Tales of Bedlam

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Join hosts Micah and Andrea as they dive into Charles Perrault's 17th-century version of Sleeping Beauty, a tale far more twisted than the Disney adaptation you know. In this episode, our hosts explore the often-overlooked second half of the classic fairy tale, where the story takes several dark turns after the princess awakens.

Discover the shocking revelations: the prince's secret marriage, the birth of two children (Morning and Day), and most surprisingly—a murderous ogre queen mother-in-law with an appetite for her grandchildren! Listen as Micah and Andrea react to the heroic cook's clever deceptions, debate the queen's questionable parenting decisions, and marvel at the unexpectedly complex family dynamics.

Our hosts breathe new life into this centuries-old story with their signature blend of historical context, witty commentary, and genuine surprise at the tale's darker elements. Whether you're a fairy tale enthusiast or enjoy entertaining banter, this episode reveals why the original "Sleeping Beauty in the Woods" was perhaps too disturbing for Disney's adaptation.

Tales of Bedlam brings forgotten fairy tale elements to light—visit talesofbedlam.com to share your thoughts or suggest tales for future episodes.

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In this gripping episode of Tales of Bedlam, hosts Micah and Andrea dive into Sun, Moon, and Talia, a haunting 17th-century Italian version of Sleeping Beauty by Giambattista Basile. With dark themes including non-consensual acts, cannibalism, and revenge, this early fairy tale is far removed from the Disney classic. Listen as Micah and Andrea react in real-time to the shocking twists, unsettling humor, and complex morality embedded in this rarely told story.

As part of our Sleeping Beauty Origins series, this episode highlights how fairy tales were once cautionary and brutal—offering fascinating insights into historical storytelling. Trigger warnings are in place, but if you're intrigued by the darker roots of childhood stories, this episode is a must-hear.

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In this special "5 Minute History" episode of Tales of Bedlam, host Micah takes you on a whirlwind journey through six centuries of the Sleeping Beauty fairy tale. 

This episode uncovers how the story transformed over time, from its unsettling origins in the 1300s oral tale Troy and Zeladine to the shocking events in Sun, Moon, and Talia and finally to the more sanitized and romanticized versions by Perrault, the Brothers Grimm, and Quiller-Couch.

You'll hear about themes that were once central—non-consensual sex, betrayal, and cannibalism—and how later versions reshaped the narrative to focus on love, respect, and redemption. Whether you're a fairy tale aficionado or a history buff, this episode offers an eye-opening look at one of the world's most beloved stories.

Tune in, learn something new, and prepare for the next full episode featuring Sun, Moon, and Talia—the tale that started it all.

A5 is a five-minute fun history lesson with host Micah on a fairy tale subject, usually preceding a fairy tale story with hosts Micah and Andrea.

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In this episode of Tales of Bedlam, your hosts Micah (Knob Twister) and Dustin (Sofa Sitter) dive into Lambikin, a lesser-known Indian folktale collected by Joseph Jacobs in 1910. Don’t let the cute name fool you—this story of a baby lamb's wild journey to Granny’s house and back takes a hilariously dark turn. Along the way, Lambikin evades a host of hungry predators by promising to fatten up first. But when his plan to roll back home inside his dead brother’s skin (yes, really) goes awry, the tale ends with a grim twist worthy of the Brothers Grimm themselves.

With witty banter, absurd voice acting, and insightful and absurd commentary, this episode is a wild ride through folklore, food chains, and flawed promises. Whether you're here for laughs, lore, or just a weird story to share at a dinner party, Lambikin delivers.

This episode is a replay from 2019-2021; please ignore any announcements during the episode.

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In the grand finale of The Girl Who Pretended to Be a Boy, the Tales of Bedlam crew (Knob Twister, Sofa Sitter, Dr. Know-All, and Mr. Death Hades) return with the conclusion of this fantastical, funny, and fiercely weird folk tale. Ilion faces magical horses, a rage-fueled genius, and a creepy emperor obsessed with horse milk baths.

This episode is a chaotic blend of sharp wit, bizarre folklore logic, and the ever-growing absurdity you’ve come to expect from Tales of Bedlam. Expect buffalo skins, Netflix-fueled hangovers, and a battle scene that makes The 13th Warrior seem tame.

If you've made it this far, you're in for a strange payoff. If you’re jumping in—stop! Go back and start with Part One, and trust us. You’ll want to listen to the whole madness in order.

This episode is a replay from 2019-2021; please ignore any announcements during the episode.

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Buckle up for the outrageous second part of “The Girl Who Pretended to Be a Boy,” where dragons are fought, flowers are tested, and identity is anything but straightforward.

In true Tales of Bedlam fashion, Micah (Knob Twister), Dustin (Sofa Sitter), Dr. Knowall, and the ever-creepy Mr. Death Hades tear through a fairy tale full of sexist tests, magical horses with Netflix passwords, and genius-level absurdity. Will our heroine outwit her nosy hosts and ridiculous social expectations? Will Mr. Death bake more soul bread? Will Dr. Knowall earn his paycheck?

This episode mixes clever commentary with unhinged humor, poking fun at the bizarre gender tropes in classic folklore—while somehow making room for beatboxing unicorns. If you missed part one, catch up before diving into this hilarious second episode. And tune in for our third and final episode of “The Girl Who Pretended to Be a Boy.”

This episode is a replay from 2019-2021; please ignore any announcements during the episode.

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In Part One of The Girl Who Pretended to Be a Boy, Tales of Bedlam dives into a classic Romanian fairy tale filled with royal dilemmas, magical disguises, and a surprisingly dramatic wolf. Adapted from Andrew Lang’s Violet Fairy Book (yes, violet—not violent), this episode brings the old story to life with lively banter, irreverent humor, and special guest appearances from Mr. Death, Hades, and Dr. Know-It-All.

Join Micah (Knob Twister) and Dustin (Sofa Sitter) as they wrestle with ancient gender roles, snarky dialogue, and absurd sound effects while unpacking a tale about daughters doing what sons were expected to do—only with more sass and better iPad playlists.

This is part one of a three-part story arc full of satire, analysis, and unpredictable antics. Whether you're here for the folklore or the laughs, you’re in for a wild ride.

This episode is a replay from 2019-2021; please ignore any announcements during the episode.

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The Tales of Bedlam crew picks up where Part One left off in this laugh-out-loud finale of Bremen Town Musicians. Our unlikely heroes—an aging donkey, a down-on-his-luck dog, a cynical cat, and a paranoid rooster—embark on a bizarre quest through the woods and stumble upon a suspiciously well-lit robber’s den.

Expect unexpected breaking news updates, mockery of fairy tale logic, and absurdly serious debates over picture windows and ghost robbers. Knob Twister and Sofa Sitter bring their signature chaotic energy and satirical commentary to the tale's explosive (and musical?) conclusion.

Perfect for fans of irreverent folklore, comedy podcasts, and bedtime stories gone sideways.

This episode is a replay from 2019-2021; please ignore any announcements during the episode.

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In this uproarious episode of Tales of Bedlam, Micah and Dustin dive headfirst into the classic Grimm Brothers tale, The Bremen Town Musicians Part One. But this isn’t your average fairy tale reading—expect unpredictable twists, commentary full of wit, and a breaking-news subplot involving rogue donkey-led musical gangs.

This first part introduces the gang of aging animals in search of a better life—and maybe a music career. From a world-weary donkey escaping the glue factory to a housecat with diva energy, our hosts explore historical context, question musical logistics (can a donkey play a lute?), and roast outdated storytelling quirks.

Tune in for a creative blend of classic fairy tale and modern absurdity that only Tales of Bedlam can deliver.

This episode is a replay from 2019-2021; please ignore any announcements during the episode.

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In this wild and witty episode of Tales of Bedlam, your hosts Sofa Sitter and Knob Twister dissect the strange and magical Native American tale “Witch Wife’s Fate.” Meet White Corn, a witchy wife with owl eyes and suspicious cooking habits, and Red Flower, her food-starved husband who stumbles into a bizarre world of naked witches, giant red roosters, and mystical rainbow transformations.

This story, originally collected by Elizabeth Willis De Huff, unfolds into a chaotic mix of shape-shifting ceremonies, supernatural tests, and chipmunk villages—topped with the hosts’ signature irreverent commentary and laughter.

Perfect for fans of folklore with a twist, this episode delivers creepy storytelling, cultural mystery, and plenty of comedic detours along the way.

This episode is a replay from 2019-2021; please ignore any announcements during the episode.

For more Fairy Tale fun, follow, like, and share at...

TalesofBedlam.com

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If you have a question for us, email us at [email protected]