Libsyn Directory

Ep 10 | Magic and Folklore with Ben Stimpson

Release Date: 06/18/2024

Ep 33 | Whispers from Beyond: Ghost Stories with Carol Hughes

The Gothic Heart

In this episode of The Gothic Heart, I had the absolute pleasure of chatting with Carol Hughes, a seasoned podcaster and paranormal enthusiast behind Real Ghost Stories and The Grave Talks. With decades of experience in radio and podcasting, Carol shared her journey into the world of the supernatural, fueled by her own experiences growing up in a haunted house. We swapped stories about ghostly encounters, what it’s like to work in the paranormal space, and how she decides which submissions make it to her shows. Carol’s passion for storytelling and her thoughtful approach to sharing others'...

Ep 32 | Crafting Enchantment: Inside Mountains and Magic Events with Emily Sledge & Elena Henry

The Gothic Heart

Summary: *Trigger Warning: Suicidal Ideation* In this episode, I chat with Elena and Emily, the dynamic duo behind Mountains and Magic Events, about their passion for creating immersive, book-inspired experiences that bring readers together in the most magical ways. They share how their love for fantasy and a desire for genuine community led to crafting events that feel like stepping straight into the pages of your favorite stories. We talked about everything from planning these epic gatherings to the importance of fostering connection and individuality in a world that can sometimes feel...

Ep 31 | The Evolution of Amity Alexandra

The Gothic Heart

In this solo episode of The Gothic Heart, I share an exciting update on how embracing authenticity has transformed my work with Amity Alexandra. From transitioning the brand’s aesthetic to a more Victorian Gothic and ethereal vibe, to the joy of launching my first collection—featuring pieces like the Haunted Mirror pendant and Arachnids Allure earrings—I reflect on the passion and pride that fuels each design. I also reveal the expansion into cosmetics, a natural step given my love of makeup, blending goth and sparkle seamlessly. Plus, there’s a sneak peek into our upcoming Celestial...

Ep 30 | Growing Up Gothic with Seth Hartman

The Gothic Heart

In this episode, I had the pleasure of chatting with my brother, Seth, about what it was like growing up together, our wildly different interests, and the hilarious moments that defined our sibling bond. We reminisced about the times I made gift-giving easy by loving anything with skulls or yellow (yes, that’s still true) and how our clashing music tastes became a source of endless banter. Seth shared his memories of me dragging him to concerts he definitely didn’t want to attend, and we reflected on how our relationship evolved over the years, from childhood squabbles to him dressing up...

Ep 29 | Dark Realms and Fierce Heroines with Kel Carpenter

The Gothic Heart

In this episode of The Gothic Heart, I had the absolute pleasure of chatting with USA Today bestselling author Kel Carpenter, who specializes in paranormal and Gothic novels. We talked about her writing journey, from her love of spooky stories to starting her career at 15, and how she self-published her way to success. Kel also shared some behind-the-scenes insights on creating complex characters and worlds, and how she’s all about empowering strong female leads in her books. Plus, we got into some really cool tips on using music to help with writing flow. If you're into paranormal vibes and...

Ep 28 | Haunted Histories with Rebecca Williamson

The Gothic Heart

In this episode, I had the absolute pleasure of chatting with Rebecca Williamson, the owner of Cambre House, a haunted wedding and event venue with a rich history and some seriously spooky vibes! We got into some eerie ghost stories, including tales from Rebecca’s family and paranormal investigations that revealed there’s much more to this place than meets the eye. Rebecca shared her personal experiences living with the paranormal and how the spirits at Cambre House still make their presence known. If you’re into haunted venues, spooky tales, or even just curious about living with...

Ep 27 | Embracing the Shadows with Melissa Kim Corter

The Gothic Heart

In this episode, I chat with the incredible Melissa Kim Corter, and let me tell you, her expertise in shadow work and depth psychology blew my mind! We explored the fascinating world of Jungian shadow work, where Melissa explains how we can work with the hidden parts of ourselves that influence our emotions and reactions. She shares her journey into this field, touching on her childhood curiosity with all things dark and mysterious, and how she’s turned that passion into a career. From shadow work to synchronicity and dreams, Melissa makes these deep topics feel relatable and even fun! You...

Ep 26 | Empowering Your Inner Boss Witch with Sophie Zollmann

The Gothic Heart

In this episode of The Gothic Heart, I chat with Sophie Zollmann, a digital marketing expert with a magical twist! Sophie shares how she’s embraced her witchy, gothic style and intuitive approach to thrive in business. We talk all about authenticity, combining personal flair with professional life, and why being true to yourself is key to success. Sophie also gives some fantastic tips on marketing strategies and how following your intuition can lead to better decisions—both in life and business. It’s an inspiring conversation filled with realness, magic, and a little bit of Stevie Nicks...

Ep 25 | Breaking Boundaries: Music and Art with A Cross Between (Colby Boothman & Mikhail Konov)

The Gothic Heart

In this episode of The Gothic Heart, I had the absolute pleasure of chatting with Colby Boothman and Mikhail Konov from A Cross Between. We covered everything from their eclectic backgrounds in music, film, swordsmanship, and VR experiences to their incredible live shows that mix techno, industrial, and even goth influences. We also talked about how they manage to collaborate while living on opposite coasts, and the amazing, high-tech performances they’re creating—think VR dancers and real-time visuals! If you're into unique, immersive musical experiences or just curious about their...

Ep 24 | Dark Art and Surreal Visions with Brett Kelley

The Gothic Heart

In this episode, I chat with Brett Kelley, an incredible artist whose gothic and Halloween-inspired work totally resonates with me. We talk about everything from his journey growing up with ADHD, to embracing his individuality through art, martial arts, and goth culture. Brett shares his unique experiences working in creative fields like stunt performing, makeup artistry, and how his love for spooky themes shaped his artistic style. We also bond over our shared love for heavy metal and alternative music, and Brett gives us a sneak peek into his upcoming projects, including his Surreal Estate...

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Summary:

Hey everyone, join me in today's episode of The Gothic Heart as we delve deep into the mystical with Ben Stimpson, a multifaceted author, therapist, and folklorist historian. Ben shares his insights into ancestral veneration, highlighting how understanding and embracing our connections with those who've passed can enrich our lives. We discuss his book, Ancestral Whispers, and explore how different cultures maintain ties with their ancestors, drawing on traditions that see the deceased as still present and active in our lives. Ben brings to light the power of recognizing and integrating these bonds into our daily routines, offering both historical context and practical advice. So grab your coffee, get cozy, and let's uncover the magical connections that bridge us with our past!

Episode Highlights:

Ancestral Veneration and it’s Benefits
Understanding Family Narratives and Identity
Building a Relationship with Ancestors
Incorporating Ancestral Veneration into Daily Life
The Dangers of Spiritual Bypass
Exploring the Folklore of Witches and Cunning Folk
Personal Growth Through Ancestral Veneration and Magic

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