Market Ghost Stories

Absolutely fascinating conversation with Mercedes Yaeger, @queenanneroasters, author of Market Ghost Stories and AMAZING HUMAN. 

Part 1: We discuss preserving historical context, the nature of ghosts, tools for perceiving the irrational world, hot beds for the exchange of energy, what resides beyond consciousness, work as ritual and the value therein, the excitement of the hunt, spirits which are not dead, manifesting seen energetic form, the fluid nature of time, parallel universes, Seattle’s trauma and it’s epic topographical alteration, disturbed cemeteries and the growth of an urban center over a deep sea of quartz. Additionally, Mercedes’ artistic family’s rich personal history with the market community.

Part 2: We discuss how death has recently touched us both personally, Princess Angeline- Chief Seattle's daughter, the ongoing injustices against the Duwamish people, the Black Lives Matter movement in Seattle and the new addition of 👻Market Ghost Stories! https://www.duwamishtribe.org/

Part 3: We learn about Harvey and Mae West from the market, and see her actual infamous hat! 👒We talk about an experience with the show Ghost Tours and discuss the moral complexity of people in history and how to portray them, and talk about the mortuary at the market, the 1918 pandemic and the current pandemic, and our emotions and concerns for frontline workers.

Part 4: ... my favorite part! We learn about Naughty Nellie (the ale and the person), prohibition, ghost madams, cross dressing, and we see the world's largest brothel built by the mayor. The history of prostitution and the red light district in Seattle is very compelling, and human trafficking which is still an issue in Seattle: https://www.atg.wa.gov/human-trafficking.

@Queenanneroasters, reveals that she is writing another book about this topic, and I can't wait!