Laugh to Keep from Screaming
Release Date: June 24, 2025
Host: Adam Berry
 

Episode Description:
Clowns: they were never just funny. In this chilling and surprising episode, Adam Berry explores our collective fear of clowns—from their ancient, shadowy origins to the personal phobias they trigger in people today. With psychological insight, historical depth, and real-world hauntings, this episode blends horror, humor, and healing in a way only This Haunted Life can.

ACT 1: Comedy, Tragedy, and Terror
Before there was Pennywise, there were pantomime tricksters, haunted jesters, and sad-faced fools. Adam dives into the long, layered history of clowns—where fear and laughter were never far apart. From ancient courts to modern crime scenes, the line between joke and threat gets blurrier than you think.

• How ancient clowns were designed to make people uncomfortable
• The 19th century shift that turned clowns tragic—and terrifying
• Why clowns were never really “safe,” even before pop culture took over
• The true crime case that permanently changed how we view the red nose

ACT 2: The Clowns That Haunt Our Dreams
Why do so many people have such a visceral reaction to clowns? Adam talks to three people with deep-rooted clown phobias—each with wildly different reasons. These intimate interviews reveal surprising triggers, hidden traumas, and the subtle psychology that makes clowns uniquely unsettling.

• A horror fan who can watch killer clown films but can’t face the real thing
• A veteran whose childhood prank turned into lifelong anxiety
• A woman whose experience at a haunted house turned into a full-blown panic attack
• The science behind why exaggerated faces and “hidden emotion” disturb us

ACT 3: Searching for the Real Killer Clowns
What happens when a clown-phobic ghost hunter checks in to one of the most terrifying locations in the U.S.? Enter the Clown Motel in Tonopah, Nevada—home to thousands of clown dolls and eerie paranormal activity. This segment blends supernatural suspense with deeply emotional storytelling.

• First-hand account of investigating the Clown Motel (yes, it’s next to a cemetery)
• Encounters with haunted objects and possible child spirits
• The mysterious presence of “Charlie”—a life-sized clown that allegedly moves on his own
• An unexpected connection with a spirit who found peace in the unlikeliest place

ACT 4: What’s Behind the Mask
To close the episode, Adam looks at the brighter side of clowning—and the people who use it to heal, not harm. From legendary figures like Patch Adams to global clown doctors who bring hope into hospitals and war zones, this act is about reclaiming joy from fear.

• The legacy of Hunter “Patch” Adams and the power of play
• Why clowning can be a tool for empathy, connection, and transformation
• A reminder that not all clowns hide something sinister—and some might just want a hug

Listen now if you’ve ever wondered why clowns get under your skin—or if you’re ready to look fear in the face and laugh anyway.

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Join our Haunted Life Patreon www.patreon.com/adamberry to get behind-the-scenes content, exclusive Q&As, and connect with fellow Hauntees.

PLUS first access to “This After-Life” - a companion YouTube podcast where we explore each episode in more detail with special guests and have all the fun to be had! 

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Podcast Website www.HauntedLifePodcast.com

Adam’s Website www.adam-berry.com

Production Credits:

• Host/Producer/Writer: Adam Berry
• Co-Producer/Music: Chad Rossi Provincetown Recording Studio
• Writer and Co- Producer: Julie Tremaine
• Artwork: Laura Lineberry