

Coltan Scrivner
Behavioral scientist and author of Morbidly Curious: A Scientist Explains Why We Can't Look Away, who researches why people are drawn to morbid or scary content and discusses empirical findings about morbid curiosity and horror fandom.
Top 5 podcasts with Coltan Scrivner
Ranked by the Snipd community

21 snips
Nov 12, 2025 • 1h 12min
Coltan Scrivner: the evolution and psychology of horror
Coltan Scrivner, a behavioral scientist and author known for his work on horror and true crime, explores our fascination with fear. He discusses how horror operates on predator-prey dynamics, highlighting why vulnerable protagonists stand against formidable antagonists. Coltan connects morbid curiosity to evolutionary survival instincts and explains the psychological effects of fear, even suggesting that safe exposure to horror prepares us for real-life challenges. He also dives into the allure of true crime and the unique appeal of horror films, providing a riveting insight into our darkest interests.

7 snips
Oct 25, 2023 • 33min
Why do we love scary movies? with Coltan Scrivner, PhD
Coltan Scrivner, expert in psychology of horror and true crime, talks about why people are drawn to horror, true crime and scary genres; and whether terrifying entertainment can be good for mental health. He also discusses the paradox of enjoying horror movies, the impact of technology on health, and the connection between morbid curiosity and horror. Additionally, he explores the interpretation of scores on the morbid curiosity scale, busts the stereotype that horror fans lack empathy, and highlights personality traits associated with horror movie enjoyment.

Oct 30, 2024 • 18min
Exploring the Science of Spookiness at the Recreational Fear Lab
Join behavioral scientist Coltan Scrivner from the Recreational Fear Lab as he delves into why we crave a good scare. He explains our attraction to horror, from movies to haunted houses, and how it ties to morbid curiosity. Coltan discusses the psychological benefits of engaging with fear, revealing how both humans and animals use it for growth and resilience. Discover how embracing fear can enhance empathy and create social connections, shedding light on the fascinating psychology of horror fans.

Dec 10, 2025 • 2h 14min
Coltan Scrivner (on morbid curiosities)
Coltan Scrivner is a psychologist and researcher specializing in morbid curiosity and horror psychology, and author of "Morbidly Curious." He discusses his preference for hands-on research, including studying fear responses in Danish haunted houses. Coltan introduces his four domains of morbid curiosity, explores the appeal of true crime, and debunks myths connecting horror media to violent behavior. He even shares surprising ghost-hunting experiences. Plus, he provides insights into how children can safely engage with scary content.

Dec 1, 2025 • 52min
Murder Mystery
Coltan Scrivner, a psychologist and researcher from Arizona State University, explores the intriguing phenomenon of morbid curiosity. He discusses how our fascination with horror and true crime spikes after real-life tragedies. Coltan shares insights on the evolutionary roots of this curiosity and how scary stories serve as a tool for learning and resilience during tough times. He also reveals that horror fans often possess higher cognitive empathy, debunking stereotypes about their emotional depth. Get ready to dive into the psychology of fear!


