Why do we like scary stories? (w/ Glynn Washington)
Summary
Host Chris Duffy discusses the allure of scary stories with Glenn Washington, creator of Spooked and Snap Judgment. They explore how supernatural tales provide a safe space to confront taboo topics like death, fear, and mortality. Washington shares his background in a cult and argues that listening to these narratives fosters empathy and challenges rigid certainties. The episode emphasizes that holding contradictory ideas and respecting others' experiences are key to becoming a better human.
Topics discussed
Listener survey request
Intro: Spooky season and the power of scary stories
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Sponsor: Natural Resources Defense Council
Origin of the Spooked podcast
Why we enjoy being scared
Spooky stories as a forum for big questions
The campfire license to tell the truth
Holding contradictory truths and skepticism
The power of narrative over reportage
Memory malleability and personal narratives
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Sponsor: Whatnot live shopping
Sponsor: Planet Visionaries
Glenn's background: Growing up in a cult
Leaving the cult and moving to Japan
Certainty, control, and the supernatural
Story: The physician and the monk
Drawing lines between belief and manipulation
Practical advice: Embracing mystery and listening
Sponsor: ADT home security
Sponsor: Parloa (repeat)
Sponsor: Peloton TreadFlex
The importance of active listening
Glenn's poetry and wordplay
Story: The water diviner and the willow stick
How to respond to supernatural stories
Outro and credits
Sponsor: Gymshark
Sponsor: ServiceNow
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