Solstice Story Hour A reading of M. R. James’ “Oh, Whistle, and I’ll Come to You, My Lad” with J. F. Martel, Pierre-Yves Martel and Phil Ford December 21, 2025, 3PM EST

For Weirdosphere’s first solstice event, in 2024, Weird Studies co-hosts Phil Ford and J. F. Martel did a live reading of M. R. James’ ghost story “Lost Hearts,” with musical accompaniment by Montreal composer Pierre-Yves Martel, who also creates and performs original compositions for the Weird Studies podcast. Following the reading of James’ ghostly tale, J. F. and Phil engaged in a discussion on the story’s intensity, on their appreciation of spectral experiences and impressions, and on the liminality between the light and the dark.

This year, while Pierre-Yves performs a live score, J. F. and Phil will read aloud M. R. James’ ghost story “Oh, Whistle, and I’ll Come to You, My Lad.” After reading the story, Phil and J. F. will again engage in a dialogue reflecting on what they have read. Whether it is the shortest day of the year where you are or the longest, this tale is sure to creep up your spine and crawl across your skin, raising the fine hairs.

The cost for the event is only $30 for new members to our learning community, making it a great way to join Weirdosphere for the new year. As a member, you will immediately become eligible for a discount on our winter offering, Hunting the White Whale: A course on Moby-Dick, co-taught by Erik Davis and J. F. Martel, starting January 20, 2026.

If you’re already a member of the Weirdosphere learning community, register for Solstice Story Hour from within the Weirdosphere Mighty Network to receive your member discount.

To accommodate various time zones and busy holiday schedules, the event will be recorded for asynchronous viewing. Whether you join us live on the day or enjoy later at your convenience, reserve your space now for this hauntingly festive experience!

Format The event consists of one live Zoom session, approx. 90 minutes, and a dedicated space on Weirdosphere where the presenters and participants can post thoughts, share links, and engage in discussion before and after the event. A recording of the event will be made available after the Zoom call and will remain available in the event space for all registrants.

Schedule The event will be held on Sunday, December 21, 2025, at 3 p.m. EST / 12 p.m. PST, and will take place over Zoom via the Weirdosphere learning platform. A video recording of the session will remain available to registrants after the event concludes.