Mermaids, Witches, and Fairies with Mhara Starling

In this episode is Mhara Starling's truly amazing magical journey of gender and self-acceptance.  Mhara is a Welsh witch, spiritual leader, and author of the recent book "Welsh Fairies."  Mhara and I muse over topics as far afield as natural churches, bigger-than-life mentors, and a Scooby Doo lesson in witchcraft.

REFERENCES:
Support Mhara on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/mharastarling
Follow Mhara on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@mharastarling2730

Follow Mhara on TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@mharastarling

Follow Mhara on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MharaStarling

Follow Mhara on Instagram: https://instagram.com/mhara_starling

• (00:00) - Opening credits
• (00:37) - Show opening
• (01:31) - Introducing Mhara Starling
• (02:34) - Growing up transgender: mermaids, witches, and fairies
• (10:30) - We know you don't like this, but you should
• (13:41) - She has ever been Mhara
• (15:49) - A church of trees and headland
• (21:25) - Scooby Doo teaches about witchcraft
• (24:35) - Mhara's first witch mentor
• (28:53) - Meeting the drag queen down the road
• (32:00) - Coming out with an explosion
• (40:00) - Feeling completely and wholly accepted
• (45:09) - Magic does not occur on a binary
• (49:03) - A communal view to witchcraft
• (55:00) - Find yourself, your land, and your community
• (59:10) - Mhara's work for the near future
• (01:03:50) - Show closing
• (01:05:52) - Closing credits

★ Support this podcast ★

Creators and Guests

Host

Amethysta Herrick, Ph.D.

Scientist, storyteller, and professional overthinker of all things identity. Also, I happen to be a transgender woman.

What is The Purple Pawedcast?

Welcome to The Purple Pawedcast, where we unpack the complexities of gender, identity, and what it truly means to be human—without the academic jargon (okay, maybe just a little, but only the fun kind).

Curated by Amethysta Herrick. Ph.D., this pod is where science, philosophy, and lived experience collide to challenge assumptions and spark new perspectives. Whether you’re here to explore your own identity, stay informed on the latest research, or just enjoy a deep dive into the human experience, we deliver thoughtful, engaging, and refreshingly honest discussions. No fluff. No gatekeeping. Just real conversations about who we are and how we navigate the world. Dive in, stay curious, and let’s rethink identity together.