The Halloween Podcast

The Halloween Podcast

Author: Lyle Perez Language: English Episodes: 50
Lyle Perez hosts The Halloween Podcast, a series that treats the spooky season as a doorway into the past. Rather than just sharing ghost stories, this podcast digs into the historical roots and cultural transformations behind our autumn traditions. You’ll hear about ancient festivals that evolved into modern Halloween, the real-life figures who inspired iconic monsters, and the social history behind rituals like trick-or-treating. Lyle’s approach is that of a curious investigator, weaving together folklore, documented accounts, and interviews with historians and folklorists to separate fact from frightening fiction. Each episode feels like a deep dive into archives and old tales, revealing how our collective fears and celebrations are deeply intertwined with human history. Tune in for a thoughtful, well-researched exploration that proves the true story behind a holiday is often as compelling as any legend. This isn't just a seasonal listen; it's a year-round historical journey for anyone fascinated by the shadows of the past and how they shape our present.
Episodes
Fat Albert's Halloween Special (1977) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 33:54
Today Meghan introduces Lyle to Fat Albert’s Halloween Special, a 1977 Halloween favorite that neither of us actually grew up watching. Meghan only discovered it as an adult after hearing it repeatedly mentioned among be…
The Addams Family (1991) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:05:55
Today on the Xennial Countdown to Halloween, we’re revisiting The Addams Family (1991), starring Anjelica Huston, Raúl Juliá, Christopher Lloyd and Christina Ricci.
When Nick at Nite (Nick@Nite) Got Spooky [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:05:40
For a generation of Xennial kids, staying on Nickelodeon long enough meant eventually crossing over into the wonderfully strange world of Nick at Nite.
Hey Arnold! Arnold's Halloween (1997) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 40:27
For today’s Xennial Countdown to Halloween, we’re heading back to Hillwood for Hey Arnold!’s wonderfully spooky 1997 Halloween special, “Arnold’s Halloween.”
The Adventures of Ichabod and Mr. Toad | Sleepy Hollow (1949) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 46:18
Disney’s The Legend of Sleepy Hollow has been haunting Halloween television for generations. Meghan grew up with Ichabod Crane, the autumn abundance of the Van Tassel farm, Bing Crosby’s unforgettable narration and, of c…
Halloween is Grinch Night (1977) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 33:21
In 1977, Dr. Seuss brought the Grinch back to television for Halloween Is Grinch Night, a wonderfully strange special that has been part of Meghan’s Halloween season since childhood. For this episode, Lyle watched it for…
Is E.T. A Halloween Movie? (1982) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 16:05
Meghan presents the evidence, Lyle delivers his verdict, and then the case goes to the court of public opinion. You are the jury on appeal. When you see this episode on our social media, tell us whether you uphold Lyle's…
The Green Ribbon by Alvin Schwartz Explained [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 34:54
Today on the Xennial Countdown to Halloween, Lyle and Meghan revisit one of the most unforgettable pieces of spooky childhood reading: “The Green Ribbon,” Alvin Schwartz’s eerie little tale from In a Dark, Dark Room and…