In this episode of Horror Heals, Corey sits down with horror power couple Porsher and Elijah Black, whose passion for the genre goes far beyond just watching scary movies. From using cosplay as a tool for self-expression to founding Return of the Giving Dead, a charity-focused horror cosplay group, they share how horror has become a vital part of their healing journey.
Porsher opens up about her struggles with panic disorder, health anxiety, and depression, including how a deeply personal Instagram video documenting her experience resonated with the horror community. Elijah, a supportive partner and advocate, discusses what it’s like to be there for a loved one battling mental health challenges and how horror conventions and cosplay have given them both a sense of belonging.
They also discuss their incredible horror cosplays, including their legendary Creepshow and Return of the Living Dead poster recreations, and why they believe horror fans are some of the kindest and most generous people out there. Plus, they share their favorite final girl (or guy!) and why horror has been a refuge in tough times.
Topics Discussed in This Episode:
🔪 Facing Fear Head-On: How Porsher’s anxiety and mental health struggles led to a transformative journey of healing and self-acceptance.
🧠 Horror as Therapy: Why watching horror films can actually help people process real-life anxieties and struggles.
🎭 The Power of Cosplay: How dressing as horror icons became an outlet for self-expression and confidence.
💀 Return of the Giving Dead: The origin of their horror-based charity group and how it’s making a difference.
🎃 Cosplay That Turns Heads: The inside story of their most jaw-dropping horror cosplays, including Creepshow, Return of the Living Dead, and more.
📢 Mental Health Awareness in the Horror Community: Why horror fans understand anxiety and depression better than most.
🔥 Final Person Picks: Who is the ultimate survivor? Porsher and Elijah weigh in!
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.
