SYSK's 2025 Shocktober Halloween Spooktacular

In this Halloween episode of "Stuff You Should Know," Josh and Chuck present their annual ad-free spooktacular, featuring dramatic readings of two public domain horror stories. Josh begins with E.F. Benson's "Caterpillars," a tale of creeping dread and mutant insects in an Italian villa, while Chuck follows with Alison B. Harding's "The Deep Drowse," a post-apocalyptic narrative where a couple in a hermetically sealed room may be the last humans alive. The hosts provide commentary and perform character voices, enhancing the spooky atmosphere with their banter and sound effects.

Outlines

Part 1: Caterpillars - Introduction and Setting

Part 2: Caterpillars - Rising Horror

Part 3: The Deep Drowse - Introduction and Setup

Part 4: The Deep Drowse - Unfolding Mystery

Part 5: The Deep Drowse - Resolution and Conclusion

Part 6: Episode Conclusion

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Stuff You Should Know

Part 1: Caterpillars - Introduction and Setting

Introduction to the SpookFest and the First Story: Caterpillars

Reading of "Caterpillars" - Setting the Scene

Initial Unease and Premonitions

Part 2: Caterpillars - Rising Horror

Dinner Conversation and the Unoccupied Bedroom

The Crawling Caterpillars and a Horrifying Discovery

Throwing the Caterpillar and a Swim in the Fountain

A Second Night of Terror and the Swarm of Caterpillars

The Aftermath and a Fatal Diagnosis

Part 3: The Deep Drowse - Introduction and Setup

Introduction to the Second Story: The Deep Drowse

The Sealed Study and a Movie Deal

Calling the Fisks and the Barnes

A Garage Door and a Flashlight

Part 4: The Deep Drowse - Unfolding Mystery

Calling the Fisks and the Barnes Again

Calling Dr. McCollum and the Police

The Radio Silences and a Peculiar Theory

Calling Mr. Hoskins and a Warning

Arthur's Decision to Investigate

The Effects of the Outside Air

Part 5: The Deep Drowse - Resolution and Conclusion

The Last Day and a Glimmer of Hope

The Deep Drowse and the Animal Institute

Part 6: Episode Conclusion

Conclusion and Halloween Greetings

SYSK's 2025 Shocktober Halloween Spooktacular

Stuff You Should Know

Part 1: Caterpillars - Introduction and Setting

00:01Introduction to the SpookFest and the First Story: Caterpillars

Introduction to the SpookFest and the First Story: Caterpillars

03:13Reading of "Caterpillars" - Setting the Scene

Reading of "Caterpillars" - Setting the Scene

07:48Initial Unease and Premonitions

Initial Unease and Premonitions

Part 2: Caterpillars - Rising Horror

12:38Dinner Conversation and the Unoccupied Bedroom

Dinner Conversation and the Unoccupied Bedroom

17:08The Crawling Caterpillars and a Horrifying Discovery

The Crawling Caterpillars and a Horrifying Discovery

22:27Throwing the Caterpillar and a Swim in the Fountain

Throwing the Caterpillar and a Swim in the Fountain

27:24A Second Night of Terror and the Swarm of Caterpillars

A Second Night of Terror and the Swarm of Caterpillars

32:02The Aftermath and a Fatal Diagnosis

The Aftermath and a Fatal Diagnosis

Part 3: The Deep Drowse - Introduction and Setup

34:47Introduction to the Second Story: The Deep Drowse

Introduction to the Second Story: The Deep Drowse

39:53The Sealed Study and a Movie Deal

The Sealed Study and a Movie Deal

45:13Calling the Fisks and the Barnes

Calling the Fisks and the Barnes

50:02A Garage Door and a Flashlight

A Garage Door and a Flashlight

Part 4: The Deep Drowse - Unfolding Mystery

54:27Calling the Fisks and the Barnes Again

Calling the Fisks and the Barnes Again

59:20Calling Dr. McCollum and the Police

Calling Dr. McCollum and the Police

1:04:45The Radio Silences and a Peculiar Theory

The Radio Silences and a Peculiar Theory

1:09:21Calling Mr. Hoskins and a Warning

Calling Mr. Hoskins and a Warning

1:14:23Arthur's Decision to Investigate

Arthur's Decision to Investigate

1:19:10The Effects of the Outside Air

The Effects of the Outside Air

Part 5: The Deep Drowse - Resolution and Conclusion

1:24:01The Last Day and a Glimmer of Hope

The Last Day and a Glimmer of Hope

1:27:23The Deep Drowse and the Animal Institute

The Deep Drowse and the Animal Institute

Part 6: Episode Conclusion

1:36:25Conclusion and Halloween Greetings

Conclusion and Halloween Greetings