Have you ever gotten a really creepy phone call? For this episode we watched the 1979 film, When a Stranger Calls. This movie paved the way for the classic horror movie trope of the babysitter and the man upstairs. We discuss the criminal justice system, mental health, and how this film would go on to fuel an urban legend spanning decades. Grab your popcorn and don’t answer any unrecognized numbers.  Warning:  Episode contains spoilers and mentions stalking, violence, child death, and psychological trauma. Follow us on Instagram @spook_podcast Email us your spooky stories @[email protected] Sources: Available to stream: Peacock IMDb.com. (1979, October 26). When a Stranger Calls. IMDb. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0080130/ Greaney, T. J. (2010, March 7). Who Killed Janett Christman?. Columbia Daily Tribune. https://www.columbiatribune.com/story/news/politics/government/2010/03/07/who-killed-janett-christman/984978007/

Grab your tamagotchi and crank up that Nirvana, folks, we’re going back to the 1990s! The 1990s were a treasure trove of nostalgic television shows. Chances are, if you were a kid in the 1990s, you’re familiar with the spooky Nickelodeon classic, Are You Afraid of the Dark?. In this episode, we begin our journey with the first two episodes of the series, entitled, “The Tale of the Phantom Cab,” and “The Tale of Laughing in the Dark.” Gather around as we discuss 90’s tropes of toxic siblings, creepy adults, and anti-smoking PSAs.  Warning:  Episode contains spoilers and mentions death, mild gore, bullying, and clowns. Follow us on Instagram @spook_podcast Email us your spooky stories @[email protected] Sources: Available to stream: Paramount + IMDb.com. (1992, August 15). “Are You Afraid of the Dark?” The Tale of the Phantom Cab. IMDb. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0514435/ IMDB.com. (1992b, August 22). “Are You Afraid of the Dark?” The Tale of Laughing in the Dark. IMDb. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0514392/

We’re back! Nicole and Joe return to talk about John Carpenter’s 1982 cult classic film The Thing! When a research base in Antarctica gets invaded by an alien that can take the shape of anyone or anything, who knows what spooky antics will unfold? Gather ‘round as we discuss a young Kurt Russell, practical effects, and why you should never vacation without a flamethrower. Warning: Episode contains spoilers and mentions gore, weapon violence, animal violence, and death.  Follow us on Instagram @spook_podcast Sources: Available to stream: Shudder IMDb.com. (1982, June 25). The Thing. IMDb. https://m.imdb.com/title/tt0084787/ Wikimedia Foundation. (2024, February 13). The Thing (1982). Wikipedia. https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Thing_(1982_film)

Gather around to hear some spooky tales of New York State. Our two main legends are that of the Hudson River Ghost Ship and the White Lady of Durand Eastman Park. Whether you’re from Buffalo, Albany, NYC, or somewhere in between, there’s something in this episode for everyone. And if you’re not a New Yorker, you’ll walk away with some new spooky lore to share around the campfire with friends.  Warning: Descriptions aren’t too graphic but there are mentions of murder, suicide, death, mutilation, cannibalism, and mummification.  Follow us on Instagram @spook_podcast Sources:  Wikimedia Foundation. (2024, January 16). Hudson River. Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hudson_River  The Ghost Ship of the Hudson River. The Weather Dork. (n.d.). http://weatherdork.weebly.com/educational-blogs/the-ghost-ship-of-the-hudson-river  Morrisey, A. J. (2021, October 26). The lady in white of Durand Eastman Park - home in the finger lakes. Home in the Finger Lakes - Celebrating country life, and the joy found in getting back to basics. https://homeinthefingerlakes.com/the-lady-in-white-of-durand-eastman-park/  WNY-local urban legends? : R/buffalo - reddit. (n.d.). https://www.reddit.com/r/Buffalo/comments/5ud4w0/wnylocal_urban_legends/