We dare you to listen to the MPR News Arts team’s second annual Halloween special about . . . monsters!

Otherworldly creatures like the Yōkai of Japan, the bigfoots of North American forests, and even Cookie Monster and Count Chocula span all cultures and periods. We explore how monsters reflect the societies and times they are created in. And how they can represent mischief, merriment and self-expression as well as fears, anxieties and historical traumas.

Guests:

• Peter Harle teaches at the University of Minnesota and is an advisor in the art history department. He’s currently teaching “Witches, Ghosts and Evil Clowns: Figures of Fear in Art, Folklore and Popular Culture.” The course explores “figures of fear” across history, art, religion, popular culture and social media.
• The Roe Family Singers is a Minnesota band that plays bluegrass, country and rock. They perform every Monday night at the 331 Club in Minneapolis.