In this episode of Horror Joy, hosts Jeff and Brian discuss Zach Cregger's 2025 film 'Weapons.'

The film’s controversial portrayal of children as both instruments and objects of horror breaks traditional tropes by delving into issues like school shootings, societal decay, and the overarching themes of violence and isolation.

Through its intricate narrative and complex characters like Aunt Gladys, who embodies both the literal and metaphorical horrors of small-town life, the hosts explore the multifaceted weaponization and manipulation of youth.

They also touch on broader societal critiques, including capitalism and surveillance.

 The episode culminates in an analysis of the film’s surprising and symbolic ending, highlighting its blend of horror and dark humor.

'Weapons' exposes the dark underbelly of American suburbia

Of Course ‘Weapons’ Is About Something

The Gruen Transfer

In this episode of Horror Joy, Brian and Jeff are joined by Nick Medina, author of 'Sisters of the Lost Nation,' 'Indian Burial Ground,' and the recently released novel, 'The Whistler.'

Nick discusses his shared perception of finding joy in horror, reflecting on the creativity and talent within the genre.

We explore his writing journey, the long road to getting published, and the significant influence of horror on his life.

Additionally, Nick delves into the themes, inspirations, and background research for his latest works, emphasizing the importance of addressing social issues through horror literature.

We also touch on his personal experiences and methods, especially his use of music to create atmosphere in his writing, and his intent to shed light on undervalued perspectives. The episode ends with recommended horror books and films that brought Nick joy.

In this episode of Horror Joy, Brian and Jeff delve into the 2013 haunted house film 'The Conjuring', directed by James Wan.

They explore the film's use of horror tropes, its connections to the Amityville Horror, and its implications regarding Christian nationalism.

The episode also examines Ed and Lorraine Warren's roles, the significance of the basement as a metaphorical space, and the conservative ideology underlying the movie.

Along the way, they discuss the film's patient buildup of tension, the performance of masculinity, and the significance of games like hide and clap.

The hosts compare their reactions to the film upon rewatching it and analyze the movie's impact on the horror genre.

Paranormal State

Amityville Horror

The Conjuring by Kevin J. Wetmore, Jr.

Sola Scriptura

Ed and Lorraine Warren

Possession, Politics, and Patriotism: The Influence of Christian Nationalism and Evangelical Horror Tropes on The Conjuring and The Conjuring 2 by Zachary Doiron

In this episode of Meet Your Maker, hosts welcome Thomas Ha to discuss his forthcoming collection 'Uncertain Sons'.

The conversation delves into Ha’s perspective on the intricate relationship between horror and joy, the cathartic and connective aspects of horror literature, and the experiential overlap between fear, happiness, and grief.

Ha shares insights into his creative process, his multicultural background, and the welcoming nature of the horror community.

Additionally, the role of independent presses, particularly Undertow Publications, in fostering innovative horror fiction is highlighted.

The episode concludes with recommendations of short story collections and films that embody the unsettling, immersive quality of weird fiction.

Thomas Ha

Undetertow Publications

Hapa

Pandemic practice: Horror fans and morbidly curious individuals are more psychological resilient during the COVID-19 pandemic by Coltan Scrivner, John A. Johnson, Jens Kieldegaard-Christiansen and Mathias Clasen

Unpacking the Cyclical Horrors of The Amityville Horror

In this episode of 'Horror Joy,' hosts Jeff and Brian Onishi delve into the 1979 classic film 'The Amityville Horror.' The discussion explores the recurring themes of cycles in our lives and how they manifest in horror, touching on historical and contemporary issues.

They analyze the unsettling story of George and Kathy Lutz, who move into a seemingly perfect house only to face demonic possession and the horrors of past violence.

The conversation critiques toxic masculinity, the failures of institutions like the Roman Catholic Church, and the broader implications of isolation and community in suburban life.

The episode also brings in related historical and cultural contexts, including the Satanic panic and the significance of VHS technology in disseminating horror. Despite the film's clumsiness, the hosts find joy in practical effects, character performances, and the deeper reflections horror offers on society's enduring challenges.

Horror movies at home: supernatural horror, delivery systems and 1980s satanic Panic by Drew Beard

Echoes of Evil: Haunted Houses and Lingering Terrors in The Amityville Horror and The Conjuring by Julia Seltnerajch

The Red Scare: Marxism, Menstruation, and Stuart Rosenberg's The Amityville Horror by Larrie Dudenhoeffer

In this episode of Horror Joy, the hosts are joined by Matthew Trifan, an emergency physician and author of the supernatural horror collection 'The Fever Called Living'. They discuss the complex relationship between horror and joy and how Trifan integrates his medical background into his horror writing. Highlights include the impact of secondhand trauma on medical professionals, the existential themes explored in his stories, the stigmatization of horror, and recommendations for readers and gamers interested in exploring the genre further.

AuthorTrifan.com

Exploring Horror and Joy with Author John Chrostek

In this episode of Horror Joy, the hosts are joined by John Chrostek, a writer, editor, and designer, to discuss his recent collection, Boxcutters, and his upcoming novel, Feast of the Pale Leviathan. They delve into John's perspective on the relationship between horror and joy, the cathartic nature of horror, and its role as a tool for social protest. John also shares insights on his writing journey, his editorial work at Cold Signal literary magazine, and his experience co-owning the independent bookstore, Evening House, in Buffalo, New York. The conversation touches on the significance of independent bookstores, recent horror media recommendations, and John's thoughts on creating meaningful literature in today's socio-economic landscape.

JohnChrostek.com

Evening House Bookshop

Cold Signal

Hobbes Leviathan

The Vourdalak

Uncertain Sons by Thomas Ha

Exploring the Horrors of Food in 'The Menu' and 'Where the Soul Goes'

In this episode of Horror Joy, hosts Brian Onishi and Jeff Stoyanoff dive into the intricate relationship between food and horror. They are joined by author Katherine (Kat) Silva to discuss Mark Mylod's 2022 film 'The Menu' and its commentary on class, privilege, and consumption through the lens of food Horror.

Silva's forthcoming book 'Where the Soul Goes,' a post-apocalyptic travel tale, is also explored, highlighting its themes of food's power to unite people even in dark times. The discussion touches on various aspects of food in Horror, the importance of performance in both cuisine and life, and the personal connections characters have with food.

The episode wraps up with a joyful celebration of these works, emphasizing the inherent trust and risks related to the intimate act of eating.

Kat Silva

Conspicuous Consumption

"Nothing in this kitchen is unplanned": Food as performance in Mark Mylod's The Menu

Chef's Table

Banquet and the Beast: The Civilizing Role of Food in 1930s Horror Films

In this episode of Horror Joy, Brian and Jeff are joined by Kat Silva, author of the Deadlands Trilogy. They discuss the unique relationship between joy and horror, particularly how the horror genre can bring emotional catharsis and mental stability. Kat shares the personal journey of her writing career, starting from childhood and leading to her current work. She talks about the role of grief in her stories and the importance of music in her creative process. They also chat about Kat's fascination with trains and her upcoming projects, including a new book set to release in September. The conversation wraps up with a discussion on favorite horror media and the joy found in even the cheesiest horror movies.

Kat Silva

In this episode of 'Meet Your Maker', Horror Joy welcomes Sadie Hartman, aka Mother Horror. Sadie discusses her influential work in the horror genre, including her books '101 Horror Books to Read Before You're Murdered' and 'Feral and Hysterical.' The conversation delves into the relationship between joy and horror, how horror serves as an escape from real-life anxieties, and its political undertones. Sadie emphasizes the importance of women's voices in horror literature and shares her excitement about recent horror works that blend fiction with real historical events and political themes. The episode also touches on the emotional resilience of women and their growing influence in the horror genre.

 The Reformatory by Tananarive Due             

Black/Southern Gothic – Sinners and the Reformatory

Ringshout by P. Djèlí Clari

Buffalo Hunter Hunter

Buffalo, Confession, Vampire an Interview with Stephen Graham Jones

Feral and Hysterical by Sadie Hartmann

101 Books to Read before You’re Murdered by Sadie Hartmann

Sadie Hartmann/Mother Horror

Night Worms Book Subscription Service