Lunatics Radio Hour: The History of Horror
History
About
Lunatics Radio Hour is a non-fiction history podcast about the history of horror and the horror of history. Each episode explores real, documented events where fear, violence, survival, and the unknown shaped human lives and cultures. The show also traces how historical events influenced film, examining how real-world horrors became the stories and images that appear on screen. Topics include dark history, psychological phenomena, folklore rooted in fact, and the historical roots of horror cinema. Most episodes focus on researched historical subjects. Occasional short fiction stories are included and clearly labeled. If you’re drawn to the darker side of history and the real events behind horror films, Lunatics Radio Hour explores where history, fear, and cinema intersect.
Episodes
- Episode 190 - The History of Jump Scares in Horror
Why do audiences jump in horror movies? What are some of the greatest jump scares in cinema history? In this episode of Lunatics Radio Hour , Abby and Alan explore the history of the jump scare, from early suspense filmmaking and the famou…
- Episode 189 - The History of The Bell Witch
This week Abby and Alan discuss the reported haunting of the Bell Witch in Tennessee during the early 1800s. The events centered on the Bell family and centers around unexplained noises, voices, and physical disturbances. The entity, often…
- Episode 188 - The History of Contagious Curses
This week, Abby and Alan dive into the folklore behind horror’s most contagious curses, from The Ring to Smile to It Follows . Get Lunatics Merch here. Join the discussion on Discord . Check out Abby's book Horror Stories . Available in eB…
- Episode 187 - Campfire Tales #9: Only The Dead
This week, Abby is joined by Alex Goleman for a double feature of eerie campfire tales, the kind that feel a little too real once the lights go out. “Only The Dead” by Marisca Pichette and “Trash Talk” by Sam Logan. Find more from the auth…
- Episode 186 - The Horrifying History of Mirrors
This week Abby sits down with Kate Rotunda to discuss the vast and unnerving history of mirrors. Get Lunatics Merch here. Join the discussion on Discord . Check out Abby's book Horror Stories . Available in eBook and paperback. Music by Mi…
- Episode 185 - Listener Lore #1
Today we are bringing you 6 hometown urban legends straight from our listeners. Follow Madz on Instagram @madzsmiled and @sonrisalibrary. And consider supporting BeLoved Asheville. Follow Abby on Substack: https://substack.com/@lunaticspro…
- Episode 184 - The Babysitter and The Man Upstairs
This week Abby and Alan sit down with Dan Roberts to discuss the history of The Babysitter and The Man Upstairs urban legend and When A Stranger Calls (1979). Follow Dan on Substack: https://substack.com/@drob91 Follow Abby on Substack: ht…
- Episode 183 - Real Scary Stories: Midnight Visitor
Have you ever felt like someone was watching you from outside your house? It's an (overdue) honor to present this real scary story from K.L. Mill. If you want to walk down memory lane with us, you can listen to The Man With The Axe (the ve…
- Episode 182 - The Clown Riot of 1855
In 1855, a bizarre incident in Toronto escalated into one of the city’s strangest riots. After a fight broke out between clowns from a visiting circus and members of a volunteer firefighting company, tensions quickly spiraled. What began a…
- Episode 181 - Categorizing Horror Villains
This week Abby sits down with Kate Rotunda to talk through her classifications of horror villains. You can read Kate's original article HERE . Get Lunatics Merch here. Join the discussion on Discord . Check out Abby's book Horror Stories .…
- Episode 180 - The History of The Connecticut Witch Trials
Before Salem, there was Connecticut. In this episode of Lunatics Radio Hour, Abby Brenker sits down with historian Josh Hutchinson to explore the Connecticut Witch Trials, which spanned 1647 to 1697 and led to 11 executions decades before…
- Episode 179 - Campfire Tales #8: Airbag
This week Abby and Alex present two stories for your enjoyment. In The Light of The Wisps was written by Marisca Pichette. Follow them on Instagram @marisca_write or check out their website: www.mariscapichette.com Airbag was written by Mi…
- Episode 178 - The Disappearance of Roanoke
This week Abby and Alan discuss the real history of the Lost Colony on Roanoke Island, from the first English expeditions to the colony’s unexplained disappearance in 1590. We talk through the major historical theories, including integrati…
- Episode 177 - The History of Third Man Factor
This week Abby and Alan discuss Third Man Factor; real life incidents, theories and it's impact on horror and pop culture. Third Man Theory refers to the phenomena of people surviving extreme situations and claiming it's because an invisib…
- Episode 176 - The Horrifying History of Puppets
This week Abby sits down with Kate Rotunda to discuss the very unnerving history of puppets. Get Lunatics Merch here. Join the discussion on Discord . Check out Abby's book Horror Stories . Available in eBook and paperback. Music by Michae…
- Episode 175 - The History of Snow Cryptids
Abby and Alan conclude the four part winter horror series. This week they discuss The Yerti and other snow cryptids. They even talk through some of the most famous instances of ice mummies. Get Lunatics Merch here. Join the discussion on D…
- Episode 174 - Campfire Tales #7: Bunny Girl
This week Abby presents two spooky stories. 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…
- Episode 173 - The History of Isolation and Winter Horror
This week Abby and Alan continue exploring the intersection of winter and horror, this time through the lens of of isolation. Sources: A Medical News Today article by Danielle Dresdon: What to know about cabin fever . JAMA Network, scienti…
- Episode 172 - The History of Real Life Snow Tragedies
This week Abby and Alan continue our exploration of snow horror by talking through 5 real life snow tragedies. Sources A History.com article by Becky Little: The Dyatlov Pass Incident: Why the Hiker Deaths Remain a Mystery Museumhack.com a…
- Episode 171 - The Folklore and Mythology Behind Winter Horror
This week Abby and Alan present a non-exhaustive look at winter folklore and mythology from around the globe. From Scotland, Norway and Germany to Japan and Native American mythology. This kicks off a multi-part series exploring the inters…
- Episode 170 - The Mega Christmas Horror Frankenstein Episode
This week we take a nostalgic walk down memory lane and piece together some of our past episodes on Christmas and holiday horror. We’ve covered so many different versions of holiday horror over the last few years, and we wanted to put toge…
- Episode 169 - Feminism and Horror
Abby sits down with our friend Kate Rotunda to talk about the intersection of feminism and horror. We start out by discussing Frankenhooker (1990) and go from there. CW: Discussion of violence against women and SA. Get Lunatics Merch here.…
- Episode 168 - The Dark Roots of Everyday Expressions
Abby and Alan sit down to talk through the dark history of every day expressions and sayings. From mad hatter to taking it with a grain of salt, we get into all of it. Get Lunatics Merch here. Join the discussion on Discord . Check out Abb…
- Episode 167 - The Dark Lore Behind The Wizard of Oz: Part 2
Abby and Alex pick up where they left off last week, and talk through The Wiz and Wicked, in all of it's forms. Get Lunatics Merch here. Join the discussion on Discord . Check out Abby's book Horror Stories . Available in eBook and paperba…
- Episode 166 - The Dark Lore Behind The Wizard of Oz: Part 1
Abby sits down with Alex to talk through all things Wizard of Oz. From L Frank Baum's books which date back to 1900, to the 1939 classic MGM film and so much more. Get Lunatics Merch here. Join the discussion on Discord . Check out Abby's…
- Lunatics Library 49 - Friday The 13th Inspired Horror Stories
This week Abby and Alan present four modern day horror stories, all in some ways inspired by or adjacent to the Friday the 13th film franchise. Belly Bees was written by Sam Logan and narrated by Kate Rotunda. Follow Sam at samloganwrites.…
- Episode 165 - The History of Friday the 13th: Part Three
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…
- Episode 164 - The History of Friday the 13th: Part Two
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…
- Episode 163 - The History of Friday the 13th: Part One
Abby and Alan sit down to discuss the history and production of the first four films in the Friday the 13th horror franchise. In part one we start with the first four films; Friday the 13th (1980), Friday the 13th Part 2 (1981), Friday the…
- Episode 162 - Campfire Tales #6
Abby and Alex are so thrilled to present three haunting and spooky tales. The Summoning was written by Joseph Hare, and narrated by Denali Bartell. Check out Joseph on Instagram @josephhareifyoucare and on Substack josephhare.substack. The…
- Episode 161 - Campfire Tales #5
Abby and Alex Goleman are thrilled to present three haunting horror stories. First Date was written by Carver Welsh and narrated by Abby Brenker. Follow Carver on IG @carverwelsh. A Scratching at The Door was written by Jon Adcock and narr…
- Episode 160 - The History of Spring-Heeled Jack
Abby just couldn't get enough. This week is a true deep dive into the history of one of the most bizarre phantoms to haunt a major city. Reports and sightings of Spring-Heeled Jack were commonplace in Victorian London. Join the discussion…
- Lunatics Library 48 - Superhero Horror Stories
We are thrilled to present three superhero horror stories. Interminable was written by Warren Benedetto and performed by Mike Macera. Heffalumps and Ozzles was written by Nikki Blakey and performed by Sara Luke, follow Sara on IG at @saral…
- Episode 159 - The History of Superhero Horror: Part 2
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 o…
- Episode 158 - The History of Superhero Horror: Part 1
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.…
- Episode 157 - Berkey Family Vacation 1988
Written by Jacob Steven Mohr. Starring Denali Bartell, Sarak Luke and Mike Macera. Direction and sound design by Abby Brenker (with the help of Alan Kudan.) Sound engineering and mixing by Alan Kudan. Enjoy your Summer! Get Lunatics Merch…
- Episode 156 - The History of Astrology
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 Time Magazine article: Where Do Zodiac Signs Come From? B…
- Lunatics Library 47 - The Player
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…
- Episode 155 - Seances in The White House
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 s…
- Lunatics Library 46 - Space Horror Stories: Part 2
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 .…
- Lunatics Library 45 - Space Horror Stories: Part 1
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 an…
- Episode 154 - The History of Space Horror: Part 2
Abby and Alan continue to discuss the vast history of space horror in film, with a focus on one of the most famous horror franchises of all time, Alien. Get Lunatics Merch here. Join the discussion on Discord . Check out Abby's book Horror…
- Episode 153 - The History of Space Horror: Part 1
Abby and Alan discuss the vast history of space horror in film and literature. 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…
- Episode 152 - The Dark History of Valentine's Day
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…
- Episode 151 - Campfire Tales #4
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 t…
- Episode 150 - The Science Behind Alien Phenomena: Part 2
This is part two of our conversation with the mysterious Andy, to discuss modern day theories around alien encounters, UFOs, UAP and interdimensional beings. Get Lunatics Merch here. Join the discussion on Discord . Check out Abby's book H…
- Episode 149 - The Science Behind Alien Phenomena: Part 1
Abby and Alan sit down with the mysterious Andy, to discuss modern day theories around alien encounters, UFOs, UAP and interdimensional beings. Get Lunatics Merch here. Join the discussion on Discord . Check out Abby's book Horror Stories…
- Lunatics Library 44 - Holiday Horror Stories
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. Matches was written by Warren Benedetto and narrated by Jon C. Cook. Cat…
- Episode 148 - The Dark Origins of Christmas Mythology and Monsters
From Krampus and Belsnickel to ancient pagan festivals, Abby and Alan discuss the dark origins of Christmas mythology and monsters. Get Lunatics Merch here. Join the discussion on Discord . Listen to the paranormal playlist I curate for Vu…
- Episode 147 - Campfire Tales #3
Abby and Alan are thrilled to present three horrifying and hauntingly beautiful stories. Come and gather around the campfire, as we collectively grow more and more unsettled together. Consider donating to Beloved Asheville . Lakeland was w…