In the latest episode of Horror Heals, hosts Corey takes listeners on a journey into the world of horror community-building with guest Laura Inlow, Corey’s old friend and former coworker. Laura recently founded LC Scars, a horror club at Lewis and Clark Community College in Godfrey, Illinois, located near one of the most haunted towns in America, Alton. But what drives someone to start a horror club, and how does horror support mental wellness? Laura’s story offers insights for anyone looking to turn a passion into a meaningful, shared experience.
From her explorations of haunted sites in Alton to her efforts to create an inclusive space for horror fans, Laura’s journey reveals horror as more than just jump scares—it’s a pathway to community and catharsis. For Laura, horror became a crucial outlet during the pandemic, helping her manage stress and find perspective. Watching horror films allowed her to experience the adrenaline of fear within a safe, controlled setting—a reminder that she could survive the anxiety-inducing days of uncertainty and lockdowns.
The Haunted Origins of LC Scars
Building a horror club wasn’t just about scares and thrills for Laura; it was about connection. At Lewis and Clark, she envisioned LC Scars as a place where students could share in the magic of horror, whether through spine-tingling film screenings, book discussions, or even group trips to haunted houses. As Laura and Corey discussed in the episode, horror clubs provide a safe space for fans to bond over shared scares, whether it's through creepy tales of haunted sites or the comfort of a classic monster movie.
In an unexpected twist, Laura’s kids have also begun to join her on this horror journey. With carefully chosen “gateway” horror films like Nightbooks and The Lost Boys, Laura has introduced her daughters to horror in a way that feels fun and safe, reminding listeners that horror can be a family affair.
The Power of Horror as Therapy
Laura’s experience mirrors a phenomenon recognized by horror fans everywhere: horror can provide an emotional outlet. Whether it's the thrill of a haunted house or the thrill of a horror movie marathon, horror allows people to feel a controlled fear that can serve as a mental reset. For Laura, watching horror movies gave her the adrenaline rush of fear while knowing she was ultimately safe. It’s like a rollercoaster ride for the mind—terrifying in the moment, yet exhilarating once it’s over.
As Laura shared in the episode, horror can even help fans build mental resilience. The heroes and heroines, or “final girls,” in horror films embody perseverance, facing unimaginable odds and surviving. These narratives provide more than just entertainment; they offer inspiration and validation for people facing their fears, both real and imagined.
Bringing Horror Home
For many fans, Halloween is the ultimate celebration of all things horror, and Laura is no exception. She regales listeners with stories of local Halloween traditions, like the unique trick-or-treat parade in her neighborhood, where the givers of candy line the route and watch as kids in costumes parade by. As she
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Is horror good for mental wellness? Of corpse it is.
