In this episode, we dive into the bloody beginnings of one of horror’s most iconic franchises as we revisit Friday the 13th (1980). We unpack the film’s origins, its impact on the slasher genre, and the way it shifted horror toward teen audiences. Join us as we discuss the critical reception - both savage and praise-filled - Tom Savini’s savage kills, and the significance of the “final girl” trope. We deep-dive into the cast, the twist ending, and the role of Mrs. Voorhees. Plus, we share our thoughts on the cinematography, score, and all things campy and cult about this summertime nightmare. To top it off, we perform original songs inspired by inanimate objects from Friday the 13th. Get ready for a spirited, fun, and musical celebration of murder, mayhem, and Camp Crystal Lake!

In this encore episode, we explore the emotional depths of grief in horror films - starting with The Descent and branching out to titles like Talk to Me, Bring Her Back, Hereditary, Midsommar, The Babadook, and The Ritual. We weigh how these movies use discomfort, atmosphere, and sometimes brutal realism to highlight the human experience of loss. We also reflect on the concept of “elevated horror” and what sets these stories apart. Plus, we share a demo of John’s original song inspired by The Descent. Join us as we navigate the unsettling beauty of horror’s darkest journeys.

This week, we descend into the shadows to unpack the 2005 horror classic The Descent. We explore its unique reception history - including how real-life events shaped its release - and dive deep into themes of grief, trauma, friendship, and betrayal. We discuss the film’s all-female cast, claustrophobic atmosphere, groundbreaking special effects, and why it stands out in horror history. Plus, we share our personal reactions, debate the ending, and premiere original songs inspired by the film, including Long Way Down and The Lowest. Join us for an analytical, creative journey through one of the most terrifying and thought-provoking horror movies of the 2000s.

In this special encore episode of Open Mic Night of the Living Dead, we’re celebrating both Halloween and our 10th wedding anniversary - yes, we actually tied the knot in costume on Halloween! We dive into the spirit of the season by sharing and ranking our top five favorite Halloween horror movies, from classic slashers to cult oddities. Expect passionate debates about Terrifier 2, the misunderstood genius of Donnie Darko, the gateway fun of Hocus Pocus, and a love letter to the anthology brilliance of Trick 'r Treat. Plus, we swap stories about our spooky wedding, horror origins, and wrap it all up with a brand-new original song: Survive the Night. If you’re looking for recommendations or just want to get in the mood for October, this episode is our personal Halloween mixtape!

In this special Halloween episode of Open Mic Night of the Living Dead, we dive deep into John Carpenter’s iconic 1978 film, Halloween. We discuss its colossal influence on the slasher genre, share our personal connections and ratings, and explore the film’s atmosphere, themes, and characters - from Laurie Strode’s final girl legacy to Michael Myers’ enigmatic evil. Alongside the history and impact, we analyze Dean Cundey’s striking cinematography, the power of Carpenter’s unforgettable score, and the nuanced writing of Debra Hill. Plus, we debut our original songs - Survive the Night and The Shape - inspired by the killer-victim dynamic. Whether you’re a horror veteran or just discovering the genre, join us as we celebrate all things spooky and pay tribute to a film that changed horror forever.

In this encore episode of Open Mic Night of the Living Dead, we dive deeper into John Carpenter's classic, The Thing. We reflect on the creative process behind our original music, share the studio recording of Rachel's song Who Are We, and challenge each other with a playful thought experiment: if we were each assigned to a research station in Antarctica, what five horror movies and three luxury items would we bring? Join us for candid conversation, plenty of improv, some nostalgic memories, and a musical tribute inspired by paranoia, isolation, and trust in The Thing.

Welcome to a chilling new episode of Open Mic Night of the Living Dead! This week, your co-hosts Rachel and John plunge into the icy paranoia of John Carpenter’s 1982 sci-fi horror masterpiece, The Thing. Drawing on their personal experiences, recent drive-in viewings, and plenty of horror movie history, Rachel and John unpack what makes The Thing such an enduring cult classic, despite its frosty critical reception at release. From unforgettable special effects and bleak thematic undertones to details about Carpenter’s inspirations and the film’s reappraisal as a genre-defining classic, they explore everything that makes The Thing unforgettable.

You’ll hear about their favorite (and least favorite) characters, production secrets (including wild stories from the set and fun facts about Keith David’s hand!), and the ways in which The Thing continues to spark debate decades later about trust, sacrifice, and the monstrous unknown. Plus, they’ll treat you to original music inspired by the movie itself.

Whether you’re a longtime fan or a newcomer to Antarctic terror, this is the episode to fire up your flamethrower and settle in - because on Open Mic Night of the Living Dead, nobody trusts anybody, and we’re all just trying to survive to the end.

Welcome to this encore episode of Open Mic Night of the Living Dead! This week, hosts Rachel and John are back for a brief follow-up discussion about the 2011 remake of Fright Night, its casting choices, and why it just can’t quite match the charm of the original. Next they swap recent movie recommendations, sharing their takes on everything from Edge of Tomorrow to hidden horror gems like Presence," the latest addition to the Final Destination series, and the creative cult zombie comedy One Cut of the Dead. The episode also features a round of horror trivia straight from the Trivial Pursuit: Horror Edition deck, keeping the scares going strong.

Welcome to another spine-tingling installment of Open Mic Night of the Living Dead! In this episode, your hosts John and Rachel sink their teeth into the 1985 horror-comedy classic “Fright Night.” As autumn sets in and spooky season gets underway, the duo dives deep into what makes this film a perennial Halloween favorite—with its perfect blend of humor and horror, memorable performances by Chris Sarandon and Roddy McDowall, and impressive practical effects that hold up nearly 40 years later.

From candid first impressions and their signature three-tier horror ranking system (spoiler: “Fright Night” is a “must-see” for both) to behind-the-scenes trivia, the podcast unpacks the film’s history, themes, characters, and that iconic 80s aesthetic. They also explore the movie’s legacy - from its video game adaptation and sleeper hit sequel, to connections with other horror greats - and even share their own creative process, debuting original music inspired by the movie’s narrative.

Whether you’re a die-hard horror buff or just dipping your toe into the genre, this episode offers laughs, insight, and plenty of vampire lore. So grab your garlic and mirrors—because “Fright Night” is about to begin, and the open mic is waiting for you.

In this special encore episode, hosts John and Rachel return to the world of "Night of the Living Dead", with their usual signature twist. Inspired by a new spin (HA) on the Wheel of Horror, they dive headfirst into a zombie movie draft, assembling their dream teams from a list of the 30 top-rated zombie films (based on Rotten Tomatoes audience scores). Listen in as they debate their picks, reminisce over mall jobs and teen angst, discuss what really counts as a zombie movie, and celebrate genre standouts old and new. Things get friendly and competitive as they reveal which team comes out on top, and, as always, they close with a dose of original music inspired by horror classics. Whether you’re a dedicated zombie aficionado or just here for the laughs, you’ll find something to sink your teeth into - plus plenty of movie recommendations to keep your next horror marathon undead and kicking.