Faculty of Horror » Podcast Feed

Follow Faculty of Horror » Podcast Feed
Share on
Copy link to clipboard

Podcasting from the Horrored Halls of Academia

The Faculty of Horror


    • May 21, 2025 LATEST EPISODE
    • monthly NEW EPISODES
    • 1h 14m AVG DURATION
    • 159 EPISODES

    4.7 from 1,024 ratings Listeners of Faculty of Horror » Podcast Feed that love the show mention: faculty of horror, feminist horror, sociological, hosts andrea, film theory, foh, fright night, horror history, silence of the lambs, never dry, among others, modern horror, enjoy horror, feminist perspective, movie clips, alexandra, horror films, horror genre, andrea's, scholarly.


    Ivy Insights

    The Faculty of Horror is an exceptional podcast that offers a unique and insightful perspective on horror films. Hosted by Andrea Subissati and Alexandra West, the podcast explores the social, political, and feminist themes present in both classic and contemporary horror movies. What sets this podcast apart is the hosts' informed opinions and erudite conversations, which provide new perspectives on familiar films. As a social historian, I appreciate the feminist viewpoint presented in each episode, as well as the academic writings they link to for further exploration.

    One of the best aspects of The Faculty of Horror is the chemistry between Andrea and Alexandra. Their obvious fondness for each other shines through in their conversations, creating an enjoyable listening experience. They are intelligent and hilarious, able to provide deep scholarly discussions while also injecting humor into their episodes. Additionally, their knowledge and passion for the horror genre is evident in their thorough research and analysis.

    As with any podcast, there may be some areas that could be improved upon. One aspect that some listeners might find challenging is the dense academic concepts occasionally discussed on the show. While Andrea and Alexandra do an excellent job of explaining these concepts in an accessible way, some listeners may prefer a more casual approach to film analysis. Additionally, there have been a few instances where incorrect information was presented on certain topics or disorders.

    In conclusion, The Faculty of Horror is a must-listen podcast for horror fans interested in exploring the genre from a sociological and feminist perspective. Andrea and Alexandra's intelligent discussions, combined with their genuine friendship and expertise, make for captivating episodes that challenge listeners' perceptions of horror films. Despite some minor flaws, this podcast excels at providing informed analyses of classic and contemporary horror movies while maintaining an entertaining format.



    Search for episodes from Faculty of Horror » Podcast Feed with a specific topic:

    Latest episodes from Faculty of Horror » Podcast Feed

    Episode 140. Pump It Up: The Substance (2024) Live from Salem Horror Fest

    Play Episode Listen Later May 21, 2025 65:18


    Join Andrea and Alex live from Salem Horror Fest for feats of strength (!) and a discussion of the horrors of beauty standards, the weight of celebrity culture, and the algorithms that are out to get us.  More content over on our Patreon!   REQUIRED READING The Substance. Dir. Coralie Fargeat, 2024.    EXTRA CREDIT […]

    Episode 139. Labour Pains: The Hand That Rocks the Cradle (1992)

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 30, 2025 72:08


    Spring has sprung so it’s time to get into the greenhouse! In this episode, Alex and Andrea investigate the differences between mother and caretaker, the privilege of home upkeep, and why yuppies love windchimes.  More content over on our Patreon!   REQUIRED READING The Hand that Rocks the Cradle. Dir. Curtis Hanson, 1992.    EXTRA […]

    Episode 138. School of Thought: Detention (2019)

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 26, 2025 60:38


    Log on to this episode where we go deep with the film adaptation of the cult video game Detention. From totalitarianism in Taiwan and beyond, the ghosts of our past often have dire warnings about our present and future that we should heed.  More content over on our Patreon!   Catch us LIVE at Salem Horror […]

    Episode 137. One of Us: Freaks (1932)

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 25, 2025 62:44


    Join us as we delve into the lineage and legacy of Tod Browning’s pre-code horror classic. From the morality police to representation of disability to community building through murder, we discuss why Freaks remains a unique and unrepeatable entry in the horror canon. More content over on our Patreon!   REQUIRED READING Freaks. Dir. Tod Browning, 1932.    […]

    Episode 136. Curse of Fack: 2024 Year in Review

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 28, 2025 108:56


    Andrea and Alex run down their favourite horror films from 2024, share what they’re looking forward to this year and go head-to-head in trivia for Fack supremacy.  Join our Patreon community!   LISTEN Right click or option-click here and choose “Save Target As”

    Episode 135. Family Matters: The Brood (1979)

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 28, 2024 64:48


    Join us as we breakdown the isolated families of David Cronenberg’s The Brood. From family structures to the legalese of it all, we investigate why and how we cling to each other.  Last chance for our Class of 2024 merch! Artwork by the incredible Candice Purwin.   REQUIRED READING The Brood. Dir. David Cronenberg, 1979.    EXTRA CREDIT Cronenberg […]

    Fack Flash! Robert Eggers’ NOSFERATU

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 24, 2024 23:07


    Christmas came early for the profs this year, with an advance screening to Robert Eggers’ hotly anticipated adaptation of Nosferatu! We recorded our immediate reaction at the cinema for our Patreon, but we wanted to spread the good cheer for the film’s wide release. Hear our raw reactions – but beware spoilers if you don’t […]

    Episode 134. Material World: They Live (1988)

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 26, 2024 74:22


    In this episode Andrea and Alex deep-dive into John Carpenter’s cult-classic exploring the ways that materialism, Marxism, and maximalism have driven us to the edge of consumption.  Check out our Class of 2024 merch! Artwork by the incredible Candice Purwin.   REQUIRED READING They Live. Dir. John Carpenter, 1988.   EXTRA CREDIT “Eight O’Clock in the Morning.” […]

    Episode 133. Missionary Position: The Conjuring (2013)

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 30, 2024 64:28


    James Wan’s blockbuster horror offering The Conjuring thrilled audiences and created a cinematic universe but for Andrea and Alex it left an icky feeling that has nothing to do with demonic possession. By investigating the politics, means and ideology behind the film, they’ll uncover the true villains behind this narrative.  Check out our Class of 2024 […]

    Episode 132. Mother May I?: Suspiria (2018) with Stacie Ponder

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 19, 2024 100:49


    For this very special back-to-school episode, Andrea and Alex are joined by the one and only Stacie Ponder to dig into the depths of Luca Guadagnino’s remake of Dario Argento’s classic. From the dance of politics to the dance of sexuality, there’s more under the floorboards of the Markos Dance Academy than meets the eye. […]

    Episode 131. Clever Girl: Island of Lost Souls (1932) and Jurassic Park (1993)

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 30, 2024 87:45


    Pack your bags and leave your conception of the social fabric that binds us behind because we’re going to two private islands in this episode! From the darkness of Dr. Moreau’s experiments to John Hammond’s capitalist enterprise, these journeys into the human desire for control rarely end well for anyone involved.    REQUIRED READING Island […]

    Episode 130. Nature Calls: Eden Lake (2008) and Backcountry (2014)

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 25, 2024 89:57


    Pack your bags and your partner because this episode leaves the comforts of civilized society far behind. In this episode we unpack the need for serenity, the heritage of toxic masculinity, and why a bear might actually make a great boyfriend.  REQUIRED READING Eden Lake. Dir. James Watkins, 2008.  Backcountry. Dir. Adam MacDonald, 2014.    […]

    Episode 129. Bad Trip: Angel Heart (1987) and Jacob’s Ladder (1990)

    Play Episode Listen Later May 29, 2024 97:14


    Whether you’re ascending or descending, spiritual journeys through the afterlife are never easy. In this episode, Andrea and Alex tackle two films that share some overlapping tendencies but deviate in unexpected ways.    REQUIRED READING Angel Heart. Dir. Alan Parker, 1987. Jacob’s Ladder. Dir Adrian Lyne, 1990.    EXTRA CREDIT Satanic Feminism: Per Faxneld’s book about […]

    Episode 128. The Feral Feminine: Cat People (1942)

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 29, 2024 57:11


    Coming to you live from Salem Horror Fest, Andrea and Alex prowl the darkest corners of RKO’s cult classic Cat People. From the themes of immigration and assimilation to the parallels of sex and power, we uncover how Jacques Tourneur and Val Lewton’s dark vision of 1940s America remains a prescient warning.    REQUIRED READING Cat People. […]

    Episode 127. In Plain Sight: Manhunter (1986)

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 23, 2024 101:22


    In this episode, Andrea and Alex investigate how multiple characters are perceived and perceive Michael Mann’s entry into the Hannibal Lec(k)tor cinematic universe. From cops to killers and the humanity in between, these cuts go deep.    REQUIRED READING Manhunter. Dir. Michael Mann, 1986.    EXTRA CREDIT How Thomas Harris defined a genre and created […]

    See you at SALEM HORROR FEST 2024!

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 18, 2024 17:37


    We’re packing our bags to hop onto our broomsticks for our annual trip to SALEM HORROR FEST 2024 – and you’re invited!Listen in for important info, dates, and highlights!   Buy your tickets here! LISTEN Right click or option-click here and choose “Save Target As”

    Episode 126. Bad Habits: The Devils (1971)

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 29, 2024 98:27


      From the depths of Warner Bros archives, Ken Russell’s infamous film The Devils has been resurrected (ish) once more! Andrea and Alex take this opportunity to dive into the politics, contractions, and naughtiness present within one of the most controversial cult films ever made.    REQUIRED READING The Devils. Dir. Ken Russell, 1971.    […]

    Episode 125. Fack XI: 2023 Year in Review

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 26, 2024 112:04


      It’s time to look back before we scream forward! Join Andrea and Alex for horror and non-horror faves and a game that will decide their fate for 2024.    Alex’s Horror/Horror Adjacent Faves   1. Red Rooms (dir. Pascal Plante) 2. Godzilla Minus One (dir. Takashi Yamazaki) 3. Talk to Me (dir. Danny and […]

    Episode 124. Death in Venice: Don’t Look Now (1973)

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 18, 2023 66:09


      Andrea and Alex delve into the murky depths of Nicolas Roeg’s classic to uncover the film’s themes of mysticism, misogyny and the ethics of mourning.    Class of 2023 merch Artwork by @thelastjohnyontheleft    REQUIRED READING Don’t Look Now. Dir. Nicolas Roeg, 1973.   EXTRA CREDIT Daphne du Maurier’s short story. The Year of Magical […]

    Episode 123. Love Bites: The Hunger (1983) and Only Lovers Left Alive (2013)

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 27, 2023 89:09


    In this episode Andrea and Alex delve into some truly long-term relationships and their lasting implications. From ageless vampires to hipster gentrification, sometimes loving someone “forever and ever” isn’t as fun as it seems.    Class of 2023 merch Artwork by @thelastjohnyontheleft    REQUIRED READING The Hunger. Dir. Tony Scott, 1983.  Only Lovers Left Alive. Dir. Jim Jarmusch, […]

    Episode 122. Homecoming: IT Chapter 1 (2017) and IT Chapter 2 (2019)

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 22, 2023 104:31


    We all float down here… or we’ll lose our minds trying to make sense of Andy Muschietti’s blockbuster horror films based on Stephen King’s classic novel. In this episode, Andrea and Alex investigate the depths of Derry’s sewer system, summer holidays and sexual awakenings.   Class of 2023 merch Artwork by @thelastjohnyontheleft    REQUIRED READING It […]

    Episode 121. Close Quarters: Single White Female (1992)

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 25, 2023 91:50


    What kind of person could you live with? Barbet Shroeder’s paranoid erotic thriller seeks to answer that question and more as it delves into queer fear, sexual conservatism, property rights and female intimacy.    Class of 2023 merch Artwork by @thelastjohnyontheleft    If you’re Toronto, catch Alex’s lecture on Brexit in the modern British horror film […]

    Episode 120. Unseen Forces: The Invisible Man (1933 & 2020)

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 21, 2023 78:18


    From economic disruptors to controlling techbro exes, the unseeable has been used as a metaphor in a variety of ways. In this episode, Andrea and Alex look back at H.G. Wells’ original text, James Whale’s Universal classic and how #MeToo created a new kind of monster.    Become a Patron!   REQUIRED READING The Invisible […]

    Episode 119. Metamorphosis: The Fly (1958) and The Fly (1986)

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 24, 2023 90:54


    Dust off the telepods and put your swatters away – it’s time for our thoughts about a short story, an iconic original film, and an even better remake to mingle molecules in an all-new episode.   Become a Patron!   REQUIRED READING The Fly. Dir. Kurt Neumann, 1958.  The Fly. Dir. David Cronenberg, 1986.    […]

    Episode 118. Friends till the End. Child’s Play (1988)

    Play Episode Listen Later May 26, 2023 61:22


    In this episode we look at the origins of the original “Good Guy.” From his place in the history of toys to his ties to masculinity to the anxiety around 1980s family structures, we go deep with Chucky to find out what makes him kill.    Become a Patron!   REQUIRED READING Child’s Play. Dir. […]

    Episode 117. Fear of Folk: The Blood on Satan’s Claw (1971)

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 25, 2023 61:48


    We’re back on our old stomping grounds of Salem Horror Fest to plow the fertile fields of themes and metaphors to unearth why the British folk horror classic, The Blood on Satan’s Claw, left us feeling so icky. From teens and occultism to PSAs and power, we dig deep.    Tickets for Alex’s Brexit lecture […]

    Episode 116. Carrying On: The Quatermass Xperiment

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 23, 2023 61:12


    In this episode we look at what happens when an American experiment crash lands in the British countryside. By looking at the state of England after two World Wars, a crisis of masculinity and humanity’s shaky grasp on scientific responsibility, Andrea and Alex uncover what is truly driving innovation and our need to win.    Salem […]

    Episode 115. House Guest: Misery (1990)

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 23, 2023 89:11


    Mind the roads this time of year because we’re covering Rob Reiner’s iconic film that delves into the murky territories brought to light when your saviour is also your #1 fan. We cover romance novels, toxic fandom, addiction, and more so buckle up! And make sure you know where the Dom Pérignon is kept.    […]

    Episode 114. Facks: 2022 Year in Review

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 25, 2023 131:09


    We cast one last glance at a year with a lot of horror highs. Featuring our best of 2022, things we can’t live without, our top 10 horror movies of all time, and, of course, some bloopers.    Become a Patron!   EXTRA CREDIT Alex’s Best of 2022 1. Nope  2. Barbarian  3. Prey 4. […]

    Episode 113. Stayin’ Alive: Black Christmas (1974) and Halloween (1978)

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 13, 2022 145:55


    We’re live from Toronto to celebrate our 10th anniversary! This episode revisits the films of our first-ever episode to explore whether our opinions on two horror classics have changed. We dig into the evolution of slashers and the conservative monsters that came to life during a wave of social change while we try to find […]

    Episode 112. Intruder Alert: Them (2006) & The Strangers (2008)

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 22, 2022 82:37


    Lock your doors and check your windows because some uninvited guests are on their way. In this episode, Andrea and Alex explore the origins and hyperbole around the home invasion sub-genre and why there may be more to fear than those trying to break in.    Become a Patron!   Class of 2022 Merch is […]

    Episode 111. Homegrown: 28 Days Later (2002)

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 28, 2022 79:58


    Andrea and Alex cross the pond to revisit Danny Boyle’s post-apocalyptic film that brought the zombie genre back to (un)life. From virology to bodily autonomy to Brexit, there’s a lot to chew on.    Become a Patron!   Class of 2022 Merch is here! Get our limited edition design with art by Laura Hokstad on […]

    Episode 110. Fight or Flight: Final Destination (2000)

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 26, 2022 69:20


    Andrea and Alex evoke the spectre of Death in their analysis of James Wong’s turn of the century ode to vibes. From risk society to the abject, Final Destination has a plan for everyone.    Become a Patron!   Class of 2022 Merch is here! Get our limited edition design with art by Laura Hokstad […]

    Episode 109. Class Act: Society (1989)

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 30, 2022 59:38


    The elite are literally a different breed in Brian Yuzna’s cult classic film about the perils of popularity and privilege. In this episode, Andrea and Alex dive into the mystique that surrounds the wealthy and explore why they need the rest of us to survive.    Become a Patron!   REQUIRED READING Society. Dir. Brian […]

    Episode 108. Souped Up: Blade (1998) and Constantine (2005)

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 29, 2022 77:19


      Using two popular examples, Andrea and Alex look at the collision between the horror and superhero genres. From conservative leanings to taboo-breaking stories, we explore two films that deviate from the norm (and occasionally, their own source material) to embark in two very different directions.    Become a Patron!   REQUIRED READING Blade. Dir. […]

    Episode 107. Ultraviolence: A Clockwork Orange (1971)

    Play Episode Listen Later May 26, 2022 79:31


      Time to take a break from the ol’ Ludwig Van and join us at the Korova Milkbar for a trip into the near dystopian future of A Clockwork Orange. From our Pavlovian responses, to patient care and British Literature, we’ll slooshy what Kubrick’s film has to offer.    Become a Patron!   REQUIRED READING A […]

    Episode 106. Home Sweet Home: The Haunting (1963)

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 21, 2022 68:50


      Time to walk the halls of the terrifying Hill House with Andrea and Alex as they explore what it means to be haunted, gender dynamics in times of duress and why it’s hard to remake a classic.    Become a Patron!   REQUIRED READING The Haunting. Dir. Robert Wise, 1963.    EXTRA CREDIT Shirley […]

    Episode 105. Doom Scroll: Pulse (2001) and Suicide Club (2001)

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 24, 2022 97:34


      In this episode, Andrea and Alex explore two different yet eerily similar films that came out of Japan in 2001. The conversation covers where history, humanity and community end, exploring what is left in its wake and the new limitations of imagining the future.   CW: Suicide. The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline provides 24/7, free […]

    Episode 104. Dark Ages: Whatever Happened to Baby Jane? (1962) and Relic (2020)

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 24, 2022 98:22


      Whether you call them Hagsploitation, Psycho-Biddy or just plain Elder Horror, growing old is a scary prospect and horror has mined those depths to great effect. Andrea and Alex dive into the murky waters of gender and aging, the burden of care and whether the cycle can be broken.   Become a Patron!   […]

    Episode 103. 2021 Year in Review: From the Book of Fack

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 26, 2022 143:36


      It’s that time of year where we look back at our horror and non-horror faves from the last year and have a bit of fun while we’re at it.   Become a Patron! EXTRA CREDIT Alex’s Best of Horror  Dexter: New Blood Titane  Censor Caveat  Woodlands Dark and Days Bewitched Yellowjackets Midnight Mass Malignant  […]

    Episode 102. Rule Breaker: Scream (1996)

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 21, 2021 88:48


    Do you like scary movies? Because Wes Craven’s Scream sure does! In this episode, Andrea and Alex tackle the game-changing film, discussing its origins, impact and legacy.   Class of 2021 Merch is here! Original art by Slutfocate   Become a Patron!   REQUIRED READING Scream. Dir. Wes Craven, 1996.   EXTRA CREDIT The 1990s Teen […]

    Episode 101. Death Trap: Saw (2004) and Hostel (2005)

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 24, 2021 117:14


    Do you want listen to an episode about Torture Porn? Well, you’re in luck! Andrea and Alex dive into the 2000s to look at the phenomenon of Torture Porn; what preceded it, what it meant, and where we can potentially place it in our collective imagination.   Class of 2021 Merch is here! Original art […]

    Episode 100. American Nightmare: The Crazies (1973)

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 22, 2021 78:28


    Live from Salem Horror Fest, our 100th episode on George A. Romero’s The Crazies sees us tackling small-town life, biology, the Vietnam War, health care and our own podcasting mortality. Plus, a very special Cameo!   Class of 2021 Merch is here! Original art by Slutfocate   Become a Patron!   REQUIRED READING The Crazies. […]

    Episode 99. Be Our Guest: The Invitation (2015)

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 27, 2021 81:34


    The table is set, the wine is poured and the time has come to take your seat at the table as we delve into Karyn Kusama’s The Invitation. From a history of dinner parties to the dynamics of grief, we’re serving up a once in a lifetime, four-course meal of analysis.   Class of 2021 Merch […]

    Bonus content – Candyman (1992) Commentary

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 25, 2021 97:49


    Sweets for the sweet! We’re still on our annual August hiatus but we accidentally said “Candyman” five times and resurrected a commentary we recorded for our Patreon back in 2019. Whoops!Listen in to whet your appetite for Nia DaCosta’s reimagining this weekend! Become a Patron! Right click or option-click here and choose “Save Target As”

    Episode 98. House Warning: The Amityville Horror (1979) and Poltergeist (1982)

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 27, 2021 112:24


    Call your bank and pack the moving truck because we’re uprooting everything we think we know about home ownership. From the Lutz’ mortgage with Devil to the skeletons in the Freelings’ closet (and backyard), Andrea and Alex unearth what lies beyond and beneath the white picket fences of American suburbia.   Become a Patron!   […]

    Episode 97. No Future: Jack the Ripper in The Lodger (1927) and From Hell (2001)

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 29, 2021 95:16


    The fog of Victorian London settles on Alex and Andrea as they dive into “Ripperology”: the facts, fiction and shadow cast by Jack the Ripper over our culture. By examining how the figure is depicted in Alfred Hitchcock’s The Lodger and The Hughes Brothers’ From Hell, we can begin to untangle the history of more […]

    Episode 96. Missing Links: Trollhunter (2010) and Willow Creek (2013)

    Play Episode Listen Later May 25, 2021 86:21


    If you go down in the woods today You’re sure of a big surprise Andrea and Alex leave the comforts of modernity and go back to nature to discover what humanity has left behind through our obsessions with cryptids and conspiracy theories. From our fascination with humanity’s evolution to our need to colonize, we have […]

    Episode 95. Faith and Chance: Possession (1981)

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 27, 2021 67:31


    In this episode, we delve into the murky waters of intimate relationships, nuclear families, and revolutionary theatre practices with Andrej Zulawski’s Possession. From the film’s almost instant cult-status to its rocky release, we look at what has made Possession one of the great filmic break-ups and breakthroughs of the late 20th century.   Become a Patron!   REQUIRED READING […]

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 25, 2021 7:25


    CHOOSE YOUR DESTINY! Andrea and Alex got a little unreasonably psyched about the new Mortal Kombat movie, so we recorded our pre-and post-movie impressions in an all-new Fack Flash. The full episode is available to all tiers of our Patreon! Join now and gain access to the full episode, plus even more perks and extras.Become […]

    Episode 94. Bad Romance: Twilight (2008)

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 21, 2021 120:39


    Get out the glitter and baseball bats because we’re diving into the complex world of Twilight. From fandom to first love to coming of age and problematic depictions, we’re going deep with this one. Hold on tight, spider monkey!   Become a Patron! REQUIRED READING Twilight. Dir. Catherine Hardwicke, 2008. EXTRA CREDIT How Twilight Changed Fan […]

    Claim Faculty of Horror » Podcast Feed

    In order to claim this podcast we'll send an email to with a verification link. Simply click the link and you will be able to edit tags, request a refresh, and other features to take control of your podcast page!

    Claim Cancel