PBS
How to Survive a Zombie Apocalypse (with Dr. Z)
In this special episode, Dr. Zarka shows you what’s inside her “go bag,” a kit of survival supplies she keeps on hand at all times. In this episode you’ll find out how the horror genre can inspire real-world preparedness and take a look...
PBS
The Dark Origins of Hansel and Gretel
Hansel and Gretel is one of the most famous fairy tales of the Western world, and contains one of the most notorious witches. In this episode you’ll learn about witch trials in Germany, the role famine and poverty play in creating...
PBS
Leshy: The Slavic Lord of the Forest
He can grow higher than the trees, or smaller than a blade of grass. Both demon and deity, guardian and antagonist, the Leshy is rooted deep in the cultural and religious history of the Slavic people.
PBS
Manananggal: The Flying, Disembodied, Blood Sucking Nightmare
One of the Phillipine’s most dangerous and bizarre aswangs, the viscera-sucking, self-segmenting monster hunts at night. A beautiful woman by day, this creature detaches its upper torso and grows wings after sunset. An intestine-dangling...
PBS
Blame the Tokoloshe! South Africa’s Most Notorious Goblin
Connected to witchcraft, sexual predation, and mischief, the tokoloshe is a dominant myth in South Africa. There are different kinds of tokoloshe/tikoloshe, but one thing remains the same in all versions of the monster: they cause havoc...
PBS
Cyclops: The Origin Story of this Terrifying One-Eyed Giant
In this episode, you’ll hear all about Homer’s Polyphemus and Hesiod’s one-eyed blacksmiths, but also a little about the role paleontology has played in creating monsters. Join Dr. Zarka and special guests Kallie Moore and Blake de...
PBS
Banshee: Ireland's Screaming Harbinger of Death
Dr. Zarka shows how this wailing female ghost connects to the very real Irish tradition of keening— a rhythmic wailing and mourning performed by women as part of the death ritual. Tune in to see how fact and fiction combine to create a...
PBS
Windigo: The Flesh-Eating Monster of Native American Legend
Explore the symbolic interpretations of the windigo with Dr. Zarka as she explains how this Native American legend can teach us about the spiritual beliefs and social values of the early indigenous peoples of North America.
PBS
Martians! How Aliens Invaded Earth
From the invading, high-tech aliens of ‘War of the Worlds’ to post-world war escapism literature and even real-life scientific exploration today, the stories of Martians have changed throughout time. Find out how we’ve gone from viewing...
PBS
Golem: The Mysterious Clay Monster of Jewish Lore
Made from clay and animated by the sacred word of G-d, the golem of Jewish origin has evolved from a 6th-century meditation of creation, to a source of labor, and finally, an avenging symbol of redemption. The golem many people recognize...
PBS
The Legend of La Llorona
The legend of La Llorona, the “weeping woman,” has terrified generations. This female ghost wanders in the darkness, crying as she searches for her children--the children she murdered. Some even say that she will capture other kids in...
PBS
Godzilla and Mothra: King and Queen of the Kaiju
Godzilla is one of the most recognizable monsters in film, and he should be. After all, he is part of the longest running film franchise in the world, but you might be surprised to learn that his history in literature is just as...
PBS
El Chupacabras, a Modern Mystery
Did you know there are two different types of chupacabras? Or that these bloodsucking monsters only starting popping up 25 years ago? Sightings of el chupacabras, the “goatsucker,” began in Puerto Rico in 1994 for a very real reason—the...
PBS
Draugr: The Undead Nordic Zombie
What do the Sagas of the Icelanders and Game of Thrones have in common? Dr. Zarka answers this question and explores how the draugr, Nordic undead monsters, bear a striking resemblance to the White Walkers—and more importantly, how these...
Great Big Story
Krampus, the darker side of Christmas tradition
Uncover the enduring role of Krampus in Austrian Christmas lore.
Curated Video
A Midsummer Night's Dream: Fairies
Modern fairy tales draw from a rich tradition of fairy folklore known even in Shakespeare's time. Fairies were believed to possess supernatural abilities, like flying swiftly around the world and shape-shifting, often engaging in...
Curated Video
Traveling Through History in Malta's Hal Saflieni Hypogeum
The Maltese Archipelago, located in the central Mediterranean Sea, is known for its rich history stretching back over 7,000 years. It is home to some of the world's oldest freestanding stone buildings, including the enigmatic Hal...
Great Big Story
Polybius Behind the Urban Legend
Delve into the mysterious tale of Polybius, the legendary arcade game that captivated the imaginations of gamers and conspiracy theorists alike. Follow the journey from the murky origins of Project MKUltra to the emergence of Polybius in...
Great Big Story
Polybius Behind the Urban Legend
Delve into the mysterious tale of Polybius, the legendary arcade game that captivated the imaginations of gamers and conspiracy theorists alike. Follow the journey from the murky origins of Project MKUltra to the emergence of Polybius in...
Nature League
Nature Mythology From Around the World
This week on Nature League, Brit and Adrian re-enact mythology tales about plants and animals from around world.
Weatherthings
Weather Things: Coronas
A blue sky and fluffy bright clouds are things that are seen around the world. The atmosphere presents a multitude of sights and phenomena using light, air, water droplets, ice crystals, and dust. Many of the phenomena give clues to...
Weatherthings
Weather Things: Haloes
A blue sky and fluffy bright clouds are things that are seen around the world. The atmosphere presents a multitude of sights and phenomena using light, air, water droplets, ice crystals, and dust. Many of the phenomena give clues to...