Explore every episode of the podcast Lunatics Radio Hour: The History of Horror
| Title | Pub. Date | Duration | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Episode 165 - The History of Friday the 13th: Part Three | 10 Nov 2025 | 00:36:11 | |
The saga concludes! Abby and Alan continue with their deep dive into the Friday the 13th horror franchise with the final four movies; Jason Goes to Hell, Jason X, Freddy vs Jason and the Friday the 13th reboot from 2009. Get Lunatics Merch here. Join the discussion on Discord. Check out Abby's book Horror Stories. Available in eBook and paperback. Music by Michaela Papa, Alan Kudan & Jordan Moser. Poster Art by Pilar Keprta @pilar.kep. | |||
| Episode 164 - The History of Friday the 13th: Part Two | 17 Oct 2025 | 00:38:03 | |
Abby and Alan talk about the middle films in the Friday the 13th franchise: Part 5 through Part 8. Get Lunatics Merch here. Join the discussion on Discord. Check out Abby's book Horror Stories. Available in eBook and paperback. Music by Michaela Papa, Alan Kudan & Jordan Moser. Poster Art by Pilar Keprta @pilar.kep. | |||
| Episode 156 - The History of Astrology | 20 May 2025 | 00:33:20 | |
This week Abby sits down to discuss all things Astrology. From the earliest uses of star divination in ancient cultures, to Mercury in retrograde, and everything in between. Sources
Get Lunatics Merch here. Join the discussion on Discord. Check out Abby's book Horror Stories. Available in eBook and paperback. Music by Michaela Papa, Alan Kudan & Jordan Moser. Poster Art by Pilar Keprta @pilar.kep. | |||
| Episode 96 - The History of Cannibalism: Part 2 | 24 Jan 2022 | 01:27:56 | |
Abby and Alan dive into the complex and sprawling history of human cannibalism. In part two we talk about the sinking of the Essex, The Donner Party and other survival cannibalism, serial killers, Mewies and some other rough topics. | |||
| Episode 95 - The History of Cannibalism: Part 1 | 17 Jan 2022 | 01:15:43 | |
Abby and Alan dive into the complex and sprawling history of human cannibalism. In part one we cover everything from the earliest fossil evidence of human cannibalism to reports of cannibalism in Jamestown...any everything in between. | |||
| Episode 94 - Real Scary Stories 4 with Charlotte Chanler | 10 Jan 2022 | 01:10:28 | |
Abby is joined by Medium and Animal Communicator Charlotte Chanler. Charlotte shares her own experiences with the paranormal and supernatural. | |||
| Lunatics Library 16 - Evil Engine Stories | 03 Jan 2022 | 00:38:20 | |
Abby and Alan present stories about evil engines, killer cars and murderous motors. Both stories were written by Abby Brenker, and we are honored that Michael Crosa and John Backstrom join us to narrate. | |||
| Episode 93 - The History of Evil Engines | 27 Dec 2021 | 01:14:30 | |
Abby and Alan discuss the horror trope of evil engines, killer cars, murderous motors. And the real life car possessions that inspired these haunting films. CW: Talk of car accidents. | |||
| Lunatics Library 15 - Christmas Ghost Stories | 20 Dec 2021 | 01:03:07 | |
Abby and Alan present a selection of Christmas Ghost Stories. It was tradition during the Victorian Era to read ghost stories on Christmas Eve. Gather around the fire, grab some mulled wine and let us terrify you. Featuring Miranda Warzel (alien.met on IG) and Jon C Cook of the Fado Podcast. | |||
| Episode 92 - The History of Christmas Horror | 13 Dec 2021 | 00:50:10 | |
Abby and Alan explore the dark connections between Yule and Horror, dating back thousands of years. From brutal winters that early pagans endured, to modern holiday horror films like Black Christmas and Silent Night, Deadly Night...and everything in between. | |||
| Episode 91 - The History of The Amityville Horror | 06 Dec 2021 | 01:09:35 | |
Abby and Alan discuss the true events that inspired the Amityville Horror book and film series. A horrific crime that leads to extensive paranormal and haunting claims. The Amityville Horror rocked then nation and went on to inspire over 30 sequels and remakes. Do you believe? | |||
| Lunatics Library 14 - Our Scariest Stories | 22 Nov 2021 | 01:05:50 | |
Abby and Alan present the scariest stories from Lunatics Radio Hour. Sit back and relax as we send shivers down your spine. | |||
| Episode 90 - The Hauntings of The Waverly Hills Sanatorium | 15 Nov 2021 | 01:12:31 | |
Abby and Alan explore the history of The Waverly Hills Sanatorium and Tuberculosis in the United States. We were lucky enough to have our friends Robin and Bob (of Bob’s Short Story Hour and Hidden Oaks) share their first hand possibly paranormal experiences visiting Waverly Hills. | |||
| Lunatics Library 47 - The Player | 06 May 2025 | 00:33:03 | |
We are so thrilled to present The Player, written by Forest Flynn and performed by Winston Alvarez. Get Lunatics Merch here. Join the discussion on Discord. Check out Abby's book Horror Stories. Available in eBook and paperback. Music by Michaela Papa, Alan Kudan & Jordan Moser. Poster Art by Pilar Keprta @pilar.kep. | |||
| Lunatics Library 13 - Ouija Stories | 08 Nov 2021 | 00:30:13 | |
Abby and Alan present stories about Ouija! The first story is read beautifully by Nadia Rausa (from One to a Thousand), an excerpt from The Seven Purposes. The second story is written by Abby Brenker and narrated by the one and only Kevin Murphy. | |||
| Episode 89 - The History of Ouija Boards | 30 Oct 2021 | 01:06:55 | |
Abby and Alan talk about the history and evolution of Ouija boards, spirit boards and talking boards. Ouija started as a device to contact spirits during the Spiritualism movement in the United States, but turned into a fun game for kids and finally to a spooky way to summon demons. | |||
| Episode 88: The History of The Halloween Film Franchise: Part 2 | 28 Oct 2021 | 00:51:56 | |
Abby and Alan unpack the dense history of every single Halloween film ever made. Starting with the original Halloween from 1978, directed by John Carpenter and starring Jamie Lee Curtis. And ending with Halloween Kills, currently in theaters. Part two will pick up with Halloween H20. Part one covers all films from the original through The Curse of Michael Meyers. Listen back for that. | |||
| Episode 87 - The History of The Halloween Film Franchise: Part 1 | 25 Oct 2021 | 01:02:30 | |
Abby and Alan unpack the dense history of every single Halloween film ever made. Starting with the original Halloween from 1978, directed by John Carpenter and starring Jamie Lee Curtis. And ending with Halloween Kills, currently in theaters. Part one leaves off after the discussion of the 6th film. Part two will pick up with Halloween H20. | |||
| Lunatics Library 12 - Haunted House Stories | 21 Oct 2021 | 00:50:30 | |
Abby and Alan present stories about haunted houses! The lineup includes a story written and read by Abby, a story written and read by Jon C Cook of the Fado Podcast. And a story written by W.W. Jacobs and read by Bob Daun, of Bob's Short Story Hour and Hidden Oaks. | |||
| Episode 86 - The History of Haunted Houses | 18 Oct 2021 | 00:48:09 | |
Abby and Alan discuss the history of haunted house attraction and rides. | |||
| Lunatics Library 11 - The Works of Edgar Allan Poe | 11 Oct 2021 | 01:10:51 | |
Abby and Alan are joined by Bob Daun, Robin Sand, Michael Crosa and Jon C Cook to read poems and short stories written by Edgar Allan Poe. | |||
| Episode 85 - The History of Edgar Allan Poe | 04 Oct 2021 | 01:02:55 | |
Abby and Alan explore the strange life and bizarre, unsolved death of Edgar Allan Poe. The work of Edgar Allan Poe is heavily influenced by the difficult nature of his life. | |||
| Episode 84 - Real Scary Stories 3 with Bob Daun and Collin Arnett | 27 Sep 2021 | 01:08:28 | |
Abby and Alan are joined by Bob Daun and Collin Arnett of the Hidden Oaks podcast to talk about their paranormal experiences. These stories truly give me chills. | |||
| Lunatics Library 10 - Isolation Stories | 20 Sep 2021 | 00:25:52 | |
Abby and Alan read horror stories that center around isolation. Written and read by Abby Brenker and Alan Kudan. | |||
| Episode 155 - Seances in The White House | 21 Apr 2025 | 00:33:12 | |
Today we discuss the history of the Lincoln's, The Booth's and the intersection of the White House and the Occult. But more importantly, this history is really a reflection of a nation divided, and the aftermath of grief. It doesn't seem so far away from the current state of the state. Sources
Get Lunatics Merch here. Join the discussion on Discord. Check out Abby's book Horror Stories. Available in eBook and paperback. Music by Michaela Papa, Alan Kudan & Jordan Moser. Poster Art by Pilar Keprta @pilar.kep. | |||
| Episode 83 - The History of Isolation | 13 Sep 2021 | 00:56:48 | |
Abby and Alan explore three components of the history of isolation. Starting with the dangers of solitary confinement, isolation torture and ending with bizarre cases of people being stranded on deserted islands. | |||
| Episode 82 - Cryptid Chat with Jon Cook | 06 Sep 2021 | 00:48:30 | |
This week Abby is joined by Jon Cook of the Fadó podcast to talk about Point Pleasant, West Virginia, The TNT Area, The Mothman...and Jon's strange, unexplained first hand sightings. If you listened to our coverage of The Mothman this is a great companion episode to get some local color. | |||
| Episode 81 - The History of The Mothman | 30 Aug 2021 | 01:29:02 | |
Abby and Alan explore the very heavy history of The Mothman of Point Pleasant, West Virginia. The Mothman is a cryptid of extreme fame, but there is something deeper about these accounts than others like them. | |||
| Episode 80 - The Real History Behind The Blob | 23 Aug 2021 | 01:01:58 | |
Abby and Alan explore the real history that inspired the film The Blob. From the thousand year history of Star Jelly to the pinnacle 1950s drive in horror flick, this one is wild. | |||
| Episode 79 - Real Scary Stories 2 | 02 Aug 2021 | 00:41:00 | |
Abby and Alan read listener submitted stories about paranormal, unexplained and scary things that have happened in real life. Send us your stories! filmsaboutlunatics@gmail.com | |||
| Lunatics Library 9 - Mermaid Stories | 26 Jul 2021 | 00:41:31 | |
Abby and Alan are joined by Avi Dobkin, of the From Alpha to Zedd podcast, to read mermaid poems and stories. Avi reads The Mermaid and The Merman by Alfred Lord Tennyson. | |||
| Episode 78 - The History of Mermaids | 19 Jul 2021 | 01:27:56 | |
Abby and Alan deep dive into the history of mermaids, spanning from ancient oceanic deities, to sailor lore and alleged mermaid sightings, to The Little Mermaid and modern mermaid horror. Listen in as they unpack the rich history of mermaids and mythical aquatic sea creatures. | |||
| Lunatics Library 8 - Kraken Stories | 12 Jul 2021 | 00:40:53 | |
Abby and Alan share wonderful stories about the mythological creature, The Kraken. The first story is written by Patrick Goodsell and read by Alan Kudan. The second story is written by David H. Keller and read by Bob Daun. Be sure to check out Bob's Short Story Hour and Hidden Oaks. | |||
| Episode 77 - The History of The Kraken | 05 Jul 2021 | 01:01:36 | |
Abby and Alan deep dive into the mythical history of The Kraken, a sea monster that notoriously hunted sailors off the coast of Norway and Greenland. Special thanks to Kevin Murphy for poetically helping is read some of the more magical Kraken passages and poems from literature. | |||
| Lunatics Library 7 - Fairy Tales | 21 Jun 2021 | 00:40:32 | |
This episode features classic fairy tales written by the Brothers Grimm, Charles Perrault and Hans Christian Anderson. All are read beautifully by Jon Cook of the Fadò Podcast. We round out our fairy tale series with a modern story, written by Dan Roberts and read by Alan Kudan. | |||
| Lunatics Library 46 - Space Horror Stories: Part 2 | 08 Apr 2025 | 00:47:58 | |
Listen in to the final installment of our Space Horror series. We will conclude with two epic space horror stories for you. Pariah's Last Breath was written by Curtis A. Deeter and narrated by Denali Bartell. Check out Denali's work here. Follow Curtis on Facebook @AuthorCurtisADeeter and Instaram is @Curtis_A._Deeter. Get Lunatics Merch here. Join the discussion on Discord. Check out Abby's book Horror Stories. Available in eBook and paperback. Music by Michaela Papa, Alan Kudan & Jordan Moser. Poster Art by Pilar Keprta @pilar.kep. | |||
| Episode 76 - The Disturbing History of Fairy Tales: Part 2 | 14 Jun 2021 | 00:45:10 | |
Abby and Alan are joined by Jon Cook of Fadò Podcast to continue their conversation on the disturbing and brutal history of Fairy Tales. Some fairy tales are thousands of years old and by examining iterations throughout history, we get insight into each culture that retold them. | |||
| Episode 75 - The Disturbing History of Fairy Tales: Part 1 | 07 Jun 2021 | 00:58:16 | |
Abby and Alan are joined by Jon Cook of Fadò Podcast to talk through the disturbing and brutal history of Fairy Tales. Some fairy tales are thousands of years old and by examining iterations throughout history, we get insight into each culture that retold them. | |||
| Episode 74 - The Curse of The Crying Boy Paintings | 31 May 2021 | 00:46:36 | |
Abby and Alan explore the curse of the crying boy paintings that spread panic across Great Britain in the 1980s. The Urban Legend goes that hanging this mass produced painting in your home ends in a fire that burns everything...with the exception of the painting itself. Listen in to learn more. | |||
| Episode 73 - Real Scary Stories | 24 May 2021 | 00:35:35 | |
Abby and Alan read listener submitted stories about paranormal, unexplained and scary things that have happened in real life. Send us your stories! filmsaboutlunatics@gmail.com Get the Spring issue of Lunatics Magazine on Etsy. Or become a Patron to get one automatically. | |||
| Lunatics Library 6 - Reincarnation Stories | 17 May 2021 | 00:22:36 | |
This episode features two reincarnation themed short stories. The first was written by Spooky Bambina (follow on IG) also listen to Itchy Dress Sunday on Spotify or your favorite streaming app. The second story is written by Anastasia Garcia. Anastasia Garcia is a Mexican-American writer of horror and speculative fiction. Anastasia’s recent short story is featured in Corvid Queen, a journal of feminist fairy tales, folklore, & myths. Anastasia’s writing will appear in an upcoming issue of the Nottingham Horror Collective. In 2020, Anastasia was named a recipient of the Ladies of Horror Fiction writer’s grant. Originally from Texas, Anastasia now works at Instagram and lives in New York City with her partner and her cats. Follow her writing journey on Instagram @anastasiawrites or at anastasiawrites.com. | |||
| Episode 72 - Alleged Cases of Reincarnation | 10 May 2021 | 01:07:46 | |
Abby and Alan explore alleged real life cases of reincarnation. Listen to part one for the history of reincarnation. Get the Spring issue of Lunatics Magazine on Etsy. Or become a Patron to get one automatically. | |||
| Episode 71 - The History of Reincarnation | 03 May 2021 | 00:47:55 | |
Abby and Alan explore the history of reincarnation. Reincarnation spans from ancient Egypt, to Indian and Tibetan Buddhism, to modern day Wiccan practices. Get the Spring issue of Lunatics Magazine on Etsy. Or become a Patron to get one automatically. | |||
| Lunatics Library 5 - Grim Reaper Stories | 26 Apr 2021 | 00:38:02 | |
This episode features two Grim Reaper themed short stories. The first, The Violin, written and narrated by Jon C. Cook of the Fadó Podcast. The second called The Death of The Ankou was written by Wyndham Lewis and narrated by Abby Brenker. | |||
| Episode 70 - The History of The Grim Reaper | 19 Apr 2021 | 00:58:52 | |
Abby and Alan learn about the history of Death personified and the Grim Reaper. Tracing death gods and goddesses throughout history and the rise of the Grim Reaper after the Bubonic Plague. | |||
| Lunatics Library 4 - Pyrokinesis Stories | 11 Apr 2021 | 00:24:54 | |
This episode features two short stories on the theme of Pyrokinesis. Both were written by Abby Brenker and read by Bob Daun. | |||
| Lunatics Library 45 - Space Horror Stories: Part 1 | 24 Mar 2025 | 00:52:42 | |
Abby is so thrilled to present three haunting space horror themed stories. Encounter was written and narrated by Nick Young. You can follow Nick on Instagram @zenblues and on X: @NickYou87166031. Toy Robot was written by S.S. Fitzgerald and narrated by Jon C Cook. Follow S.S. Fitzgerald on X: @S_S_Fitzgerald. And listen to the Fadó podcast to hear more of Jon's dreamy voice on demand. Get Lunatics Merch here. Join the discussion on Discord. Check out Abby's book Horror Stories. Available in eBook and paperback. Music by Michaela Papa, Alan Kudan & Jordan Moser. Poster Art by Pilar Keprta @pilar.kep. | |||
| Episode 69 - The History of Pyromania & Pyrokinesis | 05 Apr 2021 | 01:11:40 | |
Abby and Alan sit down with Bob Daun to discuss the history and psychology behind Pyromania and Pyrokinesis. | |||
| Episode 68 - The History of Alfred Hitchcock's Psycho | 29 Mar 2021 | 01:02:27 | |
Abby and Alan explore the real life events that inspired the novel and the famous film Psycho, directed and produced by Alfred Hitchcock. We also learn about the production of the film, the psychology behind it and the many remakes that came later. | |||
| Lunatics Library 3 - Necromancy Stories | 22 Mar 2021 | 00:45:03 | |
This episode features three necromancy stories; Other worlds written by Abby Brenker and read by Miranda Warzel. Luz written and performed by Wi-Moto Nyoka, edited by Ianna A. Small, sound design is by Gabe Castro of The Ghouls Next Door. Direction by Gineiris Garcia, co-producer of Black Women Are Scary. And Old Bones written by Alan Kudan and read by Kevin Murphy. | |||