Do you believe the Tasmanian tiger is still alive today? In episode 57 we chat with Daisy Ahlstone, a folklorist, cryptozoologist (legend scholar), eco-philosopher, and mycologist about their research on the Tasmanian tiger (thylacine) as a folk legend after it had been declared extinct since 1986. We discuss the cultural and ecological significance of the Tasmanian tiger and its unique status in cryptozoology. Daisy also discusses mycology and folklore and what they believe are similarities between the two areas. Daisy dives into how folklore can be used for resistance in communities struggling with oppression. As the director of WiseFolk Productions, Daisy also walks us through the YouTube and Twitch streaming channel Folkwise, which explores the study of tradition non-traditionally through digital content creation, public education, and direct community engagement. Its not an episode to miss!

Links
Folklore and Resistance Paper: https://daisyahlstone.substack.com/p/folklore-resistance

WiseFolk Productions

Folkwise YouTube 

Twitch 

Folkwise Instagram

Timeline:

• 📚 Defining Folklore (04:45 - 08:27)
• Daisy explains the broad definition of folklore, emphasizing both 'folk' and 'lore'.
• Folklore includes traditional, informal culture and creative communication.
• 🌍 Folklore and Ecology (10:00 - 12:01)
• Daisy discusses the interconnectedness of folklore with ecology and systems thinking.
• Importance of understanding everyday creative communication.
• 🐾 Cryptozoology and the Tasmanian Tiger (17:16 - 24:04)
• Cryptozoology research on the Tasmanian Tiger.
• Cultural and ecological significance of the Tasmanian Tiger.
• 🍄 Mycology and Folklore (37:12 - 41:10)
• The study of fungi and its similarities with folklore.
• The community and knowledge-sharing aspects of both fields.
• ✊ Folklore and Resistance (49:43 - 55:53)
• Folklore can be used in resistance efforts.
• The importance of community and creative communication in resistance.
• 🎮 Folk Wise Productions (59:49 - 01:07:04)
• The concept and activities of Folk Wise Productions.
• The Twitch show and its focus on engaging with folklore through gaming.

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