Chasing Life
Stephen King on Fiction and the Frightened Brain
Oct 31, 2023
Renowned author of horror fiction, Stephen King, discusses his latest book, explores the psychology of fear, the appeal of horror, and the connection between loving horror and resilience during the pandemic. The podcast also touches on the critique of climate change reporting and the realistic portrayal of COVID-19 in King's book.
32:13
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Quick takeaways
- Fear activates specific regions of the brain and triggers the fight or flight response, contributing to the enjoyment of macabre stories.
- A healthy imagination can enhance adaptability and preparedness when facing real-life fears, promoting resilience and balanced responses.
Deep dives
The Fascination with Fear
Stephen King discusses his love for macabre and paranormal stories, highlighting his ability to make ordinary situations terrifying in his books. He explains that fear activates certain regions of the brain and triggers the fight or flight response. King attributes his own love for scares to the enjoyment of a dress rehearsal for truly scary events. He compares the imagination of humans to that of animals, stating that humans can see forward and anticipate potential outcomes, enhancing the suspense and fear they experience. King also mentions the importance of using fear in a productive way and following scientific evidence during the COVID-19 pandemic.
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