Citegeist
The podcast that puts the "ahh!" in bibliography
Citegeist explores the paranormal through an archival lens. Each episode begins with a ghost story as it’s typically told, and then we dive into the archive for a ghoulish gossip sesh, examining historical and archival resources to learn what really happened. You'll find that oftentimes, the real history is stranger, and scarier, than ghosts.
New episodes drop every two weeks. Subscribe now and I’ll see you in the stacks!

So happy
I am so happy this podcast is back! I loved the first iteration and I can’t wait to hear what’s in store in this new launch. Thank you!
My New Fave!
I’m so happy that this podcast was recommended to me! I started bingeing last week and I’m almost caught up. It’s so fun & spooky. Keep them coming!!
Nails It!
I LOVE ghost stories and urban legends. Mainly because they’re fun but they also gives us insights to the local history. I love that Josh researches the origins and true facts of the events that sparked the stories. To me it adds a fullness and completeness to them. Love love love it!
Definitely a podcast to try out!
I’ve just discovered this podcast and I must say it’s excellent. I’m really enjoying the format with the folktale/mythology/urban legend but up front and then the historical deep dive afterwards. I’ve been listening to podcasts for several years now (though on Overcast, not iTunes) and this is the first that I’ve really wanted to come and rate. If you like folktales or true mystery stuff, this will be a great podcast for you. Other podcasts that I enjoy are Aaron Mahnke’s Lore and Cabinet of Curiosities. If you like these kinds, definitely check this one. I’ll definitely be following Crimes and Witch-demeanors with interest and looking forward to each episode
Fascinating and addictive
Crimes and Witch Demeanors is a fascinating podcast full of historic scandals, murder, spectral presences and twists and turns narrated by an informed, modern, fair and sassy NYC Librarian, Joshua Spellman. If you enjoy listening to true crime stories and learning about well known (and some lesser known) people/places throughout history with a touch of scandal and the paranormal you will love this podcast!
New Fav
LOVE this podcast. Josh is such a good host, and I love his personable and conversational manner. The research and archival aspect to the show sets it apart from other true crime/ ghost story podcasts. And I really like the way he casually sprinkles in social justice issues- a good use of a platform!
Spellman is sublime!
Thoroughly researched. Sources are cited. Voice is sultry. Just a treat to listen to. Mr. Spellman is sublime and his voice is sultry. ✨
Your next binge worthy podcast
The host Josh does a fantastic job at articulating details of folklore and gives factual historical information to back up or debunk these tales. This podcast is fun, intriguing and informative. Perfect for the spooky lovers, true crime obsessed & history buffs.
I love this podcast!
The host is delightful, and the second part of each episode where he uses newspaper archives, census records and various other library resources to piece together the probable truth behind the stories is really, really interesting.

About the Host
Joshua Spellman
Librarian and archivist Joshua Spellman delves into the archive to investigate your favourite ghost stories.
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Popular Episodes
The Gilded Ghosts of Santa Cruz's Golden Gate Villa
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Ocean-Born Mary & the Pirate’s Curse: Digging Up the Truth
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The Princess & the Plantation: Anna Madgigine Jai and the Ghosts of Kingsley Plantation
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The Crescent Hotel: America’s Most Haunted Hotel — The “Castle in the Air”
Perched high above Eureka Springs, Arkansas, the Crescent Hotel is marketed as A...
The Boy Beneath the Ice: Holiday Haunts at Ricketts Glen State Park
In the Holiday Special, The Boy Beneath the Ice, the podcast investigates a Chri...
Unveiling the Ghost Who Haunted Joan Rivers: Mrs. Spencer
Joan Rivers often joked that her New York apartment was haunted by a ghost she c...
The Legend of Pigman's Road
Join me in uncovering the truth behind the legend of Angola's Pigman. This half-...
The Iroquois Theatre Fire & the Ghosts of Death Alley
On this premiere episode of Citegeist, we uncover the tragic history behind Chic...
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Fascinating & Addictive
If you enjoy listening to true crime stories and learning about well known (and some lesser known) people/places throughout history with a touch of scandal and the paranormal you will love this podcast!
Matthew Love


