This week, the wyrdo's continue their journey in Cornwall with a very special guest: Simon Costin, the director of the Museum of Witchcraft and Magic. Simon welcomes the hosts into the museum's archive to discuss the institution's fascinating history, its core mission, and his own personal journey.

The episode covers:

• A Contentious History: Simon reveals the museum was founded in 1951 by a former MI5 spy named Cecil Williamson. He explains how Cecil's goal of balancing sensationalist displays with genuine artifacts led to a clash with the well-known practitioner Gerald Gardner, who wanted to use the museum to promote his belief system of Wicca.
• The Archive's Mission: Simon discusses how the museum's mission has evolved from a "cabinet of curiosities" to a more academic and nuanced collection. He explains his belief that magical objects don't like to be categorized and that their full purpose and energy should not be "straightjacketed" into a simple definition.
• A "Courtship" with Objects: Simon describes his own deep, personal connection to the museum's artifacts, which began after the 2004 Boscastle floods. He shares that some magical objects require regular "charging" or ritual practice to retain their energy, a unique aspect of curatorial work that stands in stark contrast to other museums. He shares that while he isn't unsettled by the objects, a Japanese blasting rod is something he avoids having pointed at him.
• The Uncanny & The Paranormal: The conversation explores the nature of the uncanny and its connection to magic and belief. Simon shares his own paranormal experiences at his home, including objects that move themselves, and tells the story of a recurring spider's web that prevents the museum's security cameras from capturing any strange activity.
• Museum of British Folklore: Simon discusses his separate, long-term project to establish the UK's first museum dedicated to seasonal customs and events. He explains the challenges of creating a "bottom-up" museum where the knowledge comes from the people and the traditions are constantly evolving.

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Written by Craig Brooks and hosted by Craig Brooks and Andy Stevens

Edited by Craig Brooks

Intro music by Leonell Cassio - The Paranormal Is Real (ft. Carrie)

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