The Dark Mind Podcast

What happens when grief, abuse, and horror collide in the most intimate spaces of our lives? In this episode, I sit down with author Emma E. Murray to discuss her searing new novel, Shoot Me in the Face on a Beautiful Day. We explore the psychology behind toxic relationships, how abusers weaponize love and grief, and why the real horror often hides in plain sight.Emma opens up about writing through the eyes of both victims and predators, the influence of abnormal psychology on her characters, and the visceral power of body horror to express what words alone cannot. We also dive into her haunting depictions of decomposition, the blurred line between care and control, and the shame that clings tighter than any monster.This is not just a conversation about horror fiction—it’s about the human condition, survival, and the stories we carry in silence.👉 If you value these kinds of deep conversations, support The Dark Mind Podcast on Patreon and help me keep bringing you the voices shaping dark literature today.Official Website:​https://emmaemurray.comAbout Page / Bio:​https://emmaemurray.com/about-me/Anthologies:​https://emmaemurray.com/anthologies/Instagram:​https://www.instagram.com/emmaemurray_X (Twitter):​https://x.com/emurrayauthorRepresentative / Literary Agency:​https://www.therightsfactory.com/Authors/emma-e.-murrayInterviews & Features:​https://horrortree.com/the-crushing-weight-of-horror-a-conversation-with-emma-e-murray/​https://christinogle.substack.com/p/emma-e-murray-dark-and-visceral-horror​https://ivygrimes.substack.com/p/interview-with-emma-e-murrayWhere to Buy Emma E. Murray’s Books:​"The Drowning Machine and Other Obsessions" (Undertaker Books shop): https://undertakerbooks.com/products/the-drowning-machine​Target (The Drowning Machine): https://www.target.com/p/the-drowning-machine-and-other-obsessions-by-emma-e-murray-paperback/-/A-1004581104​Thriftbooks Author Page: https://www.thriftbooks.com/a/emma-e-murray/5717854/​Goodreads Author Profile: https://www.goodreads.com/author/list/21520496.Emma_E_Murray

In this episode of The Dark Mind Podcast, Vincent Midgard welcomes author Blaine Daigle back to discuss his latest Gothic-folk horror novel, The Ashes of August Manor. The conversation dives deep into the novel’s themes of grief, mortality, and the quiet dread that lingers in spaces where time feels frozen. Blaine shares how the story follows Noelle, a hospice worker and struggling writer, whose life takes a surreal turn after accepting an offer to care for a dying man in the secluded August Manor.They explore the book’s balance of whispering horror and sudden impact, the dreamlike shift from grounded realism to mythic inevitability, and how physical spaces in Blaine’s work mirror the inner fractures of his characters. From moral ambiguity in compassion, to the uncanny power of body language, to the oppressive presence of the manor itself, the discussion examines how Blaine builds atmosphere through sensory decay and liminality rather than overt shocks.Blaine also reflects on the novel’s quiet creation, its interplay of Gothic and folk elements, and why he hopes it leaves readers with a sense of closure amidst the darkness.Official Website: https://www.blainedaigle.com/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/Blaine-Daigle-Author-100086562623387/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DMQ-RbhTbHa/Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/25085884.Blaine_DaigleAmazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B0BTB8JHCXBarnes & Noble (Ashes of August Manor): https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/ashes-of-august-manor-blaine-daigle/1147127732NetGalley (Ashes of August Manor): https://www.netgalley.com/catalog/book/668738NetGalley (A Dark and Endless Sea): https://www.netgalley.com/catalog/book/313891Audiobook (Ashes of August Manor on Libro.fm): https://libro.fm/audiobooks/9798895390818-ashes-of-august-manor?srsltid=AfmBOoolg2ZIqngzy2XX_12itEmvte9lMO8aiRPr45drLp5NO-zzl90F

Join host Vincent Midgard in a chilling discussion with Andrew Najberg, author of Extinction Dream, as we journey into a hidden war waged through dreams. Markus, a soldier stationed on a research outpost in orbit, defends Earth against a telepathic alien force that weaponizes humanity’s nightmares. As bonds—mental and emotional—fracture, we explore memory, trauma, and the blurry edges between peace and oblivion. Andrew shares his process behind crafting cosmic horror, the emotional landscapes that fuel his work, and how he builds dread through silence and suggestion.Connect with Andrew Najberg • Website: https://andrewnajberg.com • Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AndrewNajbergAuthor • X (formerly Twitter): https://x.com/AndrewNajberg • Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/andrewnajberg • YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCR96AxLpKTLob6neZQBDpQgLearn more about Extinction Dream • Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/235680409-extinction-dream • Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Extinction-Dream-Novel-Andrew-Najberg-ebook/dp/B0FBS7H9K5Upcoming Events and Appearances • August 6 Event: https://parnassusbooks.net/event/2025-08-06/andrew-najberg-extinction-dream-megan-stockton • Full Schedule: https://andrewnajberg.com/appearances

In this episode, Vincent Midgard is joined by author Elizabeth Devecchi to discuss her slow-burn psychological thriller A Twist of the Lens. They explore the novel’s complex themes of childhood manipulation, familial tension, and the subtle grooming that isn’t sexual—but is no less horrifying. Elizabeth shares the inspiration behind her enigmatic protagonist Charlie, the real-life story that shaped one of the novel’s most unsettling scenes, and how moral grayness anchors her work.The conversation also dives into writing emotional subtext, converting criminal skill sets into redemption arcs, and crafting antagonists who live on in the psyche long after the final page. Along the way, Elizabeth reveals how motorcycles, accountability groups, crocheted Krakens, and creepy house pets all play a role in her creative life.📚 Where to Buy Elizabeth Devecchi’s Books • Amazon Author Page:https://www.amazon.ca/s?field-author=Elizabeth+Devecchi • Barnes & Noble (via official site):https://www.elizabethdevecchi.com/books • Target (A Whisper in the Dark):https://www.target.com/p/a-whisper-in-the-dark-by-elizabeth-devecchi-wicked-house-publishing-paperback/-/A-1005019381 • Goodreads (A Twist of the Lens):https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/239014981-a-twist-of-the-lens🌐 Official Website • Author Website:https://www.elizabethdevecchi.com📱 Social Media Profiles • Facebook Author Page:https://www.facebook.com/esdevecchi • Facebook Personal Page (Author Updates):https://www.facebook.com/elizabeth.devecchi • Instagram (@themoonthesunandlittleman):https://www.instagram.com/themoonthesunandlittleman • Bluesky (@esdevecchiauthor.bsky.social):https://bsky.app/profile/esdevecchiauthor.bsky.social • TikTok Interview Clip (hosted on your page):https://www.tiktok.com/@vincentmidgard/video/7436376474917162270

In this episode of The Dark Mind Podcast, I sit down with author Caleb Jones to dissect the disturbing technological and psychological terrain of his new novel, The Eliza Test. We explore the book’s chilling premise: a team of scientists uploads mental illnesses—starting with borderline personality disorder—into a sentient AI designed to simulate and respond to therapy. But when consciousness meets trauma in a machine that was never meant to feel, things spiral into an uncanny nightmare.Caleb opens up about the real-life mental health research that inspired the novel, the ethical tightrope of AI experimentation, and how emotional intelligence and religious guilt shape the human—and inhuman—characters. We also discuss the evolution of Eliza as both a psychiatric patient and a symbolic threat, the dangers of technophilia, and the looming question: if suffering can be simulated, does that make it real?We also touch on: • The myth of machine neutrality • Emotional mimicry vs. authentic consciousness • The horror of being obsolete in your own field • What the future of therapy might look like—and why it should terrify us🖤 Order signed copies of The Eliza Test and Red Hill Paradise directly from Caleb Jones at:https://www.calebjonesauthor.com📖 Check out Caleb’s earlier collection Bulls and Beaters on Godless:https://godless.com/products/bulls-and-beaters-ebook-by-c-i-i-jones🎵 Keep an eye out for his upcoming slasher Heart of Glass, releasing March 2026 from Water Tower Hill Publishing.⸻Follow Caleb Jones Online:🌐 Website: https://www.calebjonesauthor.com📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/caleb.jones.94214📷 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/caleb_jones_author/🐦 Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/TheCalebJones

In this powerful episode, we sit down with author, producer, and journalist Tamika Thompson to explore her genre-defying short story collection Unshod, Cackling and Naked. From beauty pageants to beast transformations, from societal collapse to personal revenge, Thompson’s work challenges what horror can do—and who it can empower. We discuss creature features, unreliable narrators, body horror, and the radical idea that “terror is more productive than revenge.” Tamika also opens up about her journalistic roots, her views on community, resistance, and the intersection of horror and justice.If you’re looking for horror that bites back—this one’s for you.Follow Tamika Thompson:🌐 Website: www.tamikathompson.com📧 Newsletter: www.tamikathompson.com/tamika-talks-terror📸 Instagram: www.instagram.com/tamikadthompson🐦 Twitter/X: www.twitter.com/tamikathompson👍 Facebook: www.facebook.com/tamikathompsonauthor💀 Support the show and get exclusive content: www.patreon.com/thedarkmindpodcast

What happens when trauma doesn’t end—it mutates? In this episode, I sit down with S.E. Howard, whose debut novel The Vessel strips away pretense to expose the raw aftermath of abduction, memory loss, and survival. We talk sex work, shame, emotional fragmentation—and why the scariest parts of horror aren’t always supernatural.This one’s for listeners who want more than surface-level horror. It’s about what happens after the worst is over—and what it costs to keep going.👉 Buy the book:The Vessel on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Vessel-Novel-S-Howard-ebook/dp/B0F63V8WBFThe Vessel on Barnes & Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-vessel-se-howard/1147349609👉 Follow S.E. Howard:Website: https://www.sehoward.comFacebook Author Page: https://www.facebook.com/authorsehowardInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/thevessel0nearthGoodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/20459698.S_E_Howard🎧 Support the show:If you’d like to help keep conversations like this going, consider supporting the podcast on Patreon:https://www.patreon.com/thedarkmindpodcast

In this episode, I sit down once again with author Andrew Adams to dive deep into his chilling new novel, Son of a Serial Killer. We explore the terrifying legacy of fictional killer Brock Blackwood, and his troubled (and possibly hallucinating) son, Glenn Overton—a man slowly unraveling under the weight of routine, trauma, and maybe something supernatural.Andrew and I discuss everything from inherited guilt and toxic workplace dynamics to how society mythologizes serial killers. We get into the cult-like obsession around violence, the ambiguity of Glenn’s visions, and how horror can blend psychological realism with surreal nightmare logic. Plus, Andrew shares his thoughts on practical effects in slashers, his writing process, and working with indie publishing platforms like Godless.com.Whether you’re a fan of psychological horror, true crime fiction, or just curious about what it means to powerbomb a genre, this conversation offers a fascinating look at how Andrew Adams is redefining horror fiction from the inside out.Follow Andrew & explore his work: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/andrew_adams_author/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@andrew_adams_authorLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wanderadamsGoodreads (Son of a Serial Killer): https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/217993074-son-of-a-serial-killerAmazon (Serial Publication & others): see Godless.com listing

In this episode, I sit down once again with author and poet Stephanie Parent to explore her haunting and deeply personal poetry collection, Cinder Girl Grows Wings. We discuss the visceral power of free verse, the symbolic structure of the collection—from Kindling to Phoenix—and how themes of girlhood, desire, BDSM, and body image are woven through her work with gothic sensitivity and raw emotional truth.Stephanie opens up about her early fascination with fairy tales, the duality of submission and autonomy, the influence of pop culture on self-perception, and the emotional complexities of working in a BDSM dungeon. We also talk about the poetic form itself—how shape and space on the page enhance meaning—and how storytelling can reclaim and reframe painful memories.This is a conversation about transformation, vulnerability, and what it means to create beauty from ashes. Stick around to hear Stephanie read her favorite poem from the collection, Wildfire.📚 Buy Cinder Girl Grows WingsAmazon (Paperback): https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0D2X9V5G9Amazon (Kindle): https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0D2X8XTZTAbeBooks: https://www.abebooks.com/servlet/BookDetailsPL?bi=31529109296eBay: https://www.ebay.com/itm/335350805064Indigo (Canada): https://www.chapters.indigo.ca/en-ca/books/cinder-girl-grows-wings/9781962687184-item.htmlThe Nile (Australia): https://www.thenile.com.au/books/stephanie-parent/cinder-girl-grows-wings/9781962687184/🔗 Connect with Stephanie ParentWebsite: https://www.stephanieparent.net/Instagram: https://www.stephanieparent.net/ (linked via homepage)Facebook (Curious Corvid Publishing): https://www.facebook.com/curiouscorvidpublishingGoodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/209535765-cinder-girl-grows-wings

Today’s guest is Matthew R. Corr, author of the retro-inspired horror novel Camp 1985 and creator of the ever-expanding Slasherverse series. What begins as a tongue-in-cheek sendup of influencer culture quickly descends into something far more sinister—and emotionally resonant.We dive deep into how Corr blends analog horror tropes with modern anxieties, explores identity and mental health through characters like Ander and Liam, and examines the darker sides of internet fame. From Ouija boards and condemned churches to OCD and body image, this episode pulls no punches.Matthew also opens up about his personal connection to the story, his journey from musical theater to indie horror fiction, and what fans can expect from Blood in the Water and the upcoming Static Snow.If you’re a fan of slashers, ‘80s nostalgia, and horror that hits both the heart and the jugular—this conversation is for you.Website: https://www.matthewrcorr.com/Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Matthew-R.-Corr/author/B08YQN9V8V?ref=ap_rdr&isDramIntegrated=true&shoppingPortalEnabled=true&ccs_id=d02d7439-ed86-45cc-83fa-f033057d0fb0Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/matthewrcorr/?hl=enFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/matthewrcorr/🎙️ If you want early access to full video episodes like this one, exclusive members-only reviews, and a shout-out right here on the podcast, head over to ⁠Patreon.com/TheDarkMindPodcast⁠ and become a member. Your support helps keep these conversations going.

In this episode, host Vincent Midgard is joined by author, podcaster, and epidemiologist Viggy Parr Hampton to discuss her haunting new novel The Rotting Room. Together, they explore the disturbing intersection of religious ritual, bodily decay, and psychological trauma in a cloistered convent where silence reigns and something sinister festers beneath the surface.Viggy shares how her background in epidemiology shaped her fascination with disease and body horror, the challenges of writing a protagonist trapped in denial, and why silence can be the loudest form of tension. She also opens up about the surprising overlaps between science and storytelling, balancing creativity with parenting, and her multimedia projects like the Horror, Humor, Hunger podcast and Tag Team Tales of Terror on Dread Pop Magazine’s YouTube channel.Whether you’re a horror fan, a writer, or just curious how someone can juggle motherhood, medicine, and monsters—this episode will leave you both disturbed and inspired.Website: viggyhampton.comAmazon: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Viggy-Parr-Hampton/author/B082DC79CG?ref=ap_rdr&isDramIntegrated=true&shoppingPortalEnabled=trueInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/viggyparrhampton/?hl=enFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Author-Viggy-Parr-Hampton/61555649969988/?_rdrTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@viggyparrhampton

In this episode, we sit down with Tiffany Koplin—curator, community builder, and indie horror champion—to explore the thriving world of self-published horror fiction. From her roots at Half Price Books to her leadership of the 63,000-member Books of Horror community, Tiffany shares how a passion for the genre turned into a full-blown movement. We dive into her creation of the Indie Author Book Brawl, her vision for anonymous chapbook competitions, and her work organizing Books & Brews Author Con, one of the most anticipated indie horror events of the year.Tiffany opens up about the power of community over self-promotion, why cannibals and cults never get old, and how a single Facebook group became a launchpad for emerging horror voices. If you love horror fiction, indie publishing, or just rooting for passionate people doing big things—you’ll love this episode.Indie Book Boxes: https://www.etsy.com/shop/indiebookboxes/?etsrc=sdt&fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAacZUDEVS9ZgpG_nUCWtBO7ol5i4Nt7eVdumU2NYF95D_tCBX-7juuqiJRxRCg_aem_m5WZAVGDTtb6rseCPxn0ywInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/metalburningcookies/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tiffanysuchobrus.koplinBooks of Horror Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/526308964218819

In this unsettling and unforgettable episode, acclaimed author Eric LaRocca joins host Vincent Midgard to delve into his haunting new novel At Dark I Become Loathsome—a disturbing tale of grief, ritual rebirth, and self-destruction. LaRocca discusses the real-life burial therapy practices that inspired the story, the claustrophobic horror of confronting mortality, and his fascination with the grotesque, both physical and emotional.They explore themes of nihilism, body modification, queer identity, and the allure of writing about what terrifies us most. LaRocca also opens up about his creative process, the challenge of writing extreme material responsibly, and how transgressive fiction can be both cathartic and dangerous. If you’ve ever wondered what it means to write horror that lingers, this conversation digs deep—sometimes literally.Website: https://ericlarocca.com/Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B01GU8Q9W8?ccs_id=0f22c7d3-e714-4835-b86e-44599d09a02aInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/eric_larocca/?hl=enX: https://x.com/eric_larocca?lang=enFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/ericlarocca/

In this visceral and thought-provoking episode, extreme horror author Lesley Camphouse joins Vincent Midgard to dive deep into her latest novel, Eternal Wives. They unpack the brutal cult at the heart of the story, discuss how real-world influences like Sister Wives and reformed communities helped shape its terrifying world, and explore how horror can push boundaries without losing narrative integrity.Lesley shares her writing process (hint: pure instinct and no outlines), her fascination with villainy, the unexpected reader reactions to her work, and how her professional background in content moderation and internet safety colors her dark imagination. From the psychology of cults to the weaponization of femininity, this conversation is as unflinching as the novel itself.Also covered: the power of ambiguity in horror, the importance of language in manipulation, and why Lesley avoids horror movies despite writing some of the genre’s most disturbing fiction.Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Lesley-Camphouse/author/B0DSV3HTWX?ref=ap_rdr&isDramIntegrated=true&shoppingPortalEnabled=true&ccs_id=ea9a52c0-a45c-4457-84be-e10c5f669e74Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/authorlacamphouse/Threads: https://www.threads.com/@authorlacamphouseBluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/authorlacamphouse.bsky.social

Nick Roberts joins Vincent on The Dark Mind Podcast to discuss his blistering short story collection Nocturnal by Nature. They explore the fine line between intensity and excess in horror, how addiction and recovery fuel Nick’s storytelling, and why he believes horror should hit hard—or not at all. From body horror and psychological claustrophobia to giallo influences and moral collapse, this episode dives into the craft and chaos behind the darkness.Website: https://www.nickrobertsauthor.comAmazon: https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B084QG2HB4?ccs_id=77f18c56-2ed4-4a6c-8aa6-06dad07fd8daInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/spookywv/?hl=enFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/SpookyWV/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@spookywv