I am terrified of many things — spiders, clowns, serial killers, the basement of the MLB (if you know, you know). For that reason, I guess you could say that I don’t do particularly well with scary movies.
But this summer, one of my friends introduced me to the world of “scary” podcasts — and they’ve totally changed the game for me. This genre of podcasts still focuses on the same nightmarish topics as the movies, like true crime and paranormal activity, but because there are no visuals involved, the stories become less chilling and more thrilling.
So, if you’re looking to prepare for Halloween, or just make your commute across campus a little more interesting, here are a few of my favorite podcasts for spooky season.
1. My Favorite Murder Image credit: Apple Podcasts
If you prefer your true crime served with a dash of comedy, then you’ll love spending time with Karen and Georgia, the gals of My Favorite Murder. This podcast follows two best friends who tell some terrifyingly true stories of hometown murders, suspicious disappearances and unsolved criminal cases. With new full-length episodes and “minisodes” (or shorter episodes full of listeners’ best tales of crime, hauntings or just generally weird experiences) released each week, My Favorite Murder is the perfect “spooky” starter podcast for those still hoping to sleep soundly at night. If you’re looking to give this podcast a try, take my word for it and kick it off with episode 31.
Image Credit: Stitcher
If you, too, find yourself falling down the YouTube rabbit hole watching videos about the most haunted buildings in America, then Haunted Places is your perfect podcast. In this podcast, each episode transports you to a different haunted location around the world. From The Stanley Hotel to The Queen Mary and every eerie cemetery and asylum in between, Haunted Places will captivate you with endless facts about each site as well as spooky narration and sound effects. For a scary story that hits close to home, check out the episode titled “Urban Legend: The Michigan Dogman.”
3. Unexplained
Image Credit: Stitcher
Unexplained… well it’s a podcast about the unexplained. Dropping bi-weekly, this podcast discusses mysterious events and places that “continue to evade explanation.” Similar to psychological thriller movies, this podcast will get your subconscious turning and leads you to question all that you think you know to be true. Past episodes have explored everything from witchcraft to space and UFOs to cult formations. With its combination of creepy music and chilling narration, listening to Unexplained really makes it feel like you’re watching a movie, jump-scares and all.
4. Crime Junkie
Image Credit: Inside Radio
If you consider yourself to be a true crime nerd and really like to know all the nitty-gritty details behind a case, then there’s no better podcast for you than Crime Junkie. All stories shared on this podcast are totally unsolved, which makes each episode equally more interesting and frustrating. With conversational hosts Ashley and Brit, Crime Junkie feels like you’re just sitting around with your friends, obsessing over the latest unbelievable crime case. What I love most about this podcast is that you can tell just how much research is put into each episode, with every last murder and disappearance being laid out clearly, with info straight from the case files. Warning: speaking from personal experience, this podcast is super addicting and extremely bingeable during long car rides and flights. So, if you’re looking for a good place to begin, try out episode “Serial Killer: Israel Keyes.”
Image Credit: Stitcher
Admittedly the most terrifying mention on this list, I advise not listening to The NoSleep Podcast before bed unless you really don’t plan on sleeping that night. An award-winning anthology of original (but fictional) horror stories, The NoSleep Podcast feels like a series of miniature movies, minus the images. Perfect for people who don’t have time to crack open a good thriller novel or sit down for a horror movie marathon, this podcast features professional voice actors who bring tales of creepy dolls, mysterious four-legged creatures and more to life. Each episode comes with a warning that “[it] is intended for mature adults, not the faint of heart. Join us at your own risk…” So if you’re really looking to get your spooky on pre-Halloween, good luck with this one.
These may be my personal favorite podcasts in the genre, but there are so many more out there sure to send shivers down your spine. Happy podcasting, HC UMich, and make sure to get your reruns of The Office ready for post spooky sesh!
Header Image Credit: Pumpkin Hunt