Monstras

When most people hear the word witch or think about witchcraft they picture large pots of unknown substances brewing, pointy hats and brooms. But in Latin America witchcraft, or brujeria, comes in all sorts of beautiful and terrifying manners. Think chocolate potions and dried herbs.

We tackle some of the different types of brujeria in Latin America, but this episode is just the tip of the iceberg...

TW: mutilation, child kidnapping, domestic violence

Music by Patrick Mullens

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Show Notes:

El Chocolate, una pocima de brujas

Young Brujas

Rooting Contemporary Latinx Witchcraft Narratives in the Latin American Past

Were There Witch hunts in South America?

Into the Cave of Chiles Witches

15,000 years ago dogs accompanied the first human settlers across the Bering Strait. These dogs flourished alongside the incredible civilizations Indigenous people built across North, Central, and South America.

Although those ancient dog breeds have all but disappeared their legacy remains in the form of myth, folklore, and archeological evidence.

In this episode we take a quick jaunt back in time and talk about the different dog breeds that once existed and the way ancient Mesoamerican people utilized their canine companions.

TW: dog eating (yes includes a few jokes sorry, but nothing too graphic)

Music by Patrick Mullens, Graham-Makes, & Lightning sound effect

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Healers have always been coveted for their extensive knowledge in how to relieve pain and cure ailments. Curanderos, a combination of Indigenous and Spanish practices, have been an integral part of Latinx/Latin American culture. In this month's episode we try to uncover some of those practices, along with their origins.

TW: mention of broken bones, sickness, and GOOP

Theme song by Patrick Mullens

Why is the Amazon rainforest named after a tribe of warrior women from Greek myth? When Columbus embarked on his journey to the Indies in 1492 he arrived in the "New World" with preconceived notions of what he would find there - including monsters.

Did Columbus and other explorers really encounter sirens, mermaids, and cannibals? Find out in this months' episode!

Tw: Cannibalism (so much), penis disfiguration, and Columbus

Music by Patrick Mullens

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Thousands of years ago the Maya sacrificed several adults and children in a cave. Left where their bodies fell, archaeologists have put together how they all died and why...

This episode is all about caves! Brenda talks about why she hates and loves caves and why this one in particular is so fascinating.

Reminder this episode is from our patreon series, which was recorded earlier this year. We also chose to release two of Brenda's in a row but usually we do switch off!