147: The Swerve, Vol. 2: Gef, the Talking Mongoose with Scott and Forrest from Astonishing Legends

147: The Swerve, Vol. 2: Gef, the Talking Mongoose with Scott and Forrest from Astonishing Legends

Author: Rob Kristoffersen April 1, 2023 Duration: 2:26:20

April Fools, suckers! Also, happy first night of Wrestlemania! The subject of this episode was voted on by our dear patrons.

For this installment of The Swerve, I'm joined by Scott Philbrook & Forrest Burgess from Astonishing Legends to dive into the sinister dealings of that "extra special mongoose," Gef, the Talking Mongoose.

Known on the Isle of Man as the "Dalby Spook," Gef first appeared as wrappings and knockings on the walls of the Irving family home at Doarlish Cashen in September of 1931. Before long, the knocks transformed into full sentences from a high pitched voice.

Gef became the talk of the island, bringing investigators of all kinds to the island including Harry Price and Nandor Fodor, but what was Gef really? On this episode we dive into Gef's exploits and try to figure out if he truly was an "extra clever mongoose" or something else...

Sources:

Gef!: The Strange Tale of an Extra-Special Talking Mongoose by Christopher Josiffe

Gef The Talking Mongoose: The "Eighth Wonder of the World" by Tim R. Swartz

Theme song:

"Ufo" by Floats, available on Soundcloud, iTunes and Spotify

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T-Shirt Designs by The Great Desdymona

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There's a long, winding story written across our collective past that doesn't always make it into the official records. Our Strange Skies: UFOs Throughout History follows that thread, tracing the phenomenon from ancient accounts to modern-day encounters. Host Rob Kristoffersen approaches these tales not just as mysteries, but as integral parts of our cultural and historical fabric, examining how they reflect the anxieties and imaginations of their times. Each episode focuses on a specific case, era, or theme, blending documented reports with the broader lore that has grown around them. You'll hear detailed breakdowns of famous sightings, deep dives into lesser-known incidents, and thoughtful discussions on topics ranging from reported abductions to the cryptic creatures often associated with these skies. Rob's conversations with a rotating cast of researchers, historians, and fellow experts add layers of context, ensuring the narrative is grounded even when the subject matter is decidedly ungrounded. This isn't about sensationalism; it's a careful, curious exploration of why these stories persist and what they tell us about ourselves. Tune into this podcast for a thoughtful journey through the archives of the unexplained, where history meets mystery head-on.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 50

Our Strange Skies: UFOs Throughout History
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