Dive into the dark pages of history with Sophie and Rachael as they uncover the secrets of the Malleus Maleficarum, the infamous 15th-century “how-to” manual for hunting witches! Discover how this eerie book fueled witch hunts, inspired centuries of paranoia, and the twisted myths it left behind. Is anybody out there brave enough to hear the full story?

October marks Witch Month on the pod! October is dedicated to exploring various aspects of witchcraft, starting with a broad look at the European witch trials.

Other topics we'll cover for Witch Month include, the Malleus Maleficarum (notorious treatise that fueled beliefs in witchcraft and outlined methods for identifying and prosecuting witches), Mental Health and the Witch Craze (exploring psychological theories that may shed light on why the witch trials occurred and how mental health issues played a role), and the Scottish Witch Trials and King James (an examination of the witch trials in Scotland, including the involvement of King James VI, who famously wrote on the subject). Stay tuned as we unravel the mysteries and complexities surrounding witches throughout history.

Join us next episode as we take a deep dive into the Malleus Maleficarum and its impact on shaping perceptions of witchcraft.

We’re back! After a months-long hiatus, Is Anybody Out There? has returned, and we couldn’t be more excited to dive back into the strange and fascinating. In this episode, we take you to 16th century Strasbourg, where a bizarre outbreak gripped the city in the summer of 1518—people dancing uncontrollably, some until they collapsed from exhaustion...or worse. What caused this eerie phenomenon? Was it mass hysteria, ergot poisoning, or something supernatural? Join Sophie and Rachael as we explore the history, theories, and cultural impact of this medieval mystery.

We’re thrilled to reconnect with our amazing listeners and continue unraveling the weird and unexplained. Thanks for your patience during our break—we’ve missed you!

Tune in, share your thoughts, and let’s get back to chasing the unknown!

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