Open Mic Night of the Living Dead

In this special Halloween episode of Open Mic Night of the Living Dead, we dive deep into John Carpenter’s iconic 1978 film, Halloween. We discuss its colossal influence on the slasher genre, share our personal connections and ratings, and explore the film’s atmosphere, themes, and characters - from Laurie Strode’s final girl legacy to Michael Myers’ enigmatic evil. Alongside the history and impact, we analyze Dean Cundey’s striking cinematography, the power of Carpenter’s unforgettable score, and the nuanced writing of Debra Hill. Plus, we debut our original songs - Survive the Night and The Shape - inspired by the killer-victim dynamic. Whether you’re a horror veteran or just discovering the genre, join us as we celebrate all things spooky and pay tribute to a film that changed horror forever.

In this encore episode of Open Mic Night of the Living Dead, we dive deeper into John Carpenter's classic, The Thing. We reflect on the creative process behind our original music, share the studio recording of Rachel's song Who Are We, and challenge each other with a playful thought experiment: if we were each assigned to a research station in Antarctica, what five horror movies and three luxury items would we bring? Join us for candid conversation, plenty of improv, some nostalgic memories, and a musical tribute inspired by paranoia, isolation, and trust in The Thing.

Welcome to a chilling new episode of Open Mic Night of the Living Dead! This week, your co-hosts Rachel and John plunge into the icy paranoia of John Carpenter’s 1982 sci-fi horror masterpiece, The Thing. Drawing on their personal experiences, recent drive-in viewings, and plenty of horror movie history, Rachel and John unpack what makes The Thing such an enduring cult classic, despite its frosty critical reception at release. From unforgettable special effects and bleak thematic undertones to details about Carpenter’s inspirations and the film’s reappraisal as a genre-defining classic, they explore everything that makes The Thing unforgettable. You’ll hear about their favorite (and least favorite) characters, production secrets (including wild stories from the set and fun facts about Keith David’s hand!), and the ways in which The Thing continues to spark debate decades later about trust, sacrifice, and the monstrous unknown. Plus, they’ll treat you to original music inspired by the movie itself. Whether you’re a longtime fan or a newcomer to Antarctic terror, this is the episode to fire up your flamethrower and settle in - because on Open Mic Night of the Living Dead, nobody trusts anybody, and we’re all just trying to survive to the end.

Welcome to this encore episode of Open Mic Night of the Living Dead! This week, hosts Rachel and John are back for a brief follow-up discussion about the 2011 remake of Fright Night, its casting choices, and why it just can’t quite match the charm of the original. Next they swap recent movie recommendations, sharing their takes on everything from Edge of Tomorrow to hidden horror gems like Presence," the latest addition to the Final Destination series, and the creative cult zombie comedy One Cut of the Dead. The episode also features a round of horror trivia straight from the Trivial Pursuit: Horror Edition deck, keeping the scares going strong. To cap things off, you’ll get an exclusive listen to original music inspired by Fright Night, showcasing the podcast’s signature blend of creativity and horror movie love. Whether you’re here for the in-depth film talk, quirky trivia, or just to jam out to some horror-inspired tunes, we’re glad you’re here hanging out with us.

Welcome to another spine-tingling installment of Open Mic Night of the Living Dead! In this episode, your hosts John and Rachel sink their teeth into the 1985 horror-comedy classic “Fright Night.” As autumn sets in and spooky season gets underway, the duo dives deep into what makes this film a perennial Halloween favorite—with its perfect blend of humor and horror, memorable performances by Chris Sarandon and Roddy McDowall, and impressive practical effects that hold up nearly 40 years later. From candid first impressions and their signature three-tier horror ranking system (spoiler: “Fright Night” is a “must-see” for both) to behind-the-scenes trivia, the podcast unpacks the film’s history, themes, characters, and that iconic 80s aesthetic. They also explore the movie’s legacy - from its video game adaptation and sleeper hit sequel, to connections with other horror greats - and even share their own creative process, debuting original music inspired by the movie’s narrative. Whether you’re a die-hard horror buff or just dipping your toe into the genre, this episode offers laughs, insight, and plenty of vampire lore. So grab your garlic and mirrors—because “Fright Night” is about to begin, and the open mic is waiting for you.

In this special encore episode, hosts John and Rachel return to the world of "Night of the Living Dead", with their usual signature twist. Inspired by a new spin (HA) on the Wheel of Horror, they dive headfirst into a zombie movie draft, assembling their dream teams from a list of the 30 top-rated zombie films (based on Rotten Tomatoes audience scores). Listen in as they debate their picks, reminisce over mall jobs and teen angst, discuss what really counts as a zombie movie, and celebrate genre standouts old and new. Things get friendly and competitive as they reveal which team comes out on top, and, as always, they close with a dose of original music inspired by horror classics. Whether you’re a dedicated zombie aficionado or just here for the laughs, you’ll find something to sink your teeth into - plus plenty of movie recommendations to keep your next horror marathon undead and kicking.

Welcome back to "Open Mic Night of the Living Dead," the podcast where horror movie enthusiasts John and Rachel dig deep into the guts of classic and cult horror films. This week, they're finally tackling their namesake: George A. Romero's legendary 1968 masterpiece, "Night of the Living Dead." Join John and Rachel as they share their first experiences with this iconic film, explore its groundbreaking legacy as the blueprint for the modern zombie movie, and debate whether it truly deserves its place among the "Beatles level" greats of horror cinema. They'll get into the nitty-gritty of the film's famously low-budget production (including a now-legendary chess match for free film processing!), the genre-defining use of zombies, and the unforgettable, bleak ending that defied Hollywood expectations. You'll also get their take on the bold casting of Duane Jones as Ben, the first Black protagonist in a major horror film, and how that decision, intentional or not, injected the movie with social commentary that still resonates today. Expect thoughtful discussion on the film’s enduring themes, some good-natured banter about the infamous "Barbara problem," and a look at how "Night of the Living Dead" continues to influence horror decades later. And, of course, stick around for John and Rachel’s original, movie-inspired songs—this week, with the challenge of working in the words “lantern,” “scattered,” and “damned.” Whether you're a lifelong Romero fan or new to the world of shambling ghouls, this episode promises chills, laughs, and lively discussion on one of horror’s most influential films. So lock the doors, board up the windows, and enjoy the latest episode of "Open Mic Night of the Living Dead"!

Welcome to the encore episode of Open Mic Night of the Living Dead’s take on The Evil Dead! In this lively in-between episode, John and Rachel revisit their love for Sam Raimi’s horror classic, “The Evil Dead,” sharing the thrill of discovering new details with every rewatch.  With plenty of witty banter, fake ad jingles, insider horror references, and a demo version Rachel’s song “LFL”, this episode is a playful, imaginative, and engaging way for you to get your fix before the next full episode.

Welcome back to Open Mic Night of the Living Dead! In today’s episode, Rachel and John sink their teeth into Sam Raimi’s cult horror classic, The Evil Dead (1981). Join your co-hosts as they travel deep into the haunted woods, unearthing the movie’s wild origin story, scrappy filmmaking secrets, and the infamous Necronomicon. *Content Warning*: Discussion about the portrayal of sexual violence and assault in this film and others beginning at 56:35. From the challenges faced by the young Michigan crew while filming in a rundown Tennessee cabin, to the inventiveness behind those gloriously gooey practical effects, Rachel and John celebrate The Evil Dead’s enduring legacy as a low-budget legend that launched Sam Raimi and Bruce Campbell into horror stardom. Expect spirited debates on franchise rankings, a thoughtful discussion on the film’s controversial moments, and lots of love for indie horror DIY spirit. And, as always, stick around for the show’s signature twist: Rachel and John share original songs inspired by the film - this week, complete with raw lyrics, gallows humor, and just the right amount of chainsaw energy. Whether you’re a diehard Deadite or new to the creepfest, this episode’s got something for every horror fan. Get ready to laugh, cringe, and maybe - just maybe - join us.

Welcome to the encore episode for The Exorcist, where John and Rachel have a discussion inspired by a few tidbits they forgot to cover in the main episode, copycat possession movies, and some of the films they’ve recently watched and think you might should watch too. Plus they debut the studio version of John’s Exorcist-inspired song Nothing Left. Enjoy the open mic!

Welcome back to Open Mic Night of the Living Dead! In this episode, John and Rachel sink their teeth into one of the most iconic horror films of all time - William Friedkin’s 1973 masterpiece, The Exorcist. Join our killer couple as they recap and dissect the film’s haunting story, explore its real-life inspirations, and delve into what makes this movie such a timeless and terrifying classic. Along the way, they break down the film’s groundbreaking practical effects, examine the stellar performances that brought these unforgettable characters to life, and offer their personal takes on why The Exorcist still tops many “scariest movies ever” lists. But it’s not just analysis—you’ll also get to hear John and Rachel get creative, sharing original music inspired by pivotal scenes from the film: from Chris McNeil’s desperate search for help to Father Karras’ redemptive sacrifice. Plus, they swap fun facts, compare book-to-film details, and even debate the merits of the theatrical release versus the director’s cut. Whether you’re revisiting The Exorcist or facing its horrors for the very first time, this episode promises chills, laughs, and a whole lot of creative energy. Get ready to spin the wheel, and stick around for a sneak peek at which cult classic is up next!

In this encore episode dedicated to the Scream franchise, your hosts dig into the ever-growing world of Ghostface, sharing the inside scoop on the upcoming Scream 7, including some surprising cast returns, behind-the-scenes shakeups, and their personal hopes and concerns for the future of the series. You’ll also get a peek into their unique episode-selection process—a spin-the-wheel method filled with intrigue and a developing system for handling major horror sequels. And per the usual Encore episode routine, Rachel and John fuse their love for movies with music, debuting the studio versions of their original Scream songs that are sure to get any horror fan’s heart racing.

Welcome to the first full regular episode of Open Mic Night of the Living Dead! In this episode, co-hosts John and Rachel finally kick off their much-anticipated horror movie podcast - and what better way to get started than by diving into the genre-defining classic, Scream (1996). As a married couple who met at an open mic and share a love of horror movies, John and Rachel invite listeners into their world of late-night film discussions, playful banter, and original music inspired by the movies they love. This episode is packed with nostalgia-fueled anecdotes, from John’s experience watching Scream in a second-run theater as a seventh grader, to Rachel’s high school days skirting parental restrictions just to catch up with the iconic slasher. They break down Scream’s meta brilliance, discussing its impact on the horror genre, the unforgettable cold open with Drew Barrymore, and the character dynamics that set this franchise apart from its slasher predecessors. But that’s just the start - true to their open mic roots, Rachel and John each perform an original song inspired by the movie, hearing each other’s creations for the very first time right on air. Plus, the duo rates the film’s vibes (with plenty of opinions on ‘90s cinematography and indie rock soundtracks), debates horror tropes, and spins a wheel to decide which film and songwriting challenge they’ll tackle next. Whether you’re a die-hard Scream fan or a casual horror aficionado, get ready for spoiler-filled deep dives, laughs, and a musical tribute to Ghostface and company. So settle in, tune up, and join John and Rachel for an episode that’s more fun than $2 Tuesdays at the Bangor second-run theater. Let’s raise a cupcake (with a tiny knife in it, of course) to the start of Open Mic Night of the Living Dead!

Welcome to Open Mic Night of the Living Dead’s first special encore episode, where cohosts John and Rachel showcase a different kind of episode than one of their usual deep dives - one that dives shallowly into the movies they've been catching outside their main releases, explores unexpected genre gems, and gives you an exclusive listen to their latest musical creation. This week, Rachel and John reflect on the films they watched together in January 2024. Films run the gamut, from the unsettling artistry of "Black Swan," to black comedies like "Get Away," to (quite a few) 80s cult classics (like "Critters," "Terror Train," and "Death Race 2000.") Plus, as a treat for listeners, stick around for the premiere of the polished demo version of "The Ballad of Jack Deth," Rachel’s original song inspired by the cult classic "Trancers," complete with John’s top-notch production work. So grab your favorite horror flick snacks, set your expectations low, and enjoy this tour through a few genre curiosities, horror favorites, and music inspired by classic horror cinema.

In this special preview episode of Open Mic Night of the Living Dead, we count down our top 12 horror movies each, sharing our combined Top 24 of ‘24. We revisit films we watched together this year - some classics, some new releases, and a few hidden gems that caught us by surprise. Along the way, we dig into why certain movies lingered in our minds, what scares us, and how horror hits differently depending on our life experiences. Spoiler-free (for now!), we share our favorite picks, honorable mentions, and debut original songs inspired by Trancers and The Substance. Whether you’re into campy ‘80s goodness or this year’s boundary-pushing releases, join us as we chat about what makes for a memorable horror watch and kick off the creative side of the podcast with our impromptu musical tributes.