Free Daily Podcast Summary
What Magic Is This?: Daily Summaries Delivered
by Douglas Batchelor
What Magic is This? is a topic based podcast about Magic, the Occult, the Esoteric, the Paranormal, the Supernatural and the Weird. Each episode revolves around one single topic in the hope that we can flesh out the important aspects one needs to know about it. From history to practices to important figures and more, What Magic is This? is for anyone curious about Magic and the strange world in which we live.
Latest Episodes
The most recent episodes — sign up to get AI-powered summaries of each one.
- 1 weeks ago2h 42m
Jinn & Magic with J. M. Hamade
It goes without saying that Jinn are inherently magical beings. Throughout history and well before Islam, people have been interacting with these spiritual entities via magic. But what exactly does Jinn Magic look like, and what are the reasons that someone would do magic with Jinn? Putting all the misconceptions in their place and enlightening us as to all the intersections of Jinn and magic we bring back to the show author, artist and magician J. M. Hamade.
- Aug 27, 20262h 40m
The World of Jinn with J. M. Hamade
One of the most unique facets of the Jinn, is that they are attested to and given a complete history within both the main and supplementary scripture of Islam. In the Qur'an, the Jinn are there right at the beginning of creation, along with humans and angels. From this special status comes many stories and lore which informs not just more legends, but also shaped individual supernatural experiences through the centuries. To billions of people on this planet, the Jinn are very active participants in life and this world. Helping put them into context for us is author, artist and magician J. M. Hamade.
- Jul 29, 20261h 34m
"Tell me about the time you visited the City of Jinn, Darragh..."
What Magic is This? Podcast will be entering some unfamiliar territory. For the Islamicate world, a whole other group of beings share this reality with us. They are the Jinn, beings made from smokeless fire that share many attributes with us mortals. Yet before we acquaint ourselves with the Jinn fully, it would be good to have a guide bridging the European and American traditions with that of the Islamicate world. Host of Spirit Box Podcast and friend of the show Darragh Mason went on a journey in 2016 to Delhi, known to many as the City of Jinn, to see how Jinn affected the lives of believers there.
- Jun 29, 20262h 35m
The History of Fairies feat. Francis Young
It always felt somewhat incomplete; the Fistful of Fairies series here on What Magic is This? Podcast was in need of a revisitation. While the series went in many major and important directions, an overarching History of the supernatural entities which we call fairies just wasn't there. And so, for the 7th anniversary of the podcast, and with the release of the wonderful book Fairies: A History by Dr. Francis Young, as well as with his help- this oversight shall be addressed and the Fistful shall be completed.
- May 22, 20262h 32m
The Discoverie of Witchcraft
There are very few books within the Western Magical Tradition which have had an impact and legacy beyond the tradition itself. In 1584 a book appeared written by a country gentleman that was unlike anything at the time and unlike anything since. Reginald Scot's The Discoverie of Witchcraft was a massive work which saw Reginald attempt to shine a light on Witchcraft in order to discredit the common belief that Witches and Witchcraft had as much power as people believed it did. In exhaustive detail, Scot put many spells, enchantments and rituals in his book which only saw his work be used for Magic as opposed to against it. Simply put, The Discoverie of Witchcraft is one of the most important books in Magical History. Period.
- Apr 18, 20263h 5m
The History of Cartomancy
Playing cards have always been magical. While not as ubiquitous and long tenured as dice and other means of games and gambling, card games have been a part of western culture for over 600 years. Inevitably, as soon as something gets used for games, it immediately gets used for divination and fortune-telling as well. This form of divination has been called Cartomancy and since the 15th century it has an incredibly diverse and fascinating history, one which currently sees it as the second most popular form of divination in the western world.
- Mar 6, 20262h 43m
Pamela Colman Smith & The Tarot Deck which changed everything
If the western Magical tradition has one object which has bled into mainstream culture and seems like it is there to stay, it would be a pack of Tarot cards designed and released in 1909. Originally released as The Tarot, it would later be known as the Rider Waite Tarot, and for decades that is what it would remain. Yet, this name negated perhaps the most important element of these cards- the artist herself. Pamela Colman Smith was an exceptional talent who lived a fascinating and tumultuous life. While her deck is beyond notorious, her story is almost entirely unknown by most. Pamela would like you to join her in the Fools Gallery, for she has much to tell us these days.
- Jan 31, 20262h 31m
Magical Treasure Hunting
If there is one thing that can put a fire into the heart of many a person over the last two thousand years, it is the enticement of buried treasure. Yet for centuries, buried riches weren't merely just items of value placed in the earth for people to seek out, treasure and the spirits which guarded it had a long tenured lore all its own. What's more, treasure was a magical enterprise- looking for it, digging it up and even how treasure behaved while it was buried. To this day, treasure and its allure has always been magical.
Get What Magic Is This? summaries in your inbox
Free AI-powered daily recaps. Key takeaways, quotes, and mentions — in a 5-minute read.
Get Free Summaries →Free forever for up to 3 podcasts. No credit card required.
You Might Also Like
Listeners also like.
The Magic Story Podcast
Explores the characters, worlds, and stories of the Magic: The Gathering Multiverse for longtime players and new fans alike.
Seeking Witchcraft
A beginner-friendly exploration of witchcraft and Wicca featuring global practitioners sharing their practices, experiences, and knowledge.
Witch
A modern exploration of witchcraft through history, folklore, and contemporary practice.
Strange Things
Investigates paranormal phenomena including ghosts, UFOs, telekinesis, and hauntings with firsthand accounts and research.
Magic: The Gathering Drive to Work Podcast
A Magic: The Gathering designer discusses game design and shares behind-the-scenes stories about the card game’s development.
Magic Numbers
A data-driven exploration of Limited formats in Magic: The Gathering, focusing on drafting, deckbuilding, and strategic decision-making.
Paranormal Mysteries
Explores hauntings, supernatural creatures, extraterrestrials, folklore, and unexplained phenomena.
Stuff To Blow Your Mind
Explores the strange edges of science, consciousness, and reality through neuroscience, cosmology, evolution, and emerging technology.
Astonishing Legends
Explores unexplained mysteries and paranormal phenomena through investigations and interviews with experts.
The Emerald
Explores myth, story, and imagination to reframe modern discourse on society, science, art, and the human experience.
Myths and Legends
Retells global myths and legends, from Arthur to Aladdin, with origins and tales reimagined for modern listeners.
Otherworld
Real stories of paranormal and unexplained experiences, explored with journalistic curiosity.
About What Magic Is This?
What Magic is This? is a topic based podcast about Magic, the Occult, the Esoteric, the Paranormal, the Supernatural and the Weird. Each episode revolves around one single topic in the hope that we can flesh out the important aspects one needs to know about it. From history to practices to important figures and more, What Magic is This? is for anyone curious about Magic and the strange world in which we live.
Customized Recaps
AI-powered recaps with compact key takeaways, quotes, and insights.
Straight to Your Inbox
Get key takeaways from What Magic Is This? in a 5-minute read.
Save Hours Every Week
Stay current on your favorite podcasts without falling behind.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Podzilla's What Magic Is This? daily summary?
It's a free AI-powered email that summarizes new episodes of What Magic Is This? as soon as they're published. You get the key takeaways, notable quotes, and links & mentions — all in a quick read.
How does the What Magic Is This? podcast summary work?
When a new episode drops, our AI transcribes and analyzes it, then generates a personalized summary tailored to your interests and profession. It's delivered to your inbox every morning.
Is this an official What Magic Is This? product?
No. Podzilla is an independent service that summarizes publicly available podcast content. We're not affiliated with or endorsed by Douglas Batchelor.
Can I get summaries of other podcasts too?
Absolutely! The free plan covers up to 3 podcasts. Upgrade to Pro for 15, or Premium for 50. Browse our full catalog at /podcasts.
How often does What Magic Is This? release new episodes?
What Magic Is This? publishes monthly. Our AI generates a summary within hours of each new episode.
What topics does What Magic Is This? cover?
What Magic Is This? covers topics including Arts, Religion & Spirituality, Spirituality. Our AI identifies the specific themes in each episode and highlights what matters most to you.
Start getting What Magic Is This? summaries tomorrow morning.
Free forever for up to 3 podcasts. No credit card required.
Free forever for up to 3 podcasts. No credit card required.