In this episode of 'Horror Joy,' hosts Brian and Jeff delve into the appeal of found footage horror and are joined by author Michael Wehunt to explore these themes.

They discuss Wehunt's debut novel, 'The October Film Haunt,' which blends subgenres including found footage, slasher, and occult horror.

The conversation covers Wehunt’s writing journey, the intricacies of the horror genre, and deeper themes of community, belief, and the potential dangers they pose.

Wehunt shares his thoughts on the joy within horror and how true-life horrors like social media manipulation and post-truth societies interact with horror elements in literature.

The episode concludes with insights on recent horror literature that has brought joy to the participants, emphasizing the depth and complexity of the genre.

In this episode of Horror Joy’ Meet Your Maker series, Jeff and Brian welcome author Chris Dileo to discuss his new book, Empty Devils (Cabelo Books, 2025), and his deeply personal relationship with horror. Dileo emphasizes that reading is a process of cooperation between the reader's imagination and the writer's world. He discusses how he used Empty Devils to distill the national tragedy at the “Unite the Right” rally in Charlottesville in 2017 into a horror narrative. Jeff and Chris also chop it up over teaching Shakespeare and how the bard shows up in the story. Ultimately, all three find joy in the project of reading, writing, and celebrating how the horror genre allows us to work through difficult and sometimes violent political and ideological activity in the real world.

***Chris Dileo's Books from the Coffin***

Cat Delaney – Unclaimed Property

Killer on the Road – Stephen Graham Jones

Philip Fracassi - Autumn Springs Retirement Home Massacre

Sam Rabelein – Galloway’s Gospel

Keith Rosson – Coffin Moon

Kat Silva – Where the Soul Goes

Jonathan Janz - Veil

In this episode of Horror Joy, hosts Jeff and Brian sit down with Peter Hall and Paul Gandersman, directors of the upcoming found footage horror film 'Man Finds Tape,' releasing on December 5th.

The conversation covers the joy to be found in horror, the directors' backgrounds, the creative processes behind their projects, and the unique blend of found footage and cosmic horror in their latest film.

They also delve into themes of faith and contemporary political climates impacting their work. The episode offers insightful reflections on how horror can create a sense of community and personal joy.

***After finding mysterious video clips, siblings investigate the strange recordings and uncover a disturbing secret spreading through their Texas town.***

In this episode of Horror Joy, hosts Brian and Jeff welcome acclaimed author Gwendolyn Kiste, a multiple Bram Stoker Award winner, to discuss her novel 'The Haunting of Velkwood.'

They explore the synergistic relationship between horror and joy, emphasizing the cathartic and self-discovery elements inherent in the genre.

Kiste shares her journey from a young storyteller to an author who uses horror to navigate and express personal and societal traumas.

The conversation also delves into the unique stasis experienced by characters in 'Velkwood' and the liberating exploration of queer identity within horror narratives. The episode concludes with a discussion on cicadas, puzzles, board games, and Kiste's upcoming projects.

The Depths of Horror: Exploring Barry Levinson's The Bay

In this episode, Brian and Jeff delve into Barry Levinson's 2012 found footage horror film, 'The Bay.'

Set during a disastrous 4th of July celebration in Claridge, Maryland, the film intertwines environmental horror with a mockumentary format.

The story follows reporter Donna Thompson as she navigates through a town descending into chaos due to a waterborne outbreak.

Drawing parallels to 'Jaws,' the hosts examine how 'The Bay' critiques human neglect and environmental irresponsibility while utilizing modern technology to heighten its impact.

They also explore themes of surveillance, the narrative coherence of found footage, and the unsettling reality it brings to life.

Ultimately, the episode underscores how horror can reveal uncomfortable truths about our world, sparking a rich discussion on the intersections of joy, terror, and societal reflection.

Buy us a Coffee

Mimesis of Media: Found Footage Cinema and the Horror of the Real by Niel McRobert

Found Footage Horror Films - A Cognitive Approach by Pete Turner

In this episode of Meet Your Maker, we are joined by author Kayli Scholz, known for her horror novels St. Grit, Black Rain Season, and her most recent novel, Yeehaw Junction.

Kayli discusses the intersection of joy and horror in her work, sharing personal anecdotes about how horror has influenced her life, from childhood experiences to her deep immersion in genre writing.

She delves into the societal and psychological aspects that inspire her storytelling, including how place and culture shape horror.

The episode also features insights into her writing process, the impact of media on her characters, and her thoughts on the current state and misperceptions of the horror genre.

KayliScholz.com

In this episode of Horror Joy, hosts Brian Onishi and Jeff Stoyanoff continue their deep dive into found footage horror by investigating the 2007 Spanish film [REC], directed by Jaume Balagueró and Paco Plaza.

The conversation explores the film's claustrophobic terror, its political nature, and its effectiveness as a groundbreaking entry in the found footage genre.

We discuss:

• The Appeal of Found Footage
• The Horror of quarantine
• Reading [REC] forward into 2025, including social and political commentary
• The joy of an effective found footage film, the use of the camera, and terrifying staircases

References:

The Pain in Spain: an analysis of horror auteur Jaume Balaguero’s films by Brian Michael Goss

Don’t Miss a Bloody Thing: [REC] and the Spanish Adaptation of Found Footage Horror by Shelagh M. Rowan-Legg

Reel Evil: A Critical Reassessment of Found Footage Horror by Xavier Aldana Reyes

In this episode of Meet Your Maker, a series by Horror Joy, hosts Brian Onishi and Jeff Stoyanoff welcome author Clay McLeod Chapman to discuss his work, including his recent novel, Wake Up and Open Your Eyes, and the fascinating relationship between joy and horror.

Chapman shares his belief that joy and horror work together, emphasizing the catharsis found in horror, which allows for the release of pent up fears and the ability to tap into or let go of strong emotions.

Chapman discusses his journey to becoming a horror creator, noting that while he's been writing professionally for nearly 25 years, people only began to notice his work around seven years ago.

Exploring Wake Up and Open Your Eyes: The conversation delves into his polarizing novel, which has been characterized as "MAGA Horror" and "online Horror."

Clay McLeod Chapman

Coffin Moon by Keith Rosson

Horror for Weenies by Emily Hughes

Chumbawumba

This episode of Horror Joy features a deep dive into the genre of found footage horror, particularly focusing on the 2023 film 'Frogman.'

Hosts Brian and Jeff discuss with the film's co-writer and director, Anthony Cousins, the allure and believability of found footage horror, influences from other horror media, and the complexities of creating effective practical effects.

They explore the thematic elements of obsession, belief, and the uncanny, while also touching on Cousins' other works and the anticipated sequel to 'Frogman,' 'Frogman Returns'

Frogman on Tubi

Anthony Cousins

Every time We Meet For Ice Cream Your Whole F*cking Face Explodes

Frogman 2

Digital Horror: Haunted Technologies, Network Panic and the Found Footage Phenomenon

In this episode of Horror Joy, the hosts bring on two guests for the first time: Alan Good, founder and editor of Malarkey Books, and Lauren Bolger, a horror author published by Malarkey Books.

The discussion dives into the intersection of horror and joy, and both guests share their unique perspectives. Alan talks about the community support that keeps Malarkey Books afloat and the joy of seeing people engage with their work.

Lauren discusses her journey as a writer, drawing inspiration from childhood experiences and various mythologies.

They also delve into Lauren's upcoming book, 'The Barre Incidents,' which blends horror, sci-fi, and fantasy.

Additionally, they touch on the value of small presses and the role of mythology in storytelling.

The show highlights the upcoming releases from Malarkey Books and emphasizes the importance of maintaining creative hobbies into adulthood.

LaurenBolger.com

The Barre Incidents by Lauren Bolger

Malarkey Books

Hellarkey