This week we discuss Eli Roth's Hostel and Hostel: Part II, exploring the films' subversive take on class, power, and the "Elite Hunting Club" where rich predators torture unsuspecting travelers. From Paxton’s revenge in the first film to Beth’s brutal escape in the second, we unpack horror’s cultural commentary, touching on the abject, dehumanization, and real-world parallels like the depravity of Diddy and Jeffrey Epstein. We also reflect on Eli Roth's genius, humor, and how much we both enjoyed these films. Both films feel like special gifts to horror film fans. Shannon shares her unpopular take that Hostel Part III is not that bad.

Links:

Hostel IMDB:

https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0450278/

Hostel: Part II IMDB:

https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0498353/

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Secret Passage Podcast is hosted by Dana Vespoli and Shannon Rogers

Producer: Tim Rogers

Editor: Mitch Silver

In this episode of the Secret Passage Podcast, Dana and Shannon explore the complexities of modern pornography and sites like Only Fans, particularly focusing on Lily Phillips and Bonnie Blue. They discuss the implications of sex work, the ethical dilemmas surrounding pornography, and Dana shares her personal reflections on her experiences in the industry. 

Links:

The Case Against the Sexual Revolution:

https://www.wiley.com/en-us/The+Case+Against+the+Sexual+Revolution-p-9781509550005

Article about the book:

https://www.theguardian.com/books/2022/jun/06/the-case-against-the-sexual-revolution-by-louise-perry-review-an-act-of-insurrection-a-new-guide-to-sex-in-the-21st-century

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Secret Passage Podcast is hosted by Dana Vespoli and Shannon Rogers

Producer: Tim Rogers

Editor: Mitch Silver

In this episode, Dana and Shannon discuss the Kassenoff case, a highly contentious divorce and custody battle that highlights issues of parental alienation, abuse, and the complexities and of the family court system. They explore the dynamics between Catherine and Allan Kassenoff, their treatment of their children, and the implications of their actions on the family. The conversation delves into the systemic failures within family courts and the challenges faced by parents in custody disputes. This conversation delves into the complex and tragic story of a custody battle that culminated in assisted suicide, exploring themes of family dynamics, media representation, and the emotional turmoil faced by all involved. The hosts discuss the psychological implications of parental conflict on children, the role of social media in amplifying personal tragedies, and the challenges of forgiveness within family relationships. 

Links:

The Free Press article about the case:

https://www.thefp.com/p/a-wifes-revenge-from-beyond-the-grave

Kassenoff files Google Drive:

https://drive.google.com/drive/u/0/folders/1ZitsXgychSTNxN4FXFjjoip93w4E6EaN?direction=a

Pegasos Clinic article:

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-13627445/Inside-bleak-Swiss-suicide-clinic-industrial-estate-Catherine-Kassenoff.html

Article about Allan Kassenoff's case against TikToker Robbie Harvey:

https://www.abajournal.com/news/article/former-biglaw-partner-settles-defamation-suit-against-social-media-influencer#google_vignette

Perfumes we love!

https://olofragrance.com/

Dark Wave and Maisoru

https://www.universal---flowering.com/

Daddy + Saffron Flour

https://www.bykilian.com/

Black Phantom - 'Memento Mori'

https://www.byredo.com/us_en/perfume/

Gypsy Water

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Secret Passage Podcast is hosted by Dana Vespoli and Shannon Rogers

Producer: Tim Rogers

Editor: Mitch Silver

Hosts Dana Vespoli and Shannon Rogers discuss the films The Substance and Promising Young Woman, exploring themes of feminism, The Gothic, biblical imagery, and the social pressures faced by women as they age. 

Links:

The Substance IMDB page:

https://www.imdb.com/title/tt17526714/

Promising Young Woman IMDB page:

https://www.imdb.com/title/tt9620292/?ref_=fn_all_ttl_1

Men, Women, and Chain Saws: Gender in the Modern Horror Film by Carol Clover:

https://press.princeton.edu/books/paperback/9780691166292/men-women-and-chain-saws

Trauma and Recovery by Judith Herman M.D.

https://www.hachettebookgroup.com/titles/judith-lewis-herman-md/trauma-and-recovery/9780465061716/?lens=basic-books

In this episode of the Secret Passage Podcast, hosts Dana Vespoli and Shannon Rogers discuss the adult industry, focusing on the tragic case of Stephen Clancy Hill, a lesser-known male performer (a "mope") who committed a violent crime. They discuss the implications of his actions, the treatment of male performers in the industry, and the absurdity of porn highlighting the issue of addiction and the human search for meaning in seemingly meaningless pursuits.

Links:

Articles about Stephen Clancy Hill:

https://www.salon.com/2010/06/09/stephen_hill_porns_lost_boys/

https://www.salon.com/2010/06/07/porn_star_murder/

https://www.laweekly.com/porn-machete-murder/

An article about psychology and The Absurd:

https://english.elpais.com/health/2024-10-03/a-psychoanalyst-in-search-of-the-logic-of-the-absurd.html

Bukkake:

https://www.dictionary.com/e/slang/bukkake/

Stiffed: The Betrayal of the American Man

https://www.amazon.com/Stiffed-Betrayal-American-Susan-Faludi/dp/0380720450

Mope:

https://www.imdb.com/title/tt6927492/

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Secret Passage Podcast is hosted by Dana Vespoli and Shannon Rogers

Producer: Tim Rogers

Editor: Mitch Silver

In this episode of the Secret Passage Podcast, hosts Dana Vespoli and Shannon Rogers explore the tragic case of Lindsay Clancy, a mother charged with the murder of her three children, and the complexities surrounding postpartum psychosis. They explore the nuances of mental health, societal expectations of motherhood, and the stigma that often prevents women from seeking help. The conversation also touches on the case of Andrea Yates and emphasizes the need for better awareness and support for maternal mental health issues. 

Links:

Rachael Watters - Understanding Postpartum Psychosis Ted Talk

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8qgV7Yug-xs

Information on Perinatal Mental Health conditions:

https://www.postpartum.net/perinatal-mental-health/

Case timeline:

https://www.boston.com/news/crime/2023/02/21/lindsay-clancy-timeline-duxbury-mother-mental-health-treatment/

In this episode, Dana and Shannon discuss the controversial BDSM-focused pornographic website Insex.com and its founder Brent Scott. Themes of pain, suffering, empathy, power dynamics, and the impact of financial reward on consent are examined.

Links:

Insex Wiki Page:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Insex

Graphic Sexual Horror IMDB page:

https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1326224/?ref_=vp_vi_tt

Variety review of the film, Graphic Sexual Horror:

https://variety.com/2009/film/reviews/graphic-sexual-horror-1200475386/

Vice article about BDSM and therapeutic effects:

https://www.vice.com/en/article/bsdm-can-provide-profound-healing-experiences/

Like, subscribe, and follow us. Here's how:

• Instagram: @secretpassagepodcast
• Twitter: @secretpasspod 

Secret Passage Podcast is hosted by Dana Vespoli and Shannon Rogers

Producer: Tim Rogers

Editor: Mitch Silver

In this episode, Dana Vespoli and Shannon Rogers discuss the tragic story of Diane Schuler, who caused a fatal car crash while driving under the influence. They discuss the normalization of alcohol in society, the complexities of addiction, and the harsh criticism faced by individuals in the public eye. Through the lens of Diane Schuler's tragic story, the discussion highlights the importance of understanding the underlying issues of addiction, the stigma surrounding it, and the necessity of asking for help. The conversation emphasizes that pain can serve as valuable information, and that the consequences of hiding one's struggles can lead to devastating outcomes. 

Links:

There's Something Wrong with Aunt DIane:

https://play.max.com/movie/d873ef0d-ff3b-464c-abd3-8b0d69fa0b6a

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• Instagram: @secretpassagepodcast
• Twitter: @secretpasspod 

Secret Passage Podcast is hosted by Dana Vespoli and Shannon Rogers

Producer: Tim Rogers

Editor: Mitch Silver

In this episode of the Secret Passage Podcast, hosts Dana Vespoli and Shannon Rogers discuss the infamous Enumclaw horse sex case, exploring the themes of bestiality/zoophilia, animal ethics, and the psychological motivations behind sexual behaviors. The conversation raises critical questions about consent, morality, and the societal implications of human-animal relationships, ultimately reflecting on the broader ethical considerations surrounding animal exploitation and human desires. 

Links:

The film Zoo:

https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0874423/

Eating Animals by Jonathan Safran Foer

Article about Alain Delon:

https://www.theguardian.com/film/article/2024/aug/20/alain-delon-family-refuse-to-put-down-dog-actor-wished-to-be-buried-with

In this inaugural episode of the Secret Passage podcast, hosts Dana Vespoli and Shannon Rogers delve into the tragic case of journalist Kim Wall, who was murdered by Danish entrepreneur Peter Madsen. The conversation explores Kim's life, her impactful journalism, and the chilling events leading up to her death. The hosts discuss the psychological implications of Madsen's actions and the investigation that followed.

Links:

Remembering Kim Wall Website:

https://www.rememberingkimwall.com/

Kim Wall Memorial Fund:

https://www.iwmf.org/programs/kim-wall-memorial-fund/

The Gift of Fear:

https://giftoffear.com/book

The Investigation:

https://www.hbo.com/the-investigation

Undercurrent:

https://www.hbo.com/undercurrent-the-disappearance-of-kim-wall

Into the Deep:

https://www.netflix.com/title/80239100