Episode 188 - UK GHOST STORY FESTIVAL CHATS

Episode 188 - UK GHOST STORY FESTIVAL CHATS

Author: Mark Norman February 20, 2026 Duration: 52:39

In this episode we visit the 2025 UK Ghost Story Festival, which was held at the Museum of Making in Derby. Host Mark Norman meets some of the presenters from the festival and chats to them about ghost stories and their work.

Children's author ALEX FOULKES discusses her middle-grade books, and talks about writing vampires for children.

Author and editor TEIKA MARIJA SMITS talks about the darker side of fairy stories and her own short ghost fiction

Academic DR SAM HIRST tell us all about her project Romancing the Gothic and the wide range of areas in which that particular genre can take you.

Learn more about the guests on their websites:

Alex: https://foulkeswrites.wordpress.com/

Teika: https://teikamarijasmits.com/

Sam: https://romancingthegothic.com/

Join The Folklore Podcast Patreon community at:

https://www.patreon.com/thefolklorepodcast

You can support the podcast with a small monthly donation, or elect to be a FREE member.


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 189 - OPENING THE BOX OF DELIGHTS [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:25:45
A very special feature length episode of The Folklore Podcast, with a panel consisting of the cream of those people associated with the classic children's title THE BOX OF DELIGHTS.Podcast host Mark Norman discusses the…
Episode 187 - WICKED STRANGE: GHOSTS AND LEGENDS OF NEW ENGLAND [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

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 State…
Episode 186 - MEDIEVAL GHOSTS [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 54:08
Mark Norman is joined by broadcaster, author and medievalist Dr Eleanor Janega to look at the role of the ghost in the medieval period. What elements of the behaviour of the ghost might we still recognise today? What was…
Episode 185 - THE FOLKLORE OF PROVERBS [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 16:40
The Folklore Podcast returns to its original first principles for the first show of Season 11, with an episode written and presented by creator and host Mark Norman.The episode is a short exploration of the role of prove…
Folklore Podcast 2026 announcement [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 5:16
Want to know what to expect from the show as we head to 2026, and where to find the content you enjoy?Listen to this short announcement from creator and host, Mark Norman.
Christmas Special 2025 - The Mistletoe Bride [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 13:24
Welcome to the 2025 Folklore Podcast Christmas Special.Folklorist Mark Norman, the creator and host of The Folklore Podcast for the last 10 years, relates the legend of the Mistletoe Bride and provides a rare look at a v…
Episode 184 - THIRST: RIVERS AND FOLKLORE [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 52:46
In this episode of the podcast, host Mark Norman discusses some points relating to the folklore of rivers, with a particular focus on their perceived need for sacrifice and to 'claim a heart' each year.This is followed b…
Episode 183 - GHOST STORIES WITH MICHELLE PAVER [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

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…
Episode 182 - GATHERINGS [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 40:49
The British ritual year is full of fascinating public events, sports, games, processions and festivals. Whether long-running or modern, revival or continuous, there is something for everyone and a rich background of folk…
Episode 181 - THE TRAITORS: WHIMSY OR WITCH-HUNT? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:11:37
I gather together a gaggle of witchcraft historians to discuss the cult TV gameshow 'The Traitors'. To what extent do the machinations of the contestants in the show, whichever version that might be, draw parallels with…