Explore every episode of the podcast Lunatics Radio Hour: The History of Horror
| Title | Pub. Date | Duration | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Episode 159 - The History of Superhero Horror: Part 2 | 24 Jun 2025 | 01:01:10 | |
Abby and Alan continue their conversation about superhero history and horror. Diving into the most iconic superheroes of all time, and the best examples of superhero horror. 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. Consider joining our Patreon for bonus episodes, spooky literature and deep dives into horror and history. Click here to learn more. Follow us on TikTok, X, Instragram and YouTube. | |||
| Episode 158 - The History of Superhero Horror: Part 1 | 10 Jun 2025 | 01:01:49 | |
Listen in as Abby and Alan discuss the origins of superhero horror, starting with the earliest instances of folk heros, and the very first superhero comics. From Hugo Hercules to Robinhood, the Scarlett Pimpernel and Namor the Submariner. 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. Consider joining our Patreon for bonus episodes, spooky literature and deep dives into horror and history. Click here to learn more. Follow us on TikTok, X, Instragram and YouTube. | |||
| Episode 152 - The Dark History of Valentine's Day | 09 Feb 2025 | 00:34:55 | |
Listen in as Abby discusses the dark origins of Valentine’s Day, tracing its roots from ancient Roman rituals to the modern celebration of love. We explore how traditions like Lupercalia influenced the holiday and examine the lesser-known stories of St. Valentine and the evolution of Cupid. 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.
Consider joining our Patreon for bonus episodes, spooky literature and deep dives into horror and history. Click here to learn more. Follow us on TikTok, X, Instragram and YouTube. | |||
| Episode 91 - The History of The Amityville Horror | 06 Dec 2021 | 01:10:40 | |
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? Consider joining our Patreon for bonus episodes, spooky literature and deep dives into horror and history. Click here to learn more. Follow us on TikTok, X, Instragram and YouTube. | |||
| Lunatics Library 14 - Our Scariest Stories | 22 Nov 2021 | 01:06:56 | |
Abby and Alan present the scariest stories from Lunatics Radio Hour. Sit back and relax as we send shivers down your spine. Consider joining our Patreon for bonus episodes, spooky literature and deep dives into horror and history. Click here to learn more. Follow us on TikTok, X, Instragram and YouTube. | |||
| Episode 90 - The Hauntings of The Waverly Hills Sanatorium | 15 Nov 2021 | 01:13:37 | |
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. Consider joining our Patreon for bonus episodes, spooky literature and deep dives into horror and history. Click here to learn more. Follow us on TikTok, X, Instragram and YouTube. | |||
| Lunatics Library 13 - Ouija Stories | 08 Nov 2021 | 00:31:19 | |
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. Consider joining our Patreon for bonus episodes, spooky literature and deep dives into horror and history. Click here to learn more. Follow us on TikTok, X, Instragram and YouTube. | |||
| Episode 89 - The History of Ouija Boards | 30 Oct 2021 | 01:08:01 | |
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. Consider joining our Patreon for bonus episodes, spooky literature and deep dives into horror and history. Click here to learn more. Follow us on TikTok, X, Instragram and YouTube. | |||
| Episode 88: The History of The Halloween Film Franchise: Part 2 | 28 Oct 2021 | 00:53:02 | |
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. Consider joining our Patreon for bonus episodes, spooky literature and deep dives into horror and history. Click here to learn more. Follow us on TikTok, X, Instragram and YouTube. | |||
| Episode 87 - The History of The Halloween Film Franchise: Part 1 | 25 Oct 2021 | 01:03:36 | |
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. Consider joining our Patreon for bonus episodes, spooky literature and deep dives into horror and history. Click here to learn more. Follow us on TikTok, X, Instragram and YouTube. | |||
| Lunatics Library 12 - Haunted House Stories | 21 Oct 2021 | 00:51:36 | |
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. Consider joining our Patreon for bonus episodes, spooky literature and deep dives into horror and history. Click here to learn more. Follow us on TikTok, X, Instragram and YouTube. | |||
| Episode 86 - The History of Haunted Houses | 18 Oct 2021 | 00:49:15 | |
Abby and Alan discuss the history of haunted house attraction and rides. Consider joining our Patreon for bonus episodes, spooky literature and deep dives into horror and history. Click here to learn more. Follow us on TikTok, X, Instragram and YouTube. | |||
| Lunatics Library 11 - The Works of Edgar Allan Poe | 11 Oct 2021 | 01:11:56 | |
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. Consider joining our Patreon for bonus episodes, spooky literature and deep dives into horror and history. Click here to learn more. Follow us on TikTok, X, Instragram and YouTube. | |||
| Episode 151 - Campfire Tales #4 | 01 Feb 2025 | 00:31:34 | |
Abby is thrilled to introduce my new co-host for Campfire Tales in 2025, Alex Goleman. And thrilled to announce that we will be leaning way more into Campfire Tales this year. Sit back, pretend you're siting around a campfire and prepare to be spooked. Treatment of The All Consuming Client was written by Joelle Killian and preformed by Denali Bartell. Follow @Joelle_Killian on IG. Deep Within was written by Travis Mushanski and preformed by Peter Papazoglou. Follow @TravisMushanski on social media. Abandoned Sweets was written by Josh Clark and preformed by Michael Crosa. Follow josh_of_clark on Instagram. And check out the Podnooga podcast network for more from Michael. As always, thanks for supporting this podcast and the incredibly talented writers and narrators that we are lucky enough to work with. 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. Consider joining our Patreon for bonus episodes, spooky literature and deep dives into horror and history. Click here to learn more. Follow us on TikTok, X, Instragram and YouTube. | |||
| Episode 85 - The History of Edgar Allan Poe | 04 Oct 2021 | 01:04:01 | |
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. Consider joining our Patreon for bonus episodes, spooky literature and deep dives into horror and history. Click here to learn more. Follow us on TikTok, X, Instragram and YouTube. | |||
| Episode 84 - Real Scary Stories 3 with Bob Daun and Collin Arnett | 27 Sep 2021 | 01:09:34 | |
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. Consider joining our Patreon for bonus episodes, spooky literature and deep dives into horror and history. Click here to learn more. Follow us on TikTok, X, Instragram and YouTube. | |||
| Lunatics Library 10 - Isolation Stories | 20 Sep 2021 | 00:26:58 | |
Abby and Alan read horror stories that center around isolation. Written and read by Abby Brenker and Alan Kudan. Consider joining our Patreon for bonus episodes, spooky literature and deep dives into horror and history. Click here to learn more. Follow us on TikTok, X, Instragram and YouTube. | |||
| Episode 83 - The History of Isolation | 13 Sep 2021 | 00:57:53 | |
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. Consider joining our Patreon for bonus episodes, spooky literature and deep dives into horror and history. Click here to learn more. Follow us on TikTok, X, Instragram and YouTube. | |||
| Episode 82 - Cryptid Chat with Jon Cook | 06 Sep 2021 | 00:49:36 | |
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. Consider joining our Patreon for bonus episodes, spooky literature and deep dives into horror and history. Click here to learn more. Follow us on TikTok, X, Instragram and YouTube. | |||
| Episode 81 - The History of The Mothman | 30 Aug 2021 | 01:30:08 | |
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. Consider joining our Patreon for bonus episodes, spooky literature and deep dives into horror and history. Click here to learn more. Follow us on TikTok, X, Instragram and YouTube. | |||
| Episode 80 - The Real History Behind The Blob | 23 Aug 2021 | 01:03:04 | |
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. Consider joining our Patreon for bonus episodes, spooky literature and deep dives into horror and history. Click here to learn more. Follow us on TikTok, X, Instragram and YouTube. | |||
| Episode 79 - Real Scary Stories 2 | 02 Aug 2021 | 00:42:06 | |
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 Consider joining our Patreon for bonus episodes, spooky literature and deep dives into horror and history. Click here to learn more. Follow us on TikTok, X, Instragram and YouTube. | |||
| Lunatics Library 9 - Mermaid Stories | 26 Jul 2021 | 00:42:37 | |
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. Consider joining our Patreon for bonus episodes, spooky literature and deep dives into horror and history. Click here to learn more. Follow us on TikTok, X, Instragram and YouTube. | |||
| Episode 78 - The History of Mermaids | 19 Jul 2021 | 01:29:02 | |
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. Consider joining our Patreon for bonus episodes, spooky literature and deep dives into horror and history. Click here to learn more. Follow us on TikTok, X, Instragram and YouTube. | |||
| Episode 150 - The Science Behind Alien Phenomena: Part 2 | 16 Jan 2025 | 00:34:39 | |
This is part two of our conversation with the mysterious Andy, to discuss modern day theories around alien encounters, UFOs, UAP and interdimensional beings. Consider joining our Patreon for bonus episodes, spooky literature and deep dives into horror and history. Click here to learn more. Follow us on TikTok, X, Instragram and YouTube. | |||
| Lunatics Library 8 - Kraken Stories | 12 Jul 2021 | 00:41:59 | |
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. Consider joining our Patreon for bonus episodes, spooky literature and deep dives into horror and history. Click here to learn more. Follow us on TikTok, X, Instragram and YouTube. | |||
| Episode 77 - The History of The Kraken | 05 Jul 2021 | 01:02:42 | |
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. Consider joining our Patreon for bonus episodes, spooky literature and deep dives into horror and history. Click here to learn more. Follow us on TikTok, X, Instragram and YouTube. | |||
| Lunatics Library 7 - Fairy Tales | 21 Jun 2021 | 00:41:38 | |
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. Consider joining our Patreon for bonus episodes, spooky literature and deep dives into horror and history. Click here to learn more. Follow us on TikTok, X, Instragram and YouTube. | |||
| Episode 76 - The Disturbing History of Fairy Tales: Part 2 | 14 Jun 2021 | 00:46:16 | |
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. Consider joining our Patreon for bonus episodes, spooky literature and deep dives into horror and history. Click here to learn more. Follow us on TikTok, X, Instragram and YouTube. | |||
| Episode 75 - The Disturbing History of Fairy Tales: Part 1 | 07 Jun 2021 | 00:59:22 | |
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. Consider joining our Patreon for bonus episodes, spooky literature and deep dives into horror and history. Click here to learn more. Follow us on TikTok, X, Instragram and YouTube. | |||
| Episode 74 - The Curse of The Crying Boy Paintings | 31 May 2021 | 00:47:42 | |
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. Consider joining our Patreon for bonus episodes, spooky literature and deep dives into horror and history. Click here to learn more. Follow us on TikTok, X, Instragram and YouTube. | |||
| Episode 73 - Real Scary Stories | 24 May 2021 | 00:36:41 | |
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. Consider joining our Patreon for bonus episodes, spooky literature and deep dives into horror and history. Click here to learn more. Follow us on TikTok, X, Instragram and YouTube. | |||
| Lunatics Library 6 - Reincarnation Stories | 17 May 2021 | 00:23:06 | |
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. Follow us on TikTok, X, Instragram and YouTube. | |||
| Episode 72 - Alleged Cases of Reincarnation | 10 May 2021 | 01:08:52 | |
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. Consider joining our Patreon for bonus episodes, spooky literature and deep dives into horror and history. Click here to learn more. Follow us on TikTok, X, Instragram and YouTube. | |||
| Episode 71 - The History of Reincarnation | 03 May 2021 | 00:49:01 | |
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. Consider joining our Patreon for bonus episodes, spooky literature and deep dives into horror and history. Click here to learn more. Follow us on TikTok, X, Instragram and YouTube. | |||
| Episode 149 - The Science Behind Alien Phenomena: Part 1 | 03 Jan 2025 | 00:47:23 | |
Abby and Alan sit down with the mysterious Andy, to discuss modern day theories around alien encounters, UFOs, UAP and interdimensional beings. Consider joining our Patreon for bonus episodes, spooky literature and deep dives into horror and history. Click here to learn more. Follow us on TikTok, X, Instragram and YouTube. | |||
| Lunatics Library 5 - Grim Reaper Stories | 26 Apr 2021 | 00:39:08 | |
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. Consider joining our Patreon for bonus episodes, spooky literature and deep dives into horror and history. Click here to learn more. Follow us on TikTok, X, Instragram and YouTube. | |||
| Episode 70 - The History of The Grim Reaper | 19 Apr 2021 | 00:59:58 | |
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. Consider joining our Patreon for bonus episodes, spooky literature and deep dives into horror and history. Click here to learn more. Follow us on TikTok, X, Instragram and YouTube. | |||
| Lunatics Library 4 - Pyrokinesis Stories | 11 Apr 2021 | 00:26:00 | |
This episode features two short stories on the theme of Pyrokinesis. Both were written by Abby Brenker and read by Bob Daun. Consider joining our Patreon for bonus episodes, spooky literature and deep dives into horror and history. Click here to learn more. Follow us on TikTok, X, Instragram and YouTube. | |||
| Episode 69 - The History of Pyromania & Pyrokinesis | 05 Apr 2021 | 01:12:46 | |
Abby and Alan sit down with Bob Daun to discuss the history and psychology behind Pyromania and Pyrokinesis. Consider joining our Patreon for bonus episodes, spooky literature and deep dives into horror and history. Click here to learn more. Follow us on TikTok, X, Instragram and YouTube. | |||
| Episode 68 - The History of Alfred Hitchcock's Psycho | 29 Mar 2021 | 01:03:33 | |
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. Consider joining our Patreon for bonus episodes, spooky literature and deep dives into horror and history. Click here to learn more. Follow us on TikTok, X, Instragram and YouTube. | |||
| Lunatics Library 3 - Necromancy Stories | 22 Mar 2021 | 00:46:09 | |
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. Consider joining our Patreon for bonus episodes, spooky literature and deep dives into horror and history. Click here to learn more. Follow us on TikTok, X, Instragram and YouTube. | |||
| Episode 67 - The History of Necromancy: Part 2 | 15 Mar 2021 | 00:49:37 | |
Alan and Abby continue their exploration of Necromancy throughout history. The second part focuses on the roots of necromancy in Egypt and the Middle East, and the influence of Christianity on this practice. Consider joining our Patreon for bonus episodes, spooky literature and deep dives into horror and history. Click here to learn more. Follow us on TikTok, X, Instragram and YouTube. | |||
| Episode 66 - The History of Necromancy: Part 1 | 08 Mar 2021 | 01:01:11 | |
Alan and Abby learn all about the history of necromancy. Starting with death rituals from early civilizations and ending with the major impact necromancy has on Greek and Norse mythology. Even more coming next week in part two. Consider joining our Patreon for bonus episodes, spooky literature and deep dives into horror and history. Click here to learn more. Follow us on TikTok, X, Instragram and YouTube. | |||
| Episode 65 - The Hauntings of The Bowery Hotel | 22 Feb 2021 | 01:07:51 | |
Abby & Alan explore the haunted rumors of The Bowery Hotel...while staying there. Consider joining our Patreon for bonus episodes, spooky literature and deep dives into horror and history. Click here to learn more. Follow us on TikTok, X, Instragram and YouTube. | |||
| Lunatics Library 2 - Medusa Stories | 18 Feb 2021 | 00:31:55 | |
Welcome to the second episode of Lunatics Library! These companion episodes will feature short stories that go with our historic deep dives. In this episode Miranda Warzel, Adam Bashian & Laura Sudduth read Medusa themed stories to you. Consider joining our Patreon for bonus episodes, spooky literature and deep dives into horror and history. Click here to learn more. Follow us on TikTok, X, Instragram and YouTube. | |||
| Lunatics Library 44 - Holiday Horror Stories | 19 Dec 2024 | 00:51:16 | |
Abby and Alan are so thrilled to present four haunting holiday horror stories. Cozy up next to a fire with a cup of hot coco, and prepare to shake in your snow boots. Consider joining our Patreon for bonus episodes, spooky literature and deep dives into horror and history. Click here to learn more. Follow us on TikTok, X, Instragram and YouTube. | |||
| Episode 64 - The History of Medusa | 15 Feb 2021 | 00:51:27 | |
CW: Themes of sexual assault. Consider joining our Patreon for bonus episodes, spooky literature and deep dives into horror and history. Click here to learn more. Follow us on TikTok, X, Instragram and YouTube. | |||
| Lunatics Library 1 - Zombie Stories | 10 Feb 2021 | 00:38:06 | |
Welcome to the first episode of Lunatics Library! These companion episodes will feature short stories that go with our historic deep dives. Consider joining our Patreon for bonus episodes, spooky literature and deep dives into horror and history. Click here to learn more. Follow us on TikTok, X, Instragram and YouTube. | |||
| Episode 63 - The History of Zombies | 08 Feb 2021 | 01:20:30 | |
Alan and Abby talk through the history of zombies...and then phone a friend to explore some of the best (and worst) zombie films ever made. PBS Documentary on the History of Zombies: watch here. Consider joining our Patreon for bonus episodes, spooky literature and deep dives into horror and history. Click here to learn more. Follow us on TikTok, X, Instragram and YouTube. | |||