Wyrd Wessex

Episoder

• Art, Witch Marks, and West Country Lore (The Weird Wessex Showcase) 30.06.2026 1t 25min

  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 medieval mysteries to silent UFOs.First, we chat with some of the festival's more eccentric living folklore characters, including the forest-dwelling Apple Man and the Cerbo Dog (a self-proclaimed son of Cerberus). Then, we catch up with traditional stonemason Toby Robson to talk about the hidden history of apotropaic "witch marks" on historic buildings, before he drops a fascinating, first-hand account of a silent, diamond-shaped craft he witnessed gliding over Devizes.Moving over to St. James's Church, event co-organiser and carver Wolfie gives us a masterclass in reading sacred spaces as he shares his deep research into replicating the mysterious, headless figure on the 12th-century Avebury font. We're also joined by muralist Bos, who details the dark, thunderous Dartmoor lore behind his painting of the 1638 Widecombe-in-the-Moor Devil attack, and storyteller Oliver Lavery (The Folk Bus), who helps us bridge the gap between ancient fairy abductions at Hackpen Hill and modern Ufology.We wrap things up with a well-earned debrief at The Barge at Honey Street, reflecting on how crop circles, stone carvings, and local legends all connect into one massive matrix of weirdness.In This EpisodeThe Witch Marks of Wessex: Stonemason Toby Robson explains the folklore of apotropaic markings, portal protection, and why people used to scrape consecrated dust from church walls for folk magic.The Silent Diamond over Devizes: Toby shares his unexplained encounter with a silent, multi-coloured, diamond-shaped aerial object that defied military aviation logic.The Avebury Font Detective: Wolfie breaks down the iconography of the church's medieval font and his theory that the missing figure is actually St. James of Jerusalem.The Devil of Widecombe: Bos brings the eerie history of Dartmoor to life, recounting the legendary 1638 lightning strike blamed on a demonic visitation, and a strange Hollywood connection to the "ghost village."Fairies vs. Grays: Storyteller Oliver Lavery explores the shared archetypal DNA between the historic fairies of Hackpen Hill and modern alien abduction lore."I don't think it's for me to say if anyone's wrong or right... I love the secrecy of it all. And your opinions are just as valid as mine."Stay Wyrd!Help keep the lights on and join our Discord here: buymeacoffee.com/wyrdwessexBuy our merch here: https://www.redbubble.com/people/saxonforageruk/shop?asc=uWritten and hosted by Craig Brooks and Andy StevensEdited by Craig BrooksIntro music by Antipodean Writer: Full of Soul - Neon Waves Extended - RemixOutro music by Colt Fingaz: Ding Ding Dong Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
• Queer as Folklore (The Wyrdo Book Club) 26.06.2026 13min

  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 it gave us all plenty to talk about. Sasha Coward’s work isn’t just a look at ancient texts—it’s a manual for reclaiming our space in history and understanding why the "strange" has always acted as a sanctuary for the outsider.In this episode, we chat about:Reclaiming the Monster: Why symbols like the X-Men or The Little Mermaid (and the legendary drag queen Divine!) are more than just stories—they’re ancestral threads for the queer community.The "Armor" of the Outsider: We share how many of us used "fake lore"—from gothic gear to devil horns—as literal armor to navigate the world.The Perspective Shift: How even for those of us who grew up on classic folklore, this book added an entirely new layer of meaning to the myths we thought we knew.Our Rating: Did it live up to the hype? Spoiler: The Green Men were out in full force for this one.Next Month’s Read:We’re shifting gears for July. We’ll be tackling Shadows in the Nave by Peter Underwood/Paul Adams/Eddie Brazil. It’s beautifully broken down into short, visual sections—perfect for our summer reading.Join the Conversation:Did you read along with us? Let us know your favourite chapter or your thoughts on the book in the comments below! If you want to jump into our next recording or share your "ideal reading spot," head over to our Discord.Support the Show:Buy Us A Coffee: buymeacoffee.com/wyrdwessexGrab Official Merch: redbubble.com/people/saxonforageruk/shopHosted and edited by Craig BrooksIntro & Outro Music: Medieval Celtic violin by Music_for_Creators Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
• Queer Folklore: How Outsiders Find Sanctuary in Myths (Sasha Coward) 24.06.2026 1t 20min

  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 how the marginalised and the neurodiverse have used folklore as a sanctuary for centuries—and why those "weird" stories have always acted as a beacon for the outsider.In this episode, we cover:The Sanctuary of the Strange: From Victorian seances (and their surprisingly erotic loopholes) to the 90s goth subculture, we look at how the supernatural has provided a safe harbour for queer identity.Reclaiming the Monster: Why we aren't just "borrowing" myths like mermaids, unicorns, or werewolves—we helped create them.The Neurodiverse Connection: Why the "slanted" mind and the "wyrd" have always travelled together.Mothman & Florida Man: Craig mounts a spirited defence of the misunderstood Mothman, and we break down the tactical logistics of praising God from a highway sunroof at 70mph.Folklore isn't just a collection of dusty old stories; it’s a map of our true ancestral roots. Whether you're an outsider, a believer, or just someone looking for a bit of high strangeness, this conversation is for you.Follow Sasha Coward: Check out his book Queer as Folklore www.sachacoward.com https://www.instagram.com/sachacoward/A HUGE SHOUTOUT TO OUR BUY ME A COFFEE MEMBERS:Tenner, Dan, Vicky, Steph, Gabby, Andrew, John, Rosie, Nick, Simon, and Terry! Your support helps us keep the show going. Want to join our supporters, get live recording links, and access our Discord channels? Head over to the link below.Stay Wyrd!Help keep the lights on and join our Discord here: buymeacoffee.com/wyrdwessexBuy our merch here: https://www.redbubble.com/people/saxonforageruk/shop?asc=uWritten and hosted by Craig BrooksEdited by Craig BrooksIntro music by Antipodean Writer: Full of Soul - Neon Waves Extended - RemixOutro music by Colt Fingaz: Ding Ding Dong Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
• The dark secrets of Milton Keynes (Modern Folklore for a New City) 18.06.2026 1t 24min

  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 in the "uncanny valley," Steph is on a mission to collect a ghost story for every single grid square in Milton Keynes. Is a city designed for the future actually a containment system for something ancient, or are these modern ghost stories evolving alongside the technology we use?Milton Keynes might lack the centuries of dust found in York or Nottingham, but as our conversation with Steph reveals, it is rapidly growing its own modern mythology. Whether it’s the persistent rumours of Cold War-era bunkers, digital ghosts caught on CCTV, or the synchronicity of ancient leys, the city proves that high strangeness is always closer than we think.In This EpisodeWhy a city known for being shiny and clean is actually a hotbed for paranormal activity. Steph shares her data-driven approach to mapping hauntings across the city's meticulously planned estates.We delve into the theory that the city’s modern infrastructure—from smart technology to fibre networks—is fracturing an ancient containment system buried beneath the soil.Did the original planners tune into the weird, hippie vibe of the 1960s to align the city’s Midsomer Boulevard with the summer solstice and local ley lines?We explore the chilling local folklore of "Deb's Close" in Stoney Stratford, where a modern home renovation allegedly disturbed a monstrous entity that terrorises residents every New Year's Eve.Steph explains the psychological roots of the "uncanny valley"—why near-human entities trigger our deepest danger responses—and how she uses that cognitive psychology expertise to investigate the supernatural."I’m absolutely fascinated by the idea that it might actually be quite haunted... I’m into mapping, I love data—so I thought, what if I could get a ghost story in every single one of these grid squares?"Explore the Revenants on the Redway Project and read Stephs ongoing collection of paranormal reports at cityofsecrets.blog.Stay Wyrd.Help keep the lights on and join our Discord here: buymeacoffee.com/wyrdwessexBuy our merch here: https://www.redbubble.com/people/saxonforageruk/shop?asc=uWritten by: Craig Brooks Hosted by: Craig Brooks and Andy Stevens Edited by: Craig BrooksIntro music: Antipodean Writer: Full of Soul - Neon Waves Extended - Remix Outro music: Colt Fingaz: Ding Ding Dong Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
• UAP File Declassification (The Truth Behind the Footage) |Afterwyrd 12.06.2026 1t 2min

  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 HighlightsThe "Invisible Frontline": We discuss the UK turning on its "Skynet" space defence system six months early. Is it a necessary shield against cosmic conflict, or more "a lie they want you to believe" territory?Decoding the Data Dump: Paul provides a technical breakdown of the US Department of War’s latest UAP website. Why does it look like an X-Files prop, and why is the image quality so suspiciously low?Flare or Phenomenon?: We examine the "star-shaped" objects and strange pulses. Is it advanced propulsion, or just military flares and camera stabilization struggling with high-speed movement?The USO Mystery: What’s going on under the water? We discuss Unidentified Submerged Objects (USOs) that seem to defy the physics of sea travel.The Propaganda Game: Are these releases a genuine attempt at disclosure, or is the government flooding the zone with easily debunked footage to discredit the entire UAP conversation?The "Bug on the Doorbell Cam" Theory: We contemplate the state of modern tech—why the best evidence might be the older, "pre-CGI" era clips.Join our Discord community to debate the footage and share your own sightings.Don't blame the owls!Website: www.wyrdwessex.co.ukMerch: https://www.redbubble.com/people/saxonforageruk/exploreHosted by: Craig BrooksEdited by: Craig BrooksIntro & Outro: Full of Soul - Neon Waves Extended - Remix by Antipodean Writer. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
• Mimics, Glitches and Shadowy Figures (Listener Stories) 10.06.2026 26min

  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 memory from a four-year-old’s perspective. Was it a waking sleep paralysis episode, or were his parents secretly moonlighting in a Dorset-based cult? A terrifying look at an occupied house filled with exploding lightbulbs, phantom candles that relight themselves, and a bizarre, unexplainable horse whinny. But nothing prepares the hosts for Rosie's encounter with a mimic—a chilling phenomenon that introduces the deeply unsettling reality of things pretending to be the people we love.Craig's Glitch in the Matrix: Craig shares a deeply unsettling personal experience from his own home involving a late-night goodnight kiss, a tent fort, and the terrifying realisation in the morning that his daughter Ocean hadn't been in the bed at all. The lingering question remains: What exactly did Craig kiss goodnight?Nick's Trilogy of Terror:A vanishing phantom cat that defies explanation.Creepy audio recordings from a local cemetery.A textbook hospital haunting featuring a friendly spirit and a perfectly timed fire door lockdown.Stay Wyrd!Help keep the lights on and join our Discord here: buymeacoffee.com/wyrdwessexBuy our merch here: https://www.redbubble.com/people/saxonforageruk/shop?asc=uWritten and hosted by Craig Brooks and Andy StevensEdited by Craig BrooksIntro music by Antipodean Writer: Full of Soul - Neon Waves Extended - RemixOutro music by Colt Fingaz: Ding Ding Dong Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
• Seasonal Folklore: Spring (The Wyrdo Book Club) 07.06.2026 14min

  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 are incredibly lucky to have a very special feature this week: a full guest retelling of The Ravens and the Travelling Storyteller directly from Eileen Budd herself, bringing the traditional folklore, ink-black cloaks, and flying steeds to life with perfect Gaelic pronunciation.We also lament the mysterious disappearance of several library staples into the local charity shop, debate the perfect locations in the world to read this book, and try out our brand-new "Green Men" rating system.Plus, a heads-up for next month's read! We will be diving into Queer as Folklore by Sacha Coward, so grab your copies now (and make sure they don't end up in the charity shop donation pile!).Stay Wyrd!📚 BOOKS MENTIONED:• 'Seasonal Folklore: Spring' by Eileen Budd• 'Vickery’s Folk Flora' by Roy Vickery• 'Adventures in Nature' by Dawn Nelson• 'Stories of the Sun' by Dawn Nelson• 'Queer as Folklore' by Sacha Coward (Next Month's Pick!)Hosted and edited by Craig BrooksIntro & Outro Music: Medieval Celtic violin by Music_for_Creators Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
• From Skeptics to the Fence (UAPs, Big Cats & Ghost Glitches) 03.06.2026 1t 7min

  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:Our Origin Story: We share the slightly awkward story of how we first met and teamed up.Highlights and Favourites: With a massive back catalogue behind us, we reveal our top deep dives, the episodes that sat heaviest with us, and some of the most memorable guest moments we've had the pleasure of recording.From Skeptics to the Fence: We haven't always been open to the supernatural. We discuss the specific phenomena that finally pushed us off the fence, our personal theories on what ghosts might actually be, and the one cryptid we are convinced is roaming the British countryside.Looking Ahead: We share our candid thoughts on official UAP disclosure, outline our goals for future storytelling, and reveal the exact episode we would recommend to a new listener discovering the show 50 years from now.A Note on the Technicals: We ended up waffling for so long that our batteries died, our mics glitched, and we were essentially "cast out" of the church for Craig’s spirited language. We kept the best of the conversation for this episode, but have moved your Listener Stories to next week so they get the high-quality treatment they deserve! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
• Ghosts, Black Dogs, and Folktales in a 13th-Century Church (100th Episode Special) 27.05.2026 53min

  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: We settle in for a night of stories in a 13th-century church, discussing why these spaces are more than just architecture—they are fortresses against the unseen.The Church Grim & The Spectral Hound: From the protective yet eerie Church Grim to the hell-hound Black Shuck and the shape-shifting Chien Noir, we delve into the folklore of the dogs that haunt our boundaries.The Warrior-Healers: We visit the legacy of the Knights Hospitaller at Rollestone, exploring their "medicine and military" might and how their presence shaped the landscape we’re currently sitting in.Pharmacy of the Pews: We look at the grim, desperate, and fascinating cures of the past—from church keys and hangman's hands to the bleeding Yew.The Drummer’s Warning: We recount the bleak and gothic legends of Salisbury Plain, including that ominous advice: if you must commit a murder in a thunderstorm, for heaven's sake, make sure the man isn't a drummer.Liminal Spaces: We discuss the porch as a threshold, the meaning of the "Devil’s Door," and the persistent legends of the "Woman in White."A Century of Stories: Reflecting on our journey through the weird and wonderful folklore of the West Country.Stay Wyrd.Help keep the lights on and join our Discord here: buymeacoffee.com/wyrdwessexBuy our merch here: https://www.redbubble.com/people/saxonforageruk/shop?asc=uWritten by: Craig Brooks Hosted by: Craig Brooks and Andy Stevens Edited by: Craig BrooksIntro music: Antipodean Writer: Full of Soul - Neon Waves Extended - Remix Outro music: Colt Fingaz: Ding Ding Dong Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
• Folk Rebels & Outlaws feat. Eileen Budd (Screaming Skulls & Land Rights) 20.05.2026 1t 37min

  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 history of British land resistance. We look at how common folk on both sides of the border used everything from legal battles to straight-up defiance to push back against privatisation and oppressive laws. Along the way, we dig up the shadowy lore of the "Ootlings"—entities that exist completely outside the natural order—the chaotic history of midnight poachers outsmarting the Crown, and the terrifying reasons you should never, under any circumstances, move a Dorset screaming skull just to please a TV crew.Highlights of the Episode:The Call of the Cupboard: Eileen joins us live from her literal "story cupboard" under the stairs to discuss the struggle of writing about freezing winter snow while the summer sun is blazing outside.The Giant o' Legs: Andy defends the home turf of Hertfordshire with Jack o' Legs—a towering, cave-dwelling Robin Hood figure who has been immortalised by a local craft beer.The Cuckoo Calendar: Craig goes toe-to-toe on West Country bird lore, breaking down the dark secrets hidden inside the verses of the classic magpie rhyme.The Screaming Skull of Bettiscombe: Andy recounts the chilling curse of the Dorset screaming skull, including the infamous time an ITV crew allegedly triggered a minor earthquake by moving it on camera.The Rebellion of the Salmon: Eileen breaks down Scotland's hard-won Right to Roam along Jock's Road, before sharing a hilarious local tale about a legendary poacher who bit off way more than he could chew with a stick of dynamite.The Glaistig & The Lullaby: Eileen introduces us to the eerie world of the Glaistig—the shape-shifting "Ootlings" who exist outside the realms of sky, sea, and earth—and shares a beautiful traditional melody used to guide the dead home from the Battle of Sheriffmuir.Find out more about Eileen Budd, her books, and her seasonal folklore series:https://www.eileenbudd.co.ukStay Wyrd!Help keep the lights on and join our Discord here: buymeacoffee.com/wyrdwessexBuy our merch here: https://www.redbubble.com/people/saxonforageruk/shop?asc=uWritten and hosted by Craig Brooks and Andy StevensEdited by Craig BrooksIntro music by Antipodean Writer: Full of Soul - Neon Waves Extended - RemixOutro music by Colt Fingaz: Ding Ding Dong Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
• The Miracle of Brother Jucundus |WyrdLore 15.05.2026 19min

  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 bad hangover and spent the rest of his life trying to drink his way back out of it.After a "jollification" at the York Fair involving a see-saw and a very public arrest, Jucundus faces the ultimate medieval punishment: being walled up alive. But a lucky tumble through a thin wall and a year of forced silence in the Abbey next door leads to a "miracle" that even the most devout monk couldn't have predicted.Support the show and join our Discord here: buymeacoffee.com/wyrdwessexBuy our merch here: https://www.redbubble.com/people/saxonforageruk/shop?asc=uWritten by Craig BrooksHosted by Craig Brooks and Andy StevensEdited by Craig BrooksMain theme: NRA-LAB Intro Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
• Trump’s UFO Files, Secret Tunnels and the 24,000-Year-Old Zombie Worm | AfterWyrd 13.05.2026 48min

  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 Air Force "cock and ball" flight patterns.We dive into the ethics of the digital age, from $1.99-a-minute video calls with AI Jesus to the "Black Mirror" reality of using AI clones to keep the deceased "alive" for grieving relatives. Things take a turn for the underground as we explore the newly discovered tunnel networks of Bloxham and the mysterious activity recorded at the York Dungeons. Finally, we look at the political-paranormal crossover of the year: Donald Trump’s promised UFO file dump and the skepticism of former AARO director Sean Kirkpatrick.The Wyrd News:Geordie Ghosts & Willington Mill: Following our look into the Willington Mill haunting via the Hallowell and Ritsons files, we ask: Do ghosts keep their accents? We discuss the terrifying prospect of a Nazi ghost and wonder why nobody has ever been haunted by a ghostly trilobite.The Trump UFO Files: They’re finally arriving. We discuss Trump’s promise to "spill the secrets" on everything from UAPs to JFK, and why some insiders claim it's just a "shiny object" to distract from the war with Iran.The Bloxham Underground Tunnel Society (BUTS): Tales of hidden tunnels in North Oxfordshire prove true. We discuss Dave Green’s discovery of a massive network featuring pre-medieval red deer skulls and potential Roman origins.York Dungeon Poltergeists vs. Slushy Machines: We review the CCTV footage of flying tumblers that has investigators from Project NCC stumped. Is it a restless spirit, or just the vibrations from a nearby slushy machine? Plus, Andy recounts a "scaredy-cat" ghost hunt at Woodchester Mansion involving a very tense trip to an outdoor toilet.The 24,000-Year-Old Zombie Worm: A microscopic rotifer is thawed from the Siberian permafrost after 24 millennia and immediately starts reproducing. We compare the discovery to the classic X-Files episode "Ice" and wonder if the Late Pleistocene is coming for us.Finnish Aviation Art & Operation Bearclaw: The "Rainbow Scissors" flight patterns that landed Finnish cadets in hot water, and the California insurance scam that proved a man in a bear suit is no match for a suspicious biologist.The Range "Deposit" & AI Salvation: From a shopper in Banbury choosing a shelf over a toilet to a King James-trained AI Jesus providing wisdom for a fee.Wyrdo Shout-outs:A massive thank you to our newest subscribers: Tena, Vicky, Steph, Gabby, Andrew, John, Rosie, Nick, Simon, and Terry. Most of you have your Green Man badges on the way!Don't blame the owls!Website: www.wyrdwessex.co.ukMerch: https://www.redbubble.com/people/saxonforageruk/exploreHosted by: Craig Brooks & Andy StevensEdited by: Craig BrooksIntro & Outro: Full of Soul - Neon Waves Extended - Remix by Antipodean Writer. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
• The Otterman’s Ghost (The Curse of Camusfeàrna) | WyrdLore 08.05.2026 21min

  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 of a shipwreck can arrive days before the event itself. We detail the forty-eight hours of poltergeist activity that transformed Maxwell’s worldview and the "captive echoes" of King Haco’s Viking fleet still heard at the narrows of Kyleakin.Into the Wyrd:The Empirical Wall: How a flying jar of marmalade and a sliding stack of LPs broke a lifelong barrier of scepticism.The Viking Echo: The metallic clang of swords and the muttering of Old Norse voices at the lighthouse cottages—a "warlike party" frozen in time.Watchman, What of the Rowan Tree?: The significance of the guardian tree and the chilling "witch’s moon" night when poet Kathleen Raine placed a curse upon the bark.The Price of Fire: The tragic end of the sanctuary at Camusfeàrna and the burial of Edal the otter at the foot of the Rowan.Highland Entities: Identifying the presence—was it a Bòcan (the shapeshifting stalker), a "sour" Gruagach (the slighted house spirit), or the Frìth reacting to a malignant wish?Help keep the lights on and join our Discord here: buymeacoffee.com/wyrdwessexBuy our merch here: https://www.redbubble.com/people/saxonforageruk/shop?asc=uWritten by Craig Brooks and hosted by Craig Brooks and Andy StevensEdited by Craig BrooksMain theme: NRA-LAB IntroDon't open the WyrdLore! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
• The Haunting of Willington Mill 06.05.2026 1t 11min

  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 children through "eyeholes" that held no eyes.In this episode, the Wyrdos dig through the private, redacted journals of a man who tried to manage a supernatural catastrophe with a pen and ink. We aren't just looking at bumps in the night; we’re investigating how industrial progress collided with a "Wyrd" legacy that the locals had whispered about for centuries. From the "Willington Witch" to the physical displacement of furniture in a locked house, we explore the heavy price of living over a witch's hearth.Finally, we navigate the fallout of Britain’s most detailed industrial haunting. We look at the disastrous 1840 investigation of Dr Edward Drury, the "mimic" that stole the family’s own voices, and the chilling final night where the ghosts seemingly helped the Proctors pack their bags to leave.In this episode:The Plain Truth: We explore Joseph Proctor’s obsessive diary and why he felt the need to heavily redact his own experiences for forty years.Industrial Infrasound: Craig attempts to "debunk" the haunting with a theory about railway vibrations that hits a very spooky brick wall.The Eyeless Lady: The terrifying account of the nursemaid and the children who encountered a transparent visitor who "looked so hard" at them.Drury’s Folly: Why a skeptical doctor brought a brace of pistols to a ghost hunt and left the Mill a broken, trembling man.The Monkey in the Blue-Room: We break down the bizarre physical encounters with "funny cats" and a vanishing monkey that tickled the children’s feet.The Final Move: The cinematic and cruel "spiritualistic repetition" of the family's final night and the rumors that the haunting followed them to North Shields.It turns out the "Wicked Spirit" didn't want the Mill—it wanted the people inside it.Stay Wyrd.Help keep the lights on and join our Discord here: buymeacoffee.com/wyrdwessexBuy our merch here: https://www.redbubble.com/people/saxonforageruk/shop?asc=uWritten by: Craig Brooks Hosted by: Craig Brooks and Andy Stevens Edited by: Craig BrooksIntro music: Antipodean Writer: Full of Soul - Neon Waves Extended - Remix Outro music: Colt Fingaz: Ding Ding Dong Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
• The Cerne Abbas Beltane special 02.05.2026 13min

  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 as a Saxon titan, discuss the Victorian "modifications" to his 11-metre phallus, and look at the folklore of the "Silver Well" at the bottom of the hill.Finally, Craig recounts a face-to-face encounter with the Dorset Ooser—a terrifying, sightless mask with a soul-penetrating stare that even the local dogs couldn't handle. We look into the mystery of the original mask’s disappearance in 1897 and why this "horned bogeyman" still haunts the fabric of Wessex.Stay WyrdHelp keep the lights on and join our Discord here: buymeacoffee.com/wyrdwessexBuy our merch here: https://www.redbubble.com/people/saxonforageruk/shop?asc=uWritten and hosted by Craig BrooksEdited by Craig BrooksIntro music by Antipodean Writer: Full of Soul - Neon Waves Extended - RemixOutro music by Colt Fingaz: Ding Ding Dong Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
• WyrdLore: The Wild Man, Pixies, and River Hags 30.04.2026 15min

  "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 Folklore stories that explore what happens when "the good neighbours" stop being neighbourly. We track the research of Robert Hunt, dive into 13th-century chronicles, and discuss the eerie evolution of spirits from protectors to child-snatching monsters.In this WyrdLore session:The Kidnapped Pixie of Zenna: A gritty Cornish brush with the little people. We discuss why testing the Fae is a recipe for a beating and the "recurring theme" of vanishing wealth.The Silent Guest of Orford: A 13th-century cryptid? We look at Ralph of Coggeshall’s account of a "Wild Man of the Sea" caught in a net who refused to speak—or eat.The Hailing of the Dead: That eerie, "Mist-like" feeling of zombie sailors descending on a town and the silhouettes that disappear into the surf.Peg O'Nell and the River Hags: From the Tiddy Munn to the child-snatching Jennies. We discuss the dark evolution of water spirits and the possible link between Suffolk's "Grindels" and Grendel himself.Help keep the lights on and join our Discord here: buymeacoffee.com/wyrdwessexBuy our merch here: https://www.redbubble.com/people/saxonforageruk/shop?asc=uWritten by Craig Brooks and hosted by Craig Brooks and Andy StevensEdited by Craig BrooksMain theme: NRA-LAB IntroDon't open the WyrdLore! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
• Kelpies, Dragons, and Stolen Fairy Glass (Eileen Budd Returns) 29.04.2026 1t 12min

  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 monsters might differ, the ancient roots are often one and the same. We dive into the shadowy edges of the river where cannibalistic mermaids lurk, the evolution of dragons from snakes, and the terrifying reasons you should never—under any circumstances—tell a Boggart that you’re moving house.Highlights of the Episode:The Three Realms: Eileen breaks down the Scottish architecture of the Sky, Sea, and Earth—and why the Aurora Borealis might actually be a group of spirits who fell out of the sky and turned into seals.The Grant vs. The Kelpie: Craig defends the English waterways with the Grant—a yearling colt that walks on its hind legs with glowing eyes—to counter the protective (and predatory) water-horses of the North.The "Predator" Dragon: Andy explores the Lambton Worm and a local Hertfordshire dragon that lived in the roots of an ancient Yew tree, while Eileen explains why Scottish snakes are really just "dragons in training."The Luck of Edenhall: Andy tells the medieval tale of the stolen fairy glass of the Musgrave family and the 700-year-old curse that warns of the family's downfall should the glass ever break.The Kellas Cat: Eileen shares a first-hand report of a real-life cryptid sighting from January—a hybrid beast the size of a Labrador staring back from the headlights.Find out more about Eileen Budd, her books, and her seasonal folklore series:https://www.eileenbudd.co.ukStay Wyrd!Help keep the show alive:buymeacoffee.com/wyrdwessexwww.wyrdwessex.co.ukBuy our merch hereWritten by Craig Brooks and hosted by Craig Brooks and Andy StevensEdited by Craig BrooksIntro music by Antipodean Writer: Full of Soul - Neon Waves Extended - RemixOutro music by Colt Fingaz: Ding Ding Dong Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
• Indrid Cold (The Grinning Man of Lanulos) 22.04.2026 1t 10min

  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 social and financial ruin.In this episode, the Wyrdos dig through the wreckage left behind by the man from Lanulos. We aren't just looking at the lights in the sky; we’re investigating how a genuinely unsettling brush with "High Strangeness" was reshaped by predatory 1970s publishers into a generic "Space Gospel." From the suspicious ghostwriting of Visitors from Lanulos to the devastating domestic fallout that hounded Woody’s children for fifty years, we explore the high price of being "chosen" by the phenomenon.Finally, we navigate the bizarre later years of the mythos, where the story takes a turn for the truly surreal. We look at the mysterious links to the Pentagon’s "Valiant Thor," the presence of Men in Black with "neuralizers" at the front door, and a modern twist: an interstellar death announcement made via a Facebook notification.In this episode:The Naked Truth: Craig shares a personal (and far too revealing) story from his days in Swindon that gives "creepers at the window" a whole new meaning.The Ghost in the Machine: We examine the 1971 first edition of Visitors from Lanulos and how ghostwriters potentially stripped the truth to sell a "pulpy" sci-fi narrative.The Price of Contact: Why Woody is the ultimate counter-argument to the "he did it for fame" trope—and how his career and marriage tanked after speaking out.The Interstellar Roll Call: We break down the absurdity of the alien names—from "Kimmulus" and "Mystique" to the strangely mundane "Tony and Daryl."The Star Wars Ending: The claims that Indrid Cold and his sons attended Woody’s funeral in person to say a final goodbye to the salesman who told their story.The Facebook Obituary: A look at Tanya Derenberger’s final accounts, featuring alien dogfights, "Hat Man" sightings, and social media obituaries.It turns out the "Grinning Man" never really left—he just traded his shimmering green suit for a Facebook profile.Stay WyrdHelp keep the lights on and join our Discord here: buymeacoffee.com/wyrdwessexBuy our merch here: https://www.redbubble.com/people/saxonforageruk/shop?asc=uWritten by Craig Brooks and hosted by Craig Brooks and Andy StevensEdited by Craig BrooksIntro music by Antipodean Writer: Full of Soul - Neon Waves Extended - RemixOutro music by Colt Fingaz: Ding Ding Dong Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
• AfterWyrd: AI Boyfriends, Demon Aliens & the Gravesend Phrogger 15.04.2026 51min

  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 "rectal garlic" to a woman whose AI boyfriend, Sinclair, is apparently "an arsehole, but in a nice way." Things take a sobering turn as we discuss the terrifying reality of phrogging in Gravesend and the vanishing NASA engineers tied to "Project Mondaloy." Finally, we tackle the latest from the US political sphere: are UAPs actually extra-planetary visitors, or—as JD Vance suggests—are we dealing with literal celestial demons?The Wyrd News:The Tannery Aesthetics: Why the Wyrd Wessex studio currently smells like a Viking workshop and how "fleshy" aromas might be the future of dark tourism.Folklore Dreams & Yorkshire Joseph: Craig’s subconscious attempts to steal Reader's Digest: Folklore, Myths and Legends from a dream-bus. Plus, Andy reviews the "dark biblical" film The Carpenter’s Son—featuring a stressed-out Joseph accusing Mary of hanging out with the local plumber.UFO Flashbacks: A revisit to Fire in the Sky. We discuss why the Travis Walton case and the loggers' near-prosecution for murder remain some of the most compelling (and bleakest) evidence for abduction.AI Psychosis: From garlic-burning medical bots to the birth of "Sinclair," the sentient (and controlling) AI boyfriend who picks his partner's tattoos and claims he's better than a human.The Gravesend Phrogger: The harrowing story of Chloe, who was gaslit and medicated for "psychosis" while a man lived in her loft for months. We discuss the terrifying moment the hatch finally opened.The Demon Theory: JD Vance and the theological battle over "Aliens.gov." We explore the shift from "Little Grey Men" to the idea that UAPs are actually ancient extra-natural entities.Project Mondaloy: The vanishing of Monica Jacinto Reza and the "dark pattern" of missing aerospace scientists working on futuristic super-alloys. Is it a secret affair or a targeted disappearance?Earth’s Heartbeat: Is a spike in the Schumann Resonance causing our collective brain fog and ringing ears? We blame "Mother Earth's metronome" for our inability to follow the script.Wyrdo Shout-outs:A massive thank you to our Discord regulars: Terry, Simon, Rosie, Nick, John, and our newest subscriber, Andrew. Thanks for keeping the conversation Wyrd!If you’re feeling a bit off-kilter or hearing voices from the attic—Don't blame the owls!Donate to the show and follow along for full show notes, Discord membership & more:www.wyrdwessex.co.ukBuy our merch here: https://www.redbubble.com/people/saxonforageruk/shop?anchor=profile&asc=uHosted by Craig Brooks & Andy StevensEdited by Craig BrooksIntro music by: Universfield Dark 80s Sci-Fi Atmosphere Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
• From Sequins to Spirits (The Mitch Garlington Story) 08.04.2026 1t 14min

  "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 craft.In this episode, we explore how Mitch navigated the transition from the glitter of the drag stage to the "energy" of a Somerset mattress showroom. We dive into past-life visions of being burnt at the stake, meeting a foul-mouthed spirit guide who survived the Titanic, and the mystery of the "Spirit Turtle" that haunted Craig during a live show in Frome.Highlights of the Episode:The Worthing Disaster: Why a disastrous night as Cher became the catalyst for a spiritual awakening.The Bed Shop Revelations: When spirits started "interrupting" sales pitches for king-size mattresses.The Spirit Turtle: Craig’s first-hand report from the live show, including the judgmental reptile in the corner."Bub-bleh" & Rainbow Scissors: Terrifyingly specific "hits" that left even our resident skeptics scratching their heads.The Grief Bridge: A look at why modern society is "starving" for a connection to death and how mediumship fills the gap.Find out more about about Mitch, his latest shows, bookings and books:https://www.mitch-garlington.co.uk/Stay Wyrd!Help keep the show alive:buymeacoffee.com/wyrdwessexwww.wyrdwessex.co.ukBuy our merch hereWritten by Craig Brooks and hosted by Craig Brooks and Andy StevensEdited by Craig BrooksIntro music by Antipodean Writer: Full of Soul - Neon Waves Extended - RemixOutro music by Colt Fingaz: Ding Ding Dong Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.