Podcast

Consensus Unreality

Arts, Philosophy, Society & Culture

Exploring connections in high strangeness, fringe culture and the occult

Episodes
107
Releases
Weekly
Typical length
53 min
On air since
2020
Latest episode
6 days ago

Episodes

107 episodes, newest first

  1. Haunted Cinema: Highlights in Esoteric, Occult and Paranormal Horror Films

    Episode 131

    Show notes

    For the CU 2026 Halloween special, Ben and Dave each list 10 (give or take) horror films: favorites, overlooked obscurities, classics, outliers. A sister episode to last year’s list of esoteric films, this one approaches horror as a genre, a transcendent aesthetic experience, and a tradition often rooted in the occult and paranormal, even if not explicitly.

    Join Consensus Unreality on Patreon to unlock our full 6 year episode archive, 2 exclusive episodes monthly, written content and more + our Print Club Tier to access our Journal of Shells Magazine, exclusive to Patreon, mailed to your door with other printed and recorded items. Its the best and only way to support CU!

    Purchase a limited CU T SHIRT

    https://consensusunreality.bigcartel.com/

    Intro Music by Treatment

    https://treatmentforu.bandcamp.com/album/treatment-ep

    Outro music by LXV

    https://lxvlxv.bandcamp.com/

    1 hr 15 min
  2. Led by Hecate, Pathworking at the Crossroads, The Shining Pyramid, Mothman Returns PATREON PREVIEW

    Episode 130

    Show notes

    In this Patreon exclusive, Hekate visits the podcast! A discussion on the goddess of the crossroads, some syncs around her, and her strange role in magical circles. Plus: Arthur Machen's occult detective tale "The Shining Pyramid," more fall horror movie talk, Mothman and John Keel, and much else!

    CU T SHIRT

    https://consensusunreality.bigcartel.com/

    Join Consensus Unreality on Patreon to unlock our full 6 year episode archive, 2 exclusive episodes monthly, written content and more + our Print Club Tier to access our Journal of Shells Magazine, exclusive to Patreon, mailed to your door with other printed and recorded items. Its the best and only way to support CU!

    https://www.patreon.com/consensusunreality

    Intro Music by Treatment

    https://treatmentforu.bandcamp.com/album/treatment-ep

    15 min
  3. True Occult Hollywood, Majorie Cameron, Babalon, Kenneth Anger

    Episode 128

    Show notes

    From her role as Jack Parsons' Babalon to her many connections in Hollywood and the art world, Marjorie Cameron is one of the most infamous but misunderstood figures in 20th century occultism. In this episode, we trace some of her life's strange arc, including her role in the film Night Tide, her friendships and collaborations with Curtis Harrington and Kenneth Anger, her art and poetry, and more.

    Join Consensus Unreality on Patreon to unlock our full 6 year episode archive, 2 exclusive episodes monthly, written content and more + our Print Club Tier to access our Journal of Shells Magazine, exclusive to Patreon, mailed to your door with other printed and recorded items. Its the best and only way to support CU!

    https://www.patreon.com/consensusunreality

    CU T SHIRT

    https://consensusunreality.bigcartel.com/

    59 min
  4. PATREON PREVIEW: Spectral Consorts: Ida Craddock, The Sentinel, St. Teresa of Avila and More..

    Episode 127

    Show notes

    In this episode Dave and Ben chat on the highly influential esoteric writer and activist Ida Craddock. We converse on her influence on more well known figures in 20th century occultism and her role as both an esoteric innovator and public figure on the frontlines of free speech and the women's rights movement in the US at the turn of the 19th century. We consider other examples of spectral consortium and also continue our 2026 Fall Horror Review series and chat on a classic as well as a deep cut of the European variety, and not to mention some spirited recommendations as well.

    CU T SHIRT

    https://consensusunreality.bigcartel.com/

    Join Consensus Unreality on Patreon to unlock our full 6 year episode archive, 2 exclusive episodes monthly, written content and more + our Print Club Tier to access our Journal of Shells Magazine, exclusive to Patreon, mailed to your door with other printed and recorded items. Its the best and only way to support CU!

    https://www.patreon.com/consensusunreality

    5 min
  5. Appalachian Witchcraft; Folk Ballads; Magical Realities and More with Dan Dutton

    Episode 126

    Show notes

    Join Consensus Unreality on Patreon to unlock our full 6 year episode archive, 2 exclusive episodes monthly, written content and more + our Print Club Tier to access our Journal of Shells Magazine, exclusive to Patreon, mailed to your door with other printed and recorded items. Its the best and only way to support CU!

    https://www.patreon.com/consensusunreality

    Consensus Unreality T Shirt

    https://consensusunreality.bigcartel.com/

    Dan is back! A third interview with Kentucky's great polymath: artist, composer, cherry tree reviver, and folklore collector (and experiencer) Dan Dutton. In a classic wide-ranging conversation, we cover everything from Appalachian ballad traditions to witchcraft, rare colors and their histories, and an artistic approach to the autumn-side of life.

    Intro Music by Treatment

    https://treatmentforu.bandcamp.com/album/treatment-ep

    Outro Music by Dan Dutton

    https://open.spotify.com/artist/1Gw3VYfoeQeRq5SChMBtgF?si=L7vBBWSWQEWgkyG_aVJjqg

    1 hr 53 min
  6. Strayed Gods: The Choronzon Club, Frater Achad, Transgressions in Time Magick + Patreon: Islands of Dr. Moreau, Occult Beefs, B-low Horror

    Episode 125

    Show notes

    Join Consensus Unreality on Patreon to unlock our full 6 year episode archive, 2 exclusive episodes monthly, written content and more + our Print Club Tier to access our Journal of Shells Magazine, exclusive to Patreon, mailed to your door with other printed and recorded items. Its the best and only way to support CU!

    ⁠https://www.patreon.com/c/consensusunreality⁠

    Consensus Unreality "Other Ritual" T Shirt

    ⁠https://consensusunreality.bigcartel.com/⁠

    What one Crowley throws to the curb is another Consensus Unreality's treasure! We talk two of the discarded disciples of the Great Beast, Frater Achad and C. F. Russell, with all of their bizarre interpretations of Thelemic literature and their own additions to occult culture, from the Choronzon Club to gematric decoding's of occult texts.

    Plus: a bonus Patreon conversation on occult beefs, the Islands of Dr. Moreau, contemporary B movies, and more.

    52 min
  7. UNLOCKED: Psychic Antiquing, Urban Explorations and Divining Reality with Erick Van Ficken

    Episode 124

    Show notes

    Previously a Patreon exclusive episode, now unlocked on our public platforms. Join our Patreon for just $5 and access 2 exclusive episodes monthly, our full 6 year episode archive, written content, discord server and more. Plus: our Print Club Tier includes our Journal of Shells esoteric magazine subscription and other printed and recorded items in the mail. Its the best and only way to support the show.

    https://www.patreon.com/consensusunreality

    The mind behind the music and performance project Coteries, Erick Van Ficken, joins Dave again for a sprawling conversation on magic, ritual and living the many lives. Erick brings a great wealth of stories on new methods to scrying and divination, tales of urban exploration and antique picking and endlessly haunted zones. Another enchanted conversation, never to be missed!

    https://coteries.bandcamp.com/

    Intro music by treatment

    Outro music by Coteries

    1 hr 15 min
  8. Patreon Preview: Time Magick, Double Currents, Intersecting Aeons + Fall Horror Review

    Episode 123

    Show notes

    In this Patreon exclusive, we talk time magick, double currents and hyperstition. We touch on the influential substrata of Frater Achad and the long reach of Time Magick as conjured by Nema, The Bate Cabal and others. Is it possible the ravings of Achad, once thought to be mad self indulgent revelations, were actually more in tune with something moving towards humanity? Join us as we begin to pull on this thread.. We also continue our horror film discussion series with 1978's The Evil and 2021's Strawberry Mansion. Journal of Shells 9 is complete and will be mailed shortly. If you aren't in our Print Club, switch over to secure a copy.

    CU "Other Ritual" Shirt

    ⁠https://consensusunreality.bigcartel.com/⁠

    Join Consensus Unreality on Patreon to unlock our full 6 year episode archive, 2 exclusive episodes monthly, written content and more + our Print Club Tier to access our Journal of Shells Magazine, exclusive to Patreon, mailed to your door with other printed and recorded items. Its the best and only way to support CU!

    ⁠https://www.patreon.com/c/consensusunreality⁠

    3 min
  9. Art and the Occult: Hilma af Klint, Harry Smith, Austin Osman Spare and More..

    Episode 122

    Show notes

    Join Consensus Unreality on Patreon to unlock our full 6 year episode archive, 2 exclusive episodes monthly, written content and more + our Print Club Tier to access our Journal of Shells Magazine, exclusive to Patreon, mailed to your door with other printed and recorded items. Its the best and only way to support CU!

    ⁠https://www.patreon.com/c/consensusunreality⁠

    CONSENSUS UNREALITY "OTHER RITUAL" T SHIRT AVAILABLE NOW

    ⁠https://consensusunreality.bigcartel.com/⁠

    In this episode we talk esotericism/ occultism in art. What sort of influence does a spiritual practice have on an artist, and what presence might it have in the work? How is it possible Theosophy plays such a huge role here, too? Remedios Varo, Hilma af Klint, Suzanne Treister, Harry Smith.. and the ones we forgot to mention.. *cough Cocteau cough*

    1 hr 3 min
  10. SQUONK TALK 1: Cryptid lore, UFOs and Religion, Conspiracy Chatter, Manson, Mirage Men and More..

    Episode 121

    Show notes

    Join Consensus Unreality on Patreon to unlock our full 6 year episode archive, 2 exclusive episodes monthly, written content and more + our Print Club Tier to access our Journal of Shells Magazine, exclusive to Patreon, mailed to your door with other printed and recorded items. Its the best and only way to support CU!

    https://www.patreon.com/c/consensusunreality

    It’s Squonk Talk #1! Dave and Ben are joined by repeat guests Timothy Grieve-Carlson and Tanner F. Boyle for a freewheelin’ chat on cryptid pride, UFO disclosure’s long and always disappointing history, “mirage men” hijinks and spooky tampering, the religious dimensions of the flying saucer, Manson mania, and lots more.

    http://timothygrieve-carlson.net

    https://tannerfboyle.substack.com

    CONSENSUS UNREALITY "OTHER RITUAL" T SHIRT AVAILABLE NOW

    https://consensusunreality.bigcartel.com/

    1 hr 39 min
  11. Ahrimanic Times: Rudolf Steiner, Cult of the Watchers, Mythological Enrichment PATREON PREVIEW

    Episode 120

    Show notes

    Watchers, Ahriman, and ... uh Marvel vs. Digimon. A Patreon episode on our techno-psychotic times, featuring a dive into the thought of prolific esoteric philosopher Rudolf Steiner, mythological enrichment of life, an exploration of light bearers and more.

    Intro music by Treatment

    Join our Patreon to unlock this and 6 years worth of exclusive episodes, including our full archive, written content and more + our Print Club for our printed Journal of Shells Magazine. Volume 9 is shipping in September.. so Act now! Its the best and only way to support the show.

    https://www.patreon.com/c/consensusunreality

    7 min
  12. The Others: Ultraterrestrials, Non-Human Intelligence and the AI Narrative

    Episode 119

    Show notes

    Noospherical AIs and Catholic flying saucers?! Downloads, uploads, and dream prophecy?! Ben and Dave talk D. W. Pasulka's new book The Others, another timely glimpse behind the tech-apocalypse cult / ufology 2.0 curtain.

    Join our Patreon for our full 6 year episode archive, 2 exclusive episodes monthly, written content, discord community and our Print Club Tier for our Journal of Shells quarterly magazine.

    https://www.patreon.com/c/consensusunreality

    Intro music by Treatment

    53 min
  13. CU's Top 10 Esoteric and Paranormal Destinations

    Episode 118

    Show notes

    Take a CU approved road trip! Ben and Dave each share five personal favorite occult, esoteric, and paranormal destinations in the US. From crash site deserts to eerie woods, temples to prisons, you’ll be scrawling all over your maps. The boys talk on their favorite hidden gems stateside, some weird encounters, and also touch on some well tread American occult legend tripping zones. Who doesn't love a classic list episode!?

    Don't miss out on our recent and upcoming Patreon exclusive episodes, its where we do some of our strangest discussions. A subscription will get you two of those a month and also access to our full 6 year episode archive, written content, message-board, and our printed Journal of Shells Magazine subscription.

    https://www.patreon.com/c/consensusunreality

    Intro music by Treatment

    https://treatmentforu.bandcamp.com/album/pond-life

    1 hr 1 min
  14. 100 Years of Cthulhu, Lovecraft, Aeon of Horus, AI, Metanarratives PATREON PREVIEW

    Episode 117

    Show notes

    100 years of Cthulhu! What happens when we go back to that story, as it is? Are we living in post-Cthulhulean times, or are we still building the Old Ones? Plus: what ever happened to the Aeon of Horus?

    Check out ⁠https://www.patreon.com/c/consensusunreality⁠ for this full episode and 2 exclusive eps monthly, our full episode archive, written content, printed magazine and more..

    Merch coming soon...

    Intro music by Treatment https://treatmentforu.bandcamp.com/album/pond-life

    7 min
  15. AI Doom, The Invention of Morel, Sentient Simulacra + Patreon: The Watcher In the Woods, Apocalyptic Musings

    Episode 116

    Show notes

    The Sentient World System and rogue agents meet Latin American Twilight Zone in this episode on AI doomerism, The Invention of Morel, and more. What constitutes consciousness, and what happens if you relive a week over and over again forever? Plus: bonus Patreon conversation "lost" Disney film The Watcher in the Woods, Charles Manson and MKULTRA in Congress, and more!

    Check out https://www.patreon.com/c/consensusunreality for this full episode and 2 exclusive eps monthly, our full episode archive, written content, printed magazine and more..

    Merch coming soon...

    Intro music by Treatment
    https://treatmentforu.bandcamp.com/album/pond-life

    49 min
  16. UNLOCKED: Virtual Nihilism; Dark Forest Theory of the Internet; Disembodiment

    Episode 115

    Show notes

    Watch what you say in the forest, you don't know what you're feeding. In this conversation on Bogna Konior's book The Dark Forest Theory of the Internet, we talk about living in an age of strategic secrecy, ufological allegory, and hidden AI game theory mind control. Does this experiment in extreme nihilism reflect our current moment? Listen to find out.

    Check out https://www.patreon.com/consensusunreality for our full episode archive, 2 exclusive episodes per month, written content, printed magazine subscription and more.. Its the best and only way to support what we do.

    1 hr 2 min
  17. Sync or Swim: Backrooms, Novelty Vortex, Eugenia Macer-Story, Occult New York, Amalantrah Working

    Episode 114

    Show notes

    Join our Patreon to access 2 exclusive episodes monthly, written content, our full 6 year episode archive, discord and our printed Journal of Shells magazine. Its the best and only way to support the show and it'll only cost you a few bucks.

    https://www.patreon.com/c/consensusunreality

    Enter the Backrooms with CU... or take a field trip with Aaron Burr to Greenwich village??? A discussion of the new horror film, some bizarre synchronicities, Vile Vortices and The Jefferson Market Triangle in NYC, Eugenia Macer-Story's prescient paranormal theories, AI-critical cinema, Aleister Crowley and Roddie Minor's portal opening Amalantrah Working, LAM the ultraterrestrial wizard and more!

    49 min
  18. PATREON Out of Body Experiences Gone Right: The Monroe Institute; Ultimate Journey; Astral Travel

    Episode 113

    Show notes

    Join our Patreon to access 2 exclusive episodes monthly, written content, our full 6 year episode archive, discord and our printed Journal of Shells magazine. Its the best and only way to support the show and it'll only cost you a few bucks.

    www.patreon.com/consensusunreality

    The Gateway closes... or is it forever open? The final installment in our loose series of discussions of the works of Robert Monroe and his out of body experience trilogy, culminating in Ultimate Journey, a bizarre chronicle of his later travels in the astral realm. Is he a CIA plant, a shaman, a sci-fi author in disguise? Find out here.

    5 min
  19. Disembodied Transmissions, Radio Free Albemuth, George Hunt Williamson, Saucers Speak + Patreon: Occult New York, Contact, Zodiac Musings

    Episode 112

    Show notes

    Alien radio waves caught in the Consensus Unreality net…. translating… it’s a new episode on contactee and influential ufologist George Hunt Williamson, the Zodiac fanzine connection in Jarett Kobek’s How to Find Zodiac, Philip K Dick’s late career scrapped opus Radio Free Albemuth, and more!

    Join our Patreon to access 2 exclusive episodes monthly, written content, our full 6 year episode archive, discord and our printed Journal of Shells magazine. Its the best and only way to support the show and it'll only cost you a few bucks.

    www.patreon.com/consensusunreality

    53 min
  20. Time War: The Exegesis of Philip K. Dick; CCRU; Cern; Gnostic Revelation

    Episode 111

    Show notes

    Live from the empire which never ended... an episode about time, its (non)existence, the Exegesis of Philip K Dick and its relevance to our moment (which is the same moment as ever), Nick Land's time-war theories, the many worlds theory, CERN, and a brief eulogy for a recent loss in the weird podcast community. Hurry and listen!

    Join our Patreon to access 2 exclusive episodes monthly, written content, our full 6 year episode archive, discord and our printed Journal of Shells magazine. Its the best and only way to support the show and it'll only cost you a few bucks.

    https://www.patreon.com/c/consensusunreality

    1 hr 4 min