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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Ever wondered what it's like to escape a religious cult? Have you ever been curious about why so many horror movies feature cults and how that reflects our real anxieties of being duped?
In this eye-opening episode, we delve into the harrowing experiences of an ex-cult member and co-host of the hit podcast, Cultimatum.
Melody, an ex-member of the House of Yahweh cult, along with her co-host, Andrew, reveal the secretive nature of cult culture, rules, and the profound impact of years spent under the control of a doomsday cult.
Plus, discover the red flags to look out for and the psychological toll cults can take on regular, smart people who might just be looking for support.
If you're curious about the truth behind religious cults, doomsday cults and the newly terrifying 'digital cults' this is a must-listen.
Join me and the hosts of the Cultimatum Podcast, Melody and Anonymous Andrew for shocking revelations about loyalty, fear, and the incredible journey of self-discovery after cult life.
*Episode may contain spoilers for:
➡️ Cultimatum podcast 🎙️
Please follow the show(s) and leave reviews! 🌟
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In this BONUS EPISODE on retrofuturism we dive back in to the fascinating intersection of old-fashioned aesthetics and futuristic dreams in the dystopian series, Fallout.
We look at how the show places the past on a pedestal in the shelters from the uniformity to the propaganda. But then, what is the message on the surface? How are we to see the decay of vintage designs? Are we still yearning for the past or is this world of 2161 warning us that progress can all be undone?
*This bonus episode may contain spoilers for
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Retrofuturism is an art form, a philosophy but it’s found its way into film as a subgenre of science fiction. Think spacecraft and high technology mixed with mid 20th century 'values' like traditional gender roles and life before the civil rights act.
While sci-fi is horror’s nerdy sister, retro futurism is at odds with both of us in its conservatism and anti-progressive agenda.
So what are the elements of retrofuturism we need to look out for?
How is retrofuturism promoting a conservative mindset under the radar and how can we protect ourselves from becoming enamoured by its nostalgic aesthetic?
How are sci-fi movies with a mid 20th century vibe different from retrofuturism? And what’s the deal with sex work in the 'nostalgic future'?
In this episode we look at the implications of viewing the past as better than now and the dangers of believing that what's behind us is better than where we’re going.
*This episode contains some spoilers for:
Spider Baby (1967)
Soylent Green (1973)
Cowboy Bebop [series] (2021)
Bladerunner (1982)
Join the conversation for more horror & shownotes over on patreon.com/spookyscholars
Show info and more about your Horror Headmistress,
Ashe Woodward, at spookyscholars.com
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Episode 52 | Bubblegum Dystopia
Are your favourite comic book characters being altered to fit political agendas?
Join me and comic book store owner, Michael Storm, to explore how politics and censorship shape the superhero narratives we've come to love.
Discover the hidden battles between comic creators and the Hollywood (read: MCU) elite.
Learn more about what's at stake, what we might lose of traditional comic book culture to new technology, but also what is great news about the next wave and new generation of comic book appreciators.
*This episode has no spoilers.
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amazingfantasies.com
towardanarchy.com
Today I’m talking with horror author Michael Harbron of the Interview with the Devil series.
Writing religious, supernatural horror takes time and creepy, deep dive research.
So not only do we discuss his chilling six-book (so far) series, but we also talk about Satan himself and the very real and growing attraction to The Satanic Temple.
*no worries - there are no real spoilers in this episode.
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Horror may be about darkness and death, but spring is about light and life.
So what happens when horror combines with the themes of spring and rebirth? What kind of uncomfortable tension are we in for?
In this episode we look at films with a big spring theme: Babies!
And we dive into why this horror can give anyone the creeps, whether you have your own little demons or not.
Immaculate (2024)
Kevin Bacon may not be the quintessential horror star but he does love horror and has quite a few great horror titles to his name.
In this special episode we're following the name of Kevin Bacon down a trail of horror movies in the game, Six Degrees of Kevin Bacon: Horror Edition.
We're trying to get from horror movies ONLY to a Kevin Bacon horror in six steps.
AND! We try to see how many degress THIS SHOW is from Kevin Bacon - and (HINT HINT) it's LESS than 6!
*This episode may contian spoilers for:
Satan's School for Girls (1973)
Stir of Echoes (1999)
Hauntology (2024)
Reading is political. Horror is political. So we put these lovebirds together in this episode where I look at the true reasons for book bans, the importance of censorship but also freedom of expression in the horror community.
I'm joined by Paul Cram, an actor with several horror credits who is in it for the art of the story. Learn about what inspires his art and how his search for community led him to create The Men Who Read Book Club, a non-fiction book club that has brought him to connect with men who are invested in discussions about masculinity, queerness, the darker things in life, but also friendship and support.
*This episode may contain spoilers for:
The Soviet Sleep Experiment (2019)
The Jane Austen Book Club (2007)
While you might not think that fantasy would be a genre that does a great job of depicting the dangers of fascism, it does. You might not think that Disney has a hand in this, but again, you’d be wrong.
Here to tell us how and why all this works is writer and speaker, Alex Mell-Taylor. Alex is a fascinating thinker who puts these cultural concerns together for us and brings us examples from film to prove it––something she does regularly on her blog, Alex Has Opinions.
Together we talk about fantasy, dystopia and horror and how film and stories are working together to get us to think more critically about modern affairs. Alex also encourages us to turn to community as the balm for many of the concerns about culture war and, frankly, real actual wars that are happening already or approaching.
*This episode contains spoilers for:
In this Part Two of Two with Alan Katz, the writer and co-creator of the iconic Cryptkeeper from "Tales from the Crypt" television series, we’re focusing on a little more of Alan’s experience with the film industry, especially it’s gate-cryptkeeping .
Alan tells us why he thinks horror lovers are the "sweetest" and "healthiest" people (aww, thanks!) and we get some REALLY good news about what's coming soon for us 'Crypt-lovers.
And if you learn anything horrible in today’s episode, you can say a quick thanks by following the show, and leaving a 5-star review.
*And if you’re ready to step up your horror game, we'd love to have you in the Community of Corpses on Patreon (Patreon.com/spookyscholars ) where you can grab your freebies, discounts and fearsome friends who are ready to talk horror any time.
Alan Katz, writer for the TV show, Tales from The Crypt and co-creator of the Cryptkeeper himself joins me for Part One of his horror storytelling journey.
We'll get some background on how the Cryptkeeper came to be but also how Alan has found the best way to continue to bring his dark stories to us once again!
This is part one of a two-part series.
*There are no spoilers in this episode!!
It's Val-o-ween and we're looking at one of the most sex-filled horror subgenres -the slasher - and, specifically,the remake.
Remakes often get a bad rap, but we'll look at a study that helps us navigate how remakes force us to wear our "hearts on our sleeves" and teach us to see these reimaginings of our favourites as less about corporate greed and more of a love letter to the original.
Sex, love letters, and corporate greed? Sounds like a perfect Valentine's Day episode to me!
*This episode contains spoilers for:
House of Wax(1953)
House of Wax (2005)
My Bloody Valentine(1981)
My Bloody Valentine 3D (2009)
Wes Craven's New Nightmare (1994)
Back for more Canadian horror? I knew you would be. This time we're looking at how Canadians (sometimes) use their famous wit in horror movies - though it's not often. But when we do, we like it.. vampy.
For some reason, Canadians have looked to the sub-sub....SUB-genre of 'the vampire comedy' as the bridge to the gap between our intellectual horror and our silly side.
*This episode may contain spoilers for:
Jesus Christ Vampire Hunter (2001)
Suck 2009
Rufus 2012
Humanist Vampire Seeking Consenting Suicidal Person (2023)
As far as horror goes, "musical" may not be on the top of your mind as a favourite sub genre. But horror and the mainstream (Read Joker: Folie à Deux) are still making modern musicals, so what gives?
Musicals, let's face it, are cheesy - though we do love the camp & queerness.
But, mix that with horror and you have the recipe for how horror is, yet again, a vehicle for the full spectrum of emotions like cringe or awkwardness. And in the case of rock horror musicals, it's also a great metaphor for the horrors of the rock and roll experience in the music industry.
*This episode contains spoilers for:
Joker: Folie à Deux (2024)
Studio 666 (2022)
The Lure (2015)
Suck (2009)
The death of David Lynch this past week has left a gaping hole in the art community.
For this episode we delve into the life and legacy of David Lynch, the renowned auteur whose surrealist films changed the landscape of filmmaking.
Join us as we explore how this brilliant artist captured the depths of horror and Weird in his work, marking an indelible impact on cinema and beyond.
Let's remember the odd realities and bizarre narratives that captivated audiences and sparked debates.
As we navigate the collective loss of creativity, we reflect on Lynch’s unparalleled influence and what his death means for the future of artistic expression, especially in the indie creator world.
*This episode may contain spoilers for:
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With the unique spirit that runs through Canadian horror film and literature, we have no interest in giving that up to become the 51st of the U.S!
In this episode we'll look at and celebrate what makes Canadian horror movies unique in their own right and why our art and our identity needs to stay right where it is.
*This episode may contain spoilers for
A Christmas Eve bonus gift from me and Susan AND the star of Mr. Sandman (2024), Hailey Schmidt.
It’s a friendly tip-of-the-hat episode to the kids in horror who bring us some of the best chills.
PLUS! It looks like Hailey is growing up to be one of us… a horror fan for the new generation!
This quick horror fix should give you a break from the X-mas insanity and then we’ll see you for full episodes in the new year.
*This episode may contain spoilers for
Beetlejuice, Beetlejuice (2024).
We’re wrapping up 2024 with a look back at some of Season 3's best moments, top episodes and a behind-the-scenes blooper reel.
Susan is in for one last 'seasonal' review and we’re both sharing our hopeful horror thoughts before this year is DEAD…
*this episode may contain spoilers for:
The Insects’ Christmas
