
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 | 184 | Founded | 8 years ago |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Number of Listeners | Categories | ArtsHistory | |||

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
Trolls, as presented in medieval literature, are vastly different from the creatures we encountered in our last episode’s collection of 19th-century Norwegian folktales. These Viking Age trolls are more vividly and gruesomely described, and the “trol... more
Trolls in Scandinavian folklore can be a little different from what’s imagined in the rest of the world. We begin our show with a montage of clips from recent movies, Trollhunter (2010), Troll (2022), and Troll 2 (2025) — the latter two being Netflix... more
Gammer Gurton’s Garland, published in 1784, is one of the earliest collections of English nursery rhymes, and contains verses both familiar and alarmingly unsettling.
Intended to be read to toddlers (i.e., “children who can neither read nor run,” a... 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.
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Listeners, social reach, demographics and more for this podcast.
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Historical folklore and horror are explored through scholarly narration, dramatic readings, and lush soundscapes. Episodes thread together archival sources, classical tales, and obscure legends with commentary that blends rigorous research with dry wit and theatrical flair. Listeners likely enjoy deep dives into myth, creepy folklore, and the cultural contexts that shaped folk horror, often returning for the meticulous sourcing, atmospheric production, and banter between hosts. A notable strength is the seamless fusion of authoritative narration with entertaining, character-driven interludes and a distinctive, vintage-meets-gothic aesthetic that sets this show apart from more straightforward history podcasts.
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These podcasts share a similar audience with Bone and Sickle:
1. MonsterTalk
2. Uncanny Japan
3. The Midnight Library
4. The Purple Stuff Podcast
5. Skeptoid
Bone and Sickle launched 8 years ago and published 184 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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