Looking for something spooky to listen to this Halloween? From the history of witchcraft and the origins of Halloween traditions to ghost stories and the mysteries of the unexplained, PreserveCast has plenty of eerie history to explore.
This spooky season, we’re revisiting six episodes from the PreserveCast archives that explore the strange, mysterious, and sometimes frightening stories woven throughout history. Whether you’re fascinated by tales of witchcraft, curious about the supernatural, or simply looking for the perfect Halloween listening companion, these episodes are sure to set the mood.
Witches, Wizards & Halloween
Explore the history behind Halloween traditions, infamous witch trials, and the people whose stories have become part of our fascination with the mysterious.
Episode 304: A Salem Witch: The Trial, Execution, and Exoneration of Rebecca Nurse
The Salem witch trials remain one of the most infamous episodes in early American history. This episode explores the story of Rebecca Nurse, an accused witch whose trial and execution reflect the fear, suspicion, and injustice that gripped Salem in 1692.
Listen to the episode below.
Episode 294: Special Release: History of Witchcraft in Maryland
Witchcraft history isn’t limited to Salem. This special release explores the history of witchcraft in Maryland, offering a look at the local stories and historical beliefs that shaped perceptions of magic and the supernatural.
Listen to the episode below.
Episode 149: Michael Zittle: The Wizard of South Mountain
Meet Michael Zittle, remembered as the Wizard of South Mountain. This episode explores a fascinating figure whose story adds a little local mystery to the history of Maryland and the surrounding region.
Listen to the episode below.
Episode 199: [SPOOKTACULAR] Trick or Treat: A History of Halloween with Lisa Morton
Why do we dress up in costumes, carve pumpkins, and go trick-or-treating? Author and Halloween expert Lisa Morton joins PreserveCast to explore the history behind the holiday’s traditions and how Halloween became the celebration we know today.
Listen to the episode below.
Spooky Season with Colin Dickey
For those drawn to ghost stories, unexplained phenomena, and the reasons we keep returning to the things that frighten us, these episodes offer a deeper look at our fascination with the supernatural.
Episode 142: Our Historical Obsession with the Unexplained with Author of Ghostland, Colin Dickey
Why are we so fascinated by haunted places and unexplained events? Colin Dickey, author of Ghostland: An American History in Haunted Places, joins PreserveCast to discuss America’s enduring obsession with the supernatural and what our ghost stories can reveal about the past.
Listen to the episode below.
Episode 250: Spooky Season with Colin Dickey
Continue exploring the strange and mysterious with Colin Dickey in this spooky-season conversation. From ghost stories to the curious ways people engage with the unexplained, this episode is another invitation to consider why these stories continue to capture our imaginations.
Listen to the episode below.
Dare to Listen?
Whether you’re listening by candlelight, on a crisp autumn walk, or curled up on a dark October evening, these six episodes offer a spooky way to explore the stories, traditions, and mysteries of the past.
Find PreserveCast wherever you get your podcasts, and explore more episodes from the archives for a Halloween season filled with history.
Happy listening!