Lore: Deeper Lore 293 (Episodes 84, 116, & 172)

Host: Aaron Mahnke
Release Date: November 20, 2025
Theme:
Exploring the connections between the newest Lore episode, "Mother Knows Best," and three previous episodes that delve into the history of individuals whose charisma and supposed paranormal gifts inspired cult-like followings and tragedy. Aaron Mahnke guides listeners in curating their own expanded, thematic Lore playlist, offering deeper context to the latest deep dive into Britain’s famed prophetess, Mother Shipton.

Overview

In this bonus installment of the Deeper Lore series, Aaron Mahnke provides a “topical guide” to accompany episode 293, centering on Mother Shipton—a legendary figure in British folklore. Through this companion episode, Mahnke invites listeners to look back at prior episodes of Lore featuring similarly enigmatic and influential characters: The Eddy family of Vermont (ep 84), Linda Hazard (ep 116), and destructive cult leaders (ep 172). Each recommendation expands thematically on the dangers and allure of spiritualism, cults, and the long shadows cast by charismatic leaders.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. The Purpose of Deeper Lore

• Mahnke highlights the podcast’s longevity and the breadth of its archive, which contains “over 350 episodes, each one containing multiple stories, characters, events, and creatures.”
• The aim of Deeper Lore is to assist listeners in navigating this large back catalog, making connections and recommendations so that “many of these new episodes just feel more complete when you can follow them up by listening to others that fit them.”
• He likens the process to “pairing a fine wine with the right food” (01:00), underscoring the curatorial aspect—a hallmark of Lore’s storytelling style.

2. Building on the Latest Episode: Mother Shipton (Ep 293)

• Mahnke introduces the week’s main episode featuring “one famous British folk figure, Mother Shipton. Her story is incredible and the legends are even better.”
• He draws a line from Shipton’s legendary prophetic gifts to other, real-life figures who've commanded fervent followings—sometimes with dire results.

3. Recommended Past Episodes

Episode 84: "A Family Affair"

• Focuses on the Vermont-based Eddy family, “a team of spiritualist mediums who seemed to be able to do unbelievable things.”
• Their home became a Mecca for spiritualist believers; “[t]heir business brought in hundreds of people, all eager to get a glimpse of the impossible” (01:40).
• Recommended for listeners interested in the intersection of the supernatural and showmanship.

Episode 116: "Something Blue"

• An exploration of “Linda Hazard,” whose “diet-based cult ruined many lives and did so in the most horrific way possible” (02:00).
• Mahnke points to the dark side of charismatic health gurus and the manipulation of vulnerable followers.
• Underscored by the chilling reminder: “Not all cult leaders are benign.”

Episode 172: "Under the Influence"

• “The story in this episode is terrifying to listen to, mostly because you can see the train wreck from a mile away. And yet the people in the story seem to be rushing headlong into it” (02:20).
• Examines how cults “can destroy families and lives”—a continuation of the episode’s cautionary thread on misplaced trust in authority.

4. Guiding the Listener Experience

• Mahnke suggests these previous episodes as natural "pairings" that “should pair up nicely with this week’s new one” (01:20).
• Directs listeners to access episodes through their podcast apps or the episode description.

Notable Quotes and Memorable Moments

• On Lore’s Scope:
  “After 10 years, we’ve managed to write and publish over 350 episodes, each one containing multiple stories, characters, events, and creatures. It’s a lot to try and remember, which is why the Lore team and I have a massive spreadsheet with keywords to help us keep it all straight.”
  [00:35] — Aaron Mahnke

• On Deeper Lore’s Purpose:
  “Like pairing a fine wine with the right food, many of these new episodes just feel more complete when you can follow them up by listening to others that fit them.”
  [01:00] — Aaron Mahnke

• On the Eddy Family:
  “Their business brought in hundreds of people, all eager to get a glimpse of the impossible.”
  [01:40] — Aaron Mahnke

• On Linda Hazard:
  “Her diet-based cult ruined many lives and did so in the most horrific way possible.”
  [02:00] — Aaron Mahnke

• On Cult Tragedies:
  “The story in this episode is terrifying to listen to, mostly because you can see the train wreck from a mile away. And yet the people in the story seem to be rushing headlong into it.”
  [02:20] — Aaron Mahnke

• Closing Note:
  “And there you go. Follow up this week’s brand new episode with a trip into the past. Episodes 84, 116, and 172 are waiting for you in the podcast feed.”
  [02:40] — Aaron Mahnke

• Signature Sign-Off:
  “And until next time, stay spooky.”
  [02:45] — Aaron Mahnke

Timestamps for Important Segments

• [00:20] — The purpose of Deeper Lore and the reasoning for themed episode follow-ups
• [01:30] — Introduction of episode 293, “Mother Knows Best,” and its focus on Mother Shipton
• [01:40] — Episode 84: The Eddy family and spiritualism in Vermont
• [02:00] — Episode 116: Linda Hazard and the dark side of alternative health cults
• [02:20] — Episode 172: The inevitability of tragedy within destructive cults
• [02:40] — Invitation to explore the recommended episodes and sign-off

Conclusion

Aaron Mahnke’s Deeper Lore bonus episodes artfully extend the life and context of each week’s main show, encouraging listeners to dig into the past for new connections and cautionary tales. This installment links the legend of Mother Shipton to everyday warnings about the powerful draw—and sometimes devastating fallout—of those who claim supernatural insight or authority. If supernatural history, cults, and the cost of belief intrigue you, this thoughtful curation from Mahnke is well worth your time.