Wyrd Folk

Dare you defy the devil of Meon Hill? Listen in this week for the two stories of devilish terror we wrote for the live podcast performed at The Wyrd Folk Festival on 6th September. This brilliant piece of Gloucestershire folklore is part wild hunt lore, part cautionary tale. Come with us to meet the demon huntsman of Meon Hill and his terrible hooters. Like the show? Then follow us on Instagram @wyrd.folkpod Support the show on Patreon and help us keep recording https://www.patreon.com/cw/WyrdFolkPod Or visit us at www.wyrdfolkpod.com for show updates, writing challenges and more Wyrd Folk is a duelling folk storytelling podcast. Every episode will contain two stories for your listening pleasure, and you are the final judge of which one of us told the best version of the tale. Once you've listened, tell us which one you liked best by heading over to the episode blog on our website to vote on the episode poll for that story. https://www.wyrdfolkpod.com/episodes-1 Remember to keep writing wyrd! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The results are in and there can be only two! congratulations to Catherine Cuypers and Kelly Long for their wonderful stories. Listen in to this week's show to hear Catherine read her electrifying Oracdian folk retelling 'The Nuckelavee' and follow Kelly to the cottage where not everything is as it seems. We'll also be talking to both writers about their inspirations and how they go about creating such evocative fiction. Like the show? Then follow us on Instagram @wyrd.folkpod Support the show on Patreon and help us keep recording https://www.patreon.com/cw/WyrdFolkPod Or visit us at www.wyrdfolkpod.com for show updates, writing challenges and more Wyrd Folk is a duelling folk storytelling podcast. Every episode will contain two stories for your listening pleasure, and you are the final judge of which one of us told the best version of the tale. Once you've listened, tell us which one you liked best by heading over to the episode blog on our website to vote on the episode poll for that story. https://www.wyrdfolkpod.com/episodes-1 Remember to keep writing wyrd! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, Sam and I discuss our favourite Yorkshire witch, Mother Shipton. Prophetess and cunning woman Ursula Shipton lived in turbulent times but managed to rise from humble beginnings to be the most famous witch of her generation with probable mentions from the king). This non-fiction episode is a brief jaunt through the highlights of her career. Like the show? Then follow us on Instagram @wyrd.folkpod Support the show on Patreon and help us keep recording https://www.patreon.com/cw/WyrdFolkPod Or visit us at www.wyrdfolkpod.com for show updates, writing challenges and more Wyrd Folk is a duelling folk storytelling podcast. Every episode will contain two stories for your listening pleasure, and you are the final judge of which one of us told the best version of the tale. Once you've listened, tell us which one you liked best by heading over to the episode blog on our website to vote on the episode poll for that story. https://www.wyrdfolkpod.com/episodes-1 Remember to keep writing wyrd! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Who is the king of cats? This week, we look at the old story of the cat who would be king! Join us for two stories which link the tale of the hidden king of cats with generative AI, the great god Pan and Elizabethan alchemy. Like the show? Then follow us on Instagram @wyrd.folkpod Support the show on Patreon and help us keep recording https://www.patreon.com/cw/WyrdFolkPod Or visit us at www.wyrdfolkpod.com for show updates, writing challenges and more Wyrd Folk is a duelling folk storytelling podcast. Every episode will contain two stories for your listening pleasure, and you are the final judge of which one of us told the best version of the tale. Once you've listened, tell us which one you liked best by heading over to the episode blog on our website to vote on the episode poll for that story. https://www.wyrdfolkpod.com/episodes-1 Remember to keep writing wyrd! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, Sam and Nikki look at the classic Welsh myth of Blodeuwedd, the maid of the flowers, who was brought forth by magic to be the perfect wife. But what are the implications of creating a woman out of flowers? And is Blodeuwedd really to blame for trying to free herself from a marriage she never agreed to? Like the show? Then follow us on Instagram @wyrd.folkpod Support the show on Patreon and help us keep recording https://www.patreon.com/cw/WyrdFolkPod Or visit us at www.wyrdfolkpod.com for show updates, writing challenges and more Wyrd Folk is a duelling folk storytelling podcast. Every episode will contain two stories for your listening pleasure, and you are the final judge of which one of us told the best version of the tale. Once you've listened, tell us which one you liked best by heading over to the episode blog on our website to vote on the episode poll for that story. https://www.wyrdfolkpod.com/episodes-1 Remember to keep writing wyrd! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episodes we look at the different rituals of midsummer, both personal and mystical. What does midsummer mean to us? How do we celebrate it in this modern age? And how could these rituals be abused for nefarious purposes. Join us this week for some midsummer poetry and a brief taste of Sam's Summer gothic script. Like the show? Then follow us on Instagram @wyrd.folkpod Support the show on Patreon and help us keep recording https://www.patreon.com/cw/WyrdFolkPod Or visit us at www.wyrdfolkpod.com for show updates, writing challenges and more Wyrd Folk is a duelling folk storytelling podcast. Every episode will contain two stories for your listening pleasure, and you are the final judge of which one of us told the best version of the tale. Once you've listened, tell us which one you liked best by heading over to the episode blog on our website to vote on the episode poll for that story. https://www.wyrdfolkpod.com/episodes-1 Remember to keep writing wyrd! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What lurks in the deeps? It's a question which has troubled humanity forever. In the north-west of England people have traditionally warned their children away from ponds, pools, lakes and rivers by telling them that terrible Jenny Greenteeth will take hold of them and drown them if they get too close to the water. Join us this week for two stories of aqautic terror! Like the show? Then follow us on Instagram @wyrd.folkpod Support the show on Patreon and help us keep recording https://www.patreon.com/cw/WyrdFolkPod Or visit us at www.wyrdfolkpod.com for show updates, writing challenges and more Wyrd Folk is a duelling folk storytelling podcast. Every episode will contain two stories for your listening pleasure, and you are the final judge of which one of us told the best version of the tale. Once you've listened, tell us which one you liked best by heading over to the episode blog on our website to vote on the episode poll for that story. https://www.wyrdfolkpod.com/episodes-1 Remember to keep writing wyrd! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this special episode Sam answers questions about her debut novel 'Slueths' which will be published this Thursday by Avon Books. Harriet, who was our first ever listener and is also one of Sam's long time friends, sat down to ask Sam all about the book, her inspirations for writing and how she found herself writing a crime rom-com when her first love is horror. You can order Slueths via Bookshop.org https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/sleuths-samantha-moody/7913549 or Watersone's https://www.waterstones.com/book/sleuths/samantha-moody/9780008778163 Wyrd Folk is a duelling folk storytelling podcast. Every episode will contain two stories for your listening pleasure, and you are the final judge of which one of us told the best version of the tale. Once you've listened, tell us which one you liked best by heading over to the episode blog on our website to vote on the episode poll for that story. https://www.wyrdfolkpod.com/episodes-1 Remember to keep writing wyrd! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The twisted branches and moss covered rocks of Wistman's Wood on Dartmoor are so evocatively eldrich that it is no surprise strange stories have grown in between the trees. Join us this week as we venture into the dark of the forest to find what lurks within. Like the show? Then follow us on Instagram @wyrd.folkpod Support the show on Patreon and help us keep recording https://www.patreon.com/cw/WyrdFolkPod Or visit us at www.wyrdfolkpod.com for show updates, writing challenges and more Wyrd Folk is a duelling folk storytelling podcast. Every episode will contain two stories for your listening pleasure, and you are the final judge of which one of us told the best version of the tale. Once you've listened, tell us which one you liked best by heading over to the episode blog on our website to vote on the episode poll for that story. https://www.wyrdfolkpod.com/episodes-1 Remember to keep writing wyrd! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, we are lucky to be joined by magic makers Jackie Morris and Tamsin Abbott to talk about the creative process behind their book of stories, poems and illustrations inspired by the British countryside and the folklore all around us. Join us as we discuss how folklore inspires fiction, the magic to be found on the wind and the beauty of ink on glass. Jackie and Tamsin are endlessly fascinating, completely inspiring and such great fun. Wild Folk is out to buy now via Waterstones https://www.waterstones.com/book/wild-folk/jackie-morris/tamsin-abbot/9781645024569 or from local independent booksellers via Bookshop.org https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/wild-folk-tales-from-the-stones-jackie-morris/d934f63a50bf69fd?ean=9781645024569&next=t Like the show? Then follow us on Instagram @wyrd.folkpod Support the show on Patreon and help us keep recording https://www.patreon.com/cw/WyrdFolkPod Or visit us at www.wyrdfolkpod.com for show updates, writing challenges and more Wyrd Folk is a duelling folk storytelling podcast. Every episode will contain two stories for your listening pleasure, and you are the final judge of which one of us told the best version of the tale. Once you've listened, tell us which one you liked best by heading over to the episode blog on our website to vote on the episode poll for that story. https://www.wyrdfolkpod.com/episodes-1 Remember to keep writing wyrd! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

There is a story told about the earthworks at Maiden Bower in Bedfordshire. It is a story of challenge and cunning and an ox hide which must stretch to encompass an entire kingdom. How can this maiden save her people? With the cunning of the women throughout the centuries who have used their skills to save themselves and their people. Listen in this week to discover how this tiny hill fort is connected to the great city of Carthage and the myth of the minotaur. Like the show? Then follow us on Instagram @wyrd.folkpod Or find us on www.wyrdfolkpod.com Wyrd Folk is a duelling folk storytelling podcast. Every episode will contain two stories for your listening pleasure, and you are the final judge of which one of us told the best version of the tale. Once you've listened, tell us which one you liked best by heading over to the episode blog on our website to vote on the episode poll for that story. https://www.wyrdfolkpod.com/episodes-1 Remember to keep writing wyrd! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hwaet! to our interview with the fabulous folklore creators behind Hwaet!zine. This week, we ask George Parr and Bunty May Marshall about the inspirations behind the issues of Hwaet!zine and their artistic process. Join us for Tolkien chat, tips for tours of the Orkney Isles and much more. Find more information about Hwaet!zine via their website https://www.hwaetzine.co.uk/ Find more information about the show, including how to contact us via www.wyrdfolkpod.com Or follow us on Instagram @wyrd.folkpod Wyrd Folk is a duelling folk storytelling podcast. Every episode will contain two stories for your listening pleasure, and you are the final judge of which one of us told the best version of the tale. Once you've listened, tell us which one you liked best by heading over to the episode blog on our website to vote on the episode poll for that story. https://www.wyrdfolkpod.com/episodes-1 Remember to keep writing wyrd! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The ancient Irish kingdom of Ossary is awash with werewolf stories. Here, your soul can transform into a wolf in your sleep and marauding war bands are wolves in disguise. If you roam the woods outside of Meath, you might find yourself in conversation with a wolf-man, too. Join us this week for two stories of beastly transformation and the nature of man. Love the show? Then join us on Patreon and vote in the show poll to tell us which story you liked best. https://www.patreon.com/cw/WyrdFolkPod Or check out our website www.wyrdfolkpod.com Or follow us on Instagram @wyrd.folkpod Wyrd Folk is a duelling folk storytelling podcast. Every episode will contain two stories for your listening pleasure, and you are the final judge of which one of us told the best version of the tale. Once you've listened, tell us which one you liked best by heading over to the episode blog on our website to vote on the episode poll for that story. https://www.wyrdfolkpod.com/episodes-1 Remember to keep writing wyrd! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

For the first episode in our series of interviews with successful folklore writers and creators, we were lucky enough to be able to sit down with Martin and Eleanor from the Three Ravens Podcast to talk to them about their creative influences, how they put the show together and what interests them most about folklore. Wyrd Folk is a duelling folk storytelling podcast. Every episode will contain two stories for your listening pleasure, and you are the final judge of which one of us told the best version of the tale. Once you've listened, tell us which one you liked best by heading over to the episode blog on our website to vote on the episode poll for that story. https://www.wyrdfolkpod.com/episodes-1 Remember to keep writing wyrd! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In the far north west of Northumberland, there is a village where a wicked witch once lived: a wicked witch who hoarded her money and blighted her neighbours' crops and cursed the village. Or did she? Meg of Meldon is a tricky character to pin down. The stories about her are many, and the truths are scarce. Did she really hide all her gold in a bullhide bag at the bottom of the estate well? Or is it under the bridge where her ghost can often be seen? And what about her pact with the devil? The problem with Meg of Meldon is that she has been such a well-told local tale for so long that it is difficult to know where the truth ends and the tales begin. This week, Sam and Nikki try two different tales to unpick the riddle of Meg. Join us! If you like the show, then come follow us on Instagram @wyrd.folkpod Or support us via our Patreon page https://www.patreon.com/cw/WyrdFolkPod Or visit our website www.wyrdfolkpod.com Wyrd Folk is a duelling folk storytelling podcast. Every episode will contain two stories for your listening pleasure, and you are the final judge of which one of us told the best version of the tale. Once you've listened, tell us which one you liked best by heading over to the episode blog on our website to vote on the episode poll for that story. https://www.wyrdfolkpod.com/episodes-1 Remember to keep writing wyrd! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This Valentine's Day, we say beware the elf knight! Rather than lean in to the romance, we're taking a look at how seemingly romantic encounters can end up being cautionary tales. Join us for two stories about dastardly rakes, fearless young women and murderous love. No parrots allowed. If you like the show, then follow us on Instagram @wyrd.folkpod Or find us on our website www.wyrdfolkpod.com Or join us on Patreon https://www.patreon.com/cw/WyrdFolkPod Wyrd Folk is a duelling folk storytelling podcast. Every episode will contain two stories for your listening pleasure, and you are the final judge of which one of us told the best version of the tale. Once you've listened, tell us which one you liked best by heading over to the episode blog on our website to vote on the episode poll for that story. https://www.wyrdfolkpod.com/episodes-1 Remember to keep writing wyrd! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, we travel to Kent, where Kits Coty House sits on Bluebell Hill in the beautiful Medway Valley. This ancient megalith is all that remains of a Neolithic tomb, which has a long and storied history. Some say that the house was built by witches, others say it was built by giants. Is it a respite for shepherds or a portal to the fairy world? Perhaps it is the tomb of the infamous Jutish warrior Horsa. Listen in this week for two stories which explore the many tales surrounding this iconic ancient site. Follow the show on Instagram @wyrd.folkpod Find us on TikTok @wyrdfolkpod Visit us at www.wyrdfolkpod.com Support us on Patreon https://www.patreon.com/cw/WyrdFolkPod Wyrd Folk is a duelling folk storytelling podcast. Every episode will contain two stories for your listening pleasure, and you are the final judge of which one of us told the best version of the tale. Once you've listened, tell us which one you liked best by heading over to the episode blog on our website to vote on the episode poll for that story. https://www.wyrdfolkpod.com/episodes-1 Remember to keep writing wyrd! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

To kick off our new season, we've gone for a classic English tale of giants, plucky heroes and clever escapes. Jack is an everyman who travels the country slaying giants with his wits and saving cursed princesses with his magic treasures. Join us for two tales of unlikely heroes, tricky giants and adventure. Make sure to follow us on Instagram @wyrd.folkpod Or support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/cw/WyrdFolkPod And check out our website for show updates www.wyrdfolkpod.com Wyrd Folk is a duelling folk storytelling podcast. Every episode will contain two stories for your listening pleasure, and you are the final judge of which one of us told the best version of the tale. Once you've listened, tell us which one you liked best by heading over to the episode blog on our website to vote on the episode poll for that story. https://www.wyrdfolkpod.com/episodes-1 Remember to keep writing wyrd! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Holly and the Ivy is the beautiful traditional carol which themes our 2025 Christmas special. Full of mid-winter imagery, the carol showcases the symbolism of English country Christmas customs and Christian imagery. Join us for two stories of midwinter greenery, the joy of music for the festive season and links to mid-winter festivals such as Yule and local folklore. Check us out on Instagram @wyrd.folkpod for up-to-date show news. Also, make sure to check out our website www.wyrdfolkpod.com to see more details from the show. Wyrd Folk is a duelling folk storytelling podcast. Every episode will contain two stories for your listening pleasure, and you are the final judge of which one of us told the best version of the tale. Once you've listened, tell us which one you liked best by heading over to the episode blog on our website to vote on the episode poll for that story. https://www.wyrdfolkpod.com/episodes-1 Remember to keep writing wyrd! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Hedley Kow is a devilish sprite, keen to play tricks on the unwary and the trusting. A shapeshifter, the kow can often be found duping the unsuspecting with the illusion of gold, until it meets its match in a woman so happy with her lot in life that she doesn't mind her changing fortune. This charming fairytale from Northumberland is the perfect pantomime tonic for the festive season. Wyrd Folk is a duelling folk storytelling podcast. Every episode will contain two stories for your listening pleasure, and you are the final judge of which one of us told the best version of the tale. Once you've listened, tell us which one you liked best by heading over to the episode blog on our website to vote on the episode poll for that story. https://www.wyrdfolkpod.com/episodes-1 Remember to keep writing wyrd! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.