Lunatics Radio Hour: The History of Horror cover art

Lunatics Radio Hour: The History of Horror

Lunatics Radio Hour: The History of Horror

Written by: The Lunatics Project
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About this listen

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.

© 2026 Lunatics Radio Hour: The History of Horror Art World
Episodes
  • Episode 178 - The Disappearance of Roanoke

    Episode 178 - The Disappearance of Roanoke
    Feb 17 2026

    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 integration with Indigenous tribes, disease, violence, the supernatural and failed rescue attempts. Finally, we explore how this mystery shaped modern horror, including references in Storm of the Century by Stephen King and American Horror Story.

    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 your favorite podcast by wearing some haunting and highly specific clothing. Check out our merch store here.

    Consider joining our Patreon for bonus episodes, spooky literature and deep dives into horror and history. Click here to learn more.

    Consider donating and volunteering with organizations like National Immigration Project, Immigrant Defense Project, Legal Aid Justice Center, Amica Center and the ACLU.

    Thanks to a post by @thefinancialdiet for originally shouting out this information.

    Support the show
    Show More Show Less
    43 mins
  • Episode 177 - The History of Third Man Factor

    Episode 177 - The History of Third Man Factor
    Feb 10 2026

    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 invisible entity came to save them.

    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 donating and volunteering with organizations like National Immigration Project, Immigrant Defense Project, Legal Aid Justice Center, Amica Center and the ACLU.

    Thanks to a post by @thefinancialdiet for originally shouting out this information.

    Support the show
    Show More Show Less
    44 mins
  • Episode 176 - The Horrifying History of Puppets

    Episode 176 - The Horrifying History of Puppets
    Feb 3 2026

    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 Michaela Papa, Alan Kudan & Jordan Moser. Poster Art by Pilar Keprta @pilar.kep.

    Support your favorite podcast by wearing some haunting and highly specific clothing. Check out our merch store here.

    Consider joining our Patreon for bonus episodes, spooky literature and deep dives into horror and history. Click here to learn more.

    Consider donating and volunteering with organizations like National Immigration Project, Immigrant Defense Project, Legal Aid Justice Center, Amica Center and the ACLU.

    Thanks to a post by @thefinancialdiet for originally shouting out this information.

    Support the show
    Show More Show Less
    44 mins
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