Short Stuff: Curse of Broken Mirrors
The hosts explore the superstition that breaking a mirror brings seven years of bad luck and trace its roots through ancient Greek and Roman beliefs about reflections and souls. They discuss how mirrors evolved from reflective water and polished metal to glass, why mirrors came to be associated with the soul, and where the "seven years" idea may have originated. The episode also covers various folk remedies for broken-mirror bad luck, and other mirror- and glass-related superstitions surrounding death, demons, and marriage rituals, tying it all to the Halloween season.
The Science of Godzilla, Zombies & Other Monsters, with Charles Liu
Neil deGrasse Tyson, co-host Matt Kirshen, and astrophysicist Charles Liu explore the science and cultural meaning of monsters, from Godzilla, dragons, King Kong, and Frankenstein to zombies and black holes. They discuss how physics, biology, and scaling laws constrain what monsters could exist, and how stories about monsters reflect human fears, technological change, and environmental anxieties. Throughout, they argue that the real "monsters" are often human hubris and ignorance, and that science can both demystify and reframe these fears.
Short Stuff: China's Corpse Walkers
The hosts discuss a Chinese funerary custom from the Zhangji region of Hunan province in which Taoist priests would "walk" corpses back to their birthplace so the dead could be properly buried and avoid becoming restless, problematic spirits. They explain the beliefs behind corpse walking, how the rituals supposedly worked with black cats and magical reanimation, and then reveal the practical mechanics of how priests likely created the illusion using bamboo poles and group transport known as corpse herding. Along the way, Chuck shares a personal story about rescuing and nursing a kitten named Olivia back to health.
Midnight Ghost Shows with Chelsey Weber-Smith
Host Sarah Marshall and guest Chelsea Weber-Smith explore the forgotten history of American "midnight ghost shows" or "midnight spook shows"-live theatrical seance‑magic‑horror shows that ran in movie theaters from the 1930s to the 1960s. They trace how these shows evolved from spiritualist seances into campy, gore‑filled spectacles aimed at teenagers, centered on elaborate stage tricks and a chaotic blackout sequence where anything could "happen" in the dark. The conversation also connects ghost shows to later horror culture, including William Castle gimmicks, haunted houses, and the participatory cult around The Rocky Horror Picture Show.
Short Stuff: The Call is Coming... FROM INSIDE THE HOUSE
The hosts discuss the classic urban legend known as "the call is coming from inside the house," also called "the babysitter and the man upstairs," explaining its narrative structure, cultural impact, and why it resonated in the pre-cell phone era. They share related campfire-style horror stories and their own experiences with being scared and startling others. The episode then explores a likely real-life inspiration for the trope, the 1950 unsolved murder of 13-year-old babysitter Janet Christman in Missouri, and how this case and others influenced horror films like "When a Stranger Calls," "Black Christmas," and "Halloween."
Short Stuff: La Lechuza - The Witch Owl
Hosts Josh and Chuck explore the legend of La Lechuza, a terrifying owl-woman figure from folklore along the Texas-Mexico border and other Spanish-speaking regions. They describe her appearance, behaviors, and various versions of the story, including how she lures or punishes people and her supposed connection to witchcraft or demonic forces. The discussion also covers possible pre-Columbian roots, how Christian influence may have transformed an older deity into a demon, modern gender-focused interpretations, and appearances of La Lechuza in pop culture and local hoaxes.