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Episodes
Thursday Dec 31, 2020
Thursday Dec 31, 2020
New Year's Folklore of Wales
It's out with the old and in with the new on the Ghosts and Folklore of Wales podcast!
Join Mark Rees (author of Paranormal Wales/ Ghosts of Wales) as he explores the old New Year's Eve and New Year's Day traditions, from such curious customs as the Mari Lwyd to seasonal favourite Calennig.
Is it good luck or bad luck if a you see a woman before a man on New Year's Day? Press play to find out...
Happy new Year/ blwyddyn newydd dda!
What is the Ghosts & Folklore of Wales with Mark Rees podcast?
In early 2020, Mark Rees launched the world’s first podcast dedicated to Welsh ghost stories, folklore, myths and legends.
By combining his unique research and insights from many books and articles with long-lost tales from dusty old tomes, this weird and wonderful podcast takes a fascinating look at countless curious subjects.
New episodes are uploaded every Thursday, and feature everything from real-life encounters with pesky poltergeists to fantastical beasts from the Mabinogion and the skulled-headed Christmas favourite herself, the Mari Lwyd.
Be sure to subscribe, and for more details and to get in touch with Mark Rees, please visit:
Mark Rees homepage
Mark Rees on social media
Books by Mark Rees
Ghosts of Wales
Thursday Dec 24, 2020
Thursday Dec 24, 2020
It's Christmas Eve - the perfect time to pull up a chair next to the log fire, pour yourself a glass of mulled wine and listen to some old folklore of Wales.
In this festive special, Mark Rees takes a look at:
• Why kissing under the mistletoe isn't just about the romance
• The incredible Plygain services, in which countless candles are used to illuminate the night
• How the town of Tenby ensured nobody had a lie-in on Christmas Day
• A return of the horse-skulled Mari Lwyd
• And even revealing Father Christmas's first name... well, maybe!
For some of the answers - and even more questions - press play and join Mark Rees for the latest special festive episode of the Ghosts & Folklore of Wales podcast with Mark Rees.
Merry Christmas / Nadolig llawen!
Christmas on the Ghosts & Folklore of Wales with Mark Rees podcast
Christmas is a magical time for Welsh folklore and ghost stories, and every Thursday during December there'll be a special episode of the podcast dedicated to a festive subject.
There include such folkloric favourites like the Mari Lwyd, to haunted pubs where the spooks make an appearance every December 24.
Be sure to check out each episode on December 3, 10, 17, 24 and 31 - yes, there'll even be new episodes of Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve.
What is the Ghosts & Folklore of Wales with Mark Rees podcast?
Join Mark Rees (author of Ghosts of Wales/ Paranormal Wales etc.) as he explores the weird and wonderful history of Wales.
The world’s first podcast dedicated to Welsh ghost stories, folklore, myths and legends, GHOSTS & FOLKLORE OF WALES combines Mark’s research and insights from his books and articles with long-lost tales from some ancient tomes into a truly unique podcast experience.
New episodes are uploaded every Thursday, and feature everything from real-life encounters with pesky poltergeists to the fantastical beasts from the Mabinogion,
Be sure to subscribe, and for more details and to get in touch with Mark Rees, please visit:
Mark Rees homepage
Mark Rees on social media
Books by Mark Rees
Ghosts of Wales podcast
Thursday Dec 17, 2020
Thursday Dec 17, 2020
Welsh folklore tells us that on Christmas Eve, a magical Christmas tree would spring to life in the garden of a west Wales mansion.
What was its supernatural purpose, and where did it come from? And more to the point, where is it now?
The old tales tell us that the tree was destroyed, but that isn't the whole story.
In fact, there could be a lot more to the tale of this tree than just folklore, and it could even still be active to this day, if you know where to look.
But beware - in true Christmas tradition, this is also a ghost story, and there are some who believe that spirits roam the very same garden in which the tree once stood...
For some of the answers - and even more questions - press play and join Mark Rees for the latest special festive episode of the Ghosts & Folklore of Wales podcast with Mark Rees.
Merry Christmas / Nadolig llawen!
Christmas on the Ghosts & Folklore of Wales with Mark Rees podcast
Christmas is a magical time for Welsh folklore and ghost stories, and every Thursday during December there'll be a special episode of the podcast dedicated to a festive subject.
There include such folkloric favourites like the Mari Lwyd, to haunted pubs where the spooks make an appearance every December 24.
Be sure to check out each episode on December 3, 10, 17, 24 and 31 - yes, there'll even be new episodes of Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve.
What is the Ghosts & Folklore of Wales with Mark Rees podcast?
Join Mark Rees (author of Ghosts of Wales/ Paranormal Wales etc.) as he explores the weird and wonderful history of Wales.
The world’s first podcast dedicated to Welsh ghost stories, folklore, myths and legends, GHOSTS & FOLKLORE OF WALES combines Mark’s research and insights from his books and articles with long-lost tales from some ancient tomes into a truly unique podcast experience.
New episodes are uploaded every Thursday, and feature everything from real-life encounters with pesky poltergeists to the fantastical beasts from the Mabinogion,
Be sure to subscribe, and for more details and to get in touch with Mark Rees, please visit:
Mark Rees homepage
Mark Rees on social media
Books by Mark Rees
Ghosts of Wales podcast
Thursday Dec 10, 2020
Thursday Dec 10, 2020
There is a Welsh pub which is said to be haunted by many ghosts, which range from the good old "lady in black" to a "headless cavalier."
They are, for most part, seemingly harmless enough, but on Christmas Eve a more troublesome phantom - a pesky poltergeist, you might say - has been known to cause mischief at the Castle Hotel in Neath.
This spirit - of the supernatural variety, rather than the alcoholic - has been reported on more than one occasion, and by multiple witnesses.
What is causing such a commotion on what should be a holy night, when nothing stirs, not even a mouse?
For some answers - and probably even more questions - please join your host Mark Rees (author of Ghosts of Wales etc.) for a special festive episode of the Ghosts & Folklore of Wales podcast with Mark Rees.
Merry Christmas / Nadolig llawen!
Christmas on the Ghosts & Folklore of Wales with Mark Rees podcast
Christmas is a magical time for Welsh folklore and ghost stories, and every Thursday during December there'll be a new special episode of this podcast dedicated to a festive subject.
These include such folkloric favourites as the Mari Lwyd, a haunted pubs and even a magical Christmas tree.
Be sure to check out each episode on December 3, 10, 17, 24 and 31 - yes, there'll even be new episodes of Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve!
What is the Ghosts & Folklore of Wales with Mark Rees podcast?
Join Mark Rees (author of Ghosts of Wales/ Paranormal Wales etc.) as he explores the weird and wonderful history of Wales.
The world’s first podcast dedicated to Welsh ghost stories, folklore, myths and legends, GHOSTS & FOLKLORE OF WALES combines Mark’s research and insights from his books and articles with long-lost tales from some ancient tomes into a truly unique podcast experience.
New episodes are uploaded every Thursday, and feature everything from real-life encounters with pesky poltergeists to the fantastical beasts from the Mabinogion,
Be sure to subscribe, and for more details and to get in touch with Mark Rees, please visit:
Mark Rees homepage
Mark Rees on social media
Books by Mark Rees
Ghosts of Wales
Thursday Dec 03, 2020
Thursday Dec 03, 2020
The Mari Lwyd is arguably the most well-known character in Welsh folklore.
But why do people carry a horse's skull door-to-door late at night, and challenge their neighbours to a battle in verse?
In a similar way to Krampus, the Central European "evil Santa", and Gryla, the Icelandic troll, this curious Christmas custom fascinates people around the world.
In this special festive episode of the Ghosts & Folklore of Wales podcast, author Mark Rees (Ghosts of Wales) goes in search of some long-lost answers in the Welsh folklore archives.
He looks at:
What happens if the Mari Lwyd gains entry to your house, and how can you pacify it?
Does the skull hide a much darker meaning, and could it really be known as the Grey Death?
What connection does it have with Christianity and the Virgin Mary?
Are its origins linked with ancient Celtic beliefs in death and rebirth?
And most importantly - does it really terrify people just to get beer and cake?
Merry Christmas / Nadolig llawen!
Christmas on the Ghosts & Folklore of Wales with Mark Rees podcast
Christmas is a magical time for Welsh folklore and ghost stories, and every Thursday during December there'll be a special episode of the podcast dedicated to a festive subject.
There include such folkloric favourites like the Mari Lwyd, haunted pubs where the spooks make an appearance every December 24, and even a magical Christmas Tree.
Be sure to check out each episode on December 3, 10, 17, 24 and 31 - yes, there'll even be new episodes of Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve.
What is the Ghosts & Folklore of Wales with Mark Rees podcast?
Join Mark Rees (author of Ghosts of Wales/ Paranormal Wales etc.) as he explores the weird and wonderful history of Wales.
The world’s first podcast dedicated to Welsh ghost stories, folklore, myths and legends, GHOSTS & FOLKLORE OF WALES combines Mark’s research and insights from his books and articles with long-lost tales from some ancient tomes into a truly unique podcast experience.
New episodes are uploaded every Thursday, and feature everything from real-life encounters with pesky poltergeists to the fantastical beasts from the Mabinogion,
Be sure to subscribe, and for more details and to get in touch with Mark Rees, please visit:
Mark Rees homepage
Mark Rees on social media
Books by Mark Rees
Ghosts of Wales
Thursday Nov 26, 2020
Thursday Nov 26, 2020
What is it REALLY like to go ghost hunting in Wales' "most haunted" places?
To find out, Mark Rees (author of Ghosts of Wales) caught up with fully-trained paranormal investigators Cymru Paranormal to learn not just how to track down the paranormal, but how to do it ethically.
What are their scariest experiences? What equipment do you need for an overnight vigil? Do they use Ouija boards? And is it anything like the ghost-hunting TV shows and spooky movies that we see on our screens?
For some of the answers - and even more questions - listen to the latest episode of the Ghosts & Folklore podcast!
What is the Ghosts & Folklore of Wales with Mark Rees podcast?
In early 2020, Mark Rees launched the world’s first podcast dedicated to Welsh ghost stories, folklore, myths and legends.
By combining Mark’s research and insights from his books and articles with long-lost tales from dusty old tomes, this weird and wonderful podcast takes a unique look at countless curious subjects.
New episodes are uploaded every Thursday, and feature everything from real-life encounters with pesky poltergeists to fantastical beasts from the Mabinogion and the skulled-headed Christmas favourite herself, the Mari Lwyd.
Be sure to subscribe, and for more details and to get in touch with Mark Rees, please visit:
Mark Rees homepage
Mark Rees on social media
Books by Mark Rees
Ghosts of Wales
Thursday Nov 19, 2020
Thursday Nov 19, 2020
Welsh folklore tells us that the fairy folk of Wales can be traced back to the times of King Arthur.
But what connection do they have with the legendary island of Avalon, and why are they called y Tylwyth Teg in Welsh?
Join Mark Rees (author of "Ghosts of Wales"/ "Paranormal Wales" etc.) as he explores these questions and more in this episode of the Ghosts & Folklore of Wales podcast.
Do you believe in the fairy folk? Listen to this podcast before making your mind up!
What is the Ghosts & Folklore of Wales with Mark Rees podcast?
In early 2020, Mark Rees launched the world’s first podcast dedicated to Welsh ghost stories, folklore, myths and legends.
By combining Mark’s research and insights from his books and articles with long-lost tales from dusty old tomes, this weird and wonderful podcast takes a unique look at countless curious subjects.
New episodes are uploaded every Thursday, and feature everything from real-life encounters with pesky poltergeists to fantastical beasts from the Mabinogion,
Be sure to subscribe, and for more details and to get in touch with Mark Rees, please visit:
Mark Rees homepage
Mark Rees on social media
Books by Mark Rees
Ghosts of Wales
Thursday Nov 12, 2020
Thursday Nov 12, 2020
Can the changing room of a sports stadium really be jinxed? And did it really cause team after team to continuously lose important games?
That's exactly what was claimed to be happening at the Millennium Stadium, Cardiff, when more than 10 English football league teams in a row (along with a few rugby teams) lost major games after being stationed in the dreaded south changing room.
The odds that so many teams could miss out on the glory of winning the FA Cup, league cup and promotion finals were starting to look increasingly unlikely, and when they went beyond 8,000/1 it was decided that something had to be done.
In order to exorcise the curse, stadium chiefs turned to an unlikely kind of exorcist - the world's richest painter.
Yes, the world's richest painter was drafted in to save the day and to work his magic with a paint brush, rather than a cross and the Bible.
Did it work? All is revealed on episode 24 of the Ghosts & Folklore of Wales with Mark Rees podcast!
What is the Ghosts & Folklore of Wales with Mark Rees podcast?
In early 2020, Mark Rees launched the world’s first podcast dedicated to Welsh ghost stories, folklore, myths and legends.
By combining Mark’s research and insights from his books and articles with long-lost tales from dusty old tomes, this weird and wonderful podcast takes a unique look at countless curious subjects.
New episodes are uploaded every Thursday, and feature everything from real-life encounters with pesky poltergeists to fantastical beasts from the Mabinogion,
Be sure to subscribe, and for more details and to get in touch with Mark Rees, please visit:
Mark Rees homepage
Mark Rees on social media
Books by Mark Rees
Ghosts of Wales
Thursday Nov 05, 2020
Thursday Nov 05, 2020
Guy Fawkes Night: The folklore, ghosts, history and traditions
Remember, remember, the fifth of November, Gunpowder, treason and plot!
On this episode, Mark Rees (author of Ghosts of Wales/ Paranormal Wales etc.) is joined by storyteller Owen Staton to discuss Guy Fawkes Night in Wales.
Because while Halloween might be a few days behind us, there's still time for another autumn festival with bonfires and fireworks.
Together they explore:
How is Noson Guto Ffowc, as Bonfire Night is known is Wales, celebrated?
Why do people burn effigies, and who else was burned besides Guy Fawkes?
Should it really be called Guy Fawkes Night, or is there a more suitable name?
Do the ghosts of the plotters still walk their old haunts today?
All of these questions and more will be explored in this Guy Fawkes special episode of the Ghosts & Folklore of Wales with Mark Rees podcast.
Halloween in Wales: 5 special episodes
October was the Halloween takeover month on the Ghosts & Folklore of Wales podcast, and all five specials are now available for your listen pleasure.
For a full list of episodes check out the Halloween Specials podcast page.
What is Nos Calan Gaeaf?
In Celtic times, each day began at sunset.
October 31 - Nos Calan Gaeaf in Welsh, the night before Calan Gaeaf - marked the beginning of winter, and while it was a time for celebration, it was also a time of great foreboding and apprehension.
For more about Nos Calan Gaeaf, be sure to subscribe to the Ghosts & Folklore podcast which will be focusing on the festival all through October, and check out the book The A-Z of Curious Wales for lots more weird and wonderful facts.
What is the Ghosts & Folklore of Wales with Mark Rees podcast?
Join Mark Rees (author of Ghosts of Wales/ Paranormal Wales etc.) as he explores the weird and wonderful history of Wales.
The world’s first podcast dedicated to Welsh ghost stories, folklore, myths and legends, GHOSTS & FOLKLORE OF WALES combines Mark’s research and insights from his books and articles with long-lost tales from some ancient tomes into a truly unique podcast experience.
New episodes are uploaded every Thursday, and feature everything from real-life encounters with pesky poltergeists to the fantastical beasts from the Mabinogion,
Be sure to subscribe, and for more details and to get in touch with Mark Rees, please visit:
Mark Rees homepage
Mark Rees on social media
Books by Mark Rees
Ghosts of Wales
Thursday Oct 29, 2020
Thursday Oct 29, 2020
Ghosts of Wales Live - A Halloween Special: A paranormal podcast party for Nos Calan Gaeaf
How are you celebrating Halloween this year?
Do you fancy some ghost hunting, but don't where to start? Or maybe you want to visit a haunted pub, but need some tips and advice? Or maybe you're just looking for a good spooky book to read?
Then this is the podcast for you!
On this extra-long Halloween edition, author Mark Rees (Ghosts of Wales) will be talking about his new book Paranormal Wales, and some of his favourite "most haunted" Welsh places, with some very special guests.
What is "Ghosts of Wales - Live!"?
Every Halloween - or Nos Calan Gaeaf, as we say in Wales - Mark hosts a paranormal party at a different location called "Ghosts of Wales - Live!"
With a varied line-up of special guests, there are ghost stories, paranormal investigations, and plenty of spooky surprises along the way.
Sadly, hosting a live event in 2020 isn't really an option, so this year we're doing something even better - hosting a paranormal party on the Ghosts & Folklore of Wales podcast instead!
That means, for the first time ever, everyone can join in and listen, wherever you are in the world. The events are usually sell-out affairs, but not on this scale - this is the first time it has truly gone global!
Special guests include storyteller Owen Staton and paranormal investigators Cymru Paranormal. Press play for more!
Halloween in Wales: 5 special episodes
October is the Halloween takeover month on the Ghosts & Folklore of Wales podcast, and this is the fourth of five stand-alone specials.
For a full list of episodes check out the Halloween Specials podcast page.
What is Nos Calan Gaeaf?
In Celtic times, each day began at sunset.
October 31 - Nos Calan Gaeaf in Welsh, the night before Calan Gaeaf - marked the beginning of winter, and while it was a time for celebration, it was also a time of great foreboding and apprehension.
For more about Nos Calan Gaeaf, be sure to subscribe to the Ghosts & Folklore podcast which will be focusing on the festival all through October, and check out the book The A-Z of Curious Wales for lots more weird and wonderful facts.
What is the Ghosts & Folklore of Wales with Mark Rees podcast?
Join Mark Rees (author of Ghosts of Wales/ Paranormal Wales etc.) as he explores the weird and wonderful history of Wales.
The world’s first podcast dedicated to Welsh ghost stories, folklore, myths and legends, GHOSTS & FOLKLORE OF WALES combines Mark’s research and insights from his books and articles with long-lost tales from some ancient tomes into a truly unique podcast experience.
New episodes are uploaded every Thursday, and feature everything from real-life encounters with pesky poltergeists to the fantastical beasts from the Mabinogion,
Be sure to subscribe, and for more details and to get in touch with Mark Rees, please visit:
Mark Rees homepage
Mark Rees on social media
Books by Mark Rees
Ghosts of Wales
What is the Ghosts and Folklore of Wales with Mark Rees podcast?
In early 2020, Mark Rees launched the world’s first podcast dedicated to Welsh ghost stories, folklore, myths and legends.
By combining his unique research and insights from many books and articles with long-lost tales from dusty old tomes, this weird and wonderful podcast takes a fascinating look at the country's countless curious subjects.
New episodes are uploaded every Thursday and feature everything from real-life encounters with pesky poltergeists to fantastical beasts from the Mabinogion and the skulled-headed Christmas favourite herself, the Mari Lwyd.
Be sure to subscribe, and for more details and to get in touch with Mark Rees, please visit: