The Modern Fairy Sightings Podcast

So lucky I found this podcast. My grandfather was Irish and always talked with reverence — and a little fear — about the fairies. Jo has a lovely gracious way about her too. Wonderful! And wise!

The sweetest reminder of mystery and magic that never fails to bring a smile…and maybe a wee shiver.

The earlier episodes were fantastic. It has been interesting to watch Jo grow as a host. She seems very genuine in her concern for the well-being of her guests and helping the listener to understand these encounters. Unfortunately, things tend to go off the rails when she brings her friends along. One of her guest hosts had to insert some political point about Labour, and her October 25, 2024 interview was terrible. I had to turn it off after 30 minutes of her Druid friend droning on and on about his wretched life. As his friend, I’m sure Jo was interested as she seems to be a very caring person. However, he’s not my friend and I had no interest in his struggles. Did he have an encounter? Who knows. I’m not hanging on for two hours to hear about it. Same goes for the guests who talk about taking psychedelics…automatic shut off. Of course you’re seeing things on mind-scrambling drugs! Overall I’m glad I found her podcast, but I’m afraid it’s time to move on…she’s close to 100 episodes and now everything is starting to feel forced. I wish she would just do a few shows about what to look for in an encounter, encounter etiquette, and maybe just speak on folklore in general…she is a folklore researcher. She has a lovely voice, so maybe just her for a change…but I doubt she reads these reviews. So, adieu Jo…it was a pleasant experience for a while.

I first heard about Jo and her work with modern fairy sightings on a different podcast, and then in a collection of essays, Magical Folk. I immediately wanted to hear what she had to say in podcast form, and when she stared this show I was not disappointed. Her voice is so soothing; so kind… like a meditative sound bath. Her guests have such beautiful stories. Jo is an open-minded interviewer collecting these stories for future generations while simultaneously creating a safe space for those who may feel otherwise ostracized because of their experiences. I’m always excited when a new episode arrives in my feed. You’re wonderful Jo! Remain amazing (and curious too)!