In this exciting episode of Horror Heals, Corey Stulce dives deep with the legendary Dave Hagan, founder of the iconic Monster-Mania convention—a haven for horror fans worldwide. From heartfelt memories of watching double-feature horror films with his father, to the humble origins and incredible growth of Monster-Mania, Dave shares what makes this convention uniquely personal and enduring. Monster-Mania isn’t just a con; it’s a tribute to Dave’s late father, a sanctuary for horror enthusiasts, and a place where fans become family.
A Dedication to Family
Dave Hagan shares how Monster-Mania is a lifelong tribute to his father, whose love for horror films inspired Dave to create a space where fans feel seen, understood, and embraced.
Creating a Horror Haven
Hear how Dave’s introverted personality shaped Monster-Mania's welcoming vibe, making it a space for introverts and horror lovers to connect without judgment.
From Fandom to Family
Corey and Dave bond over the transformative power of horror conventions, with Corey sharing personal moments from attending Monster-Mania that inspired the Horror Heals podcast.
Epic Fan Moments
From falling off the stage to a fire marshal’s intervention, Dave reveals behind-the-scenes chaos and how fans turned even the wildest moments into cherished memories.
Monster Mania’s Unlikely Love Stories
The convention has sparked countless friendships, relationships, and unforgettable memories among horror lovers.
Dave Hagan: “The shows have always been and always will be a dedication to my dad… Sundays in a movie theater with him were as close to heaven as I could get.”
Corey Stulce: “Horror movies are something that Kendall and I first bonded over when we started dating, like this mutual love of horror…finding kinship with those characters because they’re outsiders, just like us.”
Don’t Miss Out on the Next Part of Dave Hagan’s Story
Curious about what it takes to keep the horror community alive and thriving? Join us next time as Dave shares the ongoing evolution of Monster Mania and how they keep fans coming
Thank you for listening to Horror Heals.
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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.
