Are diamonds forever? Curses, myths and facts
This blog post talks about the history of the phrase ‘diamonds are forever’, cursed stones and facts about these beautiful gemstones.
Sam Self
03/02/2025
Do you love a good podcast? Are you always looking for recommendations? Then look no further! I’m sharing my favourite podcasts with you for your listening pleasure.
With the nights drawing in a warm cuppa, cosy spot and a spooky podcast is my idea of bliss. I also love listening to them in my car on long drives to markets.
I’ll be sharing Spotify links mainly as that’s how I listen to them, but they can be found on any streaming platform if you search for the title.
First, I’ll start with the podcast that started my obsession with podcasts.
Lore
Lore is by Aaron Mahnke, and it was his first in what is now a selection of weird and wonderful podcasts. His production company, Grim & Mild, produces some cracking podcasts but this is the OG and, in my opinion, the best.
If you like folklore, spooky tales, legends and conversations about the unknown then Lore is for you. Aaron has a gorgeous speaking voice, and I could listen to him for hours.
Haunted Road with Ami Bruni
“A chilling guided tour through some of the most haunted locations out there, with ghost hunter Amy Bruni”
Amy is a paranormal investigator (Kindred Spirits and Ghost Hunters) and she also has a lovely speaking voice. This makes her perfect to talk to us in hushed tones about spooky places around the world.
What I love most about this podcast is that the first half is Amy telling us about the history and stories surrounding the location and the second half is an interview with an expert/investigator on the location.
These interviews are a real insight and often Amy has a real rapport with them as she has worked with them in the past.
The Paranormal 60
Another paranormal investigator, Dave Schrader, presents this brilliant podcast. It’s available on various streaming platforms including You Tube if you fancy watching the show instead.
The Paranormal 60 is a 60-minute show that “features interviews getting right to the heart of some of the most fascinating paranormal claims ever heard with the most compelling guests and real-life experiences with the unknown.”
Each episode looks at different paranormal segments such as ghosts, lore, legends, myths, UFOs and much more. You name it, they have probably discussed it. They also do book and film reviews.
I discovered Dave on ‘Ghosts of Devil’s Perch’ on the TV as it was a paranormal investigation into copper mines in Butte. I decided to listen to this podcast and was not disappointed. He is also another amazing voice to listen to.
Uncanny (or anything hosted by Danny Robins including the Witch Farm and Battersea Poltergeist)
I am always drawn in by spooky podcasts and this one is no exception. Danny has a beautiful speaking voice, and he really takes the listener along on his journey. Imagine if one of your friends sat down next to you in a pub and said conspiratorially, “I’ve got this really creepy paranormal story I want to tell you”. That’s kind of how it feels listening to Danny. Like he’s a friend with a good yarn.
Uncanny has a couple of series and a UK wide road show. I went to my local one and it was brilliant. I’ve literally done it and got the t-shirt!
The best bit about this podcast is it’s unbiased. Whether you’re in Team Believer or Team Sceptic, Danny hosts with the help of Evelyn Swallow and Ciaran O’Keefe (of Most Haunted fame) and they offer balanced interesting viewpoints.
The Bell Witch Podcast
I had the pleasure of meeting the presenter of this podcast at a recent paranormal convention as she was wearing a Bell Witch Podcast t-shirt which I commented on. Not to be confused with the Tennessee Bell Witch story (which I assumed) the podcast is named after a bell tent. I’ll leave it to you to listen and find out why. It’s a bi-weekly offering “ideal for witchcraft beginners and established Wiccans leading a beautiful pagan life”
Swailes is a lovely Northern lass with a real Yorkshire twang which is lovely to listen to.
National Park After Dark
This podcast was recommended to me by a fellow trader at a recent paranormal convention, and I love it. Two friends who share a passion for the outdoors present spooky tales from National Parks in the US and around the world. They dig into paranormal events and also murders and serial killers. So, it ticks a lot of boxes for me.
Business Podcasts
I thought I’d also share a couple of business podcasts for those of you who might be jewellers or looking for some help running a small business.
Jewellers Academy
This pod clearly needs a shout out as I have just finished my silver diploma with them! This podcast is great if you’re just starting out or have an established jewellery business. It offers hints and tips, support and practical advice on how to launch and run a jewellery business. There are interviews with jewellers and they don’t shy away from topics such as mental health and struggling business.
The Motivated Creatives
A podcast for those of us in the creative industries and running businesses, Nikki Matts presents regular podcasts around issues like business planning, marketing and supporting your mental health. I actually did an episode with her (Episode 2) about the reality of starting your own business. We discuss pitfalls and how to overcome them and keep going when you don’t think you can.
Check it out if you want support growing and developing your creative business.
So, if you hadn’t already guessed I’m a sucker for lovely voices on podcasts. Why not check out the above and tell them I sent you. If you’re listening, share on social and tag me so I can see you’re enjoying it.
I’d love to hear your recommendations too so comment below or send me a message so I can add to my burgeoning list of podcasts.
And, as always, stay spooky folks!
Sam Self
Author
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