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Sorting through research notes, and getting the new episode ready to release. So many intriguing details that I hardly want to cut any of it out.
I don’t think my new podcasting notebook could be more perfect than this, because I, myself, am strange and unusual. #Beetlejuice
It’s work-yo-ass-off podcasting day for me, and Gomez is in full bat ear mode.
The Strange and Unusual Podcast’s new logo! I love it, including the bit of me acting as the mysterious, hooded guide. Designed by @foulperalta, who also designed a few variations on this that can be seen thestrangeandunusualpodcast.threadless.com, link to that on the website as well.
On top of the world in Culross, looking out on the Firth of Forth.
After reading all about execution by ‘breaking on the wheel’ for episode 12, released yesterday, I’m going to go ahead and add it to my list of ways I’d rather not die. Hope someone’s keeping track.
Episode 12: The Affair of the Poisons, Part 1, is now available. This was a fascinating and dark chapter in the history of France. Along with the first murder case that kicked off the affair, I also explore the world of European alchemy, the search for the philosopher’s stone, Issac Newton, and supposed immortal Nicolas Flamel, and how all of that ties into the 17th century society in which such a scandalous witch hunt was allowed to continue for years. (‘The Laboratory’, Painting by John Collier, 1895)
From my visit to Notre-Dame Cathedral just a few years ago..which also briefly serves as a setting in the upcoming episode. It seems I finally have the technological issues figured out, and though I generally don’t release on weekends, this one is coming tomorrow since the delays have made the wait too long already. This episode is part of an epic two-parter, as the tale just had too many interesting, juicy, dark, and sexy details for me to leave out. Yeah, this is going to be good..😈
Gomez, it seems, has fallen asleep on the job..and isn’t available to assist with the technical problems I’ve run into in posting the new episode. I think I’ve got it about figured out, and will be back once I know it’s been well and truly sorted. Shouldn’t be long now though!
Sitting on the lap of a man-sized bunny, with his arms wrapped tightly around you...not scary at all.
During my research for the episode releasing tomorrow, I learned Easter was definitely not a favorite holiday of any mistress of King Louis XIV, especially his long-time mistress, Françoise-Athénaïs de Montespan, pictured here. Louis was who was a strong believer in absolute monarchy and the divine right of kings, was also a man who reveled in pleasures of the flesh and extreme luxury. Even so, Louis was Catholic and Easter was a time of confession. And every Easter his priest reminded him that it probably wasn’t cool that he slept around with pretty much anything that walked, and that his official mistress Françoise-Athénaïs was married herself, making it an even greater sin. This led Louis to a time of remorse, forsaking his mistress. Françoise-Athénaïs was not a fan of the yearly rebuffing. However, the guilt never really took, and Louis was always back to partaking in sensual pleasures and in the arms of his mistress soon enough. So, happy Easter...hope you’re having a better day than Françoise-Athénaïs ever did!
As the new episode revolves around murder, sex, alchemy, accusations of devil worship, royal mistresses, rumours of human sacrifice, and more..I’m thinking Easter weekend is probably not the most fitting moment for its release.😉 So, instead it will be released on Monday, and as it’s required the most fascinating (and extensive) research I’ve ever done, I really, really can’t wait to share it!
30 years ago today a movie was released that would go on to become one of the big obsessions of my childhood; a movie that would shape my imagination, introduce me to kindred characters, influence the way I saw art, tap into my macabre tendencies in the best way possible, and would then go on to become the inspiration for the name of this podcast. So, happy anniversary, Beetlejuice! My life just wouldn’t be the same without you. 🖤🖤🖤 (art by ninthstreet via redbubble)
Cobblestone for days..
Looking back to a couple years ago, when part of my gig was to be fancy and create beautiful cocktail recipes every week. Seeing this, I’m suddenly missing my naturally nearly-black hair. May be time to change it up again..

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