Abby sits down with author, historian and tour guide Marie Carter to discuss Walpurgis Night, May Day Horror and her new book, Mortimer and The Witches. From Saint Walburga, to Beltane and The Wicker Man, we cover all of our bases with the storied history of May 1st. Follow Marie on Instagram at @mariewritesandedits and check out her website: https://www.mariewritesandedits.com/Also, consider purchasing her books. More information here. lunaticsproject.comGet Lunatics Merch here. Join the discussion on Discord. Listen to the paranormal playlist I curate for Vurbl, updated weekly! Check out Abby's book Horror Stories. Available in eBook and paperback. Music by Michaela Papa, Alan Kudan & Jordan Moser. Poster Art by Pilar Keprta @pilar.kep.Support the Show.

Abby and Alan present three haunting artificial intelligence inspired horror stories to round out our series on the horror of A.I.Goodnight, Conrad was written by J.R. Santos and read by Mike Macera. Support a charity anthology that gives back to the Palestine Children's Relief Fund. Check out JR's work here. Listen to Mike's band Beach Therapy anywhere you listen to music. Reaper in the Sky was written by S.S. Fitzgerald and read by Jeff Ayars. Follow S.S. Fitzgerald here. Red Light was written by Eve S. Evans and read by Tessa McKnight. Check out Eve's work here.lunaticsproject.comGet Lunatics Merch here. Join the discussion on Discord. Listen to the paranormal playlist I curate for Vurbl, updated weekly! Check out Abby's book Horror Stories. Available in eBook and paperback. Music by Michaela Papa, Alan Kudan & Jordan Moser. Poster Art by Pilar Keprta @pilar.kep.Support the Show.

Abby and Alan discuss the history of Artificial Intelligence as represented in horror and science fiction films. lunaticsproject.comCheck out the Telelibrary here.Get Lunatics Merch here. Join the discussion on Discord. Listen to the paranormal playlist I curate for Vurbl, updated weekly! Check out Abby's book Horror Stories. Available in eBook and paperback. Music by Michaela Papa, Alan Kudan & Jordan Moser. Poster Art by Pilar Keprta @pilar.kep.Support the Show.

Alan and Abby present four demonic summoning themed horror stories to round out our three part series. A Fair Trade was written by Chris Ritchey and performed by Jon C Cook of the Fadò Podcast. Check out Chris's website here, and follow him on social media AuthorCRitchey. Finding Friends Through Fiends was written and performed by Kat Day. Check out Kat's website here, and follow the PseudoPod for delicious horror stories.Summoning was written by Terry Lander. Check out his book Monster Jack on Amazon. And follow Terry on social media Terry Lander Author.Hunted was written by S.S. Fitzgerald and performed by Michael Crosa of the Podnooga Network. Click here for every way you can connect with S.S. Fitzgerald and support their work.lunaticsproject.comGet Lunatics Merch here. Join the discussion on Discord. Listen to the paranormal playlist I curate for Vurbl, updated weekly! Check out Abby's book Horror Stories. Available in eBook and paperback. Music by Michaela Papa, Alan Kudan & Jordan Moser. Poster Art by Pilar Keprta @pilar.kep.Support the Show.

This week we are thrilled to sit down with Jenn Wexler and Sean Redlitz, the filmmakers behind "The Sacrifice Game," and "The Ranger" to discus the intersection of demons and horror filmmaking. We chat through all things horror, the paranormal and how Jenn and Sean were inspired by The Lesser Key of Solomon while writing "The Sacrifice Game."lunaticsproject.comGet Lunatics Merch here. Join the discussion on Discord. Listen to the paranormal playlist I curate for Vurbl, updated weekly! Check out Abby's book Horror Stories. Available in eBook and paperback. Music by Michaela Papa, Alan Kudan & Jordan Moser. Poster Art by Pilar Keprta @pilar.kep.Support the Show.

Abby and Alan dive into the history of demonic summoning, and its impact on horror. Embark with us on a shadowy expedition into the origins and evolutions of demonic summoning, where ancient gods were recast into sinister spirits under the unforgiving light of monotheism. From the Lesser Key of Solomon to the Hermetic Order of The Golden Dawn, we discuss the history of cultures and peoples who have attempted to summon demons.  The notorious Warrens, Pazuzu from "The Exorcist," and even Black Phillip of "The Witch" fame make appearances, showcasing how horror films have shaped our understanding of the infernal. We also chat through the threads of historical rituals from modern horror, examining the authenticity filmmakers strive for when portraying ancient summoning rites.lunaticsproject.comGet Lunatics Merch here. Join the discussion on Discord. Listen to the paranormal playlist I curate for Vurbl, updated weekly! Check out Abby's book Horror Stories. Available in eBook and paperback. Music by Michaela Papa, Alan Kudan & Jordan Moser. Poster Art by Pilar Keprta @pilar.kep.SourcesBook by Ed Simon called PANDEMONIUM: An Illustrated History of Demonology PBS article by David Crary of the Associated Press: Ancient but small in number, Zoroastrians confront depletion of their faithArcheology.org article by Eric A. Powell, called: The World of Egyptian DemonsThe Rationality of Renaissance Magic by Gregory W. DawesAliester Crowley’s autobiography: The Confessions of Aleister CrowleyBook by Owen Davies: Grimoires: A History of MagicVice article The Men Who Love to Worship The Devil and Summon Demons by Grace WilsonBook by Ronald Hutton: The Wild Hunt and The Witches SabbathWikipedia + IMDBSupport the Show.

Abby and Alan discuss the history of Truman Show delusion, an example of cinema influencing culture and society. Have you ever felt like your life is a TV show and you're the unwitting star? It's more common than you think. We talk through the research of Joel Gold, a psychiatrist who coined the term "Truman Show delusion" after seeing patients who believed they were starring in a reality show against their will. We discuss how individuals' beliefs about being the centerpiece of a reality show mirror the narrative of the iconic film, "The Truman Show," and raise questions about the power of media to shape our innermost fears and fantasies.lunaticsproject.comGet Lunatics Merch here. Join the discussion on Discord. Listen to the paranormal playlist I curate for Vurbl, updated weekly! Check out Abby's book Horror Stories. Available in eBook and paperback. Music by Michaela Papa, Alan Kudan & Jordan Moser. Poster Art by Pilar Keprta @pilar.kep.SourcesThe Truman Show movie from 1998, directed by Peter Weir.Psychology Today article by Mark D. Griffiths PHD - The Truman Show DelusionNew Yorker Article by Andrew Marantz - Unreality StarWEB MD article by Suzanne Wright called Truman Show DelusionNew York Times article by Sarah Kershaw called Look Closely, Doctor: See The Camera?National Post article called Reality Bites from 2008IMDB + Wikipedia.Support the Show.

Abby and Alan present amusement park themed horror stories. Ever wondered what dark secrets lurk beneath the thrills of amusement parks? We have unearthed a trio of harrowing tales that will chill you to the bone and make you question the shadows behind the carousel lights.  Our journey kicks off with a look into the world of amusement park horror, a genre ripe with untapped potential. We recount the nerve-wracking experiences of a security guard in an abandoned park, where his reality is as twisted as the rusted rides he patrols. Our first story was written by John K Peck, follow John online twitter.com/johnkpeck and johnkpeck.com. Necropolis was narrated by Jon C Cook of the Fadò podcast. But the terror doesn't stop at the creaking gates of deserted attractions. Join us as we dive into Sara Luke's riveting story, "Splashdown," which masterfully intertwines the themes of loss, family, and survival against the backdrop of a decaying water park. Follow Sara on Instagram @saraluke25.Finally we share a story by Cooper Shreves, about the less-than-ideal escapades at Adventure Landing,  providing a chilling testament to the mishaps and memories made in these playgrounds of joy turned graveyards of innocence. So, tune in, hold on tight, and prepare for an expedition into the eerie enigma of carnivals and water parks that will forever alter your view of where you find your fun.lunaticsproject.comGet Lunatics Merch here. Join the discussion on Discord. Listen to the paranormal playlist I curate for Vurbl, updated weekly! Check out Abby's book Horror Stories. Available in eBook and paperback. Music by Michaela Papa, Alan Kudan & Jordan Moser. Poster Art by Pilar Keprta @pilar.kep.Support the Show.

Join Abby and Alan as they explore the intersection of horror and amusement parks, a match made in heaven sadly. Strap in for a historical rollercoaster that whisks you from the vintage charm of pleasure gardens to the ghostly whispers of long-forgotten theme parks. We unearth the transformative journey of rides, from ice slides to modern-day scream machines, and share a carousel of tales that might just make you think twice about your next fairground visit.lunaticsproject.comGet Lunatics Merch here. Join the discussion on Discord. Listen to the paranormal playlist I curate for Vurbl, updated weekly! Check out Abby's book Horror Stories. Available in eBook and paperback. Music by Michaela Papa, Alan Kudan & Jordan Moser. Poster Art by Pilar Keprta @pilar.kep.SourcesAn article on Vox by Arthur Levine, The Story of Amusement Parks is The Story of AmericaSmithsonian Magazine article by Kat Eschner - The Dizzy History of Carousels Began with KnightsAsk.com article by Allyson Chen - Abandoned Amusement Parks with Even Creepier BackstoriesThe Travel article by Laurence Watt - Haunted Theme Parks That Were AbandonedMental Floss Article by Michele Hermann - 11 Fun Facts About Coney IslandWorldabandoned.com article on Nara DreamlandAtlas Obscura, Wikipedia + IMDBSupport the Show.

This week Abby and Alan present horror stories about exorcisms. lunaticsproject.comGet Lunatics Merch here. Join the discussion on Discord. Listen to the paranormal playlist I curate for Vurbl, updated weekly! Check out Abby's book Horror Stories. Available in eBook and paperback. Music by Michaela Papa, Alan Kudan & Jordan Moser. Poster Art by Pilar Keprta @pilar.kep.Support the talent featured in this episode! Read Brittany's book here, and follow her on Instagram at noctiscriptor.  Listen to Adam and Mike’s band Beach Therapy here. And watch Long Beach Island here. You can purchase JR’s book, We Living Failures on Amazon.  Pre-order his next project here. Follow Lissa @lissasweeney on Instagram. Support Michael Crosa and check out Chattanooga Podcast Studios here.Support the Show.

Did you know that The Exorcist (1973) was inspired by true events? We talk through the life of Ronald Doe, the real-life boy who inspired this spine-chilling film. Join us as we delve into his unexplainable experiences and the horrifying tales that led to the creation of this unforgettable movie. lunaticsproject.comGet Lunatics Merch here. Join the discussion on Discord. Listen to the paranormal playlist I curate for Vurbl, updated weekly! Check out Abby's book Horror Stories. Available in eBook and paperback. Music by Michaela Papa, Alan Kudan & Jordan Moser. Poster Art by Pilar Keprta @pilar.kep.SourcesA Vanity Fair article by Rosemary Counter: The Haunting Real Story That Inspired The ExorcistNYTimes review of The Exorcist from 1973 by Vincent CanbyAll Things Interesting Article by William DeLong called Inside The Harrowing Exorcism of Ronald Doe Screenrant article by Christopher Fiducccia, 30 Wild Details Behind The Making of The ExorcistCBSnews.com article by Rhadika Chalasani - Creepy Tales from Cursed moviesSyfy.com article by Cydney Contreras: The Exorcist Cast Endured Deaths, Fires and More Mishaps - Was the set haunted? The documentary Fear of God: 25 Years of The Exorcist (1998) which is available on YouTube.An article from The Guardian: Boy Whose Case Inspired The Exorcist is Named by US MagazineRoger Ebert’s review of The Exorcist on rogererpert.comWikipedia + IMDBSupport the Show.

Abby and Alan present Bloody Mary themed horror stories. Our first story, The Mirror, was written by Abby Brenker and narrated by Adam McAlonie. The Sunday Stalker was written by JR Santos and narrated by Jeff Ayars. You can purchase JR’s book, We Living Failures on Amazon. And watch Jeff’s latest feature, This is Our Home (2019) on Amazon. He Comes After Midnight was written by Courtney Eastman. Be sure to follow Courtney on Instagram @TheGhouldGuide. The story was narrated by Lissa Sweeney, follow Lissa @lissasweeney on Instagram. You can purchase your copy of the Feminine Macabre Volume 3 on Amazon.  And finally, excerpts from John Foxe’s Book of Martyrs were narrated by the amazing Mike Macera. Listen to Adam and Mike’s band Beach Therapy here. And watch Long Beach Island here. lunaticsproject.comGet Lunatics Merch here. Join the discussion on Discord. Listen to the paranormal playlist I curate for Vurbl, updated weekly! Check out Abby's book Horror Stories. Available in eBook and paperback. Music by Michaela Papa, Alan Kudan & Jordan Moser. Poster Art by Pilar Keprta @pilar.kep.Support the Show.

Are your sleepovers complete without the chilling game of Bloody Mary? The game's origins are steeped in mystery, intrigue, and eerie folklore. In this episode, we unravel the stories of three historical women who potentially inspired this bone-chilling game. From the turbulent reign of Queen Mary the First to the bloodcurdling tales of Elizabeth Bathory and the enigmatic Mary Worth, we walk you through the bloody corridors of history.Imagine a time when King Henry the Eighth severed ties with the catholic church, setting in motion a series of events that shaped the course of history. Delve into the reign of his daughter, Queen Mary I, infamous for her attempts to restore Catholicism and her reign of terror. You will also hear about the chilling tales associated with Elizabeth Bathory, a noblewoman speculated to have bathed in virgin blood for eternal youth. Then, peruse the life of Mary Worth, whose narrative sways between hero and villain, adding an intriguing layer to the Bloody Mary folklore.Do you know about the Toxler's fading effect? This episode dives into its connection with horror genre in relation to midnight rituals. Exploring its representation in classic horror films, and the modern depiction of the Bloody Mary ritual in popular video games, we take a chilling journey into the murky depths of horror lore. So, buckle up for an episode that promises to keep you on the edge of your seat, daring you to face the enigmatic and horrifying history of Bloody Mary. Tune in now, if you dare!lunaticsproject.comGet Lunatics Merch here. Join the discussion on Discord. Listen to the paranormal playlist I curate for Vurbl, updated weekly! Check out Abby's book Horror Stories. Available in eBook and paperback. Music by Michaela Papa, Alan Kudan & Jordan Moser. Poster Art by Pilar Keprta @pilar.kep.Check out the work of our friend Sheldon Higdon here.SourcesThe Myth of Bloody Mary by Meilan Solly on SmithsonianMagazine.com History.com article, How Henry the VIII’s Divorce Led to Reformation by Sarah Pruitt.History.com article, What Inspired Bloody Mary’s Gruesome Nickname? By Una Mcilvenna.The Ghost in My Machine article on Bloody MaryA Mental Floss Article by Emily Petsko Bloody Mary: Why We Think  We See Faces in The Mirror Wikipedia and Britannica.comThanks to April Brenker for research help! Support the Show.

Abby sits down with an old friend to talk through some of the experiences she has had living in a historic and haunted home. You can watch this episode here.From sleep paralysis to spectral encounters, Grace's tales will have you on the edge of your seat, questioning the boundaries between the physical and the spiritual realm.As our conversation evolves, we discuss theories that our perception of reality is shaped by the energy we emit. We traverse the realms of consciousness and spirituality, extending far beyond the tangible. Come along, join us as we unearth the mysteries of Grace's historic home and delve into the captivating world of the supernatural.Support the show

Abby and Alan present the finale of our Kaiju series, with two Kaiju themed horror stories. Prepare to witness the sheer power of nature in its raw, unforgiving form. Imagine a city teetering on the brink of annihilation by a gargantuan storm, a lone boy observing the growing tempest from his window, and a girl from the iconic Brooklyn Bridge, as she gazes into the heart of the storm. In this hair-raising finale of our Mega Series, we're pushing the boundaries, as I share a revised version of one of my own cherished tales, serving you a profound spectacle of chaos, fear, and survival. Read for us by Michael Crosa. And check out Chattanooga Podcast Studios here.Get ready for a spine-chilling journey into the Yukon territory of 1908, as we explore a unique Kaiju tale penned by renowned writer, Georges Dupuy, and narrated by Jon C Cook: The Monster of "Partridge Creek." This episode will carry you to the heart of the wilderness, where Father Lavineux, Leymour, and I come face to face with the colossal Master of Partridge Creek. Be prepared for a pulse-pounding encounter with a thirty-ton dinosaurus, a magnificent beast that reminds us of nature's overwhelming power over humanity. Join us on this thrilling ride, whether you're a long-time Kaiju enthusiast or new to the genre, we guarantee a story that will keep you on the edge of your seat.Support the Show.

From the Ultra species in Ultraman to the awe-inspiring battles in Gamera, we're diving into the heart of this epic genre. Beyond the giant robots and monsters, we discuss the emotive stories, the humanity caught in the middle, and the real differences that set these films apart from the rest. We even delve into the legacy of Toho's prop department in shaping the Ultraman TV show.Ever wondered how real-life events and political themes find their way into the Kaiju universe? We venture into modern Kaiju films, taking a deep look at movies like 'Cloverfield' and 'Pacific Rim.' The discussion gets intense as we draw parallels between the DARPA program and the 'drift system' in Pacific Rim, touch upon the unique concept in 'Colossal,' and even discuss the 2018 movie 'Rampage.' Lastly, we switch gears to explore the literature side of the Kaiju world, discussing the thought-provoking themes and storytelling techniques. From the political commentary woven into these narratives to chilling tales of survival and death, we leave no stone unturned. And, speaking of literature, we even bring up John Scalzi's book - Kaiju Preservation Society. Get ready for a hefty dose of insight and a fresh perspective on all things Kaiju! And guess what? We've got some kickass Kaiju-themed merch waiting for you in our store. So, buckle up and join us for this epic exploration!lunaticsproject.comGet Lunatics Merch here. Join the discussion on Discord.Check out Abby's book Horror Stories. Available in eBook and paperback. Music by Michaela Papa, Alan Kudan & Jordan Moser. Poster Art by Pilar Keprta @pilar.kep.SourcesNo film school article by Alyssa Miller: Killer Kaiju: How the Giant Creatures Made Waves in CinemaCBR.com article by Jim Johnson Cloverfield Monster's Confirmed Origin Is Actually Pretty HeartbreakingDen of Geek’s multi-part series on the history of Ultraman by Stephen Harber. Wikipedia, IMDB + Many Films!Support the Show.

Buckle up and bring plenty of popcorn, because we're embarking on a colossal journey through the cinematic history of Kaiju films. Ever caught yourself wondering about the origins of characters like Ghidorah, Mothra, Rodan, and Godzilla's son? Prepare to have your curiosity satisfied as we deep dive into the Showa era of Kaiju films.This week we talk through the evolution of the Godzilla franchise through four eras. lunaticsproject.comGet Lunatics Merch here. Join the discussion on Discord.Check out Abby's book Horror Stories. Available in eBook and paperback. Music by Michaela Papa, Alan Kudan & Jordan Moser. Poster Art by Pilar Keprta @pilar.kep.SourcesThe Kaiju Film: A Critical Study of Cinema’s Biggest Monsters by Jason BarrCriterion article by Steve Ryfle: Godzilla’s Conscience: The Monstrous Humanism of Ishiro Honda Unesco.org article on the history of Kabuki theater Hollywood Reporter article by Ray Morton: Origin of Kong.No film school article by Alyssa Miller: Killer Kaiju: How the Giant Creatures Made Waves in CinemaSideshow.com article by Shane Smith - A Complete Film History of GodzillaCBR.com article by Jim Johnson Cloverfield Monster's Confirmed Origin Is Actually Pretty HeartbreakingDen of Geek’s multi-part series on the history of Ultraman by Stephen Harber. Wikipedia, IMDB + Many Films!Support the Show.

Abby and Alan deeply explore Japan's fascinating kaiju film genre, where enormous monsters and social commentary collide. We're peeling back the layers of this cinematic behemoth, from its roots in Japanese Tokusatsu filmmaking and mythology to the nuclear anxieties that colored its creation. Ever wonder about the origins of these towering terrors? We've got you covered! We're diving into the influence of 1933's King Kong, the prototype of all monster movies. From there, we're moving to the Godzilla franchise, analyzing its evolution from the revered 1954 classic to the camp-filled romps of today. Whether you’re new to the genre or a seasoned kaiju fan, there’s plenty to sink your teeth into!lunaticsproject.comGet Lunatics Merch here. Join the discussion on Discord.Check out Abby's book Horror Stories. Available in eBook and paperback. Music by Michaela Papa, Alan Kudan & Jordan Moser. Poster Art by Pilar Keprta @pilar.kep.SourcesThe Kaiju Film: A Critical Study of Cinema’s Biggest Monsters by Jason BarrCriterion article by Steve Ryfle: Godzilla’s Conscience: The Monstrous Humanism of Ishiro Honda Unesco.org article on the history of Kabuki theater Hollywood Reporter article by Ray Morton: Origin of Kong.No film school article by Alyssa Miller: Killer Kaiju: How the Giant Creatures Made Waves in CinemaSideshow.com article by Shane Smith - A Complete Film History of GodzillaCBR.com article by Jim Johnson Cloverfield Monster's Confirmed Origin Is Actually Pretty HeartbreakingDen of Geek’s multi-part series on the history of Ultraman by Stephen Harber. Wikipedia, IMDB + Many Films!Support the show

Welcome to the thrilling conclusion of our deep-dive into the world of Goblins. This week Abby and Alan present three horrifying Goblin tales. Embark on a journey to the darker side of Japanese folklore as we unravel the terrifying tale of the Adachigahara Goblin, a creature known for its cannibalistic tendencies. Through the lens of a century-old folklore piece, we shed light on this malevolent being that strikes fear into the hearts of wary travelers. With the help of our friend Alex Goleman.Next, Phil Eslick narrates Abby's story about a man who takes a job as a groundskeeper at a Scottish Estate. And to round up this series, we're privileged to have JR Santos on board, an author with a passion for folklore. Follow JR on twitter @ccskeleton. Check out his short story collection here. His first story published, "Azul"was featured on the first issue of the Archive of the Odd's epistolary horror biannual zine, find out more here.Support the Show.

What if the world of paranormal phenomena is connected in ways we haven't even begun to understand? Join us for an eye-opening conversation with filmmaker and paranormal investigator Karl Pfeiffer, as we unearth hidden connections and delve into the mysteries behind his work. From Ghost Hunters International to creating the cult favorite series Hellier, Karl brings us behind the scenes.We discuss Karl's holistic view of paranormal phenomena, exploring stories like the Mothman Prophecies and the work of John Keel. From connections between UFO sightings and poltergeist reports to the mind-reality link between the spiritual and physical realms, prepare to have your perspective on the paranormal transformed. Plus, we discuss the creation process behind the captivating paranormal show Hellier, and the importance of maintaining an open mind in the field of paranormal investigation.This episode is a treasure trove of insights for fans of the paranormal and the curious-minded alike. From examining the global nature of folklore and its potential connection to paranormal phenomena to Karl's memorable experiences investigating the Stanley Hotel, we leave no stone unturned. Don't miss this opportunity to explore the unknown with the captivating Karl Pfeiffer as our guide.Email filmsaboutlunatics@gmail.com to submit your short stories and paranormal experiences.lunaticsproject.comGet Lunatics Merch here. Join the discussion on Discord.Check out Abby's book Horror Stories. Available in eBook and paperback. Music by Michaela Papa, Alan Kudan & Jordan Moser. Poster Art by Pilar Keprta @pilar.kep.Support the show