Why do we slow down to stare at accidents, binge horror movies, or devour true crime podcasts? What draws us toward the dark and disturbing even when it frightens us?

To explore this fascinating question, I’m joined by Dr. Colton Scrivner, a behavioral scientist and the world’s leading expert on morbid curiosity.

His new book, Morbidly Curious: A Scientist Explains Why We Can’t Look Away, digs into the psychology behind our obsession with danger, horror, and the macabre.

We discuss:

Why our brains are wired to pay attention to danger

How horror movies and haunted houses safely feed our fears

Why true crime is especially popular with women

The evolutionary roots of fear — and how morbid curiosity can actually help us

Morbidly Curious releases October 7, 2025, wherever you buy books. Here is the link to buy at Amazon: https://amzn.to/3KAizdZ

Thanks Dr. Scrivner!

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LORAIN PUBLIC LIBRARY EVENT

Join Jim at the Lorain Public Main Library on the evening of October 8th for “An Evening Around The Campfire” with Jim Harold. You can register here: https://www.lorainpubliclibrary.org/programs?action=show&id=44596

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JIM’S MAUSOLEUM OF MERCH
Support the shows! Get spooky gear from Jim’s Mausoleum of Merch: https://jimharoldsmausoleum.etsy.com/

JIM’S SPOOKY STUDIO PLUS CLUB
Get access to the entire back catalog of Jim Harold’s Campfire, The Paranormal Podcast & exclusive Plus ONLY shows. That’s over 2,500 episodes.

Join today here: https://jimharold.com/plus
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