All Episodes - Happy Horror Time
Happy Horror Time is hosted by Tim Murdock & Matt Emert – two off-the-wall gay guys who LOVE scary movies! We discuss new horror films (spoiling everything along the way) and interview horror stars & insiders. We're unpolished, unscripted, and a ton of fun!
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Ep 254: Kill Me Baby One More Time
If you’re looking for a gamer’s perspective on how true “Until Dawn” was to its source material, well… you won’t find it here. But you will find some colorful commentary on its merits as a horror film! Tune in to hear us break down all the subgenres it dabbled in, the underlying theme we got from it, and the explosive deaths that made us giddy.
Ep 253: Interview w/Jenna Kanell from “Terrifier”
As the strong and resourceful Tara, Jenna Kanell dominated the first half of the original “Terrifier,” going toe to toe with Art the Clown. Tune in to hear all about making the film that launched this franchise, how they were able to tap into that intense level of fear, their experiences on other genre films like “The Bye Bye Man,” “Renfield,” “Faceless After Dark,” and “The Buildout,” and the upcoming sci-fi flick they’re writing, directing, AND starring in — “De Novo.”
Ep 252: Drop it Like it’s Hitchcock (w/Joe & Allison, co-hosts of Queer Cinema Catchup)
Christopher Landon (Director of “Happy Death Day” & “Freaky”) is back with a new Hitchcockian thriller, and the co-hosts of Queer Cinema Catchup, Joe & Allison, dropped in to review it with us. Tune in to hear us break down “Drop” — from who we initially thought was behind those sinister messages, to what each of us would do in that situation, and of course, that jaw-dropping finale! 🥁
Ep 251: Interview w/Chad Ferrin, Co-Writer/Director of “Ed Kemper”
The story behind the murdering spree of Ed Kemper, nicknamed the “Co-ed Killer” in the 1970s, is the subject of a new true crime thriller co-written and directed by Chad Ferrin. Tune in to hear all about the making of “Ed Kemper” and how Chad goes about adapting true crime for the screen, his very inspiring attitude toward filmmaking, and a sneak peek at his next two films based on serial killers, Dorothea Puente and the Night Stalker (Richard Ramirez).WARNING: Depictions of real-life sexual violence, in reference to the film, are discussed in this interview.“Ed Kemper” is currently playing at select theaters and is available to rent or buy on Amazon Prime Video at https://www.amazon.com/Ed-Kemper-Chad-Ferrin/dp/B0F1XG7TKL/ along with many other digital platforms. For more info on this film, please visit http://www.epic-pictures.com/film/ed-kemper
Ep 250: 65 Years of “Psycho”
It’s our 250th episode! 🥂 And to celebrate this milestone, we’re changing things up a bit and reviewing a horror classic that happens to be celebrating its 65th anniversary this year. Tune in to hear us break down Alfred HItchcock’s “Psycho” (1960) — from all the brilliant setups that don’t get as much attention, to that iconic shower scene, and the character we love who often gets overlooked — Marion’s persistent sister, Lila Crane.
Ep 249: Interview w/Julie Benz from “BTVS/Angel,” “Jawbreaker,” “Dexter,” “Saw V,” and many more
Over the last few decades, Julie Benz has been a part of so many of the TV series and films that have impacted the horror genre as well as pop culture. Tune in to hear all about evolving Vampire Girl #1 into Darla on “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” & “Angel” and whether she’d return for the upcoming revival series, her thoughts on the legacy of “Jawbreaker,” the real story behind the decision to kill off her beloved character, Rita, on “Dexter,” and her experience being one of the only survivors of Jigsaw’s traps in “Saw V.”
Ep 248: Parents, Possessions & Parker Posey
Lisa Kudrow, Edie Falco, and Parker Posey all in the same horror comedy? Yes, yes, and hell yes! Tune in to hear us break down “The Parenting” (now streaming on Max) — from all the crude jokes that Matt (obviously) loved, to whether there was enough balance between the funny and the scary, and how a text message with the 🤷🏻♀️ emoji had us dying.
Ep 247: Interview w/Sean Nichols Lynch, Chad Westbrook Hinds & John Laird, Creators of "The Ceremony is About to Begin"
Former Happy Horror Time guest, Sean Nichols Lynch, is back to discuss his new found footage horror film that involves madness, mayhem, and mummification! And this time he’s joined by his two Co-Writers, Chad Westbrook Hinds and John Laird, who also happen to be the stars of the film. Tune in to hear all about making “The Ceremony is About to Begin,” where the idea came from and what inspired the core characters, and stay for our spirited discussion on found footage and cult-inspired horror films!“The Ceremony is About to Begin” is currently available to rent or buy on Amazon Prime Video or to stream on Tubi, Fawesome, and other digital platforms.
Ep 246: Interview w/Robbi Morgan from “Friday the 13th” (1980)
As perky camp counselor Annie, Robbi Morgan made history as the first present-day victim of Mrs. Voorhees… although she never even made it to Camp Crystal Lake to cook for all those kids, err children! 🐐 Tune in to hear all about playing this iconic role in the original “Friday the 13th,” how she filmed her death scene and who she was actually interacting with, and the stunt she did on her own due to her acrobatic skills.
Ep 245: This Sh*t is Bananas!
Osgood Perkins is back with another horror film, this time based on Stephen King’s short story from the ‘80s and with a much different tone than last year’s “Longlegs.” Tune in to hear us break down “The Monkey” — from all those insane deaths, to all that demented humor, and how Corey Cunningham from “Halloween Ends” factored into it all.
Ep 244: Interview w/Kim Myers from “ANOES 2: Freddy’s Revenge”
Kim Myers turned the tables on both Freddy Krueger AND the typical gender roles of ‘80s horror when she rescued her boyfriend at the end of “A Nightmare on Elm Street 2: Freddy’s Revenge.” Tune in to hear all about making the first sequel in this long-running franchise, her thoughts on the film’s queer subtext and Mark Patton’s documentary, and that time Patrick Swayze danced with her on the set of “Letters from a Killer.”
Ep 243: Meet Cute, Kill Cute
Have you ever been watching a romantic comedy and thought to yourself – you know what this film needs? A masked killer! That’s the thinking behind “Heart Eyes,” which takes the typical rom-com formula and adds a body count. Tune in to hear us break down all the brutal kills, all the laugh-out-loud moments, and whether this horror comedy was love at first fright or left us broken-hearted.
Ep 242: “Companion” w/Our New Companion (w/HHT’s new Co-Producer, Paris Mantz)
Happy Horror Time has a new team member! And to formally introduce our new companion to the world, we invited her to discuss “Companion” with us. Tune in as we break down this sci-fi thriller with our new Co-Producer, Paris Mantz — from how it stands out from other robot/AI gone rogue films, to its relevance in today’s world, and how Sophie Thatcher is becoming the new Jenna Ortega.
Ep 241: Interview w/Mary Beth McAndrews, Director of “Bystanders”
As Editor-in-Chief of Dread Central & Co-Host of the Scarred for Life podcast, Mary Beth McAndrews had already made a name for herself in horror before directing her first film — the new indie revenge thriller, “Bystanders” (currently available on VOD). Tune in to hear why this script had such personal meaning for her, how she approached handling both the sensitive material and the violence, and what’s next for her in horror.
Ep 240: More Wolf, Man!
As one of the Universal Monsters, the Wolf Man has been portrayed in multiple films over the last 80 years. But none have starred the incredible Julia Garner! 💅 Tune in to hear us break down "Wolf Man" — from its pacing and visuals, to what we wished hadn’t been spoiled in trailers, and whether it reached the bar set by Director Leigh Whannell’s first Universal Monster flick, “The Invisible Man” (2020).You can also WATCH this episode (yep, we're now doing video) on our Happy Horror Time YouTube channel here: https://youtu.be/U3aO8n37MQM?si=--BdHesBDOx2R8-0
Ep 239: Interview w/Brooke Bundy from “ANOES 3 & 4”
Horror fans learned what “ándale” meant after watching Brooke Bundy say it to her daughter, Kristen, as Elaine Parker in both “A Nightmare on Elm Street” 3 & 4. But, to be fair, they went over this in therapy! 😂 Tune in to hear all about appearing in these two Freddy sequels, what it was like working with both actresses who played Kristen, and hear more about “Catnip” — the 2025 horror movie Brooke is starring in with her daughter, Tiffany Helm.
Ep 238: Interview w/Tiffany Helm from “F13 Pt V: A New Beginning”
As Violet, the punk rock teen with the streaked hair in “Friday the 13th Part V: A New Beginning,” Tiffany Helm literally dances her way to her demise. Tune in to hear all about making this “Jason-less” sequel, the original plan for Violet’s death and how she influenced the way it turned out, and Tiffany teases the upcoming horror movie she’s starring in with her real-life mother, Brooke Bundy.
Ep 237: Stache-ula
The story of Dracula/Nosferatu is a tale as old as time, and its vampire villain has been interpreted in many different ways throughout 100+ years of existence. Tune in as we sink our teeth into 2024’s “Nosferatu” — from its dreary atmosphere and settings, to the varied performances of its cast, and most importantly, our thoughts on Count Orlok’s ‘70s pornstache.
Ep 236: Interview w/Sean Clark — YouTuber, Podcaster, and Talent Agent
From hosting Horror’s Hallowed Grounds on YouTube, to co-hosting The Thing With Two Heads podcast, to representing some of the biggest names in horror through his company, Convention All Stars LLC, Sean Clark pretty much does it all when it comes to this genre. Tune in to hear all about his extensive collection of horror props and masks, some of the most exciting filming locations he’s visited for his YouTube channel, and how he got Jamie Lee Curtis to attend her one and only convention.
Ep 235: There Goes That White Van Again!
You’ve probably been told to avoid creepy men in vans since you were a kid. And these warnings were especially prevalent in the ‘70s, when “The Man in the White Van” takes place. Tune in to hear us break down this thriller — from the scenes that were most effective, to how awful those parents were, and the loose end we wish had been tied up in the finale.
Ep 234: Chillax, It’s Just Y2K!
Y2K was one of those memorable events for people in our age group (under 30, of course 🤣). But what if it really had triggered an apocalyptic takeover by our CD-ROMs and dial-up modems? That’s what “Y2K” explores in a very comedic yet gory fashion. Tune in to hear us break down all the nostalgia, all the over-the-top silliness, and the one death that actually made us a little emotional. 😢
F13 Ep: HHT, Party of 3 (joined by our Producer, Jacob Randall)
We couldn’t let a Friday the 13th go by without releasing a special episode, could we? And this time the gang’s all here, as we’re joined by Happy Horror Time’s Producer and the 3rd member of our team — Jacob Randall — to discuss “Friday the 13th Part 3.” Tune in as we break down every kill, our conflicting thoughts on the final girl, the scenes that make this film stand out, and whether it was worth it or not to bring 3D into this sequel.
Ep 233: Interview w/Chris Nash, Writer/Director of “In a Violent Nature”
With its grisly kills and unique approach, “In a Violent Nature” quickly became one of the most talked about horror films of 2024. Tune in to hear what inspired Writer/Director, Chris Nash, to tell the story from the POV of the killer, his initial plan for that lake kill and other scenes that changed from script to screen, and Chris even provides a quick update on the upcoming sequel.
Ep 232: Interview w/Thommy Hutson & Mike Perez, Director/Co-Writer/Producer & Executive Producer of “Doc of Chucky”
Released on Shudder last month, “Doc of Chucky” takes an extensive look at the Child’s Play film franchise, featuring interviews with cast and crew members from all 7 movies. Tune in to hear from Director/Co-Writer/Producer, Thommy Hutson, and Executive Producer, Mike Perez, about what goes into a project of this magnitude, their thoughts on some of the more surprising details revealed in this doc, and the star that just never showed up for their interview.
Ep 231: Drive Us Outta Here
It’s a storyline we know all too well — a couple on their way home takes a shortcut that leads them to trouble. But “Drive Back” adds a supernatural element to that all-too-familiar plot. Tune in to hear us break down all the twists and turns of this new VOD release, whether it accelerated our heart rates or took us on a road to nowhere, and the one-liner that fueled our laughter.
Ep 230: 2 Girls, 1 Grant
Two sweet little missionary girls knock on Hugh Grant’s door to tell him more about the Church of Latter Day Saints… what could go wrong? Well, a lot, and it all starts with BLUEBERRY PIE! Tune in to hear us break down “Heretic” — from the impressive performances of its core cast, to where it had us hooked (and where it lost us), and our thoughts on that butterfly of an ending. 🦋
Ep 229: Interview w/Joe Bandelli & Duane Cooper, Writer/Director/Producer & Star of “Another Cabin in the Woods Movie”
As horror lovers, we’re quite familiar with the cliches surrounding a cabin in the woods film… and the new horror comedy, “Another Cabin in the Woods Movie,” pokes fun at all those familiar tropes. Tune in to hear from Writer/Director/Producer, Joe Bandelli, and Star, Duane Cooper, as we discuss what went into making this film, all the funny commentary and SFX added in post, and of course we had to ask Joe (who Produced all “Hell House LLC” films) for an update on the upcoming “Hell House LLC: Lineage.”Check out “Another Cabin in the Woods Movie” on:TUBI: https://bit.ly/3ChvugVPRIME: https://bit.ly/3CwyO7OSCARE NETWORK TV: https://bit.ly/3ClkgYM
Ep 228: Interview w/Dave McRae & Bruce Dale, Co-Writers/Directors/Producers of “It’s Me, Billy” & “It’s Me, Billy Chapter 2”
A few years ago, Dave McRae and Bruce Dale released “It’s Me, Billy” — an impressive fan film which serves as an unofficial sequel to “Black Christmas” (1974). And just last month, they released “It’s Me, Billy Chapter 2,” bringing back the character of Jess Bradford while featuring original “Black Christmas” star, Lynne Griffin. Tune in to hear all about making both fan films, how Olivia Hussey was initially set to star in “Chapter 2” and why she had to leave the project, and what’s next for these two independent filmmakers.You can watch both “It’s Me, Billy” and “It’s Me, Billy Chapter 2” for free at https://www.youtube.com/@davemcraeofficial
Ep 227: Stop Smiling at Us!
That creepy-a$$ smile is back in a sequel to the supernatural flick that made an ear-to-ear grin something to fear. Tune in to hear us break down “Smile 2” — from how it connected and compared to the original film, to our thoughts on what was reality vs. a hallucination, and of course, that flashy ending and where we think the franchise could go from here.
Ep 226: The More Gore, The Merrier
The “Terrifier” franchise has done wonders for indie horror, proving that an unrated flick starring a sadistic clown can be successful in theaters. Tune in to hear us break down “Terrifier 3” — from the inventive kills the series has become known for, to how they handled the return of the “final siblings” (Sienna & Jonathan), and whether we liked it more or less than the previous installments.Kickstarter campaign for "Ripped to Shreds" graphic novel (mentioned during this episode): https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/apostrophecomics/ripped-to-shreds-the-lost-80s-slasher
Ep 225: Interview w/Nick Castle from “Halloween” (1978)
Many have donned the Michael Myers mask throughout the “Halloween” franchise, but only one was the original Shape — Nick Castle. Tune in to hear all about playing this iconic villain in John Carpenter’s 1978 classic, the story behind his return to the franchise in Blumhouse’s trilogy, and we even chat a bit about some of his writing and directing credits — “Escape from New York,” “The Last Starfighter” and “Tag: The Assassination Game.”
Ep 224: Interview w/Jodi Lyn O’Keefe from “Halloween H20,” “Devil in the Flesh 2,” and more
As Sarah in “Halloween H20,” not only did Jodi Lyn O’Keefe get to work with Jamie Lee Curtis in her first return to the series, but she faced Michael Myers in one of the most brutal and memorable scenes of the franchise. Tune in to hear all about making this 20th anniversary sequel, all the ins and outs of filming her iconic demise, and stick around as we touch on some of her other films — from horror flicks like “Devil in the Flesh 2” to the teen rom-com, “She’s All That.”
Ep 223: More Demi, Please!
“The Substance” explores how far an aging Hollywood star will go to create a younger, hotter version of herself… and how fabulous a full length yellow coat can be. Tune in to hear us break down this body horror flick — from Demi Moore’s fearless performance, to our interpretation of the film’s more obscure scenes, and of course, those batsh*t crazy final 20 minutes. 😲
Ep 222: Interview w/Parker Brennon & Nancy Loomis, Writer/Director & Star of “Hauntology”
“Hauntology” marks the feature film debut of Writer/Director, Parker Brennon, who cast Nancy Loomis in her first film in over 40 years. Tune in to hear all about making this queer horror anthology, how Nancy got involved, Parker’s approach to writing these diverse characters, and of course Matt asks Nancy several questions about playing Annie in John Carpenter’s “Halloween.”“Hauntology” is now available to rent or buy on Amazon Prime Video and Apple TV.
Ep 221: Till Deetz Do They Part (w/Bix Emert-Hutner, Matt’s nephew)
Matt’s 10-year-old nephew, Bix Emert-Hutner, is a major horror fan like his uncle, so we invited him on the show to revisit a spooky sequel 36 years in the making. Tune in as we break down “Beetlejuice Beetlejuice” — from the new characters and plot points we loved, to the ones that may have been overkill. And if you find yourself smiling from ear to ear at Bix’s touching and impressive comments, you weren’t the only one. 😍If you’d like to check out Bix’s Roblox horror videos and subscribe to his YouTube channel, please visit https://www.youtube.com/@BxRulesRoblox
F13 Ep: Jason Voorhees is Sooo Fetch! (w/Mark Waters, Director of “Mean Girls”)
This episode’s not like a regular episode — it’s a COOL episode! 😉 That’s because we’re joined by “Mean Girls” Director, Mark Waters, to discuss “Friday the 13th Part 2” — the film he just so happened to use a clip of in his iconic 2004 teen comedy. And don’t worry, we know how obsessed everyone is with “Mean Girls,” so we asked him all about working on it. Now tune in, loser, we’re talkin’ horror on Friday the 13th!To check out and contribute to the Indiegogo campaign for “Loose Ends – Victim No More Part II” (the F13 anthology film mentioned in this episode’s intro), please visit https://igg.me/at/loose-ends/x/38044065#/
Ep 220: Stranger Danger
“Strange Darling” is a cat-and-mouse thriller, told in 6 non-consecutive chapters, that stars Willa Fitzgerald from the “Scream” TV series and Kyle Gallner from more horror films than we can list here. Tune in to hear us break down every chapter — from the twists we didn't see coming, to the performance that deserves a ton of recognition, and the Q&A we watched after the film that was… odd.
Ep 219: Interview w/Amanda Wyss from “A Nightmare on Elm Street” (1984), “The Id,” and more
As Tina Gray in the original “A Nightmare on Elm Street,” Amanda Wyss was the first teen to encounter Freddy Krueger, meeting her demise in one of the most memorable kills in horror history. Tune in to hear all about making the film that launched this iconic franchise, the horror hacks she learned from Wes Craven, the cameo she was offered in “New Nightmare” and what happened after turning it down, and her impressive performance in the psychological horror film more people should be talking about — “The Id.”
Ep 218: Get Away From Us You B*tch! (w/Mark J. Parker, host of Release Date Rewind podcast)
2024 marks the 45th anniversary of “Alien,” and with a new film in the franchise newly released, we invited our friend Mark J. Parker, host of Release Date Rewind podcast, to discuss it with us. Tune in as we look back at the original “Alien” before breaking down “Alien: Romulus” — from its various ties to the original movies, to how it took liberties with some of the lore, and where we hope to see this series go in the future.
Ep 217: Interview w/Robert Jayne from “Tremors”
As teen jokester, Melvin Plug, in the original “Tremors,” Robert Jayne (formerly Bobby Jacoby) battled the huge slug-like Graboids alongside the likes of Kevin Bacon, Michael Gross, and Reba McEntire. Tune in to hear all about making this 1990 horror comedy, the version (and star) of “Tremors 2” that did not get greenlit, and his idea for a “Tremors” reboot.
Ep 216: My Dad the Serial Killer
One of the most polarizing horror directors, M. Night Shyamalan, is back with a new thriller starring Laurie Strode’s son… errr, Josh Hartnett! But did this concert-within-a-movie bring on the thrills or stir up the groans? Tune in as we break down “Trap” — from all that music (from M. Night’s daughter) to all those escapes, and that ending twist that really wasn’t that big of a twist.
Ep 215: Interview w/Allen Danziger from “The Texas Chain Saw Massacre” (1974)
As Sally Hardesty’s boyfriend, Jerry, Allen Danziger had the esteemed honor of being one of the original five to face Leatherface in Tobe Hooper’s groundbreaking horror classic, “The Texas Chain Saw Massacre.” Tune in to hear all about making this iconic slasher, how he reacted the very first time he saw Leatherface, and his recent return to the genre and upcoming horror comedy, “The Weedhacker Massacre.”
Ep 214: Hail Satan!
With a scary-good marketing plan, trailers that didn’t give away too much, and a creepy serial killer with Buffalo Bill vibes, Oz Perkins’ latest horror film had a ton of hype surrounding its release. Tune in to hear us break down “Longlegs” — from its memorable performances to all the twists and turns the story took, and the creepiest part of all — Matt’s impersonation of the Longlegs killer! 🙀
Ep 213: Interview w/Tom McLoughlin, Writer/Director of “F13 Pt VI: Jason Lives”
Tom McLoughlin took on the task of resurrecting Jason Voorhees in “Friday the 13th Part VI: Jason Lives,” and ended up creating one of the most celebrated sequels in the series. Tune in to hear all about making the 6th installment in this franchise, the script he wrote as a direct sequel to “Jason Lives,” his involvement with the “Friday the 13th” TV series, and the supernatural events that inspired his directorial debut — “One Dark Night.”
Ep 212: She's a F*ckin' Star!
The sequel to “X” (and third film in Ti West’s trilogy) follows our anti-heroine, Maxine Minx, to Hollywood in 1985, where she desperately pursues stardom while avoiding a killer. But does this flashy sequel prioritize style over substance? Tune in to hear us break down “MaXXXine,” from Mia Goth’s performance to all those supporting characters, and whether that killer finale left us wanting more or ready to call “cut!”
Ep 211: Enjoy the Silence
The third entry in the “A Quiet Place” series takes viewers back to the very beginning, showing how the world became a silent, apocalyptic shell of what it once was. Tune in to hear us break down “A Quiet Place: Day One” — from how it combined heartfelt character development with full-on alien destruction, to those close-up shots of the creatures, and whether its PG-13 rating took anything away from the horror.
Ep 210: Interview w/Adam Bucci from “That’s a Wrap,” “Brute 1976,” and Creator of Small Town Weirdo
Whether acting in a horror movie or creating designs for his Small Town Weirdo brand, Adam Bucci is a true artist. His Final Boy & Final Girl shirts have been worn and promoted by a variety of genre stars. Tune in to hear all about his recent (and upcoming) horror films, how Small Town Weirdo became what it is today, and the story behind that famous photo of Jamie Lee Curtis rockin’ one of his shirts.
Ep 209: Watch Out for Fairies!
“The Watchers” marks the directorial debut of Ishana Shyamalan (the daughter of M. Night Shyamalan). But did she follow in the footsteps of her father’s good films or his not-so-good ones? Tune in to hear us break down “The Watchers,” from all that storytelling to Dakota Fanning’s performance, and whether we saw that twist coming or whether it took us by surprise. 🧚
Ep 208: Interview w/Bill Randolph from “F13 Pt 2”
As Jeff in “Friday the 13th Part 2,” Bill Randolph got to play a happy-go-lucky counselor who was simply looking to have a little fun with his girlfriend at Packanack Lodge. Unfortunately, Jason Voorhees had other plans for him. Tune in to hear all about making one of the most beloved sequels in the F13 series, how his death scene was filmed (and the NSFW nickname he gave it), and the blink-and-you’ll-miss-it moment he has on-screen after his demise.
Ep 207: A Killer's Journey
In the latest slasher, there’s a monstrous killer on the loose, trudging through the woods as he stalks young partiers around campgrounds. And his name is… Jas, err, JOHNNY! Tune in as we break down “In a Violent Nature” — from all those familiar slasher tropes, to what made it unique, and the kill that had us gasping, squirming, and laughing all at once.
Ep 206: Interview w/Lauren-Marie Taylor from “F13 Pt 2,” “Girls Nite Out,” & “In a Violent Nature”
From playing a sweet, lovestruck counselor in “Friday the 13th Part 2,” to a mysterious woman with a backstory in “In a Violent Nature,” Lauren-Marie Taylor has quite the affinity for woodsy horror movies! Tune in to hear all about making her various slasher films, working with co-star Tom McBride and others in “F13 Pt 2,” and, as a bonus, we’re joined by Lauren’s husband, John Didrichsen, who tells the adorable story of how they met on the set of “Girls Nite Out.”
Ep 205: Strangely Familiar (w/Mark Ellis, correspondent for Rotten Tomatoes)
This week we’re joined by host and stand-up comedian, Mark Ellis, who leads the on-camera efforts at Rotten Tomatoes, to discuss the new reboot, “The Strangers: Chapter 1.” Tune in to hear us break down every bad decision the main characters made, the scenes that had us on edge, how it differed (or didn’t) from the original film, and what we think/hope is in store for the next two installments of this pre-shot trilogy.
Ep 204: Interview w/Christopher Bradley from “The Initiation,” “Waxwork,” and more
Christopher Bradley has an extensive résumé in horror, and a knack for being murdered on-screen. Tune in to hear all about making 80s horror movies like “The Initiation,” “The Wraith,” “Waxwork,” and “Sundown: The Vampire in Retreat,” the various co-stars he enjoyed working with on these films, and the emotional story behind his decision to come out early in his career.
Ep 203: Killer Cards & Reading Stars (w/Liana Bassior, host of AstroLyrical podcast)
There haven’t been many horror films related to astrology over the years, so when we heard about “Tarot,” we knew it was the perfect opportunity to collaborate with our good friend, Liana Bassior, who hosts the AstroLyrical podcast. Tune in to hear us break down every tarot-based apparition and astrological claim in this supernatural horror flick, and stick around after the review to hear Liana read our charts!
Ep 202: Interview w/Lesleh Donaldson from “Curtains,” “Happy Birthday to Me,” and more
From her iconic ice-skating scene in “Curtains,” to being the first of the Crawford Top 10 targeted in “Happy Birthday to Me,” Lesleh Donaldson had many memorable roles in 80s horror films. Tune in to hear all about making these slashers along with her other horror films like “Funeral Home” and “Deadly Eyes,” what happened the day she was supposed to do her big ice-skating routine, and the homicidal character she played in an episode of “Friday the 13th: The Series.”
Ep 201: Bite-Sized Bloodsucker
Radio Silence, the team that brought us “Ready or Not,” “Scream” (2022), and “Scream VI,” is back with a new twist on the familiar vampire tale… but with a 12-year-old ballerina as the fanged foe. Tune in to hear us break down “Abigail” — from the standout performances to all those explosive surprises, and most importantly, how bloody good of a time we had with it.
Ep 200: Listeners’ Choice – “Scream” (1996)
For this very special episode, we asked listeners to vote on what film to discuss, and the clear winner was the original “Scream” (1996). Tune in as we celebrate #200 and break down every facet of this masterful ‘90s slasher — that iconic opening scene, all the characters and catchphrases we love, the lines we got wrong, the kills, the thrills, and the effect this legendary film had on both of our lives.
Ep 199: Interview w/Bridget Rose Perrotta & Destiny Brown from “Hell House LLC Origins: The Carmichael Manor”
The fourth entry in the “Hell House LLC” series introduced viewers to a creepy new setting and a fresh new cast, including co-leads Bridget Rose Perrotta (Margot) and Destiny Brown (Rebecca). Tune in to hear how both stars prepared for their roles in this 2023 found footage film, the spooky occurrences that took place during production, and how being part of such a popular horror franchise has affected their lives.
Ep 198: The Devil Made Me Review It
Demonic possession is nothing new in the horror genre, but bringing it into a 1970s late night talk show — now that’s something we’ve never seen before. Tune in to hear us break down “Late Night with the Devil,” from its documentary setup to its climactic finale, and the most basic question of all — was it scary?
Ep 197: Interview w/Devon Sawa from “Final Destination,” “Idle Hands,” the “Chucky” TV series, and many more
Devon Sawa has made such an impact on horror over the last three decades — from starring in late 90s/early 00s favorites like “Idle Hands” & “Final Destination,” to more recent entries like “The Fanatic,” “Hunter Hunter,” “Black Friday,” and the “Chucky” TV series. Tune in to hear all about making some of his biggest horror flicks, the pitch for an “Idle Hands 2” from a few years back, whether he’d ever return to the “Final Destination” series, and his outrageous death scenes in every season of “Chucky.”
Ep 196: Get Your Shift Together
A seedy motel in the middle of nowhere is always a good spot for a horror movie. Now add in some creepy ghosts and an escaped mental patient and you’ve got “Night Shift.” Tune in as we break down this new thriller — from its similarities to “Psycho” to that major twist at the end, and of course, what happened in the sinkhole.
Ep 195: Interview w/Jeff Wadlow, Director & Co-Writer of “Imaginary”
Jeff Wadlow’s latest horror film, “Imaginary,” was just released theatrically on March 8th, marking his 3rd collaboration with Blumhouse. Tune in to hear all about making this new supernatural flick and creating the “Never-Ever” imaginary world, the late addition to the film that came from the mind of James Wan, and the film festival win that led to making his first horror movie, “Cry Wolf.”
Ep 194: Do the Loco Motion
The recipe for “Stopmotion” goes a little something like this: Take two parts live action, one part stop motion animation, a dash of childlike storytelling, a pinch of losing your mind, and mix them all together. Tune in as we break down every creepy figurine, every “is this real” or “is this a hallucination” moment, and the scene that might cause even gorehounds to look away.
Ep 193: Interview w/William Butler from "F13 Pt VII," "The Texas Chainsaw Massacre III," "NOTLD" (1990), and more
William Butler has quite the extensive horror résumé. He faced Jason Voorhees in “Friday the 13th Part VII: The New Blood,” the Sawyer clan in “Leatherface: The Texas Chainsaw Massacre III,” flesh-eating zombies in “Night of the Living Dead” (1990), and even appeared in 2 episodes of “Freddy’s Nightmares.” Tune in to hear all about his vast career in the genre, the many horror greats he’s worked with throughout the years, and some exciting updates on his latest projects.
Ep 192: Stay Awake or Die!
Here’s something we learned from watching “Double Blind” this week: If a pharmaceutical company’s willing to pay you 30,000 euro to participate in a drug trial, get as far away as possible! Tune in to hear us break down this new Irish thriller — from all that haunting imagery, to what “double blind” actually means, and how grateful we were for a good night’s sleep afterward.
Ep 191: Interview w/Joshua Tonks from “The Latent Image”
“The Latent Image” began as a short film and was adapted into a feature in 2022, with Joshua Tonks starring as a writer who is visited by a mysterious stranger while working on a story in a secluded cabin. Tune in to hear all about making this indie queer thriller, how Joshua felt about his character’s active imagination and motivations throughout the film, and his thoughts on a variety of famous horror movies.
Ep 190: An Evil Freaky Friday
Heather Graham, Barbara Crampton, and Judah Lewis (from “The Babysitter” movies) all switching bodies with a horny demon? How could we resist? Tune in to hear us break down “Suitable Flesh” (now available on Shudder) — from all those body-swapping seizures, to the sexy scenes that made Tim blush, and whether it succeeded in balancing all that camp, gore, and horror.
Ep 189: Interview w/Michael Tough from “Prom Night” (1980)
Although Michael Tough only acted in a few films, we will always remember his iconic role as Jamie Lee Curtis’s little brother who (SPOILER ALERT) is revealed to be the masked murderer in “Prom Night” (1980). Tune in to hear all about making this disco slasher, what it was like working with JLC in her horror heyday, and his memories of portraying the killer during those final emotional moments.
Ep 188: Don’t Be Afraidy, We Found Katie!
A masked killer offing people on a holiday is one of our favorite horror formulas. But did this new slasher have us scared stiff, or did it dig its own grave? We’re joined by Katie Hettenbach, comedian and host of the Katie Afraidy podcast, to break down “Founders Day” — from all those eccentric characters, to all the crafty banners left by the killer, and most importantly, why being mayor of this town was so d*mn important.
Ep 187: Tim the Manservant
We couldn’t have been happier to review a thriller that shares the name with our bold & beautiful co-host, Tim. And coincidentally, both our Tim and the movie’s T.I.M. are preppy, blonde, and love serving men! 😉 Tune in to hear us break down “T.I.M.” — from every laundry-sniffing moment, to how creepy that Technologically Integrated Manservant was, and how the film’s not just another “M3GAN.”
Ep 186: Interview w/Bryce McGuire, Writer/Director of “Night Swim”
Bryce McGuire is making his directorial debut with “Night Swim,” the recently released aquatic horror flick from Blumhouse & Atomic Monster. Tune in to hear all about adapting his 2014 short into a feature film, how all those underwater scenes were created, and the cameo he makes in the movie (that you may not have caught).
Ep 185: When Stenography Turns Deadly
You ever wonder what would happen if a courtroom stenographer — the one furiously typing away, recording everything that’s said — decided to take justice into their own hands? That’s the plot of “Walden.” Tune in to hear our thoughts on Emile Hirsch’s eccentric performance, that whodunit subplot and ending reveal, and whether it struck the right tone to keep our interests.
Ep 184: Interview w/Jerry O’Connell from “Scream 2,” “Piranha 3D,” “Stand by Me,” and many more
It’s hard not to associate Jerry O’Connell with his role as young Vern in 1986’s “Stand by Me,” or as one of the current hosts of “The Talk.” But over the last four decades, he’s made quite an impression in horror. Tune in to hear stories about making so many memorable genre films — like playing Neve Campbell’s love interest in “Scream 2” and the reaction he got to that unforgettable singing scene, working with the Director of “Piranha 3D” on molding a certain appendage, and the horror films he (as a fan) truly loves.
Ep 183: I'll Be Dead For Christmas
Merry Christmassacre, horror lovers! To make the holidays scary and bright, we chose Shudder’s new culty Christmas flick to discuss while you open presents and down eggnog today. Tune in to hear us break down “The Sacrifice Game” — from which characters we liked, to which we wanted to see more of (wink wink), to that unexpected twist and even more unexpected ending.
Ep 182: Interview w/Michael Kennedy, Writer of “Freaky” & “It’s a Wonderful Knife”
From co-writing 2020’s body-swapping horror comedy, “Freaky,” to writing this year’s holiday slasher, “It’s a Wonderful Knife,” Michael Kennedy has a knack for creating a horror spin on classic films. Tune in to hear about what inspired these two memorable flicks, the time he cold-emailed Jason Blum and the ripple effect it had on his career, and the importance he puts on queer representation in his scripts.
Ep 181: What the Elf was That?
There have been horror films about gremlins, critters, ghoulies, creeps, leprechauns, etc. But Norwegian barn elves at Christmastime? Now that’s a first! 🧌 Tune in to hear us break down “There’s Something in the Barn” — from all those snowy settings, to how no one believes the poor kid in these movies, and overall, whether we elfin’ enjoyed it or not.
Ep 180: Interview w/Kevin Brophy from "Hell Night"
Kevin Brophy starred alongside Linda Blair and Peter Barton in 1981’s cult classic, “Hell Night,” where he delivered a monologue that none other than Quentin Tarantino considers one of the best in horror. Tune in to hear all about making this 80s slasher, how Kevin got his start in Hollywood, and the incredible gift left to him by a fan he had never met.
Ep 179: Thankful for the Sexiest Man Alive
16 years after Eli Roth served horror fans a taste of an 80s-era holiday slasher called “Thanksgiving,” we finally got the main course — a feature film! Tune in to hear us break down every over-the-top kill, every Turkey Day reference, that horrifyingly real Black Friday opening, and whether by the end we were stuffed or hungry for more!
Ep 178: Interview w/Lynne Griffin from “Black Christmas” (1974) & “Curtains”
As the first victim in the original “Black Christmas” (1974), Lynne Griffin holds a true place in the slasher hall of fame. But she also experienced the other side of the coin, playing an aspiring actress with homicidal tendencies in “Curtains.” Tune in to hear all about filming her iconic death scene (and getting that cat to lick her plastic-covered face), the original ending for “Curtains,” and her return to the “Black Christmas” universe in the upcoming sequel, “It’s Me, Billy – Chapter 2.”
Hell House LLC Live Event Q&A
We hosted our first-ever live event on September 30, 2023 at the Lumiere Cinema in Beverly Hills, CA. It was a screening of the original "Hell House LLC" followed by a Q&A with the producer, Joe Bandelli, and star of the film, Ryan Jennifer Jones. This is the audio from the Q&A that directly followed the screening, where we chatted with Joe & Ryan all about making this found footage film!This discussion was moderated by Matt Emert and Tim Murdock.
Ep 177: Down to Clown in Hell House
The original “Hell House LLC” film made quite an impact on us, so we were highly anticipating the latest installment in this found footage franchise. Tune in to hear us break down “Hell House LLC Origins: The Carmichael Manor” — from the new setting, to the new characters, to the scenes that gave us full body chills, and most importantly, all those scary f*ckin’ clowns!
Adrienne King discusses "Crystal Lake" prequel series (New Clip)
This is an additional clip from our interview with Adrienne King where she talks about the upcoming Friday the 13th prequel series, “Crystal Lake.” Listen to find out more about what we should expect from the new show in 2024.*This clip was removed from our original release due to the actors/writers strikes. To hear the full interview, check out Ep 160.
Ep 176: Interview w/Colin Krawchuk, Director & Co-Writer of “The Jester”
After Colin Krawchuk’s series of horror shorts captured the attention of Epic Pictures Group, he was asked to adapt them into a feature film. And thus, “The Jester” was born. Tune in to hear all about making this new horror movie (which was just released last month on VOD), thoughts on what the Jester character truly represents, and whether there could be more to come from this mischievous villain.
Ep 175: Cease & Desist, Exorcist!
David Gordon Green has taken on yet another horror franchise with his “The Exorcist” legacy sequel — 50 years after the original was released. And to commemorate this milestone, we invited Scott & Pete (co-hosts of Movies That Made Us Gay podcast) to discuss it with us. Tune in to hear us break down “The Exorcist: Believer” — from its new characters, to how they handled the return of Chris MacNeil, and where they could possibly take this story for 2 more movies.
Ep 174: Back to the Slasher
Ahhhh, the 80s. Such simpler times. Just not for the main character in “Totally Killer,” who time travels back to this decade to try and prevent a masked killer from murdering her mom’s friends. Tune in to hear us break down this horror comedy — from the lines that had us laughing out loud, to the gruesome murders that weren’t so humorous, and of course, all the 80s sh*t that would never fly today.
Bonus Episode: “Halloween” — The One, The Only, The Classic
We decided to release this month’s bonus episode on our main feed, as we discussed a film that’s just too iconic not to share with all our listeners. “Halloween” (1978) is credited with launching the golden era of slasher films, the career of Jamie Lee Curtis, and must have made life suck for anyone named Michael Myers. Tune in to hear us break down every scene, every character, every kill, every moment of heavy breathing, and why it’s Matt’s favorite film of all time. 🎃Sign up to be a patron at Patreon.com/HappyHorrorTime to gain access to ALL our monthly bonus episodes (along with tons of other perks). Each month, we discuss films from the past that either fall under a fun theme or are part of a popular franchise.
Ep 173: Interview w/Lindsey Anderson Beer, Director & Co-Writer of “Pet Sematary: Bloodlines”
Not only did Lindsey Anderson Beer make her directorial debut in our favorite genre, but she co-wrote and directed a prequel to one of Stephen King’s most popular stories. Tune in to hear all about how she got involved with the recently released Paramount Plus exclusive, “Pet Sematary: Bloodlines,” what it was like assembling and working with its star-studded cast, and, of course, our attempt at pulling something gay out of the plot.
Ep 172: Interview w/Tracie Savage from “F13 Pt 3”
Tracie Savage starred as the playful, free-spirited Debbie in “Friday the 13th Part 3,” and her character became the only victim of Jason’s who happened to be… pregnant?! Tune in to hear all about making the 3rd installment in the F13 series, how that infamous hammock death scene was filmed, and her return to horror in 2021’s meta slasher, “13 Fanboy.”
Ep 171: Saw X Marks the Spot
John Kramer, aka Jigsaw, is back in the 10th installment of the “Saw” series… but if we’re being sticklers for chronology, it’s more like “Saw 1.5.” Tune in to hear us break down all the new characters, all those gory traps, the more emotional approach this film took, and the biggest question of all — who we were supposed to root for.
Ep 170: Interview w/P.J. Soles from “Carrie” (1976) & “Halloween” (1978)
She made red caps stylish in “Carrie” and coined the word “totally” in “Halloween.” She’s P.J. Soles, and she starred in 2 of the most iconic horror films of all time. Tune in to hear all about playing Norma in “Carrie” and Lynda in “Halloween,” the different experiences she had with directors Brian De Palma and John Carpenter, and what Jamie Lee Currtis yelled across the room at her at the “Halloween H20” premiere.
Bonus Episode: Killer Kars (Patreon Clip)
This is a clip from our latest bonus episode! The full ep, along with all our monthly bonus episodes, is available to patrons at Patreon.com/HappyHorrorTimeIf the two films within this month’s winning theme don’t fuel your love of full-speed horror, we aren’t sure what gets you in gear! More car puns, perhaps? 🚗“Christine” is based on one of Stephen King’s classic novels, in which a very alive car possesses its new teenage owner, Arnie. With John Carpenter as Director, you can safely assume this film has A) Tons of suspense and B) An awesome score. “Death Proof,” originally part of the “Grindhouse” double feature, stands on its own with a chilling performance by Kurt Russell as Stuntman Mike — a psycho who terrorizes women with his stunt car… until he meets some no-nonsense stuntwomen who can outdrive him.Tune in to hear us break down these two horror-mobile flicks, guaranteed to rev up your adrenaline-loving hearts!
Ep 169: It's a Haunting, Honey
This week we ventured into the land of Agatha Christie to take on the Halloween whodunit murder mystery, “A Haunting in Venice.” Tune in to hear us break down all the suspects, whether the film was more supernatural horror or crime thriller, our thoughts on that ever-so-sweet addition to the story, and of course — Tina Fey!
Ep 168: The Nun, The Goat & Maurice
The Conjuring Universe has become the Marvel of horror, with plenty of creepy characters to carry their own movies. One in particular that has continued to terrify audiences is The Nun. Tune in as we break down “The Nun II” — from whether the sequel improved upon the original, to new characters like Sister Debra and that demonic goat, and of course, how even a possessed Maurice was sexy!
Ep 167: A 2023 ‘90s Thriller
What do “Scream,” “I Know What You Did Last Summer,” and “The Faculty” have in common? They’re all ‘90s thrillers that had a major influence on Netflix’s new Spanish slasher film, “Killer Book Club.” Tune in to hear us break down all the callbacks to these ‘90s flicks, all the chase scenes, that killer reveal, and the new word we learned in this movie — coulrophobia. 🤡 Plus, a few comments after last week's Kevin Williamson interview!
Ep 166: Interview w/Kevin Williamson, Writer of “Scream,” “IKWYDLS,” “The Faculty,” and so many more
After writing the 1996 mega-hit, “Scream,” Kevin Williamson became the go-to horror screenwriter — composing scripts for films like “I Know What You Did Last Summer,” “Halloween H20,” “The Faculty,” “Teaching Mrs. Tingle,” and even this year’s pandemic slasher, “Sick.” Tune in to hear stories about writing so many of our favorite horror films, like which “Scream 2” scene was originally meant for “IKWYDLS,” what real-life experience inspired “Teaching Mrs. Tingle,” why he didn’t receive an official writing credit on “Halloween H20,” and his intended stories for “Scream 5” & “Scream 6.”
Ep 165: But the Windows Weren't Dark!
As slasher lovers, we were very excited to find a new masked killer/stalk & slash film on VOD to discuss this week. But was it a cut above the rest? 🔪 Tune in to hear us break down “Dark Windows” — from the backstory that inevitably came back to haunt its main characters, to all the films it reminded us of, and whether its title was suitable or not.
Bonus Episode: Hellish Hospitals (Patreon Clip)
This is a clip from our latest bonus episode! The full ep, along with all our monthly bonus episodes, is available to patrons at Patreon.com/HappyHorrorTimeWhy are hospitals always so dark and vacant in scary movies? Well two of the biggest horror franchises sure used this to their advantage in the films within this month’s winning theme.“Halloween II” (1981) is a continuation of John Carpenter’s horror classic, with Laurie Strode being rushed to Haddonfield Memorial Hospital. Unfortunately, Michael Myers is still up for some trick-or-treating (and by “trick-or-treating,” we mean killing off unsuspecting doctors and nurses). “A Nightmare on Elm Street 3: Dream Warriors” brings Nancy Thompson back as an intern at Westin Hills Psychiatric Hospital, where the last remaining Elm Street kids are dropping like flies at the hands of Freddy Krueger. Code blue!Tune in as we break down these impressive horror sequels and their creepy-ass hospital settings. 🏥
Ep 164: We're Gonna Need a Bigger Shark
Shark flicks have been popular since the release of “Jaws,” but the Meg series sure knows how to take these movies to the next level… or actually, the next 10 levels! Tune in to hear us break down all the prehistoric creatures and over-the-top action sequences in “Meg 2: The Trench,” while answering the age-old question — is bigger always better?
Ep 163: Talk to the Hand
We’ve gotta hand it to the “Talk to Me” filmmakers, as we’ve never seen a supernatural film about grabbing an embalmed appendage to communicate with the dead. 🤝 Tune in as we break down this unique Australian horror flick — from those disturbing possessions, to those violent outbreaks, and of course, that intense makeout scene with the dog.
Ep 162: Interview w/John Ottman, Director of “Urban Legends: Final Cut,” Composer & Editor
Although John Ottman won an Oscar for editing “Bohemian Rhapsody,” his résumé in horror is what caught our eye, as he directed “Urban Legends: Final Cut” and scored many genre hits. Tune in to hear all about the circumstances John faced while directing the “Urban Legend” sequel, what it was like assembling and working with its hot young cast, and the story behind his original “Halloween H20” score.
Ep 161: Pumpkins, Parents & Poison
“Cobweb” takes place around Halloween, yet the film’s overprotective parents are definitely not fans of spooky season. But that doesn’t mean this movie isn’t filled with plenty of pumpkins, spiders, and scary knocking sounds. Tune in to hear us break down all the creepies, the crawlies, and whether “Cobweb” was more trick or treat.
Ep 160: Interview w/Adrienne King from “Friday the 13th” (1980)
As the original “Friday the 13th” final girl, Adrienne King survived the very first film in this long-running franchise — back before Jason Voorhees was even the killer! Tune in to hear all about playing Alice Hardy in “Friday the 13th,” the influence Betsy Palmer had on her while filming, and the full story behind her life after the movie came out and how her return in “F13 Part 2” was handled.*Please note: This interview was recorded before the SAG-AFTRA strike. We did chat with Adrienne about the upcoming “Crystal Lake” prequel series, but due to rules against promoting upcoming or struck work, we cannot release that part of the interview at this time. We support all actors and writers on strike, and will release that section at a future date.
Ep 159: Insidi-Is That It?
The Lambert family is back, along with their favorite red-faced demon, in what is (supposedly) their final journey into The Further. Tune in to hear us break down all the generational trow-ma in “Insidious: The Red Door” — from the characters who returned, to the new ones we’d like to forget (aka, Nick the Dick), and our thoughts on how they wrapped up this ghostly saga.
Ep 158: The Rabbit Never Ran
Although Netflix’s new Australian horror film is called “Run Rabbit Run,” it was definitely more of a slow burn. Tune in to hear all sorts of bunny references while we break down the creepy performances, whether there were any hare-raising moments (wink wink), and our thoughts on what was really going on the whole time.
Ep 157: Interview w/Peter M. Bracke, Writer of “Crystal Lake Memories” and “Friday the 13th” expert
Peter M. Bracke conducted over 200 interviews with cast & crew members to write the most extensive book on the “Friday the 13th” film franchise — 2005’s “Crystal Lake Memories.” Tune in to hear how he approached this comprehensive project, his personal thoughts on many of the interviews and controversies reported in the book, and where he’d like to see the F13 franchise go next.
Ep 156: No More Dying First
Countless horror tropes have formed over the years, and let’s be honest — the genre has had its share of stereotypes. But “The Blackening” turns all that on its head. Tune in to hear us break down this horror comedy — from what had us laughing our a$$es off, to its many pop culture and horror references. And most importantly, who DID die first??
Ep 155: Interview w/Kate McNeil from “The House on Sorority Row” & “Monkey Shines”
In the 80s, Kate McNeil faced off against a vengeful killer, a homicidal monkey, and worst of all — scheming sorority sisters! But her level-headed characters always survived. Tune in to hear all about making “The House on Sorority Row” & “Monkey Shines,” what it was like working with master of horror, George A. Romero, and which celebrity she spilled food on as a young waitress.
Ep 154: It WAS the Boogeyman
Although other films have already touched on the idea of the boogeyman (ahem, “Halloween”), this new theatrical release is based on a short story by Stephen King. Tune in as we break down “The Boogeyman” — from all those dark lingering moments, to why no one ever turned on the d*mn lights, and whether this PG-13 thriller managed to scare us.
Ep 153: Interview w/Marcia Karr from “Killer Workout,” “Savage Streets,” and more
It doesn’t get much better than playing an aerobics instructor who murders gym-goers with a giant safety pin. But this is just one of Marcia Karr’s memorable roles from the 80s. Tune in to hear all about making thrillers like “Killer Workout,” “Savage Streets,” and “Maniac Cop,” the bold thing she did on her first day in LA, and the movies in which she was supposed to make an appearance.
Ep 152: Stop Influencing Me!
Social media influencers — some people worship them, while others wish they’d all just disappear to some island in the middle of nowhere. 😉🏝️ Shudder’s new horror film, “Influencer,” finds a unique way to mix selfies with suspense. Tune in as we break down all the scheming, all the posting, and quite possibly the longest pre-credits scene we’ve ever witnessed.
Ep 151: Interview w/Peter Barton from “F13 Pt IV: The Final Chapter” & “Hell Night”
From the cover of teen magazines to being covered in blood, Peter Barton starred in two 80s slasher films that have developed huge cult followings — “Friday the 13th Part IV: The Final Chapter” and “Hell Night.” Tune in to hear all about making these fan favorites, why he almost gave up on acting so early in his career, and some juicy stories on his Hollywood life throughout the 80s and 90s.
Ep 150: Children Ruin Everything
Two gay men discussing the pressures women face around having children? What could be more appropriate? 😉 Tune in as we break down Hulu’s latest pregnancy-related horror film, “Clock” — from its uncomfortable imagery, to its (obvious) message, to the very important and mature realization that without the “L” in its title, it just spells 🍆.
Ep 149: Interview w/John Furey from "Friday the 13th Part 2"
As head counselor, Paul Holt, John Furey fought off Jason Voorhees to become the first final boy of the “Friday the 13th” franchise… well, sort of. Tune in to hear all about making the first sequel in this slasher series, how co-star Amy Steel got him to start attending horror conventions, and, of course, his thoughts on that very ambiguous ending for his character.
Ep 148: Rise and Die!
The latest installment in the long-running Evil Dead series, “Evil Dead Rise,” brings the Deadites out of the woods (and Middle Ages) and into a condemned apartment building. Tune in as we break down all the gory grossness, our favorite lines from the possessed mom (she had quite a few zingers), and whether this sequel lived up to all the hype.
Ep 147: Interview w/Betsy Baker from “The Evil Dead”
After becoming possessed in “The Evil Dead,” Betsy Baker’s sweet, innocent Linda transforms into one of the most memorable Deadites — taunting Bruce Campbell’s Ash with a menacing lullaby and high-pitched laughter. Tune in to hear all about making the original film in this popular horror series, how the idea for her Deadite character came to be, and how everyone in her PTA found out about her iconic role.
Ep 146: Interview w/Mitchell Anderson from “Jaws: The Revenge,” “Deadly Dreams,” and more
We’ll never forget how Mitchell Anderson literally gave his left arm while portraying Sean Brody in “Jaws: The Revenge.” Tune in to hear all about making the final film (to date) in this popular franchise, which love scene from one of his horror flicks was the most embarrassing moment of his career, and how coming out in the ‘90s affected his career and inspired his current one-man show, “You Better Call Your Mother.”
Ep 145: Shared Scares for Siblings Day
Happy National Siblings Day! To celebrate this underrated holiday, we invited our siblings to join us in reviewing two new horror flicks. First we welcome Matt’s sister, Melissa Emert-Hutner, to break down the new “Children of the Corn” remake. Then Tim’s brother, Jamie Murdock, joins us to discuss “Sound of Silence.” Tune in to hear all our thoughts (and boy did we have a ton) and whether our siblings were aligned.0:00-40:00 - Matt's sister and "Children of the Corn" discussion 40:00-END - Tim's brother and "Sound of Silence" discussion
Ep 144: Interview w/Duncan Birmingham, Writer/Director of “Who Invited Them”
We were so impressed with last year’s home invasion horror comedy, “Who Invited Them,” that getting the chance to interview the mastermind behind this thriller was an absolute delight. Tune in to hear all about how Writer/Director, Duncan Birmingham, got the idea for this movie, how lucky he felt assembling its talented cast, and most importantly — why there’s no question mark at the end of the film’s title.
Ep 143: I Can't See the Sugar!
It’s always fun getting the chance to talk about drugs, sex, AND murder all in one episode! “Spoonful of Sugar” gave us “The Hand That Rocks the Cradle” vibes… but if the nanny was always tripping on LSD and sleeping with the hot dad. While “Unseen” was fast-paced and often chaotic, with a friendship that gave us the warm fuzzies.
Ep 142: New York, New Scream
Ghostface is back, slicing through the Big Apple in “Scream VI.” And to discuss this new installment, we welcome someone who’s quite familiar with another Kevin Williamson creation — the co-host of Creek Talk podcast, Stephen Gavis! Tune in as we break down all the action in this “sequel to the requel,” how well it integrated NYC, that killer reveal, and most importantly — how many stabs a human being can endure and still survive. 🔪🔪At approx. 11:00 — "Scream" series discussion & quote gameAt approx. 20:00 — "Scream VI" review
Ep 141: Interview w/Cathy Podewell from “Night of the Demons” (1988)
As the sweet and innocent Judy in “Night of the Demons,” Cathy Podewell had to ward off sex-crazed boys AND demon after demon on Halloween night… all while donning a cute little Alice in Wonderland costume. Tune in to hear all about making this 80s cult classic, how Cathy felt being a final girl, and what it was like returning to the horror genre after over 30 years in 2021’s “Reunion From Hell.”
Ep 140: Cocaine Comb-Over
The sheer kookiness of the horror comedies we discuss this week made them the perfect pair to review together. “Cocaine Bear” shied away from the over-the-top violence we were expecting, but one action sequence had us… tweaking. “We Have a Ghost” felt very Disney-ish, but we couldn’t get past one major distraction — David Harbour’s hair.At approx. 9:00 — "Cocaine Bear" review At approx. 31:00 — "We Have a Ghost" review
Ep 139: Interview w/Tracey E. Bregman from "Happy Birthday to Me"
She may be best known for portraying Lauren Fenmore for 40 years on “The Young and the Restless,” but Tracey E. Bregman will always be remembered by horror fans for playing homicidal student, Ann, in “Happy Birthday to Me.” Tune in to hear all about making this 80s slasher flick, what led to the filmmakers changing her character's fate, and the effect that big reveal had on her.
Ep 138: Swallowed at the Cabin
From preventing the apocalypse to preventing drugs from getting stuck up your friend’s butt, the films we discuss this week are all about sacrifice. “Knock at the Cabin” gave us a former wrestler, a former “Harry Potter” star, and an impossible choice, while “Swallowed” had eye candy galore, but made us squirm even more.
Ep 137: Interview w/Jen Van Epps from "M3GAN"
“M3GAN” has already taken 2023 by storm, so we were delighted to chat with the star who played Tess — one of M3GAN’s creators and probably the only voice of reason in the film. Tune in to hear all about Jen Van Epps’ experience making this robo-slasher flick, how M3GAN “came to life” in various scenes, and all of our thoughts on what we’d like to see in the sequel.
Ep 136: Interview w/Marsha Dietlein from “Return of the Living Dead Part II”
As Lucy in this horror comedy sequel, Marsha Dietlein embodied all the qualities needed to survive an 80s horror movie — she was resourceful, level-headed, and boy did she know her way around a shotgun! Tune in to hear all about making “Return of the Living Dead Part II,” what it was like shooting a zombie in half, and which co-stars were most like their characters in real life.
Ep 135: COVID Killers & An Artsy Thriller
This week the two horror flicks we discuss couldn’t be more different in terms of tone, speed, and toys on the ceiling. “Sick” is a fast-paced slasher film set during the pandemic with action and chase scenes aplenty, while “Skinamarink” very slowly weaves in some of the most nightmarish visuals we barely could see.
Ep 134: Interview w/Russell Todd from "F13 Pt 2" & "Chopping Mall"
As one of the hunks of horror, Russell Todd brought smoldering good looks and memorable performances to slasher films like “Friday the 13th Part 2” and “Chopping Mall.” Tune in to hear all about his experience making both of these 80s flicks, how an Oscar winner helped him land his first job at Universal Studios, and what it was like being killed hanging upside down in not one, but TWO different horror movies!
Ep 133: You're M3GAN Me Crazy
The titular character in “M3GAN” is a stylish robot that uses AI to pair with humans (and to cut a b*tch’s throat if she has to). Tune in as we dedicate the entire episode to discussing this amusing horror flick — from M3GAN’s best lines, to the film’s overarching message, and of course that dance everyone’s been talking about since the trailer debuted!
Ep 132: The Nanny Train
We were shocked (and impressed) when we found out that Tubi was releasing a sequel to their “Terror Train” remake just TWO MONTHS LATER! But was “Terror Train 2” on track with the original or did it lose steam? Tune in to find out, along with our thoughts on “Nanny” — a psychological thriller with a message… and a mermaid.
Ep 131: Interview w/Steven LaMorte, Director of “The Mean One”
Steven LaMorte not only succeeded in turning a famous holiday tale into a Hallmark-style slasher, but he brought his indie horror film into theaters nationwide! Tune in to hear all about making “The Mean One,” transforming David Howard Thornton (Art the Clown in the “Terrifier” movies) into another iconic villain, and his thoughts on where he would/could take a sequel.
Ep 130: Interview w/Glen Morgan, Writer/Director of "Black Christmas" (2006) & "Willard" (2003), and Horror/Sci-Fi Writer & Producer
Celebrate Christmas with Happy Horror Time as we chat with Glen Morgan about his extensive career in writing, directing, and producing horror films. Tune in to hear all about his entries in the “Final Destination” series, working with tons of rats (and of course, Crispin Glover) in “Willard,” and everything from consulting original Director, Bob Clark, to battling the Weinsteins when filming the “Black Christmas” remake.Scary Christmas to all, and to all a good fright! 🎄
Ep 129: A Violent Night with Joe
“Hell House LLC” Producer and Writer/Director of "Unknown Dimension," Joe Bandelli, returns to help us break down the holiday action/horror flick, “Violent Night.” Tune in to hear us discuss every character, every brutal battle, Santa’s “magic sack,” and the most controversial topic of all — whether “Die Hard” is a Christmas movie.
Ep 128: Interview w/Samantha Scaffidi & David Howard Thornton from "Terrifier" & "Terrifier 2"
We were lucky enough to chat with the only two stars who appeared in both “Terrifier” films. She played tortured survivor/madwoman, Victoria Heyes, while he portrayed its viciously whimsical villain — Art the Clown. Tune in to hear all about filming both of these wildly popular indie slasher films, what goes into some of its sadistic kill scenes, and thoughts on what’s in store for their characters in the future.
Ep 127: Something in the Menu
From deconstructing food to deconstructing life, the films we discuss this week sure had a lot to sink our teeth into. “The Menu” had its own unique flavor, with characters we loved to hate and an ending that had us craving s’more. And “Something in the Dirt” taught us that if you don’t know what you’re talking about, just keep talking and soon something will make sense.
Ep 126: Interview w/Hayden Newman & Lisa Wilcox, Writer/Director & Star of "Reunion From Hell 2"
When we first heard about this holiday slasher starring 3 “A Nightmare on Elm Street” alums, we were as giddy as kids on Christmas morning! 🤗🎄 Tune in to hear how Writer/Director, Hayden Newman, got horror icon, Lisa Wilcox, involved in this upcoming sequel, what it was like reuniting with Danny Hassel and working with Mark Patton, and even some stories about playing fan favorite, Alice, in the ANOES series.And keep your eye out for “Reunion From Hell 2,” coming in 2023!
Ep 125: These Friends Aren't Soft & Quiet
Boy did we have a lot to say about the two films we discuss this week, as the plots ranged from controversial to convoluted. “Soft & Quiet” hit us like a loud bang, exposing those ugly personality traits we so often ignore that can lead to horrifying actions. Then there was “The Friendship Game,” which no one actually won and could have benefitted from instructions.
Ep 124: Interview w/Sean Lynch & Dennice Cisneros, Writer/Director & Star of “Red Snow”
To kick off the holiday (horror) season, we were fortunate enough to chat with the Writer/Director and star of the 2021 seasonal vampire flick that we raved about back in Ep 80. Tune in to hear all about the making of “Red Snow,” why Sean wrote the lead role for Dennice, and how its smart mix of horror and comedy has made it one of our favorite holiday horror films.
Ep 123: Terror, Tapes, and Tubi
A sequel to a found footage anthology series and a remake of an 80s slasher — that’s what we have in store for you this week. “V/H/S/99” had highs and lows among its 5 gritty shorts, from a twisted Double Dare-type game to a twisted Shakespearean accent. And Tubi impressed us by not going off the rails with its “Terror Train” remake — it even had a twist at the end that we were all aboard with. 🚂
Ep 122: Evil Dies... Tonight???
It’s another Halloween, another podcast anniversary (2 years today), and another “Halloween” film is out! We spend the entire hour discussing “Halloween Ends” — breaking down everything from Laurie, to Corey, to the story that had people going nuts on social media. Did we enjoy the new direction? Was it a fitting end to the franchise? And most importantly, did evil finally die tonight??? Tune in to hear all our thoughts!
Ep 121: Interview w/Micah Sloat from the “Paranormal Activity” series
The original “Paranormal Activity” not only introduced moviegoers to Micah Sloat, but made sure they’d never forget the pronunciation of his name after those blood-curdling “MEE-CAH” screams in its finale. Tune in to hear all about Micah’s experience making the film that launched this iconic franchise, how shooting its sequel compared to the original, and if anything paranormal lies in his future.
Ep 120: Interview w/Katie Featherston from the "Paranormal Activity" series
You can’t think of “Paranormal Activity” without Katie Featherston coming to mind. As the star of the original movie (and having appeared in 4 of its sequels), she’s become the face of the franchise. Tune in to hear all about auditioning for and shooting the first film, how Steven Spielberg was responsible for her character’s survival, and whether she’d ever return to the series that made her famous.
Ep 119: Smile, Pinhead!
This week’s movie selections will either have you grinning from ear to ear or ready to raise hell! Puns, anyone? “Smile” knows exactly how to creep people out, whether it’s with disturbing facial expressions or loud jump scares. And Hulu’s new “Hellraiser” brings some freshness to the iconic horror series, but also stays true to its torturous roots.
Ep 118: Interview w/Lezlie Deane from “Freddy’s Dead” & “976-EVIL”
Not only did Lezlie Deane battle Freddy Krueger and live to tell the tale in “Freddy’s Dead: The Final Nightmare,” but she was directed by the man who brought this villain to life in “976-EVIL.” Tune in to hear all about making both of these horror films, her creepy crawly spider-filled death scene in “976-EVIL,” and what working with Robert Englund was like (both in front of and behind the camera).
Ep 117: Pearl's a Barbarian
Just when you thought you had seen it all in horror… two films come along that blow every trope out of the water. “Barbarian” offers surprise after surprise, along with one of the creepiest breastfeeding scenes ever. “Pearl” is filled with insanity, from an intimate encounter with a scarecrow to Mia Goth’s unforgettably unhinged performance.
Ep 116: Interview w/Amy Steel from "Friday the 13th Part 2" & "April Fool's Day"
As the first to outsmart a pre-hockey mask wearing Jason Voorhees, and the last to fall prey to Muffy St. John’s murderous prank, Amy Steel is the true definition of a “final girl.” Tune in to hear all about making “Friday the 13th Part 2” and “April Fool’s Day,” why she feels that her characters have resonated with horror fans for so long, and details on the original “F13 Pt 3” script that involved Ginny Field and finally revealed Paul’s fate.
Ep 115: Sorry, Invite Only
From a family reunion you don’t want to attend, to party crashers with not-so-pure intentions, the movies we discuss this week are all about invites gone wrong. “The Invitation” feels like a Hallmark romance… with fangs, blood, and murder, while “Who Invited Them” is uncomfortably effective for anyone who’s had to entertain strangers for way too long.
Ep 114: Interview w/Bob Heckman, Writer/Director of “Victim No More”
As a lifelong fan of the “Friday the 13th” franchise, it’s no wonder Bob Heckman created his own tribute film — complete with tons of callbacks to the existing movies. Tune in to hear all about the making of “Victim No More” and its recent premiere at Creature Feature Weekend, the horror stars who make special appearances in the film, and Bob’s friendship with some of the series’ favorite final girls.You can stream “Victim No More” for free on the film’s website:https://victimnomorefilm.com/Or watch directly on YouTube:https://youtu.be/bGxXwnPUA5o
Ep 113: Don’t Fall for This Orphan
Isabelle Fuhrman’s back, 13 years later, playing a YOUNGER version of the murderous Esther in “Orphan: First Kill.” How’s that possible? We break it all down for you along with the anxiety-inducing, sweaty palm-producing, survival thriller — “Fall.” Climbing a 2,000 ft. tower in the middle of nowhere without telling anyone where you are? What could go wrong? 🤷♂️
Ep 112: Interview w/Theresa Tilly from "The Evil Dead"
As Shelly in Sam Raimi’s original cult classic, Theresa Tilly not only transformed into a Deadite, but she gnawed her hand off AND got chopped into pieces — par for the course in an “Evil Dead” film. Tune in to hear all about making this low budget indie hit, the mishaps that took place during her chaotic death scene, and how she's since banded together with the other “Ladies of the Evil Dead.”
Ep 111: They Like Them Bodies
A horror comedy starring Pete Davidson as… well, Pete Davidson, and a summer camp slasher with an LGBTQ+ story — these are the films we tackle in this episode. “Bodies Bodies Bodies” had us laughing laughing laughing at a group of entitled twenty-somethings with big mouths and bad judgment, while “They/Them” made us wonder if Kevin Bacon signed on before or after they added the Glee-like number of Pink’s “F**kin’ Perfect.”
Ep 110: Interview w/Robin Frates from "Puppet Master"
Including crossovers and spin-offs, there have been 15 movies in the “Puppet Master” universe to date. And we had the pleasure of chatting with the franchise’s original final girl. Tune in to hear all about filming the movie that kicked off this long-running series, Robin’s thoughts on the various puppets (and which ones she can still name today), and that time she worked with Jamie Lee Curtis.
Ep 109: Can Stanny Cope with Nope?
This week we welcome Stanley Jacobus, friend of the podcast and host of the YouTube channel, “Stanny Boy Reviews,” to join us as we discuss Jordan Peele’s highly anticipated new horror movie, “Nope.” Tune in to hear what parts had us giving a resounding “Yep,” our theories on the film’s meaning and all that Gordy stuff, and most importantly — what the alien reminded us of at the end. 🤭
Ep 108: Interview w/Stephen Cognetti, Writer/Director of the “Hell House LLC” movies
In our opinion, Stephen Cognetti’s unsettling and chilling film, “Hell House LLC,” ranks right up there with the best in found footage horror. And it happened to spawn two sequels within 5 years. Tune in to hear the full story behind the making of these movies, how that iconic and terrifying clown was created, and what’s next for the series.
Ep 107: Where the Scary Things Aren't
This week we searched high and dry (through VOD) for two not-so-mainstream horror flicks to discuss. “Where the Scary Things Are” involves a group of kids who apparently aren’t affected by swamp monsters, murder, or unusually long dance sequences. And “Neon Lights” features brightly lit rooms which unfortunately couldn’t take our focus away from its colorful performances.
Ep 106: Ethan Hawke's Not a Good Neighbor
Blumhouse is back with a new scary movie, and this time it’s not a burnout (cough, “Firestarter,” cough). “The Black Phone” gave us Ethan Hawke as a creepy child abductor and a phone with supernatural (and rather convenient) abilities. “The Good Neighbor” reminded us to never date the sibling of a person you’ve run over. Facts!
Ep 105: Interview w/Jeffrey Reddick, Creator of "Final Destination" & Horror Writer/Director
Although best known for creating the “Final Destination” series, Jeffrey Reddick has gone on to create quite a name for himself writing and directing horror films. Tune in to hear the incredible story of how he got started in the biz (horror fans will be jealous), and what inspired him to write movies such as “Tamara,” “Day of the Dead” (2008), “Dead Awake,” and “Don’t Look Back.”
Ep 104: We Like to Watch
This week is for all the voyeurs out there, as we discuss two eerie films that involve being watched (among other things). “Watcher” gave us the heebie-jeebies as it slowly weaved its way through each dark and chilling scene. And then there’s “Dashcam” — a chaotic journey that creeped us out… but for very different reasons.
Ep 103: Interview w/Danny Hassel from “ANOES 4 & 5”
Danny Hassel made us all swoon playing Alice’s boyfriend and “one major league hunk,” Dan, in “A Nightmare on Elm Street” Parts 4 & 5. Tune in to hear all about playing this strong but sensitive jock, what it was like filming his memorable (and brutal) motorcycle death scene, and the two upcoming projects marking his return to horror.
Ep 102: Innocent Until Hatched
Two foreign horror flicks, one valuable lesson — children ruin everything. JK! The telepathic & telekinetic kids in the Norwegian thriller, “The Innocents,” are anything BUT innocent as they f*ck with cats, break legs, and engage in a moral battle. And “Hatching,” a Finnish film, is all about keeping up appearances… and a humongous bird that morphs into a human.
Ep 101: Interview w/Ken Sagoes from "ANOES 3 & 4"
With his quotable lines and courageous personality, Roland Kincaid is one of the most memorable characters from the “A Nightmare on Elm Street” franchise. Tune in to hear Ken tell us all about playing this Dream Warrior, his thoughts on Kincaid’s untimely demise in Part 4, and why he wants to set the record straight on something people may have misunderstood in the “Never Sleep Again” documentary.
Ep 100: Ask Us Anything (Special Q&A Episode)
It’s our 100th episode! To celebrate this milestone, we asked listeners to submit questions beforehand and then answered them alongside our Producer, Jacob. Tune in to hear how your HHT hosts met, the scariest things they’ve encountered in real life, which interviews they’ve enjoyed the most, and even a few teases of upcoming guests!
Ep 99: Totally Startin' Fires
This week we welcome friend of the podcast and creator of "Totally 80’s Room" on Instagram & TikTok, Pete, to join us as we discuss the new “Firestarter,” while taking a look back at the 1984 original. Tune in to hear which parts of the remake sparked our interest, what had us fuming, and the most brutal kill in the film — that poor cat.
Ep 98: Interview w/Barbara Bingham from "F13 Pt VIII: Jason Takes Manhattan"
After Jason Voorhees started hacking up Lakeview High School seniors on their cruise to NYC, not even sweet, supportive chaperone Colleen Van Deusen could foil his plan. Tune in to hear all about playing this empathetic character, where many of the scenes in Part VIII were actually filmed, and her thoughts on her character’s unfortunate demise.
Bonus Episode: "Friday the 13th" 1980 vs. 2009 (Patreon Clip)
Happy Friday the 13th! To celebrate the unluckiest (or maybe the luckiest?) day of the year, we’re taking a look back at the original movie in Tim’s favorite horror franchise and comparing it with the 2009 remake. Join us as we discuss when we first saw “Friday the 13th” (1980), that killer reveal at the end, how the remake combined aspects from the first 4 films, and the impact these movies have had on our lives — from the memorable lines to the tiny speedos and everything in between.*This is a clip from this month's bonus episode for patrons. To unlock the full episode, please sign up to be a patron at Patreon.com/HappyHorrorTime
Ep 97: Interview w/Lar Park Lincoln from "F13 Pt VII: The New Blood"
Carrie who? When Lar Park Lincoln portrayed telekinetic Tina Shepard in the 7th “Friday the 13th” film, it looked as though Jason Voorhees had finally met his match. Tune in to hear all about bringing this multifaceted character to life, why she didn’t return for Part VIII, and what it was like reprising the role 33 years later in “Rose Blood: A Friday the 13th Fan Film.”
Ep 96: Elisha Cuthbert or Die
It’s a Shudder vs. Netflix showdown, as both horror films we discuss this week are platform exclusives. Elisha Cuthbert stars in the Irish supernatural flick, “The Cellar,” proving that she’s no longer playing characters that get “Happy Endings” (ba dum tsh!). “Choose or Die” made us nostalgic for 80s video games, but nauseated by broken glass chewing.
Ep 95: Interview w/Drew Mikuska from "Scary Movie 3"
From child star to music composer, Drew Mikuska has had quite an exciting career. At age 8, he landed a supporting role in “Scary Movie 3” alongside Anna Faris and Regina Hall. Tune in to hear all about filming this horror parody, his various experiences with its star-studded cast, and why his role in Part 4 had to be written out of the script.
Ep 94: More BS at Midnight
This week we venture into uncharted territory by discussing… Marvel! Well, a Marvel vampire flick and a South Korean cat-and-mouse thriller, to be exact. “Morbius” features tons of blood sucking and a story that moves as quickly as its CGI’d fight scenes, while “Midnight” has no shortage of engaging characters, empty streets, and running, running, and more running.
Ep 93: Mommy Issues
When your mom’s the villain (and daddy’s not around), who do you turn to for help? That’s the issue in the two movies we discuss this week. “Umma” is truly shocking… because electricity is literally used as a torture device in it. And “You Are Not My Mother” taught us that if your mom starts stomping the ground and dancing like a freak, she’s probably a monster.
Ep 92: Interview w/Deborah Foreman from "April Fool's Day," "Waxwork," and more
No one loves a killer prank more than Muffy St. John. And we had the opportunity to chat with the star who brought this viciously vibrant character to life — Deborah Foreman. Tune in to hear all about bonding with the cast while filming “April Fool’s Day,” whether Deborah would ever play a joke like that on her own friends, and the horror icons she’s worked with throughout her vast career in the genre.
Bonus Episode: Wes Craven's Nightmares
To celebrate the launch of our new tiers on Patreon, we're releasing this special episode to the public so all listeners can get a taste of our BONUS CONTENT! Every month we release a new bonus episode based on a fun theme or popular franchise. In this one, we’re taking a look back at the two “A Nightmare on Elm Street” films written & directed by horror master, Wes Craven. Not only is Craven responsible for the 1984 original, but he returned 10 years later to write and direct its very meta sequel, “New Nightmare.” Join us as we discuss all the memorable moments, iconic death scenes, classic lines, and of course — Johnny Depp’s crop top.Sign up to support the podcast and receive access to all our BONUS EPISODES (as well as many other new benefits) at Patreon.com/HappyHorrorTime
Ep 91: Let's Talk About X, Baby
This week we’re gettin’ down and dirty by discussing two new horror films that don’t shy away from X rated-ish content. “X” takes some very uneXpected turns, with a creepy elderly couple who obviously doesn’t appreciate pornography. “Exploited” features webcam fetish play, multiple LGBTQ+ characters, some softcore X and even some D.
Ep 90: Feelin' Fresh This Season
The two movies we discuss this week brought us to very different conclusions. Hulu’s latest horror installment, “Fresh,” is smart and thrilling, and had us considering whether we’d give an arm and a leg to date Sebastian Stan. “Offseason” is heavy on fog and not so heavy on story, but more than worthy of the term “atmospheric.”
Ep 89: Interview w/Lisa Schrage from "Hello Mary Lou: Prom Night II"
Who could forget Hamilton High’s free-spirited prom queen, Mary Lou Maloney? Lisa Schrage’s iconic performance reminded us that “it’s not who you come with, it’s who takes you home.” Tune in to hear Lisa’s thoughts on playing the titular role in “Hello Mary Lou: Prom Night II,” her favorite scenes from the film, and what she thought of Tim’s fabulous Halloween costume.
Ep 88: Let's Exit This Curse
From a dreary new take on a werewolf tale, to a classic whodunit in a snowy setting, the two movies we discuss this week felt… well, cold! “The Cursed” features silver fangs, a terrifying scarecrow, and the most unhelpful sister ever, while “No Exit” had us fearing nail guns and saying “Jaaaaaay” in our best old lady voices. Tune in to find out why!
Ep 87: Let Me Tell You Somethin', Leatherface
This week we welcome friend of the podcast and host of “Let Me Tell You Somethin’ B*tch,” Roi, to join us as we discuss the new “Texas Chainsaw Massacre” requel. Tune in to hear us break down every detail, from each gory kill to that sewage pipe spill, and the most contentious point of all — how old Leatherface must be at this point.
Ep 86: Interview w/Diane Franklin from "Amityville II" & "The Amityville Murders"
Sure, you may recognize Diane Franklin from “Better Off Dead” or “Bill & Ted’s Excellent Adventure,” but we celebrate the fact that she had iconic roles in 2 different Amityville films. Tune in to hear her thoughts on the controversial material in “Amityville II: The Possession,” what it was like returning to the series 36 years later in “The Amityville Murders,” and that time she auditioned for the role of Regan in “The Exorcist.”
Ep 85: Oh Really, Alicia?
Tropical sharks? A naïve hottie living off the grid? Is there anything Alicia Silverstone can’t handle? This week we discuss two new thrillers starring our favorite “Clueless” star. In “The Requin,” Alicia battles a tropical storm, ravenous sharks, and a ton of CGI. “Last Survivors” is a twist on a post-apocalyptic film, placing Alicia opposite the most groomed wilderness man we’ve ever seen.
Ep 84: Slap for Me
What is horror in 2022 without thrillers about a virtual assistance app and toxic masculinity? “See for Me” made us happy not to be rich enough to possess anything worthy of a safe. And while we giggled at the title of “Slapface,” the content was definitely nothing to laugh at… but the eyebrows on its main star were on point!
Ep 83: Interview w/Joe Bandelli, "Unknown Dimension" Writer/Director & "Hell House LLC" Producer
Joe Bandelli has been a part of some of the most popular names in found footage horror, having written & directed the 2021 “Paranormal Activity” series documentary and produced all 3 “Hell House LLC” films. Tune in to hear our conversation with this true horror fan as he reveals tons of details we never knew about both of these enduring franchises.
Ep 82: It’s a Scream, Baby!
A new “Scream” movie is out, so of course we dedicated an entire SPOILER-FILLED episode to discussing it. After a quick recap of Screams 1-4, we dive into the 5th film and break down everything from the thrills to the kills, the squeals to the reveals, the highs to the whys… aaand we’re outta rhymes. Tune in for all this + Matt’s mediocre Ghostface impression! 😱
Ep 81: Interview w/Tracie Thoms from "Death Proof"
She gave us 525,600 reasons to love her in “Rent,” but horror fans remember Tracie Thoms as stuntwoman Kim, who drove (and fought) like a badass in “Death Proof.” Tune in to hear all about making this grindhouse flick, working with Quentin Tarantino, and how her love for the horror genre led to becoming a commentator on Shudder’s docuseries, “Behind the Monsters.”
Ep 80: Red Snow Gives Us Nightmares
Circus geeks or holiday bloodsuckers? Take your pick from the two movies we discuss this week. “Nightmare Alley” (2021) gave us an all-star cast, a chicken beheading, a bathtub HJ, and the desire to never want psychic abilities. While “Red Snow” had a “Misery + Vampires” feel to it, with a cute bloodsucker wearing outfits Annie Wilkes would be proud of.
Ep 79: Interview w/Larry Zerner from “F13 Pt 3”
As lovable prankster Shelly in “Friday the 13th Part 3,” Larry Zerner is the only franchise star who donned the iconic hockey mask before Jason Voorhees. Tune in to hear all about filming this sequel, the challenges of capturing everything for 3D, and the incredible story behind how he was discovered and handpicked for this role.
Ep 78: Interview w/Kristen Cloke from “Black Christmas” (2006) & “Final Destination”
Kristen Cloke battled two sadistic killers with an eyeball fetish in “Black Christmas” (2006), but fell prey to a lethal combination of vodka, a computer, and a knife block in “Final Destination.” Tune in to hear all about making these enduring thrillers, what the studio changed in “Black Christmas,” and how her extensive “Final Destination” death scene was filmed.
Ep 77: Have Yourself an Apocalyptic Christmas
Some people like their holidays filled with tidings of comfort and joy. We, on the other hand, prefer murder, mayhem, and end-of-the-world madness! Tune in to hear us take you through “Silent Night” (2021) and “The Advent Calendar,” two new holiday horror films that are less cheery and more dreary — perfect for those screaming of a fright(ful) Christmas.
Ep 76: Interview w/Suzanne Snyder from “Killer Klowns,” “ROTLD II,” and more
Big hair, big clowns, bloodthirsty zombies? Sounds like a Suzanne Snyder ‘80s film! Tune in to hear what it was like being in some of the most unique genre films of the ‘80s, from working with John Hughes in “Weird Science,” to being trapped in a huge circus balloon in “Killer Klowns From Outer Space,” to kissing Thom Mathews in “Return of the Living Dead Part II.”
Ep 75: Ghosting on Black Friday
From ghostly walkers to zombie shoppers, the movies we discuss this week cover most of the horror sub-genres. “Double Walker” is like a dream, where everything’s beautiful, creepy, and just the right amount of confusing. “Black Friday” gives us Bruce Campbell, Devon Sawa, and yet another reason not to go shopping the day after Thanksgiving.
Ep 74: Interview w/Peter Anthony, “Rose Blood” Writer/Director, & returning “F13 Pt VII” star, Kevin Spirtas
Peter Anthony’s script for a direct sequel to “Friday the 13th Part VII: The New Blood” not only impressed original heroine, Lar Park Lincoln, but convinced additional Pt 7 stars, Terry Kiser and Kevin Spirtas, to return for this fan film. Tune in to hear all about “Rose Blood” leading up to its release and reflect on “F13 Pt VII” with its leading man.
Ep 73: SoHo, You Paranormal?
From visions of spirits in the past, to possessed cult members in the present, the norm for these two movies was the paranormal. Tune in to hear all about the 60s music, murder, and British accents in “Last Night in Soho,” then stay as we discuss a sequel that’s not exactly a 23andMe success story — “Paranormal Activity: Next of Kin.”
Ep 72: Interview w/William McNamara from "Opera" and "Copycat"
William McNamara not only starred in a Dario Argento horror flick, but he also played the unforgettable serial killer who terrorizes Sigourney Weaver in the 1995 thriller, “Copycat.” Tune in to hear him reveal secrets about making both films, how he prepared for the role of Peter Foley, and the surprise coaching he got from Sir Anthony Hopkins.
Ep 71: Happy Halloween Kills
It’s a Happy Horror Time Halloween! 🎃 Not only are we celebrating one year to the day since we relaunched this podcast, but we’ve dedicated the entire episode to discussing “Halloween Kills.” Did JLC get enough screen time? Did Kyle Richards hold her own? Did we take a drink every time someone said “evil dies tonight?” Tune in to find out!
Ep 70: Interview w/Marianne Hagan from "Halloween: The Curse of Michael Myers"
Just like her cousin Laurie, Kara Strode seemed like the unassuming girl next door. But boy could she hold her own against Michael Myers! Tune in to hear Marianne Hagan tell us all about bringing this integral character to life, anecdotes about Donald Pleasence’s sense of humor, and the friendship she formed with Paul Rudd while filming.
Ep 69: Interview w/Wendy Foxworth from "Halloween 5: The Revenge of Michael Myers"
There aren’t many performances in the Halloween franchise as memorable as Wendy Foxworth’s portrayal of Tina Williams. She was a free spirit, hated cats, and was never sensible if she could help it! Tune in to hear all about filming “Halloween 5,” the influence Tina has had on horror fans, and Wendy’s thoughts on both the lovers and the haters.
Ep 68: Interview w/Stacey Nelkin from "Halloween III: Season of the Witch"
The third “Halloween” film may have taken a stab at horror without Michael Myers, but it introduced us to 3 killer masks, a haunting jingle, and Stacey Nelkin’s iconic character — Ellie Grimbridge. Tune in to hear all about making this cult classic, how they filmed all her scenes as a robot, and her thoughts on what actually happened to Ellie at the end.
Ep 67: Interview w/Ana Alicia from "Halloween II" (1981)
Ana Alicia played Haddonfield Memorial Hospital’s most innocent (and non tech-savvy) nurse in “Halloween II.” Tune in to hear all about the acting class that led to her involvement in the film, how her death scene resulted in an actual injury on set, and the crazy story behind being taken flying by a fellow cast member before shooting began.
Ep 66: Interview w/Deborah Voorhees from "F13 Pt V: A New Beginning" & "13 Fanboy"
Deborah Voorhees may have met her demise via gardening shears in “Friday the 13th Part V: A New Beginning,” but she’s back directing & starring in a new slasher flick featuring tons of horror stars — “13 Fanboy.” Tune in to hear all about filming her scenes in the fifth F13 movie, how she came up with the story behind this new thriller, and why horror lovers should definitely check out “13 Fanboy” when it hits select theaters and VOD on Oct. 22.
Ep 65: Interview w/Adrienne Barbeau, Horror Icon
For over 40 years, Adrienne Barbeau has established an unrivaled legacy in genre films like “The Fog,” “Escape From New York,” “Creepshow,” “Swamp Thing,” and countless others. Tune in to hear all about filming these classics, her memorable first encounter with John Carpenter, and her thoughts on being referred to as a “horror icon.”
Ep 64: Gabriel is no Superhost
Over the top… and in the best way possible. That’s the simplest way to describe the two horror movies we discuss this week. From Matrix-style action kills and a mind-boggling twist in “Malignant,” to a batshit crazy performance in “Superhost” that’s every AirBnB goer’s worst nightmare, both of these movies are a total hoot!
Ep 63: Interview w/Pooya Mohseni from "Terrifier"
Actor and trans advocate, Pooya Mohseni, made quite an impact as the Cat Lady in “Terrifier.” And her inspiring story truly moved us. Tune in to hear all about making this throwback slasher film, how her original part was expanded, and the very important work she does writing and consulting on stories representing the LGBTQ+ community.
Ep 62: Night at Candyman's House
This week we did something crazy — we got off our couches and went to see two new theatrical horror releases! Psychological thriller, “The Night House,” is literally all about “Nothing,” while the “Candyman” sequel/reboot had us avoiding mirrors, bees, and even the song “Say My Name” by Destiny’s Child.
Ep 61: Interview w/Daniel Farrands, "Halloween 6" Writer & "Ted Bundy: American Boogeyman" Writer/Director
Daniel Farrands declared in 1989 that he’d be the one to write the sixth Halloween film, and the universe delivered. Tune in to hear what he really intended to happen in “Halloween: The Curse of Michael Myers,” the incredible story of how he got the writing gig, and all the details on his latest movie, “Ted Bundy: American Boogeyman” (available on VOD on September 3rd).
Ep 60: Interview w/Kelli Maroney from "Night of the Comet" & "Chopping Mall"
Everyone’s favorite badass cheerleader from the ‘80s, Kelli Maroney made fighting zombies in “Night of the Comet” and battling killbots in “Chopping Mall” look super cool. Tune in to hear her stories about shooting guns and doing stunts on set, which character she identified with the most, and all the talk around rebooting both films.
Ep 59: Shut the Door, We're Old!
How cheesy are the “Old” jokes we make about ourselves? And was M. Night Shyamalan’s new thriller a Sixth Sense-level success or a The Happening-level disaster? Tune in for the answers to both, along with our review of “The Boy Behind the Door” — a suspenseful Shudder original that was quite the pleasant surprise.
Ep 58: Interview w/Rob Schmidt, Director of "Wrong Turn" (2003)
Not only did the original “Wrong Turn” spawn 5 sequels and a reboot, it made people think twice about taking shortcuts. We chatted with Director Rob Schmidt, who told us all about filming this backwoods slasher, how famous actors were originally supposed to play the inbreds, and the battle over which actor got the final kill.
Ep 57: "Fear Street" trilogy w/Hiko Mitsuzuka
This week we welcome Fear Street expert and mega fan, Hiko Mitsuzuka, to the podcast to discuss this Netflix horror trilogy. Tune in to hear us break down which characters we loved (and loathed), which kills made Tim clutch his pearls, and how Netflix must have paid a fortune for all those establishing songs.
Ep 56: Interview w/Katherine Kamhi from "Sleepaway Camp"
In the original “Sleepaway Camp,” Katherine Kamhi didn’t just tell you her name – she spelled it out for you. Tune in to hear all about playing villainous camp counselor M-E-G, the improv she had to do for her audition, showing up to set on the first day in a limo, and the many summer flings that went on behind the scenes.
Ep 55: Forever Megan Fox
From a franchise that won’t quit, to an actress we thought called it quits, this episode is filled with surprises. First we discuss “The Forever Purge,” a unique entry in the not so far-fetched anymore “Purge” series. Then we grovel over Megan Fox’s flawlessness… along with her badass, body-dragging performance in “Till Death.”
Ep 54: Interview w/Andre Gower from “The Monster Squad”
Andre Gower was a young teenager when he played Sean, the leader of "The Monster Squad,” in this beloved 80s horror-comedy. Tune in to hear all about filming with such an eclectic cast, how an anniversary screening revealed the film’s cult following, and what led to creating his heartfelt documentary, “Wolfman’s Got Nards.”
Ep 53: The Stalker Must Babysit
Sometimes trailers don’t reveal how truly insane a movie will be — that’s the story behind the two thrillers we discuss this week. “Stalker” reminds viewers to make sure your webcam’s off when having a little alone time, while “Babysitter Must Die” proves that all you need is scout training to ward off home-invading, apocalyptic cultists.
Ep 52: The Devil Kept Me Awake
This week we discuss how Hollywood amped up the new Conjuring movie with tons of SFX and gorgeous actors playing the real-life players in “The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It.” We also fall in love with Gina Rodriguez’s performance in Netflix’s new Bird Box-esque thriller, “Awake” ... but not much else.
Ep 51: Interview w/Jill Whitlow from "Night of the Creeps"
If you don’t recognize Jill Whitlow by her sweet, endearing voice, you’ll remember her as the girl-next-door turned badass zombie fighter, Cynthia, in “Night of the Creeps.” Tune in to hear all about working with that iconic flamethrower, drinking until all hours with her co-stars, and the Friday the 13th fan film she’s about to film – "Victim No More."
Ep 50: Stay Quiet, Then Retreat!
A horror sequel that lives up to the original? A middle-of-nowhere survival flick that doesn’t feel overdone? Both movies we discuss this week are terrifying treats. Tune in to find out how “A Quiet Place Part II” remains truly scary despite its PG-13 rating, and why “The Retreat” (2021) is the perfect thriller to kick off pride month.
Ep 49: Interview w/Brandon Crane from "It" (1990)
As an original member of the Losers’ Club, Brandon Crane took on Pennywise in the 1990 “It” miniseries – an adaptation that still terrifies audiences to this day. Tune in to hear why the part of Ben Hanscom was so important to him, what Tim Curry and John Ritter were like on set, and how he scored a cameo in 2019’s “It Chapter Two.”
Ep 48: Spiraling Out the Window
Both thrillers we discuss this week had been on our radar since B.P. (Before Pandemic). “Spiral” attempts to revive the “Saw” series with clever/gory new traps and a copycat killer with an all-too-timely motive, while “The Woman in the Window” reminds everyone to invest in blinds or curtains, especially when living across from Amy Adams.
Ep 47: Interview w/Paula Marshall from "Hellraiser 3" & "Warlock 2"
She battled Pinhead and became a Cenobite in “Hellraiser III: Hell on Earth,” then faced off against the evil Warlock in “Warlock: The Armageddon.” Tune in to hear the effervescent Paula Marshall tell us all about filming these early 90s horror sequels, her extensive career in TV, and that incredibly infamous scene she did in “Nip/Tuck.”
Ep 46: A Boy's Best Friend is His Mother (featuring our Moms)
What better way to celebrate Mother’s Day than by discussing this week’s movies with our Moms! First we unpack Netflix's “Things Heard & Seen” (and whether sex on the dirt is sanitary) with Phyllis Emert (Matt’s Mom). Then we chat about “Separation” with Darlene Murdock (Tim’s Mom), who is definitely not afraid of puppets.
Ep 45: Interview w/Catherine Mary Stewart from "Night of the Comet"
Although she played the girl next door in movies like “The Last Starfighter” and “Weekend at Bernie’s,” we remember Catherine Mary Stewart as the tough, zombie-fighting Regina Belmont in “Night of the Comet.” Tune in to hear all about filming this “horror-omedy,” which scream queen she first auditioned with, and what it was like filming a love scene with Zach Galligan in “Psychic.”
Ep 44: Take my Honeydew Breath Away
It’s fitting that the first movie we discuss this week shares its name with the Police’s sinister love/stalk song, as Sam Claflin turns up the creep factor in "Every Breath You Take." And then there’s the bizarre and unsettling “Honeydew” – let’s just say you’ll never look at Lena Dunham the same way again.
Ep 43: Interview w/Jill Schoelen from "The Stepfather," "Popcorn," and more
She battled Terry O’Quinn in “The Stepfather,” faced a master of disguise in “Popcorn,” and joined forces with Carole Kane in “When a Stranger Calls Back.” Tune in to hear all about Jill Schoelen’s illustrious career in horror, how a close friend and little-known slasher flick led to meeting ex-fiancée Brad Pitt, and which of her many films she enjoyed working on the most.
Ep 42: Cute Priests and a Werewolf
Familiar horror tropes done differently – that’s the theme behind the films we discuss this week. From a poignant portrayal of a mother looking after her werewolf son in “Blood Moon,” to an exorcism story with 2 sinfully handsome priests and 1 twist ending in "The Seventh Day," both thrillers bring something modern to the traditional.
Ep 41: Interview w/David Howard Thornton from "Terrifier"
Take one look at Art the Clown and you’ll know why his movie is called “Terrifier.” We had the pleasure of chatting with the man behind the makeup, David Howard Thornton, to discuss how he approached playing such a sadistic villain, why people are drawn to this 80s throwback slasher film, and even a few tidbits on the upcoming “Terrifier 2.”
Ep 40: Come True, Joel McHale!
Both films we discuss this week left us with more questions than answers. Like how is Joel McHale almost 50 with a body like the one he so “Happily” shows off? And why couldn’t our wish for a new Nightmare on Elm Street-esque film “Come True?” Tune in to hear us confuse even ourselves while recapping these unusual thrillers.
Ep 39: Interview w/Thom Mathews from “F13 Pt VI” & “The Return of the Living Dead”
Thom Mathews had two back-to-back horror hits in the mid-80s when he starred in “The Return of the Living Dead” and “Friday the 13th Part VI: Jason Lives.” Tune in to hear all about filming these fan favorites, the thing most people don’t know about zombies, and an update on reprising the role of Tommy Jarvis in a number of upcoming F13 fan films.
Ep 38: Right Turn, Wrong Son
This week we fawn over how much the new “Wrong Turn” got right in its quest to breathe new (non-inbred) life into the series. We also discuss Laurie Strode’s granddaughter (Andi Matichak) taking a very bloodthirsty kid on the run in “Son.” Both movies have twists, turns, and tons of gore – but only one has Matthew Modine.
Ep 37: Interview w/Jacob Johnston, Writer/Director of “Dreamcatcher” (2021)
To coincide with the opening weekend of “Dreamcatcher,” we interviewed Writer/Director Jacob Johnston to hear all about the making of this new EDM-fueled slasher film, where the story came from, and how he went from working production on Marvel movies to directing a horror movie. And for once, this episode is SPOILER-FREE!
Ep 36: Wondering WTF Shook Willy
Wacky, insane, WTF... all ways to describe the thrillers we discuss this week. From an influencer being punked/harassed/stalked with Scream-style phone calls in “Shook,” to watching Nicolas Cage face off (get it?) against possessed animatronics in “Willy’s Wonderland,” there’s plenty of crazy to go around.
Ep 35: Interview w/Melanie Kinnaman from "F13 Pt V: A New Beginning"
Longtime friend of HHT, Melanie Kinnaman was fierce AF when she faced off against the Jason copycat killer as Pam Roberts in “Friday the 13th Part V: A New Beginning.” Tune in to hear all about filming this polarizing sequel, who hit on her during the shoot, and the true story behind her infamous disappearing pink sweater!
Ep 34: It's the Little Things at Night
Jared Leto playing an eccentric character? An old hotel toying with the minds of its guests? Where have we seen this before? ;) The two films we discuss this week, “The Little Things” and “The Night,” both attempt to put their own stamp on some tried and true horror tropes. Tune in to hear which was successful and which, not so much.
Ep 33: Interview w/Erika Anderson from "ANOES 5: The Dream Child"
Erika Anderson’s death scene in “A Nightmare on Elm Street 5: The Dream Child” was a gruesome delight that spawned one of Freddy Krueger’s most iconic lines. Tune in to hear all her amusing stories about the film, the creepy prop she kept from the set, and what her mom did one Halloween at school that made her classmate wet his pants.
Ep 32: The Night Stalker docuseries w/Jacob Randall
This week we shift from cinematic horror to real-life horror to discuss Netflix’s four-part docuseries, “The Night Stalker: The Hunt for a Serial Killer” along with our special guest – Happy Horror Time Co-Producer and host of the true crime podcast, “Crime of Your Life” – Jacob Randall.
Ep 31: Promising Young Pilots
This week we discuss two films that aren’t traditional horror flicks, but still bring thrills and suspense to the screen. There’s tons to unpack (and tons to appreciate) in the all-too-real black comedy thriller, “Promising Young Woman,” and “Horizon Line” brings terror to the skies while showing how totally normal it is to walk outside a moving plane!
TRAILER: Happy Horror Time
If you're wondering what this podcast is all about, take a listen! With unscripted and unpolished reviews of all things horror + interviews with horror stars and insiders, anyone can have a Happy Horror Time! Hosted by: Tim Murdock & Matt Emert; Produced by: Jacob Randall
Ep 30: Interview w/J.C. Brandy from "Halloween: The Curse of Michael Myers"
From playing an iconic character in the “Halloween” series to playing in an all-girl rock band, J.C. Brandy is quite the multitalented artist. Tune in to hear how she felt taking over the part of Jamie Lloyd in the franchise’s 6th film, her thoughts on the Theatrical vs. Producer’s Cut, and the project she did with a “Friday the 13th” alum.
Ep 29: Macho Macho Men
We discuss two films that are just dripping with... masculinity. From a rugged Devon Sawa hunting a “bear” (aka, serial killer) in “Hunter Hunter,” to Bruce Willis kickin’ ass and spoutin’ one-liners (as usual) in the sci-fi thriller, “Breach,” both of these creature features will have you belting out the Village People’s hit with glee.
Ep 28: Interview w/Tuesday Knight from "A Nightmare On Elm Street 4: The Dream Master"
She faced off against Freddy Krueger AND co-wrote/sang the opening song in “A Nightmare on Elm Street 4: The Dream Master.” She’s Tuesday Knight! Tune in to hear all about her experiences working on the film, how that iconic song came to be, and what Patricia Arquette told her about her take on the character of Kristen Parker.
Ep 27: Anything for Hilary Swank
We discuss Satanic grandparents finding out what DTF means in “Anything for Jackson,” along with Hilary Swank owning everyone in the very unerotic thriller, “Fatale.” There’s no shortage of creepy twists and turns to review in these movies, and you won’t wanna miss Tim fawn over all things Hilary Swank.
Ep 26: Smiley Freaky Killers
We discuss Vince Vaughn & Kathryn Newton swapping souls and slicing up students in “Freaky,” along with the slow burn cultish thriller, “Smiley Face Killers.” What’s freakier? Vince Vaughn acting like a high-school girl or Crispin Glover carrying a butt-naked college boy? You decide!
Ep 25: Interview w/Felissa Rose from "Sleepaway Camp"
Our chat with the original Angela Baker from this 1983 cult classic felt like catching up with an old friend. Tune in to hear Felissa’s entertaining stories about "Sleepaway Camp" (some that have never been told before), her thoughts/reactions on that epic ending, and more tales from her iconic career in horror.
Ep 24: Moms and Monsters
Tim and Matt discuss the Sarah Paulson-led Hulu thriller, “Run,” along with the app-based creature feature, “Come Play.” Between a mom giving her daughter muscle relaxants for dogs and a monster terrorizing kids because he “just wants a friend,” there’s a lot to unpack in these films!
Ep 23: Interview w/Monica Keena from "Freddy vs. Jason"
In 2003, the Friday the 13th and Nightmare on Elm Street worlds collided, and this star was at the center of it all. Tune in to hear our interview with "Freddy vs. Jason" final girl Monica Keena (aka Lori Campbell) as she spills new details about making the film and surviving not one but TWO super villains. “Freddy vs. Jason - place your bets!”
Ep 22: The Dark and the Crafty
Summoning their inner witch, Tim and Matt discuss the horror reboot/sequel (WTF is it?), “The Craft: Legacy,” along with the unsettling indie flick, “The Dark and the Wicked.” One has finger chopping, the other features a menstrual accident. Tune in to find out which goes with which!
Ep 21: Interview w/Kimberly Beck Clark from "F13 Pt IV: The Final Chapter"
Happy Friday the 13th! To celebrate this legendary date, we interviewed final girl Kimberly Beck Clark (aka Trish Jarvis) from “Friday the 13th Part IV: The Final Chapter.” Tune in to hear her thoughts on making the film, how it’s impacted her life, and if she’d be up for reprising her character in a sequel.
Ep 20: Resurrected for Halloween (w/out Busta)
Like any good horror film series, Happy Horror Time has gone through a bit of a reboot. Matt returns for good, now as Tim's official co-host! The guys discuss 2 newly-released Blumhouse horror movies – "The Lie" and "Black Box" – and as usual, they spoil EVERYTHING!
Ep 19: Don't Sweat it, Just Escape Alone!
Tim and Matt discuss two new releases on the eve of the beginning of spooky season (and the hottest day in LA) - "No Escape" and "Alone."
Ep 18: Don't you Dare Kill Me w/Jameson Duggan
Jameson Duggan joins the Podcast to talk about the psychological thriller "I Know Who Killed Me" starring Lindasy Lohan.
Ep 17: "Cult" Classics
We watched "1BR" & "We Summon The Darkness" - two Netflix horror movies about cults!
Ep 16: SPREE Dies Tomorrow!
Tim and Matt discuss two very different recent VOD horror releases - "Spree" and "She Dies Tomorrow."
Ep 15: Your Host Should Have Left
Tim Murdock & Matt Emert dive into Shudder's exciting pandemic movie, "Host."
Ep 14: The Current Occupant of the Rental
Tim Murdock and Matt Emert discuss "The Current Occupant" and "The Rental."
Ep (Lucky) 13: Relic and Good Boy
Tim Murdock & Matt Emert virtually meet to discuss feature films "Relic" and "Good Boy."
Ep 12: The Invisible Fantasy Boy
It's 2020 and a sh!tload of new horror movies have come out. So, it's time for a new episode! Listen as Tim & Matt discuss (The Invisible Man), (Brahms: The Boy 2), and (Fantasy Island).
Ep 11: Live from Palm Springs - it's US!
Tim and Matt take the podcast live from Palm Springs, where they chat about "Us," "Pet Sematary," and a new Rumor Willis movie called "What Lies Ahead." #happyhorrortime #us #petsematary #whatliesahead
Ep 10: Greta's a Prodigy w/a Velvet Buzzsaw
Tim is back with his trusty co-host, Matt, to discuss the latest and not so greatest horror movies. Hey, it's only been 9 months!
Ep 9: Hereditary in the mouth of Matt's Madness
Tim is back with his old familiar co-host, Matt, to discuss Hereditary, the new Halloween trailer, and a slew of older horror movies.
Ep 8: Afterlivin' it up w/Fernando Rivera
Host Tim Murdock interviews published author/actor/retailer/part-time-model (not really) Fernando Rivera about his recent book, The Afterliving. They discuss Halloween 4, Psycho 2, and Psycho 3, along with Kristen Stewart's unique acting technique.
Ep 7: A Quiet, Unsane Place
Celebrate Friday the 13th with absolutely no discussion of the Friday the 13th series on Happy Horror Time! In this episode, Tim and Matt discuss "Unsane," "A Quiet Place," 1984's "Firestarter" and an undiscovered little gem called "Hell House LLC." And as always, WE SPOIL EVERYTHING!
Ep 6: Veronica's a Stranger
Welcome back to Happy Horror Time's first podcast of 2018. Tim and Matt chat about the 20th anniversary of "Urban Legend," Netflix's "Veronica" and "The Strangers: Prey at Night." And as always, WE SPOIL EVERYTHING!
Ep 5: Better Watch Out for Christmas
Matt Emert returns to talk holiday horror with the bold and beautiful, Tim Murdock. We start with "Better Watch Out," then move into "Black Christmas" (2006), and then discuss the 20th anniversary of the classic slasher sequel, "Scream 2."
Ep 4: Interview w/Kevin Spirtas from "F13 Pt VII: The New Blood"
Happy Horror Time host Tim Murdock interviews talented actor Kevin Spirtas about daytime dramas, theatre, and of course "Friday the 13th Part VII: The New Blood." Podcast favorite Matt Emert is here too!
Ep 3: Happy Death Day to the Babysitter
Can you believe Matt's back? Tim and Matt chit chat about "Happy Death Day," "The Babysitter" and "American Horror Story: Cult." Happy Halloween!
Ep 2: Chucky's Cult or Gerald's Game?
Host Tim Murdock chats with guest Matt Emert again about Netflix horror films, "Cult of Chucky" and "Gerald's Game" along with SyFY movie, "Truth or Dare."
Ep 1: Hey Friends, Request This Podcast!
Tim and guest Matt Emert discuss Friend Request, Jeepers Creepers 3, and the Halloween franchise.