That’s enough about humour and the lighter side of interesting.  

It’s time to step into the dark.   

This week Adam meets researcher Mathias Clasen, co-founder of the ‘Recreational Fear Lab’ and author of Why Horror Seduces and A Very Nervous Person's Guide to Horror Movies, to talk about what he’s learned from haunted houses and horror movies, and how to find the ‘sweet spot’ of scary.  

Adam and Mathias discuss:  

• The definition of ‘recreational fear’, and why it’s not just for horror film fans  
• The evidence that shows why fear is good for us. Why children need more ‘risky play’ for their development than we are giving them, and the surprising results of Mathias’ research into fear on our immune systems  
• The physiological and cognitive relationship between fear and enjoyment  
• Why we should all make friends with Mr Piggy 

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Read Mathias's books:

Why Horror Seduces

A Very Nervous Person's Guide to Horror Movies

Watch Mathias's TedX talk: Lessons from a terrified horror researcher

Connect with Adam on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adam-morgan-3a473a/  

Let's Make This More Interesting is a podcast from eatbigfish. Thanks to our editor Ruth, our producer Travis, and to Tiny Podcasts. 

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