Looking for the perfect podcasts to set the mood for Halloween? These chilling shows will send shivers down your spine and transport you into spooky worlds of mystery, horror, and the paranormal. From real-life scares to fictional frights, here are ten podcasts to keep you on edge.
1. Unexplained: Dive into the Unknown
For fans of the eerie and unexplained, this podcast explores strange, mysterious events that have never been fully understood. Hosted by Richard MacLean Smith, it’s the perfect blend of history and horror, exploring true events and unsolved mysteries. Each episode will leave you questioning reality in its own way.
2. Lore: Where History Meets Haunting
A must-listen for anyone fascinated by folklore, Lore uncovers terrifying true stories from history. Aaron Mahnke—who also hosts other spooky shows like Unobscured and Consumed—brings dark tales to life, weaving together historical facts and spine-chilling legends. Whether it’s a haunted house or a cursed artifact, you’ll be hooked on the horrors lurking in our past.
3. Scared to Death: Face Your Fears
In this thrilling podcast, hosts Dan and Lynze Cummins share tales of terror meant to test your bravery. With a mix of real-life ghost stories and urban legends, Scared to Death is perfect for listeners who enjoy suspense and supernatural scares. Can you handle it, or will you be scared to death?
4. Radio Rental: Your Own Mysteries
Presented by actor and comedian Rainn Wilson, this series features bizarre and unexplained stories submitted by listeners. Each episode feels like tuning into a forgotten VHS tape with a mind of its own. The perfect combination of suspense, mystery, and horror, Radio Rental brings real-world weirdness to life.
5. The NoSleep Podcast: Fictional Horror at its Best
If you’re looking for terrifying fictional stories, The NoSleep Podcast delivers—and then some. Featuring original horror stories read by professional voice actors, the show feels like a modern campfire tale for adults. With immersive sound effects, each episode drags you into a nightmarish world where anything can happen.
6. Full Body Chills: Short Stories, Big Scares
Hosted by Ashley Flowers, this podcast serves up bite-sized horror stories that pack a punch. Each episode is a standalone story, perfect for a quick scare. Whether you listen on your commute or late at night, Full Body Chills will live up to its name—giving you goosebumps every time.
7. Spooked: True Tales of the Supernatural
This podcast explores firsthand encounters with the supernatural. Hosted by Glynn Washington, Spooked shares real stories told by those who lived through them. From haunted houses to demonic possessions, each episode brings the paranormal closer to reality, making you question what’s really out there.
8. Dark House: Haunted Mansions and Their Secrets
This chilling podcast from House Beautiful magazine combines true crime with interior design. Presented by Alyssa Fiorentino and Hadley Mendelsohn, Dark House investigates some of the world’s most infamous haunted houses. The blend of historical context and spooky lore makes it a must-listen for Halloween enthusiasts.
9. The Magnus Archives: Cataloging Nightmares
This highly popular podcast is presented as a series of horror stories read by the head archivist at the Magnus Institute—an academic institution that researches the paranormal. Each episode reveals terrifying supernatural encounters, building a larger narrative over time. The Magnus Archives is perfect for those who love intricate storytelling and creeping dread.
10. Bone & Sickle: Folklore Meets Dark History
Bone & Sickle is a fascinating blend of folklore, dark history, and the macabre. Hosted by Al Ridenour, this podcast delves into the eerie origins of customs, myths, and superstitions from around the world. Perfect for fans of cultural history with a spooky twist, it brings Halloween vibes year-round with every episode.
These podcasts are perfect for setting the mood as Halloween approaches, providing just the right mix of thrill, suspense, and eerie tales to get you in the spirit. Tune in, and get ready for a spine-tingling journey into the world of the unknown!
