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Join me this episode for an incredible conversation with the amazing Mortellus - mortician, necromancer, medium, witch, author, and more - as we talk over facets of the soul in different cultures, why it's important to have a Death Plan B, the real tea on necromancy, and what my own post-life plans are. Spoiler alert, it's going to probably end in an arrest...*Content Warning: We are once again talking over death, this time with a little more detail although we do also cover some information I feel is very important so please proceed with caution and awareness.Follow and Support Mortellus!mortellus.comfacebook.com/acrowandthedeadtwitter.com/acrowandthedeadinstagram.com/acrowandthedeadlinktr.ee/acrowandthedeadCheck out Do I Have to Wear Black?  by Mortellus to learn about Pagan funerals!If you'd like to see the video of this episode's interview - including a chance to see Zi perform slight of hand - and get access to past bonus stories for a mere $1 a month, visit patreon.com/rockettefox.fantasticallystrange.comfacebook.com/fantasticallystrangeinstagram.com/fantasticallystrangetwitter.com/fantasticoddpodAmazing logo illustration by Constance Hermitinstagram.com/constancehermitKiller theme song "Hey Dorothy" by Cruz Machinefacebook.com/draven

Illusion, mentalism, slight of hand, immortality machines, gut zombies, genetic splicing.... have we gone off the rails? Even better! Join me for an interview with Mentalist Zi, who also happens to be a staff scientist and geneticist at Washington University in St. Louis as we talk over... well, what the cards have to offer.*Content warning: During the second half of this episode, there is talk about an experiment involving mice. While it's not the point of the story, their involvement is mentioned, so please be aware and take care of you!If you'd like to see the video of this episode's interview - including a chance to see Zi perform slight of hand - and get access to past bonus stories for a mere $1 a month, visit patreon.com/rockettefox.fantasticallystrange.comfacebook.com/fantasticallystrangeinstagram.com/fantasticallystrangetwitter.com/fantasticoddpodGive Zi a follow atZi on Facebookwww.zithementalist.comwww.youtube.com/user/EpistaticMagicMetastasis404 on YouTubeAmazing logo illustration by Constance Hermitinstagram.com/constancehermitKiller theme song "Hey Dorothy" by Cruz Machinefacebook.com/draven

My loves, we are back! And I bring to you an interview I have been excitedly plotting. Shepherding those at the end of their life, helping families mourn and celebrate the lives of their loved ones, and bridging the gap between the living and the dead, Freya Bishop is an incredible person who I am honored and thrilled to have share with us her amazing story.*Trigger warning, while not going into any explicit details, this episode will talk about death and dying, so please bear that in mind and take care of you when choosing whether to listen.If you'd like to see the video of this episode's interview, see Freya's killer sweater, and get access to past bonus stories for a mere $1 a month, visit patreon.com/rockettefox.fantasticallystrange.comfacebook.com/fantasticallystrangeinstagram.com/fantasticallystrangetwitter.com/fantasticoddpodGive Freya a follow atwww.instagram.com/ef_bishop/www.facebook.com/thebishopwitchAmazing logo illustration by Constance Hermitinstagram.com/constancehermitKiller theme song "Hey Dorothy" by Cruz Machinefacebook.com/draven

This episode we head out into the field with researcher Brittany Neier as we learn more about the venomous Copperhead snake, how it's tracked, why its tracked, and whether its musk smells like apricots or cucumbers.If you'd like to see the video of this episode's interview and get access to past bonus stories for a mere $1 a month, visit patreon.com/rockettefox.fantasticallystrange.comfacebook.com/fantasticallystrangeinstagram.com/fantasticallystrangetwitter.com/fantasticoddpodGive Brittany a follow attwitter.com/brittanyneierRead the article about the project!Link from the closing: witchsfestusa.orgAmazing logo illustration by Constance Hermitinstagram.com/constancehermitKiller theme song "Hey Dorothy" by Cruz Machinefacebook.com/draven

This episode we welcome paranormal investigator, performer, comedian, and Pokemon whisperer Dash Kwiatkowski to share the results of a recent Spirit Box investigation as well as to talk over approaching the paranormal from a marginal lens. We may also get a little sidetracked talking about gaming chairs and ticks.If you'd like to see the video of this episode's interview and get access to past bonus stories for a mere $1 a month, visit patreon.com/rockettefox.fantasticallystrange.comfacebook.com/fantasticallystrangeinstagram.com/fantasticallystrangetwitter.com/fantasticoddpodCheck out Dash Kwiatkowski attwitter.com/dashkwiatkowskitwitch.tv/dashvgctwitter.com/PsychicFriendzLinks from the closing: witchsfestusa.orgAmazing logo illustration by Constance Hermitinstagram.com/constancehermitKiller theme song "Hey Dorothy" by Cruz Machinefacebook.com/draven

In honor of last month being National Poetry Writing Month, this episode features an interview with poet, professor, and actor/director, Shane Signorino in a conversation about poetry, finding your artistic voice, the experience of being an artist in America today, and more!**As a content warning this episode has been cleaned up from the full explicit version that features some more adult themes, however it does still feature some language that some may find offensive - we swear a lot - so if you listen, you'll hear it.If you'd like to see the video of this episode's interview and get access to past bonus stories for a mere $1 a month, visit patreon.com/rockettefox.fantasticallystrange.comfacebook.com/fantasticallystrangeinstagram.com/fantasticallystrangetwitter.com/fantasticoddpodLinks from the closing: witchsfestusa.org and rockettefox.com/shopLink to Shane Signorino's Poem: https://www.fantasticallystrange.com/post/interview-with-a-poet-shane-signorinoAmazing logo illustration by Constance Hermitinstagram.com/constancehermitKiller theme song "Hey Dorothy" by Cruz Machinefacebook.com/draven

In honor of last month being National Poetry Writing Month, this episode features an interview with poet, professor, and actor/director, Shane Signorino in a conversation that quickly goes off the rails from a pool noodle mishap, to writing, artistic approach and voice, and Daily D*ck Pic Dan. Oh, yeah, we also talk about poetry! **As a content warning, this episode may not be suitable for all audiences as there is a number of adult themes, sexual references, straight up sailor language, and a lot of artist complaints. If you would like to hear a more 'Safe for Work' version, listen to the Clean Version that I have edited juuuust a bit more ;} If you'd like to see the video of this episode's interview and get access to past bonus stories for a mere $1 a month, visit patreon.com/rockettefox.fantasticallystrange.comfacebook.com/fantasticallystrangeinstagram.com/fantasticallystrangetwitter.com/fantasticoddpodLinks from the closing: witchsfestusa.org and rockettefox.com/shopLink to Shane Signorino's Poem: https://www.fantasticallystrange.com/post/interview-with-a-poet-shane-signorinoAmazing logo illustration by Constance Hermitinstagram.com/constancehermitKiller theme song "Hey Dorothy" by Cruz Machinefacebook.com/draven

My loves! Welcome into Season Two of Fantastically Strange! We kick off the new season with three true tales that served as inspiration in the Big Screen. From the Marvel Cinematic Universe to a master of nightmares to the wonderfully mysterious masked Zorro,  we explore the badass, surreal, and historically significant.If you'd like to support the show and get access to the weekly bonus stories - including this week's tale of rats driving tiny cars - for a mere $1 a month, visit patreon.com/rockettefox.fantasticallystrange.comfacebook.com/fantasticallystrangeinstagram.com/fantasticallystrangetwitter.com/fantasticoddpodLinks from the cold open: witchsfestusa.org and rockettefox.com/shopAmazing logo illustration by Constance Hermitinstagram.com/constancehermitKiller theme song "Hey Dorothy" by Cruz Machinefacebook.com/dravenSources https://allthatsinteresting.com/dahomey-amazons https://www.smithsonianmag.com/history/dahomeys-women-warriors-88286072/ https://adaa.org/understanding-anxiety/related-illnesses/other-related-conditions/stress/news-and-research-about-stre https://www.history.com/news/nightmare-on-elm-street-real-inspiration-hmong-death https://www.legendsofamerica.com/ca-murieta/ https://www.history.com/news/joaquin-murrieta-california-outlaw-life-legend-head https://listverse.com/2017/07/11/10-ridiculous-movie-plots-that-were-inspired-by-real-events/

For a very special first season finale, I am thrilled to bring you a longer episode in which I'm joined and have the opportunity to interview Alex and Jason of The Pipsqueakery, a rodent and rabbit rescue that focuses on special needs animals. I hope you enjoy!Visit, follow, and support The Pipsqueakery:thepipsqueakery.orgthepipsqueakery.org/helppatreon.com/thepipsqueakeryfacebook.com/thepipsqueakeryinstagram.com/thepipsqueakerytwitter.com/thepipsqueakeryIf you'd like to watch the Zoom video of the interview while supporting the show (and get access to all past bonus stories) for a mere $1 a month, visit patreon.com/rockettefox.fantasticallystrange.comfacebook.com/fantasticallystrangeinstagram.com/fantasticallystrangetwitter.com/fantasticoddpodAmazing logo illustration by Constance Hermitinstagram.com/constancehermitKiller theme song "Hey Dorothy" by Cruz Machinefacebook.com/draven

While we as humans may not always have the same idea what is considered polite across cultures or even within the same society, we generally would all agree that punching a coworker in the head is rude and shrieking  full-volume into the face of a potential date isn't a good idea. Nature, however, might have other ideas...If you'd like to support the show and get access to the weekly bonus stories - including this week's tale of rats driving tiny cars - for a mere $1 a month, visit patreon.com/rockettefox.fantasticallystrange.comfacebook.com/fantasticallystrangeinstagram.com/fantasticallystrangetwitter.com/fantasticoddpodAmazing logo illustration by Constance Hermitinstagram.com/constancehermitKiller theme song "Hey Dorothy" by Cruz Machinefacebook.com/dravenSources https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Octopus_cyanea https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-5072371/Blue-Planet-fish-octopus-clever-chimps.html https://www.livescience.com/octopuses-punch-fish.html https://www.nytimes.com/2019/10/21/science/loudest-bird-bellbird.html https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/White_bellbird https://www.nih.gov/news-events/nih-research-matters/rats-show-empathy-too https://www.sciencemag.org/news/2015/05/rats-forsake-chocolate-save-drowning-companion

Unusual measurements in an episode inspired by the unlikeliest of places, this week we take a look at the journey of humble fork and how its measurements impact us, a a breakfast-related disaster measurement, and the true way to gauge your dog's age.If you'd like to support the show and get access to the weekly bonus stories - including this week's tale of the radioactive banana - for a mere $1 a month, visit patreon.com/rockettefox.fantasticallystrange.comfacebook.com/fantasticallystrangeinstagram.com/fantasticallystrangetwitter.com/fantasticoddpodAmazing logo illustration by Constance Hermitinstagram.com/constancehermitKiller theme song "Hey Dorothy" by Cruz Machinefacebook.com/dravenSources https://publicism.info/history/useful/2.html https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/07/110714150949.htm https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/DNA_methylation#In_aging https://www.newscientist.com/article/2224268-convert-your-dogs-age-into-human-years-using-this-new-formula/#:~:text=The%20seven%20dog%20years%20to,rule%20is%20a%20little%20off. https://www.economist.com/the-economist-explains/2018/09/14/what-is-the-waffle-house-index https://www.newsweek.com/waffle-house-index-closures-coronavirus-covid-19-pandemic-fema-1494259

This week we’ve talked about interesting ancestry. Unique origins that involve DNA’s role in unearthing some interesting information as well as new questions including a previously unknown species of ancient human, a DNA test kit that gave some very unexpected ancestral origins, and the tale of a badass warrior and putting naysayers in their place. Our bonus story is about a woman who - on taking a DNA test with her children - discovered she wasn't the mother... of the children she had given birth to... To find out more and to support the show while getting access to the bonus stories for only $1 a month, visit patreon.com/rockettefox.fantasticallystrange.comfacebook.com/fantasticallystrangeinstagram.com/fantasticallystrangetwitter.com/fantasticoddpodAmazing logo illustration by Constance Hermitinstagram.com/constancehermitKiller theme song "Hey Dorothy" by Cruz Machinefacebook.com/dravenSources https://www.theguardian.com/science/2020/feb/12/scientists-find-evidence-of-ghost-population-of-ancient-humans https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Archaic_humans http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/science/nature/6621319.stm https://allthatsinteresting.com/viking-woman-dna

This week, thanks to an amazing suggestion from a wonderful member of chat, we are taking a look at some fascinating word origins - such as why the serious lack of opportunity by not having corn raised on a Plant Plant - as well as a few of my favorite words and meanings. We also now have swag! Beanies, totes, tees, and even a color change mug with a crow at fantasticallystrange.com/shop. Additionally, if you would like to support the show while getting access to the bonus stories for only $1 a month, visit patreon.com/rockettefox.fantasticallystrange.comfacebook.com/fantasticallystrangeinstagram.com/fantasticallystrangetwitter.com/fantasticoddpodAmazing logo illustration by Constance Hermitinstagram.com/constancehermitKiller theme song "Hey Dorothy" by Cruz Machinefacebook.com/dravenSources https://www.quora.com/Why-does-the-word-plant-mean-both-vegetable-and-factory-Which-meaning-evolved-first https://www.etymonline.com/word/plant https://www.etymonline.com/word/farm#etymonline_v_39116 https://www.historytoday.com/archive/history-matters/gunpowder-plot http://history.com/news/guy-fawkes-day-a-brief-history https://time.com/5688255/you-guys/

Not quite a plant, not really an animal - this week we are taking a look at three amazing tales of mushrooms! From fossils that unveil the true age of mushrooms, to how they are saving an environmentally impacted earth, to how they could positively impact the human footprint of death, join me for these mysterious mycelium stories. Our bonus story this week tells the cautionary tale of a man, magic mushrooms, and why injection is a bad idea... If you're bonus curious and want to learn more about supporting the podcast visit patreon.com/rockettefox.fantasticallystrange.comfacebook.com/fantasticallystrangeinstagram.com/fantasticallystrangetwitter.com/fantasticoddpodAmazing logo illustration by Constance Hermitinstagram.com/constancehermitKiller theme song "Hey Dorothy" by Cruz Machinefacebook.com/draven Sources https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Molecular_clock https://www.sciencealert.com/new-discovery-proves-fungi-were-around-way-earlier-than-anyone-expected https://m.espacepourlavie.ca/en/role-mushrooms-nature#:~:text=In%20general%2C%20the%20mushroom%20helps,rotting%20wood%20or%20on%20excrement. https://aem.asm.org/content/77/17/6076 https://www.sciencefocus.com/planet-earth/wild-ideas-in-science-mushrooms-could-save-the-world/ https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0264127519308354#:~:text=Mycelium%20composites%20have%20customisable%20material,flooring%2C%20cabinetry%20and%20other%20furnishings. https://blogs.scientificamerican.com/observations/the-mycelium-revolution-is-upon-us/ https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-31837964 https://www.businessinsider.com/burying-dead-bodies-environment-funeral-conservation-2015-10#memorial-parks-use-a-lot-of-space-and-resources-3 https://www.nytimes.com/2018/03/22/smarter-living/green-funeral-burial-environment.html https://connectingdirectors.com/56089-mushroom-burial-suit-called-into-question https://www.theguardian.com/society/2020/sep/15/first-funeral-living-coffin-made-mushroom-fibre-netherlands

We're diving into the grab bag! You know the one, that bag of questions that have been hanging around just waiting for the right moment to find an answer, and some of this week's 'why's' will peek at why piggy banks are the lovable oinky creatures they are, why the Uncanny Valley is so... upsetting, and in honor of Valentine's week why the heart shape is, well, that shape.In keeping with the holiday - you know the one based on love, flowers, romance, chocolate, and cards - our bonus episode takes a look at a 'what happens when.' So to find out what happens when astronauts fart in space, visit patreon.com/rockettefox.fantasticallystrange.comfacebook.com/fantasticallystrangeinstagram.com/fantasticallystrangetwitter.com/fantasticoddpodAmazing logo illustration by Constance Hermitinstagram.com/constancehermitKiller theme song "Hey Dorothy" by Cruz Machinefacebook.com/dravenSources https://thefinancialbrand.com/24204/history-of-piggy-banks/ https://www.cam.ac.uk/research/news/scientists-identify-possible-source-of-the-uncanny-valley-in-the-brain#:~:text=Scientists%20have%20identified%20mechanisms%20in,human%2Dlike%20agents%20than%20others. https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/why-uncanny-valley-human-look-alikes-put-us-on-edge/ https://www.history.com/news/what-is-the-origin-of-the-heart-symbol https://time.com/4662675/valentines-day-heart-shape-origins/

In this week's episode, we dive into the intriguing world of sound. It's all around us, it is such a primal part of our makeup and history, but what sorts of strange mysteries does it hold? We will look at interesting sound facts, how scientists are bringing back a mummy's voice, and earworms - get out of my head, get into my heart.... damnit...This week's bonus episode  is about the amazing musicality of one seemingly unassuming little bird. To find out more, learn how to support, and take a peek, visit patreon.com/rockettefox.fantasticallystrange.comfacebook.com/fantasticallystrangeinstagram.com/fantasticallystrangetwitter.com/fantasticoddpodAmazing logo illustration by Constance Hermitinstagram.com/constancehermitKiller theme song "Hey Dorothy" by Cruz Machinefacebook.com/dravenSources https://www.weather.gov/safety/lightning-science-thunder#:~:text=If%20you%20count%20the%20number,a%20safe%20place%20while%20counting. http://www.sciencemadesimple.co.uk/curriculum-blogs/physics-blogs/loud-strange-and-weird-the-amazing-science-of-sound https://www.seeker.com/oetzi-the-icemans-voice-recreated-2011768070.html https://allthatsinteresting.com/reconstructed-mummy-voice https://www.livescience.com/58120-why-songs-get-stuck-in-head.html https://www.cbsnews.com/news/psychologists-identify-why-certain-songs-get-stuck-in-your-head/

This week, we look at some science surrounding those classic sun-shy, horror icons of the night with that little habit for blood: vampires, including a scientist who built a calculator to see how long humanity would last in various vampire outbreak scenarios, the nutritional drawbacks to a blood-only diet, and how fangs might impact your life.This week's bonus episode  is about the science of blood and youth - and using blood to regain youth... To find out more, learn how to support, and take a peek, visit patreon.com/rockettefox.fantasticallystrange.comfacebook.com/fantasticallystrangeinstagram.com/fantasticallystrangetwitter.com/fantasticoddpodAmazing logo illustration by Constance Hermitinstagram.com/constancehermitKiller theme song "Hey Dorothy" by Cruz Machinefacebook.com/dravenSources https://theconversation.com/coronavirus-how-new-simulations-can-predict-the-spread-of-future-pandemics-134217 https://www.sciencealert.com/this-calculator-shows-you-how-scared-you-should-be-of-a-vampire-apocalypse http://www.m-hikari.com/ams/ams-2013/ams-9-12-2013/strielkowskiAMS9-12-2013.pdf https://www.omnicalculator.com/other/humans-vs-vampires https://www.bbc.com/future/article/20170224-what-food-would-keep-you-alive-the-longest https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/326132#protein https://particle.scitech.org.au/food/is-it-really-bad-to-drink-blood/#:~:text=Unlike%20other%20meal%20supplements%2C%20however,to%20live%20on%20blood%20alone. https://www.sciencefocus.com/the-human-body/could-i-live-as-a-vampire-by-just-drinking-blood/ https://today.duke.edu/2014/06/chewnerves https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vampire_bat https://ebay.to/3k3VjCE

There is something sacred about the remains of those who have passed before us, however that doesn’t seem to always stop some from interfering with the dearly departed. This week, I take you on a journey of a few stories where the pieces of a few didn’t find the rest that seems guaranteed when we all take that final sleep.This week's bonus episode  is about Napoleon's penis. I really am just going to leave it at that. To find out more, learn how to support, and take a peek, visit patreon.com/rockettefox.fantasticallystrange.comfacebook.com/fantasticallystrangeinstagram.com/fantasticallystrangetwitter.com/fantasticoddpodAmazing logo illustration by Constance Hermitinstagram.com/constancehermitKiller theme song "Hey Dorothy" by Cruz Machinefacebook.com/dravenSources https://www.history.com/topics/inventions/galileo-galilei http://galileo.rice.edu/fam/marina.html https://theculturetrip.com/europe/italy/articles/galileos-middle-finger-rests-in-a-glass-egg-in-florence/ https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/galileos-middle-finger https://searchingforgalileo.wordpress.com/2014/07/02/the-strange-story-of-galileos-final-burial-place/ https://www.nytimes.com/1991/09/28/obituaries/oona-o-neill-chaplin-dies-at-66-she-lived-in-the-shadow-of-fame.html https://www.countryliving.com/life/entertainment/a42681/charlie-chaplin-oona-oneill-love-story/ https://www.charliechaplin.com/en/articles/21-overview-of-his-life https://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/grave-robbers-steal-charlie-chaplins-body https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/F._W._Murnau https://www.thevintagenews.com/2017/03/28/unknown-perpetrators-broke-into-the-grave-of-the-famous-film-director-w-f-murnau-stole-his-skull-and-possibly-performed-an-occult-ritual/

There is a mystique around assassins - creeping through dark shadows with silencers in one hand and a cocktail in the other. Media and daydreams have given these very historically real roles glitz, glamor, and tragic prestige. Of course, if I am going to cover assassins I wanted to take a look at some stories of a few of the most intriguing women assassins I could find. Who were they? What did they do? And what happened to them?This week's bonus episode  sparked the topic for me and features a story of a private vendetta that captured the heart of a nation, allowing our assassin to get off scot free. To find out more, learn how to support, and take a peek, visit patreon.com/rockettefox.fantasticallystrange.comfacebook.com/fantasticallystrangeinstagram.com/fantasticallystrangetwitter.com/fantasticoddpodAmazing logo illustration by Constance Hermitinstagram.com/constancehermitKiller theme song "Hey Dorothy" by Cruz Machinefacebook.com/dravenSources https://allthatsinteresting.com/charlotte-corday https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kim_Hyon-hui https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Korean_Air_Flight_858 https://www.history.com/news/dutch-resistance-teenager-killed-nazis-freddie-oversteegen

This week we take a look at some of the twists and turns from the past, present, and as we head into the future in the strange world of medical science from smoke in the last place you might want it, to a tale of an incredible two-hand transplant, to a leafy green heart complete with human cells!If you don't want the medical marvels to cease, our bonus story this week takes a look at the shocking history of a self-electrocution based fashion piece. To find out more, learn how to support, and take a peek, visit patreon.com/rockettefox.*Content note: This week’s episode may contain language that some might not find to be their cup of tea for younger ears. While there will be nothing too graphic nor racy, I would rate this one at PG-13 so just use discretion. Thanks!fantasticallystrange.comfacebook.com/fantasticallystrangeinstagram.com/fantasticallystrangetwitter.com/fantasticoddpodAmazing logo illustration by Constance Hermitinstagram.com/constancehermitKiller theme song "Hey Dorothy" by Cruz Machinefacebook.com/dravenSources https://historydaily.org/blowing-smoke-up-your-ass-literal-meaning-medical-practice https://www.livescience.com/hand-transplant-skin-lighten.html https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/foods/spinach#:~:text=Spinach%20(Spinacia%20oleracea)%20is%20a,loaded%20with%20nutrients%20and%20antioxidants. https://www.nationalgeographic.com/news/2017/03/human-heart-spinach-leaf-medicine-science/