The Alchemist and the Academic
by Becca Fanali and Kurt Braddock
On one side of the table, with a vodka soda (extra lemon), sits an acupuncturist, tarot reader, and Wiccan -- alchemist Becca Fanali. On the other side of the table, with a peaty scotch (served neat), sits a college professor, social scientist, and agnostic -- academic Kurt Braddock. Becca and Kurt have been the best of friends for many years. And for many years, Becca and Kurt have shared spirited debates, arguments, disavowals, skeptical looks, sarcastic eye rolls, and yes... happy hours. Becca believes in the spiritual world and the shared nature of everything. Kurt believes in his five senses and what he can measure with a valid instrument. Becca insists that Kurt should consider the miraculous nature of things. Kurt insists that Becca consider the scientific method. In this new podcast, The Alchemist and the Academic, join Becca and Kurt as they have these discussions. Becca will explain phenomena in terms of the fantastic and
Episodes
-
Episode 201: We're Back; Blessed Be!
Our alchemist and academic are back from a serious run of life events to get back on the mic and ready for Series 2! Join Becca and Kurt as they discuss what they've been up to, go over their favorite episodes of the first season, and preview the episodes coming for the second series! The…
more -
Update on recording schedule!
Just a little update on where we are at with recording! We have experienced some paranormal activity while recording Kurt's mediumship reading, which has ultimately led to us having to re-record! We appreciate your patience and can't wait to drop part 2 of mediumship for you soon!
-
Episode 108: Mediumship (Part 1), The Medium and the Interference
In this episode, we welcome our first official guest -- medium Beth O'Brien! Here, Becca and I explore the gift of mediumship, how mediums come to understand their gifts, and what it means to them as they come to harness those gifts. We also talk to Beth about the practice of mediumship, what it...
-
Coven Meeting 1: Questions from Listeners!
In this, our first "coven meeting," our Alchemist and Academic take questions from listeners about the various topics they've covered so far in the first series. Becca explains why she uses such cozy ingredients in her simmer pots, why she blows cinnamon out her front door, how the moon charges...
-
Episode 107: Acupuncture (Part 2), The Experience
Join us this week on the Alchemist and the Academic! On this episode, Kurt experiences acupuncture first-hand and reports on his experience. As the alchemist and acupuncturist, Becca interprets Kurt's experiences and explains why he had certain sensations, and how acupuncture could be made part…
more -
Episode 106: Gods, Goddesses, and Deities
As a witch, Becca calls on different deities for her needs. Protection, strength, abundance... Becca draws on the divine to help her with them all. On this episode of the Alchemist and the Academic, Becca tells Kurt all about the deities she invokes during her spellwork, as well as the different...
-
Episode 105: Witchcraft (Part 2), The Ritual
On this episode you get to hear the ritual that Becca and Kurt perform! Specifically, Becca shows Kurt how to build an altar with intention, and how all the different parts of the altar come together to build a cohesive thing of spiritual beauty. The altar that Becca and Kurt build in this…
more -
Episode 104: Witchcraft (Part 1), the Witch
This episode is all about witchcraft! Becca talks about how she became a witch, how she practices, and what it is like being a witch in today's climate. Kurt drops some knowledge of past wars and origins of religion. Due to the amazing banter and inquisitive minds of both hosts, this episode is...
-
Episode 103: Acupuncture (Part 1), The Background
On this episode, Becca dives into her profession of acupuncture! An ancient form of healing that developed in East Asia, and has been viewed as a placebo effect by the Western medical community. This is only part 1 due to a lot of great questions from Kurt, and, let's be honest, Becca could talk...
-
Episode 102: Tarot
Have you ever wondered what tarot cards are? Or what a tarot reading consists of? Maybe you've thought tarot was dark magic or brought in negative spirits? Becca goes into the origins of tarot, misconceptions about the cards, and how she practices this form of divination! Kurt brings a lot of…
more -
Episode 101: Yule
Have you ever thought about why we put gifts for loved ones under a pine tree? Have you ever thought about why we bring a pine tree into our houses? Have you ever thought about why a jolly, white-bearded man who lives in nature gives us those gifts? Our Academic has. And our Alchemist has…
more -
Episode 100: Meet Your Alchemist and Academic
This episode is an introduction to your Alchemist, Rebecca Fanali, and your academic, Kurt Braddock. We don't start arguing quiiiiiiite yet, but that's coming soon. Here, just meet us as your trust co-hosts, and how we come to understand the things around us. Yes, we have drinks for the intro as...
About this show
On one side of the table, with a vodka soda (extra lemon), sits an acupuncturist, tarot reader, and Wiccan -- alchemist Becca Fanali. On the other side of the table, with a peaty scotch (served neat), sits a college professor, social scientist, and agnostic -- academic Kurt Braddock. Becca and Kurt have been the best of friends for many years. And for many years, Becca and Kurt have shared spirited debates, arguments, disavowals, skeptical looks, sarcastic eye rolls, and yes... happy hours.
Becca believes in the spiritual world and the shared nature of everything. Kurt believes in his five senses and what he can measure with a valid instrument.
Becca insists that Kurt should consider the miraculous nature of things. Kurt insists that Becca consider the scientific method.
In this new podcast, The Alchemist and the Academic, join Becca and Kurt as they have these discussions. Becca will explain phenomena in terms of the fantastic and
Hosted by
Becca Fanali and Kurt Braddock
Categories