Best Scared AF Podcasts (2025)

1
E 144: Is “I Don’t Know” Keeping You Stuck When You Know Something More Is Pulling at You? 21:54

8h ago21:54

21:54

Are you telling yourself "I don't know" when your soul is quietly whispering a deeper truth to you? 😳 That vision pulling at your heart? That next level version of yourself that keeps knocking? She's your soul's truth waiting for you to stop pretending you don't see her. 👁️ I'm calling out the biggest lie we tell ourselves when we're scared to expa…

1
Chris Thile: Calvin and Hobbes, Classical Music, and Curiosity (REISSUE), ep. 315 1:21:20

11h ago1:21:20

1:21:20

(Editor’s Note: Welcome to our Reissue series! For the next several weeks, Basic Folk is digging back into the archives and reposting some of our favorite episodes alongside new introductions commenting on what it’s like to listen back. Enjoy! This episode featuring Cindy Howes interviewing Chris Thile was originally posted on September 9, 2021 aft…

1
14.46 Celebrating Juneteenth with "Sinners" 1:09:45

12h ago1:09:45

1:09:45

Happy Juneteenth! 🎉 This week, Susan and Cort celebrate Black freedom and storytelling by diving into the cultural feast that is Sinners, the latest masterpiece from Ryan Coogler. With vampires, music, history, and a whole lot of swag, Sinners is a film that refuses to be defined by a single genre—and the Geek Girl Soup crew is here for it. The hos…

1
14.45 Summer Scares 59:57

4d ago59:57

59:57

Summer’s here and we’re diving headfirst into the horror! Susan, Kelly, and Cort are all back in the pod to dish about what’s been keeping us up at night (and hitting that “play next episode” button anyway). From physical media debates sparked by ATXtv Festival to spine-tingling summer scares like Gerald’s Game and I Know What You Did Last Summer, …

1
14.44: ATXtv Part 3 53:22

6d ago53:22

53:22

ATXtv Day 4 – We Are Leftovers & Mad Men Magic This was the day. The reason Susan and Cort traveled to Austin: The Leftovers cast reunion panel. Get ready for chills, tears, laughter, and maybe even some “JustinKevin” spiritual energy. Then, they rounded out the evening with the 10th anniversary celebration of Mad Men’s finale—aka Jon Hamm worship.…

1
14.43: ATXtv Part 2 54:30

7d ago54:30

54:30

Part 2 – Lost Authors, Leftover Fans & Legendary Voices Our Day 3 (or Festival Day 2?) brought surprises, voice crushes, elevator chaos, and fangirling in full force. Susan and Cort dive into early screenings (Duster Ep. 4), secret societies in Anne Rice’s universe, and a panel with Damon Lindelof and Tom Perrotta. Expect TV nerdiness, near-missed …

1
E 143: How to Step into a New Identity, What I Do Every Time I Up-Level 22:41

7d ago22:41

22:41

Your next identity is calling your name, your soul is calling you forward into the woman you're meant to become! It’s time to pick up the phone 📞. The up-level is knocking, and instead of tiptoeing around it with one foot in and one foot out, it's time to plant yourself fully in that next-level version of you. The one who knows her worth, claims he…

1
Dar Williams: Music was Decided for Me (REISSUE), ep. 314 1:03:07

7d ago1:03:07

1:03:07

(Editor’s Note: Welcome to our Reissue series! For the next several weeks, Basic Folk is digging into the archives and reposting some of our favorite episodes alongside new introductions commenting on what it’s like to listen back. This episode featuring Lizzie No interviewing Dar Williams originally posted on October 14, 2021. Enjoy!) Dar Williams…

1
14.42: ATXtv Part 1 31:52

8d ago31:52

31:52

Days 1 & 2 – Tornadoes, Panels, and Popcorn Drama Susan and Cort are live(ish) from the Austin Television Festival! From Texas-sized hailstorms and hotel confusion to binge-watching and brushing shoulders with TV legends, they recap their first two whirlwind days at ATX. Tune in for festival highlights, travel misadventures, unexpected heartthrobs,…

1
E 142: The Shedding of the Old to Claim Who You’re Becoming! It’s Time to Let Yourself SHINE 18:25

14d ago18:25

18:25

The intensity of March, April and May is behind us, all that shedding, shifting, and soul-deep transformation. Now what?!? This episode is your roadmap for what's emerging as we move into June - this is the midway and the turning point of the year. ⚡️ In today’s episode: ➻ Why this Year of the Snake energy is calling you to shed old identities, bel…

1
John Hiatt is Actually Not Scared to Talk about His Feelings (REISSUE), ep. 313 51:06

14d ago51:06

51:06

(Editor’s Note: Welcome to our Reissue series! For the next several weeks, Basic Folk is digging back into the archives and reposting some of our favorite episodes alongside new introductions commenting on what it’s like to listen back. Enjoy!) This episode featuring Cindy Howes interviewing John Hiatt originally posted on August 5, 2021. In 2021, …

1
E 141: The Rise of the Powerful Woman - Is It Time to Say F#*k This Shit? 19:42

21d ago19:42

19:42

Are you feeling the fire within you rising? That deeper energy coursing through your veins… it’s time. If you're at the point where you're ready to say goodbye to settling, people-pleasing, and pushing your dreams aside – this spicy episode is for you. I'm witnessing something profound happening with women right now, especially those approaching or…

1
Anaïs Mitchell: 2019 Pre-Broadway interview on Hadestown, Lamb Rearing, and Untangling Third Wave Feminism (REISSUE), ep. 312 51:22

21d ago51:22

51:22

(Editor’s Note: Welcome to our Reissue series! For the next several weeks, Basic Folk is digging back into the archives and reposting some of our favorite episodes alongside new introductions commenting on what it’s like to listen back. Enjoy!) Listening back, I feel like this 2018 interview with Anaïs Mitchell holds up. Originally published on Jan…

1
14.41: The Future is Now (and It’s Dystopian AF) 1:00:48

23d ago1:00:48

1:00:48

We’re peering into the present through the cracked lens of the future this week with Susan, Kelly, and Geek Guy Chris. From AI chatbots with too much personality to dystopias where “reality” is a broadcasted spectacle, it’s a soup of sci-fi predictions that hit way too close to home. Whether it’s Mission Impossible’s rogue AI, the gentle (and total…

1
14.40: Celebrating Africa Day 1:00:00

27d ago1:00:00

1:00:00

We’re bringing Nollywood to your earbuds this week as Susan and Cort take a cinematic trip across the continent to celebrate Africa Day! We curated a rich watchlist featuring African films—from rom-coms and thrillers to revenge flicks and supernatural twists. Plus, we catch up on entertainment news, discuss Final Destination: Bloodlines, and unpack…

1
E 140: Being Scared of Your Next Steps + Your Big Life Vision 20:58

28d ago20:58

20:58

If you've been on an emotional rollercoaster lately, one moment soaring and expanding and the next plunging into doubt and heaviness – you're not alone! In today’s episode, I'm sharing the often uncomfortable process of growing through the mud before blooming like a lotus. Through my own recent transformation, I'm revealing why this rollercoaster o…

1
Morgan Toney on Circles, Elders, and Phil Collins, ep. 311 1:00:58

28d ago1:00:58

1:00:58

Circles have played a huge role in fiddler and singer Morgan Toney's life thus far: from drum circles, to talking circles, to the Earth itself (a circle!). In our Basic Folk conversation, Morgan talks about his L'nu (also known as Mi'kmaq) heritage and growing up on what's now called Cape Breton, Nova Scotia, where his ancestors have lived since ti…

1
14.39: Catching Up with The Last of Us 1:09:53

1M ago1:09:53

1:09:53

We’re back from the wilds of real life and diving straight into the post-apocalyptic drama of The Last of Us! In this episode, the Geek Girl Soup crew gets emotional, philosophical, and maybe a little fungal as we dissect Season 2 up through Episode 5 (“Feel Her Love”). SPOILERS!!! From Joel’s gut-punch of an exit to the rise of the WLF and those c…

1
E 139: The Real Flex for Women in 2025 27:36

1M ago27:36

27:36

As we move through this incredible season of death and rebirth, I'm sensing a profound shift in what truly matters. After my own recent journey (which you've heard me navigate in real-time these past few episodes!), I'm witnessing a whole new era for women, rising up and claiming what they desire. In this fiery and funny episode, I'm unveiling what…

1
Kris Delmhorst: Inching Forward through Sleepless Nights, ep. 310 52:20

1M ago52:20

52:20

Kris Delmhorst is not a good sleeper. The Western Massachusetts songwriter is usually awake from 2 or 3 am to about 4 or 5am. Sometimes it feels nice and floaty, but other times she is wide awake worrying about anything her brain can get a hold of. This is similar to a feeling with which she ended her tenth record, 'Ghosts in the Garden,' with the …

1
E 138: Leap And The Universe Will Catch You, Trusting Yourself To Pivot, Grow And Expand 18:04

1M ago18:04

18:04

Can you feel the pulling at your heart? The universe calling you forward that's probably getting louder… - This episode is your permission slip to trust it and answer ✨ I'm sharing about the intense energetic shifts happening right now (thank you Pluto retrograde and Aries in Neptune!) and why this is the perfect moment to leap toward - even when y…

1
Sara Watkins on I'm With Her's Witchy AF New Record, ep. 309 54:09

1M ago54:09

54:09

Sara Watkins joins Basic Folk to talk about 'Wild and Clear and Blue,' the new album from I'm With Her, her band with Sarah Jarosz and Aoife O'Donovan. The new LP was inspired by looking back on your life in order to move forward, with a very witchy manner of speaking that encompasses the ancient, mysterious, and spiritual. Sara shares insights int…

1
14.38 May the Sweeps Be With You 50:17

1M ago50:17

50:17

May The Sweeps Be With You While Kelly is away on assignment this week, Susan and Cort dish on recent entertainment news and the start of May Sweeps. Weeks after premiering, Sinners continúes to do its big thing at the box office. Susan traveled to Las Vegas and met podcaster Chris of The VHS Strikes Back & Chris and Dave's Reality TV Cast. Also, i…

1
E 137: The Harsh Truth About Alignment That No One Is Talking About + A Personal Share 20:36

2M ago20:36

20:36

Feeling like you've been squeezed through an energetic wringer lately? You're not alone, beautiful soul. This post-eclipse season has been nothing short of a cosmic storm, stirring up all the sludge we thought we'd buried deep. 😫 I'm pulling back the curtain on some of my own messy and beautiful journey. I'm sharing how I've been navigating the dea…

1
Mary Gauthier & Jaimee Harris on THE Three Shoes, Alchemy and Weeding out Baddies, ep. 308 57:54

2M ago57:54

57:54

Mary Gauthier and Jaimee Harris talk to Lizzie and Cindy for Basic Folk on-board the Cayamo cruise in front of a live audience. We get down to business in addressing NICE things by asking Mary what kind of shoes she's wearing – as she has a reputation for enjoying the good stuff, especially on her feet. After that, we asked and Jaimee Harris enthus…

1
14.37: Laugh Tracks and Legacy 1:16:02

2M ago1:16:02

1:16:02

🪐 [00:00] Intro 📰 [02:00] News, Nerds, and Nods - Shout-out to Ryan Coogler for his badass women cinematographers. - A “Siri moment” with *The Andromeda Strain* = pure retro AI comedy gold. - *The Pitt* fandom wants a spin-off already?! Hold your scalpels, people! - Minecraft movie: Not just for tweens... or is it? Chaos in the theaters and kids th…

1
E 136: Is It Time to Break Up with the Good Girl and Live Life by Your Rules? 19:09

2M ago19:09

19:09

Feeling trapped in people-pleasing patterns, exhausted from making sure everyone else is okay before yourself, then maybe it’s time to break free from the "good girl" energy and start to live life on your terms as the powerful woman you are. This isn't about becoming selfish; it's about reclaiming the vibrant, unapologetic woman you were born to be…

1
Susan Werner on Defining Hard Work, Paid Vacations, and Relaxing as Indie Musician, ep. 307 46:29

2M ago46:29

46:29

The dynamic songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Susan Werner talks to us onboard the Cayamo cruise, which she describes as a "paid vacation." Reflecting on her upbringing on a working farm, Susan discusses the hard work that shaped her, but also how she’s learning to embrace rest and relaxation. With humor and insight, she navigates the balance be…

1
14.36: Behind the Geeks 1:12:40

2M ago1:12:40

1:12:40

It’s a two-host ride with Susan and Cort this week while Kelly is on assignment. With no adult supervision, things get a little chaotic (in the best way). From cultural commentary and media clapbacks to in-depth TV talk and soap obsession, we’ve got it all. Come for the rants, stay for the joy—and a healthy dose of fun bullshit. Here’s what’s cooki…

1
E 135: The Sacred Softening - A Powerful New Way Forward for Women 20:10

2M ago20:10

20:10

Post-eclipse season has left many of us in that tender space between what arose during March was big and now the reassessment of who you are and who you’re becoming. If you're feeling that vulnerability and uncertainty, but a call to rebirth you and your life is upon you - this episode is the permission slip you need. I'm sharing a heartfelt messag…

1
Jon Muq: Uganda, Cruise Ship Food and His Googly-Eyed Guitar, ep. 306 34:55

2M ago34:55

34:55

Originally from the village of Mutungo, Uganda (near the country's capital of Kampala), Jon Muq's journey to his current life of touring with an Austin, Texas home-base has been unconventional. Onboard the Cayamo cruise earlier this year, we talked to Jon about his childhood experiences, including fetching water with friends and "We Are the World,"…

1
E 134: Stepping Into Your Most Powerful Self 20:51

2M ago20:51

20:51

You've survived eclipse season, Mercury retrograde, Venus retrograde and all the astrological chaos – but are you thriving yet? If not, this episode is your spicy phone call from the universe to fully step into your power. I'm sharing my own journey through recent eclipse-season sludge (yes, sneaky self-doubt, fears, lack of belief creeping in!) an…

1
Ani DiFranco & Carsie Blanton: Menopause, The Wild Child, and Naps to fight Capitalism, ep. 305 43:44

2M ago43:44

43:44

Basic Folk is making trouble at sea with Ani DiFranco and Carsie Blanton! Hosts Lizzie and Cindy had the opportunity to speak with the two like-minded radical songwriters aboard the 2025 edition of Cayamo, a roots music cruise. Our conversation kicks off with Ani sharing her transformative experience performing as Persephone in the Broadway show 'H…

1
14.35: The Endless Upgrade Radius 1:02:37

2M ago1:02:37

1:02:37

This week, we’re taking a mind-bending dive into three under-the-radar sci-fi gems: The Endless, Radius, and Upgrade. Indie, eerie, and occasionally WTF, these movies gave us plenty to chew on—from AI run amok to time loop cults to accidental mass murder by proximity. Seriously, there’s a lot going on here. We also say a heartfelt goodbye to Val Ki…

1
14.34: Number One on the Call Sheet 1:29:59

3M ago1:29:59

1:29:59

This week on Geek Girl Soup, Susan, Kelly, and Cort dive deep into the Apple TV+ two-part documentary Number One on the Call Sheet. The series honors Black excellence in Hollywood, focusing on the journeys of Black leading men and women who’ve redefined what it means to be at the top. From Eddie Murphy’s early meteoric rise to Angela Bassett’s powe…

1
E 133: How to Take Action and Do the Things You 'Know' Will Help You 20:38

3M ago20:38

20:38

You don't need more information. You're drowning in it. In this episode, I'm exposing the real reason why taking action consistently feels impossible – and it has nothing to do with discipline, motivation, or your morning routine! 😳 As we emerge from the chaos of eclipse season (finally!), I'm pulling back the curtain on what creates lasting change…

1
Loudon Wainwright III: Oversharing, Family Ties, and Musical Legacy, ep. 304 46:20

3M ago46:20

46:20

The legendary Loudon Wainwright III, whose career has spanned over five decades, is known for his deeply personal songwriting and sharp wit – and oversharing. The patriarch of the Wainwright folk dynasty (which includes Rufus, Martha, their late mother Kate McGarrigle, as well as Lucy and her mother Suzzy Roche), Loudon reflects on the balance betw…

1
E 132: Feeling Like You’re Left Behind? Not Where You ‘Should Be'? 25:19

3M ago25:19

25:19

That feeling of "falling behind" or like you’re “not where you should be” often leaves you feeling deflated. If you've been scrolling through Instagram, silently beating yourself up for not having the relationship/career/body/bank account/ baby/house that you "should" have by now, this episode is the permission slip to rip up society's timeline. In…

1
Olivia Ellen Lloyd: West Virginia to Brooklyn, Finding Ground in Water, ep. 303 1:01:14

3M ago1:01:14

1:01:14

Olivia Ellen Lloyd's latest album, 'Do It Myself,' sees the West Virginia-born Brooklyn-based songwriter reflecting on the powerful imagery of water. She shares how it has been a source of grounding and calmness in her life, from childhood memories spent on the Potomac River to her current love for the ocean, these elements have shaped her artistic…

1
14.33: The Serial Killer You’ve Never Heard Of — And the Family that Refused to Stay Silent 1:12:35

3M ago1:12:35

1:12:35

—> After listening to this episode, Maria has this say: “I was just thinking about the irony of my podcast interview and how much of what I said is so relevant to mom passing away as we release the film (joy and pain!). And I had no idea mom was going to die.”

1
14.32: Let the Mystery Be — Severance Edition 1:23:40

3M ago1:23:40

1:23:40

The theme this week is, obviously, Severance (season 2). But… we spend the first 39 minutes discussing other stuff. -> Ted Sarandos (Netflix) being a dick about Apple TV+. Two dudes on BlueSky being the best fans ever (after us) about Apple TV+. (We said what they said five years ago.) -> A few recommendations: Dope Thief (Apple for the win). Adole…

1
E 131: Choosing You Again and Again - But How Do You Do That? 20:22

3M ago20:22

20:22

Self-sacrifice isn't noble – it's draining you and your beautiful life-force energy. This episode is for you if you know you put yourself last on the list and make everyone else's needs a priority before your own. 😞 In today’s episode, I'm calling you forward into the real cost of putting yourself last – and why March's transformational energy is t…

1
Bonnie "Prince" Billy On Making Nashville Musical Magic, ep. 302 1:04:32

3M ago1:04:32

1:04:32

Will Oldham, also known as Bonnie "Prince" Billy, has led an illustrious, sometimes mysterious career which has spanned decades and genres. Hailing from and still living in Louisville, KY, in our Basic Folk conversation Will reflects on his journey from a young artist struggling to find his place in the music world to a seasoned musician who embrac…

1
14.31: 2025 Soupie Awards! 1:33:25

3M ago1:33:25

1:33:25

Welcome to the most prestigious event of the year—The Soupies! 🏆 Susan, Kelly, and Cort don their fanciest (or comfiest) attire to honor the best (and worst) of movies, TV, and more from the past year. 🎬 Categories include: The Most Bingeable Show Award 🍿 Best Apocalyptic/Disaster Advice 🌍🔥 The E-Chip Activator (aka "That Hit Me Right in the Feels"…

1
E 130: Feeling Tested by the Universe 😩, How to Be Powerful Through Life's Challenges 23:04

3M ago23:04

23:04

Do you feel like the universe is personally victimising you right now? The whole concept of being "tested" leads to a constant struggle with life and the challenges that arise: Would the universe really test you? In short… No. 🔥 In this episode, we dive into: ➻ Why your language around challenges either EMPOWERS or DISEMPOWERS you (and how to flip …

1
Rose Cousins & Edie Carey: Bast Friendship, Music, and the Art of Spatula-ing Life, ep. 301 1:25:31

3M ago1:25:31

1:25:31

Rose Cousins and Edie Carey's friendship has blossomed for over two decades. On the occasion of Rose releasing her new album, 'Conditions of Love - Vol 1,' the pair appear on Basic Folk to discuss the new music. They reflect on their early days and their first meeting as well as the ways they’ve influenced each other's careers and personal growth. …

1
E 129: How to Overcome Procrastination So You Can Take Action! 23:24

3M ago23:24

23:24

Ready to stop thinking about the life you want and start creating it? In this jam-packed episode, we’re diving into procrastination and showing you exactly why you're stuck in the loop of thinking, overthinking about doing something — and how to break free from it. I'm sharing my unfiltered journey with procrastination (hello, book I've been "writi…

1
Sierra Hull: Mandolin Magic and Small Town Roots, ep. 300 1:06:40

4M ago1:06:40

1:06:40

When mandolinist Sierra Hull was little, her dad told her she was really good "for a ten year old." The older Hull knew Sierra had a fiery passion for the instrument and he knew exactly how to motivate his daughter. He went on to say that if she wanted to go to jams and porch-play for the rest of her life, she'd learned enough. He gave her realisti…

1
14.30: Oscars 2025: The Good, the Bad, and the Brooches 1:20:40

4M ago1:20:40

1:20:40

Hollywood’s biggest night has come and gone, and we’re here to break down everything—from the jaw-dropping wins to the record-breaking speeches, the best-dressed stars, and, of course, those iconic brooches. This week, Susan, Kelly, and Cort are joined by our annual Oscars expert, Erik C. Andersen, to discuss the unexpected wins, the indie film tak…

1
Basic Folk Presents: Folk Files: Shady Grove 25:27

4M ago25:27

25:27

Editor’s note: Basic Folk is pleased to introduce our listeners to one of our favorite podcasts by sharing an episode in our feed! Folk Files is a podcast hosted by Olivia Harding that seeks to uncover the mysteries of folk music through the ages and dive deep into the tangled history of murder ballads, sea shanties, rebel songs, and other music th…

Podcasts Worth a Listen

Scared AF Podcasts

Podcasts Worth a Listen

Quick Reference Guide