Hyperfixation Investigations

Part 2 of the Mini-Series "Examples of Pagan 'Repurposing' in Organized Religion" (non-consecutive episodes)

Ancient Rome boasted an impressive polytheistic religion. Festivals to various gods were celebrated throughout the year, and Saturnalia and Natalis Invictus occurred around the winter solstice (Dec 20/21). Kara and Josh explore these holidays and what, if any, influence they have on the date of Christmas and how the holiday is celebrated today.

Discussion Includes:

Overview of Saturnalia

Overview of Natalis Invictus

Similarities of Saturnalia and Natalis Invictus to Christmas

The Debate of the Church’s Decision for December 25th as Christmas

Overview of the Astronomy of the Winter Solstice

©️Wolf & Stag Productions LLC, 2024

We’re wrapping up this section of “The Deep, Dark, & Dirty Depths” with a look at fungi and their many different forms! Building on Episode 2: Roots!, Josh goes deeper into the mysterious world of mycelium, molds, mildews, and more. Discover how the fungi, known as molds, became a vital part of medicine and what certain types of fungi have in common with BookTok’s favorite books. Of course, you can’t talk about fungi without talking about mushrooms, and we have quite the example of one out in Oregon!

Discussion Includes:

Review of Fungi & Mycelium Systems

Mushrooms, Molds, Mildews, Yeasts and more!

The Humongous Fungus

©️Wolf & Stag Productions LLC, 2024

Trigger Warning: Spiders discussed 49:50--52:55

Listen along as Kara and Josh learn more about the iconic holiday fruit native to North America, from its growing process to how canned cranberry sauce became a staple food during the winter holidays! Cranberries are perennial plants that form vines to grow, regrowing year after year. While native to North America, they are mostly found and grown through commercial agriculture now, given the particular needs of the plant to produce fruit.

Description:

Cranberry Basic Overview & Growth Process

Cranberry Health Benefits

Commercial Agriculture

Climate Change and Wetland Conservation

Ocean Spray and the Boom of Jellied Canned Cranberry Sauce

©️Wolf & Stag Productions LLC, 2024

Following Part 1 of this Mini-Series, Episode 2: Roots!, Josh guides us on a hike through the Redwoods and Pando to teach us about megaflora. From tree hollows to heartwoods, Josh and Kara discuss how Redwoods get so old and so tall, how many plants clone themselves to create new life, and why Pando is argued to be the largest living organism on the planet. Learn what endangers the Redwoods and Pando and what initiatives are underway to protect them.

Discussion Includes:

Overview of Redwoods

Plant Cloning and Fairy Circles

Overview of Pando

Tree Hollows & Goose Pens

Germination vs. Cloning—Fruit vs. Sprouts

Visiting Pando

©️Wolf & Stag Productions LLC, 2024

Kara and Josh talk about music and activism in this episode. Musician Hozier has had a career full of popular hits and masterful lyricism. Among those lyrics sit messages about issues ranging from LGBTQIA+ Rights to anthems for Civil Rights Activists. Explore the themes of feminism, civil rights, LGBTQIA+ discrimination, and more in his music. Then, consider as Kara and Josh discuss parasocial relationships and celebrity and activism vs celebrity and politics.

Discussion Includes:

An Overview of Hozier's Career

Information on How his Songs have Activism

Feminism and LGBTQIA+ Communities and Hozier

Parasocial Relationships and Fan Culture

Celebrity and Activism vs. Celebrity and Politics

Hozier's Artistic Connection with his Mom!

©️Wolf & Stag Productions LLC, 2024