So, you've died in Japan. Let me help you navigate the underworld and if we can, avoid the nastiest hells.
What does Japanese Buddhism suggest happens after death? I found these traditional afterlife concepts fascinating - there's this whole intricate spiritual bureaucracy that kicks in once you die. I'm talking about a 49-day underworld journey, fearsome j ... Show More
Dec 9
Osechi: Japanese New Year Food Traditions (Ep. 184)
What if the meal sitting in those beautiful lacquered boxes held messages from the gods? In Japan, osechi-ryōri isn't just New Year's food—it's a sacred offering. Each dish carries specific wishes: black beans for health, herring roe for prosperity, lotus root for clear vision in ... Show More
26m 23s
Nov 20
Japanese Moon Lore: Selfless Rabbits, Murdered Goddesses, and Tsukimi (Ep. 183)
Don't point at the moon—you might wake up without your ears.
In Japan, the moon rabbit isn't just making mochi. Its image was placed there by the gods to honor an act of pure sacrifice, a Buddhist tale that traveled from India through China and transformed along the way.
In thi ... Show More
30m 46s
Aug 2024
Rayess Bek: Studio Session
<p>We're stoked to finally be launching our live in-studio sessions in our podcast recording studio in Beirut as an extension to Quartertones. The first is with no other than our past guest Rayess Bek (aka Wael Kodeih), the Lebanese music composer, producer, and performer's behin ... Show More
12m 55s
Dec 2022
9x19: Return to Grey Cloud Island - Let's Not Meet
Stories in this episode: - The Long Term Tinder Date, by Anonymous (0:50) - The Man with the Bricks, by Lucifer 666 (13:09) - Another Grey Cloud Island Story, by AC (20:48) - My Trip to the Tate Modern, by JH (31:38) - Man with a Van in the Waffle House Parking Lot, by Mark (41:1 ... Show More
44m 28s
Mar 2023
Episode 69: NICE!
Stories in this episode:- Renaissance Fair Psychic, by Sara- My Friend's Rabbit Man Experience, by Ofelia- Story Submission, by Beryle- I Bought a Possessed Cup, by Shelbi- Haunted Virginal, by Aardman- Over 35 years with My Succubus Babysitter, by Tiffy Rocks- Our Ghosts Got Bor ... Show More
48m 45s
Jan 2023
Episode 60: UFO on the River (feat. Cassidy Liston)
Stories in this episode:- UFO on the River, by Rhett- Restaurant Kitchen Encounter, by Auston- I Think Something is Attached to Me, by Stevie- Haunted Drill Hall, by Jared- The Time I Saw Myself Die, by Tina- My Psychic Circle Story, by BizaSubmissions: stories@oddtrails.comListe ... Show More
54m 22s
Sep 2023
11x11: Summer in Paradise (Live Stream)
Stories in this episode: - Summer in Paradise, by John (1:27) - I Need to Get Some Sugar, by Nicole (12:45) - I Shouldn't Have Come Back, by Wes' Grandma (20:09) - The Prowler, by Ro (26:28) - Fake Shuttle Driver, by Anonymous (32:51) - Car Wash, by B (39:12) - The Man in the Tre ... Show More
1h 2m