BS-Free Witchcraft

Well, it must be May, because I’m doing another book review! This time around I’m reviewing Thumper Forge’s “The Chaos Apple” (ISBN 9780738775432) which came out last fall. It is, unsurprisingly, a book on Chaos Magic – a topic it turns out I knew more about than I realized. And while overall I liked this book a lot, it does have one glaring issue for me… but only because I’m a pedantic nerd. The annual Q&A/Feedback episode is coming up! I need your questions — send them via my contact form by July 10th 2026 if you want me to read your question on the show! Find “The Chaos Apple” Online: Order The Chaos Apple on Amazon Order The Chaos Apple on Bookshop.org Pre-order Trae’s new Novel The Perfect Host – out August 10th! ISBN: 9798295897726 Pre-order eBook: Kindle / Kobo ePub --> Pre-order Paperback: Amazon / Bookshop.org Also check out the rest of Trae’s Books and <a href="http

One of the biggest challenges in building a real community in the modern witchcraft movement is, honestly, the lack of respect a lot of folks show each other. From asserting that unverified personal gnosis is fact to spreading misinformation, it’s a huge issue. Well, we need to fix that. Pre-Order Welcome to Peregrine Lake: Peregrine Lake Chapter One ISBN: 9798348498733 Pre-Order: BookShop.org / Amazon Or read the comic for free at www.peregrine-lake.com Read Trae’s new Novel Buried Memories! ISBN: 9798349560958 eBook: Kindle / Kobo / ePub Paperback: Amazon / BookShop.org / Direct Order Also check out the rest of Trae’s Books and visit Trae’s website. (And, of course, don’t forget this show is part of the Nerd & Tie Network, and

One of the topics I’ve wanted to cover on this show for the longest time is gatekeeping in witchcraft spaces. It was on my original list of topics when I started the show, and it just kept getting knocked down the list. My opinion has evolved a lot over the years though, and the take I have now is in many ways completely different than what it would have been if I’d made this episode when the show first started. And hopefully it’s a journey you’re willing to take with me. Pre-Order Welcome to Peregrine Lake: Peregrine Lake Chapter One ISBN: 9798348498733 Pre-Order: BookShop.org / Amazon Or read the comic for free at www.peregrine-lake.com Read Trae’s new Novel Buried Memories! ISBN: 9798349560958 eBook: Kindle / Kobo / ePub Paperback: Amazon / BookShop.org / Direct Order Also check out the rest of Trae’s Books and <a href="https://www.trhonli

A long time ago I made a joke post on Tumblr called “Beginner Witch Tips” where I included the advice to curse your enemies. I later recreated that list on TikTok too. But just like how the item “Fight a God” went from tongue in cheek to genuine advice, this one was always partially serious too. So this month, I’m going to explain why I think you should just start dishing out the curses to everyone who deserves it. Remember, cursing is self care. Pre-Order Welcome to Peregrine Lake: Peregrine Lake Chapter One ISBN: 9798348498733 Pre-Order: BookShop.org / Amazon Or read the comic for free at www.peregrine-lake.com Read Trae’s new Novel Buried Memories! ISBN: 9798349560958 eBook: Kindle / Kobo / ePub Paperback: Amazon / BookShop.org / <a href="https://shop.ingramspark.

There’s an annoying thing in the witchcraft community where every new idea or trend gets cast as an “ancient” practice even if it’s just a few years old. Time and time again, we see people constructing false narratives about the supposed historicity of ideas, spells, and rituals in witchcraft spaces, and all of it is bad for us. Why do people feel the need to lie? Why does something being a new idea make it less credible in people’s eyes? Why have we been doing this as a community from the start? So I thought about calling this “Older Doesn’t Mean Better Part 2” or “Older Doesn’t Mean Better Redux” since this is some of the same territory we covered back in episode 17, but I think I’ve gotten more surly on the topic over the last six years, and wanted to talk about it again. Also, I kind of forgot I’d recorded an episode on this when I was prepping the episode, but I like this version better. Read Trae’s new Novel Buried Memories! ISBN: 9798349560958 eBook: Kindle / Kobo / ePub Paperback: Amazon / Bookshop / Direct Order Also <a href="https://www.trho

I’m getting a bit contemplative at the end of the year, and this month we’re talking about the importance of the mystery of the night. Everything feels just a little more magical in the dark, and why that just feels right as a witch. That’s right, we’re talking about an aesthetic this time around. Who would have guessed? Read Trae’s new Novel Buried Memories! ISBN: 9798349560958 eBook: Kindle / Kobo / ePub Paperback: Amazon / Bookshop / Direct Order Also check out the rest of Trae’s Books and visit Trae’s website. (And, of course, don’t forget this show is part of the Nerd & Tie Network, and funded by listeners like you via Patreon. Consider joining our Discord or our forums!) Music: “The Man With One Eye,” “So I Said It, “Putz and Pulse,” “Untitled Nonsense” (Trae Dorn) / Random Loops (Apple Music Library)

One of the biggest things I think a lot of older witches take for granted is that people understand what makes Wicca, well, Wicca. While we’ve discussed the history before, and last month talked about the weird anti-Wicca backlash, I think there are a lot of misconceptions about how this incredibly diverse religion is practiced. Frankly, just the fact that it is largely an orthopraxic religion and not an orthodoxic one is a concept a lot of folks raised in predominantly Christian frameworks struggle with. So let’s talk about it. (I know this is two months in a row talking about Wicca, but I think this is important) Pre-order Trae’s new Novel Buried Memories – out December 15th! ISBN: 9798349560958 eBook: Pre-order on Kindle / Pre-order on Kobo Paperback: Amazon Pre-order / B&N Pre-order Also check out the rest of Trae’s Books and visit Trae’s website. (And, of course, don’t forget this show is part of the Nerd & Tie Network, and funded by listeners like you via <a href="ht

If you spend any amount of time on social media these days, especially TikTok, you’ll find a surprising amount of anti-Wiccan sentiment… and a lot of it’s pretty weird. Thumper Forge, Gardnerian Wiccan and author of the forthcoming The Chaos Apple, joins me as we, frankly, debunk some of the worst of it and talk about why we think this has happened. Also we end up on about twenty million tangents, but I think you probably could have guessed that would happen anyway. Find Thumper Forge: Pre-Order The Chaos Apple on Amazon Pre-Order The Chaos Apple on Bookshop.org Fivefold Law on Patheos Fivefold Law on TikTok ThumperForge.com Pre-order Trae’s new Novel Buried Memories – out December 15th! ISBN: 9798349560958 eBook: Pre-order on Kindle / Pre-order on Kobo Paperback: Amazon Pre-order / Bookshop.org Pre-order Also <a

This episode marks seven years of this podcast, and as we start the eighth, I decided that it was time we looked back on how much things have changed in the modern witchcraft space since then, along with how different things are since I first became a witch over twenty-five years ago. Because what is witchcraft if it’s not change? Also, I’m standing in a park most of the episode, which is why it sounds like that. Pre-order Trae’s new Novel Buried Memories – out December 15th! ISBN: 9798349560958 eBook: Pre-order on Kindle / Pre-order on Kobo Paperback: Amazon Pre-order / B&N Pre-order Also check out the rest of Trae’s Books and visit Trae’s website. (And, of course, don’t forget this show is part of the Nerd & Tie Network, and funded by listeners like you via Patreon. Consider joining our Discord or our forums!) Music: “The Man With One Eye,” “So I Said It,” “Putz and Pulse,” “Untitled Nonsense” (Trae Dorn) / “Havana,” Random Loops (Apple Music Library)

If you’re in witchcraft spaces, over the last six years or so, you’ve likely heard someone talking about “shadow work” (or more obnoxiously telling someone “they need to do some shadow work”). And while some folks seem to consider it an essential element of witchcraft, for those of us who have been in the community a long time it’s just a little bit puzzling. Likewise, a lot of the people pushing shadow work don’t seem to know where it comes from to begin with. With that in mind, this month I’m going into the origins of shadow work, what it is, and maybe why some folks need to stop pushing it so hard. Quicklink: Critical Thinking Witches Collective Remember you can always buy Trae’s Books and visit Trae’s website. (And, of course, don’t forget this show is part of the Nerd & Tie Network, and funded by listeners like you via Patreon. Consider joining our Discord or our forums!) Music: “The Man With One Eye,” “So I Said It,” “Putz and Pulse,” “Untitled Nonsense” (Trae Dorn) / “Jaracanda,” Random Loops (Apple Music Library)

It’s July which means it’s time for the annual feedback/Q&A episode of the show! In this episode I sit down and answer questions that you, the audience, has been sending me over the last few months. It’s the same dance we do every summer, and this year you guys sent me some great questions. It’s a fun one. Conventions: Aug 2-3 Big Minneapolis Anime – Minneapolis, MN Aug 9-10 Anime 414 – Milwaukee, WI Sep 13 Eau Claire Comic Con – Eau Claire, WI Remember you can always buy Trae’s Books and visit Trae’s website. Apple Podcast Users – please switch to the white logo feed to find the missing episodes in the archive. (And, of course, don’t forget this show is part of the Nerd & Tie Network, and funded by listeners like you via Patreon. Consider joining our Discord or our forums!) Music: “The Man With One Eye,” “Untitled Nonsense” (Trae Dorn) / Random Loops (Apple Music Library)

Last month we talked about a good source new witches might want to add to their libraries, because I know how hard it is to separate the signal from the noise. But this month I thought we’d go look at some of the noise instead! I clicked on every terrible ad for witchcraft stuff I could find on Facebook for a week, and decided to inflict what I found on Hex Positive‘s Bree NicGarran. It’s so, so bad y’all. Important Links: The Medicinal Garden Kit Will Probably Not Save You (McGill.ca) Bree’s Willow Wings Witch Shop Remember you can always buy Trae’s Books and visit Trae’s website. The annual Q&A/Feedback episode is coming up! I need your questions — send them via my contact form by July 11th 2025 if you want me to read your question on the show! (And, of course, don’t forget this show is part of the Nerd & Tie Network, and funded by listeners like you via Patreon. Consider joining our Discord or our forums!) Music: “The Man With One Eye,” “Untitled Nonsense” (Trae Dorn) / “Curtain Call,” Random Lo

One year ago I put out this podcast’s first book review. It was for Annwyn Avalon’s Celtic Goddess Grimoire, and I absolutely hated it. It was everything I despise in modern witchcraft publishing, and it just left a bad taste in my mouth. I felt like I needed to fix that. So I decided to make it my mission to find a new witchcraft book I might actually like — to find something I could actually talk positively about to this show’s audience. And that’s when I found Thorn Mooney’s Witches Among Us: Understanding Contemporary Witchcraft and Wicca (ISBN: ‎ 978-0738777375) last fall. And it turns out I really like it. Important Links: Buy “Witches Among Us” on Amazon Buy “Witches Among Us” via Llewllyn Thorn Mooney’s Website Remember you can always buy Trae’s Books and visit Trae’s website. The annual Q&A/Feedback episode is coming up! I need your questions — send them via my contact form by July 11th 2025 if you want me to read your question on the show! (And, of course, don’t forget this show is part of the Nerd & Tie Network, and funded by listeners lik

The 1991 Christian propaganda series the Pagan Invasion by Jeremiah Films was oddly formative for me. It’s a masterclass in propaganda, and a perfect example of the kind of misinformation that was spreading during the heights of the Satanic Panic. So in this episode we’re going to break down how “documentaries” like these work to push an agenda, and how to recognize these patterns in other places. Remember you can always buy Trae’s Books and visit Trae’s website. The annual Q&A/Feedback episode is coming up! I need your questions — send them via my contact form by July 11th 2025 if you want me to read your question on the show! (And, of course, don’t forget this show is part of the Nerd & Tie Network, and funded by listeners like you via Patreon. Consider joining our Discord or our forums!) Music: “So I Said It,” “The Man With One Eye,” “Untitled Nonsense” (Trae Dorn) / “Island,” “Peach Cobbler,” Random Loops (Apple Music Library)

This month on the show we’re talking about the importance of taking stock and realizing that the person you used to be isn’t the person that you are — and how important it is to document who you are now so that you might know yourself better later. Or something. It makes sense if you listen, I swear. Remember you can always buy Trae’s Books and visit Trae’s website. (And, of course, don’t forget this show is part of the Nerd & Tie Network, and funded by listeners like you via Patreon. Consider joining our Discord or our forums!) Music: “So I Said It,” “The Man With One Eye,” “Untitled Nonsense” (Trae Dorn) / Random Loops (Apple Music Library)

This month I wanted to talk about a couple of things that wouldn’t necessarily fill out a whole episode on their own. First off, after last month’s episode I wanted to clarify some of my thoughts on psychics. Secondly, I wanted to talk about bias and what we do with evidence that runs contrary to our beliefs. It should be a fun one though. Remember you can always buy Trae’s Books, and find me at Evercon Feb 28th-March 2nd, 2025. (And, of course, don’t forget this show is part of the Nerd & Tie Network, and funded by listeners like you via Patreon. Consider joining our Discord or our forums!) Music: “So I Said It,” “The Man With One Eye,” “Untitled Nonsense” (Trae Dorn) / Random Loops (Apple Music Library)

One of the biggest podcasts out there right now is The Telepathy Tapes. It’s topping the podcast charts on both Apple and Spotify’s American listings, but it perpetrates an incredibly dangerous idea about people with autism. But none of this is new, and we’ve seen this kind of trend before. So it’s about time we talked about it. Remember you can always buy Trae’s Books Important Links: The Telepathy Tapes Official Website “The Telepathy Tapes” is Taking America by Storm. But it Has its Roots in Old Autism Controversies. by Zail Jilani The American Saga (And, of course, don’t forget this show is part of the Nerd & Tie Network, and funded by listeners like you via Patreon. Consider joining our Discord or our forums!) Music: “So I Said It,” “The Man With One Eye,” “Untitled Nonsense” (Trae Dorn) / “Jaracanda,” “Buddy,” Random Loops (Apple Music Library)

This month we’re going to do something a little different — I’m going to just talk to you about how I’m doing right now. Stuff’s not necessarily the best, so I kind of had a few things I needed to get out of my system. But I’m still here, still fighting, and still sticking by you. Remember you can always buy Trae’s Books (And, of course, don’t forget this show is part of the Nerd & Tie Network, and funded by listeners like you via Patreon. Consider joining our Discord or our forums!) Music: “The Man With One Eye” (Trae Dorn)

It’s been about a year since Hex Positive‘s Bree NicGarran showed up to review a piece of witchcraft media with Trae, and with how terrible the world is, why not take a break and listen to two witches reviewing the latest piece of the Marvel Cinematic Universe — Agatha All Along! Because we all need a distraction… and it’s an amazing show. Read Trae’s Books: The Witch and the Rose ISBN: 9798869132666 Available Via: Amazon / Kindle / ePub / Direct Order Bloody Damn Rite ISBN: 9798330220373 Available Via: Amazon / Kindle / ePub / Direct Order Shadowcasting (Available 12/15/2024) ISBN: 9781088207031 Available Via: Pre-Order on Kindle / Pre-Order Paperback (And, of course, don’t forget this show is part of the Nerd & Tie Network, and funded by listeners like you via <a hr

It’s October, so even though we took the year off last year, we’re going back to the show’s roots with yet another spooky episode! This time around, Lozzie Stardust takes the guest spot and we talk about ghosts, cryptids, and a whole bunch of other stuff. Look, we got really off track on this one. But I think you’ll like it. Read Trae’s Books: The Witch and the Rose ISBN: 9798869132666 Available Via: Amazon / Kindle / ePub / Direct Order Bloody Damn Rite ISBN: 9798330220373 Available Via: Amazon / Kindle / ePub / Direct Order Shadowcasting (Available 12/15/2024) ISBN: 9781088207031 Available Via: Pre-Order on Kindle / Pre-Order Paperback (And, of course, don’t forget this show is part of the Nerd & Tie Network, and funded by listeners like you via Patreon. Consider joining our <a href="

You do your best in this life to try and figure out what you’re doing. You write everything down, you make a schedule, and you plan. And sometimes those plans work out and sometimes they don’t. That’s what this episode is about. Sort of. Kind of. In a way. I think. Read Trae’s Books: The Witch and the Rose ISBN: 9798869132666 Available Via: Amazon / Kindle / ePub / Direct Order Bloody Damn Rite ISBN: 9798330220373 Available Via: Amazon / Kindle / ePub / Direct Order Shadowcasting (Available 12/15/2024) ISBN: 9781088207031 Available Via: Pre-Order on Kindle / Pre-Order Paperback (And, of course, don’t forget this show is part of the Nerd & Tie Network, and funded by listeners like you via Patreon. Consider joining our Discord or our <a href="https://nerdandtie.so

Homeopathy is harmful and complete and total bull. I can’t emphasize that enough. In this episode we’re diving into the history of Homeopathy, what it is, and why it’s bad. And I think, by the end of it, you’ll agree with me. Further Reading: What is the lawsuit against CVS and Walmart? Chains targeted over homeopathic product sales (USA Today) ‘Homeopathic’ treatment contains as much alcohol as whiskey (News4SA) Read Trae’s Books: The Witch and the Rose ISBN: 9798869132666 Available Via: Amazon / Kindle / Direct Order Bloody Damn Rite ISBN: 9798330220373 Available Via: Amazon / Kindle / Direct Order (And, of course, don’t forget this show is part of the Nerd & Tie Podcast Network, and funded by listeners like you via Patreon. Consider joining our Discord or our forums!) Music: “So I Said It,” “The Man With One Eye,” “Untit

It’s July, so that means we’re doing the annual feedback and Q&A special! You guys spent the last few months sending in witchcraft questions, and they got shuffled around, picked at random, and now you’re getting some answers! We’ve played this dance before, you know what’s up. Read Trae’s Books: The Witch and the Rose ISBN: 9798869132666 Available Via: Amazon / Kindle / Direct Order Bloody Damn Rite ISBN: 9798330220373 Available Via: Amazon / Kindle / Direct Order (And, of course, don’t forget this show is part of the Nerd & Tie Podcast Network, and funded by listeners like you via Patreon. Consider joining our Discord or our forums!) Music: “The Man With One Eye,” “Untitled Nonsense” (Trae Dorn) / Random Loops (Apple Music Library)

The entire #ReturnTheStone debacle over the last couple of weeks on WitchTok is honestly just a symptom of a a larger problem. One of the core, underlying issues that is the cause of a lot of these issues in the Modern Witchcraft Movement is arrogance, and it’s about time we talk about it. Reminder! The annual Q&A episode is coming up soon, and I need your questions! Submit your questions by July 11th by going to the contact form! Read Trae’s Books: The Witch and the Rose ISBN: 9798869132666 Available Via: Amazon / Kindle / Direct Order Bloody Damn Rite ISBN: 9798330220373 Available Via: Amazon / Kindle / Direct Order (And, of course, don’t forget this show is part of the Nerd & Tie Podcast Network, and funded by listeners like you via Patreon. Consider joining our Discord or our forums!) TikTok videos from @brewitched, @zaphaa_, @cheapeofficial, @josephine_witch, @the_planning_hincher, and @scottish.bookworm were featured in this episode. Music: “So I Said It,” “The Man With One Eye,” “Unti

When the publicist for Weiser Books reached out to the show asking if I wanted a review copy of Annwyn Avalon’s new book “Celtic Goddess Grimoire,” I don’t really think they knew what they were getting into. Because I said yes. And this is my review. And this is not a good book. Reminder! The annual Q&A episode is coming up soon, and I need your questions! Submit your questions by July 11th by going to the contact form! Check out my Novels: Purchase ‘The Witch and the Rose’ in eBook or Paperback (Amazon) Pre-Order ‘Bloody Damn Rite’ in eBook (Amazon) (And, of course, don’t forget this show is part of the Nerd & Tie Podcast Network, and funded by listeners like you via Patreon. Consider joining our Discord or our forums!) Music: “So I Said It,” “The Man With One Eye,” “Untitled Nonsense” (Trae Dorn) / Random Loops (Apple Music Library)

Sometimes in this community folks have a habit of making things about them that… aren’t. So that’s what we’re addressing this time around. Because there are times where we need to step back and get some perspective. Links: Bennett Braun, Psychiatrist Who Fueled Satanic Panic, Dies at 83 (NYT) Pastor Greg Locke Threatens to Dox ‘Witches’ (Independent.co.uk) Purchase ‘The Witch and the Rose’ in eBook or Paperback (Amazon) Pre-Order ‘Bloody Damn Rite’ in eBook (Amazon) (And, of course, don’t forget this show is part of the Nerd & Tie Podcast Network, and funded by listeners like you via Patreon. Consider joining our Discord or our forums!) Music: “So I Said It,” “The Man With One Eye,” “Untitled Nonsense” (Trae Dorn) / Random Loops (Apple Music Library)

One of the most frustrating conversations we keep having to have in the modern witchcraft movement is about cultural appropriation. And while we’ve repeatedly touched on this before, I’ve never focused an episode purely on the topic. So let’s do that. Let’s talk about exactly what it is and why it’s such a problem. Trae’s new novel, “The Witch and the Rose,” is available to purchase right now on Amazon, or you can order it through your favorite bookseller with the ISBN 9798869132666. (And, of course, don’t forget this show is part of the Nerd & Tie Podcast Network, and funded by listeners like you via Patreon. Consider joining our Discord or our forums!) Music: “So I Said It,” “The Man With One Eye,” “Untitled Nonsense” (Trae Dorn) / Random Loops (Apple Music Library)

A question that is significantly harder to answer than most people think is “What is Witchcraft?” This month I’m going to try to answer that, and if I fail you’ll be at least as confused as I am by the end. And hey, isn’t nice to do something together from time to time? Trae’s novel, “The Witch and the Rose,” is available to purchase right now on Amazon, or you can order it through your favorite bookseller with the ISBN 9798869132666. (And, of course, don’t forget this show is part of the Nerd & Tie Podcast Network, and funded by listeners like you via Patreon. Consider joining our Discord or our forums!) Music: “So I Said It,” “The Man With One Eye,” “Untitled Nonsense” (Trae Dorn) / Random Loops (Apple Music Library)

Combating misinformation has always been one of the primary missions of this show, and honestly? It just gets exhausting sometimes. Why are people in this community so willing to uncritically pass on bad information? Why can’t people be bothered to do the minimum to verify what they’re saying’s correct? It’s incredibly frustrating. Trae’s new novel, “The Witch and the Rose,” is available to purchase right now on Amazon (And, of course, don’t forget this show is part of the Nerd & Tie Podcast Network, and funded by listeners like you via Patreon. Consider joining our Discord or our forums!) Music: “So I Said It,” “The Man With One Eye,” “Untitled Nonsense” (Trae Dorn) / Random Loops (Apple Music Library)

Last month Hex Positive‘s Bree NicGarran joined Trae to take a look at the classic witch-centric movie Hocus Pocus (1993). This month, Bree’s back to help review the 2022 sequel to that movie — Hocus Pocus 2. (And, of course, don’t forget this show is part of the Nerd & Tie Podcast Network, and funded by listeners like you via Patreon. Consider joining our Discord or our Forums!) Music: “The Man With One Eye” (Trae Dorn) / Random Loops (Apple Music Library)

It’s time to dig back into the VHS tapes that you’ve shoved in a box in your basement (or just open Disney Plus), and talk about the classic witch-centric movie Hocus Pocus (1993). Hex Positive‘s Bree NicGarran joins Trae this month for an indepth look at this Halloween movie… in November. But c’mon, we all know it’s Halloween year round in these parts. (And, of course, don’t forget this show is part of the Nerd & Tie Podcast Network, and funded by listeners like you via Patreon. Consider joining our Discord or our Forums!) Music: “The Man With One Eye” (Trae Dorn) / Random Loops (Apple Music Library)

For the first time in five years, we’re breaking the “Trae talks to someone about ghosts for an hour in October” pattern. Instead we’re using this month and the witchcraft movement’s obsession with Halloween to ask “why are we doing any of this stuff?” It should make sense in the end. I hope. (And, of course, don’t forget this show is part of the Nerd & Tie Podcast Network, and funded by listeners like you via Patreon. Consider joining our Discord!) Music: “So I Said It,” “The Man With One Eye,” “Untitled Nonsense” (Trae Dorn) / Random Loops (Apple Music Library)

One of the most common descriptions of “witchcraft” you’ll find out there will say that it’s a “nature based” practice. That’s also reinforced in so many witchcraft books over the last century, as well as in the current social media witchcraft circles. This episode is here to ask the question so many folks seem to be ignoring. Is it really? (And, of course, don’t forget this show is part of the Nerd & Tie Podcast Network, and funded by listeners like you via Patreon. Consider joining our Discord!) Music: “So I Said It,” “The Man With One Eye,” “Untitled Nonsense” (Trae Dorn) / Random Loops (Apple Music Library)

Variations of the phrase “There’s No Wrong Way to Witch” get tossed around our community, and I think it’s about time we discuss why we say actually say that. But beyond that, there are folks who try to twist the phrase to make it mean things it doesn’t — and we need to talk about how being valid as a witch doesn’t mean you’re not being a complete jerk at the same time. I use stronger language than “jerk” in the episode. (And, of course, don’t forget this show is part of the Nerd & Tie Podcast Network, and funded by listeners like you via Patreon. Consider joining our Discord!) Music: “So I Said It,” “The Man With One Eye,” “Untitle Nonsense” (Trae Dorn) / Random Loops (Apple Music Library)

It’s July! You know what that means — it’s time for our annual Q&A special! Where you the audience send in your questions for the show, so we don’t have to research anything for a month… or something. In this supersized episode, we talk about what you wanted to talk about, instead of this month’s random whim. I did so little work this month, I even copied that description from last year! (And, of course, don’t forget this show is part of the Nerd & Tie Podcast Network, and funded by listeners like you via Patreon. Consider joining our Discord!) Music: “The Man With One Eye” (Trae Dorn)

This month we’re talking about a very important concept: doubt. There are times when we question our beliefs and our witchcraft, and why that’s a good thing. Blind faith never helped anyone, and can actively harm you. Remember! Our Annual Q&A Episode is coming up in July! Make sure you submit your questions and comments here before July 10, 2023 to make sure we get them in time! (And, of course, don’t forget this show is part of the Nerd & Tie Podcast Network, and funded by listeners like you via Patreon. Consider joining our Discord!) Music: “So I Said It,” “The Man With One Eye,” “Untitle Nonsense” (Trae Dorn) / Random Loops (Apple Music Library) / “Spinning Monkeys” (Kevin MacLeod / incompetech.com – Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/)

The Aquarian Tabernacle Church has announced a new accreditation program to “professionalize” Wiccan Clergy. They’re not the first people to try and set something up like this, and they likely won’t be the last. Is this a good thing? Is this a bad thing? Mostly I just think this is just a complicated thing. Links: ATC Setting Up Accreditation Program For Wicca (The Wild Hunt) Army Rejects Wiccan Chaplain (Seattle Times) Remember! Our Annual Q&A Episode is coming up in July! Make sure you submit your questions and comments here before July 10, 2023 to make sure we get them in time! (And, of course, don’t forget this show is part of the Nerd & Tie Podcast Network, and funded by listeners like you via Patreon. Consider joining our Discord!) Music: “So I Said It,” “The Man With One Eye,” “Untitle Nonsense” (Trae Dorn) / Random Loops (Apple Music Library) Portions of TikTok videos made by users adirondackanimist, saraphima.still.talks, and witch_way_up were featured in this episode

This month we’re talking about liminality and the spaces in between. The places that don’t really seem to belong where they are, where that sense of unreality kicks in. Where we go to the edge of the firelight to the transition to the night. And how that all links into one of the most important, almost universal pieces of folklore: The Crossroads. (And, of course, don’t forget this show is part of the Nerd & Tie Podcast Network, and funded by listeners like you via Patreon. Consider joining our Discord!) Music: “So I Said It,” “The Man With One Eye,” “Untitle Nonsense” (Trae Dorn) / Random Loops (Apple Music Library)

This month on the show we’re answering a question I get a lot, and that’s how do you celebrate the Wheel of the Year if you live somewhere that the natural cycles don’t line up with a bunch of holidays put together in Ireland and Great Britain? How do you adjust and adapt your celebrations to fit in with the natural world around you? I mean, assuming you celebrate the Wheel of the Year to begin with. (And, of course, don’t forget this show is part of the Nerd & Tie Podcast Network, and funded by listeners like you via Patreon. Consider joining our Discord!) Music: “So I Said It,” “The Man With One Eye,” “Untitle Nonsense” (Trae Dorn) / Random Loops (Apple Music Library)

This month on the show we’re going down a bit more of an unhinged rant than we’ve done lately, as we discuss “finger waggling,” “sit at the foot of the great teacher” energy, and how maybe we shouldn’t be letting certain dicks run stuff in the Witchcraft Community. Y’know, basic stuff that maybe we could all agree on if anyone thought about it for two seconds. Just, uh, something to think about. (And, of course, don’t forget this show is part of the Nerd & Tie Podcast Network, and funded by listeners like you via Patreon. Consider joining our Discord!) Music: “So I Said It,” “The Man With One Eye,” “Untitle Nonsense” (Trae Dorn) / Random Loops (Apple Music Library)

This month we’re taking a look at one of New Age spirituality’s most toxic philosophies: The Law of Attraction. We talk about the history of it, where it came from, and how it’s come back in a major way to a whole new generation as “Lucky Girl Syndrome.” What sometimes looks like a harmless TikTok trend can actually be incredibly dangerous. (And, of course, don’t forget this show is part of the Nerd & Tie Podcast Network, and funded by listeners like you via Patreon. Consider joining our Discord!) Music: “So I Said It,” “The Man With One Eye” (Trae Dorn) / “Jaracanda,” Random Loops (Apple Music Library) Portions of TikTok videos made by users emilieleyes.hypnosis, lawofattractionvision3, kaitlinvillatoro, lauragalebe, tamkaur_, hothighpriestess, and skzzolno were featured in this episode

Back in September of 2021, we put out an episode all about Mabon and the person who named it, Aidan Kelly. This last October, just over after that podcast episode was released, Aidan Kelly reached out to me having listened to it and wanted to set the record straight. Thankfully he let me record the call for the show, and this is that conversation. Consider this episode a part two to that earlier episode, and if you haven’t listened to it lately, you may want to do so again. Important Links: Information on purchasing e-Books from Aidan Kelly BSFW39. Mabon and Aidan Kelly Donald H. Frew “A. Kelly IS an oathbreaker” (December 9, 1995) (And, of course, don’t forget this show is part of the Nerd & Tie Podcast Network, and funded by listeners like you via Patreon. Consider joining our Discord!) Music: “The Man With One Eye” (Trae Dorn) / Random Loops (Apple Music Library)

This episode of BS-Free Witchcraft is actually a panel from CritWitchCon 2022 this last October. Spend an hour with Alex Wrekk, Bree NicGarran, Lozzie Stardust and myself as we talk about the history of modern witchcraft. Also you get to listen to me speed run like 130 years of history in under five minutes. It’s a lot of fun, and I think you’ll like it. (And, of course, don’t forget this show is part of the Nerd & Tie Podcast Network, and funded by listeners like you via Patreon. Consider joining our Discord!) Music: “The Man With One Eye” (Trae Dorn) / Random Loops (Apple Music Library)

It’s October, and that means we’re in the spookiest of seasons! With that in mind we continue the podcast’s long standing tradition of doing a ghost stories episode! This year Trae is joined by Jodie Haas, co-host and co-creator of Nerd & Tie Podcast Network Shows Cool & Unusual Punishment and Pour Man’s History, as they take a moment to talk about the nature of “ghosts,” the folklore that develops around them, bears as cryptids, and a particularly dark tale from Wisconsin’s history. It’s a fun ride. (And, of course, don’t forget this show is part of the Nerd & Tie Podcast Network, and funded by listeners like you via Patreon. Consider joining our Discord!) Music: “So I Said It,” “The Man With One Eye,” “Untitled Nonsense” (Trae Dorn) / Random Loops (Apple Music Library)

Consumerism has been a driving force in the witchcraft movement since the beginning, but in the age of social media it’s only gotten more visible. Is this a good thing? I mean… no. No it’s not. But we probably wouldn’t be talking about it if it was, would we. Also, it’s entirely possible that WitchTok hates poor people. (And, of course, don’t forget this show is part of the Nerd & Tie Podcast Network, and funded by listeners like you via Patreon. Consider joining our Discord!) Music: “So I Said It,” “The Man With One Eye,” “Untitled Nonsense” (Trae Dorn) / Random Loops (Apple Music Library)

On this episode we’re talking about the general tone of witchcraft discourse on social media, including Tumblr and TikTok. Is Witchtok the actual problem in our community, or is it just that the short form video format eliminates any possibility of nuance? (And, of course, don’t forget this show is part of the Nerd & Tie Podcast Network, and funded by listeners like you via Patreon. Consider joining our Discord!) Music: “So I Said It,” “The Man With One Eye,” “Untitled Nonsense” (Trae Dorn) / Random Loops (Apple Music Library)

It’s July! You know what that means — it’s time for our annual Q&A special! Where you the audience send in your questions for the show, so we don’t have to research anything for a month… or something. In this supersized episode, we talk about what you wanted to talk about, instead of this month’s random whim. (And, of course, don’t forget this show is part of the Nerd & Tie Podcast Network, and funded by listeners like you via Patreon. Consider joining our Discord!) Music: “So I Said It,” “The Man With One Eye,” “Untitled Nonsense” (Trae Dorn) / Random Loops (Apple Music Library)

Can you believe we made it this long without doing an episode answering a question this basic? I mean, yeah, sure, I cover it a little in episode one — but after running across something online, I realized I really wanted to do something more complete on the matter. So that’s the question we’re answering this month. Mostly. Sort of. You’ll find out. And remember, if you want to get questions in for this year’s Q&A/Feedback episode, send them in before July 15th here! (And, of course, don’t forget this show is part of the Nerd & Tie Podcast Network, and funded by listeners like you via Patreon. Consider joining our Discord!) Links: Invoking Witchcraft Episode 1 February 2021 Music: “So I Said It,” “The Man With One Eye,” “Untitled Nonsense” (Trae Dorn) / “Jaracanda,” “Red Velvet (Long),” “Buddy,” Random Loops (Apple Music Library)

On this month’s episode of BS-Free Witchcraft we’re talking about political witchcraft. Should your witchcraft be political? What’s the history of the modern witchcraft movement and political action? Should your political action end with your witchcraft? For that last one… the answer is no. It’s a definite and clear no. (And, of course, don’t forget this show is part of the Nerd & Tie Podcast Network, and funded by listeners like you via Patreon.) Links: Witches Gather to put Spell on Trump (NBC News) “Ground Zero Players” Witches Curse Trump (ABC 10 News) Music: “So I Said It,” “The Man With One Eye,” “Untitled Nonsense” (Trae Dorn) / “Jaracanda,” Random Loops (Apple Music Library)

We’ve talked before about the white supremacy issues in the modern witchcraft, neopagan, and norse heathen communities, but today we’re dealing with something a little more insidious: the racism that might be coming from inside the house. Because what happens when someone who doesn’t think they’re racist does something racist is important, and there are lots of little things so many of us do in the modern witchcraft movement that, frankly, too many people let slide. But, uh, I promise I’m at least a little funny in this one? Probably should have done a Beltane episode instead… (And, of course, don’t forget this show is part of the Nerd & Tie Podcast Network, and funded by listeners like you via Patreon.) Links: Nordic Mythology Podcast Ep 104 That TikTok video of mine Music: “So I Said It,” “The Man With One Eye,” “Untitled Nonsense” (Trae Dorn) / “Say So (Instrumental)” (Elliot Van Coup) / “Jaracanda,” Random Loops (Apple Music Library)