Sounds Scary: A Horror Talk Show

To close out Sounds Scary’s Jaws July 50th anniversary celebration, host Ryan Cultrera revisits a personal favorite from the archives: an in-depth, two-part conversation with Jaws screenwriter Carl Gottlieb. More than just a credited writer, Carl was an integral force behind the scenes, shaping the tone, humor, and human drama that helped transform Jaws from a troubled shoot into one of the most influential films in cinema history. He even had a role in the film as Amity reporter, Harry Meadows.

In part one, recorded in person, Carl shares vivid behind-the-scenes stories from the chaotic production on Martha’s Vineyard, discusses his collaboration with Steven Spielberg, and offers candid reflections on rewriting the script in real-time during production. He also dives into the creation of his essential book, The Jaws Log, a firsthand chronicle of the making of the film that has become required reading for filmmakers and fans alike.

In part two, recorded remotely during the height of the 2020 pandemic, Carl and Ryan reflect on the film’s cultural footprint. Their conversation covers everything from John Williams’ unforgettable score and the mythos of the malfunctioning shark, to how Jaws found renewed relevance during lockdown, particularly with the internet’s obsession with Mayor Vaughn and his questionable public safety choices.

Whether you’re a lifelong fan of the film or discovering the legacy of Amity Island for the first time, this episode offers a rare and personal glimpse into the making of a masterpiece, direct from one of the people who lived it. It’s the perfect sendoff to a month spent honoring a movie that continues to thrill, terrify, and inspire, 50 years later.

“What’s the matter with my printing?” On this special two-part episode of Sounds Scary, host Ryan Cultrera continues the Jaws July celebration with a deep dive into one of Amity Island’s most beloved characters: Deputy Hendricks.

Brought to life by actor Jeffrey Kramer, Hendricks is the loyal, slightly frazzled right-hand man to Chief Brody, appearing in both Jaws and Jaws 2, and earning fan-favorite status for his grounded charm, comic relief, and understated heroism.

Part one features a brief interview recorded during the 50th Anniversary Celebration at the Martha’s Vineyard Museum, where Kramer reflects on his role, fan encounters, and the film’s legacy. Part two comes from a private, intimate talk Jeffrey gave to a small group of Jaws fans during the anniversary weekend. In this longer session, he shares personal behind-the-scenes stories from the making of Jaws and Jaws 2, anecdotes about working with Steven Spielberg, Roy Scheider, and Richard Dreyfuss, and how the chaotic production shaped the film’s enduring power. He also reflects on his broader career, his move into producing, and what it means to be part of cinema history.

So join us for a peek behind the scenes with everyone’s favorite Amity Island Deputy.

Jaws July continues! Host Ryan Cultrera dives into the theatrical depths of Jaws with the creative minds behind The Shark Is Broken, a critically acclaimed stage play that explores the behind-the-scenes tension aboard the Orca. Recorded on Martha’s Vineyard in front of a replica of the Orca’s cabin, this episode features an in-depth conversation with director Guy Masterson, producer Bill Hanney, and executive producer David Elliott. The trio discusses honoring Robert Shaw’s legacy, transforming off-screen drama into gripping theater, and what it means to bring the play full circle – back to the island where the iconic film was made.

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It’s officially summertime, and Sounds Scary is celebrating the 50th anniversary of one of host Ryan Cultrera’s all-time favorite films: Jaws. To mark the occasion, Ryan traveled to Martha’s Vineyard to cover the anniversary festivities and speak with some of the people who helped shape the legacy of this timeless classic.

Kicking off Jaws July, Ryan welcomes acclaimed filmmaker Laurent Bouzereau, director of the Nat Geo documentary Jaws @ 50, now streaming on Disney+. In this episode, Laurent shares his personal connection to Jaws and discusses how he approached crafting a fresh, human-focused take on the story behind the film.

Ryan and Laurent dive into the legacy of Jaws, its lasting impact on both cinema and shark conservation, and the human stories behind its creation. Laurent shares insights from his interviews with Steven Spielberg, his approach to uncovering new layers of the story, and the emotional connections shared by the Martha’s Vineyard community that helped bring Amity Island to life.

If you’re a Jaws fan, a documentary fan, or just love a good behind-the-scenes story, this one’s for you. So let’s dive in!

On this true crime mini-sode of Sounds Scary, hosts Ryan Cultrera and James “JimmyO” Oster sit down with actor, writer, and director Amber Sealey to discuss her haunting and thought-provoking film No Man of God (2021)—a gripping psychological drama centered on the intense relationship between FBI profiler Bill Hagmaier (Elijah Wood) and serial killer Ted Bundy (Luke Kirby).

Amber opens up about how she came to the project, her initial doubts about directing a Bundy film, and how reading the script changed everything. We dive into conversations about artistic restraint, human psychology, and telling a story about a well-known killer without glamorizing him. Amber shares how working with real-life recordings between Bundy and Hagmaier informed her approach, and why she chose to portray Bundy not as a charismatic monster, but as a deeply insecure, narcissistic manipulator who was far more ordinary than legend suggests.

The episode also explores deeper themes like true crime obsession, religious faith, and the emotional toll of sitting across from evil. No Man of God is now streaming on Tubi and available on all major digital rental platforms.

In this episode of Sounds Scary, host James Oster sits down with acclaimed composer and musical storyteller Ian Honeyman for a deep dive into the art of creating emotion through sound.

Known for his work on The Monkey King, The Philly Kid, and major blockbusters like Pirates of the Caribbean (as well as the theme to this very podcast), Ian shares his journey from classical conservatory training to scoring films in Hans Zimmer’s studio. He discusses the thrill and pressure of working on big-budget projects, the excitement of genre filmmaking, and how horror opens the door to wild experimentation—unusual instruments, eerie textures, and sounds that audiences haven’t heard before.

They break down iconic horror scores like The Shining, Halloween, and The Exorcist, and how those soundscapes shaped Ian’s approach to composing. From building custom instruments for specific films to using music as a narrative tool that deepens character arcs, Ian reveals the craftsmanship behind every chilling cue.

And because it wouldn’t be Sounds Scary without something truly spooky, Ian closes the episode with a ghost story from a winter trip through Scotland—a remote 600-year-old castle, mysterious music with no source, and one very welcoming spirit.

In this episode from the Sounds Scary archives, hosts James Oster and Ryan Cultrera sit down with actor, musician, and all-around creative force Jake Abel for a wide-ranging conversation that spans everything from horror to home cooking.

Jake opens up about his experience working with horror maestro James Wan on Malignant, sharing behind-the-scenes details about the film’s striking practical effects, the magic of working on a soundstage-sized haunted house, and what it was like diving into his first major horror role. For a performer who hadn’t yet dipped into the genre, Malignant sparked a new creative curiosity—and possibly a future in horror storytelling.

They also revisit Jake’s beloved role in Supernatural, exploring the show’s long-lasting impact, its unique sense of community, and what makes its cast and fanbase so special. Plus, Jake reflects on childhood fears (Chucky, anyone?), growing up in rural Ohio, and how his real-life ghost stories—and one particularly haunted farmhouse—might just inspire his own horror film someday.

At Sounds Scary, we may live for screams and scares—but we also have a soft spot for a good laugh, a heartfelt moment, and maybe even a tear or two. And no one blends those elements better than Todd Strauss-Schulson.

To kick off the summer movie season, we’re thrilled to welcome the visionary director behind The Final Girls, A Very Harold & Kumar 3D Christmas, and Pitch Perfect: Bumper in Berlin to the show!

If you’re a horror fan who also loves genre-bending storytelling, The Final Girls is a must-see. It’s a clever, emotional, and visually stunning love letter to slasher films—equal parts parody, tribute, and gut punch. The film manages to be hilarious and heartbreaking, with a time-bending premise that explores grief, motherhood, and final girl tropes in a way no other horror-comedy has.

Todd’s ability to layer real emotional stakes into a neon-soaked, blood-splattered narrative is exactly why this episode is such a treat. And if you haven’t seen The Final Girls yet… seriously, go watch it now. You’ll thank us later.

The Conjuring has solidified its place as one of the most successful modern horror franchises, and it’s easy to see why. With master of horror James Wan at the helm of the original, and the electric on-screen chemistry between Vera Farmiga and Patrick Wilson as the iconic paranormal investigators Ed and Lorraine Warren, the series continues to terrify and captivate audiences around the world.

The latest installment, The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It, saw a new voice step into the director’s chair: Michael Chaves, the filmmaker behind the chilling supernatural tale The Curse of La Llorona. Chaves brought a fresh energy to the franchise while honoring its eerie legacy, delivering a film that dives deeper into the Warrens’ most shocking real-life case yet.

This entry stands apart for its grounding in true crime. The film dramatizes the infamous 1981 trial of Arne Cheyenne Johnson—the first known U.S. case where demonic possession was used as a legal defense. Chaves faced the unique challenge of blending genre-driven horror with the real human tragedy behind the headlines. In our conversation, he opens up about navigating that delicate balance: respecting the real people involved while still delivering the supernatural intensity fans expect.

We were incredibly fortunate to have Michael Chaves join us for a very special episode of Sounds Scary. Hosts Ryan Cultrera and James “JimmyO” Oster had an amazing time digging into the creative process, behind-the-scenes moments, and the enduring appeal of The Conjuring universe.

This week on Sounds Scary, hosts Ryan Cultrera and James “JimmyO” Oster sit down with the immensely talented Chad Lindberg for an in-depth and captivating conversation. Best known for his roles in The Fast and the Furious and the hit TV series Supernatural, Lindberg shares his experiences working on these iconic projects and reflects on his journey in the entertainment industry.

A longtime favorite of ours at Sounds Scary, Chad also delves into his gripping performance in the intense I Spit on Your Grave remake, discussing the challenges of taking on such a demanding role. But the conversation doesn’t stop there—Lindberg opens up about his passion for the paranormal, sharing firsthand accounts of his ghost-hunting adventures and supernatural experiences. As an avid investigator of the unknown, he reveals what led him to explore the world of spirits, the most chilling encounters he’s had, and how his fascination with the supernatural has influenced his career.