Women in Horror are reshaping the genre, from the lingering dread of The Exorcist to modern Final Person heroes like Naru in Prey. In this episode, Kimberly Ramsawak, creator of Horror Concierge and founder of Horror and Her, joins us for her first podcast appearance to talk empowerment, representation, and why horror is the most emotionally honest genre around.
We explore Kimberly’s horror origin story, including The Exorcist at age six, the rise of women-led horror commentary on Substack, how identity and empowerment show up on screen, and why original storytelling matters more now than ever. We also talk Guillermo del Toro’s Frankenstein, Predator Badlands, and Jordan Peele’s upcoming remake of The People Under the Stairs.
If you love smart horror conversations, slow burn dread, women finding their power, and creature feature nostalgia, you will love this one.
Who is Kimberly Ramsawak
Kimberly is the creator of Horror Concierge, a Substack newsletter for women horror fans and creators. She is also the founder of Horror and Her, a coaching business that helps women build powerful newsletters and communities centered on their unique horror perspectives.
What we talk about in this episode
• Kimberly’s horror origin story and how The Exorcist became her lifelong favorite
• The link between horror and empowerment for women
• Why Substack is becoming a home for horror voices and creative community
• How to turn horror writing into a movement
• Why horror fans were more resilient during the COVID pandemic
• The growing diversity in the horror world
• The need for original storytelling and fewer remakes
• Kimberly’s favorite final person and why Naru from Prey stands above the rest
Favorite moments
• “I was six when my dad sat me down to watch The Exorcist and Thriller. He told my mom, ‘They are going to learn not to be afraid of anything.’”
• “Everyone writes reviews. What is your hill to die on? That is your horror voice.”
• “Horror fans already survived the zombie apocalypse in our minds. That is why we handled COVID better than most.”
Why this episode matters
Kimberly shows how horror can be both a creative outlet and a path to healing. Her approach reminds us that when we confront what terrifies us, whether it is societal expectations or personal fear, we make space for growth, power, and reinvention.
Listen if you have ever
• Hidden your horror fandom at work
• Wanted to write about horror but did not know where to begin
• Needed a reminder that fear can be fuel
• Wished more women and creators of color shaped the horror landscape
Connect with Kimberly
Substack: https://horrorconcierge.substack.com?utm_source=horrorheals
Horror and Her: https://horrorandher.com?utm_source=horrorheals
Follow Horror Heals
YouTube Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@horrorhealspodcast?utm_source=buzzsprout
Instagram: https://instagram.com/horrorheals?u
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.
