Shows
Shadow's EmbraceOuija Believe It or Not?Is the Ouija board a harmless game or a portal to something darker?In this episode, we explore:The history of the board and its rise during the Spiritualist movementScientific explanations like the ideomotor effect and confirmation biasChilling real-life cases: Patience Worth, the Vallecas haunting, the exorcism that inspired The Exorcist, and the Zozo phenomenonThe board’s eerie role in pop cultureListener questions, personal thoughts, and a few stories that might make you think twice before saying “yes” to the boardWhethe...2025-07-131h 00Shadow's EmbraceWheel of Lore: Spinning Through the Major ArcanaIn this continuation of our Tarot series, Paul and Rachel dive headfirst into the rich symbolism and mysterious power of the Major Arcana. From The Fool’s first step to The World’s final triumph, these 22 archetypal cards form the backbone of the Tarot’s mystical narrative. Join us as we spin the wheel of lore and unravel how each card reflects our own journey through life, death, love, power, and transformation.2025-04-131h 06Shadow's EmbraceFool Disclosure: The Truth Behind TarotTarot cards—fortune-telling gimmick or a window into the past? In this season premiere of Shadow’s Embrace, we unravel the mysterious origins of Tarot, tracing its journey from medieval playing cards to a tool of divination and self-reflection. From secret societies to pop culture, we'll explore how Tarot has shaped—and been shaped by—history, myth, and the human desire for answers. Whether you're a skeptic or a believer, step into The Fool’s shoes as we take the first step on a path filled with secrets, symbolism, and surprising truths.2025-02-181h 08Shadow's EmbraceUnmasking Halloween's Haunting PastWelcome to this special Halloween episode of Shadow’s Embrace! Join Rachel and Paul as they dive into the hauntingly rich history of Halloween, from its mysterious Celtic origins to its transformation into the spirited celebration we know today. Together, they’ll uncover legends, lore, and the eerie evolution of this holiday through centuries of spooky traditions.
Amid the discussion, Rachel and Paul explore a playful hypothetical: what if local kids tried to pull off a Halloween prank? It’s a light-hearted look at the ‘tricks’ side of the holiday, making for a fun, spooky, and thought-provoking episode th...2024-10-3152 minShadow's EmbraceBlack-Eyed Children: Urban Legend or Real-Life Nightmare?Join us this time as we discuss the Black-Eyed Children. Who are they? What are they?
Are they aliens? Vampires? Demons? Harbingers of the Mandela Effect? Fergie and Will.i.am just wanting a blanket and some hot chocolate? You'll have to listen to find out. Make sure you stick around to hear Paul's in-depth critical analysis of the Scream franchise and listen as we wax poetic about liminal spaces. This truly is the episode that has everything. 2024-10-1648 minShadow's EmbraceAleister Crowley Part III: The Final PatreonIn the final episode of our Aleister Crowley podcast series, we delve into the enigmatic legacy of the occultist and his enduring influence on modern spirituality. We explore Crowley's controversial teachings and his role in shaping contemporary occult practices. Join us for a riveting conclusion to our deep dive into the life of this legendary figure.
2024-08-0149 minShadow's EmbraceAleister Crowley Part II: Real World Road Rules ChallengeIn this episode, Paul talks about how Crowley’s expulsion from the Golden Dawn brought about the birth of Thelema. Join us as we discuss the connection between alcoholism and Typhoid, Crowley’s many lovers, and As-Seen-On-TV Magick.
Want to get in touch with us? Email us at podcastshadowsembrace@gmail.com
Further reading:
"Aleister Crowley in America: Art, Espionage, and Sex Magick in the New World" by Tobias Churton
"The Confessions of Aleister Crowley: An Autohagiography" by Aleister Crowley
"Perdurabo: The Life of Aleister Crowley" by Richard Kaczynski2024-06-261h 04Shadow's EmbraceAleister Crowley Part I: The BeginningsIn this episode, we delve into the enigmatic early life of Aleister Crowley, the controversial figure who would become known as the "Great Beast." From his strict religious upbringing in Victorian England to his rebellious school years and early mystical experiences, we explore the formative events that shaped his path towards becoming a notorious occultist. Join us as we uncover the influences and pivotal moments that set Crowley on his journey to infamy.
2024-06-0556 minShadow's EmbraceMenger HotelIn this episode, we delve into the rich history of the Menger Hotel, a landmark known for its opulent architecture and storied past. We explore the tales of famous guests, including Theodore Roosevelt and Babe Ruth, who once walked its historic halls. The hotel’s ghostly legends come to life as we recount spine-chilling encounters reported by visitors and staff over the years. Join us for an intriguing blend of history and mystery, as we uncover what makes the Menger Hotel a timeless treasure in San Antonio.2024-05-031h 08Shadow's EmbraceDudley Town CurseThis episode, Paul and Rachel discuss the curse of Dudley Town and its origins in England. Ed and Lorraine Warren make a surprise appearance in this story, and Paul has... feelings. You definitely don't want to miss this.
Sources:
"The Demonologist: The Extraordinary Career of Ed and Lorraine Warren" by Gerald Brittle
"Ghosts of Connecticut: The Haunted Locations of Bristol, New Britain, Waterbury and Wallingford" by Jeffrey Fisher
"The World's Most Haunted Places" by Jeff Belanger
Conspiracy Theories Podcast - Dudleytown
...2024-02-2337 minShadow's EmbraceGadgets and Voices and EMF...OH MYOn this episode Paul and I find ourselves discussing the equipment involved with a Paranormal Investigation.
Is it necessary?
Is it realistic?
Is it me Jesus?2024-01-161h 14Shadow's EmbraceWillowbrook SchoolThis week, Paul and Rachel look at the sordid history of Willowbrook School, a facility touted as a state-of-the-art facility to help people. Instead, it’s an institution filled with horrors and a legacy of hurt. This story truly has everything: ghosts, hepatitis, and a heroic Geraldo Rivera (for once.)
This episode comes with a warning: it is a lot darker and heavier than our previous episodes, but we feel it is an important piece of history to remember.
Resources used in this episode:
Geraldo Rivera's Report "Willowbrook: The Last Disgrace" (1972).
David J. Rothman an...2023-10-3157 minShadow's EmbraceAHH! Virtual Monsters!Special thanks for our story music contribution provided by Darren Curtis "Lurking Evil" and "Demented Nightmare"2023-10-0350 minShadow's EmbracePeople Can Lick TooJoin us this month as Paul delves into the captivating realm of urban legends and their digital successors, Creepypastas. Explore their origins, the psychology behind their allure, and the evolution of spooky storytelling in the digital age. Join us as we journey from hushed tales whispered in the dark to the vivid horrors of the digital realm, understanding the enduring allure of these spine-chilling narratives. And listen to the chilling tale that kept Paul up for nights on end, "People Can Lick, Too."
Books referenced and/or used for this week's research:
...2023-08-2247 minShadow's EmbraceHuman PsycheOn this episode of Shadow’s Embrace, join Paul Randall Adams and Rachel Clark as we discuss what makes something scary, the science behind being scared and Paul’s avant garde response to Readers Digest jokes. We’ll discuss the first horror movie, how impressed Paul’s wife is with our knowledge about how we can fill time and space and why you might seek out those halloween thrills.
Selected resources for the week’s episode include:
https://www.washingtonpost.com/wellness/2022/10/27/why-we-like-scary-things/
The Paradox of...2023-07-2551 minShadow's EmbraceRootsWelcome to the inaugural episode of Shadow's Embrace! Join us, Paul Randall Adams and Rachel Clark as we delve into Spiritualism and the death grip it's had on American culture for years. We'll talk about the Fox Sisters, spooky stories, and haunted schoolchildren. We'll wax poetic about artificial intelligence and whether it's time to throw out that Roomba or not. This episode really has it all.
Selected resources for this week's episode include:
https://news.arizona.edu/story/experts-explain-our-love-fear-and-fascination-supernatural By Andy Ober, University Communications
Wikipedia - Spiritualism
The...2023-06-2742 minShadow's EmbraceShadow's Embrace New SeasonPromo of the upcoming episodes and what you can expect from Shadow's Embrace2023-05-2900 min