Best Eric Extreme Podcasts (2025)

1
Whispers from the Deep: Ocean Spirits and Lost Souls 26:47

5d ago26:47

26:47

Recording from Royal Caribbean’s Vision of the Seas, Eric Extreme peels back the salt-streaked veil between life and the ocean. As he and his wife cut across the Caribbean, stories unfurl, Polynesian navigators whose ancestors ride the swells, Japanese Funayūrei rising from misty shores, West African sea judges, and Caribbean duppies tugging at the…

1
Echoes of the Gallows: Uncovering the Witch Trials’ True Legacy 39:12

13d ago39:12

39:12

The air is full of whispers, courtrooms grow silent, trial ledgers crackle with ink-stained confessions, and a voice named Eric Extreme steps into the ruins to listen. In this episode, we trace the shadowy currents that turned rumor into verdict, following the fragile threads of evidence buried in archives and the haunted hush that clings to old st…

1
Good Night Sweet Prince (of Darkness)- The Life, Times, and Music of John Michael “Ozzy” Osbourne 1:17:56

28d ago1:17:56

1:17:56

Wherein Eric and John pay tribute to our beloved, dearly departed Prince of Darkness, Ozzy Osbourne. Click on the links below for all the music listening/video breaks in this episode: Listening Break #1: Earth "Blue Suede Shoes" (by Carl Perkins) early demo (1969)- ⁠https://youtu.be/IYxkYHqOjLY?si=YNkxQ-5fIrOehY31&t=576 Listening Break #2: "You Sai…

1
Veil of Fire: The Ancient Origins of Halloween 32:17

20d ago32:17

32:17

Step into a night where hilltop fires smoke and stubble fields whisper. Eric Extreme guides you through the birth of Halloween, from the fragile veil of Samhain to the carved lanterns of Stingy Jack and the masks that once warded the living from the dead. We trace the journey of customs across oceans and centuries: immigrant hands carving pumpkins,…

1
Beyond Belief: Considering the World's Religious "Nones" - Jonathan Evans 48:28

26d ago48:28

48:28

The religiously unaffiliated, often called "nones", represent one of the fastest-growing segments of populations across North America, Europe, and beyond. Jonathan Evans, Senior Researcher at Pew Research Center and lead author of a groundbreaking 22-country study, joins us to discuss surprising findings about what "nones" believe, how they practic…

1
From Twilight Zone to Ghost Hunters: How Paranormal TV Learned to Speak to the Unknown 23:58

1M ago23:58

23:58

When the lights go low and a meter flickers, a story begins. Eric Extreme guides listeners from the moody anthologies of the 1950s through reenactments, live-framed scares, and the reality-TV boom, tracing how television learned to shape mystery into a show. We follow the crews, the gadgets, and the ethical choices that turned private fear into pub…

1
Looking Inside Mark Carney’s ‘Extremely Orwellian’ Austerity Budget 17:04

1M ago17:04

17:04

Mark Carney is billing his first budget as an "investment budget," but with plans to eliminate 40,000 jobs in the federal public service and cut $60 billion in program spending, is this really an "investment budget" or is it an austerity budget? The 2025 federal budget gives Canadians a first look at the details behind Carney's plans to have federa…

1
Level Up Your Paranormal Fix: Paranormal Declassified: The SPIRIT Files - Resurrected 3:34

1M ago3:34

3:34

Get ready for a plot twist. The Mount Washington Valley Spirit Podcast is rebranding as Paranormal Declassified: The Spirit Files with host Eric Extreme. It's the same show with a bolder vibe, and deeper investigations. Expect myth-busting of TV-style ghost hunts, real investigation skills, intense case studies, paranormal history dissections, and …

1
The Science of Spooky Coincidences: When Coincidence Feels Like a Sign From a Spirit 19:46

1M ago19:46

19:46

In this episode of the Mount Washington Valley SPIRIT's Paranormal Declassified: The SPIRIT Files, host Eric Extreme explores synchronicity, where the experience of meaningful coincidences is often interpreted as paranormal signs, and gives examples such as sudden cold spots, recurring numbers, and items appearing unexpectedly. The episode explains…

1
Bias in the Dark: How Our Minds Shape Paranormal Investigations 32:48

1M ago32:48

32:48

Join Eric Extreme on Mount Washington Valley SPIRIT's podcast Paranormal Declassified: The SPIRIT Files as he explores the critical topic of cognitive bias in paranormal investigations. This episode dives into how our minds can skew perceptions, leading to misinterpreted data and inaccurate conclusions. Eric distinguishes between ghost hunting and …

1
Ostriches and deer and viruses, oh my! 38:44

2M ago38:44

38:44

An ostrich farm in rural British Columbia keeps making national and international headlines. It's the subject of a federal cull order, after 69 birds were found dead from an H5N1 or avian flu outbreak — routine procedure to stamp out further spread. But that's not entirely why they've caught the attention of U.S. politicians. On this episode of Sou…

1
True Crime and Heavy Metal: Jack the Ripper…. 58:42

2M ago58:42

58:42

Wherein the Heavy Metal 101 podcast dresses up for Halloween as a true crime podcast, and Eric and guest host author Josh Putnam explore the fascinating history of Jack the Ripper, his horrifying crimes, and the heavy metal music they would eventually inspire. Josh Putnam's wonderful book A Heavy Metal History Lesson is available for purchase here:…

1
Sleepless Spirits: The Haunting Reality of Sleep Deprivation 26:51

2M ago26:51

26:51

Host Eric Extreme examines how chronic sleep loss distorts perception and can mimic paranormal activity. He presents a science-based pre-investigation intake that screens for sleep issues and other natural causes across sound, sight, touch, and smell, with clear red flags and when to refer to professionals. The focus is on evidence, ethics, and cli…

1
Breaking Records and Building Bridges: A Tale of Religious Diversity - Vicki Garlock 51:51

2M ago51:51

51:51

In September 2025, Vicki Garlock set a Guinness World Record by visiting 185 places of worship in Chicago in just one month. But this wasn't just about breaking a record—it was about experiencing the extraordinary religious diversity of one American city and promoting religious literacy. Join us as we explore what she learned, the communities she e…

1
From Theory to Practice: Academic Expertise and Counter-Extremism - Damon Berry 51:23

3M ago51:23

51:23

Dr. Damon Berry, associate professor of religious studies at St. Lawrence University, regularly consults with federal law enforcement agencies including the FBI and FBI’s BAU-1 (Behavioral Analysis Unit One) on cases involving religious extremism and alt-right movements. In this conversation, we explore the challenges of translating academic resear…

1
How Metal Got Its Groove Back: Pantera, Sepultura, and a 90's Heavy Metal Revolution 1:08:12

3M ago1:08:12

1:08:12

Wherein Eric struggles mightily in his efforts to convince John of the many virtues found in the music of early groove metal masters including Pantera, Machine Head, Fear Factory, Sepultura, and more. Click on the links below for all the music listening/video breaks in this episode: Listening Break #1: Bad Brains "Voyage Into Infinity" from Quickne…

1
What a New Court Ruling Means for Encampments in Ontario 21:20

3M ago21:20

21:20

As the housing crisis persists throughout Ontario and across Canada, more and more municipalities are struggling with how to manage vulnerable residents in need of support. In Barrie, the mayor declared a state of emergency, so the city could more aggressively move to take apart encampments. But in Kitchener, a recent court decision concerning a lo…

1
What You Need to Know About Air Canada’s Flight Attendants’ Strike 23:39

4M ago23:39

23:39

One of the top news stories in Canada this week was the tense stand-off between Air Canada and its 10,000 flight attendants. The Air Canada flight attendants' strike saw planes grounded across Canada as flight attendants demanded better pay, including an end to unpaid ground work. Then Mark Carney's government intervened and invoked a controversial…

1
The One Where They (Finally) Talk About Led Zeppelin! 1:11:33

4M ago1:11:33

1:11:33

Wherein Eric and John put on their big boy panties and finally discuss arguably the most important proto-metal band of all time: Led Zeppelin! Click on the links below for all the music listening/video breaks in this episode: (Optional) Listening Break #1: "Communication Breakdown" from Led Zeppelin I (1969)- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2atkj_K…

1
Since You Asked: More on Our Methods and Mission 51:30

4M ago51:30

51:30

In this episode, Institute for Religious and Cultural Understanding Director Chip Gruen becomes the guest as producer Christine Flicker poses questions drawn from audience feedback. The conversation explores the methodological approaches, underlying assumptions, and programming decisions that shape the Institute's work in fostering religious unders…

1
Mysticism and Crisis - Hartley Lachter 52:52

5M ago52:52

52:52

Esoteric elements are present in many religious traditions, where discourses of secrecy help reinforce identity and fulfill important social and cultural roles within religious communities. Our guest, Hartley Lachter, author of "Kabbalah and Catastrophe," explores how Jewish mystical thought developed in response to historical trauma and community …

1
How Doug Ford Is Changing Ontario 55:48

6M ago55:48

55:48

In the months since winning its third consecutive majority, Doug Ford’s government has proposed or passed a flurry of laws with the potential to reshape Ontario. But with aggressively vague names like the “Protect Ontario by Unleashing our Economy Act,” it can be hard to keep track of which bill does what — let alone all the ways they’ll impact the…

1
Bonus Midsommar Madness: The Saga of Quorthon and Bathory... 1:16:18

6M ago1:16:18

1:16:18

Wherein Eric and John surprise the world with a midsummer bonus episode dedicated to the life and times of one of the most important metal artists of all time, Quorthon, and his legendary black metal/Viking metal band Bathory. This bonus episode would not have been possible without the support of beloved Heavy Metal 101 Patreon members like Quortho…

1
At the Crossroads of Journalism and Faith - Sharlee DiMenichi 42:45

6M ago42:45

42:45

How do religious journalists navigate the intersection of faith values and public issues? Sharlee DiMenichi of Friends Journal discusses her reporting on a variety of contemporary issues, including Quaker responses to immigration policy, climate change, and economic justice. We explore how religious principles translate into political action and hu…

1
Making Work Safer for Racialized Immigrant Women 33:07

7M ago33:07

33:07

Racialized immigrant women are some of the most disadvantaged workers in Canada, with an employment rate significantly lower than racialized immigrant men and non-racialized immigrant women. Often, certifications and work experience from their home countries aren’t recognized, pushing many into low-wage, precarious jobs. If they experience harassme…

1
The Elephants in the Room Pt. 2: Metal Up Your Ass (Metallica 1987-92) 1:01:28

7M ago1:01:28

1:01:28

Wherein Eric and John celebrate the 4th season finale by looking in on some of the most monumental heavy metal ever made, including ...And Justice for All and The Black Album (Metallica). Click on the links below for all the music listening/video breaks in this episode: Video Break #1: "One" from ...And Justice for All (1988)- https://www.youtube.c…

1
Alberta’s Separatist Stampede 29:38

7M ago29:38

29:38

Alberta separatism is making headlines again, this time driven largely by figures associated with far-right politics and the Freedom Convoy who are disgruntled about the federal election results. Groups within the province are now organizing a petition for a referendum and it looks increasingly like they may succeed at putting a question about Albe…

1
Analytical Approaches to Pagan Worldviews - Eric Steinhart 57:50

7M ago57:50

57:50

On this episode of ReligionWise Philosophy Professor Eric Steinhart joins us to discuss how his work on contemporary paganism challenges traditional boundaries in the philosophy of religion. We consider the historical limitations of the field, the value of including minority traditions, and how his eclectic academic interests have shaped his approa…

1
What Canadians Need to Know About Germany’s AfD and the Far-Right’s Threat to Democracy 38:29

8M ago38:29

38:29

Far-right parties are on the rise across Europe. Germany’s recent federal election saw a dramatic and concerning rise in support for the Alternative für Deutschland, or AfD, a far-right party that is considered a right-wing extremist organization and a threat to democracy. The AfD’s recent campaign was emboldened following endorsements by foreign b…

1
Meet the Corporate Lobbyists Connected to Pierre Poilievre and his Inner-Circle 34:54

8M ago34:54

34:54

Who is lobbying Pierre Poilievre? An interactive map from DeSmog shines a light on the links between Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre and various corporate lobbying interests and right-wing advocacy groups. The map connects the dots between top figures in Poilievre’s Conservative party, including Poilievre's top advisor Jenni Byrne and Campaign…

1
The Elephants in the Room Pt. 1: Guns N’ ?!★꩜ing Roses (1989-92) 1:03:58

8M ago1:03:58

1:03:58

Wherein Eric and John gird their loins, say their prayers, and set forth on an exploration of two of the most frightening, awe-inspiring, and odd monuments in the history of rock music: Use Your Illusion I and Use Your Illusion II, while also peaking in on some of the bad behavior that was so deeply interwoven into the legend of Guns N' Roses. Clic…

1
Tradition and Adaptation in Ugandan Judaism - Gershom Sizomu 41:21

8M ago41:21

41:21

In this episode, we explore the remarkable story of the Abayudaya, Uganda's Jewish community, with Chief Rabbi Gershom Sizomu, the first native-born ordained rabbi in Sub-Saharan Africa. Rabbi Sizomu shares the history of his community, from its founding through persecution under Idi Amin's regime to its contemporary revival. Our conversation exami…

1
The Decline and Fall of Glam Metal in the 1990s 1:10:08

9M ago1:10:08

1:10:08

Wherein Eric and special guest co-host Ross explore the decline and fall of the most beloved musical genre of their shared misspent youth, glam metal, looking in on the life, times, and repertoire of bands including Slaughter, Poison, Ratt, Warrant, Skid Row, Kiss, Mötley Crüe and many, many more as the 90's death-marched all of them slowly but sur…

1
The Neuroscience of Religious Experience - Jeremy Teissere 59:28

9M ago59:28

59:28

In this episode we explore the fascinating world of neuroscience with Dr. Jeremy Teissere, Stanley Road Professor of Neuroscience at Muhlenberg College, who introduces us to the discipline's key questions and recent developments. Then, we turn to the enduring legacy of William James, the early 20th century thinker at the intersection of psychology,…

1
Patreon Sneak Peek: Heavy Metal Notebook 2/25 8:25

9M ago8:25

8:25

Wherein Eric explores a collection of the coolest new metal releases from February of 2025. Heavy Metal 101 is, at last, (almost!) up to date! This minisode is being offered on the main podcast feed as a "Patreon Sneak Peek" for non-members. Please consider signing up to the Heavy Metal 101 Patreon page for just $3/month. Members get access to excl…

1
Organizing Against Queer and Trans Hate Ahead of Rumoured Election 15:51

9M ago15:51

15:51

As Justin Trudeau announced that he’s stepping down as Liberal leader, and many are saying that a federal election is just around the corner, one community is getting organized to make sure they’re needs are heard by politicians. A Mass Organizing Call for members and allies of the LGBTQ+ community in Canada is taking place on March 9. Its organize…

1
Why Ontario Schools Are in Crisis Under Doug Ford 18:55

10M ago18:55

18:55

As education workers in Ontario experience unprecedented levels of violence in the workplace, staff shortages and burnout, experts say education is in crisis under Doug Ford. Educational assistants, custodians, secretaries, lunch supervisors, maintenance staff overwhelmingly agree there is not enough personnel in schools to do jobs properly and man…

1
To the Extreme Pt. 2- Blood, Fire, Death, and Mayhem: The Rise of Norwegian Black Metal 1:09:51

10M ago1:09:51

1:09:51

Wherein Eric takes John on a scenic tour through some of the darkest and lowest circles of Hell via an exploration of the tragic tale of Mayhem and the music of many of Norwegian black metal’s founding fathers, including Darkthrone, Burzum, Immortal, and Emperor. Click on the links below for all the music listening breaks in this episode: Listening…

1
Religion, Health, and Community - Ulysses Burley 46:57

10M ago46:57

46:57

In this episode of ReligionWise we sit down with Ulysses Burley, founder of UBtheCure, a consulting company that describes itself as being at the "intersection of Faith, Health, and Human Rights." A trained physician turned social activist, Dr. Burley is interested in the role and responsibility of communities to play a part in public health and ou…

1
Donald Trump’s Tariff War Against Canada 46:01

10M ago46:01

46:01

Canada and the United States walked back from the brink of a full-blown trade war after US President Donald Trump threatened to impose 25% tariffs on products from Canada. While Trump has granted Canada a temporary 30-day "pause" on his threatened trade war, if he makes good on his threats, Canada's economy could be facing an apocalyptic scenario w…

1
A Very Special Bonus Episode: The Kory Clarke (Warrior Soul) Interview! 32:21

10M ago32:21

32:21

Wherein Eric transcends the very fabric of reality as we know it and takes full advantage of the extraordinary opportunity to interview one of his great musical heroes, Kory Clarke of Warrior Soul, discussing the earliest portion of his music career, Warrior Soul's iconic 90s albums, and what he and the band are up to these days. For more informati…

1
Why 3 Ontario Cities Just Declared Food Insecurity Emergencies 24:07

11M ago24:07

24:07

While Ontario is gearing up for Doug Ford’s early election, many Ontarians are struggling to make ends meet. With one-in-three residents struggling to put food on their table, Kingston, Ontario just declared a food insecurity emergency — the third city in Ontario to recently declare this kind of emergency, following Toronto and Mississauga. In thei…

1
The Roots of Heavy Metal #3: The Golden Age of Rock 'n' Roll! 1:11:06

11M ago1:11:06

1:11:06

Wherein Eric and John once again examine some of the gnarled roots underneath the heavy metal family tree, exploring the development and formative influence of golden age 1950s rock 'n roll, and, just maybe, find the very first heavy metal song ever all the way back in 1956! Click on the links below for all the music listening breaks in this episod…

1
Religion, Interfaith, and Public Policy - Frederick Davie (Re-Release) 48:31

11M ago48:31

48:31

This episode features Reverend Frederick Davie, who among other roles, serves as the Senior Advisor on Racial Equity for Interfaith America. In this far ranging discussion, we talk about the role of interfaith dialogue in wider public discourse, the shifting understanding of religious freedom, and the relationship between governmental policy and th…

1
Edmonton Police Versus Duncan Kinney 19:20

12M ago19:20

19:20

Duncan Kinney is an Edmonton-based journalist and editor of a digital publication focused on Alberta politics called The Progress Report. From scrutinizing police budgets, shining a light on how police handle the city's unhoused population or drug poisoning crisis and exposing partisan connections between senior officers and Alberta's governing Uni…

1
An HM101 Holiday Special Twofer: 1) Warrior Soul in the '90s! 2) Chrismukkah Metal Corner w/Eric and John! 58:14

12M ago58:14

58:14

Wherein Eric and John celebrate the holiday season first via a nostalgic deep dive into the 90s catalog of arguably the greatest heavy metal "should have beens" of that entire decade, Warrior Soul, and then explore the ever-growing catalog of seasonal themed metal releases.Click on the links below for all the music listening breaks in this episode:…

1
“Nones” and “Dones”: the Shifting Realities of Religious Identities - Susan Pizor Yoder 1:01:16

12M ago1:01:16

1:01:16

In today’s conversation, we talk with Susan Pizor Yoder, a researcher and faith leader who wants to understand how and why recent generations are less likely to identify with traditional religious communities. As the lead author of the recent book, Hear Us Out, Dr. Pizor Yoder talks about the process of interviewing over 200 18-40 year olds about h…

1
Everything Old is New Again: Early '90s Edition (Judas Priest, Megadeth, and Black Sabbath) 1:03:24

1y ago1:03:24

1:03:24

Wherein Eric and John rhapsodize over three of the greatest heavy metal albums ever made, Judas Priest's Painkiller, Megadeth's Rust in Peace, and Black Sabbath's Dehumanizer, in an episode so great that even John doesn't hate it.Click on the links below for all the music listening breaks in this episode:Music listening break #1- Judas Priest "Pain…

1
Practice and Performance of Afro-Caribbean Religions - Lilianne Lugo Herrera 46:24

1y ago46:24

46:24

On this episode of ReligionWise, scholar Lilianne Lugo Herrera guides us through the vibrant world of Afro-Caribbean religious practice, with a special focus on Cuban traditions. From the intimate spaces of home altars to the dramatic possibilities of theatrical performance, we explore how these sacred traditions continue to pulse through Caribbean…

1
Cliff diving medicine (or Red Bull Cliff Diving medicine) 12:21

1y ago12:21

12:21

On this shorter episode, we will cover injuries related with high cliff diving events, such as the Red Bull Cliff Diving Series. The physics of the jump and landing is what matters here. Male athletes jump from a 27-28 meters high tower and the female athletes from a 21 meters high tower. They are evaluated by judges like in other lower diving even…

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