Wyrd Wessex
Wyrd Wessex is a podcast hosted by Craig Brooks and Andy Stevens that explores the weird, spooky, and supernatural. The hosts delve into mysteries, myths, and legends, focusing on the UK but occasionally venturing further. Episodes cover ghost stories, unexplained phenomena, true crime, folklore, ufology, and cryptids. The podcast aims to uncover the hidden weirdness of the world.
Episodes
Gef the Talking Mongoose: The Eighth Wonder of the World
In 1931, deep in the isolated windswept hills of Doarlish Cashen on the Isle of Man, the Irving family found themselves sharing their farmhouse with something completely unexplainable. It wasn't a standard ghostly whisper—it was a screeching, high-pitched voice two octaves above human range reading the daily news from inside the wall panelling, hunting over 200 rabbits for dinner, and casually dro
Damh the Bard Welsh Myth, Modern Druidry, and the River of Awen
For centuries, the old ways of these islands weren’t written down—they were carried in song, poetry, and myth. Today, that tradition is alive and well. In this episode, we sit down with David Smith, better known as Damh the Bard (and yes, we explain how to pronounce it!). From his 15 years as Pendragon of the Order of Bards, Ovates, and Druids (OBOD) to weaving Welsh myth into acoustic folk, Damh
Shadows in the Nave |The Wyrdo Book Club
Is it safe to spend the night in England’s most haunted churches? And more importantly... why didn't they include any in Wiltshire? 👇 Expand for the full book review!Before we launch into our massive Harry Price series, it's time to settle in with a pot of tea and some Jaffa cakes for the Weirdo Book Club! This month, Craig is joined by Discord community member Rosie to review Shadows in the Nave:
Stoned Dogs and Rogue Elephants |AfterWyrd
In this episode of AfterWyrd, Craig and Andy break down the week's strangest stories. Featuring a special check-in with stone carver Toby to dismantle some dubious academic claims about historical protection marks, alongside tales of high-altitude hounds, profound out-of-body encounters, a tracking-collared rogue elephant in Nepal, and Count Binface's hilarious local election manifesto for Clacton
Ridgeway Ghosts & UFO Sightings
In this episode, Craig and Andy head to Oxfordshire's ancient Ridgeway to explore one of England's most haunted landscapes—from Farringdon churchyard where a headless ghost still patrols, to the Uffington White Horse that inspired Tolkien, and finally Wayland's Smithy, where an invisible blacksmith once shoed horses for pennies.What starts as a folklore walk quickly turns into something stranger,
The Smalls Lighthouse Incident
Welcome back to WyrdLore, our bonus series dedicated to the strange tales, local legends, and folklore that are just too "Wyrd" for the main show.In this episode, Andy and Craig travel out to the treacherous, wave-lashed waters twenty miles west of the Marloes Peninsula to uncover the grim and haunting history of the Smalls Lighthouse. Back in the autumn of 18th-century Britain, this wasn't the st
Strange Days at the Barge (High Strangeness and Folk Horror)
In this episode of Wyrd Wessex, we sit down with Matt, the director of Area 51, to peel back the layers of one of the UK’s most unique gatherings: The Strange Days Festival. Hosted at the legendary Barge Inn in Honey Street, this weekend-long celebration on the Kennet and Avon Canal has become a vital hub for the Fortean community.Matt takes us behind the scenes of creating immersive, "shit-scary"
Quantum Disappearances, Skinwalker Anomalies and the "Witch Mark" Debate| AfterWyrd
Welcome back to AfterWyrd where we dive into the anomalies, the unexplained, and the unsettling stories that were just too "Wyrd" for the main show.]This week, we confront the strange reality of modern science and ancient folklore. From the disturbing pattern of researchers vanishing after experiments involving quantum matter, to the "data rot" causing AI chatbots to hallucinate the same fictional
Live from Solskin festival
Join Craig as he leaves the comfort of the studio behind for a special live recording from the stunning Peak District. Amidst the magic and folklore swirling around the festival grounds, this episode captures the raw energy of Solskin, featuring intimate conversations on shamanism, Celtic mythology, and the supernatural. Between teaching butchery and cooking over open fires, Craig sat down with fa
The Endless Tale |WyrdLore
Welcome back to WyrdLore, our bonus series dedicated to the strange tales, local legends, and folklore that are just too "Wyrd" for the main show.In this episode, Andy and Craig tackle the classic global folk motif known as "The Endless Tale." We meet a powerful king who offers his beautiful daughter's hand in marriage to any suitor who can tell a story that never ends—though the penalty for faili
Mexican Batman and the Solstice Stone Circle Mystery Did CERN Fracture the Timeline?
Welcome to AfterWyrd, the show where we sort through the odd little bits, strange stories, and global eccentricities that don’t quite make the main episodes. Fresh off a grueling vocal session that has left our voices in absolute tatters from doing silly accents, Craig and Andy reunite to break down a massive backlog of unhinged headlines. We dive straight into the tragic breaking news out of Derb
The Mowing Devil: A History of Flattened Fields & Wiltshire’s Enduring Mystery | Wyrd Wessex
The 2026 season has brought new formations to the Wiltshire landscape, but the mystery of the "crop circle" didn't start in the 1980s. Long before the modern era of drones and sophisticated land art, people were finding strange, circular depressions in their fields—and they were blaming everything from cyclonic winds to the Devil himself.In this episode, Craig explores the long, bizarre history of
Art, Witch Marks, and West Country Lore (The Weird Wessex Showcase)
In this episode, Craig and Andy head to the ancient, iconic landscape of the Avebury Stone Circle for the "Weird Wessex" showcase—a gathering of local artists, musicians, and storytellers celebrating the high strangeness of the West Country. What starts as a stroll through the stones quickly turns into a deep dive into the living, breathing folklore of the region, packed with everything from medie
Queer as Folklore (The Wyrdo Book Club)
Welcome to another instalment of the Wyrd Wessex Book Club! This month, we’re peeling back the layers of mythology and identity as we dive into Queer as Folklore by Sasha Coward.We’ve been an "extended book club" for a long time here, but it’s been a joy to formalise these monthly gatherings with our Discord members Rosie and Terrie. This month’s pick was recommended by Rosie, and it’s safe to say
Queer Folklore: How Outsiders Find Sanctuary in Myths (Sasha Coward)
What happens when you don't fit into the "neat and orderly" versions of history taught in schools? You go underground. You find your truth in the stories, the monsters, and the high strangeness that society tries to ignore.In this episode, Craig sits down with historian and author Sasha Coward (Queer as Folklore) to map out the hidden, queer roots of our favourite myths. We’re exploring
The dark secrets of Milton Keynes (Modern Folklore for a New City)
In this episode Craig and Andy head slightly north to explore the modern urban legends, liminal spaces, and paranormal hotspots of Milton Keynes. We are joined by paranormal researcher, writer, and photographer Dr. Steph Lay, who spent over two decades at the Open University before turning her analytical eye toward the city's haunted shadows.With a diploma in parapsychology and a PhD specialising
UAP File Declassification (The Truth Behind the Footage) |Afterwyrd
Join Craig and special guest UAPaul as they tackle the latest batch of UAP file releases from the US Department of War. Is the government finally admitting we aren't alone, or are they just having a bit of a laugh at our expense with a retro-styled website that feels like a 90s conspiracy fever dream? We cut through the noise, the FLIR artifacts, and the "tic-tac" hype to get to the truth.Episode
Mimics, Glitches and Shadowy Figures (Listener Stories)
In this special episode, Craig and Andy gather to share a collection of eerie, fascinating, and downright creepy listener stories sent in by their brilliant Buy Me a Coffee members. After a few technical mishaps and some profanity in a church during the 100th episode, the Wyrdos are back to deliver the supernatural goods.The Listener Tales:Andrew's Childhood Shadow Figures: A genuinely chilling me
Seasonal Folklore: Spring (The Wyrdo Book Club)
Welcome back, Wyrdos!You are tuning into the very first official Wyrdo Book Club! Craig flies solo for this one (while Andy presumably avoids the reading list) to dive into the enchanting world of Seasonal Folklore: Spring by recent guest of the show, Eileen Budd.We explore the quiet magic of snowdrops giving colour to the snow, the liminal spaces of early spring, and a gripping Gaelic tale. We ar
From Skeptics to the Fence (UAPs, Big Cats & Ghost Glitches)
To mark our landmark 100 and oneth episode, we decided to do things a bit differently. Trading the usual format for something more self-indulgent, we sat down in St Andrews Church in Rolleston—complete with some cake and a drop of whiskey—to look back at our journey, answer your listener questions, and contemplate the unknown.Here is a taste of what to expect as we reflect on a century of episodes
Ghosts, Black Dogs, and Folktales in a 13th-Century Church (100th Episode Special)
For our 100th episode, we’re spending the night within the ancient, 13th-century walls of St. Andrew’s, Rollestone—a site once held by the legendary Knights Hospitaller. Surrounded by centuries of history and the heavy atmosphere of a building designed for spiritual warfare, we’re unpacking the folklore that has kept us "Wyrdo's" talking for 100 episodes.In this episode, we explore:A Night of Wyrd
Folk Rebels & Outlaws feat. Eileen Budd (Screaming Skulls & Land Rights)
What happens when you mix giant outlaws, eerie supernatural warnings, and communities fiercely defending their right to the land? This week on Wyrd Wessex, co-hosts Craig and Andy welcome back author and storyteller Eileen Budd to wrap up a massive, sprawling conversation that bridges the folklore of England and the Scottish Highlands.Instead of postcard myths, we're diving into the gritty, shared
The Miracle of Brother Jucundus |WyrdLore
Welcome back to WyrdLore, our bonus series dedicated to the strange tales, local legends, and folklore that are just too "Wyrd" for the main show.In this episode, Andy and Craig travel to 15th-century York to uncover a tale from the Reverend Sabine Baring-Gould’s Yorkshire Oddities, Incidents and Strange Events. We meet Brother Jucundus, a monk who joined St Leonard’s Priory during a particularly
Trump’s UFO Files, Secret Tunnels and the 24,000-Year-Old Zombie Worm | AfterWyrd
Welcome to an episode of AfterWyrd that proves the truth is often stranger (and smellier) than fiction. After a month-long hiatus due to Andy’s "cough-splatter" lung-rot, the Wyrdos reunite to tackle a massive backlog of weirdness. We’re moving from the linguistic mysteries of the afterlife—discussing why Geordie ghosts don’t just sing "Fog on the Tyne" at you—to the high-stakes world of Finnish A
The Otterman’s Ghost (The Curse of Camusfeàrna) | WyrdLore
In this episode of WyrdLore, we follow the journey of naturalist Gavin Maxwell, a man of the "faithless generation" who moved to the remote West Highland coast armed with scientific detachment, only to have his scepticism shattered by the inexplicable.From the shadow of the Isle of Skye, we explore a world where the Wyrd is a neighbour—where witches walk as cats and the sound o
The Haunting of Willington Mill
In 1835, a hardworking Quaker named Joseph Proctor moved his family into a three-storey powerhouse of the Industrial Revolution. It should have been a crowning achievement for a man of "the plain truth," but the ground itself had other plans. For eleven years, the Proctor family lived in a state of siege, trapped in a house that could throw its own voice, walk through nailed-shut doors, and watch
The Cerne Abbas Beltane special
In this solo episode, Craig recovers from a 3:30 AM start to bring you the sights and sounds of Beltane at the top of the Cerne Abbas Giant. From the "Need-fire" rituals of the ancient world to the modern-day clatter of the Wessex Morris Men, we explore why this Dorset hillside remains the heartbeat of May Day in the West.We dig into the latest National Trust research that has redefined the Giant
WyrdLore: The Wild Man, Pixies, and River Hags
"That promise of wealth that just kind of vanishes whenever the fair folk are involved."Welcome back to WyrdLore, our bonus show dedicated to the strange tales and local legends that are just too "Wyrd" for the main show. In this session, Craig and Andy navigate the treacherous waters of British folklore, from the rugged cliffs of Cornwall to the silted ditches of Suffolk.We’re diving into Four Fo
Kelpies, Dragons, and Stolen Fairy Glass (Eileen Budd Returns)
What happens when you pit the high-octane, animistic folklore of the Scottish Highlands against the traditions of the English countryside? This week, Wyrd Wessex hosts Andy and Craig welcome back the legendary storyteller and author Eileen Budd for a cross-border "Céilidh" of the weird.In this episode, we explore the "Three Realms" of the Scottish unseen and discover that while our names for the m
Indrid Cold (The Grinning Man of Lanulos)
On a dark stretch of the I-77 in 1966, a hardworking salesman named Woodrow "Woody" Derenberger was pulled over by a craft that looked like a "charcoal burner" and a man with an impossible, unblinking grin. That man called himself Indrid Cold, and while the world eventually turned him into a sinister "Grinning Man" urban legend, the reality for the Derenberger family was a decade-long descent into
AfterWyrd: AI Boyfriends, Demon Aliens & the Gravesend Phrogger
Welcome to an episode of AfterWyrd that smells… well, a bit fleshy. While Craig turns the studio into a medieval tannery with drying deer skins, he recounts a bizarre dream about a bus-based library and the temptation of stealing folklore tomes. Meanwhile, Andy brings us a review of a very awkward "date night" with Nicolas Cage.We dive into the dark side of the digital age, from AI bots advising "
From Sequins to Spirits (The Mitch Garlington Story)
"I’m relying on spirit 100% to not make me look like a twat on stage."What happens when a professional Cher tribute act gets booed off stage in Worthing and ends up receiving messages from the dead in a Wiltshire bed shop? This week, Wyrd Wessex hosts Andy and Craig sit down with Mitch Garlington—a male witch, Reiki healer, and prominent psychic medium with one of the most colourful backstories in
The Penryn Tragedy
"It’s less Romeo and Juliet and more Sweeney Todd meets a Greek tragedy."Welcome to the debut of WyrdLore, our bonus series dedicated to the strange tales, local legends, and folklore that are just too "Wyrd" for the main show.In this first outing, Craig digs into a 17th-century "romance" from Robert Hunt’s Popular Romances of the West of England. But don't expect any Valentine’s cards—this is the
The Demon Drummer
Most people visit the rolling Salisbury Plain to find peace in the Wiltshire landscape, but in 1662, one manor house became a battlefield for a year of physical warfare. In this episode, the Wyrdos trace a phantom beat from a jail cell in Gloucester to a bedroom in North Tidworth, where an invisible drummer turned a family’s life into a living nightmare.We begin with John Mompesson, a local magist
Building the First Long Barrow in 5,000 Years (Tim Daw & The God Frequency)
Most people visit the ancient monuments of Wiltshire to wonder at the past, but the Avebury landscape is far from a stagnant museum—it is a living conversation. In this episode, the Wyrdos trace that conversation from the Neolithic core of Silbury Hill to a modern architectural marvel.We begin at the base of Silbury Hill, investigating the "Hollow Hill" and the secrets revealed by its recent
AfterWyrd: Prince Philip’s Secret Yeti, Armed War Rabbits & The 7ft Pigman
In this edition of AfterWyrd, Andy and Craig investigate a massive array of "Wyrd" news—from the highest reaches of the British Monarchy to the sugary depths of a log burner. We dive into the literal "rabbit hole" of Craig’s folklore library and ask: if the Duke of Edinburgh saw a Sasquatch, who are we to argue?The Wyrd News:Prince Philip’s Balmoral Sighting: Brian Blessed reveals that the Duke of
The Vertical Plane Part 2 (The 2109 Conspiracy)
What if the future didn't just want to talk—it wanted to negotiate? In 1985, the Doddleston "Vertical Plane" didn't just stay open; it became a temporal battlefield. As the BBC Micro flickers back to life, Ken and Debbie find themselves caught between a 16th-century High Sheriff who wants to weaponise the "leems" and a cold, clinical group of "Time Monsters" known as 2109.In this concluding part o
The Vertical Plane (The Doddleston Messages)
What if the ghost in your house wasn’t a Victorian lady in white, but a Tudor farmer who thought you were the spirit? In 1984, Ken Webster brought a borrowed BBC Micro into his 16th-century cottage in Doddleston, Cheshire. He expected a bit of basic computing; he didn’t expect his kitchen table to become a doorway.We explore the baffling case of the "Lucas" messages—sprawling, archaic English appe
AfterWyrd: Hospital Shadow People & the WWI Shell Incident
In this edition of AfterWyrd, Andy and Craig investigate a massive array of "Wyrd" news—from the liminal spaces of the hospital ward to the literal explosive hazards of antique collecting. We dive into a chilling listener account of "slithering" entities and ask: when the veil is thin, what exactly is looking back at us?The Wyrd News:Hospital Shadow People: A terrifying listener story from Rosie.
Britain’s Area 51: The Warminster Thing (Part 2)
Is there a 35-acre secret city buried beneath the Wiltshire chalk?In the final chapter of our investigation into the Warminster Thing, Andy and Craig leave the studio behind and head into the field. Standing in the shadow of Cley Hill and the high-security gates of RAF Rudloe Manor, the Wyrdos uncover the most mind-bending secrets of the 1960s UFO flap.From interdimensional beings delivering doors
The Warminster Thing (Rerun)
Have you ever felt an invisible force pin you to the ground while the air around you began to vibrate?In this episode of Wyrd Wessex, Craig and Andy head back to Christmas 1964 to investigate the birth of the UK’s most prolific UFO hotspot. What started as a terrifying "sonic vibration" that shook the town of Warminster soon escalated into a decade-long saga of "flying trains," orange orbs, and si
AfterWyrd: Big Cat DNA & Mushroom Hallucinations
In this edition of AfterWyrd, Andy and Craig shake off a viral fugue state to investigate a massive array of "Wyrd" news—from secret global UFO arms races to the mysterious "Little People" of Yunnan. We dive into the science of the Lanmaoa asiatica. mushroom, which reportedly grants diners visions of tiny elf-like figures, and ask: is it a hallucination, or a window into another realm?Special Gues
Phone Calls from the Dead
Have you ever received a phone call from someone who wasn't supposed to be there? In this episode of Wyrd Wessex, Craig and Andy dial into the unsettling world of Phone Calls from the Dead.We explore the groundbreaking research of D. Scott Rogo and Raymond Bayless, the men who literally wrote the book on phantom phone calls. From Thomas Edison’s secret "spirit phone" blueprints to modern-day texts
AfterWyrd: Sonic Weapons, Trump’s World Cup Bombshell, & The Hittite Death Curse
(This episode covers some disturbing material, so listener discretion is advised.)Join the Wyrdos as they kick off 2026 by delving into the latest high strangeness and unsettling news stories from the UK and beyond. From directed energy weapons to presidential "Disclosure" predictions, Craig Brooks and Andy Stevensnavigate the "trials and tribulations" of a new year.In This Episode'
The Alaska Triangle (Mike Ricksecker Returns)
In this episode, the Wyrdos welcome back modern-day explorer and Amazon bestselling author Mike Ricksecker for a mind-bending Part Two. We begin with a detour to the Giza Plateau to discuss startling new satellite scans and the potential discovery of the "Halls of Amenti," before deep-diving into the 600,000 square miles of high strangeness known as the Alaska Triangle.Why have over
Fairies: The Cottingley Hoax (Modern Sightings & The Fairy Census)
Fairies are often dismissed as Victorian folklore or Disney magic, but for over a century, the Cottingley Fairies have stood as one of the world's most debated supernatural mysteries. While many call it a childhood prank with paper cutouts, thousands of people are still reporting real fairy sightings today through the Fairy Census. Are these encounters just "tricks of the light," or are we glimpsi
Orchard Spirits & The Nine Herbs: A Saxon Toast Apples and Folklore
In this episode, Craig dives deep into the roots of the apple, from the ancient Nine Herbs Charm to the chaotic kidnapping of Idun by the giant Thjazi. We explore why the Saxon cry of Wassail echoed through history long before the Victorians got their hands on it, and why you should never, ever cross a Robin.The Show Notes: Roots, Rituals, and RevelryThe Origins of Wassail: Forget what you think y
The Real Stranger Things (Montauk Project & The man who shot Jesus)
Most people spent their weekends binging Stranger Things, watching grown-up kids on bikes fight monsters from the Upside Down. But what if the Hawkins Lab isn't just a Hollywood set? What if the "Upside Down" was inspired by a series of very real and very bizarre allegations involving psychic children, Nazi gold, and a time-travelling portal to Mars?This week, Craig and Andy&nb
The Ding Dong Merrily Christmas Horror (The Berry Man's Carol)
The Ding Dong Merrily Christmas Horror: The Berry Man's CarolWelcome to the Wyrd Wessex Christmas AfterWyrd Special,This year, Craig and Andy take a break from all the weird things in the news to present a piece of original festive horror: the terrifying true-ish story of a local investigation that went utterly wrong during the holiday season.In this fictional, bone-chilling narrative, the Wyrdo's
The Mummer’s Tale: Tradition, Tussles, and Resurrections (The Potterne Mummer’s Play)
In this episode, Craig sits down with Bob Berry of the Potterne Mummers to dive deep into the heart of a quintessential British folk tradition. From the "Turkish Knight" to "Little Man Jack," we explore the life, death, and comedic rebirth that defines the Potterne Mummer's Play.Stay tuned for the full play at the end of the episode.In this episode:The History of the Play: Bob shares his journey f
Dark Origins of Christmas: The Folk Horror Wild Hunt (Santa, Cryptids, & Die Hard)
Dark Origins of Christmas: The Folk Horror Wild HuntNOTE: This episode contains strong language and adult themes related to folklore and history.Merry Christmas! This year, the Wyrdo's dive into the dark origins of Christmas, exploring the unsettling pagan roots and folk horror tales that lie beneath the modern festive cheer. We welcome messages from friends including Eric Nelson (Bigfoot Collecti
AfterWyrd: Demonic Pan Jumper & Brain Weapons
Hello and welcome to AfterWyrd! My name is Andy, and I'm joined by Craig, and this is the place where we discuss all the strange, mysterious, and just downright odd things that didn't fit into the main podcast. This is our last AfterWyrd of the year, and it’s a packed one!In this episode's Wyrd News:Woken Up In The Coffin: The unbelievable story of a woman in Bangkok who was&nb
The Red Barn Murder
In 1827, Maria Marten vanished, but her secret wouldn't stay buried. A dark true crime story featuring a charming killer, William Corder, a shocking betrayal, and a mother whose terrifying, prophetic dreams revealed the exact spot of her daughter's remains beneath the floor of the Red Barn. We dive into the sensational trial, the gruesome public dissection, and the macabre fate of Corder's skin. A
AfterWyrd: Sandown Clown Prophecies & AI Bears
(This episode covers some disturbing material, so listener discretion is advised.)Join the Wyrdo's as they celebrate hitting 666 followers and delve into the latest high strangeness and unsettling news stories from the UK and beyond.In This Episode's Wyrd News:The Sandown Clown Prophecies: A massive update to the classic 1973 case! New documentation reveals the girl, Fay, met the en
Living Folklore: Dave Brewis on Community, Custodians, and the Gatherings Series
The Wyrdo's are honoured to welcome filmmaker Dave Brewis, the man behind the fascinating documentary series, Gatherings.Dave has spent years documenting the enduring traditions and living folklore that often get dismissed by mainstream media as "weird" or "eccentric." We dive deep into his unique observational philosophy—which uses "custodians, not commentators"—and why these custo
AfterWyrd: Slender Man Update, A Drunk Vicar & Countdown Stabbing!
Hello, and welcome to AfterWyrd! Craig and Andy are already in their Christmas tops, but don't let the festive cheer fool you – they're diving into some seriously dark and bizarre news this week!From shocking updates on the Slender Man case to a drunk vicar's car crash and an unbelievable stabbing at a Countdown tournament, plus a quick chat about Krampus and haunted pooping puppets. This episode
Krampus: The Anti-Santa
It’s the Christmas season, so forget the jingle bells! This week, the Wyrdo's dive into the dark heart of European Christmas folklore, exploring the chaotic, shaggy-haired creature who is here to punish the naughty, not just ignore them: Krampus!We explore the terrifying Alpine beast, his roots in ancient pagan worship, and the enduring need for a dark companion to Saint Nicholas.The Horned Horror
AfterWyrd: Hitler's Genetic Secret, Ozzy's Secret Daughter, & The Farting Velodrome
Hello and welcome to AfterWyrd, the home of the strange, the mysterious, and the downright odd news. The Wyrdo's are back with a bumper episode that covers everything from genetic analysis of the Führer to spectral flatulence in London.Hitler's Secret Genetic DisorderNew DNA analysis of a blood-stained cloth reveals that Hitler had a hidden genetic disorder that likely hindered the development of
Interview with Reverend Peter Laws
We are honoured to welcome Reverend Peter Laws, author, celebrated horror novelist, and host of the hit YouTube channel Into the Fog, to the show. Peter is an ordained minister, but he is known for his deep dive into the darkest corners of human fascination.In this deep philosophical and psychological episode, we discuss the core thesis of his acclaimed non-fiction book, The Frighteners, and why o
AfterWyrd: The Lion-Mouse, The Prophetic House & The Gun-Wielding Dog
Welcome back to AfterWyrd, your regular dose of the weird news, strange history, and chaotic stories that don't fit anywhere else!Andy and Craig dive into a chaotic mix of prophecy, AI, and misidentified animals, including:The Lion-Mouse: A terrifying big cat sighting in County Clare, Ireland, is solved by the Gardai... and the culprit is not a lion, but a friendly dog named Mouse&n
Bournemouth: Shelley's Heart and the Smuggler King
Did you know that Mary Shelley, the author of Frankenstein, kept a calcified human heart wrapped in poetry in her desk drawer for decades?In this episode of Wyrd Wessex, we uncover the dark, gothic, and completely unexpected history of the South Coast. Far from just being a seaside resort, this area was the playground of the "Smuggler King" Isaac Gulliver—a man so brazen he faked his own
AfterWyrd: Ghostly Footsteps, Future Memories, & The Kevin James Conspiracy
Craig kicks off the show by proudly detailing his latest bookish adventures—a truly covetous purchase of a classic English folklore tome that he justified as a "medium rare" find. This segues perfectly into a spontaneous London trip that led to an encounter with disembodied footsteps in a dark room, and the cryptic message: "The owls are not what they seem."Wyrd News: The Grab-Bag of the Inexplica
The King Who Feared Witches: James I and the Dark Arts
Did you know the King of Great Britain was personally convinced that Satan was sending assassins to murder him and his Queen?In this harrowing episode of Wyrd Wessex, we dive into the paranoid mind of King James I and the destructive book he wrote, Daemonologie. Driven by his own trauma after surviving a supposed witchcraft attack at sea, James crafted a manual that turned folk healers into high-t
AfterWyrd: The Holy Prepuce, Miraculous Myrrh, & Butt-Breathing
The Wyrdo's are back with a bizarre, unholy, and downright weird edition of AfterWyrd.Craig kicks off by proudly detailing his latest bookish adventures—a truly covetous purchase of a classic English folklore tome that he justified as a "charity donation." This segues perfectly into an eye-watering discussion on holy oil and the unusual history of Christian relics, including the rather infamous fi
Guy Fawkes, Gunpowder, & The Rack (The Explosives Expert Who Didn't Start It) | Wyrd Wessex
This episode of Wyrd Wessex dives past the bonfires and Guy Fawkes effigies to reveal the true, dark, and desperate story of the 1605 Gunpowder Plot. We uncover the horrifying religious persecution that turned a Protestant boy into a soldier prepared to commit high treason. We found enough gunpowder to blow up Parliament 25 times over...In This Episode, The Wyrdo's Detail:The Shocking Conversion:
The Ultimate Cryptid Tournament
This week, the Wyrdo's toss out the trick-or-treating in favor of a full-scale Cryptid Tournament, battling the world’s most dangerous and bizarre creatures against each other to crown a single champion.Using a custom deck of cards (blame the manufacturer!), we dive deep into the stats and lore to decide who would win in a fight.The Combatants & The LoreThe Shadow People: We explore
AfterWyrd: Ghostwatch, The Synth-Prime Minister, & Bored Aliens
It's the finale of Season Two and the Wyrdo's are fitting in all the wyrd news, strange stories, and other bits they couldn't squeeze into the main episodes!The Ghostwatch Deep Dive (1992)We launch into a deep dive on Ghostwatch (1992), discussing how this unsettling BBC programme, inspired by the Enfield Poltergeist, masterfully used trusted presenters like Michael Parkin
The Enfield Poltergeist
This week, the Wyrdo's dive head-first into the most famous, controversial, and thoroughly documented haunting in British history: The Enfield Poltergeist of 1977.We go back to the original source, Guy Lyon Playfair’s This House is Haunted, to track the phenomena right from the first knocks on the party wall in the Hodgsons’ quiet council house.The Core PhenomenaWe track t
AfterWyrd: The Cola Bottle Calamity, & The Alien DNA Hypothesis
The Wyrdo's kick off with a quick mention of Craig's recent birthday, which leads to a discussion of his weird-themed gifts. The segment wraps with a piece of personal Wyrd News: Craig’s daughter's early morning sighting of a shadow figure in the house, proving the strange is never far from home.Bizarre Headlines & CalamityThe Great Halloween Décor Debate: We discuss a
Monsterland
Are monsters simply things to be feared, or do they hold a mirror to humanity? This week on Wyrd Wessex, hosts Andy and Craig sit down with acclaimed author and travel writer Nicholas Jubber, to discuss his latest book, Monsterland.In this wide-ranging and thought-provoking interview, Nick takes us on a journey across a dozen countries to understand the true purpose of the creatures we fear.Travel
AfterWyrd: The Doll, the Declassifier, & The Deadly Dealt Fart
The show kicks off with Craig's recording space, dubbed The AfterWyrd Library, showcasing a new, custom-made owl. The talk quickly turns to Halloween, Craig's partner Becky's Ekba doll costume, and the creepy doll customisations in his window that are now terrifying local wildlife. The segment concludes with a discussion on the enduring, yet debunked, urban myth of razor blades in apples
Ghost Ships
Ahoy there, Wyrdos! This week on Wyrd Wessex, we're casting off from the safety of the shore and sailing head-first into the chilling world of ghost ships. We explore the vessels that vanished without a trace, only to be found centuries later with their crews mysteriously gone.Vanished Crews and Unsinkable MysteriesWe dive deep into historical maritime mysteries, including the eternally
AfterWyrd: The Screaming Skull, Werewolves, & The Ninja Squirrel
Andy and Craig (or are they two Mr. Ballens?) are back with another collection of strange news and oddities that didn't quite make it into the main Wyrd Wessex podcast. From East Yorkshire's Bermuda Triangle to prize-winning weird science, it's all here.East Yorkshire's Triangle of Terror We investigate the Wold Newton Triangle, a small corner of East Yorkshire plagued by high stran
Werewolves, Part Two: How to Become a Beast
Join Wyrdo's Craig and Andy for this special episode of Wyrd Wessex as they're joined once again by special guest and storyteller Eileen Budd. This is the unexpected sequel to our first werewolf episode, as the wyrdo's had far too many dark canine tales left to tell!The Recipe for TransformationWe delve into the dark and slightly ridiculous process of becoming a werewolf. Craig shar
AfterWyrd: Priceless Books, Holy Water, & Ghost Cats
In a packed episode of AfterWyrd, your favourite Wyrdo's, Andy and Craig, delve into book collecting, religious relics, and the paranormal mysteries making headlines.The £1,500 Tolkien First EditionCraig recounts his trip to a Devizes book fair, including the hilarious story of a £1,500 Tolkien first edition and the surprising risk of devaluing it with just a little bit of spit. The
Werewolves
Join Wyrdo's Craig and Andy for this special episode of Wyrd Wessex as they're joined by special guest and traditional storyteller Eileen Budd to delve into the fascinating and frightening world of werewolves and black dogs.Legends of the Black Dog and Scottish PhantomsWe explore chilling accounts from Scotland as Eileen shares the folklore of black dogs haunting a Glasgow
AfterWyrd: Screaming Goats, Widow's Revenge, & The Miracle Tree
In a slightly shorter-than-usual but still packed episode of AfterWyrd, your favourite Wyrdo's, Andy and Craig, delve into the weird and wonderful with a focus on a rather talkative goat, a new BBC show, and a miraculous tree.Political Talk, Haunted Museums, and Screaming AnimalsAndy and Craig discuss recent political events, including a political figure "defecting" to the Reform Party and a
Shadow People
This week, the Wyrdos are joined by renowned paranormal author and researcher Mike Ricksecker—known for his work on shows like Ancient Aliens and The Alaska Triangle—for a truly wyrd discussion that spans dimensions! Mike shares how his own childhood experiences with a shadow person set him on a path of paranormal research.Shadow People: Dimensions and the H
AfterWyrd: Surgeon's Fraud, Raccoon CPR, & Stoned Hikers
This week, the Wyrdo's Andy and Craig get stuck into some truly bizarre news stories, from a surgeon's shocking fraud to a raccoon's boozy misadventure.The Horrible and the HeroicWe delve into a truly perplexing Guardian article about a Sepsis Surgeon who committed insurance fraud after freezing his own legs to have them amputated for sexual gratification. We discuss
The Kerdroya Labyrinth (Hedges, Jan Tregeagle, & The Wiltshire Way)
In this episode, the Wyrdo's Andy and Craig wrap up their wild road trip through Cornwall! They sit down with Will Coleman, the man behind Kerdroya, a brand-new ancient monument and a stunning labyrinth built entirely from traditional Cornish hedges.Kerdroya: A Brand New Ancient MonumentDiscover the deep history and craft behind the 30,000 miles of Cornish hedges and how a new generation is preser
Recommended
My IELTS Classroom Podcast
BBC Newsround
Global News Podcast
Esme's Country Life
Pod Save The King
Psychology, Actually
Pride and Prejudice (version 6, dramatic reading)
Ancient Lives with Mary Beard
English Made Simple
Learn UK English By Podcast
The Healing Childhood Trauma Podcast
Stick to Football
