That's So Morbid

This week, I’m joined by author Dianna Gunn to talk about writing across genres, finding inspiration in tabletop gaming and fantasy worlds, and why online communities remain such an important part of the literary ecosystem.We discuss the realities of indie publishing, creative burnout, weaving trauma and healing into speculative fiction, and the surprising ways horror and fantasy often overlap. Dianna also shares how community support has shaped her career and why no writer should do it all alone.Plus learn about the latest and greatest drinking game taking the B-horror world by storm;)This episode does not contain spoilers but we discuss:Lobster Man from Mars (1989)Oculus (2013)Sharks in a Cornfield (2021)Shark Side of the Moon (2022)Follow Dianna on Bluesky and InstagramCheck out her work: Choices: An Anthology of Reproductive HorrorMoonshadow Rising DuologyKiller Debt💀💀Follow us on Instagram @spooky.scholars💀Join the ongoing conversation and LIVE salon each month at spookyscholars.com🖤Full show notes at patreon.com/spookyscholars

What if we thought of monsters as the self-help gurus of the goths?!In this episode we explore what our favorite monsters can teach us about our shadows and how we can be better humans. I know, ewww. We get into how vampires reveal our fear of mortality, how werewolves reflect the struggle to control our impulses, and how we all have ghosts in our past that we just can’t let go of. This is Part One of looking closely at the shadow sides of monster lore and the very human flaws they reflect back at us.Stay tuned for Part Two, where we'll explore the lessons hidden within even more iconic monsters we all love. *This episode may contain spoilers for:We Have a Ghost (2023)💀💀Follow us on Instagram @spooky.scholars and @sass.ashe💀Join the ongoing conversation and LIVE salon each month at spookyscholars.com🖤Full show notes at patreon.com/spookyscholars

What do classic horror icons reveal about us?In this episode, I’m with horror narrator and creator, Professor Shadow to explore the human shadow hidden inside classic monsters and those of his own creation.We talk about why horror continues to resonate across generations, how monsters embody our fears, desires, shame, rage, and loneliness, and why horror can sometimes reveal truths that everyday life tries to suppress.Plus, we talk about the monster in the room—AI (yes, that’s an em dash, bitches!)...and how it’s coming for all of us to prove beyond a “shadow” of a doubt (see what I did there?) that we are humans creating human content for other humans. *This episode contains spoilers forCat People (1942)...but like, you've had time.Find Professor Shadow on YouTube or at professorshadow.com💀💀Follow us on Instagram @spooky.scholars💀Join the ongoing conversation and LIVE salon each month at spookyscholars.com🖤Full show notes at patreon.com/spookyscholars

What does horror allow us to feel safely that everyday life often punishes?In this episode, we explore horror as an emotional classification system that shows us how socially forbidden emotions finally get permission to exist under certain subgenres of horror: possession films, body horror, slashers and paranormal hauntings, different horror subgenres may reflect different emotional states we’re taught to suppress in real life.It’s what society tells us is appropriate to fear and how we’re supposed to react. And we rarely break to the rules or let our humanity loose…and that’s really what’s scary.💀💀Follow us on Instagram @spooky.scholars💀Join the ongoing conversation and LIVE salon each month at spookyscholars.com🖤Full show notes and online community of corpses at patreon.com/spookyscholars

How is horror handling masculinity?In this episode, I’m with horror author Eric Miller for a fascinating deep dive into masculinity, vulnerability, trauma, loneliness, and why horror may be the perfect genre for exploring all of it.Together, we dissect iconic male characters, examining the stark contrast between toxic masculinity and authentic heroism. We bring in emotionally repressed antiheroes compassionate survivors, and villains for villains’ sake. This conversation explores horror, sci-fi, fantasy (and wrestling!) and how these genres reflect and challenge our cultural ideas about what it means to “be a man.”Truly, we're exploring a poignant cultural moment where we are all seriously craving nuanced and emotionally grounded male characters in art and film to begin to show us what positive masulinity could look like going forward.This episode contains spoilers for:Shaun of the Dead (2004)Thor: Ragnarok (2017)Midsommar (2019)Weapons (2025)💀💀Follow us on Instagram @spooky.scholars💀Join the ongoing conversation and LIVE salon each month at spookyscholars.com🖤Full show notes at patreon.com/spookyscholars

We're back after a two month break of processing a... nightmare. In this personal, solo episode I'm sharing what I've learned about dark nights of the soul and shadow work, through the lens of horror. And you're gonna want to hear this!I share what I’ve been moving through with divorce, processing pain, and the patterns I've missed in horror movies I love.Because that’s what they do. They show us the patterns in ourselves we desperately try to avoid. In this episode, I'm sharing how I see even more how horror reflects our fears, insecurities, and survival instincts. And how, if you let it, horror will show you your own shadow work that you've been avoiding or not processing. Basically we’re getting into shadow work, personal growth, healing after heartbreak, and why horror might be one of the most honest tools we have for self-reflection. Hope you're up for it!*This episode contains spoilers for:Halloween (1978)Scream (1996)Hereditary (2018)Ready or Not (2019)Hear Ashe on the Freaky and Geeky podcast: https://open.spotify.com/episode/7K2Qjuc9iQaWXRVtMatVs1?si=8ebd4c07fb8c470b💀💀Follow us on Instagram @spooky.scholars💀Join the ongoing conversation and LIVE salon each month at spookyscholars.com🖤Join the crew and get full show notes at patreon.com/spookyscholarsEnjoy the show? Leave us a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐review!

Lucio Fulci is often remembered as the “Godfather of Gore” or the director of ruptured eyes, melting flesh, and apocalyptic endings. But my guest today says we don’t really know the real Fulci, and there’s so much more to this important figure in horror. Matt Rogerson has written extensively on Fulci’s relationship to faith in his new book Fulci’s Inferno: Fulci's Inferno: Faith in the Films of a Horror and Giallo Auteur. And in this episode we explore how Catholic imagery, spiritual crisis, and Dantean architecture shape films like The Beyond, City of the Living Dead, Zombi 2 and more. Listen if you want to understand why Fulci’s horror feels less like shock and more like a horrific revelation.*This episode contains spoilers for:Don’t Torture a Duckling …but as Matt says, you’ve had since 1972…Find Matt @bavalamp and @1428publishing on Instagram💀💀Follow us on Instagram @spooky.scholars💀Join the ongoing conversation and LIVE salon each month at spookyscholars.com🖤Full show notes at patreon.com/spookyscholars

In this episode we’re with Canadian historical fiction author, Cinda Gault.Cinda schools us on incredible Canadian women of history we all should know more about and how she is remedying that with her fiction. We also discuss the roots of the horror genre, slaying vampires, 18th century final girls, Canadian abortion law, and Cinda's own incredible work in the feminist movement in the 1970s.Cinda brings a deep reverence for women’s stories, and through her historical fiction, she continues to illuminate the voices that history tried to hush, but that refuse to stay silent.This episode is spoiler free!Follow Cinda on Goodreads:https://www.goodreads.com/author/list/6170707.Cinda_Gault💀💀Follow us on Instagram @spooky.scholars💀Join the ongoing conversation and LIVE salon each month at spookyscholars.com🖤Full show notes at patreon.com/spookyscholars

Are we (already) letting AI replace us? In this episode, I explore the growing cultural shift toward AI companionship, AI relationships, and emotional automation. Artificial intelligence is increasingly over-stepping into our world and now, even into roles once reserved for real human intimacy and connection.But this episode isn’t just about digital horror or even AI ethics or even the future of technology.It’s about language and how we’re using computer and robot terminology to describe human emotions and behavior: We “process” grief. We “download” information. We “optimize” relationships. We talk about burnout as "a system crash" and treat heartbreak like "corrupted data" to "file away" as a lesson for the future.  In the end I’m really wondering: as automation expands beyond labor and into love, what does that mean for human connection, empathy, and identity?Are we building machines to act more human, or are we training ourselves to feel less?*This episode contains MAJOR spoilers for:Companion (2025)M3GAN 2.0 (2025)💀💀Follow us on Instagram @spooky.scholars💀Join the ongoing conversation and LIVE salon each month at spookyscholars.com🖤Full show notes at patreon.com/spookyscholars

Let's explore liminality, trauma, and coming-of-age horror through the lens of my newest project as part of Darkest Margins, curated and edited by our guest, Matt Rogerson.We get into more of what to expect from a much-needed contribution to horror scholarship and a little of what Matt went through to bring this project to the horror community. We'll then talk about Matt's own contribution to the project where he analyzes adolescence and generational representation to uncover why horror treats youth more honestly than mainstream teen films (ahem, John Hughes, your homophobia is showing!).*May contain spoilers for"Don't Torture a Duckling (1972)Demonia (1990)Darkest Margins: 24 Essays on Liminality and Liminal Spaces in the Horror Genre*Curated and Edited by Matt Rogerson, with a Foreword by Dr Alexandra Heller-Nicholas, DARKEST MARGINS is a collection of twenty four essays from leading and up-and-coming genre writers exploring expressions of liminality and liminal spaces in the horror genre, across cinema, literature, television, art and video games. Taking in the anthropological, psychological and architectural liminality, and accompanied by four stunning pieces of original artwork, the assembled academic and engaging essays undertake what has not been done on this scale before: to explore, map, analyze and discuss those rites of passage, states of ambiguity or disorientation and physical waypoints in a wide variety of works across more than a century of horror media.Get a copy: https://www.thebrokenbinding.co.uk/product-page/darkest-margins-24-essays-on-liminality-and-liminal-spaces-in-the-horror-genreFollow Matt @bavalamp and @1428publishing 💀💀Follow us on Instagram @spooky.scholars💀Join the ongoing conversation and LIVE salon each month at spookyscholars.com🖤Full show notes at patreon.com/spookyscholars

Joined in this episode by author, friend, and returning guest, Kimberly Pinzon, to critically examine how sexual assault is portrayed in horror films and why these depictions are so often shaped by male directors. She's got some stuff to say!We specifically look at rape revenge horror and question who has the authority to tell these stories and whether “artistic freedom” is being used to justify gendered harm on screen.We explore how horror cinema repeatedly centers female suffering, the power dynamics behind these creative choices, and more reasons why representation behind the camera matters. Our hope is that this conversation furthers the the case for more women directors in horror and greater accountability in how trauma is depicted in film.Content note: discussion of violent sexual assault and gender-based harm.*This episode contains spoilers for:Last House on the Left (1974, 2009)I Spit on Your Grave (2010)Promising Young Woman (2020)Deliverance (1972)Revenge (2017)Follow Kimberly Pinzon @modernmonstress (IG and TikTok)Check out Final Girl Redux and other books on Goodreads.💀💀Follow us on Instagram @spooky.scholars💀Join the ongoing conversation and LIVE salon each month at spookyscholars.com🖤Full show notes at patreon.com/spookyscholars

They’re calling 2026 the year we go back to analog. And in this first episode of Season 6, I’m joined by authors Wendy Dalrymple and Grace Reynolds, the editors behind a new anthology of nostalgia horror that digs into our first precious memories of the genre we all love. We explore how modern horror has embraced nostalgia through shows like Stranger Things, the rise of horror remakes, and our collective obsession with reboots, and retro media. Plus we learn more about the global experiences of growing up with horror that maybe wasn't all Halloween and Blockbuster through Wendy and Grace's new anthology project, Poisoned Soup for the Macabre, Depraved, and Insane.This conversation unpacks the emotional pull of nostalgia, how and why horror is the perfect genre to examine who we used to be.So if the past has been calling lately, this episode might explain why.Grab your copy!Poisoned Soup for the Macabre, Depraved, and InsaneMore from Wendy > wendydalrymple.comWendy on Instagram @wendydalrymplewritesGrace on Instagram @gravereynolds💀💀Follow us on Instagram @spooky.scholars💀Join the ongoing conversation and LIVE salon each month at spookyscholars.com🖤Full show notes at patreon.com/spookyscholars

A nightmare team collab episode that unpacks modern masculinity in lad/bro holiday horror, all by random selection with Horror Roulette Pod. During the month of Movember we watched a film that examines how traditional ideas of masculinity are challenged, and sometimes reinforced, when men seek escape, connection, and meaning. This episode is a mash up of scholarly analysis with random fun and a new podcast friendship.Join Spooky Scholars host, Ashe Woodward and guests Nellie and Anthony from Horror Roulette pod for a very special 1-hour episode to last you the rest of the year!!This episode contains MAJOR spoilers for:The Ritual (2017)Hereditary (2018)Companion (2025)💀💀Follow us on Instagram @spooky.scholars💀Join the ongoing conversation and LIVE salon each month at spookyscholars.com🖤Full show notes at patreon.com/spookyscholarsEnjoy the show? Trade ya for a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐review!

Mometu is carving out a rare space in the (FREE) streaming world: a platform that refuses to let algorithms decide what audiences see. In this episode, president of Mometu, Bryan Louzil, joins me to discuss the philosophy behind hand-picking films, the challenges of curation in an automated landscape, and why horror and horror lovers especially benefit from a human touch.Plus, learn more about how Mometu is also hands on in the indie film space, supporting new filmmakers and literally funding the future of film on their platform. For listeners curious about the future of streaming (especially with this week's Netflix-Warner Bros. fiasco!). This one will give you hope that there are still some film companies that actually like films!💀💀Follow us on Instagram @spooky.scholars💀Join the ongoing conversation and LIVE salon each month at spookyscholars.com🖤Full show notes at patreon.com/spookyscholarsEnjoy the show? Trade ya for a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐review!

To celebrate our 100th episode, we’re diving straight into my newest writing project: an exploration of the Flatliners universe and how its gothic architecture, liminal spaces, and resurrection imagery mirror the film’s trauma narrative and each character’s desperate push toward restoration and rebirth.And because it’s episode 100, we’re turning that lens on ourselves too. We look at our own restoration arc: where the show started, how it’s evolved, and where Spooky Scholars is heading in 2026 as we dig even deeper into horror analysis, film theory, and the dark academia vibes you’ve all been a part of creating with us. *This episode may contain spoilers for:Flatliners (2022)Flatliners (2017)💀Follow us on Instagram @spooky.scholars💀💀Join the ongoing conversation and LIVE salon each month at spookyscholars.com🖤Full show notes at patreon.com/spookyscholarsEnjoying the show? Trade ya for a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐review!Wanna share private thoughts? Eww, but ok. Get in touch via email at  ✉️ [email protected]

Ever noticed how many horror characters and plots mirror the experience of neurodivergence? Think Carrie channeling raw emotion into telekinesis, Percy Jackson reframing dyslexia and ADHD as signs of his power, or how just the disorientation and misreadings in Evil Dead echo the anxieties baked into our standardized school system.My guest this week, Russell Von Brocklen, is a dyslexia expert and someone who lives with dyslexia himself. His work has helped countless learners tap into their own strengths and rethink what dyslexia actually means and challenge the traditional stigma. In this episode we learn that with the right tools and support, what many people label as a “curse” often reveals itself as a genuine superpower.We explore how misreadings can spiral into chaos on screen, how they reflect real-life moments of confusion or overwhelm, and what horror can teach us about questioning the idea of “normal” altogether.*This episode may contain spoilers for:Percy Jackson and The Olympians: The Lightning Theif (2010)Evil Dead (1981)💀Find out more about Russel and his work at dyslexiaclasses.com💀Follow us on Instagram @spooky.scholars💀💀Join the ongoing conversation and LIVE salon each month at spookyscholars.com🖤Full show notes at patreon.com/spookyscholarsEnjoy the show? Trade ya for a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐review!Wanna share private thoughts? Eww, but ok. Get in touch via email at  ✉️ [email protected]

In this episode, I chat with one of my co-authors from our upcoming publication, Darkest Margins: 24 Essays on Liminality and Liminal Spaces in Horror, which is set to be one of the most extensive horror essay anthologies on liminality EVER published! Jessica and I discuss our contributions to the work and the omnipresence of liminality and the fear of liminal spaces in horror. We discuss her essay, "Dementia in Dimensions: Trapped between the Horrors of Cognitive Disease and Death" which looks at the unsettling crossroads where horror, aging, and identity meet, focusing on how dementia and decline are portrayed through women’s bodies on film.Our conversation explores the liminal body in The Visit, Relic, and The Taking of Deborah Logan, looking at how these movies use dementia, memory loss, and family caretaking to create deeply human and deeply terrifying stories. We also break down the recent return of hagsploitation films, the cultural fears wrapped around older women in horror, and why aging itself becomes a liminal space that filmmakers keep returning to.The Taking of Deborah Logan (2014)The Visit (2015)Relic (2020)💀Find Jessica on Instagram @jayjayrose7💀Follow us on Instagram @spooky.scholars💀💀Join the ongoing conversation and LIVE salon each month at spookyscholars.com🖤Full show notes at patreon.com/spookyscholarsEnjoying the show? Trade ya for a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐review!Wanna share private thoughts? Eww, but ok. Get in touch via email at  ✉️ [email protected]

Steve Sxaks’s novel, Invasion of the Punk Rockers, Who Drink Blood! taps into and explores how counter-culture is a key part of horror history. His horror narratives about punk rock vampires, get to the heart of punk and goth culture and what it means to be part of a group and part of the system. As a former soldier, Steve has a unique take on what it means to be part of a group, a clique, and what it really means to wear a ‘uniform’.We talk influences like Troma Entertainment, horror comics, other nerdy ideas and more in this one, all getting to the main point that horror has been built on punk rock, counter-culture ideals and it’s gotta stay that way. *This episode may contain spoilers for:Hellboy: The Crooked Man (2024)The Long Walk (2025)💀Find Steve at letsgoguy.com and @stevesxaksGet your copy of Invasion of the Punk Rockers, Who Drink Blood!: An Ashwood Story💀Follow us on Instagram @spooky.scholars💀💀Join the ongoing conversation and LIVE salon each month at spookyscholars.com🖤Full show notes at patreon.com/spookyscholarsEnjoy the show? Trade ya for a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐review!Wanna share private thoughts? Eww, but ok. Get in touch via email at  ✉️ [email protected]

Join us for a conversation with the talented Jon Mann, a filmmaker from New Brunswick, Canada. We're so honoured to discuss his gripping adaptation of Stephen King's short story, "Popsy," and his journey in the Dollar Baby Program that has been pivotal for so many new filmmakers.We discuss the thrilling challenges of bringing King’s chilling narratives to life. Plus, hear more about how Mann's adaptation is being screened at the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures in Los Angeles this month out of hundreds in the program. We’ll also discuss the state of the Canadian horror film scene, the perfect deep woods backdrops in our own backyard, and explore the surprising depths of Scooby-Doo.Plus, Ashe shares her experience at the It: Welcome to Derry premiere in the small Ontario town where it was filmed. This episode is very Canadian and very Stephen King. It might not be a combination you’ve considered before but let’s dive into this homegrown horror episode.  *This episode contains spoilers for:"Popsy" by Stephen King (1993)💀Find Jon on Instagram @jonnymann💀Follow US on Instagram @spooky.scholars💀💀Join the ongoing conversation and LIVE salon each month at spookyscholars.com🖤Full show notes at patreon.com/spookyscholarsEnjoy the show? Trade ya for a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐review!Wanna share private thoughts? Eww, but ok. Get in touch via email at  ✉️ [email protected]

A conversation with emerging indie horror director, George Miranda, where we scrutinize the indie horror film industry and highlight the important role that horror creatives play.We'll explore his unwavering passion for the iconic A Nightmare on Elm Street and how it has influenced his unique vision and specific projects. We also get his candid thoughts on the limitations of traditional filmmaking tools (spoiler: tripods don't make the cut!) and where he sees horror moving in the near future. Let's talk the future of film and the vital role indie filmmakers play. If you're an indie film lover or director yourself, you'll definitely want to listen in!*This episode may contain spoilers for:Barbarian (2022)A Nightmare on Elm Street (1984)💀George Miranda on Instagram @lawless_jm💀Follow us on Instagram @spooky.scholars💀💀Join the ongoing conversation and LIVE salon each month at spookyscholars.com🖤Full show notes at patreon.com/spookyscholarsEnjoy the show? Trade ya for a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐review!Wanna share private thoughts? Eww, but ok. Get in touch via email at  ✉️ [email protected]

Chatting with horror film director Chris Kelly about his newest project, Bishop's Day, and his inspiration from over 250 slashers.He's here to share the formulaic secrets behind crafting iconic horror villains that we, the horror community, are ready to gobble up!Discover his latest project, Bishop's Day, that takes a gruesome twist on the average barbershop and learn why Sweeney Todd need not apply.This episode may contain spoilers for:Sweeney Todd (2007)The Haunting (1963)Targets (1968)💀Find Chris and Bishop's Day @bishopsday on IG💀Follow us on Instagram @spooky.scholars💀💀Join the ongoing conversation and LIVE salon each month at spookyscholars.com🖤Full show notes at patreon.com/spookyscholarsEnjoy the show? Trade ya for a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐review!Wanna share private thoughts? Eww, but ok. Get in touch via email at  ✉️ [email protected]

Every Halloween we willingly put ourselves at the mercy of Haunted Funhouses and their antics. But ever wondered what really goes into building a terrifying and thrilling haunted funhouse that sends thousands running and screaming ... and then coming back for more?In this episode, we chat with Marty, the visionary owner & mad mastermind behind Long Island’s Haunted Firehouse.With Halloween just around the corner, join us to learn from Marty about the creativity, dedication, and passion involved in crafting terrifyingly successful experiences for Halloween lovers for more than 20 years.And don't forget to support local events and experience the frightful fun yourself!*This episode may contain spoilers for :The Twilight Zone "To Serve Man" Season 3 Episode 24Haunt (2019)longislangfirehouse.org💀Follow US on Instagram @spooky.scholars💀💀Join the ongoing conversation and LIVE salon each month at spookyscholars.com🖤Full show notes at patreon.com/spookyscholarsWanna share private thoughts? Eww, but ok. Get in touch via email at  ✉️ [email protected]

Former chemist turned hypnotist, Amethysta Herrick, joins us to discuss Clive Barker’s Hellraiser. We explore how in its 'puzzle', the film may hold some answers to our questions about society’s categorical systems of gender, identity, pain, and pleasure.Together we examine how conformity is its own form of horror, and how queerness, hypnosis, and self-liberation challenge the boundaries of what we’re told we should be.*This episode may contain spoilers for :Hellraiser (1987)Hellbound: Hellraiser II (1988)💀Find Amethysta at purplepawclan.com💀Follow us on Instagram @spooky.scholars💀💀Join the ongoing conversation and LIVE salon each month at spookyscholars.com🖤Full show notes at patreon.com/spookyscholarsWanna share private thoughts? Eww, but ok. Get in touch via email at  ✉️ [email protected]

We’re back and jumping right into the scandalous worlds of storytelling and journalism with former CNN International journalist, Chris Riker.Join us as we dissect the gripping themes of the Australian sci-fi horror, Monolith (2022) and the allegory that calls out and rips open the dire state of today’s media landscape. Learn more from Chris on how horror, creativity, and ethics interweave in both journalism and his own writing. And with Riker's experience at the forefront of free speech and the art of character-driven narratives, this conversation could not speak to our current moment more. Ready to explore the moral challenges journalists face and a haunting vision of our future media landscape?Well, welcome back to Season 5!*This episode may contain spoilers for:Monolith (2022)💀Find Chris at chrisrikerauthor.com💀Follow us on Instagram @spooky.scholars💀💀Join the ongoing conversation and LIVE salon each month at spookyscholars.com🖤Full show notes at patreon.com/spookyscholarsWanna share private thoughts? Eww, but ok. Get in touch via email at  ✉️ [email protected]

In this episode we explore Alice of Alice's Adventures in Wonderland as part of the final girl ancesty. We take into account Lewis Carroll's questionable legacy and what that means for how Alice was presented, constructed and how we conceive of this legacy after all Alice has influenced today. We'll touch on how Alice's character and Carroll's themes reverberate through the horror genre, lighting the path for modern slasher and iconic franchises like The Matrix and Sabrina the Teenage Witch and Stranger Things.Connecting the dots to ancient myths with Inanna, and literary giants like Dante and Gulliver's Travels, we're going into the underworld of storytelling and the history of horror on this one. *This episode may contain spoilers for:Alice in Wonderland (1951) DisneyAlice in Wonderland (2010) Tim BurtonAlice Through the Looking Glass (2016)Alice in Terrorland (2023)The Matrix (1999)Stranger Things (2016-2025)The Chilling Adventures of Sabrina (2018-2020)💀💀Follow us on Instagram @spooky.scholars💀Join the ongoing conversation and LIVE salon each month at spookyscholars.com🖤Full show notes at patreon.com/spookyscholarsEnjoy the show? How 'bout a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐review?

Go Ask Alice was a seemingly innocent diary-style narrative that took America by storm, sold millions of copies, and rocked a generation by pointing out the dangers of drugs.Too bad it was all a lie!In this episode we uncover the baffling connections between the iconic 70s novel, its controversial author Beatrice Sparks, and the psychedelic anthem 'White Rabbit' by Grace Slick and Jefferson Airplane. There are layers of deception here and questions we need to sort out before we even get to how the enchanting tales of Alice in Wonderland are intertwined with a narrative designed to mislead. Join me in this Part One of Two to take a look at how one woman and her book duped a nation and the horror of how everyone believed it. *This episode contains spoilers for:Go Ask Alice (1973)The Blair Witch Project (1999)P.S. Several times in the episode I refer to Beatrice Sparks as Beatrice 'Stark'. This is my mistake. She's just a fake book author, no relation to Iron Man. Thank you for your attention in this matter. 💀💀Follow us on Instagram @spooky.scholars💀Join the ongoing conversation and LIVE salon each month at spookyscholars.com🖤Full show notes at patreon.com/spookyscholarsEnjoying the show? We'd love you to be one of our ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ reviewers!

Have you ever noticed the power the piano holds in horror films? From its haunting minor or off-key melodies that evoke anxiety and fear to its imposing presence symbolizing intimidation in the Gothic, the piano serves as a captivating character in itself. In this 88th episode (no coincidence!) we look more closely at how this seemingly elegant instrument becomes a sinister force of anxiety and fear in the world of horror, 'playing' on our anxieties of performance, class, and ableism.*This episode contains spoilers for: The Beast with Five Fingers (1946)House (1977) - https://archive.org/details/house_202104Interview with the Vampire (1994)Audition (1999)💀💀Follow us on Instagram @spooky.scholars💀Join the ongoing conversation and LIVE salon each month at spookyscholars.com🖤Full show notes at patreon.com/spookyscholarsEnjoying the show? Please leave a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ review to help us reach more of the horror community!

Iranian-American sci-fi author Reza Rajebi (pen. Daiko Hazhir) joins us to explore the thin, often terrifying line between imagined monsters and real-world horrors. Get a mini lesson in Iranian culture, an overview of the brutal realities of the U.S.-Iran conflict, and also a reminder of the internal conflict Iran now faces with itself. We also discuss the historical role of repression, exile, the next regime, the resilience of youth, and the role of storytelling and art in surviving and resisting oppressive power. Reza shares deeply personal reflections on watching the conflict between his two home countries and how that tension inspires him to write and read to find the answers we all need for humanity to evolve toward peace. The Exorcist (1973)💀💀Follow us on Instagram @spooky.scholars💀Join the ongoing conversation and LIVE salon each month at spookyscholars.com🖤Full show notes at patreon.com/spookyscholarsThank you in advance for your stellar, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ review!

We’re meeting the moment that is 2025, where the fight against power seems to be playing out both in the streets and on our screens. Together we'll dissect the subgenre, of "Eat-the-Rich" horror that oozes out much more when there's unrest among the common people, and more tax breaks for the already-wealthy. Let's talk about standout horror stories that call out billionaire greed, the link between wealth and corruption, and how the working class often steps in as the unlikely hero. And of course, we’re looking back to history and our long-standing tradition of mocking the egos of the rich and powerful because, let’s be honest, grotesque upper-class antics have actually been satire gold since Ancient Greece. So, if you’re guilty of rooting for the downfall of characters from White Lotus, Succession, The Menu, or Bodies Bodies Bodies check out this episode for more on how we got here, where the genre might be going, and why it matters right now. Society (1989)Satanic Panic (2019)The Menu (2022)Bodies, Bodies, Bodies (2022)Fresh (2022)💀💀Follow us on Instagram @spooky.scholars💀Join the ongoing conversation and LIVE salon each month at spookyscholars.com🖤Full show notes at patreon.com/spookyscholarsEnjoy the show? Trade ya for a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐review!

Mind-bending and culture-crossing things are happening in Indigenous horror and sci-fi literature and film today and we need to know more!If you've never explored this creepy corner of our genre before, let's get started with acclaimed author Drew Hayden Taylor.In this special Canada Day episode, we attempt to unravel the intertwining themes of culture, monsters, and storytelling through the lens of native literature.Drew helps us navigate how these tales of terror and monsters reflect the realities of colonialism and appropriation, shaping narratives that challenge conventions. Join our discussion on how Indigenous authors continue to move past trauma into a new era of narrative that pushes the boundaries of future possibilities while honouring the rich history of Indigenous pasts.*No spoilers in this episodeDrew Hayden Taylor's Books we mention:The Night Wanderer (2007)Take Us to Your Chief (2016)Me Tomorrow: Indigenous Views on the Future (2021)Anthology:Zegaajimo: Indigenous Horror Fiction ed. Kateri Akiwenzie-Damm and Nathan Adler (2024)💀💀Follow us on Instagram @spooky.scholars💀Join the ongoing conversation and LIVE salon each month at spookyscholars.com🖤Full show notes at patreon.com/spookyscholars

In this episode, we trace the rise (and backlash) of the Manic Pixie Dream Girl trope and explores why this character rarely survives in horror. Unlike the indie rom-coms that birthed her, horror has no use for a paper-thin catalyst character. Here, the “manic” gets dialed up to maniacal, the “dream” turns nightmare, and instead of saving sad boys, she’s reclaiming her own narrative or getting messily destroyed in the process.We’ll talk final girls, feminine rage, and what happens when you give the quirky side character (ahem) 'teeth'. Because in horror, this adorable psychopath is NOT your muse—she’s your reckoning.*This episode has no real spoilers, but here are some of the films we discuss:Carrie (1976)The Fifth Element (1997)Bride of Chucky (1998)House of 1000 Corpses (2003)The Loved Ones (2009)Jennifer's Body (some spoilers here, kinda) (2009)A Girl Walks Home Alone at Night (2014)Ingrid Goes West (2017)The Babysitter (2017)The Babysitter 2: Killer Queen (2020)The Last Girl in Soho (2021)Pearl (2022)Maxxine (2024)💀💀Follow us on Instagram @spooky.scholars💀Join the ongoing conversation and LIVE salon each month at spookyscholars.com🖤Full show notes at patreon.com/spookyscholars

In this episode we are steeped in spooky adventures as therapist and author, Chad Scott, shares his insights and unforgettable experiences at haunting cemeteries and captivating locations steeped in history. Not only that, but good news for us frequent travellers of darkness: Chad explains how visiting historical sites can rival psychedelic drug effects in addressing mental health challenges like anxiety and PTSD. We learn how confronting the darker aspects of our cultural past can profoundly affect our emotions and mindset, not only for us history buffs, but for everyone seeking solace in understanding tragic narratives. Join us as we reveal the transformative power of dark tourism on our psyche!💀💀Follow us on Instagram @spooky.scholars and Chad at @drchadscott💀Join the ongoing conversation and LIVE salon each month at spookyscholars.com🖤Full show notes at patreon.com/spookyscholars

Welcome to our wrap-up of Zombie Awareness Month! In this finale episode, we dissect the dark tech world of zombie data, zombie businesses, and zombie networks and how these lurk in the shadows of our modern society. This special episode is a true reflection of the impact of zombies in our culture and how we’ve incorporated them in everyday speech to truly bring them to…life! Discover how zombies have influenced our language, risen Napster from its digital grave, and sparked conversations about cyberattacks! Join us as we reflect on our month-long series exploring the rich history of zombies—from early depictions to their cultural phenomenon today. Prepare for a brain-stirring experience!*This episode contains spoilers for :The Revolt of the Zombies (1936)Continue the conversation with us on Patreon. Join just in time for our ALL ZOMBIE THEMED Spooky Salon on Wednesday May 28th, 2025. patreon.com/spookyscholars💀💀Follow us on Instagram @spooky.scholars🖤Full show notes at patreon.com/spookyscholars

For our third installment in our series for Zombie Awareness Month we look at more ways that the zombies have shaped our culture. Journey back with us to 17th/18th colonial France to uncover how Voodoo spirituality transformed this infamous monster from folklore to film. We’ll trace the zombie’s impact through history and dissect its pop culture icon status, including Michael Jackson’s “Thriller” and its unforgettable contribution to the zombie phenomenon and to the history of the documentary. Whether you’re a zombie film  aficionado or a dark history buff, this episode will reveal layers you’ve never considered before. Join us on this spine-tingling journey and gain a deeper understanding of why the zombie continues to haunt our collective imagination. HINT: Because they're us!....💀💀Follow us on Instagram @spooky.scholars💀Join the ongoing conversation and LIVE salon each month at spookyscholars.com🖤Full show notes at patreon.com/spookyscholars

Join us as we journey through the last three 'Dead' films by the legendary George Romero, uncovering their sharp political commentary on a post-9/11 world. From "Land " to "Survival" to "Diary," we experience Romero's clever use of zombies to confront societal fears and anxieties that plagued the 2010s. Discover how Romero’s work encapsulated the struggles of our times, blending terror with relevance. If you're intrigued by horror's deeper meanings and the power of film as a mirror to society this finale to a two part series will pick at your braiiinnnnsss!*This episode contains spoilers for:Land of the Dead (2005)Survival of the Dead (2007)Diary of the Dead (2009)Night of the Living Dead (1968)Night of the Living Dead (1990)White Zombie (1932)💀💀Follow us on Instagram @spooky.scholars💀Join the ongoing conversation and LIVE salon each month at spookyscholars.com🖤Full show notes at patreon.com/spookyscholars

In this first gruesome episode in our zombie movie series for Zombie Awareness Month (yes, it’s a real thing!) we’re looking at none other than George Romero’s 'Dead' series: Night of the Living Dead (1968), Dawn of the Dead (1978), and Day of the Dead (1985).We'll dive into how each entry builds upon one another, highlighting  and strengthening a stance and cultural commentary on important socio-political themes like race, media, war, government and the patriarchal family structure.We’re taking a BIG zoom out at the impact of Romero’s ideas on the world of zombies we know today and how our modern society is only a slow zombie walk away from where we were when thee films were first released upon the world!You can’t miss this primer episode that kicks off the festivities for Zombie Awareness! 🧟➡️ Make sure you’re in the Patreon Spooky Space to have your say, leave your thoughts, comments, and your favourite zombie movie moments all month long!Night of the Living Dead (1968)Dawn of the Dead (1978) Day of the Dead (1985) 💀💀Follow us on Instagram @spooky.scholars💀Join the ongoing conversation and LIVE salon each month at spookyscholars.com🖤Full show notes at patreon.com/spookyscholars

Just when you thought horror couldn't get more political, we join the fight against climate change!Bobby Donohue is the creator and host of Planet Bonehead, where horror characters are part of fun, unforgettable lessons for kids (and horror nerds) about one of the scariest realities we face—climate change!Bobby shares how he sees horror and monsters as a way to keep the conversation on climate change from going stale, right when we need everyone to stand up and more people to get into green tech and be part of the solution.Bobby’s work combining beloved characters and scientific innovation is helping to ensure kids (and grown-ups!) grasp the seriousness of our planet's plight without too much doom and gloom.Along the way we discuss the impact of modern politics on climate change and how creativity and entertainment is needed more than ever. Join us and explore the terror and teamwork required to fight for our home planet...until it's too late!*There are no real spoilers in this episode but we suggest the Mad Max franchise as companion watching. It pairs well with our discussion on desertification.@PlanetBonehead💀💀Follow The Spooky Scholars on Instagram @spooky.scholars💀Join our ongoing conversation with our #horrorcommunity in the LIVE salon spookyscholars.com🖤Full show notes at patreon.com/spookyscholars

Ever wondered what it's like to escape a religious cult? Have you ever been curious about why so many horror movies feature cults and how that reflects our real anxieties of being duped?In this eye-opening episode, we delve into the harrowing experiences of an ex-cult member and co-host of the hit podcast, Cultimatum. Melody, an ex-member of the House of Yahweh cult, along with her co-host, Andrew, reveal the secretive nature of cult culture, rules, and the profound impact of years spent under the control of a doomsday cult.Plus, discover the red flags to look out for and the psychological toll cults can take on regular, smart people who might just be looking for support. If you're curious about the truth behind religious cults, doomsday cults and the newly terrifying 'digital cults' this is a must-listen. Join me and the hosts of the Cultimatum Podcast, Melody and Anonymous Andrew for shocking revelations about loyalty, fear, and the incredible journey of self-discovery after cult life.*Episode may contain spoilers for:Escaping Twin Flames (2023) ➡️ Cultimatum podcast 🎙️Please follow the show(s) and leave reviews! 🌟💀💀Follow us on Instagram @spooky.scholars💀Join the ongoing conversation and LIVE salon each month at spookyscholars.com🖤Full show notes at patreon.com/spookyscholars

In this BONUS EPISODE on retrofuturism we dive back in to the fascinating intersection of old-fashioned aesthetics and futuristic dreams in the dystopian series, Fallout.We look at how the show places the past on a pedestal in the shelters from the uniformity to the propaganda. But then, what is the message on the surface? How are we to see the decay of vintage designs? Are we still yearning for the past or is this world of 2161 warning us that progress can all be undone? *This bonus episode may contain spoilers for Fallout (but I try to avoid them)💀Join the monthly horror community meetup in the Spooky Space at spookyscholars.com💀Get more horror recommendations at horrorhelpline.substack.com⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 💀Please leave a review because you love telling people what you really think! 🖤

Retrofuturism is an art form, a philosophy but it’s found its way into film as a subgenre of science fiction. Think spacecraft and high technology mixed with mid 20th century 'values' like traditional gender roles and life before the civil rights act.While sci-fi is horror’s nerdy sister, retro futurism is at odds with both of us in its conservatism and anti-progressive agenda.So what are the elements of retrofuturism we need to look out for? How is retrofuturism promoting a conservative mindset under the radar and how can we protect ourselves from becoming enamoured by its nostalgic aesthetic? How are sci-fi movies with a mid 20th century vibe different from retrofuturism? And what’s the deal with sex work in the 'nostalgic future'?In this episode we look at the implications of viewing the past as better than now and the dangers of believing that what's behind us is better than where we’re going. *This episode contains some spoilers for:Spider Baby (1967)Soylent Green (1973)Cowboy Bebop [series] (2021)Bladerunner (1982)You might also like:Episode 52 | Bubblegum DystopiaJoin the conversation for more horror & shownotes over on ⁠patreon.com/spookyscholars⁠Show info and more about your Horror Headmistress, Ashe Woodward, at ⁠spookyscholars.com

Are your favourite comic book characters being altered to fit political agendas? Join me and comic book store owner, Michael Storm, to explore how politics and censorship shape the superhero narratives we've come to love. Discover the hidden battles between comic creators and the Hollywood (read: MCU) elite. Learn more about what's at stake, what we might lose of traditional comic book culture to new technology, but also what is great news about the next wave and new generation of comic book appreciators. *This episode has no spoilers. Find Michael at:amazingfantasies.comtowardanarchy.com💀💀Follow US on Instagram @spooky.scholars💀Join the ongoing conversation and LIVE salon each month at spookyscholars.com🖤Full show notes at patreon.com/spookyscholars

Today I’m talking with horror author Michael Harbron of the Interview with the Devil series. Writing religious, supernatural horror takes time and creepy, deep dive research. So not only do we discuss his chilling six-book (so far) series, but we also talk about Satan himself and the very real and growing attraction to The Satanic Temple. *no worries - there are no real spoilers in this episode. >michaelharbron.com>supporting listener businesses: thesmelloffear.com💀💀Follow us on Instagram @spooky.scholars💀Join the ongoing conversation and LIVE salon each month at spookyscholars.com🖤Full show notes at patreon.com/spookyscholars

Horror may be about darkness and death, but spring is about light and life. So what happens when horror comes in with its version of doom for this time of year? What kind of uncomfortable tension are we in for?What's the deal with Satanic baby movies? In this episode we look at films with a big spring theme: Babies! How does horror feature pregnancy, birth, RE-birth and the role of women and mothers. We also get curious to answer why baby horror can give anyone the creeps, whether you have your own little demons or not.Listen in as we creep cribside for a look into the tiny terror of... BABIES! Eraserhead (1977)Immaculate (2024)💀💀Follow us on Instagram @spooky.scholars💀Join the ongoing conversation and LIVE salon each month at spookyscholars.com🖤Full show notes at patreon.com/spookyscholars

Kevin Bacon may not be the quintessential horror star but he does love horror and has quite a few great horror titles to his name. In this special episode we're following the name of Kevin Bacon down a trail of horror movies in the game, Six Degrees of Kevin Bacon: Horror Edition. We're trying to get from horror movies ONLY to a Kevin Bacon horror in six steps.AND! We try to see how many degress THIS SHOW is from Kevin Bacon - and (HINT HINT) it's LESS than 6!*This episode may contian spoilers for:Satan's School for Girls (1973)Stir of Echoes (1999)Hauntology (2024)💀💀Follow us on Instagram @spooky.scholars💀Join the ongoing conversation and LIVE salon each month at spookyscholars.com🖤Full show notes at patreon.com/spookyscholars

Reading is political. Horror is political. So we put these lovebirds together in this episode where I look at the true reasons for book bans, the importance of censorship but also freedom of expression in the horror community. I'm joined by Paul Cram, an actor with several horror credits who is in it for the art of the story. Learn about what inspires his art and how his search for community led him to create The Men Who Read Book Club, a non-fiction book club that has brought him to connect with men who are invested in discussions about masculinity, queerness, the darker things in life, but also friendship and support. *This episode may contain spoilers for:The Soviet Sleep Experiment (2019)The Jane Austen Book Club (2007) 💀💀Follow us on Instagram @spooky.scholars💀Join the ongoing conversation and LIVE salon each month at spookyscholars.com🖤Full show notes at patreon.com/spookyscholars

While you might not think that fantasy would be a genre that does a great job of  depicting the dangers of fascism, it does. You might not think that Disney has a hand in this, but again, you’d be wrong. Here to tell us how and why all this works is writer and speaker, Alex Mell-Taylor. Alex is a fascinating thinker who puts these cultural concerns together for us and brings us examples from film to prove it––something she does regularly on her blog, Alex Has Opinions. Together we talk about fantasy, dystopia and horror and how film and stories are working together to get us to think more critically about modern affairs. Alex also encourages us to turn to community as the balm for many of the concerns about culture war and, frankly, real actual wars that are happening already or approaching. *This episode contains spoilers for:Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker (2019)I Saw the TV Glow (2024)💀💀Follow us on Instagram @spooky.scholars💀Join the ongoing conversation and LIVE salon each month at spookyscholars.com🖤Full show notes at patreon.com/spookyscholars

In this Part Two of Two with Alan Katz, the writer and co-creator of the iconic Cryptkeeper from "Tales from the Crypt" television series, we’re focusing on a little more of Alan’s experience with the film industry, especially it’s gate-cryptkeeping . Alan tells us why he thinks horror lovers are the "sweetest" and "healthiest" people (aww, thanks!) and we get some REALLY good news about what's coming soon for us 'Crypt-lovers.And if you learn anything horrible in today’s episode, you can say a quick thanks by following the show, and leaving a 5-star review. *And if you’re ready to step up your horror game, we'd love to have you in the Community of Corpses on Patreon (Patreon.com/spookyscholars ) where you can grab your freebies, discounts and fearsome friends who are ready to talk horror any time.Spookyscholars.com

Alan Katz, writer for the TV show, Tales from The Crypt and co-creator of the Cryptkeeper himself joins me for Part One of his horror storytelling journey. We'll get some background on how the Cryptkeeper came to be but also how Alan has found the best way to continue to bring his dark stories to us once again!This is part one of a two-part series.*There are no spoilers in this episode!!💀💀Follow us on Instagram @spooky.scholars💀Join the ongoing conversation and LIVE salon each month at spookyscholars.com🖤Full show notes at patreon.com/spookyscholars

Love horror? So do we! This Valentine's Day, join us as we explore the eyeroll that is movie remakes!Let's look closer at the notion that these captivating remakes are not simply corporate projects, but heartfelt odes 🖤 to the original classics we adore. Discover why the essence of these iconic horror films lives on, showcasing passion and admiration instead of just profit. From chilling analysiss of beloved villians to emotional connections that transcend the genre, we're uncovering the real romanticism behind horror movie remakes. Sounds like a perfect Valentine's Day episode to me!*This episode contains spoilers for:House of Wax(1953)House of Wax (2005)My Bloody Valentine(1981)My Bloody Valentine 3D (2009)Wes Craven's New Nightmare (1994)💀💀Follow us on Instagram @spooky.scholars💀Join the ongoing conversation and LIVE salon each month at spookyscholars.com🖤Full show notes at patreon.com/spookyscholars

Get ready to sink your teeth into the world of Canadian vampire horror movies. We have to explore the unexpectedly quirky and, strangely, Canadian films that have put a new spin on the classic vampire genre. From unexpected comedy to spine-chilling horror, these films are a macabre mix—whether they make you laugh or shudder! Join us as we uncover some hidden gems featuring vampires that are not just scary but also showcase homegrown Canadian comedy that us canucks 🇨🇦 are known and loved for! *This episode may contain spoilers for:Jesus Christ Vampire Hunter (2001)Suck 2009Rufus 2012Humanist Vampire Seeking Consenting Suicidal Person (2023)💀💀Follow us on Instagram @spooky.scholars💀Join the ongoing conversation and LIVE salon each month at spookyscholars.com🖤Full show notes at patreon.com/spookyscholars