Not Another Spooky Podcast™

Pumpkinheads is a graphic novel filled with fall treats, friendship, romance, and Falloween vibes, and in this episode, Mandy shares why she loved it.

Mandy dives into Rainbow Rowell and Faith Erin Hicks’ graphic novel about seasonal best friends Deja and Josiah spending their final Halloween shift together at a pumpkin patch. She explores the story, characters, illustrations, representation, fall activities and treats, the pumpkin patch setting, and the book’s cozy nostalgic appeal.

Mandy also talks about her own experience reading Pumpkinheads, shares Ghoulster reactions, discusses the fictional pumpkin bomb, explains what succotash is, and gives the book her final bat rating.

This episode discusses major story details and includes spoilers for Pumpkinheads.

From the archives: this is one of Mandy's early solo episodes, from before Rabbit joined as co-host.

Information and book details discussed from Goodreads and Wikipedia.

Weekly Spooky Bedtime Stories on haunted places, ghost encounters, Halloween history, and movie picks, plus a monthly slumber-party catch-up from best friends Mandy and Rabbit.

SUBMIT A STORY OR REQUEST A TOPIC:
https://mandyspooks.com/submit-a-spooky-story/

🛍️ PODCAST MERCH 🛍️
https://mandyspooks.myspreadshop.com/

Instagram & TikTok: @NotAnotherSpookyPodcast
🦇 Follow @MandySpooks on all platforms
🐰 Follow @Rabbit.Loves.Horror on all platforms
https://www.NotAnotherSpookyPodcast.com

PATREON: https://www.patreon.com/mandyspooks
DISCORD SERVER: https://discord.gg/28KyxSZs3P

Casper is the friendly ghost at the heart of a beloved 1995 movie, and in this episode, Mandy dives into the film, ghosts, and her own nostalgic connection to it.

Mandy explores what Ghoulsters believe about ghosts, why some find them comforting or frightening, and the different experiences that shaped their beliefs. She then dives into Casper (1995), covering the cast, movie trivia, Whipstaff Manor, special effects, cameos, the Ghostly Trio, Casper and Kat, and the film’s nostalgic fall atmosphere.

Mandy also shares her childhood connection to the movie, revisits it as an adult, discusses her favorite scenes and biggest questions, reacts to Ghoulster opinions, and gives the film her final bat rating. The episode also includes Mandy’s recap of The Vampire Diaries Season 2, Episodes 4–11.

This episode contains spoilers for Casper (1995) and The Vampire Diaries Season 2, Episodes 4–11.

From the archives: this is one of Mandy's early solo episodes, from before Rabbit joined as co-host.

Information and movie facts discussed from IMDb and The A.V. Club.

Weekly Spooky Bedtime Stories on haunted places, ghost encounters, Halloween history, and movie picks, plus a monthly slumber-party catch-up from best friends Mandy and Rabbit.

SUBMIT A STORY OR REQUEST A TOPIC:
https://mandyspooks.com/submit-a-spooky-story/

🛍️ PODCAST MERCH 🛍️
https://mandyspooks.myspreadshop.com/

Instagram & TikTok: @NotAnotherSpookyPodcast
🦇 Follow @MandySpooks on all platforms
🐰 Follow @Rabbit.Loves.Horror on all platforms
https://www.NotAnotherSpookyPodcast.com

PATREON: https://www.patreon.com/mandyspooks
DISCORD SERVER: https://discord.gg/28KyxSZs3P

Sleep paralysis is a frightening sleep phenomenon, and in this episode, Mandy shares what it is, what it feels like, and her own experiences with it.

Mandy explains the science behind sleep paralysis, including REM sleep, common experiences, possible triggers, and tips she has learned for preventing or waking from an episode. She shares stories from Ghoulsters Sabrina and Lae Lik, along with her own experiences dating back to childhood, and explores how real-life sounds, people, and surroundings can become part of a sleep paralysis experience.

The episode then connects sleep paralysis and nightmares to Freddy Krueger and Nightmare on Elm Street before diving into Freddy vs. Jason (2003), including its cast, production, movie trivia, Mandy’s history with the film, Ghoulster reactions, favorite moments, and her final bat rating. Mandy also discusses the reported inspiration behind Nightmare on Elm Street and the history of sudden unexplained nocturnal death syndrome.

The episode also includes Mandy’s recap and thoughts on The Vampire Diaries Season 2, Episodes 1–3.

This episode discusses sleep paralysis, nightmares, panic, sudden death, and frightening experiences. Please proceed with caution if these topics are triggering.

From the archives: this is one of Mandy's early solo episodes, from before Rabbit joined as co-host.

Information discussed from WebMD, CinemaBlend, and the Los Angeles Times.

Weekly Spooky Bedtime Stories on haunted places, ghost encounters, Halloween history, and movie picks, plus a monthly slumber-party catch-up from best friends Mandy and Rabbit.

SUBMIT A STORY OR REQUEST A TOPIC:
https://mandyspooks.com/submit-a-spooky-story/

🛍️ PODCAST MERCH 🛍️
https://mandyspooks.myspreadshop.com/

Instagram & TikTok: @NotAnotherSpookyPodcast
🦇 Follow @MandySpooks on all platforms
🐰 Follow @Rabbit.Loves.Horror on all platforms
https://www.NotAnotherSpookyPodcast.com

PATREON: https://www.patreon.com/mandyspooks
DISCORD SERVER: https://discord.gg/28KyxSZs3P

Mandy Spooks celebrates her birthday by sharing her spooky life story, finding her people, and building the Ghoulster community.

In this episode, Mandy looks back at her childhood Halloween and horror memories, the experiences that shaped her spooky identity, and the moments that helped her realize she had found her people. She talks about Oscar, the TCM remake, professional expectations, her 2019 ankle injury, quarantine, and the creation of The Ghoul Mates, along with how the Ghoulster community came to be.

Mandy also reflects on judgment and discrimination, the moment she decided to embrace a “fuck it” attitude, assumptions people make about her, unpopular opinions, favorite Halloween things, movies that changed Ghoulsters’ lives, advice to her younger self, and what turning another year older means to her.

From the archives: this is one of Mandy's early solo episodes, from before Rabbit joined as co-host.

Weekly Spooky Bedtime Stories on haunted places, ghost encounters, Halloween history, and movie picks, plus a monthly slumber-party catch-up from best friends Mandy and Rabbit.

SUBMIT A STORY OR REQUEST A TOPIC:
https://mandyspooks.com/submit-a-spooky-story/

🛍️ PODCAST MERCH 🛍️
https://mandyspooks.myspreadshop.com/

Instagram & TikTok: @NotAnotherSpookyPodcast
🦇 Follow @MandySpooks on all platforms
🐰 Follow @Rabbit.Loves.Horror on all platforms
https://www.NotAnotherSpookyPodcast.com

PATREON: https://www.patreon.com/mandyspooks
DISCORD SERVER: https://discord.gg/28KyxSZs3P

Goosebumps is the iconic horror franchise created by R.L. Stine, and in this episode, Mandy digs into its history and the 2015 feature film.

Mandy explores how R.L. Stine began writing, the inspiration behind Goosebumps, the franchise’s enormous success, its 1996 Halloween special, television series, games, toys, merchandise, and attempts to keep the books growing through Series 2000 and Goosebumps HorrorLand. She also looks at the franchise’s resurgence leading up to the 2015 movie, shares thoughts on the film’s amusement park setting and book references, and discusses the nostalgia factor with Ghoulster feedback. The episode includes Mandy’s four-bat Ghoulster rating for Goosebumps.

In this episode:
• R.L. Stine’s early writing and inspiration
• The creation of Goosebumps in 1992
• The original 62-book Goosebumps series
• The franchise’s worldwide success
• The 1996 Halloween special The Haunted Mask
• The Goosebumps television series
• Goosebumps merchandise, games, toys, and other products
• Goosebumps Series 2000 and Goosebumps HorrorLand
• The franchise’s resurgence before the feature film
• The 2015 Goosebumps movie
• The film’s nostalgia and book references
• Ghoulster reactions and a four-bat rating

From the archives: this is one of Mandy's early solo episodes, from before Rabbit joined as co-host.

Weekly Spooky Bedtime Stories on haunted places, ghost encounters, Halloween history, and movie picks, plus a monthly slumber-party catch-up from best friends Mandy and Rabbit.

SUBMIT A STORY OR REQUEST A TOPIC:
https://mandyspooks.com/submit-a-spooky-story/

🛍️ PODCAST MERCH 🛍️
https://mandyspooks.myspreadshop.com/

Instagram & TikTok: @NotAnotherSpookyPodcast
🦇 Follow @MandySpooks on all platforms
🐰 Follow @Rabbit.Loves.Horror on all platforms
https://www.NotAnotherSpookyPodcast.com

PATREON: https://www.patreon.com/mandyspooks
DISCORD SERVER: https://discord.gg/28KyxSZs3P

Jennifer’s Body is a 2009 horror comedy about friendship, sexuality, and female power, and in this episode, Mandy digs into the film’s darker inspirations and themes.

Mandy explores the reported true-crime story involving Elyse Pahler and the ways her case has been connected to Jennifer’s Body, along with the film’s cast, production history, succubus folklore, and controversial marketing. She also discusses Megan Fox and Amanda Seyfried’s performances, the movie’s queer themes, women’s empowerment, sexuality, and why the film has developed a cult following over time. The episode also includes Mandy’s thoughts on The Vampire Diaries Season 1, Episodes 12–14.

This episode contains discussions of sexual assault, murder, ritual sacrifice, and spoilers for Jennifer’s Body and The Vampire Diaries Season 1, Episodes 12–14.

In this episode:
• The reported true-crime story involving Elyse Pahler
• Jennifer’s Body and its alleged true-crime inspiration
• Megan Fox, Amanda Seyfried, and the film’s casting
• Succubus folklore and the film’s demon mythology
• The movie’s marketing and Megan Fox’s sexualization
• Queer themes and women’s empowerment
• Jennifer and Needy’s friendship and relationship
• Mandy’s history with Jennifer’s Body
• The film’s cult following and Ghoulster reactions
• Mandy’s five-bat rating
• The Vampire Diaries Season 1, Episodes 12–14

From the archives: this is one of Mandy's early solo episodes, from before Rabbit joined as co-host.

Stories and comments shared by Ghoulster Squad community members, including Jessica, Sabrina, Toil & Trouble, and Val en kleins.

Weekly Spooky Bedtime Stories on haunted places, ghost encounters, Halloween history, and movie picks, plus a monthly slumber-party catch-up from best friends Mandy and Rabbit.

SUBMIT A STORY OR REQUEST A TOPIC:
https://mandyspooks.com/submit-a-spooky-story/

🛍️ PODCAST MERCH 🛍️
https://mandyspooks.myspreadshop.com/

Instagram & TikTok: @NotAnotherSpookyPodcast
🦇 Follow @MandySpooks on all platforms
🐰 Follow @Rabbit.Loves.Horror on all platforms
https://www.NotAnotherSpookyPodcast.com

PATREON: https://www.patreon.com/mandyspooks
DISCORD SERVER: https://discord.gg/28KyxSZs3P

Jaws is the iconic shark movie that changed summer blockbusters, and in this episode, Mandy dives into the film, shark phobias, and why it became one of her favorites.

Mandy explores aquaphobia, thalassophobia, and galeophobia before digging into Jaws, its 1975 release, the 1916 New Jersey shark attacks that reportedly inspired the story, and why the film became the first summer blockbuster. She also discusses the movie’s characters, limited use of the shark, suspense, comedy, gore, iconic music, and her own journey from expecting the movie to be boring to giving it five bats. The episode also includes Mandy’s thoughts on The Vampire Diaries Season 1, Episodes 8–11, including Lexi, the séance, Alaric, Damon, and Elena’s adoption reveal.

This episode contains spoilers for Jaws and The Vampire Diaries Season 1, Episodes 8–11.

In this episode:
• Jaws and its impact on fear of sharks and water
• Aquaphobia, thalassophobia, and galeophobia
• The reported 1916 New Jersey shark attacks
• How Jaws became the first summer blockbuster
• Mandy’s history with Jaws and her first watch
• The movie’s opening attack, suspense, gore, and comedy
• Brody, Hooper, Quint, and favorite characters
• The shark’s limited screen time and mechanical shark Bruce
• John Williams’ iconic Jaws score
• Ghoulster reactions and the 4.5-bat community rating
• Mandy’s five-bat rating
• The Vampire Diaries Season 1, Episodes 8–11

From the archives: this is one of Mandy's early solo episodes, from before Rabbit joined as co-host.

Stories and comments shared by Ghoulster Squad community members, including NerdSquish and Dani from Stay Creepy LBC.

Weekly Spooky Bedtime Stories on haunted places, ghost encounters, Halloween history, and movie picks, plus a monthly slumber-party catch-up from best friends Mandy and Rabbit.

SUBMIT A STORY OR REQUEST A TOPIC:
https://mandyspooks.com/submit-a-spooky-story/

🛍️ PODCAST MERCH 🛍️
https://mandyspooks.myspreadshop.com/

Instagram & TikTok: @NotAnotherSpookyPodcast
🦇 Follow @MandySpooks on all platforms
🐰 Follow @Rabbit.Loves.Horror on all platforms
https://www.NotAnotherSpookyPodcast.com

PATREON: https://www.patreon.com/mandyspooks
DISCORD SERVER: https://discord.gg/28KyxSZs3P

The Craft is a cult classic witchcraft movie, and in this episode, Mandy revisits the film and explores its darker themes, history, and legacy.

Mandy begins with the 1969 witch trial involving teacher Anne Stewart at Flowing Wells High School in Tucson, Arizona, before digging into The Craft's witchcraft themes, cast, production history, and reported strange events during the beach ritual scene. She also discusses Wicca, girl power, bullying, mental health, suicide, racism, and the different ways the film influenced viewers. Mandy shares her own rewatch, Ghoulster reactions, and her rating of the movie before diving into The Vampire Diaries Season 1, Episodes 5–7.

This episode contains spoilers for The Craft and The Vampire Diaries Season 1, Episodes 5–7.

In this episode:
• The 1969 Arizona witch trial involving Anne Stewart
• The Craft and its witchcraft themes
• Reported strange events during the beach ritual scene
• Fairuza Balk and the real Wiccan consultant behind the film
• Wicca, witchcraft, and misconceptions about the religion
• Girl power, bullying, mental health, suicide, and racism in The Craft
• Ghoulster reactions and favorite aspects of the movie
• Mandy's rewatch and movie rating
• The Vampire Diaries Season 1, Episodes 5–7
• Team Stefan vs. Team Damon

From the archives: this is one of Mandy's early solo episodes, from before Rabbit joined as co-host.

Weekly Spooky Bedtime Stories on haunted places, ghost encounters, Halloween history, and movie picks, plus a monthly slumber-party catch-up from best friends Mandy and Rabbit.

SUBMIT A STORY OR REQUEST A TOPIC:
https://mandyspooks.com/submit-a-spooky-story/

🛍️ PODCAST MERCH 🛍️
https://mandyspooks.myspreadshop.com/

Instagram & TikTok: @NotAnotherSpookyPodcast
🦇 Follow @MandySpooks on all platforms
🐰 Follow @Rabbit.Loves.Horror on all platforms
https://www.NotAnotherSpookyPodcast.com

PATREON: https://www.patreon.com/mandyspooks
DISCORD SERVER: https://discord.gg/28KyxSZs3P

Twilight is a vampire romance about Bella Swan and Edward Cullen, and in this episode, Mandy revisits the film and shares her thoughts.

Mandy reflects on being a longtime Twi-Hard, how she felt about the movie when it first came out, and how revisiting it years later changed her perspective. She discusses the characters, story, cinematography, acting, favorite moments, the book versus the movie, the soundtrack, and Ghoulster reactions to the franchise. This episode also includes Mandy's thoughts on the first four episodes of The Vampire Diaries, including Stefan, Damon, Elena, Bonnie, Caroline, and the similarities she noticed between the two vampire stories.

This episode contains spoilers for Twilight and The Vampire Diaries episodes 1–4.

In this episode:
• Mandy's Twilight rewatch and changing perspective
• Edward vs. Jacob
• Twilight's characters, story, cinematography, and acting
• Favorite moments from the film and franchise
• The book versus the movie
• The Twilight soundtrack and favorite songs
• Ghoulster reactions and favorite Twilight moments
• The Vampire Diaries episodes 1–4
• Twilight vs. The Vampire Diaries
• Stefan, Damon, Elena, Bonnie, and Caroline

From the archives: this is one of Mandy's early solo episodes, from before Rabbit joined as co-host.

Weekly Spooky Bedtime Stories on haunted places, ghost encounters, Halloween history, and movie picks, plus a monthly slumber-party catch-up from best friends Mandy and Rabbit.

SUBMIT A STORY OR REQUEST A TOPIC:
https://mandyspooks.com/submit-a-spooky-story/

🛍️ PODCAST MERCH 🛍️
https://mandyspooks.myspreadshop.com/

Instagram & TikTok: @NotAnotherSpookyPodcast
🦇 Follow @MandySpooks on all platforms
🐰 Follow @Rabbit.Loves.Horror on all platforms
https://www.NotAnotherSpookyPodcast.com

PATREON: https://www.patreon.com/mandyspooks
DISCORD SERVER: https://discord.gg/28KyxSZs3P

Not Another Spooky Podcast is Mandy Spooks' introduction to the show, and in this episode, Mandy shares why she created it and what listeners can expect.

Mandy talks about the cozy, year-round feeling she wanted to create, why she wanted a podcast that could cover Halloween, horror, ghosts, true crime, cryptids, and spooky aesthetics, and how the Ghoulster Squad can help shape future episodes. She also introduces her plan to binge the entire Vampire Diaries universe and answers questions from Master of Scaremonies about her spooky passions, what she is most excited and nervous about, and how she would want to be killed off in a horror movie.

From the archives: this is one of Mandy's early solo episodes, from before Rabbit joined as co-host.

In this episode:
• Why Mandy created Not Another Spooky Podcast
• What listeners can expect from the show
• How the Ghoulster Squad can help shape upcoming episodes
• The Vampire Diaries universe binge
• Mandy's spooky passions and what she is most excited and nervous about
• How Mandy would want to be killed off in a horror movie

Weekly Spooky Bedtime Stories on haunted places, ghost encounters, Halloween history, and movie picks, plus a monthly slumber-party catch-up from best friends Mandy and Rabbit.

SUBMIT A STORY OR REQUEST A TOPIC:
https://mandyspooks.com/submit-a-spooky-story/

🛍️ PODCAST MERCH 🛍️
https://mandyspooks.myspreadshop.com/

Instagram & TikTok: @NotAnotherSpookyPodcast
🦇 Follow @MandySpooks on all platforms
🐰 Follow @Rabbit.Loves.Horror on all platforms
https://www.NotAnotherSpookyPodcast.com

PATREON: https://www.patreon.com/mandyspooks
DISCORD SERVER: https://discord.gg/28KyxSZs3P