The Depths of Horror: Exploring Barry Levinson's The BayIn this episode, Brian and Jeff delve into Barry Levinson's 2012 found footage horror film, 'The Bay.' Set during a disastrous 4th of July celebration in Claridge, Maryland, the film intertwines environmental horror with a mockumentary format. The story follows reporter Donna Thompson as she navigates through a town descending into chaos due to a waterborne outbreak. Drawing parallels to 'Jaws,' the hosts examine how 'The Bay' critiques human neglect and environmental irresponsibility while utilizing modern technology to heighten its impact. They also explore themes of surveillance, the narrative coherence of found footage, and the unsettling reality it brings to life. Ultimately, the episode underscores how horror can reveal uncomfortable truths about our world, sparking a rich discussion on the intersections of joy, terror, and societal reflection.Buy us a CoffeeMimesis of Media: Found Footage Cinema and the Horror of the Real by Niel McRobertFound Footage Horror Films - A Cognitive Approach by Pete Turner
In this episode of Meet Your Maker, we are joined by author Kayli Scholz, known for her horror novels St. Grit, Black Rain Season, and her most recent novel, Yeehaw Junction. Kayli discusses the intersection of joy and horror in her work, sharing personal anecdotes about how horror has influenced her life, from childhood experiences to her deep immersion in genre writing. She delves into the societal and psychological aspects that inspire her storytelling, including how place and culture shape horror. The episode also features insights into her writing process, the impact of media on her characters, and her thoughts on the current state and misperceptions of the horror genre.KayliScholz.com
In this episode of Horror Joy, hosts Brian Onishi and Jeff Stoyanoff continue their deep dive into found footage horror by investigating the 2007 Spanish film [REC], directed by Jaume Balagueró and Paco Plaza.The conversation explores the film's claustrophobic terror, its political nature, and its effectiveness as a groundbreaking entry in the found footage genre.We discuss:The Appeal of Found FootageThe Horror of quarantineReading [REC] forward into 2025, including social and political commentaryThe joy of an effective found footage film, the use of the camera, and terrifying staircasesReferences:The Pain in Spain: an analysis of horror auteur Jaume Balaguero’s films by Brian Michael GossDon’t Miss a Bloody Thing: [REC] and the Spanish Adaptation of Found Footage Horror by Shelagh M. Rowan-Legg Reel Evil: A Critical Reassessment of Found Footage Horror by Xavier Aldana Reyes
In this episode of Meet Your Maker, a series by Horror Joy, hosts Brian Onishi and Jeff Stoyanoff welcome author Clay McLeod Chapman to discuss his work, including his recent novel, Wake Up and Open Your Eyes, and the fascinating relationship between joy and horror.Chapman shares his belief that joy and horror work together, emphasizing the catharsis found in horror, which allows for the release of pent up fears and the ability to tap into or let go of strong emotions.Chapman discusses his journey to becoming a horror creator, noting that while he's been writing professionally for nearly 25 years, people only began to notice his work around seven years ago.Exploring Wake Up and Open Your Eyes: The conversation delves into his polarizing novel, which has been characterized as "MAGA Horror" and "online Horror."Clay McLeod ChapmanCoffin Moon by Keith RossonHorror for Weenies by Emily HughesChumbawumba
This episode of Horror Joy features a deep dive into the genre of found footage horror, particularly focusing on the 2023 film 'Frogman.' Hosts Brian and Jeff discuss with the film's co-writer and director, Anthony Cousins, the allure and believability of found footage horror, influences from other horror media, and the complexities of creating effective practical effects. They explore the thematic elements of obsession, belief, and the uncanny, while also touching on Cousins' other works and the anticipated sequel to 'Frogman,' 'Frogman Returns'Frogman on TubiAnthony CousinsEvery time We Meet For Ice Cream Your Whole F*cking Face Explodes Frogman 2Digital Horror: Haunted Technologies, Network Panic and the Found Footage Phenomenon
In this episode of Horror Joy, the hosts bring on two guests for the first time: Alan Good, founder and editor of Malarkey Books, and Lauren Bolger, a horror author published by Malarkey Books. The discussion dives into the intersection of horror and joy, and both guests share their unique perspectives. Alan talks about the community support that keeps Malarkey Books afloat and the joy of seeing people engage with their work. Lauren discusses her journey as a writer, drawing inspiration from childhood experiences and various mythologies. They also delve into Lauren's upcoming book, 'The Barre Incidents,' which blends horror, sci-fi, and fantasy. Additionally, they touch on the value of small presses and the role of mythology in storytelling. The show highlights the upcoming releases from Malarkey Books and emphasizes the importance of maintaining creative hobbies into adulthood.LaurenBolger.comThe Barre Incidents by Lauren BolgerMalarkey BooksHellarkey
In this episode of Horror Joy, hosts Jeff and Brian discuss Zach Cregger's 2025 film 'Weapons.'The film’s controversial portrayal of children as both instruments and objects of horror breaks traditional tropes by delving into issues like school shootings, societal decay, and the overarching themes of violence and isolation.Through its intricate narrative and complex characters like Aunt Gladys, who embodies both the literal and metaphorical horrors of small-town life, the hosts explore the multifaceted weaponization and manipulation of youth.They also touch on broader societal critiques, including capitalism and surveillance. The episode culminates in an analysis of the film’s surprising and symbolic ending, highlighting its blend of horror and dark humor.'Weapons' exposes the dark underbelly of American suburbiaOf Course ‘Weapons’ Is About SomethingThe Gruen Transfer
In this episode of Horror Joy, Brian and Jeff are joined by Nick Medina, author of 'Sisters of the Lost Nation,' 'Indian Burial Ground,' and the recently released novel, 'The Whistler.'Nick discusses his shared perception of finding joy in horror, reflecting on the creativity and talent within the genre.We explore his writing journey, the long road to getting published, and the significant influence of horror on his life.Additionally, Nick delves into the themes, inspirations, and background research for his latest works, emphasizing the importance of addressing social issues through horror literature.We also touch on his personal experiences and methods, especially his use of music to create atmosphere in his writing, and his intent to shed light on undervalued perspectives. The episode ends with recommended horror books and films that brought Nick joy.
In this episode of Horror Joy, Brian and Jeff delve into the 2013 haunted house film 'The Conjuring', directed by James Wan. They explore the film's use of horror tropes, its connections to the Amityville Horror, and its implications regarding Christian nationalism. The episode also examines Ed and Lorraine Warren's roles, the significance of the basement as a metaphorical space, and the conservative ideology underlying the movie. Along the way, they discuss the film's patient buildup of tension, the performance of masculinity, and the significance of games like hide and clap. The hosts compare their reactions to the film upon rewatching it and analyze the movie's impact on the horror genre.Paranormal StateAmityville HorrorThe Conjuring by Kevin J. Wetmore, Jr.Sola ScripturaEd and Lorraine WarrenPossession, Politics, and Patriotism: The Influence of Christian Nationalism and Evangelical Horror Tropes on The Conjuring and The Conjuring 2 by Zachary Doiron
In this episode of Meet Your Maker, hosts welcome Thomas Ha to discuss his forthcoming collection 'Uncertain Sons'.The conversation delves into Ha’s perspective on the intricate relationship between horror and joy, the cathartic and connective aspects of horror literature, and the experiential overlap between fear, happiness, and grief.Ha shares insights into his creative process, his multicultural background, and the welcoming nature of the horror community.Additionally, the role of independent presses, particularly Undertow Publications, in fostering innovative horror fiction is highlighted.The episode concludes with recommendations of short story collections and films that embody the unsettling, immersive quality of weird fiction.Thomas HaUndetertow PublicationsHapa Pandemic practice: Horror fans and morbidly curious individuals are more psychological resilient during the COVID-19 pandemic by Coltan Scrivner, John A. Johnson, Jens Kieldegaard-Christiansen and Mathias Clasen
Unpacking the Cyclical Horrors of The Amityville HorrorIn this episode of 'Horror Joy,' hosts Jeff and Brian Onishi delve into the 1979 classic film 'The Amityville Horror.' The discussion explores the recurring themes of cycles in our lives and how they manifest in horror, touching on historical and contemporary issues.They analyze the unsettling story of George and Kathy Lutz, who move into a seemingly perfect house only to face demonic possession and the horrors of past violence.The conversation critiques toxic masculinity, the failures of institutions like the Roman Catholic Church, and the broader implications of isolation and community in suburban life.The episode also brings in related historical and cultural contexts, including the Satanic panic and the significance of VHS technology in disseminating horror. Despite the film's clumsiness, the hosts find joy in practical effects, character performances, and the deeper reflections horror offers on society's enduring challenges.Horror movies at home: supernatural horror, delivery systems and 1980s satanic Panic by Drew BeardEchoes of Evil: Haunted Houses and Lingering Terrors in The Amityville Horror and The Conjuring by Julia SeltnerajchThe Red Scare: Marxism, Menstruation, and Stuart Rosenberg's The Amityville Horror by Larrie Dudenhoeffer
In this episode of Horror Joy, the hosts are joined by Matthew Trifan, an emergency physician and author of the supernatural horror collection 'The Fever Called Living'. They discuss the complex relationship between horror and joy and how Trifan integrates his medical background into his horror writing. Highlights include the impact of secondhand trauma on medical professionals, the existential themes explored in his stories, the stigmatization of horror, and recommendations for readers and gamers interested in exploring the genre further.AuthorTrifan.com
Exploring Horror and Joy with Author John ChrostekIn this episode of Horror Joy, the hosts are joined by John Chrostek, a writer, editor, and designer, to discuss his recent collection, Boxcutters, and his upcoming novel, Feast of the Pale Leviathan. They delve into John's perspective on the relationship between horror and joy, the cathartic nature of horror, and its role as a tool for social protest. John also shares insights on his writing journey, his editorial work at Cold Signal literary magazine, and his experience co-owning the independent bookstore, Evening House, in Buffalo, New York. The conversation touches on the significance of independent bookstores, recent horror media recommendations, and John's thoughts on creating meaningful literature in today's socio-economic landscape.JohnChrostek.comEvening House BookshopCold SignalHobbes LeviathanThe VourdalakUncertain Sons by Thomas Ha
Exploring the Horrors of Food in 'The Menu' and 'Where the Soul Goes'In this episode of Horror Joy, hosts Brian Onishi and Jeff Stoyanoff dive into the intricate relationship between food and horror. They are joined by author Katherine (Kat) Silva to discuss Mark Mylod's 2022 film 'The Menu' and its commentary on class, privilege, and consumption through the lens of food Horror.Silva's forthcoming book 'Where the Soul Goes,' a post-apocalyptic travel tale, is also explored, highlighting its themes of food's power to unite people even in dark times. The discussion touches on various aspects of food in Horror, the importance of performance in both cuisine and life, and the personal connections characters have with food.The episode wraps up with a joyful celebration of these works, emphasizing the inherent trust and risks related to the intimate act of eating.Kat SilvaConspicuous Consumption"Nothing in this kitchen is unplanned": Food as performance in Mark Mylod's The MenuChef's TableBanquet and the Beast: The Civilizing Role of Food in 1930s Horror Films
In this episode of Horror Joy, Brian and Jeff are joined by Kat Silva, author of the Deadlands Trilogy. They discuss the unique relationship between joy and horror, particularly how the horror genre can bring emotional catharsis and mental stability. Kat shares the personal journey of her writing career, starting from childhood and leading to her current work. She talks about the role of grief in her stories and the importance of music in her creative process. They also chat about Kat's fascination with trains and her upcoming projects, including a new book set to release in September. The conversation wraps up with a discussion on favorite horror media and the joy found in even the cheesiest horror movies.Kat Silva
In this episode of 'Meet Your Maker', Horror Joy welcomes Sadie Hartman, aka Mother Horror. Sadie discusses her influential work in the horror genre, including her books '101 Horror Books to Read Before You're Murdered' and 'Feral and Hysterical.' The conversation delves into the relationship between joy and horror, how horror serves as an escape from real-life anxieties, and its political undertones. Sadie emphasizes the importance of women's voices in horror literature and shares her excitement about recent horror works that blend fiction with real historical events and political themes. The episode also touches on the emotional resilience of women and their growing influence in the horror genre. The Reformatory by Tananarive Due Black/Southern Gothic – Sinners and the ReformatoryRingshout by P. Djèlí ClariBuffalo Hunter HunterBuffalo, Confession, Vampire an Interview with Stephen Graham JonesFeral and Hysterical by Sadie Hartmann101 Books to Read before You’re Murdered by Sadie HartmannSadie Hartmann/Mother HorrorNight Worms Book Subscription Service
In this episode of Horror Joy, the hosts welcome Victoria Dalpe, author of 'Selene Shade: Resurrectionist for Hire.' Dalpe shares her insights into the intersection of joy and horror, her affinity for horror comedy, and the ethical dilemmas explored in her book. The discussion covers how horror can serve as a cathartic experience, influenced by '80s horror films, and the unique blend of genres in her work, including urban and dark fantasy. Dalpe also touches on her journey into horror, influenced by her Gothic New England upbringing, and her latest projects, including the upcoming sequel 'Loving the Dead.'Victoria Dalpe
In this episode of 'Meet Your Maker,' Brian takes a solo interview with acclaimed horror author John Langan. They talk about his works, including 'The Fishermen' and the upcoming short story collection 'Lost in the Dark.' They discuss the intricate relationship between joy and horror, the communal aspect of the horror community, and the influence of found footage films on Langan's writing. The conversation also delves into Langan's experiences with Word Horde publishing, his inspirations, and the vibrant contemporary horror landscape.
In this live-recorded episode of 'Horror Joy,' the hosts are joined by New York Times bestselling author Paul Tremblay at Next Chapter Bookshop in Hollidaysburg, Pennsylvania. Tremblay discusses various themes in his works and answers audience questions. Topics include the relationship between joy and horror, his journey to becoming a writer, inspirations for his horror novels targeted towards younger audiences, and the significance of artistic creation amidst technological advancements. The conversation also touches on Tremblay's personal experiences and emotions tied to his works, including the film adaptation of his novel 'The Cabin at the End of the World.'Next Chapter BookshopAnotherCheck out our first episode with Paul - Horror (Un)Masked
In this episode of Horror Joy, hosts Jeff and Brian introduce a new podcast series titled 'Meet Your Maker,' focusing on conversations with horror creators. Their first guest is Jake Tri, the author of 'Nightmare Soup,' a crowdfunded horror anthology reminiscent of 'Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark.' Jake discusses the inspiration behind 'Nightmare Soup,' the resurgence of horror popularity, and the interplay between horror and joy. The conversation also delves into nostalgia, the creation process with illustrator Andy Sciazko, and plans for future projects, including a potential 'Nightmare Soup' movie. Listeners are also treated to insights about specific stories in 'Nightmare Soup' and recommendations for other horror media.Nightmare SoupKickstarter PageAndy Sciazko ArtHorror Joy - Nostalgia Horror (Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark)00:00 Meet Jake Tri: Author of Nightmare Soup06:44 Creating Nightmare Soup12:44 Intended Audience and Inspirations19:01 Favorite Stories from Nightmare Soup22:28 Nightmare Soup's Future and Movie Plans26:34 Where to Find Nightmare Soup28:44 Recent Horror Recommendations