In this very special Pride Month episode, host Ashleigh Bodell is joined by Todd Bass, the brilliantly creative mind behind Toddities Animal Preservation—an LGBTQ-owned business making waves in the world of weird art and oddities. Broadcasting on none other than a Friday the 13th, Ashleigh sets the magical mood and introduces listeners to Madame Lydia, a mystical reptilian creation from Todd’s collection, who has now officially been adopted as the podcast’s own spirit guide! Dive in as Ashleigh and Todd unravel the fascinating tale of how political organizing led Todd down a wild, transformative path toward crafting whimsical, anthropomorphic dioramas featuring preserved reptiles—think fortune-telling lizards, mystical mob wives, and more. Whether you’re into crystals, oddities, metaphysics, or just love a good dose of the spooky and the kooky, this episode has something magical for everyone. So light a candle, grab your favorite talisman, and get ready for a conversation that’s as heartwarming as it is hilariously strange! Key Moments: 07:39 Embracing Taxidermy and Wet Specimens 10:09 Taxidermy: Creative Reptile Displays 15:10 "Madame Lydia: My Spiritual Advisor" 20:20 Letting Go of Beloved Mob Wives 23:43 "Siblings: From Camping to Support" 24:52 Rediscovering Childhood Passions 29:14 "Manifestation Guide: Crystal Clarity Call" 32:50 Gaining Confidence Through Podcasting 36:17 "Witchy Artist's Fascinating Creativity" 38:45 Reassessing Family Taxidermy 41:41 Art Creation Justifies Its Cost About the Guest : Todd Bass’s journey into the world of curiosities began in 2020, during a time of uncertainty when he sought new meaning and joy in life. Initially drawn to collecting crystals, his growing fascination with the unusual soon led him to taxidermy and the artful display of bones and skulls alongside his crystals. This passion for the mysterious eventually brought Todd to Bob James Magic and Curiosities in Lombard, Illinois, marking the start of his exploration into the enchanting realm of oddities and collectibles. How to connect Todd: Facebook : https://www.facebook.com/todd.bass.35/ Store : https://www.etsy.com/shop/todditiesap Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/toddities_animal_preservation Meet Ashleigh Bodell – your guide to the mystical and the magical on the Big Crystal Energy Podcast. By day, she's a dedicated orthopedic physician assistant, but by night, she dives deep into the metaphysical, exploring crystals, energy work, and the unseen forces that shape our world. From childhood fascinations with witches and faeries to a transformative rediscovery of crystals, Ashleigh’s journey bridges science and spirituality, the practical and the mystical. A mom, a wife, and a seeker, she brings a relatable, no-fluff approach to exploring the “spooky and kooky” side of life. Through Big Crystal Energy, she creates a space where the magical and the mundane coexist—because we don’t have to choose between our careers, families, and the call of the unknown. Tune in as she uncovers wisdom from crystal healers, spiritual coaches, and magic makers—inviting you to embrace your own big crystal energy. Connect Ashleigh : https://www Send me any questions or comments you may have and I will answer them on upcoming podcast episodes!! Looking forward to hearing from you! Please message me with any questions or comments. bigcrystalenergypodcast @gmail.com
