Steve Sxaks’s novel, Invasion of the Punk Rockers, Who Drink Blood! taps into and explores how counter-culture is a key part of horror history.
His horror narratives about punk rock vampires, get to the heart of punk and goth culture and what it means to be part of a group and part of the system.
As a former soldier, Steve has a unique take on what it means to be part of a group, a clique, and what it really means to wear a ‘uniform’.
We talk influences like Troma Entertainment, horror comics, other nerdy ideas and more in this one, all getting to the main point that horror has been built on punk rock, counter-culture ideals and it’s gotta stay that way.
*This episode may contain spoilers for:
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Join us for a conversation with the talented Jon Mann, a filmmaker from New Brunswick, Canada. We're so honoured to discuss his gripping adaptation of Stephen King's short story, "Popsy," and his journey in the Dollar Baby Program that has been pivotal for so many new filmmakers.
We discuss the thrilling challenges of bringing King’s chilling narratives to life. Plus, hear more about how Mann's adaptation is being screened at the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures in Los Angeles this month out of hundreds in the program.
We’ll also discuss the state of the Canadian horror film scene, the perfect deep woods backdrops in our own backyard, and explore the surprising depths of Scooby-Doo.
Plus, Ashe shares her experience at the It: Welcome to Derry premiere in the small Ontario town where it was filmed.
This episode is very Canadian and very Stephen King. It might not be a combination you’ve considered before but let’s dive into this homegrown horror episode.
*This episode contains spoilers for:
"Popsy" by Stephen King (1993)
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A conversation with emerging indie horror director, George Miranda, where we scrutinize the indie horror film industry and highlight the important role that horror creatives play.
We'll explore his unwavering passion for the iconic A Nightmare on Elm Street and how it has influenced his unique vision and specific projects.
We also get his candid thoughts on the limitations of traditional filmmaking tools (spoiler: tripods don't make the cut!) and where he sees horror moving in the near future.
Let's talk the future of film and the vital role indie filmmakers play.
If you're an indie film lover or director yourself, you'll definitely want to listen in!
*This episode may contain spoilers for:
💀George Miranda on Instagram @lawless_jm
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Chatting with horror film director Chris Kelly about his newest project, Bishop's Day, and his inspiration from over 250 slashers.
He's here to share the formulaic secrets behind crafting iconic horror villains that we, the horror community, are ready to gobble up!
Discover his latest project, Bishop's Day, that takes a gruesome twist on the average barbershop and learn why Sweeney Todd need not apply.
This episode may contain spoilers for:
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Every Halloween we willingly put ourselves at the mercy of Haunted Funhouses and their antics.
But ever wondered what really goes into building a terrifying and thrilling haunted funhouse that sends thousands running and screaming ... and then coming back for more?
In this episode, we chat with Marty, the visionary owner & mad mastermind behind Long Island’s Haunted Firehouse.
With Halloween just around the corner, join us to learn from Marty about the creativity, dedication, and passion involved in crafting terrifyingly successful experiences for Halloween lovers for more than 20 years.
And don't forget to support local events and experience the frightful fun yourself!
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In this episode, former chemist turned hypnotist, Amethysta Herrick, joins us to discuss Clive Barker’s Hellraiser.
We explore how in its 'puzzle', the film may hold some answers to our questions about society’s categorical systems of gender, identity, pain, and pleasure.
Together we examine how conformity is its own form of horror, and how queerness, hypnosis, and self-liberation challenge the boundaries of what we’re told we should be.
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We’re back and jumping right into the scandalous worlds of storytelling and journalism with former CNN International journalist, Chris Riker.
Join us as we dissect the gripping themes of the Australian sci-fi horror, Monolith (2022) and the allegory that calls out and rips open the dire state of today’s media landscape.
Learn more from Chris on how horror, creativity, and ethics interweave in both journalism and his own writing.
And with Riker's experience at the forefront of free speech and the art of character-driven narratives, this conversation could not speak to our current moment more.
Ready to explore the moral challenges journalists face and a haunting vision of our future media landscape?
Well, welcome back to Season 5!
*This episode may contain spoilers for:
Monolith (2022)
💀Find Chris at chrisrikerauthor.com
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In this episode we explore Alice of Alice's Adventures in Wonderland as part of the final girl ancesty. We take into account Lewis Carroll's questionable legacy and what that means for how Alice was presented, constructed and how we conceive of this legacy after all Alice has influenced today.
We'll touch on how Alice's character and Carroll's themes reverberate through the horror genre, lighting the path for modern slasher and iconic franchises like The Matrix and Sabrina the Teenage Witch and Stranger Things.
Connecting the dots to ancient myths with Inanna, and literary giants like Dante and Gulliver's Travels, we're going into the underworld of storytelling and the history of horror on this one.
*This episode may contain spoilers for:
Alice in Wonderland (1951) Disney
Alice in Wonderland (2010) Tim Burton
Alice Through the Looking Glass (2016)
Alice in Terrorland (2023)
The Matrix (1999)
Stranger Things (2016-2025)
The Chilling Adventures of Sabrina (2018-2020)
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Go Ask Alice was a seemingly innocent diary-style narrative that took America by storm, sold millions of copies, and rocked a generation by pointing out the dangers of drugs.
Too bad it was all a lie!
In this episode we uncover the baffling connections between the iconic 70s novel, its controversial author Beatrice Sparks, and the psychedelic anthem 'White Rabbit' by Grace Slick and Jefferson Airplane.
There are layers of deception here and questions we need to sort out before we even get to how the enchanting tales of Alice in Wonderland are intertwined with a narrative designed to mislead.
Join me in this Part One of Two to take a look at how one woman and her book duped a nation and the horror of how everyone believed it.
*This episode contains spoilers for:
Go Ask Alice (1973)
The Blair Witch Project (1999)
P.S. Several times in the episode I refer to Beatrice Sparks as Beatrice 'Stark'. This is my mistake. She's just a fake book author, no relation to Iron Man. Thank you for your attention in this matter.
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Have you ever noticed the power the piano holds in horror films?
From its haunting minor or off-key melodies that evoke anxiety and fear to its imposing presence symbolizing intimidation in the Gothic, the piano serves as a captivating character in itself.
In this 88th episode (no coincidence!) we look more closely at how this seemingly elegant instrument becomes a sinister force of anxiety and fear in the world of horror, 'playing' on our anxieties of performance, class, and ableism.
*This episode contains spoilers for:
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Iranian-American sci-fi author Reza Rajebi (pen. Daiko Hazhir) joins us to explore the thin, often terrifying line between imagined monsters and real-world horrors.
Get a mini lesson in Iranian culture, an overview of the brutal realities of the U.S.-Iran conflict, and also a reminder of the internal conflict Iran now faces with itself.
We also discuss the historical role of repression, exile, the next regime, the resilience of youth, and the role of storytelling and art in surviving and resisting oppressive power.
Reza shares deeply personal reflections on watching the conflict between his two home countries and how that tension inspires him to write and read to find the answers we all need for humanity to evolve toward peace.
The Exorcist (1973)
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We’re meeting the moment that is 2025, where the fight against power seems to be playing out both in the streets and on our screens. Together we'll dissect the subgenre, of "Eat-the-Rich" horror that oozes out much more when there's unrest among the common people, and more tax breaks for the already-wealthy.
Let's talk about standout horror stories that call out billionaire greed, the link between wealth and corruption, and how the working class often steps in as the unlikely hero.
And of course, we’re looking back to history and our long-standing tradition of mocking the egos of the rich and powerful because, let’s be honest, grotesque upper-class antics have actually been satire gold since Ancient Greece.
So, if you’re guilty of rooting for the downfall of characters from White Lotus, Succession, The Menu, or Bodies Bodies Bodies check out this episode for more on how we got here, where the genre might be going, and why it matters right now.
Society (1989)
Satanic Panic (2019)
The Menu (2022)
Bodies, Bodies, Bodies (2022)
Fresh (2022)
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Mind-bending and culture-crossing things are happening in Indigenous horror and sci-fi literature and film today and we need to know more!
If you've never explored this creepy corner of our genre before, let's get started with acclaimed author Drew Hayden Taylor.
In this special Canada Day episode, we attempt to unravel the intertwining themes of culture, monsters, and storytelling through the lens of native literature.
Drew helps us navigate how these tales of terror and monsters reflect the realities of colonialism and appropriation, shaping narratives that challenge conventions.
Join our discussion on how Indigenous authors continue to move past trauma into a new era of narrative that pushes the boundaries of future possibilities while honouring the rich history of Indigenous pasts.
*No spoilers in this episode
Drew Hayden Taylor's Books we mention:
The Night Wanderer (2007)
Take Us to Your Chief (2016)
Me Tomorrow: Indigenous Views on the Future (2021)
Anthology:
Zegaajimo: Indigenous Horror Fiction ed. Kateri Akiwenzie-Damm and Nathan Adler (2024)
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In this episode, we trace the rise (and backlash) of the Manic Pixie Dream Girl trope and explores why this character rarely survives in horror.
Unlike the indie rom-coms that birthed her, horror has no use for a paper-thin catalyst character. Here, the “manic” gets dialed up to maniacal, the “dream” turns nightmare, and instead of saving sad boys, she’s reclaiming her own narrative or getting messily destroyed in the process.
We’ll talk final girls, feminine rage, and what happens when you give the quirky side character (ahem) 'teeth'.
Because in horror, this adorable psychopath is NOT your muse—she’s your reckoning.
*This episode has no real spoilers, but here are some of the films we discuss:
Carrie (1976)
The Fifth Element (1997)
Bride of Chucky (1998)
House of 1000 Corpses (2003)
The Loved Ones (2009)
Jennifer's Body (some spoilers here, kinda) (2009)
A Girl Walks Home Alone at Night (2014)
Ingrid Goes West (2017)
The Babysitter (2017)
The Babysitter 2: Killer Queen (2020)
The Last Girl in Soho (2021)
Pearl (2022)
Maxxine (2024)
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In this episode we are steeped in spooky adventures as therapist and author, Chad Scott, shares his insights and unforgettable experiences at haunting cemeteries and captivating locations steeped in history.
Not only that, but good news for us frequent travellers of darkness: Chad explains how visiting historical sites can rival psychedelic drug effects in addressing mental health challenges like anxiety and PTSD.
We learn how confronting the darker aspects of our cultural past can profoundly affect our emotions and mindset, not only for us history buffs, but for everyone seeking solace in understanding tragic narratives.
Join us as we reveal the transformative power of dark tourism on our psyche!
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Welcome to our wrap-up of Zombie Awareness Month! In this finale episode, we dissect the dark tech world of zombie data, zombie businesses, and zombie networks and how these lurk in the shadows of our modern society.
This special episode is a true reflection of the impact of zombies in our culture and how we’ve incorporated them in everyday speech to truly bring them to…life!
Discover how zombies have influenced our language, risen Napster from its digital grave, and sparked conversations about cyberattacks! Join us as we reflect on our month-long series exploring the rich history of zombies—from early depictions to their cultural phenomenon today.
Prepare for a brain-stirring experience!
*This episode contains spoilers for :
The Revolt of the Zombies (1936)
Continue the conversation with us on Patreon. Join just in time for our ALL ZOMBIE THEMED Spooky Salon on Wednesday May 28th, 2025.
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For our third installment in our series for Zombie Awareness Month we look at more ways that the zombies have shaped our culture.
Journey back with us to 17th/18th colonial France to uncover how Voodoo spirituality transformed this infamous monster from folklore to film.
We’ll trace the zombie’s impact through history and dissect its pop culture icon status, including Michael Jackson’s “Thriller” and its unforgettable contribution to the zombie phenomenon and to the history of the documentary.
Whether you’re a zombie film aficionado or a dark history buff, this episode will reveal layers you’ve never considered before.
Join us on this spine-tingling journey and gain a deeper understanding of why the zombie continues to haunt our collective imagination. HINT: Because they're us!....
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Join us as we journey through the last three 'Dead' films by the legendary George Romero, uncovering their sharp political commentary on a post-9/11 world.
From "Land " to "Survival" to "Diary," we experience Romero's clever use of zombies to confront societal fears and anxieties that plagued the 2010s.
Discover how Romero’s work encapsulated the struggles of our times, blending terror with relevance.
If you're intrigued by horror's deeper meanings and the power of film as a mirror to society this finale to a two part series will pick at your braiiinnnnsss!
*This episode contains spoilers for:
Land of the Dead (2005)
Survival of the Dead (2007)
Diary of the Dead (2009)
Night of the Living Dead (1968)
Night of the Living Dead (1990)
White Zombie (1932)
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In this first gruesome episode in our zombie movie series for Zombie Awareness Month (yes, it’s a real thing!) we’re looking at none other than George Romero’s 'Dead' series: Night of the Living Dead (1968), Dawn of the Dead (1978), and Day of the Dead (1985).
We'll dive into how each entry builds upon one another, highlighting and strengthening a stance and cultural commentary on important socio-political themes like race, media, war, government and the patriarchal family structure.
We’re taking a BIG zoom out at the impact of Romero’s ideas on the world of zombies we know today and how our modern society is only a slow zombie walk away from where we were when thee films were first released upon the world!
You can’t miss this primer episode that kicks off the festivities for Zombie Awareness! 🧟
➡️ Make sure you’re in the Patreon Spooky Space to have your say, leave your thoughts, comments, and your favourite zombie movie moments all month long!
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Just when you thought horror couldn't get more political, we join the fight against climate change!
Bobby Donohue is the creator and host of Planet Bonehead, where horror characters are part of fun, unforgettable lessons for kids (and horror nerds) about one of the scariest realities we face—climate change!
Bobby shares how he sees horror and monsters as a way to keep the conversation on climate change from going stale, right when we need everyone to stand up and more people to get into green tech and be part of the solution.
Bobby’s work combining beloved characters and scientific innovation is helping to ensure kids (and grown-ups!) grasp the seriousness of our planet's plight without too much doom and gloom.
Along the way we discuss the impact of modern politics on climate change and how creativity and entertainment is needed more than ever.
Join us and explore the terror and teamwork required to fight for our home planet...until it's too late!
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