Chiaroscuro Horror Podcast

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 PodcastThe Los Feliz Murder Mansion PodcastLight & 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.ReadFairytales & Freddy KruegerListenLight & Shadow: The BoogeymanLore: 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 PodcastWatch 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 MaineStephen King's Maine by Sharon KitchensKing'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 ExorcismWild 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 ExorcistThe Exorcist: BelieverMidnight 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 PurgatoryView the many endings of this film:Theatrical EndingThe Worst EndingAlternate 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=323sRead 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 UniversityFollow 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 NativeGrim, Grinning Ghosts - A Tribute to the Haunted Mansion Boo Bash! River Country Film Read the BlogThe 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.WatchWhen Darkness Came: The Making of the MistListenReligion in Horror: Midnight MassThe 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.ReadFear + Faith Blog Post ListenBeware 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 ReviewKnock at the Cabin on Straight ChillingShop:Anna's House of WaxRead: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 ReviewUnderrated 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 VampiresHolidays (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 KingBarbara Crampton on The Movies That Made MeJulia Ducournau, The GuardianCarol Clover on “The Final Girl” archetype Carmen Maria Machado, MetalPsychoanalysis: A Horror Therapy PodcastFaculty of Horror PodcastWomen in Horror from A to Z (Film School Rejects)Quotes About Horror Cinema from Female FilmmakersFour 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?

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.

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 interestingCommon themes and motivationsSome of our favorite female killersUnder the SkinMonster American MaryFollow 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:KindertraumaTwilight Zone: The MovieGremlinsThe BurbsJoe's unique combination of cartoon imagery with horror themesThemes in Joe's work that are particularly relevant to American cultureThe Movies That Made MeReferences:https://bloody-disgusting.com/editorials/3628557/kindertrauma-generation-family-friendly-horrors-1980s/?fbclid=IwAR3kBcUlDWo6v4psGoc11mwaMYaBEiIbtbxLySkdDGllqfrgBtE9ru9y6X0https://www.amazon.com/Nightmares-White-Blue-Lance-Henriksen/dp/B0789KLGVQhttps://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=2Learn 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 WitchesReturn to OzSuspiria (1977 & 2018)The Blair Witch ProjectAmerican Horror Story: CovenThe Autopsy of Jane DoeThe WitchFollow 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 1892Music 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.

As with everything right now, 4th of July probably looks a little different this year. And since it’s such a weird time for the entire country, feel good films about the founding of our country just might not do. If you’re keeping it low key this year, (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.View more summer viewing recommendations at https://chiaroscurohorror.com/blog/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 OrphanageThe trauma of pregnancy and child lossThe strength to overcome tragedyRead 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.

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://chiaroscurohorror.com/blog/inside.

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.