In this unsettling and unforgettable episode, acclaimed author Eric LaRocca joins host Vincent Midgard to delve into his haunting new novel At Dark I Become Loathsome—a disturbing tale of grief, ritual rebirth, and self-destruction. LaRocca discusses the real-life burial therapy practices that inspired the story, the claustrophobic horror of confronting mortality, and his fascination with the grotesque, both physical and emotional.

They explore themes of nihilism, body modification, queer identity, and the allure of writing about what terrifies us most. LaRocca also opens up about his creative process, the challenge of writing extreme material responsibly, and how transgressive fiction can be both cathartic and dangerous. If you’ve ever wondered what it means to write horror that lingers, this conversation digs deep—sometimes literally.

Website: https://ericlarocca.com/

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B01GU8Q9W8?ccs_id=0f22c7d3-e714-4835-b86e-44599d09a02a

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/eric_larocca/?hl=en

X: https://x.com/eric_larocca?lang=en

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ericlarocca/

In this visceral and thought-provoking episode, extreme horror author Lesley Camphouse joins Vincent Midgard to dive deep into her latest novel, Eternal Wives. They unpack the brutal cult at the heart of the story, discuss how real-world influences like Sister Wives and reformed communities helped shape its terrifying world, and explore how horror can push boundaries without losing narrative integrity.

Lesley shares her writing process (hint: pure instinct and no outlines), her fascination with villainy, the unexpected reader reactions to her work, and how her professional background in content moderation and internet safety colors her dark imagination. From the psychology of cults to the weaponization of femininity, this conversation is as unflinching as the novel itself.

Also covered: the power of ambiguity in horror, the importance of language in manipulation, and why Lesley avoids horror movies despite writing some of the genre’s most disturbing fiction.

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Lesley-Camphouse/author/B0DSV3HTWX?ref=ap_rdr&isDramIntegrated=true&shoppingPortalEnabled=true&ccs_id=ea9a52c0-a45c-4457-84be-e10c5f669e74

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/authorlacamphouse/

Threads: https://www.threads.com/@authorlacamphouse

Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/authorlacamphouse.bsky.social

Nick Roberts joins Vincent on The Dark Mind Podcast to discuss his blistering short story collection Nocturnal by Nature.

They explore the fine line between intensity and excess in horror, how addiction and recovery fuel Nick’s storytelling, and why he believes horror should hit hard—or not at all.

From body horror and psychological claustrophobia to giallo influences and moral collapse, this episode dives into the craft and chaos behind the darkness.

Website: https://www.nickrobertsauthor.com

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B084QG2HB4?ccs_id=77f18c56-2ed4-4a6c-8aa6-06dad07fd8da

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/spookywv/?hl=en

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SpookyWV/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@spookywv

In this episode, Vincent sits down with author and artist Chris Panatier to discuss his haunting novel, The Redemption of Morgan Bright — a psychological horror story that explores identity, grief, institutional abuse, and the terrifying blur between reality and delusion. Recorded just after their meeting at the Ghoulish Book Festival, the conversation dives deep into the novel’s inspirations, including the Victorian-era treatment of women, mind control theories like MK-Ultra, and the disturbing real-life history of psychiatric care.

Chris reveals how Roe v. Wade’s overturning reshaped the book’s trajectory, how legal experience informs his worldview, and what it’s like to write horror in a world where reality keeps outpacing fiction. They also discuss the use of epistolary storytelling, the symbolic significance of butterflies, and how psychological horror offers a unique — and terrifyingly intimate — reading experience.

If you’re a fan of horror that doesn’t flinch from social critique, or you just want to hear from a writer who can balance dread with depth, this one’s for you.

Website: https://chrispanatier.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chrispanatier/?hl=en

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Mr.-Chris-J.-Panatier/author/B01F4R6XWW?ref=dbs_a_mng_rwt_scns_share&isDramIntegrated=true&shoppingPortalEnabled=true

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/@ChrisPanatier/

In this episode, author Mark Towse returns for a chaotic, hilarious, and deeply insightful conversation about his revised and expanded horror-comedy One Last Shindig. 

We talk cranky old folks, creeping dread, and the art of pulling the floor out from under readers when they least expect it. Mark opens up about finding creative balance, grief and legacy, the catharsis of writing terrifying things, and what it’s like turning coach holidays into nightmare fuel.

Also: glow worms are real, his TikTok videos make his wife cringe, and someone out there left 15 one-star reviews in 30 minutes—we’re naming names (kind of).

Grab a drink, settle in, and prepare for laughs, darkness, and a few existential gut punches.

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B07H8DBS31

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/towseywrites/?hl=en

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Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mark.towse.75/

Website: https://marktowsedarkfiction.wordpress.com/author/marktowsedarkfiction/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@marktowse

In this episode returning guest Christy Aldridge joins Vince on the show to discuss her haunting new novel—a slow-burn supernatural creature feature with deep emotional resonance. 

The story follows Joe, a man with a traumatic childhood who’s trying to build a better life with his fiancée and stepdaughter—only to be haunted by the return of his monstrous imaginary friend, Boo.

They dive into the themes of childhood trauma, toxic attachment, redemption, and the terrifying gray areas between protection and obsession. 

Christy shares insights into her creative process, the psychological underpinnings of her characters, and the lore of her “Christy Universe,” where monsters don’t always disappear when the lights come on.

If you enjoy layered horror that blends the supernatural with the deeply human, you won’t want to miss this conversation.

Website: https://grimpoppydesign.carrd.co/

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Christy-Aldridge/author/B016OTPN66?ref=ap_rdr&isDramIntegrated=true&shoppingPortalEnabled=true

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/christy_aldridge/?hl=en

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Christyheartsnerds/

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Poet Nathaniel Blackhelm joins Vince to discuss his latest collection, Lothario—a bold and reflective work that navigates the terrain of midlife, identity, and the surreal beauty of being human. 

In this conversation, we unpack the archetype of the Lothario, the friction between cultural identities, and the role of lust, humor, and self-worth in shaping how we live and love. 

Blackhelm speaks candidly about the absurdity of modern existence, the challenge of curating meaning through poetry, and the influence of Shakespeare in his work. 

This episode is a deep dive into artistic freedom, aging with vitality, and how metaphor helps us survive the chaos.

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B0BK292M3C/about

https://www.instagram.com/nblackhelm/

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/14182861.Nathaniel_Blackhelm

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@nblackhelm

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jay.helmstutler/

Threads: https://www.threads.net/@nblackhelm

Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/nathanielblackhelm.bsky.social

In this episode, acclaimed author Philip Fracassi joins us to talk about his gripping new novel, The Third Rule of Time Travel.

We dive deep into the emotional and psychological layers of time travel, the haunting consequences of reliving the past, and the blurred lines between science and corporate ambition.

Fracassi unpacks the complex dynamics between his characters—especially the fragile trust between protagonist Beth and the morally murky Jim Langan—and the cold, clinical setting that mirrors Beth’s internal struggles.

He shares his thoughtful approach to character development, the personal and professional duality of his lead, and how theoretical physics and universal consciousness inform his storytelling.

Plus, we get a look at his writing process, his transition to full-time author, and what’s coming next.

Website: https://pfracassi.com/

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B000APLIRE

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pfracassi/?hl=en

Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/Philip_Fracassi

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/philipfracassiwriter/

Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/pfracassi.bsky.social

Threads: https://www.threads.net/@pfracassi

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@pfracassi

Author M.J. Mars joins Vince for a deep dive into her chilling short story collection, We’ve Already Gone Too Far. 

In this engaging conversation, she explores the layers of horror, psychological tension, and the emotional complexities that drive her characters. 

From urban legends and internal fears to the eerie balance between myth and reality, M.J. shares the inspirations behind her stories and how personal experiences shape her work.

Together, they discuss standout tales like Fallen Eagles and Aces, Spilled Chardonnay, and Big Gulp’s and Bigfoot—each offering a unique blend of genres, from Wild West horror to punk-infused supernatural chaos. 

M.J. also opens up about overcoming anxiety, especially her fear of flying, and how that journey influences her creative process.

Later, the conversation turns to the strange world of magician lore and the psychological weight of performance. 

The episode wraps with a reading from Stooge, one of M.J.’s favorite stories, capturing the dark and tragic undercurrent of a magician’s final act.

If you’re a fan of character-driven horror with heart, humor, and a touch of the macabre, this one’s for you.

Website: https://mjmarsauthor.com/

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B0BHF5MTKG

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Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mjmarsauthor/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mjmarsauthor

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mjmarsauthor/

Emily Bennett is an Academy-recognized screenwriter and FANGORIA Chainsaw Award-winning director whose work has captivated audiences at top genre festivals including Sitges, Fantastic Fest, Brooklyn Horror, and Fantasia. 

In this episode, Emily joins us to talk about her recent short film Accidental Stars, her debut feature Alone With You—starring Barbara Crampton and produced by Untapped Productions—as well as her upcoming film Blood Shine, currently in post-production.

We dive into her journey from RADA-trained actor to acclaimed filmmaker, her experience making films during the pandemic, and the creative and collaborative forces behind her storytelling. 

Emily offers insight into the challenges of independent filmmaking, balancing artistry with life, and what drives her unique voice in horror.

Website: https://www.emilyreneebennett.com/bio

IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm4077057/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/emilyrbennett/?hl=en

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/emily-bennett-96843816

“Accidental Stars” the film: https://youtu.be/kfIEnrQKBFk?si=nodo1CFaLnFNFG7G