This week, the World-Weary women each bring a fascinating biography of a favourite historical figure. Cassiopeia presents the rags-to-riches life of the Wild West's most talented sharp-shooter, Annie Oakley. Violet introduces the legend of Ishikawa Goemon, the Japanese Robin Hood: a runaway ninja turned anti-authoritarian hero who suffered an infamously gruesome death!

This week, the World-Weary women consider the concept of pure evil. In 1931, for one family living in a remote farmhouse on the Isle of Mann, evil took the form of a talking mongoose called Gef: Violet presents the rumours of madness, poltergeists and ventriloquism that cloud the Irving family's dark mystery. Cassiopeia discusses a psychiatrist who diagnoses demonic possession and looks at tragic cases of mental illness where exorcisms have been used to abuse and harm.

This week, the World-Weary women explore exceptionally fascinating folk traditions with a creature connection! Cassiopeia takes a peek at the history of Turkish camel wrestling and the Seminole tradition of "Man versus Alligator"! Violet gets into the nitty-gritty of Tibetan Sky Burials: an epic Buddhist funerary practice that relies on hungry mountain vultures to dispose of dead bodies.

This week, the World-Weary women pay homage to two of history's most fearless yet forgotten queens. Violet seeks the truths lost in the legend of the 10th century Viking queen, Gunnhild, Mother of Kings: married to an outlawed tyrannical king and ruling over three nations, the Icelandic Sagas accused this powerful queen of dark sorcery. Cassiopeia presents the life of Queen Nandi Bhebhe; despite suffering great hardships, she raised a famous Zulu King and gained the recognition she deserved.

This week, the World-Weary women tinker with toxic tales of Victorian England. Cassiopeia investigates the 1900 English beer poisoning and the misdiagnosis of thousands of sickly drinkers who had in fact consumed an arsenic-tainted brew. Violet presents the Bradford sweets poisoning tragedy of 1858: Humbug Billy, the peppermint pedlar, unknowingly sold enough contaminated candies to kill 2000 people.

Music: "Free Storytelling Music Background" by Liborio Conti (Free Royalty Free Music / Creative Commons Music CC-BY)

In this special episode, the World-Weary women are joined by award-winning martial artist and fantasy author, Danielle Orsino. We chat about Danielle's inspirations for her debut fantasy novel, "Birth of the Fae: Locked Out Of Heaven". Listen in to hear her unique take on the origins of the Fae and her love for cryptid sea serpents!

Find out more about "Birth of the Fae: Locked Out Of Heaven" at https://birthofthefae.com

This week, the World-Weary women climb the magic beanstalk in search of Giants! In 1869, well-diggers unearthed a 10ft tall "petrified man" on a New York farm that was hailed as evidence for a gigantic ancient people: Violet introduces the astonishing case of the Cardiff Giant. Cassiopeia looks at the Nephilim; giant beings from the Hebrew bible with mysterious and possibly angelic origins.

This week the World-Weary women seek out tales of adventure! From aeronautical duels to steampunk stunts-people, Cassiopeia looks at the advent of hot air ballooning and the daring individuals who took to the skies. Violet introduces the eccentric crocodile-riding explorer, Charles Waterton: a crazy 19th century naturalist who famously punched a snake in the face!

This week, the World-Weary women talk flowers with powers! Violet presents the magical "Screaming" Mandrake: with hallucinogenic properties and roots shaped like tiny people, its potency has been revered since ancient times. From toxic dewdrops to tropical apples of death, Cassiopeia discovers the facts and fables behind the world's most dangerous tree.

This week the World-Weary women slice open tormenting tales from the operating theatre! Cassiopeia discusses the horrors of 19th century surgery before anaesthetics were invented and the skillset of Britain's fastest surgeon, Robert Liston. Violet introduces the Grey Lady of Cambridge Military Hospital; a faceless ghost-nurse who guides dying patients to the afterlife and emits the scent of lavender in the haunted wards.