In this bumper episode of So, You Don’t Like Horror? Mary and Lauren discuss some of the recent spring and summer horror film releases - including chiming in the discourse around summer smash hit 'Obsession' . If, like Lauren, you’re a scaredy cat who can’t watch horror films but wants to find out all about them, or if you’re a horror fan and want to hear more about the films you’ve seen (or want to see), then this is the podcast for you!This episode features discussions of Good Boy (aka Heel), Ready or Not 2: Here I Come, Undertone and this year’s most talked about horror movies: Obsession and Backrooms. Don’t forget to let us know your thoughts in the comments. And if you think we’ve missed a film you think we shouldn’t have, or if you have your own recommendation for scaredy cat friendly horror films, then get in touch and we might feature your recommendation in the next episode. Watch Curry Barker’s Milk and Serial:    • MILK & SERIAL (FOUND FOOTAGE HORROR FILM D...  

Note: Due to some strangeness with the audio files not syncing, we've had to use the audio taken directly from the video version - apologies for any talking over each other, ums, and interrupting.

To celebrate Women in Translation month in August 2026, join us for our special review episode! In this episode, Lauren shares six of her favourite books in translation written by women – including classic Gothic yarns, weird and wonderful short stories and horror-tinged tales of murder. And if you have your own favs that you want to share, leave us a comment below with the book title, author and translator!00:00 Intro02:21 The Midnight Shift08:38 Things We Lost in the Fire12:44 Flowers of Mold & Other Stories16:39 Cursed Bunny21:00 The Unworthy26:26 Hooked37:24 Drive Your Plow Over the Bones of the Dead

In this review episode, Lauren talks us through the recent Apple TV series Widow's Bay. Join us and find out more about the show that all the cool kids are watching – from Guillermo del Toro to your local Ghoul Guides. And if you want to find out more about New England Gothic (or want a handy refresher) check out our deep dive exploring the genre, scroll back one epsiode in our feed!

REUPLOAD - the issue with unsynchronised tracks is now fixed, thanks for your patience! In this episode, we take a deep dive into the world of New England Gothic. Join us as we discuss the colonial and religious foundations of the genre, examine what makes it different from Southern Gothic and explore some of the key authors and works that shaped its development. If you like stories of witchcraft, demons, haunted houses and Dark Academia – or just want some more books to add to your read pile – this is the episode for you.

In this episode, we dive in the prophetical world of the apocalypse and millenarianism as Lauren tells Mary all about the bizarre world of Joanna Southcott and her followers. Was Joanna really a prophet of the Lord? What is the Panacea society? What exactly is millenarianism? And, what's in Joanna's mysterious box? Find out all this and more in this episode.

In this review episode, Mary tells Lauren all about her recent theatre trip to see The Psychic, the new ghostly offering from Andy Nyman and Jeremy Dyson. Join us as we delve into the previous spooky works by the masters of macabre - including their previous horror play Ghost Stories - and explore the world of psychics, mediums and showmen featured in their latest collaboration.And don't worry - no spoilers!Have you seen The Psychic or are you looking forward to catching it onstage soon? Let us know your thoughts in the comments.

Do you ever feel like you're made of glass? In this episode, Lauren uncovers the glass delusion and explores instances across history where people believe they are entirely made of glass (or in some instances that just one very specific body part is made of glass) and that they might therefore shatter into tiny pieces. Join us as we uncover the story of King Charles VI, who was very famously afflicted with the glass delusion in twenties, as well other notable historical instances. And if you want some extra reading, make sure you check out Miguel de Cervantes's short story "The Licentiate Vidriera" or "The Lawyer of Glass".Cervantes short story: https://www.online-literature.com/cervantes/4644/#google_vignette

Le Bal des Ardents: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bal_des_Ardents#/media/File:Le_Bal_des_Ardents.jpg

In this review episode we dive into Lee Heejoo’s latest novel Holy Boy.Published in the UK in March 2026, this is the first of Lee’s works that was translated into English and it delivers bucket loads of suspense, Gothic thrills and unhinged acts of worship and devotion. Whether you’re a K-pop fan, or if you’re just here for the cult stuff, you won’t want to miss this book and its thrilling examination of the darker side of fan culture.CW: discussion of stalking and physical and sexual violenceQ&A with Lee Heejoo and translator Joheun Lee: https://www.foyles.co.uk/further-read...

Ín the second instalment of our Gothic Lives of Saints mini-series, we uncover the mystical life of Saint Catherine of Siena.From Catherine’s visions to conversations with her divine spouse (God) and her many frequent battles with the ultimate adversary (Satan), join us as we delve into the difficult and sometimes gross stories that lead to Catherine’s sainthood. And of course, we’ll also be discussing what makes her story Gothic, so stay tuned for discussions of hell, terror, the sublime and the abject. ** CW: disordered eating, self-harm, disease and death **This episode is not for the faint of heart! Watch with caution (especially if you are eating).

REUPLOAD! Thank you to Bethany for letting us know the tracks weren't synced - you are out Association Member of the Month, which we just made up.

Do you really know what makes a Gothic heroine? In this episode, Lauren is exploring just that! Join us as Lauren leads Mary through all of the key the evolutions of the Gothic heroine - swoons and all - from her origins in early modern chivalric romance, to her 18th and 19th century transformations in Gothic Literature.