In this episode of The Freakin’ Shack, Trina and Steph step into the darker woods of fairy tale history to uncover the unsettling origins of Snow White.

Far from a gentle children’s story, the original tale reveals disturbing themes including maternal cannibalism, the true role of the huntsman, and the harsh, often misunderstood reality of the dwarves. The discussion explores the symbolism of the poisoned apple, the unsettling obsession of the prince, and the brutal punishment of the Queen.

Along the way, Trina and Steph draw thoughtful parallels between this centuries-old story and modern life, touching on beauty standards, control, jealousy, and the complex dynamics of motherhood that still echo today.

This is Snow White as you’ve never heard her before. Darker, stranger, and far more revealing.

*Recorded inside the Shack *Fairy tales, folklore, and the unsettling truths beneath them

If you enjoy dark folklore, twisted fairy tales, and thoughtful paranormal discussion, follow, subscribe (on Youtube) and join us inside the Shack.

You can support us by: • Leaving a rating or review • Subscribing/Following so you never miss an episode • Sharing the podcast with fellow folklore fans • Sending your stories, thoughts, questions, or ideas to: shackpackinbox@gmail.com

Every little bit helps our tiny Shack in the woods reach new listeners.

© Copyright

All narration, and original creative content in The Freakin’ Shack is the intellectual property of the creators. © Petrina & Steph Missons & The Freakin’ Shack, 2026. No reproduction, adaptation, or distribution is permitted without written consent.

Welcome back to The Freakin’ Shack and to our very first episode of 2026! The fire’s crackling, the oak trees are whispering outside… and Mortimer Witherblight has - unbelievably, lost his voice. The silence is positively glorious (don’t tell him we said that).

To launch the new year, we dive into one of the darkest fairy tales ever told: Hansel & Gretel.

But be warned — the origins are grim in every sense. This episode explores: • The historical realities of child abandonment during periods of famine • The disturbing theme of child cannibalism woven into early versions • The often-forgotten context of elderly starvation and why this cruel choice appeared in the tale • How this story shifted over centuries to become the “sweetened,” house-made-of-sweets tale we know today

It’s eerie, it’s fascinating, and it’s definitely one of the bleakest journeys we’ve taken in the Shack — but told with our usual warmth, humour, and just a sprinkle of spooky chaos.

Mort, meanwhile, communicates his outrage through silent dramatic gestures.. He insists his voice will return “when the world is ready once more for my brilliance.” We can’t wait.

How You Can Support the Show

Kick off the new year by helping The Freakin’ Shack grow! You can support us by: • Leaving a rating or review • Subscribing so you never miss an episode • Sharing the podcast with fellow folklore fans • Sending your stories, questions, or ideas to: shackpackinbox@gmail.com

Every little bit helps our tiny Shack in the woods reach new listeners — and it greatly annoys Mort when people love us more than him.

© Copyright

All stories, characters (including Mortimer Witherblight), narration, and original creative content in The Freakin’ Shack are the intellectual property of the creators. © Petrina & Steph Missons & The Freakin’ Shack, 2026. No reproduction, adaptation, or distribution is permitted without written consent.