

Coltan Scrivner
Behavioral scientist and researcher specializing in fear, curiosity, and threat perception, author and academic who studies morbid curiosity and the evolutionary logic of fear.
Top 10 podcasts with Coltan Scrivner
Ranked by the Snipd community

97 snips
Jan 27, 2026 • 1h 28min
1276: Coltan Scrivner | The Evolutionary Logic of Morbid Curiosity
Coltan Scrivner, a behavioral scientist who studies fear and morbid curiosity, joins to unpack why we rubberneck, binge true crime, and love horror. He explains horror’s formula of a powerful villain versus a vulnerable protagonist. He connects true crime’s appeal to threat learning, contrasts gendered curiosity toward violence, and shows how scary play builds emotional resilience.

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.

Mar 23, 2026 • 1h 28min
Group Think
Coltan Scrivner, a researcher of morbid curiosity who studies why people seek horror and true crime, and Jay Van Bavel, a psychologist who studies how group loyalties shape behavior. They discuss how group identity can alter taste, sight, and choices. They also explore why people crave scary stories, how fear can bond people, and when morbid curiosity becomes harmful.

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!

Oct 29, 2025 • 18min
Why Morbid Curiosity Is So Common—And So Fun
Coltan Scrivner, a behavioral scientist and author, explores our fascination with horror and why some are drawn to morbid curiosity. Ken Carter, a psychology professor and author, examines thrill-seeking behavior and our physiological responses to fear. They discuss the rise of horror during the pandemic, its cathartic effects in uncertain times, and how horror fans often show high empathy. The duo also delves into the emotional regulation benefits of facing fears in a safe setting and why zombies continue to captivate our imaginations.

Aug 15, 2024 • 1h 1min
The Science of Morbid Curiosity w/ Dr. Coltan Scrivner
Dr. Coltan Scrivner, a psychologist specializing in true crime and morbid curiosity, delves into the intriguing mechanisms behind our attraction to unsettling subjects. He explores the psychology of those drawn to horror and violence, revealing how morbid curiosity often intertwines with empathy and compassion. The conversation highlights the connection between psychological arousal and attraction, and how engaging with fear can foster emotional resilience. Scrivner also examines the personality traits linked to this fascination, including insights into dark empathic behaviors.
Oct 26, 2021 • 28min
Ep. #155: Morbid Curiosity, with Coltan Scrivner
Coltan Scrivner, researcher investigating our fascination with the darker side of life, discusses morbid curiosity and its advantages. They explore the relationship between horror movies and pandemic resilience, the tension between learning about dangerous topics, and the correlation between horror media and cold-heartedness.


