The Lovecraftian Thing a Day (2018) No.35: Wyrd Signal

I’ve commented previously on my strong prediliction for the podcast medium  - to the extent that listening to podcasts is now my principle leisure activity and mode of media consumption. I live alone (discounting, of course those other spectral presences which haunt Ghooric Zone Towers) and, whilst I am very comfortable with my own company (often preferring it to that of others), the podcasting format seems to lend itself to an intimacy and sense of familiarity, such that listening to various podcasts over the years has made me feel part of a wider community (which this has been something of a lifeline to me during some especially difficult times). Indeed, by its very nature podcasting is a relatively democratic and participatory endeavour, and I certainly have had the opportunity to make many online friends (on occasion meeting them in the flesh) as a consequence of listening to many of the excellent podcasts out there.

In any case, this year’s Lovecraftian Thing a Day means to continue the tradition of highlighting new and unusual podcasts which might be of interest to regular Ghooric Zone readers. To which end, today we take a look at the recently-released first episode of Wyrd Signal, presented by Lucy Brady (who I had the opportunity to meet about a year ago at a Lovecraft-themed meet-up) and Sean Pearce. Whilst hauntological rather than Lovecraftian in its focus, the first episode of Wyrd Signal contains much of interest to fans of Lovecraft, including an analysis of the hauntological aspects of Lovecraft’s work, as well as an extended discussion by the hosts concerning Lovecraftian themes in The Stone Tape and other of Nigeal Kneale’s output (the theme of the first epusode). Whilst very accessible, the presenters also do an excellent job of framing their discussion around key academic elements (by way of Marx and Derrida) of hauntological theory. If you are interested in Lovecraft, hauntology, speculative horror or folk horror, then Wyrd Signal is a stong recommend - join the Facebook group here, subscribe via itunes and other podcatchers, or go and listen to it here - immediately!