The Alchemist and the Academic

By: Becca Fanali and Kurt Braddock
  • Summary

  • On one side of the table, with a vodka soda (extra lemon), sits an acupuncturist, tarot reader, and Wiccan -- alchemist Becca Fanali. On the other side of the table, with a peaty scotch (served neat), sits a college professor, social scientist, and agnostic -- academic Kurt Braddock. Becca and Kurt have been the best of friends for many years. And for many years, Becca and Kurt have shared spirited debates, arguments, disavowals, skeptical looks, sarcastic eye rolls, and yes... happy hours.

    Becca believes in the spiritual world and the shared nature of everything. Kurt believes in his five senses and what he can measure with a valid instrument.

    Becca insists that Kurt should consider the miraculous nature of things. Kurt insists that Becca consider the scientific method.

    In this new podcast, The Alchemist and the Academic, join Becca and Kurt as they have these discussions. Becca will explain phenomena in terms of the fantastic and supernatural. Kurt will furrow his brow and try to explain them scientifically. Listen as Becca drops knowledge on Kurt... and whether Kurt is convinced at that knowledge.

    Episodes are dropped regularly, and organized into themes, including:

    • The occult
    • Pagan holidays
    • The supernatural
    • Witchcraft rituals
    • Non-Western medicine
    • ...and so on.

    Join The Alchemist and the Academic! At the very least, we're good drinking company.

    All Rights Reserved by Becca Fanali and Kurt Braddock 2025
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Episodes
  • Episode 101: Yule
    Dec 21 2024

    Have you ever thought about why we put gifts for loved ones under a pine tree? Have you ever thought about why we bring a pine tree into our houses? Have you ever thought about why a jolly, white-bearded man who lives in nature gives us those gifts? Our Academic has. And our Alchemist has answers.

    Join us as Becca explains how our Christmas traditions have emerged, and why they are more ingrained in us than we even know.

    On this episode, Becca teaches Kurt about the Pagan holiday of Yule, and how it relates to its Christian descendant, Christmas.

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    42 mins
  • Episode 100: Meet Your Alchemist and Academic
    Dec 14 2024

    This episode is an introduction to your Alchemist, Rebecca Fanali, and your academic, Kurt Braddock. We don't start arguing quiiiiiiite yet, but that's coming soon. Here, just meet us as your trust co-hosts, and how we come to understand the things around us.

    Yes, we have drinks for the intro as well.

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    14 mins

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