The Mothball Prophecies - original

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The Mothball Prophecies - original

A podcast about antiques and the stories of the people who collect them. New episodes every Monday!

20/01/2023

Hey Kids and Cryptids!

You may have noticed a certain absence on your Monday mornings. A moth shaped hole where vintage chit-chat usually is.

Welp. We're sorry about that. The Mothball Team has been busy, in a "We are so unbelievably sorry, everything has been insane over the past few weeks" kind of way. We've all got obligations outside the podcast, and things have just been a bit... Bananas. Our jobs and personal lives have been keeping us hustling and we're so sorry we haven't been up and about lately.

We'll be back soon with an update, but for now we all just need a little break. Thanks for always being here for us.

Love,

Sam, Mel, Grae, and Spellcheck

12/12/2022

This week Sam, Mel, Grae, and I (Spellcheck) all crammed into the pod office to talk about whatever's been filling our brains for the last few weeks. We had our coffee and snacks and just had a regular (for us) conversation. Once or twice a month, we'll be dropping an episode of just our ADHD braindumps. After existing every day in the world, like we all must, sometimes we just want to to let our minds go to autopilot, and we want you all to be a part of it. Topics range from new hobbies, Spartan races, vultures, being a kid again, and doing the thing that makes you happy. We love you guys. Let's hang out.

09/12/2022

This Curio Corner is mostly about the cool stuff the Mavens talked to Jessie (British fashion historian in the making and parallel universe Spellcheck) about on Monday's episodes. It's also something of a walk down nostalgia lane for Sam, Mel, and Grae: internet connections in the 90s, music from their formative years, and early signs of neuro divergence that are so obvious, it's truly astounding. Listen in for lessons on Tuberculosis Chic and its lasting influence on fashion, the surprising science behind why all of us should be taking cold showers, and Spellcheck's newest obsession: Pond's Cold Cream and vintage skincare.

05/12/2022

Step into a parallel universe with our guest this week, where Spellcheck is British and went to university to study the history of fashion (which, in reality, is something Spellcheck genuinely wanted to do). A certain writer for the podcast was shocked more than a few times. The similarities are numerous. Jessie , a person of the English persuasion, is an absolute doll. Sweet and polite, knowledgeable about her subject, she was a joy to chat with. The Mavens are smitten. Her Instagram account is filled with beauty-related historical posts and reels, some of which lean heavily toward the bizarre. We don't know about you, but we've never considered adding a raw meat mask to our nighttime skincare routine. Jessie is younger than everyone on the Mothball team, and we all felt it when the topic of 90s fashion came up. Grae pops up momentarily to defend the voluntary taking of cold showers. Barbies, the Spice Girls, and the "Goth to History" pipeline all make an appearance. If you haven't already, Jessie recommends watching The Love Witch (2016) as soon as humanly possible.

02/12/2022

Sam and Mel sit down to share the unlikely demise of Evergleam Christmas Trees, what boundaries their implementing with collectibles, and share about the oldest crewel.

28/11/2022

We're all finally settling down from the rush and bustle of Thanksgiving (if you're in the States, anyway) and our butts are more than ready for a long sit on the couch. The weather in Idaho is getting colder and snowier as the days pass, sending us all into the pod office with hot coffee and retro crocheted afghans. This week, the hygge mood is complete as Sam and Spellcheck have a relaxed chat with vintage maximalism enthusiast and down-to-earth music teacher, Kristi Snarsky. Her collection is a choreographed ballet of mid-century color and class. Her precise decorating skills are the envy of the team, with teal and pink playing a central role. Bowls and platters and Pyrex, oh my! Kristi brings to light the concept of boundaries within a collection and we all get confused about how to pronounce Cathrineholm. Plus, Sam gets a chance to brag about the amazing holiday Holy Grail item she recently acquired.

2-4: An array of vintage crewels
5-6: Cathrineholm ♥️
7-8: Pyrex, Jadeite, and dish ware galore!
9: Holiday recipe boxes
10: Swung glass, lucite candles, & Chrimus

27/11/2022

We could have listened to Josh () talk for hours and hours about all the incredible parts of his collections and his plans to spread that knowledge to the masses. But we all have lives to live and families to tend to. In lieu of having Josh back to nerd out over pirate history (which we're hoping to make happen, don't you worry), your weekend Curio Corner has Sam, Spellcheck, and Grae in the Pod Office chatting over an actual mountain of silver in Bolivia, Sam Bellamy's treasure on the shipwrecked Whydah, and a brief history of the flintlock firing mechanism on those fancy pistols seen in every pirate movie ever made.

21/11/2022

Good morning, Mothballers. The team was hit with a few curve balls this year and we are more than ready to get back to what brought us together in the first place: Collectors and their stories. To celebrate our renewed joie de vivre, we have an incredible guest who's ready to wade with us through a topic never before visited by the Mavens... Literal pirate treasure! Josh Scott of Redbeard Coins,Commodore Coins, and Tortuga Trading, is a real life treasure hunter. He collects and sells gold doubloons, pirate weapons, rare documents and books, and more. He has so many other unique items in his personal collection and available in his store, but we just don't have enough space or time to give them justice. Josh is enthusiastic, charismatic, and deeply knowledgeable about his subject. He was so electrifying to talk to that the Mothball Team has already claimed him as one of our own. If you watched The Goonies or Pirates of the Caribbean as a kid and dreamt of a map with a big, red X on it, then you cannot miss this episode.

1. The Raddest Chests
2. Silver Spanish Coins (Reales)
3. Flintlock, Maps, and Reales shown during the interview
4. Josh’s Custom design necklace
5. Antique Rum bottle
6. Silver To***co Bowl and Clay Pipes

14/11/2022

Last week the Mavens had a grand ol' time with , a previous guest that the Mothball team adopted by force. Lady Erin of the Almost-Hairless Cats is a dashing young woman with hair of fire and a ridiculous streak of good luck. But her latest episode seemed different. Truncated, somehow... Where did the Curio Corner go? During the 100th episode, Sam and Mel announced that we would be trying out a new format for the show. Interviews will still come out on Mondays. But the Curio Corner will be its own episode, a treat for the weekend, released on Thursdays. With this being the maiden voyage of said experiment, the Mavens are joined by Grae (because he was already in Sam's basement) to mull over the existence of luck and chat about the most recent estate sale.

12/11/2022

Did Pyrex rebrand?

Pyrex comes up a lot on the podcast, whether we're talking to a collector, mentioning a great find in the wild, or cringing over a once mint condition bowl that's been through the dishwasher. And we've probably talked about the difference between old Pyrex (PYREX) and new Pyrex (pyrex). But why the distinction and what does capitalization have to do with it? Was there a rebrand no one told us about?

The answer is: sort of. In 1998, Corning Inc. (originally Corning Glass Works) sold Pyrex to World Kitchen. Once that happened, World Kitchen switched the type of glass used in production from borosilicate to the less heat-resistant soda lime (this is somewhat debated, depending on who you ask), and the name changed from PYREX to pyrex. This makes it very easy to know if you've got new Pyrex or the stuff of gooseberry-covered dreams.

For more reading on the switch and Pyrex in general, check out the articles in our stories

07/11/2022

This week on The Mothball Prophecies, we talk holiday traditions. Sam,Melissa, and Grae reminisce about childhood meals, grandparents houses, and horrifying genetic turkey mutations.

19/10/2022

Erin Pipgras, perhaps better known as on Instagram, has been a guest on the show before (episode 39, if you're curious about our first encounter with her). Obviously we all fell madly in love with each other, but in a sweary, meme fueled sort of way. Erin has become a staple in every day conversation for the Mothball team, and is frequently asked to petition the universe on our behalf. On top of being perhaps the luckiest human in Wisconsin, she also has the distinct honor of igniting a new porcine passion in Spellcheck. Hear tell of the mighty pig of fortune and how luck isn't really luck. Melissa and Sam talk shop and Sam

used the word "gooses" about half way through the interview. This editor threw up slightly. Fortunately, we're all still friends.

09/09/2022

Mandy Arnold is a long time friend of the pod and all around glorious human. She has now shifted from regular podcast listener to a part of the foundational mythology of the Mothball Prophecies. She was LITERALLY one of the very first people to follow the pod, become a patron, and now is stuck with all of us as friends for the rest of her days. The prodigal daughter returned to her homeland, from that far off land of holly and wood, to wine and dine with the Mavens and hit the latest Mothball estate sale. She regales us with tales of her possibly problematic predilection for pyrex and volumes of vintage Halloween. Her to-DIE-for wardrobe and style are enthusiastically discussed, as is only right for such an adorable creature. And, as for the Estate Sale Walkthrough goes, she was a real champ. Cheers to Mandy, for making the trip to hang out with us and for wearing that damn egg shirt to dinner.

1-2Pyrex decals hack!
3. The Pyrex Hutch
4. Kitty Ashtray
5. Goodwill Shelf & Pixieware
6-10. The Pixieware Saga

23/08/2022

A while back, Sam did some mini-interviews with some Mothball listeners. Alex Di Giovanniwas one of those interviewees, and we just had to have him back for a full episode! Alex started reselling as a teen, but he didn't start collecting until his early 20s; it's a bit backwards from most people and we LOVE IT. For his personal collection, Alex loves signs and American license plates. In his professional life, he's an avian ecologist, with a full-blown master's degree. This dude knows his birds. He drops some sweet ontological knowledge on us in between blowing Spellcheck's mind with the history of porcelain license plates and nerding out with Sam over classic signage. Bird-related felonies are discussed, along with a mutual love of the dearly departed Dodo. Sam deserves a medal for not making the hundreds of bird puns she was probably dying to make. They would have flown right over Spellcheck's head, anyway.

08/08/2022

We recently recorded the 100th episode. But because all that frivolity took up so many hours, we weren't able to cover everything we wanted to talk about during the recording. To correct this, Grae and Sam sit down to expand, in a bit more detail, on the future of the podcast. Additionally, Sam gives a blow for blow account of the first Mothball estate sale at the Eleanor house, and Grae explains the more mysterious parts of what his job actually entails. Warning for anyone legally considered an adult: you will feel your age with this episode. Lo, the passage of time.

01/08/2022

Sam, Jill, Melissa, Grae, and Spellcheck. We were once five people with no connections, whatsoever. We each met at different times, under different circumstances. We grew up in different places, lives separate lives, had unique views and experiences... Until this podcast threw us together. If The Mothball Prophecies was a child, we were soda. And that child mixed all the flavors together with reckless abandon. Each of us has our part to play, much like each soda adds it's own zing to the final product. This was the first time all five of us had been in the same room together, and we were all on cloud nine. It was like meeting a long distance boyfriend for the first time. In this episode, we talk about our favorite guests, and answer listener questions, put Sam through a retaliatory Estate Sale Walkthrough, and make some announcements. Sit with us. Laugh with us. Cry, if you feel up to it. But always remember, no matter what, to look under the damn tables.

26/07/2022

Next week's episode is all about the future of the podcast, where we're all headed, and what you, as listeners, can expect. For a study in opposites, the 99th episode is none of those things. This week, we are releasing an episode that has never seen the light of day, an episode that was recorded back in 2020 shortly after quarantine ended. People were getting back to a new version of normal while Jill and Sam recorded a pre-ADHD diagnosis cornucopia of unfiltered thoughts. They literally sat in the car, in a parking lot, and pinged off eachother for almost an hour. The intro originally had different music, the Estate Sale Walkthrough is a mere fetus, and there is no Curio Corner whatsoever. But in the midst of the fumbles and technical issues, you can see the origin of the podcast you know today. Cheers to humble beginnings and fruitful futures.

18/07/2022

We still don't know what this segment will be called, so its temporary name will be:

"Down the Curiosity Rabbit Hole With Sam, Jill, and Spellcheck."

This month's Patreon special is all about the dangerous chemicals found in antiques and vintage items that might be in your collection. Death lurks around every corner, beneath tea towels and on window sills. No ceiling is safe, no bowl left untouched by the chilly fingers of poison. From lead (which is extremely common) to asbestos to arsenic, there are all kinds of fatal goodies to be found in your curio cabinet. Learn about the ancient history of asbestos, all the places lead likes to hide, and the commonality of JILL'S Uranium. There's even a recipe for uranium glass!

11/07/2022

This week on The Mothball Prophecies, Sam sits down solo with the queen of fireplaces, Riley Reyes of . Riley and Sam commiserate about the insanity of an “I don't need to buy this because I can build it’ attitude. Both ladies suffer from said affliction. Our guest laments the projects that get left behind in between fireplace and lighting restoration. Riley steps in as our podcast dad to share her knowledge and the steps she takes to bring something back to life and ensure modern energy efficiency. The estate sale walkthrough is on the fly and quite possibly the strangest scenario to date. Here’s a hint, pack some mentholatum and re-up your TV Land subscription.

Riley’s fireplaces after restoration and lamp projects.

06/07/2022

We're almost to the 100th episode of the podcast, and we need you cryptids to help us out. The entire Mothball team - Sam, Jill, Grae, Spellcheck, and Melissa-will be under one roof for the recording!We want you to tell us who your favorite past guests are, which moments from episodes made you gasp or had your jaw on the floor, what happens behind the scenes. This is your time to ask us absolutely anything! Cross our hearts, hope to die, we'll answer every single one (within reason).

05/07/2022

The cat has officially been released from the bag: The Mothball Estate Sales has manifested itself at last, when absolutely no one was expecting it. The idea of this company has been a dream for longer than the podcast, believe it or not, and is currently unfolding in the most unlikely way imaginable. Sam is joined by Grae this week to discuss the origins of the company, his steadfast refusal to bu****it anyone, and the future of the Mothball universe. Grae conveniently edited out the part where he admits that he hates dipping fries into frosties. Please send all thoughts and opinions on said topic to the official Mothball Prophecies website. .estate.sales

30/06/2022

When I started the Mothball Prophecies, I set a 5 year goal for myself. That goal felt impossible and terrifying. I set a goal to start an estate sale company in Idaho Falls. One that carry’s my values of respecting each piece as of it was a priceless heirloom. A place where the stories didn’t end but were stewarded to the next collector. I want you to leave a sale with a smile and a little bit of knowledge. In 2 years, this last week, that dream came true. I signed Mothball Estate Sales first contract and cried in my car. I am so excited for this journey and to take you along with me. Thank you, to all of my cheerleaders. To those who gave me courage to keep going.

Welcome to
💚Mothball Estate Sales - A sale with a Story 💚

Mothball Estate Sales

27/06/2022

Being a Patreon member comes with its own set of perks. Extra episodes are one of those. But this episode is too cool and has sat for too long, so we've decided to set it free! Enjoy!

Here at Mothball headquarters, we're always brainstorming new and weird ideas to keep you monsters entertained. You're a ravenous lot, and we love you for it. To answer your question, "How much do you love us?" we've cooked up a new treat. Every month, for our Patreon members only, The Mothball Prophecies will release a full-length, hyper-specific Curio Corner. Each bonus episode will focus on an iconic place or object. We're talking about the crown jewels of the vintage world; subjects that are just too vast for a regular Curio Corner. To start off this new series, we're taking a mental trip to a celebrated California hotel. The Madonna Inn is legendary for its kitschy decor and unrivaled gift shop. If you're looking for new glassware to collect, the Inn's signature goblets are to die for. Grab your drink of choice and get cozy because we're about to plunge headlong into the most glamorous hotel this side of the Mississippi.

20/06/2022

Hardly an honorary Maven at this point, but a truly integral part of the Mothball team, Melissa hangs out with Sam this week to interview sweet-as-pie duo Elizabeth Sweigart ()and Ricky Saetta (.teevee) of The Times Vintage () in Greenport, New York. The former is the proprietor of the shop and the latter, is a skilled carpenter. The carpenter, it just so happens, is responsible for all of the jaw-dropping woodwork within the shop itself. Elizabeth and Ricky are a vintage power couple (our words, not theirs), out to spread peace, love, and thrift to the masses. We love interviewing couples, especially ones like these two: so affectionate and loving, it almost makes you blush. Sit tight for a cozy collaboration of creatives, an adorable love story, and Sam making weird apologies to the pod's namesake. Moral of the story? Trust your gut. It's probably right.
Photos include: the dressing room doors and interiors. Inside The Times Vintage dressing and vanity area, Ricky & Lizzy hanging out in the shop.

13/06/2022

It's safe to say that if you are a collector of glassware, much like the Mavens, you run across the problem of having NEARLY an entire set of dishes. Nearly. If only you had that one last dinner plate, or maybe you're missing a teacup. Maybe you have the whole set and your cat was being an idiot and knocked a bowl off your table. What's a Mothballer to do? Michael Williams is the guardian angel of these conundrums. He works in a magical place called Replacements Ltd, where their entire purpose is to find replacements for your broken or missing glassware. Needless to say, the entire podcast team is salivating. Even Sam's husband was fangirling. Outside of glass, Michael collects Alien toys, dinosaur paraphernalia, and literally the hearts of everyone who meets him. Get ready to have your pants charmed right off your body.

1. Facehugger Ring
2-3. Alien Collections
4. Gems

10/06/2022

Here’s the times for this weekend!! DM me or for the address

08/06/2022

This weekend 6/10 & 6/11 and are having a yard sale! We will have vintage everything! Clothes, glassware, porcelain, paper, ceramics, dishes, tchotchkes, and more! Details will be posted soon with times and address will be shared with locals via dm. ♥️

06/06/2022

“We get a bit of hurricanes."

If you were in any doubt, here is your proof: Mothballers are hardcore. The fans of this podcast are top-tier, badass humans and the whole foundation of the show. Sam, Jill, and the rest of the team can create content all day long, but if no one loves what we do here at the Mothball Prophecies, we would cease to exist. So this week's episode is a thank you to all you listeners. Sam sits down for some mini-interviews with Mothballers from all walks of life. Get to know members of this weird little community during this cozy Q&A, and if you missed your chance to record this time, let us know so we can hit you up for the next one.
1. A sampling of Erica’s lunchboxes
2. A look at Jackie’s George Sand Books
3. Alex’s tourist sign and pennant gallery

02/06/2022

What is that lamp!?!

P.s Instagram, give us longer times for reels please?

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We still don't know what this segment will be called, so its temporary name will be: "Down the Curiosity Rabbit Hole With Sam, Jill, and Spellcheck." This month's Patreon special is all about the dangerous chemicals found in antiques and vintage items that might be in your collection. Death lurks around every corner, beneath tea towels and on window sills. No ceiling is safe, no bowl left untouched by the chilly fingers of poison. From lead (which is extremely common) to asbestos to arsenic, there are all kinds of fatal goodies to be found in your curio cabinet. Learn about the ancient history of asbestos, all the places lead likes to hide, and the commonality of JILL'S Uranium. There's even a recipe for uranium glass!

What is that lamp!?! P.s Instagram, give us longer times for reels please?

Theydies and Gentlethems: The Mothball Prophecies cordially invites you to join us on Friday, December 3rd at 8 o'clock (MST) sharp for a vintage Instagram sale extravaganza! All prices will be below market value (because we've got your back) and Patreon members will have early access. This sale isn't just for kicks though: The pod needs new recording equipment! All proceeds from the sale will go directly to that purpose. So whether you're a long time listener or fresh as a spring daisy, we want to see you there! Check out Instagram for all the details. #vintagesale #resell #vintageholiday #pyrex #vintagekitchen #shopsmall #mothballprophecies #kitsch #glassware #vintage

This video is sponsored by the hair on my hat #vintagetip #glassware #midcentury #swungvase #thriftstorefinds

Stumbled upon a G.D time capsule today. I took this video filled with picking adrenaline so don’t @ me about the quality. I was hyped up on vintagé treasure

Handy tip from Ep 47. We see this question a lot “How do I know the actual price of my item is?” Don’t place all your hopes and dreams on that listed price, it could be false. #ebay #mercari #reseller #poshmark #themothballprophecies #mothballprophecies #themothballpropheciessoriginal #podcasts #podcasting #podcast #podcastshow #listening #newepisode #episode #vintagepodcast #antiquepodcast #vintage #antiques #retro #thrifting

New YouTube video up now with your Estate Sale Picks for us! Link in Bio https://youtu.be/e-WdZQDSq6M

Indecisive? Who us? No way. New Mothball Merch available in 5 color ways!!!! Link is in our bio

Here’s sneak peek of Ep 13 coming Monday October 26th

Humble, kind, and wise beyond his years, this week the Mothballs interview Eric Daw. A luthier by profession (a term he greatly dislikes), Eric walks us through his collection of 1950's EVERYTHING, from guitars and amps to dice to coffee makers.

We are very excited for Monday's guest to the podcast! 👀

Episode 3 goes up Monday 8/17. We talk about taxidermy, the carnival and how we really feel about shabby chic furniture. . . . . . #collection #podcast #antiques #taxidermy #themothballprophecies

At the end of each episode we go to Curio Corner to take a deep dive into the items discussed in the episode. Here's a sneak peek from Episode 1! . . . . . . #podcastersofinstagram #podcast #antiques #pyrex #depressionglass #collection #picking #estatesale #womenwhopodcast #themothballprophecies

We couldn't help ourselves with this one. Are you subscribed to the show? You can listen on Spotify, Stitcher, Apple Podcasts, and Google Podcasts!

Welcome to The Mothball Prophecies! A podcast about antiques and the stories of the people who collect them! Find us on Spotify! 🖤Coming to your ears August 2020🖤

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