
BONE AND SICKLE explores historical topics related to folklore and horror. With acerbic wit and a scholarly penchant for the grotesque, rogue folklorist Al Ridenour delves into a wide but carefully curated range of topics illustrated by stories from historical texts. Narratives are given dramatic readings by “Mrs. Karswell” (Sarah Chavez) backed by richly produced soundscapes blending original mus... more
| Publishes | Monthly | Episodes | 189 | Founded | 9 years ago |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Number of Listeners | Categories | HistoryArts | |||

In this episode we return to the topic of the Benandanti, or “good walkers,” those mysterious spirit-travelers of northeastern Italy, who claimed to leave their bodies at night to battle witches. Drawing upon the records of the Roman Inquisition from... more
To be “born with a veil” (or caul) was once regarded as far more than an unusual circumstance of birth. Being born with a caul—a portion of the amniotic membrane adhering to a newborn’s head or face—is exceedingly rare, but across centuries of Europe... more
Today he’s known mainly as a figure from medals carried to insure safe travels, but that image of a giant carrying the Christ Child across a dangerous river represents only the final stage in the long and strange evolution of the saint’s legend. Earl... more
Robert the Devil is a supernatural medieval legend that inspired a 19th-century French opera, which incorporates key elements from a seminal Gothic novel. The opera and legend are substantially different but both interesting.
We begin with Giacomo ... more
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The topics are excellent. The style in which they are presented is fun and gives it an old time kind of feel. The chemistry between the characters is enjoyable and adds a lot to the show. Great scripts.
Delve, won't you, into the mysteries of folklore? Join our jolly circle
If you’re a fgan of The Midnight Library and the style where the narrator gives a reading on topic, then you will like Bone and Sickle. The stories are unusual and macabre, well read, researched presented in narration format.
Scholarly, stylish, & grim in all the best ways. Brilliant stuff.
Bone and Sickle presents individual topic episodes about the intersection of folklore and horror. Mr. Ridenour is deeply erudite (he wrote a book on the Krampus) and it shows in each episode. These are dry, academic episodes though, with each presented with humor and excellent soundscaping.
Key themes from listener reviews, highlighting what works and what could be improved about the show.
How this podcast ranks in the Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube charts.
Apple Podcasts | #222 |
Listeners, social reach, demographics and more for this podcast.
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A historically grounded deep dive into folklore, myth, and macabre imagination, narrated with scholarly rigor and theatrical flair. Episodes blend archival sources with dramatic readings and immersive sound design to explore how legends, saints, witches, and Gothic tales traveled across cultures. The show's standout approach combines meticulous research with entertaining banter and atmospheric production, making obscure historical material feel vivid and accessible. Listeners can expect well-sourced context, memorable storytelling, and a distinctive blend of horror and history that appeals to fans of classic folklore and early-Gothic literature.
Noteworthy elements include the host's roguelike curiosity and the dynamic readings by the co-h... more
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Bone and Sickle launched 9 years ago and published 189 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.
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Recent guests on Bone and Sickle include:
1. Tom Chalmar
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