PODCAST · tv
Light & Shadow: A Horror Podcast
by Nichole Hamilton
Light & Shadow is a horror podcast exploring the cultural, psychological, and spiritual themes hidden within horror films, literature, and folklore. Whether you're a lifelong horror fan or simply curious about what lies beneath the surface, each episode invites you to discover the meaning behind the macabre. It's time to share another dark tale...
Episodes
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Storytime: The Legend of Sleepy Hollow
As autumn settles over the quiet village of Sleepy Hollow, strange legends and local folklore come to life in Washington Irving’s timeless tale of Ichabod Crane and the Headless Horseman. Grab a cup of cider and listen closely as we revisit one of the most enduring ghost stories in American...
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Interview with Coltan Scrivner, Executive Director of Nightmare in the Ozarks Film Fest
I’ve been visiting Eureka Springs, Arkansas, my whole life, and in recent years, I’ve watched its popularity grow, especially within the horror community. In this episode, I sit down with Colton Scrivner, executive director of Nightmare in the Ozarks Film Festival and the Zombie Crawl, to chat...
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Southern Gothic: The Skeleton Key
In this episode, I’m joined by friend of the show Bob to kick off the Southern Gothic series with a discussion of The Skeleton Key from 2005. We’re exploring what makes this film a quintessential Southern Gothic story—from its decaying plantation and dark history to its eerie use of mirrors…
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Stephen King Detour: IT (1990)
Pennywise the clown has become an enduring icon, terrifying kids for generations. In this special bonus episode, I’m joined by Matt and Jackie to revisit the It miniseries that started it all. We’re discussing Tim Curry’s unforgettable performance, the bond of the Losers Club, Derry’s dark…
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Religion in Horror: Jacob's Ladder
In this episode, I'm joined by friend of the show Jacqueline to discuss Jacob's Ladder from 1990. Together, we explore the film's most disturbing moments, the real-world inspirations behind its story, and the lasting impact it has had on horror films and other popular media. We unpack how Jacob's...
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Stephen King Detour: The Stand
In this episode, I’m joined by friends of the show Matt and Jackie to discuss The Stand (1994). Join us as we explore the epic scope of the miniseries, analyzing how it holds up after 30 years, its themes of faith, chaos, and community, and the intricate characters that populate this...
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Religion in Horror: Frailty
In this episode, I'm joined by friend of the show Logan to discuss the complexity of faith and family dynamics in Frailty. We're also discussing Old Testament themes, Bill Paxton’s career and the great state of Texas! Listen: Ghoulish University Watch: The Making of Frailty Read: Dread Central…
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Religion in Horror: The Wicker Man (1973)
In this Religion in Horror episode, I’m exploring the complicated intersection of faith, reason, and devotion in the 1973 classic, The Wicker Man. I’ll also dive into the history and symbolism of May Day celebrations and examine how The Wicker Man helped define and popularize the folk horror...
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David Lynch Detour: A Twin Peaks Discussion
In this episode, I’m joined by friend of the show Randy to discuss the groundbreaking and confounding series, Twin Peaks. We’re chatting about why we love it, the impact it’s had on the media landscape, and much more. Read: But Who Is the Dreamer? Twin Peaks: The Return Watch: Twin Peaks Full...
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Southern Gothic: The Town That Dreaded Sundown (1976)
In 1946, a masked "Phantom Killer" murdered five people in Texarkana. The mystery and lack of resolution turned the case into local legend, and it later inspired the 1976 film, The Town That Dreaded Sundown. In this episode, I'm discussing my recent visit to Texarkana for the 50th anniversary...
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Religion in Horror: The Clovehitch Killer
I’m joined by friend of the show Sunny to discuss church culture, family conflict, and secret lives in The Clovehitch Killer. We’re also chatting about Dennis Rader, the BTK killer, and why we’re drawn to true crime stories. Listen: Light & Shadow: True Crime Watch: BTK: Confession Of A Serial...
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WIHM 2026: The Descent
In this Women in Horror Month episode, I’m joined by first-time guest Caitlin to discuss the terror of misadventure and the fantastic ensemble female cast in The Descent. We’re also chatting about the Missing 411 phenomenon and our own experience with caves. Listen: Plug It Up Podcast Watch:...
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Stephen King Detour: IT: Welcome to Derry
In this bonus episode, I’m joined by Bob from the Straight Chilling Podcast to discuss season one of IT: Welcome to Derry. We’re chatting about our history with the IT franchise, the evolution of Pennywise, and the highs and lows of this HBO spinoff. This series has been getting alot of praise…
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Nightmare in the Ozarks 2025
Nightmare in the Ozarks is an annual horror film festival in Eureka Springs, Arkansas, that showcases horror, thriller, dark comedy, spooky sci-fi features, and shorts. This is my second year attending the festival and I had an absolute blast. This hidden gem deserves more attention, and I'm...
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Fundamental Frights: Creepshow
In this solo episode, I'm discussing Creepshow, which has become a very important part of my annual spooky season tradition. I'm discussing the stellar cast, the classic horror vibes, and the masters of horror that make this possibly the best anthology ever created. I'm also giving my thoughts on...
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Fundamental Frights: Tower of Terror
We're kicking off Halloween season with a Disney Channel classic, Tower of Terror from 1997. In this episode, I'm joined by Justin from Straight Chilling to discuss the ride, the movie, 90s nostalgia and how we felt revisiting this kids movie as adults. We invite you, if you dare, to step aboard...
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Fundamental Frights: It Follows
In this episode, I'm joined by first-time guest and friend of the show Hydraberg to discuss ambiguity, atmosphere, and the relentless pursuit of death in It Follows. Is this movie worth the hype? What is it really about? Tune in to find out. Listen to A Cut Above: Horror Review
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Fundamental Frights: Sinister
In this installment of the Fundamental Frights series, I’m discussing the boogeyman, cursed films and why Sinister has become one of my favorite horror movies. Listen: The Boogeyman Watch: Lawn Work
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Fundamental Frights: Dark Night of the Scarecrow
In this installment of the Fundamental Frights series, I’m joined by my Mom to discuss this made for tv gem from 1981. We’re chatting about watching it with my Grandpa and why we still enjoy it decades later.
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Storytime: The Colour Out of Space
In this tale by H.P. Lovecraft, a mysterious meteor crashes at a farm in the Ozark hills, leaking an unearthly color that slowly poisons the land. As the strange contamination spreads, it brings madness and decay, leaving behind a haunting void that defies explanation.
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Stephen King Detour: The Tommyknockers
The Tommyknockers is one of Stephen King's more bizarre books and is widely regarded as a bad one. The miniseries suffers from the same reputation. A sleepless night led me to a re-read of the book and took me down a rabbit trail exploring why this story has a bad reputation, and why I enjoy it…
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Fundamental Frights: SAW
SAW was a game changer for horror, inspiring a new sub genre and spawning a 10-film franchise. In this episode, I'm discussing my personal history with the film, including my time on the Disney College Program and how a sold out emo show led me to life-changing viewing of James Wan's SAW in 2005.
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WIHM 2025: The Invitation
I'm joined once again by Jacqueline from A Cut Above for a women in horror month special! We're chatting about the weirdness of LA, dealing with death, awkward gatherings, and the impactful ending in Karyn Kusama's The Invitation. Listen: Root of Evil Podcast The Los Feliz Murder Mansion Podcast...
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Fundamental Frights: A Nightmare on Elm Street
In the first episode of the Fundamental Frights series, I'm discussing A Nightmare on Elm Street from 1984. I'm diving into the legacy of Wes Craven and why this movie is so important to my own horror history. Read Fairytales & Freddy Krueger Listen Light & Shadow: The Boogeyman Lore: A Stranger...
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Creature Comforts: A Christmas Carol
Originally recorded in 2023, I join Justin from Straight Chilling for a discussion of the classic tale, A Christmas Carol. We’re chatting about the book and the many film adaptations that have made this story a timeless icon of the season. Here's to Haunted Holidays and a Spooky New Year! Listen…
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Stephen King Detour: Live from Bangor, Maine
Hello, Losers! As you know, I am a lifelong Stephen King fan and constant reader. My Mom and I recently spent a few days exploring the Bangor, Maine area including locations that inspired IT, Pet Sematary and more. Come along and join us for a tour of Stephen King Country! References and…
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Religion in Horror: Southbound
I'm joined by friend of the show Logan to discuss crime, punishment, and the bad decisions that lead us down the dark road in Southbound. We're also chatting about our favorite anthologies and desert horror. Be sure to check out Logan's show, Ghoulish University.
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Religion in Horror: Hellraiser
In this episode, I'm joined by friend of the show Matt to discuss Clive Barker's 1987 classic Hellraiser. We're chatting about the complicated nature of the Cenobites, Frank's misguided motivations, and what makes Hellraiser an enduring icon of the genre. Check out Matt's podcast Swords in Stereo
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Religion in Horror: Constantine
I'm once again joined by my husband David to discuss the complexities of faith and rogue angels in Constantine. We're also chatting about David's experience as a horror husband and our memorable spooky adventures. References: The Last Exorcism Wild Turkey Fist Fight
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The First Omen and the Resurgence of Catholic Horror
In this episode, I'm discussing the the recent popularity of Catholic horror and why I was pleasantly surprised by The First Omen. I'm also returning to my roots and exploring why religious themes continue to resonate in the horror genre. Other Catholic Episodes: The Exorcist The Exorcist…
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Religion in Horror: Children of the Corn
I'm joined by Hannah of the Cinema Slab Podcast to discuss the 1984 classic, Children of the Corn. We also chat about our experiences growing up in church, including singing hymns and heckling pastors.
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Religion in Horror: 1408
Is this a simple haunted house story, or something more? This month, I’m taking a deep dive into this Stephen King adaptation and what it has to say about being trapped in the personal hell that is room 1408.
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Creature Comforts: The Passion of the Christ
This month, I’m sharing a special collaboration episode originally released on Creature Comforts, a spinoff show featured on Straight Chilling’s YouTube channel that explores horror adjacent films. Justin and I are discussing the more gruesome aspects of The Passion of the Christ, why the movie...
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WIHM 2024: Silent Hill
In this Women in Horror Month episode, Im joined by Jacqueline from A Cut Above to discuss motherhood, purgatory, and judgement in Silent Hill. Listen: Ghost Town: Sounds from Silent Hill
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Religion in Horror: The Serpent and the Rainbow
I'm joined by Bob from Straight Chilling to discuss the world of voodoo, magic, and scientific discovery in Wes Craven's The Serpent and the Rainbow. We also chat about playing drums in worship bands and the controversy of wearing pants on stage at my childhood church. For weekly horror review,...
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Storytime: Christmas Tales
In this special Christmas episode, I’m sharing two classic horror tales for the season - The Dancing Partner and Smee. Thanks for all your support this year. May you have a very Spooky Christmas and a Haunted New Year. Wraparound Story: Between the Lights, E.F. Benson, 1912 Narrator's Story: The...
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Religion in Horror: The Conjuring
I'm joined by first-time guest Logan of Ghoulish University, and we're wrapping up the exorcism mini-series with a discussion of spiritual celebrities, hauntings and possession and in The Conjuring. Listen to Ghoulish University Follow Christopher McKenny on Instagram Watch Ghost Adventures...
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The Exorcist: Believer
I’m joined once again by special guest Nat to discuss the highs, lows and multi-denominational approach to exorcism in David’s Gordon Green’s latest installment. Follow Nat's work on Instagram @lunathespectre.
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Religion in Horror: The Exorcist
I'm joined by good friend Nat to discuss the complexity of humanity, finding your own faith and the beauty of self-sacrifice in the The Exorcist. Follow Nat's work on Instagram @lunathespectre. Sacred Terror: Religion and Horror on the Silver Screen by Douglas Cowan, featured on Shudder's Cursed...
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Religion in Horror: The Last Exorcism
I'm joined by first-time guest David (who I also happen to married to) to discuss deconstruction, crisis of faith and culty churches in The Last Exorcism. If you're in touring band and you're interested in free lodging while on tour, check out RYFO.
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Religion in Horror: The Sacrament
In this episode, I'm joined by my Mom, Sherry! We're diving into cults, true crime and the depiction of Jonestown in Ti West’s The Sacrament. We're also discussing her experience growing up in church as a pastor's kid, celebrating Halloween in the 70s, and how her history effected the way I was...
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The Haunted Mansion (2023)
In this bonus episode, I'm joined by Bethany, co-host on my first podcast Disney Native. We're discussing the highs, lows, easter eggs and happy haunts in Disney's Haunted Mansion. Listen to Disney Native Grim, Grinning Ghosts - A Tribute to the Haunted Mansion Boo Bash! River Country Film Read…
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Religion in Horror: The Mist
I'm joined by Andy from The Straight Chilling Podcast to discuss monsters, religious fanatics, and the flaws of humanity in Frank Darabont's The Mist. Watch When Darkness Came: The Making of the Mist Listen Religion in Horror: Midnight Mass The Straight Chilling Podcast
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Religion in Horror: Midsommar
I’m joined by friend of the show Sunny to discuss pagan festivals, symbolism, toxic relationships, and manipulation in Ari Aster’s Midsommar. Follow Sunny arrows.in.eros Ari Aster on Breakup Movies https://youtu.be/PiDPsWE4FJ8
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Religion in Horror: Midnight Mass
I’m discussing my personal experience with religion and how it connects to mania and faith in Mike Flanagan’s fresh take on an old subgenre. Read Fear + Faith Blog Post Listen Beware the Jesus Bunny: Easter Recommendations Storytime: Young Goodman Brown
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WIHM 2023: You've Come A Long Way, Baby
This year, I’m reflecting on the last decade of female-driven horror in a discussion about how far we’ve come and where I’d like to see us go next. Listen: American Mary on A Cut Above Horror Review Knock at the Cabin on Straight Chilling Shop: Anna's House of Wax Read:...
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Creativity & Criticism in The Menu
In this episode, I'm joined by Randy from the Straight Chilling Podcast to discuss creativity and criticism in The Menu. We're also sharing some of our personal experiences as creative professionals, and chatting about the best meal we've ever had. Real-life restaurant drama that inspired the…
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Halloween Special: Bonfire
In this episode, I’m joined by friends of the pod to discuss some of our favorite spooky season content, including TV episodes and underrated gems. I’m also sharing a campfire tale from Knifepoint Horror to kick off the Halloween weekend. Special thanks to our guests! TV Episodes: A Cut Above...
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Beware the Jesus Bunny
It’s Easter week and although we nerds love our holiday horrors, Easter isn’t one that immediately comes to mind as a favorite. But I put a little thought into it, and have a few unconventional recommendations that I think fit the bill for the Easter season. Read more: Daybreakers: The Gospel...
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Storytime: Young Goodman Brown
When Goodman Brown ventures into the Salem woods to meet a mysterious stranger, he discovers that his friends and neighbors are not who they seem, and gains a deeper knowledge that will haunt him for the rest of his life.
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
Light & Shadow is a horror podcast exploring the cultural, psychological, and spiritual themes hidden within horror films, literature, and folklore. Whether you're a lifelong horror fan or simply curious about what lies beneath the surface, each episode invites you to discover the meaning behind the macabre. It's time to share another dark tale...
HOSTED BY
Nichole Hamilton
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does Light & Shadow: A Horror Podcast have?
Light & Shadow: A Horror Podcast currently has 89 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is Light & Shadow: A Horror Podcast about?
Light & Shadow is a horror podcast exploring the cultural, psychological, and spiritual themes hidden within horror films, literature, and folklore. Whether you're a lifelong horror fan or simply curious about what lies beneath the surface, each episode invites you to discover the meaning behind...
How often does Light & Shadow: A Horror Podcast release new episodes?
Light & Shadow: A Horror Podcast has 89 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.
Where can I listen to Light & Shadow: A Horror Podcast?
You can listen to Light & Shadow: A Horror Podcast on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts Light & Shadow: A Horror Podcast?
Light & Shadow: A Horror Podcast is created and hosted by Nichole Hamilton.
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