Unspookable

Soundsington Media

Unspookable is a family friendly look at the histories and mysteries behind your favorite scary stories, myths and urban legends. Each week host Elise Parisian digs into the history, brain science, and power dynamics behind such topics as Bloody Mary, Charlie Charlie, and Ouija Boards to find the stories behind the scares. (Recommended for ages 8+) Unspookable has been called one of the "Best podcasts for kids of all ages" by Time Out New York, one of the “7 Podcasts Big Kids Will Love” by The New York Times, one of the "5 Spooky Podcasts to Check Out Right Now" by Vulture, one of the "10 Best Podcasts for Children" by the Irish Examiner, and is an official Common Sense Media Selection. The show has appeared multiple times across Canada on CBC Radio's Podcast Playlist, on NPR station WHYY's Kid's Listening Hour, has been featured by Apple Podcasts, Romper, The AV Club, Fast Company, The Week Jr, Podcast Magazine, and more read less

Our Editor's Take

The Unspookable podcast investigates myths, superstitions, and scary stories that spark kids' curiosity.

The podcast's host, Elise Parisian, is a clinical associate at a therapy center. She was also a crisis counselor and an assistant elementary school teacher. Elise knows how to talk about things that frighten yet interest kids in an educational way. It's a wise concept, as creatures like ghosts and vampires are prevalent in kids' books and films. In each episode, kids share what they know about that week's topic. Their youthful voices and fun interpretations make the spooky content less intimidating. Elise provides historical context about the intriguing subjects.

The Unspookable podcast includes traditional frights, like clowns, werewolves, witches, and goblins. It also features modern threats, including artificial intelligence. Elise says robot fears are nothing new. Humans have had a fascination with automatons since ancient times. She talks about the imposing Greek god Talos, who had a bronze body. Hephaestus built Talos to protect Crete and powered him with Ichor fluid, not blood or oxygen. Elise also shares a Jewish legend about King Solomon. It claims the king made a throne with a complex system of mechanical animals. An artificial eagle put a crown on his head, and a dove handed him a holy book when he stepped on the throne.

In episode 53 of Unspookable, Elise talks about Halloween traditions. She shares the origins of the words "Halloween" and "jack-o-lantern." Elise reveals that people used to carve turnips instead of pumpkins to ward off evil spirits. She describes the original pagan festival with animal sacrifices. Listeners learn how spooky trick-or-treating was before electricity. They also discover why candy became part of the holiday.

The Unspookable podcast explores the stories circulating at lunch tables, camps, and sleepovers. Instead of telling kids not to mention them or saying they aren't true, Elise explores them. She says many spooky legends have historical facts involved. Exposing those makes the stories more interesting. Most episodes are less than 30 minutes, which works well for busy kids. New episodes come out each Tuesday.

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Kids & FamilyKids & Family

Episodes

Episode 56: The Last Kids on Earth with Max Brallier
Feb 2 2024
Episode 56: The Last Kids on Earth with Max Brallier
What would you do if you woke up one day and giant portals in the sky brought about a monster apocalypse that left your hometown without any rules, grownups, or homework? Well if you’re Jack Sullivan, you’d move into your foster brother's treehouse, play video games and eat junk food, while teaming up with some former classmates to stop these monsters from taking over what is left of your world.  If any of that sounds familiar, then you no doubt know with the series The Last Kids on Earth, the #1 New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and USA Today bestselling series, with over 10 million copies in print, written by the incredible Max Brallier.  Unspookable producer Nate DuFort had the chance to sit down with Max, to talk about The Last Kids on Earth’s beginnings, his path to becoming an author, and so much more, on this episode of Unspookable… Host: Elise Parisian with Nate DuFort Created, Produced, Edited by: Nate DuFort Music Direction and Composition: Jesse Case Logo by: Natalie Khuen You can find Unspookable on Twitter and Instagram at: https://twitter.com/ImUnspookable https://www.instagram.com/unspookablepodcast/ The Last Kids on Earth book series written by Max Brallier and illustrated by Douglas Holgate is available NOW! Unspookable is a production of Soundsington Media committed to making quality programing for young audiences and the young at heart. To find out more go to http://www.soundsingtonmedia.com  Advertise on Unspookable: advertising@airwavemedia.com
Episode 54: Scarewaves, Siren Head, and more with Trevor Henderson
Oct 31 2023
Episode 54: Scarewaves, Siren Head, and more with Trevor Henderson
Where do our fears come from? For some of us, it’s past experiences… others, maybe a fear of the unknown… but if you're anything like the team at Unspookable, there is one man responsible for many of the characters, illustrations, and creatures, be it Cartoon Cat, Anxious Dogs, Long Horse, or Siren Head, that give us the shivers. We’re of course talking about writer and illustrator Trevor Henderson who sits down with Unspookable producer Nate DuFort this week to talk about where these ideas come from and his new middle grade novel Scarewaves available now from Scholastic Books. That and more on today's episode of Unspookable. Host: Elise Parisian with Nate DuFort Created, Produced, Edited by: Nate DuFort Music Direction and Composition: Jesse Case Logo by: Natalie Khuen You can find Unspookable on Twitter and Instagram at: https://twitter.com/ImUnspookable https://www.instagram.com/unspookablepodcast/ Scarewaves by Trevor Henderson is available NOW from Scholastic Books. Do you want a free and easy way to support Unspookable? You can support the podcast by taking our short questionnaire at: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/unspookable This week's episode is brought to you by Hello Fresh: Want to try it yourself?, Go to www.hellofresh.com/50unspookable and use code 50unspookable for 50% off plus free shipping! That’s www.hellofresh.com/50unspookable and use code 50unspookable for 50% off AND free shipping on your first order of HelloFresh: America’s #1 Meal Kit. Unspookable is a production of Soundsington Media committed to making quality programing for young audiences and the young at heart. To find out more go to http://www.soundsingtonmedia.com  Advertise on Unspookable: advertising@airwavemedia.com
Episode 53: Halloween
Oct 24 2023
Episode 53: Halloween
Do you celebrate Halloween? If so, what are some of your annual traditions? Maybe you dress up in costumes, carve a Jack-o'-lantern, go trick-or-treating? But have you ever wondered why we do these things? Or that they may be tied to rituals over 3,000 years old? We're discussing the unexpected origins of Halloween and the barrier between our world and beyond on this episode of Unspookable. Host: Elise Parisian Written by: Ellenor Riley-Condit  Created, Produced, Edited by: Nate DuFort Music Direction and Composition: Jesse Case Logo by: Natalie Khuen Special thanks this week to our guests Ava and Ayla.  You might recognize Ayla along with her sister Calla from the podcast Scary Stories for Creepy Kids, short and spooky stories for kids by kids. You can get their amazing show wherever you get podcasts and keep an eye out as they also have three books available now on Amazon by searching Scary Stories for Creepy Kids.  You can find Unspookable on Twitter and Instagram at: https://twitter.com/ImUnspookable https://www.instagram.com/unspookablepodcast/ This week's episode is brought to you by Hello Fresh: Want to try it yourself?, Go to www.hellofresh.com/50unspookable and use code 50unspookable for 50% off plus free shipping! That’s www.hellofresh.com/50unspookable and use code 50unspookable for 50% off AND free shipping on your first order of HelloFresh: America’s #1 Meal Kit. Unspookable is a production of Soundsington Media committed to making quality programing for young audiences and the young at heart. To find out more go to http://www.soundsingtonmedia.com  Advertise on Unspookable: advertising@airwavemedia.com
Episode 52: Light as a Feather, Stiff as a Board with Dr. Elizabeth (Libby) Tucker
Oct 17 2023
Episode 52: Light as a Feather, Stiff as a Board with Dr. Elizabeth (Libby) Tucker
Join us as we delve into the enigmatic sleepover ritual "Light as a Feather, Stiff as a Board" with the brilliant Dr. Elizabeth (Libby) Tucker, Distinguished Service Professor of English, Binghamton University. We'll uncover the ritual's intriguing history, learn its eerie chant, and discuss why rituals like this stand the test of time. That and more on this episode of Unspookable. Host: Elise Parisian with Ellenor Riley-Condit and Nate DuFort Created, Produced, Edited by: Nate DuFort Music Direction and Composition: Jesse Case Logo by: Natalie Khuen You can find Unspookable on Twitter and Instagram at: https://twitter.com/ImUnspookable https://www.instagram.com/unspookablepodcast/ Interested in learning more about Dr. Tucker's work and the “Light as a Feather, Stiff as a Board” ritual? The Secret History of “Light as a Feather, Stiff as a Board” Emily Temple on Samuel Pepys and Parlor Games for Plague Times Do you want a free and easy way to support Unspookable? You can support the podcast by taking our short questionnaire at: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/unspookable This week's episode is brought to you by Hello Fresh: Want to try it yourself?, Go to www.hellofresh.com/50unspookable and use code 50unspookable for 50% off plus free shipping! That’s www.hellofresh.com/50unspookable and use code 50unspookable for 50% off AND free shipping on your first order of HelloFresh: America’s #1 Meal Kit. Unspookable is a production of Soundsington Media committed to making quality programing for young audiences and the young at heart. To find out more go to http://www.soundsingtonmedia.com  Advertise on Unspookable: advertising@airwavemedia.com
Episode 51: Chilling with Ghosts with Insha Fitzpatrick
Oct 10 2023
Episode 51: Chilling with Ghosts with Insha Fitzpatrick
Today is another special episode of the show as we learn even more about ghosts, rituals, and beyond with the author of the new book Chilling with Ghosts: A Totally Factual Field Guide to the Supernatural , the amazing Insha Fitzpatrick, on this episode of Unspookable. Host: Elise Parisian with Ellenor Riley-Condit and Nate DuFort Created, Produced, Edited by: Nate DuFort Music Direction and Composition: Jesse Case Logo by: Natalie Khuen You can find Unspookable on Twitter and Instagram at: https://twitter.com/ImUnspookable https://www.instagram.com/unspookablepodcast/ Check out Chilling with Ghosts: A Totally Factual Field Guide to the Supernatural written by Insha Fitzpatrick at Quirk Books or wherever books are sold. Do you want a free and easy way to support Unspookable? You can support the podcast by taking our short questionnaire at: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/unspookable This week's episode is brought to you by Hello Fresh: Want to try it yourself?, Go to www.hellofresh.com/50unspookable and use code 50unspookable for 50% off plus free shipping! That’s www.hellofresh.com/50unspookable and use code 50unspookable for 50% off AND free shipping on your first order of HelloFresh: America’s #1 Meal Kit. Unspookable is a production of Soundsington Media committed to making quality programing for young audiences and the young at heart. To find out more go to http://www.soundsingtonmedia.com  Advertise on Unspookable: advertising@airwavemedia.com
Episode 50: Ghosts
Oct 3 2023
Episode 50: Ghosts
Do you believe in ghosts? That's a question most of us have asked or have been asked before. How do you respond? Is it something you may have seen? Something you may have felt? Or has the presence of ghosts in popular culture and on YouTube or TikTok convinced you that they might just exist? Well, however you answer these questions, we think it's time to set aside a few minutes to discuss the possibility that there just may be something out there. That and more on this episode of Unspookable. Host: Elise Parisian Written by: Ellenor Riley-Condit  Created, Produced, Edited by: Nate DuFort Music Direction and Composition: Jesse Case Logo by: Natalie Khuen Special thanks this week to our guests Blythe and Calla.  You might recognize Calla along with her sister Ayla from the podcast Scary Stories for Creepy Kids, short and spooky stories for kids by kids. You can get their amazing show wherever you get podcasts and keep an eye out as they also have three books available now on Amazon by searching Scary Stories for Creepy Kids.  You can find Unspookable on Twitter and Instagram at: https://twitter.com/ImUnspookable https://www.instagram.com/unspookablepodcast/ Do you want a free and easy way to support Unspookable? You can support the podcast by taking our short questionnaire at: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/unspookable This week's episode is brought to you by Hello Fresh: Want to try it yourself?, Go to www.hellofresh.com/50unspookable and use code 50unspookable for 15% off the next 2 months! That’s www.hellofresh.com/50unspookable and use code 50unspookable for 50% off plus 15% off the next 2 months of HelloFresh: America’s #1 Meal Kit. This week's episode is brought to you by Sweet Cherry Publishing and their latest book When Frankie Made a Human: When Frankie Made a Human Publishes on September 14th make sure to get your copy ordered through the Sweet Cherry Publishing Website or Via Amazon https://sweetcherrypublishing.com/when-frankie-made-a-human/ Unspookable is a production of Soundsington Media committed to making quality programing for young audiences and the young at heart. To find out more go to http://www.soundsingtonmedia.com  Advertise on Unspookable: advertising@airwavemedia.com
Episode 10: Friday the 13th [ENCORE]
Sep 26 2023
Episode 10: Friday the 13th [ENCORE]
On this special encore presentation of Unspookable we are looking back at one of our favorite episodes: Friday the 13th. Do you believe in luck? Do you think you're lucky or unlucky? Do you believe that there are certain days that are more prone to unlucky occurrences? In this episode we explore the origins, history, and superstition surrounding Friday the 13th. Host: Elise Parisian Written by: Ellenor Riley-Condit Created, Produced, Edited by: Nate DuFort Music Direction and Composition: Jesse Case Logo by: Natalie Khuen Episode Artwork: Sarah Stitches https://www.instagram.com/sickyll/ You can find Unspookable on socials at: https://twitter.com/ImUnspookable https://www.instagram.com/unspookablepodcast/ https://www.tiktok.com/@unspookablepodcast Do you want a free and easy way to support Unspookable? You can support the podcast by taking our short questionnaire at: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/unspookable This week's episode is brought to you by Hello Fresh: Want to try it yourself?, Go to www.hellofresh.com/50unspookable and use code 50unspookable for 15% off the next 2 months! That’s www.hellofresh.com/50unspookable and use code 50unspookable for 50% off plus 15% off the next 2 months of HelloFresh: America’s #1 Meal Kit. This week's episode is brought to you by Sweet Cherry Publishing and their latest book When Frankie Made a Human: When Frankie Made a Human Publishes on September 14th make sure to get your copy ordered through the Sweet Cherry Publishing Website or Via Amazon https://sweetcherrypublishing.com/when-frankie-made-a-human/ Unspookable is a production of Soundsington Media committed to making quality programing for young audiences and the young at heart. To find out more go to http://www.soundsingtonmedia.com  Advertise on Unspookable: advertising@airwavemedia.com
Episode 49: Horror4Kids
Sep 12 2023
Episode 49: Horror4Kids
Today is another special episode of the show as we talk to the owner, creator, and curator of the popular social channels Horror4Kids, Rainier Croft, on this episode of Unspookable. Host: Elise Parisian Created, Produced, Edited by: Nate DuFort Music Direction and Composition: Jesse Case Logo by: Natalie Khuen You can find Unspookable on Twitter and Instagram at: https://twitter.com/ImUnspookable https://www.instagram.com/unspookablepodcast/ You can find Horror4Kids on Instagram and on Twitter/X at: https://twitter.com/horror4kids https://www.instagram.com/horror4kids Do you want a free and easy way to support Unspookable? You can support the podcast by taking our short questionnaire at: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/unspookable This week's episode is brought to you by Hello Fresh: Want to try it yourself?, Go to www.hellofresh.com/50unspookable and use code 50unspookable for 15% off the next 2 months! That’s www.hellofresh.com/50unspookable and use code 50unspookable for 50% off plus 15% off the next 2 months of HelloFresh: America’s #1 Meal Kit. This week's episode is brought to you by Sweet Cherry Publishing and their latest book When Frankie Made a Human: When Frankie Made a Human Publishes on September 14th make sure to get your copy ordered through the Sweet Cherry Publishing Website or Via Amazon https://sweetcherrypublishing.com/when-frankie-made-a-human/ Unspookable is a production of Soundsington Media committed to making quality programing for young audiences and the young at heart. To find out more go to http://www.soundsingtonmedia.com  Advertise on Unspookable: advertising@airwavemedia.com
Episode 12: Momo & Media Literacy [ENCORE]
Aug 29 2023
Episode 12: Momo & Media Literacy [ENCORE]
On this special encore presentation of Unspookable we are looking back at one of our most requested topics: Momo. Why did this creepy sculpture go viral? What is the responsibility of the media in reporting these viral scares? And how can we protect ourselves from falling victim to these hoaxes? For media literacy resources for the whole family, please see our links below. Host: Elise Parisian Written by: Ellenor Riley-Condit Created, Produced, Edited by: Nate DuFort Music Direction and Composition: Jesse Case https://www.jessecasemusic.com/ Logo by: Natalie Khuen http://nataliek.myportfolio.com Episode Artwork: Sarah Stitches https://www.instagram.com/sickyll/?hl=en You can find Unspookable on Twitter and Instagram at: https://twitter.com/ImUnspookable https://www.instagram.com/soundsingtonmedia/ Do you want a free and easy way to support Unspookable? You can support the podcast by taking our short questionnaire at: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/unspookable Unspookable is a production of Soundsington Media committed to making quality programing for young audiences and the young at heart. To find out more go to http://www.soundsingtonmedia.com  Advertise on Unspookable: advertising@airwavemedia.com Media Literacy Resources for Middle Graders and Families: https://get.checkology.org/ is a browser-based platform where middle school and high school students learn how to navigate today’s challenging information landscape by developing news literacy skills. https://namle.net/ The National Association for Media Literacy Education is a national organization dedicated to media literacy education. https://www.capstonepub.com/library/products/cracking-the-media-literacy-code/ The Cracking the Media Literacy Code book series gives students the tools they need to separate fact from fiction, and manipulation from information. https://www.commonsensemedia.org/ rates movies, TV shows, books, and more so parents can feel good about the entertainment choices they make for their kids. We offer the largest, most trusted library of independent age-based ratings and reviews.
Episode 46: Furby's Revenge with Chelsey Weber-Smith of American Hysteria
Jul 17 2023
Episode 46: Furby's Revenge with Chelsey Weber-Smith of American Hysteria
This week is a special episode with one of our favorite podcast creators. Chelsey Weber-Smith of American Hysteria sits down with the Unspookable team to revisit a late 90s toy that I think most of you will remember, one that is making headlines once again as it hits the department store shelves of July 2023. Join us as we look at the urban legends, conspiracy theories, and freaky stories that enchanted the Furbies of yore, and what our mini panic can tell us about our human nature and America at large on this special collaboration between American Hysteria and Unspookable. Thanks for listening to this special collaboration between American Hysteria and Unspookable Our hosts were Elise Parisian and Chelsey Weber-Smith Also appearing this week were Unspookable head writer Ellenor Riley-Condit and Producer Nate DuFort This episode was produced by Nate DuFort and Chelsey Weber-Smith and edited by Nate DuFort The American Hysteria theme song was composed by Hakan Erikkson The Unspookable theme song and this week’s special mashup of our themes was created by Jesse Case   Special thanks this week Jonah, Bella, Isabella, and Jon You can find more from American Hysteria at https://www.chelseywebersmith.com or wherever you get your podcasts. You can find Unspookable on Twitter and Instagram at: https://twitter.com/ImUnspookable https://www.instagram.com/unspookablepodcast/ Unspookable is a production of Soundsington Media committed to making quality programing for young audiences and the young at heart. To find out more go to http://www.soundsingtonmedia.com  This week's episode is brought to you by Six Minutes: Out of Time This summer, take the whole family on a thrilling adventure with Six Minutes: Out of Time. Three years ago, Brynleigh Pasternack helped the Anders family uncover the truth about Holiday's past. Now she’ll need them to help her find the truth about hers.  Follow Six Minutes on Amazon Music or wherever you get your podcasts. Download the Amazon Music app today.  Advertise on Unspookable: advertising@airwavemedia.com