Well, Hello!

Morgan (New York) & Sass (London) swap real ghost stories, Caribbean folklore & sleep paralysis nightmares in this Halloween special of Well, Hello!

Join us for an hour of spooky-season conversation: how New York and London celebrate Halloween so differently, where the holiday really comes from, why witches were never the villains, and the unexplained things that have actually happened to us.

In this episode

• Halloween in New York vs London: the Village Halloween Parade, the pet parade, and why many Brits turn the lights off and pretend they're not home
• Where Halloween comes from: All Hallows' Eve, Samhain, All Saints and All Souls, Día de los Muertos and the 'thin veil'
• Halloween apple spells: the midnight mirror ritual and the apple-peel trick for manifesting your future husband
• Witches, crones and the witch trials: herbalists, the swimming test, the Witchcraft Act of 1735, and Salem in 1692
• Do spells and rituals work? Rewiring your brain, manifesting and why candles matter
• Horror-movie nostalgia: the Poltergeist 'cursed set' legend, The Entity and Nightmare on Elm Street
• Real ghost stories: a childhood home built on a former church and three ghosts in a basement
• Sleep paralysis and the night hag, plus whether cats are spiritual guardians
• How Halloween reached Britain, and why Bonfire Night came first
• Caribbean folklore: the Soucouyant (the skin-shedding witch), jumbies and duppies, La Diabless and the Lagahoo
• Zombie origins in Haiti, premature burial and the legend of the graveyard shift
• Why neither of us will touch a Ouija board
• Creepy nursery rhymes in horror, and the superstitions we still follow: magpies, broken mirrors and ladders

Your turn

What superstitions did you grow up with? What scares you? What's the funniest ghost story you've got? Tell us in the comments or message us at [email protected].

Sponsor note

Well, Hello! is recorded on Riverside. Get 20% off an annual plan at riverside.sjv.io/hello20. This is an affiliate link, so we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

Chapter timestamps

0:00 Cold open: a zombie, a witch, and a very lame hat
1:07 Welcome to Well, Hello!
2:39 Halloween in New York vs London
6:53 Morgan's best-costume win: Ken
7:41 Halloween memories as kids
8:14 All Hallows' Eve, Samhain and the thin veil
10:01 Apple spells: meet your future husband
11:35 Witches, crones and the witch trials
13:36 The Witchcraft Act, Helen Duncan and Salem
16:03 Do spells work?
18:55 Poltergeist, The Entity and horror-movie nostalgia
23:37 Real ghost stories: the old lady, the child and the basement
28:42 Sleep paralysis and the night hag
31:52 Cats: spiritual guardians or life-force thieves?
34:12 How Halloween reached Britain: movies and Bonfire Night
39:57 Growing up on Caribbean witchcraft stories
41:31 The Soucouyant: the skin-shedding witch
45:43 A word from Riverside
47:03 Zombies, Haiti and the graveyard shift
48:17 La Diabless: the beautiful siren with hooves
51:35 The Lagahoo, the shape-shifting sorcerer
52:06 Ouija boards: no, thank you
53:55 Trick-or-treaters and Halloween costumes
59:11 Michael Myers and the William Shatner mask
1:00:12 Why creepy nursery rhymes work in horror
1:01:01 What still scares us
1:03:03 Superstitions: magpies, mirrors and ladders
1:05:34 Your turn: tell us your spooky stories
1:06:22 Lights off, door locked: sign-off

Music licensed through Soundstripe.

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In 1986, monumental events shaped history, culture, and our childhoods.

Join hosts Morgan and Sass as they dive into a nostalgic journey back to that pivotal year, exploring not just the headlines, but the profound impacts they had on friendships and personal growth.

Did the Challenger disaster and Chernobyl's nuclear fallout alter the fabric of our youth? You’ll discover how our formative years were influenced by these historical moments and what they reveal about resilience and camaraderie.

Morgan and Sass unpack key events like the heart-wrenching Challenger explosion and the haunting echoes of the Chernobyl disaster, all while weaving their own childhood anecdotes into the narrative. They reflect on how these events shaped their understanding of friendship and vulnerability, revealing a deep emotional connection to the past. You’ll hear them discuss:

- The major headlines/scandals of the year and their cultural ramifications.

- How the rise of pop culture in 1986, including the premiere of The Oprah Winfrey Show, helped define a generation.

- The surprising connection between the summer of 86 & The Handmaids Tale.

- The unforgettable lessons from the film Stand by Me, illustrating the importance of childhood friendships during challenging times.

As they reminisce, Morgan and Sass emphasize the significance of those early bonds, illustrating how the trials of youth often brought friends closer together. They provoke thought on the lessons we learned from those times and how they resonate today. Ignoring these connections could lead to a loss of understanding how past experiences shape our present relationships.

This episode is essential listening for anyone yearning to reconnect with their past, reflect on the impact of historical events, or simply appreciate the depth of childhood friendships. Whether you’re a history buff or someone looking to find meaning in the relationships of your youth, this episode will leave you inspired and longing to reach out to those who mattered most.

Come feel that 80s summer sun on your face again!

Don’t miss this emotional exploration of nostalgia, growth, and the ties that bind us.

This Episode is brought to you by Riverside and MasterClass

Is AI becoming too smart for its own good? In this eye-opening episode, we dive deep into the fascinating—and sometimes frightening—world of artificial intelligence. We candidly explore our personal experiences with AI, including humorous mishaps and unnerving moments that raise critical questions about our reliance on technology.

From a comical argument with an AI chatbot to discussing the alarming potential of AI to create its own versions, we reveal the unexpected challenges we face as we integrate AI into our daily lives. You’ll discover:

• The surprising responses from AI that left us questioning its reliability.
• The concept of "recursive AI" and how it sparks concerns about AI's ability to learn and evolve beyond our control.
• Insights into the real fears expressed by AI developers regarding the future of humanity and technology's role in it.

As we navigate this complex landscape, we emphasize the importance of oversight and governance in AI development. We discuss recent tweets from industry insiders warning about the existential risks posed by AI and the urgent need for frameworks to ensure safety.

This episode is essential listening for anyone curious about the implications of AI in our lives. As we stand on the brink of technological advancement, understanding the stakes is critical. Tune in to grasp why this conversation matters and how it could shape our future. Perfect for tech enthusiasts, skeptics, and anyone who has ever wondered, "What’s next for AI?"

Join us as we unpack the quirkiness and seriousness of AI in a way that’s both enlightening and entertaining! Don't miss out on this captivating exploration of our digital companions and the future they might hold.

This Episode is brought to you by Riverside and MasterClass

00:00 Introduction

04:33 Gen X and AI: A Complicated Relationship

07:39 Personal Experiences with AI

09:11 The Role of AI in Everyday Tasks

12:18 Conversations with AI: The Human Element

14:14 Parenting AI: Oversight and Responsibility

16:26 The Dangers of AI: Existential Threats

19:17 Governance and Oversight in AI Development

22:24 The Future of AI: Balancing Innovation and Safety

24:51 AI's Limitations: The Quest for Human-Like Understanding

28:53 The Impact of AI on Job Recruitment

30:26 AI's Impact on Work: Efficiency vs. Job Security

31:08 The Future of AI: Balancing Innovation and Humanity

44:58 The Rise of AI Relationships

47:13 AI in Dating Apps: A New Era

51:59 The Ethics of AI and Human Connection

55:16 Experimenting with AI Dating Profiles

01:04:33 The Future of AI: Opportunities and Risks

01:07:56 Outro and Apology

Ever wonder what childhood freedom feels like in a bustling city like London?

In this episode, Morgan & Sass take you on a nostalgic journey, exploring the carefree days of growing up in the 1980s. They reminisce about the thrill of roaming the streets until the streetlights came on, and the sense of adventure that defined their youth.

Join them as they share heartfelt stories and hilarious anecdotes, painting a vivid picture of a time when kids played outside until dark, unchained from technology and parental oversight.

You’ll discover:

- The quirky games they played with friends, and how they made their own entertainment.

- The freedom and independence they experienced, and how it shaped their lives today.

- Insightful reflections on parenting in today's world compared to their childhood experiences.

Is our modern parenting style too restrictive? Morgan & Sass dive into this question, discussing the balance between safety and freedom. They explore how the landscape of childhood has changed, and what lessons we can take from their upbringing to foster independence in our own children.

This episode is a must-listen for anyone yearning for simpler times or looking to understand the profound impact of childhood freedom on personal development. Perfect for parents, nostalgic adults, or anyone curious about life in the vibrant streets of London during the 80s.

Tune in for a delightful trip down memory lane and discover how those carefree days still resonate today!

This Episode is brought to you by Riverside and MasterClass

00:00 Adventures and Misadventures in Playgrounds

00:07 The Evolution of Play and Safety

00:53 Community Connections and Events

02:50 Nostalgic Reflections on Childhood Freedom

02:50 Adventures and Misadventures in Playgrounds

04:17 The Evolution of Play and Safety

04:39 The Confidence Bias in Modern Playgrounds

10:33 Childhood Adventures and Risks

12:31 Changing Safety Standards in Playgrounds

16:17 The Evolution of Car Safety

19:43 Seatbelt Laws and Their Impact

21:12 Health and Safety Regulations in Schools

23:53 Asbestos and Building Safety

27:20 Childhood Freedom vs. Modern Restrictions

30:45 Resilience and Trauma in Childhood

35:15 Gut Instincts and Survival Skills

36:36 The Impact of Bullying in Schools

39:29 Corporal Punishment: A Historical Perspective

42:42 Freedom vs. Protection: A Generational Debate

46:49 The Dichotomy of Technology and Childhood Freedom

50:43 Nostalgia for Adventure: Growing Up in the 80s and 90s

In the third and final part of our perimenopause series, Morgan and Sass dig into the science of how the brain actually changes through perimenopause, the well-documented racial and cultural gaps in menopause healthcare, and a full rundown of what HRT can and can't do.

Plus: closing thoughts on what this stage of life really means, and a promise that this is only the beginning of the conversation.

New here? Start with Part I (what perimenopause actually is) and Part II (the symptoms and listener stories) before this one - it'll make a lot more sense with the full picture.

What We Cover

- Dr. Lisa Mosconi's "Three P's" research - the female brain remodels itself three times across a lifetime (puberty, pregnancy, and perimenopause), compared to one rewiring for men at puberty

- What's actually happening neurologically - how falling estrogen disrupts the brain's fuel supply, and why that connects to brain fog, mood, heat regulation, and sleep changes

- Boundary-setting and "targeted empathy" - the theory behind why perimenopausal women are often described as having less patience, and why that shift may be a feature, not a bug

- The research and healthcare gap by race and ethnicity - data on when Black and Hispanic women reach menopause relative to white, Chinese, and Japanese women, disparities in hot flash duration, and HRT prescribing gaps

- The "weathering hypothesis" - chronic stress, cortisol, and premature reproductive aging

- Uterine fibroids and hysterectomy rates, and the lack of a middle-ground monitoring approach before surgery becomes necessary

- A broader discussion of healthcare policy and access - including funding for women's health research and the impact of immigration and diversity policy on medical workforce diversity (the hosts share their own views on this topic)

- A full HRT breakdown - what it treats, bone and cardiovascular benefits, the debunked breast cancer myth from the 1990s, oral vs. topical risk differences, and the difference between prescription testosterone gel and newer women-marketed alternatives

- Closing reflections - including a male perspective on learning all of this for the first time, and what "rewiring, not losing your mind" means as a takeaway

A Note on This Episode

This episode touches on healthcare policy and includes the hosts' personal opinions on some contested topics (research funding, immigration, and diversity programs in medicine). As always, this podcast reflects Morgan and Sass's own views and experiences - it's not medical or policy advice.

This podcast is for information and solidarity, not medical advice. Please speak to a healthcare professional about your own symptoms and treatment options.

This Is Just the Beginning

Morgan and Sass are planning to keep exploring this topic — including a future episode looking at the male perspective. If something in this series resonated (or you disagreed with something), they want to hear about it please, leave a comment or send a DM.

Thank you for listening to the full series. If it helped you, please share it with someone who needs to hear it.

This Episode is brought to you by Riverside and MasterClass

Our Amazon Recommendation List is HERE | We will earn a Commission from all purchases made from these links.

In Part II of our perimenopause series, Morgan and Sass go beyond the hot flashes and night sweats everyone's heard of, into the long list of "uncommon" symptoms that rarely get connected to hormones (think eczema, tinnitus, frozen shoulder, and chronic anemia).

Plus: three real listener stories from women navigating perimenopause differently across the UK and US, why HRT access varies so sharply by race, and the exact questions to ask your doctor to actually get heard.

If you haven't listened to Part I yet, start there; we cover what perimenopause actually is and why most of us don't recognize it's already started.

• The full symptom list — from the well-known (hot flashes, night sweats, brain fog, joint aches) to the ones nobody warns you about (burning mouth syndrome, tinnitus, frozen shoulder, formication/crawling skin sensations, electric shock sensations)
• Why perimenopause is hard for doctors to diagnose — the 12-months-no-period standard, fluctuating hormones, and why there's no simple blood test
• The racial and cultural gap in HRT access — the stats, and how culture and healthcare bias shape who gets treated
• Sass's own story — nearly two years of symptoms dismissed and treated in isolation, ending in a private diagnosis of chronic anemia
• Listener story: Hannah, 42, London — irregular periods, sleepless nights, and the fear of being dismissed as "just depressed"
• Listener story: Gemma, 48, Birmingham — three years of undiagnosed eczema that turned out to be hormonal
• Listener story: Dee, 50, Chicago — how a completely different healthcare experience in the US changed her outcome, and what "I wasn't going to white knuckle it for a decade" really means
• HRT basics — sequential combined therapy, how it's timed around your cycle, and why it can feel like a lottery of trial and error
• Practical advice — how to ask for a double GP appointment, what to insist gets checked (iron, thyroid), and why you shouldn't have to do all the research yourself

• Springer Nature, Taylor & Francis, and Cambridge University Press - open-access scientific journals for anyone wanting to read the primary research
• NHS guidance on sequential combined HRT for women still having a menstrual cycle

Hannah, Gemma, and Dee's stories were shared with us by listeners and lightly anonymized. If their experience sounds familiar, please know: it's worth raising with your doctor, and you're allowed to ask to see a specialist directly.

As always; this podcast is for information and solidarity, not medical advice. Please speak to a healthcare professional about your own symptoms and treatment options.

We're wrapping up the series with the research: Dr. Lisa Mosconi's work on how the brain rewires through perimenopause, the science behind boundary-setting and empathy shifts in midlife, and what's actually helped us.

Subscribe / follow so you don't miss Part III, and send this one to a friend who needs to hear it.

This Episode is brought to you by Riverside and MasterClass

Our Amazon Recommendation List is HERE | We will earn a Commission from all purchases made from these links.

Navigating perimenopause can feel like an overwhelming journey, but it doesn't have to be a solo expedition.

In this enlightening 1st of a 3-part episode, Morgan and Sass peel back the layers of this often misunderstood phase, exploring the hormonal shifts and emotional roller coasters that affect over a billion women worldwide.

If you're feeling lost, anxious, or just plain confused about what’s happening to your body, this episode is your essential guide to understanding perimenopause.

Morgan shares his personal insights as an outsider looking in, asking the tough questions that many might shy away from. Together with Sass, who brings her lived experience to the table, they tackle the stigma and silence surrounding this critical life transition.

You’ll discover:

• The surprising differences between perimenopause, menopause, and postmenopause, and why it matters to know the distinctions.
• Key symptoms that often go unrecognized and how they can affect your daily life.
• Practical tips and insights for both women experiencing these changes and the people in their lives who want to support them.

This is more than just an episode; it’s a conversation that could change how you view this natural phase of life. Ignoring these issues can lead to feelings of isolation and confusion, but addressing them opens a doorway to understanding, support, and empowerment.

Join Morgan and Sass as they dismantle myths and provide clarity on perimenopause. This 3-part episode is perfect for anyone seeking to demystify this experience, whether you're going through it yourself or want to better understand someone who is.

Tune in for a blend of humor, empathy, and invaluable knowledge that will leave you feeling more informed and connected.

This Episode is brought to you by Riverside and MasterClass

Our Amazon Recommendation List is HERE | We will earn a Commission from all purchases made from these links.

Dive into a lively discussion about how television from the 80s & 90s shaped our childhood, identity, and social perspectives. From iconic theme songs to beloved shows, explore the cultural legacy and evolving TV landscape.

Main Topics:

• The influence of 80s and 90s TV on personal and cultural identity
• Nostalgic favorites and their lasting impact
• Representation and diversity in old vs. new television
• How TV habits and technology have changed over decades
• The influence of classic shows like The Golden Girls, Neighbours, and Desmonds on daily life and cultural understanding
• Nostalgic memories linked to theme tunes, with trivia about Eastenders and The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air
• The role of TV in family bonding, especially with shows like The Cosby Show and EastEnders
• The evolution from traditional broadcast to streaming, and the rise of binge-watching
• How representation in TV has shifted, highlighting the lack of diversity in older shows vs current efforts
• Technological advances: from VHS tapes and pirate videos to 3D TV and virtual reality
• The cringeworthy stereotypes and outdated humor in some legacy shows, such as Mind Your Language and Love Thy Neighbour
• The enduring appeal of British humor's dry and sarcastic style

Timestamps:

• (00:00) - Introduction and weekend stories
• (00:27) - World Cup Final highlights
• (01:34) - Nostalgia for 80s & 90s TV characters, Golden Girls
• (03:19) - Rushing home for Neighbours and Grange Hill
• (04:28) - Australian TV influence and character depictions
• (05:35) - The theme tunes that stick
• (06:37) - Neighbours theme song and Anita Dobson’s Eastenders hit
• (08:57) - Quiz time: 80s & 90s TV show trivia
• (10:13) - Iconic shows like Dallas, Brookside, and Grange Hill
• (12:54) - Britain's answer to The Cosby Show: Desmonds
• (21:37) - Family, land ownership, and community in TV shows
• (22:49) - Family bonding through TV, the importance of shared viewing
• (23:03) - The shift to streaming and binge-watching habits
• (26:55) - Changes in TV technology: satellite, MTV, and the Box
• (48:01) - Nostalgia for music videos and early video channels
• (49:01) - Childhood patience for Teletext and Ceefax
• (50:11) - The impact of Friends and Seinfeld in the 90s
• (54:36) - Outdated stereotypes in shows like Mind Your Language, Love Thy Neighbour
• (55:48) - Reflection on representation issues in older TV
• (58:47) - Classic British comedies like Keeping Up Appearances and The Good Life
• (60:44) - The humor of Absolutely Fabulous and British satire
• (61:31) - The trend of remaking British shows for American audiences

This Episode is brought to you by Riverside and MasterClass

Amazon Recommendation List is HERE | We will earn a Commission from all purchases made from these links.

Aging in midlife can feel less like fine wine and more like a rusty gate: clunky, squeaky, and a little unpredictable. In this funny, honest episode, Gen X friends Morgan and Sass swap stories about midlife bodies and what really changes as we age.

We cover:

• The most unexpected changes we've noticed, from body parts developing their own personalities to Sass's knees exiting mid-workout
• The routines and tools that get us going, from Gua Sha to body pillows
• Whether men really have it easier when it comes to aging, or whether that's a myth
• Why we're embracing our "Grade II listed" bodies: still worth renovating, still full of stories

What's your "body part of the year": most improved, most disappointing, or just plain funny? Tell us in the comments.

This episode is brought to you by MasterClass. Click HERE to enrich your life!

Body Pillow Recommendation is HERE

Gua Sha Tool, for those curious, is HERE

And, of course, we HAD to include those MetaGlasses HERE

(Well, Hello! will earn a commission on purchases made through these affiliate links)

#MidlifeWisdom #AgingGracefully #FabulousAtAnyAge

Is it a midlife crisis, or the start of your second act? In this episode, Gen X friends Morgan and Sass flip the script on what we've been told about turning 50.

Whether you're hitting 50 or just wondering what comes next, you'll hear funny stories, honest insights, and practical strategies for midlife reinvention. We also look at how our upbringing gave us the resilience and adaptability that make us well suited to a midlife reawakening.

Perfect for anyone who suspects their best years may be just beginning.

This episode is brought to you by:

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