About
Meet your host:
Joshua Spellman, MSLIS
Joshua Spellman is the creator and host of Citegeist (formerly Crimes & Witch-Demeanors). By day, he works as an archivist and librarian specializing in digital and special collections, primarily within museum libraries.
He holds a degree in anthropology and a master’s in information science from Pratt Institute. When he’s not buried in archives or untangling the truth behind ghost stories, Joshua runs Aromatheá, a budding lifestyle brand inspired by myth and magic.
About Citegeist
Citegeist isn’t your typical paranormal podcast. Every episode, we dig into ghost stories, historic true crimes, folklore, and legends — all through a critical, archival lens.
Here, we put the “ahh!” in bibliography and look for the truth behind our favorite tall tales. Each episode begins with a story as it’s usually told and then we head to the archives and have a ghoulish gossip sesh where we examine historic and archival resources to learn what really happened and read first hand encounters of ghosts, goblins, and ghouls.
We cover everything from local legends, historic true crimes, cryptids, aliens, and anything out of the ordinary — if it’s weird and you want it? We’ve got it covered!
Subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts… and let’s get spooky.
Thoroughly researched. Sources are cited. Just a treat to listen to. Mr. Spellman is sublime and his voice is sultry.
Andjello
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Recent Episodes
Check out the latest episodes of Citegeist!
The Gilded Ghosts of Santa Cruz's Golden Gate Villa
Golden Gate Villa is said to be cursed, haunted, and steeped in violence. The the story goes that a man who was in love with his step-daughter and murdered her and committed suicide when he couldn't have her for himself...but what does the historic record actually say? In this episode, we look into ...
Pluckley, Kent: Britain's Most Haunted? Or Most Hyped?
Pluckley, Kent, has long claimed the title of “most haunted village in Britain,” even earning a spot in the 1989 Guinness Book of World Records. With at least a dozen named ghosts, including the Red Lady of St. Nicholas Church, the White Lady, the Watercress Woman, the highwayman...the list goes on....
Ocean-Born Mary & the Pirate’s Curse: Digging Up the Truth
Ocean-Born Mary is one of New England’s most enduring ghost stories and folk tales about a child born at sea, pirates, and long lost pirate's treasure. In this episode of Citegeist , we trace the legend back to its earliest sources and follow how a real, historical figure named Mary Wallace was tran...
Reviews
What the people say about us
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!