The Halloween Podcast Presents: The Long Way Home

The Halloween Podcast Presents: The Long Way Home

Author: Lyle Perez June 19, 2025 Duration: 27:35
A quiet man driving down a fog-covered highway picks up a young hitchhiker who seems strangely familiar. As the road stretches on, both begin to suspect that something is deeply wrong—and that neither of them may be alive.

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.
Author: Language: en-us Episodes: 100

The Halloween Podcast
Podcast Episodes
Smurl Family Haunting | The Dark Record | Ep. 04 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 21:08
In the 1970s and ’80s, the Smurl family claimed their Pennsylvania home was tormented by a violent demonic presence. Was it stress and imagination—or one of the most terrifying hauntings of modern times?
Dancing Plague of 1518 | The Dark Record W/ Meghan | Ep. 03 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 36:31
In July 1518, the streets of Strasbourg erupted in a frenzy as hundreds of people danced without rest—some until they collapsed or died. Was it mass hysteria, poisoned bread, or something far stranger?
Curse of Timur’s Tomb | The Dark Record | Ep. 02 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 23:49
In 1941, Soviet archaeologists opened the tomb of Timur, ignoring warnings of a terrible curse. Days later, Nazi Germany invaded the Soviet Union. Was it coincidence—or something more sinister?
The Dyatlov Pass | The Dark Record | Ep. 01 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 24:41
In 1959, nine hikers vanished in Russia’s Ural Mountains, leaving behind a slashed tent, scattered belongings, and injuries that defy explanation. In this premiere of The Dark Record, we uncover the chilling mystery that…
History of Scarecrows and Halloween | Ep. 89 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 24:14
Scarecrows may look harmless, but their history is stitched together with fear, folklore, and mystery. From ancient farmlands to Halloween legends, discover how these straw guardians became some of the creepiest figures…
Pumpkin Spice: History of Halloween’s Favorite Flavor | Ep. 88 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 28:58
Discover the real history of pumpkin spice in this episode of The Halloween Podcast. Learn how this centuries-old spice blend evolved from ancient recipes to a modern autumn obsession, its surprising ties to Halloween tr…
Black Cats History In Halloween | Ep. 87 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 22:32
Black cats have long been feared, worshiped, and misunderstood. In this episode, I dive into the chilling history and Halloween folklore surrounding these mysterious felines.
Chiller The Arcade Game 1986 | Ep. 86 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 17:06
What happens when a video game crosses the line from horror to pure cruelty? In this episode, I explore Chiller, the infamous 1986 arcade game that made players the torturer—and ask why it was ever made in the first plac…
The Perron Family Haunting | The Conjuring | Ep. 85 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 41:14
In this episode, I explore the real events behind the Perron family haunting that inspired The Conjuring. From alleged paranormal encounters to the Warrens’ controversial séance, we separate fact from fiction in one of A…
The Annabelle Doll Story | Is it Real? | Ep. 84 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 27:43
Think you know the real story behind Annabelle? In this episode, I uncover the terrifying truth behind the doll that’s haunted headlines, museums, and maybe even lives.