Varla Ventura

Varla Ventura

Varla Ventura is an author, traveler, rotten botanist, and lover of the strange. She has authored several books on bizarre and freaky things, from paranormal women’s history to werewolves and banshees to plants that smell like death. She is a committed supernaturalist, folklorist, and seeker of those shadowy things that scrape at your window in the night.

Her latest book, Enchanted Plants: A Treasury of Botanical Folklore and Magic explores the gardens of fairy and folk tales, where plants and their magic and medicine are central to the story. When not writing, she can be found lurking tending her poison garden, and exploring the graveyards and forests in Minnesota.

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Book(s):

Past Shows:

  • Demystifying Ouija Boards / Plants & Myths

    Ouija board expert Karen A. Dahlman shed light on and demystified talking boards. In the second half of the program, author Varla Ventura offered a fascinating exploration of the cultural and mythological significance of plants.More »
  • Mine Disaster & the Occult / Halloween & the Supernatural

    Author Maxim Furek discussed a mining disaster, Bigfoot, and various paranormal and occult topics. Followed by Cheryll Jones' interview with author Varla Ventura on the origins of Halloween, and supernatural lore.More »
  • Women & the Supernatural / Open Lines

    Author Varla Ventura discussed the supernatural and paranormal experiences of influential women, as well as ghosts, banshees, and weird holiday stories. Open Lines followed in the latter half of the program.More »
  • Sustainable Energy / Supernatural Creatures

    Researcher Steve Goreham discussed the COP27 Climate Conference, the world energy crisis, and the coming renewable energy failure. Followed by author Varla Ventura on documenting the supernatural, including stories from Irish legend.More »
  • God & Spirituality / Irish Lore & Legends

    Dr. Raymond Moody explored how his understanding of God has evolved over the years. Followed by author Varla Ventura with stories from Irish lore and legends.More »
  • Secret Door Special XXII

    In a new edition of the 'Secret Door," George was visited by psychic Vincent Genna, magician Brandon Scott, and author Varla Ventura. First-hour guest Richard Martini discussed his research about the afterlife.More »
  • Walk-Ins & ET Communications / Ghosts, Legends, & Lore

    Marc Brinkerhoff spoke about being a walk-in and his communications with ETs. Followed by Varla Ventura on ghosts, legends, and lore.More »
  • Victorian Paranormal Stories/ Open Lines

    Varla Ventura revealed the history of spiritualism and other Victorian paranormal practices. Open Lines occupied the second half.More »
  • Alternative Health/ Fairies & Changelings

    Dr. Joel Wallach addressed alternative health approaches. Followed by researcher Varla Ventura on her exploration of folklore and fairy tales.More »
  • OKC Bombing & Timothy McVeigh/ Banshees & Creatures

    In the first half, freelance investigative researcher Wendy S. Painting, PhD, and writer/producer Holland Van den Nieuwenhof discussed their extensive research into the 1995 Oklahoma City bombing and Timothy McVeigh, revealing startling new biographical details about McVeigh,...More »
  • Skinwalkers / Banshees

    In the first half, author and paranormal investigatorHoss Lors discussed his years living on a Navajo reservation and his witnessing of the amazing powers of the Skinwalkers, the Navajo name for a type of shape-shifter. In the latter half, author Varla Ventura talked about...More »
  • Mermaids & Strange Creatures

    Explorer of the weird and unusual, Varla Ventura, discussed her research into Mermaids and other strange and mythical creatures that come from the sea. She also updated her investigations into magical beings, including fairies, banshees, gremlins, werewolves, and shape-shifters....More »
  • Vampires & Werewolves / Open Lines

    In the first half of the program, author Varla Ventura discussed vampires, werewolves, banshees, and other terrifying entities. Open Lines followed.More »
  • Christmas Folklore & Open Lines

    Author Varla Ventura joined George Noory to share bizarre and weird holiday stories, like the Scandinavian Trolls who love to dance and drink through the night on Christmas Eve. Open Lines followed. At the end of the program, George played a recording of Detroit broadcaster Lee...More »
  • Bizarre Stories & Sleepwalking Tales

    In the first half, George Noory journeyed into the world of the bizarre with author Varla Ventura. Open Lines followed, featuring a special 'sleepwalker' hotline.More »
  • Bizarre/Freaky Calls

    During Open Lines, George invited callers to share their own bizarre and freaky tales. Richard in Pennsylvania recounted the strange story of Stone Man Willie, who according to legend was turned to stone by a botched embalming procedure.More »

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