This podcast explores the scariest night of the year, Frown Night, and the celebration in Desert Bluffs 2, where smiles are turned upside down. It delves into the illegal nature of talk therapy and the sadness of the Schlecks family. The town attempts to make the Schlecks happy, with the help of their divine devourer. Reflections on acknowledging historical wrongs and the happiness found in unexpected experiences are discussed. A farewell is bid to a hissing crowd after a third place finish.
Mother Lauren is the high priestess of the joyous congregation of the smiling God, with a permanent frown tattoo symbolizing her suffering.
The town celebrates frown night by facing their fears of sadness and embracing their past, engaging in activities like painting frowns on their faces and participating in a costume contest.
Deep dives
The Attic: Cecil discovers old family slides with sinister implications
In this podcast episode, titled 'The Attic', Cecil discovers slides from a family road trip that initially seemed fun and joyful. However, as he delves deeper, he begins to suspect something sinister and strange. The episode features live performances by Disparition and Symphony Sanders, as well as a musical guest, Aaron McKeown. Cecil shares upcoming tour dates and promotes Night Vale merchandise in preparation for the holiday season.
Frown Night: Mother Lauren's eerie transformation
On this frown night holiday special, Cecil introduces his guest, Mother Lauren. She reveals her new role as the high priestess of the joyous congregation of the smiling God. Mother Lauren discusses her permanent frown tattoo, a symbol of her suffering and qualification for her position. The hosts reminisce about their costumes and activities on frown night, where they would go door to door, trying to make people frown for candy. They also tell the spooky story of the Schlecht family, who were transformed through a ritual in the river of joy.
Reforming the Schlechts: The town's efforts to bring happiness
The town rallies together to bring happiness to the Schlecht family. They attempt various methods, such as feeding them candy, hiring a clown, and even carving smiles into their faces. Ultimately, they resort to baptizing the family in the river of joy, which successfully turns their frowns upside down. Today, the town celebrates frown night, embracing their fears of sadness and facing their past, while painting frowns on their faces and engaging in the costume contest.