Sometimes, the most terrifying monsters aren't lurking in the shadows, but in the very heart of our world. In this episode of Horror Joy, we delve into the eerie world of folk horror, where ancient myths and environmental fears intertwine.We'll explore:The Appalachian Nightmare: How the exploitation of the Appalachian landscape has given rise to terrifying folklore and real-world consequences.The Blair Witch Project: The unsettling power of place and the psychological terror of the woods.Old Gods of Appalachia: The ancient evil lurking beneath the surface of the Kentucky hills.Join us as we trek through these haunted landscapes and confront the monsters that dwell within. Christian Nationalism 2Old Gods of AppalachiaAmerican Gods by Neil GaimanFolk Horror – New Global Pathways edited by Dawn Keetley and Ruth HeholtCoal Stories by Embedded PodcastFrogmanThe Last BroadcastCannibal Holocaust
Join us as we plunge into the shadowy world of Haddonfield, Illinois. In this special episode of Horror Joy, Jeff and Brian dissect John Carpenter's iconic 1978 slasher film, Halloween. We'll explore:The Shape's Morality: Is Michael Myers a terrifying villain or a moral compass?Beyond the Mask: Can we find a more subversive reading of this classic horror film?The Rules of the Slasher: How Halloween established the blueprint for countless horror films to follow.The Psychology of Fear: Unraveling the psychological underpinnings of the film's enduring terror.So, lock the doors, grab your sharpest knitting needles, and join us as we explore one of horror’s most enduring masterpieces. But be careful, we can’t all be the final girl. Emmanuel LevinasThe Thing from Another World (1951)You’re Next directed by Adam WingardScream FranchiseMy Heart is a Chainsaw by Stephen Graham JonesPsyche as soul
A Nostalgic Nightmare: Exploring the Comfort of HorrorThis week on Horror Joy, we're taking a trip down memory lane. For many of us, our love affair with horror began at a young age, fueled by Goosebumps books, Are You Afraid of the Dark, and the iconic horror paperbacks found on the revolving racks at local grocery stores.Nostalgia and Horror: A Twisted EmbraceNostalgia, with its roots in homesickness, offers a sense of comfort and belonging. But horror, while evoking strong emotions, can also be deeply comforting. It disrupts our sense of security, only to draw us back in, promising a strange warmth.Our Nostalgic Journey:Tom Deady's The Rack: We chat with Tom about his love for Salem's Lot and the process of curating his anthology of horror stories.Alvin Schwartz's Scary Stories: A discussion on the power of simple illustrations, the performative nature of storytelling, and how horror prepares us for adulthood.Join us as we spin the rack of horror and revisit the nostalgic thrills that first captivated us. Let's stick together, because you never know what horrors await! Salem’s Lot by Stephen KingGeoffrey ChaucerGwendolyn KisteThe Life of Chuck (in If It Bleeds) by Stephen KingThe Life of Chuck directed by Mike FlanaganScary Stories to Tell in the DarkTom DeadyThe Rack
This episode of Horror Joy delves into the chilling world of The Babadook, a film that has been interpreted as both a study in grief and a queer icon.Joining us is S. Trimble, an Assistant Professor of Women and Gender Studies at the University of Toronto, to explore these shadowy perspectives.We'll discuss:Grief and the Monstrous: The film's exploration of grief and how it manifests as a monstrous figure.The Babadook's Queer Identity: The reinterpretation of The Babadook as a queer character challenging societal norms.Queer Feelings and Horror: How queerness can reveal emotions often overlooked in traditional horror.Challenging Family Dynamics: The way The Babadook subverts the traditional family unit..Join us as we descend into the basement of The Babadook to explore its queer undertones and the ways in which horror can challenge our understanding of identity and normalcy. Carol Clover/Gender DistressSleepaway CampSerial MomThe Handyman Method by Nick CutterDinner on Monster Island by Tanya De RosarioMichael McDowellHeidegger on Anxiety and Fear
In this episode Brian and Jeff celebrate queer horror. We explore how horror has become a space for queer expression, challenging societal norms and offering a unique perspective on both classic and contemporary horror.Our guest, Eric LaRocca, a popular and prolific author of queer horror, will join us to discuss:The Monster Within: How horror reflects our deepest fears and anxieties about identity and belonging.Queer Liberation through Horror: How the horror genre provides a space for queer individuals to challenge societal norms and express their identities.The "New Queer Horror": Exploring the emergence of queer horror as a genre and its impact on our understanding of monstrosity and normalcy.Join us as we traverse this transgressive landscape and discover the queer joy and horror that lies within.Poppy Z. Brite/Billy MartinRed X by David DemchuckGretchen Felker-MartinAlison RumfittHaley PiperClive BarkerSomething is Killing the ChildrenSleepaway CampDarren Elliott Smith and John Edgar BrowningThe Dumb House by John BurnsideThe Pillow Man Martin McDonoughDennis CooperIt Came From the Closet edited by Joe Vallese
This week on Horror Joy, we're delving deeper into the chilling connection between Christian nationalism and horror. Following our exploration of Victorian roots with Lukas Kwong, we're turning our attention to the modern-day manifestations of this dangerous ideology.Joining us is Bradley Onishi, author and co-host of the popular political podcast Straight White American Jesus, to provide invaluable insights into contemporary Christian nationalism.We'll dissect the horrors unfolding around us:Understanding Christian Nationalism Today: A comprehensive look at the current state of Christian nationalism and its impact on society.The Power of Community: Exploring the joy and empowerment found in building strong communities.Weaponizing Faith: How Civil War, The Mist, and "Senator, Senator" depict the dangerous weaponization of Christianity by Christian nationalists.Corruption and Control: Examining the themes of power corruption and the manipulation of institutions by these extremist groups.While the terror is a little too close for comfort this week, we find joy in the empowering activity of community. Just try to avoid those dastardly abominations.Civil WarThe Mist (film)The Mist (Novella)Senator, Senator in Epitaphs from the AbyssSCG Hobby, Altoona, PAChristian NationalismStraight White American JesusPreparing for War: The Extremist History of White Christian Nationalism—and What Comes Next by Bradley Onishi
This episode of Horror Joy delves into the chilling intersection of horror and politics. Brian and Jeff are joined by Lucas Kwong, scholar and host of the podcast Monster in the Mirror, to explore the connections between Christian Nationalism and horror, with a particular focus on Bram Stoker's Dracula and Gothic literature.We'll uncover the haunting parallels between these two seemingly disparate forces, discussing:Horror as a Liberating Force: Can horror serve as a mechanism for challenging oppressive ideologies?Dracula's Nationalist Roots: Exploring the ways in which Christian Nationalism finds resonance in Dracula and Gothic literature.Found Footage and Fear: The connection between found footage horror and the rise of Christian Nationalist YouTube channels.Gothic American and Jordan Peele's US: Analyzing the current state of Gothic American and its reflection in Peele's chilling film.Join us for a thought-provoking discussion on the intersection of horror, politics, and the rising threat of Christian Nationalism. Let's hope we can find some joy amidst the horror of our political reality. Monster in the Mirror hosted by Lucas KwongBenedict Anderson’s imagined communitiesThe Beetle Gothic NovelDracula by Bram StokerChristian NationalismStraight White American JesusvCBN (Christian Broadcasting Network)Justice Samuel Alito “Appeal to Heaven” flagVisions of Bodies Being Burned by ClippingUs Directed by Jordan PeeleThe Last of Us (Television Show)The Stand by Stephen KingSalem’s Lot by Stephen King
This week on Horror Joy, we're back to the undead for a second helping of brains. Brian and Jeff are diving deeper into the zombie phenomenon, exploring the cultural and societal implications of these shambling hordes.We'll be chewing over some meaty topics, including:Zombies and Capitalism: How do the mindless, consumerist zombies reflect our own society's obsession with consumption?Race and the Undead: We'll examine how zombie narratives reflect and reinforce racial tensions both in the United States and globally.Communication Breakdown: The importance of communication technology in zombie films, from Night of the Living Dead to Shaun of the Dead.Gaming the System: Why do we humans seem so inept at surviving zombie video games?Finding Joy in the Apocalypse: Yes, even in the face of overwhelming undead hordes, there's still room for laughter.So, grab your favorite zombie survival guide and join us as we navigate the treacherous waters of zombie culture. Just remember, if you hear a moan, it's probably us trying to think of clever zombie puns. Zombies in Western Culture: A Twenty-First Century Crisis by John Vervaeke, Christopher Mastropietro, and Filip MiscevicWasteland: The Great War and the Origins of Modern Horror by W. Scott PooleBlack Bodies/White Gazes by George YancyWe are the Walking Dead by Gary CanavanAnti-Oedipus by Felix Guattari and Gilles DeleuzeSula by Toni MorrisonMrs. Dalloway by Virginia Smith1967 Detroit Riots
Zombies. They’re everywhere. From the silver screen to the printed page, the undead have become a cultural staple. But what does their enduring popularity say about us?On this episode of Horror Joy, Brian and Jeff are joined by the brilliant Kelly J. Baker, author of The Zombies are Coming! The Realities of the Zombie Apocalypse in American Culture. Together, we'll delve into the heart of the zombie phenomenon.We'll be chewing on these topics: *How does horror offer a cathartic release for our anxieties? *Do zombies provide a moral justification to shoot things we don’t like? *Why can't we seem to shake this insatiable craving for zombie stories? *How has the zombie apocalypse become a catalyst for the preparedness movement?So, grab your favorite zombie flick and join us for a thought-provoking discussion. Let's hope our brains stay intact! The Zombies are Coming! The Realities of the Zombie Apocalypse in American Culture by Kelly J. BakerAvery Gordon – SociologistWasteland: The Great War and the Origins of Modern Horror by W. Scott Poole28 days laterWarm BodiesThe Reapers are the Angels by Alden BellJ’AccuseDisney ZombiesCinderwitch by Cherie Priest
This episode of Horror Joy Brian and Jeff wander the dark hallways of meta-horror and ask whether we need a genre apocalypse to get beyond tired tropes of our favorite stories. Meta-horror shines a light on the structure of horror and how this leads to questions about both the audience of horror and the genre itself. Join us as we attempt to step back and get a broader glimpse of the house of horror:*We’ll take a quick nostalgic trip through The Haunted Mask, an early Goosebumps title*We’ll analyze the connections between The Haunted Mask and Horror Movie by Paul Tremblay, including the use of masks, issues of identity, and intergenerational horror*We’ll highlight the meta-horror aspects of Horror Movie and Drew Goddard’s 2011 movie Cabin in the Woods and question whether we need to hit a horror restart button.Join us as we attempt to exorcise the ghosts of horror past and glimpse a potential future for the genre. Come for the horror. Stay for the Joy Post Horror by David ChurchThe Haunted Mask by R.L. SteinHorror Movie by Paul TremblayCabin in the Woods, directed by Drew Goddard“Watchers in the Woods” By Kristopher Woofer (in Reading Whedon, edited by Rhonda Wilcox, Tanya Cochran, Cynthea Masson, and David Lavery)Emmanuel Levinas G.W.F. HegelEtymology of the word “wood”Capitalism song by Celine TshikaParched shop in Providence, RI is run out of The MatchboxPhilosophy warning by Epic Rap Battles of History
This episode of Horror Joy marks our first-ever interview with a horror creator! Join Brian and Jeff as they delve into the mind of acclaimed author, Paul Tremblay, to dissect his chilling new novel, "Horror Movie."Prepare to be enthralled as we discuss:* Paul's personal experiences with both the joys and terrors of the horror genre.* The profound impact the horror community has had on Paul's writing journey and career.* The role of meta-horror and ambiguity in Paul's fiction, uncovering what sets his work apart.* The power of horror to illuminate both societal issues and the psychology of those who consume these narratives.So grab your cursed scripts and settle into your cozy cocoon as we navigate the rich, complex, and entertaining world of Horror Movie. Come for the horror; stay for the joy!Paul TremblayJohn Darnielle YouTubeHitchcock on suspenseHusker Du – Something I Learned TodayHusker Dü – Don’t Want to Know if You are LonelyMummenschanz
This episode of Horror Joy ventures into the unsettling realm of religious horror. Brian and Jeff explore the depths of this subgenre through a chilling double feature: A24's critically acclaimed 'Saint Maud' (2019) and the recently released Neon film, 'Immaculate' (2024).Prepare to dissect some truly horrifying themes:*We’ll analyze how both films explore the control exerted over the female body, through spectacle in 'Immaculate' and denial in 'Saint Maud'*We’ll delve into the contrasting ways these films utilize both physical and supernatural elements to create dread*We’ll explore the chilling impact of institutional control within a religious framework*We’ll work to uncover the difficult intellectual and emotional joys found in both filmsSo, light a candle and prepare for a haunting exploration of faith, fear, and the films that blur the line between them.St. MaudImmaculateCarolyn Dinshaw – Getting MedievalS. Trimble – A Demon Girl’s Guide to LifeSt. Teresa of ÁvilaLollardsHorror Joy – We’re Gonna Need a Bigger PodArizona’s 1864 Abortion LawOpus DeiJulia Kristeva – Powers of Horror: An Essay on AbjectionPlato and Augustine on the bodyWilliam BlakeRosemary’s Baby (Ira Levin)Affective Piety
This week on Horror Joy, Brian and Jeff dive headfirst into the churning waters of Steven Spielberg's classic, Jaws. We'll explore what makes this film a titan of terror, from John Williams' unforgettable score to the lurking dread of a small island community. But Jaws isn't just about a giant shark. We'll also be dissecting the three major themes:*An island paradise that becomes an isolated, exclusive community*Performing masculinity and the environmental cost of unchecked ambition.* The ecological nightmare of a displaced predatorSo grab your floaties and prepare for a clumsy chase into the unknown. Come for the horror, stay for the joy.Judith Butler - Gender as PerformanceJen Corrigan – Three Men on a BoatSurveillance – Discipline and Punish by Michel FoucaultSigmund Freud – The UncannyChristopher Neff - The Jaws EffectNicole Neff – The Belly of the Beast: The Uncanny Shark
*In this episode we introduce the idea of Horror Joy and discuss how we have found joy in horror as professors.*We take a trip down childhood chills with a discussion of our shared love for Goosebumps, Stephen King, and how nostalgia and joy mix.*Jeff recounts his introduction to horror through old black and white movies and his recent viewing of Willow Creek, while Brian describes a late blooming interest in horror movies and his love for It Follows.*The episode finishes with a brief discussion of The Blair Witch Project, exploring how our geographical backgrounds shape our reactions to horror.*If you want to jump into our analysis, head over to episode 2 where we discuss Jaws. Otherwise, come for the horror. Stay for the joy. Willow CreekIt FollowsThe Blair Witch ProjectDonna Haraway: Staying with the Trouble
Horror Joy is a podcast by two university professors who take a deep dive into the world of horror. Join us as we seek to find joy, even in horror.