This episode is for the bookstagrammers! We have a booksta legend here today: Brittany aka Bookish Millennial, co-creator of The Diverse Baseline challenge. On the podcast, Brittany and I discuss the excellent movie that traumatized us as teens back in 2007, J.A. Bayona’s El Orfanato or The Orphanage. We discuss how we both were duped by marketing for this film, how you should trust your wives and children (because they’re people with feelings, what a concept, I know!), how nail trauma is worse than teeth in horror, and why you must ask your kid to draw their imaginary friends. We also discuss a record amount of readalike and watchalikes for this one, so be sure to listen to the end!
Please note that child death is a major plot point in The Orphanage (2007) so we do talk about child death throughout.
00:00-18:00- Intro / How Brittany Got Into Horror / How We First Saw The Orphanage
18:00- 32:00- Brief Synopsis / The Haunted House Genre
32:00-56:00- Scariest Scenes (The Games, Bathroom, Medium) / The Devastating Ending
56:00-01:22:00- Double Feature Ideas / Readalikes / Outro
The sound and clips used in this episode is from The Orphanage (2007) trailer and film, used for educational purposes.
Listen to “Not Scared: A Horror Movie Podcast” on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. If you’d like to get new reviews and special features, please subscribe to my Substack. Thank you for listening!
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BONUS: 2026 Movie Trailer Watchalong
Tuesday, March 24, 2026 • Duration 42:32
No guest this week because I’m on spring break! So let’s watch some horror movie trailers! In this episode, I watch 2026 horror movie trailers and comment on them, so you can queue up and watch along with me (I also describe them so you can also just listen, if you prefer).
What new horror movies are you most excited about? See you in a few weeks with a fabulous guest who you may recognize!
Find Me:
* Follow Chloe’s and .
This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit
18. Poltergeist (1982)
Tuesday, March 10, 2026 • Duration 01:19:23
We have another horror author on the pod today! Please welcome Kathleen Palm, author of The Nowhere Series (amongst other short stories and fiction), as we chat about an essential gateway horror for us both, Tobe Hooper’s Poltergeist (1982). Kathy takes us on a journey to the drive-in and we discuss all things ghost hunting, clowns, trees, screaming skulls and special effects. But at the center of this story is family, so we also discuss our awesome horror-loving dads and sharing horror with our family and friends!
If you watch before you listen, please note that Poltergeist (1982) contains heavy strobe lights.
00:00-19:00- Intro / How Kathy Got Into Horror / How We First Saw Poltergeist / Our Own Paranormal Investigations
19:00-36:00- Brief Synopsis / Domestic Horror Elements
36:00-50:00- Paranormal Investigation Elements / Special Effects
This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit
17. An American Werewolf in London (1981)
Tuesday, February 24, 2026 • Duration 01:14:08
Today I welcome freelance journalist, coworker, friend, and fellow librarian, Anna, to talk about their favorite horror movie from growing up, An American Werewolf in London (1981). In discussing this werewolf/zombie/ghost sad horror romantic comedy, Anna & I discuss the infamous dream sequences, our love of practical effects, the “rules” of being a werewolf, 70s fashion, and having empathy for the monster. You won’t catch us “hill-walking” in the Yorkshire moors at night, especially not during a full moon, but maybe catch us doing the Thriller dance in a cemetery.
And listeners from across the pond: please forgive our terrible British accents. We love you!
00:00-17:16- Intro / How Anna Got Into Horror / How They First Saw An American Werewolf in London / Our Opinions on Werewolf Movies
17:16-53:00- Brief Synopsis / Dreams / Werewolf Rules / The Brits v. Americans / Genre Hybridity
53:00-01:14:00- Effects & Thriller Music Video / Double Feature Ideas / Outro
This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit
16. Pulse (2001)
Tuesday, February 10, 2026 • Duration 01:18:35
Today I welcome Tom Brown– librarian, cinephile, photographer, and friend– to talk about his favorite and a new favorite of mine, Pulse or Kairo (2001) by Kiyoshi Kurosawa. Tom and I talk about Pulse chronologically scene-by-scene in this episode, probably because almost every shot is gorgeous and “unheimlich.” We also discuss our experience with J-horror, why ghosts are scary (and why Kurosawa thinks ghosts are scary), Harue’s gorgeous apartment, amazing sound design, and how death is eternal loneliness. Tom knows SO much about film production and the production of this movie in particular so you know this is a good one. Happy listening! :)
Please note that suicide is a major plot point of this film so we do discuss suicide throughout. In a less serious production note, Kevin the Cat makes an appearance and meows around 25-30 min and at around the hour mark. Apologies!
00:00-14:30- Intro / How Tom Got Into Movies & Horror / How We First Got Into J-Horror & Pulse
14:30-39:00- Brief Synopsis / Themes of Ghosts, Tech & Loneliness
39:00-01:01:00- Score & Sound Design / Special Effects / The End
01:01:00-01:19:00- The American Remake / Video Game Playalikes / Double Feature Ideas / Outro
* J-Horror- Guide to the Unknown podcast episode (4/29/2020) (they also recently did an on the American remake of )
This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit
15. The Shining (1980)
Tuesday, January 27, 2026 • Duration 01:28:44
I am starstruck because today I welcome Ashley Casseday (The Losers Club: A Stephen King Podcast, Keep It Weird podcast) to talk about the classic film The Shining (1980). From her work on Loser’s Club, Ashley is (in my opinion) a Stephen King scholar and we reference his other work as much as we talk about the film, so tune in if you love the King of Horror! We also discuss how The Shining is a haunted house movie, differences between the book and movie, our own paranormal investigations, and our hope for the next generation of horror fans. Even though Stephen King doesn’t like this movie, we love it!
00:00-21:00- Intro / How Ashley Got Into Horror & Stephen King / How We First Saw (& Read) The Shining
21:00-33:00- Brief Synopsis / Is It a Good Adaptation?
33:00-01:09:00- The Hotel / The Iconic Imagery / Characters (mostly Dick & Danny)
01:09:00-01:28:00- Score / Double Feature Ideas / Outro
This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit
14. Carnival of Souls (1962)
Tuesday, January 13, 2026 • Duration 01:22:37
My guest, Patrick Ripoll, hosts several podcasts on the Now Playing Network (96 Greers, Tracks of the Damned, Wizard Jail) talks to me about his favorite horror movie and a movie dear to my heart: Carnival of Souls (1962). Patrick knows SO much about film history, especially about this film, so this episode is great for behind-the-scenes talk. We also chat about MST3K, not being allowed to see PG-13 movies until we were 13, low budget filmmaking and educational films, method acting, and more!
Carnival of Souls (1962) is very easy to find online, so please give it a watch before listening. We spoil this movie and other movies with a similar twist (movies more than 20 years old). We also briefly mention depression including suicidal ideation, anxiety, and trauma.
00:00-19:00- Intro / How Patrick Got Into Horror / How We First Saw Carnival of Souls
19:00-36:00- Brief Synopsis / The History of Carnival of Souls
36:00-01:07:00- Performances / Themes of Gender, Mental Health and Alienation
01:07:00-01:22:00 The Hitch Hiker / Double Feature Ideas / Outro
This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit
Our Favorite Horror Movies of 2025
Thursday, January 1, 2026 • Duration 42:06
Happy New Year! I asked my previous podcast guests from episodes released this year to talk about their favorite horror movies– either new or new to them– of 2025. So much love for Sinners and Weapons! Thank you for listening, rating and for supporting this podcast. I hope you enjoy this episode and I hope you all have a safe and happy 2026. Stick around ‘til the end to hear our new theme!
This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit
13. Vampire Hunter D: Bloodlust (2000)
Tuesday, December 30, 2025 • Duration 01:01:27
Baby’s first anime (on the podcast, that is)! This time, I’m welcoming Julia Cristales— library coworker, friend, and fellow bookstagrammer (Reading Rapscallion)— to talk about their favorite Vampire Hunter D: Bloodlust (2000). I’m so happy that Julia chose this movie because it truly is one of the most beautiful films that we’ve discussed on this podcast. If you haven’t seen it, check it out! We chat about anime hotties, genre hybridity, the Hammer Horror influence, how shitty it would be to live forever, and how gorgeous 2010’s Tumblr can be. We only mention Twilight twice.
Please note, the audio is not up to my standards— I edited it the best that I could and Julia sounds great and that’s what matters! Thank you Julia for bearing with me and we’ll have to have you back for another episode with better audio. But moreover, thank you for showing me this amazing film!
00:00-16:00 Intro / Haunted House Attractions / How Julia Got Into Horror / How We First Saw Vampire Hunter D / Discussions on Anime and Manga
This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit
12. The Watcher in the Woods (1980)
Tuesday, December 16, 2025 • Duration 01:02:49
This is one of my favorite episodes because I get to talk to my cousin Isabel Waryan about a movie that we saw as kids that has now become a cozy horror cult classic in both of our households, The Watcher in the Woods (1980). With scare techniques also used in The Exorcist, The Shining and The Evil Dead, can you believe that this is a Disney movie? We express our appreciation for actually-scary kids horror, Betty Davis, and shag haircuts. This is very much a childhood lore episode so if we need something comforting, put this on. And if you’ve never seen this movie, what are you waiting for? It’s perfect for long dark nights where you need something eerie and not-terrifying.
00:00-11:30- Intro / How Isabel Got Into Horror / Discussion of Horror for Kids / How We Saw The Watcher in the Woods
11:30-20:00- Brief Synopsis / Differences Between Movie and Book / Scary Moments
20:00- Acting / Music / Characters
42:00- The Watcher / Alternative Endings / Themes of Mothers and Isolation
57:00-1:03:00- Double Feature Ideas / Outro
Please note: timestamps are estimates.
We forgot to mention that there’s also a remake of this movie from 2017 starring Anjelica Huston made for the Lifetime Channel. To me, it doesn’t have the same type of movie magic, but it exists.
Listen to “Not Scared: A Horror Movie Podcast” on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. If you’d like to get new reviews and special features, please subscribe to my Substack. Thank you for listening!
The sound and music used in this episode is from Poltergeist (1982) trailer, film and soundtrack by Jerry Goldsmith, used for educational purposes.
Listen to “Not Scared: A Horror Movie Podcast” on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. If you’d like to get new reviews and special features, please subscribe to my Substack. Thank you for listening!
The sound and music used in this episode is from An American Werewolf in London (1981) trailer and film, used for educational purposes. I could’ve added SO many clips— each line is classic and hilarious— but it’s better to watch the movie and experience for yourself!
Listen to “Not Scared: A Horror Movie Podcast” on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. If you’d like to get new reviews and special features, please subscribe to my Substack. Thank you for listening!
The sound used in this episode is from the Pulse (2001) trailer and film, used for educational purposes.
Listen to “Not Scared: A Horror Movie Podcast” on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. If you’d like to meet a ghost and get new reviews and special features, please subscribe to my Substack. Thank you for listening!
The sound used in this episode is from The Shining (1980) and an 1980’s Stephen King interview on the David Letterman show (linked above) used for educational purposes.
To contribute to my Danny’s Apollo sweater fund, please subscribe to my Substack. Listen to “Not Scared: A Horror Movie Podcast” on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. Thank you for listening!
The sound bites used in this episode are from the trailer and clips from Carnival of Souls (1962) and audio from Dance Little Children (1961) is used for educational purposes.
Listen to “Not Scared: A Horror Movie Podcast” on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. For exclusive episodes, subscribe at a paying level to my Substack. If you enjoy my work, this is the best way to financially support me! Thank you for listening!
Listen to “Not Scared: A Horror Movie Podcast” on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. For exclusive episodes, subscribe at a paying level to my Substack. If you enjoy my work, this is the best way to financially support me! Thank you for listening!
The sound used in this episode is from the trailer and clips from Vampire Hunter D: Bloodlust (2000) used for educational purposes.
Listen to “Not Scared: A Horror Movie Podcast” on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. For exclusive episodes, subscribe at a paying level to my Substack. If you enjoy my work, this is the best way to financially support me! Thank you for listening!
The music used in this episode is from the trailer and clips from The Watcher in the Woods (1980) used for educational purposes.
Listen to “Not Scared: A Horror Movie Podcast” on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. For exclusive episodes, subscribe at a paying level to my Substack. If you enjoy my work, this is the best way to financially support me! Thank you for listening!
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