PODCAST · history
Conjuring Curiosities
by Clara and Sabrina
A historical seamstress tells her witchy friend about the most macabre aspects of the Victorian era. A new topic focusing on the 1800s every week, as well as a collective tarot reading and spiritual advice! Dive into the past with Conjuring Curiosities, a conversational yet educational podcast where a historical seamstress takes her witchy friend on weekly adventures through the shadows of Victorian history. Settle in as these best friends discuss tales of intrigue, uncovering the weirdest and most macabre aspects of the 1800s. Join our dynamic duo as they chat about everything from eerie mourning customs to the secrets of Victorian seances! From mummy medicine to arsenic-laced fashion, Conjuring Curiosities offers a captivating glimpse into a bygone era, all through the lens of friendship. So, grab your favourite cozy blanket and join us for a leisurely stroll down memory lane as we unravel the mysteries of Victorian life, one stitch at a time. Tune in for an
Episodes
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BB #22: Are You In The Broom Closet?
Witchcraft can feel intimidating, and depending on the people around you, it may feel like it carries a stigma. Which is why this episode is for the closeted spell casters who want to start practising, but aren’t ready to do so out in the open. We’re here to tell you that however you do magic…
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The Demon of Whitechapel Part 3: The Finger of Suspicion
This is our third and final chapter of Jack the Ripper, where we discuss the infamous letters and suspects that are commonly associated with this unsolved case. Did the murderer actually write one of the thousands of letters that were sent to the police during his reign of terror, or were all of...
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BB #21: Energy Leaks
Ever feel drained for no clear reason? Like your energy is quietly slipping away somewhere you can’t quite see? This week, Sabrina walks Clara through the concept of energy leaks, the subtle ways we lose emotional, mental, and spiritual energy in our everyday lives. We cover some tips and tricks...
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The Demon of Whitechapel Part 2: Crowd Control
We’re back with part 2 of the most notorious Victorian serial killer, Jack the Ripper! In this episode, we discuss the final 2 canonical victims, focusing on who they were before their murders. Clara explains the media frenzy that this case stirred up, as well as the general paranoia in London at...
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BB #20: Water Magic
Water is an incredibly powerful and versatile element, capable of the gentlest bath, yet also the roughest typhoons. This episode, Sabrina is bringing tips to help you harness that energy for your spellwork! Whether you need to amp up the chaos, release emotions, or cleanse, we have suggestions…
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The Demon of Whitechapel Part 1: Murders Most Foul
It’s our 50th episode! To celebrate, we're finally covering one of the most notorious macabre aspects of the Victorian Era, Jack the Ripper. Clara is trying her best not to slip too deep into the rabbit-hole that is possibly the most famous serial killer of all time, but she may have finally bit...
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BB #19: Spiritual Glow Ups
This episode, Sabrina talks about something she's wanted to address for a long time…the parts of spiritual glow ups that nobody puts on their vision board. It turns out, feeling lost is a period of spiritual crisis that many practicing witches cross on their path. Feeling wrong may just mean that...
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BB #18: Consensual Magic
Why is a self-love spell different from a love spell aimed at someone else? When does manifestation cross into control? This week, we’re breaking down the difference between consensual and non-consensual magic, and what to consider when you are trying to find your personal balance of ethical...
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Haunting in the Court
If you want to skip the ghost in the Victorian hair brooch update at the beginning, the main episode topic starts at 21:17 What if the only witness to your murder…was you? This week, we’re discussing the Greenbrier Ghost, the 1897 case where a murdered woman allegedly returned from the grave to...
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BB #17: Mirrors
In modern day, mirrors are a means to do your makeup or check your outfit. But they have been feared, revered, covered, and cursed for centuries. So it’s no wonder that breaking one strikes momentary fear into the heart of many of us! This week, Sabrina takes Clara through the looking glass to...
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Mother of Monsters
Trigger warning for discussions of infant death: 38:10 - 38:55 The monster, the myth, the legend: Frankenstein. You know him, you love him, and you love to tell people that ACTUALLY, Dr. Frankenstein was the REAL monster, and the monster's name isn’t Frankenstein. But who do we have to thank for...
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BB #16: Spirit Guides
Ever feel like you’re being gently nudged in a direction you didn’t consciously choose? This episode, Sabrina breaks down the world of spirit guides: Who they are, what they do, and how to recognize their presence. For anyone who has been interested but hesitant, we break down how to tell the...
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Everlasting Epitaphs
Angels, pointing hands, weeping willows, and urns. We’ve all seen them when walking through a cemetery, but what do they mean? This week, Clara takes Sabrina on a guided tour through the graveyard to decode the symbols carved into tombstones, and what they were meant to say about death, grief…
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BB #15: Liminal Spaces
Doorways, crossroads, and hotel hallways at midnight. The places where nothing really happens…but somehow, everything feels like it could. This week, Sabrina gives us a spiritual perspective on liminal spaces, and encourages us to embrace the in-between. After all, transformations can’t happen...
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The Mysterious Mansion of Mazes
What happens when a wealthy widow tries to outbuild her ghosts? In this case, a confusing labyrinth of staircases to nowhere, doors that open into walls, and windows that overlook nothing. Back from hiatus, Clara and Sabrina wander the endless halls of the Winchester Mystery House, uncovering how...
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Death By...Molasses?
What would happen if a giant tank of molasses exploded in the middle of Boston? Unfortunately, that is not a hypothetical question, because over 100 years ago, one did. In January 1919, a massive storage tank burst, unleashing an unfathomable wave of deadly syrup that tore through the streets...
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BB #14: The Spells of Sappho
In this episode of Brief Bewitchments, we’re lighting a candle for the original lesbian icon and lyrical enchantress herself, Sappho of Lesbos! As one of the most prolific poets of Ancient Greece, her words are still widely known today, and Sabrina will dive into the sacred and spell-worthy power...
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The Peculiar Possession of Lurancy Vennum
Long before Freaky Friday made body swaps an onscreen trope, a small-town teen in the 1870s started the trend. This episode, we’re covering the Watseka Wonder, a very odd case that has us asking: did this 13 year old girl actually get possessed…or was she just really committed to the bit? In…
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BB #13: The Witch Wound
Ever feel like speaking your truth, setting boundaries, or showing your magic might get you metaphorically (or emotionally) burned at the stake? You might be feeling the effects of the Witch Wound, but don’t worry, Sabrina’s here to explain. In this episode, we dive into the ancestral, cultural,...
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The Bard's Curse
Double, double toil and… total disaster? In this drama-packed episode, we’re diving into the legendary curse of Macbeth…I mean, The Scottish Play. We’ll explore some of the most infamous examples of the curse in action, from alleged fatalities to production disasters. And while we’re talking...
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BB #12 - The Big 3
Say hello to your Big 3: your Sun, Moon, and Rising signs. In this episode, Sabrina breaks down the astrological basics and gets real about what each of the Big 3 actually means. Whether you're a loud Leo Moon with a Scorpio Rising or a triple threat, Sabrina’s here to help you decode your chart...
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The Lost Keepers of Eilean Mòr
What could be spookier than a lighthouse on a remote Scottish island in 1900? How about the unexplained disappearance of 3 Lightkeepers from that very setting…Join us this episode as we shine a big ol’ beam on the baffling mystery of the men that vanished without a trace. Was it a wave? Madness?...
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BB #11: Mercury Retrograde
Is your phone glitching, your ex texting, and every conversation turning into a full-blown miscommunication meltdown? Don’t panic! It might just be Mercury Retrograde, and Sabrina is here to break it all down (without the doom and gloom). We’re talking tech troubles, travel mishaps, and text...
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All The Spinster Ladies
Before “spinster” meant “unmarried woman with too many cats,” it actually referred to women who made their own money (gasp!) and didn’t need a husband to survive. In this episode, we unravel the origins of the word spinster, the shifting attitudes toward single women, and the absolute gold that…
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BB #10: Knot Magic
Ready to tie up loose ends, literally and magically? In this episode, Sabrina breaks down the basics of knot magic, one of the oldest and simplest forms of spell-work. Whether you’re binding negativity, setting intentions, or storing energies for later; knot magic is all about using string…
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A Spoonful of Suffering
You recognize the name “Kellogg” on your box of cornflakes, but Dr. John Harvey Kellogg wasn’t just a breakfast innovator, he was a full-blown health fanatic with some very questionable ideas. From his obsession with healthy living, to his extremely aggressive stance against certain…personal...
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BB #9: The 12 Universal Laws
This episode, Sabrina lays down the 12 laws…of the universe! If you’ve ever felt like life is playing by a set of rules you didn’t get the memo on, don’t worry. We’ll walk through how these principles shape our lives, because it’s always a good idea to reassess how we interact with the world....
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The Sewing Machine Wars
The invention of the sewing machine was supposed to make life easier, so why did it spark one of the messiest patent wars in history? In this episode, we unravel the dramatic story of the sewing machine, from arsonist tailors and prophetic dreams, to legal battles and backstabbing. And of course…
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BB #8: Fire Ritual for Imbolc
The days are getting longer, the ice is starting to melt (hopefully), and it’s time to shake off that winter slump…Imbolc is here! Sabrina walks us through a fire ritual to spark new beginnings, clear out stagnant energy, and bring a little warmth (literal and magical) into your life. So grab a...
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Mary Did You Know? That You Spread Disease...
Grab your masks and wash your hands reallyyyy thoroughly to join us on a journey through disease, denial, and the early days of germ theory. In this episode, we’re discussing Typhoid Mary, the cook whose meals came with an unexpected side of contagion. Tracking down this “living culture tube” was…
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BB #7: Self-Love Spell Jar
In this magical mini-episode, Sabrina shares how to create a self-love spell jar that’s all about attracting positivity, boosting confidence, and embracing the magical masterpiece that is you! From choosing empowering herbs and crystals to sealing it all with intention (and a little wax), Sabrina...
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Terror on the Trail
Pack your bags (or maybe don’t) and join us on a trip to the wild frontier of Kansas in the 1870s! We’re uncovering the chilling story of the Bloody Benders, a family of innkeepers who turned their home into a death trap for unsuspecting travelers. We’ll also explore the public’s obsession with...
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BB #6: Manifestation 101
In our first episode of 2025, Sabrina is sharing her top tips for manifestation, so we can start the New Year on the right foot! See photos discussed in this episode on our instagram Follow us on tiktok for videos that cover a condensed version of each topic! Hosted on Acast. See…
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Have a Spooky, Scary, Christmas
After a brief hiatus, we’re coming back at you with some Victorian Christmas traditions! Think your holiday traditions are weird? The Victorians would like a word. In this episode, we unwrap the strange and spooky side of Victorian Christmas, because nothing says “Merry Christmas” like ghost...
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BB #5: The Four Elements
For our fifth episode of brief bewitchments, Sabrina covers the 4 elements, which are commonly used in witchcraft. Tune in for some bite-sized info on earth, air, fire, and water! See photos discussed in this episode on our instagram Follow us on tiktok for videos that cover a condensed version…
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BB #4: Ouija for Beginners
If you’ve been curious about using a spirit board, this is the episode for you! After Clara covered the history of ouija, Sabrina wanted to share her beginners guide on how to use it. P.S. Halloween flipped the order of episodes a bit, so this was recorded before the halloween episode! See photos...
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Scares and Screams on Halloween
Ever wondered how Halloween became the holiday of haunted houses, costumes, and candy? In this episode, we’re unraveling the eerie origins of Halloween and diving into some of the strange (and spooky) ways Victorians celebrated it. From its ancient Celtic roots as Samhaian, a night when the veil...
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Ouija Play With Me?
Get your candles and planchettes ready, because we’re summoning the story behind one of the most well known tools of the supernatural: the Ouija board! We’ll uncover its spiritualist roots, how it became a pop culture sensation, and the reputation it acquired during the satanic panic. And of...
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BB #3: Everyday Witchcraft
This episode, Sabrina gives us some quick and easy ways to practice witchcraft! Even with a busy day to day, these will help you take a moment for self care and mindfulness. Tune in to hear some great attainable examples you can incorporate in your daily routine, if you feel disconnected or...
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Victorian Stories to Tell in the Dark
Grab your lantern and prepare for a chilling stroll - through some of the spookiest ghost stories from the Victorian era! In this episode, we’re digging into the Illustrated Police News, the infamous tabloid that fed the public’s appetite for gruesome crimes and spooky stories. Victorian England...
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BB #2: Pentacle vs. Pentagram
In our second episode of Brief Bewitchments, Sabrina explains the difference between a pentacle and pentagram, and how no matter which you use, you won’t summon a demon by accident. Phew! See photos discussed in this episode on our instagram Follow us on tiktok for videos that cover a condensed...
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The Magician Among the Spirits
In this episode, we dive deep into the life of the legendary escape artist, Harry Houdini, and his surprising and eventually strained friendship with the creator of Sherlock Holmes, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. Houdini dazzled the world with his death-defying stunts and escapes, but as much as he…
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Introducing: Brief Bewitchments
Welcome to our new bite sized bi-weekly episodes, Brief Bewitchments! In our first magical mini episode, the turns are tabled as Sabrina tells Clara about Victorian divination! From her specialty, tarot, to tea leaves and palmistry, Sabrina shares her expertise on some of the mediums used by...
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Elementary, My Dear Spirit!
Grab your magnifying glass and your deerstalker hat, because this week we’re discussing the author behind the most famous fictional detective ever! Sir Arthur Conan Doyle may have created Sherlock Holmes, the character who revolutionized detective fiction, but he was less than fond of his own...
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Oh, Behave!
This week, Clara teaches Sabrina how to mind her manners and show her good breeding with a little help from Florence Hartley’s “The Ladies Book of Etiquette”. While good old Flo’s advice can be just as ridiculous as you’d expect, it’s a fascinating look at all the ways that women both supported…
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The Murderous Maid
Get ready for a true crime story that’s equal parts shocking and sinister! In this episode, we dive deep into the gruesome case of Kate Webster, the maid who made headlines in 1800’s London for her brutal crime. Kate Webster wasn’t your ordinary household help - she was a woman with a dark past…
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Around the World's Fair in 60 Minutes
This week, Clara and Sabrina explore the dazzling and sometimes disturbing history of the World’s Fairs! In this episode, we celebrate the groundbreaking inventions and innovations unveiled at these grand exhibitions, while also shedding light on the darker aspects of human exploitation. Zip up...
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King Pine: The Golden Fruit
Get ready for a juicy tale of status, luxury, and fruity frenzy, as we travel back to the days when pineapples were the rarest and most coveted fruit in the world! When pineapples made their way to European shores, they set off a frenzy among the elite, and quickly became the ultimate symbol of...
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There's A Con Man Born Every Minute
Step right up, step right up! Join us on a jaw-dropping journey into the real life of P.T. Barnum, the man behind the grift. In this episode, we pull back the curtain on P.T. Barnum’s life, stripping away the idealised version of Barnum by Hollywood to reveal a tale of cunning, controversy, and...
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Let's Get Hysterical
We’re getting hysterical this episode! Clara cheers Sabrina up with some crazy facts about the Victorian diagnosis of “hysteria”; a condition that doctors diagnosed women with based on just about any reason you can imagine, from too much gas to epilepsy. In this episode, we’ll unravel the tangled...
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
A historical seamstress tells her witchy friend about the most macabre aspects of the Victorian era. A new topic focusing on the 1800s every week, as well as a collective tarot reading and spiritual advice!
Dive into the past with Conjuring Curiosities, a conversational yet educational podcast where a historical seamstress takes her witchy friend on weekly adventures through the shadows of Victorian history. Settle in as these best friends discuss tales of intrigue, uncovering the weirdest and most macabre aspects of the 1800s.
Join our dynamic duo as they chat about everything from eerie mourning customs to the secrets of Victorian seances!
From mummy medicine to arsenic-laced fashion, Conjuring Curiosities offers a captivating glimpse into a bygone era, all through the lens of friendship. So, grab your favourite cozy blanket and join us for a leisurely stroll down memory lane as we unravel the mysteries of Victorian life, one stitch at a time. Tune in for an
HOSTED BY
Clara and Sabrina
CATEGORIES
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does Conjuring Curiosities have?
Conjuring Curiosities currently has 74 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is Conjuring Curiosities about?
A historical seamstress tells her witchy friend about the most macabre aspects of the Victorian era. A new topic focusing on the 1800s every week, as well as a collective tarot reading and spiritual advice! Dive into the past with Conjuring Curiosities, a conversational yet educational podcast...
How often does Conjuring Curiosities release new episodes?
Conjuring Curiosities has 74 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.
Where can I listen to Conjuring Curiosities?
You can listen to Conjuring Curiosities on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts Conjuring Curiosities?
Conjuring Curiosities is created and hosted by Clara and Sabrina.
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