11 Scary Podcasts for the Spookiest Time of Year

(Image via Lore podcast)

9.) Lore

Lore focuses on some of the scariest tales from real-life history and folklore. In each episode, host Aaron Mahnke presents a true story in the style of some of the best campfire ghost stories. Mahnke, who is also a fiction writer, doesn’t shy away from employing poetic devices once in awhile. He started the podcast as a side gig and a way to share his love of creepy history. Now, Lore is one of the most popular podcasts in the U.S. It’s currently number seven on the iTunes top podcasts list.

Each episode takes around 30 hours to research, write, record, and produce. Because of the involved nature of producing Lore at a high level of quality, Mahnke releases it biweekly. However, there are plenty of previous episodes should you become addicted.

Overall, Lore is straightforward and compelling, despite its spooky nature. This makes for engaging listening, though the true nature of the subject matter can be chilling, if not outright terrifying. “The King”, for example, shows the depths of depravity, bravery, and violence that people can achieve in desperate, isolated situations. Another episode, “Covered Mirrors”, will make you look at passerby a little more closely, then triple-check your locks at night.

Best episode
“On the Farm”, which focuses on the 1922 Hinterkaifeck murders north of Munich. This episode will make you jump at just about every strange noise in your house. Good luck getting to sleep after listening to this one.