Unspookable
Unspookable is a family friendly look at the histories and mysteries behind your favorite scary stories, myths and urban legends. Each week host Elise Parisian digs into the history, brain science, and power dynamics behind such topics as Bloody Mary, Charlie Charlie, and Ouija Boards to find the stories behind the scares. (Recommended for ages 8+)
Unspookable has been called one of the "Best podcasts for kids of all ages" by Time Out New York, one of the “7 Podcasts Big Kids Will Love” by The New York Times, one of the "5 Spooky Podcasts to Check Out Right Now" by Vulture, one of the "10 Best Podcasts for Children" by the Irish Examiner, and is an official Common Sense Media Selection. The show has appeared multiple times across Canada on CBC Radio's Podcast Playlist, on NPR station WHYY's Kid's Listening Hour, has been featured by Apple Podcasts, Romper, The AV Club, Fast Company, The Week Jr, Podcast Magazine, and more
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Episode 22: Centaurs
Greek mythology is full of amazing characters and creatures, but maybe none so much as those that share both human and animal characteristics. What can those that have one foot in one world and one foot in another teach us about ourselves? We will look back at Centaurs, Minotaurs, Pan, and more on this episode of Unspookable.
21 min
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Episode 21: Unicorns
When you think of a Unicorn, what words come to mind? Beautiful? Gentle? Majestic? What if we told you that our current perception was a recent phenomenon and that history may tell a very different tale of this amazing creature. On this episode of Unspookable we track over 2000 years of Unicorn lore to get to the bottom of its origins.
20 min
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Episode 20: Chupacabra
Have you ever heard of a Chupacabra? Legends of this creature that attack goats and other livestock exist in Puerto Rico, Chile, Brazil, Mexico, and the American southwest. On this episode of Unspookable we look to uncover the origins of these legends and the thoughts that aid in shaping our fears.
20 min
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Episode 19: Dragons
How are stories created? What makes a story worth sharing? Would you be surprised to find out that people are telling the same stories all over the world? That's certainly the case with this week's topic of Dragons. Dragons exist in stories dating all of the way back to the beginnings of recorded history and on this episode of Unspookable we set out to answer why.
20 min
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Bonus: The Black Plague and the history of pand...
On this special episode of Unspookable we look back at The Black Plague and other historical pandemics to see how working together and trusting science can help in times of confusion. We also hear from our child contributors who discuss social distancing and how they're handling being home from school.
23 min
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Episode 18: Witches Part 2
Have you ever been judged or judged others because they weren't like you? While some part of this is natural, our differences are what make us interesting and give us great opportunities to learn about others. Now have you ever heard of the Salem Witch Trials? On part two of a very special two part episode of Unspookable we look at the history of witchcraft, how acceptance of these practices has changed over time, and what happens when people's judgment goes too far.
23 min
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Episode 17: Witches Part 1
Do witches really exist? If so, what does it mean to be a witch? And are witches inherently good or bad? The answers to these questions have changed over time and you might be surprised to find out some of the answers. Give a listen to part one of a very special two part episode of Unspookable.
20 min
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Episode 16: Clowns
What comes to mind when you hear the word clown? Is it the amusing character intending to make you laugh? Or is it something else - something scarier? We look at why so many have a fear of clowns and what that says about us on this episode of Unspookable.
24 min
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Episode 15: Vampires
Why is it that we both fear and yet are drawn to the idea of vampires? How have media and modern medicine changed our thoughts about their existence? And what does all of this say about humans? We'll sink our teeth into all that and more on this episode of Unspookable.
26 min
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Episode 14: Dolls
Dolls are most often seen as simply toys, yet so many of us harbor a secret fear of what they do while we slumber. On this episode of Unspookable we look at why these inanimate objects may creep us out and how it may have more to do with us than with them.
19 min
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Episode 13: Zombies
Stories of the walking dead permeate many cultures, but have you ever wondered if zombies could actually exist? On the new season of Unspookable we'll look at this and the origins of some of the most famous monsters in the world that just may or may not be real.
19 min
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Episode 12: Momo & Media Literacy
On the season conclusion of the family friendly Unspookable we look at the phenomenon of Momo. Why did this creepy sculpture go viral? What is the responsibility of the media in reporting these viral scares? And how can we protect ourselves from falling victim to these hoaxes?
19 min
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Episode 11: Sasquatch
Have you ever wondered what lives beyond the borders of the civilized world ? What do you picture living in the forests and mountains? Some claim there is a missing link between humans and our ancestors that still dwell in these parts and on today's episode we are going to learn about this creature. Today we look at the mysteries of The Sasquatch.
21 min
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Episode 10: Friday the 13th
Do you believe in luck? Do you think you're lucky or unlucky? Do you believe that there are certain days that are more prone to unlucky occurrences? In this episode we explore the origins, history, and superstition surrounding Friday the 13th.
18 min
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Episode 9: Fairies
Fairies are nothing to be afraid of, right? Well, if all you know are Tinker Bell, fairy godmothers, and the Tooth Fairy, you’re going to want to hear this episode.
23 min
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Episode 8: Werewolves
Many of us are drawn to the beauty of the full moon, but for some the moon can be a symbol of transformation. On this episode of Unspookable we look at our obsession with werewolves and human transfiguration throughout history.
22 min
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Episode 7: Mermaids
Do you believe in mermaids? When you picture them, what do you imagine? The idea of a part human, part fish creature is as old as human's search for answers in the deep blue see. In this episode we will show there is much more to these stories than you or even Hans Christian Anderson could fathom.
26 min
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Bonus Holiday Episode: Krampus
For those of us who have been good all year the holidays are a time for celebration and gifts... but, for for those of us who have been naughty, we may have a half goat, half demon visitor waiting to steal us away. What's that, cheery soul? Not familiar? Well then, let's tell you a little more about Krampus.
6 min
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Episode 6: Slender Man
Stories of the boogeyman exist in almost every culture and take on as many unique forms as the human imagination can come up with. On this episode we'll talk about one of the most famous recent incarnations of this legend: Slender Man.
18 min
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Episode 5: Tarot Cards
Most of us are familiar with tarot cards in some way. We've seen them in movies, maybe even played with them, but what are tarot cards? Are they magical? Can they tell the future? We'll look at all of that and more on this episode of Unspookable.
22 min
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Episode 4: Hanako-san and other School Spirits
Going to school can be a nerve-racking experience . There are constant considerations of homework, tests, and social dynamics, but what if you also had to worry about...ghosts. On this episode of Unspookable we dive into the legends of spirits specifically tied to places of learning.
22 min
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Episode 3: Ouija Board
What if we told you there was a board game that would let you talk to the dead? Would you try it? On this episode of Unspookable we'll talk about the unlikely history of one of America's favorite pastimes...the Ouija Board.
17 min
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Episode 2: The Charlie Charlie Challenge
Charlie, Charlie, are you there? Even if you don't know it by it's Americanized name, most of us have seen some version of the supernatural two-pencilled balancing act that is the #CharlieCharlieChallenge. On this episode of Unspookable we look beyond the hashtags and YouTube reaction videos to get to the truth about Charlie.
14 min
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Episode 1: Bloody Mary
Have you ever tried to summon Bloody Mary? Do you think she was a real person? Or is she a just ghost story told to scare us? In the first episode of Unspookable we dive into the legend, the history, and the science behind this ritual to try to understand what is so tempting about looking into a darkened mirror and calling out "Bloody Mary."
14 min
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Unspookable Trailer
Unspookable is a family friendly look at the the histories and mysteries behind your favorite scary stories, myths and urban legends. Every week host Elise Parisian discusses such topics as Bloody Mary, Charlie Charlie and Ouija Boards to find the stories behind the scares. Are you Unspookable? (Recommended for ages 8+)
1 min