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The New Witches101. The Girls Get Loosey Goosey- Episode 101 -As mentioned, we'll have some unstructured episodes this year and this episode is just that. We discuss gender, humor, mental health and healing, inner child work, and what we want to focus on in our craft this year.Maria mentions @the.holistic.psychologist as a page everyone should follow. For anyone interested in getting in touch with their inner child, check out @HopeHealingArts!Support the show2023-03-011h 23The New WitchesListener Stories #23We're back with another Listener Stories episode, and this is a good one. We answer questions to some new witches, read some heartwarming paranormal stories, as well as the most intense paranormal story we've read from a listener to date. Plus, hear Maria and Laura debate on whether haunted dolls are really something to be scared of or not!Support the show2022-06-2859 minThe New Witches98. The Controversial Murder Conviction of Darlie RoutierMaria and Laura are finally back together from break, and we are so excited to tell you about the changes to the podcast. Not too much is changing, but tune into this episode to hear what's coming up! In this Spooky episode, Maria covers the murders of brothers Devon and Damon Routier in Rowlett, Texas in 1996 ... as well as the investigation and arrest of their own mother Darlie Routier as the lead suspect. But nothing is quite as it seems, and there is more than meets the eye in this homocide investigation. This is one of those cases where...2022-06-121h 47The New WitchesListener Stories #22Hello, lovely listeners! Maria flying solo here since Laura has lost her voice, and we know we have been on a long break so we thought we would release something for y'all! I'm super excited to read these stories and hope you enjoy them too! This episode's stories include poltergeists, haunted tequila, UFOs, weird dreams, visits from passed loved ones, and some great witchy journey stories. We should be back next week with Laura for a new episode and get back into the swing of things! Stay witchy and keep it creepy!Support the show2022-06-061h 02The New Witches95. The Kuřim Case + Amargosa Opera House & HotelAnyone craving a bonkers, super-horrific true crime story with so many layers, twists and turns, and which seems to overlap every crime category imaginable? Well, Laura delivered, y'all! Tune in for Laura's coverage of the Kuřim Case ... a crime case that is said to have inspired the plot of the movie Orphan (2009). Then, Maria covers the paranormal goings-on at the Amargosa Opera House & Hotel—an old adobe style building in the middle of Death Valley in southern California with a population of less than 4 people. Plus, listen to her struggle to pronounce "Mercury Retrograde"!Support the sho...2022-04-141h 30The New Witches93. Synanon Cult + Busby's Chair of DeathIn this episode we dive into a topic we haven't touched in a while—cults! Maria covers the story of Synanon, a sobriety group that turned sinister once its leader Charles Dederich let the power go to his head (quelle surprise!) For paranormal, Laura covers the curse of Busby's Death Chair. A chair so loved by its original owner that he forbade anyone to sit in it, lest they wish to meet an untimely death.Support the show2022-04-011h 49The New Witches91. Survivor Story of Krystal Surles + Hauntings at Mount VernonLaura covers the courage of 10-year-old Krystal Surles, who survives witnessing her friend's murder and being attacked by the killer herself. Listen to learn about Krystal's bravery and how she helped stop a serial killer. Maria covers the hauntings at the home of America's first president George Washington—his estate of Mount Vernon in Virginia. She walks us through the history of the property, a bit about George Washington's life, and the tales of spirits that haunt the estate to this day. Support the show2022-03-091h 32The New Witches89. Mysterious Death of Natalie Wood + Haunted Lemp MansionIn this episode, Maria covers Hollywood starlet Natalie Wood and her death under mysterious circumstances in 1981. Her body found floating off of Catalina Island, the people in question for her death are her husband and actor Robert Wagner, co-star Christopher Walken, and long time friend and yacht captain Dennis Davern. We look briefly through Wood's rise to stardom, accolades, and what exactly led her to be found dead at only age 43. Laura covers the history and hauntings of the Lemp Family Mansion in St. Louis, Missouri. The Lemps, a brewery dynasty, suffered a great deal across generations, likely leaving...2022-02-231h 40The New Witches87. Mary Vincent + White Witch of Rose HallThe first Spooky episode of 2022! Laura covers the brutal but inspiring story of Mary Vincent who as a teenager falls victim to the violence of a disturbed and vile stranger. Her story of survival and resilience is amazing, and a must-listen. Maria covers the history of the Rose Hall plantation in Montego Bay, Jamaica. Legend says that one of the mistresses of Rose Hall was so evil and merciless that people called her the White Witch, and many believe her spirit still roams the estate to this day.Support the show2022-02-091h 38The New Witches86. Ethical Witchcraft: White Supremacy in Norse Paganism✨WE'RE BACK, WITCHES!! ✨Maria and Laura have returned from their Winter break that, well, ended up being longer than initially anticipated. But so much has happened and we are so excited for the year to come for the podcast! Today we kick off 2022 with another installment of our Ethical Witchcraft series. We take a trip through the history of white supremacy both in America and in Nazi Germany, and how it made its way into Norse paganism, and how you can spot Norse symbols that have been appropriated to symbolize a racist agenda. Please note that this episode contains copi...2022-02-021h 43The New Witches85. Christmas Eve Murder of Sameena Imam + Cases of Interdimensional TravelWelcome to our last episode of 2021! In this Spooky episode, Maria and Laura catch up on some exciting updates in their lives and then dive into their true crime and paranormal topics. Maria covers the murder of Sameena Imam, a kind and bubbly regional manager for Costco in the UK who promises her family to visit on Boxing Day, but never shows up for the holiday festivities. Just as she thought she was planning to start a new life in the new year, little did she know that someone else was planning on ending hers. Laura then covers the...2021-12-221h 56The New Witches84. Zodiac Signs of our Favorite Fictional Characters & CelebritiesFor our last Witchy episode of 2021, we decided to do a more organic format of the show like we do in our patron-exclusive Cauldron-side Chats. Today we're talking about our favorite nonfictional characters, both in books and on the screen, and what their zodiac signs would be, as well as playing a guessing game of the birth charts of some of our favorite celebrities. Listen to Laura get pretty much everything spot on and Maria, well, just trying her best. Bonus, we talk about what kinds of witches we think our partners would be and what kind of cryptids...2021-12-091h 50The New Witches83. Kidnapping of Patty Hearst + Winchester Mystery HouseThis episode is an ode to our home, the San Francisco Bay Area! Step into the True Crime Universe, where everything is connected!! Laura covers the kidnapping of Patty Hearst from her Berkeley home by the Symbionese Liberation Army (SLA) in the 1970s. Hearst would eventually turn on her wealthy parents and pledge her allegiance to the cause of the SLA. But was she voluntarily complicit or was she brainwashed? Maria walks us through the haunted halls and passage ways of the peculiar yet spectacular Winchester Mystery House in San Jose, California. Learn about the widowed heiress and her...2021-12-031h 57The New Witches81. Hall-Mills Murder Case + The Phoenix LightsOld-timey murder and modern UFO sightings come together for a super long spooky episode! Maria covers the grisly Hall-Mills double homicide case from the 1920s that swept the nation through sensationalized journalism. This murder has everything—a crabapple tree, torn love letters, a stoic widow, a lawsuit for millions of dollars, and a gossipy hog farmer! Laura covers the possible UFO sightings that happened in Phoenix, Arizona back in the late '90s. With so many consistent eye-witness accounts across a huge geographical area, it's hard to dismiss this mysterious event. There are many theories, but we choose to BEL...2021-11-172h 01The New WitchesListener Stories #17After a little break we are back with some listener stories and questions! We had so many amazing submissions this time around—from heartfelt and sentimental, to downright creepy. Plus Maria and Laura discuss ... have The New Witches finally made it big?! You tell us! Listen for all the feels and the chills.Support the show2021-11-131h 18The New Witches80. A Step Beyond Divination: FateIn this week's witchy episode, Laura and Maria dive into the concept of fate, and how the fabric of our destiny might be woven all around us. We cover the deities of fate in the Greek, Roman, and Norse pantheons, as well as the Chinese philosophy around one's destiny. Plus, we share what our own beliefs are around fate. Listen to deepen the meaning of your divination practice, whether that be tarot, runes, or what-have-you ... Destiny Is All!Support the show2021-11-041h 22The New Witches79. The Gainesville Ripper + Haunting of Chaonei No. 81After a very busy week, the New Witches are finally back to serve up some spookiness with two stories that both inspired horror films. Laura covers the serial killer known as the Gainesville Ripper whose horrifying crimes would inspire a franchise of horror films. Spoiler alert warning for said franchise *wink, wink*. Maria covers the urban legends and hauntings of a century-old mansion in the middle of bustling Beijing, and tries to shed some light on its dark and mysterious origins.Support the show2021-10-291h 05The New Witches78. Ancestor Veneration for BeginnersThe veil is thinner than ever this time of year. So if you're curious about incorporating your ancestors into your practice and want to connect with them more, this episode will give you a beginner's manual on how to do that. We cover the difference between ancestor veneration and ancestor worship, the ethics to consider when working with your ancestors, and different traditions of ancestor veneration from around the world. Listen to hear how Maria and Laura are honoring and connecting with their ancestors in their own practices.Support the show2021-10-211h 23The New Witches77. Abduction of Natascha Kampusch + Ghosts of Ancient Ram InnIn this Spooky episode, The New Witches chat about their busiest time of year, spooky honeymoons in New England, and how the term "alien" is apparently not PC to use anymore to refer to extraterrestrials ... ?? Maria covers true crime in this episode, retelling the harrowing abduction story of Austrian 10-year-old Natascha Kampusch, and her 8.5 year captivity under the disturbed Wolfgang Priklopil. Laura walks us through a nearly millenia-old building in England called the Ancient Ram Inn. It's got us saying, "that's a lot for one building". Bonus— listen to our best impressions of Zak Bagans from Ghost Adventures!...2021-10-131h 23The New Witches76. How to Celebrate the Season of the WitchThis is a fun one, y'all! Maria and Laura discuss the Fall season that is upon us and all the magical things we can do to celebrate. If you're into aesthetics, this is the episode for you. Listen in as we discuss different "witch-roms" from past decades and how to take each of their aesthetics into the spooky season. Witchy movies, spells, and born-again virginity are all in this episode. Enjoy your PSLs, everyone!Support the show2021-10-071h 09The New Witches75. Murder of Rachel Barber + Pukwudgie LoreMaria and Laura catch up and chat about mercury retrograde and their current favorite non-alcoholic beverages. Then they serve up the spookiness! Laura covers the true crime story of Rachel Barber—a talented and beautiful 15 year old who is murdered by her babysitter. Maria covers the Native American folklore of the Pukwudgie and its recent sightings in the New England area. Plus they plan their escape from California to literally anywhere affordable (although they would move to New England in a heartbeat!)Support the show2021-09-301h 50The New Witches74. Protective Magic for BeginnersIn this Witchy Wednesday episode, Laura and Maria catch up and talk about wildfires and the 1979 film Amityville Horror ... because flies suck. Plus, Laura gives us a course on the Chevrolet Vega car. And speaking of demons stalking innocent folks, let's talk about protection magic! Learn the different rituals, spells, crystals, and herbs you can incorporate into your practice to ward off negative energies and block psychic attacks! Listen to strengthen your witchy tool belt.Support the show2021-09-221h 16The New Witches73. The Truck Stop Killer + Staircases to NowhereIn this spooky episode, Maria announces some big news! She also covers the brutal murders by Robert Ben Rhoades, aka the Truck Stop Killer, one of the most dangerous sex offenders and serial killers in American history. Laura covers the mysterious and eerie staircases that lead to nowhere ... a phenomenon that many have witnessed of their own and have reported very strange goings-on around them. Listen to get some major chills in this week!Support the show2021-09-091h 36The New Witches71. Museum de Gevangenpoort + Lore and Tales of La LloronaThis spooky episode Laura covers the Museum de Gevangenpoort, a prison-turned-museum-of-torture in the Hague, and the gruesome murders that occurred on its land. It's mob mentality turned lethal with a pinch of baskets on fire. Maria covers the Hispanic folklore of La Llorona and reads first-hand accounts of terrifying paranormal experiences with the "Wailing Woman". We also delve into the lore's origins—it might go as far back as to the Aztecs! Disclaimer: We are NOT sponsored by Sour Strips, but Gavin does highly recommend them to anyone with a sweet/sour tooth!Support the sh...2021-08-261h 28The New Witches69. The Manson Family Murders + Haunted HollandAfter a long, but well-needed break, Maria and Laura are back to serve you all the gruesome and spooky stories! Maria brings us a deep dive on the Manson Family and the notorious Tate-LaBianca murders, plus where some of the cult members are today. Laura pays homage to her roots and covers the several hauntings and cryptids of the Netherlands/Holland. Listen to catch up with the witches, and hear some horrifying tales. It's good to be back!TW: our true crime portion is particularly graphic and includes violence against pregnant women.Support the show2021-08-112h 18The New Witches68. The Episode You've Been Asking For: The Fool's Journey in TarotYou'd be a fool not to listen to this witchy episode, friends. Come along this journey with us as we discuss the surprise episode topic we teased last week! Tune in to hear Laura and Maria discuss some of life's greatest lessons, and the natural ebbs and flows of our fate and fortune. Listen to see what's in the cards for today's topic!Support the show2021-07-211h 20The New Witches67. The Murder of Travis Alexander + The Ghosts of Jefferson, TexasIt's spooky week, everybody! Laura covers the murder of Travis Alexander, a man who met the wrong woman (who happened to be super dumb, it's astonishing how little this woman thinks things through), and Maria covers all the various haunts of the town of Jefferson in East Texas. Plus, we tease next week's witchy episode.Support the show2021-07-151h 35The New WitchesListener Stories #13Lucky number 13, and better late than never! Maria and Laura come back from their breaks with some awesome tales from our very own listeners. We have it all in this one: witchy, paranormal, and true crime, plus stories, questions, and voicemails! Listen for some creepy, hair-raising stories!Support the show2021-07-141h 13The New Witches66. Midsummer, Summer Solstice & LithaIn this episode, Laura and Maria cover how the Swedes celebrate Midsummer (no murderous cults involved), various pagan customs in celebrating the Summer Solstice, and finally how you can celebrate Litha in the modern day! Plus, listen to the witches orgasm about food and laugh about Nordic countries on TikTok. Check out the TikToker we mention in this episode: @kellylouisekilljoySupport the show2021-06-231h 07The New Witches65. The Mysterious Death of Marsha P. Johnson + The JinnAfter a much needed break, Laura and Maria are back to deliver some true crime and paranormal! To celebrate Pride Month, Maria covers the life of Marsha P. Johnson and her lasting impact on the LGBTQ+ community; plus, the circumstances behind her mysterious death in 1992. Also, is anyone else surprised at just how much the mafia is involved in her story? Then, Laura takes it away with the mythology of the Jinn—a mortal yet inter-dimensional race possibly living among us stirring the pot that is humanity. And we shout out a few TV shows we're loving. Listen to ge...2021-06-161h 53The New Witches63. The Murder of Kalinka Bamberski + The Haunted Island of PovegliaWe're thanking the hair gods for great hair days, rolling our eyes at high-maintenance customers, and applauding Liam-Neeson-like fathers ... But more importantly, we're back with our biweekly spooky episode! And boy, is it supes European! Laura covers the murder of young French girl Kalinka Bamberski at her mother's German home, and Maria walks us through the morbid history of the haunted Poveglia Island in Italy.Link to Finders Beepers History Seekers Youtube video of Poveglia: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_vpHNcB1fdESupport the show2021-05-271h 36The New WitchesListener Stories #12Can we just say, you listeners have the craziest dreams! The New Witches read your stories and answer your questions once again. Listen to hear Laura talk dirty, Maria talk slurry (not drunk, just tongue-tied), and hear these insanely creepy and witchy stories!To submit your story or question for an upcoming Listener Stories episode, you can go to our contact page here, email us at thenewwitches@gmail.com, or leave us a voicemail at 707-559-8111.If you have time, please rate and review our show! It helps more people...2021-05-131h 26The New Witches61. Hawkins, Texas Triple Murder + The Boleskine HouseThe New Witches are talking about black wedding dresses, crime-solving genealogy tests, and occult-obsessed rock stars! Maria covers the true crime case of a triple murder in a small Texas town, and Laura tells us about a *supes* haunted house in Scotland once owned by a Led Zeppelin band member. Also we ask the question, who starts a ritual that opens a portable for demons and just "forgets" to close that portal? Oh yeah, Mr. Crowley. Listen for endless chills!Support the show2021-05-121h 43The New Witches60. Working with the Elements for BeginnersAnother installment of our unofficial "for Beginners" series, we're talking about the elements and how to incorporate them into your witchy practice! Earth, Wind & Fire are more than just a band, there's also Water and Spirit to complete all the elements we cover in this episode! Laura opens up about having Ehlers Danlos Syndrome (EDS) and what it is, and Maria talks about how to gain some extra inches of water in your too-shallow bathtub. All important things! We hope this episode is helpful to those wanting to explore the elements and how to connect with them in your...2021-05-071h 43The New WitchesWe Are The New Witches – Anniversary Episode!We're celebrating our first anniversary with a bonus episode! We talk about the podcast's evolution the past year since its launch, and how it has affected our identity as witches in different stages of our practice, and from such diverse perspectives and backgrounds. Maria also sheds light on the concept behind the name "The New Witches Podcast"—hint, it's more interesting than you'd think—and Laura opens up about what it was like joining the podcast as co-host a few months after it's launch. We look back on all that we've accomplished in the past year, and let you in o...2021-05-031h 17
The New WitchesCreepy Stories with Laura: Vol 4Lay down, turn the lights out, and come listen to some creepy stories of bodiless entities, face mask enforcement, the monster under the bed, imaginary friends (?), and finally a near death experience gone wrong. So keep calm and spook on!Support the show2021-04-301h 10The New Witches59. The Murder of Sophie Lancaster + The Vallecas CaseIn this week's spooky episode, Laura covers the prejudiced attack of Sophie Lancaster and her boyfriend Robert Maltby at the hands of teenagers simply of their goth appearance. Maria dives into the creepy and mysterious Vallecas Case in Madrid, Spain in the 1990s—the true story behind the 2017 Spanish horror film Veronica. Check out the Sophie Lancaster Foundation:https://www.sophielancasterfoundation.com/Watch the Youtube video we refer to of the Vallecas Case:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7yenH60iVgs&t=95sSupport the show2021-04-281h 51The New Witches57. The Disappearance of Tara Calico + The Case of Doris BitherIn this week's spooky episode, Maria covers the 1988 disappearance of 19 year old Tara Calico—an active, smart, and outgoing young woman who goes out on a morning bike ride only to never come back. Laura covers the terrifying paranormal case of Doris Bither and the entities who violently attacked her in her Culver City home in the 1970s. This paranormal case is the true story behind the 1982 film The Entity. We also address the murder of Daunte Wright and how important it is to be an active ally to BIPOC. Anyone with information regarding the disappearance of T...2021-04-141h 33The New Witches56. "Types of Witches" Revisited: A New Series!Almost a year ago, we released one of our first episodes ... E02: Types of Witches + Altars. It’s currently our most downloaded episode of all time – and for good reason! Every beginner witch wants to find their path and it helps to understand the various sectors within the very large witchy community. Now with social media and the ease of researching online in this day and age, learning about different practices and meeting many kinds of witches is easier now than ever! In this episode we briefly recap the witches we covered in E02 while also adding on some new...2021-04-072h 07
The New WitchesCreepy Stories with Laura: Vol 3It's finally here! I'm so sorry it took so long to get this out, but I appreciate everyone's patience. This time around we only have 2, but rather long stories involving creepy cryptids and malicious witches. Hope you enjoy!Support the show2021-03-311h 00The New Witches55. The Grisly Story of Zack & Addie + Harrison House Bed & BreakfastAfter weeks and weeks, Laura is finally covering true crime! And wow does she have a wild story to tell y'all. Listen to the gruesome tale of Zack Bowen and Addie Hall — an ill-fated couple who braved Hurricane Katrina together, and whose lives start unraveling for the worst. Maria dedicates her portion of the episode to our Buckeye State listeners! Learn about the Harrison House Bed & Breakfast, and its guests that just refuse to ever check out. Come for the ghosts, but stay for the gourmet breakfast. Let's get spooky!Check out Harrison House here: https://ww...2021-03-311h 41The New Witches54. Sigil Witchery + Runes 101How the Futhark are ya, dear listeners?! In this week's episode, Maria covers beginner sigil witchery and touches on the philosophies of chaos magic, while Laura does a deep dive on runes! Listen for a step-by-step guide to get started with incorporating sigils into your practice, and get a detailed breakdown on the history of runes and their general meanings. Plus, we ask the questions, Can the McDonald's arches be magical? and What do ancient runes have to do with our electronic devices?? We learn something new every day! Resources:How to Make a Si...2021-03-242h 21The New Witches53. West Memphis Three, Pt. 3 + The Jean Harlow Haunted HouseWe have finally made it to the closing chapter of the West Memphis Three true crime case. Who do you think was the real murderer? Maria covers the trials of Damien Echols, Jason Baldwin, and Jessie Misskelley, evidence that came to light after their convictions, and where the three are today. Laura covers the life and death of Hollywood star Jean Harlow, and the seemingly cursed house that was her final home before her untimely death.Link to Jessie's confession transcript: http://www.dpdlaw.com/JessieFirstStatement.htmLink to Mara Levritt's book Devil's K...2021-03-172h 15The New Witches51. West Memphis Three, Pt. 2 + MothmanPart 2 of the West Memphis Three is here, and Laura covers the many stories of Mothman! Listen to hear a continuation of Maria's coverage of the gruesome 1993 murders of 3 young boys in Arkansas, and the three teenage boys who were (in our opinion) wrongfully convicted for the crime. Then Laura describes the many sightings of Mothman over time and we theorize just what kind of creature he could be – comment what your theories are!Support the show2021-03-042h 21