Behind the Scenes Minis: Martian Skulls
Summary
Hosts Tracy F. Wilson and Holly Frey explore Sarah Weiss’s 1909 book claiming psychic communication with a spirit band on Mars, including figures like Giordano Bruno and Edward Bulwer-Lytton. They discuss the historical context of spiritualism, the author’s husband’s role in promoting her work, and the book’s potential influence on later literature. The episode also touches on the pseudoscience of phrenology and the dubious origins of the "Screaming Skull" legend, highlighting how people often construct narratives to fit pre-existing beliefs.
Topics discussed
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Intro: Sarah Weiss, Mars journeys, and her 'uneducated' reputation
Adolf Weiss's correspondence with psychical investigator Hyslop
Edward Bulwer-Lytton: Spirit band member and proto-sci-fi author
Elvis Costello song, Vonnegut connections, and book reception
Mispronunciations, Tralfamadore, and closing thoughts on Weiss
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Screaming Skulls: Kooky burial requests and the Brome family
Halloween plans, future grave robbing episode, and personal hauntings
Critique of racist skull analysis and confirmation bias
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Screaming Skull mystery: Isotopes, lore, and the Nevis timeline
Phrenology, racial pseudoscience, and weekend well-wishes
Outro and Sponsors: Untold Stories, AT&T, CA Manufacturing, PBR, Lincoln
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