Into the Darkness: Exploring Horror

Welcome to "Into the Darkness," where we explore horror culture and fandom in every episode! In this episode, Will is joined by special guest, Caitlin Grant, host of the terrific horror movie podcast, "Plug It Up!" In this episode, we discuss monstrous motherhood and feminine rage, pay homage to a few terrific FMC performances, and more! This was a terrific conversation that you won’t want to miss! Find "Into the Darkness" on social media: IG: @exploringhorrorpod Find "Plug It Up" on social media: IG: @plugituppod Intro/Outro Music: Soulsweeper by ItsWatR Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome to "Into the Darkness," where we explore horror culture and fandom in every episode! In this episode, Will is joined by special guests, Gina and Kathryn, co-hosts of a terrific podcast, "I Scream, You Scream." In this episode, we discuss everything related to paranormal podcasting--including the joys and struggles of hosting a new show, haunted houses, researching for an episode, and more! This was a terrific conversation that you won’t want to miss! Find "Into the Darkness" on social media: IG: @exploringhorrorpod Find "I Scream, You Scream" on social media: IG: @iscreamyouscreampod Intro/Outro Music: Soulsweeper by ItsWatR Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome to "Into the Darkness," where we explore horror culture and fandom in every episode! In this episode, Will is joined by special guest, Shelby Novak, host of one of my all-time favorite podcasts, Scare You to Sleep! In this episode, we discuss Shelby's journey in horror podcasting, her influences, handling criticism, and more! This was a terrific conversation that you won’t want to miss! Find "Into the Darkness" on social media: IG: @exploringhorrorpod Find Shelby Novak on social media: IG/Threads: @shelbybnovak Find "Scare You to Sleep" on social media: IG/Threads: @scareyoutosleep Intro/Outro Music: Soulsweeper by ItsWatR Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome to "Into the Darkness," where we explore horror culture and fandom in every episode! In this episode, Will is joined by special guest, V.S. Lawrence, author of a terrific horror novel, 80's Ghosts AND THE UPCOMING NOVEL, With Friends Like These (which releases on April 15, 2025)! In this episode, we discuss everything V.S' journey into horror writing, her influences, publishing, and her upcoming novel! This was a terrific conversation that you won’t want to miss! Find "Into the Darkness" on social media: IG: @exploringhorrorpod Find V.S. Lawrence on social media: IG/Threads: vslawrence.author Find "80's Ghosts" on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/80s-Ghosts-V-S-Lawrence-ebook/dp/B0D1KCGMFW PREORDER "WITH FRIENDS LIKE THESE": https://www.amazon.com/Friends-Like-These-V-S-Lawrence-ebook/dp/B0DXQGWFVT?ref_=ast_author_mpb Intro/Outro Music: Soulsweeper by ItsWatR Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome to "Into the Darkness," where we explore horror culture and fandom in every episode! In this episode, Will is joined by special guest, Amanda, co-host of a terrific (and one of my favorite) podcast--Drinking the Koolaid! In this episode, we discuss everything related to paranormal podcasting--including favorite and least favorite stories to tell (cryptids!), her spooky origin story, and more! This was a terrific conversation that you won’t want to miss! Find "Into the Darkness" on social media: IG: @exploringhorrorpod Find Amanda on social media: IG: @amandamandashow Find "Drinking the Koolaid" on social media: IG: @drinkingthekoolaidpod Intro/Outro Music: Soulsweeper by ItsWatR Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome to "Into the Darkness," where we explore horror culture and fandom in every episode! In this episode, Will is joined by special guest, Anastasia Garcia, author of the "Frights to Tell at Night" book series for young readers. In this episode, we discuss writing for a younger audience, global influences and folklore in horror writing, Anastasia's horror influences growing up, and more! This was a terrific conversation that you won’t want to miss! Find "Into the Darkness" on social media: IG: @exploringhorrorpod Find Anastasia Garcia on social media: IG/Threads: @anastasiawrites Find the "Frights to Tell at Night" book series on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Anastasia-Garcia/author/B0BYT7Z3GX?ref=ap_rdr&isDramIntegrated=true&shoppingPortalEnabled=true&ccs_id=f7e7bc5d-11bc-4901-badb-43250aa572d4 Intro/Outro Music: Soulsweeper by ItsWatR Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome to "Into the Darkness," where we explore horror culture and fandom in every episode! In this episode, Will is joined by special guest, Tara Marie, co-host of two terrific shows--3 Spooked Girls, and Social Seance Society! In this episode, we discuss everything related to true crime--ethical research and storytelling, centering victims, avoiding exploitation in true crime podcasting, and more! This was a terrific conversation that you won’t want to miss! CHAPTERS: 0:34: Introduction 13:15: Ethics in True Crime Podcasting 25:48: Ethical Storytelling in True Crime Podcasting 39:00: New Projects! Find "Into the Darkness" on social media: IG: @exploringhorrorpod Find Tara on social media: IG/Threads: @spooky_sleuth Find 3 Spooked Girls on social media: IG/Threads: @3spookedgirls Find Social Seance Society on social media: IG/Threads: @socialseancepod Intro/Outro Music: Soulsweeper by ItsWatR Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome to "Into the Darkness," where we explore horror culture and fandom in every episode! In this episode, Will is joined by special guest, Erika Wurth, author of the soon-to-be-released novel, "The Haunting of Room 904"! I had a chance to read this a few months ago, and it is a terrific story! In this episode, we discuss writing with the reader in mind, the priority of diversity in storytelling, and the significance of race and identity! This was a terrific conversation that you won’t want to miss! CHAPTERS: 0:34: Introduction 15:00 - Handing Criticism and Feedback on Your Writing 31:22 - Prioritizing Diversity in Your Writing 38:26 - Advice for Aspiring Writers Find "Into the Darkness" on social media: IG: @exploringhorrorpod Find Erika Wurth on social media: IG/Threads: @erikatwurth Find "The Haunting of Room 904" on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Haunting-Room-904-Novel/dp/1250908590 Intro/Outro Music: Soulsweeper by ItsWatR Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome to "Into the Darkness," where we explore horror culture and fandom in every episode! In this episode, Will is joined by special guest, Shawn Brooks, author of a terrific Japanese folk horror novel, "Under the Amber Wave" In this episode, we discuss Japanese folk horror, the joy of writing, Shawn's writing process, and more! This was a terrific conversation that you won’t want to miss! CHAPTERS: 0:34: Introduction 17:10: The Joy of Writing 27:40: Favorite and Least Favorite Aspects of Storytelling Find "Into the Darkness" on social media: IG: @exploringhorrorpod Find Shawn Brooks on social media: IG/Threads: @shawnbroookswrites Find "Under the Amber Wave" on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Under-Amber-Wave-Black-Novel/dp/4991367190 Intro/Outro Music: Soulsweeper by ItsWatR Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome to "Into the Darkness," where we explore horror culture and fandom in every episode! In this episode, Will is joined by special guest, Josh Bell, host of a terrific horror movie review podcast, "Real Reel Talk - Horror." In this episode, we discuss the impact of slashers in the horror genre, the influence of The Texas Chainsaw Massacre, and the state of modern horror movies! This was a terrific conversation that you won’t want to miss! CHAPTERS: 0:34: Introduction 21:02 – The Impact of The Texas Chainsaw Massacre 36:57 – The State of Modern Horror Find "Into the Darkness" on social media: IG: @exploringhorrorpod Find Josh Bell on social media: IG/Threads: @realreeltalk Intro/Outro Music: Soulsweeper by ItsWatR Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome to "Into the Darkness," where we explore horror culture and fandom in every episode! In this episode, Will is joined by special guest, Will, a paranormal investigator and founder of WTCW Paranormal! In this episode, we explore all things paranormal investigating, including documenting evidence of the paranormal, the truth about ghost-hunting equipment, and his scariest investigation! This was a terrific conversation that you won’t want to miss! CHAPTERS: 0:40: Introduction 18:30 – Documenting Paranormal Evidence 29:46 – Ouija Boards and PI Equipment Find "Into the Darkness" on social media: IG: @exploringhorrorpod Find "WTCW Paranormal" on social media: IG: @wtcwparanormal Intro/Outro Music: Soulsweeper by ItsWatR Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome to "Into the Darkness," where we explore horror culture and fandom in every episode! In this episode, Will is joined by special guest, Isaac, a paranormal investigator and show host of "Hidden in the Shadows Paranormal"! In this episode, we explore all things paranormal investigating, including Isaac's approach to PI and his history with the paranormal! This was a terrific conversation that you won’t want to miss! Find "Into the Darkness" on social media: IG: @exploringhorrorpod Find "Hidden in the Shadows Paranormal" on social media: IG: @hiddenintheshadowspodcast AND @hiddenintheshadowsparanormal Intro/Outro Music: Soulsweeper by ItsWatR Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome to "Into the Darkness," where we explore horror culture and fandom in every episode! In this episode, Will is joined by special guest, Jonathan Wickremasinghe-Kuhn, an aspiring screenwriter! In this episode, we explore all things screenwriting including the challenges of screenwriting, the allure of horror, and Jonathan's dream project! This was a terrific conversation that you won’t want to miss! CHAPTERS: 0:35: Introduction 20:37: The Path to Screenwriting 34:17: The Art of Showing, Not Telling Find "Into the Darkness" on social media: IG: @exploringhorrorpod Find Jonathan Wickremasinghe-Kuhn on social media: IG: @uscscreenwriter Intro/Outro Music: Soulsweeper by ItsWatR Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome to "Into the Darkness," where we explore horror culture and fandom in every episode! In this episode, Will is joined by special guest, Sydney, host of the terrific "Hello, Sidney" Podcast and NEW co-host of "Knight Light" Podcast! In this episode, we explore solo-hosting a horror movie review podcast, discuss the recent Halloween trilogy, the impact of “Psycho,” and more! This was a terrific conversation that you won’t want to miss! CHAPTERS: 0:34: Solo Hosting a Horror Podcast and Horror Origin Stories 16:24: Exploring the Recent Halloween Trilogy (2018-2022) 29:02: Favorite Horror Subgenres and the Impact of Psycho (1960) 38:31: The Movie Theater Experience Find "Into the Darkness" on social media: IG: @exploringhorrorpod Find "The Hello, Sidney Podcast" on social media: IG/TikTok: @horror_chronicles Intro/Outro Music: Soulsweeper by ItsWatR Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome to "Into the Darkness," where we explore horror culture and fandom in every episode! In this episode, Will is joined by special guest, Jesse, host of "Cult Cinema Circle"! In this episode, we explore cult horror films, discuss the classic 80s cult horror class, "Night of the Demons," and show appreciation for practical effects/makeup vs CGI! This was a terrific conversation that you won’t want to miss! Find "Into the Darkness" on social media: IG: @exploringhorrorpod Find Cult Cinema Circle on social media: IG: @cultcinemacircle Intro/Outro Music: Soulsweeper by ItsWatR Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome to "Into the Darkness," where we explore horror culture and fandom in every episode! In this episode, Will is joined by special guests, Matt and Hannah, co-hosts of one of my favorite horror movie podcasts, "Horror Hour with the Hanna's"! In this episode, we explore mental health depictions in horror films, specifically in Smile and Smile 2! Do horror movies do a good job of depicting mental health accurately? This was a terrific conversation that you won’t want to miss! CHAPTERS 1:10: Introduction 12:05: Mental Health in Horror (Smile vs. Smile 2) 30:18: Correcting Mental Health Depictions in Horror Movies 45:08: Tone and Subgenre as Interpretive Devices in Horror Movies Find "Into the Darkness" on social media: IG: @exploringhorrorpod Find Horror Hour with the Hanna's on social media: IG: @horrorhourwiththehannas Intro/Outro Music: Soulsweeper by ItsWatR Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome to "Into the Darkness," where we explore horror culture and fandom in every episode! In this episode, Will is joined by special guest, Nick Roberts, author of a terrific (and truly scary) novel, "The Exorcist's House"! In this episode, they explore Nick's writing influences, how to build tension in your writing, handling criticism and critique, and more! This was a terrific conversation that you won’t want to miss! CHAPTERS 0:34: Introduction 9:55: Upcoming Novel 19:51: Writing Influences and Building Tension in Your Writing 36:13: Handling Criticism and Critique Find "Into the Darkness" on social media: IG: @exploringhorrorpod Find Nick Roberts on IG: IG: @spookywv Website: https://www.nickrobertsauthor.com/ Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Nick-Roberts/author/B084QG2HB4?ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1&qid=1737088238&sr=8-1&isDramIntegrated=true&shoppingPortalEnabled=true Intro/Outro Music: Soulsweeper by ItsWatR Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome to "Into the Darkness," where we explore horror culture and fandom in every episode! In this episode, Will is joined by special guest, Natalia Rose Wolfman, author of "The Woods", which she published in 2019 when she was just 16 years old! In this episode, they explore publishing at a young age, ageism and diversity in the publishing industry, and the pros and cons of traditional vs. self-publishing! This was a terrific conversation that you won’t want to miss! CHAPTERS 0:34: Introduction 8:39: Ageism in the Publishing Industry 24;57: Horror Movie Influences Find "Into the Darkness" on social media: IG: @exploringhorrorpod Find N.R. Wolfman on IG: IG: @nr_wolfman Intro/Outro Music: Soulsweeper by ItsWatR Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome to "Into the Darkness," where we explore horror culture and fandom in every episode! In this episode, Will is joined by special guest, Alfonso Zavala, a horror movie aficionado, who has an interesting and compelling theory regarding horror icon Michael Myers! In this episode, Alfonso explains the importance of guardianship in horror, and more specifically how a certain character in the Halloween franchise acts as a guardian to Michael Myers This was a terrific conversation that you won’t want to miss! CHAPTERS 0:34: Introduction 9:07: What is "Guardianship in Horror"? 26:29: The Significance of Michael Myers' guardian 41:31: The "official" Halloween franchise canon Find "Into the Darkness" on social media: IG: @exploringhorrorpod Find Alfonso Zavala on IG: IG: @alfonso.zavala.90038 Intro/Outro Music: Soulsweeper by ItsWatR Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome to "Into the Darkness," where we explore horror culture and fandom in every episode! In this episode, Will is joined by special guest, Courtney Reece, host of a terrific new show, Jaunty Haunts! In this episode, Courtney tells listeners about her unique ability to see ghosts, how she discovered she could see them, and offers some helpful tips to help exorcise the ghosts from Will's (very) haunted home. This was a terrific conversation that you won’t want to miss! CHAPTERS 0:34: Introduction to Jaunty Haunts and Courtney's ability to see ghosts! 9:03: Exploring Will's haunted house! 22:19: Differentiating between ghosts and demons! 32:46: A ghost "knocking" is bad news... Find "Into the Darkness" on social media: IG: @exploringhorrorpod Find Jaunty Haunts on IG: IG: @jauntyhauntspod Intro/Outro Music: Soulsweeper by ItsWatR Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome to "Into the Darkness," where we explore horror culture and fandom in every episode! In this episode, Will is joined by special guest, Aline O'Neill, who plays Tonya in a terrific horror show, Hysteria! (streaming now on Peacock). In this episode, we explore Aline's journey to becoming an actress, her experience on Hysteria!, and gain some helpful wisdom for the aspiring actor/actress! This was a terrific conversation that you won’t want to miss! CHAPTERS 0:34: Introduction 11:49: Introducing Hysteria! 19:29: You’re in a hit horror show, are you a horror fan? 27:19: Wisdom and advice for the aspiring actor/actress Find "Into the Darkness" on social media: IG: @exploringhorrorpod Find Aline O'Neill on social media: IG: @alineoneill Intro/Outro Music: Soulsweeper by ItsWatR Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome to "Into the Darkness," where we explore horror culture and fandom in every episode! In this episode, Will is joined by special guest, Danny Tse, author of a terrific psychological thriller/zombie apocalypse horror novel, Spiral: The Descension of Charis Cross. In this episode, we explore the complexity and nuance of characters and storytelling, usurping tropes and hero/villain archetypes, and more! This was a terrific conversation that you won’t want to miss! CHAPTERS 0:34: Introduction To Danny Tse, Author of “Spiral: The Descension of Charis Cross” 14:34: The Complexity and Nuance of Characters and Storytelling 33:26: Optimism vs. Pessimism in Storytelling 45:48: Usurping tropes in Characters and Plot 1:00:00: Crafting Tension through Description Find "Into the Darkness" on social media: IG: @exploringhorrorpod Find Danny Tse on social media: IG: @danny.is.writing Buy Spiral: The Descension of Charis Cross on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Spiral-Descension-Charis-Danny-Tse/dp/B0CTYLVPP8 Intro/Outro Music: Soulsweeper by ItsWatR Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome to "Into the Darkness," where we explore horror culture and fandom in every episode! In this episode, Will is joined by special guest, C.A. Serna, author of a terrific short horror story--and soon-to-be-released full-length novel! In this episode, we discuss our horror influences, reasons why we love horror, and more! This was a terrific conversation that you won’t want to miss! CHAPTERS 0:34: Introduction to C.A. Serna and “A Therapy Session” 9:33: Why write horror stories? 20:18 Approaching short stories vs. a full-length novel 30:48: The writing process: from idea to created work 39:04: The writing process: favorite and least favorite aspects Find "Into the Darkness" on social media: IG: @exploringhorrorpod Find C.A. Serna on social media: IG: @c.a.serna.writes Intro/Outro Music: Soulsweeper by ItsWatR Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome to "Into the Darkness," where we explore horror culture and fandom in every episode! In this episode, Will is joined by special guest, Katie Hettenbach, host of one of the best (and funniest) horror movie podcasts, "Katie Afraidy"! In this episode, we discuss the artistry of horror movies, our favorite (and least favorite) horror sub-genres, and the effectiveness of jump scares vs. keeping the viewer off-balance! This was a terrific conversation that you won’t want to miss! CHAPTERS: 0:34: Introduction to Katie Hettenbach, the Comedian 6:21: Katie Afraidy, the show host and her love for horror 15:35: Least favorite and most favorite subgenres of horror movie 27:35: Jump scare vs psychological scares 30:25: The joys and anxieties of seeing horror movies in a theater 38:07: Best and worst horror of 2024 44:22: Hyping up your own creative work Find "Into the Darkness" on social media: IG: @exploringhorrorpod Find "Katie Afraidy" on social media: IG: @katieafraidy Intro/Outro Music: Soulsweeper by ItsWatR Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome to "Into the Darkness," where we explore horror culture and fandom in every episode! In this episode, Will is joined by special guest, M, storyteller/host of a terrific paranormal storytelling podcast, "Chillers & Thrillers"! In this episode, we discuss our respective approaches to storytelling, the importance of cultural sensitivity, and more! This was a terrific conversation that you won’t want to miss! CHAPTERS: 0:34: Introduction and the “Why” of Horror 15:25: M’s storytelling approach in “Chillers & Thrillers” 20:28: Maintaining your foundation as a show host 26:43: Recording with the listener in mind 32:45: Favorite paranormal stories to research Find "Into the Darkness" on social media: IG: @exploringhorrorpod Find "Chillers & Thrillers" on social media: IG: @chillerspodcast Intro/Outro Music: Soulsweeper by ItsWatR Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome to "Into the Darkness," where we explore horror culture and fandom in every episode! In this episode, Will is joined by two special guests, Tyler and Charlie, co-hosts of one of the paranormal discussion podcasts out there, "Believing the Bizarre." This one is a grab bag of topics, including co-host chemistry, handling critique and feedback, and more! You won’t want to miss this episode when it drops! CHAPTERS: 0:34: Introduction and “Are you a Believer or a Skeptic?” 12:24: Co-host chemistry and respect for each other 23:05: Re-recording and receiving criticism and feedback 39:35: Maintaining your “Brand Identity” and using social media 50:35: Closing Discussion Find "Into the Darkness" on social media: IG: @exploringhorrorpod Find "Believing the Bizarre" on social media: IG: @believingthebizarre Intro/Outro Music: Soulsweeper by ItsWatR Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome to the first ever episode of "Into the Darkness," where we explore horror culture and fandom in every episode! In this inaugural episode, Will is joined by special guest, Ayden Castellanos, storyteller/host of a terrific paranormal storytelling podcast, "Susto." In this episode, we discuss the importance of storytelling in Hispanic cultural identity, remind listeners Hispanics are not monolithic, and show the nuance in The Boogeyman (El Cuco in Puerto Rico and El Cucuy in Mexico)! This was a terrific conversation that you won’t want to miss! CHAPTERS: 0:34 - Introduction and the Meaning of "Susto" 8:51 - Do you scare easily? 14:06 - A reminder about Hispanic cultural diversity 22:08 - The importance of storytelling in Hispanic cultural identity 28:36 - El Cuco and El Cucuy (The Boogeyman in Puerto Rican and Mexican culture) 34:34 - Advice for aspiring podcasters Find "Into the Darkness" on social media: IG: @exploringhorrorpod Find "Susto" on social media: IG: @sustopodcast Intro/Outro Music: Soulsweeper by ItsWatR Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome to “Into the Darkness” where we explore horror culture and fandom in every episode. I’m your host, Will. The horror community is filled with amazing and talented creators, actors/actresses, authors/storytellers, podcast hosts, paranormal investigators, horror movie fans, filmmakers, and more. If you love horror, this is the place for you. If you want to explore the depths of horror culture, join me as we step into the darkness. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices