#97 Trick or treat History- Lisa Morton

Tony H
Dec 30, 2025
1 min read

#97 HALLOWEEN'S Spooky Origins Revealed? (2025)

Exploring the Allure and Origins of Halloween with Expert Lisa Morton.

In this episode of 'High Strangeness,' host Tony delves into the fascinating history of Halloween with award-winning author and Halloween authority Lisa Morton. The discussion covers the origins and evolution of Halloween, its cultural impacts, and how it has grown in popularity globally. Morton explains the holiday's roots in Celtic traditions and how it was co-opted by Catholicism. She also touches on the progression of Halloween traditions in the United States, including trick-or-treating and its commercialization. The conversation moves to contemporary Halloween celebrations, including regional variations and global adoption, as well as popular culture's influence through films and TV shows. They also discuss Lisa's extensive work in documenting and celebrating Halloween, her published books, and upcoming projects.

00:00 Introduction to Halloween Mysteries

01:17 Exploring Halloween's Popularity

01:35 Interview with Halloween Expert Lisa Morton

03:18 Halloween in California

07:22 Lisa Morton's Halloween Journey

20:31 Global Halloween Traditions

27:46 The Mischief of Halloween's Past

28:37 The Birth of Trick-or-Treating

29:45 Halloween's Global Influence

30:34 Regional Halloween Traditions

32:31 The Evolution of Halloween in the US

44:57 Halloween in Popular Culture