The Halloween Panic of 1938: When Radio Terrified America | Real Ghost Stories
Oct 30, 07:00 PM
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It was the night before Halloween — October 30th, 1938 — when the world almost ended. Or at least that’s what people thought.
Families across America tuned in to what they thought was a regular Sunday-night radio show. Instead, they heard frantic news bulletins: strange explosions in New Jersey… a cylinder falling from the sky… creatures emerging from the wreckage.
It was The War of the Worlds — Orson Welles’ infamous broadcast that convinced thousands of listeners that Earth was under attack by Martians.
Panic swept the country. People fled their homes, called police, filled churches, and said their goodbyes. The power of imagination — and fear — turned a simple story into one of the most famous mass hysterias in American history.
On this Halloween special, we revisit the night that blurred the line between fiction and terror… and proved you don’t need a ghost to be haunted.
Love real ghost stories? Don’t just listen—join us on YouTube and be part of the largest community of real paranormal encounters anywhere. Subscribe now and never miss a chilling new story:
👉 https://www.youtube.com/@realghoststoriesonline
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Families across America tuned in to what they thought was a regular Sunday-night radio show. Instead, they heard frantic news bulletins: strange explosions in New Jersey… a cylinder falling from the sky… creatures emerging from the wreckage.
It was The War of the Worlds — Orson Welles’ infamous broadcast that convinced thousands of listeners that Earth was under attack by Martians.
Panic swept the country. People fled their homes, called police, filled churches, and said their goodbyes. The power of imagination — and fear — turned a simple story into one of the most famous mass hysterias in American history.
On this Halloween special, we revisit the night that blurred the line between fiction and terror… and proved you don’t need a ghost to be haunted.
Love real ghost stories? Don’t just listen—join us on YouTube and be part of the largest community of real paranormal encounters anywhere. Subscribe now and never miss a chilling new story:
👉 https://www.youtube.com/@realghoststoriesonline
Want even more? Become a supporter and unlock exclusive extras, ad-free episodes, and advanced access:
🍏 Apple Premium: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ad-free-advance-a-ghostly-playlist/id880791662?i=1000723754502
🤝 Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/realghoststories
Stay connected with us on social:
📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ghostpodcast/
🎶 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@realghoststoriesonline
📘 Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/RealGhostStoriesOnline/