Ghosts and Folklore of Wales with Mark Rees

EP26 Ghost Hunting in Wales' "Most Haunted" Places: Paranormal investigators Cymru Paranormal reveal what it's REALLY like to search for the supernatural in some of the spookiest Welsh locations

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

EP25 The Secret Islands of the Faeries: How the fairies of Wales are connected to King Arthur, why they are called y Tylwyth Teg, and more Welsh folklore about the fair folk who haunted the forests

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

EP24 The Cursed Room at Wales' National Stadium: How a jinx caused rugby and football teams to lose games at Cardiff's Millennium Stadium, and the Welsh artist-turned-exorcist who banished the ghosts

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
 

EP23 Guy Fawkes Night: The folklore, traditions, history and ghosts of Bonfire Night, and how Noson Guto Ffowc was celebrated in Wales following the Halloween/ Nos Calan Gaeaf parties

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

EP22 Halloween Special - Ghosts of Wales Live!: Explore Wales' "most haunted" places in Mark Rees' new book Paranormal Wales, ghost hunting with Cymru Paranormal and Welsh storyteller Owen Staton

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

EP21 Spooky Halloween Folklore and Traditions of Wales: How to celebrate Nos Calan Gaeaf, the Welsh Halloween, with Gothic ghost stories and long-lost lore of death omens and witches

Halloween Folklore and Traditions of Wales: How to celebrate Nos Calan Gaeaf, the Welsh Halloween
Join cultural adventurer Mark Rees (author of Ghosts of Wales/ Paranormal Wales etc.) on this journey in search of the curious, dark, and at times macabre history and folklore of Nos Calan Gaeaf, the Welsh Halloween.
One of three spirit nights, it was a time for fun and festivities, but also a time of apprehension, and to beware the supernatural creatures abroad.
On this episode we will explore:
The Gothic lore involving the wind blowing over the feet of corpses.
The significance of seeing well-dressed apparitions appear in the parish church.
How to celebrate in the traditional Welsh manner with ghost stories and fairy tales around a giant log fire.
The return of the dreaded Hwch Ddu Gwta, the terrifying black sow.
How you can predict who will die in the coming 12 months.
And how to protect yourself from the witches who takes to the skies on Halloween.
All of these questions and more will be explored in this Halloween episode of the Ghosts & Folklore of Wales with Mark Rees podcast.
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 podcast

EP20 Halloween in Wales: The secret history and strange traditions of Nos Calan Gaeaf, the Welsh All Hallows' Eve, from the bonfires of Druids to ghosts, goblins, witches, fairies and pixies

Halloween in Wales: The secret history of Nos Calan Gaeaf
In Wales, October 31 is a magical night when ghosts, fairies, and all manner of supernatural creatures may be encountered.
On this special Halloween podcast episode, join Mark Rees ( author of Ghosts of Wales/ Paranormal Wales etc.) as he goes in search of the secret origins of Nos Calan Gaeaf, the Welsh Halloween.
In the early 1900s a pioneering American author from New England published what is considered to be the first history of Halloween, and by using that as our starting point for the spookiest day of the year we will uncover:
The role the Welsh Druids played in shaping Halloween.
How witches transformed people into standing stones.
The fairies, pixies and ghosts lurking at the dark crossroads.
The dreaded Hwch Ddu Gwta, a terrifying supernatural pig that chased merrymakers home after the witching hour.
How huge bonfires were lit during harvest festivals long before the arrival of Christianity.
How to predict who will die in the coming year on All Hallows' Eve.
And the really important questions - could young girls really predict who their future husbands by throwing a knife into a field of leeks after dark?
All of these questions and more will be explored in this special Halloween episode of the Ghosts & Folklore of Wales with Mark Rees podcast!
Halloween in Wales: 5 special episodes
October is the Halloween takeover month on the Ghosts & Folklore of Wales podcast, and this is the third 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 podcast

EP19 The Jack-O'-Lantern of Wales: A Halloween special exploring the most horrible history of a "dreaded ghost" which haunted the dark Welsh forests on Nos Calan Gaeaf

The Welsh jack-o’-lantern is far more terrifying than some carved pumpkin. 
While the image of a grinning orange vegetable might be a modern-day staple of Halloween, in Wales it was traditionally carved from a swede and was known as Jack y Lantern.
This "dreaded ghost" was thought to be a diabolical form of corpse candle that would lure lonely travellers away to a fate worse than death in the dark forests at night, and it could even be working in conjunction with the hobgoblins, fairies, or even the Devil himself.
In this eerie episode of the Ghosts & Folklore of Wales podcast, MARK REES (author of Ghosts of Wales/ Paranormal Wales etc.) recalls a long-lost real-life encounter from the archives in which a "respectable" man encounters a Jack y Lantern one dark lonely night.
In this case he lives to tell the tale, but then he returns to that haunted spot a second time to confirm that his eyes were not deceiving him, and that's when things get even spookier...
Halloween in Wales
October is the Halloween takeover month on the Ghosts & Folklore of Wales podcast, and this is the second of five stand-alone specials.
For a full list of episodes check out the Halloween Specials podcast page.
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 apprehension.
For more about Nos Calan Gaeaf, be sure to listen to the Ghosts & Folklore podcast all through October and check out The A-Z of Curious Wales.

EP18 The History of Halloween: From ancient Celtic festival to American holiday, the origin of jack-o'-lanterns, trick-or-treat & the Welsh Nos Calan Gaeaf in a podcast beaming from Wales to the world

The History of Halloween:
Join Mark Rees (author of Ghosts of Wales/ Paranormal Wales etc.) for a whirlwind tour through the history of All Hallows' Eve.
From ancient Celtic festivals to modern-day America, this concise journey through the dark past of the spookiest day of the year takes a look at such questions as:
Where did Halloween originate?
What vital role did Christianity play in things?
How did America put its own stamp on the holiday?
Why do we carve pumpkins on October 31st?
Does trick-or-treating have its roots in praying for the souls of the dead?
What does the Welsh harvest festival Nos Calan Gaeaf have to do with Halloween?
And the big question on everyone's lips... how did American housewives host the perfect Halloween party at the turn of the 20th century?
All this and more will be explored in this Halloween special of the Ghosts & Folklore of Wales with Mark Rees podcast!
Halloween in Wales: 5 special episodes
October is the Halloween takeover month on the Ghosts & Folklore of Wales podcast, and this is the first of five stand-alone specials.
While this episode takes a look at the bigger picture of how Halloween is celebrated around the world as well as Wales, subsequent episodes will look more closely at Nos Calan Gaeaf and such traditions as Jack y Lantern, the Welsh jack-o'-lantern, and the dreaded supernatural ghosts and goblins which were abroad ahead of the first day of winter.
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.

EP17 The Devil's Bridge: Did Satan really build a bridge in Wales in exchange for the soul of an old Welsh woman? Find out in the real story behind the folk tale from haunted Wales

Dare you cross the Devil's Bridge?
In this episode of the GHOSTS & FOLKLORE podcast, join Mark Rees (author of "Ghosts of Wales"/ Paranormal Wales" etc.) for a journey in search of Satan himself who, it is claimed, built a bridge over a great chasm in west Wales in exchange for the soul of an old Welsh widow.
This story is one of Wales' most popular folk tales, and while it might seem a little bit too far-fetched to be true, there's no denying the fact that the Devil's Bridge really does exits in the village of Pontarfynach. In fact, it's not just one bridge but three.
By digging deeper into the origins of this much-loved tale we can attempt to separate the fact from the fiction, and uncover the real secret history behind this most diabolical of spans.
Did the Devil really build a bridge in haunted Wales? Press play to find out more!