Psychology of the Strange

The Christmas Eve Watcher

Fear doesn’t always arrive as a threat.
Sometimes it arrives as attention.
On a winter night, a woman and her teenage daughter begin to notice a figure standing outside their home. It doesn’t approach. It doesn’t knock. It doesn’t try to enter. It simply watches.
What follows isn’t a story about violence or intrusion, but about something quieter and often more disturbing: the experience of being observed without understanding why. The Watcher comes to houses in the nights before Christmas.
In this episode of Psychology of the Strange, we explore how the human mind reacts when it detects intention without danger, presence without explanation. Through story and psychological analysis, we examine why being watched destabilizes our sense of safety, how parental instincts intensify threat perception, and why winter with its darkness, stillness, and isolation amplifies the fear of unseen observers.
The Watcher isn’t about what the figure does.
It’s about what happens to the mind when it realizes it’s no longer alone.
I want to thank my daughter for coming on the show today to do the voice for Evelyn.

The Yule Log: Ritual, Fire, and the Meaning We Create- Bonus Episode

The Yule Log is one of the oldest winter rituals in Europe—a carved beam of wood burned slowly through the longest nights to protect the household and usher in the return of the sun. But beneath the folklore and tradition lies something deeply human: our need to create meaning, especially in seasons marked by scarcity, darkness, and uncertainty.
 
In this bonus episode, we explore the origins of the Yule Log, the runes and wishes carved into it, and why rituals like this have lasted for centuries. From symbolic renewal to communal bonding to the psychology of hope in winter, the Yule Log shows how people have always used story and ceremony to survive the dark.

When the Elf on the Shelf Became a Trickster --Bonus Episode

Elf on the Shelf is often dismissed as a modern, commercial tradition cute, harmless, and far removed from older winter folklore. But while researching the Yule Lads, I started noticing something unexpected happening in my own home.
Today’s elves don’t just watch. They move. They make messes. They steal food. They leave evidence behind.
In this short bonus reflection, I explore how Elf on the Shelf has quietly evolved from a surveillance figure into a household trickster and why that shift mirrors much older winter traditions like the Icelandic Yule Lads. Through folklore, psychology, and lived experience as a parent, this episode looks at why mischief, moral play, and controlled chaos still feel necessary during the darkest time of year.

Yule Lads- The Winter Tricksters Who Watched from the Dark

The Yule Lads are often remembered as mischievous Icelandic tricksters of thirteen strange figures who descend from the mountains each December. But behind the playful reputation lies a much older, darker tradition rooted in scarcity, winter anxiety, and the human tendency to project fear onto the unknown.
In this episode, we explore the folklore behind the Yule Lads and their monstrous parents, uncovering how these figures evolved from winter phantoms into beloved icons. And beneath the myth, we trace the psychological mechanisms that shape them: why humans create “seasonal spirits,” how communities use mischief to manage fear, and why winter brings out our most primal storytelling instincts.
If folklore is how a culture dreams, the Yule Lads are winter’s strange little nightmares with part warning, part comfort, and completely unforgettable.

Season 2 Trailer

This winter the world gets a little stranger. Season 2 of Psychology of the Strange is here. We are traveling into the season of long nights, distorted shadows, and the old stories people used to whisper to survive the dark. This time, we are exploring winter-born omens, creatures that came from the shoreline, mischief spirits who slip into homes, and ancient rituals that blur the line between the living and the dead.  And as always, we will step inside the psychology beneath the folklore to find out why certain stories survive, why winter changes perception, and what these legends reveal about identity, fear, and the edges of the human mind. 

What the Tide Reveals in the Legend of the Knuckelavee

When the tide pulls back farther than it should, old things rise from the sea. In the windswept folklore of the Orkney Islands, that warning is tied to a single creature: the Nuckelavee (a skinless, relentless being said to crawl out of the ocean on the darkest nights), bringing with it illness, fear, and the sense that something ancient is watching from the shoreline.
 
In this episode of Psychology of the Strange, we begin with a story inspired by the legend: a solitary coastal cottage, a tide that retreats too far, and a creature that can sense you even when it cannot see. Once the tale concludes, we step into the psychology behind it.
 
We’ll explore why deep water unnerves us, and how the ocean at night becomes a perfect psychological threat environment. We look at the instinctive disgust triggered by exposed flesh and bodily distortion, the fear circuits activated when something hunts with senses other than sight, and the profound panic that comes from realizing you’re being located by a predator you can’t detect in return.
 
We also examine how creatures like the Nuckelavee emerge from cultural memory acting as warnings about storms, disease, and dangerous tides, and why such folklore continues to feel eerily relevant today.
 
This is a journey into fear, folklore, and the shadowed corners of the human mind where ancient legends meet modern psychology, and where what the tide reveals says as much about us as it does about the monsters we imagine.

The Chilling Tale of Huggin’ Molly: A Journey Into Fear and Mystery

I delve into the chilling legend of Huggin' Molly, a ghostly figure that has haunted the quiet town of Abbeville, Alabama for generations. The origins of this ghost are shrouded in mystery, and those who dare to speak of her do so in hushed tones. Join me as I uncover the dark and tragic history of Molly Crenshaw, a once-beautiful woman whose life took a horrific turn, ultimately transforming her into the entity known as Huggin' Molly.
In this narrative, I explore the complex layers of the legend and its various interpretations. Was Molly a vengeful spirit seeking retribution, or did her transformation serve a more benevolent purpose? Our journey takes us through eerie encounters, harrowing tales, and the psychological aspects of fear that make Huggin' Molly an enduring and captivating legend.
Join me as I examine the psychology behind the fear of the unknown and the fear of the dark, both of which are central themes in this eerie tale. I also draw parallels between Huggin' Molly and other women in black legends, showcasing the universal appeal of these haunting figures across different cultures.
This episode promises to send shivers down your spine and keep you on the edge of your seat as I explore the ghostly tale of Huggin' Molly, a legend that continues to captivate and terrify those who dare to venture into the realm of the strange.

I Need That Like A Hole In The Head: DIY Trephination

This episode is not for the faint of heart and may contain some graphic language.   I explore the  realms of trepanation, dreams, and self-exploration through various historical and contemporary stories. It begins by unraveling the ancient practice of trepanation, delving into its medical and mystical aspects. The narrative then shifts to the swinging sixties, where individuals like Amanda Feilding and Joey Mellen championed self-trepanation in pursuit of enlightenment.
Next, the episode introduces Mikhail, a YouTube sensation, and his daring experiment to influence dreams through self-trepanation. His audacious journey into the world of lucid dreaming pushes the boundaries of science and self-discovery.
Finally, the podcast examines the modern resurgence of self-trepanation, driven by a variety of motivations, from altered states of consciousness to the desire for ultimate control. Expert opinions caution against this practice due to its inherent risks and lack of scientific evidence.
In conclusion, the episode takes listeners on a captivating journey through history and the human psyche, shedding light on the fascinating worlds of trepanation, dreams, and the relentless quest for self-exploration.

Beyond the Stars: Alien Abductions and Encounters

Exploring alien encounters and the mysteries that surround them. I tell the account of John, a truck driver, when one fateful night his life took an inexplicable turn. Hear the eerie details of his encounter with beings from beyond, leaving him haunted by the unknown.
Are we alone in the universe? From benevolent extraterrestrials to sinister invaders, considering recent claims of mummified aliens found in Peru 
But what about the early cases of alleged abductions, like that of Antonio Villas Boas, the Brazilian farmer who claimed an otherworldly liaison in 1957? And the iconic tale of Betty and Barney Hill, who unearthed memories of alien examinations through hypnotic regression? These stories, while captivating, also raise questions about the reliability of memory.
Then, in 1987, two game-changing books thrust the world of alien encounters into the limelight. Whitley Strieber's "Communion" and Budd Hopkins' "Intruders" pushed the boundaries of belief. And even Harvard Professor John Mack weighed in, declaring these experiences as real, igniting a debate that continues today.
I explore the concept of false memories and the traits that make some individuals more susceptible to these vivid recollections. Sleep paralysis emerged as a bridge between our dreams and the tales of alien abductions, connecting the dots in the realm of human consciousness.
The uncanny valley theory shed light on the eerie familiarity of humanoid aliens, whose subtle differences create a profound sense of disquiet and fascination. These beings stand at the intersection of the familiar and the profoundly alien.
As we navigated this intricate web of human experience, I couldn't help but contemplate Arthur C. Clarke's words: "Two possibilities exist: either we are alone in the universe or we are not. Both are equally terrifying." The quest to answer this question fuels our curiosity, even in the face of warnings from luminaries like Stephen Hawking.
Hawking cautioned against initiating contact with extraterrestrial civilizations, fearing unforeseen consequences. Yet, our insatiable curiosity drives us to seek answers, to scan the cosmos for signs of life, and to imagine a future where our understanding of the universe is forever transformed.
In this episode, traverse the boundaries of reality and imagination, venture into the uncanny, and glimpse the infinite possibilities that await us in the cosmos. Join me on this remarkable journey to explore the mysteries of the universe and the enduring quest to answer the age-old question: Are we truly alone in the universe?
Thank you for tuning in to this captivating episode. Until next time, keep your eyes on the stars and your mind open to the wonders of the unknown.
https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/alleged-aliens-corpses-displayed-to-mexican-congress-did-not-convince-scientists-180982900/
 

Creating Consciousness: Tulpas and Slenderman

 In the late 1800s, Alexandra David-Neel embarked on a remarkable quest for forbidden knowledge. From Freemasonry to Theosophy, from opera singing to anarchist pamphleteering, her life was a whirlwind of intrigue. Her fascination with the mystical and the unknown led her to Asia, where she delved into the secrets of Tibetan monks and their astonishing practice of creating tulpas—sentient thoughtforms born from the fusion of Tibetan Buddhism and ancient shamanic traditions. Alexandra created her own tulpa, a journey that blurred the lines between thought and reality. Discover how her merry monk evolved beyond her control, morphing into something sinister and disturbing.
Slenderman is a faceless entity that emerged from the depths of the internet. Explore the collaborative storytelling that breathed life into this modern urban legend and learn how the fear of the unknown and the uncanny play a pivotal role in Slenderman's psychological allure.
Dive into the psychology of collective belief and shared dread as I dissect the Slenderman phenomenon. Discover how a fictional creation can have real-world consequences and why it continues to captivate and unsettle those who encounter it in the digital labyrinth of the internet.
Don't miss this thought-provoking exploration of tulpas and Slenderman, where imagination blurs the line between fiction and reality. Tune in to "Psychology of the Strange" and prepare to unravel the shadows of the mind. 
https://www.theawl.com/2014/11/all-my-friends-are-in-my-head/
http://anomalyinfo.com/Stories/1929-pre-alexandra-david-neel-and-tulpas-tibet