Episode 187 - WICKED STRANGE: GHOSTS AND LEGENDS OF NEW ENGLAND

Episode 187 - WICKED STRANGE: GHOSTS AND LEGENDS OF NEW ENGLAND

Author: Mark Norman February 9, 2026 Duration: 1:00:34

Folklore Podcast host Mark Norman chats with special guest, broadcaster and author Jeff Belanger, about some of the ghosts, folklore and other legends found in New England, in the north-eastern corner of the United States.

Jeff is the host of 'New England Legends' on Amazon Prime Video, co-host of a podcast of the same name, and has written for and appeared on 'Ghost Adventures'. His book, 'Wicked Strange' provides a coffee-table collection of the stories covered on this episode and much more.

This episode is rounded off with a folk music recording from the archives of American folklorist and singer Ellen Stekert. This previously lost recording of 'Golden Apples of the Sun', performed by Dave Van Ronk, was recorded in 1966 and has been recently remastered as part of the Ellen Stekert Project.

Find out more about Jeff on his website at https://jeffbelanger.com/

Learn more about Ellen and the project to digitise her archives at https://ellenstekert.com/

Join the Folklore Podcast Patreon page at https://www/patreon.com/thefolklorepodcast to access extra content and support the show. There is plenty of free content available, and enhanced material for those who want to sign up for a small monthly amount to support the work of the show.


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
Seven County Witch Hunts Ep.3 - GENDER AND WITCHCRAFT [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 38:32
The third episode of our mini-series looking at the witch hunts headed up by Matthew Hopkins and John Stearne looks at the most stereotypical of subjects - that of gender. Just how many of the accused were women and how…
Seven County Witch Hunts Ep.2 - WHAT WERE 'WITCHES' ACCUSED OF [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 39:09
In the second episode of the Seven County Witch Hunt Project podcast mini-series, we look at the accusations that were being levelled against people accused of witchcraft in the English witch hunts of the 17th century. W…
Episode 175 - SCOTTISH FOLKLORE [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 50:07
Scotland has a broad mix of folklore. Some is found elsewhere, or has variations in other areas, and some is unique to the country. Some is well-known and some is much more obscure.In this episode of The Folklore Podcast…
Seven County Witch Hunts Ep.1 - METHODS AND STORIES [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 38:13
In the years 1645–1647, when England was embroiled in a traumatic and bloody Civil War, roughly three hundred people in the South East were accused of witchcraft. Received wisdom — and some shameless self-promotion on th…
Episode 174 - FOLKLORE AND HERBALISM [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:12:00
This episode of The Folklore Podcast is an interview of two halves, as host Mark Norman sits down to chat with herbalist and writer Su Bristow.In an interview recorded live at Su's dining table, the first half of the sho…
A History of Paganism: Folklore Podcast Rewind with Liz Williams [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 38:26
Award winning author, historian and occultist Liz Williams discusses her book 'Miracles of our own Making: A History of Paganism', published by Reaktion Books.The interview takes in the history of paganism and Liz's work…
Episode 173 - BROKEN FOLK [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:03:33
Folklore Podcast creator and host Mark Norman delves into the topic of folk music and performance with special guests Lunatraktors. The duo, formed in 2017 and made up of Carli Jefferson and Dr Clair Le Couteur aim to st…
Meet the Author: Kailey Tedesco [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 53:57
In this 'Meet the Author' bonus episode of The Folklore Podcast, creator and host Mark Norman introduces a conversation between literary correspondent Hilary Wilson and university lecturer and poet Kailey Tedesco.Kailey…
Episode 172 - DRACULA AND THE WESTCOUNTRY [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 31:01
Folklore Podcast creator and host, Mark Norman, explores the rumours that the author of 'Dracula', Bram Stoker, found inspiration for his famous count in the rural backwaters of the county of Devon, in the South-West of…
Folklore in the Field - RONNIE TURNER [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 32:48
Folklore Podcast creator and host Mark Norman meets with Ronnie Turner. author of the gothic and folk horror novel 'Small Fires' in this episode of the podcast, recorded on location during Ronnie's recent book signing to…