What do fairy tales really tell us—and what happens when someone insists the fairies were real?On this episode of Cozy and Strange, we wander through the darker woods of folklore, from Goethe’s haunting Elf King to the strange history of fairy photographs and the hidden meanings tucked inside familiar stories. Along the way, we explore the work of Jacques Vallée and the unsettling territory where folklore, personal experience, and the unexplained overlap.Come for the fairies. Stay for the weird questions they leave behind.Books mentioned in this episode:Lady Cottington's Pressed Fairy Book (apparently this has become quite a collectible. Who knew?)https://www.amazon.com/Lady-Cottingto...The Forgotten Language: An Introduction to the Understanding of Dreams, Fairy Tales, and Myths by Erich FrommPassport to Magonia by Jacques ValleeSongs in this episode:Bikini Kill -- Rebel GirlThe Alley Singers -- Yes, We Have No BananasLouis Prima and his Orchestra -- Yes, We Have No Bananas

In 2012, a nurse and a CPS caseworker watched something they couldn't explain, and then they had to write it up in an official government report.

This week, Aaron walks Jessica through one of the most documented demon cases in modern history: a single mom, her mother, and three kids move into a rental house in Gary, Indiana. Within weeks, the strange happenings start, and they don't slow down. Police, doctors, clergy, and child services all get pulled in, and nobody walks away with an easy answer.

Aaron had to stop researching this one at night. You may want to listen with the lights on.

⚠️ Content warning: discussion of suicide and situations involving children.

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In part two of this two-part episode, hosts Aaron and Jessica dive into the psychology behind why people fall into conspiracy theories.

Exploring the inner workings of the human brain—from natural survival mechanisms and pattern recognition to confirmation bias, proportional bias, and cognitive dissonance—they examine how everyday psychological processes shape our beliefs, identities, and worldviews.

They also unpack real-world examples, including anti-vaccine perspectives, historical events, and distrust in public institutions, while offering practical insights on how to navigate these conversations with curiosity and empathy.