• Content warnings: descriptions of gore and medical trauma, discussions of alcohol abuse, mental illness stigmatization, and child abuse.
• What’s this? A wild podcast guest appeared! Join Scaredy Cat and Horror Hound in welcoming friend of the pod and Exorcist super fan, Amanda! The trio discuss the many intricacies, controversies, and allegories of the genre-defining 1973 classic The Exorcist. From audience (over)reactions and overcultural impacts, to feminist interpretations versus nuclear family propaganda, there are countless ways to view and critique the infamous possession of Reagan McNeil and the violent consequences that follow. Bringing their own ideas of the film’s meaning as well as discussing the literature that it has inspired over the decades, Carson, Laney, and Amanda have a lively discussion about the importance of this film, as well as its drawbacks. We also get some fun tidbits from Amanda about the making of the film, the different versions that have been released over the years, and Amanda’s background with horror as a genre! Make sure you’ve got your crucifix, holy water, and all-important pea soup at the ready!

Content warnings: discussions of sexual violence, sexual assault, and familial abuse; descriptions of BDSM dynamics and kink culture; descriptions of body horror

The pod; you opened it, we came. Explore the far reaches of experience with us and the Cenobites as we discuss Clive Barker’s dark kinky classic, Hellraiser! Horror Hound Carson actually did some homework this time and read Barker’s original short story The Hellbound Heart which the Hellraiser franchise stems from, adding new context to the discussion contrasting book vs movie, why we think Barker changed some elements when adapting his own work, and creating a richer world of gender, sexuality, and BDSM culture to unpack. Additional topics include: handling of various female character archetypes, how gender and gendered acts are played with and subverted, the unmatched hotness levels of Clare Higgins, and what these stories try to teach us about consent, pleasure, and power dynamics. Get to work on solving the puzzle box, don your best leather garb, and come join us in Hell!

Content warnings: descriptions of gore, discussions of sexual assault, discussions of gendered violence

We’re getting groovy, baby!

For our first dual-film episode, we dig up the first two installments of the classic Evil Dead franchise, comparing and contrasting the two ret-conned origins of Sam Raimi’s campy gorefest extravaganza. Topics include: ogling final boy Bruce Campbell, when “bad” practical effects are actually the best and creepiest, when laughter can be a fitting response to shock-factor content, how the franchise creates and plays with hyper-masculinity, and why suspending your disbelief to enjoy a fun movie is good, actually! Dust off your tape player, rev up your chainsaw, and raise hell with us, Ash, and the Book of the Dead!