Clever Ghouls

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We're back, baby! In this episode, the Ghoulies talk about the delectable death cult in The Menu, the 2022 American black comedy horror that's all about the details of some of the most delicious dishes we've ever seen. We'll discuss the (sometimes ethical) consumption of art, class warfare (eat the rich), and OF COURSE the food. We hope you're hungry for a juicy episode!

The Clever Ghouls podcast, hosted by Maegan and Blair, is a show dedicated to watching, analyzing, and discussing the movies that make us think about them long after we’ve left the theater or turned off the TV. We bring quick wit and unique perspectives from backgrounds like art history, cinematography, psychology, analysis, public education, mysticism, mythos, and more to create a curated, inclusive conversation around the spooky movies we love. Tune in on your favorite podcast hosting platform to listen along, join the conversation, and chime in with your own observations!

Our intro and outro music was created for us by Josh Marshall. For more episodes and other spooky content, find us on your favorite social media platform through our handle: @CleverGhouls. Don’t forget to subscribe and share, and if you really like our content, please leave us a review. Or we’ll haunt you forever. Thanks for listening!

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In this episode of Clever Ghouls, the Ghouls have come here to chew bubble gum and kick ass...and they're all out of bubble gum. Join them as they discuss John  Carpenter's "They Live". This movie is filled with Alien Shades and Capitalist MasqueradesTM, and lots of deep commentary on consumerism, media control, socioeconomic inequality and soooo much more. "They Live", directed by John Carpenter and released in 1988, is a sci-fi horror film that follows the story of a drifter who stumbles upon a pair of special sunglasses that reveal a hidden reality. We talk about topics like consumerism and mass media manipulation, social and economic inequality, social pacification, class divide, obedience and resistance, fear of and the pressure to obey authority figures, and resistance and empowerment.

There are way too many references to fit into the allowed word count of this description. So I created a Google Doc with them all if you would like to peruse them and learn some things.

The Clever Ghouls podcast, hosted by Maegan and Blair, is a show dedicated to watching, analyzing, and discussing the movies that make us think about them long after we’ve left the theater or turned off the TV. We bring quick wit and unique perspectives from backgrounds like art history, cinematography, psychology, analysis, public education, mysticism, mythos, and more to create a curated, inclusive conversation around the spooky movies we love. Tune in on your favorite podcast hosting platform to listen along, join the conversation, and chime in with your own observations!

Our intro and outro music was created for us by Josh Marshall. For more episodes and other spooky content, find us on your favorite social media platform through our handle: @CleverGhouls. Don’t forget to subscribe and share, and if you really like our content, please leave us a review. Or we’ll haunt you forever. Thanks for listening!

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When They Live first came out, it was not particularly well received. Critics said the writing was clunky, the music was too repetitive, the acting was too melodramatic, and most ironically, the storyline was entirely too far-fetched and improbable. My how times have changed. Or…haven’t changed.

Released in 1988, this science fiction thriller remarkably predicted several aspects of our modern world. From the control of media to the manipulation of consumerism, "They Live" presents a dystopian landscape that feels eerily relevant and serves as a powerful critique of contemporary society.

References:
https://atlantamission.org/the-hidden-homeless-what-youre-not-seeing-in-the-statistics/

The Clever Ghouls podcast, hosted by Maegan and Blair, is a show dedicated to watching, analyzing, and discussing the movies that make us think about them long after we’ve left the theater or turned off the TV. We bring quick wit and unique perspectives from backgrounds like art history, cinematography, psychology, analysis, public education, mysticism, mythos, and more to create a curated, inclusive conversation around the spooky movies we love. Tune in on your favorite podcast hosting platform to listen along, join the conversation, and chime in with your own observations!

Our intro and outro music was created for us by Josh Marshall. For more episodes and other spooky content, find us on your favorite social media platform through our handle: @CleverGhouls. Don’t forget to subscribe and share, and if you really like our content, please leave us a review. Or we’ll haunt you forever. Thanks for listening!

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On this episode, the Clever Ghouls tap-dancing across time and space to talk about The Rocky Horror Picture Show, the 1975 cult classic comedy horror musical written by Richard O’Brien and directed by Jim Sharman. We dig into topics like gender and sexual fluidity, some etymology and history of our language for the queer community, Maegan walks us through drag, Prudish AmericansTM and our hangup with sex during the sexual revolution of the 70s, and some meta commentary about B movies. It’s a sexy, sultry, slutty, and all around smutty good time!

The Rocky Horror Picture Show is tame AF, at least by this podcast’s standards, however it IS rated R by the Motion Picture Association for sexual content. There’s also some instances of coercion, as well as a lack of consent in sexual situations. And references to one character in particular being a drug addict and a brief, but nevertheless present, implication of cannibalism.Oh yeah, and someone gets murdered. And a trigger warning for transphobia and homophobia during this episode. While this movie doesn't really touch on these subjects, our conversations will. Including me talking about some really problematic and harmful things the movie’s writer has said.

This episode has a few minisodes to accompany it, so definitely take some time to listen to those for even MORE in-depth content! 

• Obscurity to Adoration: The History of Cult Films | Minisode w/ Maegan
• Queer Loves Fear: The Relationship between the Queer Community & Horror | Minisode w/ Maegan

The Clever Ghouls podcast, hosted by Maegan and Blair, is a show dedicated to watching, analyzing, and discussing the movies that make us think about them long after we’ve left the theater or turned off the TV. We bring quick wit and unique perspectives from backgrounds like art history, cinematography, psychology, analysis, public education, mysticism, mythos, and more to create a curated, inclusive conversation around the spooky movies we love. Tune in on your favorite podcast hosting platform to listen along, join the conversation, and chime in with your own observations!

Our intro and outro music was created for us by Josh Marshall. For more episodes and other spooky content, find us on your favorite social media platform through our handle: @CleverGhouls. Don’t forget to subscribe and share, and if you really like our content, please leave us a review. Or we’ll haunt you forever. Thanks for listening!

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Cult films, a genre characterized by their devoted fan base and unconventional appeal, have carved a unique place in the history of cinema. This minisode with Maegan digs into the fascinating and ever-evolving world of cult films; tracing their origins, exploring their defining characteristics, and examining the factors that contribute to their enduring popularity. From underground gems to mainstream successes, cult films have captivated audiences, defying traditional conventions and leaving an indelible mark on the film industry.

The Clever Ghouls podcast, hosted by Maegan and Blair, is a show dedicated to watching, analyzing, and discussing the movies that make us think about them long after we’ve left the theater or turned off the TV. We bring quick wit and unique perspectives from backgrounds like art history, cinematography, psychology, analysis, public education, mysticism, mythos, and more to create a curated, inclusive conversation around the spooky movies we love. Tune in on your favorite podcast hosting platform to listen along, join the conversation, and chime in with your own observations!

Our intro and outro music was created for us by Josh Marshall. For more episodes and other spooky content, find us on your favorite social media platform through our handle: @CleverGhouls. Don’t forget to subscribe and share, and if you really like our content, please leave us a review. Or we’ll haunt you forever. Thanks for listening!

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When it comes to bad luck, there are few superstitions as pervasive in Western culture as that of Friday the 13th. Like crossing paths with a black cat and breaking a mirror, the notion of a day that can bring misfortune is deeply embedded (even if believers can’t quite explain why). Join Maegan in this minisode as she briefly walks you through the history of this day; including its surprisingly feminist roots. 

The Clever Ghouls podcast, hosted by Maegan and Blair, is a show dedicated to watching, analyzing, and discussing the movies that make us think about them long after we’ve left the theater or turned off the TV. We bring quick wit and unique perspectives from backgrounds like art history, cinematography, psychology, analysis, public education, mysticism, mythos, and more to create a curated, inclusive conversation around the spooky movies we love. Tune in on your favorite podcast hosting platform to listen along, join the conversation, and chime in with your own observations!

Our intro and outro music was created for us by Josh Marshall. For more episodes and other spooky content, find us on your favorite social media platform through our handle: @CleverGhouls. Don’t forget to subscribe and share, and if you really like our content, please leave us a review. Or we’ll haunt you forever. Thanks for listening!

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On Part 2 of the Midsommar epsiode, the Ghouls dig into all things brain. Join us as we take time to talk about the (mis)representation of mental illness in film, how we relate to Dani and why she felt like realistic representation, how trauma affects our brains, the importance of support systems, and so much more.

Note from Maegan: Everything we are going to talk about are complex mental health conditions, and diagnosing it based solely on character behavior in a work of fiction can be challenging. The characters are intentionally complex and morally ambiguous. While they may display certain traits, the film's primary focus is on the disturbing rituals and events in the community rather than providing a clinical exploration of personality disorders. Additionally, diagnosing fictional characters with specific mental disorders is a subjective interpretation and may not align with a clinical diagnosis.  I have advanced degrees in psychology and used to work as a registered therapist, so we’re going to navigate this ethically and at a high level being careful to not armchair diagnose.

The diegetic flute music you hear in this episode is from the movie when they first enter the Hagra and it was played by Maegan.

This episode has minisodes to accompany it, so definitely take some time to listen to those for even MORE in-depth content! 

• Modern Madness: Misrepresentation of Mental Illness in Horror | Minisode w/ Maegan
• Monsters are Good For Us: Grief & Mourning Through Horror | Minisode w/ Maegan
• Electric Meatballs: Brain Anatomy & How the Brain Works | Minisode w/ Maegan
• Unveiling the Dark Depths: The History of Psychological Horror | Minisode w/ Maegan

If you or a loved one are struggling, do not hesitate to reach out to the number below for help. SAMHSA’s National Helpline, 1-800-662-HELP (4357) (also known as the Treatment Referral Routing Service), or TTY: 1-800-487-4889 is a confidential, free, 24-hour-a-day, 365-day-a-year, information service, in English and Spanish, for individuals and family members facing mental and/or substance use disorders. This service provides referrals to local treatment facilities, support groups, and community-based organizations.

The Clever Ghouls podcast, hosted by Maegan and Blair, is a show dedicated to watching, analyzing, and discussing the movies that make us think about them long after we’ve left the theater or turned off the TV. We bring quick wit and unique perspectives from backgrounds like art history, cinematography, psychology, analysis, public education, mysticism, mythos, and more to create a curated, inclusive conversation around the spooky movies we love. Tune in on your favorite podcast hosting platform to listen along, join the conversation, and chime in with your own observations!

Our intro and outro music was created for us by Josh Marshall. For more episodes and other spooky content, find us on your favorite social media platform through our handle: @CleverGhouls. Don’t forget to subscribe and share, and if you really like our content, please leave us a review. Or we’ll haunt you forever. Thanks for listening!

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On this episode, the Ghouls discuss the unsettling masterpiece that is "Midsommar." Directed by Ari Aster in 2019, this modern horror gem takes us far from the familiar jump scares and dark alleys, into the blinding daylight of a secluded Scandinavian commune. The chirping of birds and the warmth of the sun may seem inviting, but underneath lies a tale of ancient rituals, psychological torment, and a unique brand of horror that lingers long after the credits roll. This movie is an exploration of grief, culture clash, toxic relationships, and the thin line between tradition and madness. In part 1 of our Midsommar episode, we dig into themes like trauma, grief, social dynamics, group think, and even some color analysis. Tune into part 2 for a deeper dive into things brains and psychology!

The diegetic flute music you hear in this episode is from the movie when they first enter the Hagra, and it was played by Maegan.
 
This episode has LOTS of minisodes to accompany it, so definitely take some time to listen to those for even MORE in-depth content! 

• Modern Madness: Misrepresentation of Mental Illness in Horror | Minisode w/ Maegan
• Monsters are Good For Us: Grief & Mourning Through Horror | Minisode w/ Maegan
• Electric Meatballs: Brain Anatomy & How the Brain Works | Minisode w/ Maegan
• Unveiling the Dark Depths: The History of Psychological Horror | Minisode w/ Maegan

If you or a loved one are struggling, do not hesitate to reach out to the number below for help. SAMHSA’s National Helpline, 1-800-662-HELP (4357) (also known as the Treatment Referral Routing Service), or TTY: 1-800-487-4889 is a confidential, free, 24-hour-a-day, 365-day-a-year, information service, in English and Spanish, for individuals and family members facing mental and/or substance use disorders. This service provides referrals to local treatment facilities, support groups, and community-based organizations.

The Clever Ghouls podcast, hosted by Maegan and Blair, is a show dedicated to watching, analyzing, and discussing the movies that make us think about them long after we’ve left the theater or turned off the TV. We bring quick wit and unique perspectives from backgrounds like art history, cinematography, psychology, analysis, public education, mysticism, mythos, and more to create a curated, inclusive conversation around the spooky movies we love. Tune in on your favorite podcast hosting platform to listen along, join the conversation, and chime in with your own observations!

Our intro and outro music was created for us by Josh Marshall. For more episodes and other spooky content, find us on your favorite social media platform through our handle: @CleverGhouls. Don’t forget to subscribe and share, and if you really like our content, please leave us a review. Or we’ll haunt you forever. Thanks for listening!

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On this episode, the Clever Ghouls discuss Hereditary, the 2018 psychological supernatural horror film written and directed by Ari Aster. Hereditary explores the lives of Annie, Peter, Charlie, and Steve as they navigate some suspicious activity following the death of Annie’s mother, Ellen. Join us as we take a closer look at this film and talk about themes such as generational trauma, epigenetics, existential vulnerability, grief, and the representation of the divine feminine.

This film is rated R for horror violence, disturbing images, language, drug use, and brief graphic nudity. For more information we invite you to visit Hereditary’s listing on DoesTheDogDie.com.

This episode has minisodes to accompany it, so definitely take some time to listen to those for even MORE in-depth content! 

• The Body Never Forgets: Epigenetics & Generational Trauma w/ Maegan
• Mommy Dearest: Mothers, Motherhood & Maternal Portrayal in Horror w/ Maegan & guest Sarah Billings
• Monsters are Good For Us: Grief & Mourning Through Horror w/ Maegan
• Modern Madness: Misrepresentation of Mental Illness in Horror w/ Maegan

The Clever Ghouls podcast, hosted by Maegan and Blair, is a show dedicated to watching, analyzing, and discussing the movies that make us think about them long after we’ve left the theater or turned off the TV. We bring quick wit and unique perspectives from backgrounds like art history, cinematography, psychology, analysis, public education, mysticism, mythos, and more to create a curated, inclusive conversation around the spooky movies we love. Tune in on your favorite podcast hosting platform to listen along, join the conversation, and chime in with your own observations!

Our intro and outro music was created for us by Josh Marshall. For more episodes and other spooky content, find us on your favorite social media platform through our handle: @CleverGhouls. Don’t forget to subscribe and share, and if you really like our content, please leave us a review. Or we’ll haunt you forever. Thanks for listening!

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On this episode, the Clever Ghouls continue to discuss Hereditary, the 2018 psychological supernatural horror film written and directed by Ari Aster. This episode focuses on the filmmaking aspects of the movie and includes discussions surrounding the use of sound, psychological  suspense, the use of miniatures, and a closer look into what makes Hereditary so SCARY.

This film is rated R for horror violence, disturbing images, language, drug use, and brief graphic nudity. For more information we invite you to visit Hereditary’s listing on DoesTheDogDie.com.

This episode has minisodes to accompany it, so definitely take some time to listen to those for even MORE in-depth content! 

• Dare to Be Scared: Psychology & Neurophysiology of Fear w/ Maegan
• Thanatophobia: The Psychology Behind Death Anxiety w/ Maegan
• Unveiling the Dark Depths: The History of Psychological Horror w/ Maegan
• Electric Meatballs: Brain Anatomy and How the Brain Works w/ Maegan

The Clever Ghouls podcast, hosted by Maegan and Blair, is a show dedicated to watching, analyzing, and discussing the movies that make us think about them long after we’ve left the theater or turned off the TV. We bring quick wit and unique perspectives from backgrounds like art history, cinematography, psychology, analysis, public education, mysticism, mythos, and more to create a curated, inclusive conversation around the spooky movies we love. Tune in on your favorite podcast hosting platform to listen along, join the conversation, and chime in with your own observations!

Our intro and outro music was created for us by Josh Marshall. For more episodes and other spooky content, find us on your favorite social media platform through our handle: @CleverGhouls. Don’t forget to subscribe and share, and if you really like our content, please leave us a review. Or we’ll haunt you forever. Thanks for listening!