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

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