Explore every episode of the podcast Light & Shadow: A Horror Podcast

In this episode, I'm joined by friend of the show Logan to discuss the complexity of faith and family dynamics in Frailty. We're also discussing Old Testament themes, Bill Paxton’s career and the great state of Texas!

Listen:
Ghoulish University

Watch:
The Making of Frailty

Read:
Dread Central With Brent Hanley and David Blocker

In this Religion in Horror episode, I’m exploring the complicated intersections of faith, reason, and devotion in the 1973 classic, The Wicker Man. I’ll also dive into the history and symbolism of May Day celebrations and examine how The Wicker Man helped define and popularize the folk horror subgenre.

Listen:
Religion in Horror: Midsommar

Read:
ROBIN HARDY ON 'THE WICKER MAN' (1973)

In this episode, I’m joined by friend of the show Randy to discuss the groundbreaking and confounding series, Twin Peaks. We’re chatting about why we love it, it’s impact on the media landscape, and much more.

Read:
But Who Is the Dreamer? Twin Peaks: The Return

Watch:
Twin Peaks Full Series Recap

Listen:
Straight Chilling Horror Review

In 1946, a masked "Phantom Killer" murdered five people in Texarkana. The mystery and lack of resolution turned the case into local legend, and it later inspired the 1976 film, The Town That Dreaded Sundown.

In this episode, I'm discussing my recent visit to Texarkana for the 50th anniversary screening of the proto-slasher directed by Arkansas filmmaker Charles B. Pierce.

I'm also chatting about the local controversy, the 2014 version, and the legacy that has endured in Texarkana since 1946.

Listen:
The Moonlight Murders: Texarkana’s Phantom Killer

Watch:
Cinematographer James W. Roberson talks about his work on "The Town That Dreaded Sundown" (1976)

I’m joined by friend of the show Sunny to discuss church culture, family conflict, and secret lives in The Clovehitch Killer.

We’re also chatting about Dennis Rader, the BTK killer, and why we’re drawn to true crime stories.

Listen:
Light & Shadow: True Crime

Watch:
BTK: Confession Of A Serial Killer

Read:
Morbidly Curious by Coltan Scrivner, PhD

In this Women in Horror Month episode, I’m joined by first-time guest Caitlin to discuss the terror of misadventure and the fantastic ensemble female cast in The Descent.

We’re also chatting about the Missing 411 phenomenon and our own experience with caves.

Listen:
Plug It Up Podcast

Watch:
Missing 411 Cases and the Cave Systems
Kenny Veach and the M Cave

In this bonus episode, I’m joined by Bob from the Straight Chilling Podcast to discuss season one of IT: Welcome to Derry. We’re chatting about our history with the IT franchise, the evolution of Pennywise, and the highs and lows of this HBO spinoff. Will we be watching next season? Tune in find out!

Listen:
Stephen King Country: My Trip to Bangor
Straight Chilling: IT Chapter One

Nightmare in the Ozarks is an annual horror film festival in Eureka Springs, Arkansas, that showcases horror, thriller, dark comedy, spooky sci-fi features, and shorts. This is my second year attending the festival and I had an absolute blast. This hidden gem deserves more attention, and I'm excited to recap my experience at the festival, including the movies I saw and what makes it a special event.

Read:
Checking in at The Crescent Hotel

Listen:
Lore: Disappointment

In this solo episode, I'm discussing Creepshow, which has become a very important part of my annual spooky season tradition. I'm discussing the stellar cast, the classic horror vibes, and the masters of horror that make this possibly the best anthology ever created.

I'm also giving my thoughts on The Long Walk and Bring Her Back, which have risen to the top of my list of favorites this year.

We're kicking off Halloween season with a Disney Channel classic, Tower of Terror from 1997. In this episode, I'm joined by Justin from Straight Chilling to discuss the ride, the movie, 90s nostalgia and how we felt revisiting this kids movie as adults. We invite you, if you dare, to step aboard because in tonight's episode you are the star. And this elevator travels directly to . . . The Twilight Zone.

Listen:
Straight Chilling Horror Review
Disney Creepypasta: River Country Film

Read:
The Dark Side of Disney World

In this episode, I'm joined by first-time guest and friend of the show Hydraberg to discuss ambiguity, atmosphere, and the relentless pursuit of death in It Follows. Is this movie worth the hype? What is it really about? Tune in to find out.

Listen to A Cut Above: Horror Review

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 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.

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.

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.

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

In the first episode of the Fundamental Frights series, I'm discussing A Nightmare on Elm Street from 1984. I'm diving into the legacy of Wes Craven and why this movie is so important to my own horror history.

Read
Fairytales & Freddy Krueger

Listen
Light & Shadow: The Boogeyman
Lore: A Stranger Among Us

Originally recorded last year, I join Justin from Straight Chilling for a discussion of the classic tale, A Christmas Carol. We’re chatting about the book and the many film adaptations that have made this story a timeless icon of the season. Here's to Haunted Holidays and a Spooky New Year!

Listen to Straight Chilling Podcast

Watch Creature Comforts on YouTube

Hello, Losers! As you know, I am a lifelong Stephen King fan and constant reader. My Mom and I recently spent a few days exploring the Bangor, Maine area including locations that inspired IT, Pet Sematary and more. Come along and join us for a tour of Stephen King Country!

References and Resources:

SK Tours of Maine
Stephen King's Maine by Sharon Kitchens
King's Domain Designs

I'm joined by friend of the show Logan to discuss crime, punishment, and the bad decisions that lead us down the dark road in Southbound. We're also chatting about our favorite anthologies and desert horror.

Be sure to check out Logan's show, Ghoulish University.

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

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.

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/