Monstrology

Elementals! With Brianna Love.

Will and Madryn seek balance in Elementals! We look at the 16th century history of this powerful nature-based monster. We discuss the original bombastic manifestations of earth, air, fire, and water, and the “star sign” interpretation of each variant. We also study elemental binding, summoning, and hybrid elementals. We unearth a range of pop culture for these expansive entities, moving through Element City, superhero school trips, enchanted rings, melodramatic murder, and Mario’s paper kingdom. Finally, we’re joined by Polaris (Brianna Love), who gusts into the program and drops some eternal knowledge on our confused brains. She tells us about life as an elemental, that time she rematerialized near a volcano, and which starter Pokémon she picked in Pokémon silver.

Witches! With Lindsey Middleton.

Will and Madryn go hunting for Witches! We uncover this humanoid’s relatively peaceful start, the enormously popular Malleus Maleficarum book, and the deadly hysteria that took over Europe in the 1400’s. We also touch on the Salem witch trials, before breaking down the many types of more modern witches, and their appearances in pop culture! We talk about spellcasting Spellmans, emo phases, necromancy wielding love interests, iconic covens, and the technicolor origins of witchy green skin. Finally, we’re joined by Charlotte Aberden (Lindsey Middleton) who tells us about her family history with “the stick,” her re-education in magic, and her goal to make it as a bomber jacket wearing, turtle shaking, pop star!

The Easter Bunny Holiday Special! With 5-Timer Gordon Harper.

To celebrate the magic of Easter weekend, Will invites Madryn to the Monstrology bunker for a special format episode with the Easter Bunny!
We talk about the Pagan, Christian, and commercial origins of this egg-laying mammal, and hop around some pop culture inspired by our furry friend. To fill out the party we bring back a variety of our monster guests, including Finnigan Clover, Neville the Man-Eating Tree, B. Elliot, and Igor, who now goes by “the Wacky,” to go on an eclectic egg hunt in the bunker. Then we’re joined by the guest of honour, Her the Hare, the Easter bunny! Who lets us know about his true origin, his average distance per bunny hop, and how he really got inside the bunker. Finally, Gordon Harper swings by to receive his honorary 5-timers jacket!
PS: We have a death-ray for sale, if anyone’s interested.

Creature Feature: Ghostbusters!

In this special Creature Feature episode, Will and Madryn step into the family business of the Ghostbusters franchise!
We break down the origin of this classic Ivan Reitman comedy, and how Dan Aykroyd’s personal life shaped the ideas and technology behind the original Ghostbusters. Grab your proton packs, pick up a NYC hotdog, and get ready for a deep dive into the paranormal! We’ve loaded up on our fav quips, moments, and Creatchies, and we’re ready to rank and roll the films just in time for the release of Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire. Happy hunting! “We're ready to believe you!"
 

Ghouls! With Daniel Entz.

Will and Madryn embrace the darkness of ghouls!
We dig into their pre-Islamic Arabian demon origins, some ghastly Lovecraftian horrors, and your standard variety undead flesh-eater. This hungry non-human entity has popped up in poetry, graveyards, multiple anthology series, video game wastelands, tabletop terrors, and more!
Finally, we’re joined by Hugh Mandonald (Daniel Entz) who tells us about his tanning origins, his ongoing business as a Scarborough Landlord, severance packages, and of course… feeding on human flesh.
Enjoy feeding on the pod? You can support us at: ko-fi.com/monstrology, or leave us a review on your favourite human or monster podcast platform!
 
 

Elves! With Alexa Higgins.

Will and Madryn explore the enchantment of the Elves!
We unpack the history of this mischievous and mystical monster, and study their role in creating nightmares and crafting an ideal society. We break down the origins and subcategories of elves (high elves, dark elves, wood elves, Christmas, SPACE!?) and find a wealth of pop culture in the process. Looking for campy elvish blood ritual gun fight films? Environmental video game cults? Beautiful Tolkien-esque super humans. We got you. Finally, we’re joined by Valen Weston (Alexa Higgins), who talks about THE dark wood, Elvish PR, their influence on a certain grocery chain, the value of pointy ears, and some eye-popping sexual traditions. 

Hydras! With Daniel Yaworsky

Will and Madryn hack away at the Hydra! We double down on this Greek monster, and get into its deadly details, their battle with Hercules, and the danger they might pose to your aquarium. This writhing weapon of a monster has inspired multi-elemental damage in video games, easy listening rock music, and top secret tv terrorist organizations around the globe! Finally, we’re joined by Thermeculous (Daniel Yaworsky) who introduces us to his split personalities, shares his dietary restrictions, and reveals the truth behind Hercules party tricks.

Creature Feature Crossover: The Terminator Franchise! With Nick Davis and Erin Rose Macleod.

Will and Madryn cross timelines with the Gartbage Podcast to create a Terminator Franchise Creature Feature Crossover Extravaganza! With Special HUMAN guests, Nick Davis and Erin Rose Macleod.
Join us as we discuss James Francis Cameron’s fever dream, and all 6 film entries in this fantastic Tech Noir franchise. We cover original influences, our favourite terminator designs, and the best moments of this time travelling, human chasing, cybernetic cinematic experience. We also hand out our Top 3 Creatchie awards, and debut a new Gartbage segment, pairing a film in the franchise with a classy/trashy counterpart for a delightful digital double-bill.
Pull on your shoplifted Nikes, quit your truck driving job, and fight for your fate! Judgement Day is upon you.

Aliens! With Jordan Kennedy.

Will and Madryn tune our dial from a 2 to a 10 in pursuit of first contact with Aliens!
We break down the first alien sightings, the secrets of Roswell and Area 51, and what famous couple sparked the widespread phenomenon of Alien abduction. We also briefly look into the science of extraterrestrials, before flying into an enormous black hole of Pop Culture. We’ve got mon-stars, radio mayhem, missing meteors, Metroid, Mork, and more!
Finally, we meet Norbert (Jordan Kennedy), who tells us about his pizza sales in Scarborough, the creation of the pyramids, underwater spaceships, feline servitude, and where all that probing stuff came from...

Krampus! A Recap & Re-Play! With Jim Armstrong.

We’re catching up with Krampus! Madryn lures Will and Krampus (Jim Armstrong) to the Monstrology bunker to attempt a reconciliation just in time for the holidays. Will the two patch things up after their fight in the Muskokas? Or will their miscommunication over stick emojis end in terrifying tragedy? Listen, find out, and enjoy our very first re-play of Episode 5: Krampus! A Holiday Special with Jim Armstrong. Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays, and may Krampus be with you!