Matt and Roswell are back to discuss the least-secret secret society in the world— the Freemasons. We delve into their history, both mythological & historical, in addition to their influence on early American politics. We also discuss P2, A.K.A. Propaganda Due, an Italian Masonic lodge headed by Licio Gelli which acted as a shadow government in Italy and was accused of many illicit activities. 

Slight content warning for this one, listener discretion advised. Join Matt and Roswell as they discuss the towering figure of Aleister Crowley. A master magician, writer, (bad) poet, mountaineer, and religious (cult) leader, Crowley has had an immense influence on counterculture and occultism down to this day. In this first part of our two episode series we will discuss his origins, early work, sex magick, secret organizations, and notable mishaps and crimes. 

[Some technical difficulties on Matt's end on this one, apologies!] Readers beware, you're in for a scare! Matt and Roswell take a trip back to 1895 to discuss Robert Chambers seminal short story collection: The King in Yellow. This 'weird fiction' work was highly influential on later horror writers such as H.P. Lovecraft, Steven King, and Nic Pizzolatto. We discuss three short stories and their relevance to this podcasts ever present themes of occultism and elite misconduct. Also discussed are Victorian era drug use, Oscar Wilde (and his crimes), and our decision to use NPR voice.  

This week the boys are joined by Michael, Matt's twin brother and acclaimed chess expert (chesspert?), to discuss the saga of Bobby Fischer. We chronicle the early life of the legendary chess grandmaster, his rise to fame, his famous 1972 World Championship win, and his fall into antisemitism, conspiracy theories, and violent paranoia. Join us for a fascinating and unfortunately tragic tale, and learn why the 1972 World Championship between the USA and the USSR was so monumental. 

Art, apocalypse, death, and doomsday. The Augsburg Book of Miracles is a fascinating illuminated manuscript from the 16th century that details amazing beasts, strange astronomical phenomenon, and striking visions from the Bible. Join us as we examine the history of the document and some of its most interesting paintings.

Matt and Roswell return for a more laid back episode of Historica Esoterica. This week we discuss the 2009 Nic Cage blockbuster 'Knowing'; a film neither of us enjoyed very much. We discuss the weird themes of occultism, religion, and the Nordic-fascistic alien deification rife within the film. Kick back because you're for a silly, spooky, and generally fun time this episode. Spoiler alert but honestly it's not worth watching. 

In 1440 a french nobleman was put on trial and executed. The charges? Murder, abuse, and black magic. Join Matt K Ultra and Roswell as they dissect the life and crimes of Gilles de Rais, one of history's most infamous serial killers, and discuss his relevance in regards to modern day abuse scandals. As the justness of the trial was a subject of some contention, we attempt to measure the credibility of revisionists who seek to exonerate the medieval war hero.

 Content warning for children those sensitive to topics in relation to child abuse and murder. 

On the very late fourth episode, Matt and Roswell discuss the famous Winchester mystery house in addition to ghost hunting in the late nineteenth century and modern periods. Was the eccentric home of Sarah Winchester haunted by spirits? (It wasn't) Do ghosts exist? (They don't) Join us for an in depth discussion of architecture, spiritualism, modern ghost hunting, and the consequences of the Winchester repeating rifle.

Matt and Roswell discuss the movie adaptations of the 1959 novel 'the Manchurian Candidate' and it's relation to real life brainwashing.