The Fear Response Podcast

The Fear Response Podcast

Follow The Fear Response Podcast
Share on
Copy link to clipboard

Welcome horror lovers! We are The Fear Response Podcast. Join us as we discuss our favorite horror movies and tv shows as fans and mental health workers. Our professional work gives us great interest and a different perspective on the psychological side of these stories.

John & Jenna


    • Mar 12, 2025 LATEST EPISODE
    • monthly NEW EPISODES
    • 1h 30m AVG DURATION
    • 30 EPISODES


    Search for episodes from The Fear Response Podcast with a specific topic:

    Latest episodes from The Fear Response Podcast

    The Fly (1986)

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 12, 2025 106:52


    Welcome back listeners! John and Jenna have missed you, and are eager to return with a Canadian Classic of sorts. Our new episode discusses David Cronenberg's gruesome, squelchy, body horror masterpiece, The Fly. As always, we were able to find plenty of rich mental health topics to delve into. Come along with us as we wax philosophical for a while. Be afraid, be very afraid. Sensitive Content Warning: this podcast discusses themes of mental health and horror cinema. Topics addressed could be upsetting to some and include mental illness, addiction, suicide, and abortion.

    david cronenberg canadian classic
    Barbarian - ft Kate Thompson

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 25, 2024 98:32


    Hello and MERRY CHRISTMAS horror fans! In this episode we discuss one of John and Jenna's favourite horror movies, Barbarian! This film has so many unique beats to it and they all land perfectly. It made us laugh, it scared us, it even may have made us cry. Not only that, but for this episode we are once again joined by our American cousin in horror, the great Kate Thompson! Join us for this episode as we discuss this movie and its sordid details, while laughing along the way! Sensitive content warning: this podcast discusses themes of horror media and mental health. Discussions will include topics that could be upsetting to some including mental illness, suicide, addiction, and violence.

    Sleepy Hollow

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 30, 2024 96:06


    Happy Halloween listeners! Our Halloween offering to you: two episodes in two days! The Superbowl of the spooky season is upon us and we are delivering by discussing a film with the perfect Halloween vibes! Sleepy Hollow is a Tim Burton film with so much style and attitude. This movie was a big one in our childhood and a lot of the scenes and images really stuck with us. Join us as we discuss this creepy yet comforting film. Because we love our listeners, this episode was shot live, off-the-floor, from the creepiest setting yet - St. Luscious Cemetery. Sensitive Content Warning: this podcast discusses themes of mental health and horror cinema. Topics addressed could be upsetting to some and include mental illness, violence, addiction, and suicide.

    Ginger Snaps

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 30, 2024 114:50


    Welcome listeners! One day to Halloween! In this episode John and Jenna discuss the creepy and very satirical Canadian gem, Ginger Snaps. This movie was not one we were familiar with, and after the first depressing and bleak 10 minutes, it really charmed us! Please join us as we discuss the snarky and gloomy Fitzgerald sisters and their odd experiences with lycanthropy. In honor of the Halloween season we come to you from another spooky location with a lot of history, Hackaway Lodge. Sensitive Content Warning: this podcast discusses themes of mental health and horror cinema. Topics addressed could be upsetting to some and include mental illness, violence, addiction, and suicide.

    The Craft - 1996

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 16, 2024 121:17


    Welcome back listeners! In this episode we discuss a film from our childhoods that seems to live in infamy! The Craft has its own mystique to it. From Fairuza Balk's haunting portrayal of Nancy, to the notorious hair loss scenes, this film is an amazing combination of watchability and terror. As a special Halloween-season treat for you, our much beloved listeners, Jenna, John and Jeeves recorded this episode on site at Spookington manor. Our apologies for the strange audio glitches and spooky interruptions found in this episode, but that's live media baby. Join us for this fun episode about this fun but messed up film! Sensitive Content Warning: this podcast discusses themes of mental health and horror cinema. Topics addressed could be upsetting to some and include mental illness, violence, addiction, and suicide.7nyjpb7q

    Hereditary - Virgin Sacrifice Episode - Part 2

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 22, 2024 101:52


    Welcome back listeners. Join us for the second installment of our Hereditary Virgin Sacrifice discussion. Steve is still reeling from his experience with this film and who could blame him? Creepy elderly people, piano wire, seances, the second half of this movie really kicks into high gear. This film is so rich with mental health content that we could have made several more episodes, but for sake of time, 2 will just have to do! Listen in as we conclude our discussion of this great film and help Steve to process what he saw. Sensitive Content Warning: this podcast discusses themes of mental health and horror cinema. Topics addressed could be upsetting to some and include mental illness, violence, addiction, and suicide.

    Hereditary - Virgin Sacrifice Episode - Part 1

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 8, 2024 90:57


    Hello listeners! In this episode we introduce our horror virgin to Hereditary! this one has been a long time coming. This movie has it all: family discord, emotional pain, and truly intense scares. Join us as we drag Steve, kicking and screaming, to his own personal hell. We had so much to say about this movie that we had to split it into 2 parts! Sensitive Content Warning: this podcast discusses themes of mental health and horror cinema. Topics addressed could be upsetting to some and include mental illness, violence, addiction, and suicide.

    Therapeutic Use of Self Episode - Kids Movies

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 14, 2024 46:23


    Hello listeners and welcome to a new format of episode! In these episodes Jenna and John will unpack some of their history with the genre of horror and how their love for these movies has evolved over time. Join us for this week's episode as we discuss the kids movies that scared us half to death when we were young, and still stick with us to this day!

    Sinister

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 1, 2024 93:48


    Hello horror lovers! This episode we are discussing a film that we weren't very familiar with, but knew had a cult following. From the extremely creepy score to the grubby old film reels, this movie packs in the scares. Join us as we discuss the Ethan Hawke joint: Sinister. Sensitive content warning: this podcast focuses on themes of horror cinema and mental health. Topics discussed may be upsetting to some and include violence, mental illness. drug use, and suicide.

    The Blair Witch Project

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 8, 2024 81:13


    Welcome back horror fans! In this episode we discuss a game changing classic, The Blair Witch Project. We consider it required viewing for the horror genre. As we select movies to feature on the pod, we try to cycle between vintage and modern era movies, and The Blair Witch Project fell just below our cutoff for vintage: the year 2000. This film was a phenomenon and it was very interesting reflecting on some of the reasons that it exploded the way it did. Join us as we discuss this unique film that helped define a subgenre! Sensitive content warning: this podcast focuses on themes of horror cinema and mental health. Topics discussed may be upsetting to some and include violence, mental illness, drug use, and suicide.

    Midnight Mass - Episode 7

    Play Episode Listen Later May 17, 2024 89:45


    It's here! The finale of our Midnight Mass series! Join us as we discuss this action packed episode featuring so many moments from our favorite characters! This series has kept us immersed in the world of Midnight Mass for quite a while and we've had such a great experience recording these episodes. We love this show! Content Warning: this podcast discusses themes of mental health and horror cinema. Topics addressed could be upsetting to some and include mental illness, violence, addiction, and suicide.

    Green Room - Virgin Sacrifice Episode

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 26, 2024 104:13


    Hello horror fans! In this episode we discuss the amazing film Green Room! Punk rock, machetes and some of the most heinous villains you could even imagine. This movie is a beautifully executed cat and mouse story. It is filled with tension, peril, and some disturbing violence. Join us as we discuss Green Room and unpack some of the metal health themes it presents. Sensitive Content Warning: this podcast discusses themes of mental health and horror cinema. Topics addressed could be upsetting to some and include mental illness, violence, addiction, and suicide.

    Midnight Mass - Episode 6

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 12, 2024 84:46


    Hello listeners! Today we are recapping the penultimate episode of Midnight Mass! This episode is action packed and goes hard on the horror elements! Not to mention, we get to see a really cool team sleuth all over the island. Join us as we continue to unpack this amazing show. Sensitive content warning: this podcast focuses on themes of horror cinema and mental health. Topics discussed could be upsetting to some and may include mental health, addiction, suicide and violence.

    Midnight Mass - Episode 5

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 3, 2024 59:48


    Welcome back listeners! In this episode we continue our series on Midnight Mass. This is such an amazing episode and it maintains a focus on Riley. Join us as we gush over this incredible show and watch out for some potential tears from Jenna! Sensitive content warning: this podcast focuses on themes of horror cinema and mental health. Topics discussed could be upsetting to some and may include mental illness, suicide, addiction, and violence.

    Cabin in the Woods - ft. Kate Thompson

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 11, 2024 97:36


    Hello listeners! Welcome back to The Fear Response Podcast. Today we are discussing an amazing movie, and better yet, we are joined by a special guest! Kate Thompson from The Nightlight Horror Movie Club helps us unpack The Cabin in the Woods. Join us as we discuss this amazing movie, made by horror fans for horror fans! Sensitive Content Warning: this podcast discusses themes of horror media and mental health. Discussions will include topics that could be upsetting to some including mental illness, suicide, addiction, and violence.

    Midnight Mass - Episode 4

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 11, 2024 76:50


    Welcome back horror fans to another installment in our Midnight Mass series! This is another incredible episode that really pumps up the horror elements! As usual, its really sad too. Join us for a great discussion! Sensitive content warning: this podcast deals with themes of mental health and horror cinema. Topics discussed could be upsetting to some as they may include themes of mental illness, suicide, addiction, violence, and more.

    The Witch

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 4, 2024 106:07


    Welcome back listeners! We are getting 2024 off to a roaring start with an amazing movie. Do you like pain? Suffering? What about deeply sick family dynamics? Well, The Witch offers all of these up in spades along with some truly evil horror elements; and it rules! Join us as we discuss this bleak, depressing, and spooky period film. Sensitive content warning: this podcast discusses elements relating to ,mental health and horror films. Topics discussed could be upsetting to some, including themes of violence, mental illness, suicide, addiction, and more.

    Midnight Mass - Episode 3

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 20, 2023 70:20


    Hello horror lovers and mental health nerds! Welcome to another installment in our Midnight Mass series. Episode 3 absolutely rips, but it rips in a very emotional way. Huge moments for Lisa and Joe Collie; more brilliance from sheriff Hasan; and more scenes of Bev being an insufferable dick to everyone! We also get to learn more about this series' amazing monster. Thanks to more great writing, this episode also brought about more great mental health discussions as we address issues relating to CBT, trauma narratives, and more! Major spoilers ahead! Sensitive content warning: this podcast addresses themes of horror media and mental health. Discussions will include topics that could be upsetting to some including mental illness, suicide, addiction, and violence.

    Jaws ft. Mike Muncer

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 31, 2023 95:37


    Welcome back horror fans to this very special Halloween episode! Not only are we discussing one of Jenna's favourite films of all time, but we are joined by the great Mike Muncer from The Evolution of Horror podcast! We were so pleased to be joined by one of our favourite podcasters while discussing this incredible film! :Listen along as we go full spoilers and geek out over Spielberg's big shark! Sensitive content warning: this podcast addresses themes of horror media and mental health. Discussions will include topics that could be upsetting to some including mental illness, suicide, addiction, and violence.

    Midnight Mass - Episode 2

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 28, 2023 71:50


    Welcome back horror lovers and fans of the great Mike Flanagan! We are pleased to bring you the second instalment of our Midnight Mass series! This show is so amazing and episode two is a great example of its brilliance. In this episode we learn so much more about the different characters of this struggling town. We see m0re of Riley's pain, and watch as he and Father Paul have their first AA meeting together. The horror also really ramps up. and it is all capped off with the amazing closing scene in the church! This episode led to some very interesting discussions of mental health themes that are presented, especially as Riley describes a feeling of having two people inside him and his "addictive voice." Join us for this spoiler filled episode! Sensitive content warning: this podcast addresses themes of horror media and mental health. Discussions will include topics that could be upsetting to some including mental illness, suicide, addiction, and violence.

    Midnight Mass - Episode 1

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 19, 2023 46:36


    Hello horror lovers and fans of the great Mike Flanagan! With this episode we kick off a series that we are very excited about; and right in the middle of the Halloween season! We will be discussing the amazing series Midnight Mass. This is a story of a downtrodden town, grief, loss, addiction, and some amazing horror elements! This show charmed us, scared us, and emotionally destroyed us, sometimes all within the same episode! Join us for engaging and spoiler filled discussions of this amazing horror property! Sensitive content warning: this podcast addresses themes of horror media and mental health. Discussions will include topics that could be upsetting to some including mental health, suicide, addiction, and violence.

    The Wicker Man (1973)

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 10, 2023 91:31


    Hello horror fans! In this episode we discuss an amazing film: The Wicker Man from 1973. A grand deception, a missing girl, and a sex obsessed Pagan island, all wrapped up in one big charming package! This film is mysterious, tense, and mind bending and is an absolute classic! It's also basically a musical, which is even cooler! This movie also presented many interesting mental health themes for discussion. Join us for this spoiler rich discussion! Sensitive content warning: this podcast addresses themes of horror movies and mental health. Discussions could include topics that could be upsetting to some including mental illness, suicide, addiction, and violence.

    The Ring 2002 - Virgin Sacrifice Episode

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 22, 2023 108:45


    Hello horror fans and mental health nerds! Welcome back to another Virgin Sacrifice Episode. This month, we are once again joined by Steve as we really turn up the scares and discuss The Ring from 2002. This film holds a very special place in our hearts and scared the hell out of our generation. Join us as we discuss this amazing movie, dragging Steve along with us, kicking and definitely screaming, the whole way. This film also presented a number of mental health themes that were so interesting to unpack. Sensitive Content Warning: this podcast addresses themes of horror films and mental health. Discussions could include topics that may be upsetting to some including mental illness, suicide, addiction, and violence. This film also presents themes of child abuse.

    Malignant

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 14, 2023 99:30


    Welcome back listeners! Today we discuss a super entertaining roller coaster of a film: Malignant. This movie comes to us from the great James Wan and is full of tension, action, and comedy. The film also presented a good deal more mental health themes than we were expecting. Join us for this spoiler filled discussion of this bananas film! Sensitive Content Warning: this podcast addresses themes of horror films and mental health. Discussions could include topics that could be upsetting to some including mental illness, suicide, addiction, and violence. This film also presents some themes relating to intimate partner violence.

    The Silence of the Lambs

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 4, 2023 123:51


    Welcome back listeners! Today we explore one of our favourite films of all time: The Silence of the Lambs. This discussion will be rich with spoilers so definitely give this film a watch first if you have not seen it!Serial killers. cannibalism, and bug cocoons; this movie is a wild ride. How did such a sick, twisted, and creepy movie manage to sweep the Oscars? Not only that, but how can people call this film a thriller when it so clearly belongs in the horror genre? This movie rips and does not pull any punches. It was a thrill to discuss. Sensitive content warning: this podcast addresses themes of horror films and mental health. Discussions could include topics that could be upsetting to some including mental illness, suicide, addiction, and violence.

    Scream 6 - Initial Assessment Episode

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 13, 2023 23:09


    Hello listeners! Welcome to our first Initial Assessment episode where Jenna and I will briefly discuss new horror films in a spoiler free review/recommendation format! This episode focuses on Scream 6. Jenna and I were able to catch this one in theatres and we had a great time discussing our experience and hopes for this power house franchise moving forward!

    The Babadook - Virgin Sacrifice Episode

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 31, 2023 122:13


    Hello listeners! This is a very special episode, our first installment of Virgin Sacrifice! Our good friend Steve, who is terrified of horror movies and hasn't seen one since 2002, agreed to watch one with us and discuss his experience! He faced his fears head on and started off with a real banger, THE BABADOOK! This episode also led to some incredible mental health discussion as this film really packs an emotional punch and has many deep mental health themes throughout! Enjoy and, as always, please reach out to us at thefearresponsepodcast@gmail.com with all your questions and comments!This episode does include some mental health discussion that includes themes of grief and could be upsetting to some.

    The Omen (1976)

    Play Episode Play 43 sec Highlight Listen Later Mar 3, 2023 107:24


    Welcome back listeners! Today, we discuss another of our favourites, The Omen. This discussion includes spoilers so consider giving this film a watch first.As promised, here is the poem spoken in the film that prophesizes the arrival of Damien:When the Jews return to Zion / And a comet rips the sky / And the Holy Roman Empire rises, / Then You and I must die. / From the eternal sea he rises, / Creating armies on either shore, / Turning man against his brother / ‘Til man exists no more.Sensitive Content Warning: this podcast addresses themes of horror films and mental health. Discussions will often include topics that could be upsetting to some including mental illness, suicide, addiction, and violence.

    The Conjuring

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 13, 2023 82:05


    Welcome back listeners to our second episode where we will be discussing The Conjuring. This is an excellent horror movie which is a bit of a modern classic, and we thoroughly enjoyed talking about it, Our discussion of this movie also led to a number of longer form conversations about mental health which will be included in a mental health companion episode soon!Trigger warning - the subject of suicide is discussed within this episode.

    The Exorcist

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 9, 2022 93:15


    Welcome listeners! We are thrilled to present our first episode. In this episode we discuss one of our favourite horror films of all time: The Exorcist!

    Claim The Fear Response Podcast

    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