Episode 74 Pumpkins, Psyhics, Psychological Thrills and Why Nancy Hates Halloween

This week’s episode starts on a bittersweet note. Nancy remembers the incomparable Diane Keaton, celebrating her quirks, her humor, and her unapologetic individuality. The sisters agree that we could all stand to be a little more “Diane” — bold, eccentric, and stylishly ourselves.

Then things turn seasonal. Kathy’s college freshman, Trevor, came home for the weekend — and surprise, he wanted to full-on feel like a kid and carve pumpkins after all. The tradition lives on. From there, the conversation moves to Netflix’s “The Diplomat, (season 3 just dropped)” where Nancy and Tim’s living-room debate about Kate and Hal’s messy marriage sparks a question: what makes a relationship “healthy” when passion and partnership collide? Kathy also drops a tiny little spoiler…so be warned.

Kathy, meanwhile, shares her picture-perfect fall date in New Hope, Pennsylvania — complete with George Washington’s historic crossing a breathless climb up Bowman’s Tower and nearly making Peter crash the car when she spots a Labubu sign. Things take a spooky turn back in Nashville when Lynne reveals her in-laws’ very real ghost encounter. That opens the floodgates: from childhood séances (“Light as a feather, stiff as a board”) to Nancy’s memories of midwestern famous 1970s psychic Greta Alexander, who once predicted Carrie Fisher’s rise to the stars — literally.

That’s when Kathy drops her bombshell: she has a friend who’s a medium. Cue the shock. The sisters dig into whether psychics are truly “tuned in” — or just really good at reading people. Nancy draws parallels to therapy and life coaching, Lynne adds some healthy skepticism, and Kathy brings her own mix of belief and experience, reminding everyone that whatever works, works.

Nancy rounds things out with a fascinating study she originally saw from an episode Through the Wormhole with Morgan Freeman, where psychologist Jennifer Whitson explored how our brains crave patterns and meaning — especially when we feel out of control. Which might just explain why ghosts, omens, and astrology surge when life feels uncertain. (It also just so happens that Producer Tim edited that episode of Wormhole back in 2013)

Kathy keeps the science coming with a Psychology Today article explaining why people love horror movies. It’s not masochism — it’s biology. The fear triggers adrenaline, a controlled dose of chaos that makes you more resilient in real life.

Finally, the sisters dive into Halloween itself. For Lynne, it’s an easy, pressure-free holiday. For Kathy, it’s a social high point. For Nancy… well, let’s just say she’s still recovering from 1970s razor blade paranoia — a myth Kathy gleefully debunks. The hot costumes this year? K-pop Demon Hunters, Labubus, and all things Wicked.

As always, it’s equal parts heartfelt and hilarious: a blend of family stories, pop culture, psychology, and sisterly banter. Whether you believe in ghosts, intuition, or just good timing, you’ll find something to connect with in this week’s episode.

What’s for Dinner: Spaghetti “Eyeballs” — spooky & simple.

It’s simply spaghetti with marinara. For the eyeballs get mozzerella balls and garnish them with black olive slices to make them look like eyeballs.

What’s the Message: Your brain is powerful, your fears are ancient, and your sisters are probably right about something (eventually).

🎧 Available Every Thursday morning wherever you listen to podcasts — and remember: whatever connects you, counts.