Horror Podcasting

If you've ever been startled by a sound in the dark, you already know the unique power of audio horror. Horror Podcasting gives readers critical insight into the enduring power of horror storytelling through sound.

From the oral tradition of campfire tales to today’s immersive, serialized audio dramas, the horror genre has found a natural home in the podcasting form. With its ability to tap into the listener’s imagination and provoke visceral responses, podcasting has reinvigorated horror storytelling. This book traces the lineage of sound-based horror, examining the rise of hit shows like Welcome to Night Vale, The Black Tapes Podcast, A Scottish Podcast, and One by One, which adopt the serialized format popularized by true crime podcasting post-2014.

Through case studies spanning independent creators, networked productions, and public service broadcasters, Horror Podcasting explores recurring themes in horror’s audio revival. Two chapters written from a practitioner’s perspective delve into both the creative process and the spine-tingling joy of crafting and consuming these dramas.