Robert Phoenix

Robert Phoenix was born Robert Owen Whitley, Jr. in Schuylkill County, Pennsylvania. His family immigrated to Pennsylvania from Steiermark, Austria at the turn of the 20th Century and became enmeshed within the culture known as the "Pennsylvania Germans". As such, Robert grew up with many of the Pennsylvania German religious and cultural traditions. As an adult, Robert began studying the folklore and faith healing practices of the PA German culture, known as "powwowing". He self-published his first booklet on the subject, "Powwow Charms", in 2009. Also that year, he launched his website, "Pennsylvania Dutch Powwowing" to share the unique cultural folklore and powwowing techniques with all those interested. His most recent book, "The Powwow Grimoire", collects all of the powwowing information that Robert has gathered over the years. Robert has lectured at Indiana University of Pennsylvania and Baltimore Community College. In addition, he's done various radio interviews and has several how-to videos on youtube. Hex Hollow is his first and only feature length film to date. Robert lives in South Central Pennsylvania with his husband, Bill.