Podcast Summary: So Supernatural – Episode “LEGEND: Baba Yaga”

Introduction to Baba Yaga In the July 18, 2025 episode of So Supernatural titled “LEGEND: Baba Yaga,” host Ashley Flowers delves deep into the enigmatic figure of Baba Yaga, a cornerstone of Slavic folklore. Flowers introduces Baba Yaga as more than just a wicked witch from fairy tales, suggesting that her legends may have roots in reality. She sets the stage by contrasting Baba Yaga with familiar fictional witches, highlighting her unique place in supernatural lore.

Comparing Baba Yaga to Western Fairy Tale Witches Ashley Flowers begins by reminiscing about traditional fairy tales and Disney movies, expressing a childhood fear of witches. She states, “[...] she can make me say, you know what? Maybe I'm good without the Prince Charming” ([01:59]). This sentiment leads into a discussion of Baba Yaga, whom Flowers describes as the quintessential Slavic witch—an ogre-like figure known for both malevolence and assistance, depending on how she is treated.

The Dual Nature of Baba Yaga Flowers explains that Baba Yaga is depicted as a trickster and an ogre who can fry and eat children, yet she can also serve as a helpful guide if approached respectfully. She remarks, “[...] stories about her might actually be grounded in reality” ([02:01]). This duality is further explored through the legendary tale of “Vasilisa the Beautiful,” where Baba Yaga plays a pivotal role in the protagonist’s journey.

Deep Dive into Slavic Folklore: “Vasilisa the Beautiful” Co-hosts Yvette Gentile and Racha Pecorero take the listeners through the dark and intricate narrative of “Vasilisa the Beautiful.” They outline Vasilisa's early life, marked by her mother’s death and her oppressive stepmother and stepsisters. The magical doll given by her mother becomes Vasilisa’s ally, reminiscent of Cinderella’s fairy godmother, but with a more sinister twist.

Racha notes, “This sounds a lot like Cinderella. Well, it turns out Cinderella is inspired by this story. Only this one gets way darker than any Disney movie I've seen” ([10:46]). The story culminates in Vasilisa’s encounter with Baba Yaga, where she is tasked with impossible chores that only her magical doll can accomplish. Ultimately, Baba Yaga grants Vasilisa the fire she seeks, leading to the demise of her abusive family and a seemingly happy ending with Vasilisa marrying the king.

Baba Yaga: Beyond Good and Evil The hosts discuss Baba Yaga’s complex morality. While she aids Vasilisa, she also causes destruction, leading to the conclusion that Baba Yaga embodies both good and evil traits. Racha summarizes, “She’s both and neither. [...] she represents inevitability. You can’t escape death or destruction, but you're guaranteed to get rebirth and renewal afterward” ([41:11]). This ambiguity makes Baba Yaga a symbol of the inevitable cycles of life and death, rather than a straightforward villain.

Baba Yaga in Modern Contexts: Feminist Symbolism and Wiccan Worship The conversation shifts to Baba Yaga’s adoption as a symbol of female power in modern feminist movements. Racha states, “They see her as someone who won't let anyone tell them what to do, especially not men” ([21:18]). This interpretation highlights her as a figure of autonomy and solidarity among women.

Furthermore, the episode explores Baba Yaga’s role within Wiccan practices. Yvette explains, “Many Wiccans believe there's just one powerful goddess, but she can appear in many different forms. Specifically, she takes the forms of other goddesses, including Baba Yaga” ([24:44]). This belief system integrates Baba Yaga as an aspect of a greater divine feminine, blending ancient Slavic traditions with contemporary spiritual practices.

Case Study: Jack Chanock’s Encounter with Baba Yaga A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to the real-life account of Jack Chanock, a published author and Wiccan practitioner who claims to have encountered Baba Yaga in a meditative state. Jack describes his first vision of Baba Yaga as, “[...] an old woman with teeth made of rusty iron” ([25:32]). Initially seeking comfort amidst global turmoil, Jack is met with Baba Yaga’s stark message about the inevitability of death and decay.

Despite his reservations, Jack enters into a pact with Baba Yaga, agreeing to worship her in exchange for enlightenment. This relationship becomes strained as Baba Yaga’s teachings encourage acceptance of life’s dark aspects, leading Jack to question his moral compass. A pivotal moment occurs when Jack loses his skull ring—a symbol of his bond with Baba Yaga—multiple times, which he interprets as a sign of her disapproval. Ultimately, faced with a tarot reading indicating Baba Yaga’s willingness to release him from their pact, Jack struggles between loyalty and his discomfort with her teachings.

Racha recounts, “Baba Yaga isn’t willing to see him or talk to him for the time being. So he just moves on” ([39:33]). Jack decides to discontinue his worship, yet Baba Yaga ominously tells him, “when it is time for you to know death again” ([38:17]), leaving his fate uncertain.

Interpreting Baba Yaga’s True Nature The episode concludes with a reflection on Baba Yaga’s essence. Flowers and the co-hosts emphasize that Baba Yaga cannot be neatly categorized as purely good or evil. Instead, she embodies the complexities and contradictions inherent in nature and existence. Racha aptly summarizes, “You can just accept the world as it is, warts and all” ([41:11]), suggesting that Baba Yaga represents the balance between creation and destruction, offering a mirror to the dualities within human nature and the natural world.

Conclusion “So Supernatural”’s episode on Baba Yaga offers a comprehensive exploration of this legendary figure, blending folklore, modern interpretations, and personal accounts to present a multifaceted portrait. Through the story of Vasilisa and Jack Chanock’s experiences, the episode underscores Baba Yaga’s role as a symbol of both danger and guidance, reflecting the inherent complexities of life itself.

Notable Quotes:

• Ashley Flowers on avoiding Prince Charming: “[...] maybe I'm good without the Prince Charming” ([01:59]).
• Racha on Baba Yaga’s duality: “She represents inevitability. You can’t escape death or destruction, but you're guaranteed to get rebirth and renewal afterward” ([41:11]).
• Yvette on modern feminist symbolism: “They see her as someone who won't let anyone tell them what to do, especially not men” ([21:18]).
• Jack Chanock recounts Baba Yaga’s message: “when it is time for you to know death again” ([38:17]).

This episode of So Supernatural skillfully navigates the rich tapestry of Baba Yaga’s lore, offering listeners both historical context and contemporary relevance, all while maintaining a gripping narrative that bridges the mystical and the real.