The imagery of Christmas in most Western countries is of pure wholesomeness with Santa Claus or St. Nicholas, presents, candy, lights, etc. But in central Europe, there is another figure in the mix, the horned devilish-looking character called Krampus, who doles out punishment if you’re naughty instead of nice. I talk with Jules Linner and Christina Albert a ... Show More
Mar 11
How D.C. Fontana Helped Star Trek Live Long and Prosper
Gene Roddenberry’s name is synonymous with Star Trek, but he relied on a team to bring his vision to life. Most of his writers were men with one exception, the trailblazing Dorothy Fontana. Professionally, she went by D.C. Fontana to counter the belief that women couldn’t write g ... Show More
37m 50s
Feb 11
Sinners Gives Hoodoo Its Due
Sinners got a historic 16 Academy Award nominations, which was remarkable for a film with vampires. But the film is also a rich exploration of race, religion, culture and music in 1930s Mississippi. Professor Yvonne Chireau played a key role behind the scenes. She’s a historian o ... Show More
40m 56s
Dec 2024
3 Spooky Christmas Episodes
Throughout history, the cold, dark and hungry winter season had been infused with a certain spooky feeling of dread. Festivals like saturnalia, yule and eventually Christmas brought light to the darkness. But that lingering since of foreboding still underlines the festive season, ... Show More
34m 23s
Dec 2024
398: Nordic Christmas: In the Bleak Mid-winter
🌲Trolls, zombies, and evil housecats🌲It must be Christmas in the Nordic countries. Today, a young officer is stuck in the city after being in a brief coma. At least there are some tales to keep him company.😈 The Creature: Frau GaudenThe creature this week wants to give you tha ... Show More
48m 33s