Episode 190 - The History of Jump Scares in Horror

Episode 190 - The History of Jump Scares in Horror

Author: The Lunatics Project May 12, 2026 Duration: 49:58
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 t...

Tune into Lunatics Radio Hour: The History of Horror for a deep and often unsettling journey into the shadows of our past. Produced by The Lunatics Project, this series operates on a compelling premise: that the history of horror and the horror of history are inextricably linked. Rather than reviewing movies, each episode digs into documented, real-world events where primal forces like fear, violence, and the struggle for survival left a permanent mark on cultures and individuals. You’ll hear about the dark historical episodes and psychological phenomena that have haunted humanity for centuries, as well as the folklore born from genuine terror. Furthermore, this podcast meticulously traces the line from these factual atrocities and anxieties to the silver screen, analyzing how our most profound real-world fears are processed, shaped, and reflected in the horror films we watch. It’s an exploration for anyone curious about where our darkest stories truly come from and how the echoes of actual events resonate in the genre’s most iconic imagery and narratives. The result is a rich, thought-provoking listen that challenges the boundary between entertainment and the unsettling truths from which it often springs.
Author: Language: en-us Episodes: 100

Lunatics Radio Hour: The History of Horror
Podcast Episodes
Episode 193 - The History of The Paris Catacombs [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 30:13
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 undergrou…
Episode 192 - Campfire Tales #10: In Life and Death [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 16:15
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…
Episode 191 - The History of Birds in Horror [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 44:44
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 b…
Episode 189 - The History of The Bell Witch [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 36:59
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…
Episode 188 - The History of Contagious Curses [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 43:46
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.…
Episode 187 - Campfire Tales #9: Only The Dead [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 17:15
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…
Episode 186 - The Horrifying History of Mirrors [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 52:11
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 paper…
Episode 185 - Listener Lore #1 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 35:21
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://substa…
Episode 184 - The Babysitter and The Man Upstairs [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:02:21
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 A…
Episode 183 - Real Scary Stories: Midnight Visitor [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 15:44
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 W…