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The Ghoul Guides Association
by The Ghoul Guides
The Ghoul Guides Association, or GGA if you will, is a show where Dr Lauren Nixon and Dr Mary Going discuss all things Gothic (or more accurately, why all things are Gothic.) Join the Ghoul Guides as they explore the history of various topics across history and pop culture, and their intersections with the weird and wonderful world of the Gothic.
Episodes
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Halloween Recommendations 2026
Join us this spooky season for a Halloween special as Lauren and Mary share some of their recommendations. Want some suggestions for what to read, what to watch, and even what to play this Halloween? Then we have some spine-tingling suggestions of books, TV shows, films and games just for you.Got...
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The Gothic Villain
What is a Gothic villain? In this deep dive episode Lauren takes us through the historical foundations of the archetype - from feudal lords to Niccolo Machiavelli, and from Shakespeare's Iago to Milton's Shakespeare - and then explores some key characters from Gothic fiction.Got your own…
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EcoGothic - Part 2 (Ghoul Friends)
In this new episode of Ghoul Friends we continue to explore the Ecogothic. This is the second instalment of our two part conversation with Dr Kathleen Hudson where we discuss the developments of Ecogothic in culture, the Gothic and beyond.Join us as we continue our conversation about the…
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EcoGothic Part 1 (GhoulFriends)
What is the Ecogothic? That's what we explore in the first episode of Ghoul Friends - and this week Ghoul Guides Lauren and Mary are joined by Dr Kathleen Hudson to define the Ecogothic and discuss its development in culture and the Gothic.Join us for part 1 of the conversation where we talk…
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Review - Colours of Evil: Black (2026)
In this review episode, Mary discusses the recent Netflix crime thriller Colors of Evil: Black. Join us as we dive into the dark world of this Polish serial killer film, talk about some of the settings that make this gorgeously Gothic, and unearth the film's interesting use of local Polish…
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Łopi and Vjesci: Poland’s Kashubian Vampires
Sink your teeth into our new deep dive episode all about vampires, and specifically the vampires of Kashubian folklore in Poland!Join Mary and Lauren as we unearth the specifics of the Łopi and Vjesci, vampiric figures from Poland’s Kashubian region, and discuss the similarities and differences...
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So, You Don't Like Horror: Summer 2026
In this bumper episode of So, You Don’t Like Horror? Mary and Lauren discuss some of the recent spring and summer horror film releases - including chiming in the discourse around summer smash hit 'Obsession' . If, like Lauren, you’re a scaredy cat who can’t watch horror films but wants to find…
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Women in Translation Month
Note: Due to some strangeness with the audio files not syncing, we've had to use the audio taken directly from the video version - apologies for any talking over each other, ums, and interrupting. To celebrate Women in Translation month in August 2026, join us for our special review episode! In...
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Widows Bay (2026)
In this review episode, Lauren talks us through the recent Apple TV series Widow's Bay. Join us and find out more about the show that all the cool kids are watching – from Guillermo del Toro to your local Ghoul Guides. And if you want to find out more about New England Gothic (or want a handy...
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New England Gothic
REUPLOAD - the issue with unsynchronised tracks is now fixed, thanks for your patience! In this episode, we take a deep dive into the world of New England Gothic. Join us as we discuss the colonial and religious foundations of the genre, examine what makes it different from Southern Gothic and...
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Joanna Southcott and the Panacea Society
In this episode, we dive in the prophetical world of the apocalypse and millenarianism as Lauren tells Mary all about the bizarre world of Joanna Southcott and her followers. Was Joanna really a prophet of the Lord? What is the Panacea society? What exactly is millenarianism? And, what's in...
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Review: The Psychic
In this review episode, Mary tells Lauren all about her recent theatre trip to see The Psychic, the new ghostly offering from Andy Nyman and Jeremy Dyson. Join us as we delve into the previous spooky works by the masters of macabre - including their previous horror play Ghost Stories - and…
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The Glass Delusion
Do you ever feel like you're made of glass? In this episode, Lauren uncovers the glass delusion and explores instances across history where people believe they are entirely made of glass (or in some instances that just one very specific body part is made of glass) and that they might therefore...
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Review: Holy Boy (2026)
In this review episode we dive into Lee Heejoo’s latest novel Holy Boy.Published in the UK in March 2026, this is the first of Lee’s works that was translated into English and it delivers bucket loads of suspense, Gothic thrills and unhinged acts of worship and devotion. Whether you’re a K-pop…
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Catherine of Sienna: the Gothic Lives of Saints
Ín the second instalment of our Gothic Lives of Saints mini-series, we uncover the mystical life of Saint Catherine of Siena.From Catherine’s visions to conversations with her divine spouse (God) and her many frequent battles with the ultimate adversary (Satan), join us as we delve into the...
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The Gothic Heroine
REUPLOAD! Thank you to Bethany for letting us know the tracks weren't synced - you are out Association Member of the Month, which we just made up. Do you really know what makes a Gothic heroine? In this episode, Lauren is exploring just that! Join us as Lauren leads Mary through all of the key…
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So, You Don't Like Horror? April 2026
One horror fan, one scaredy cat, lots of scary movies!So You Don't Like Horror? is back and, as usual, Mary is reviewing some of her favourite new horror releases from the first months of 2026. Whether you're a scaredy cat like Lauren, who wants to vicariously enjoy a spoiler-filled discussion of...
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Review: Uketsu's 'Strange' series
In this review episode Mary discusses Strange Buildings - the latest book offering from cult horror author and YouTuber Uketsu. Who is Uketsu? What makes these books so addictive? Can the ordinary and mundane really be frightening and uncanny? And, can you solve the mystery of the Rebirth cult...
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536: The Worst Year Ever
Was 536 CE really the worst year ever? Find out what made this year so horrible in our latest deep dive as Lauren takes Mary through the impacts of international and ecological crises, checks in with our old friends the Goths and explores how the events of 536CE created decades of Ecogothic stories.
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Review: "Wuthering Heights" (2026)
In this review episode, Mary and Lauren are joined by special guest and Brontë expert Dr Hannah Moss to talk about the latest Wuthering Heights film.What do Hannah, Mary and Lauren make of Emerald Fennel’s adaptation? What do they make of Charlie XCX’s music? And would we recommend this film?…
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Zanzibar Gothic with Dr Rehman Abdulrehman
In this episode Mary and Lauren are joined by special guest Dr Rehman Abdulrehman to talk about all things related to Jinn and Zanzibar Gothic, and also his new book Jinn in the Family.Jinn in the Family is out now and you can get your copy...
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Review - 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple (2026)
"Fear is the new faith. "Join us as we return to the apocalyptic world of infected that is the 28 Days Later franchise. In this episode we are again joined by Dr Kathleen Hudson to review the latest instalment in the British zombie series, 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple (2026). We get Kathleen's...
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The Traitors, a Gothic Game
Join us as we delve into the wicked world of treachery that is The Traitors! Or, as we like to call it at Ghoul Guides HQ: the very best playable Gothic murder mystery ever created. Since 2021, The Traitors has become an international phenomenon with over 30 versions produced in countries across...
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Bonus SYDLH: Celluloid Screams 2025
In our second holiday bonus episode Mary shares her festival highlights from Sheffield's very own horror film festival: Celluloid Screams 2025. Join us for a review of some of Mary’s favourite horror films from the USA, Canada, Japan and South Korea that featured in this year’s Celluloid Screams...
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Bonus SYDLH: Mayhem 2025
In this holiday bonus episode Mary shares her festival highlights from Nottingham's Mayhem Film Festival 2025. Join us for a review of some of Mary’s favourite horror, cult and sci-fi movies from South Korea, Japan, Poland, Iran and the US that featured in this year’s Mayhem festival. 00:00 Intro...
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Ol' Saint Nick
In this festive edition of the Ghoul Guides Association, we uncover the man, the myth the legend himself: Santa Claus. Or rather, we dive into some of the more Gothic aspects of the legend of the real Saint Nicholas of Myra. Join us to discover how this gift-giving bishop became the Father...
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The Mithras Mystery Cult
Join Mary and Lauren as we delve into the mysterious and underground depths of the Cult of Mithras. Who is this ancient Roman God? What’s the deal with the bull? And are the rumours true about a London Mithraeum? (Also...what's a Mithraeum?) Find out all this and more in this episode of the Ghoul...
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The Wild Hunt
In this episode of the Ghoul Guides Association Lauren introduces us to the Wild Hunt. Join us as we delve into the history of the supernatural hunt, talk about some of the mythical and historical leaders, and find out what makes the Wild Hunt Gothic. NOTE: Due to some technical nightmares that...
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So You Don't Like Horror? November 2025
So You Don't Like Horror is your guide to the movies you can't watch. This Ghoul Guides podcast brings together one horror fan (Mary) and one scaredy cat (Lauren) as we discuss recent horror releases. As well as reviewing some of the horror offerings from September, this episode also spotlights…
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Review: Frankenstein (2025)
Of course we had to review this one: Guillermo del Toro's adaptation of Mary Shelley's Gothic classic, starring Oscar Issacs and Jacob Elordi, is now in cinemas and streaming on Netflix, so we share our thoughts and feelings about the film.
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Culty and Corrupt: Halloween Reads
Ghouls, it's Halloween! And we've got some more spooky reading recommendations for you, this time all on the theme of cultishness and corruption.
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37: So, You Don't Like Horror - October 2025
Mary reviews The Long Walk, the latest and final instalment of The Conjuring franchise and streaming anthology V/H/S Halloween, as well as a horror comedy retrospective.
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Witch Vibes - Halloween Reads
In this review episode Mary takes us through some of C. J. Cookes’ novels starting with her suitably spooky The Lighthouse Witches - and make sure you watch till the end to discover more witchy books to read this Halloween season.Let us know in the comments if you’ve read any of these books, or…
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Review: Katabasis (2025)
Two PhD students head to hell to bring back their supervisor? This had our name written all over it. In this episode Lauren reviews R.F Kuang's latest novel, Katabasis, discusses what makes dark academia dark, and if hell really is a university campus.
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So, You Don't Like Horror - August 2025
So You Don't Like Horror is your guide to the movies you can't watch - featuring one horror fan (Mary) and one scaredy cat (Lauren). Join us as we discuss recent horror releases from August 2025. This episode also features some nuclear nightmares in Mary's retrospectives, some picks from Lauren,...
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Lore Dump: Vampires
Mary unearths the vampire - exploring the vampire’s Eastern European origins, metaphorical and economic vampirism, and two essential Gothic vampire texts: Polidori’s The Vampyre and Bram Stoker’s Dracula.
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The Gothic Wars
In this episode, Lauren takes Mary into the barbarous world of the Gothic Wars - discussing who exactly were the Ostrogoths and Visigoths, and what happened to them after they sacked Rome.*** DISCLAIMER: Lauren’s autistic brain struggles to remember that 300 means 4th century, and with…
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Labubu and the History of Moral Panics
In this episode Lauren and Mary dive into the dark world of moral panics, unearthing the long history of moral panics and what links historical Satanic panics to the recent Labubu craze. Prefer video? https://youtu.be/qRiDK5aWqQc00:00 Intro06:16 Who is Pazuzu?11:19 Who is Labubu?32:39 What is a...
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Review: Wednesday (Season Two)
Our review of Wednesday Season Two so far, and what to read if you're looking for more dark academia or Gothic nostalgia!
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So, You Don't Like Horror? July 2025
So You Don't Like Horror is your guide to the movies you can't watch. Join the Ghoul Guides in our new show which brings together one horror fan (Mary) and one scaredy cat (Lauren) as we discuss recent horror releases. This episode also features some devilish retrospectives as we explore two...
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Review: 28 Years Later (2025)
Special guest Dr Kathleen Hudson joins us for a discussion of the latest instalment in the British zombie franchise, 28 Years Later. Prefer video? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GNO2ZeNIlIk The Ghoul Guides Association, is a show where Dr Lauren Nixon and Dr Mary Going discuss all things Gothic...
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Review: Butter (2024)
In this review episode, Lauren discusses Asako Yuzuki's bestselling novel BUTTER, and talks us through what she thought of the novel as well as recommending some books to read if you want more.Prefer video? https://youtu.be/cV9dHay0-R8The Ghoul Guides Association, is a show where Dr Lauren Nixon...
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Pteridomania
In this episode Lauren uncovers the mystery of Pteridomania (aka "Fern Fever") and delves into the weird and wonderful world of this Victorian-era craze.Prefer video? Watch on Youtube! SUPPORT THE GHOUL GUIDES! If you enjoyed this video then why not subscribe to our channel? We love hearing from...
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27: So, You Don't Like Horror - June 2025
So, You Don't Like Horror is your guide to the movies you can't watch. Join the Ghoul Guides in our new show which brings together one horror fan (Mary) and one scaredy cat (Lauren) as we discuss recent horror releases. Mary's films this month are The Ugly Stepsister, Final Destination…
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26: Sirens (2025) - Recommendations
In this review episode, Lauren discusses the recent Netflix series SIRENS, and talks us through what she thought of the show as well as recommending some books to read if you want more.Prefer video? Watch on YouTube.The Ghoul Guides Association, is a show where Dr Lauren Nixon and Dr Mary Going...
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25: Nosferatu (2024)
In this episode, Lauren and Mary review Robert Eggers' NOSFERATU (2025), and discuss the horror film in relation to the 1922 original NOSFERATU: A SYMPHONY OF HORROR (dir. F. W. Murnau). NOTE - Lauren accidentally recorded the whole epsiode on her laptop mic rather than the pod mic, so apologies...
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24: So, You Don't Like Horror - May 2025
In our new monthly series, Mary tells us all about the horror film she's watched recently that Lauren is to scared to sit through. In this month's epsiode we have Presence (2025), Companion (2025), Y2K (2024), Sinners (2025) and a Bong Joon Ho Retrospective. Want to watch instead?...
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(Re)Introducing the Ghoul Guide Association
Meet Lauren and Mary: two strangers on the internet with PhDs and a love of all things Gothic, history and pop culture. Join us.
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Episode 23: Chivalry, Part 2
We're back on our bullshit for more deconstruction of the medieval concept of chivalry went from men on horses with stick to an ideology that was at the heart of Britain's construction of national identity and masculinity in the 1700s: and why Mary Shelley was not a fan. Prefer video? Catch us on...
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Episode 22 - Chivalry, Part 1
Join us for the first episode of a two-parter all about chivalry and the Gothic. Here, Lauren discusses the 12th century origins of chivalry, King Arthur, and how it ends up being Gothic - and we may also touch on the 2001 film classic A Knight's Tale (trust us, it's relevant!) - The Ghoul Guides...
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
The Ghoul Guides Association, or GGA if you will, is a show where Dr Lauren Nixon and Dr Mary Going discuss all things Gothic (or more accurately, why all things are Gothic.) Join the Ghoul Guides as they explore the history of various topics across history and pop culture, and their intersections with the weird and wonderful world of the Gothic.
HOSTED BY
The Ghoul Guides
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does The Ghoul Guides Association have?
The Ghoul Guides Association currently has 50 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is The Ghoul Guides Association about?
The Ghoul Guides Association, or GGA if you will, is a show where Dr Lauren Nixon and Dr Mary Going discuss all things Gothic (or more accurately, why all things are Gothic.) Join the Ghoul Guides as they explore the history of various topics across history and pop culture, and their intersections...
How often does The Ghoul Guides Association release new episodes?
The Ghoul Guides Association has 50 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.
Where can I listen to The Ghoul Guides Association?
You can listen to The Ghoul Guides Association 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 The Ghoul Guides Association?
The Ghoul Guides Association is created and hosted by The Ghoul Guides.
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