The Gods Must Be Crazy - Podcast

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The Gods Must Be Crazy - Podcast Two Filipina transplants explore the rich, strange, wacky, and largely underground (pun intended) world of Philippine Mythology.
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53: DOCTOR QUACK QUACK | Folk Medicine Part 1This episode, we're diving into the world of Philippine folk medicine, wher...
02/06/2024

53: DOCTOR QUACK QUACK | Folk Medicine Part 1

This episode, we're diving into the world of Philippine folk medicine, where the cure for your sniffles might just be under your kitchen sink—or in your backyard. Who needs a doctor when you've got chickens and vinegar at the ready?

Join us as we explore remedies that range from the bizarre to the bewildering. Ever thought about dodging diseases by tossing flowers on top of a casket? Or maybe you prefer wearing crocodile teeth for that extra bit of health insurance. And if you're feeling brave, learn why you should consider a fiesta over a pharmacy visit next time you're feeling ill.

We'll also tackle the ultimate protection racket—how your pets might be more than just cute companions, they could be your disease bodyguards. Plus, don't miss out on our guide to turning your garden into a disease-free zone with nothing but some pretty flowers.

So brew a cup of that special May rainwater tea, settle in, and let’s get quacky with ancient wisdom that could either be a lifesaver or just a really good story!

Disclaimer: “Doctor Quack Quack” refers to the BEST GAME EVER from our childhoods. It’s not meant to refer to the term “quack doctors” which unfortunately is what colonizer accounts referred to our folk healers – boo.

52: GREAT BALLS OF FIRE | Santelmo - Part 1: Flaming Orbs of Death?Goodness, gracious! This week, we fire it up with a d...
05/05/2024

52: GREAT BALLS OF FIRE | Santelmo - Part 1: Flaming Orbs of Death?

Goodness, gracious! This week, we fire it up with a deep dive into the legend and lore behind the Santelmo, or St. Elmo’s Fire. Were these mystical balls of fire omens of death and destruction… or a sign pointing to hidden treasure?

Buckle up as we go into tangents you never expected: from old sailors tales, to physics concepts about plasma and electricity they didn’t teach us in high school, to the patron saint of abdominal pains.

Learn about the various sightings of the Santelmo in ‘rural legends’ of old and recent memory, the historical origins of the story and where the name comes from, and how the legend continues to live in popular imagination.

51: PAST LIVES | The Eternal Love Story of MarujaBuckle up, lovebirds and skeptics! This week, we're diving into the hea...
14/04/2024

51: PAST LIVES | The Eternal Love Story of Maruja

Buckle up, lovebirds and skeptics! This week, we're diving into the heart-stopping saga of Maruja, a love story so strong it just couldn't stay buried. From Mars Ravelo's comic genius to cinematic reboots, Maruja's undying romance with Gabriel has been making fans swoon for over a century.

We're peeling back the layers of this epic melodrama where forbidden love meets ghostly whispers. Maruja, destined for a loveless marriage, pulls the ultimate bridezilla move with a tragic twist, promising a love revival a hundred years later. Does her reincarnated self, Cristy, get a supernatural second shot at a happily ever after? Or is she just experiencing some seriously vintage déjà vu?

Tune in for a spectral analysis of love, betrayal, and the kind of romantic antics that only a century of longing can brew. Let's decode why Maruja's story keeps resurrecting in Filipino pop culture—because who doesn't like a good old-fashioned love story that refuses to die?

Better late than never! Thanks for sticking with us through all the sidebars and tangents and long-winded stories as we ...
14/04/2024

Better late than never! Thanks for sticking with us through all the sidebars and tangents and long-winded stories as we explore the depths and mysteries of Philippine mythology and folklore together! 💖

Happy 50 eps, and here’s to many more coming!! Love you guys 🤗

Ice & Anama

* #1 Comedy Fiction in the Philippines based on Apple Podcast rankings, Mar 2024 :)

Have you listened to all 50 eps so far??

50: O BROTHER, WHERE ART THOU? | Indarapatra & Sulayman, A Maguindanao EpicHow many brothers does it take to kill five m...
10/03/2024

50: O BROTHER, WHERE ART THOU? | Indarapatra & Sulayman, A Maguindanao Epic

How many brothers does it take to kill five monsters & bring an entire civilization out from hiding?
In our 50th episode, we cover the epic tale of Indarapatra and Sulayman, two gallant brothers whose heroics helped the people of Maguindanao (the precursor modern-day Mindanao). This set the foundation for a civilization and culture so strong they were able to flourish and put up incredible resistance across centuries of Spanish invasion.
This epic story has everything: from self-driving boats, A.I.-powered weapons, surveillance trees to a literal man-made stove-top. Join us as we look to understand possible historical precursors to this tale, while trying to disentangle the epic figure of Raja Sulayman from his historical counterpart, one of the last great rulers of Old Manila.

The Marikina Valley fault, which cuts across almost the entirety of Manila, gives us a clue not just to where potential ...
10/03/2024

The Marikina Valley fault, which cuts across almost the entirety of Manila, gives us a clue not just to where potential earthquakes could hit, but also to mark the location of Bernardo Carpio's supposed prison.

Legend says he is trapped beneath two boulders in one of the caves in the mountains of Montalban, in modern-day Rizal. (Can anyone from Montalban confirm if this is true? 🙋 LOL)

Head on to Ep 40 if you haven't caught up yet to learn about this once and future savior of the FIlipino people!

49: HE WILL ROCK  YOU | Bernardo Carpio, the Lost Hero of the TagalogsIn this seismic episode, we're cracking open the l...
24/02/2024

49: HE WILL ROCK YOU | Bernardo Carpio, the Lost Hero of the Tagalogs

In this seismic episode, we're cracking open the legend of Bernardo Carpio, the mythical giant (or man-sized hero, depending on who you ask) whose shrugs supposedly cause earthquakes. From his tangled roots in forbidden love to his epic showdowns, Carpio's story is more than just a tale – it's a tectonic narrative of resistance and resilience.

But wait, it's not all about muscle, might, and mountain-sized struggles. Dive into the pre-colonial origins and find out how an alligator ties into this earth-shattering saga.

We'll also explore how this hero’s tale has morphed into a symbol of freedom against oppressors, from Spanish colonizers to modern-day challenges. Are we still waiting for Carpio to break free and usher in an era of justice? Or is he just a mythic reminder to keep fighting the good fight?

Buckle up for a mythological adventure that's going to rock your world – hopefully only metaphorically.

guess who’s back, guess who’s back, guess who’s back (tenenen….)
24/02/2024

guess who’s back, guess who’s back, guess who’s back (tenenen….)

48: CACAO ME MAYBE | Maria Cacao, the Golden Ship-bourne Goddess of Mount Lantoy In the last of our “Walang Kamatayan” S...
26/11/2023

48: CACAO ME MAYBE | Maria Cacao, the Golden Ship-bourne Goddess of Mount Lantoy

In the last of our “Walang Kamatayan” Series, we take a delicious detour into the land of chocolate with Maria Cacao. Brace yourselves for a mystical ride with Maria Cacao, the goddess with a penchant for golden ships and chocolatey ventures. This episode sails through the legend of Maria Cacao – from her curious Spanish makeover to her eerie, yet glamorous, soul-harvesting escapades.

But wait, there’s a dark twist! Dive into tales of ghost ships and post-disaster sightings. Is Maria Cacao just a harbinger of doom, or a symbol of resilience in the face of tragedy?

So, grab your favorite hot chocolate sikwate (hot cocoa), and join us for a journey where folklore meets reality, and myths get a modern twist!

Join us for a cup of delicious sikwate (hot chocolate) de batirol, and learn all about Maria Cacao. ☕️An exclusive early...
23/11/2023

Join us for a cup of delicious sikwate (hot chocolate) de batirol, and learn all about Maria Cacao. ☕️

An exclusive early access for Patreons 💖 Go to Patreon.com/TheGodsMustBeCrazyPodcast to learn more.

47: MARRY MY DEAD BODY | Ghost Marriage Practices Around the WorldWe’ve all heard stories of love living on after death,...
19/11/2023

47: MARRY MY DEAD BODY | Ghost Marriage Practices Around the World

We’ve all heard stories of love living on after death, but is it possible for love to BEGIN after death?

In this episode, we veer slightly off the beaten path and explore the little-known practice of Ghost Marriage. Finding its roots in ancient China and India, you would be surprised to learn that the practice still lives on in various forms to this day: in provinces in rural China and India and in Chinese diaspora communities around the world.

How exactly can a marriage take place when both parties are no longer living? How does one go about finding a match in the afterlife? How can a practice meant to ensure the happiness of departed loved ones lead to greed, grave-robbery, and even murder?

46: UNDER THE SEA | Magwayen, the Hiligaynon Goddess of the Underworld and of the SeaTalk about a career shift!  How doe...
05/11/2023

46: UNDER THE SEA | Magwayen, the Hiligaynon Goddess of the Underworld and of the Sea

Talk about a career shift! How does a Goddess who co-created humanity (the first ever collab) end up being a psychopomp and ruler of the underworld? What in pre-colonial Visayan belief would make you end up in the “good place” and what do crocodiles have to do with it?

In this episode, we learn about Magwayen’s quite unexpected journey, her family, the traditions of the pre-colonial Visayans, dragon battles, and about her magical shells. We also dive into (pun intended) Magwayen’s depictions in modern day and how she still continues to inspire from the depths of the underworld and sea.

45: MY EYES ARE UP HERE | Mebuyan, Bagobo Goddess of Death & Chief of the UnderworldShe’s more than just a pretty face… ...
24/10/2023

45: MY EYES ARE UP HERE | Mebuyan, Bagobo Goddess of Death & Chief of the Underworld

She’s more than just a pretty face… and a body covered in breasts.

In this episode, we make our first foray into the deep and rich mythology of the Bagobo people. In another installment of our Walang Kamatayang Mini-Season, we cover Mebuyan, the Goddess of Death, and Chief of the Bagobo underworld. She is the being who welcomes the dead into the afterlife, and nurtures young souls to get them ready for paradise. How can this mysterious being be all at once a symbol of fertility, motherhood, and death?

Join us as we learn about how a sibling squabble turned men into mortals, why the Bagobos feared the sky more than the underworld, and the strange link between bariatric surgery and immortality.

KOZY KWENTO EP 2: My Son-in-Law, The Devil | Philippine Folktale RetellingWhat do you do when the devil himself wants yo...
15/10/2023

KOZY KWENTO EP 2: My Son-in-Law, The Devil | Philippine Folktale Retelling

What do you do when the devil himself wants your daughter’s hand for marriage? Enter a protective mother, a vagabond with gambling problems, a princess with the strongest migraine (but without any speaking lines), and hijinks ensue.

In this Kozy Kwento episode, we cover the Kapampangan folktal of “The Devil and the Guanchinango” as well as the Tagalog’s “Mabait and the Duwende” documented in Filipino Popular Tales by Dean S. Fansler.

In the full Patreon-exclusive version, you’ll also get to hear the story of the “The Soldier and Death” (A Russian folktale adapted in Jim Henson’s The Storyteller. You can access that here: (https://www.patreon.com/posts/kozy-kwento-ep-2-91012259)

44: NOT TODAY, SITAN | Sitan, The Tagalog God of Death in Philippine FolkloreAt the moment of death, where did the pre-c...
08/10/2023

44: NOT TODAY, SITAN | Sitan, The Tagalog God of Death in Philippine Folklore

At the moment of death, where did the pre-colonial Tagalogs think their souls would go? Which reptilian psychopomp would take them there, and who would render the final judgement on their souls? These and many other questions will be answered in this week’s episode.

This October, we’re covering the different beings and entities representing Death in Philippine mythology, folklore, and urban legends. In this second episode, we’re covering Sitan, the Tagalog god of death, and his agents.

Join us as we explore the musical practices around our favorite Tagalog death holiday, Undas, find out why you should be wary of mysterious fires below your house (or any fire, really), and discover why a happy marriage could just make you a target from a malicious demon. Also, learn the not-so-direct path of how Sitan came to the Philippines, by way of trade, conquest, and the value of a really good story.

43: KNOCK KNOCK | ANG KUMAKATOK, The Death Messengers of Philippine FolkloreWhat do you do when there’s a mysterious set...
01/10/2023

43: KNOCK KNOCK | ANG KUMAKATOK, The Death Messengers of Philippine Folklore

What do you do when there’s a mysterious set of knocks on your door in the middle of the night? Don’t answer it, for it may just be a portent of death.

This October, we’re covering the different beings and entities representing Death in Philippine mythology, folklore, and urban legends. In this first episode, we’re covering the mysterious entity known only as the Kumakatok.

From the war-ravaged streets of Old Manila in the 1940s, mysterious ‘cult-killings’ in the 80’s, and the strange paranormal surveillance sightings during the COVID lock-downs, these mysterious beings haunt the doorways of prospective victims, warning them of their terrible, unavoidable fate.

Join us as we explore the lore of the Death Knock beings in the Philippines, learn of modern-day sightings, and the strange and eerily-similar beliefs that exist in Celtic, African, Balinese and Native-American mythologies.


SURPRISE!!! 👻This month, we’re kicking off a special mini-season, the WALANG KAMATAYANG MINI-SEASON, to celebrate spooky...
01/10/2023

SURPRISE!!! 👻

This month, we’re kicking off a special mini-season, the WALANG KAMATAYANG MINI-SEASON, to celebrate spooky October, culminating in Undas. We will be covering the different myths, beings and deities associated with Death, the Afterlife and the Underworld in Philippine Mythology.

We’re sure you’re just DYING to join us. First episode is up today! 💖☠️

As we gear up for the spooky season, we're revisiting some of our favorite episodes. Here's one where we learn about the...
24/09/2023

As we gear up for the spooky season, we're revisiting some of our favorite episodes. Here's one where we learn about the Philippine's own 'The Mummy Returns', the beliefs behind the manunggul jars and why the hanging coffins of Sagada exist.

Enjoy!

---

In this episode (Part 1 of 2!) we jump back in time and learn about how our pre-colonial ancestors practiced their beliefs around death, burial and the afterlife.
From the famous manunggul jars of Palawan to the hanging coffins of Sagada, we explore the stories that shaped these ancient practices–including a well-known creation myth that actually talks about the first instance of death and resurrection. We also talk about: just how much music was there in the 90s, how long should you wait until you move on from a relationship, and–to go back to topic–the Philippine’s own real-life version of “The Mummy Returns.”

The story of the Tasaday tribe's discovery rocked the world in 1971, and even decades afterwards, especially as startlin...
24/09/2023

The story of the Tasaday tribe's discovery rocked the world in 1971, and even decades afterwards, especially as startling new information came up that questioned the veracity of early controversial findings.

But did was it all truly just an elaborate hoax to serve the political ambitions of the Marcos Sr. regime? What was fact, and what was fiction?

Learn more about the story in our latest episode: 42: TRUE LIES.

The excerpts above were taken from a great long read by AJ Bolando, "The Stone Age Tribe that Never Was."

Us over the weekend recording a bunch of spooky(ish) stuff for you guys in October. Can’t wait! 😈(Photo captured during ...
19/09/2023

Us over the weekend recording a bunch of spooky(ish) stuff for you guys in October. Can’t wait! 😈

(Photo captured during a particularly hangry moment 😅)

42: TRUE LIES | The Modern Myth of the Tasaday TribeWhat happens when sinister forces try their hand at modern mythmakin...
18/09/2023

42: TRUE LIES | The Modern Myth of the Tasaday Tribe

What happens when sinister forces try their hand at modern mythmaking? In this episode, we learn about the Tasaday tribe – the stone-age tribe that was “discovered” in the 70s that put the Philippines on the map as one of the last undiscovered ancient societies.

Learn about what journalists, anthropologists, and gossip mongers of the day discovered, inferred, and saw with their own eyes to reveal more than what was originally thought. Were they really the cave men they claimed to be? Or was something more sneaky in the mix?

We get super philosophical and hypothesize to the high heavens in this one. Let us know what you think – were the Tasadays a hoax all along or a complicated truth?

Snow White had her seven dwarfs, Philippine folklore has... at least FOUR? Not quite Happy, Bashful or Grumpy, but diffe...
18/09/2023

Snow White had her seven dwarfs, Philippine folklore has... at least FOUR? Not quite Happy, Bashful or Grumpy, but different colored duwende represented different personalities and good or evil intent, as well as how they should or should not be approached.

Learn about the different kinds of duwende and many more in Episode 41: Size Doesn't Matter.

41: SIZE DOESN’T MATTER | The Duwende & Nuno sa Punso - PART 2 (Philippine Dwarfs or Earth Goblins)In this two-part feat...
10/09/2023

41: SIZE DOESN’T MATTER | The Duwende & Nuno sa Punso - PART 2 (Philippine Dwarfs or Earth Goblins)

In this two-part feature, we finally get to cover the much-requested duwende and nuno sa punso, or the dwarfs & earth goblins of Philippine folklore. Known as guardians of the earth and its liminal spaces, their diminutive stature does not take away from the fear & respect they can inspire.

In part two, we go over the manifestations of duwende across the different Philippine regions and cultures, the various color classifications of duwende and how this affects their temperament, as well as a deep dive on the Nuno sa Punso.

Learn about which color of duwende loves kids a little too much, how to get rid of a duwende’s curse, as well as a way to lure and kill a nuno (please DO NOT try this at home).

How can you make a new love last? Our ancestors believed the goddess of the moon might help — by bearing witness to new ...
10/09/2023

How can you make a new love last? Our ancestors believed the goddess of the moon might help — by bearing witness to new lovers pledging themselves to each other during courtship.

Learn about these and other moon beliefs linked with the goddess Mayari in our episode 40: Talking to the Moon. 🌝

40: TALKING TO THE MOON | Mayari, Goddess of the Moon (Tagalog and Kapampangan Mythology)Once in a blue moon, we post ab...
03/09/2023

40: TALKING TO THE MOON | Mayari, Goddess of the Moon (Tagalog and Kapampangan Mythology)

Once in a blue moon, we post about our Filipino Gods and Goddesses.

In this episode, we talk about Mayari, the most beautiful and fierce goddess of the moon, her origins, the legend of why the moon rules the night with a slightly dimmer glow, and why you really can’t trust siblings to fight it out.

Also, learn along with us the colorful, contradictory, and actually logical superstitions and practices that surround the moon in all its forms and how it affects just how plump your coconuts can get (actual coconuts).

🚩🚩🚩🚩🚩You've been warned. Get to know this (aggressively eligible) bachelor in Episode 39: Short Kings.                  ...
29/08/2023

🚩🚩🚩🚩🚩

You've been warned.

Get to know this (aggressively eligible) bachelor in Episode 39: Short Kings.

39: SHORT KINGS | The Duwende & Nuno sa Punso (Philippine Dwarfs or Earth Goblins)We love our short kings.In this two-pa...
27/08/2023

39: SHORT KINGS | The Duwende & Nuno sa Punso (Philippine Dwarfs or Earth Goblins)

We love our short kings.

In this two-part feature, we finally get to cover the much-requested duwende and nuno sa punso, or the dwarfs & earth goblins of Philippine folklore. Known as guardians of the earth and its liminal spaces, their diminutive stature does not take away from the fear & respect they can inspire.

Join us as we cover tales of unwanted courtship, when the best time is to get hot gossip, how J.R.R. Tolkien influenced the correct pluralization of “dwarf,” and what type of food to offer to appease these creatures.

KOZY KWENTO EP 1: How the Crocodile Learned to Hunt | Philippine Folktale RetellingIn this short but sweet first episode...
18/08/2023

KOZY KWENTO EP 1: How the Crocodile
Learned to Hunt | Philippine Folktale Retelling

In this short but sweet first episode of our Kozy Kwento series, learn about how the crocodile learned to hunt (plus a bonus mini-story!).

Note: As this is oral tradition, some details may not be consistent with all the different versions of the tale. If there’s a different version of the story you know, please do share with us!

38: TAAL TALES | The Legends and Stories of Taal, the World’s Smallest Active VolcanoDid you know that the world’s small...
12/08/2023

38: TAAL TALES | The Legends and Stories of Taal, the World’s Smallest Active Volcano

Did you know that the world’s smallest active volcano is found in the heart of the Philippines? Learn about the different myths of Taal Volcano, about its recent volcanic activity, and the many mystical reasons folks flock to view it over and over and over again.

In this shorty, we delve into not just the tales and superstitions around Taal Volcano but we also dive deep into how big a part it has played in our lives, and the lives of those who live around it. In this episode, learn also why you should always be on the lookout for city lights in the plumes of the volcano and why there are absolutely no sleepovers in Taal (Volcano Island, that is).

37: THE DARK HORSE | The Tikbalang: Half-Horse, Half-ManHow did a country with no indigenous horses end up with a mythic...
28/07/2023

37: THE DARK HORSE | The Tikbalang: Half-Horse, Half-Man

How did a country with no indigenous horses end up with a mythical half-man half-horse cryptid as a central character in its mythology? In this episode, we discuss the Tikbalang, one of the major characters in Filipino mythology and horror pop culture. Find out why it is essential to know how to quickly flip your outfit in the middle of the forest, why it is important to practice riding that Bronco machine at your neighborhood bar, and why you should always ask permission every time you pass an ominous-looking tree.

Learn about the fascinating journey of the Tikbalang across the continent to find its unlikely roots in the Philippines and hear semi-modern accounts of people who have witnessed the Tikbalang themselves.

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