Ep. 83 Ghost Stories and Stand-Up: Leanne Linsky

Send your favorite Co-Ghosts a message!What makes us run screaming from harmless haunted houses while ignoring real-life warning signs? Comedian Leanne Linsky joins hosts John Olson and DW Surine for a fascinating exploration of fear perception and our contradictory responses to paranormal versus actual threats.Linsky recounts being so terrified at her first haunted attraction that she had to escape through a side door, yet notes how we often disregard our instincts in genuinely dangerous situations. Drawing from Gavin de Becker's "The Gift of Fear," the conversation delves into how humans possess natural alarm systems – that prickly feeling on your neck or inexplicable gut sense that something's wrong – which society often conditions us to ignore in favor of politeness, especially for women. Why is believing in ghosts sometimes more socially acceptable than trusting your instincts around suspicious people?The episode takes entertaining detours through Linsky's comedy journey across major cities, John's childhood haunting that his parents gaslighted him about for years, and a hilarious discussion of a recent viral pigeon stowaway on a commercial flight ("at what point are you so lazy as a bird that you have to hop a plane?"). Linsky also introduces her groundbreaking platform Plauzzable – an online marketplace connecting comedians directly with audiences without algorithms or gatekeepers. This innovation addresses a key dilemma for performers: why would fans pay to see your show when you've already shared your best material for free on social media? With Plauzzable, comedians can monetize virtual performances while building genuine connections with fans.Whether you're fascinated by the paranormal, passionate about comedy, or simply curious about human psychology, this episode offers thought-provoking insights on trusting your instincts in a world where the scariest things aren't always supernatural.Support the show