About this episode

This episode explores the dark side of April Fool's Day pranks and their historical consequences.

April Fool’s Day is supposed to be harmless fun. History says otherwise. This week, Scared All The Time explores pranks gone wrong and the long, bizarre trail of panic, humiliation, violence, and death they’ve left behind. From the Hammersmith Ghost murder and War of the Worlds hysteria to viral media hoaxes, YouTube prank idiots, and the Boston Aqua Teen bomb scare, Chris and Ed unpack what happens when “it’s just a joke” goes way too far. Visit this episode’s show notes for links and references. Want even more out of SATT? Now you can SUPPORT THE SHOW and get NEW SATT content EVERY WEEK for as little as 5 BONES — which includes our bonus video show New Fear Unlocked — by joining CLUB SATT

People in this episode

Hosts: Chris, Ed

Topics covered

• pranks
• April Fool's Day
• hoaxes
• violence
• humiliation
• media

Keywords

• April Fool's Day
• pranks gone wrong
• Hammersmith Ghost
• War of the Worlds
• viral media hoaxes
• Boston Aqua Teen bomb scare

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: YouTube

More episodes of Scared All The Time

• The Diver Who Died in Zacatón · April 23, 2026 · 30 min
• Mummies · April 16, 2026 · 1h 40m
• The Most Horrifying Meth Story We’ve Ever Read · April 10, 2026 · 33 min
• ChatGPT is Fueling Delusions and Ruining Lives · March 27, 2026 · 49 min
• Alien Invasions with Olivia Taylor Dudley · March 19, 2026 · 2h 4m
• Murder, She Speculated: The New England Serial Killer Theory · March 13, 2026 · 36 min

Explore listener stats, chart rankings, contacts and more on the Scared All The Time podcast page.