Shows
Horror JoyMeet Your Maker with Victoria DalpeIn this episode of Horror Joy, the hosts welcome Victoria Dalpe, author of 'Selene Shade: Resurrectionist for Hire.' Dalpe shares her insights into the intersection of joy and horror, her affinity for horror comedy, and the ethical dilemmas explored in her book. The discussion covers how horror can serve as a cathartic experience, influenced by '80s horror films, and the unique blend of genres in her work, including urban and dark fantasy. Dalpe also touches on her journey into horror, influenced by her Gothic New England upbringing, and her latest projects, including the upcoming sequel 'Loving the...2025-08-1135 min
Horror Joy***Release Day Episode - Meet Your Maker with John LanganIn this episode of 'Meet Your Maker,' Brian takes a solo interview with acclaimed horror author John Langan. They talk about his works, including 'The Fishermen' and the upcoming short story collection 'Lost in the Dark.' They discuss the intricate relationship between joy and horror, the communal aspect of the horror community, and the influence of found footage films on Langan's writing. The conversation also delves into Langan's experiences with Word Horde publishing, his inspirations, and the vibrant contemporary horror landscape.2025-08-0529 min
Horror JoyMeet Your Maker - Live at Next Chapter Bookshop with Paul TremblayIn this live-recorded episode of 'Horror Joy,' the hosts are joined by New York Times bestselling author Paul Tremblay at Next Chapter Bookshop in Hollidaysburg, Pennsylvania. Tremblay discusses various themes in his works and answers audience questions. Topics include the relationship between joy and horror, his journey to becoming a writer, inspirations for his horror novels targeted towards younger audiences, and the significance of artistic creation amidst technological advancements. The conversation also touches on Tremblay's personal experiences and emotions tied to his works, including the film adaptation of his novel 'The Cabin at the End of the World...2025-08-0438 min
Horror JoyMeet Your Maker with Jake Tri of Nightmare SoupIn this episode of Horror Joy, hosts Jeff and Brian introduce a new podcast series titled 'Meet Your Maker,' focusing on conversations with horror creators. Their first guest is Jake Tri, the author of 'Nightmare Soup,' a crowdfunded horror anthology reminiscent of 'Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark.' Jake discusses the inspiration behind 'Nightmare Soup,' the resurgence of horror popularity, and the interplay between horror and joy. The conversation also delves into nostalgia, the creation process with illustrator Andy Sciazko, and plans for future projects, including a potential 'Nightmare Soup' movie. Listeners are also...2025-07-2832 minHorror JoyThe Professor is In - Revisiting a Year of Horror Joy with Kevin Wetmore, Jr.In this special anniversary episode of Horror Joy, hosts Brian Onishi and Jeff Stoyanoff reflect on their first year of celebrating the emotional and intellectual joys of horror.They discuss their favorite moments, memorable interviews with horror figures likePaul Tremblay, S. Trimble and Stephen Graham Jones, and the impact of films like Jaws, The Blair Witch Project, and Silence of the Lambs.The episode features an in-depth conversation with Professor Kevin Wetmore, who shares his insights on the communal and personal joys of horror, the evolving nature of the genre post-9/11, and the significance of...2025-07-1447 min
Horror JoyMeet Your Maker: A New Horror Joy Series (Trailer)Join your favorite Horror podcasters as they introduce 'Meet Your Maker,' a new series from Horror Joy. This show is dedicated to interviewing some of the best-known and emerging Horror authors, including Clay McLeod Chapman, Victoria Dalpe, Sadie Hartmann (AKA Mother Horror), John Langan, Thomas Ha, Jake Tri, Kat Silva, and many more. Each 30-minute episode will explore new books, stories, and films, offering fans weekly content filled with more horror and joy.2025-07-1401 minHorror JoyFinal Destination 1, 2, 3In this episode of Horror Joy, we turn back time to solve the puzzle of the first three films of the Final Destination franchise, exploring the ways they engage with the horrors of the new millennium, its politics, and its technologies. The series’ horrors are doubled when we realize that the first film starts off with an exploding plane, uncannily anticipating the 9/11 terrorist attacks that fundamentally reshaped the United States of America, the Middle East, and the geopolitics of never-ending surveillance due to the specter of terrorism.They discuss:· How these films reflect the anxieties of the la...2025-06-3049 minHorror JoyNever Whistle at NightIn this episode of 'Horror Joy,' hosts Brian and Jeff delve into the 2023 anthology Never Whistle at Night, edited by Shane Hawk and Theodore C. Van Alst Jr. This collection, featuring indigenous dark fiction, navigates the intersections of horror, colonization, and representation.We discuss:· The impact of these stories both in the classroom and as a means of broadening perspectives· Key stories such as 'White Hills,' 'The Ones Who Killed Us,' and 'Navajos Don't Wear Elk Teeth,'· The importance of blood and the construction of identity· The joy and...2025-06-1643 minHorror JoyBlack/Southern Gothic - Sinners and The ReformatoryRight now in the US, it feels like we're living in a haunted house of historical racial horrors, with "DEI" being demonized and books banned. Southern and Black Gothic literature, however, bravely uncover these past atrocities and their ongoing impact.On this Horror Joy episode, we welcome author Briana N. Cox to explore Black/Southern Horror. First, we bite into Ryan Coogler's 2025 hit Sinners, which uses vampiric imagery to explore race, greed, music, and time. Then, we turn to Tananarive Due’s 2023 masterpiece, The Reformatory. Based on the real-life Dozier School for Boys, it follows young Robert St...2025-06-021h 15Horror JoyCop Horror - Se7en and Memories of a MurderIn this episode of Horror Joy, Brian and Jeff explore the themes of justice, truth, and morality through the examination of two iconic cop horror films: David Fincher's 'Seven' (1995) and Bong Joon-ho's 'Memories of Murder' (2003).We discuss:· The portrayal of police ineptitude and brutality· Sin as a model for understanding moral judgements· The impact of male ambition on women's bodies· The bleakness of a futureless worldSo, grab your detective kit and come along as we travel the long way out of hell up to the light. But make sure to keep your h...2025-05-1956 minHorror Joy90s Teen Slashers - Scream and I Know What You Did Last SummerIn this episode of Horror Joy, hosts Brian and Jeff revisit the iconic nineties teen slasher films Scream (1996) and I Know What You Did Last Summer (1997). They explore how Scream redefined the slasher genre with its meta-horror elements and adherence to and subversion of classic horror rules. They contrast this with I Know What You Did Last Summer’s more traditional approach, discussing its themes of future anxiety, class conflict, and the psychological impact of social expectations. They reflect on the nostalgia of the VHS era and the communal aspect of watching horror films.By the episode's en...2025-05-051h 00Horror JoyBuffalo, Confession, Vampire - An Interview with Stephen Graham JonesThis week on Horror Joy, Brian and Jeff welcome New York Times best-selling author Stephen Graham Jones to the show. We'll be discussing his incredible new novel, "The Buffalo Hunter, Hunter," and delving into the intricate themes it explores:Community, Inherited Guilt, Justice, and the Construction of Truth: We examine how these complex societal issues are portrayed within the narrative of "The Buffalo Hunter, Hunter," and consider the unique lens that horror fiction offers for exploring these themes.The Relationship Between Joy and Horror in Storytelling: We'll explore the nuanced ways in which seemingly disparate emotions like joy...2025-04-2154 minHorror JoyCult Horror - Hereditary and MidsommarIn this episode of Horror Joy, Jeff and Brian delve into cult representations in Ari Aster's popular horror films 'Hereditary' (2018) and 'Midsommar' (2019). They emphasize the intricate storytelling and thematic parallels between the two films, providing in-depth analysis on toxic masculinity, folklore, and community care as portrayed in Aster's works.They discuss:· The nature of cult horror· Family dynamics· The supposed safe space of the home· The psychological exploration of grief and trauma within these narratives· the unsettling allure of cults and how these films reflect broader societal issues.· Toxic masculi...2025-04-071h 00Horror JoyFaith Horror - Heretic and Universal HarvesterOn this episode of Horror Joy, Brian Onishi and Jeff Stoyanoff unpack the discomforting narratives of John Darnielle's Universal Harvester and A24's Heretic, examining how faith fuels both profound peace and unsettling horror. We'll trace the emotional arcs of these characters, exploring the role of belief in their lives and in our own.We’ll discuss:· The role that expectation plays in what we are willing to believe and what we reject· The impact narrative has on meaning, community, and discourse· The horrors of manipulating someone’s beliefs for the sake of power and control...2025-03-241h 08Horror JoyThe Devil Made Me Do It - The Silence of the Lambs and LonglegsThis week on Horror Joy, Jeff and Brian wrestle with the dualities of fear in Jonathan Demme's The Silence of the Lambs and Osgood Perkins' Longlegs. They dissect the psychological and gender horrors lurking within The Silence of the Lambs, contrasting it with the mythological and satanic elements of Longlegs.They examine the tangled webs of desire, identity, and rationalization, revealing:· The transphobia in The Silence of the Lambs and how thoughts on gender have changed· The rich material world of Jonathan Demme’s film· The failed mythology of Longlegs and The connection to the sata...2025-03-101h 06Horror JoyBody Horror in The Substance and Olga Tokarczuk's The EmpusiumThis week on Horror Joy, Jeff and Brian delve into the unsettling world of body horror, examining how it reflects societal pressures and personal anxieties. They dissect Coralie Fargeat's 2024 film, The Substance, starring Demi Moore, a biting critique of female beauty standards and the male gaze. They also explore Nobel Prize winner Olga Tokarczuk's novel, The Empusium, a health resort horror story exposing the misogynistic views of the early 20th century and the body dysmorphia of its protagonist.We discuss:·The destructive nature of beauty standards on female bodies·The predatory male gaze...2025-02-241h 08Horror JoySeverance, Liminality, and Analog Horror (Mandela Catalog/The Backrooms)This week on Horror Joy, Brian and Jeff traverse the eerie corridors of liminality in horror. They kick off with a deep dive into the Apple TV series Severance, exploring how its portrayal of work-life separation raises existential and psychological questions. Is it a thriller, or horror? Moving forward, they venture into the unsettling realm of analog horror, with a focus on YouTube creators like Kane Pixels and Alex Kister.Join us as we travel deeper in the backrooms of liminal horror and the analog threat:·We’ll discuss how liminality works in Gothic literature2025-02-1053 minHorror JoyThe Monstrous Image – Horror in Graphic Novels (Something is Killing the Children and Universal’s Frankenstein)The Monstrous Image – Horror in Graphic Novels (Something is Killing the Children and Universal’s Frankenstein) In this episode of Horror Joy, hosts Brian Onishi and Jeff Stoyanoff explore the portrayal of monsters in the realm of comics and graphic novels. They dive into the complex narratives, dissecting the horror genre as seen in James Tynion IV's 'Something is Killing the Children' and Michael Walsh's 'Universal Monsters: Frankenstein'.In this episode we:· Revisit the gothic elements of Robert Eggers' 2024 film Nosferatu, pointing out the underlying themes of predation and power· Ide...2025-01-2753 minHorror JoyNosferatu and "First Word on Horror" with Philip Gelatt2024 was a banner year for horror! From the chilling Immaculate to the unsettling Horror Movie and the glorious mustache of Nosferatu, we were truly spoiled. But now, it's time to turn a new page.This year brings fresh beginnings, new anxieties, and a renewed opportunity for horror to help us navigate the complexities of our world.To kick off 2025, Jeff and Brian welcome horror author and creator, Philip Gelatt, to the show. We'll discuss his fascinating new series, First Word on Horror, which offers a unique glimpse into the minds of horror creators....2025-01-1348 min
Horror JoyA Horror Joy Christmas - Black Christmas and The Kit-Bag by Algernon BlackwoodIn the weeks leading up to Christmas, we are caught in a mood of anticipation. We anticipate visits from family, a festive meal, and presents to be opened. We also look forward to the celebration of the incarnation of a god in human flesh, whose death brings about one of the greatest ghost stories ever told. Rephrased, the story of Christmas is already a kind of horror narrative.Join us for a chilling exploration of the darker side of Christmas. In this episode of Horror Joy, we'll delve into the unsettling underbelly of holiday cheer....2024-12-1656 minHorror Joy"The Kit-Bag" by Algernon Blackwood - Read by Brian OnishiAs an anticipation of our episode out on Monday (12/16), Brian reads "The Kit-Bag" by Algernon Blackwood."The Kit-Bag," originally published in 1908 by Pall Mall Magazine, tells the story of Johnson, a young man preparing to go on a Christmas vacation after helping to successfully defend a particularly gruesome murder case.Alone in his apartment, Johnson begins to experience strange noises and visions. Is it his drunk lodger bringing in the mail? Is it another tenant of the building? Or is it a sinister figure invading his home via his borrowed suitcase (the titular kit-bag). Like...2024-12-1128 minHorror JoyVampires - Dracula, Salem's Lot, and Midnight Mass *** With Special Guest Chris McAuley of the StokerVerseEpisode Timeline**2:12-40:42 – StokerVerse and Bram Stoker’s Dracula with Chris McAuley **40:42-58:26 – Salem’s Lot **58:27-end – Midnight Mass From the gothic castles of Transylvania to the sleepy towns of Maine, vampires have captivated our imaginations for centuries. In this episode of Horror Joy, we'll explore the evolution of the vampire mythos, from Bram Stoker's iconic Dracula to modern interpretations like Salem's Lot and Midnight Mass.We'll discuss:The Vampire's Enduring Appeal: Why this ancient creature continues to fascinate us.Dracula's Dark Legacy: The cultural impact of Stoker's masterpiece...2024-12-021h 24Horror JoyAlien (1979) - An Uncanny Political FableIn this episode of Horror Joy, we're venturing into the cold, dark depths of space to explore Ridley Scott's iconic sci-fi horror masterpiece, Alien.We'll delve into the film's terrifying themes, including:The Alien as the Ultimate Other: How the alien creature embodies our fears of the unknown and the uncanny.Body Horror and the Violation of the Human Form: The film's disturbing exploration of birth, death, and the body.Corporate Greed and Existential Threat: The role of capitalism and technology in creating the conditions for the alien's emergence.The Heroine's Journey: Ripley's evolution from a...2024-11-1850 minHorror JoyAppalachian Folk Horror - The Blair Witch Project and Old Gods of AppalachiaSometimes, the most terrifying monsters aren't lurking in the shadows, but in the very heart of our world. In this episode of Horror Joy, we delve into the eerie world of folk horror, where ancient myths and environmental fears intertwine.We'll explore:The Appalachian Nightmare: How the exploitation of the Appalachian landscape has given rise to terrifying folklore and real-world consequences.The Blair Witch Project: The unsettling power of place and the psychological terror of the woods.Old Gods of Appalachia: The ancient evil lurking beneath the surface of the Kentucky hills.Join us as...2024-11-041h 08Horror JoyHalloween (1978)!Join us as we plunge into the shadowy world of Haddonfield, Illinois. In this special episode of Horror Joy, Jeff and Brian dissect John Carpenter's iconic 1978 slasher film, Halloween. We'll explore:The Shape's Morality: Is Michael Myers a terrifying villain or a moral compass?Beyond the Mask: Can we find a more subversive reading of this classic horror film?The Rules of the Slasher: How Halloween established the blueprint for countless horror films to follow.The Psychology of Fear: Unraveling the psychological underpinnings of the film's enduring terror.So, lock the doors, grab your...2024-10-3133 minHorror JoyHorror Nostalgia - The Rack with Tom Deady and Scary Stories to Tell in the DarkA Nostalgic Nightmare: Exploring the Comfort of HorrorThis week on Horror Joy, we're taking a trip down memory lane. For many of us, our love affair with horror began at a young age, fueled by Goosebumps books, Are You Afraid of the Dark, and the iconic horror paperbacks found on the revolving racks at local grocery stores.Nostalgia and Horror: A Twisted EmbraceNostalgia, with its roots in homesickness, offers a sense of comfort and belonging. But horror, while evoking strong emotions, can also be deeply comforting. It disrupts our sense of...2024-10-211h 02Horror JoyThe Babadook: Queerness in the Basement with S. TrimbleThis episode of Horror Joy delves into the chilling world of The Babadook, a film that has been interpreted as both a study in grief and a queer icon.Joining us is S. Trimble, an Assistant Professor of Women and Gender Studies at the University of Toronto, to explore these shadowy perspectives.We'll discuss:Grief and the Monstrous: The film's exploration of grief and how it manifests as a monstrous figure.The Babadook's Queer Identity: The reinterpretation of The Babadook as a queer character challenging societal norms.Queer Feelings and Horror: How queerness can...2024-10-0755 minHorror JoyQueer Horror with Eric LaRoccaIn this episode Brian and Jeff celebrate queer horror. We explore how horror has become a space for queer expression, challenging societal norms and offering a unique perspective on both classic and contemporary horror.Our guest, Eric LaRocca, a popular and prolific author of queer horror, will join us to discuss:The Monster Within: How horror reflects our deepest fears and anxieties about identity and belonging.Queer Liberation through Horror: How the horror genre provides a space for queer individuals to challenge societal norms and express their identities.The "New Queer Horror": Exploring the emergence of...2024-09-2343 minHorror JoyStar Spangled boogaloo - Christian Nationalism 2This week on Horror Joy, we're delving deeper into the chilling connection between Christian nationalism and horror. Following our exploration of Victorian roots with Lukas Kwong, we're turning our attention to the modern-day manifestations of this dangerous ideology.Joining us is Bradley Onishi, author and co-host of the popular political podcast Straight White American Jesus, to provide invaluable insights into contemporary Christian nationalism.We'll dissect the horrors unfolding around us:Understanding Christian Nationalism Today: A comprehensive look at the current state of Christian nationalism and its impact on society.The Power of Community: Exploring...2024-09-091h 11Horror JoyChristian Nationalism: A Horror StoryThis episode of Horror Joy delves into the chilling intersection of horror and politics. Brian and Jeff are joined by Lucas Kwong, scholar and host of the podcast Monster in the Mirror, to explore the connections between Christian Nationalism and horror, with a particular focus on Bram Stoker's Dracula and Gothic literature.We'll uncover the haunting parallels between these two seemingly disparate forces, discussing:Horror as a Liberating Force: Can horror serve as a mechanism for challenging oppressive ideologies?Dracula's Nationalist Roots: Exploring the ways in which Christian Nationalism finds resonance in Dracula and Gothic literature...2024-08-2656 minHorror JoyZombie Talk 2: The Night of the Living Dead and Shaun of the DeadThis week on Horror Joy, we're back to the undead for a second helping of brains. Brian and Jeff are diving deeper into the zombie phenomenon, exploring the cultural and societal implications of these shambling hordes.We'll be chewing over some meaty topics, including:Zombies and Capitalism: How do the mindless, consumerist zombies reflect our own society's obsession with consumption?Race and the Undead: We'll examine how zombie narratives reflect and reinforce racial tensions both in the United States and globally.Communication Breakdown: The importance of communication technology in zombie films, from Night of the Living...2024-08-1254 minHorror JoyZombie Talk: An Interview with Kelly J. BakerZombies. They’re everywhere. From the silver screen to the printed page, the undead have become a cultural staple. But what does their enduring popularity say about us?On this episode of Horror Joy, Brian and Jeff are joined by the brilliant Kelly J. Baker, author of The Zombies are Coming! The Realities of the Zombie Apocalypse in American Culture. Together, we'll delve into the heart of the zombie phenomenon.We'll be chewing on these topics: *How does horror offer a cathartic release for our anxieties? *Do zombies provide a moral ju...2024-07-2949 minHorror JoyA Horror Apocalypse - Meta-Horror, Masks, and Cabin in the WoodsThis episode of Horror Joy Brian and Jeff wander the dark hallways of meta-horror and ask whether we need a genre apocalypse to get beyond tired tropes of our favorite stories. Meta-horror shines a light on the structure of horror and how this leads to questions about both the audience of horror and the genre itself. Join us as we attempt to step back and get a broader glimpse of the house of horror:*We’ll take a quick nostalgic trip through The Haunted Mask, an early Goosebumps title*We’ll analyze the conn...2024-07-1557 minHorror JoyHorror (Un)masked: Paul Tremblay – a conversation with the author on his bestselling new releaseThis episode of Horror Joy marks our first-ever interview with a horror creator! Join Brian and Jeff as they delve into the mind of acclaimed author, Paul Tremblay, to dissect his chilling new novel, "Horror Movie."Prepare to be enthralled as we discuss:* Paul's personal experiences with both the joys and terrors of the horror genre.* The profound impact the horror community has had on Paul's writing journey and career.* The role of meta-horror and ambiguity in Paul's fiction, uncovering what sets his work apart.* The power of horror...2024-07-0148 minHorror JoyOh, God - Religious HorrorThis episode of Horror Joy ventures into the unsettling realm of religious horror. Brian and Jeff explore the depths of this subgenre through a chilling double feature: A24's critically acclaimed 'Saint Maud' (2019) and the recently released Neon film, 'Immaculate' (2024).Prepare to dissect some truly horrifying themes:*We’ll analyze how both films explore the control exerted over the female body, through spectacle in 'Immaculate' and denial in 'Saint Maud'*We’ll delve into the contrasting ways these films utilize both physical and supernatural elements to create dread*We’ll explore the ch...2024-06-1753 min
Horror JoyJaws - We're Gonna Need a Bigger PodThis week on Horror Joy, Brian and Jeff dive headfirst into the churning waters of Steven Spielberg's classic, Jaws. We'll explore what makes this film a titan of terror, from John Williams' unforgettable score to the lurking dread of a small island community. But Jaws isn't just about a giant shark. We'll also be dissecting the three major themes:*An island paradise that becomes an isolated, exclusive community*Performing masculinity and the environmental cost of unchecked ambition.* The ecological nightmare of a displaced predatorSo grab your floaties and prepare for a...2024-06-0338 min
Horror JoyEpisode 1 - What is Horror Joy?*In this episode we introduce the idea of Horror Joy and discuss how we have found joy in horror as professors.*We take a trip down childhood chills with a discussion of our shared love for Goosebumps, Stephen King, and how nostalgia and joy mix.*Jeff recounts his introduction to horror through old black and white movies and his recent viewing of Willow Creek, while Brian describes a late blooming interest in horror movies and his love for It Follows.*The episode finishes with a brief discussion of The Blair Witch Project, exploring...2024-06-0317 min
Straight White American JesusThe Allure of Horror, Misinformation, and JoyDan had a family emergency this week, so instead of It's In the Code we have a special episode. In the first part, Brad speaks to Dr. Jeffery Stoyanoff and Dr. Brian Onishi about their new podcast Horror Joy - a deep dive into horror in hopes of finding joy lurking in the shadows. They talk about the allure of horror films and books, the ways horror provides a window into our contemporary hopes and fears, and why Jaws is actually reallly good f*cking movie.In the second part, Brad speaks to Dr. Susannah Crockford, creator...2024-05-3050 minPremium Ad-Free: Straight White American JesusThe Allure of Horror, Misinformation, and JoyDan had a family emergency this week, so instead of It's In the Code we have a special episode. In the first part, Brad speaks to Dr. Jeffery Stoyanoff and Dr. Brian Onishi about their new podcast Horror Joy - a deep dive into horror in hopes of finding joy lurking in the shadows. They talk about the allure of horror films and books, the ways horror provides a window into our contemporary hopes and fears, and why Jaws is actually reallly good f*cking movie.In the second part, Brad speaks to Dr. Susannah Crockford, creator...2024-05-3050 minHorror JoyTrailerHorror Joy is a podcast by two university professors who take a deep dive into the world of horror. Join us as we seek to find joy, even in horror. 2024-05-2101 min