Myths Your Teacher Hated Podcast

This is the Myths Your Teach Hated, a bi-weekly podcast where I tell the stories of cultures around the world in all of their original, bloody, uncensored glory. Modern tellings of these stories have become dry and dusty, but I’ll be trying to breathe new life into them.

Episode 133 - How to Make Friends and Influence Monarchs 04/21/2024

Episode 133 - How to Make Friends and Influence Monarchs This week on MYTH, a little boy with big dreams is going to meet a whole bunch of kings in the Philippines. You’ll see that you should always dream big, that royalty in the animal kingdom is a lot more approachable, and that you should keep an eye on your jewelry. Then, in Gods and Monsters, you should always double check if the man of your dreams is secretly a literal monster. Source: Filipino Folklore /episode/index/show/mythsyourteacherhated/id/30917523

Episode 132 - Fearless 04/07/2024

Episode 132 - Fearless This week on MYTH, it’s a stirring tale of a boy and his…cow? You’ll learn that grit and kindness can accomplish a lot, that long hair can be a liability, and that you should always have an exit strategy. Then, in Gods and Monsters, a giant is going to demand too much cheese and reindeer steak. Source: Swedish Folklore /episode/index/show/mythsyourteacherhated/id/30715703

Episode 131B - Theseus and the Minotaur 03/24/2024

Episode 131B - Theseus and the Minotaur This week on MYTH, Theseus will finally face his most famous foe - the Minotaur. You’ll see why you should never trust your uncle, why you should be careful who you give your heart to, and why you should spend more time being a king and less being an adventurer. Then, in Gods and Monsters, Icarus and Daedalus will attempt a daring escape from the tallest tower of Crete. Source: Greek Mythology /episode/index/show/mythsyourteacherhated/id/30515568

Episode 131A - Oracles and Omens 03/09/2024

Episode 131A - Oracles and Omens This week on MYTH, we’re heading to ancient Greece to meet one of its most famous (or perhaps infamous) heroes - Theseus. You’ll discover what ancient paternity tests looked like, how to kill someone with a bed, and why not all heroes are good guys. Then, in Gods and Monsters, we’re traveling back in time for the origin story of Theseus’ greatest foe and the inventor of its prison. Source: Greek Mythology /episode/index/show/mythsyourteacherhated/id/30300003

Episode 130 - King of the Ghosts 02/23/2024

Episode 130 - King of the Ghosts This week on MYTH, we’re headed to the wilds of Rwanda to follow a wily hunter on the prowl. You’ll discover that you shouldn’t bet on a game unless you’re good at it, that you shouldn’t ignore bad dreams, and that you shouldn’t marry someone unless you’re sure they’re not a shapeshifter. Then, in Gods and Monsters, a young woman is going to wonder if she’s fallen in love with a monster. Source: Banyarwandan Mythology /episode/index/show/mythsyourteacherhated/id/30087068

Episode 129 - An Otter's Ransom 02/11/2024

Episode 129 - An Otter's Ransom This week on MYTH, we’re getting a double dose of Loki goodness. You’ll see what an otter costs, where to get gold on short notice, and what a curse can really do. Then, in Gods and Monsters, our favorite trickster is going to get himself (and everyone else) into a very interesting bargain. Source: Norse Mythology /episode/index/show/mythsyourteacherhated/id/29892068

Episode 128 - King Shark 01/28/2024

Episode 128 - King Shark This week on MYTH, we’re headed to the shores of Hawaii for our own mini shark week. You’ll discover that sharks have the best lobsters, that shark royal courts are vicious and suspicious places, and that you can cook a delicious meal inside a shark. Then, in Gods and Monsters, we’ll meet a different but perhaps familiar shark king from the comics. Source: Hawaiian Mythology /episode/index/show/mythsyourteacherhated/id/29681498

Episode 127 - I'm Not Lion 01/14/2024

Episode 127 - I'm Not Lion This week on MYTH, we’re gonna look for lions in unexpected places. You’ll learn that it’s surprisingly hard not to lose a herd of cows, that it’s surprisingly easy to find a hidden palace, and that human hair makes great thread. Then, in Gods and Monsters, we’ll discover that help can come from the most unexpected of places. Source: Catalonian Fairy Tales /episode/index/show/mythsyourteacherhated/id/29480898

Episode 126 - A Whole New World 12/31/2023

Episode 126 - A Whole New World This week on MYTH, it’s our annual New Year’s special. You’ll learn that a lot of strange things can come from bird eggs, that some babies look an awful lot like old men, and that it can be tough to chop down magic trees. Then, in Gods and Monsters, we’ll find some sweet New Year’s money inside a red envelope, as long as a demon doesn’t kill us first. A holiday tradition. Source: Finnish Mythology/Chinese Folklore /episode/index/show/mythsyourteacherhated/id/29287013

Episode 125 - Christmas in the Eternal City 12/17/2023

Episode 125 - Christmas in the Eternal City This week on MYTH, it’s our annual holiday special. You’ll find that eternal youth lies in the cold northern wastes, that Santa makes a pretty awesome neighbor, and that Christmas is no time to be selfish. Then, in Gods and Monsters, what happens when a Catholic saint clashes with the priests of Thor? A holiday tradition. Source: American Folklore /episode/index/show/mythsyourteacherhated/id/29114968

Episode 124 - Island of Dr Moreau 12/03/2023

Episode 124 - Island of Dr Moreau This week on MYTH, we’re going to discover some ancient secrets of Long Island, New York. You’ll see why you should be careful where you put your trash, that there’s magic in art, and that even gods make mistakes. Then, in Gods and Monsters, who doesn’t love strawberries? Source: Turtle Island Folklore /episode/index/show/mythsyourteacherhated/id/28904168

Episode 123 - Blow Thou Winter Wind 11/18/2023

Episode 123 - Blow Thou Winter Wind This week on MYTH, we’re heading to Australia for a story of the forces of nature. You’ll learn that logs can be deadly, that you shouldn’t let strangers take you fishing, and that the winds have a romantic side. Then, in Gods and Monsters, what happens when a star is kidnapped? Source: Indigenous Australian Folklore /episode/index/show/mythsyourteacherhated/id/28700358

Episode 122 - To Catch a Thief 11/03/2023

Episode 122 - To Catch a Thief This week on MYTH, what happens when a cabal of thieves piss off a young dancer? You’ll learn that lightning plus dung equals magic, that powerful men have always been gross, and that you should never trust a wedding in the woods. Then, in Gods and Monsters, Sherlock Holmes has nothing on political minsters. Source: Indian Folklore /episode/index/show/mythsyourteacherhated/id/28511720

Episode 121 - Til Death 10/21/2023

Episode 121 - Til Death This week on MYTH, it’s once again time for my favorite annual tradition - the Halloween Special! You’ll learn that war is hell on relationships, that it’s surprisingly easy to get a human skull, and that fireplaces make bad hiding spots. Then, in Gods and Monsters, we’ll meet one of the undead inspirations for vampires. Source: Hungarian Folklore /episode/index/show/mythsyourteacherhated/id/28380581

Episode 120 - Son of a Peach 10/08/2023

Episode 120 - Son of a Peach This week on MYTH, we’re going to Edo period Japan for a fruit-filled tale of demons and heroism. You’ll see why you should always eat random giant peaches, why you should never leave a dog alone with a monkey, and why you should always threaten pretty birds. Then, in Gods and Monsters, we’ll meet a creepy baby that can turn into a ball of fire. Source: Japanese Folklore /episode/index/show/mythsyourteacherhated/id/28257047

Episode 119 - Love, Marriage, and Dragons 09/24/2023

Episode 119 - Love, Marriage, and Dragons This week on MYTH, we’re headed to the wilds of the Ottoman Empire in modern Turkey for a royal rumble. You’ll find that you should listen to your elders, that some ancient places are basically video game levels, and that lions make good hiding places but not great hiding places. Then, in Gods and Monsters, an apple a day will get you kidnapped and beaten. Source: Turkish Folklore /episode/index/show/mythsyourteacherhated/id/28124378

Episode 118 Strange Magic 09/09/2023

Episode 118 Strange Magic This week on MYTH, it’s an African story of magic, mystery, and mayhem. You’ll see that you should be careful where you cry, that you should be careful who you loan your ox to, and that you should be careful where you get your magic charcoal. Then, in Gods and Monsters, what’s it like to be made of wax? Source: Zimbabwean and Botswanan Folklore /episode/index/show/mythsyourteacherhated/id/27985716

Episode 117C - Fee Fi Fo Fum 08/27/2023

Episode 117C - Fee Fi Fo Fum This week on MYTH, it’s the thrilling conclusion of the epic tale of Jack the Giant Killer. You’ll see that all giants use clubs, that you should always pay attention to your feet, and that giants and evil magicians have a lot in common. Then, in Gods and Monsters, a more different Jack will set out in search of his fortune without any real plan. Source: English Folklore /episode/index/show/mythsyourteacherhated/id/27859464

Episode 117B - The Prince is a Pauper 08/12/2023

Episode 117B - The Prince is a Pauper This week on MYTH, we’re headed back to merry old England for the further adventures of Jack the Giant Slayer. You’ll discover that it takes less than you think to become a knight in Camelot, that royalty aren’t great with money, and that the Devil has some weird hobbies. Then, in Gods and Monsters, Jack - maybe the same Jack, maybe not - will head to a real mill in Yorkshire. Source: English Folklore /episode/index/show/mythsyourteacherhated/id/27734979

Episode 117A - Slayer 07/15/2023

Episode 117A - Slayer This week on MYTH, it’s off to merry old England for a truly classic folktale trickster. You’ll learn what the going rate is for dealing with a giant, why you shouldn’t nap at a crossroad in a fairytale forest, and why you should apparently never accept hospitality from a Welshman, especially if he has two heads. Then, in Gods and Monsters, it’s the legendary tale behind one of the largest graves you’ll ever see. Source: English Folklore /episode/index/show/mythsyourteacherhated/id/27474828

Episode 116 - Dreams and Omens 07/02/2023

Episode 116 - Dreams and Omens This week on MYTH, we’re going to get into the weird world of dream interpretation. You’ll discover why you shouldn’t eat corpse candy, why you shouldn’t murder magic birds, and why you shouldn’t send demons to live with relatives. Then, in Gods and Monsters, Death is coming to ruin a wedding. Source: Jewish Folklore /episode/index/show/mythsyourteacherhated/id/27347565

Episode 115 - The Music Man 06/17/2023

Episode 115 - The Music Man This week on MYTH, we’re headed to the ancient city on the lake, Tenochtitlan in the Aztec Empire. You’ll see that tricksters can be tricked, that the Sun is selfish, and that the gods love a good drum solo. Then, in Gods and Monsters, some love stories are timeless and universal. Source: Aztec Folklore /episode/index/show/mythsyourteacherhated/id/27181305

Episode 114 - Donkey Kong 06/03/2023

Episode 114 - Donkey Kong This week on MYTH, we’re headed into the Congo to meet the real king of the jungle - the mountain gorilla. You’ll discover that growing bananas can be dangerous, that the most overlooked direction is up, and that ventriloquism is a deadly skill. Then, in Gods and Monsters, you should be careful who you trust. Source: Central African Folklore /episode/index/show/mythsyourteacherhated/id/27033729

Episode 113 - The Estonian Giant 05/21/2023

Episode 113 - The Estonian Giant This week on MYTH, we’re going to circle back to Latvia for another episode in the Bearslayer chronicles. You’ll see how effective hero school can be, learn how the Devil brought Crusaders to the Baltics, and discover what weapons giants prefer. Then, in Gods and Monsters, you’ll meet the mysterious figures who protect the forests. Source: Latvian Mythology /episode/index/show/mythsyourteacherhated/id/26904024

Episode 112B - The Goblin King 05/06/2023

Episode 112B - The Goblin King This week on MYTH, it’s the epic conclusion to the harrowing tale of Raiko and the Goblin King. You’ll see that gods have a different definition of poison, that you shouldn’t count your goblins before they hatch, and that it always pays to be careful. Then, in Gods and Monsters, we’ll visit one of the most iconic mountains in all of Japan, if not the world. Source: Japanese Folklore /episode/index/show/mythsyourteacherhated/id/26763339

Hiatus Announcement 03/15/2023

Hiatus Announcement Hey folks. As the title suggests, I am indeed going on a little hiatus so there won’t be a new episode this week as scheduled. I’ve got an absolute bear of an exam looming over me - a two-day, 16-hour licensing extravaganza coming up in April. I’ve been able to balance work, studying, life, and the podcast up until now but, as the exam nears, I’m finding that harder and harder to do. For my own sanity, something has to give and unfortunately, the podcast is the only thing that can. Have no fear, intrepid listener - I’m not about to leave you dangling from a cliffhanger episode forever. MYTH will be back on May 6th with part 2 of Raiko and Shutendoji. See you all then! /episode/index/show/mythsyourteacherhated/id/26243511

Episode 112A - In the Hall of the Mountain King 03/05/2023

Episode 112A - In the Hall of the Mountain King This week on MYTH, we’re climbing up the mountains of ancient Japan for a monstrous encounter. You’ll see that not all goblins are as sexy as David Bowie, that ronin travel in packs, and that you shouldn’t trust wandering monks. Then, in Gods and Monsters, a magical cloak gets stolen. This is Part 1 of 2 of the Raiko story. Source: Japanese Folklore /episode/index/show/mythsyourteacherhated/id/26129790

Episode 111 - East o' the Sun, West o' the Moon 02/18/2023

Episode 111 - East o' the Sun, West o' the Moon This week on MYTH, we’re having a new variation on an old familiar story. You’ll discover that selling children can be profitable, that strange old women can definitely be trusted, and that trolls can’t clean. Then, in Gods and Monsters, we’ll meet the selfish king and the powerful women who left a permanent mark on the oceans of the world. Source: Norwegian Fairy Tale /episode/index/show/mythsyourteacherhated/id/25972623

Episode 110 - Love's Labor's Lost 02/05/2023

Episode 110 - Love's Labor's Lost This week on MYTH, it’s our more or less annual Valentine’s romance special. You’ll meet the sexier cousin of Frosty the Snowman, an old school mean girl, and a wandering spirit with a taste for vengeance. Then, in Gods and Monsters, we’ll look for love out under the pine trees at sunset. Source: Algonquin Folklore /episode/index/show/mythsyourteacherhated/id/25833345

Episode 109 - As Above, So Below 01/21/2023

Episode 109 - As Above, So Below This week on MYTH, we’re going to break in this new year with a creation myth from a new pantheon - the Yoruba people of western Africa. You’ll learn how much gold it takes to reach the sky, how much sand it takes to fill the ocean, and how much clay it takes to build a person. Then, in Gods and Monsters, we’ll fight over colors with a new trickster god. /episode/index/show/mythsyourteacherhated/id/25685019

Myths Your Teacher Hated Podcast

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