The Midnight Seminar

Tara & Doug
  • 5.0 (8)
  • Philosophy

Join Tara, a historian, and Doug, a philosopher, as they dive into the dark corners of culture, horror, folklore, and all things spooky. Blending sharp historical insight with deep philosophical curiosity, Tara and Doug unravel the stories, fears, and ideas that haunt us.

  1. Jun 2

    Third Man Syndrome (Part 1)

    In this first part, Tara tells Doug about a strange phenomenon colloquially called "Third Man Syndrome," in which experiencers sense a helpful presence at their side in extreme survival scenarios. The presence helps them out of trouble and then vanishes as quickly as it came. You might not see it or hear it, but you'll feel it. But is it real?   Tara and Doug use a few stories of so-called "Third Men" to open up questions about the nature of reality and the power of the human mind. Part 2 will introduce the leading scientific theories about what causes this high-stakes imaginary friend to visit in the most desperate circumstances...   Sources: The Waste Land by T.S. Eliot  Endurance: Shackleton's Incredible Voyage by Alfred Lansing South: The Endurance Expedition by Ernest Shackleton The Varieties of Religious Experience by William James Camp Six: The 1933 Everest Expedition by Frank Smythe Touching the Void: The True Story of One Man's Miraculous Survival by Joe Simpson The Third Man Factor: Surviving the Impossible by John Geiger  "Third Man Syndrome," EBSCO: https://www.ebsco.com/research-starters/psychology/third-man-syndrome    This site reproduces many of the pictures from the Shackleton Expedition: https://www.coolantarctica.com/Antarctica%20fact%20file/History/Ernest_Shackleton_pictures.php

    1h 27m

  2. Apr 27

    Killer Plants (Part 2)

    To the Cold War and beyond! In Part 2, Doug and Tara cover the iconic plant monsters of the midcentury and ponder the meaning of the plant-human hybrid trope, what it's like to be a plant, and what might be coming next in plant horror.   Sources:   T. S. Miller, “Lives of the Monster Plants: The Revenge of the Vegetable in the Age of Animal Studies,” The Journal of the Fantastic in the Arts 23.3 (2012): 460-479.   Victoria Brown, "The Roots of Evil: Botanical Horror" at https://www.thefrightclubni.com/post/the-roots-of-evil-botanical-horror    Peter V. Minorsky "The 'Plant Neurobiology' Revolution" at https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11085955/#abstract1

    1h 24m

  3. Apr 17

    Killer Plants (Part 1)

    Your hosts start discussing killer plants in mythology, history, and popular culture. Part 1 covers the roots (literal and figurative) of the genre of "botanical horror" as it developed from ancient times through the nineteenth century. There's much to ponder about the possibilities, perils, and power of plants! Part 2 will pick up with the iconic Cold War literary and silver screen plant monsters.    References:  The Secret Life of Plants by Peter Tompkins and Christopher Bird The Occult, Witchcraft & Magic: An Illustrated History by Christopher Dell A History of Magic, Witchcraft & the Occult by Suzannah Lipscomb, Sophie Page, Thomas Cussans, John Farndon, Ann Kay, and Philip Parker Library of Congress Blogs: Green Man (https://blogs.loc.gov/folklife/category/green-man/?loclr=blogflt)  The History of the Great Irish Famine of 1847, with Notices of Earlier Irish Famines by the Rev. John O'Rourke, P.P., M.R.I.A. (https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/14412)

    1h 34m

  4. Apr 2

    Caves: Spooks, Survival, and Science

    Doug is out but will return soon; Tara is instead joined by her awesome friend Jesse, who knows all about caves. They discuss what makes caves creepy for loads of people, from mummified bats and myths of monsters who lurk in the dark to the realities of complicated rescue missions. They also talk about why caves should be appreciated and respected as places of awe and wonder, inspired science, and longstanding cultural importance. Don't listen to this one in a cramped, dark space (or do)! Resource: https://nckri.org/caves/ (National Cave and Karst Research Institute)

    1h 35m

  5. Mar 5

    Cannibalism

    This time, Tara and Doug talk about cannibalism. It's a topic filled with myth and misunderstanding, but there are important lessons along the way. The meandering conversation covers ritual cannibalism, so-called medicinal cannibalism, survival cannibalism, criminal cannibalism, and what might be considered "curious" cannibalism, plus gray areas you probably haven't pondered.    References: Books: Cannibalism: A Perfectly Natural History by Bill Schutt In the Heart of the Sea: The Tragedy of the Whaleship Essex by Nathaniel Philbrick Alive: The Story of the Andes Survivors by Piers Paul Read Miracle in the Andes: 72 Days on the Mountain and My Long Trek Home by Nando Parrado (with Vince Rause)   Podcast: You're Wrong About (with host Sarah Marshall): Flight 571: Survival in the Andes with Blair Braverman

    1h 37m

  6. Feb 26

    BONUS: Which Is Scarier?

    Join Tara and Doug for a game of "Which Is Scarier?" Highlights include Doug's diatribe on snakes and Tara's admission of donating a potentially haunted doll. Play along for maximum enjoyment!

    49 min

  7. Jan 25

    BONUS: More On Ghosts

    Doug is sick and January is weird, so please enjoy this stitched-together bonus episode made from some odds and ends from your hosts' recent conversations about ghosts! Tara walks you through clips from the cutting room floor that will give you more to think about when it comes to imagining and encountering departed spirits over time...   We'll be back with a regular episode soon!

    50 min

  8. 12/20/2025

    Christmas Ghosts (Part 2)

    In Part 2, Tara tells Doug about the history of holiday "ghost panics," public ghost sightings that had revelers out and about, hunting ghosts with clubs and rifles. Your two hosts play the role of reporter and even share some pranky histories of their own. Doug teaches everyone a thing or two about attracting apparitions.   Happy Holidays from the Midnight Seminar!    References:   History's Haunted Headlines: Hauntings and Ghostly Encounters Throughout the United States as Reported in American Newspapers, Volumes 1 and 3 by Adam Shefts   Phantoms of Christmas Past: Festive Ghosts Hoaxes, Ghost Hunts and Ghost Panics by Paul Weatherhead

    1h 26m
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
8 Ratings

About

Join Tara, a historian, and Doug, a philosopher, as they dive into the dark corners of culture, horror, folklore, and all things spooky. Blending sharp historical insight with deep philosophical curiosity, Tara and Doug unravel the stories, fears, and ideas that haunt us.

Information

  • Creator
    Tara & Doug
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    13
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2025 All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    The Midnight Seminar