Strange Truths & Tall Tales
Podcast
Strange Truths & Tall Tales celebrates the storytelling tradition of Newfoundland, Canada. From true-life feats of bravery to eerie tales of sea monsters and the folklore of mummers, we explore the stories that make this place what it is. Along the way we talk to modern storytellers, artists, and contributors from the world of pop culture to hear their perspectives and the tales that matter to them.
The show is hosted by Robert, a longtime blogger from Gander, NL, who writes about Newfoundland’s culture. He records the podcast from home, with occasional “input” from his two Labrador retrievers, who keep him grounded (well, more often, distracted).
Whether you’re a Newfoundlander yourself or simply curious about the stories of this remarkable place, we invite you to join us. Together, we’ll unravel “the yarns that knit ya” and discover what makes Newfoundland’s tales so powerful, so moving, and so unforgettable.
Have a story to share? Reach out: robert@productofnewfoundland.ca.
S3.E6: Sinking of the SS Caribou (feat. Tyler Humby)
The story of the wartime sinking of the Newfoundland ferry — SS Caribou, and a chat with rising NL folk musician Tyler Humby about his new song — The Caribou.
S3.E5: Mar Falten, Fanny Goff!
From playful Valentine’s traditions to heartbreaking loss, love in Newfoundland is never simple. Some stories fade, but others like ‘Fanny Goff’ — the story of Newfoundland’s most beautiful woman — endure.
S3.E4: The Candlemas Bear
On this February 2nd episode I chat about Candlemas lore an tell the story of a little bear wakes to find his shadow missing. His search leads to a warm home, a wise Grandmother, and a wintery secret.
S3.E3: Tibb’s Eve in Trinity
Pour a mug of hot chocolate (or maybe a glass of Christmas slush) for this tale of Tibb’s Eve in historic Trinity, Newfoundland
S3.E2: Mummers, Music and Hors d’Oeuvres (feat. Tyler Humber of Kitchinparti)
This episode features two tales of mummering from Newfoundland and a lively chat with Tyler Humber of Kitchinparti about their new single Plank’er Down (and our love love of pickles, cheese, and Vienna sausage on a stick!)
S3.E1: Newfoundland Confederation and CODCO (feat. Greg Malone)
In the season 3 premiere of Strange Truths and Tall Tales we look at the day Newfoundland started driving on the right-hand side of the road and chat with Newfoundland legend Greg Malone about CODCO and his upcoming docu-series Don’t Tell the Newfoundlanders.
S2.E9: Restless Corpses (Halloween Special Pt. 3)
In this special Halloween episode of Strange Truths and Tall Tales we explore two tales of corpses who wouldn’t quite rest in peace.
S2.E8: The Black Stag (Halloween Special Pt. 2)
This special Halloween bonus episode shares the stories of three creepy creatures seen in Newfoundland — a spectral stag, a headless dog and the mysterious mudsucker.
S2.E7: The Thunder Growl (Halloween Special Pt. 1)
This special Halloween bonus episode explores the true story of the Thunder Growl — a terrifying visitor that showed up in Elliston, NL some 200 years ago.
S2.E6: The Tale of Mildred Baxter feat. Rosemary Lawton and Kyle Callahan
In this episode I dig into the tale of Harbour Breton folk-hero Mildred Baxter — who sailed the sea in the guise of a man to deal with a cheating fiancé. Rosemary Lawton joins me to discuss ‘Jacket and Trouser’ songs and I have a chat about pop cultural monsters in Newfoundland with artist Kyle Callahan aka ‘The Godzilla Guy.’