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In today's episode, I interview director Courtney Dixon about her short documentary "Depression is a Beast," a frank look at how horror films can help people cope with anxiety and depression. The film was inspired by a New York Times article and will be shown at the Tribeca Film Festival in New York this June.

Listen to hear about how Courtney starts exploring her documentary subjects, how actor Jenna Kanell uses her horror roles to help deal with her depression, and how Courtney uses visuals, sound, and animation to tell the story in this short film.

Books recommended in this episode include:

• The Creative Act: A Way of Being by Rick Rubin
• None of This is True by Lisa Jewell

Films mentioned in this episode include:

• “Depression is a Beast” directed by Courtney Dixon
• “Let Yourself Rest” directed by Courtney Dixon
• The Imposter directed by Bart Layton
• Cutie and the Boxer directed by Zachary Heinzerling
• City of God directed by Fernando Meirelles and Kátia Lund
• Raiders of the Lost Ark directed by Steven Spielberg
• Free Willy directed by Simon Wincer
• Alien directed by Ridley Scott

Follow Courtney and the film on Instagram @courtneydixon and @depressionisabeast.