A new way to explore the strange and the luminous: the Crazy Alchemist Podcast is live.
The show extends our ongoing expedition through alchemy, mythology, the occult, and eerie folklore, but built for headphones-tight storytelling, primary sources, and the cultural frames that gave these tales their power.
Episode 1 - Spirits in Glass: Count von Kufstein & Abbé Geloni
We open with the extraordinary case of Count Johann Ferdinand von Kufstein, the 18th-century noble who reportedly captured spirits in glass jars with the help of the enigmatic Abbé Geloni. Between remote monasteries and candlelit salons, we look at:
- Ritual & technology: why glass, why circles, why names.
- Networks: how Freemasons and Rosicrucians colored the story.
- Meaning-making: “spirits” as metaphors, messengers-or something else entirely.
Rather than choosing credulity or dismissal, we ask what the story meant to the people who told it-and what it tells us about the era’s hunger for hidden knowledge.
What you’ll hear (every episode)
- Narrative first: a well-paced story you can follow cold.
- Receipts: quotations, texts, and artifacts where possible.
- Context: the intellectual, religious, and social currents around the tale.
- Takeaways: why it matters-then and now.
Listen & subscribe
- Spotify: Crazy Alchemist
- Apple Podcasts: Crazy Alchemist
Show notes, sources & transcripts
Each episode page on the site includes sources, images, and a full transcript for accessibility and citation. If you’re a researcher or just curious, you can follow the footnotes into the archive.
Got a lead?
Family stories, local legends, manuscripts in a basement-send them in. The inbox is open, and the best mysteries often start close to home.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Crazy Alchemist Podcast about?
A: It’s a narrative show about alchemy, occult history, and eerie folklore-stories, sources, and the cultural context that shaped them.
Where can I listen to the Crazy Alchemist Podcast?
A: It’s available on Spotify and Apple Podcasts. You can also stream the latest episode directly on this page.
How often will new episodes be released?
A: Episodes will roll out regularly. Follow on your podcast app to be notified as soon as new installments drop.
Will there be show notes or transcripts for each episode?
A: Yes-episode pages on Crazy Alchemist include sources, images, and full transcripts for accessibility.
Can I suggest a topic or share a family legend?
A: Absolutely. Send suggestions via the site’s Contact page; personal legends and archival leads are especially welcome.
