The Tainted Love Podcast

A podcast focusing on romance, relationships & eroticism within our favorite horror movies! The show is a mixture of film analysis and anecdotes from our personal dating history, highlighting the twisted beauty of the psychosexual horror sub-genre. Hosted by Zoë Rose Smith & DeVaughn Taylor

Odd Thomas (2014) // CUTIE PATOOTIES

“Would you jump off a cliff for me? Into a pit of razor blades and lemon juice?”Zobo & Daddy are both moving, so we're a bit loopy and needed something light to giggle at. We're talking about Odd Thomas directed by Stephen Sommers; which isn't really a romance movie, but has a pair of lovers with exceptional chemistry. Topics include first crushes, high school sweethearts, destiny, and how "perfect relationships" always have room to grow.Stalk Zoë on social media:InstagramBlueskyTwitterWebsiteStalk DeVaughn on social media:BlueskyTwitterLetterboxdInstagramStalk the pod on social media:BlueskyInstagramOriginal theme done by Harper Smith

09-05
01:17:03

Nekromantik 2 (1991) // ELUSIVE ORGASMS

"I want to master life and death..."Time for Daddy & Zobo to cover their first sequel, as we discuss Nekromantik 2 directed by Jörg Buttgereit. This film exchanges (some) of the filth of the original for something more delicate. We discuss kinks that pushed us too far, Jörg's improved filmmaking, and how this film is a feminist masterpiece on one's right to a proper orgasm! Stalk Zoë on social media:InstagramBlueskyTwitterWebsiteStalk DeVaughn on social media:BlueskyTwitterLetterboxdInstagramStalk the pod on social media:BlueskyInstagramOriginal theme done by Harper Smith

08-20
01:36:30

The Forbidden Photos of a Lady Above Suspicion (1970) // QUESTIONABLY TURNED ON

Trigger warning: sexual assaultZobo is back from her holiday in Sicily, which is perfect for DeVaughn's choice this episode as we explore an Italian Giallo film The Forbidden Photos of a Lady Above Suspicion directed by Luciano Ercoli. We're exploring the thin line between kink & sexual assault, complacency in marriage, bossa nova scores, and a thrilling account of Zobo's porno-esque experience."I’m the master of your soul, of your body...”Stalk Zoë on social media:InstagramBlueskyTwitterWebsiteStalk DeVaughn on social media:BlueskyTwitterLetterboxdInstagramStalk the pod on social media:BlueskyInstagramOriginal theme done by Harper Smith

07-30
01:26:57

Natural Born Killers (1994) // MATCH MY FREAK

Trigger warning: discussion of implied sexual abuseIs your romantic fantasy a murder spree fever dream? Do we have the film for you! Daddy & Zobo are taking a ride with Mickey & Mallory Knox talkin' Natural Born Killers, originally written by Quentin Tarantino and directed by Oliver Stone. We're discussing how "Knights in Shining Armor" come in many forms, the looney tunes take on Bonnie & Clyde, and how some marriages really are for better or for worse. “Doesn’t anyone in Hollywood believe in kissing anymore?”Stalk Zoë on social media:InstagramBlueskyTwitterWebsiteStalk DeVaughn on social media:BlueskyTwitterLetterboxdInstagramStalk the pod on social media:BlueskyInstagramOriginal theme done by Harper Smith

07-16
01:36:31

Thirst (2009) // TOXIC AS HELL

Time to take a bite out of some South Korean fare as Daddy & Zobo discuss Thirst directed by Park Chan-wook. We're once again examining the toxic traits of a vampiric relationship, with a dash of science vs faith debates and a heaping of carnal sexuality. Depicted through striking imagery and committed performances; is this one of the best vampire movies ever made? Put your money where you Majong is!Stalk Zoë on social media:InstagramBlueskyTwitterWebsiteStalk DeVaughn on social media:BlueskyTwitterLetterboxdInstagramStalk the pod on social media:BlueskyInstagramOriginal theme done by Harper Smith

07-02
01:42:42

Ravenous (1999) // MATCH MY FREAK

Trigger warning: brief discussion of an actual pedophile (Jeffrey Jones)Zobo & Daddy are discussing queer cannibals once again as they tackle Ravenous, directed by Antonia Bird. Our survival limits are tested by topics of masculinity, cowardly behavior, power in consumption, and Col. Ives as a toxic queer icon. Happy Pride Month!Stalk Zoë on social media:InstagramBlueskyTwitterWebsiteStalk DeVaughn on social media:BlueskyTwitterLetterboxdInstagramStalk the pod on social media:BlueskyInstagramOriginal theme done by Harper Smith

06-18
01:25:19

Tucker & Dale vs Evil (2011) // CUTIE PATOOTIES

After a run of heavier films, Zobo & Daddy are discussing something on the more wholesome side. Load up the truck/RV as we head to our summer dream house in the woods to discuss Tucker & Dale vs Evil. For the first time on the show, we focus on the platonic love between sweet boys Tucker & Dale. But don't you worry, we also get a fun play on Beauty and The Beast as well. This horror comedy features plenty of blood and darkly comedic bits to satisfy you gore hounds out there, but enjoy our discussion on these cutie patooties!Stalk Zoë on social media:InstagramBlueskyTwitterWebsiteStalk DeVaughn on social media:BlueskyTwitterLetterboxdInstagramStalk the pod on social media:BlueskyInstagramOriginal theme done by Harper Smith

06-04
01:22:59

Crash (1996) // MATCH MY FREAK

Trigger warning: sexual assaultTime to drop the top and take a cruise with Daddy & Zobo discussing Crash by the ever horny David Cronenberg. We're discussing dangerous fetishes, the intimacy of car sex, queer liberation, and how the film depicts polyamory/open relationships. Get your hands off the steering wheel and onto my gear shift, if ya catch my drift!Stalk Zoë on social media:InstagramBlueskyTwitterWebsiteStalk DeVaughn on social media:BlueskyTwitterLetterboxdInstagramStalk the pod on social media:BlueskyInstagramOriginal theme done by Harper Smith

05-21
01:43:28

Bones and All (2022) // CUMMING-OF-AGE

Trigger warning: cannibalismThis week, it's time for a road trip across the American Midwest to eat people and fall in love while discussing Bones and All directed by Luca Guadagnino. Zobo & Daddy sink their teeth into topics such as attraction to smells, cannibalism as queerness, and the dream of encompassing love. Listen to this podcast headphones and all if you truly love us!Stalk Zoë on social media:InstagramBlueskyTwitterWebsiteStalk DeVaughn on social media:BlueskyTwitterLetterboxdInstagramStalk the pod on social media:BlueskyInstagramOriginal theme done by Harper Smith

05-07
01:52:55

Possession (1981) // TOXIC AS HELL

Trigger warnings: domestic abuse, child neglectTime for another titan of the Tainted Love genre as we discuss Possession directed by Andrzej Żuławski. Unlike the characters of the film, Zobo & Daddy are here to do nothing but talk about their feelings! We're discussing divorce, infidelity, societal expectations, body autonomy, and catharsis. Press play on this episode on your next grocery run!Stalk Zoë on social media:InstagramBlueskyTwitterWebsiteStalk DeVaughn on social media:BlueskyTwitterLetterboxdInstagramStalk the pod on social media:BlueskyInstagramOriginal theme done by Harper Smith

04-23
01:38:42

Femme (2024) // MATCH MY FREAK

Trigger warnings: homophobic motivated assualtAs RuPaul would say "we're all born naked, everything else is drag" because life is all about performing, literally and metaphorically. Zobo & Daddy dive into the fantastically complicated erotic thriller Femme, directed by Sam H. Freeman & Ng Choon Ping. We're discussing safety in queer spaces, the function of excessive sex, and violent vs emotional assault. Have some water and a cigarette on hand, this one is intense!Stalk Zoë on social media:InstagramBlueskyTwitterWebsiteStalk DeVaughn on social media:BlueskyTwitterLetterboxdInstagramStalk the pod on social media:BlueskyInstagramOriginal theme done by Harper Smith

04-09
01:51:05

Interview With a Vampire (1994) // TOXIC AS HELL

"Life without me would be insufferable" says every immortal toxic boyfriend. Open those necks up, it's finally time for Zobo & Daddy to talk vampires! We're exploring the deeply toxic relationship of Louis & Lestat in Neil Jordan's Interview With a Vampire. We're discuissing manipulative queers, the incredible set design, blood bite threesomes, and how much it would truly suck to be a vampire. Grab a glass of "red wine" and enjoy!Stalk Zoë on social media:InstagramBlueskyTwitterWebsiteStalk DeVaughn on social media:BlueskyTwitterLetterboxdInstagramStalk the pod on social media:BlueskyInstagramOriginal theme done by Harper Smith

03-26
01:32:22

Wild at Heart (1990) // COUPLE GOALS

Paint your toes and grab you snakeskin jacket because we're going dancin' with Lula & Sailor as we discuss Wild at Heart, directed by the recently passed icon David Lynch. Zobo & Daddy discuss the lengths you go for love, the idea of soulmates, and combating the challenges of life with love over violence. Plus sexy dirty talk over cigarettes and Willem Dafoe! This episode is hotter than Georgia asphaltStalk Zoë on social media:InstagramBlueskyTwitterWebsiteStalk DeVaughn on social media:BlueskyTwitterLetterboxdInstagramStalk the pod on social media:BlueskyInstagramOriginal theme done by Harper Smith

03-12
01:30:58

Excision (2012) // CUMMING-OF-AGE

Welcome back Tainted Lovers, it's time to revert back to those confusing teenage years as we discuss Excision directed by Richard Bates Jr. While discussing sexual & romantic topics, coming-of-age is an important sub-genre to tackle! Zobo & Daddy profile Pauline; a brilliantly flawed character that wants to embrace her true self, but is constantly let down by the adults around her. We discuss losing our virginities, complicated relationships with your parentsmother-daughter relationships, and sex on your period among other topics. Enjoy!Stalk Zoë on social media:InstagramBlueskyTwitterWebsiteStalk DeVaughn on social media:BlueskyTwitterLetterboxdInstagramStalk the pod on social media:BlueskyInstagramOriginal theme done by Harper Smith

02-26
01:35:49

Hellraiser (1987) // TOXIC AS HELL

Whether you're enjoying couple goals or having a shamlessly slutty time being single, we're wishing a happy Valentine's Day to all the Tainted Lovers out there! Zoë & DeVaughn had to bring out the big guns/hooks for this week as we're discussing Hellraiser directed by kinky icon Clive Barker. You know the classic tale of desire and haman nature's primal desire for experience. At the center of this ouzzle are the ultimate in toxic couples, Frank & Julia vying for sexual power in their tumultuous relationship. Topics include infidelity, when to introduce your kinks to your partner, and how much pain we enjoy with our pleasure. We hope this episode on the erotic horror masterpiece gets you as wet as Frank in flesh form!Stalk Zoë on social media:InstagramBlueskyTwitterWebsiteStalk DeVaughn on social media:BlueskyTwitterLetterboxdInstagramStalk the pod on social media:BlueskyInstagramOriginal theme done by Harper Smith

02-12
02:04:23

Pillow Talk With the Anti-Lover Boys Behind HEART EYES (2025) // Phillip Murphy, Michael Kennedy, Christopher Landon, and Josh Reuben

Welcome to Pillow Talk, our interview series where we talk to creatives making films dealing with subjects related to Tainted Love (sex, romance, relationships). DeVaughn got to sit down with the crew behind Heart Eyes! We discuss their dislike of Valentine's Day, the film's unique tone, and what it means to be apart of the holiday slashers canon. SPOILERS start at the 00:20:42 mark after the outro music!Stalk DeVaughn on social media:BlueskyTwitterLetterboxdInstagramStalk the pod on social media:BlueskyInstagramOriginal theme done by Harper Smith

02-07
28:02

Nekromantik (1988) // MATCH MY FREAK

Trigger warnings: necrophilia, rapeHello lovers, it's time to get real fereal in this episode! Zoë & DeVaughn dive into Nekromantik directed by Jörg Buttgereit. This surprisingly romantic film revolves around our first throuple, well kinda of if you include the corpse. How does a unique couple willing to have sex with dead bodies together go sour? Breaches of trust, emotional manipulation, and many more topics are in bed with us for this one. Enjoy our journey into one of life's most gnarly taboos!Stalk Zoë on social media:InstagramBlueskyTwitterWebsiteStalk DeVaughn on social media:BlueskyTwitterLetterboxdInstagramStalk the pod on social media:BlueskyInstagramOriginal theme done by Harper Smith

01-29
01:30:28

Pillow Talk With Actor/Writer Amanda Jane Stern (PERFECTLY GOOD MOMENT)

Welcome to Pillow Talk, our interview series where we talk to creatives making films dealing with subjects related to Tainted Love (sex, romance, relationships). Since the main feed is biweekly, we'll drop these episodes during our off weeks from time to time!First up, Amanda Jane Stern is in our virtual bed to discuss her erotic thriller Perfectly Good Moment, which you can watch for free on Tubi! Amanda and DeVaughn chat the recent erotic thriller resurgence, filming with intimacy coordinators, and the film's place in "good for her" horror. SPOILERS for the film from the 00:27:38 timecode onwards!Stalk Amanda on social media:LinksWatch Perfeclty Good MomentStalk DeVaughn on social media:BlueskyTwitterLetterboxdInstagramStalk the pod on social media:BlueskyInstagramOriginal theme done by Harper Smith

01-22
41:08

Spring (2015) // COUPLE GOALS

You got the darker side of relationships in our first episode, now it's time to get sappy with us! We're discussing Spring (2015) directed by Justin Benson & Aaron Moorehead, about a man who escapes to Italy to avoid his personal trauma and ends up falling love with a beautiful woman...who's also a centuries old Eldritch Monster. Can a romance that happens by circumstance be real love or do you just listen to your body? This film is mainly your classic walk & talk style romance, with a mythical body horror twist. Enjoy!Stalk Zoë on social media:InstagramBlueskyTwitterWebsiteStalk DeVaughn on social media:BlueskyTwitterLetterboxdInstagramStalk the pod on social media:BlueskyInstagramOriginal theme done by Harper Smith

01-15
01:45:24

Resurrection (2022) // TOXIC AS HELL

Trigger Warnings: abusive relationshipsWelcome to the first official episode of Tainted Love and we're kicking things off on a bleak note! We're taking a look at Resurrection (2022) directed by Andrew Semans, following a woman who's sent into an emotional spiral when her former abuser re-enters her life. We discuss the power this kind of trauma can have on someone and spill into other ares of their life such as family and work. The dynamic between Margaret and David is a complicated one, perfect to discuss here. Is this film cathartic for abusive survivors? You tell us!Stalk Zoë on social media:InstagramBlueskyTwitterWebsiteStalk DeVaughn on social media:BlueskyTwitterLetterboxdInstagramStalk the pod on social media:BlueskyInstagramOriginal theme done by Harper Smith

01-01
01:21:28

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