Mangy, matted fur. Big as a horse, with large, glowing red eyes. And, to top it off, an omen of death. The black dog appears as a motif across history and cultures, and is not to be trifled with.

EPISODE 1: Ghosts of Farm Animals

Feb 27th, 2020 24m 34s

Ready your bocks! Are You Afraid of the Bark? returns with tales of ghostly farm animals.

Episode 25: Mo Money Cats, Mo Problems

Jun 12th, 2019 21m 41s

Season 2 of AYAOTB kicks off with - what else? - more magic cats. This time we delve into the bizarre lore surrounding the French Matagot, and the Scottish Cat Sith. So keep your eyes fixed forward and your corpse in the other room, and come re

Episode 24: The Cat Spirit of the Jerome Grand Hotel (and Other Stories)

Feb 25th, 2019 31m 13s

Episode 24 is all about the hella haunted Grand Hotel in Jerome, Arizona, whose many spirit residents include a mysterious grey cat...plus spooky listener stories from Caroline and Katey!

Episode 23: Baba Yaga’s Cat

Feb 15th, 2019 25m 49s

In this episode, delve into the story of Russian witch Baba Yaga and her (potentially) helpful menagerie of animal servants.

Episode 22.5: The Animals of the Chinese Zodiac

Feb 11th, 2019 19m

Join your spooky hostess for this special half-episode, an exploration of the animals of the Chinese Zodiac, all in honour of the Lunar New Year!

Episode 22: Ghost Dogs of the American South

Feb 1st, 2019 24m 54s

Keep warm through the polar vortex with this week’s exploration of stories of ghost dogs of the American South!

Episode 21: Creepy(pasta) Cats

Jan 25th, 2019 27m 6s

Creepypastas are horror-related legends or images that have been created via and copied and pasted around the Internet. The reason the Internet was invented was to share pictures of cats (probably). Let’s combine the two and talk about creepypa

Episode 20: Feline Superstitions

Jan 11th, 2019 22m 28s

Last week we talked about well-known canine urban legends. This week, we take a look at how cats have gotten the short end of the urban myth stick, appearing as the villains in their own superstitions and legends.

Episode 19: Canine Urban Legends

Jan 4th, 2019 27m 48s

Nothing says “Happy New Year!” like classic urban legends, right? Spine-tingling, look-over-your-shoulder-style urban legends (and one creepypasta), all featuring man’s best friend (though he isn’t always, as some of these stories can attest).

Episode 18: Yule Animal Myths and Stories

Dec 21st, 2018 23m 36s

Happy holidays! This special Christmas episode of Are You Afraid of the Bark? explores animal myths and stories of the season: Yule Cat and Yule Goat and electric eels, oh my!

Episode 17: Supernatural Sea Creatures (Part II)

Dec 14th, 2018 26m 11s

Turns out the sea is simply too strange to limit to one episode. Dive-in to this exploration of still more supernatural sea creatures: the terrifying taniwha, the sensuous selkie and the truly bizarre Bishop Fish.

Episode 16: The Terrifying Animals of Aboriginal Myth and Legend

Dec 5th, 2018 20m 53s

From bloodthirsty bats to giant skunks, this week’s episode of Are You Afraid of the Bark? explores some of the stranger (and some downright terrifying) animals of Aboriginal myth and legend.

Episode 15: Demon Dogs Around the World

Nov 28th, 2018 21m 57s

Doesn’t matter where you run, doesn’t matter where you turn: the country you’re in is liable to have its own version of the demon dog legend. But don’t despair! If you’re polite and follow the rules...you might just survive.

Episode 14: Elemental Spirits

Nov 24th, 2018 25m 51s

Episode 14 delves into the weird world of elemental spirits, and the haunting of one Ballybrig Castle in Ireland. Thank goodness for a spunky little corgi named Pickle.

Episode 13: Animals in War

Nov 14th, 2018 32m 40s

In honour of Remembrance Day, Episode 13 is about the important role that animals have played in war and conflict, both in Canada and abroad.

Episode 12: The Ghost Cat of the Fairport Harbor Lighthouse

Nov 7th, 2018 21m 55s

Legend has it that the ghost of Mary Babcock's cat haunts the Fairport Harbor Lighthouse in Ohio - could a 2001 discovery be proof?

Episode 11: Animals in Witchcraft

Oct 31st, 2018 31m 45s

Happy Halloween, dear listeners! Why not celebrate with this decidedly witchy Episode 11, all about the ways in which animals have been used and interpreted in practices of witchcraft?

Episode 10: Can Cats and Dogs Sense the Supernatural?

Oct 24th, 2018 31m 40s

Episode 10 addresses the question of what your cat or dog is doing when they stare blankly at something you can’t see. Is this normal behaviour, or are they tuned into something paranormal?

Episode 9: Animal Myths and Legends of NYC

Oct 17th, 2018 36m 9s

Episode 9 is FINALLY here, all about the animal myths and legends of the Big Apple, NYC. Listen-in for unbelievable (but true!) tales of sewer alligators, super-rats and one very unfortunate circus elephant.

Episode 8: Pets That Came Back

Sep 19th, 2018 23m 56s

Strap-in for an emotional episode recounting stories from owners who have experienced the return of their pets after their passing. Tissues are recommended for this one.

Episode 7: Equine Ghosts

Sep 14th, 2018 24m 35s

Saddle up! Episode 7 is all about spooky mythological mares and supernatural stallions - Michelle tackles stories about ghost horses!

Episode 6: Supernatural Sea Creatures

Sep 5th, 2018 25m 10s

Dive on in to Episode 6 of Are You Afraid of the Bark? as host Michelle explores tales of supernatural sea creatures from around the world. Spooky-strange animals aren’t limited to land!

Episode 5: British Ghost Cats

Aug 29th, 2018 21m 2s

Pour yourself a cup of tea and settle-in for Episode 5 of Are You Afraid of the Bark?, chock-full of tales of British ghost cats, and even a well-perpetuated conspiracy that alien big cats might roam the British countryside!