Broomsticks and Bloodshed

In this episode of Broomsticks and Bloodshed, Cory and Rossa dive headfirst into the iconic 1996 film The Craft, unpacking its legacy, its chaos, and its surprisingly layered portrayal of witchcraft. Recorded on the film’s 30th anniversary, the timing feels almost… fated.Before getting into the movie, the hosts reflect on a whirlwind weekend at Spirit Northwest, sharing stories from their live screening of Horror Hotel, unexpected fan encounters, and the beautifully chaotic energy of convention life. From there, they ease into their review with a mix of nostalgia, humor, and sharp insight.The discussion explores each of the film’s central characters and the real-world themes they embody: trauma, power, marginalization, and the intoxicating pull of control. From Sarah’s fragile vulnerability to Nancy’s explosive descent, the hosts examine how The Craft balances empowerment with consequence. They also highlight the film’s cultural impact, including its unforgettable soundtrack, aesthetic influence, and enduring place in witchy spaces today.Along the way, Cory and Rossa dig into the accuracy and symbolism of the magic portrayed, touching on concepts like invocation, elemental balance, and the ethics of spellwork. They don’t shy away from the darker elements either, including discussions of mental health, manipulation, and the dangers of unchecked power.Blending personal stories, witchcraft insight, and horror analysis, this episode celebrates The Craft as both a cult classic and a cautionary tale—one that still resonates decades later.So light your candles, call your corners, and remember: whatever you send out… might just come back.

Step away from the coven for a moment as Broomsticks and Bloodshed dives into a horror catch-up session. Cory and Rossa trade notes on everything they’ve been watching lately, from theatrical releases to streaming deep cuts, covering the good, the bad, and the absolutely unforgivable.From the chaotic fun of Ready or Not 2 to the bleak dread of The Dark and the Wicked, the duo explores what makes horror hit… or miss. They dig into slow-burn psychological terror, brutal action flicks, overlooked indie gems, and the ongoing struggle of video game adaptations that just can’t quite stick the landing.Expect passionate rants, unexpected recommendations, and a few films you may want to avoid at all costs. Whether you’re hunting for your next scare or just love hearing horror fans break it all down, this episode is your ultimate watchlist companion.Plus, stick around for updates on upcoming events, including Spirit Northwest, and more from the ever-expanding world of Broomsticks and Bloodshed.http://linktr.ee/brmstixandbloodpod

In this episode of Broomsticks and Bloodshed, Cory and Rosśa descend into the hypnotic, chaotic world of The Lords of Salem, the divisive occult fever dream from Rob Zombie. From Salem’s blood-soaked past to a modern-day radio station unknowingly broadcasting something sinister, the hosts unpack a film that’s equal parts ritual, nightmare, and visual spectacle.They explore Heidi’s unraveling as ancient witchcraft resurfaces through sound, discuss the film’s heavy symbolism, and debate whether style truly outweighs substance. Along the way, they dive into the historical inspiration behind Salem’s hysteria, the power of sound in magical practice, and the idea of fate versus free will.Is this film a misunderstood piece of occult art or an overindulgent descent into chaos? Either way, it leaves a mark.http://linktr.ee/brmstixandbloodpod

Step into the smoky, spell-soaked streets of 1950s Greenwich Village as Cory and Rosśa dive into Bell, Book and Candle (1958), the ultimate witchy rom-com dripping in charm, camp, and subtext. From Kim Novak’s hypnotic allure to Jimmy Stewart’s wide-eyed unraveling, this film serves romance with a side of magic… and a whole lot of questions.Is love real if it’s conjured? What does it mean to lose your magic for “normalcy”? And is this really a story about witches… or something much deeper?The hosts unpack the film’s stunning cinematography, beatnik aesthetics, and queer-coded themes hiding just beneath the surface. Plus, they explore the portrayal of familiars, spellwork, and the idea of witchcraft as both power and identity.Light a candle, grab your familiar, and join us as we revisit a classic where love might be the strongest spell of all… or the most dangerous.

This week on Broomsticks and Bloodshed, Cory and Rosśa crack open the glittery, chaotic spellbook that is the 1989 cult classic Teen Witch. What starts as a simple high school fantasy quickly spirals into magical makeovers, bizarre musical numbers, questionable spellwork, and one of the most legendary rap battles ever committed to film.The story follows Louise Miller, a shy and chronically overlooked teenager who discovers she is the reincarnation of a powerful Salem witch. With guidance from the mysterious Madame Serena and a magical amulet tied to her past life, Louise suddenly gains the power to bend reality to her will. Popularity, confidence, and the attention of Brad, the school’s golden boy, are suddenly within reach. But as Louise reshapes her life with magic, the line between genuine connection and magically manufactured affection begins to blur.The hosts break down the film’s many unforgettable moments, from the wildly cringeworthy “Top That” rap battle to the strange pacing, chaotic storytelling, and pure 80s energy that turned this oddball movie into a cult favorite. Along the way, they also examine how the film portrays witchcraft and how it compares to real magical practice, asking whether Louise’s journey is truly about power or simply learning to believe in herself.Part nostalgic time capsule, part magical coming-of-age story, and part accidental comedy, Teen Witch remains one of the strangest entries in the witchy movie canon. Join Cory and Rosśa as they revisit the spells, the style, and the wonderfully weird legacy of a film that proves sometimes the magic is in the mess. 🧙‍♀️✨http://linktr.ee/brmstixandbloodpodhttps://www.spiritnorthwest.com

This week on The Witches of Eastwick, we dive into George Miller’s slick, sensual, and gloriously chaotic tale of power, patriarchy, and polyamory gone demonic.Cory and Rosśa are joined by special guest Sarah from the Final Girls podcast to unpack the feminist fury and camp spectacle of this 1987 cult classic starring Cher, Susan Sarandon, Michelle Pfeiffer, and an absolutely unhinged Jack Nicholson.From martini-fueled coven energy to cherry-pit hexes and a devilish seduction that spirals into full-blown supernatural warfare, we explore how this film balances satire, sexuality, and witchcraft. Is Daryl Van Horne the devil, a chaos demon, or just the embodiment of unchecked male ego? How does the film portray feminine power, repression, and liberation? And why does Jack Nicholson chewing the scenery feel so right here?We also talk about the film’s groundbreaking sound design, that iconic tennis scene, and the way these three women bloom once they step outside the constraints of small-town patriarchy.Grab your cherries and your martinis. It’s time to hex the devil.http://linktr.ee/brmstixandbloodpodhttps://www.patreon.com/FinalGirlsThePodcast

In this episode of Broomsticks and Bloodshed, Cory and Rosśa dive deep into Mother of Flies, the latest haunting folk-horror film from the Adams Family, streaming on Shudder. Blending personal grief, cancer narratives, and witchcraft as lived practice, the film asks a brutal question: what are you willing to give in exchange for more time?Cory and Rosśa unpack the film’s poetic structure, its use of ritual magic, bodily horror, and the complicated portrayal of healing that refuses easy answers. They also discuss the real-life context behind the film, including the Adams family’s experiences with cancer, and how that lived trauma shapes the story’s intimacy and discomfort. Along the way, the conversation touches on faith, loss, stillbirth, bodily autonomy, and the ways magic intersects with death rather than erasing it.Content warning: this episode includes discussion of cancer, stillbirth, and pregnancy loss.

In this episode of Broomsticks and Bloodshed, Cory and Rossa ride into the dusty crossroads of horror and the Wild West to unpack 2020’s The Pale Door. What starts as a gritty outlaw tale quickly twists into a supernatural showdown filled with witchcraft, glamours, cursed towns, and some truly questionable choices.The duo breaks down the film scene by scene, diving into its chaotic tonal shifts, messy mythology, and the moments where it almost becomes something great. From blood rain and crow curses to grindhouse vibes and missed opportunities, they explore what works, what absolutely does not, and where the witchcraft elements fall flat.Plus, Cory and Rossa share recent horror watches, book recommendations, and tease upcoming episodes, including a deep dive into The Mother of Flies and a special guest-filled episode on The Witches of Eastwick. Saddle up, witches. This one gets weird.https://www.patreon.com/FinalGirlsThePodcasthttp://linktr.ee/brmstixandbloodpod

This week on Broomsticks and Bloodshed, Cory and Rosśa head into the woods to confront The Wretched (2019), a pandemic-era horror hit about a child-eating bog witch hiding in plain sight. We break down the film’s folklore influences, skin-walking terror, and impressive sound design, while also calling out its continuity issues, rushed third act, and deeply divisive ending.Is this an underrated folk horror gem or a stylish mess held together by vibes and drive-in timing? We dig into Appalachian myth adjacent witchcraft, Hollywood’s obsession with evil mothers, and whether this film earns its surprising box office success. Grab your salt, watch the treeline, and join us.🧹 Rating: 2.5 broomsticks

In this episode of Broomsticks and Bloodshed, Cory and Rosśa close out 2025 by trekking deep into the haunted woods of The Ritual (2017), David Bruckner’s bleak and beautifully shot folk horror nightmare. What begins as a memorial hike for a fallen friend quickly turns into a descent into guilt, grief, and something ancient lurking among the trees. As tensions fracture the group, the forest itself becomes an active participant in their undoing.We break down the film’s Norse mythology, rune symbolism, sacrificial cult practices, and the terrifying presence of Moder, a Jötunn-inspired entity born from fear and subjugation. Along the way, we unpack Luke’s trauma, survival guilt, and the film’s meditation on masculinity, mourning, and power. Is The Ritual a witchcraft film, or something older and darker? Join us as we explore folk magic, pagan horror, and why this underrated modern classic still cuts so deep.https://www.spiritnorthwest.com/

This week on Broomsticks and Bloodshed, Cory and Rossa descend into the gothic heart of 1970s Blaxploitation horror with The House on Skull Mountain. Set in an eerie Atlanta mansion and steeped in ancestral legacy, the film blends Catholic imagery, Vodou, Hoodoo, and gothic melodrama into a supernatural mystery where blood calls to blood and the dead refuse to stay silent.We break down the film’s use of ritual magic, wangas, ancestral spirits, possession, and resurrection, separating cinematic exaggeration from real world Vodou and Hoodoo practices. Along the way, we explore the historical and cultural significance of the cast, many of whom were real life activists, artists, and civil rights leaders, and discuss how the film navigates race, lineage, power, and identity in ways that still spark conversation today.From skull imagery and ritual drums to questions of ancestry and spiritual inheritance, this episode looks at why House on Skull Mountain stands apart from crime focused Blaxploitation films and why its portrayal of Black spiritual traditions deserves a closer, more thoughtful examination.

In this week’s episode of Broomsticks and Bloodshed, Cory and Rossa plunge into the feverish world of Häxan, the silent-era blend of scholarship, superstition, and shocking imagery that redefined cinematic witchcraft. We explore its historical sources, its unforgettable sabbat visions, and the real witchcraft practices buried beneath the hysteria. From demonology manuals to torture chambers, we examine how fear shaped the medieval imagination and why Christensen’s film still echoes through witch cinema today.https://youtu.be/Qca-1Aolo3Y?si=AaLrinOl1V9BmSBl

This week on Broomsticks and Bloodshed, Cory and Rossa trek into the icy folklore of 1950s Finland to explore The White Reindeer, a haunting blend of shamanic magic, vampiric hunger, and the crushing loneliness that transforms Pirita from a restless bride into a shape-shifting predator.We dig into the film’s stark Arctic landscapes, its surreal ritual sequences, and its deeply human fear of desire gone feral. Then we take a close look at how the movie’s depictions of Sámi magic compare to authentic practices, and why this tragic folktale still resonates in modern witchcraft conversations.Join us as we break down the legend, the symbolism, the spellwork, and the chilling beauty that makes The White Reindeer one of the most striking witch films ever put to screen.

Grab your potion bottles and hide your chocolate! This week, Cory and Rossa unmask The Witches, Nicolas Roeg’s twisted children’s tale of mice, magic, and moral panic. From Anjelica Huston’s iconic Grand High Witch to Jim Henson’s grotesque creature work, we’re diving deep into the film’s mix of whimsy and horror. Join us as we explore how Dahl’s story warped witchcraft for a generation, what the movie gets right about transformation magic, and why some childhood scares still linger long after the credits roll.

This week on Broomsticks and Bloodshed, Cory and Rossa dive into 1978’s Summer of Fear — a made-for-TV witchy thriller starring Linda Blair that’s equal parts camp and curse. From eerie family secrets to seventies-style sorcery, we unpack the film’s magic, melodrama, and misunderstood witchcraft. Tune in as we explore how this forgotten gem helped shape the era’s small-screen horror and whether its spell still holds power today.

In this special supplemental episode of Broomsticks and Bloodshed, Cory and Rosśan take a break from their usual deep dives to chat about the horror movies that have been haunting their screens lately. From cult classics to new releases, they share what’s been hitting, missing, and casting the strongest cinematic spells this spooky season. Grab your pumpkin spice potion and settle in—it’s a casual coven hang full of witchy opinions and October vibes.

A cursed button, a desperate loan officer, and a furious witch collide in Sam Raimi’s Drag Me to Hell (2009), a wild ride of camp, terror, and dark humor. This week, Cory and Rossa break down Raimi’s chaotic return to horror, from jump scares to gross-out gags, while also digging into how the film’s portrayal of curses and witchcraft connects to real magical practices.

This week, we’re talking about Ti West’s The House of the Devil (2009). Set in the 1980s, the film follows a college student who takes a babysitting job in a remote house, only to find herself caught in a nightmarish plot steeped in satanic panic. We dig into West’s slow-burn style, the retro throwback vibes, and the chilling finale that makes this a modern horror cult classic.

In this week’s episode of Broomsticks and Bloodshed, Cory and Rossa take a deep dive into Hellbender (2021), a haunting indie gem that fuses coming-of-age horror with raw witchcraft energy. We break down the film’s eerie atmosphere, its unique take on power, isolation, and inheritance, and how its magic compares to real-world witchcraft practices. From blood soaked rites to psychedelic visions, we explore what makes Hellbender a standout in the modern witch/horror canon.

In this episode, Cory and Rossa tackle the terrifying world of The Conjuring—but is it truly a tale of ghosts, or just another cinematic smear against witchcraft? We unpack the legend of Bathsheba Sherman, the film’s Satanic Panic roots, and how Hollywood gets real-world witchcraft all wrong. From blood sacrifices to baby-killing myths, we separate horror fiction from magical fact. Grab your rosary and your ritual dagger—this one’s going to get intense.

This week, Cory and Rossa unravel the cursed runes of Jacques Tourneur’s Curse of the Demon (1957). We dive into the film’s eerie atmosphere, occult symbolism, and that unforgettable demon reveal. How does the movie portray ceremonial magic and male witchcraft? Is Dr. Holden’s skepticism a shield—or a curse of its own? Join us as we explore the shadowy world of postwar British horror, where knowledge can kill and the devil’s in the details.

This week, Cory and Rossa descend into the eerie world of Roman Polanski’s Rosemary’s Baby. From gaslighting to gothic paranoia, we unpack the film’s chilling portrayal of motherhood, autonomy, and satanic influence. Plus, we explore how the film reflects real-world fears around reproductive control and whether its occult elements hold any truth in modern witchcraft. Is Rosemary crazy—or cursed? Tune in and find out.

This week on Broomsticks and Bloodshed, Cory and Rossa dig up the undead delights of The Midnight Hour (1985), a Halloween TV gem full of witchy curses, zombies in tuxedos, and the ghost of a 1950s prom queen. We break down the colonial-era magic that fuels the chaos, the strange blend of vampire-witch lore, and the surprisingly accurate nods to folk spellwork buried beneath the camp. Is this forgotten flick a cult classic or just a cursed curiosity? Tune in for tricks, treats, and tombstones!

In this episode of Broomsticks and Bloodshed, Cory and Rossa dive into the haunting folklore of You Won’t Be Alone (2022). This poetic horror film blends Balkan witchcraft, body horror, and existential longing into a mesmerizing tale of transformation. We break down the film’s unique take on shape-shifting magic, its ties to real-world folk witchcraft, and the way it explores identity through an outsider’s lens. Is this the most hauntingly beautiful witch film yet? Tune in and find out!

This week on Broomsticks and Bloodshed, Cory and Rosśa unearth the gothic horror classic Black Sunday! We break down the film’s chilling witchcraft themes, from Asa Vajda’s vengeful resurrection to the eerie rituals that blur the line between folklore and the occult. How does Black Sunday compare to other witch horror films? And what does it say about historical fears of powerful women? Light your black candles and join us as we dive into the shadowy world of Mario Bava’s masterpiece!

A lost map. Strange symbols. Whispers in the dark. The Blair Witch Project blurred the line between reality and nightmare, making us fear the unseen. Join us as we unravel the film’s chilling folklore, witchcraft symbolism, and relentless psychological terror. Was it just fear—or was something truly hunting them? Listen now… before the sun sets. Social MediaInsta: brmstixandbloodpodThreads: brmstixandbloodpodBluesky: brmstixandbloodpod

In this eerie episode, we dissect The Autopsy of Jane Doe (2016), a horror film where a routine autopsy turns into a nightmare. As a father-and-son coroner team examines an unidentified woman, they uncover impossible injuries, hidden symbols, and a chilling link to the Salem witch trials. But Jane Doe isn’t just a victim—she may be something far more sinister.Join us as we break down the film’s suspense, supernatural twists, and the mystery that makes this one of the most haunting horror movies in years.

Join Cory and Rossa as they dive into Witchboard (1986), the cult classic that made us all think twice about Ouija boards. We break down the film’s eerie atmosphere, its mix of camp and terror, and the surprisingly tragic backstory of its vengeful spirit. Plus, we explore how Witchboard reflects real-world beliefs about spirit communication and the risks of dabbling in the unknown. Is Malfeitor one of horror’s most underrated villains? And just how effective is a Ouija board in real-life witchcraft? Tune in as we summon the answers!

In this enchanting episode of Broomsticks and Bloodshed, Cory and Rossa dive into the spellbinding world of The Love Witch (2016). Join us as we explore Anna Biller’s homage to 1960s Technicolor cinema, with its vibrant visuals, retro aesthetics, and captivating exploration of love, desire, and the dangers of power.We’ll discuss the film’s portrayal of witchcraft, unpack its feminist undertones, and draw connections between the cinematic magic and real-world witchcraft practices. Is The Love Witch a cautionary tale, a celebration of witchy empowerment, or something in between?Tune in to uncover the layers of this occult classic, only on Broomsticks and Bloodshed!

Join Cory and Rossa on this episode of Broomsticks and Bloodshed as they delve into the unsettling world of Robert Eggers’ (2015) masterpiece, The Witch. Set in 1630s New England, the film tells the chilling story of a Puritan family unraveling as they confront sinister forces lurking in the wilderness.From its eerie atmosphere to its deep exploration of faith, fear, and witchcraft, Cory and Rossa dissect the film’s narrative, themes, and standout performances. How does The Witch portray the era’s obsession with the supernatural? And how do its depictions of witchcraft align with modern practices? Tune in for a thoughtful discussion filled with scares, insights, and a touch of magic!

This week on Broomsticks and Bloodshed, Cory and Rossa delve into the haunting world of Dario Argento’s Suspiria (1977). Known for its striking visuals, chilling score, and unsettling atmosphere, this iconic horror film has left an enduring mark on the genre.We’ll break down its spellbinding cinematography, explore the occult underpinnings of the witches of Freiburg’s sinister dance academy, and examine how the film’s magic aligns (or clashes) with real-world witchcraft practices.Step into the technicolor nightmare with us, only on Broomsticks and [email protected]@brmstixandbloodpod⁠https://rossacrean.com⁠