Monstrology

01/09/2025

Will and Madryn get personal with an endless investigation into time loops! We break down the terrific tropes that make these stories stable. Got existential dread? Want to take control of your life? Stuck in a death loop? We’ve got the cure in here somewhere… Then we reveal our individual favourite Top 5 time loops, and discuss what makes them so special. Before a final shout out to some honorary mentions that didn’t quite make the rotation.

Break some habits and start your year right with this very special Monstrology Creature Feature! Happy New Year 2U!

⭐️ Ep 76: https://monstrology.podbean.com/e/a-time-loop-a-rama-creature-feature-4u/
🎧 Archives: https://monstrology.podbean.com/
🍎 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/.../monstrology/id1592846051
🎬 Letterboxd: https://boxd.it/e8a54
☕️ Ko-Fi: https://ko-fi.com/monstrology

12/18/2024

Will and Madryn prepare for the holidays with Jack Frost!

We talk about the Jack-Of-All-Phrases that evolved into this icy sprite, and the myths and monsters around the world that froze this monster into our modern consciousness.

Then we look at Jack’s appearances in pop culture, from heartwarming family favourites, to serial killer scientific experiment snowmen, and everything finely chiseled or rolled up in-between.

Finally, we meet Jack Frost (Corey Palmer) himself, who tells us about selling his life story, the true history of his cart-crash, and fashionable scarf logic, before pitching us some chilling new product ideas to tackle global warming. Plus we have an update on the frost realm band!

⭐️ Ep 75: https://monstrology.podbean.com/e/jack-frost-with-corey-palmer/
🎧 Archives: https://monstrology.podbean.com/
🍎 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/.../monstrology/id1592846051
🎬 Letterboxd: https://boxd.it/e8a54
☕️ Ko-Fi: https://ko-fi.com/monstrology

Happy Holidays and Merry Christmas from Monstrology pod!

12/03/2024

Will and Madryn uncover the power of Liches!

We look at the history that created these highly skilled undead sorcerers, and the origin events or soul binding contracts that grant them immortality. Then we explore the pop culture of this modern monster, from wizarding or pig-owning movies, to a variety of video game big bads.

Finally, we’re joined Parax:)xus the Soul Ripper (Daniel Yaworsky). Who comes to us from the frost realm, and teaches us about soul phylacteries and social contracts. He’s also looking for new members of his metal band, and might just be starting a reality TV show with Will! Listen for details, or apply now!

⭐️ Ep 74: https://monstrology.podbean.com/e/liches-with-daniel-yaworsky/
🎧 Archives: https://monstrology.podbean.com/
🍎 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/.../monstrology/id1592846051
🎬 Letterboxd: https://boxd.it/e8a54
☕️ Ko-Fi: https://ko-fi.com/monstrology

09/30/2024

Will and Madryn shake some dust (and sand, and ice) off after our summer vacation, and get into the wild and wrigley world of Giant Worms!

We cover worms from all over the world, including the Mongolian Death Worm, and study the mythological and more modern appearances of this slimy subject. Then we carefully walk over some pop culture appearances of this basic behemoth, from this planet and beyond!

Finally, we’re joined by Slurp (Tamlynn Bryson) the Giant Worm. Who tells us about what feeds their hunger, how many hearts they have, and humanity’s greatest contribution, Monster energy drink.

⭐️ Ep 71: https://monstrology.podbean.com/e/giant-worms-with-tamlynn-bryson/
🎧 Archives: https://monstrology.podbean.com/
🍎 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/.../monstrology/id1592846051
🎬 Letterboxd: https://boxd.it/e8a54
☕️ Ko-Fi: https://ko-fi.com/monstrology

Will and Madryn shake some dust (and sand, and ice) off after our summer vacation, and get into the wild and wrigley world of Giant Worms! We cover worms from all over the world, including the Mongolian Death Worm, and study the mythological and more modern appearances of this slimy subject. Then we...

08/13/2024

Will and Madryn go full geek for the X-Men Franchise!

We look at the comic origins of these long running time-bending X-factors, originally titled The Mutants, and talk about our favourite films in Lauren Shuler Donner’s 20th Century Fox continuum. We talk about the core story elements that make the X-men work, the best performances, and our fav quotes. We also share our top moments in the movies, the most satisfying kills, and of course, we hand out our Creatchie Awards!

Celebrate the release of Deadpool & Wolverine, and fight your way through the X-Men Franchise. Mankind has always feared what it doesn't understand, so listen, learn, and find out who wins, bub!

⭐️ Ep 70: https://monstrology.podbean.com/e/creature-feature-the-x-men-franchise/
🎧 Archives: https://monstrology.podbean.com/
🍎 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/.../monstrology/id1592846051
🎬 Letterboxd: https://boxd.it/e8a54
☕️ Ko-Fi: https://ko-fi.com/monstrology

Will and Madryn go full geek for the X-Men Franchise! We look at the comic origins of these long running time-bending X-factors, original titled The Mutants, and talk about our favourite films in Lauren Shuler Donner’s 20th Century Fox continuum. We talk about the core story elements that make the...

07/31/2024

Will and Madryn switch things up with a study of Changelings!

We learn about the best ways to prevent changelings from stealing your children, the ideal ways to get them back, and the dark historic origins of this folkloric fantasy monster. Changelings have popped up in crib swapping card games, Canadian horror anthologies, blasphemous books, family friendly fae fare, and their tropes have been subverted for fresh takes on many films. We talk to Changeling the Changeling or Changey among friends (Sare Thorpe). They talk about the long con of changeling business, and their room of bonnets, their thick skin, and the truth behind King Charles the 1st.

⭐️ Ep 69: https://monstrology.podbean.com/e/changelings-with-sare-thorpe/
🎧 Archives: https://monstrology.podbean.com/
🍎 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/.../monstrology/id1592846051
🎬 Letterboxd: https://boxd.it/e8a54
☕️ Ko-Fi: https://ko-fi.com/monstrology

Will and Madryn switch things up with a study of Changelings! We learn about the best ways to prevent changelings from stealing your children, the ideal ways to get them back, and the dark historic origins of this folkloric fantasy monster. Changelings have popped up in crib swapping card games, Can...

07/17/2024

Will and Madryn uncover our oldest monster ever… Dinosaurs!

We discover the origins of human interest in dinosaur fossils, the evolution of what dinosaurs really looked like, and the epic eras of dinosaur history! Then we dig into dinosaur pop culture, from theme parks, sitcoms, breakfast food, sports teams, 90s video games, and more! Finally, we’re joined by an actual dinosaur, Andy Faris Schwarzenegger Pratt (Christopher Seeney), who tells us about his origins as a nepo-baby, the real cause of the dinosaur extinction, his allegiance to the Philadelphia Flyers, the inner earth, and Slorp Coin.

⭐️ Ep 68: https://monstrology.podbean.com/e/dinosaurs-with-christopher-seeney/
🎧 Archives: https://monstrology.podbean.com/
🍎 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/.../monstrology/id1592846051
🎬 Letterboxd: https://boxd.it/e8a54
☕️ Ko-Fi: https://ko-fi.com/monstrology

Will and Madryn uncover our oldest monster ever… Dinosaurs! We discover the origins of human interest in dinosaur fossils, the evolution of what dinosaurs really looked like, and the epic eras of dinosaur history! Then we dig into dinosaur pop culture, from theme parks, sitcoms, breakfast food, sp...

07/02/2024

Will and Madryn study the machinations of Robots!

We uncover the duck that started it all, the evolution of modern computing, Rossum's Universal Robots, a variety of trailblazing (and sometimes chain-smoking) prototypes, Asimov’s Laws of Robotics, and the future of AI companionship. Plus, robots have a ton of pop culture! We talk iconic robot DJs, Killbots, Scifi classics, Apex-machines, and more. Finally, we’re joined by Esira (Shalyn Bass-McFaul) who talks us through her programming, her origin at Wikilabs, and the future of humanity. Please don’t become Hal-9000.

⭐️ Ep 67: https://monstrology.podbean.com/e/robots-with-shalyn-bass-mcfaul/
🎧 Archives: https://monstrology.podbean.com/
🍎 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/.../monstrology/id1592846051
🎬 Letterboxd: https://boxd.it/e8a54
☕️ Ko-Fi: https://ko-fi.com/monstrology

Monstrology is a podcast that brings you the raw, unfiltered truth about monsters. It’s hosted by Will King, an actor, writer, and director, with an unusual obsession with monsters and spooky things. And Madryn McCabe, an actor, and A+ Nerd of the highest...

06/18/2024

Will and Madryn look up to giants!

We study the massive historical footprints of this super-sized classic creature through its history as a primeval beast, apocalyptic world breaker, folkloric foe, and brute builder. This mythical monster has inspired a ton of pop culture, ranging from family friendly giants, 13 foot tall burger enthusiasts, cannibalistic titans, and many sizes between.

Finally, we’re joined by Mel (Brandon Knox) who tells us about his traveling cloud and golden goose, the merits of chocolate consumption, giant dodgeball, and a new meaning of B word.

⭐️ Ep 66: https://monstrology.podbean.com/e/giants-with-brandon-knox/
🎧 Archives: https://monstrology.podbean.com/
🍎 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/.../monstrology/id1592846051
🎬 Letterboxd: https://boxd.it/e8a54
☕️ Ko-Fi: https://ko-fi.com/monstrology

Will and Madryn look up to Giants! We study the massive historical footprints of this super-sized classic creature through its history as a primeval beast, apocalyptic world breaker, folkloric foe, and brute builder. This mythical monster has inspired a ton of pop culture, ranging from family friend...

06/03/2024

What's this? What's this!? Will and Madryn take a look inside the mind of Tim Burton, in this special edition Creature Feature episode!

We look at his history as an animator and concept artist, the defining works of his early career, his German Expressionist influences, and the tropes that make him so “Tim Burton-esque.” Then we go through our favourite quotes, designs, and moments, before awarding our Creatchie Awards! So open your eyes as wide as you can, put on your stripes, and channel your inner goth, it’s showtime!

⭐️ Ep 65: https://monstrology.podbean.com/e/creature-feature-tim-burton/
🎧 Archives: https://monstrology.podbean.com/
🍎 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/.../monstrology/id1592846051
🎬 Letterboxd: https://boxd.it/e8a54
☕️ Ko-Fi: https://ko-fi.com/monstrology

Will and Madryn take a look inside the mind of Tim Burton, in this special edition Creature Feature episode! We look at his history as an animator and concept artist, the defining works of his early career, his German Expressionist influences, and the tropes that make him so “Tim Burton-esque.” ...

05/14/2024

The Monstrology Mailbox Returns!

Will and Madryn warm up our creative brains with questions for each other, then answer YOUR questions on the podcast! Do we have a monster classification system? What’s the best Cronenberg film? Who rules the hollow earth? Are monsters hot or not!? We’ve got the answers to all your questions from the human and monster community. Thanks for listening!

⭐️ Ep 64: https://monstrology.podbean.com/e/the-monstrology-mailbox-returns/
🎧 Archives: https://monstrology.podbean.com/
🍎 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/.../monstrology/id1592846051
🎬 Letterboxd: https://boxd.it/e8a54
☕️ Ko-Fi: https://ko-fi.com/monstrology

Will and Madryn warm up our creative brains with questions for each other, then answer YOUR questions on the podcast! Do we have a monster classification system? What’s the best Cronenberg film? Who rules the hollow earth? Are monsters hot or not!? We’ve got the answers to all your questions fro...

05/05/2024

The Monstrology Mailbox is back!

Got a question for our monstrologists (Will King and Madryn McCabe)? Want a follow up to something on the pod? Want to pick our brain? Something in the human or monster world catching your attention? Ask us anything.

Leave us a question in the comments, or send us a question to [email protected] and we’ll answer it on our “Monstrology Mailbox” episode! (Cutoff for Qs is Wed May 8th).

Then follow us at to get first access to your answers!

Questions welcome to humans and monsters alike.

05/01/2024

Will and Madryn seek balance in Elementals!

We look at the 16th century history of this powerful nature-based monster. We discuss the original bombastic manifestations of earth, air, fire, and water, and the “star sign” interpretation of each variant. We also study elemental binding, summoning, and hybrid elementals. We unearth a range of pop culture for these expansive entities, moving through Element City, superhero school trips, enchanted rings, melodramatic murder, and Mario’s paper kingdom. Finally, we’re joined by Polaris (Brianna Love), who gusts into the program and drops some eternal knowledge on our confused brains. She tells us about life as an elemental, that time she rematerialized near a volcano, and which starter Pokémon she picked in Pokémon silver.

⭐️ Ep 63: https://monstrology.podbean.com/e/elementals-with-brianna-love/
🎧 Archives: https://monstrology.podbean.com/
🍎 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/.../monstrology/id1592846051
🎬 Letterboxd: https://boxd.it/e8a54
☕️ Ko-Fi: https://ko-fi.com/monstrology

Will and Madryn seek balance in Elementals! We look at the 16th century history of this powerful nature-based monster. We discuss the original bombastic manifestations of earth, air, fire, and water, and the “star sign” interpretation of each variant. We also study elemental binding, summoning, ...

04/19/2024

Episode 62 is out now! Will and Madryn go hunting for Witches!

We uncover this humanoid’s relatively peaceful start, the enormously popular Malleus Maleficarum book, and the deadly hysteria that took over Europe in the 1400’s. We also touch on the Salem witch trials, before breaking down the many types of more modern witches, and their appearances in pop culture! We talk about spellcasting Spellmans, emo phases, necromancy wielding love interests, iconic covens, and the technicolor origins of witchy green skin. Finally, we’re joined by Charlotte Aberden (Lindsey Middleton) who tells us about her family history with “the stick,” her re-education in magic, and her goal to make it as a bomber jacket wearing, turtle shaking, pop star!

⭐️ Ep 62: https://monstrology.podbean.com/e/witches-with-lindsey-middleton/
🎧 Archives: https://monstrology.podbean.com/
🍎 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/.../monstrology/id1592846051
🎬 Letterboxd: https://boxd.it/e8a54
☕️ Ko-Fi: https://ko-fi.com/monstrology

Will and Madryn go hunting for Witches! We uncover this humanoid’s relatively peaceful start, the enormously popular Malleus Maleficarum book, and the deadly hysteria that took over Europe in the 1400’s. We also touch on the Salem witch trials, before breaking down the many types of more modern ...

04/02/2024

To celebrate the magic of Easter weekend, Will invites Madryn to the Monstrology bunker for a special format episode with the Easter Bunny!

We talk about the Pagan, Christian, and commercial origins of this egg-laying mammal, and hop around some pop culture inspired by our furry friend. To fill out the party we bring back a variety of our monster guests, including Finnigan Clover, Neville the Man-Eating Tree, B. Elliot, and Igor, who now goes by “the Wacky,” to go on an eclectic egg hunt in the bunker. Then we’re joined by the guest of honour, Her the Hare, the Easter bunny! Who lets us know about his true origin, his average distance per bunny hop, and how he really got inside the bunker. Finally, Gordon Harper swings by to receive his honorary 5-timers jacket!

PS: We have a death-ray for sale, if anyone’s interested.

⭐️ Ep 61: https://monstrology.podbean.com/e/the-easter-bunny-holiday-special-with-5-timer-gordon-harper
🎧 Archives: https://monstrology.podbean.com/
🍎 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/.../monstrology/id1592846051
🎬 Letterboxd: https://boxd.it/e8a54
☕️ Ko-Fi: https://ko-fi.com/monstrology

To celebrate the magic of Easter weekend, Will invites Madryn to the Monstrology bunker for a special format episode with the Easter Bunny! We talk about the Pagan, Christian, and commercial origins of this egg-laying mammal, and hop around some pop culture inspired by our furry friend. To fill out....

03/22/2024

In this special Creature Feature episode, Will and Madryn step into the family business of the Ghostbusters franchise!

We break down the origin of this classic Ivan Reitman comedy, and how Dan Aykroyd’s personal life shaped the ideas and technology behind the original Ghostbusters. Grab your proton packs, pick up a NYC hotdog, and get ready for a deep dive into the paranormal! We’ve loaded up on our fav quips, moments, and Creatchies, and we’re ready to rank and roll the films just in time for the release of Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire. Happy hunting! “We're ready to believe you!"

⭐️ Ep 60: https://monstrology.podbean.com/e/creature-feature-ghostbusters/
🎧 Archives: https://monstrology.podbean.com/
🍎 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/.../monstrology/id1592846051
🎬 Letterboxd: https://boxd.it/e8a54
☕️ Ko-Fi: https://ko-fi.com/monstrology

In this special Creature Feature episode, Will and Madryn step into the family business of the Ghostbusters franchise! We break down the origin of this classic Ivan Reitman comedy, and how Dan Aykroyd’s personal life shaped the ideas and technology behind the original Ghostbusters. Grab your proto...

03/04/2024

Will and Madryn embrace the darkness of ghouls!

We dig into their pre-Islamic Arabian demon origins, some ghastly Lovecraftian horrors, and your standard variety undead flesh-eater. This hungry non-human entity has popped up in poetry, graveyards, multiple anthology series, video game wastelands, tabletop terrors, and more!

Finally, we’re joined by Hugh Mandonald (Daniel Entz) who tells us about his tanning origins, his ongoing business as a Scarborough Landlord, severance packages, and of course… feeding on human flesh.

Enjoy feeding on the pod? You can support us at: ko-fi.com/monstrology or leave us a review on your favourite human or monster podcast platform!

⭐️ Ep 59: https://monstrology.podbean.com/e/ghouls-with-daniel-entz/
🎧 Archives: https://monstrology.podbean.com/
🍎 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/.../monstrology/id1592846051
🎬 Letterboxd: https://boxd.it/e8a54
☕️ Ko-Fi: https://ko-fi.com/monstrology

Will and Madryn embrace the darkness of ghouls! We dig into their pre-Islamic Arabian demon origins, some ghastly Lovecraftian horrors, and your standard variety undead flesh-eater. This hungry non-human entity has popped up in poetry, graveyards, multiple anthology series, video game wastelands, ta...

02/21/2024

Will and Madryn explore the enchantment of the Elves!

We unpack the history of this mischievous and mystical monster, and study their role in creating nightmares and crafting an ideal society. We break down the origins and subcategories of elves (high elves, dark elves, wood elves, Christmas, SPACE!?) and find a wealth of pop culture in the process. Looking for campy elvish blood ritual gun fight films? Environmental video game cults? Beautiful Tolkien-esque super humans. We got you. Finally, we’re joined by Valen Weston (Alexa Higgins), who talks about THE dark wood, Elvish PR, their influence on a certain grocery chain, the value of pointy ears, and some eye-popping sexual traditions.

⭐️ Ep 58: https://monstrology.podbean.com/e/elves-with-alexa-higgins/
🎧 Archives: https://monstrology.podbean.com/
🍎 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/.../monstrology/id1592846051
🎬 Letterboxd: https://boxd.it/e8a54
☕️ Ko-Fi: https://ko-fi.com/monstrology

Will and Madryn explore the enchantment of the Elves! We unpack the history of this mischievous and mystical monster, and study their role in creating nightmares and crafting an ideal society. We break down the origins and subcategories of elves (high elves, dark elves, wood elves, Christmas, SPACE!...