If you loved our Halloween special with Hayden Peters from Art of Mourning, you cannot miss this episode. Kate Kierstead is Hayden's American counterpart. She's captain of the good ship Roses and Rue, an online shop specializing in mourning and sentiment, hair art, keepsakes, and all things Victoriana. Kate is a real wunderkind, and we're not just talking about 19th-century ephemera. Grab yourself a dictionary before you listen because, throughout the interview, Kate flexes her giant vocabulary muscles. While she fangirls over Oscar Wilde and David Bowie, the Mavens gorge on Kate's extensive knowledge of her shop's contents. A good portion of the interview is Sam and Kate forgetting about the podcast entirely and geeking out about The Dark Crystal and related movies. By the end of this one, you'll be asking yourself, "Is this a goth thing?"

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It's our first *ever* Mothball Mini! A collection of the stories you sent to us. We asked for your interesting stories and you really delivered! Be sure to stay tuned for a special surprise at the end of the episode! Happy New Year from all of us at The Mothball Prophecies

Intro and Outro Music: Down the Rabbit Hole by myuu

Source: https://soundcloud.com/myuu/down-the-rabbit-hole

License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

Get music free for a link from https://starfrosch.com

Edited by: Grae

Brandy Evens-Beadle, patron saint of weird taxidermy and reincarnated rodents, has blessed us once again with her divine presence. Fan favorite and winner of the most popular episode award, Brandy is back for another round with the Mavens. This time we get an in-depth conversation about the how's and why's of mouse taxidermy, including plenty of real-world tips for trying it out at home. When not discussing where to buy your own pre-deceased critters, Brandy dishes out a well-needed plate of inspiration and hope. Getting older is a privilege, not a punishment, and it's never too late to do whatever it is that makes your heart sing.

P.S. This episode was NOT sponsored by RodentPro.

Intro and Outro Music: Down the Rabbit Hole by myuu

Source: https://soundcloud.com/myuu/down-the-rabbit-hole

License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

Get music free for a link from https://starfrosch.com

Edited by: Grae

Copyediting by: Spell Check

Last week, in part one of a two-part interview, we were introduced to the legendary Gabriela Hernandez, makeup historian and founder of Bésame Cosmetics. This week, in the second half of the exchange, Gabriela and the Mavens tread through deeper, more serious subject matter: racism, anti LGBTQIA+ sentiment, that ever-present glass ceiling, etc. A more somber tone than last week, but inspiring nonetheless.

Trigger Warning: This episode involves frank discussion of subjects that are difficult for some to hear, including racism, sexism, homophobia, and transphobia. Please use discretion while listening.

It's likely some listeners are part of the retro/vintage fashion community. Maybe you use Brylcreem in your hair every single morning. Maybe that dress in your closet was made in 1952 and doesn't have a thread out of place. Or maybe you love a good scroll through #pinupfashion. Whether you dabble, or you're all in, chances are you've heard of Bésame Cosmetics. Founded in 2004 in Los Angeles, with it's first boutique location in Burbank, Bésame is the epitome of retro makeup. This week, in the pod's first two-part interview (because there was no way to squish this one into a single episode), the Mavens interview makeup historian and founder of Bésame Cosmetics Gabriela Hernandez. In part one, we learn about Gabriela's childhood, hair struggles, makeup chemistry, and the accidental birth of the iconic makeup used by, among others, Agent Peggy Carter in the Avengers films. 

Intro and Outro Music : Down the Rabbit Hole by myuu

Source: https://soundcloud.com/myuu/down-the-rabbit-hole

License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

Get music free for a link from https://starfrosch.com

Edited by: Grae

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Are you ready to meet your new favorite person? We're convinced you'll love this week's guest as much as we do. The Mavens interview Josh Jaehnig (Yay-Nee), a Proud Yooper, tattooist, ancestry enthusiast, and endlessly likable human. Josh is, essentially, all of us. While listening to his story, you'll find yourself nodding in agreement more often than not. Straight to the point and not afraid to tell the whole truth, Josh's interview is so validating, the pod team feels like a bit of our own imposter syndrome has been quelled. Don't let your brain get in the way of your own accomplishments. Fascinated by genealogy and local Michigan history from a young age, his goal is to eventually create a detailed family narrative. Among other topics, this week's discussion covers the importance of following your gut, the spiritual connection we have to thrifty finds, and adopting orphaned photographs. Added bonus: Josh may have a family tie to the Bolshevik Uprising. The Upper Peninsula just landed itself on the destination list for the Mothball Prophecies Post-Covid Road Trip!

Intro and Outro Music : Down the Rabbit Hole by myuu

Source: https://soundcloud.com/myuu/down-the-rabbit-hole

License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

Get music free for a link from https://starfrosch.com

Edited by: Grae

Copyediting by: Spellcheck

Shrek and Donkey. Thelma and Louise. Jay and Silent Bob. What do all these platonic love birds have in common? One is boisterous and confident, loud and in your face, walks the walk and talks the talk. The other? A little more reserved. A bit more enigmatic. The Shrek's of the world tend to play their cards a little closer to the chest. By this time you all know Sam is a Jay, right down to her core. Today's long awaited guest is her very own Silent Bob: Give it up for Ms. Jill Huffman, the sometimes placid, always practical filling in this strange podcast sandwich we call The Mothball Prophecies. Many of you may feel that you don't know Jill as well as you know Sam. This Interview will be changing that. Jill walks us through her military brat upbringing, around her Pyrex passion, and over to all of her favorite pieces. And just like when Sam was interviewed, the pod has a guest host to "fill in" for Jill. Melissa Daw, fan favorite and owner of Melco Leather, sits in with the Mavens for an enlightening interview. Grab your tissues for the Estate Walkthrough, this week's sale will get you right in the feels.

Intro and Outro Music : Down the Rabbit Hole by myuu

Source: https://soundcloud.com/myuu/down-the-rabbit-hole

License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

Get music free for a link from https://starfrosch.com

Edited by: Grae

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Lots of the interviews we do here on The Mothball Prophecies involve some level of envy for the Mavens and listeners alike. Actually, it would be more accurate to say ALL the interviews. All the Mothball guests have amazing stories and collections you can't help but drool over. Dave and Brittany Rademacher, however, have inspired a new level of yearning that borders on deranged. These two bought a house featured on the one and only Cheap Old Houses! Yes, yes, and Yes. We know. And this gorgeous old stunner could not have fallen into better hands. Listen to Jill and Sam salivate over descriptions of "original" this and "restored, like new" that. Did someone die there? Brittany isn't telling. Art deco light fixtures play a heavy role here as well. After you listen, the pod wants to know: Are you on Jill's side? Does it drive you crazy when someone refuses to hire a professional? Or are your feet firmly planted in the ground with Sam "I can do that myself" Mashburn? Get in loser, we're going to Home Depot.

Riley Reyes, of Darling Diddies, was born into the world of classic cars and her collecting naturally progressed from there. It shouldn't be a surprise to anyone that her badass grandma has facilitated plenty of that collecting. But not too long ago, Riley became aware that she maybe had too many pieces, and that just maybe she needed find them new homes. So when Etsy called, she answered, and the result was Darling Diddies! Sam and Jill are already big fans. Turns out that love is reciprocated because Riley has been a pod fan (Mothballer?) from the beginning. With both an online presence and two booths for the in-person experience, Diddies has quirk and kitsch in just the right amounts to keep you coming back. She also has more than enough hammers to go around. Riley and the Mavens giggle through family history, 70's nostalgia, and everyone is dying to get together in California to go sunbathing. Don't skimp on the sunscreen. Stay turned for Curio Corner; Sam was able to snag pod bestie and all around fabulous lady Melissa Daw to stand in for Jill, who was closing on her house (yay!).

Intro Voiceover by Caylyn Temple

Intro and Outro Music : Down the Rabbit Hole by myuu

Source: https://soundcloud.com/myuu/down-the-rabbit-hole

License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

Get music free for a link from https://starfrosch.com

Edited by: Grae

Copyediting by: Cait

Are you noticing a pattern? Because we're noticing a pattern: Sam and Jill keep finding clones of themselves to interview! This week's set of fab duplicates hail from Kentucky, the Bluegrass State. Jasmine and Kyla are cousins with a penchant for the weird and possibly dangerous (If you cut your hand on uranium glass, do you turn into a superhero?). Corkscrew Curiosities, now a REAL brick and mortar store on top of being a glorious Etsy shop, was the lovechild of quarantine boredom and antique obsession. The Etsy shop has only been around since July, but business is already booming. Kyla and Jasmine became collectors thanks to their shared grandmother. They discuss with the Mavens the importance of that familial connection as well Sam's early career as a DIY paleontologist, Jill's children being eaten by Idaho wildlife, and sophistic-cats , Copywrite pending. But really, careful with that uranium glass.