In this installment of the Fundamental Frights series, I’m discussing the boogeyman, cursed films and why Sinister has become one of my favorite horror movies.

In this installment of the Fundamental Frights series, I’m joined by my Mom to discuss this made for tv gem from 1981. We’re chatting about watching it with my Grandpa and why we still enjoy it decades later.

In this episode, I'm joined by friend of the show Matt to discuss Clive Barker's 1987 classic Hellraiser. We're chatting about the complicated nature of the Cenobites, Frank's misguided motivations, and what makes Hellraiser an enduring icon of the genre.

Check out Matt's podcast Swords in Stereo

I'm once again joined by my husband, David to discuss the complexities of faith and rogue angels in Constantine. We're also chatting about David's experience as a horror husband and our memorable spooky adventures.

References:

The Last Exorcism

Wild Turkey Fist Fight

In this episode, I'm discussing the the recent popularity of Catholic horror and why I was pleasantly surprised by The First Omen. I'm also returning to my roots and exploring why religious themes continue to resonate in the horror genre.

Other Catholic Episodes:
The Exorcist
The Exorcist: Believer
Midnight Mass

I'm joined by Hannah of the Cinema Slab Podcast to discuss the 1984 classic, Children of the Corn. We also chat about our experiences growing up in church, including singing hymns and heckling pastors.

Is this a simple haunted house story, or something more? This month, I’m taking a deep dive into this Stephen King adaptation and what it has to say about being trapped in the personal hell that is room 1408.

Read the original blog that inspired this episode:
1408: Trapped in Purgatory

View the many endings of this film:
Theatrical Ending
The Worst Ending
Alternate Endings

This month, I’m sharing a special collaboration episode originally released on Creature Comforts, a spinoff show featured on Straight Chilling’s YouTube channel that explores horror adjacent films. Justin and I are discussing the more gruesome aspects of The Passion of the Christ, why the movie might resonate with horror fans, and how I personally view it as a religious person.

Watch this episode on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7aD_BNdOPbQ&t=323s

Read the Jesus Bunny Blog:
https://www.lightandshadowpod.com/blog/jesus-bunny

In this Women in Horror Month episode, Im joined by Jacqueline from A Cut Above to discuss motherhood, purgatory, and judgement in Silent Hill.

For weekly horror review, check out A Cut Above Horror Review.

I'm joined by Bob from Straight Chilling to discuss the world of voodoo, magic, and scientific discovery in Wes Craven's The Serpent and the Rainbow.

We also chat about playing drums in worship bands and the controversy of wearing pants on stage at my childhood church. For weekly horror review, check out Straight Chilling Podcast on your favorite pod catcher.

In this special Christmas episode, I’m sharing two classic horror tales for the season - The Dancing Partner and Smee.

Wraparound Story:  Between the Lights, E.F. Benson, 1912 Narrator's Story: The Dancing Partner, Jerome K. Jerome, 1893 Edward's Story: Smee, A.M. Burrage, 1929

I'm joined by Logan of Ghoulish University to discuss spiritual celebrities, hauntings, and exorcism and in The Conjuring.

Listen to Ghoulish University

Follow Christopher McKenny on Instagram

Watch Ghost Adventures ridiculousness

In this tale by H.P. Lovecraft, a mysterious meteor crashes at a farm in the Ozark hills, leaking an unearthly color that slowly poisons the land. As the strange contamination spreads, it brings madness and decay, leaving behind a haunting void that defies explanation.

I’m joined once again by special guest Nat to discuss the highs, lows and multi-denominational approach to exorcism in David’s Gordon Green’s latest installment.

Follow Nat's work on Instagram @lunathespectre.

I'm joined by good friend Nat to discuss the complexity of humanity, finding your own faith and the beauty of self-sacrifice in the The Exorcist.

Follow Nat's work on Instagram @lunathespectre.

Sacred Terror: Religion and Horror on the Silver Screen by Douglas Cowan, featured on Shudder's Cursed Films

I'm joined by first-time guest David (who I also happen to married to) to discuss crisis of faith and culty churches in The Last Exorcism.

We're also discussing our personal journey with deconstruction and David’s experience as an ordained missionary.

If you're in touring band and you're interested in free lodging while on tour, check out RYFO.

In this episode, I'm joined by my Mom, Sherry, to discuss growing up in church, cults and true crime in Ti West’s The Sacrament.

In this bonus episode, I'm joined by Bethany, co-host on my first podcast Disney Native. We're discussing the highs, lows, easter eggs and happy haunts in Disney's Haunted Mansion.

Listen to Disney Native

Grim, Grinning Ghosts - A Tribute to the Haunted Mansion 

Boo Bash! 

River Country Film 

Read the Blog

The Dark Side of Disney World 

I'm joined by Andy from The Straight Chilling Podcast to discuss monsters, religious fanatics, and the flaws of humanity in Frank Darabont's The Mist.

Watch

When Darkness Came: The Making of the Mist

Listen

Religion in Horror: Midnight Mass

The Straight Chilling Podcast

I’m joined by friend of the show Sunny to discuss pagan festivals, symbolism, toxic relationships, and manipulation in Ari Aster’s Midsommar.

I’m discussing my personal experience with religion and how it connects to mania and faith in Mike Flanagan’s fresh take on an old subgenre.

Read
Fear + Faith Blog Post 

Listen

Beware the Jesus Bunny: Easter Recommendations 

Storytime: Young Goodman Brown 

This year, I’m reflecting on the last decade of female-driven horror in a discussion about how far we’ve come and where I’d like to see us go next.

Listen:
American Mary on A Cut Above Horror Review
Knock at the Cabin on Straight Chilling

Shop:
Anna's House of Wax

Read:
https://editorial.rottentomatoes.com/guide/best-horror-movies-directed-by-women/

https://scariesthings.com/2020/12/01/dead-list-30-important-women-horror-directors-who-you-should-know/

https://www.nytimes.com/2016/06/03/movies/mary-harron-narrates-a-scene-from-american-psycho.html

In this episode, I'm joined by Randy from the Straight Chilling Podcast to discuss creativity and criticism in The Menu. We're also sharing some of our personal experiences as creative professionals, and chatting about the best meal we've ever had.

The Tommyknockers is one of Stephen King's more bizarre books and is widely regarded as a bad one. The miniseries suffers from the same reputation. A sleepless night led me to a re-read of the book and took me down a rabbit trail exploring why this story has a bad reputation, and why I enjoy it in spite of that.

In this episode, I’m joined by friends of the pod to discuss some of our favorite spooky season content, including TV episodes and underrated gems. I’m also sharing a campfire tale from Knifepoint Horror to kick off the Halloween weekend.

Special thanks to our guests!

TV Episodes: A Cut Above Horror Review

Underrated Gems: The Straight Chilling Podcast

“Trail” written by: Soren Narnia of Knifepoint Horror

It’s Easter week and although we nerds love our holiday horrors, Easter isn’t one that immediately comes to mind as a favorite. But I put a little thought into it, and have a few unconventional recommendations that I think fit the bill for the Easter season.

Read more:

Daybreakers: The Gospel According to Vampires

Holidays (2016): The Jesus Bunny

When Goodman Brown ventures into the Salem woods to meet a mysterious stranger, he discovers that his friends and neighbors are not who they seem, and gains a deeper knowledge that will haunt him for the rest of his life.

It’s time once again for another Women in Horror episode! This year, I’m joined by Jacqueline from A Cut Above Horror Review, and we’re talking about the most influential women in horror. We approached this topic from both a historical and personal perspective, discussing women from many forms of media including authors, directors, actors, podcasters and more.

This is obviously a huge topic and there is no way we can possibly cover everything in this one episode. Jacqueline and I encourage listeners to use this episode as a jumping off point to dive in and explore what others have to say about this topic and also to learn about the women who have played a crucial role in creating the art that you love.

You can listen to Jacqueline’s show at A Cut Above Horror Review

Show Notes:

Tabitha King

Barbara Crampton on The Movies That Made Me

Julia Ducournau, The Guardian

Carol Clover on “The Final Girl” archetype

Carmen Maria Machado, Metal

Psychoanalysis: A Horror Therapy Podcast

Faculty of Horror Podcast

Women in Horror from A to Z (Film School Rejects)

Quotes About Horror Cinema from Female Filmmakers

Four Forgotten Women Who Built the Horror Genre

I don't usually review new films, but I had such a blast with Scream (Scream 5, Scream 2022, etc, etc) that I wanted to take a few minutes to talk about it. In today's episode, I'm discussing nostalgia, pros, cons, old cast members, new killers and more!

In my last episode of the year, I'm recapping my year in horror including new and "new to me" movies and series. I'm also talking a bit about what's to come in 2022. 

I'm so grateful for my listeners and happy to be a part of the larger horror community. Stay safe, stay warm and Happy New Year, friends!

I managed to make it back to Halloween Horror Nights once again this year despite living roughly 1000 miles away. In this Halloween bonus, I’m sharing my experience with the crowds, houses, scare zones and more!

Hello friends. It's time to share another dark tale for spooky season. In this story written by Algernon Blackwood, a school administrator vacationing in the French Alps is lucky to find last minute lodging, but finds something rather unexpected and unsettling in his room...

During the spring of 1692, a group of young girls in Salem Village, Massachusetts, claimed to be possessed by the devil and accused several local women and men of witchcraft. These accusations sparked the infamous Salem witch trials, which resulted in the execution of 20 innocent people. 

Today, Salem is a lovely tourist town and a haven for the weird and the spooky. My Mom and I spent a week in the Witch City to kick off our dark tourism travels and to celebrate her 60th birthday. Let’s wander the cobblestone streets and learn a bit of history shall we?

Lamentation by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution license (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/...) Source: http://incompetech.com/music/royalty-... Artist: http://incompetech.com/

We're back in Stephen King country with a review of the latest adaptation of The Stand. I'm discussing highs, lows and what I might do if I was in charge of this epic story.

SAW was a game changer for horror, inspiring a new sub genre and spawning a 10-film franchise.

In this episode, I'm discussing my personal history with the film, including my time on the Disney College Program and how a sold out emo show led me to a life-changing viewing of James Wan's SAW in 2005.

In my third annual Women in Horror Month episode, I'm joined by friends of the pod, Sunny and Nat, in a discussion about our favorite female killers. We're discussing why murderous women are so interesting and diving into some of our favorite characters.

In this episode, we discuss:

Why female killers are interesting

Common themes and motivations

Some of our favorite female killers

Under the Skin

Monster

American Mary

Follow Sunny's work at https://www.instagram.com/arrows.in.eros/. 

Follow Nat's work at https://www.instagram.com/lunathespook/

Find out more about The Witch of Lakeland project at https://www.witchoflakeland.com/

Hello, friends! I'm back with a brand new episode covering the work of director Joe Dante. In this episode I'll be discussing:

Kindertrauma

Twilight Zone: The Movie

Gremlins

The Burbs

Joe's unique combination of cartoon imagery with horror themes

Themes in Joe's work that are particularly relevant to American culture

The Movies That Made Me

References:

https://bloody-disgusting.com/editorials/3628557/kindertrauma-generation-family-friendly-horrors-1980s/?fbclid=IwAR3kBcUlDWo6v4psGoc11mwaMYaBEiIbtbxLySkdDGllqfrgBtE9ru9y6X0

https://www.amazon.com/Nightmares-White-Blue-Lance-Henriksen/dp/B0789KLGVQ

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-movies-that-made-me/id1412094313

On Christmas, a girl calls upon an old spirit to deal with her bully brother.

Yuletide was written by Matheus Macedo. Subscribe to Sessions X podcast for more of his stories. https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/sessionsx/id1285982034?mt=2

Learn more about Matheus' work at https://mhmacedo.weebly.com/?fbclid=IwAR0aZwSllHx5bp_Hk9QImex7rYz9-qMgUlFxD76g4R-gfOI_GOiFRrazvdo.

Happy Halloween, friends! I recently rewatched Halloween 6 for the first time and I have a few thoughts. In this bonus episode, I’m discussing cults, Paul Rudd and the Halloween 3 connection.

Witches are a central figure in folklore and horror. In this special Halloween episode, I'm joined once again by Sunny and Natalie, and we're covering all things Witches, including fairytales, classics, and modern-day interpretations.  

In this episode, we discuss:

Roald Dahl's The Witches

Return to Oz

Suspiria (1977 & 2018)

The Blair Witch Project

American Horror Story: Coven

The Autopsy of Jane Doe

The Witch

Follow Sunny's work at https://www.instagram.com/arrows.in.eros/. 

Follow Nat's work at https://www.instagram.com/lunathespectre/

Find out more about The Witch of Lakeland project at https://www.witchoflakeland.com/

Candyman has always held a special position in the slasher genre. The upcoming adaptation by Jordan Peele and Nia DeCosta inspired me to revisit the original franchise, and have a conversation about the highs and lows of each installment with the crew from the Straight Chilling Podcast.

You can listen to Straight Chilling everywhere you get your podcasts, and follow them on major social media outlets, including Patreon! Listen to our coverage of Candyman (2021) at http://straightchillingpodcast.com/news-media/334-candyman-2021/

A woman suffering from depression retreats to a country estate. While there, her husband urges her to rest, but she is troubled by the odd features in her room and is determined to find the secret that lurks behind the hideous yellow wallpaper...

The Yellow Wallpaper was written by Charlotte Perkins Gilman, published in 1892

Music in this episode:
Prelude in C Major, Bach

As with everything right now, 4th of July probably looks a little different this year. Horror fans are possibly the best at embracing weird times, and maybe what we need most in America right now is something weird. If you’re keeping it low key (like I am) a movie marathon and a big bowl of popcorn might be just what you need. 

Tune in as I discuss some of my favorite 4th of July offerings - two of which are fairly under viewed in my opinion. 

For more summer viewing recommendations, visit my classic blog post Sinister Summer.

Motherhood is both a painful and beautiful part of womanhood. Horror has proven to be an excellent genre to explore the intricacies of this complex human experience.

IN THIS EPISODE, I DISCUSS:
Inside (2007)
The Orphanage
The trauma of pregnancy and child loss
The strength to overcome tragedy

Read the original blog that extensively covers Inside, and inspired this episode. It’s the most personal blog I’ve written to date, and has been one of the most popular pieces of content I’ve shared. https://lightandshadowpod.com/blog/inside

Episode artwork by Sunny Balliette. Follow her work on Instagram at @arrows.in.eros.

I recently binged the Root of Evil podcast and WACO on Netflix and they’ve got me thinking about the popularity of true crime. Why do these stories continue to be relevant decades after their occurrence? Why can’t we look away from these stories?

Let’s dig in and discuss some of the most famous true crime tragedies in American history.

I'm joined once again by Jacqueline from A Cut Above for a women in horror month special! We're chatting about the weirdness of LA, dealing with death, awkward gatherings, and the impactful ending in Karyn Kusama's The Invitation.

Listen:
Root of Evil Podcast
The Los Feliz Murder Mansion Podcast
Light & Shadow: True Crime Episode

An elderly couple inherits an enchanted object from India that is rumored to grant three wishes. But they soon find it is best to be very careful what you wish for, for you may receive it.

The Monkey’s Paw was written by W.W. Jacobs

Music in this episode:
Funeral March, Chopin

Hello friends! I'm checking in to see how you're doing, keep you updated on what's coming up and give you a few recommendations for what to watch while you’re cooped up at home.

While a deadly plague rages throughout the world, a wealthy noble and a thousand of his friends quarantine themselves inside his castle. During a lavish masquerade ball, they are surprised by the presence an unexpected visitor dressed in a costume of death…

The Masque of the Red Death was written by Edgar Allan Poe

Music in this episode:
Toccata in D Minor, Bach
Moonlight Sonata, Beethoven

A marine biologist moves to a seaside town for research and discovers a force far beyond anything she's ever experienced before. In today’s episode, I'm sharing a tale that follows the tradition of Lovecraft, featuring cults, the unknown and the old gods.

This story was written by HumboldtLycanthrope and was adapted under a CC-BY-SA liscense. Some edits have been made. You can read the original story at https://creepypasta.fandom.com/wiki/The_Abalone_Thief.

Mermaid by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution license (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/...) Source: http://incompetech.com/music/royalty-... Artist: http://incompetech.com/