The Alchemist and the Academic

By: Becca Fanali and Kurt Braddock
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  • Summary

  • On one side of the table, with a vodka soda (extra lemon), sits an acupuncturist, tarot reader, and Wiccan -- alchemist Becca Fanali. On the other side of the table, with a peaty scotch (served neat), sits a college professor, social scientist, and agnostic -- academic Kurt Braddock. Becca and Kurt have been the best of friends for many years. And for many years, Becca and Kurt have shared spirited debates, arguments, disavowals, skeptical looks, sarcastic eye rolls, and yes... happy hours.

    Becca believes in the spiritual world and the shared nature of everything. Kurt believes in his five senses and what he can measure with a valid instrument.

    Becca insists that Kurt should consider the miraculous nature of things. Kurt insists that Becca consider the scientific method.

    In this new podcast, The Alchemist and the Academic, join Becca and Kurt as they have these discussions. Becca will explain phenomena in terms of the fantastic and supernatural. Kurt will furrow his brow and try to explain them scientifically. Listen as Becca drops knowledge on Kurt... and whether Kurt is convinced at that knowledge.

    Episodes are dropped regularly, and organized into themes, including:

    • The occult
    • Pagan holidays
    • The supernatural
    • Witchcraft rituals
    • Non-Western medicine
    • ...and so on.

    Join The Alchemist and the Academic! At the very least, we're good drinking company.
    All Rights Reserved by Becca Fanali and Kurt Braddock 2025
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Episodes
  • Episode 104: Witchcraft (Part 1)

    Episode 104: Witchcraft (Part 1)
    Jan 13 2025

    This episode is all about witchcraft! Becca talks about how she became a witch, how she practices, and what it is like being a witch in today's climate. Kurt drops some knowledge of past wars and origins of religion. Due to the amazing banter and inquisitive minds of both hosts, this episode is split into two parts! Part 2 will be released next week, and will include the ritual that Becca does with Kurt. Links for Becca's favorite witchy shops that she gets her supplies from are listed below!

    Mystical Blossoms in Marlton, NJ

    Zen Den on Main in Medford, NJ
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    1 hr and 20 mins
  • Episode 103: Acupuncture (Part 1)

    Episode 103: Acupuncture (Part 1)
    Jan 5 2025

    On this episode, Becca dives into her profession of acupuncture! An ancient form of healing that developed in East Asia, and has been viewed as a placebo effect by the Western medical community. This is only part 1 due to a lot of great questions from Kurt, and, let's be honest, Becca could talk about acupuncture for hours on end. Becca covers the credentials and licensing process of what it takes to become an acupuncturist, and discusses different lenses of diagnosis. Kurt talks about his experience with acupuncture, and will be receiving a treatment on part 2! So grab your drink and join us for another fun discussion!

    Links for this episode!

    Becca's acupuncture practice website can be found here!

    Becca's professional email for any questions pertaining to acupuncture: rfanaliacu@gmail.com
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    57 mins
  • Episode 102: Tarot

    Episode 102: Tarot
    Dec 30 2024

    Have you ever wondered what tarot cards are? Or what a tarot reading consists of? Maybe you've thought tarot was dark magic or brought in negative spirits? Becca goes into the origins of tarot, misconceptions about the cards, and how she practices this form of divination! Kurt brings a lot of great questions, along with several different theories of social science. At the end of the episode, you will hear Becca give Kurt his first ever tarot reading in real time! We even have Brooke, Kurt's wife, on as a special guest to talk about her experiences of tarot and what she thinks of Kurt's reading. So grab your favorite beverage and listen to another great discussion from our Alchemist and Academic!

    The deck used in this episode is the Guided Tarot Deck by Stefani Caponi.

    For her personal readings, Becca uses the Modern Witch Tarot Deck by Lisa Sterle and Vita Ayala.

    To see Kurt's tarot card draw and layout, click here.
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    1 hr and 26 mins

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