Shows
Wise Crone Cottage Podcast"Prince Lindworm" - a Danish Folktale (S5, #8)In this episode, the storyteller, Kathy Shimpock, will share the Danish folktale, “Prince Lindworm.” It’s a story of shadow and light, female agency and transformation. It’s also a story with a sequel. This mash-up or compilation of folktales is filled with metaphors and symbols. There is so much to discuss that will carry this on to the next podcast.Story: East of the Sun and West of the Moon: Old Tales from the North, illus. Kay Nielsen (New York: George H. Dorwan Co., 1922). "Strong Fairy Tale Heroines #21: Prince Lindworm" in Seven Miles of Steel Thist...2025-04-0221 min
Wise Crone Cottage Podcast"The Vampire Skeleton Corpse" an Iroquois Folktale (S5, #7)In this episode, the storyteller, Kathy Shimpock, shares the story of "The Vampire Skeleton Corpse." This is a frightening tale from the Iroquois tradition. Although there is never a single meaning for any story, this one has an important teaching for the days ahead.Story: This story is a conflation of early Iroquois variants and my version of the story as told by Joseph Bruchac. Iroquois Stories: Heroes and Heroines, Monsters and Magic as told by Joseph Bruchac (Freedom, CA: The Crossing Press, 1985).Illustration: Birch bark longhouse. Fungus Guy, CC BY-SA 3.0 , via Wik...2025-02-2127 min
Wise Crone Cottage Podcast"A Christmas Carol" - Read Along - Chapter 4-5 (S5, #6)In this episode, the storyteller, Kathy Shimpock, will be reading Charles Dickens’ masterpiece, A Christmas Carol. The work is a novella, first published in London by Chapman & Hall in 1843. Because of the story's length, it will be read over four episodes. This is chapter four and five (or what Dickens called Stave Four, The Last of the Spirits and Stave 5, The End of It). In this story Scrooge will have a visit from "Christmas Future." He will again visit the home of Bob Cratchit and discover the fate of Tiny Tim and of himself too. You'll find a link in the...2024-12-2558 min
Wise Crone Cottage Podcast"A Christmas Carol" - Read Along - Chapter 3 (S5, #5)In this episode, the storyteller, Kathy Shimpock, will be reading Charles Dickens’ masterpiece, A Christmas Carol. The work is a novella, first published in London by Chapman & Hall in 1843. Because of the story's length, it will be read over four episodes. This is chapter three (or what Dickens called Stave Three, The Second of the Three Spirits). In this story Scrooge will have a visit from "Christmas Present." He will visit the home of Bob Cratchit and his nephew Fred. You'll find a link in the credits to the tale, so you can read along. At the end of each rea...2024-12-231h 06
Wise Crone Cottage Podcast"A Christmas Carol" Read Along - Chapter 2 (S5, #4) In this episode, the storyteller, Kathy Shimpock, will be reading Charles Dickens’ masterpiece, A Christmas Carol. The work is a novella, first published in London by Chapman & Hall in 1843. Because of the story's length, it will be read over four episodes. This is chapter two (or what Dickens called Stave Two, The First of the Three Spirits). In this story Scrooge will have a visit from "Christmas Past." He will visit his childhood, time when he was apprenticed, and his failed relationship with Belle. You'll find a link in the credits to the tale, so you can read along. At the en...2024-12-1650 min
Wise Crone Cottage Podcast"A Christmas Carol" Read Along - Chapter 1 (S5, #3)In this episode, the storyteller, Kathy Shimpock, will be reading Charles Dickens’ masterpiece, A Christmas Carol. The work is a novella, first published in London by Chapman & Hall in 1843. Because of the story's length, it will be read over the next four episodes. This is chapter one (or what Dickens called Stave One, Marley’s Ghost). You'll find a link in the credits to the tale, so you can read along. At the end of each reading, there will be questions for you to journal and reflect on. Although Dickens wrote A Christmas Carol long ago, this story is relevant f...2024-12-1357 min
Wise Crone Cottage Podcast"Stribor's Forest": A Croatian Tale (S5, #2)In this episode, the storyteller, Kathy Shimpock, will be reading “Stribor’s Forest.” It’s a Croation literary tale written by Ivana Brlic-Mazuranic. It is a tale longer than most, so grab some tea and your journal before we begin. After listening to this story, you might have some thoughts to jot down and ideas to explore. Story: "Stribor's Forest" by Ivana Brlic-Mazuranic in Croation Tales of Long Ago, trans. by F.S. Copeland (New York: Frederick A. Stokes Co. Pub., 1924). (In Project Gutenberg.)Illustration: Vladimir Kirin.Music: The Snow Queen Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com). Licensed und...2024-11-1136 min
Wise Crone Cottage Podcast"Abandoning the Old Woman"; Elder Abuse & Grief (S5, E1)In this episode, the storyteller, Kathy Shimpock, will explore elder abuse, as seen in stories, folklore and actual life. We'll start our exploration with a practice found in Japanese stories called ubasute or "abandoning the old woman." Then we'll shift to modern day America and the recent death of my friend who was killed by a family member in an unspeakable act of "elder abuse."Story: Uchida, Yoshiko, The Wise Old Woman. New York: Margaret K. McElderry Books, 1994. Illustration: By Yoshitoshi ( Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=12303980muian04/04yoshitoshi05037.jpg )For more i...2024-10-0227 min
Wise Crone Cottage Podcast"The Old Woman and the Tiger" - A Chinese folk tale (S4, E12)In this episode, the storyteller, Kathy Shimpock, will explore the Chinese folktale, “The Old Woman and the Tiger.” The story is retold by Mary Hemingway who grew up in northern China. In this story, we’ll see a different side of the wise crone archetype. No longer a side character, she is now the protagonist. And rather than serving as the “helper,” this old woman puts herself first. She shows us that one person can make a difference and achieve justice to boot. It’s an old message but especially relevant today.Story: Mary Hemingway, “The Old Woman and the Tig...2024-09-0125 min
Wise Crone Cottage PodcastCackling and Crackling: “Frau Trude” Starts a Fire (S4, E11)In this episode, the storyteller, Kathy Shimpock explores the Grimm tale “Frau Trude.” It’s a short didactic story that allows for many surprising interpretations. Whether she be a witch or a crone, there’s a lot of cackling and crackling going on. Hopefully, we can stay out of the fire without getting burnt! Either way, she's a friend you'll want to have. Fingers crossed! My latest blog post discusses the color implications in this story. Check it out to learn even more!Story: Jacob and Wilhelm Grimm, Frau Trude, Kinder- und Hausmärchen (Children's and Household...2024-07-2624 min
Wise Crone Cottage PodcastEpisode 9: "Hecate at the Crossroads"In this episode the Storyteller Kathy Shimpock explores the relationship of the crone within the maiden, mother, and crone trilogy. She tells the Greek myth of "Demeter and Persephone" and shares a lesser known variation in which Hecate plays a pivotal role.Story: "Demeter & Persephone" (a traditional Greek myth) as told by Kathy Shimpock. Cover illustration: "The Night of Enitharmon's Joy," by William Blake, 1795.Music: The Snow Queen Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com). Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License. http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/ Copyright 2020 Kathy Shimpock. All rights reserved.Support the show...2024-06-2822 min
Wise Crone Cottage PodcastChatting 'Bout "Tatterhood" (S4, #10)In this episode, the storyteller, Kathy Shimpock, meets again with Master Hypnotherapist, Linda Bennett. Together they discuss the Norwegian folktale, "Tatterhood," and explore its many meanings and interpretations by looking at its symbols, metaphors, and archetypes. It's a fascinating model for dream interpretation too. Part 2 of their conversation continues on the "Crone & Queen's Fireside Podcast" where they discuss ways traditional stories can be used as a tool for personal growth and holistic healing. They explore the work of psychologist, Milton Erickson and share ways they've used stories within their own practice. As you’ll soon see, stories can be used to...2024-05-2845 min
Wise Crone Cottage Podcast"Tatterhood" - A Norwegian Folktale (S4, #9)In this episode, the storyteller, Kathy Shimpock, will explore a little known Norwegian folktale, "Tatterhood." It's a story in which an unexpected, young girl goes on a hero's journey. She has quite a surprising role to play in a very unusual story.Story: Peter Christen Asbjørnsen and Jørgen Moe, Lurvehette [Tatterhood], Norske Folkeeventyr (Christiania [Oslo], 1842-1852), translated by George Webb Dasent (1859). Translation revised by D. L. Ashliman. © 2001. More on Tatterhood:"Dreams Vermilion" by Sara Cleto and Brittany Warman on Corvid Queen."The Feminine, Libido and Narcissism: Tatterhood Who Rides a Goat (Norwegian)," by Max...2024-04-0942 min
Wise Crone Cottage PodcastArchetypes in Story & Life (S4, #8)In this episode, the storyteller, Kathy Shimpock, will discuss archetypes with renowned hypnotherapist Linda Bennett. Together, we’ll identify common archetypes and discover how they can be identified in both life and stories.Cover Image: Photo by Linda Bennett.To learn more about Linda Bennett, check out her website for services offered (https://www.lindahypnoqueen.com). For more information on Kathy Shimpock's transpersonal work see (https://www.symbolsofsoul.com). The book referenced in the podcast as "Story Myths" is Winning the Story Wars: Why Those Who Tell - and Live - the Best Stories Will Rule the F...2024-02-0143 min
Wise Crone Cottage PodcastKrampus, Goblins & Switches, Oh, My! (S4, #7)In this episode, the storyteller, Kathy Shimpock, will focus on the Shadow side of the Christmas holiday. Not all folklore surrounding this time is happy and gay; some of the characters are birthed from our deepest nightmares. This time, we’ll look at Krampus and the goblins from Charles Dickens’s imagination. She'll read “The Story of the Goblins Who Stole a Sexton.” It’s a shadowy precursor to the Dickens' story “A Christmas Carol.”Story: Dickens, Charles, "Goblins Who Stole a Sexton" in The Pickwick Papers. Part 10. 1837.Cover Image: "An Extraordinary Supernatural Visitor -The Goblin King, illustrated...2023-12-2845 min
Wise Crone Cottage Podcast"Go I Know Not Whither and Fetch I Know Not What" - Part II (S4, #6) In this episode, the storyteller Kathy Shimpock, will continue our discussion of the Russian folktale "Go I Know Not Whither and Fetch I Know Not What." In doing so, we'll learn a bit more about Baba Yaga, the Slavic character who's part witch and part wise crone. Who is she in this story? Maybe it's a bit of both. (Because this is a long story, our discussion is broken into two parts. Last month the story was shared and this episode furthers the discussion.)Story: "Go I Know Not Whither and Fetch I Know Not What." Adapted from...2023-12-1325 min
Wise Crone Cottage Podcast"Go I Know Not Whither, Fetch I Know Not What" - A Russian Tale (S4, #5)In this episode, the storyteller Kathy Shimpock, will read the Russian tale, “Go I Know Not Whither, Fetch I Know Not What.” It’s a story with two crones: one the wise crone and the other the infamous Baba Yaga. Perhaps she’s a wise crone too. Only time will tell. (Because this is a long story, our discussion will be broken into two parts. This month is the story and next month will be the discussion.)Story: "Go I Know Not Whither and Fetch I Know Not What." Adapted from Bain, R. Nisbet, Russian Fairy Tales: From the Ska...2023-11-0540 min
Wise Crone Cottage Podcast"Old Rinkrank": a Grimm Brothers Tale (S4, #4)In this episode, the storyteller, Kathy Shimpock, will read the story of “Old Rinkrank.” It’s a Grimm Brother’s tale with a surprising ending. We’ll discuss the innocent persecuted heroine and how her journey differs from the traditional hero’s journey tales. Where is the wise crone in this story? I can’t wait to tell you!Story: "Old Rinkrank" in Grimm's Household Tales, eds. Jacob Grimm and Wilhelm Grimm. London: George Bell and Sons, 1884. Cover Image: Illustrated by John Dickson Batten. "The Glassy Hill," in More English Fairy Tales, eds. Joseph Jacobs (1890-1893). Music: The Snow...2023-10-0825 min
Wise Crone Cottage Podcast"The Maiden in the Castle of Rosy Clouds" (S4, #3)In this episode, the storyteller, Kathy Shimpock, will read the literary fairy tale, "The Maiden in the Castle of Rosy Clouds." It's a story written by the Swedish author Harald Ostenson in the early 20th century. We'll identify the differences between traditional folktales and literary tales. Finally, we'll discuss how older characters are depicted in stories and discover how a hero's journey can become an example of positive aging.Story: Ostenson, Harald, "The Maiden in the Castle of Rosy Clouds"( in Jungfrun i Rosiga Molnens Borg, 1911). Great Swedish Fairy Tales, ed. by Elsa Olenius, trans. by Holger Lun...2023-08-0132 min
Wise Crone Cottage PodcastThe Wise Crone Meets the Devil Again and Again! (S4, #2)In this episode, we’ll look at three stories in which an old woman meets and outwits the devil. The first is “Devil’s Bridge,” a Welsh legend. The second, “The Devil and His Grandmother,” is a German folktale recorded by the Brothers’ Grimm. The last story, “Kitta Grau” is from Sweden. The old woman in these tales runs the course of characters from helper to hero and villain too. But no matter what her role, the wise crone knows exactly what to do to come out on top! Story: Baring-Gould, S., A Book of South Wales (London: Methuen and Co...2023-06-2030 min
Wise Crone Cottage PodcastMore Hands Lost and Found (S4, #1)In the last "Wise Crone Cottage Podcast," storyteller, Kathy Shimpock shared the Grimm fairy tale "The Girl Without Hands." This is a continuation of that discussion. This time we'll focus on the earlier 1812 version of the story. We'll see how the Handless Maiden shifts from a persecuted figure into a heroine. We'll also explore the ways this story has been used for both healing and empowering. Finally, Kathy will share her version of this tale. I wonder which you'll enjoy best. I'm sure the wise crone knows. [For best understanding, start by listening to the Season 4, Episode 1 podcast or read th...2023-05-0628 min
Wise Crone Cottage Podcast"Hands Lost & Found" - Variations on a Grimm Theme (S3, #12)In this episode, the storyteller, Kathy Shimpock, will explore the Grimm tale, "The Girl Who Lost Her Hands." It's a story that packs a punch and leaves listeners quaking in the dust. Well, maybe that's a bit extreme. You can judge for yourself! We'll look at several versions of the story, its derivation and multiple interpretations. And finally, and perhaps most importantly, there will be an interview with the Handless Maiden herself. Who will give the interview? Why the wise crone, that's who! Story: from Jacob and Wilhelm Grimm, "Das Mädchen ohne Hände," Kinder- und Hausmärchen...2023-04-0836 min
Wise Crone Cottage PodcastNisse vs. Crone - "Round the Norwegian Yule- Log" (S3, #11) In this episode, we’ll be exploring the folklore around the "nisse," a Norwegian house spirit, found throughout Scandinavia (by different names). I’ll read the story “Round the Yule Log,” by P. Chr. Asbjornsen which includes several folktales. Further, we’ll reflect on the negative stereotype of the old maid. What should we do with the stories from the past that no longer fit with our modern sensibilities?Story: from P. Chr. Asbjornsen, “Round the Yule-Log" In Christmas in Norway. Boston, MA: Colonial Press, 1895. (Found at Project Gutenberg: https://www.gutenberg.org/files/31993/31993-h/31993-h.htm). Cover photo: Fro...2023-02-2555 min
Wise Crone Cottage PodcastThe Cailleach in "The Adventures of the Sons of Eochaid Mugmedon" (S3, #10)In this episode, we’ll be exploring the Cailleach, the Celtic goddess of winter. She’s found in both mythology and folktales in Ireland and Scotland. She sometimes appears as the sovereignty goddess. I’ll read the Irish myth, “The Adventures of the Sons of Eochaid Mugmedon,” which addresses issues of gender, power, land, and kingship. Further, we’ll reflect on our cultural taboos around aging women and how they continue to impact us today. Story: Adapted from “The Adventures of the Sons of Eochaid Mugmedon" found at the Celtic Literature Collective.Cover photo: Pixabay.Music: The Snow...2023-01-0234 min
Wise Crone Cottage Podcast"Ariadne’s Thread" - A Twist on a Greek Myth (S3, #9)In this episode, the storyteller, Kathy Shimpock, will tell you the Greek myth of Theseus and the Minotaur. Her version is one you may not have heard before, for it tells this story from the eyes of Ariadne. In doing so, we’ll discover how a single shift in perspective can make all the difference.Story: Derived from "Ariadne's Lament" by Catullus.Cover illustration: Statue of Sleeping Ariadne in the Vatican Museums. Music: The Snow Queen Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com). Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License. http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/.Copyright 2022 Kathy Shimpock. ...2022-11-0436 min
Wise Crone Cottage PodcastWhy We Still Remember "Star Wars" and King Arthur's Court (S3, #8)In this episode we'll reflect on two stories that demand retelling. In each tale (from "Star Wars" to King Arthur), we'll see how the story is poised to continue through the intervention of a single storyteller. In the sharing of the story, its meaning, values, and Truth continue to inspire and motivate those who stop to listen and tell again.Story: White, T.H., The Once and Future King. New York: G. P. Putnam's, 1939. "Star Wars, the Rise of Skywalker," J.J. Abrams, director. San Francisco, CA: Lucas Films, 2020.Cover illustration: Photographs by Pixabay.Music: The Sn...2022-09-2228 min
Wise Crone Cottage Podcast"The Witches' Excursion" an Irish Folktale (S3, #7)In this episode we’ll explore the Irish folktale “The Witches Excursion.” It was recorded by Patrick Kennedy in the book Legendary Fictions of the Irish Celts published in 1866. Like the Grimm tale, “Frau Holle,” here is another story that began as a myth and became a folktale. We’ll discuss how the character of Queen Medb is reflected in this tale and how the wise crone once again saves the day! Story: "The Witches' Excursion" collected and narrated by Patrick Kennedy in Legendary Fictions of the Irish Celts (London: Macmillan), 1866.Cover illustration: Woodcut by Mathers' Wonders of the In...2022-08-1420 min
Wise Crone Cottage Podcast"From Bluebeard to Mr. Fox - Corrupting the Legend" (S3, #6)In these very dark days, when the world has gone awry, a story comes out of the darkness. In this episode, we're entering a haunting tale with storyteller, Kathy Shimpock. It is a dire tale rarely told to children. Over time, the story grew even darker, more dire and its message corrupted. It is the corruption of that message, that we'll explore. And so, before we can get to the hope, and before we can get to the light, we must first enter the secret chamber of Bluebeard! Sadly, it’s a place we are all too familiar with.2022-06-0736 min
Wise Crone Cottage Podcast"The Brewery of Eggs" - An Irish Story (S3, #5)In this episode, we're in the world of Irish fairies with the storyteller, Kathy Shimpock. Our story is called "The Brewery of Eggs." It's a changeling legend in which the wise old woman saves the day by bringing the right baby home. We're also going to explore how women stories may be coded, so they can share topics too difficult to address directly. Stories: Croker, T. Crofton, Fairy Legends & Traditions of the South of Ireland. Philadelphia: Lea & Blanchard, 1844.Cover illustration: "The Changeling" by Arthur Rackham, 1905.Music: The Snow Queen Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com). Licensed under Creative Commons...2022-04-2824 min
Wise Crone Cottage Podcast"Interview with Medusa" - The Wise Crone Speaks (S3, #4)In this episode, we’ll meet Medusa with the storyteller, Kathy Shimpock. Some call Medusa a Gorgon, others a cursed beauty. Maligned in popular media, controversy has followed Medusa wherever she goes. In her first recorded interview, Medusa will sit down with the Wise Crone for a tell-all exchange. Her visit is courtesy of the Jungian technique “active imagination.” Hold on to your seats, there is much more to come!Stories: "Interview with Medusa" by Kathy Shimpock.Cover illustration: Pixabay (http://www.pixabay.com).Music: The Snow Queen Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com). Licensed under Creative Commons: By At...2022-03-2028 min