Reviews
So glad I found this podcast! So well researched and with excellent production. Thank you!
drea perk vador via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 01/14/24
This is a must for fans of the macabre and mythological. For a nominal charge you can get extra goodies to boot. Mr Ridenour is back to full length episodes after a writing break and hasn’t lost any of his bite. The Glamis episode is excellent!
Fleaster55 via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 12/28/23
absolutely wonderful, Informative and at times humorous.The podcast host has a great voice, speaks on interesting subjects and does not ramble.
thecatsmeow_ via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 05/04/23
Do you like the Wicker Man.. a lot? Folk horror revival, Ronald Hutton, Hellebore magazine, Harvest Home, the Wicker Man, J.G. Frazer, M.R. James and the Wicker Man? Then you are probably already listening to the Bone & Sickle podcast. And taking notes. A lot of them. Real Folklore, Real...Read full review »
GrimRobes via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 11/05/22
I listen to lots of podcasts but this one has remained the top favorite over the years. It is well-researched with compelling story-telling, a rich ‘backstory’ for the hosts, and killer soundscapes that always pair perfectly with the episode. I always recommend this podcast.
IdenticalOskar via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 11/01/22
Great show!
Riana1! via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 10/23/22
I don’t give 5-stars often but this one truly earns it. It’s witty, informative , well researched, and quite entertaining - what more could one ask for in a podcast about history and folklore? I’m a newcomer but I’m already moving it up to one of my favorites.
Urpso via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 10/10/22
come for thoroughly researched folklore presentations based on archival documents that are contextualized by ridenaur’s extensive knowledge of horror folk tales and read impeccably by sarah chavez, stay for the delightfully passive aggressive banter, spooky sound effects, and ridenaur’s ability...Read full review »
Alex McKinley via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 10/02/22
The little interactions between the hosts are a little goofy and not funny, it reminds me of theater kids in high school with their inside jokes. And the male host makes an AWFUL amount of weird sentence breaks that makes it tedious to listen to sometimes, BUT the sound and music are both great...Read full review »
AC Voss via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 08/09/22
The content is always interesting and painstakingly researched. The hosts are quirky, but charming - never annoying. Their banter definitely adds to the show. I’ve listened to every episode and look forward to each new one. Give it a try!
Sarcasm and Gin via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 07/02/22
The show doesn’t skimp on the scholarship and extensive quotes from historical sources. It can be hard to follow and to remember that you’re listening to factual accounts of real things because there are a lot of stock-library soundboard effects and every episode opens with five minutes of...Read full review »
phantomairplane via Apple Podcasts · New Zealand · 05/12/22
I only recently discovered this podcast, and I’m so glad I did! So many podcasts are either heavy on personality and add-ons, but low on research and information - or vice versa. B&S is quirky,charming,dark and entertaining, while also being well-researched and offering content that is either...Read full review »
jamied2 via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 03/08/22
I’m so pleased to have stumbled across this delightful podcast by happenstance (while searching for information on the jarred head of Willem Mons, which makes a guest appearance in episode 62). At first I did not fully appreciate the theatrical flair, being accustomed to more mundane documentary...Read full review »
Sam Reckford via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 03/04/22
A good level of research which is adequately sourced so that you could go and look up the tales discussed. That’s a brilliant and rare thing in podcasting. The narration is clear and engaging. But there’s a couple of features of this podcast that leave me cold. I listened to a few episodes, the...Read full review »
Jim Lockey via Apple Podcasts · Great Britain · 12/25/21
Each episode brings both laughter and a lot of cool ”aha!” moments. Interesting folklore and history that I’ve never heard of before. It goes pretty deep into obscure stuff, which is great. That said, it never becomes too dry, factual or dull. Everything is told in a humorous and relaxed way....Read full review »
Maggigyo via Apple Podcasts · Sweden · 12/07/21
My favorite podcast. Deeply researched topics drawn from the more murky corners of folklore. Wonderful narrational voices, dramatic soundscapes and charming glimpses into the lives of the hosts and their various projects and problems. Humorous and horrific. My only complaint is that I’ve binged...Read full review »
calioxico via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 10/25/21
I really thought I’d written a review already!I found this podcast from the Monster Talk podcast (another good one) and it quickly became a favourite. Love the well researched creepy stories i will become a patron as soon as im financially able.
Rookrow via Apple Podcasts · Canada · 10/19/21
The stories are good… when you actually get to them. But first you must sit through endless minutes of what the creators must believe is “atmosphere” (45 seconds of clock ticking? And stair creaking? Really? Get on with it.)
RedQueen0 via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 10/12/21
Al Ridenour creates one of the best podcasts about the weird and horrific folklore. Absolute must listen if you are into bleeding saints, forest witches, or old rituals.
jaqofspades via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 09/11/21
An excellent podcast that focuses on less mainstream folkloric topics. Each episode is highly researched, and paired with an excellent unique soundscape. Al Ridenour’s witty presentation style weaves humor into each episode, but the show can always take a turn and become especially chilling! ...Read full review »
Schaef S. via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 08/25/21
While most of my podcast listening is political or politics adjacent, my first (and still favorite) podcast subscription was Bone & Sickle. The “intertwining of horror and folklore from a historical context” angle proves to be an incredibly enjoyable way to discover and understand works of...Read full review »
Johnathan R. via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 08/23/21
This show is so well researched and filled with creepy, unique stories you won't find elsewhere. The hosts are engaging and the soundscapes are magnificent. If you are into obscure dark lore this is for you!Read full review »
Tylom2000 via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 07/16/21
A wonderful, enchanting joy of a podcast
All of them Witches via Apple Podcasts · Great Britain · 05/28/21
This podcast is really interesting. Provides well-researched overviews of folklore. Definitely a fun listen!
BatGrouch via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 04/30/21
Very solid production, just enough of a nod to ongoing episode plot to give the show a sense of continuity and a bit of fun, this one's a joy! Thank you Al :)Read full review »
khaladog via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 03/24/21
Every episode is a treat
arun77nagar via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 03/17/21
I loved Al Ridenour’s book “The Krampus and the Old Dark Christmas” and stumbled across this Bone & Sickle podcast - and it’s EVEN BETTER! Al’s wry exposition of folklore keeps history acceptably dark and fleshy. I appreciate all of the research that goes into these episodes, and the film...Read full review »
Dr. Gogol via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 01/22/21
I look forward to every episode!
blakeyjason via Apple Podcasts · Canada · 12/10/20
Great show. The subject matter is always interesting and it’s put together in an entertaining way.
robrz350 via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 12/05/20
Mr. Ridenour takes us into fantastic trips merging horror and folklore!
Joaan_ via Apple Podcasts · Portugal · 12/02/20
Fascinating deep dives into those bits of folklore that you usually hear the same old cursory description of. Perfectly produced by a very knowledgeable host.
pancloud via Apple Podcasts · Australia · 12/01/20
Excellent source for folklore info and inspiration!
NinthSteph via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 11/23/20
Just discovered this show while on a hunt for Baba Yaga related matter. I really enjoyed that episode and the latest one about Stregas. What I can't stand, however, is the weird way the hosts read the content. Why are we sharing sentences? Why not just take turns reading paragraphs? The...Read full review »
ElleLament via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 11/22/20
One of my favourite podcasts. Al’s dry humour, fabulous backing track sounds and excellent research all make for a really great listen. It’s given me dozens of lore-based idea for D&D games. It’s actually one of the few podcasts I tend to save up and listen to in ideal conditions, when I can...Read full review »
jonmimir via Apple Podcasts · Great Britain · 10/26/20
Thoughtful, engaging and fun all at the same time. Love this podcast!
Wakey1971 via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 09/14/20
Thank you sir.
Stephen Walden via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 09/05/20
Thoroughly researched and professionally presented with great readings, music and sound effects. Each show is a superb confection of the dark and macabre. Highly recommended.
Helva834 via Apple Podcasts · Canada · 08/21/20
Love learning about common motifs and mythemes and links between different areas of folklore.
Bjartur108 via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 08/01/20
Bone & Sickle sets a standard for others to follow. A grand tour through the Wyrd, the joyously grim and the darkly comic, every lovingly crafted episode full to the brim with curios and charm. This is a show that knits together multiple threads from the fantastic past and magical modern....Read full review »
colinconsterdine via Apple Podcasts · Great Britain · 06/29/20
Highly recommended, hugely enjoyable. A really polished production, with atmospheric music, referenced sources and excellent readings. The hosts’ recounting of their off stage adventures are a charming and occasionally creepy touch, but the main star here is the well researched and presented dark...Read full review »
Celtoi73 via Apple Podcasts · Great Britain · 06/25/20
Give it a listen If it weren’t for a reoccurring billing issue on patreon I’d still be kicking a couple of bucks each month to this podcast.
AT-AT1179 via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 06/16/20
Cannot overstate how much I love this podcast. For anyone interested in folklore, folk horror, and/or dark fairy tales, this a must listen. It’s very apparent how knowledgeable Al is about each episode’s subject matter. After every episode I have a list of things/stories I want to look into more....Read full review »
toddorbertBU via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 06/02/20
Love this podcast—lushly produced and delivered with entertainingly quirky humor, familiar and not-so-familiar folk tales are told along with a listing of how they have been continued and often reimagined in modern media ranging from opera to film
pageandmargins via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 06/01/20
A delightful, if somewhat eurocentric, view into the richness of folklore and horror. Excellent and esoteric knowledge.
Minthulf via Apple Podcasts · Mexico · 04/07/20
Wonderfully told! It's always exciting when a new episode comes out.Read full review »
iclaire4 via Apple Podcasts · Australia · 04/05/20
I have been interested in ghosts and mysteries from being a child. I always find this podcast fascinating. I love the mixture of the folklore, historic and horror, film sources with the on going funny dramatic and creepy setting of Al Ridenour and his housekeeper etc. I am currently a member...Read full review »
Nigel Bundy via Apple Podcasts · Great Britain · 04/03/20
For when you want spooky ooky all year around. The weaving of historical fact with legends is what makes it special for me. Also the banter between the host and Mrs. Karswell is way more entertaining than the more insipid banter from other horror and ghost podcasts.
veinsaswires via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 03/03/20
Thank you for this gift. Your show is a light in the darkness of the current culture standards.
conrad tilingast via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 02/03/20
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