The Lunatics Project

Lunatics Radio Hour: The History of Horror

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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 inclu...

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The Lunatics Project

Episodes

Episode 68 - The History of Alfred Hitchcock's Psycho 29.03.2021 1:02:27

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. Consider donating to Asian Americans Advancing Justice: Atlanta . --- Check out Abby's book Horror Stories . Available in eBook and paperback. Mu...

Lunatics Library 3 - Necromancy Stories 22.03.2021 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. Consider donating to Bread &amp...

Episode 67 - The History of Necromancy: Part 2 15.03.2021 48:32

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. Lunatics merch, available here ! --- Consider helping Black Trans folks by donating to the Marsha P Johnson Institute. Subscribe to Anti-Racism Daily - a daily email newsletter from Nicole Car...

Episode 66 - The History of Necromancy: Part 1 08.03.2021 1:00:06

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 donating to Austin Mutual Aid (venmo @austinmutualaid ) and take a look at this comprehensive list of orgs across Texas that need our help. Lunatics merch, availa...

Episode 65 - The Hauntings of The Bowery Hotel 22.02.2021 1:06:45

Abby & Alan explore the haunted rumors of The Bowery Hotel...while staying there. CW: Themes of sexual assault. Consider donating to Austin Mutual Aid (venmo @austinmutualaid ) and take a look at this comprehensive list of orgs across Texas that need our help. Lunatics merch, available here ! --- Consider helping Black Trans folks by donating to the Marsha P Johnson Institute. Subscribe to An...

Lunatics Library 2 - Medusa Stories 18.02.2021 30:49

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. Considering supporting the Southern Poverty Law Center . And check out @Dark. Interiors in Instagram. If you want to write for us or submit stories you'v...

Episode 64 - The History of Medusa 15.02.2021 50:21

CW: Themes of sexual assault. Abby & Alan explore the history of Medusa. Originating in ancient mythology, she's endured and has been transformed into a modern symbol. Find out more about RAINN here. Lunatics merch, available here ! --- Consider helping Black Trans folks by donating to the Marsha P Johnson Institute. Subscribe to Anti-Racism Daily - a daily email newsletter from Nicole Ca...

Lunatics Library 1 - Zombie Stories 10.02.2021 37:00

Welcome to the first episode of Lunatics Library! These companion episodes will feature short stories that go with our historic deep dives. If you want to write for us or submit stories you've already written: email filmsaboutlunatics@gmail.com or DM @thelunaticsproject on Instagram. If you're a voice actor with a microphone set up and want to read for us, get in touch! In this episode A...

Episode 63 - The History of Zombies 08.02.2021 1:19:24

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 . Lunatics merch, available here ! --- Consider helping Black Trans folks by donating to the Marsha P Johnson Institute. Subscribe to Anti-Racism Daily - a daily email newsletter from Nicole Cardoza. Also,...

Episode 62 - Oddities & Curiosities with Dark Interiors 31.01.2021 1:06:14

Alan and Abby are joined by Adam Bashian of Dark Interiors to discuss oddities, curiosities and haunted objects. Follow Dark Interiors on instagram @dark.interiors and head to darkinteriors.com to subscribe to their newsletter (for subscriber only offers) and of course, check out their wonderfully spooky merch. Head to https://taaugust.com to get your copy of The Mercer Island Murderer. Availabl...

Episode 61 - The History of A Nightmare on Elm Street 25.01.2021 50:36

Abby and Alan explore the true story that inspired Wes Craven to write A Nightmare on Elm Street and the fascinating story of the film's production. A film that helped to define the slasher villain horror sub-genre. Lunatics merch, available here ! --- Consider helping Black Trans folks by donating to the Marsha P Johnson Institute. Subscribe to Anti-Racism Daily - a daily email newsletter fr...

Episode 60 - The History of The Stanley Hotel 18.01.2021 1:05:10

The Shining would have never come to be if Stephen King hadn't stayed at Colorado's Stanley Hotel. Abby and Alan talk all about the haunted hotel that inspired one of the most iconic horror stories and movies of all time. Lunatics merch, available here ! Featuring a story performance by our dear friends @michaelcrosa and @pilar.kep from @jollyvilleradio --- Consider helping Black Trans f...

Episode 59 - The History of Clowns 11.01.2021 1:19:58

Reluctantly, Abby and Alan explore the very long history of clowns. And the very short history of evil clowns. Lunatics merch, available here ! --- Consider helping Black Trans folks by donating to the Marsha P Johnson Institute. Subscribe to Anti-Racism Daily - a daily email newsletter from Nicole Cardoza. Also, consider donating to The Loveland Foundation , a fund that provides therapy for Black...

Episode 58 - The Enfield Poltergeist 04.01.2021 1:02:39

Abby and Alan debate the existence of the paranormal through the lens of the infamous Enfield Poltergeist case from London. Lunatics merch, available here ! Here is the brick video , start at 7:30. --- Check out Abby's book Horror Stories . Available in eBook and paperback. Music by Michaela Papa & Jordan Moser. Poster Art by @pilar.kep Lunatics Magazine is available here. Subscribe to ou...

Episode 57 - Yule & The Winter Solstice 21.12.2020 1:05:32

Abby and Alan are joined by Miranda Warzel to learn about the pagan history and tradition of Yule & The Winter Solstice. Lunatics merch, available here ! --- Check out Abby's book Horror Stories . Available in eBook and paperback. Music by Michaela Papa & Jordan Moser. Poster Art by @pilar.kep Lunatics Magazine is available here. Subscribe to our newsletter! Follow us on Instagram @th...

Episode 56 - The History of The Crystal Ball 14.12.2020 1:00:58

Abby and Alan unravel the rich history of the crystal ball. Dating back to the druids and working their way to our emoji keyboards. Lunatics merch, available here ! Check out @dark.interiors on Instagram for your own mystery box or bone collection. --- Check out Abby's book Horror Stories . Available in eBook and paperback. Music by Michaela Papa & Jordan Moser. Poster Art by @pilar.kep L...

Episode 55 - The History of Spiritualism: Part 2 07.12.2020 1:03:59

Abby and Alan explore the strange hoaxes of Victorian Era mediums and the downfall of the Spiritualism movement. Check out part one for a more uplifting episode. Lunatics merch, available here ! -- Check out Abby's book Horror Stories . Available in eBook and paperback. Music by Michaela Papa & Jordan Moser. Poster Art by @pilar.kep Lunatics Magazine is available here. Subscribe to our ne...

Episode 54 - The History of Spiritualism: Part 1 30.11.2020 51:59

In Spiritualism: Part One, Abby and Alan deep dive into table tapping, ectoplasm, spirit photography and all of the wonderfully creepy elements of this Victorian Era movement. Lunatics merch, available here ! -- Check out Abby's book Horror Stories . Available in eBook and paperback. Music by Michaela Papa & Jordan Moser. Poster Art by @pilar.kep. Lunatics Magazine is available here. Subs...

Episode 53 - The History of Headless Horsemen 23.11.2020 50:59

Abby & Alan lose their heads over the history behind the headless horseman myth we know and love. Lunatics merch, available here ! From the Episode: Consider donating to The American Indian College Fund and your local food banks. Watch Queer Ghost Hunters . Follow @embodyheaven on IG for an Astrology Reading. -- Check out Abby's book Horror Stories here. Available in eBook and paperback....

Episode 52 - The History of Ghost Trains 16.11.2020 50:12

Abby & Alan learn about the ghost trains of popular urban legend. Lunatics merch, available here ! From the episode: Take a look at the St. Louis Ghost Light here and look up murder houses here . -- Check out Abby's book Horror Stories here. Available in eBook and paperback. Music by Michaela Papa & Jordan Moser. Poster Art by @pilar.kep. Lunatics Magazine is available here. Subscribe...

Episode 51 - The History of Lizzie Borden 09.11.2020 50:46

Abby & Alan learn about Lizzie Borden, who may still haunt the house where she "allegedly" murdered her family with an axe. Lunatics merch, available here ! This is the Buzzfeed video that we talk about a lot in this episode. Check out Abby's book Horror Stories here. Available in eBook and paperback. Music by Michaela Papa & Jordan Moser. Poster Art by @pilar.kep. Lunatics...

Episode 50 - Hello Listener, You're On The Air 31.10.2020 30:03

Lunatics Radio Hour teamed up with Jollyville Radio to bring you a Halloween Radio Drama. *Tune in to Jollyville for the clean version!* Lunatics merch, available here ! Written and Directed by Abby Brenker & Michael Crosa. Starring Sara Luke as Terry Mitcham, Jarrett Kerr as Henry Chadwick Jones & Patrick Troy-Brandt as Bruce Kitchens. Supporting Cast; Brian Green, Dan Roberts, Miranda Wa...

Episode 49 - Samhain & All Hallows Eve 29.10.2020 1:04:26

Abby & Alan are joined by Miranda Warzel (@alien.meat) to dive into the deep, brutal and beautiful history of Samhain. Lunatics merch, available here ! Check out Abby's book Horror Stories here. Available in eBook and paperback. Music by Michaela Papa & Jordan Moser. Poster Art by @pilar.kep. Lunatics Magazine is available here. Subscribe to our newsletter! Follow us on Instagram @the...

Episode 48 - The History of Vampires 26.10.2020 1:10:08

Abby & Alan give you exactly what you need leading up to Halloween...the ultimate guide to vampires. We're talking the history of vampiric lore, real life vampires and arguably too many pop culture vampires. Lunatics merch, available here ! Check out Abby's book Horror Stories here. Available in eBook and paperback. Music by Michaela Papa & Jordan Moser. Poster Art by @pilar.kep....

Episode 47 - The History of Werewolves 19.10.2020 1:13:10

Abby & Alan travel back to the dawn of time when humans started believing in werewolves and shapeshifters...and talk about it. Lunatics merch, available here ! Check out Abby's book Horror Stories here. Available in eBook and paperback. Music by Michaela Papa & Jordan Moser. Poster Art by @pilar.kep. Lunatics Magazine is available here. Subscribe to our newsletter! Follow us on Instag...