Best Matthew Castle Podcasts (2025)

1
The Bronze Ring 26:27

19h ago26:27

26:27

In this first episode in what we have been calling our "Fairy Book Project," Martin tells The Bronze Ring - a story about the nature of nobility, talking mice, evil sorcerers, and why you should always be nice to old ladies... If you are unfamiliar with the Lang Fairy Tales, these seminal collections were assembled between 1889 and 1913 by a marrie…

1
Local Legends #37: Pete Castle 59:29

3d ago59:29

59:29

On this week's episode of Local Legends, Martin is joined by folk musician, editor of Facts & Fiction magazine, and author of books including Derbyshire Folk Tales, Pete Castle. If you’re part of the storytelling world then you will likely know of Pete already. Likewise, if you are an English folk musician, as, after a career spanning almost 50 yea…

1
What We've Been Playing (Blue Prince, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, Promise Mascot Agency, Tempest Rising) 1:50:42

4d ago1:50:42

1:50:42

It's catch-up time, as a spring wave of fantastic games hit at once! All of the above, plus Bionic Bay and some Metroid series chatter. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

1
Magus #3: Giordano Bruno 1:33:34

5d ago1:33:34

1:33:34

On this month's episode of Magus we are travelling all about Renaissance Europe and up through the layers of the heavens to undertake divine revelations into the life, times, and accomplishments of Giordano Bruno! From Bruno's early life as a Dominican priest, forced to flee one of six popes he thoroughly annoyed, right up to his horrid execution i…

1
All Aliens All April - The Ariel School Encounter 48:08

6d ago48:08

48:08

👽 In 1994, on a dusty playground in Ruwa, Zimbabwe, sixty schoolchildren witnessed something that would change their lives forever. They said it wasn’t just a light in the sky. It wasn’t just a flying craft. It was beings—with large eyes and a message for humanity. Thirty years later, their stories haven’t changed… but the world still isn’t sure wh…

1
Episode 334: Cyclades, Artisans of Splendent Vale, Finspan 1:05:25

7d ago1:05:25

1:05:25

This week, Joe, Jules and Lauren tuck into a mixed bag of gaming experiences. Jules has been dipping his fins into the Wingspan universe and getting back into Magic: The Gathering whilst being very excited about some upcoming IPs that are coming for his wallet. Joe has finally rejoined his weekly game group and had an absolutely kraken time bidding…

1
Series 6 Episode 8: Derbyshire 1:47:00

8d ago1:47:00

1:47:00

On this week's episode of Three Ravens we're off to the land of the Dark Peak and the White, exploring to history and folklore of Derbyshire! We start off by chatting through traditions associated with Easter Monday festivities, and the live of St Anselm, who we conclude ought to be the Patron Saint of Jerks, all before we depart for Derbyshire in …

1
Caesar's Revenge 1:05:18

8d ago1:05:18

1:05:18

This week we have a special Room 404 as we pit listeners Zach and Jessie against our very own Chris in a battle of terrible things about games we want to see fight to the death! Are we mixing up our analogies here? Either way, something is going in the Room 404 bin forever! Do you have a gaming gripe you want to see banished to Room 404 forever? Or…

1
Local Legends #36: The Herefordian Historian 1:03:00

10d ago1:03:00

1:03:00

On this week's episode of Local Legends, Martin is joined by blogger, museum worker, tour guide, and all-round champion for Herefordshire, The Herefordian Historian. Real name Tom Quinsey, The Herefordian Historian was born in Swansea and is an identical twin. His parents, who are both from Herefordshire, eventually settled back there before Tom tu…

1
The Xbox 360 Games Mega Draft 2:57:02

11d ago2:57:02

2:57:02

Much to the chagrin of Matthew, who had to edit it, the four-person draft is back! This time, Samuel, Matthew, Ashley Day and Dave Scarborough are fighting over the best games on Xbox 360 (note: some of them may not be the best, but that's for you to decide). This week's music is from the Fable 2 soundtrack by Danny Elfman and Russell Shaw, plus th…

1
Forgotten Melodies #3: Fair Songs 1:02:54

12d ago1:02:54

1:02:54

For this month's Forgotten Melodies bonus episode we're talking all about Fair Songs - in particular, Scarborough Fair, Brigg Fair and Widecombe Fair - and the histories behind these iconic tunes. The episode of course features new takes on all three of these songs, 'Scarborough Fair,' 'Brigg Fair' and 'Widecombe Fair,' and this time it's not just …

1
All Aliens All April - Varginha’s Alien War – A Secret Weapon, A Crashed Craft, and a Cover-Up? 54:42

13d ago54:42

54:42

In 1996, the small Brazilian town of Varginha was rocked by what some call Brazil’s Roswell. Eyewitnesses claimed to have seen a strange cigar-shaped craft fall from the sky, followed by encounters with terrifying, red-eyed creatures. Military vehicles swarmed the area. Bodies were taken. Stories were buried. But what if this incident wasn’t just a…

1
Series 6 Episode 7: Herefordshire 2:51:56

15d ago2:51:56

2:51:56

On this week's episode of Three Ravens we're heading into disputed territory: Herefordshire in the Welsh Marches, which is a county with so much history and folklore! We start off by going over all Queer Eye and giving April 14th a makeover, concluding that, while we could make this 'Nothing Day' about gardening, or ice skating on bone-bladed skate…

1
Local Legends #35: Matthew Vaughan 1:06:48

17d ago1:06:48

1:06:48

On this week's episode of Local Legends, Martin is joined by storyteller, library manager, and Secretary of the Leicestershire and Rutland Guild of Storytelling, Matthew Vaughan. Matt has been a storyteller for well over a decade. Since 2011 he has also worked in East Midlands’ Public Library Services, and, in addition to working as a storyteller i…

1
Nintendo Switch 2 Games – Played! 1:35:29

17d ago1:35:29

1:35:29

Later than usual, but hopefully worth it: Matthew plays all the Nintendo Switch 2 demos (except some ports no one cares about). Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

1
Tour de Lance: Knight City 1:05:55

19d ago1:05:55

1:05:55

We are back for 2025 with a new listener pitch from J! We go on a bit of a journey with this one as we turn J's dreams of an actually good exercise game into a "reality". Do you have a game idea you would like to pitch to us? Hit us up with your text... or audio... pitches at [email protected]. We also now have a Bluesky - follow us @pitc…

1
Three Ravens Bestiary #16: Mermaids 1:04:28

19d ago1:04:28

1:04:28

For this week's Bonus Episode we're basking on slippery rocks, swishing our tails, and looking into the magic mirror of Mermaid history and folklore, combing our hair all the while! We start off chatting about the plethora of 19th century Mermaid-themed media, from paintings and plays to poems and songs, all of which paved the way for our modern pe…

1
Episode 333: The Gang, Altered TCG 1:35:27

19d ago1:35:27

1:35:27

In this episode, Banana, Adrian and Conor are in the mood to reminisce about a HUGE gaming weekend for Adrian’s 40th birthday. Adrian has fallen for The Gang, and by that he means not just the people at his birthday bash, but the game as well. Meanwhile Conor has been battling head-to-head and having fun with one of his favourite TCG’s without brea…

1
ALL Aliens ALL April - The Abduction of Betty and Barney Hill 1:25:42

20d ago1:25:42

1:25:42

In 1961, a New Hampshire couple took a detour that would make history—and launch the modern UFO abduction phenomenon. When Betty and Barney Hill returned from a road trip, they brought with them hours of missing time, strange physical evidence, and a story that would shake the foundations of what we think we know about extraterrestrial encounters. …

1
Series 6 Episode 6: Rutland 2:00:22

22d ago2:00:22

2:00:22

On this week's episode of Three Ravens we're off to Rutland to explore the history and folklore of England's smallest county - on the back of a dinosaur! We start off chatting about a couple of beautifully obscure traditions that take place around this time each year, including one involving a jacket on a flagpole and another relating to a Secret S…

1
Local Legends #34: Ailsa Clarke and Bethan Briggs-Miller 1:12:22

24d ago1:12:22

1:12:22

On this week's episode of Local Legends, Martin is joined by the hosts of the Eerie Essex podcast, Ailsa Clarke and Bethan Briggs-Miller! Ailsa and Bethan have been at this here podcasting malarkey since the pandemic, and it’s highly likely that you are already familiar with Eerie Essex. If you’ve never had the pleasure to listening to them though,…

1
Two Giant Men React to the Nintendo Switch 2 Reveal 1:40:38

25d ago1:40:38

1:40:38

Here are our thoughts on the new Nintendo console so far. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

1
Magic and Medicines #16: Leech Books and Early Medical Texts 1:11:00

26d ago1:11:00

1:11:00

On this week's Bonus Episode, Eleanor leads us through the libraries of early medical history to guide us through Leech Books and early medical texts! We start off talking about the book generally thought to be the oldest 'English' medical text, Bald's Leech Book, discussing how the Medieval mind perceived of ailments - namely as issues interlinked…

1
All Aliens All April : Operation Flap-Out 1:14:16

27d ago1:14:16

1:14:16

We’re kicking off our All Aliens April series with a crash course in all things extraterrestrial! This week’s episode, "Operation Flap-Out". Is a sort of "Ufology Onboarding," we break down the basics of alien lore—perfect for newcomers and seasoned starfolk alike. From the classic Greys and Reptilians to government code names, galactic gossip, and…

1
Series 6 Episode 5: Essex 2:00:55

29d ago2:00:55

2:00:55

On this week's episode of Three Ravens we're off to Essex, exploring the history and folklore of a county that has everything. Apart from mountains... We start off discussing April Fool's Day, which has a surprisingly long legacy, after which we embark for Essex! We begin by talking about a bunch of strange historical quirks in the county, includin…

1
Local Legends #33: Tom "The Tale Teller" Phillips 54:27

1M ago54:27

54:27

On this week's episode of Local Legends, Martin is joined by author and storyteller Tom “The Tale Teller” Phillips. Leicestershire born and raised, Tom is the county's most celebrated storyteller - even the Leicestershire Guild of Storytellers told us, directly, that he is the person to talk to about Leicestershire's lore. And just a fraction of hi…

1
Atomfall and the Best, Worst and Most Iconic Games Set In Britain 1:56:20

1M ago1:56:20

1:56:20

After 30 minutes of chatter about Rebellion's new Game Pass survival game Atomfall, we try to pick the 10 games that best represent Britain as a virtual setting. Finally, we cap things off with a low-nutrition awards ceremony of British 'stuff' in computer games past and present. This week's music is from the GoldenEye 007 soundtrack by Graeme Norg…

1
Magus #2: Mother Shipton 1:26:23

1M ago1:26:23

1:26:23

For our second episode of Magus, we are delving into the deep dark cave of history to the unravel the mysterious life of Mother Shipton, a Tudor era prophetess with links to folkloric sites all over England, from Knaresborough to the Rollright Stones to Somerset and beyond. Our journey starts in the English Renaissance, where we explore how the con…

1
England's sinister Witchfinder General (Matthew Hopkins) 1:10:14

1M ago1:10:14

1:10:14

This week, Jen takes us deep into 17th-century England for a disturbing journey through paranoia, power, and persecution. Meet Matthew Hopkins, the self-appointed Witchfinder General, who turned the chaos of the English Civil War into a personal witch-hunting enterprise. Sanctioned by Cromwell’s Puritans, Hopkins traveled the countryside with his h…

1
Episode 332: Special Guest Matthew Dunstan 1:16:17

1M ago1:16:17

1:16:17

It wouldn’t be Oceania month without Matthew Dunstan, who is closing in on the title for the most guest appearances on the podcast! In this episode, Jules and Joe chat about Matthew’s new YouTube channel, co-designing, and how he enjoys giving back to the board game design community. We also hear about some upcoming games, the business of being a f…

1
Series 6 Episode 4: Leicestershire 1:41:02

1M ago1:41:02

1:41:02

On this week's episode of Three Ravens, we are diving deep into the pink river of Leicestershire's history and folklore - and Eleanor has written a real weepy story, so brace yourself for that one! We start off discussing the Nothing Day that is the 24th March - a day which used to be something, all before the Julian calendar happened, and the Arch…

1
Local Legends #32: Dr Terrie "Red Phoenix" Howie 1:22:26

1M ago1:22:26

1:22:26

For this week's episode of Local Legends, Martin is joined by academic, storyteller, author, and bona fide expert in Buckinghamshire’s folklore, Dr Terrie “Red Phoenix” Howie. Terrie, who performs as “Red Phoenix” when she’s leading workshops or telling stories, would be an absolutely worthwhile guest for this episode just from a storytelling persp…

1
What We've Been Playing (Assassin's Creed Shadows, Split Fiction, Avowed, Pirate Yakuza, Threshold) 1:38:03

1M ago1:38:03

1:38:03

Matthew has played 20+ hours of Assassin's Creed for this episode, while Samuel turned it off after three and played Avowed instead. It's another 'what we've been playing' extravaganza! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

1
Forgotten Melodies #2: Sea Shanties 1:12:20

1M ago1:12:20

1:12:20

For this week's bonus episode, we have something very special for you - the second installment of our new series, Forgotten Melodies, which is all about folk music, featuring explorations of types of folk song and original recordings which put fresh spins on trad tunes! In this episode we are talking all about Ben's absolute favourite kind of folk …

1
The H.H. Holmes Trilogy - Part 3 "The Final Trap" 1:12:49

1M ago1:12:49

1:12:49

It all comes down to this. In the gripping conclusion of our first-ever three-parter, we’re diving headfirst into the grim reality of this real-life monster’s crimes. No more speculation—just the brutal truth of what he did, how he got away with it for so long, and the relentless pursuit that finally brought him down. From the horrifying details of…

1
Episode 331: Special Guest Craig E. Somerton 1:40:34

1M ago1:40:34

1:40:34

Continuing on with our Oceania theme, Conor and Dana Banana are back and chatting to Aussie designer, Craig E. Somerton. Craig is still on a high after a successful Kickstarter with his first published game, Farm Hand. He talks about his journey in board gaming and designing, and in particular, his affinity for trick-taking games. He even hints at …

1
Series 6 Episode 3: Buckinghamshire 1:56:29

1M ago1:56:29

1:56:29

On this week's episode of Three Ravens, we are chatting all about the history and folklore of Buckinghamshire, a county once believed - completely wrongly - to have very few folktales... We start off chatting about St Patrick's Day, discussing his weird life amongst pirates and of generally annoying people, all before he became Patron Saint of Irel…

1
Local Legends #31: Dr Anthony Nanson 1:29:39

1M ago1:29:39

1:29:39

On this week's episode of Local Legends, Martin is joined by author, academic, and storyteller Dr Anthony Nanson, who has written three books just about Gloucestershire's folklore! Born in Lancashire, Anthony is a storyteller who has had a pretty amazing career. He has toured internationally as well as all over the UK, and, with his wonderful wife …

1
The Nintendo Switch Draft (with Katharine Castle) 2:24:31

2M ago2:24:31

2:24:31

Who can pick the best 10 games on the Nintendo Switch? Eurogamer's Katharine Castle joins us to help figure this out, and to celebrate the hybrid console's healthy lifespan in our latest draft episode. Vote for the winner in our Discord's announcement channel. This week's music is from the Mario Kart 8 Deluxe soundtrack by Shiho Fujii, Atsuko Asahi…

1
Three Ravens Bestiary #15: Trolls 1:06:08

2M ago1:06:08

1:06:08

For this week's Bonus Episode, we're wandering wild places to explore the history and folklore of Trolls, which, though they sound pretty ancient, are a surprisingly modern folkloric creation! We start off chatting about the modern perception of Trolls, including the quite sinister online iteration we all know as the "Internet Troll" and the mass-p…

1
The H.H. Holmes Trilogy - Part 2 "Architect of Death: (The Murder Castle) 1:00:03

2M ago1:00:03

1:00:03

In Part 2 of our deep dive into the sinister world of H.H. Holmes, we peel back the veneer of charm and sophistication to reveal the calculated cunning of America’s first serial killer. Journey with us into the dark heart of his infamous "Murder Castle," a structure designed not just for living but for the macabre business of death. This episode ex…

1
Episode 330: Special Guest Jay Bendixen 1:43:09

2M ago1:43:09

1:43:09

Happy Oceania month! This week, Adrian and Lauren are joined by Jay Bendixen, designer of Surfs up and fellow Aussie as we talk about his design philosophy and upcoming games. Jay also gives his tips and insights into pitching games to publishers and going from prototype to published for small or even first time designers. We also chat about some o…

1
Series 6 Episode 2: Gloucestershire 1:46:43

2M ago1:46:43

1:46:43

On this week's episode of Three Ravens, we are chatting all about the history and folklore of Gloucestershire, a county of three halves... We start off discussing the strange tradition of Penny Loaf Day, born out of premonitory nightmares and 13th century standards of measurement, after which we gallop over to Gloucestershire! After chatting throug…

1
Local Legends #30: David Longman 1:14:04

2M ago1:14:04

1:14:04

On this week's episode of Local Legends, Martin is joined by local historian David Longman, whose work chronicling Bedfordshire's 149 churches has thrown up some fascinating and very funny stories! Before embarking on this particular project, David had spent 39 years working as a teacher and headteacher in middle schools in Bedfordshire, Cambridges…

1
Mailbag 1:35:51

2M ago1:35:51

1:35:51

We answer a heap more of your questions, including a really daft one about HP sauce on a pizza. Thanks for sending them in! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

1
Magic and Medicines #15: Ley Lines 1:14:29

2M ago1:14:29

1:14:29

On this week's Bonus Episode, Eleanor explains the strange science of Ley Lines, from the very origins of related theories in the ancient world to the various places invisible earth energies hold in the modern consciousness. We start off talking about the very earliest versions of something we might recognise as a Ley Line appeared in writing, in t…

1
The H.H. Holmes Trilogy – Part 1: The Making of a Monster 54:17

2M ago54:17

54:17

We’re kicking off a massive three-part deep dive into one of the most infamous figures in true crime history—H.H. Holmes. But before we get lost in the halls of his so-called “Murder Castle,” we’re easing into things with a look at the world he was born into. What was America like in the late 1800s? How did young Herman Webster Mudgett become the m…

1
Series 6 Episode 1: Bedfordshire 2:11:23

2M ago2:11:23

2:11:23

On the first episode of Three Ravens Series 6, we are making a right old fuss about an often overlooked county when it comes to folklore - Bedfordshire, the county of John Bunyan, little blue spacemen, and mysterious Medieval serial killers... We start off chatting about both St Winwaloe's Day, which is surprisingly saucy actually, and all the madn…

1
Series 6 Episode 0: The Gathering Light 26:56

2M ago26:56

26:56

Thank you so much for your patience everybody, and now the wait is over: we are BACK for Series 6 - and have so much cool stuff coming your way! In this little introductory episode we outline the plan as it stands between now and the end of June (when Series 6 will end) and provide the usual Episode 0 explainer about what Three Ravens is for new li…

1
We Play Monster Hunter Wilds – and Dive into the Series' Massive Success (with Joe Skrebels) 1:27:29

2M ago1:27:29

1:27:29

Matthew finished Monster Hunter Wilds! Samuel didn't. This week we're joined by returning guest Joe Skrebels to discuss the newest game in Capcom's idiosyncratic series, as well as its meteoric rise in the West over the past decade plus. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Podcasts Worth a Listen

Matthew Castle Podcasts

Podcasts Worth a Listen