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Tales of Bedlam

Tales of Bedlam

By: Micah and Andrea
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About this listen

Welcome to "Tales of Bedlam," where timeless fairy tales come alive with historical context and personal insight! Join our husband-and-wife hosting team as we peel back the layers of your favorite fairy tales to reveal the fascinating historical realities that shaped these enduring stories.


In each episode, we reimagine classic tales with historical accuracy, share our personal connections to these stories, and sprinkle in plenty of humor along the way. From the dark origins of Grimm's fairy tales to the cultural significance of folklore across different societies, "Tales of Bedlam" offers a fresh perspective on stories you thought you knew.


Whether you're a folklore enthusiast, history buff, or enjoy thoughtful storytelling with a dash of whimsy, subscribe to our channel for weekly entertaining and enlightening episodes. Join our growing community where the magic of fairy tales meets the reality of history!


Subscribe now and become part of our storytelling journey through the realms of Bedlam.

© 2025 Tales of Bedlam
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Episodes
  • Sleeping Beauty in the Wood
    May 2 2025

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    Join hosts Micah and Andrea as they dive into Charles Perrault's 17th-century version of Sleeping Beauty, a tale far more twisted than the Disney adaptation you know. In this episode, our hosts explore the often-overlooked second half of the classic fairy tale, where the story takes several dark turns after the princess awakens.

    Discover the shocking revelations: the prince's secret marriage, the birth of two children (Morning and Day), and most surprisingly—a murderous ogre queen mother-in-law with an appetite for her grandchildren! Listen as Micah and Andrea react to the heroic cook's clever deceptions, debate the queen's questionable parenting decisions, and marvel at the unexpectedly complex family dynamics.

    Our hosts breathe new life into this centuries-old story with their signature blend of historical context, witty commentary, and genuine surprise at the tale's darker elements. Whether you're a fairy tale enthusiast or enjoy entertaining banter, this episode reveals why the original "Sleeping Beauty in the Woods" was perhaps too disturbing for Disney's adaptation.

    Tales of Bedlam brings forgotten fairy tale elements to light—visit talesofbedlam.com to share your thoughts or suggest tales for future episodes.

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    45 mins
  • Sun, Moon, and Talia
    Aug 29 2024

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    In this gripping episode of Tales of Bedlam, hosts Micah and Andrea dive into Sun, Moon, and Talia, a haunting 17th-century Italian version of Sleeping Beauty by Giambattista Basile. With dark themes including non-consensual acts, cannibalism, and revenge, this early fairy tale is far removed from the Disney classic. Listen as Micah and Andrea react in real-time to the shocking twists, unsettling humor, and complex morality embedded in this rarely told story.

    As part of our Sleeping Beauty Origins series, this episode highlights how fairy tales were once cautionary and brutal—offering fascinating insights into historical storytelling. Trigger warnings are in place, but if you're intrigued by the darker roots of childhood stories, this episode is a must-hear.

    For more Fairy Tale fun, follow, like, and share at...

    TalesofBedlam.com

    Instagram @talesofbedlam

    Facebook @talesofbedlam

    If you have a question for us, email us at talesofbedlam@gmail.com

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    26 mins
  • Sleeping Beauty - A 5 Minute History
    Aug 22 2024

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    In this special "5 Minute History" episode of Tales of Bedlam, host Micah takes you on a whirlwind journey through six centuries of the Sleeping Beauty fairy tale.

    This episode uncovers how the story transformed over time, from its unsettling origins in the 1300s oral tale Troy and Zeladine to the shocking events in Sun, Moon, and Talia and finally to the more sanitized and romanticized versions by Perrault, the Brothers Grimm, and Quiller-Couch.

    You'll hear about themes that were once central—non-consensual sex, betrayal, and cannibalism—and how later versions reshaped the narrative to focus on love, respect, and redemption. Whether you're a fairy tale aficionado or a history buff, this episode offers an eye-opening look at one of the world's most beloved stories.

    Tune in, learn something new, and prepare for the next full episode featuring Sun, Moon, and Talia—the tale that started it all.

    A5 is a five-minute fun history lesson with host Micah on a fairy tale subject, usually preceding a fairy tale story with hosts Micah and Andrea.

    For more Fairy Tale fun, follow, like, and share at...

    TalesofBedlam.com

    Instagram @talesofbedlam

    Facebook @talesofbedlam

    If you have a question for us, email us at talesofbedlam@gmail.com

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    5 mins
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