What is behind our love of horror films and the psychology of fear?

Town Square with Ernie Manouse airs at 3 p.m. CT. Tune in on 88.7FM, listen online or subscribe to the podcast. Join the discussion at 888-486-9677, [email protected] or @townsquaretalk.

Every year, millions flock to scary movies and haunted houses.

But … why?

Why do we love being scared? 

Is it the adrenalin rush?

Pure escapism?

Or simply a way to dance close to danger while ultimately knowing you are safe?

Today, with Halloween just around the corner, we explore the psychology of fear with Dr. Jeff Temple and learn more about our appetite for scary movies with Shudder TV.

Plus, we learn listeners favorite horror movies, games, and characters

and why we love them.

Guests:

Dr. Jeff Temple

Psychologist at the University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston
Director of the Center for Violence Prevention

Sam Zimmerman

Vice President of Programming for Shudder

Town Square with Ernie Manouse is a gathering space for the community to come together and discuss the day’s most important and pressing issues.

Audio from today's show will be available after 5 p.m. CT. We also offer a free podcast here, on iTunes, and other apps.