We’re joined this week by author and artist, Brooke Palmieri, to discuss his new book - Bargain Witch: Essays of Self-Initiation. We chat about holding onto your weirdness, the importance of astral hygiene, and how we used the Neopets roleplay forums as a way of exploring our ideal selves. 

Content Warning: This episode contains conversations about or mentions of punishment, transphobia, bullying, religious persecution, doxxing, and sexual content. 

Guest

Brooke Palmieri  is a writer and artist working at the intersection of memory, history, and transsexual alternate realities. Brooke founded CAMP BOOKS to promote access to queer and trans history through rare archival materials, cheap zines, and sculptural installations. His book Bargain Witch: Essays in Self-Initiation is about witchcraft, heresy, and working in an occult bookstore in London, and comes out on DOPAMINE BOOKS in October 2025.

Housekeeping

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Cast & Crew

- Co-Hosts: Julia Schifini and Amanda McLoughlin

- Editor: Bren Frederick

- Music: Brandon Grugle, based on "Danger Storm" by Kevin MacLeod

- Artwork: Allyson Wakeman

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About Us

Spirits is a boozy podcast about mythology, legends, and folklore. Every episode, co-hosts Julia and Amanda mix a drink and discuss a new story or character from a wide range of places, eras, and cultures. Learn brand-new stories and enjoy retellings of your favorite myths, served over ice every week, on Spirits.

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