In this episode… Is she a man-eating crone? Is she a lonely wanderer? Or is she a sensual matriarch? However you define her, she’s the yama-uba—Japan’s legendary mountain witch. Notes and sources at the podcast episode website. Donate to RJL's Patreon. Let RJL know what you think! (Contact us through the website if you want a response.) Get in touch at www ... Show More
Jun 25
Aum Anxiety in Japanese Fiction
In this episode, we examine the history of the Aum Affair and its lasting impact on Japanese fiction.We'll start out with the history of new religions in Japan, including Aum Shinrikyo. We'll take a look at Haruki Murakami's non-fiction book, Underground: The Tokyo Gas Attack and ... Show More
59m 51s
Feb 2021
216-Baba Yaga: Which Witch?
Two stories from Russia. On the first, we catch up with the famous witch, Baba Yaga, as we follow yet another young person who has been sent on an errand/to be eaten at the evil witch's walking hut. The second one is about a dragon slayer, Dobrynya, as he makes a wrong turn down ... Show More
32m 57s
Nov 2022
S7 Ep3: Welcome Baba Yaga!
Welcome Spooky Lovelies! This evening our reading is in honor of a very special... lady, (who's definitely not related to your wholesome host, Miranda Merrick)-- The One, The Only, Baba Yaga. She is rumored to be an ogre, a witch, a crone, a goddess... and perhaps even more than ... Show More
33m 41s
Jan 2025
205 | Intermediate - Short Story: The Ice-haired Guardian [English Listening Practice]
Title: The Ice-haired GuardianLevel: Intermediate (B)#Story : In the snowy mountains of Japan, Yama Yurei, a woman with hair made of ice, was created by the mountain gods to protect the world from ancient darkness. She lived alone in an ice palace, high in the peaks, and each nig ... Show More
8m 42s