Hawaiian Gothic w/ Keala Kendall

Hawaiian Gothic w/ Keala Kendall

Author: Multitude May 6, 2026 Duration: 55:11
We’re joined by the fabulous Keala Kendall to deep dive into the history of Hawaii, the ghosts of imperialism that haunt the island, and what Hawaiian Gothic looks like as we discuss her new book, That Which Feeds Us! Content Warning: This episode contains conversations about or mentions of family death, colonization, racism, enslavement, gentrification, stillbirth, grief, sexual assault, genitalia, and queerphobia.  Guest Keala Kendall is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of That Which Feeds Us: A Hawaiian Gothic. Hapa Native Hawaiian, her work explores themes of culture and place, drawing inspiration from her upbringing in the islands with a Hawaiian folkloric twist. Deeply committed to giving back to her community, Keala is also a cofounder of Pacific Islanders in Publishing and a past organizer of the Books for Maui charity auction. Born in Honolulu, raised on Molokaʻi, she now lives as part of the Native Hawaiian diaspora in Los Angeles. Housekeeping - Books: Check out our previous book recommendations, guests’ books, and more at spiritspodcast.com/books - Call to Action: Send in those urban legend emails! - Submit Your Urban Legends Audio: Call us! 617-420-2344 Find Us Online - Website & Transcripts: spiritspodcast.com - Patreon: patreon.com/spiritspodcast - Merch: spiritspodcast.com/merch - Instagram: instagram.com/spiritspodcast - Bluesky: bsky.app/profile/spiritspodcast.com - Twitter: twitter.com/spiritspodcast - Tumblr: spiritspodcast.tumblr.com Cast & Crew - Co-Hosts: Julia Schifini and Amanda McLoughlin - Editor: Bren Frederick - Music: Brandon Grugle, based on "Danger Storm" by Kevin MacLeod - Artwork: Allyson Wakeman - Multitude: multitude.productions About Us Spirits is a boozy podcast about mythology, legends, and folklore. Every episode, co-hosts Julia and Amanda mix a drink and discuss a new story or character from a wide range of places, eras, and cultures. Learn brand-new stories and enjoy retellings of your favorite myths, served over ice every week, on Spirits. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Grab a glass and settle in for Spirits: Mythology, Legends, & Folklore, a weekly podcast from Multitude that blends humor with deep dives into the world's oldest stories. This isn't a dry lecture; it's a conversational and often hilarious exploration where each episode pairs a legendary tale with a thematic drink. You'll hear about familiar gods and heroes from Greek or Norse myths, sure, but the show truly shines when it uncovers lesser-known folklore from cultures across the globe, stories of tricksters, ghosts, and creatures you've never encountered. The hosts approach these ancient narratives with genuine curiosity and a comedic touch, making themes of love, betrayal, creation, and chaos feel both timeless and freshly relevant. Listening to this podcast feels like joining a fun, insightful chat between friends who are just as likely to laugh at a god's misadventure as they are to ponder its cultural significance. New stories are served over ice every Wednesday, offering a perfect midweek escape into the weird and wonderful foundations of human imagination. It’s the kind of show where you might learn about a Filipino vampire one week and a Scottish selkie the next, all while getting a great drink recommendation. The result is a uniquely engaging mix of comedy, history, and culture that demystifies mythology without ever losing its sense of awe.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

Spirits: Mythology, Legends, & Folklore
Podcast Episodes
Food Superstitions [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:02:43
Have you ever spilled some salt and tossed it over your shoulder? Broken a wishbone with friends and family? Have you ever wondered WHY we blow out candles on birthday cakes? We dig into some of our favorite and curious…
Fight Off Ghosts, Stay Hydrated! | Your Urban Legends 103 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 52:05
We can’t buy a minor league baseball team, but we could rebrand one into something spooky with your help! Also featuring your stories of recurring childhood nightmares, another haunted field trip, and the worst thing a k…
Bastet | Denial Isn't Just a River [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 48:01
We’re starting the new year off right: With a goddess who is leading with both her cat face and her titties - Bastet! That’s how we all should enter the new year in my opinion. Content Warning: This episode contains conv…
Hot Frosty | Myth Movie Night [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 54:45
We return with Myth Movie Night to explore a wild, very silly Netflix Christmas movie: Hot Frosty. We discuss dick scarf physics, bad business practices, Mean Girls references, and the horniest ice sculptor in the world.…
Mari Lwyd [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 44:01
‘Tis the season for celebration, gathering, and of course, parading horse-skulled figures from door to door. We dig into the tradition of wassailing from Wales, the Mari Lywd! Content Warning: This episode contains conve…
Ghost Cat Distribution System | Your Urban Legends 102 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 55:54
Sometimes you move into a new place and there’s a cat waiting for you. Sometimes that cat is a ghost. Who are you to question why that is? We’re also haunted in this episode by nurses, pranksters, and a creepy boy in a “…
Sekhmet | Denial Isn't Just a River [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 47:07
Hair? Perfect. Bloodlust? Raging. Titty? Adorned. You know what that means: it’s time to dive deep into the story of everyone’s favorite lioness! Sekhmet is a goddess of destruction but also protection, as you’re about t…
Plant Folklore w/ Dr. Vikram Baliga, The Plant Professor [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 52:58
Trees of life, magical trees, immortal trees! We’re joined by horticulture expert and podcast extraordinaire, Dr. Vikram Baliga, as he walks us through the fascinating world of plants and their importance in mythology an…
I’m Looking For an Apparition | Your Urban Legends 101 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 54:06
I’m looking for an apparition. 5’5”. Brown hair. Spooky vibes. Also, a visit from Ma Winchester AND Mother Goose? We are blessed AND scared, the best of both worlds. Content Warning: This episode contains conversations a…
Idle Hour and the Royal Fraternity of Master Metaphysicians [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 52:05
Since it’s nearing Thanksgiving, Julia presents a hyper local cult that’s been fascinating her - The Royal Fraternity of Master Metaphysicians and their attempt to raise an Immortal Baby. That’s all we’re giving you. Buc…