Wyrd-iversary: 10 Years and 100 Episodes of Gifts of the Wyrd

In this special milestone episode, I’m celebrating the 100th episode of Gifts of the Wyrd and ten years of podcasting.

From the first recording in 2016 to conversations with authors, folklorists, creators, and practitioners across the wider Pagan and Heathen communities, this episode reflects on how the show began, how it evolved from “Heathen NPR” to something closer to “Pagan NPR,” and what I’ve learned along the way.

I share favorite topics — from runes to Dark Christmas folklore — and reflect on the joy of learning the "behind the scenes" with creators.

Most of all, this episode is a thank you to the listeners, guests, publishers, and friends who have made these ten years possible.

Here’s to wherever the Wyrd leads next.

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Create your podcast today! #madeonzencastr

Subscribe to Substack: https://giftsofthewyrd.substack.com/

Instagram: @wyrdgifts1 Facebook: @GiftsoftheWyrd

Email: [email protected]

Order The Christmas Oracle Deck created by me and artist Vinnora at https://feniksshop.etsy.com follow FB/IG: @thechristmasoracle 

Music. Royalty free music from https://www.fesliyanstudios.com  Intro: Land of 8 Bits. Outro: JPOP.  

Gifts of the Wyrd Logo Created by Xan Folmer. 

Logo based on the Vanic boar created by Vanatru Priestess Ember of the Vanic Conspiracy.

Studio recordings using Zencastr and Audacity.

In this episode we meet with Irish author Rev. Lora O'Brien to talk about her latest book The Mórrígan, Ireland's Goddess: Sovereign Secrets from an Irish View. 

We talk about her book and the Mórrígan as well as learning about the goddess from Irish resources, mythology and folktales, Irish sacred spaces, and connecting to an authentic Irish practice itself. 

It's a really interesting conversation which goes beyond the goddess and Lora shares tools to create a vibrant Irish (or other) religious practice. 

Lora is an author and Mórrígan devotee who has written this book with a perspective towards the Irish practice, mythology, and cultural connection. She is a modern Draoí—a practitioner and priest of indigenous Irish magic and spirituality.

She is founder of the Ogham Academy and with her partner, Jon O’Sullivan, she is the co-founder of the Irish Pagan School.

The Mórrígan, Ireland's Goddess is available from Llewellyn books. 

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Instagram: @morrigan.academy.irish @irish.pagan.school 

Links: Lora O'Brien  Mórrígan Academy   

National Monuments Service  (Historic Environment Viewer)

Folklore archive - Duchas  

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This book was sent to me by the publisher. I have not been compensated for this interview or review, and my opinions are my own. 

Create your podcast today! #madeonzencastr

Subscribe to Substack: https://giftsofthewyrd.substack.com/

Instagram: @wyrdgifts1 Facebook: @GiftsoftheWyrd

Email: [email protected]

Order The Christmas Oracle Deck created by me and artist Vinnora at https://feniksshop.etsy.com follow FB/IG: @thechristmasoracle 

Music. Royalty free music from https://www.fesliyanstudios.com  Intro: Land of 8 Bits. Outro: The Night Before Christmas.  

Gifts of the Wyrd Logo Created by Xan Folmer. 

Logo based on the Vanic boar created by Vanatru Priestess Ember of the Vanic Conspiracy.

Studio recordings using Zencastr and Audacity.

In this episode, you can meet three of the Dark Spirits of the Christmas with my guest Tania Yager. Tania is the author of the book The Allure of the Dark Spirits (which will be available Dec. 5, 2025 on Lulu).

We talk about the process of getting the book written and about the three topics of the book: Krampus, La Befana, and the Mari Lwyd.

The book "is a whimsical, bombastic, and deeply heartfelt journey into the shadowy magic of winter folklore. Part memoir, part shamanic exploration, and part folklore celebration, Yager invites readers to walk beside her as she meets the Alpine Krampus in the snowy streets of Munich, seeks out the Italian witch La Befana, and revisits her own bittersweet ties to Wales through the ghostly Mari Lwyd."

We had a great discussion (one of the longer I've done) talking about her journey and about the spirits. 

The book will be available for order on Dec. 5, 2025 (Krampusnacht) in time for the holiday season. A gift for yourself and that special friend in your life who also enjoys the spirits of winter. 

This is a longer episode, so here is a bit of a show flow:

Yager is a multifaceted visual/ performance artist, writer, holistic educator, and shamanic practitioner. She has dedicated her life to the art of storytelling in all forms and strives to put the education at the forefront of her work. She is the creative director of Twisted Heart Puppetworks and founder of The Wild Hunt of Vista Krampus Run and The Dark X-mas Market of Vista. Through her works, she aims to inspire others to explore folklore, fantasy, myth and magic. 

Order the book beginning Dec. 5, 2025 on Lulu. Find the link at The Wild Hunt of Vista.com

Check out the Dark X-mas Market in Vista California on Dec .13 2025. 

Follow Tania on IG & FB: @twistedheartpuppetworks  and IG: @wildhuntersvista

The Dark Market on IG & FB: @thedarkxmasmarket 

# # #

Create your podcast today! #madeonzencastr

Subscribe to Substack: https://giftsofthewyrd.substack.com/

Instagram: @wyrdgifts1 Facebook: @GiftsoftheWyrd

Email: [email protected]

Order The Christmas Oracle Deck created by me and artist Vinnora at https://feniksshop.etsy.com follow FB/IG: @thechristmasoracle 

This product was sent to me by the publisher. I have not been compensated for this interview or review, and my opinions are my own. 

Music. Royalty free music from https://www.fesliyanstudios.com  Intro: Land of 8 Bits. Outro: The Night Before Christmas.  

Gifts of the Wyrd Logo Created by Xan Folmer. 

Logo based on the Vanic boar created by Vanatru Priestess Ember of the Vanic Conspiracy.

Studio recordings using Zencastr and Audacity.

Building Your Living Ancestral Practice with Ben Stimpson

In this episode of Gifts of the Wyrd, we hear from author Ben Stimpson about his book Ancestral Whispers, published by Llewellyn Books. We explore what it means to build a living ancestral veneration practice—from understaning who our ancestors are, to creating space, crafting offerings, communication, and redefining our releationships with them.

Ben shares insights from the book, personal experiences, and practical approaches for those who want to deepen their relationship with their ancestors. Whether you are new to ancestor work or have done it for a while, this book offers good information for developing or adapting meaningful ancestor work that is right for you - and them. 

Connect with Ben through his website: BenStimpson.com

Ancestral Whispers: A Guide to Building Ancestral Veneration Practices is available at your local bookstore (ask to order if not in stock), the Llewellyn website, or your preferred online retailer.

# # #

Create your podcast today! #madeonzencastr

Subscribe to Substack: https://giftsofthewyrd.substack.com/

Instagram: @wyrdgifts1 Facebook: @GiftsoftheWyrd

Email: [email protected]

Order The Christmas Oracle Deck created by me and artist Vinnora at https://feniksshop.etsy.com follow FB/IG: @thechristmasoracle 

This product was sent to me by the publisher. I have not been compensated for this interview or review, and my opinions are my own. 

Music. Royalty free music from https://www.fesliyanstudios.com  Intro: Land of 8 Bits. Outro: JPOP.  

Gifts of the Wyrd Logo Created by Xan Folmer. 

Logo based on the Vanic boar created by Vanatru Priestess Ember of the Vanic Conspiracy.

Studio recordings using Zencastr and Audacity.

Some stories just never let go — they linger like whispers in the wind or shadows cast by campfires.

This episode, I’m joined by Jeff Belanger to talk about his newest book, Wicked Strange, (with photography by Frank Grace). Wicked Strange shares the ghostly lore and mysterious legends that are part of New England’s history — tales of haunted hotels, mysterious cemeteries, and the places where folklore and fact blur together.

Whether you love an eerie ghost story, a touch of folklore, or just want a beautifully photographed book to get lost in, Wicked Strange has it all.

Join us as we dig into why strange tales endure — and what they reveal about the people who tell them.

Jeff Belanger is an author, podcaster, storyteller, adventurer, and explorer of the unexplained.

You may remember chatting with Jeff back in episode 86 about Krampus and other Yuletide beings of Christmas time with his book The Fright Before Christmas. 

You can also watch the New England Legends PBS series on PBS rebroadcasts or Amazon Prime. The New England Legends podcast is available on podcast apps and Spotify. 

Have a look at Jeff's website for the Haunted New England Calendar, appearance schedule, and more at: Jeff Belanger.com

 Wicked Strange is published by Weiser Books and available from their website, local bookstores, and online book sellers. 

See my write up about the book on Substack and please subscribe for future notifications.

# # #

Create your podcast today! #madeonzencastr

Subscribe to Substack: https://giftsofthewyrd.substack.com/

Instagram: @wyrdgifts1 Facebook: @GiftsoftheWyrd

Email: [email protected]

Order The Christmas Oracle Deck created by me and artist Vinnora at https://feniksshop.etsy.com follow FB/IG: @thechristmasoracle 

This product was sent to me by the publisher. I have not been compensated for this interview or review, and my opinions are my own. 

Music. Royalty free music from https://www.fesliyanstudios.com  Intro: Dancing Skeletons. Outro: Ghost Stories.  

Gifts of the Wyrd Logo Created by Xan Folmer. 

Logo based on the Vanic boar created by Vanatru Priestess Ember of the Vanic Conspiracy.

Studio recordings using Zencastr and Audacity.

Joey Morris, author of Celtic Hedge Witchery—A Modern Approach, offers insight and inspiration for anyone seeking to deepen their practice of Celtic spirituality in modern times.

We explore hedge witchcraft as a path of connection with the land, spirits, and Celtic deities, including the Morrigan, trees and plant allies, and the ancient wisdom of the Three Cauldrons.

There is so much more than we can discuss in such a short time, so be sure to pick up her book to expand on topics brought up, meditations, spells, rituals, and more. 

She has also designed the Celtic Goddess Calling Planner to introduce you to 12 Celtic Goddesses as well as rituals, invocations, and spells. The planner and more about Joey’s work, contact info, and socials, are available on her website, Starry Eyed Supplies.

Celtic Hedge Witchery—A Modern Approach is published by Weiser Books and available through their website, Joey’s website, local bookstores, and online booksellers.

See my write up about the book on Substack and please subscribe for future notifications.

# # #

Create your podcast today! #madeonzencastr

Subscribe to Substack: https://giftsofthewyrd.substack.com/

Instagram: @wyrdgifts1 Facebook: @GiftsoftheWyrd

Email: [email protected]

Order The Christmas Oracle Deck created by me and artist Vinnora at https://feniksshop.etsy.com follow FB/IG: @thechristmasoracle 

This product was sent to me by the publisher. I have not been compensated for this interview or review, and my opinions are my own. 

Music. Royalty free music from https://www.fesliyanstudios.com  Intro: Land of 8 Bits. Outro: JPOP.  

Gifts of the Wyrd Logo Created by Xan Folmer. 

Logo based on the Vanic boar created by Vanatru Priestess Ember of the Vanic Conspiracy.

Studio recordings using Zencastr and Audacity.

A great topic this episode discussing milestones for Queer folks and how we can celebrate and recognize them in our pagan practices. 

Enfys Book takes time to speak about their book developed from their own personal journey and the experiences of others for creating ritual for important life experiences for those in the LGBTQIA+ community. 

Whether just starting on your journey or you have gone through many of these milestones already, this book will help to recognize and claim those important occasions in our lives in meaningful and powerful ways. 

Discover rituals for identity, names, pronouns, drag persona, experiencing transition, building relationships and chosen family, and so much more. 

The book is dedictated "to everyone who is trying to be their most authentic, fabulous self." 

Enfys Book (they/them) is an author, priestx, blogger, teacher, performer, singer, songwriter, and comedian. They have taught many classes on tarot, Hermetic Qabala, magickal rites of passage, and queering one’s magical practice at conferences and events around the world. Their other books include Queer Qabala, and co-author (with Ivo Dominguez, Jr.) of Sagittarius Witch.

Find them on their website Major Arqueerna, Mastadon, and YouTube.

Queer Rites is available from Llewllyn Books, at your local bookstore, or e-commerce site. 

# # #

Create your podcast today! #madeonzencastr

Follow me on Substack: https://giftsofthewyrd.substack.com/

Instagram: @wyrdgifts1 Facebook: @GiftsoftheWyrd

Email: [email protected]

Order The Christmast Oracle Deck created by me and artist Vinnora at https://feniksshop.etsy.com follow FB/IG: @thechristmasoracle 

This product was sent to me by the publisher. I have not been compensated for this interview or review, and my opinions are my own. 

Music. Royalty free music from https://www.fesliyanstudios.com  Intro: Land of 8 Bits. Outro and Stinger: JPOP.  

Gifts of the Wyrd Logo Created by Xan Folmer. 

Logo based on the Vanic boar created by Vanatru Priestess Ember of the Vanic Conspiracy.

Studio recordings using Zencastr and Audacity.

Varla Ventura, author of Enchanted Plants: A Treasury of Botanical Folklore & Magic, joins me this episode to talk about .... yes, plants.  

Varla is the author of several books about the enchanted realms.  She is a long time lover of plants and their magical connection between the physical realm and that of the beyond.  

I can't write this any better, so borrowing it directly from Weiser's write up for her to interest you in her book: 

"From fairy tales to your garden, Enchanted Plants is an illustrated treasure trove of the lore and magic in the kingdom of plants. Take a walk through mystical, magical, and folkloric gardens and discover the plants and flowers that have captured our hearts and minds for centuries. From the baneful bog to the garden gate, plant lover and lover of the bizarre Varla Ventura brings together forgotten lore of plants for the ultimate romp through a botanical wonderland, including excerpts from fairy tales and a lively discussion of each plant’s legendary magical and medicinal properties."

And I agree. This is a stunning book with beautiful illustrations and wonderful descriptions of plants and folklore to accompany them that Varla has carefully researched and worked with specifically for this book. 

Have a listen to the episode and pick up the book to visit the enchanted gardens and find a plant for you.

Varla's website is here: https://www.varlaventura.net/

on Instagram at: @varlaventura

Order the book from your local book resource, Weiser Publications, an online bookseller, or borrow from your library.  

# # #

Create your podcast today! #madeonzencastr

Follow me on Substack: https://giftsofthewyrd.substack.com/

Instagram: @wyrdgifts1 Facebook: @GiftsoftheWyrd

Email: [email protected]

Order The Christmast Oracle Deck created by me and artist Vinnora at https://feniksshop.etsy.com follow FB/IG: @thechristmasoracle 

This product was sent to me by Weiser Books. I have not been compensated for this interview or review, and my opinions are my own. 

Music. Royalty free music from https://www.fesliyanstudios.com  Intro: Land of 8 Bits. Outro and Stinger: JPOP.  

Gifts of the Wyrd Logo Created by Xan Folmer. 

Logo based on the Vanic boar created by Vanatru Priestess Ember of the Vanic Conspiracy.

Studio recordings using Zencastr and Audacity.

Have you felt the call of the Great Queen but thought She was unapproachable, dark, or focused on war/warrior?The Call of the Morigan Oracle Deck may be able to help you decipher those messages and find your place in working with the Morrigan.

Joining me to talk about the creative process of the deck are authors Stphanie Woodfield and Karen Storminger and artist Naomi Cornock. 

The Morrigan is more than the Celtic goddess of war, she inspires and impacts her followers to their power and fullness of life. 

Complete with folklore, spells, rituals, and prose, the deck and guidebook are more than a tool for divination, they are a magical tool of transformation and connection to the land on which you live, the inner being, and the spirit realms. 

Stephanie, Karen, and Naomi are all priestesses of the Morrigan who worked closely together with meditation and devotional work to bring this project into being. 

They share their work with the Morrigan, how they came together, and how the Morrigan spoke to each of them to keep them connected throughout the process. 

The deck is available from Llewellyn Publishing, local bookstores, and online sellers.

For review about the deck, see my post on Substack and follow.  

 Stephanie Woodfield (Orlando, FL) is a devotional polytheist, teacher, and Priestess of the Morrigan. She is also a founding member of Morrigu’s Daughters. StephanieWoodfield.com

Karen Storminger (Shelton, CT) has been a practicing polytheist Pagan who works with the Morrigan, Hecate, Brigid, and the Cailleach. She is also the coauthor of Prayers to the Morrigan. TheCrowAndTheDragonfly.wordpress.com

Naomi Cornock (West Country England) is a Pagan artist whose work is an extension of her animist beliefs, reflecting her connection to nature and her ancestors. NomeArt.com

# # #

Create your podcast today! #madeonzencastr

Follow me on Substack: https://giftsofthewyrd.substack.com/

Instagram: @wyrdgifts1 Facebook: @GiftsoftheWyrd

Email: [email protected]

Order The Christmast Oracle Deck created by me and artist Vinnora at https://feniksshop.etsy.com follow FB/IG: @thechristmasoracle 

This product was sent to me by Llewellyn Publishing. I have not been compensated for this interview or review, and my opinions are my own. 

Music. Royalty free music from https://www.fesliyanstudios.com  Intro: Land of 8 Bits. Outro and Stinger: JPOP.  

Gifts of the Wyrd Logo Created by Xan Folmer. 

Logo based on the Vanic boar created by Vanatru Priestess Ember of the Vanic Conspiracy.

Studio recordings using Zencastr and Audacity.

Do you take things apart to see how they work? Do you wonder what the symbols on a tarot deck mean? The Tarot Disassembled deck and book by Jennifer Cooper Steidley, helps you do both!

And she joins me to talk about the deck and how the idea to deconstruct the images of tarot to go behind the scenes of what we usually see on a card for deeper meanings and inspiration. 

Whether starting your journey on tarot or a seasoned reader, this deck has something for everyone. "It's such a multi-layerd system, that there is so many different ways and depths you can get into to read. And this is one little offshoot."

The book and deck are sold separately and available from Weiser Books website, your local book shop, or online book seller. The indie version is still available on her website/ Etsy shop.

Jennifer Cooper Steidley is a graphic designer by day and a tarot deck collector, creator, and enthusiast at all other times. Also available from Jennifer are the Tarot Assembled and Symdala Tarot. See her website for more about her and to order. Instagram @jennifercoopersteidley

Jennifer will teaching about using symbols in tarot as part of the Tarot Summer School 2025 on July 21 presented by the Tarot Readers Academy. 

# # #

Create your podcast today! #madeonzencastr

Follow me on Substack: https://giftsofthewyrd.substack.com/

Instagram: @wyrdgifts1 Facebook: @GiftsoftheWyrd

Email: [email protected]

Order The Christmast Oracle Deck created by me and artist Vinnora at https://feniksshop.etsy.com follow FB/IG: @thechristmasoracle 

This product was sent to me by Weiser Books. I have not been compensated for this interview or review, and my opinions are my own. 

Please leave feedback on Apple and other podcast providers. This helps the podcast to be found easier.

Music.  Intro: Land of 8 Bits. Outro: Feeling the Best. and Stinger: Happy Feet.  Royalty free music from https://www.fesliyanstudios.com  

Gifts of the Wyrd Logo Created by Xan Folmer. 

Logo based on the Vanic boar created by Vanatru Priestess Ember of the Vanic Conspiracy.

Studio recordings using Zencastr and Audacity.