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The Haunting Appeal of Halloween: Lore, Legends, and the Rise of Spooky Tourism
280 Plays24 days ago
Welcome back to another episode of States of Discovery. In this seasonally apropos episode, our hosts dive into Halloween. But rather than just keeping things surface level here, we’re taking it a step further, uncovering the reasons why Halloween has surged in popularity, and how it has become a billion dollar business. Hosts Marisa and Sara explore the holiday's cultural impact, the allure of spooky tourism, and the reasons behind Millennials and Gen X's obsession with all things haunted. Featuring an insightful interview with Sarah McCosham, an editor at Only In Your State, this episode promises to illuminate why Halloween captivates us year after year.
Listen in as we cover:
- The bewitching legends and lore that define Halloween.
- How places with dark histories, like Salem and the Ohio State Reformatory, have transformed into popular tourist destinations.
- The significant impact of Millennials and Gen X on Halloween celebrations and spending.
- The psychological thrill of horror films and their connection to the Halloween experience.
- Personal anecdotes and insights from Marisa’s trip to Salem.
- A chilling interview with Sarah McCosham about her visit to the haunted Ohio State Reformatory.
Key Highlights:
- The transformation of tragic histories into thriving tourist attractions.
- Why Halloween has become a multi-billion dollar industry, with record spending in recent years.
- The role of social media in amplifying Halloween enthusiasm among younger generations.
- The science behind why we enjoy being scared and how horror movies tap into our primal instincts.
Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and review States of Discovery on your favorite podcast platform. We love hearing from our listeners, so share your own fair memories and suggestions for future episodes with us!
Connect With Us:
- Phone Number: 805-298-1420 - Leave us a message! We’d love to hear from you.
- Email: [email protected]
Join us on this spooky journey as we uncover the fascinating stories and experiences that make Halloween a beloved cultural movement!
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Transcript
Ghostly Bathroom Encounter
00:00:06
Speaker
I was using the bathroom, and I was in there by myself, and the toilet flushed next to me. And I was like, what is going on? And then like, I said hello, and it flushed again. And nobody was in there. Okay, so I like running out. And later, like, the choir director was like, Oh, yeah, that's just that's the ghost ghost. It's the toilet. Yeah.
Introduction to 'States of Discovery'
00:00:33
Speaker
Welcome back, everyone, to States of Discovery, the podcast where we uncover hidden gems, strange secrets, and the stories that shape our local landscapes. I'm here with my co-host, Sarah. Hello, Sarah. Hi, Marissa. How are you?
00:00:50
Speaker
Excited to be back and talking about all things ah spooky, scary Halloween. It's like our bread and butter right here. Yeah. Happy October. It's spooky season. Yeah, officially.
Halloween Traditions and Excitement
00:01:03
Speaker
I know. like i'm So I'm one of those that starts decorating on October 1st. However, this year I'm a bit delayed. How about you? Are you a big decorator? So I grew up in a family that they had they have tubs for every season. They swap it out. Every season and holiday decorations are swapped out. I am not that person. um I do have little things, so I get my blankets out, I get my pet costumes out, and like the scents, like the candles. Once I see a leaf turn yellow, I'm getting all false scents.
00:01:36
Speaker
Like I am just very much full factory centered so I get all the like, you know, like spicy sort of like scents going on. um Not so much the decorator, but I did start wearing Halloween stuff in August this year. I was just ready. Oh, nice. I love that. Yes. Yeah, I've already been starting to drink my ah pumpkin oat creamer.
00:01:59
Speaker
Nice. And you know limited edition rollouts, I got to jump on that quick because come Christmas time, I'm going to be missing a lot of these flavors and
Non-Dairy Creamer Teaser
00:02:10
Speaker
scents. You get me. We're going to have to have a sidebar not in this episode, but I need to talk to you about non-dairy creamers and the curdle factor because I've just been, yeah, it's Oh, okay. I would love to discuss this. I have so many questions. Actually, I do too now. Now that you mentioned it, I have my own questions, but yeah, okay. Yeah, sure. Tune in for the minisode on non-dairy creamers. Excellent. Okay. Yeah.
00:02:43
Speaker
Oh, to be continued.
Halloween's Cultural Evolution
00:02:44
Speaker
and um But today in particular, Sarah and I are going to be talking about Halloween and the legends, the lore, how this holiday has become easily this fascinating cultural phenomena, especially for Millennials and Gen X.
00:03:06
Speaker
Yeah, and it's not just about our fascination with the costumes, the creamers or the candy. It is a journey into the spooky underbelly. I'm sorry. I just, I caught myself out. um But its and we're talking about like, sort of like this haunted tourism and how our love for the mysterious and the macabre drives literally entire industries. So we're going to be chatting with one of our very own editors here at Only Inher State, Sarah McCoshum. And we're going to chat with her about some chilling stories for one of Ohio's most infamous haunted spots, the Ohio State Reformatory. Once we chat about it, I think you'll recognize it. And trust me, you'll want to keep the lights on for this one.
00:03:48
Speaker
And we've all heard the stories, whether it's Salem's notorious witch trials, ah the dark history that's lurking behind this haunted prison that we're going to discuss, that Sarah's been to a handful of times, I think, already. And so these places attract tourists from around the world.
Salem's Witchcraft Tourism
00:04:08
Speaker
But what we want to discuss is what is it about the legends, the lore, the spook factor that pull us all in?
00:04:18
Speaker
Yeah. And like we said, not only does it pull us in, but it's an inspiring actual travel industries. So something that was tragic in the past and it is transformed through the lore, the hauntings, the whispers into something that is a huge draw for tourism and businesses thrive on these haunted topics and hotspots. So just for example, outside of the prison, there's Salem, Massachusetts.
00:04:43
Speaker
which has been synonymous with hauntings, witchcraft, and historical intrigue. So it started as a grim chapter of history in America and has evolved to a booming travel destination, drawing in literally millions each year. Visitors roam the streets, they're eager to glin like glimpse a ghost or talk to a witch like an actual practicing witch or even just learn about the history of, you know, the satanic church or what is going on in Salem.
00:05:12
Speaker
and I spoke with a few business owners in Salem. My first time visiting, I was super stoked. and these These business owners, they mentioned that their busy season isn't summer or Christmas, it's October, no surprise there. The fascination that people have with witches, with American history, with hauntings and lore, it drives peak sales and visitors to October being this ah cultural phenomenon in Salem every single year where Airbnbs are sold out months in advance. ah People are booking their tours. And so some say that, you know, the industry has shifted dramatically within the past decade in particular. People from all walks of life, especially millennials and Gen X, they embrace the spooky season and it's like never before. But why?
00:06:06
Speaker
Yeah. And just from personal experience, so not only you, but I know at least five people who travel to Salem, Massachusetts for October for spooky season. I myself have tried to book travel in April. I remember I was having dinner on my birthday and I was trying to book travel to Salem. Could not booked up. So um yeah. Right.
Halloween Movies and Media Influence
00:06:29
Speaker
And I really think that we can dig deeper into the why. you know Why is it such a big thing for Gen Xers, for millennials, and even some like Gen Zers? Why are we drawn to Halloween? So is it the media that we're exposed to growing up? So with shows like Bewitched and more recently Agatha All Along, which I don't know if you're following, but oh my goodness, Catherine Hahn and Aubrey Plaza and Patti LuPone, everyone in that show. Yeah, it's hard hitting.
00:07:02
Speaker
So yeah, all these shows playfully you know touch upon witchcraft and hauntings and magic, right? um So does it come from the media exposure as we're growing up or does it come from something more personal? So something that could be tied to our own childhoods and not just what we see on TV in movies or in ads?
00:07:23
Speaker
Yeah, I think that you know we were the first generation that would be essentially exposed to massive Halloween celebrations through both film and TV. You have iconic horror movies, Halloween, Friday the 13th. I remember going to my video store as a youth. It wasn't Blockbuster. It was JMD videos. It was like this mom and pop. And around Halloween, my mom would let me rent these. ah I would go to the horror section and some really like this it was like a snowman murder. Jack Frost, right? Yeah. yeah Yes. Yes, I think so. Because it's it was a holographic case because you it would go from the snowman to like the teeth.
00:08:10
Speaker
Correct. yeah and ah so all of the And then you have you know the the Halloween franchise, which is such a beloved franchise. You have Freddy Krueger, Nightmare on Elm Street, so good. And then you also have these family friendly movies, Hocus Pocus. I mean, I watch that every year. it's Sometimes it's on, sometimes it's not, and I put it on.
00:08:31
Speaker
ah Casper, can't beat k Christina Richie, old school, ah Devin Sawa. But we all grew up watching these stories that made supernatural feel exciting. And now, maybe it's like we're looking for ways to relive that thrill and incorporate it into our adulthood.
Halloween Events and Travel
00:08:50
Speaker
Yeah, and you make a good point too, because it's not just like the modern media that's like, yeah, Agatha All Along is great, and I see it everywhere. But yeah, in our childhoods, we were also encountering this in all these spooky movies that you were talking about. Quick question, we might have talked about but before, but did JDM video? JMD video. JMD video. Did they also have a tanning bed in the back?
00:09:17
Speaker
Is this a New Jersey poke or is this like your blockbusters have tanning beds? It's not about New Jersey. Literally, not blockbusters, not Hollywood videos, but the mom and pop shops, so the ones in my town were Questore and 4Star, they had tanning beds.
00:09:38
Speaker
I think it was just like a utilization of the space. Like, what could you invest in? We need to do a deep dive into the crossover of video-ready stores and tanning pads because I swear to you. You got to respect the hustle, first and foremost. um I thought that was a New Jersey dig because, you know, like, Jim Tam laundry, Jersey Shore.
00:10:04
Speaker
but Imagine, yeah, you're picking out a movie, you're getting a quick tan, it's bing, bang, boom, done, done. There's no health codes or anything, you just throw it in the back.
00:10:15
Speaker
Anyway, just had to do a quick temp check. ah Listeners, if you've had tanning beds at your video rental stores, please comment or write in, we need to know, um or I need to know.
00:10:27
Speaker
So, we're back on topic. So, even recently, Halloween is no longer just for kids. I know we're talking about the past and the nostalgia here. i'm Like, yeah, we were young and we saw these things. um We were exposed to it. But in the past 10 years, searches for Halloween travel and events have surged. So, I don't know if you've heard of it, but Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Studios has grown from a niche event into an Absolutely. Like an absolute cultural phenomenon with a cult following. People literally will fly in from around the world just to experience it. And just last year, the Halloween industry grossed over $10 billion dollars in consumer spending with a large portion of that being adults.
Millennials and Experience-Driven Spending
00:11:08
Speaker
And I don't want to breeze right past Halloween Horror Nights because I know you're a person who who literally goes to Halloween Horror Nights.
00:11:15
Speaker
Correct. Yeah. Yeah. And it's funny, because exactly to your point there, that Halloween is not just for kids, because Halloween Horror Nights is essentially not for kids. I know that there are some parents that make their own decisions to bring their children, but it is a very, very scary thing to walk through those scare zones. The haunted houses, I mean, look, you already know me, my history. I don't like being jumped out at, scared. Which is interesting.
00:11:43
Speaker
feed the hell Yeah, like why am I going to these things? um Just to jumpstart my nervous system, I guess, I don't know. But yeah, it's just it's a it's a very adult themed event with, you know, you have 10 plus haunted houses that you're walking through. a lot of A lot of it too, the popularity with Halloween Horror Nights, they have original content every year. yeah So like this past year, they did A Quiet Place, they did ah Ghostbusters,
00:12:11
Speaker
But then they also have these original pieces of content with original music, with original plot lines, original characters. So they've really leaned into this industry that has created, yes, this cult following every now they started earlier. It used to be starting in September. Now it's starting.
00:12:29
Speaker
early August. yeah So it's, yeah. I mean, look, cues are like hours long. So it's like going to a theme park. You have to yeah have to prep for that. um Did you try the ecto cooler beer there or the, I'm thinking of something else.
00:12:43
Speaker
no ah No, you and I tried the Ectocooler beer in Wisconsin. For some reason, I just would have assumed that it also be there, but maybe not. I bet you always think it was, actually. I don't know, and ka because they do their own like you know like Disney beers and stuff. That's true. I did see the yeah Marshmallow Puff, Stay Puff Man, the little s'more. That was adorable.
00:13:08
Speaker
Yes. To your point, like this is um this is a big deal. People fly in from all over. There are cues. There are storylines. like A lot goes into this entire process. And this is just Halloween Horror Nights. That's just one of these like places that people flock to.
00:13:25
Speaker
Yeah, and you know in particular, you mentioned the $10 billion dollars in consumer spending. And so just to add and give people some perspective on Halloween and how it's growing in the most recently past couple of years, according to the National Retail Federation, the NRF, Halloween-related spending reached $12.2 billion dollars in 2023, which was an all-time record high.
00:13:51
Speaker
And this was actually an increase from 2022, which was 10.6 billion. And a large portion of the spend spending was driven by millennials in particular, who are just what we've noticed very invested in Halloween.
00:14:09
Speaker
Yeah. And even in 2023, the average consumer spent around $108 on Halloween-related items. And I don't know about you, but that checks out. In fact, that's low for me. like I was going to say, that's a little light for me. That's a sad elder millennial. Because if you think about it, <unk>re we're talking about the consumables like candy and non-dairy creamers and lattes and whatever else, like going to a restaurant with a seasonal feature, but then you have costumes for yourself, for your pets, you have decoration, you have candles. I mean, look, say what you will about consumerism, but so spooky season, I am all in. So yeah, and then pumpkins, pumpkin carving. I mean, you know, like, I personally for for Yeah, my house, I decided, well, going to big, no, not big. Yes, big lots was a good one. Party City had buy one get one free full size skeletons.
00:15:03
Speaker
Which, what a great deal last year. And then I keep them floating around in my pool all year long. But yeah, so. What are you talking about? You decorate in October all year round. um Yeah.
00:15:16
Speaker
Yeah, it freaks my neighbors out. butt good and well they have to i mean you know Good neighbors build good fences, and they also have skeletons in the pool just to keep people on their toes. um Yeah, $108. So yeah, personally, that doesn't seem like that much. And you know we were one of the highest spending, when I say we, not you and I specifically.
00:15:40
Speaker
maybe. But millennials are one of the highest spending demographics. And yeah, we splurge on costumes and home decor and haunted houses and Halloween themed parties. I mean, I, I've traveled to Halloween haunted houses, I've researched these like big large scale haunted houses that I want to go to. And it's something I want to put on my calendar and I will book travel for just to do and like Halloween Horror Nights consider me in like that's me next year, staying in three hours and drinking strange beer, you know,
00:16:11
Speaker
Yes. And so back to the why of this all why millennials Gen X in particular, why are we so fascinated with Halloween?
Experiences Over Material Goods
00:16:22
Speaker
And one theory is based on experience-driven spending habits, which I thought was really fascinating because millennials, in particular, are prioritizing experiences over material goods. And Halloween fits right into this trend because rather than just buying something to sit on your shelf, it has turned into an experience. it it Like you said, you have a tub of Halloween decor. You take it out every year. You pack it up every year. It's exciting. You're looking forward to it.
00:16:55
Speaker
And so there's also been a notable rise in spending on Halloween experiences, like you said, haunted attractions, horror themed events, escape rooms. And a survey found that nearly 50% of millennials attend Halloween themed events, and many are spending on travel to partake in these Halloween experiences.
00:17:18
Speaker
And we also can't ignore the fact that social media, as much as we love it or hate it, plays a factor in this, right? So platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and even Facebook in former years have, you know, encouraged, not encouraged, but supported this Halloween ah and fixation. And we've even seen a spike in Halloween related content during the season.
00:17:39
Speaker
was 62% of millennials sharing their costumes and experiences online. So this kind of visibility turned Halloween into a highly shareable event, driving even more interest in spending.
00:17:51
Speaker
And even if you're not someone to post your costume online or kind of like, you know, partake in those activities, I don't really. And I start planning my Halloween costume in June, you know, like it's one of those things that if it's ingrained in your kind of like focus and personality that even if you're not necessarily partaking, but you're observing the social media trends, I still think it kind of impacts your decision making and purchasing habits. um Not to mention, I know, I don't necessarily want to dive in too deep here. But I think, societally, millennials and Gen Xers are kind of like deviating from the norms that previous generations have, like, a lot of us are in this sandwich generation. So we
00:18:37
Speaker
yes, are taking care of our parents and yes, are taking care of kids. But then also, we aren't following the traditional paths that they are, you know, the previous generations have. So maybe we have more spending power. And if we don't have dedicated, like, dependents, then, oh, you know, we should ah maybe spend it on ourselves and spend it on experiences. And maybe we aren't, you know, cash poor in a house that is, you know, was too big for us because, you know, we saw what happened in the recession and things like that. so We've we lived through a lot of trauma, and I think we're kind of reacting to that. I know I shared with you before we recorded this, but we came across some great research articles, and one was just about how sad millennials ruined Halloween. It comments on that trend of like you know millennials have lived through a lot, they have a purchasing power, and they want to buy skeletons and put them in their pool.
00:19:30
Speaker
ah Yes. Well, it's because it's so funny because I think about it and there are certain things that we've entered this culture of this is also like pre Marie Kondo, but things that spark joy. And I feel like millennials, you know, it there's been this shift like with generations yeah that I just see like from my perspective, especially with my family, you know, my parents that they were very work driven, they had, you know, kids doing the whole shebang. And, you know, there wasn't much time, I see it sometimes with my mom too, there wasn't much time for like, like, let me take care of me, because you have the whole family. My mom was a single mom, she was, you know, had two kids, she was a full time job. And she didn't have time to be like, hmm, what am I gonna be for Halloween this year? you know So it's like, we have that time, we have the resources,
00:20:26
Speaker
We have that mindset of like, oh, what sparks sparks joy for me? It's picking out a costume and going to a Halloween party or, you know, having skeletons float in your pool. It's like a shift in mindset. I feel like that has kind of went to this also.
00:20:42
Speaker
Yeah. Halloween is self-care. You heard it here first. 100%. Yes. We just need a ah to cite a doctor saying that and include it just for posterity. Well, your HSA contributions can go toward Halloween investments. Love it. I'm into it.
Visiting Salem During Halloween
00:21:02
Speaker
Yeah, so all in all, just we know that younger generations, including ours, we've embraced Halloween, not just as a nostalgic fun holiday, but as this cultural event that's influencing spending habits, it's influencing social behaviors, it's influencing our travel choices.
00:21:20
Speaker
Yeah, it definitely is. And also don't let me don't think that I'm going to skate over the fact that you went to Salem. So we actually need to talk about it. You went you went up to Salem and you brought back some fun spooky clips of what went on in quite possibly the best Halloween town in the country.
00:21:43
Speaker
They also pick up smallpox, but an entire generation of the family is wiped out. Another generation of ropes comes here, and they are loyalists.
00:21:56
Speaker
I'm standing in the heart of Salem and it's almost like I've been transported into a different world. The air is crisper than I'm used to creating this nice fall atmosphere. The streets are lined with old brick buildings and The leaves are turning, so there's oranges and yellows and reds all over the place. It feels like fall. And everywhere I look, there's this mix of history and magic, the kind that pulls you in to make you feel like you're part of something much, much bigger.
00:22:37
Speaker
And I just walked by the witch house. Knowing the events that unfolded here centuries ago, it's equally both chilling and fascinating. Even with the crowds of people, there's this strange lingering energy in the air that feels almost otherworldly.
00:22:56
Speaker
Right now, there's buzz all around me. It's been raining all day, and I was lucky enough to get an umbrella from one of the shops, but people are still coming out to experience Salem even with these downpours. And there are shops selling crystals and witchcraft supplies, people that are dressed in full-on witch costumes. And everyone is just kind of here soaking up this spooky vibe. It's way more playful than I expected. I think I... was leaning more towards a lot of history and a lot of tours, which there are, but it's almost like there's this sense of fun that's in the air, that this childlike quality that makes this whole experience feel like a giant Halloween festival come to life. And I can't help but smile passing tarot readers on the sidewalk, hearing bits of local legends being shared on these walking tours.
00:23:52
Speaker
Salem is the kind of place where history and fantasy are blurring together and it's in the most wonderful way.
Ohio State Reformatory's Haunted Allure
00:24:12
Speaker
And we couldn't dive into the world of spooky tourism without talking about one of the most infamous haunted spots in America, the Ohio State Reformatory. this massive prison known for its very dark history has become a magnet for ghost hunters and thrill seekers alike. Oh, yes, it has. And personally, it is one of my favorite spots. It's say it's like a cozy, cozy treat for me to go to the United State Reformation. And to tell us more about it, I sat down with only in your state editor, Sarah McCaucham, who recently paid a visit to the haunted prison. And yeah, we had a great conversation about our personal experiences there.
00:24:51
Speaker
So my name is Sarah McCoshum, and I'm an editor with Only New York State. And I didn't really travel like until this year, um because I get incredibly car sick. Like, it's ridiculous. And so I was limited to just going on like And I was like afraid of flying for whatever reason and so I kind of faced my fears this year and now like I'm traveling to all the places because I discovered that I'm actually not afraid of flying and I love flying and I don't get sick on the airplanes. and like I have been traveling almost every month and I really love it. I'm actually taking my oldest to Washington DC this weekend. I'm super excited about that because I feel like it's going to be, the energy is probably going to be
00:25:39
Speaker
but Oh, I bet. Yeah. Exciting. um um So what did you what made you choose the Ohio State Reformatory as a place to travel to? Yeah, so okay. So my husband is, he has like a pop culture degree from Bowling Green up in Ohio, like he's like a big movie nerd. And I'm not like I am the kind of person who doesn't like I've never seen anything. um I was actually, I became interested in visiting the reformatory because I am into puzzles and I did this, I got in this puzzle on like famous movie film locations, like across the whole globe. And Mansfield Reformatory was like one of the representatives for the United States. For Shawshank Redemption and what, Air Force One I think too? Yeah.
00:26:27
Speaker
No, and and so like what I'm really into is like i Mansfield is a really cool town, and there are like like little movie like nuggets and Easter eggs like throughout the whole town. like They think there's like actual bus tours that you can take like to visit all of like the locations, but we we just... i We just went kind of wandering around, because that's like how I like to explore. And then, of course, the reformatory was what he wanted to see. And i um I'm a little like afraid of ghosts. So it it it was facing my fears a little bit. So you've been there. And like the there's like a very long like driveway, which kind of like kind of sets a mood a little bit. But inside, like I definitely felt
00:27:17
Speaker
I don't know. It's like a vibe in there. Like there were- It's striking. And when you approach it through those gates and you're driving up in front of it, it is very much a gothic style kind of yeah asshole. So how did you feel? Like what were some of the things that you really loved seeing? So um there was like the Worden's like office from the movie. So like the film stuff was definitely cool, but I had read about this place called The Hole.
00:27:46
Speaker
Oh, yeah. And like also just the cell like the whole like the the the big story that I had read was like, it was like a punishment and like isolation cell, right? Right, right. And it was only supposed to be one person at a time, I think. And like, I think there's this story where two people went in,
00:28:09
Speaker
because like there was overcrowding. um And at the end of this day, only one person came out because I guess one person died while they were in there, which is a little dark. So whenever you went down to see the isolation cells, you saw a hole. Did you shut yourself in? Did your husband leave you? Like you said, you're afraid of ghosts. How did that go?
00:28:30
Speaker
Okay, so he definitely didn't that would have that would have he might be might if he would have left me I might have left him there and driven home. We were both like really quiet like it was very quiet. I don't know I felt like I was definitely like have a very overactive imagination. My church growing up like ah we were there all the time because my mom was like she volunteered for everything and like there was a ghost in my church and it was like a known thing and I remember one night I was using the bathroom like I was using the bathroom and I was in there by myself and the toilet flushed next to me.
00:29:08
Speaker
And I was like, what is going on? And then like, I said hello, and it flushed again. And nobody was in there. Okay, so I like running out. And later, like, the choir director was like, Oh, yeah, that's just that's the ghost ghost. It's the toilet. Yeah.
00:29:26
Speaker
Because I guess like the story was like once upon a time like back when I grew up in Milford and like it was very country and like there was just a one-lane road and There was a car accident in front of the church um and I guess like the person that died like drug themselves into the church and and like died there then I guess it was a friendly ghost like I guess like the ghost she was friendly um but I guess she would turn lights on and off and like I believe in ghosts okay and I read all these stories and like I definitely I didn't like see anything like it felt
00:30:05
Speaker
haunted, I guess, like it felt like they I don't know how to explain it. I don't know if you felt it too, but it just doesn't feel it feels like there's more there than is there. And this
Haunted Tourism and Horror Media
00:30:17
Speaker
is a huge prison. There was, you know, overcrowding at times. There's a dark history like it wasn't like it was just like, I mean, that's why it's, you know, defunct now. And it just has a lot of history of like murders in the showers and the isolation cells and people trying to escape and um Yeah, I don't know if you wandered through like the chapel and yeah yeah that is the chapel itself was a really interesting space. I know what you mean. Like it was and it was very quiet and like. Were there any areas that you didn't want to go into that were a little bit too creepy or were you are you brave? Do you want to go and check out everything?
00:30:55
Speaker
So i i I did it because it was daylight, um and that wasn't by myself. But like i I don't know. For me, like I'm very claustrophobic being stuck. I don't even like being in the Starbucks line with cars behind me and cars in front of me. I get very claustrophobic there. And so you know I think like basically starting during prohibition, like that's when the overcrowding really started. and like you know there are it was like basically chronically overcrowded. So there are like two and three men and these tiny cells and like, you know, you talk of spread your arms, you could probably almost touch each side of the cell those za cells. Yeah. but And so that I think to me, ah more than even the ghost stories, like that was the most terrifying aspect for me was like, the smallness. I was trying to put myself there. And like, that was the most terrifying.
00:31:52
Speaker
the space i think was the scariest part for me so and that was just scarier than the movie like than anything that you would see on a film like it just feels it's completely different experience i wonder if you're standing at the bottom of a cell block and you see what three four five stories up yes how tall it is and thin and empty It feels wrong somehow. It does. But then and then but then imagining that completely full, like it's it's hard to wrap your mind around that. Well, Sarah Hettleston, if you...
00:32:23
Speaker
yeah If you invite me, you know, I will, I will do the overnight with you the next time you do it. I'm holding you to it. Okay. and Actually, I'm serious. I'm going on the record here, but I will definitely like, I will, I will go. I will do it. I will do it for you. You've heard it here first at States of Discovery. The Sarah's are going to Mansfield Reformers. Yeah, we are. Yeah, we are.
00:32:58
Speaker
And it's not just places like Ohio State Reformatory or Salem that are thriving on this massive Halloween tourism wave. Horror movies play a huge part in fueling our fears and fascination.
00:33:14
Speaker
Yes, and it's not only just the cultural fascination with horror movies because, oh, a big blockbuster is coming out, but there are also several psychological and sociology sociological studies that have explored the reasons why Halloween movies and horror films are so popular, especially among the sad millennials in Gen Z. So the data and insights from these studies point to a few key factors. First, starting with the adrenaline rush and the thrill-seeking behavior.
00:33:42
Speaker
So you know that's not on uncommon or unheard of. right like People go to theme parks. They like go into things that you know really get their blood pumping. And similarly, watching horror movies activates the sympathetic nervous system, which leads to an increased heart rate, adrenaline release, and heightened senses. And this fear-induced rush mimics the fight-or-flight response, which I don't know. I feel like that's a great commentary on why all of us love horror. Horror movies like, oh, it's ah it's mimicking fight or flight, and it creates a controlled and safe way for viewers to experience excitement and fear simultaneously. In 2018, a study in the Journal of Science of Horror found that 93% of participants felt a mix of fear and enjoyment while watching horror, and they attributed that enjoyment to the adrenaline rush.
00:34:33
Speaker
And psychologists have also connected horror movies to a personality trait known as sensation seeking. where individuals enjoy the heightened arousal and tension that comes from scary situations. So many people, especially younger generations, engage in horror movies, particularly for this thrill. I mean, also, I just want to comment that I'm an avid gamer, and I almost used to religiously play horror games. so Any horror game out there, I probably played it. And it was for that jump scares, for that sensation seeking of,
00:35:09
Speaker
you know you love to feel scared you love to feel safe while feeling scared and so and also it's a little bit cathartic right like you can scream at the top of your lungs and not have to scream about like why i got in a fight with a friend but i'm screaming at the zombie who's lunging at me so right safe controlled environment yeah yeah yeah we're sad little babies we need a safe space um Another reason why horror movies are so fascinating is it's that exploration of the unknown. We're drawn to things as humans that are unknown or taboo and horror films often tap into this. We explore the concept of death, the supernatural and other existential unknowns. A study published in evolutionary psychology suggests that horror allows individuals to explore these dark themes in a safe environment satisfying their curiosity without real world consequences. Sound familiar?
00:36:01
Speaker
Yeah, 100%. Yeah, I think it's funny because, okay, so let's say with this this study you just said, horror allows us to explore these themes in a safe, controlled environment. Would there be any horror films or top horror films of your choice where you would want to be in it there in the movie. Yeah. Oh, that's an interesting question. Okay. um Oh, wow. Can I have a hard pass on all of these? like I will say that i'm I'm naturally drawn to zombie films and movies and media.
00:36:43
Speaker
Um, one because it was the inspiration for some of my first nightmares. Um, so, you know, uh, high up on, but that's the, that's the great question. Would I actually want to be in 28 days later or train to boost on or Donna the dead? right I don't know, man. I wouldn't want to be in any of them, but I feel like, uh, if I had to choose.
00:37:09
Speaker
um I really do love, you know, ah Scream, original Scream, I feel like was one that I went to see, you know, in theaters and it was just so good. I love Evil Dead. I think original, OG Evil Dead is such a good one too.
00:37:29
Speaker
um Yeah, I don't know if I have three. I mean, I do love, I love Halloween. There's something to be said about new horror too that I've, you know, ah it follows, came out. I have the follows on my list. Yeah. It's, I, it was one of my favorites and I tried to have like sit down with people to get them to watch it and they, it's a slow burn and they didn't really understand it, but I absolutely loved it. I thought it was so good. The slow burn is what makes it so terrifying.
00:37:59
Speaker
because it's never advancing you can't escape it and I think it's a great metaphor for you know maybe just our finite role in this life but I feel like it's terrifying like it taps into something same with um yeah well not quite the same but that the smile movies it has a similar vibe of like you don't have an antagonist that is very clearly defined um yeah he kind of is but not really um I also love, so, I mean, you're getting me with what movies would I wanna be in, but none of these, let's be clear. But ah ah the found footage films are like Blair Witch Project, Paranormal Activity. I mean, yeah maybe just one and two. I know they're up to like 27 at this point for Paranormal Activity, but it still gets me. Like, um yeah and also, oh, one of my favorites,
00:38:49
Speaker
I feel like I know it's a cult classic in a way, and it's a new cult classic, but it's a bit of a sleeper, I feel like. I never hear anyone talk about it anymore. But it's Cabin in the Woods. That is one of my favorite things. Not only because of the cast, because of the writers, the people involved in it. um Lots of ties to, you know, things like Buffy writing and just like classic like franchises. Joss Whedon, right? Yeah.
00:39:13
Speaker
um yeah Which, you know, let's just say that that it's a great movie. But it was, I don't know, it was it was put on pause and I just think it's a great concept. I love it. It's funny and it just really delights me. um Have you ever heard of, ah gosh, we call them spooky spot the difference, but it's basically these video games where it's like I'm on observation duty and it's your it's your job.
00:39:42
Speaker
as the protagonist of this game to check cameras. Kind of like Five Nights at Freddy's, but not really. You have to check cameras and spot paranol paranormal differences. And if you don't spot them all, it attacks you. It's like a very chill game. like You just like sit there with a friend or like a group of friends and just like kind of click through things. Anyway, it's kind of like that slow burn horror. like No one's immediately jumping out at you. There's no gore. But you have to be like, wait, was that clock always in Roman numerals? or what No?
00:40:12
Speaker
Yeah, it's interesting it's really fun just for like a chill but also terrifying game. um Cool. I would definitely play it. yeah Also, I'll be sending you links. ah So, yeah. So what is it about Autumn, Pumpkins, and Halloween that makes it so irresistible? Just like to back back it up, park the car.
00:40:34
Speaker
Is it, you know, for a millennials and Gen Z? Is it the nostalgia of trick or treating as kids? Is it the sense of community that comes from Gather Around a Bonfire telling ghost stories and it's just crisp and you can feel the leaves falling around you? Or perhaps it's the thrill of embracing something dark, mysterious and magical and giving yourself a safe space to kind of have that fight or flight adrenaline.
00:40:59
Speaker
i I'd like to say it's all of the above, in my opinion. I think it's that everything you just said probably triggers something in each of us. And whatever the reason, one thing is absolutely clear. Halloween is not just a holiday anymore, especially for our generation, younger generations. It's this cultural movement that's growing stronger every year. There's data behind it.
00:41:22
Speaker
And you know with everything that we're posting on social media, TikTok, Pinterest, I got to make these spooky eyeball ah ice cubes with blueberries in it this year. But um you know we we're just captivating a new generation of thrill seekers and storytellers. And remember, Halloween is self-care.
00:41:42
Speaker
So that's all for today's episode of States of Discovery. Stay tuned for more episodes where we continue to explore the world around us. Until next time, stay curious and maybe keep the lights on.