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.
This week on Lunatics Radio Hour we're talking through the fascinating history of horror taglines. We get into the history of film marketing, the evolution of taglines and some of the most iconic of all time. Sources 10 Greatest Horror Movie Taglines, Ranked Collider Article by Chris Williams Fangoria article by Justin Lockwood: How Much Shock Can You Stand? Top Horror Taglines Across The Decades An article from the Museum of The Moving Image on The Silent Film Era 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. Watch Voices Carry for free on Tubi now! 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. Join the conversation on Discord. Support us on Patreon . Support the show
Episode 200 - The History of The Final Girl
In this episode of Lunatics Radio Hour, we explore the history of the Final Girl, one of horror’s most recognizable character archetypes. From early examples in horror literature and film to the rise of the slasher genre in the 1970s and 1980s, we examine how the trope developed and why it became so important to horror storytelling. We discuss the academic origins of the term, the characteristics traditionally associated with the Final Girl, and how characters like Laurie Strode, Nancy Thompson, and Sidney Prescott helped define and evolve the role. We also look at how modern horror films have challenged, expanded, and reinterpreted the trope for new audiences. Join us as we trace the history of the Final Girl and her lasting impact on horror cinema. Follow @Sonrisalibrary on Instagram. Sources Men, Women, and Chain Saws by Carol J Clover (1992) Fandom article: Halloween Flips The Final Girl Trope on Its Head by Kim Taylor-Foster In Session Film article by Codie Allen: The Scream Queen’s Legacy: Janet Leigh and the Evolution of Horror Dread Central article by Mary Beth McAndrews: Jess’s Choice: How ‘Black Christmas’ (1974) Responsibly Addresses Abortion and Bodily Autonomy 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. Watch Voices Carry for free on Tubi now! 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. Join the conversation on Discord. Support us on Patreon . Support the show
Episode 199 - The History of Masks in Folklore and Horror: Part 2
In this episode of Lunatics Radio Hour, we explore the folklore behind masks, from ancient legends and seasonal traditions to the myths that gave rise to some of horror's most unforgettable imagery. Discover how masks have been used to ward off evil spirits, conceal identities, represent supernatural beings, and blur the line between the human and the unknown. Then, we trace how these age-old beliefs found new life in horror, inspiring some of the genre's most iconic masked villains. Join us as we uncover the folklore that continues to shape horror to this day. Sources The-noh.com article: Introducing the world of noh masks A Minneapolis Institute of Art article on African Masks and Masquerade Thorn and Vine article: Krampus in The Alps A paper from Shorehaven Behavioral Health: The Curious and Fascinating Psychology of Wearing Masks The Wikipedia entry on the False Face Society 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. Support the show
Episode 198 - The Dark History of Masks: Part 1
This week on Lunatics Radio Hour, we explore the history of masks, from prehistoric rituals and ancient Egyptian funerary masks to Roman death masks, Venetian Carnival, and the eerie plague doctor. Sources National Geographic Article by A. R. Williams - World’s Oldest Masks Modeled On Early Markers Ancestors Death and Burial in Ancient Egypt by Salima Ikram A BBC article by Zaria Grovett: The lost art of the death mask An Art and Object article by Effie Jackson: The History of Venetian Masks National Geographic Article by Erin Blakemore: Why plague doctors wore those strange beaked masks 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. Support the show
Episode 197 - The Devil's Footprints of 1855
On the morning of February 9, 1855, residents across Devon, England awoke to a baffling sight. Strange hoof-like footprints stretched through fresh snow for miles, appearing in dozens of towns and villages. According to contemporary reports, the tracks crossed walls, rooftops, frozen rivers, and other obstacles, fueling rumors that the Devil himself had walked the countryside overnight. Nearly 200 years later, the Devil's Footprints remain one of history's most enduring unsolved mysteries. 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. Support the show
Episode 196 - Campfire Tales #11: Shadow Man
This week Abby and Alex present two original works of horror fiction. Shadows was written by by Jon Adcock. Find more of Jon's work at https://linktr.ee/jonadcock . Family, Like Branches was written by Marisca Pichette. You can find Marisca at www.mariscapichette.com , on Instagram @marisca_write, on Bluesky @marisca.bsky.social, and on Twitter/X @MariscaPichette. Turn down the lights and enjoy two unsettling tales from two talented writers. 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. Support the show
Episode 195 - The History of Medieval UFO Sightings
Modern UFO reports are often associated with the 20th century, but strange objects in the sky have been recorded for hundreds of years. Medieval chronicles describe unusual celestial events, mysterious lights, and unexplained phenomena that left witnesses searching for answers. Centuries later, some researchers and UFO enthusiasts have pointed to curious details in medieval and Renaissance artwork, arguing that certain paintings appear to depict objects that resemble modern ideas of UFOs. In this episode, we explore reports of strange sightings from the Middle Ages and examine some of the most famous examples of alleged UFOs in historical art. We'll look at the historical context behind these accounts, the explanations offered by historians and art experts, and why these images continue to fuel debate today. Are these records evidence of something extraordinary, misunderstood natural phenomena, religious symbolism, or examples of modern interpretations being applied to ancient works? Join us as we investigate the fascinating intersection of history, art, folklore, and the enduring mystery of unidentified objects in the sky. Sources Artnet article: Is There a UFO in That Renaissance Painting? A burials and beyond article: Aliens Over Nuremberg Wikipedia and Public Domain review 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. Support the show
Episode 194 - The History of The Green Children Of Woolpit
In the 12th century, villagers in Woolpit, England reported a strange discovery: two children with green-colored skin who appeared suddenly near the village. The children spoke an unknown language, refused most food, and seemed unable to explain where they came from. Over time, their skin color faded, and one of the children eventually learned English, sharing a story that only deepened the mystery. In this episode, we explore the history of the Green Children of Woolpit, one of medieval England's most enduring legends. We examine the original historical accounts, the theories that have emerged over the centuries, and why this unusual story continues to fascinate historians, folklorists, and paranormal researchers alike. Were the children simply lost travelers, victims of a misunderstood medical condition, or something far stranger? Join us as we separate fact from folklore and trace the origins of one of the most mysterious tales from the Middle Ages. Sources Historic, UK article by Ben Johnson: The Green Children of Woolpit A Medievalists article by Timothy R Jones: Who Were The Green Children of Woolpit, a new look at a Medieval Mystery 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. Support the show
Episode 193 - The History of The Paris Catacombs
Watch our footage from the Paris Catacombs HERE . Beneath the streets of Paris lies one of the most disturbing landmarks in the world: the Paris Catacombs. In this episode, we explore the real history behind the underground tunnels that hold the remains of more than six million people. From collapsing cemeteries and overflowing mass graves to the creation of the vast ossuary beneath the city, the Catacombs tell a story of disease, death, engineering, and urban legend. We cover how the tunnels were first created as limestone quarries, why human bones were transferred underground in the late 1700s, and how the Catacombs became tied to ghost stories, secret gatherings, wartime history, and modern urban explorers known as cataphiles. We also discuss the darker side of the Catacombs, including reports of people getting lost beneath Paris and the strange discoveries made deep underground. If you’re interested in dark history, horror history, haunted places, cemeteries, underground cities, French history, or paranormal legends, this episode dives into one of the most infamous locations in the world. Sources The official website of the Catacombs and our visit Paris Unlocked article: History of The Paris Catacombs by Courtney Traub Culture Veuz article by Antione Vitek: The Unusual History of The Paris Catacombs History.com article The Dark Origins of The Paris Catacombs by Jessica Pearce Rotondi 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. Support the show
Episode 192 - Campfire Tales #10: In Life and Death
This week Abby is joined by Alex Goleman to read two haunting stories about grief and death. Forgiving Amy was written by Mike Macera. Follow @mikemacera on Instagram and check out https://www.scene3.co/films In Life and Death was written by Sam Logan. Visit samloganwrites.com and sluggerfiction.com. 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. Support the show
Episode 191 - The History of Birds in Horror
From ravens and vultures to killer flocks and supernatural omens, birds have played a major role in horror for decades. In this episode of Lunatics Radio Hour, Abby sits down with Kate Rotunda to explore the history of birds in horror and why these animals continue to symbolize death, fear, and chaos across film and folklore. 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. Watch Voices Carry for free on Tubi now! 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. Join the conversation on Discord. Support us on Patreon . Support the show
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 famous “Lewton Bus” scene in Cat People to the modern era of loud, fast-paced horror shocks. We break down how jump scares evolved, why they work psychologically, and the films that helped define the technique across horror history. 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. Sources Collider Article: A Brief History of The Jump Scare by Samantha Graves Inverse Article: The Unexpected Psychology of Jump Scares by Ben Guarino An article from The Lineup by Kelsey Christine McConnell: The Hair Raising History of The Jump Scare An Atlas Obscura Article by Gavia Baker-Whitelaw: The Startling History of The Jump Scare Support the show
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 called “Kate,” was said to target specific family members. The case became widely known and was later documented in An Authenticated History of the Bell Witch. There are also claims that Andrew Jackson visited the site. The episode reviews the reported events and their historical context. 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. Sources An Authenticated History of the Bell Witch by Martin V. Ingram Tennessee State Museum article by Tori Kleinpeter: Tennessee Legends: The Bell Witch MainStreetMediaTN.com article by Charlotte Reedy: Andrew Jackson and The Bell Witch Support the show
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 eBook and paperback. Music by Michaela Papa, Alan Kudan & Jordan Moser. Poster Art by Pilar Keprta @pilar.kep. Sources BBC article by Quinn Hargitai: The Strange Power of The Evil Eye A psmag.com article on The Aye-Aye and The Finger of Death by Jason Bittel Collider article by Gabrielle Grady: The Ring is Based on A Haunting Ghost Story The Evil Eye: The Classic Account of an Ancient Superstition by Frederick Thomas Elworthy. Yale Tropical Resource Institute Article by Eleanor Sterling, PhD Candidate: The Aye-Aye Lemur of Madagascar: Feeding Ecology, Social Behavior, and Microhabitat James George Frazer in The Golden Bough An Anthropology Review article by Claudine Casser: Contagious Magic - Items that have been in contact, remain connected https://www.bellwitchcave.com/bell-witch-legend/ Support the show
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 authors at mariscapichette.com and samloganwrites.com. 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. Support the show
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 Michaela Papa, Alan Kudan & Jordan Moser. Poster Art by Pilar Keprta @pilar.kep. Watch Voices Carry for free on Tubi now! 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. Join the conversation on Discord. Support us on Patreon . Support the show
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/@lunaticsproject Email us at filmsaboutlunatics@gmail.com with your listener lore. 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. Support the show
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: https://substack.com/@lunaticsproject 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. Support the show
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 very first episode of this podcast). Or watch Midnight Visitor . 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. Support the show
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 as a confrontation in a brothel turned into a mob attack that ended with the circus being burned to the ground. In this episode of the Lunatics Radio Hour, we explore the Clown Riot of 1855, the culture of volunteer fire companies at the time, and how the chaos exposed corruption within Toronto’s police force. The fallout from the riot helped push the city toward major reforms in policing and public order. Episode 182 examines how an unlikely clash between firefighters and circus performers became a turning point in Toronto’s civic history. Sources An article by Alex Dunne, on The Uncircurriculum: The Great Toronto Circus Riot https://grandorangelodge.ca/history/ BlogTo article by Alice McCurty: This weird event in 1855 sparked the creation of the Toronto Police force Peter Vronsky – "Rogues, Scoundrels and Screws" (Toronto crime history) Adam Bunch – "The Toronto Book of the Dead" Heritage Toronto article on the circus riot Toronto Public Library archives First hand sources, that we will cite as we go. Thanks to April Brenker for finding those for us. 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. Support the show
