In the latest episode of The Gothic Heart, I sat down with Becca Struzyna, the captivating host of The West London Witch. Becca’s podcast is a haven for those who crave stories of the spooky, strange, and downright eerie, and our chat was full of fascinating insights into how she created this incredible show. From her early fascination with the supernatural to her favorite episodes and the community she’s built, Becca shared it all. Here’s a deeper look into our conversation, with some key highlights that will get you hooked on The West London Witch!
Creating the West London Witch Podcast
Becca’s love for the paranormal goes back to her childhood. She talked about growing up in a haunted house, an experience that sparked her fascination with the supernatural. As a child of the 90s, she was drawn to shows like Goosebumps and Are You Afraid of the Dark?, which only fueled her spooky interests. But it wasn’t until the pandemic hit in 2020 that Becca decided to turn her passion into a podcast. Stuck at home, teaching theater and dance online, she needed a creative outlet that wasn’t tied to her work in the arts. That’s when The West London Witch was born.
Becca wanted to create a space where people could share their paranormal experiences—stories that often don’t have a platform elsewhere. And it all began with her own family’s tale of living in a haunted house. That full-circle moment, combined with the organic growth of the podcast, has shaped The West London Witch into what it is today: a home for haunted history, heartwarming tales, and everything in between.
Favorite Episodes and Haunting Tales
With over 75 episodes, Becca has no shortage of favorite stories to share. We talked about some of the most memorable ones, like the tale from 137 Market Street West. This story, from season one, follows a group of college students who move into what they think is their dream party house—only to experience terrifying hauntings that lead them to flee before the school year ends. The episode is a perfect example of the kind of detailed, immersive storytelling Becca loves.
Another highlight from the show is the haunted ship episodes, like The Queen Mary and The Hornet. As a fellow fan of haunted ships (I mean, I got married on the Queen Mary!), I totally vibed with Becca’s enthusiasm for these stories. What makes The West London Witch unique is its focus on creating a full narrative arc with every episode. Each story is structured to give listeners that satisfying beginning, middle, and end, much like reading a great short story.
Embracing Self-Expression and Overcoming Judgment
Something that really stood out to me in our conversation was Becca’s approach to embracing her love of the paranormal, even when others might not get it. We talked about how growing up with a passion for the spooky and macabre can sometimes lead to judgment or being labeled as “weird” by society. Becca shared how she’s learned to shrug off those judgments and just be true to herself, citing one of my all-time favorite RuPaul quotes: “What other people think of you is none of your business.”
We both agreed that it’s not always easy, but finding a community that celebrates those darker interests can make all the difference. Whether it’s through the online gothic and paranormal communities or in-person connections, having a space where you feel seen and accepted is huge. I love how Becca has created that space for herself and her listeners, offering a positive and inclusive platform for people to share their supernatural stories without fear of judgment.
The West London Witch Patreon
If you’re a fan of The West London Witch, you’ll definitely want to check out Becca’s Patreon. She’s built a small but dedicated community where fans can support the podcast and get access to exclusive content. From in-depth discussions about each episode to behind-the-scenes gossip and extra interviews, her Patreon offers a deeper connection to the stories you hear on the podcast.
One of the coolest features of the Patreon is Becca’s current project: reading and analyzing the infamous book Michelle Remembers. This book, credited with fueling the Satanic Panic of the 1980s, has been discredited and is incredibly hard to find. But Becca managed to get her hands on a copy and is now reading it chapter by chapter for her Patreon supporters, offering commentary and analysis along the way. It’s a unique chance to dig into a controversial piece of paranormal history with Becca as your guide!
Our conversation with Becca was such a fun and spooky ride, filled with all the paranormal goodness you’d expect from The West London Witch. Whether you’re into haunted history, personal ghost stories, or just love a good spooky tale, Becca’s podcast is the perfect place to indulge your curiosity. Make sure to check out The West London Witch and join her on this eerie journey—you won’t regret it!