the world to see. So dust off your ruffs and grab your quill—it's time to journey back even further in time than usual, and explore the ridiculous world of codpieces!

See photos discussed in this episode on our instagram

SOURCES:

Victoria & Albert Museum - Doublet and Trunk Hose

History Extra - How big was Henry VIII’s codpiece?

University of Cambridge - What goes up must come down: a brief history of the codpiece

BBC - How the codpiece flopped

Sad and Useless - Codpiece Was a Weird Renaissance Fashion Trend

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Mercury and Mad Hatters

Thu, 25 Apr 2024 03:59:00 GMT

We’re stepping through the looking glass this week to learn why exactly Victorian hatters happened to be so mad! In the heyday of hatmaking, mercury played a starring role in the production of felt hats, including the iconic top hats favoured by Victorian gentlemen. But behind the glamour and sophistication lay a hidden danger - mercury poisoning. From trembling hands to erratic behavior, the symptoms of mercury poisoning exacted a heavy toll on the health of hatters. Tune in to hear all about the origins of Wonderlands favourite Hatter, and how mercury is still affecting us to this day!

See photos discussed in this episode on our instagram

SOURCES

History.com - Where did the phrase “mad as a hatter” come from?

Interesting Literature - The Curious Meaning and Origin of the Phrase ‘Mad as a Hatter’

Medium - The Original Mad Hatter From ‘Alice in Wonderland’

Wikipedia - Hatter (Alice's Adventures in Wonderland)

Vanderbilt - Mad as a Hatter: Global efforts to reduce mercury emissions

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Tarot Unveiled

Thu, 18 Apr 2024 04:49:39 GMT

Get ready to feel some serious goosebumps, because today, Sabrina shows us why she calls herself a modern day witch! This episode is filled with clairvoyance, and not just because the topic is tarot. We’ll discuss the origins of the popular divination tool, as well as the uncredited talents that shaped its iconic imagery. As we navigate the twists and turns of tarot's tangled history, prepare to be mesmerized by tales of magic, betrayal, and redemption. So grab your favourite deck, dim the lights, and join us for an unforgettable exploration of tarot's hidden depths.

See photos discussed in this episode on our instagram

The Big Book of Tarot Meanings - Sam Magdaleno

SOURCES

Public Domain Review - Etteilla’s Livre de Thot Tarot (ca. 1789)

Collectors Weekly - Tarot Mythology: The Surprising Origins of the World's Most Misunderstood Cards

Learn Religions - A Brief History of Tarot

CNN - The woman behind the world’s most famous tarot deck was nearly lost in history

Medium - The Artistic Odyssey of Pamela Colman Smith

Wikipedia - Pamela Colman Smith

Pcs2051 - YEATS FAMILY AND PAMELA COLMAN SMITH

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Triskaidekaphobi-what!?

Fri, 12 Apr 2024 05:11:36 GMT

In our thirteenth episode, we cover the topical thirteen of course! Get your good luck charms ready, because in this episode, we're diving headfirst into the murky waters of superstition. Plenty of catastrophes have happened on Friday the 13th, but is it really an unlucky day? Thankfully, the members of the Thirteen Club are on the case, and they don’t care how many mirrors they have to smash to prove that superstition is busted.

See photos discussed in this episode on our instagram

SOURCES:

History.com - Friday the 13th

Evoke - Horrendous things that really happened on Friday the 13th

Readers Digest - 12 Odd and Creepy Real Things That Happened on Friday the 13th

Washington Post - Friday the 13th and its history of Tupac’s death, Nazi bombings and covid-19

Foundation for Economic Education - The Bystander Effect: Myth or Fact?

Time.com - Friday the 13th: The Original Viral Marketing Stunt?

New-York Historical Society - Friggatriskaidekaphobes Need Not Apply

The Paris Review - Morituri te Salutamus

Rotary Club of Simcoe - Friday-The-13th, 2018 In Port Dover, Ontario

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Let Them Eat Celery

Thu, 04 Apr 2024 03:48:55 GMT

This may be the only time we can say that our topic is more deadly for one of us than for the Victorians…because we’re crunching into the bizarre world of Victorian celery mania. Yes, you heard that right - celery. The Victorians couldn’t eat enough, but Sabrina will be grabbing her epi pen for this one. Tune in to learn all about the coveted Victorian vegetable, and its even more coveted vase!

See photos discussed in this episode on our instagram

SOURCES:

Taste - Celery Was the Avocado Toast of the Victorian Era

Mitzi Collectables - Spooners & Celery Vases 101

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Terror, Doom, and an Icy Tomb

Thu, 28 Mar 2024 04:23:25 GMT

Grab your parkas and your tainted canned meat, this episode Clara and Sabrina are voyaging into the Arctic abyss! We’re hopping aboard Sir John Franklin’s doomed expedition through the Northwest Passage. When the ships got hopelessly stuck in the ice, everyone aboard was slowly overcome by bone-chilling cold, hunger, and desperation. We’ll discuss theories on why the crew made so many bizarre decisions, and solve the mystery that was never actually a mystery, but was “solved” over 150 years later, no thanks to colonial arrogance. If you’re drawn in by the allure of the Arctic Archipelago, The Franklin Expedition is waiting for you, although it certainly isn’t going anywhere either way…

See photos discussed in this episode on our instagram

SOURCES:

Wikipedia - Franklin's lost expedition

Discovering The Arctic - The Northwest Passage – the Arctic Grail

Royal Museums Greenwich - What happened to HMS Erebus and Terror?

Canadian History Ehx - The Inuit and the Franklin Expedition

New York Times - Artifacts of a Doomed Expedition

National Library of Medicine - Sir John Franklin's last arctic expedition: a medical disaster

History.com - What Happened to the Doomed Franklin Expedition? These Are the Clues

Fandom - Timeline of the Franklin Expedition

Government of Canada - Update on the words “Inuk” and “Inuit”

Wikipedia - Northwest Passage

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Spice and Disease on the High Seas

Thu, 21 Mar 2024 03:23:28 GMT

Get your sea legs ready, we’re sailing through a convoluted mess of trade routes and accidental discoveries! In this episode, Clara tells Sabrina about the Europeans' ravenous thirst for spices they mostly no longer use in modern day, and all the inefficient things they did to make the trip to Asia more efficient. Also, we break the news to Christopher Columbus that he did not, in fact, find India. He didn’t even find America either, actually. And once we navigate our way to the Panama canal, we’ll explain how the cure for malaria also created happy hour. So grab your tonic water, and prepare to have your preconceptions shaken like a gin and tonic in the hands of a clueless explorer. It's gonna be one heck of a voyage!

See photos discussed in this episode on our instagram

SOURCES:

History.com - Panama Canal

Wikipedia - Christopher Columbus

Wikipedia - Austronesian peoples

Slate - The Imperial Cocktail

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Overly Flirtatious Fans

Thu, 14 Mar 2024 04:00:00 GMT

In this episode, we’re decoding the hidden messages that the Victorians sent one another - with practically any accessory that was accessible! Clara and Sabrina delve into the secret signals hidden in the flutter of a fan, the delicate touch of a glove, and the subtle tilt of a parasol. Through newspapers from the early 1800s, we try to make sense of the nuances in gestures and symbols that spoke volumes in an era where discretion was paramount. But were these codes really as prevalent as some articles would lead you to believe? Listen to find out!

See photos discussed in this episode on our instagram

SOURCES:

Alexander Meddings - The Weird and Wonderful World of Victorian Dating

Friends of Dalnavert - Date Like a Victorian: Courtship and Romance in the Victorian Era

Sothebys - The Secret Language of Fans

Fashion History Museum - Myth Information: The Fan Code

Medium - A Brief History Of The Victorian Era Dating Rituals

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Mischievous Mongeese

Thu, 07 Mar 2024 00:46:26 GMT

Get your hands and feet ready everyone, this week Clara introduces Sabrina to her favourite weasel, Gef the talking Mongoose! In the early 20th century, the Isle of Man became the unlikely setting for one of the most perplexing paranormal phenomena in history. We delve into the first hand accounts of interactions with this strange ghost of a creature, and discuss what, or who, Gef really could have been, with some of the best quotes ever spoken by talking mongeese. Let us make our case on why you should join the cult of Gef!

Vanisheddddddddd……

See photos discussed in this episode on our instagram

SOURCES:

Atlas Obscura - The Bizarre, True Story of Gef the Talking Mongoose

Weird Historian - Things Said About the Talking Mongoose of the Isle of Man

Mental Floss - The Strange Story of Gef The Talking Mongoose

Wikipedia - Gef

University of Lodon School of Advanced Study - Christopher Josiffe

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Misunderstood Unmentionables

Thu, 29 Feb 2024 03:09:00 GMT

In this episode, Clara tells Sabrina about Victorian undergarments. From crinolines to drawers, and chemises to petticoats, we'll undress the secrets of each undergarment and its role in shaping the silhouette of the era. Join us as we examine how these garments were worn, why they were necessary, and the surprising ways they influenced Victorian fashion. But wait, weren't all those layers unbearably hot? And why is it that vintage and antique clothes always seem so tiny? Listen to this episode to find out!

See photos discussed in this episode on our instagram

SOURCES:

Kate Tattersall - Early Victorian Undergarments Part 1

Vintage Dancer - Victorian Stockings, Socks, Hosiery, Tights & History

Lancaster History - How Victorian Women used the Privy in Multiple Layers of Clothing

Historical Sewing - Passionate About Petticoats

Recollections - The Victorian Skirt – from Petticoats to Bustle: Part 1

Wardrobe Shop - THE COMPLEX HISTORY OF HOOP SKIRTS

Victoria and Albert Museum - Corsets, crinolines and bustles: fashionable Victorian underwear

Victorian Underwear - The Victorian Gentleman Undressed

Sustainable Rookie - Your Clothes Are Probably Made Of Plastic: What Fabrics To Avoid

Victoria and Albert Museum - Collections

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Controversial Corsets - Part 2

Thu, 22 Feb 2024 05:00:00 GMT

In part 2 covering corset controversy, we dive deeper into the history of corsets. Clara tells Sabrina about their role in maternity wear, children's corsets, and the evolving dynamics of gender and fashion. We also cover the propaganda that men used to claim corsets were harmful, in response to the growing Suffragette movement. We explore the multifaceted reasons behind the shift away from corsets, acknowledging women's agency and the broader cultural shifts that influenced fashion choices.

See photos discussed in this episode on our instagram

VIDEO MENTIONED:

How Victorian Men Taught Us to Hate Corsets: The Biggest Lie in Fashion History

SOURCES:

Lemelson Mit - Mary Jacob Brassiere

The Wildcat Tribune - The history behind corsets: how a piece of clothing sparked controversy, criticism and empowerment

NEXUS - Effects of Long Term Corseting on the Female Skeleton: A Preliminary Morphological Examination

Wikipedia - Corset controversy

Lancaster History - Make No (Whale)Bones About It: Debunking those Corsetry Myths

MD History - Victorian Image of Pregnancy through Corsetry

TWO NERDY HISTORY GIRLS - Teeny Tiny Corsets

Lives & Legacies - Stay Informed About Historical Undergarments

Victoria and Albert Museum - Collections (Photos)

Katherine Sewing - I Wore a Corset During my Entire Pregnancy and Here's What I Learned

Fashion History Timeline - 1800-1809

Smithsonian Magazine - What ‘Bridgerton’ Gets Wrong About Corsets

Lara Corsets - About anti-corset propaganda....

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Controversial Corsets - Part 1

Thu, 15 Feb 2024 04:57:14 GMT

This episode, Clara can no longer contain her corset knowledge! She tells Sabrina about the intricate history of corsets, and debunks the myths surrounding these iconic garments. Contrary to popular belief, corsets were not always the suffocating torture devices depicted in period dramas. In fact, they served a multifaceted purpose in Victorian society, offering support, shaping silhouettes, and even promoting better posture.

See photos discussed in this episode on our instagram

VIDEO MENTIONED:

I Grew Up in a Corset. Time to Bust Some Myths.

SOURCES:

Victoria and Albert Museum Collections

Lemelson Mit - Mary Jacob Brassiere

Messy Nessy - Men Wore Corsets, History Says

The Wildcat Tribune - The history behind corsets: how a piece of clothing sparked controversy, criticism and empowerment

NEXUS - Effects of Long Term Corseting on the Female Skeleton: A Preliminary Morphological Examination

Wikipedia - Corset controversy

Lancaster History - Make No (Whale)Bones About It: Debunking those Corsetry Myths

Lives & Legacies - Stay Informed About Historical Undergarments

Victoria and Albert Museum - Collections (Photos)

Fashion History Timeline - 1800-1809

Smithsonian Magazine - What ‘Bridgerton’ Gets Wrong About Corsets

Lara Corsets - About anti-corset propaganda....

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Spiritualism: A Fox-y Beginning

Thu, 08 Feb 2024 05:00:00 GMT

This episode, Clara takes Sabrina on an exploration of the origins of Spiritualism and the remarkable story of the Fox sisters. Join us as we uncover the intriguing events that sparked a movement and forever changed the way we perceive the afterlife! Discover how the Fox sisters' alleged ability to communicate with the spirit world captured the public imagination, leading to the emergence of Spiritualism—a movement centred around the belief in the continuity of consciousness after death and the possibility of communication with the departed.

See photos discussed in this episode on our instagram

SOURCES:

Wikipedia - Fox sisters

Wikipedia - Spiritualism (beliefs)

Thecanadianencyclopedia.ca - Spiritualism

Smithsonian Magazine - The Fox Sisters and the Rap on Spiritualism

Center for Inquiry - A Skeleton’s Tale:The Origins of Modern Spiritualism

Friendsofdalnavert.ca - GABBING WITH GHOSTS: THE FOX SISTERS AND THE RISE OF SPIRITUALISM

The New Yorker - Why Did So Many Victorians Try to Speak with the Dead?

A Magician Among the Spirits - Harry Houdini

Medium.com - As Long As What You’re Saying Is True

ABC News - Psychic Who Said Amanda Berry Was Dead Silent After Berry Is Found Alive

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Dyeing For Green

Thu, 01 Feb 2024 01:19:55 GMT

Clara tells Sabrina about the vibrant green hue that took Victorian society by storm, adorning everything from wallpapers to dresses. But behind the allure of this captivating colour was a chilling tale of deception, danger, and death.

See photos discussed in this episode on our instagram

SOURCES:

Crosscut - Arsenic: Victorians' secret

Smithsonian Magazine - In Ancient Rome, Purple Dye Was Made from Snails

Racked.com - The History of Green Dye Is a History of Death

The Paris Review - Scheele’s Green, the Color of Fake Foliage and Death

Wikipedia - Scheele's Green

American Duchess - A Little History of Arsenic Green

Historic UK - Poison Panic

Wikipedia - 1858 Bradford sweets poisoning

Darthmouth Toxic Metals - The Facts on Arsenic

The Atlantic - When Poison Was Everywhere

Wikipedia - Carl Wilhelm Scheele

National Library of Medicine - Arsenic in medicine: past, present and future

Global Founders London - Dangerous Beauty: A Short History of Hazardous Cosmetics and Natural Alternatives

Wikipedia - Marie Lafarge

King 5 - This Washington study might make you think twice about your makeup choices

The Guardian - Elon Musk was once an environmental hero: is he still a rare green billionaire?

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Mummies as Medicine and Merriment

Thu, 01 Feb 2024 01:10:15 GMT

Clara takes Sabrina into the bizarre world of Victorian mummy unwrapping parties, and unearth the strange ways in which mummies were used in the 1800's. We discuss how ground-up mummies found their way into Victorian paintings, fertilizer, and even medicine.

See photos discussed in this episode on our instagram.

SOURCES:

A Bit About Britain - Periods in History

Historic UK - Kings and Queens of England & Britain

Wikipedia - Mummies of Guanajuato

National Geographic - These Mexican mummies draw crowds and controversy

Ksat.com - Origins of Mexico’s mysterious mummy museum and Day of the Dead connection

Travels with Talek - THE MUMMIES OF GUANAJUATO, MEXICO: SCREAMING CORPSES BURIED ALIVE

Ripleys - MUMMY UNWRAPPING PARTIES OF THE VICTORIAN ERA

Medium - The Victorians Were Mad for Mummies

Anchient Origins - Romans Drank Gladiator Blood as an Epilepsy Cure!

National Geographic - The gory history of Europe’s mummy-eating fad

Britannica - 7 Surprising Uses for Mummies

Burials & Beyond - The Weird World of Mummy Parties

The Conversation - Why did people start eating Egyptian mummies? The weird and wild ways mummy fever swept through Europe

Lapham's Quarterly - A Brief History of Medical Cannibalism

Wikipedia - Mummia

Dig It With Raven - We Used To Eat Mummies?!

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Death Becomes Hair

Wed, 31 Jan 2024 23:56:58 GMT

In the very first episode of Conjuring Curiosities, Clara tells Sabrina that in the Victorian era, death was not only a part of life but a spectacle intertwined with intricate rituals and symbolic gestures. We cover the customs, clothing, and keepsakes that accompanied grief, from elaborate mourning attire to the macabre beauty of hair jewellery.

See photos discussed in this episode on our instagram

***Correction: There is currently no proven connection between oral plaque and arterial plaque!

SOURCES:

Statista - Child mortality rate (under five years old) in the United Kingdom from 1800 to 2020*

CANADIAN HISTORY: PRE-CONFEDERATION - 12.2 Childhood in a Dangerous Time

Very Well Health - Life Expectancy From Prehistory to 1800 and Beyond

Our World In Data - Life Expectancy

Office for National Statistics - Causes of death over 100 years

Approaching Death: Improving Care at the End of Life - 2. A Profile of Death and Dying in America

Vintag.es - “Living Room” What We Call Today, Was Actually Called “Death Room” in the 19th Century!

Random Times - What We Call Today “living room”, Was Actually Called “Death Room” in the victorian era…

Wikipedia - Queen Victoria