Episode 183 - GHOST STORIES WITH MICHELLE PAVER

Episode 183 - GHOST STORIES WITH MICHELLE PAVER

Author: Mark Norman November 29, 2025 Duration: 1:01:15

I chat with author Michelle Paver about all things ghost story. What makes a good haunt? Which are her favourites and which doesn't she like? And what do ghosts mean to her?

For the second part of the interview we take a look at Michelle's new novel 'Rainforest', a ghost story set in the Mexican rainforest. Having previously placed her ghosts in the isolation of the Arctic and high up a mountain, Michelle once again shows that you can have an effective haunt in an unexpected location. We explore Mayan folklore, shamanism and the cultural roles of that civilization on the story.

The episode includes an extract of the audiobook version of Rainforest, read by Richard Armitage.

You can visit Michelle's website to find our more about her work at https://michellepaver.com/

Please support the work of The Folklore Podcast on the Patreon page. You can join as a free member and, even if you cannot support financially, help to grow the audience and access even more content. Go to https://www.patreon.com/c/thefolklorepodcast


Mark Norman hosts The Folklore Podcast, a series that digs into the stories, customs, and beliefs passed down through generations across the globe. This isn't just about fairy tales; it's an exploration of how folklore shapes our identities, communities, and understanding of the world, touching on history, culture, and even spirituality. The podcast stands out for its direct conversations with researchers, authors, and other specialists, making deep scholarship accessible to everyone. You'll hear specific episodes examining everything from local legends and seasonal rituals to the deeper symbolic meanings behind familiar traditions. The show's consistent quality and engaging approach have placed it among the most listened-to podcasts internationally. Each episode offers a chance to step into a different cultural landscape, understanding the human experiences behind the myths. Tune in to this documentary-style podcast for thoughtful, well-researched discussions that connect ancient patterns to modern life, all presented in a clear and compelling way by a host deeply embedded in the subject.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 50

The Folklore Podcast
Podcast Episodes
Episode 180 - EDITH NESBIT'S GHOST STORIES [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 35:02
While there are many famous names associated with the ghost story, some are less commonly linked, and even fewer are women. In the episode of the podcast we focus on one of those in particular, Edith Nesbit.Best known as…
Episode 179 - WITCHCRAFT: A HISTORY IN 13 TRIALS [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:06:42
Returning guest to the podcast, witchcraft historian Professor Marion Gibson, discusses her book 'Witchcraft: A History in 13 Trials'. The book, and this interview, explores the history of witchcraft accusation and perse…
Episode 178 - HETTIE NETTLE'S HANDBOOK FOR HEDGEWITCHES [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 39:22
Folklore Podcast creator Mark Norman once again meets up with children's author Claire Barker, this time to discuss the final version of her new book 'Hettie Nettle's Handbook for Hedgewitches'.Described in the episode a…
Episode 177 - LORE OF THE LAND: BRITISH ACADEMY [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:11:37
In May of 2025, I was honoured to be asked by the British Academy to chair the final panel in their 'Folklore Reimagined' series, 'Lore of the Land'. This panel was titled 'Stories of wetlands, woods and weather'.How hav…
Episode 176 - THE WHITE WITCH OF EXETER [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 23:07
In this episode of the podcast, host Mark Norman takes an in-depth look at the White Witch of Exeter. Most times, when we speak of 'white witches' we are talking about a particular person, but in the case of the Devon ci…
Seven County Witch Hunts Ep.6 - ARCHIVE HIGHLIGHTS [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 43:56
The Seven County Witch Hunt Project podcast mini-series collaboration comes to a close. In this final episode, Professor Marion Gibson and Dr Tabitha Stanmore once again join folklorist and author Mark Norman to discuss…
Folklore in the Field - MEDICAL HERBALISM [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 32:36
Mark Norman is in conversation with medical herbalist Jenny Carden, who practices as The Dartmoor Herbalist.In an interview recorded live in Jenny's workshop in the courtyard of the Museum of Dartmoor Life in Okehampton,…
Seven County Witch Hunts Ep.5 - ENVIRONMENTAL CHANGE AND WITCH TRIALS [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 33:05
Our six part mini-series examining the seventeenth-century witch hunts across the eastern counties of England continues with a discussion looking at a topic not generally explored in this context: the environment.Profess…
Seven County Witch Hunts Ep.4 - WITCH FAMILIES AND GHOST FAMILIARS [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 36:27
In this episode, Professor Marion Gibson and Dr Tabitha Stanmore turn their attention to the families involved in the witch hunts. Were all family members tarred with the same brush? How did dynamics work when families w…
Folklore in the Field - FOLK HORROR with Prof Bob Edgar [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 17:32
In this mini-episode of The Folklore Podcast, recorded live at the UK Ghost Story Festival 2025 in Derby, UK, I chat with Professor Bob Edgar about the theme of Folk Horror.With specialisms in scriptwriting, adaptation,…