Such a Nightmare: Conversations about Horror

It's our 100th episode!!!! Hosts Katherine Troyer and Toni Tresca celebrate a podcast and friendship while discussing the 2024 Horror Movie: A Novel by Paul Tremblay.  Episode Highlights: We appreciated the opportunity--for our 100th episode--to return to a favorite writer: Paul Tremblay! We frame our conversation through the lens that we are Tremblay fans; he's written some of our favorite horror novels. We examine the places where we felt the novel shined, particularly in the ways that Tremblay--once again--plays with the relationship between content and form. Yet, while we wanted to love this book, we examine why we ultimately struggled with Horror Movie. In particular, we share why this book, strangely, did not feel like a horror novel to us and how the unreliable narrator and the final moments of the story proved challenging.  A Special Thank You: We are so grateful to you, our listeners. Whether you are a new to our podcast or have been listening since the beginning...thank you for listening to our nightmares! (And have a spooktacular day!) This podcast episode first aired on October 25, 2024. Thank you Jackson O'Brien for editing our podcasts, and for always sharing when you especially enjoy one of our episodes!  ALL LINKS  Twitter/Instagram: @NightmarePod1; YouTube: Such a Nightmare;  Email: suchanightmare.pod@gmail.com; Website: suchanightmare.com

In this episode of the Such a Nightmare podcast, hosts Katherine Troyer and Toni Tresca explore the magic and horror of Vegas as they discuss the 1995 horror comedy film Leprechaun 3. Episode Highlights: We frame our discussion of the film by considering how it serves as the third installment in the franchise. We appreciate how the film provides some wacky fun and weird kills that complements the first two Leprechaun films. And, of course, we are always here for Warwick Davis! On the other hand, we also talk about areas where we felt the film fell short. In particular, we thought the liminal and uncanny space that is Las Vegas was under-utilized. It's a perfect location for a Leprechaun film; however, we had hoped for more over-the-top-ness, not to mention more magic...of the staged and leprechaun variety.  A Dose of Scholarship: There really isn't much in the way of scholarship on the Leprechaun franchise....so if this franchise is your jam, start writing! This podcast episode first aired on October 2, 2024. Thank you Jackson O'Brien--you rock! ALL LINKS  Twitter/Instagram: @NightmarePod1; YouTube: Such a Nightmare;  Email: suchanightmare.pod@gmail.com; Website: suchanightmare.com

In this episode of the Such a Nightmare podcast, hosts Katherine Troyer and Toni Tresca discuss the 2023 horror film Late Night with the Devil. Episode Highlights: We begin by addressing the monster in the room: the film's use of AI and the subsequent backlash this film faced as a result. Ultimately though, we argue that it is unfair that most folks only want to talk about the AI issue, because this film deserves to be discussed on its own merits...for both its accomplishments and its misses. We explore what we see as the the film's successes in terms of concept, cinematography, and acting. We also examine how, in our opinion, the film's final act falls flat and what we would have rather seen in those last minutes.  A Dose of Scholarship: While there isn't too much written about Late Night with the Devil (at least that doesn't near-exclusively focus on the AI use), we do reference some interesting articles in this episode. For a nuanced examination of AI, check out this Harvard Business Review piece on AI augmenting, rather than replacing human intelligence. Sarah Hughes' 2017 article in Journal of American Studies "American Monsters: Tabloid Media and the Satanic Panic, 1970-2000" offers a great examination of how media shapes our cultural anxieties and fears. This podcast episode first aired on September 13, 2024. As always--a big shout out to Jackson O'Brien--editor extraordinaire! ALL LINKS  Twitter/Instagram: @NightmarePod1; YouTube: Such a Nightmare;  Email: suchanightmare.pod@gmail.com; Website: suchanightmare.com

In this episode of the Such a Nightmare podcast, hosts Katherine Troyer and Toni Tresca discuss the 1994 horror comedy film Leprechaun 2. Episode Highlights: We explore how the sequel compares with the original 1993 film and argue that, particularly in terms of cinematography, Leprechaun 2 feels richer and more vibrant. As evidence, we turn to the cold opening scene and its use of cinematography to help communicate not just what is happening in the film, but how we are supposed to feel. It's hard to not talk about some of the wonderful (and horrible) death scenes in this film, so we mention some of our favorites. And we examine how this film presents as an ultimately affirmative horror film, which seems fitting considering that Leprechaun 2--much more than the original film--reads as a fairy tale complete with extensive backstory and lore. A Dose of Scholarship: There really isn't much in the way of scholarship on the Leprechaun franchise....so if this franchise is your jam, start writing! This podcast episode first aired on August 30, 2024. Jackson O'Brien--your edits make us better podcasters...thank you! ALL LINKS  Twitter/Instagram: @NightmarePod1; YouTube: Such a Nightmare;  Email: suchanightmare.pod@gmail.com; Website: suchanightmare.com

In this episode of the Such a Nightmare podcast, hosts Katherine Troyer and Toni Tresca discuss the awesomeness that is Misery. Although we focus primarily on the 1990 film staring Kathy Bates and James Caan, we cannot help but also talk about Stephen King's original novel and Toni shares their experience seeing William Goldman's theatrical stage adaptation. Episode Highlights: We explore the internal/interior nature of King's book (with so much happening in Paul's head) and how well we feel this translates (or not) onto the screen/stage. Toni shares how the production they saw in Colorado Springs in 2023 played with the spaces of and characters in Misery. Katherine shares her sadness at losing her beloved novel-within-a-novel framework in the film. We discuss how these different texts play with important themes of Misery, including addiction and pain. And, as we praise the masterful Kathy Bates, we also look at how these three texts portray and construct the idea of female monstrosity.   A Dose of Scholarship: We referenced Harriet Stilley's article "Operation Hobble: Masculine Fear Versus Female Monstrosity in Misery" from Horror Homeroom.  This podcast episode first aired on July 26, 2024. Jackson O'Brien...a hero amongst editors!  ALL LINKS  Twitter/Instagram: @NightmarePod1; YouTube: Such a Nightmare;  Email: suchanightmare.pod@gmail.com; Website: suchanightmare.com

In this spooktacular Eerie Extra, Such a Nightmare co-host Katherine Troyer speaks with horror authors and creators Steve DeWinter and Renee Miller.  We explore the horrific power and potential of immersive storytelling (which is a really awesome way of presenting and engaging with the horror genre). Steve and Renee discuss how their work The Babysitter plays with different sources of horror through its multiple possible pathways and how the horror of their story shapes, and is shaped by, the ways that audiences interact with the narrative. Renee and Steve also share how they got into interactive horror and offer advice for folks interested in knowing more about creating branching narratives and producing multimodal stories.  This interview occurred on June 26, 2024; the episode first aired on July 12, 2024.   An optioned screenwriter with a Bachelor's degree from Metro State College, Renee Miller has been enthralled by the dark twists and chilling narratives of horror since discovering Dean Koontz in eighth grade. With a penchant for crafting stories that delve into the deepest fears and darkest corners of the human psyche, Renee now brings her expertise to the thrilling world of choose-your-own-adventure audio storytelling. Tune in as she explores the eerie possibilities where each decision can lead to spine-tingling suspense or terrifying consequences.   Steve DeWinter is a #1 bestselling Amazon author of action-adventure sci-fi novels, with over 100,000 books sold worldwide. He's topped the Amazon Children's Action & Adventure Sci-Fi Bestseller list, Steampunk Bestseller list, and achieved multiple Top 20 rankings simultaneously. Notably, he co-authored two fantasy novels with the legendary Charles Dickens. Yes! That Charles Dickens. Now, Steve is pioneering a new frontier: Illustrated Interactive Audiobooks. These immersive, audio-first experiences combine interactive storytelling with augmented reality (AR) technology. You're not just the reader – you're the main character, making choices that shape the narrative while exploring real-world locations. Explore Steve's traditional books on Amazon and experience his innovative Illustrated Interactive Audiobooks (including The Babysitter, a thrilling interactive horror story written by Renee) at https://hiddenworld.icu/   ALL LINKS  Twitter/Instagram: @NightmarePod1; YouTube: Such a Nightmare;  Email: suchanightmare.pod@gmail.com; Website: suchanightmare.com

In this episode of the Such a Nightmare podcast, hosts Katherine Troyer and Toni Tresca search for their pot of gold as they discuss the 1993 horror comedy film Leprechaun. Episode Highlights: We talk about the awesomeness that is Warwick Davis and how his performance encourages us to laugh with him rather than at him. We explore whether the film can be read as a traditional affirmative horror movie where greed and foreigners are the threat, or whether this film might be read as a dissaffirmative examination of how we fabricate American nostalgia. We think about the ramifications--if any--on the film's potential source of horror after learning that several scenes of Leprechaun were filmed at the same location as where Little House on the Prairie and The Waltons were shot. And Toni provides some important background information on how and why this film was made and how certain production decisions impacted the finished movie we watched.  A Dose of Scholarship: There really isn't much in the way of scholarship on Leprechaun; however, there are some interesting analyses of this film out there including Stephanie Archer's 2021 piece "Horrific Inquiry: Leprechaun (1993)" in Film Inquiry.  This podcast episode first aired on Jun 7, 2024. Thank you Jackson O'Brien for being our awesome editor! ALL LINKS  Twitter/Instagram: @NightmarePod1; YouTube: Such a Nightmare;  Email: suchanightmare.pod@gmail.com; Website: suchanightmare.com

In this episode of the Such a Nightmare podcast, hosts Katherine Troyer and Toni Tresca put a coin in the pinball machine to discuss 2021's Willy's Wonderland. Episode Highlights: We talk about how Nicholas Cage is the reason for the season and, hands down, the best part of this film. We explore the film's brilliant practical effects with the puppets/animatronics. Katherine shares how the film builds on the carnivalesque aspects of the suspension of normality, the carnival king, the ambivalent nature of fire and laughter, and dualism of images. We discuss the lovely performances of the adult actors, but lament the teenage characters and how their scenes--which take us out of Willy's Wonderland--pull down the narrative. Ultimately, as Toni puts it, while the film might not have hit all the notes...we'd love to grab a beer with the fascinating and clever filmmakers.   A Dose of Scholarship: For more on the carnivalesque, check out Mikhail Bakhtin's "Carnival and the Carnivalesque" in John Storey's 1998 Cultural Theory and Popular Culture. And be sure to check out the essay Toni referenced: Clark Collis's "'Nic Cage is into reptiles...': The insane, behind-the-scenes story of Willy's Wonderland."   This podcast episode first aired on April 5, 2024. Shout-out to Jackson O'Brien; thank you for editing this episode! ALL LINKS  Twitter/Instagram: @NightmarePod1; YouTube: Such a Nightmare;  Email: suchanightmare.pod@gmail.com; Website: suchanightmare.com

In this episode of the Such a Nightmare podcast, hosts Katherine Troyer and Toni Tresca return--for a final time (at least for now!)--to Camp Crystal Lake as they discuss the 2009 horror slasher film Friday the 13th. Episode Highlights: We examine the film's (potentially) strange juxtaposition between a wholesome family reunion narrative and shots of lots (and lots) of boobs; Katherine shares how all the boobery made for a personally very awkward family viewing. We talk about how this film, as both another entry in the franchise and a remake, offers a déjà vu/dream-like experience that manages to offer a nice blend of the expected and the refreshing. We share some of our favorite kills in this film and Katherine talks about her re-watching of Freddy vs. Jason having now seen all Friday the 13th and all Nightmare on Elm Street films. A Dose of Scholarship: Please check out our guide to this franchise: Wickham Clayton's 2020 book SEE! HEAR! CUT! KILL! Experiencing Friday the 13th. This podcast episode first aired on March 1, 2024. Jackson O'Brien: thank you for your editing magic! ALL LINKS  Twitter/Instagram: @NightmarePod1; YouTube: Such a Nightmare;  Email: suchanightmare.pod@gmail.com; Website: suchanightmare.com

In this episode, hosts Katherine Troyer and Toni Tresca work the graveyard shift as they discuss the 2023 horror film Five Nights at Freddy's.  Episode Highlights: Toni shares what it was like playing the game on band trips as a kid and how this shaped their anticipation and hopes for this film. We talk about the challenges this film faced and--in our opinions--did not overcome as the movie tries to appeal to both current kids and adults who remembered the game from their own childhoods. We look at the film's establishment of a world beyond Freddy Fazbear's Pizzeria and how this worldbuilding aspect of the film, along with the backstory it built about the murdered children, affected the horror of this story. And we explore what we think this film could have been in its best incarnation.  A Dose of Scholarship: While there isn't any scholarship on the film, there is some interesting scholarship on the Five Nights at Freddy's games. We encourage you to check out Betsy Brey's chapter "Five Nights at Fan Games: Feminism, Fan Labor, and Five Nights at Freddy's" in the 2020 book Indie Games in the Digital Age. Another essay worth looking at is Yujie Ji and Yixuan Zhao's 2022 "Follow the Purple Bunny: A Brief Analysis of Five Nights at Freddy's Narrative." And there are a couple of pieces written about the film that proved helpful in our discussion: Michael Cripe's "Five Nights at Freddy's Surpasses Split to Break a Record for Horror Studio Blumhouse" and Jesse Hassenger's "The Five Nights at Freddy's Movie is a Dizzying Mashup of Decades of Culture." This podcast episode first aired on February 16, 2024. Deepest of appreciation to Jackson O'Brien...thank you for editing this podcast! ALL LINKS  Twitter/Instagram: @NightmarePod1; YouTube: Such a Nightmare;  Email: suchanightmare.pod@gmail.com; Website: suchanightmare.com

In this spooktacular Eerie Extra, Such a Nightmare co-host Katherine Troyer speaks with horror author and editor David-Jack Fletcher.   We discuss the significance of normalizing LGBTQIA+ identities within the horror genre. This leads to an even bigger discussion of how queer horror can both offer a space for connection and push us beyond our comfort zones. David-Jack shares the vision behind Slashic Horror, his indie horror press that he co-founded with Lee Cross James. And we talk about the magic of crossing genres and the ways his work, including his novella The Haunting of Harry Peck, present the familiar in unfamiliar ways (or perhaps the other way around) through his genre-blending writing.   This interview occurred on January 4, 2024; the episode first aired on January 30, 2024.   David-Jack Fletcher is a writer and scholar hailing from Australia. With a PhD from Macquarie University in Cultural Studies, he wrote for over a decade in an academic setting before—in his words—jumping out of academia to pursue his dream of becoming a horror author and editor. To that end, he has a Post-Graduate Certificate in Editing and Publishing from the University of Southern Queensland, and he completed an internship with Sydney-based Spineless Wonders. Additionally, he was awarded a mentorship with the Australasian Horror Writers Association (AHWA) in 2022, undertaken with award-winning author Paul Mannering. David-Jack has published short stories in several horror anthologies across the UK, the US and Canada, and has appeared in international podcasts and interviews. Furthermore, his debut gay horror-comedy, The Haunting of Harry Peck, was published by Rack & Rune Publishing in February 2022 and became an international Amazon bestseller. And his latest award-winning novel, Raven's Creek is now available through all major retailers, published through his own imprint, Slashic Horror. For more information, visit his LinkTree: https://linktr.ee/djfletcher    ALL LINKS  Twitter/Instagram: @NightmarePod1; YouTube: Such a Nightmare;  Email: suchanightmare.pod@gmail.com; Website: suchanightmare.com

In this episode, hosts Katherine Troyer and Toni Tresca hop a rocket to outer space...where, of course, Jason is waiting...as they discuss the 2001 horror slasher film Jason X. Episode Highlights: We talk about how this film is part of a slew of films in the late 90s/early 00s that sought to shock their respective franchises back to life with a journey to space. We think about how this film, despite (or perhaps because of) it's different setting, fits within the larger Friday the 13th franchise. We look at Jason X's portrayal of Jason, exploration of final girls, and presentation of slasher tropes. And, while we are clearly in a minority far from many fans and most critics, we have to admit: space was surprisingly fun! A Dose of Scholarship: For scholarship on the Friday the 13th franchise, we (continue to) encourage to you to turn to 1) Horror Homeroom's special issue on Friday the 13th. and 2) Wickham Clayton's 2020 book SEE! HEAR! CUT! KILL! Experiencing Friday the 13th. This podcast episode first aired on January 19, 2024. Wielding his own machete...an editing machete that is...Jackson O'Brien once again made this episode better...thank you! ALL LINKS  Twitter/Instagram: @NightmarePod1; YouTube: Such a Nightmare;  Email: suchanightmare.pod@gmail.com; Website: suchanightmare.com

In this episode, hosts Katherine Troyer and Toni Tresca venture into their first non-fiction book as they discuss the 2023 collection of essays Monsters: A Fan's Dilemma by Claire Dederer. Episode Highlights: We talk about the word "monstrous" and what it means to us. We express how called out--and seen--we felt at various points in this book, particularly as fellow aca-fans wrestling with our own feelings of certain monstrous creators (like Whedon). We celebrate the memoir approach to this topic and how brave Dederer was for having such honesty. And we express our frustrations that the author's only real discussion of monstrous creative women were those who abandon children or are angry/extreme; we had hoped this would be a place to analyze further women creators like Rowling.  A Dose of Scholarship: If you haven't read Monsters: A Fan's Dilemma, we promise you that this read will offer a lot of food for thought! In this episode, Toni references the Today, Explained podcast episode Hannah Gadsby and "Pablo-matic" Picasso. You might also check out this 2023 Vox interview with Dederer. This podcast episode first aired on December 15, 2023. We appreciate you Jackson O'Brien! Thanks for editing! ALL LINKS  Twitter/Instagram: @NightmarePod1; YouTube: Such a Nightmare;  Email: suchanightmare.pod@gmail.com; Website: suchanightmare.com

In this episode, hosts Katherine Troyer and Toni Tresca descend to the underworld (kind of) as they discuss the 1993 horror slasher film Jason Goes to Hell: The Final Friday. Episode Highlights: If we thought it took a while for Jason to make it to Manhattan, we were shocked by how long it took for him to actually go to hell! Katherine maintains that this is perhaps one of the best uses of a cold opening, and we talk about the film's quirky and odd characters. We explore the consequences--on us as viewers--of removing Jason from his own body for so much of the film. And, of course, Toni gives us the scoop on some of the background--and drama--behind the film's production.  A Dose of Scholarship: For scholarship on the Friday the 13th franchise, we (continue to) encourage to you to turn to 1) Horror Homeroom's special issue on Friday the 13th. and 2) Wickham Clayton's 2020 book SEE! HEAR! CUT! KILL! Experiencing Friday the 13th. This podcast episode first aired on November 20, 2023. Jackson O'Brien: you are a hero amongst editors...thank you! ALL LINKS  Twitter/Instagram: @NightmarePod1; YouTube: Such a Nightmare;  Email: suchanightmare.pod@gmail.com; Website: suchanightmare.com

In this spooktacular terrifying Eerie Extra,  Such a Nightmare co-host Katherine Troyer speaks with horror scholar, writer, and editor Jolie Toomajan. We discuss her research into several less-appreciated women who wrote for Weird Tales, and what she has been learning in her recent scholarship. Together we explore the complicated relationships we have with a genre that is both transgressive and conservative, and how horror manages to be both a challenging home and a perfect vehicle to explore the horrors of women, BIPOC, and queer identities. And, of course, we talk about Jolie's 2023 edited collection of short stories Aseptic and Faintly Sadistic: An Anthology of Hysteria Fiction  (this interview is relatively spoiler free). A portion of the proceeds for this edited collection will benefit the Chicago Abortion Fund.   This interview occurred on May 25, 2023; the episode first aired on October 16, 2023.   Jolie Toomajan (she/her) is a PhD candidate, writer, editor, and all-around ghoul. Her dissertation in progress is focused on the women who wrote for Weird Tales and her work has appeared in Upon a Thrice Time, Death in the Mouth, and Black Static (among other places). She is editor of the upcoming Aseptic and Faintly Sadistic: An Anthology of Hysteria Fiction, which benefits the Chicago Abortion Fund. You can find her on Twitter and Instagram @JolieToomajan   Twitter/Instagram: @NightmarePod1; YouTube: Such a Nightmare channel; Email: suchanightmare.pod@gmail.com; ALL LINKS

In this spooktacular episode, hosts Katherine Troyer and Toni Tresca don their mouse ears as they discuss the truly horrific and absolutely fantastic 2023 novel Maeve Fly by author C.J. Leede.  We highly recommend you read the book before listening to this episode! Episode Highlights: We explore how this novel serves as a love story to LA, and the ways that Leede manages to both rip off our rose-tinted glasses about the City of Angels even as she encourages us to find beauty in the asphalt landscape. Referencing Grady Hendrix's blurb that this novel is "an apocalyptic Anaheim Psycho," we talk about what it means to juxtapose this novel with Bret Easton Ellis' American Psycho and how much we appreciated Leede's crafting of her female lead character. And, of course, we examine how this novel plays with the Happiest Place on Earth, and the one scene involving a mouse that we will never forget.  A Dose of Scholarship: This is a new novel, so there is not yet any scholarship written on Maeve Fly...but there are several great interviews with C.J. Leede, including Crime Reads interview "Arianna Reiche and C.J. Leede on Weird Lit, Angry Girls, and Amusement Parks" and Paul Semel's interview with C.J. Leede.   This podcast episode first aired on October 9, 2023. To our editor Jackson O'Brien: thank you and we hope this one didn't scar you too bad. :-) ALL LINKS  Twitter/Instagram: @NightmarePod1; YouTube: Such a Nightmare;  Email: suchanightmare.pod@gmail.com; Website: suchanightmare.com

In this episode, hosts Katherine Troyer and Toni Tresca head to the big apple as they discuss the 1989 horror slasher film Friday the 13th Part VIII: Jason Takes Manhattan. Episode Highlights: This was our first time seeing the film, so we talk about our surprise at how long it takes Jason to make it to Manhattan and how this decision impacts not only our expectations as viewers but the larger narrative and themes of this film. We also explore about how this film's portrayal of New York City--as a wasteland of death and drugs--compares to and contrasts with a more recent horror film's depiction of the big apple: namely 2023's Scream VI.  A Dose of Scholarship: For scholarship on the Friday the 13th franchise, we (continue to) encourage to you to turn to 1) Horror Homeroom's special issue on Friday the 13th. and 2) Wickham Clayton's 2020 book SEE! HEAR! CUT! KILL! Experiencing Friday the 13th. This podcast episode first aired on September 19, 2023. Thank you Jackson O'Brien for being the best editor a podcast could ask for! ALL LINKS  Twitter/Instagram: @NightmarePod1; YouTube: Such a Nightmare;  Email: suchanightmare.pod@gmail.com; Website: suchanightmare.com

In this Eerie Extra, hosts Katherine Troyer and Toni Tresca review the 2023 horror film Scream VI. (Because, let's face it, as long as they make Scream films, we'll be watching Scream films.)   We discuss our thoughts on the latest film (to date) in the franchise and how we think that the sixth installment fits into, contributes to, and occasionally takes away from the larger Scream narrative. We talk about the awesomeness of having scream queen Samara Weaving in the cold opening, and what it was like for Katherine to watch a scene about a horror film professor having a run-in with Ghostface. We talk about "The Core Four" and how this film--much more than Scream (2022)--establishes these characters as the primary characters (rather than the newcomers) of this world. And we talk about how this film--as do all Scream films--continues to ask us to think about the slipperiness of the past, the challenges of media, and the trauma of having a family. This episode first aired on July 28, 2023. (It was actually recorded in May 2023, but then we went on vacation.)    Thank you to the stupendous Jackson O'Brien, whose editing always ensures we sound smarter for our listeners then we do in real life.  ALL LINKS  Twitter/Instagram: @NightmarePod1; YouTube: Such a Nightmare;  Email: suchanightmare.pod@gmail.com; Website: suchanightmare.com

In this delightfully terrifying Eerie Extra,  Such a Nightmare co-host Katherine Troyer speaks with cosmic horror writer Mark N. Drake. We discuss Mark's Darkisle series and how he created this particular world, what it takes to build a memorable and unique horror setting, and the power--and challenge--of blending genres such as cosmic horror, noir, and gumshoe detective. While we discuss Mark's 2020 novel The Gathering of Shadows, this interview is relatively spoiler free.   This interview occurred on March 15, 2023; the episode first aired on June 2, 2023.   Mark N Drake is a British author of Lovecraftian fiction (though he has been known to write for other genres as well). Most of his works feature his fictional creation Darkisle, a British island of dark secrets and whispered terrors. His first novel, ‘The Gathering of Shadows', was published in 2020. It was the first in a series of Cthulhu Mythos-inspired novels centred upon the cases of private detective Jack Glennison. Based in the Northern England of the 1920s, the stories follow Glennison as he explores Darkisle and gradually learns of the ancient horrors that stalk that island... and beyond. The follow up novel, ‘Those Under The Hill', was published in 2021, with ‘What Festers Within' following in 2022. More in the series are planned. In 2023, ‘Shards of Shattered Darkness' – a collection of eighteen of his horror short stories – was released. Despite a misspent youth spent seeking out Panther horror paperbacks in second-hand bookshops, Mark graduated in Applied Physics and became a defence research scientist. Later, he went on to work in Higher Education management and return to education, obtaining an MBA. Now semi-retired, he divides his time between rural County Durham and Carcassonne in southern France.   Twitter/Instagram: @NightmarePod1; YouTube: Such a Nightmare channel; Email: suchanightmare.pod@gmail.com; ALL LINKS

In this episode, hosts Katherine Troyer and Toni Tresca talk the post-modern and incredibly "meta" 2006 horror-comedy film Behind the Mask: The Rise of Leslie Vernon.  Episode Highlights: We discuss the film's commentary on the slasher genre and, in particular, how this movie's final girl character (Taylor Gentry) becomes a stand-in for the sometimes uncomfortable position of being a fan and scholar of horror. We examine the mockumentary style of the cinematography and when (and when not) it works for us. And we think about what this film asks us to think about when it comes to our continued fascination and love for a genre that kills us. A Dose of Scholarship: We explore Savanna Teague's excellent analysis of the film in her 2017 article "Ahabs, Turtles, and Survivor Girls: Postmodernism in Behind the Mask: The Rise of Leslie Vernon" from Studies in Popular Culture. And we reference, again, Isabel Pinedo's seminal piece "Recreational Terror: Postmodern Elements of the Contemporary Horror Film."  This podcast episode first aired on May 1, 2023. Jackson O'Brien...you are an extraordinary editor; thank you! ALL LINKS  Twitter/Instagram: @NightmarePod1; YouTube: Such a Nightmare;  Email: suchanightmare.pod@gmail.com; Website: suchanightmare.com

In this very haunting Eerie Extra, co-host Katherine Troyer talks with horror writer Carson Winter. We discuss Carson's 2023 novella "Soft Targets" (through Tenebrous Press), the power and potential of weird horror, and what we would want to taste if we could taste any intangible thing. This interview is relatively spoiler free, so you should be able to enjoy it before or after reading "Soft Targets"!   Check out the novella at the Tenebrous Press site.   This interview occurred on February 27, 2023; the episode first aired on April 26, 2023.   CARSON WINTER is a minimalist weirdo, a conversational absurdist, and a vehemently bleak-minded artist making his home in the Pacific Northwest. His fiction has appeared in Vastarien, Apex, and Dread Stone Press' Split Scream series. You can find him on Twitter @CarsonWinter3 or at carsonwinter.com.   Twitter/Instagram: @NightmarePod1; YouTube: Such a Nightmare channel; Email: suchanightmare.pod@gmail.com; ALL LINKS

In this episode, hosts Katherine Troyer and Toni Tresca grab their camping gear and head to the woods (metaphorically of course...Katherine is very allergic to nature) as they discuss the 1988 horror slasher film Friday the 13th Part VII: The New Blood. Episode Highlights: We celebrate the arrival of Kane Hodder as Jason even as we question why the film is called "THE New Blood." We explore the film's premise of Jason vs. Carrie and the ways that this storyline creates an interesting final girl for a franchise lacking its own Laurie or Nancy. And we talk about the weirdness of the film's conclusion, particularly as the ghost of the once abusive father becomes the hero to save Tina, and how this narrative twist situates the film firmly in the affirmative camp.  A Dose of Scholarship: We return to Horror Homeroom's special issue on Friday the 13th. In particular, we discuss Todd K. Platts' article "'It's Worth Recognizing Only as an Artefact of Our Culture:' Critics and the Friday the 13th Franchise (1980-2001)." And we continue to rely on Wickham Clayton's invaluable scholarly contribution to this franchise with his 202 book SEE! HEAR! CUT! KILL! Experiencing Friday the 13th. This podcast episode first aired on March 30, 2023. Our outstanding editor Jackson O'Brien is amazing...thank you Jackson! ALL LINKS  Twitter/Instagram: @NightmarePod1; YouTube: Such a Nightmare;  Email: suchanightmare.pod@gmail.com; Website: suchanightmare.com

In this episode, hosts Katherine Troyer and Toni Tresca discuss writer and director Zach Cregger's unexpected (and unexpectedly funny) 2022 horror film Barbarian.  Episode Highlights: We talk about some of the behind-the-scenes decisions that had a profound impact on the final version of the film (including the original casting choice for Justin Long's character). Drawing deep from that one art appreciation class she took years ago, Katie describes the film as a triptych, with each of its three acts serving as distinct yet connected components. Toni shares some fascinating tidbits about the inspiration for this film's cinematography and how it impacts (consciously or subconsciously) the ways we see the "above" and "below" of this film. And, perhaps unsurprisingly, we revel in the film's ability to blend together--in unexpected but delightful ways--horror and comedy.  A Dose of Scholarship: Since this is a new film, there isn't much scholarship (yet!) on this film, but we explore some of the existing thought pieces on Barbarian...including Sam Adam's Slate piece "Barbarian Is the Smartest, Funniest Horror Movie in Ages."   This podcast episode first aired on March 10, 2023. Thank you to our editor Jackson O'Brien who ensures that we sound better...literally and figuratively.  ALL LINKS  Twitter/Instagram: @NightmarePod1; YouTube: Such a Nightmare;  Email: suchanightmare.pod@gmail.com; Website: suchanightmare.com

In this episode, hosts Katherine Troyer and Toni Tresca return to Crystal Lake yet again as they discuss the 1986 horror slasher film Friday the 13th Part VI: Jason Lives. Episode Highlights: We talk about this film's unexpected (but rather delightful) comedy and the ways that the humor is used not only to make bit characters more memorable but as a way for the film to situate itself as a meta-horror/post-modern gothic text. We examine the film as a work of eco-horror and what Jason's supernatural status contributes to the film's exploration of the natural forces that can so easily destroy us. We also talk about the "restraint" of this film compared to some of the other entries in the franchise and how Jason Lives situates itself within the broader Friday the 13th universe.  A Dose of Scholarship: We return to Horror Homeroom's special issue on Friday the 13th. In particular, we discuss Matthew Jones' article "Reanimating Collective Ecological Nightmares in Friday the 13th Part VI: Jason Lives" and Brian Fanelli's article "No Clowning Around: The Gothic and Comedic Elements of Friday the 13th Part VI: Jason Lives."  This podcast episode first aired on February 27, 2023. We remain eternally grateful to our amazing editor Jackson O'Brien. ALL LINKS  Twitter/Instagram: @NightmarePod1; YouTube: Such a Nightmare;  Email: suchanightmare.pod@gmail.com; Website: suchanightmare.com

In this delightful Eerie Extra, co-hosts Katherine Troyer and Toni Tresca talk with actor, educator, and theatre administrator Heather Kelley. We had the opportunity to speak with Heather about her current (and super cool) research on the narratives of ghosts--and ghostly encounters--at three real-world theatres here in the United States: the Alley Theatre in Houston, Texas; Le Petit Theatre in New Orleans, Louisiana; and the Eugene O'Neill Theatre Center in Waterford, Connecticut. Heather talks to us about the ways that ghosts give or deny voices to certain identities, how ghosts serve as manifestations of trauma, and how theatrical ghosts acknowledge the ephemeral nature of theatre.    HEATHER KELLEY (she/her) is an award-winning actor, educator, and theatre administrator. She holds a BFA in Acting from the University of the Arts and an MFA in Acting from Florida State University/Asolo Conservatory; at the time of this episode's publication, she is a PhD candidate in the Theatre & Performance program at the University of Colorado Boulder. Heather's current research focuses on dark tourism, ghosts as manifestations of trauma, haunted attractions, mediumship as performance, and depictions of the supernatural on stage and on screen. If you are a theatre patron and/or practitioner that has experienced unexplained and/or paranormal phenomena in a theatre or theatre-related structure, Heather invites you to contribute to her research by submitting your story here (you are very welcome to do so anonymously).   This interview occurred on January 13, 2023; the episode first aired on February 14, 2023.   Twitter/Instagram: @NightmarePod1; YouTube: Such a Nightmare channel; Email: suchanightmare.pod@gmail.com; ALL LINKS

In this episode, hosts Katherine Troyer and Toni Tresca continue things with their discussion of the 2011 horror film--and franchise prequel--The Thing. (Get it...continue things...with The Thing. Come for the bad puns, stay for more bad puns.) Episode Highlights: We talk about our appreciation of the character Kate (and not only because she has an awesome name), and the ways that this character--as a female scientist--both offers something missing from the 1982 film and pays homage to the 1951 film's character of Nikki. We explore this film as a post-9/11 prequel and the ways that this film addresses a cultural need in the early 2000s for explicit answers rather than more ambiguous possibilities. And we question the purpose of the film's third act as we discuss how the film's focus on certain narrative elements shaped, for better and worse, the film's conclusion.  A Dose of Scholarship: We invite you to check out the scholarship we discussed in this episode: James Kendrick's essay "The Terrible, Horrible Desire to Know: Post-9/11 Horror Remakes, Reboots, Sequels and Prequels" available in the 2017 edited collection American Cinema in the Shadow of 9/11 (edited by Terence McSweeney).  This podcast episode first aired on February 7, 2023. A big shout out of appreciation for our fantastic editor: Jackson O'Brien.   ALL LINKS  Twitter/Instagram: @NightmarePod1; YouTube: Such a Nightmare;  Email: suchanightmare.pod@gmail.com; Website: suchanightmare.com

In this episode, hosts Katherine Troyer and Toni Tresca grab their machetes for their discussion of the 1985 horror slasher film Friday the 13th: A New Beginning. Episode Highlights: We talk about the film's attempt to pivot the franchise and the consequences--both in terms of fan reception and in terms of the film's narrative--of a Jason-less Friday the 13th film. Toni shares the (admittedly decades-old) gossip about all the behind-the-scenes drama of the film production. And we explore the elements that we liked about this film and the ways that this very gory film fits into the bigger franchise. A Dose of Scholarship: We discuss Wickham Clayton's 2020 book SEE! HEAR! CUT! KILL! Experiencing Friday the 13th. This podcast episode first aired on Friday the 13th...January 13, 2023. Thank you Jackson O'Brien for being a fantastic editor! ALL LINKS  Twitter/Instagram: @NightmarePod1; YouTube: Such a Nightmare;  Email: suchanightmare.pod@gmail.com; Website: suchanightmare.com

In this spooktacular episode, hosts Katherine Troyer and Anthony Tresca discuss not one but two (well, kind of three) THINGS:  the 1951 film The Thing from Another World, John Carpenter's beloved 1982 film The Thing, and the novella that started it all...John W. Campbell's 1938 "Who Goes There?" Episode Highlights: We explore how the thing manages, time and again, to change its form in order to provide the most culturally relevant moments of horror. Looking particularly at the two films, we talk about the ways that the 1951 film presents a more affirmative "we can do it team!" mentality that stands in sharp contrast with the 1982 film's disaffirmative sense of paranoia and "everyone is the threat" mentality. We think about how each text depicts our alien invader and we consider what it is about this story that continues to haunt us in subsequent adaptations and remakes.  A Dose of Scholarship: We discuss a number of pieces of scholarship: Stephen Price's essay "Dread, Taboo, and The Thing: Toward a Social Theory of the Horror Film" in the 2004 book The Horror Film, Ronald Allan Lopez Cruz's 2012 essay "Mutations and Metamorphoses: Body Horror is Biological Horror," and Eric White's 1993 article "The Erotics of Becoming: Xenogensis and 'The Thing.'"   This podcast episode first aired on December 19, 2022. Thank you Jackson O'Brien for being the best editor a horror podcast could ask for! Twitter/Instagram: @NightmarePod1; YouTube: Such a Nightmare channel; Email: suchanightmare.pod@gmail.com; ALL LINKS

In this episode, hosts Katherine Troyer and Toni Tresca return to Crystal Lake once more for their discussion of the 1984 horror slasher film Friday the 13th: The Final Chapter. Episode Highlights: We talk about how this film works to set itself apart from the other entries in the franchise, even as it continues the franchise's MO of punishing teens for...well, being teens. Much of our examination of this episode centers on the relationship between Trish and Tommy Jarvis and the ways that they serve, respectively, as the film's final girl and final boy. Our scholarship for this episode encouraged us to explore further this idea of the final boy and if (and how) the concept of the final boy might differ from our understandings of the final guy à la Ash Williams.  A Dose of Scholarship: We return, again, to Horror Homeroom's first special issue "Friday the 13th at 40" and we specifically reference Ethan Robles' article "'Die! Die! Die!': The Birth of the Final Boy in Friday the 13th: The Final Chapter." This podcast episode first aired on November 18, 2022. What would we do without our editor-extraordinaire Jackson O'Brien? Probably lay down and cry. Thanks Jackson!    ALL LINKS  Twitter/Instagram: @NightmarePod1; YouTube: Such a Nightmare;  Email: suchanightmare.pod@gmail.com; Website: suchanightmare.com

In this special Halloween episode (recorded in person and unedited!), hosts Katherine Troyer and Toni Tresca talk about the conclusion (at least for now...) of the Halloween franchise as they discuss the 2022 horror slasher film Halloween Ends.  Episode Highlights: We look at the ways that this film attempts to explore the nature/nurture dichotomy of evil before ultimately arriving at the same largely affirmative conclusion upheld by much of the franchise. We unpack the Michael Myers/Corey bromance plotline and discuss why exactly this story development both weighed down the narrative and felt out of sync from the 2018 and 2021 films. And we talk about the missed opportunity make more of the film about Jamie Lee Curtis, err...Laurie Strode...and Michael Myers.  A Dose of Scholarship: The film is too new to have any critical reception written about it yet, but we encourage you to explore existing scholarship on slasher films in general and the Halloween franchise more specifically.  This podcast episode first aired on October 31, 2022. Happy Halloween! We recorded this episode in-person and it is (for better or worse) unedited!    ALL LINKS  Twitter/Instagram: @NightmarePod1; YouTube: Such a Nightmare;  Email: suchanightmare.pod@gmail.com; Website: suchanightmare.com

In this very exciting Eerie Extra, co-host Katherine Troyer talks with some masters of clownish horror: Jaysen Buterin, Kevin Kangas, and Ron Riekki. Buterin (writer and director of the film Kill Giggles) and Kangas (writer and director of Fear of Clowns 1 & 2) are featured in Riekki's 2022 edited collection The Many Lives of Evil Clowns. We talk about our shared love of the genre and why clowns are a terrifying and ubiquitous part of horror. If you want to know more about being an indie horror filmmaker, hear about the awesomeness of horror festivals, and just listen to a bunch of cool dudes talk horror...this is the interview for you! Listen as a podcast or watch the video interview on YouTube.   This interview occurred on June 15, 2022; the episode first aired on October 20, 2022.   JAYSEN BUTERIN is the writer/director of award-winning indie film fare such as the Tarantino-meets-Twilight Zone trilogy, “The Gospel According to Booze, Bullets & Hot Pink Jesus,” the on-the-road thriller, “Between Hell and a Hard Place,” and the sinister stay-at-home horror hits “Don't Let the Light In” and “The Corner.” He's currently awaiting the Hollywood studio release of his very first feature-length film, the coulrophobia-courting/clown-killing thrilling goodness of KILL GIGGLES, while also prepping a series of screenplays to go into production once the Apocalypse finally goes away!!! His website is madonesfilms.com and you can learn more about his films at killgiggles.com and youtube.com/madonesfilms. Follow him on Facebook: facebook.com/madonesfilms Twitter:  twitter.com/madonesfilms Instagram: instagram/com/themadonesfilms and on the CB Radio: Clown Killer 666   KEVIN KANGAS is is the writer/director of seven feature films, including the cult-classic Hunting Humans, the Lionsgate features Fear of Clowns 1&2, and the hit anthologies Terrortory 1&2. He's also published a novella about vampires called "With Teeth" and a book that's more a love-letter to Halloween called Halloween: The Greatest Holiday of All. His website is http://www.kangaskahnfilms.com and you can check out his IMDb page at https://www.imdb.com/name/nm1292971/. Want to see his films? Check them out at https://bit.ly/kkftubi   RON RIEKKI is an author, poet, editor, actor, and more. His books include My Ancestors are Reindeer Herders and I Am Melting in Extinction (Apprentice House Press), Posttraumatic (Hoot ‘n' Waddle), and U.P. (Ghost Road Press).  Riekki co-edited The Many Lives of The Evil Dead and The Many Lives of The Twilight Zone (McFarland) and Undocumented (Michigan State University Press), and edited The Many Lives of Scary Clowns and The Many Lives of It (McFarland), Here and And Here (MSU Press, Independent Publisher Book Award), and The Way North (Wayne State University Press, Michigan Notable Book).  His story “America,” published in decomp, was turned into a film by mc² film in Romania, winning awards at the Red Rock Film Festival and Tres Court International Film Festival and was distributed throughout Greece.  His story “Teeths,” Pushcart nominated and published in Santa Barbara Literary Journal was turned into a film by the same production company, winning awards at the Dracula Film Festival, Rockport Film Festival, and Tres Court International Film Festival and screened at over one hundred theaters in France.  Riekki played the title role in the horror film Flesher (directed by John Johnson), receiving a Crimson Screen Horror Film Fest nomination for Best Actor in a Feature Film.  He also acted in the movie Short Straw (directed by Steve Balderson), starring Joe Pantoliano and Sarah Clarke. You can follow him on Twitter @RiekkiRon   Twitter/Instagram: @NightmarePod1; YouTube: Such a Nightmare channel; Email: suchanightmare.pod@gmail.com; ALL LINKS

Jordan Peele is a horror filmmaker that helped inspire this entire podcast. So, in this episode, hosts Katherine Troyer and Toni Tresca talk the 2022 Western/sci-fi/horror film Nope. Episode Highlights: We agreed to disagree about many of our conclusions on this film, even as we both decided that the other person was making some truly excellent points. We explore the narrative as we turn to pacing, the film's bigger themes, character development, and the horse-named chapters. And we also work through the film's form, as we talk about acting, cinematography, sound design, and alien special effects. Thinking about the film's individual components allows us to ultimately frame our discussion of this film through the lens of gestalt theory (where the whole is different from the sum of its parts).  A Dose of Scholarship: The film is too new to have any critical reception written about it yet, but we encourage you to explore existing scholarship on a range of related topics including black horror, genre theory, Jordan Peele, and gestalt theory.  This podcast episode first aired on October 10, 2022. Thank you Jackson O'Brien for being an amazing editor!    ALL LINKS  Twitter/Instagram: @NightmarePod1; YouTube: Such a Nightmare;  Email: suchanightmare.pod@gmail.com; Website: suchanightmare.com

In this episode, hosts Katherine Troyer and Toni Tresca keep on camping as they discuss the 1982 horror slasher film Friday the 13th Part III. Episode Highlights: We talk about how this particular entry in the franchise was disappointing as it was the exact same formula from the first two films...but somehow also worse than the first two films. We discuss the annoying Shelly (who reminded Katherine a lot of Franklin from The Texas Chain Saw Massacre). We think about the consequences of how this film seems less connected to the original story than the first two films. And we discuss the importance, culturally and narratively, of the character Debbie being pregnant and how that affects (or not) the ways we perceive the violence in this film.  A Dose of Scholarship: We return, again, to Horror Homeroom's first special issue "Friday the 13th at 40" and we specifically reference Wickham Clayton's article "Killing the Sad Fat Guy and the Pregnant Lady: Uncomfortable Death in Friday the 13th Part III - 3D." This podcast episode first aired on September 19, 2022. We appreciate you Jackson O'Brien! Thanks for another great edit!   ALL LINKS  Twitter/Instagram: @NightmarePod1; YouTube: Such a Nightmare;  Email: suchanightmare.pod@gmail.com; Website: suchanightmare.com

In this exciting milestone of an episode (75 episodes...what!?!), hosts Katherine Troyer and Toni Tresca discuss not one, not two, but three seasons of the horror comedy TV show Ash vs. Evil Dead (2015-2018).    Episode Highlights: We celebrate the awesomeness that is three seasons of watching Ash Williams fight off Deadites. We talk about each season of the show and what we felt were the seasons' respective strengths and weaknesses. We also examine the show's larger narrative arc and think about the exciting ways that the show expanded in terms of its mythos and worldbuilding. And while we, of course, discuss at great length Bruce Campbell and his fantastic performance as Ash, we also focus on one of the show's best aspects: its incredible supporting cast who bring to life interesting and diverse characters that manage to hold their own against Bruce Campbell/Ash Williams. A Dose of Scholarship: In this episode we return to some of the scholarship we referenced in our episodes on other works in the Evil Dead franchise. (So go back and listen to those episodes!) In particular, we highly recommend checking out the edited collection of essays The Many Lives of The Evil Dead: Essays on the Cult Film Franchise, edited by Ron Riekki.  This podcast episode first aired on August 30, 2022. Thank you so much Jackson O'Brien for being a rockstar editor (and for saying you particularly liked this episode)!   ALL LINKS  Twitter/Instagram: @NightmarePod1; YouTube: Such a Nightmare;  Email: suchanightmare.pod@gmail.com; Website: suchanightmare.com

In this episode, hosts Katherine Troyer and Toni Tresca discuss a classic that is also a remake of a classic...the 1979 horror film Nosferatu the Vampyre (German title: Phantom der Nacht).  Episode Highlights: We talk about the tone-setting (albeit odd) cold opening of the mummies and how, even if--as Toni proves--it is meaningful, Katherine kind of hated it. We explore the ways the film pays homage to as well as deviates from the 1922 film (and the original Dracula narrative), and how Herzog created a film that serves as both a powerful remake and a unique film in its own right. We look at the film's examination of the chaos of a plague/pandemic, the beautiful and haunting shots of rats and empty streets, and the characterization of Lucy. And Katherine suggests that this might be one of the gayest films ever... A Dose of Scholarship: In this episode we referenced Lloyd Michael's essay "Nosferatu, or the Phantom of the Cinema" in the 1998 book Play It Again, Sam: Retakes on Remakes. We also mention S.S. Prawer's examination on Nosferatu published as part of the book series on BFI Modern Classics. This podcast episode first aired on July 1, 2022. Awesomeness, thy name is Jackson O'Brien--thank you Jackson for being our podcast editor!   ALL LINKS  Twitter/Instagram: @NightmarePod1; YouTube: Such a Nightmare;  Email: suchanightmare.pod@gmail.com; Website: suchanightmare.com

In this episode published one day after Monday the Thirteen, hosts Katherine Troyer and Toni Tresca continue their discussion of the beloved camp-filled and campy franchise by discussing the 1981 horror slasher film Friday the 13th Part 2. Episode Highlights: We talk about how much we enjoyed this film's cold opening (perhaps the first cold opening we've liked!) and how this opening scene allowed us to further examine the idea of the Final Girl as a trauma survivor, particularly in light of Adrienne King's real-life stalker. We explore the ridiculousness that is the idea of camp (who gives children bows-and-arrows?) and how this film explores the ideas of camp in interesting ways by setting the narrative at a camp for camp counselors. And we discuss how we would have liked to have seen more of Muffin...perhaps as Jason's furry, evil sidekick.  A Dose of Scholarship: Although we did not discuss any specific scholarship in this episode, we highly encourage you to check out Horror Homeroom's first special issue "Friday the 13th at 40"  if you are interested in digging deeper into this franchise. This podcast episode first aired on June 14, 2022. Greatest of thanks to our editor Jackson O'Brien!   ALL LINKS  Twitter/Instagram: @NightmarePod1; YouTube: Such a Nightmare;  Email: suchanightmare.pod@gmail.com; Website: suchanightmare.com

In this incredibly special Eerie Extra, Such a Nightmare co-host Katherine Troyer sits down with Mark Garrett to discuss the music and the horror of Ice Nine Kill's 2018 song “Thank God It's Friday.” Join us as we break down and analyze this Friday the 13th-inspired song. Mark is the vocalist of the band Kardashev and works as a metal voice coach. His YouTube channel for Kardavox Academy features reaction/analysis videos and interviews.  Check out more about Mark, Kardashev, and the Kardavox Academy: https://kardashev.bandcamp.com/album/liminal-rite https://kardashevband.com/ https://www.metalblade.com/kardashev/ linktr.ee/kardavoxacademy   This episode was recorded on May 25, 2022; the episode aired on June 4, 2022.   ALL LINKS  Twitter/Instagram: @NightmarePod1; YouTube: Such a Nightmare;  Email: suchanightmare.pod@gmail.com; Website: suchanightmare.com    

In this episode, hosts Katherine Troyer and Toni Tresca discuss a classic...the 1922 silent horror film Nosferatu: Eine Symphonie des Grauens (Nosferatu: A Symphony of Horror).  Episode Highlights: We explore the magic of this film as we look at everything from the realism of the set to the fantastic make-up to the practical special effects. We examine the character of Orlock as a supporter of technology and discuss the differing views on whether he serves as an anti-Semitic metaphor. We look at some of the film's reception at the time of its release, including opinions that this film would deteriorate the intelligence of "the common man." And finally, we look at how this film offers us a foundation for all future vampire films.   A Dose of Scholarship: In this episode we referenced the following books: Jörg Waltje's Blood Obsession: Vampires, Serial Murder, and the Popular Imagination; David J. Skal's 2004 Hollywood Gothic: The Tangled Web of Dracula from Novel to Stage to Screen; and Stacey Abbott's 2009 Celluloid Vampires: After Death in the Modern World. This podcast episode first aired on May 31, 2022. Greatest of thanks to our podcast editor Jackson O'Brien!   ALL LINKS  Twitter/Instagram: @NightmarePod1; YouTube: Such a Nightmare;  Email: suchanightmare.pod@gmail.com; Website: suchanightmare.com

In this episode published on Friday May 13, 2022, hosts Katherine Troyer and Toni Tresca turn to a new franchise... That's right, we discuss the film that started it all: the 1980 horror slasher film Friday the 13th. Episode Highlights: We talk about the great use of practical effects and the terrific music of this film. We examine how this film explores issues of gender--from its depiction of Alice as a final girl, to its surprising lack of gendered violence, to the consequence of having a slasher film where the final showdown is between two women. Looking at the film's location, we look at how Friday the 13th establishes itself within an existing conversation in American culture about the fear of the wilderness and what looks there. And we discuss whether or not this film should be classified as affirmative or disaffirmative.  A Dose of Scholarship: We highly encourage you to check out Horror Homeroom's first special issue: "Friday the 13th at 40," which we reference in this episode. We also discussed James B. Weaver III's 1990 article "Are 'Slasher' Films Sexually Violent? A Content Analysis;" Hayley McCullough's 2019 article "Evaluating the Integrative Complexity of Main Characters in Horror Films;" and the 2015 article "Embodying the Moral Code? Thirty Years of Final Girls in Slasher Films" by Angela Weaver, Dana Menard, Christine Cabrera, and Angela Taylor.     This podcast episode first aired on May 13, 2022. Who is amazing? Jackson O'Brien: the editor of this podcast episode!   ALL LINKS  Twitter/Instagram: @NightmarePod1; YouTube: Such a Nightmare;  Email: suchanightmare.pod@gmail.com; Website: suchanightmare.com

This is an audio recounting of the battle play-by-plays that went live on May 10, 2022. The battles included are: Merry Barrett vs. Angela Vidal (Final Girls Bracket) Ash Williams vs. Needy Lesnicki (Final Girls Bracket) Brady Hartsfield vs. Jack Torrance (Stephen King Bracket) Happy Toyz Truck vs. Henry Bowers (Stephen King Bracket) the ghosts vs. the strangers (Monster Crews Bracket) Firefly family vs. Jupiter clan (Monster Crews Bracket) piranhas vs. Judas' Breed cockroaches (Creatures of the Deep Bracket) spiders vs. Gill-Man (Creatures of the Deep Bracket) You can read these battle play-by-plays (and find links to all references resources) at bit.ly/3P53CP4. You can also find more information about the resources mentioned at bit.ly/3ytO5m8.  You can follow along in the official game bracket at bit.ly/3PaoOmD. ALL LINKS  Twitter/Instagram: @NightmarePod1; YouTube: Such a Nightmare;  Email: suchanightmare.pod@gmail.com; Website: suchanightmare.com Monster MAYhem is a public humanities project created and directed by Katherine A. Troyer, PhD. An incredible team of Trinity students, staff, and faculty; artists, horror creators and lovers, web designers, and social media gurus made this project possible. This work was supported by The Humanities Collective, The Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship, the Comparative Literature program, and the Communication department at Trinity University (in San Antonio, TX). Credits for the music: BlueJay Studio — "Haunted House-No Ghost Version" — Provided by Jamendo 

This is an audio recounting of the battle play-by-plays that went live on May 9, 2022. The battles included are: Pamela Vorhees vs. Laurie Strode (Final Girls Bracket) Erin Harson vs. Sally Hardesty (Final Girls Bracket) Pennywise vs. Billy Nolan (Stephen King Bracket) Annie Wilkes vs. Mrs. Carmody (Stephen King Bracket) the Armitage family vs. the Podowoski clan (Monster Crews Bracket) Alaskan vampires vs. Sawyer family (Monster Crews Bracket) merpeople vs. MaryBeth Louise Hutchinson (Creatures of the Deep Bracket) parasytes vs. crawlers (Creatures of the Deep Bracket) You can read these battle play-by-plays (and find links to all references resources) at bit.ly/3P53CP4. You can also find more information about the resources mentioned at bit.ly/3ytO5m8.  You can follow along in the official game bracket at bit.ly/3PaoOmD. ALL LINKS  Twitter/Instagram: @NightmarePod1; YouTube: Such a Nightmare;  Email: suchanightmare.pod@gmail.com; Website: suchanightmare.com Monster MAYhem is a public humanities project created and directed by Katherine A. Troyer, PhD. An incredible team of Trinity students, staff, and faculty; artists, horror creators and lovers, web designers, and social media gurus made this project possible. This work was supported by The Humanities Collective, The Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship, the Comparative Literature program, and the Communication department at Trinity University (in San Antonio, TX). Credits for the music: BlueJay Studio — "Haunted House-No Ghost Version" — Provided by Jamendo 

In this episode, hosts Katherine Troyer and Toni Tresca discuss the 2014 American Persian-language horror/Western film A Girl Walks Home Alone at Night. Episode Highlights: We examine how the film constructs the power of the Girl and turns the concept of monstrosity on its head by having the Girl embody many traditionally passive, feminine behaviors. We explore the ways that the film engages in spaces and identities that are liminal, hybrid, and at the margins. We talk about the background of and interviews with the director/writer Ana Lily Amirpour and how this film fits into a larger narrative about Iranian Diaspora. And we look at how the film uses the chader as both mask and cape, to create a narrative about women, hunger, and power. A Dose of Scholarship: We look at the 2015 Electric Sheep interview with Ana Lily Amirpour; Jude Ellison S. Doyle's 2017 Medium piece on "Hunger: Female Directors and the Rise of Girl-Cannibal Horror;" Emily Edwards' article "Searching for a Room of One's Own: Rethinking the Iranian Diaspora in 'Persepolis,' 'Shahs of Sunset,' and "A Girl Walks Home Alone at Night';" Zahra Khosroshahi's "Vampires, Jinn and the Magical in Iranian Horror Films" in Frames Cinema Journal; and Shadee Abdi and Bernadette Marie Calafell "Queer Utopias and a (Feminist) Iranian Vampire: A Critical Analysis of Resistive Monstrosity in A Girl Walks Home Alone at Night."     This podcast episode first aired on May 9, 2022. This episode was edited by the one, the only Jackson O'Brien! ALL LINKS  Twitter/Instagram: @NightmarePod1; YouTube: Such a Nightmare;  Email: suchanightmare.pod@gmail.com; Website: suchanightmare.com

In this episode, hosts Katherine Troyer and Toni Tresca discuss the 2017 Argentine novel Tender is the Flesh by Agustina Bazterrica.  Episode Highlights: We examine the explicitness of this novel and argue that, while admittedly intense and overwhelming, the vivid and gory descriptions are critical to the novel's source of horror: how easily the characters of the book accept this world. In particular, we talk about how the novel uses its gruesome scenes to center cannibalism in a way that speaks to real-world issues of animal cruelty and the meat industry. We look at several key scenes of the book, including Marcos' trips to the zoo, and how Bazterrica uses these quiet moments as effectively as the bloodiest moments. And we discuss the character of Marcos, particularly in those final moments of the book.  A Dose of Scholarship: We draw much of our framework from Kevin J. Wetmore Jr.'s Bram Stoker nominated 2021 book Eaters of the Dead: Myths and Realities of Cannibal Monsters.    This podcast episode first aired on April 25, 2022. This episode was edited by the delightful Jackson O'Brien! ALL LINKS  Twitter/Instagram: @NightmarePod1; YouTube: Such a Nightmare;  Email: suchanightmare.pod@gmail.com; Website: suchanightmare.com    

Such a Nightmare co-host Katherine Troyer introduces a project over a year in the making: Monster MAYhem!   What is Monster MAYhem you ask? Listen to Katherine explain more about this interactive bracket-style tournament that will run throughout the month of May 2022. (But good news--you can start getting ready NOW!)   Ready to start playing? Want to know more? Go to: suchanightmare.com/monster-mayhem/   This episode released April 21, 2022.   ALL LINKS  Twitter/Instagram: @NightmarePod1; YouTube: Such a Nightmare;  Email: suchanightmare.pod@gmail.com; Website: suchanightmare.com   Monster MAYhem is a public humanities project created and directed by Katherine A. Troyer, PhD. An incredible team of Trinity students, staff, and faculty; artists, horror creators and lovers, web designers, and social media gurus made this project possible. This work was supported by The Humanities Collective at Trinity University (in San Antonio, TX). Credits for the music: BlueJay Studio — "Haunted House-No Ghost Version" — Provided by Jamendo

In this episode, hosts Katherine Troyer and Toni Tresca conclude their exploration of Wes Craven's meta-franchise as they discuss the 2011 horror film Scream 4.  Episode Highlights: We examine how this film speaks to a new decade's fears and concerns as it situates the familiar Scream saga into a post-9/11, social media-saturated, technology-driven world. Surprisingly for once, we are fully on-board for the cold openings and we talk about how they contribute meaningful to the bigger themes of the film. We celebrate Sidney's command that we don't mess with the original and the ways that this message resonates with the larger remake culture that preys on our nostalgia for the original text even as it asks us to prefer the new text. And finally we ask whether or not someone can be a final girl if they fabricate their own trauma.    A Dose of Scholarship: We reference Alexandra West's book The 1990s Teen Horror Cycle as well as Taylor Cole's essay "Technology, Media, and the Slasher Formula in Scream 4," which can be found in the "The Neo-Slasher" special of Horror Homeroom, available here.   This podcast episode first aired on April 10, 2022. This episode was edited by the terrific Jackson O'Brien! Twitter/Instagram: @NightmarePod1; YouTube: Such a Nightmare channel; Email: suchanightmare.pod@gmail.com; ALL LINKS

In this episode, hosts Katherine Troyer and Toni Tresca discuss Julia Ducournau's 2016 film Raw (French title: Grave).  Episode Highlights: We talk about the ways that this film exemplifies the concept of liminality, from its depictions of places between places (like the basement rave spot) to its moments between moments (like how much of the film happens at dawn or dusk). We also look how setting the film during a period of bizutage (French for 'hazing') allows Ducournau to explore the fine lines between acceptable and taboo, normative and trangressive. And we think about how this film crafts a complicated and beautifully horrific relationship between sisters. A Dose of Scholarship: In this episode we discuss Ursula de Leeuw's essay "‘A kiss is the beginning of cannibalism': Julia Ducournau's Raw and Bataillean Horror." We also discuss Martine Beugnet and Emmanuelle Delanoë-Brun's article "Raw Becomings: Bodies, Discipline and Control in Julia Ducornau's Grave." This podcast episode first aired on March 25, 2022. We totally forgot to say it in the episode, but once again credit for editing goes to the illustrious Jackson O'Brien! Twitter/Instagram: @NightmarePod1; YouTube: Such a Nightmare channel; Email: suchanightmare.pod@gmail.com; ALL LINKS

In this very exciting Eerie Extra, co-hosts Katherine Troyer and Toni Tresca talk with horror journalist and scholar Dani Bethea. We discuss why horror matters and why it deserves (and continues to deserve) our critical attention even as it routinely breaks the bodies of people with disenfranchised or marginalized identities. Dani explains their process for picking topics to write about, shares what they fear in real life (and how this infuses into their writing), and drops some hints about upcoming projects.   DANI BETHEA (she/they/them) is the former Editor-in-Chief of We Are Horror Magazine. Find them across an expanse of panels, podcasts, Medium publications  cinéSPEAK, Gayly Dreadful, Uppercut Crit, and more. They will be a featured cast member in Mental Health and Horror: A Documentary (2022).  Find them on Twitter Wherethe HorrorResides@thedanibethea   This interview occurred on March 6, 2022; the episode first aired on March 19, 2022.   Twitter/Instagram: @NightmarePod1; YouTube: Such a Nightmare channel; Email: suchanightmare.pod@gmail.com; ALL LINKS

In this episode, hosts Katherine Troyer and Toni Tresca continue their foray into the franchise as they discuss the 2000 horror film Scream 3.  Episode Highlights: We explore how the film's decision to move to Hollywood complicates the film greatly. One the one hand, it gives us an awesome scene (when Sidney is being chased by Ghost Face in the film set version of the house) and allows us to consider what is 'real'; on the other hand, it makes it harder for the audience to connect/relate to this strange and foreign world of Tinsel Town. And of course by moving the story to Hollywood, Craven can return to one of his favorite monsters: the industry itself. We talk about our feelings about Scream 3's Ghost Face Killer and share what we enjoyed from this film and what we would have liked to have seen.  A Dose of Scholarship: While there is not a lot of scholarship specifically on Scream 3, we encourage you to go back and look at the scholarship we discussed in our episode of the original Scream film.  This podcast episode first aired on March 18, 2022. This episode was once again edited by Jackson O'Brien (huzzah!!). Twitter/Instagram: @NightmarePod1; YouTube: Such a Nightmare channel; Email: suchanightmare.pod@gmail.com; ALL LINKS

In this Eerie Extra, Such a Nightmare co-hosts Katherine Troyer and Toni Tresca review the 2022 collection of stories Bloodlines: Four Tales of Familial Horror.  We discuss the magic (and horror) that this book offers by assembling together these disparate, albeit interconnected stories. Starting with the introduction by Solomon Forse, we break down the book and examine (relatively spoiler-free!) each story individually: Christopher O'Halloran's "Our Migraine;" Antony Frost's "Nos Da, Tad;" Carson Winter's "I Am Not To Be Replaced;" and Alex Wolfgang's "The Heads of Leviathan."  Please support indie horror writers! Buy what you can, read as much as possible, and recommend/review everything. :-)  And we encourage you to listen to our interview with the authors! This episode first aired on March 10, 2022. Twitter/Instagram: @NightmarePod1; YouTube: Such a Nightmare channel; Email: suchanightmare.pod@gmail.com; ALL LINKS

In this very exciting Eerie Extra, co-hosts Katherine Troyer and Toni Tresca talk with horror writers Christopher O'Halloran, Antony Frost, Carson Winter, and Alex Wolfgang. Their 2021 collaborative collection of novellas—Bloodlines: Four Tales of Familial Fear—reminds us that home is where the heart…that bleeding and broken heart…lies. We sit down with these authors and discuss the things that scare them in real life, the complexity (and simplicity) that is the horror genre, and why the four stories in Bloodlines perfectly complement one another.   CHRISTOPHER O‘HALLORAN is a milk-slinging, Canadian actor-turned-author with work published or forthcoming from HellBound Books, Tales to Terrify, and The Dread Machine. Fans of stories about vein-removal and Phoenix-women against the patriarchy can visit COauthor.ca for stories, reviews, and updates on his upcoming novel, Pushing Daisy. Twitter: @burgleinfernal   ANTONY FROST is a factory worker, podcaster, and writer from Cambridgeshire, England. He lives with his wife and innumerable spiders. When not writing or reading, he can be found hosting Terrify Me!, a podcast about scary things in fact, fiction, and folklore, or—failing that—he'll be out in the fens, poking things with sticks. His website is antonyfrost.com and you can follow him on Twitter and Instagram @antonyrfrost or @terrifymepod for his podcast. CARSON WINTER is an author, punker, and raw nerve. His work has appeared in Apex, Vastarien, and the No Sleep Podcast. He lives in the Pacific Northwest. Twitter: @CarsonWinter3 ALEX WOLFGANG is a horror writer from Oklahoma. His debut short story collection, Splinter and Other Stories, is available now. You can also find his work in Cosmic Horror Monthly, Nocturnal Transmissions Podcast, and the anthology Howls From Hell. When not reading and writing horror, you can find him hiking and camping, playing tennis, and watching movies. You can follow him on twitter @alexwolfgang92 or visit his website: www.alexwolfgang.com.   This interview occurred on February 27, 2022; the episode first aired on February 28, 2022.   Twitter/Instagram: @NightmarePod1; YouTube: Such a Nightmare channel; Email: suchanightmare.pod@gmail.com; ALL LINKS

In this episode, hosts Katherine Troyer and Toni Tresca discuss the 1960 Hitchcock film Psycho.  Episode Highlights: We talk about how this film provides the origins for many different horror tropes and elements (such as the highway horror sub-genre), even if we are reluctant to call Psycho itself a horror film. We explore how, despite being literally black-and-white, the film is filled with all shades of gray...as we are reminded--through the film's exploration of themes such as voyeurism and progress--that life rarely fits into neat little boxes. And, of course, we have to spend a few minutes talking about the infamous shower scene! A Dose of Scholarship: We discuss Bernice M. Murphy's excellent analysis of Psycho in her book The Highway Horror Film. We also touch on the theory of non-place by Marc Augé.  This podcast episode first aired on February 25, 2022. This episode was edited by the talented Jackson O'Brien (you rock!). Twitter/Instagram: @NightmarePod1; YouTube: Such a Nightmare channel; Email: suchanightmare.pod@gmail.com; ALL LINKS