It's our 100th episode!!!! Hosts Katherine Troyer and Toni Tresca celebrate a podcast and friendship while discussing the 2024 Horror Movie: A Novel by Paul Tremblay.  Episode Highlights: We appreciated the opportunity--for our 100th episode--to return to a favorite writer: Paul Tremblay! We frame our conversation through the lens that we are Tremblay fans; he's written some of our favorite horror novels. We examine the places where we felt the novel shined, particularly in the ways that Tremblay--once again--plays with the relationship between content and form. Yet, while we wanted to love this book, we examine why we ultimately struggled with Horror Movie. In particular, we share why this book, strangely, did not feel like a horror novel to us and how the unreliable narrator and the final moments of the story proved challenging.  A Special Thank You: We are so grateful to you, our listeners. Whether you are a new to our podcast or have been listening since the beginning...thank you for listening to our nightmares! (And have a spooktacular day!) This podcast episode first aired on October 25, 2024. Thank you Jackson O'Brien for editing our podcasts, and for always sharing when you especially enjoy one of our episodes!  ALL LINKS  Twitter/Instagram: @NightmarePod1; YouTube: Such a Nightmare;  Email: suchanightmare.pod@gmail.com; Website: suchanightmare.com

In this episode of the Such a Nightmare podcast, hosts Katherine Troyer and Toni Tresca explore the magic and horror of Vegas as they discuss the 1995 horror comedy film Leprechaun 3. Episode Highlights: We frame our discussion of the film by considering how it serves as the third installment in the franchise. We appreciate how the film provides some wacky fun and weird kills that complements the first two Leprechaun films. And, of course, we are always here for Warwick Davis! On the other hand, we also talk about areas where we felt the film fell short. In particular, we thought the liminal and uncanny space that is Las Vegas was under-utilized. It's a perfect location for a Leprechaun film; however, we had hoped for more over-the-top-ness, not to mention more magic...of the staged and leprechaun variety.  A Dose of Scholarship: There really isn't much in the way of scholarship on the Leprechaun franchise....so if this franchise is your jam, start writing! This podcast episode first aired on October 2, 2024. Thank you Jackson O'Brien--you rock! ALL LINKS  Twitter/Instagram: @NightmarePod1; YouTube: Such a Nightmare;  Email: suchanightmare.pod@gmail.com; Website: suchanightmare.com

In this episode of the Such a Nightmare podcast, hosts Katherine Troyer and Toni Tresca discuss the 2023 horror film Late Night with the Devil. Episode Highlights: We begin by addressing the monster in the room: the film's use of AI and the subsequent backlash this film faced as a result. Ultimately though, we argue that it is unfair that most folks only want to talk about the AI issue, because this film deserves to be discussed on its own merits...for both its accomplishments and its misses. We explore what we see as the the film's successes in terms of concept, cinematography, and acting. We also examine how, in our opinion, the film's final act falls flat and what we would have rather seen in those last minutes.  A Dose of Scholarship: While there isn't too much written about Late Night with the Devil (at least that doesn't near-exclusively focus on the AI use), we do reference some interesting articles in this episode. For a nuanced examination of AI, check out this Harvard Business Review piece on AI augmenting, rather than replacing human intelligence. Sarah Hughes' 2017 article in Journal of American Studies "American Monsters: Tabloid Media and the Satanic Panic, 1970-2000" offers a great examination of how media shapes our cultural anxieties and fears. This podcast episode first aired on September 13, 2024. As always--a big shout out to Jackson O'Brien--editor extraordinaire! ALL LINKS  Twitter/Instagram: @NightmarePod1; YouTube: Such a Nightmare;  Email: suchanightmare.pod@gmail.com; Website: suchanightmare.com

In this episode of the Such a Nightmare podcast, hosts Katherine Troyer and Toni Tresca discuss the 1994 horror comedy film Leprechaun 2. Episode Highlights: We explore how the sequel compares with the original 1993 film and argue that, particularly in terms of cinematography, Leprechaun 2 feels richer and more vibrant. As evidence, we turn to the cold opening scene and its use of cinematography to help communicate not just what is happening in the film, but how we are supposed to feel. It's hard to not talk about some of the wonderful (and horrible) death scenes in this film, so we mention some of our favorites. And we examine how this film presents as an ultimately affirmative horror film, which seems fitting considering that Leprechaun 2--much more than the original film--reads as a fairy tale complete with extensive backstory and lore. A Dose of Scholarship: There really isn't much in the way of scholarship on the Leprechaun franchise....so if this franchise is your jam, start writing! This podcast episode first aired on August 30, 2024. Jackson O'Brien--your edits make us better podcasters...thank you! ALL LINKS  Twitter/Instagram: @NightmarePod1; YouTube: Such a Nightmare;  Email: suchanightmare.pod@gmail.com; Website: suchanightmare.com

In this episode of the Such a Nightmare podcast, hosts Katherine Troyer and Toni Tresca discuss the awesomeness that is Misery. Although we focus primarily on the 1990 film staring Kathy Bates and James Caan, we cannot help but also talk about Stephen King's original novel and Toni shares their experience seeing William Goldman's theatrical stage adaptation. Episode Highlights: We explore the internal/interior nature of King's book (with so much happening in Paul's head) and how well we feel this translates (or not) onto the screen/stage. Toni shares how the production they saw in Colorado Springs in 2023 played with the spaces of and characters in Misery. Katherine shares her sadness at losing her beloved novel-within-a-novel framework in the film. We discuss how these different texts play with important themes of Misery, including addiction and pain. And, as we praise the masterful Kathy Bates, we also look at how these three texts portray and construct the idea of female monstrosity.   A Dose of Scholarship: We referenced Harriet Stilley's article "Operation Hobble: Masculine Fear Versus Female Monstrosity in Misery" from Horror Homeroom.  This podcast episode first aired on July 26, 2024. Jackson O'Brien...a hero amongst editors!  ALL LINKS  Twitter/Instagram: @NightmarePod1; YouTube: Such a Nightmare;  Email: suchanightmare.pod@gmail.com; Website: suchanightmare.com

In this spooktacular Eerie Extra, Such a Nightmare co-host Katherine Troyer speaks with horror authors and creators Steve DeWinter and Renee Miller.  We explore the horrific power and potential of immersive storytelling (which is a really awesome way of presenting and engaging with the horror genre). Steve and Renee discuss how their work The Babysitter plays with different sources of horror through its multiple possible pathways and how the horror of their story shapes, and is shaped by, the ways that audiences interact with the narrative. Renee and Steve also share how they got into interactive horror and offer advice for folks interested in knowing more about creating branching narratives and producing multimodal stories.  This interview occurred on June 26, 2024; the episode first aired on July 12, 2024.   An optioned screenwriter with a Bachelor's degree from Metro State College, Renee Miller has been enthralled by the dark twists and chilling narratives of horror since discovering Dean Koontz in eighth grade. With a penchant for crafting stories that delve into the deepest fears and darkest corners of the human psyche, Renee now brings her expertise to the thrilling world of choose-your-own-adventure audio storytelling. Tune in as she explores the eerie possibilities where each decision can lead to spine-tingling suspense or terrifying consequences.   Steve DeWinter is a #1 bestselling Amazon author of action-adventure sci-fi novels, with over 100,000 books sold worldwide. He's topped the Amazon Children's Action & Adventure Sci-Fi Bestseller list, Steampunk Bestseller list, and achieved multiple Top 20 rankings simultaneously. Notably, he co-authored two fantasy novels with the legendary Charles Dickens. Yes! That Charles Dickens. Now, Steve is pioneering a new frontier: Illustrated Interactive Audiobooks. These immersive, audio-first experiences combine interactive storytelling with augmented reality (AR) technology. You're not just the reader – you're the main character, making choices that shape the narrative while exploring real-world locations. Explore Steve's traditional books on Amazon and experience his innovative Illustrated Interactive Audiobooks (including The Babysitter, a thrilling interactive horror story written by Renee) at https://hiddenworld.icu/   ALL LINKS  Twitter/Instagram: @NightmarePod1; YouTube: Such a Nightmare;  Email: suchanightmare.pod@gmail.com; Website: suchanightmare.com

In this episode of the Such a Nightmare podcast, hosts Katherine Troyer and Toni Tresca search for their pot of gold as they discuss the 1993 horror comedy film Leprechaun. Episode Highlights: We talk about the awesomeness that is Warwick Davis and how his performance encourages us to laugh with him rather than at him. We explore whether the film can be read as a traditional affirmative horror movie where greed and foreigners are the threat, or whether this film might be read as a dissaffirmative examination of how we fabricate American nostalgia. We think about the ramifications--if any--on the film's potential source of horror after learning that several scenes of Leprechaun were filmed at the same location as where Little House on the Prairie and The Waltons were shot. And Toni provides some important background information on how and why this film was made and how certain production decisions impacted the finished movie we watched.  A Dose of Scholarship: There really isn't much in the way of scholarship on Leprechaun; however, there are some interesting analyses of this film out there including Stephanie Archer's 2021 piece "Horrific Inquiry: Leprechaun (1993)" in Film Inquiry.  This podcast episode first aired on Jun 7, 2024. Thank you Jackson O'Brien for being our awesome editor! ALL LINKS  Twitter/Instagram: @NightmarePod1; YouTube: Such a Nightmare;  Email: suchanightmare.pod@gmail.com; Website: suchanightmare.com

In this episode of the Such a Nightmare podcast, hosts Katherine Troyer and Toni Tresca put a coin in the pinball machine to discuss 2021's Willy's Wonderland. Episode Highlights: We talk about how Nicholas Cage is the reason for the season and, hands down, the best part of this film. We explore the film's brilliant practical effects with the puppets/animatronics. Katherine shares how the film builds on the carnivalesque aspects of the suspension of normality, the carnival king, the ambivalent nature of fire and laughter, and dualism of images. We discuss the lovely performances of the adult actors, but lament the teenage characters and how their scenes--which take us out of Willy's Wonderland--pull down the narrative. Ultimately, as Toni puts it, while the film might not have hit all the notes...we'd love to grab a beer with the fascinating and clever filmmakers.   A Dose of Scholarship: For more on the carnivalesque, check out Mikhail Bakhtin's "Carnival and the Carnivalesque" in John Storey's 1998 Cultural Theory and Popular Culture. And be sure to check out the essay Toni referenced: Clark Collis's "'Nic Cage is into reptiles...': The insane, behind-the-scenes story of Willy's Wonderland."   This podcast episode first aired on April 5, 2024. Shout-out to Jackson O'Brien; thank you for editing this episode! ALL LINKS  Twitter/Instagram: @NightmarePod1; YouTube: Such a Nightmare;  Email: suchanightmare.pod@gmail.com; Website: suchanightmare.com

In this episode of the Such a Nightmare podcast, hosts Katherine Troyer and Toni Tresca return--for a final time (at least for now!)--to Camp Crystal Lake as they discuss the 2009 horror slasher film Friday the 13th. Episode Highlights: We examine the film's (potentially) strange juxtaposition between a wholesome family reunion narrative and shots of lots (and lots) of boobs; Katherine shares how all the boobery made for a personally very awkward family viewing. We talk about how this film, as both another entry in the franchise and a remake, offers a déjà vu/dream-like experience that manages to offer a nice blend of the expected and the refreshing. We share some of our favorite kills in this film and Katherine talks about her re-watching of Freddy vs. Jason having now seen all Friday the 13th and all Nightmare on Elm Street films. A Dose of Scholarship: Please check out our guide to this franchise: Wickham Clayton's 2020 book SEE! HEAR! CUT! KILL! Experiencing Friday the 13th. This podcast episode first aired on March 1, 2024. Jackson O'Brien: thank you for your editing magic! ALL LINKS  Twitter/Instagram: @NightmarePod1; YouTube: Such a Nightmare;  Email: suchanightmare.pod@gmail.com; Website: suchanightmare.com

In this episode, hosts Katherine Troyer and Toni Tresca work the graveyard shift as they discuss the 2023 horror film Five Nights at Freddy's.  Episode Highlights: Toni shares what it was like playing the game on band trips as a kid and how this shaped their anticipation and hopes for this film. We talk about the challenges this film faced and--in our opinions--did not overcome as the movie tries to appeal to both current kids and adults who remembered the game from their own childhoods. We look at the film's establishment of a world beyond Freddy Fazbear's Pizzeria and how this worldbuilding aspect of the film, along with the backstory it built about the murdered children, affected the horror of this story. And we explore what we think this film could have been in its best incarnation.  A Dose of Scholarship: While there isn't any scholarship on the film, there is some interesting scholarship on the Five Nights at Freddy's games. We encourage you to check out Betsy Brey's chapter "Five Nights at Fan Games: Feminism, Fan Labor, and Five Nights at Freddy's" in the 2020 book Indie Games in the Digital Age. Another essay worth looking at is Yujie Ji and Yixuan Zhao's 2022 "Follow the Purple Bunny: A Brief Analysis of Five Nights at Freddy's Narrative." And there are a couple of pieces written about the film that proved helpful in our discussion: Michael Cripe's "Five Nights at Freddy's Surpasses Split to Break a Record for Horror Studio Blumhouse" and Jesse Hassenger's "The Five Nights at Freddy's Movie is a Dizzying Mashup of Decades of Culture." This podcast episode first aired on February 16, 2024. Deepest of appreciation to Jackson O'Brien...thank you for editing this podcast! ALL LINKS  Twitter/Instagram: @NightmarePod1; YouTube: Such a Nightmare;  Email: suchanightmare.pod@gmail.com; Website: suchanightmare.com

In this spooktacular Eerie Extra, Such a Nightmare co-host Katherine Troyer speaks with horror author and editor David-Jack Fletcher.   We discuss the significance of normalizing LGBTQIA+ identities within the horror genre. This leads to an even bigger discussion of how queer horror can both offer a space for connection and push us beyond our comfort zones. David-Jack shares the vision behind Slashic Horror, his indie horror press that he co-founded with Lee Cross James. And we talk about the magic of crossing genres and the ways his work, including his novella The Haunting of Harry Peck, present the familiar in unfamiliar ways (or perhaps the other way around) through his genre-blending writing.   This interview occurred on January 4, 2024; the episode first aired on January 30, 2024.   David-Jack Fletcher is a writer and scholar hailing from Australia. With a PhD from Macquarie University in Cultural Studies, he wrote for over a decade in an academic setting before—in his words—jumping out of academia to pursue his dream of becoming a horror author and editor. To that end, he has a Post-Graduate Certificate in Editing and Publishing from the University of Southern Queensland, and he completed an internship with Sydney-based Spineless Wonders. Additionally, he was awarded a mentorship with the Australasian Horror Writers Association (AHWA) in 2022, undertaken with award-winning author Paul Mannering. David-Jack has published short stories in several horror anthologies across the UK, the US and Canada, and has appeared in international podcasts and interviews. Furthermore, his debut gay horror-comedy, The Haunting of Harry Peck, was published by Rack & Rune Publishing in February 2022 and became an international Amazon bestseller. And his latest award-winning novel, Raven’s Creek is now available through all major retailers, published through his own imprint, Slashic Horror. For more information, visit his LinkTree: https://linktr.ee/djfletcher    ALL LINKS  Twitter/Instagram: @NightmarePod1; YouTube: Such a Nightmare;  Email: suchanightmare.pod@gmail.com; Website: suchanightmare.com

In this episode, hosts Katherine Troyer and Toni Tresca hop a rocket to outer space...where, of course, Jason is waiting...as they discuss the 2001 horror slasher film Jason X. Episode Highlights: We talk about how this film is part of a slew of films in the late 90s/early 00s that sought to shock their respective franchises back to life with a journey to space. We think about how this film, despite (or perhaps because of) it's different setting, fits within the larger Friday the 13th franchise. We look at Jason X's portrayal of Jason, exploration of final girls, and presentation of slasher tropes. And, while we are clearly in a minority far from many fans and most critics, we have to admit: space was surprisingly fun! A Dose of Scholarship: For scholarship on the Friday the 13th franchise, we (continue to) encourage to you to turn to 1) Horror Homeroom's special issue on Friday the 13th. and 2) Wickham Clayton's 2020 book SEE! HEAR! CUT! KILL! Experiencing Friday the 13th. This podcast episode first aired on January 19, 2024. Wielding his own machete...an editing machete that is...Jackson O'Brien once again made this episode better...thank you! ALL LINKS  Twitter/Instagram: @NightmarePod1; YouTube: Such a Nightmare;  Email: suchanightmare.pod@gmail.com; Website: suchanightmare.com

In this episode, hosts Katherine Troyer and Toni Tresca venture into their first non-fiction book as they discuss the 2023 collection of essays Monsters: A Fan's Dilemma by Claire Dederer. Episode Highlights: We talk about the word "monstrous" and what it means to us. We express how called out--and seen--we felt at various points in this book, particularly as fellow aca-fans wrestling with our own feelings of certain monstrous creators (like Whedon). We celebrate the memoir approach to this topic and how brave Dederer was for having such honesty. And we express our frustrations that the author's only real discussion of monstrous creative women were those who abandon children or are angry/extreme; we had hoped this would be a place to analyze further women creators like Rowling.  A Dose of Scholarship: If you haven't read Monsters: A Fan's Dilemma, we promise you that this read will offer a lot of food for thought! In this episode, Toni references the Today, Explained podcast episode Hannah Gadsby and "Pablo-matic" Picasso. You might also check out this 2023 Vox interview with Dederer. This podcast episode first aired on December 15, 2023. We appreciate you Jackson O'Brien! Thanks for editing! ALL LINKS  Twitter/Instagram: @NightmarePod1; YouTube: Such a Nightmare;  Email: suchanightmare.pod@gmail.com; Website: suchanightmare.com

In this episode, hosts Katherine Troyer and Toni Tresca descend to the underworld (kind of) as they discuss the 1993 horror slasher film Jason Goes to Hell: The Final Friday. Episode Highlights: If we thought it took a while for Jason to make it to Manhattan, we were shocked by how long it took for him to actually go to hell! Katherine maintains that this is perhaps one of the best uses of a cold opening, and we talk about the film's quirky and odd characters. We explore the consequences--on us as viewers--of removing Jason from his own body for so much of the film. And, of course, Toni gives us the scoop on some of the background--and drama--behind the film's production.  A Dose of Scholarship: For scholarship on the Friday the 13th franchise, we (continue to) encourage to you to turn to 1) Horror Homeroom's special issue on Friday the 13th. and 2) Wickham Clayton's 2020 book SEE! HEAR! CUT! KILL! Experiencing Friday the 13th. This podcast episode first aired on November 20, 2023. Jackson O'Brien: you are a hero amongst editors...thank you! ALL LINKS  Twitter/Instagram: @NightmarePod1; YouTube: Such a Nightmare;  Email: suchanightmare.pod@gmail.com; Website: suchanightmare.com

In this spooktacular terrifying Eerie Extra,  Such a Nightmare co-host Katherine Troyer speaks with horror scholar, writer, and editor Jolie Toomajan. We discuss her research into several less-appreciated women who wrote for Weird Tales, and what she has been learning in her recent scholarship. Together we explore the complicated relationships we have with a genre that is both transgressive and conservative, and how horror manages to be both a challenging home and a perfect vehicle to explore the horrors of women, BIPOC, and queer identities. And, of course, we talk about Jolie's 2023 edited collection of short stories Aseptic and Faintly Sadistic: An Anthology of Hysteria Fiction  (this interview is relatively spoiler free). A portion of the proceeds for this edited collection will benefit the Chicago Abortion Fund.   This interview occurred on May 25, 2023; the episode first aired on October 16, 2023.   Jolie Toomajan (she/her) is a PhD candidate, writer, editor, and all-around ghoul. Her dissertation in progress is focused on the women who wrote for Weird Tales and her work has appeared in Upon a Thrice Time, Death in the Mouth, and Black Static (among other places). She is editor of the upcoming Aseptic and Faintly Sadistic: An Anthology of Hysteria Fiction, which benefits the Chicago Abortion Fund. You can find her on Twitter and Instagram @JolieToomajan   Twitter/Instagram: @NightmarePod1; YouTube: Such a Nightmare channel; Email: suchanightmare.pod@gmail.com; ALL LINKS

In this spooktacular episode, hosts Katherine Troyer and Toni Tresca don their mouse ears as they discuss the truly horrific and absolutely fantastic 2023 novel Maeve Fly by author C.J. Leede.  We highly recommend you read the book before listening to this episode! Episode Highlights: We explore how this novel serves as a love story to LA, and the ways that Leede manages to both rip off our rose-tinted glasses about the City of Angels even as she encourages us to find beauty in the asphalt landscape. Referencing Grady Hendrix's blurb that this novel is "an apocalyptic Anaheim Psycho," we talk about what it means to juxtapose this novel with Bret Easton Ellis' American Psycho and how much we appreciated Leede's crafting of her female lead character. And, of course, we examine how this novel plays with the Happiest Place on Earth, and the one scene involving a mouse that we will never forget.  A Dose of Scholarship: This is a new novel, so there is not yet any scholarship written on Maeve Fly...but there are several great interviews with C.J. Leede, including Crime Reads interview "Arianna Reiche and C.J. Leede on Weird Lit, Angry Girls, and Amusement Parks" and Paul Semel's interview with C.J. Leede.   This podcast episode first aired on October 9, 2023. To our editor Jackson O'Brien: thank you and we hope this one didn't scar you too bad. :-) ALL LINKS  Twitter/Instagram: @NightmarePod1; YouTube: Such a Nightmare;  Email: suchanightmare.pod@gmail.com; Website: suchanightmare.com

In this episode, hosts Katherine Troyer and Toni Tresca head to the big apple as they discuss the 1989 horror slasher film Friday the 13th Part VIII: Jason Takes Manhattan. Episode Highlights: This was our first time seeing the film, so we talk about our surprise at how long it takes Jason to make it to Manhattan and how this decision impacts not only our expectations as viewers but the larger narrative and themes of this film. We also explore about how this film's portrayal of New York City--as a wasteland of death and drugs--compares to and contrasts with a more recent horror film's depiction of the big apple: namely 2023's Scream VI.  A Dose of Scholarship: For scholarship on the Friday the 13th franchise, we (continue to) encourage to you to turn to 1) Horror Homeroom's special issue on Friday the 13th. and 2) Wickham Clayton's 2020 book SEE! HEAR! CUT! KILL! Experiencing Friday the 13th. This podcast episode first aired on September 19, 2023. Thank you Jackson O'Brien for being the best editor a podcast could ask for! ALL LINKS  Twitter/Instagram: @NightmarePod1; YouTube: Such a Nightmare;  Email: suchanightmare.pod@gmail.com; Website: suchanightmare.com

In this Eerie Extra, hosts Katherine Troyer and Toni Tresca review the 2023 horror film Scream VI. (Because, let's face it, as long as they make Scream films, we'll be watching Scream films.)   We discuss our thoughts on the latest film (to date) in the franchise and how we think that the sixth installment fits into, contributes to, and occasionally takes away from the larger Scream narrative. We talk about the awesomeness of having scream queen Samara Weaving in the cold opening, and what it was like for Katherine to watch a scene about a horror film professor having a run-in with Ghostface. We talk about "The Core Four" and how this film--much more than Scream (2022)--establishes these characters as the primary characters (rather than the newcomers) of this world. And we talk about how this film--as do all Scream films--continues to ask us to think about the slipperiness of the past, the challenges of media, and the trauma of having a family. This episode first aired on July 28, 2023. (It was actually recorded in May 2023, but then we went on vacation.)    Thank you to the stupendous Jackson O'Brien, whose editing always ensures we sound smarter for our listeners then we do in real life.  ALL LINKS  Twitter/Instagram: @NightmarePod1; YouTube: Such a Nightmare;  Email: suchanightmare.pod@gmail.com; Website: suchanightmare.com

In this delightfully terrifying Eerie Extra,  Such a Nightmare co-host Katherine Troyer speaks with cosmic horror writer Mark N. Drake. We discuss Mark's Darkisle series and how he created this particular world, what it takes to build a memorable and unique horror setting, and the power--and challenge--of blending genres such as cosmic horror, noir, and gumshoe detective. While we discuss Mark's 2020 novel The Gathering of Shadows, this interview is relatively spoiler free.   This interview occurred on March 15, 2023; the episode first aired on June 2, 2023.   Mark N Drake is a British author of Lovecraftian fiction (though he has been known to write for other genres as well). Most of his works feature his fictional creation Darkisle, a British island of dark secrets and whispered terrors. His first novel, ‘The Gathering of Shadows’, was published in 2020. It was the first in a series of Cthulhu Mythos-inspired novels centred upon the cases of private detective Jack Glennison. Based in the Northern England of the 1920s, the stories follow Glennison as he explores Darkisle and gradually learns of the ancient horrors that stalk that island... and beyond. The follow up novel, ‘Those Under The Hill’, was published in 2021, with ‘What Festers Within’ following in 2022. More in the series are planned. In 2023, ‘Shards of Shattered Darkness’ – a collection of eighteen of his horror short stories – was released. Despite a misspent youth spent seeking out Panther horror paperbacks in second-hand bookshops, Mark graduated in Applied Physics and became a defence research scientist. Later, he went on to work in Higher Education management and return to education, obtaining an MBA. Now semi-retired, he divides his time between rural County Durham and Carcassonne in southern France.   Twitter/Instagram: @NightmarePod1; YouTube: Such a Nightmare channel; Email: suchanightmare.pod@gmail.com; ALL LINKS

In this episode, hosts Katherine Troyer and Toni Tresca talk the post-modern and incredibly "meta" 2006 horror-comedy film Behind the Mask: The Rise of Leslie Vernon.  Episode Highlights: We discuss the film's commentary on the slasher genre and, in particular, how this movie's final girl character (Taylor Gentry) becomes a stand-in for the sometimes uncomfortable position of being a fan and scholar of horror. We examine the mockumentary style of the cinematography and when (and when not) it works for us. And we think about what this film asks us to think about when it comes to our continued fascination and love for a genre that kills us. A Dose of Scholarship: We explore Savanna Teague's excellent analysis of the film in her 2017 article "Ahabs, Turtles, and Survivor Girls: Postmodernism in Behind the Mask: The Rise of Leslie Vernon" from Studies in Popular Culture. And we reference, again, Isabel Pinedo's seminal piece "Recreational Terror: Postmodern Elements of the Contemporary Horror Film."  This podcast episode first aired on May 1, 2023. Jackson O'Brien...you are an extraordinary editor; thank you! ALL LINKS  Twitter/Instagram: @NightmarePod1; YouTube: Such a Nightmare;  Email: suchanightmare.pod@gmail.com; Website: suchanightmare.com