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In this colorful and deeply reflective episode, hosts Corey and Kendall welcome special guest Circus Envy, a celebrated clown persona from haunted attractions, conventions, and film. Circus Envy shares a profound journey that blends horror, cosplay, drag, therapy, and personal healing.
Circus Envy Reveals How Horror and Drag Saved His Life
Key Highlights:
- Origins of Circus Envy:
- Circus Envy details the inception of his iconic clown character, influenced by therapeutic advice to embrace the "trickster" archetype.
- Insights into how embodying a clown helped him confront and process deep-rooted personal trauma.
- Therapy and the Trickster Archetype:
- Circus Envy shares the transformative guidance received from his therapist, who introduced the powerful symbolism behind the trickster and clown characters.
- Discussion about how using clown imagery provided emotional release, personal empowerment, and therapeutic healing.
- Friendship with Amelia Kincaid:
- Circus Envy recounts his meaningful connection with Amelia Kincaid, famed horror actress and animal advocate, highlighting how their friendship influenced both their personal and professional lives.
- Exploration of meditation and guided visualization techniques learned through Amelia, underscoring the unexpected but powerful intersection between horror culture and mental wellness.
- Drag, Horror, and Community Healing:
- Circus Envy reflects on the vibrant intersections of horror, drag culture, and cosplay.
- Celebrating the legacy of drag icon Lily White, and the embracing reception she received at horror conventions, illustrating the healing and inclusive power of community.
- Identity, Shame, and Empowerment:
- Deep conversation on how Circus Envy's clown persona allowed him to safely explore and reclaim aspects of his identity previously shrouded in shame or stigma.
- Insights into using horror and cosplay intentionally for mental and emotional healing.
- Horror Conventions as Safe Spaces:
- Corey, Kendall, and Circus Envy discuss personal anecdotes and emotional revelations experienced at horror conventions.
- Celebrating how these conventions create judgment-free zones that encourage self-expression, curiosity, and connection.
- Collaborations and Inspirations:
- Circus Envy shares heartfelt memories of collaboration with horror legends such as Sid Haig, including his mother's creation of Haig's iconic Captain Spaulding costume.
- Reflecting on inspirations drawn from Karen Black, Dee Wallace, Rob Zombie, and other horror icons known for embracing vulnerability and authenticity.
- Future of Circus Envy:
- Circus Envy discusses plans for evolving his character and using cosplay with therapeutic intentions, aiming to support others on their healing journeys.
- Emphasis on shamanic traditions, sacred clowns, and cosplay as powerful tools for integrating fragmented aspects of self.
Reflective Insights:
- Corey, Kendall, and Circus Envy emphasize breaking stigmas around mental heal
Thank you for listening to Horror Heals.
Share the show with someone who loves horror and someone who needs a little healing.
If you want to support our guests, check the show notes for links to their work, conventions, and fundraising pages.
You can also listen to our sister podcast Family Twist, a show about DNA surprises, identity, and the families we find along the way.
Horror Heals is produced by How the Cow Ate the Cabbage LLC.
Is horror good for mental wellness? Of corpse it is.
