Junk and Disorderly: Art • Myth • Oddities From Real and Imagined Worlds
Junk and Disorderly is your backstage pass to art, myth, oddities, and the strange little sparks that fly between real and imagined worlds. Hosted by Michael deMeng — artist, author, instructor, and professional rummager of the beautifully peculiar — this podcast wanders through the stories, symbols, films, folklore, objects, and creative misadventures that inspire his work.
Some episodes dig into the art of transforming found objects into something mythic. Others follow the trail of legends, monsters, rituals, strange histories, haunted places, favorite films, and curious cultural debris. Along the way, Michael talks with fellow artists, makers, collectors, travelers, organizers, and creative oddballs who know that the best stories often hide in the cracks, cupboards, alleys, attics, and junk drawers of the world.
With humor, curiosity, and a healthy dose of artistic anarchy, Junk and Disorderly invites you to embrace the odd, the handmade, the haunted, and the half-forgotten — and to find beauty in the discarded, the mysterious, and the gloriously out of place.
Whether you’re an artist, a maker, a mythology nerd, a film lover, or just someone who enjoys a good tale from the weirder side of the road, this podcast may leave you inspired, entertained, and possibly itching to rummage for your next masterpiece.
Formerly home to Strange Tales of Myth and Magic, the show continues to explore legend, lore, and the stories from around the world that inspire Michael’s art — now with a wider lens and a bigger junk drawer.
Episodes
29 episodes
Processions of the Living Dead: Day of the Dead Parades
In this episode of Junk and Disorderly, I’m joined by Oaxaca retreat organizers Mija Matriz and Jon Labrousse for a conversation about Day of the Dead processions in Oaxaca — comparsas, calendas, and muerteadas — and why they fe...
Tarradiddling with Baron Muchausen
In this episode of Junk and Disorderly, Michael deMeng is joined by artist, author, and crime-fiction historian Gary Warren Niebuhr to explore the cinematic adventures of literature’s most gloriously unreliable storyteller—Baron...
Christmas at the Movies Part Two: Children Gone Wild
In Part Two of Christmas at the Movies, Michael deMeng and Gary Warren Niebuhr return to tackle holiday films where the kids take over and the adults barely stand a chance.From suburban wish-fulfillment mayh...
Christmas at the Movies Part One: When Adults Run the Show
This week, Michael deMeng welcomes special guest Gary Warren Niebuhr for a deep dive into three of Gary’s favorite holiday films: Xmas in Connecticut, White Christmas, and It’s a Wonderful Life.These aren’t ki...
The Story We're Still In - An Chat With Stephanie Lee
In this episode of Junk and Disorderly, I hang out with my pal and fellow art-stirrer Stephanie Lee to talk about the books that warped—er, shaped—our young minds. From creepy creatures under the bed to magical forests and talking critters, we ...
Fritz Lang's Metropolis- Movie Dishin' with Gary Warren Niebuhr
Join me and art buddy Garry Warren Niebuhr for a chat about the amazing and influential film Metropolis.
Weird Xmas Traditions and Krampus Pranks
In this episode of Junk and Disorderly, we’re taking a peek at some of the stranger holiday traditions—like the mysterious pickle hidden in the Christmas tree and a certain festive log with an… unexpected talent. And, of course, I’ll t...
Luchadors, Dashboard Shrines and the Virgin of Quadalupe
In this episode, Michael recounts a late-night cab ride in Mexico City that turned out to be anything but ordinary. From an unexpected decision to a ride full of surprises, he explores how even the smallest details can transform a simple journe...
Macaroni Art, Bad Reviews, and Bernie's Revenge
In this episode of Junk and Disorderly, I reflect on the early days after my first book was published and how I made the mistake of obsessing over reviews. One particular one-star review stood out—not for its kindness, let’s just say. ...
Mischief and Masterpieces: Are You Arty or Are You Crafty?
In this thought-provoking episode, join Michael deMeng and Gary Warren Niebuhr as they dive into the age-old debate: what’s the real difference between craft and art? Is it the intention, the process, or something else entirely? Whether y...
Why We Make Art
In this episode of Mischief and Masterpieces, we're taking a stroll down memory lane through the colorful history of art. Join Michael deMeng and Gary Warren Niebuhr as we ponder the age-old question: why do we make art anyway? From ancie...
Rex, the Christmas Dinosaur
For the Holidays I decided to share a strange tradition from my childhood, that involves a 5 foot tall Tyrannosaurus Rex. A very strange Christmas tradition, indeed.
Dream Monster
In this episode Michael takes a gander at the creatures that lurk in your slumber. Explore the Alebrijes creations from Mexico learn how they were inspired by a fever dream. Also travel to Greece and Japan and find out about t...
Nosferatu - a Symphony of Horror
In this episode Michael be taking a look at the classic and influential 1922 film, Nosferatu. He will chat about the production as well a some of the myths and legends that influenced it.
Cyclops - The One Eyed Guys
In this episode Michael explores the legends of the cyclops. The come from all over the world in all shapes and sizes...even as umbrellas. Find out more about the one eyed guys and why they are so important to Michael's artwork.
Krampus and Other Christmas Meanies
In this episode Michael explores the legends of the Xmas devil, Krampus. He also takes a look at other the other devils of December and there ring leader...Frau Perchta. He winds up with a chat about a nasty Christmas orgress ...
Brews of the Gods - Lager Lore and Ale Tales
In this episode Michael explores the myths and legends surrounding beer. Beer godesses, never empty goblets, the invention of straws, the strange life and demise of Lord Barleycorn and the King of Beer sells his soul to the Devil.
Doppelgängers - Eerie Omens, Mysterious Lookalikes and Evil Twins
In this episode Michael explores doppelgängers, changelings and other unusual duplicates. Are they warnings, protectors, or do they have something more nefarious in mind?Additional insight and resources about the topic can be foun...
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Medusa - Sympathy for the Gorgon
In this episode Michael explores the snake haired villain Medusa...but, the question is, was she really so bad?Additional insight and resources about the topic can be found at Michael deMeng's blog:
Mythological Plants - Magic, Murder and Mayhem in the Botanical Kingdom
In this episode Michael explores strange plants of fable and lore, including the hungry grass of Ireland, the man-eating Madagascar tree and vampire pumpkins.Additional insight and resources about the topic can be found at Michael deMen...
Davy Jones and Booze Cruises from Hell
In this episode Michael explores the legends of Davy Jones, the Flying Dutchmen and the Chilean Ghost Ship the Calueche.Additional insight and resources about the topic can be found at Michael deMeng's blog:
The Danse Macabre - A Boneyard Boogie
In this episode Michael deMeng explores the Danse Macabre and other stories of Death, ditties and dancing. He will examine everything from the Death shimmying folks to the afterworld, the boney Inuit dancer, dances to ward off tarantula bites, ...
The Loup Garou - A French Werewolf in Canada
In this episode Michael deMeng explores the Loup Garou and the werewolf legends of French Canada.Additional insight and resources about the topic can be found at Michael deMeng's blog: www.mi...
