Community Spotlight: This Old Witch Podcast

Alexander: For many years, throughout the community, Melas, James, and I have had the chance to meet and interact at numerous events held in the metropolitan area. I’m a big admirer of their contributions, and I think our chemistry and dynamics make it a stellar and humbling working relationship. Not to avoid the question, but it’s a long story however, I truly feel that we met by the grace of the Goddess. All is as it should be.

Melas: I actually first met James in 2004 while he was working at a local witch shop where we both lived. We bumped into each other here and there until 2017ish when we first started working together. With both of us coming from entertainment backgrounds we knew it must have been destiny (not that I believe in that sort of malarkey) to make magic together. We collaborated on many very successful projects over the years and at this point I wouldn’t consider ever working with anyone else. We support each other in many areas of our lives. Alexander is another person I don’t think I could be without in my life. I believe we officially first met in 2014 at a Cabot ritual. We crossed paths many times at WitchFest USA in NYC being that we had many of the same friends. However, it was a rather questionable incident at Cabot event that conveniently brought us together leading me to ask him to be a guest at one of my events. Then not long after we started This Old Witch and now, we are two Virgos in the same pea pod. The funny thing about knowing these two in two separate ways, we all lived and played in the same spaces and circles for years but never met until much later, yet I still don’t believe in destiny.

James: Good question! In this life or from past lives?! Lol. I’ve known Melas for over 10 years now, we wandered in The same “Circles” until in 2018 we collaborated and Produced a previous podcast show called 4 Of Cups which gained popularity quickly and then he invited me to work together on very successful public events and Witches Ball ! Alex and I knew each other from NYC and the famous NYC Witch Fest held in Astor Place in Manhattan every July. Alex and I are from the same neighborhood ya might say.

Alexander: In 2020, Melas approached me during the advent of the pandemic and asked me to join him on a new venture. It was a wonderful platform to educate and bring the metaphysical, occult, Wiccan, and Neo-Pagan community together virtually.

Melas: This Old Witch was one of my covid babies. During that time there wasn’t much going on in the community for obvious reasons, so I felt I had to create something. I used to hate podcasts until I worked with James on our first one and I knew I needed to do it again. I wanted it to be fun yet educational and yet not be your typical Q&A type podcast. I wanted it to break that barrier of “celebrityism” and show well-known practitioners and authors as real people. Basically, just a bunch old witches in lock down chatting it up with no real direction. While coming up with the concept or lack there off, I did what everyone else was doing during covid, I turned on the TV at 2am and there it was, Bob Vela! And thus became the name for the podcast, a play on This Old House (still don’t believe in destiny). The next day I approached Alexander, and now 5 seasons in and a 200k audience, we made it happen.

James: This topic wouldn’t get too much attention a few years back in mainstream media and podcast prices there’s a large audience for this type of show.Podcast is great! It’s fun to produce and having the creativity and direction control in our own hands is liberating. I’ve worked in radio and TV my Whole adult life and podcast differs from those two because the reach is amazing! Add on to that social media and the creativity is limited not too mention the show goes directly to the audience!

Alexander: The idea for the show came entirely from Melas, who has been the creative force behind it. He delivered the concept and structure, and I served as his copilot, contributing my own magick and contacts. We did encounter technical difficulties from time to time that were troubleshooted and resolved.

Melas: From its beginning This Old Witch took on a life of its own, almost creating itself as it grew. Of course, with anything technical it has had its fair share of issues that we had to work through. First starting on my laptop to building a $3000 streaming system to run the show. Each episode got better and better as we moved along and with that so did my relationship with Alexander. I think that was what really made the show such a huge success. As we learned about each other’s personalities and quarks, the show got tighter, and I believe people could relate to and enjoy it. However, after 4 seasons and people returning to “normal” life, we needed to evolve. This is where James came in, we knew he would make a perfect addition to show and breathe new life into it. Which created a new learning curve on how to deal with three hosts who all have something to say and share. Personally, I think we created a monster and it will continue on its own and kick us all off.

James: Absolutely! Technology is constantly changing and keeping up with it is the fun challenge, frustrating as it may get at times, it’s all part and parcel of the experience. There is definitely an evolution over time in consolidating production means and making each show better. In our previous show I remember Melas getting quite creative when technology was limiting us to hosting virtual guests haha! Now THAT technology has caught up with us! Finally.

Alexander: Our goal is to continue delivering education and raising awareness among elders, new practitioners, and those who are making a difference in our community.

Melas: Education! With all the misinformation out there floating around on things like Tic Tok and even in published books, no one looks to learn the old fashion way of the spoken word and by seasoned experienced practitioners. Second, to put an end to making celebrities out of authors within our community, they are people just like you and me. We have become very selective of the guests we bring on the show, making sure of the credentials and/or the positive work they have done in the community. We really have been looking closely at those that make big strides in the community and bring their work to light, so they get the recognition they deserve.

James: A laugh or two? Lol Alternate POVs for sure! Being three men in what at times can come across as a female dominated landscape offers a unique voice I hope. Our individual experiences, our stories and sharing those with the public to educate, entertain and promote a progressive yet positive message. It’s fantastic to learn from our myriad of guests who contribute such cool things and not to mention our audience too!

Alexander: As an ambassador for the Cabot tradition, I have had the privilege of bringing many elders from abroad onto the show, such as Arthur Uther Pendragon and Sorita de’Este, to name a few.

Melas: Hmmm, that’s a tough one. We have had so many amazing and interesting guests. I would say the most memorable was a guest that talked basically through the whole episode, and we couldn’t get a word in, not that it was a bad thing, there was a lot of good information being said and we just let it roll. Another great episode was the one with Christian Day. Many know him as being controversial and I’m sure tuned in to hear what he was going to say, but in fact it was a very heartwarming and meaningful show. Honestly, each episode is special in its own way as we share laughs, tears, and great stories with each one.

James: I’ve only been a co-host for a few shows so far and loved each one so far for its varied reasons. Already looking forward to the next line up of guests! These guests we chat with offer so much to their perineal corner and world at large. It’s great to offer a platform to introduce them to an audience that may not have known them and through that we all grow!

Alexander: Yes. I just want to thank you for recognizing our work, as we are dedicated to providing education for the newer generations to come.

Melas: I guess if you haven’t watched or listened to This Old Witch tune in and if you already have help support the show so we can keep bringing you great guests and continue for years to come. It is your destiny even though I don’t believe in that sort of thing.

James: Yes! Keep a libation and some snacks in hand when checking out our show! Lol. Remember to keep an open mind, relax and have some fun. We know when to be responsible and handle strong subjects but we also know how to break the tension and have some fun and a few laughs about things too! We’re not here to preach but to share stories and experience, if that entertains the audience BRAVO! If it teaches something even better!