This episode is haunted and spooky

The podcast "Unexplainable" explores the paradox of why humans seek out fear for entertainment. It features Mathias Clasen and Marc Andersen, who study recreational fear. They conducted a study at a haunted house, measuring participants' heart rates and self-reported fear and fun levels, finding that the most enjoyable experiences occur when fear is moderate. They also investigated the impact of horror movies during the COVID-19 pandemic, finding that horror fans reported less psychological distress. The podcast discusses their hypothesis that recreational fear helps people learn to manage fear and anxiety, and they are planning further research, including potential "rollercoaster therapy" for kids with anxiety disorders.