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.

Welcome to The Freakin’ Shack Christmas Special, where festive cheer meets folklore, ghosts, and a few unsettling original stories hiding behind the tinsel.

This week, we swing the twinkly light on the true roots of The Shoemaker and the Elves — a tale far darker than its cosy reputation — before retelling the story itself and asking why so many Christmas classics begin with hardship, fear, and a touch of magic.

We then crack open The Nutcracker, exploring its surprisingly eerie beginnings, its journey through darker themes, and how it eventually transformed into the bright, glittering Christmas ballet we know today.

Along the way, we discuss a fascinating ghost sighting reportedly caught on camera over on the Château de Montmagner YouTube channel — proof, perhaps, that the festive season doesn’t discourage the paranormal… it merely decorates it.

@ChateauDeMontmagner

YouTube Link:

https://youtu.be/LtwME3DRTag?si=27KVjZMLIkiwNrrC

And of course, Mortimer is with us, revealing his favourite thing about Christmas — an explanation that somehow involves sparkly balls and absolutely no dignity.

Pour a drink, pull up a chair, and join us in the Shack for a Christmas episode that’s cosy, curious, and just a little bit creepy.

HOW YOU CAN HELP

If you enjoyed this episode, you can support The Freakin’ Shack by: • Following us, leaving a review or rating on your podcast platform •Sending us your thoughts, stories, or unexplained festive experiences at shackpackinbox@gmail.com •Sharing our episodes with friends who like their stories with a darker twist

Your support keeps the fire lit, the stories flowing, and the baubles… shimmering.

A Polite (but Festive) Christmas Copyright Note

All stories, words, festive ramblings, ghostly observations, and questionable bauble discussions in this Christmas edition of The Freakin’ Shack belong to The Freakin’ Shack (unless we say otherwise).

Please don’t copy, reproduce, rewrap, or sneak them into your own stocking without permission — even if you promise to put a bow on it.

You’re very welcome to share the episode, spread the word, and recommend the Shack far and wide… just don’t lift the content itself. Santa is watching. Probably.

Thank you for supporting independent creators and helping keep the Shack warm, weird, and wonderfully festive.

This week at The Freakin’ Shack, Mortimer Witherblight our resident ghost host is sounding distinctly croaky — though he insists ghosts can’t catch colds… merely “an unfortunate case of the chills!” Between spectral sniffles and our laughter, the team explore the timeless magic of the number three.

From the darker origins of The Three Little Pigs, to the troll-troubled Billy Goats Gruff, to the surprising early versions of Goldilocks and the Three Bears, we look at why trios keep appearing in folklore — and why stories built around “three” feel so satisfying and use the Goldilocks principle of being - ‘Just Right’

How You Can Support the Show

If you enjoy our spooky storytelling, chaotic giggles, and the occasional complaining ghost, you can help the Shack grow by doing these few things: • ⭐Please Rate and review the podcast on your platform of choice • 🔔 Subscribe so you never miss an episode (its free) • 👻 Share the show with friends who love myths, mysteries, and mischief • 📨 Send us your stories, questions, or episode ideas via email:

shackpackinbox@gmail.com

Your support genuinely helps us reach more listeners — and it absolutely delights Mort (although he’ll never admit it).

© Copyright

All content in The Freakin’ Shack podcast — including original stories, characters (such as Mortimer Witherblight), dialogue, and original creative material — is the intellectual property of the creators. © Petrina & Stephanie Missons & The Freakin’ Shack, 2025. Unauthorized reproduction, distribution, or adaptation is not permitted without written consent

In this second dive into the world of childhood rhymes, we wander even deeper into the shadows behind the songs we grew up singing. This week we chat about the grim origins of Three Blind Mice, the mysteries of Lucy Locket, the plague-tinged whispers in Ring a Roses, and the very strange history behind London Bridge — including why it kept “falling down”… or being sold to the highest bidder.

Of course, it wouldn’t be The Freakin’ Shack without utter hilarity when Petrina attempts to discuss curtsies and gentlemanly bows.. The discussion quickly spirals into an unfortunate mention of “bow - movements”… as you can imagine, from that moment onward, the episode never quite recovers.

Expect conversation, information, laughter, folklore and Mort's deep disappointment in humanity.

Pull up a chair, here in the Shack — things are about to get delightfully ridiculous.

Help Support The Freakin’ Shack

Help the Shack grow by: • Liking, subscribing, and leaving a review • Sharing the episode with your spooky-loving friends • Sending your stories, questions, cursed objects, or weird encounters to: shackpackinbox@gmail.com • Following us on socials for a behind-the-scenes peek and Mortimer’s unsolicited complaints

Every share helps more people find our cosy Shack.

© Copyright & Credits

The Freakin’ Shack Podcast All content © Petrina Missons & Stephanie Missons — 2025. Stories, discussions, format, and original characters (including Mortimer ‘Mort’ Witherblight) are the creative property of The Freakin’ Shack.

Unauthorized reproduction or distribution of this content is prohibited. Music, sound effects, and images are used under appropriate licences or originally created for the show.

In this first episode of our new season, we swing the light on the nostalgic rhymes we all thought were oh so innocent. From the “choppy, choppy” ending of Oranges & Lemons, to the suspicious little tumble in Jack and Jill, to the surprising truth lurking behind Baa Baa Black Sheep—these childhood favourites carry stories far darker than the playground ever let on.

Join us in the Shack as we explore forgotten histories, curious theories, and the uneasy moments when nostalgia meets nightmare. Expect laughter, a little confusion with Steph’s notes… (not a surprise), a few atmospheric chills, and of course, Mort chiming in with his withering commentary.

How to Support Us at The Shack

If you enjoy the episode, you can help the Shack grow by: • Liking, subscribing, and leaving a review on your podcast platform • Sharing the episode with fellow paranormal and folklore lovers • Sending your stories, cursed objects, questions, and weird encounters to: shackpackinbox@gmail.com • Following us on our social platforms for behind-the-scenes chaos, Steph’s advent calendar obsessions, and Mort’s unsolicited opinions • Joining the Shack Pack — every share or comment helps others find our cosy little corner of the strange

© Copyright & Credits

The Freakin’ Shack Podcast All content © Petrina Missons & Stephanie Missons — 2025. Stories, discussions, format, and original characters (including Mortimer ‘Mort’ Witherblight) are the creative property of The Freakin’ Shack.

Unauthorized reproduction, distribution, or use of this audio or any associated content is prohibited without written permission.

Music, sound effects, and images are used under appropriate licenses or original and created for the show.