Deadly Doses is a podcast in which the horror genre goes under the knife as your host, Doc Horror along with some fiendish friends explore our favourite films, TV, books and more and dissect why a spoonful of horror really does help the medicine go down.
Tonight we have in the studio a past master of Irish horror. Bursting onto the scene in 2004 with Screen Ireland's first funded horror DEAD MEAT in 2004, what followed next was a cornucopia of gore and guts channelled through his own unique brand of horror comedy. From the TV show ZOMBIE BASHERS in 2010, notable entries include STITCHES in 2012, FROM THE DARK in 2014, and the 2015 short STRANGERS IN THE NIGHT – which features one of the best love scenes in horror history between a banshee and a bogger, right up to the hilarious vampire horror comedy, LET THE WRONG ONE, we are delighted to welcome director Conor McMahonFilms discussed include LET THE WRONG ONE (Dir. Conor McMahon, 2022)BAD TASTE (Dir. Peter Jackson, 1987)EVIL DEAD 2: DEAD BY DAWN (Dir. Sam Raimi, 1987)
For our Christmas special, I am speaking to a horror director who has joined the ranks of Bob Clark, Charles E. Sellier Jr., Joe Dante, Tim Burton, Michael Dougherty and a select few others in giving us a classic Christmas Horror film which has, in my house at least, become an annual tradition. BETTER WATCH OUT director and co-writer CHRIS PEACKOVER joins us to talk about the dark side of Christmas and some of his own annual festive favourites. Films discussed includeBETTER WATCH OUT (Chris Peckover , 2016)GREMLINS (Joe Dante, 1984)TIM BURTON'S THE NIGHTMARE BEFORE CHRISTMAS (Henry Selick, 1993)
Welcome to this very special Halloween Special of Deadly Doses.As one of the most controversial TV shows of all time turns 30 thisHalloween, we have the very great pleasure of being joined by writer and creator of GHOSTWATCH, screenwriter Stephen Volk
Home is where the horror is and in this chapter of Deadly Doses podcast we are joined by author of Trauma in American Popular Culture and Cult Texts, 1980-2020 Dr Sean Travers who specialises in horror, postmodernism and the manner in which trauma is represented in the modern horror film. Films discussed include-MIDSOMMER (Dir. Ari Aster, 2019)HEREDITARY (Dir. Ari Aster, 2018)
In this episode, it's clear that when a family slays together, they most certainly stay together. With one of the most unique and dynamic approaches to filmmaking, please welcome the Adams Family of Wonderwheel Productions. Joining us on the show, Toby, John and their daughter Zelda discuss their combined love of horror and what led to them picking up the camera and making movies.With their most recent feature HELLBENDER currently streaming on Shudder, folk horror is high on the agenda along with what it's like to grow up on a horror film set, making films during the lockdown and balancing "in your face" gore with the more subtle terror of grief and loss. Films discussed include-HELLBENDER (dir. Zelda Adams, Toby Poser, John Adams, 2021 )THE VVITCH (dir.Robert Eggers, 2015 )THE WRESTLER (dir.Darren Aronofsky, 2008 ) Check out the Adams at Wonderwheel Productions. com
All about the shaky footage, lost tapes and off-screen squeals as we chat to Sarah Appleton and Phillip Escott, makers of The Found Footage Phenomenon. In this special episode, we talk about the origins of found footage from Gothic literature all the way up to Dashcam footage exploring the manner in which found footage subverts the typically "safe space" of horror fiction as it blurs the lines between real and fake. We delve into what exactly constitutes found footage and why it gets such a hard time. Rounding off our chat we look to the future of found footage and what it means for the horror genre going forward. Landing on SHUDDER on the 19th of MayFor more information check out-Youtube-https://bit.ly/3kV4AzE
Tonight it's all about final girls and chainsaws!! For this episode, we are joined by actress, writer and director Olwen Fouéré; a truly magnificent even ethereal presence of a woman who has dedicated her life to the pursuit of art in its many guises. With a host of accolades after her name including Irish Times Special Tribute Award for her outstanding achievement and contribution to Irish Theatre her range knows bounds having performed in blockbuster fantasy like Fantastic Beasts:The Crimes of Grindelwald to her acclaimed role as the voice of the River in Finnifans wake. And on top of all of this - she has also found a way to capture the essence of one of the most iconic characters in horror history – the final girl Sally Hardesty.For more information check out:http://www.olwenfouere.com/
Tonight we are joined by screenwriter Stephen Shield's. From his widely successful web series ZOMBIE BASHERS in 2010 to co-writing one of Ireland's most talked-about horror films A HOLE IN THE GROUND in 2019, Stephen has secured his position in Irish horror as one of the most sought after screenwriters. Tonight we discuss the intersections between horror and comedy, our mutual love of zombies, changing pace and writing on trauma and grief in his first feature with director LEE CRONIN. For his picks, Stephen has chosen; JAWS (1975) and SCREAM (1996)
In this seasonal episode of Deadly Doses, we chat with Roni Ezra, director of the Netflix hit ELVES about his unique twist on Danish folklore, his love of the dark fairytales of Brothers Grimm, capturing the universal essence of horror and we visit a criminally underrated 80's gem Tibor Takács's 1987 THE GATE.
We are in the presence of true royalty as we talk to a woman who has dedicated herself to ensuring the legacy of, in my humble opinion one of the greatest horror directors of all time, a man who not only gave us movies but singlehandedly gifted us with an entirely new subgenre ensuring that each new generation to come would always have a zombie to call their own. Boils and ghouls, it's my very great honour to welcome Suzanne Desrocher-Romero producer and the founder and president of the George A. Romero Foundation and wife of our beloved George Romero. For more information on Suzanne's work check with the George A. Romero Foundation see- https://georgearomerofoundation.org/
“MURDER, MYSTERY AND MADNESS!” In this episode of Deadly Doses, we are taking something of a detour into true-crime territory as we are joined by Eoin Conlan from Alternative Dublin True Crime Tour as we delve into some of Dublin's most startling and fascinating true crimes including:-The 1734 Murder of Trinity Fellow Edward Ford by Trinity Students. -The Story of Billy in the Bowl; a stunningly handsome beggar who used his disability to rob and murder unsuspecting victims -19th century Body Snatching in Dublin for medical purposes For more information on Alternative Dublin check out https://www.alternativedublincity.com/
Randal Plunket or more formally- 21st Baron of Dunsany is an Irish film director, producer and an advocate for rewilding having designated 750 acres of Dunsany Estate as a nature preserve. But today we go deep and dark into the woods to talk about glorious horror and his feature The Green Sea starting Ginger Snaps legend Katharine Isabelle. Films discussed include:Michael Powell's 1960 Peeping Tom and Danny Boyle's 28 Days Later
Join us for a Boy's From County Hell Special where Doc Horror speaks with director and writer Chris Baugh about his Irish folkloric inspirations for this vampire comedy set in the rural town of Six Mile Hill in Northern Ireland as road workers disturb the resting place of Abhartach, an ancient bloodsucking ghoul said to be the inspiration for Bram Stoker's Dracula.Following his 2017 thriller Bad Day for the Cut, Boys from County Hell is one of the most rollicking comedy horrors you will see as Glenore meets 30 Days of Night meets The Field.Starting life off as a short in 2013, Boys from County Hell is a clash of times, cultures and aspirations as old meets news in a vampire hunting tale that is as quick with its quips as it's deliciously gory with its deaths. Staring Louisa Harland, Jack Rowan, John Lynch , Nigel O'Neill and Michael Haugh Boys from County has teeth and is not afraid to bite.For more information see:https://www.imdb.com/title/tt10262380/https://www.theirishroadtrip.com/the-abhartach/
Before Cassandra Peterson's Elvira before Carolyn Jones or Angelica Houston immortalised Morticia Addams, long before Nico, The Cramps, Siouxsie and the Banshees before them all there was Vampira who paved the way for her Goth sisters to come. In this special episode of Deadly Doses, we are incredibly lucky to be joined by author Sandra Niemi who has just published a rather touching yet thoroughly bombastic biography of her incomparable aunt Maila Nurmi aka- Vampira - TV's first Horror Host. From tinning fish to “Life” magazine, Vampira's rise to fame in the 1950's is a riveting tale marked by her loves, losses and dogged determination to remain true to herself. "Glamour Ghoul: The Passions and Pain of the Real Vampira, Maila Nurmi” published by Feral House is out now!
Dipping our toe into the world of Victorian Momento Mori -in this episode of Deadly Doses, we speak to the writer and creator of the phenomenally successful TV show “Dead Still” starring Michael Smiley as Brock Blennerhasset a memorial portraiture photographer in 1880s Ireland who becomes embroiled in series of suspicious and macabre deaths. For his picks-John takes us all the way back to the 1960's as we explore the emergence of "New Horror" with Alfred Hitchcock's "Psycho" (1960) and staying in the 60's we revel in the nihilism of George Romero's canonical "Night of the Living Dead" (1968).
In celebration of Irish Folk Horror Crone Wood hitting VOD, Deadly Doses spoke with director Mark Sheridan about his inspiration for the film, making a film on tight budget and Irish superstition. For his picks for discussion, we get down and dirty with Rob Zombie's Devil's Rejects and engage Bruce McDonald's zombie-like "conversationalists" in some stimulating and deadly conversation.
From snotty, savage undead schoolies, to murderous and rapacious red fox channelling baby John Wicks, in this Chapter of Deadly Doses Podcast, Doc Horror welcomes the Director Duo behind such films as Cooties 2014, Bushwick in 2017 and most recently the gloriously visceral home invasion horror which puts a whole new meaning to teen angst – Becky (2020) staring Joel McHale, Kevin James, and Lulu Wilson. Joining us from LA and New York, its Jonathan Milott and Cary Murnion.From discussing trauma, decay and gory body horror, the directors open up about what horror means to them and how it has played a central role in their creativite collaborations. Films discussed in this episode include-Becky (2020), Dirs Jonathan Milott and Cary MurnionThe Fly(1986), Dir. David CronenbergSE7EN (1995), Dir. David Fincher
Welcome to Deadly Doses Christmas Special in which discuss the dark side of this festive season with Bone and Sickle Host and author of "The Krampus and the Old, Dark Christmas: Roots and Rebirth of the Folkloric Devil" Al Ridenour. Exploring the roots of that most famous of all festive fiends Krampus, Al takes us on a journey through the history of the Krampus, his iconic status as a puckish and devilish foil to old St. Nick and his position as a 21st Century Horror Character. We also look at lesser known yet no less outrageous depictions of the devil at Christmas in pyrotechnics laden medieval plays and we probe the myth of Bloody Thomas the Christmas Butcher!Happy Christmas!!! For more information see: “The Krampus and the Old, Dark Christmas: Roots and Rebirth of the Folkloric Devil”https://www.amazon.co.uk/Krampus-Old-Dark-Christmas-Folkloric/dp/1627310347Trailer for Bone and Sickle Podcast https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4erv3dVzHfcThese are the seasonal episodes of Bone & Sickle if you'd want to start with those:Krampus & Nicholashttps://www.boneandsickle.com/2018/11/28/the-krampus-saint-devil-sugar-bread-and-whip/Frau Perchtahttps://www.boneandsickle.com/2019/12/09/frau-perchta-the-belly-slitter/Haunted Season (Includes a mention of Bloody Thomas)https://www.boneandsickle.com/2018/12/10/16-the-haunted-season/
In this Chapter of Deadly Doses Podcast, Doc Horror chats to Maine hailing, Mortuary Collection director Ryan Spindell about the true meaning of horror, making friends with the monsters and navigating the turbulent and often disheartening film industry while staying true to your art and above all, yourself. Celebrating the dogged determinism of Spindell in getting his anthology horror Mortuary Collection made and released, we discuss the trials and tribulations associated with creating big practical effects on small budgets, working with the legendary Clancy Brown, the art of storytelling, surrealist comedy cannibalism and have the pleasure of meeting his cute as a button "intern" and star of Mortuary Collection "CHARlie"Films discussed include "Mortuary Collection" (2019) dir. Ryan Spindell"Delicatessen" (1991) dirs. by Jean-Pierre Jeunet and Marc Caro"Brain Dead/ Dead Alive" (1992) dir. Peter Jackson
In this episode of Deadly Doses, we chat to Horror Host, Scream Queen and Presenter Emily Booth about her long and varied career working within the horror genre. From the Horror Channel to doing the school run in a car splashed in fake zombie blood, to getting her make-up done by the one and only "Screaming Mad George," Emily also talks about her experience going behind the camera as a producer on her beautiful short 2014 Selkie. Films discussed include-•Company of Wolves (Dir. Neil Jordan, 1984)•House (Dir.Steve Miner, 1985)•Society (Dir. Brian Yuzna, 1989)To watch her in action in Selkie (2014) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Eh-s3xYTnSAFor more fun, frights and frolics do check out her Horror Hosting https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KJ593oVhoIEFor more information on Emily's Work check out her imdb at https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0095696/?ref_=tt_ov_wr
In this chapter we speak to director of the definitive 80's Horror documentary "In Search of Darkness" David Weiner in which we discuss what horror means to him, the appeal of 80's horror and why these films where so integral to shaping who he is today. Working in the film industry for years, he was editor-in-chief of the iconic Famous Monsters of Filmland magazine before his current role of director/writer/producer of IN SEARCH OF DARKNESS, a critically acclaimed four-and-a-half-hour documentary about ’80s horror movies and its soon to be released follow-up IN SEARCH OF DARKNESS: PART II, and IN SEARCH OF TOMORROW, a documentary about ’80s Sci-Fi movies. For more information on David and his work- https://80shorrordoc.com/https://www.imdb.com/title/tt9442842/https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/creatorvc/in-search-of-darkness-the-definitive-80s-horror-doDavid's choices for his top three films include-•Abbott and Costello Meet Frankenstein (Dir. Charles Barton, 1948)•Creepshow (Dir George Romero, 1982)•Fright Night(Dir. Tom Holland, 1985)Thanks as always to our production crew. Stay safe out there and remember....A spoonful of horror helps the medicine go down!!!
In Chapter 8 of Deadly Doses podcast we chat to academic "porn nerd" and Sylvestor Stallone loving Dr Laura Helen Marks a Professor of English at Tulane University in New Orleans and author of Alice in Pornoland: Hardcore Encounters With the Victorian Gothic.Looking at the manner in which her love of eighties B movies has informed much of her early experiences with horror and her present research within Pornography and the Gothic we will be looking at three of her favorite horrors including →I spit on Your Grave(Dir.Meir Zarchi, 1978)→Sorority Babes in the Slimeball Bowl-O-Rama (also known as The Imp) ( Dir. David DeCotea, 1988) →Candyman (Dir. Bernard Rose, 1992)
In this episode of Deadly Doses comedian and star of this year's horror comedy smash hit Extra Ordinary, Maeve Higgins ponders life after death, waving at magpies, her favourite horror films and what exactly was in Barry Ward's ectoplasm vomit!! Films discussed include:Extra Ordinary (2019) Directed by Mike Ahern and Enda Loughman"Frankenstein" (1931) Directed by James Whale"Get Out" (2017) Directed by Jordan Peele
A very special episode of Deadly Doses as we talk to screenwriter Jed Shepherd co-writer and executive producer of zoom horror Host which is now being lauded as the horror film of the year. Breaking records as the most popular title on the horror streaming platform Shudder, Jed speaks to Doc Horror about how the idea for Host came about, over coming lock down restrictions and coming to terms with creating one of the most popular horror films of the century. Check out Jed other horror shorts here on vimeo :Dawn of the Deaf - https://vimeo.com/221591368Salt- https://vimeo.com/297057335
Show notesIn this episode of Deadly Doses Australian director Kiah Roache Turner joins Doc Horror in which their shared love of zombies, possessions and Deadites comes to the fore. We also manage to sneak in his thoughts on cancel culture and the importance of vision when directing. Kiah is a writer and director who has been working in the industry for over 15 years. Renowned for his music videos and viral shorts, including Dameonrunner and Wyrmwood: Chronicles of the Dead, both of which garnered him over 50 million views across multiple platforms worldwide.In 2015 he released his debut film Wyrmwood and went straight to number one on Netflix in the US.He followed with his fabulously frenetic Nekrotronic in 2018 starring Monica BelluciHe is currently in development for several projects including a follow up to the cult classic Wyrmwood.Films discussed include•The Exorcist (1973)•Alien (1979)•Evil Dead II (1987)Further information on Kiah and his work •IMDB-https://www.imdb.com/name/nm3737504/•Website Guerilla Filmswww.roache-turner.com•Kiah Roache-Turner on Vimeovimeo.com › guerillafilms•Wyrmwood review - https://irishgothichorror.files.wordpress.com/2018/03/film-reviews.pdfFurther Reading •Generation Zombie: Essays on the Living Dead in Modern (2011) by Stephanie Boluk and Wylie Lenz (eds.)•The Exorcist (1971)-by William Peter Blatty -•The Exorcist: Studies in the Horror Film (1971) by Danel Olson •Interview with an Exorcist: An Insider's Look at the Devil, Demonic Possession, and the Path to Deliverance (2006) by José Antonio Fortea•Alien Zone: Cultural Theory and Contemporary Science Fiction (1990) by Annette Kuhn•Alien Woman: The Making of Lt. Ellen Ripley (2004) by Ximena Gallardo C. and C. Jason Smith.•The Many Lives of The Evil Dead: Essays on the Cult Film Franchise (2019) by Ron Riekki and Jeffrey A. Sartain (eds.)•Hail to the Chin: Further Confessions of a B Movie Actor (2017) by Bruce Campbell and Craig SanbornSpecial thanks to Sprinter for gifting us with our new theme music. For more on his nostalgic synth beats check out his work on Soundcloud- https://soundcloud.com/sprinter_musicAnd our production team for helping us put everything together
Show notes Podcast – Joel Schumacher In this episode of Deadly Doses In light of the death of one of cinema’s most prolific, celebrated and diverse directors Joel Schumacher on the 22nd of June this year, I’ve decided to dedicate a show to him reflecting both upon his career inside and outside the horror genre. In doing so I will be looking at my top 4 picks from Schumacher’s long, varied and impressive career within the genre. These include our cherished Lost Boys from 1987, Flatliners from 1990, 8mm and rather controversially I’m going to round up the show with a reading of his iconic 1993 crime thriller Falling Down as a horror film.Special Thanks -Special thanks to Sprinter for gifting us with our new theme music. For more on his nostalgic synth beats check out his work on Soundcloud- https://soundcloud.com/sprinter_musicAnd our production team for helping us put everything together Loftus Hall Informationwww.loftushall.iehttps://www.irishexaminer.com/property/residential/arid-40018619.htmlFilms discussed include-•Lost Boys (1987)•Flatliners (1990)•8 MM (1999)•Falling Down (1993) Further Reading-https://variety.com/2020/film/news/joel-schumacher-dead-dies-batman-director-1234644961/https://www.washingtonpost.com/wpsrv/style/longterm/movies/videos/fallingdownrhinson_a0a7f7.htmhttps://www.telegraph.co.uk/films/0/white-male-privilege-war-politically-incorrect-truth-joel-schumachers/Celluloid Vampires: Life After Death in the Modern World (2009) by Stacey AbbottHorror Films of the 1980s (2010) by John Kenneth MuirHorror Films of the 1990s (2011) by John Kenneth MuirDeath at the Movies: Hollywood's Guide to the Hereafter (2013) by Lyn Davis Genelli, Tom Davis GenelliSleeping with the Lights On: The Unsettling Story of Horror (2018) by Darryl JonesShocking Representation: Historical Trauma, National Cinema and the Modern Horror film (2005) by Adam Lowenstein
In this episode of Deadly Doses, international bestselling author, paranormal researcher and chair of The Horror Writers Association Irish Chapter Chris Rush, joins Doc Horror for a Carpenter themed discussion of the author’s favourite horror. Exploring Rush’s extremely visceral style of writing, his views on the paranormal and his love of John Carpenter. To conclude our show this week- Chris treats us to a snippet of his latest forthcoming book – “Folklore- Second Tale” For more information on Chris Rush and his writing –Website - https://www.chrisrushauthor.com/Amazon - https://www.amazon.co.uk/Chris-Rush/e/B077Q2JZZX?ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_2&qid=1592828613&sr=1-2Special Thanks Special thanks to Sprinter for gifting us with our new theme music. For more on his nostalgic synth beats check out his work on Soundcloud- https://soundcloud.com/sprinter_musicFilms discussed include•“Halloween” (1979) dir. John Carpenter •“The Thing” (1982) dir. John Carpenter Further information •For more on The Horror Writer’s Association – www.horror.org •For more on The Paranormal Researchers of Ireland - https://www.facebook.com/pararesearchersireland/•Horror Café (1990) hosted by Clive Barker and staring John Carpenter, Roger Corman, Ramsey Campbell, Lisa Tuttle and Pete Atkins. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TosdCShzD4gFurther Reading •“John Carpenter” (2011) by Colin Odell and Michelle Le Blanc. •“The Films of John Carpenter” (2015) by John Kenneth Muir•“Halloween” (2014) by Murray Leeder •“Anatomy of the Slasher Film: A Theoretical Analysis” (2019) by Sotiris Petridis •“Going to Pieces: The Rise and Fall of the Slasher Film, 1978-1986” (2002) by Adam Rockoff•“Men, Women, and Chain Saws: Gender in the Modern Horror Film” (1992) by Carol J. Clover•“Final Girls, Feminism and Popular Culture” (2020) by Katarzyna Paszkiewicz•“Horror Films of the 1980s” (2010) by John Kenneth Muir
For our second show we are taking a deep dive into all things viral and bacterial, as Deadly Doses looks to the origins of the contagion narrative and ask why its such a pervasive trope within the horror genre. From the Black Plague to STD's, we examine the allure of viral films and what it is about them that makes us squirm with delight. A massive thanks to the production team and special thanks to Sean Doyle, Emmett Cleary and Paul Cooke. Films discussed include- Seventh Seal (dir. Ingmar Bergman, 1957 ) The Omega Man (dir. Boris Sagal, 1971)12 Monkeys (dir. Terry Gilliam,1995)Pontypool (dir. Bruce McDonald, 2008 ) Make sure to check out the radio play "Pontypool Changes Everything."It Follows (dir David Robert Mitchell, 2014)For recommend reading on today's podcast see:Priscilla Wald, "Contagious. Cultures, Carriers, and The Outbreak Narrative. "(2008)Devendra P. Varma ,"The Gothic Flame: Being a History of the Gothic Novel in England, Its Origins, Efflorescence, Disintegration, and Residuary Influences." (1966)Teri Shors, "Encounters in Virology."(2003)Norman, F. Cantor, "In the Wake of the Plague: The Black Death and the World It Made." (2015)Richard Preston, "The Hot Zone: A Terrifying True Story." (1994)Eugene Thacker, "The Global Genome: Biotechnology, Politics, and Culture." (2006)
For our inaugural podcast your host Doc Horror Sarah Cleary teams up with comedian, radio host and horror fanatic PJ Gallagher to talk about what horror means to him, his favourite films and the Irish affinity for pitch black humour. Films discussed include- John Landis' An American Werewolf in London (1981)-Tobe Hooper’s Poltergeist (1982)-Hideo Nakata’ Ring (1998)Useful resources and recommend reading -Momo Challenge- https://www.irishtimes.com/culture/momo-challenge-worked-by-playing-to-society-s-underlying-fears-1.3854771-For further reading on werewolves check out Kimberly McMahon -Coleman and Roslyn Weaver's Werewolves and Other Shapeshifters in Popular Culture.-For further reading on haunted suburbia check out Bernice Murphy's The Suburban Gothic in American Popular Culture-For further reading on J-Horror check out Colette Balmain's Introduction to Japanese Horror Film
Teaser Trailer for new Horror podcast - Deadly Doses