“Hell hath no fury like a woman scorned” they say. Perhaps what they really meant, though, was “Hell hath no fury like a woman." Period. While nearly all of the time, and throughout most popular media, the concept of a monster in our mind tends to be a masculine figure, there are some bad bitches throughout folklore, mythology, urban legends, classical literature, and even real-world history that make the Boogeyman and even the Devil himself look tame. But what do they reveal about the people and cultures who tell their stories in terms of fears, sexuality, taboos, and views of the feminine?
It's October, and the spooky season is finally upon us! Get into the "spirit" with one of the most famous and feared ghosts of Japan and her alleged curse that many still fear to this day. If you like this episode or are a fan of the show in general, consider throwing us a tip at https://ko-fi.com/monstresspod so we can keep doing what we do best!
For more information on breast cancer awareness, please visit https://www.breastcancer.org/
Music Credits:
"Ōgi no Mato" section of "The Fire Scene and the Coming of War Medley (From "Memoirs of a Geisha" Soundtrack)" performed by John Williams, Yo-Yo Ma, Itzhak Perlman, and Ensemble Nipponia. Written by Traditional / John Williams. From the album 'Memoirs of a Geisha (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack)'. Fair use.
"Heat Island" performed by Rhymester (feat. FireBall). Written by Shiro Sakama, Daisuke Sasaki, Jin Yamamoto, Chozen Lee, Jun 4 Shot, Criss, and Truthful. From the album 'Heat Island' (Ki/oon Records / Sony Music Entertainment Japan). Fair use.
25 Sept 2026
Episode 17 - The Siguanaba
Happy Hispanic Heritage Month! Celebrate with one of the most horrifying spirits of Latin America who might make you hold your horses the next time you think to offer a beautiful hitchhiking damsel in distress a ride!
To learn more about the struggles currently faced by Hispanic and Latino immigrants and their families in the United States and see how you can help, please visit: https://unidosus.org/issues/immigration/
Music Credits:
"La Siguanaba" performed by Sara Curruchich. Written by Sara Curruchich. From the album 'Mujer Indígena' (Mamita Records). Fair use.
"El Torito Pinto" performed by Marimba Salvadoreña. Traditional folk music of El Salvador (Author Unknown). From the album 'Folklore Salvadoreño' (Music Art Productions Inc.). Fair use.
11 Sept 2026
Episode 16 - Countess Bathory
She's the world's most prolific female serial killer, and one of the most famous alleged vampires who may have even inspired the story of Count Dracula himself. But sometimes, the truth is even more terrifying than fiction, and the truth behind the legend of the Blood Countess is certainly no exception!
Music Credits
"Vörös Rébék" performed by Koncz Zsuzsa. Composition by Viktor Vajda, based on the ballad by János Arany. From the album 'Élünk és meghalunk' (Hungaroton). Fair use.
"Lydiához" performed by Márta Sebestyén and Sebő-együttes. Composition by Ferenc Sebő, based on the poem by Horace (translated by Miklós Radnóti). From the album 'Énekelt versek' (Hungaroton). Fair use.
23 Aug 2026
Episode 15 - Moll Dyer
You may have heard of witches in Salem, Massachusetts, but have you heard about the witch who supposedly cursed an entire town in Maryland just a few years after the infamous trials? Who some say still haunts the area, bringing about everything from car accidents to lightning strikes to severe illness? This witch will teach you a lesson about being neighborly!
Music Credits:
"Season of the Witch" performed by Donovan. Written by Donovan Leitch. From the album 'Sunshine Superman' (Epic Records). Fair use.
"I Put a Spell on You" performed by Bette Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker, and Kathy Najimy. Written by Jalacy Hawkins, arranged by Marc Shaiman. From the album 'Hocus Pocus (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack)' (Walt Disney Records). Fair use.
9 Aug 2026
SPECIAL EDITION: Episode 14 - The Gwrach y Rhibyn (with Owen Staton)
Eistedfodd Hapus! Celebrate the Welsh language and culture with this very special episode about an ancient and terrifying harbinger of death. In a Monstress first, I'm joined by special guest Owen Staton; a professional storyteller and Welsh speaker who discusses the country's unique folklore and oral traditions, shares a story of his own about this episode's monstress, and even teaches me some of the Welsh language, or tries to at least despite my ineptitude... Please excuse the poorer audio quality during my interview with Owen as it seems the software we were using had a few technical problems between our devices. I plan to have this remedied next time I have a guest on the show though!
Check out Owen Staton and his podcast "Time Between Times" here: https://www.welshstoryteller.com/
Music Credits:
"Myfanwy" performed by Philip Gregory. Traditional Welsh composition by Joseph Parry and Richard Davies. Fair use.
"Anifail" performed by Candelas. Written by Osian Williams, Ifan Jones, Gwilym Bowen Rhys, and Tomos Williams. From the album 'Candelas' (I Ka Ching Records). Fair use.
27 Jul 2026
Episode 13 - The Baobhan Sith
The World Cup is over, and while Scotland may not have won, they showed they know how to have fun! Just like the deadly fairy women of the Scottish Highlands, who's thirst for blood and dancing matches the Scottish football fans' thirst for cold beer and a good time. No Scotland, no party as they say!
Music:
"Loch Lomond" - Runrig
"Highland Girl" - Nathan Evans
8 Jul 2026
Episode 12 - Madame LaLaurie
Sometimes the scariest monsters are the real ones, and this sadistic socialite of colonial New Orleans, Louisiana is as real as it gets. Stories like hers are part of why this city became known as one of America's most haunted! Also apologies if the music sounds slightly lower quality on this episode than more recent ones. Due to issues with my laptop speakers, I had to use a separate recording device, but I'm hoping to fix the issue before the next episode.
Music:
"I Be So Glad When the Sun Goes Down" - Ed Lewis, Alan Lomax
"Roll Jordan Roll" - Topsy Chapman, Chiwetel Ejiofor ("12 Years a Slave" soundtrack)
18 Jun 2026
Episode 11 - Echidna
You may not know her name (unless you’re a fan of strange Australian animals) but you’ll definitely know at least one if not more of her beastly children. Meet the ultimate matriarch of monsters, who’s many abominable children were the bane of the ancient Greco-Roman world and are today still some of the most recognizable creatures of mythology.
Music:
"Bohemian Rhapsody" - Queen
"Lady Madonna" - The Beatles
5 Jun 2026
Episode 10 - Aisha Qandicha
A beauty, a countess, a rebel, and a sorceress; she's got it all...including your life or sanity if you're not careful! This "genie" definitely isn't here to grant your wishes!
Music:
"Lalla Aicha 1" - Asmaa Hamzaoui, Bnat Timbouktou
"Nour El Ain" - Amr Diab
21 May 2026
Episode 9 - Miru
Who doesn't love filling up on local cuisine while on vacation, especially in an island paradise? Giant cocktails, sweet exotic fruits, live centipedes, human souls... This Polynesian goddess of death is one you definitely don't want to join for dinner!
Also, new and improved website has officially launched! Check it out here along with socials below: https://monstress.supapass.io/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61583716842806
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/monstresspod/
Music:
"He Mele Inoa O Kalakua" - Mark Keali'i Ho'omalu
"Nukukehe" - Te Vaka
5 May 2026
Episode 8 - La Llorona
Feliz Cinco de Mayo! Celebrate Mexican and greater Latin American culture and heritage with one of the most famous spirits of grief and loss. To learn more about the struggles currently faced by Latinx immigrants and their families in the United States right now, please visit: https://unidosus.org/issues/immigration/
Today is also the National Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls. Show your support by wearing red and by visting https://www.niwrc.org/policy-center/mmiwr
Music:
"La Llorona" - Alanna Ubach, Antonio Sol ("Coco" Soundtrack)
"Cancion del Mariachi" - Antonio Banderas, Los Lobos
23 Apr 2026
Episode 7 - The Ala
Batten down the hatches because a storm's a-brewin'! This demonic weather witch of the Balkans will blow you away! Also, as a result of demand, I'll now be releasing two episodes more frequently; approximately every two weeks. Be prepared for more fiendish female fun!
Music:
"Boj na Kosovu" (Battle of Kosovo) - Nikola Urošević Gedža
"Gimme Shelter" - The Rolling Stones
8 Apr 2026
Episode 6 - The Manananggal
During the springtime season of rebirth and new life, meet the monstress who specifically preys on this new life and the unborn. A vile, revolting creature of Filipino folklore who really SUCKS! I'd advise against eating while listening... Also, finally managed to get better sound quality for the musical inserts, hooray!
Music:
Black Eyed Pease - "The APL Song"
BINI - "Pantropiko"
16 Mar 2026
Episode 5 - Caoranach
Happy St. Patrick's (Paddy's) Day! While many may know about the saint himself, far less know about the great Mother of Demons that he defeated in order to gain his fame and what she symbolized when it came to one of the most radical cultural changes in Ireland's history.
Music:
"Siulil a Run" - Celtic Woman
"Ireland's Call" - Celtic Thunder
23 Feb 2026
Episode 4 - Queen Furra
Happy belated Valentine's Day, but more importantly, happy Black History Month! Celebrate by learning the story of one of the fiercest African queens and her female-dominated empire; a queen who, literally, slayed...a lot!
Music:
"Run the World (Girls)" - Beyonce
"Waka Waka (This Time for Africa)" - Shakira
30 Jan 2026
Episode 3 - Gryla
Now that the holiday season has officially come to a close, we take a look at a far less than jolly figure of Icelandic Christmas traditions, along with her thirteen devious offspring and demonic man-eating pet.
Music:
"Little Talks" - Of Monsters and Men
"I'll Build You a Fire" - Seabear
17 Dec 2025
Episode 2 - The Yuki-onna
As we enter into the snowy winter months, we take a look at a sinister snow queen of Japan that long pre-dates that of Hans Christian Andersen. Thankfully my microphone equipment is now fully up and running so the sound quality should be a lot better than the first episode, though I'm still working out some kinks. Thanks so much for baring with me!
Music:
"Haru no Katami" - Chitose Hajime
"Hotaru no Hikari (Glow of the Fireflies)" - Chikai Inagaki (Japan's version of "Auld Lang Syne")
17 Dec 2025
Episode 1 - The Ciguapa
Pilot episode discussing a being of Dominican folklore called the Ciguapa. Please excuse audio quality as I'm currently still working on things with my microphone and equipment but I wanted to get the episode out by the end of the month. The audio should be at full quality by the next episode.
Music:
"Similau" (See-me-lo) - Peggy Lee"
"Albeborael Guayahona Estarei" - Irka Mateo and Eddie German
Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women Information:
https://www.niwrc.org/mmiwr-awareness
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Apple Podcasts (US)
5.0 / 5
3 ratings
Spotify
5.0 / 5
3 ratings
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