Episode · Stuff They Don't Want You To Know · 2025-10-31
Books mentioned on Happy Halloween: How Selling Your Soul Works
In tonight's special Halloween episode, Ben, Matt, Noel and Super Producer Dylan lean on Ben's earlier experience with the paranormal. Tonight's question: Is it actually possible to sell your soul to infernal powers?
Ben Bowlin recommended The Great Good Place by Ray Oldenburg and Krabat by Otfried Preußler, and discussed Malleus maleficarum by Heinrich Institoris and A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur's Court by Mark Twain.
Books mentioned, in the order they came up
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Malleus maleficarum
Heinrich Institoris's Malleus Maleficarum is a notorious 15th-century treatise written to legitimize the prosecution, torture, and execution of alleged witches during the Inquisition.
Discussed“We do have some tips and tricks according to the Malas Malificarum.”
Where to get it
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The Great Good Place
Ray Oldenburg's sociological classic The Great Good Place explores the crucial societal need for communal environments outside of the home and the workplace.
Recommended“If you haven't seen the excellent um comedy, philosophical comedy, The Good Place, please do check it out.”
Where to get it
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A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur's Court
A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur's Court by Mark Twain is a classic satirical novel about a nineteenth-century American mechanic who travels back in time to Arthurian England and uses practical knowledge to pose as a powerful wizard.
Discussed“I love the uh we've referenced it before, but I I love the description Twain has in a Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur's Court because the Yankee is really interested in figuring out if Merlin can do actual magic”
Where to get it
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Krabat
Krabat by Otfried Preußler is a classic German dark fantasy novel about a young miller's apprentice who discovers that his trade involves practicing black magic at a sinister mill.
Recommended“If you like uh stories about scholamance and dark arts institutions, please check out Kbat. I think in English it's the Satanic Mill.”
Where to get it
