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 Mu ..read more

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 ..read more

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 ..read more

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,” “Un ..read more

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 ..read more

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 ..read more

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 ..read more

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 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 Mus ..read more

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. Ke ..read more

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 ..read more