In this week’s episode, I finally got to sit down with the one and only Cory Hutcheson, folklorist, author, podcaster, and all-around magical human. After six months of scheduling chaos (on both our ends), we made it happen. And let me tell you, this conversation was absolutely worth the wait.
Cory is the author of New World Witchery and North American Folk Magic, two essential reads if you’re even a little curious about the everyday magic woven into our lives. Whether you’re a seasoned practitioner or just dipping your toes into folk traditions, Cory’s work offers both scholarship and spirit, literally.
What We Covered:
- The roots of folk magic: We broke down what folk magic actually is (hint: it’s not all curses and cauldrons, think charm for a nosebleed or a red thread for protection).
- The magic of community: Folk magic thrives in shared spaces. Whether you’re a solitary practitioner or part of a group, the power of tradition is often shaped by the people around us.
- UPG vs. VPG: Unverified personal gnosis (UPG) can become verified through shared experience. If everyone’s getting the same download? That’s lore in the making.
- Folk magic in the digital age: From TikTok to podcasts to spiritual playlists on Spotify, modern practitioners keep tradition alive and adapt it to fit our tech-saturated world.
- The ethics of learning and borrowing: We talked about where curiosity ends and appropriation begins. Spoiler: Learning from other cultures is okay, but respect and reverence are key.
- Saints, spirits, and the algorithm: Yes, we went there. Cory and I explored how modern magical folk are redefining divinity, including the AI-driven “algorithm” as a mysterious force of its own.
Real Magic in Real Life
One of my favorite parts of the chat was when Cory shared the story of a deer guiding him through the forest after a spirit-working request. I also threw in my own tale about a disembodied laugh, a disappearing bug, and the spooky overlap between digital seance and real-world woods. Magic is weird. But it’s also wondrous.
Why Folk Magic Matters
As we wrapped up, we reflected on how folk traditions preserve endangered practices, keep our ancestors close, and connect us across generations and cultures. And honestly? That’s why we do this. That’s why this podcast exists.
So, if you’re curious about folk magic, folklore, and the beauty of everyday enchantment, this episode is for you.
Join the Community:
Grab Cory’s books: New World Witchery and North American Folk Magic
Learn more at newworldwitchery.com
Want to keep the conversation going? Come hang out with us in the Raven’s Nook on Discord.