Horror Joy

Latest Episodes:

Academic Horror 3 - The Faculty (1998) Feb 09, 2026

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In this episode of 'Horror Joy,' Jeff and Brian delve into Robert Rodriguez's 1998 film 'The Faculty.'

The episode explores the film's portrayal of high school alienation, the nineties cultural backdrop, and the use of alien parasites as a metaphor for societal issues.

We discuss the film’s all-star cast, its nostalgic nineties aesthetic, and its underlying themes related to drugs, authority figures, and football culture.

The episode also highlights the anti-lesbianism strain evident in late nineties teen movies and the joy found in the film’s tongue-in-cheek horror elements.

Emily C. Hughes on Meet Your Maker Feb 02, 2026

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In this episode of Horror Joy's 'Meet Your Maker', we delve into a conversation with Stoker award-winning author Emily C. Hughes.

We discuss her book 'Horror for Weenies', designed to help the faint-hearted navigate through significant horror films.

Emily talks about the relationship between horror and joy, citing examples of modern twists on classic horror tropes.

She shares her personal journey from being a scaredy-cat to a lover of horror, underlining the importance of community and invitation in appreciating the genre.

Emily also highlights some of her current favorite horror films, books, and games, drawing attention to the breadth and appeal of horror.

Academic Horror 2 - Suspiria (2018) Jan 26, 2026

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This episode of 'Horror Joy' delves into Luca Guadagnino's 2018 reimagining of 'Suspiria.'

Brian and Jeff explore the themes of academic horror, feminism, and political violence within the film's setting of post-war Berlin.

We compare Guadagnino's version to Dario Argento's original 1977 film, discussing the significant differences, including the portrayal of witchcraft and the regulation of bodies in an academic setting.

We highlight the film's complex power structures and touches on the role of music, dance, and cinematic techniques in creating horror.

The discussion also questions Guadagnino's claim of making a feminist film, examining the intricate dynamics between the characters and the violent depiction of women's bodies.

We find a blend of intellectual and emotional engagement in the film, despite their mixed feelings about some aspects.

Breathing Back the History of German Modern Dance through the Horror Film Genre in Luca Guadagnino’s Suspiria (2018) by Wesley Lim

Entanglement In Time: Nostalgic Affect As Cine-Choreography In The White Crow (2018) And Suspiria (2018) by Kaixuan Yao

Radically Feminist or Monstrously Feminine?: Witches and Goddesses in Guadagnino's Suspiria (2018)Goddesses in Guadagnino's Suspiria (2018) by Lindsay Macumber

Roberts, John W. “Dancing the Dance of Another: Allegory, the Diagram, and Suspiria (2018).” Discourse: Journal for Theoretical Studies in Media and Culture, vol. 45, no. 1–2, Dec. 2023, pp. 33–64. EBSCOhost,

Nat Cassidy on Meet Your Maker Jan 19, 2026

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In this episode of 'Horror Joy,' Brian and Jeff sit down with author and playwright Nat Cassidy to explore his career and the intricate relationship between joy and horror.

Cassidy discusses his journey from a macabre child fascinated by the works of Stephen King and Shakespeare to a versatile storyteller working across various mediums, including novels, plays, and audio dramas.

The conversation delves into the philosophical underpinnings of fear and anxiety, the evolution of horror as a genre, and the impact of his latest work, 'When the Wolf Comes Home.'

Cassidy shares his insights into the immersive and ecstatic qualities of horror, likening it to spicy food that delights because it hurts.

We also touch on the importance of live performance and the existential truths that horror can reveal.

Academic Horror 1 - Suspiria (1977) Jan 12, 2026

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In this episode of Horror Joy, Brian and Jeff jump headlong into academic horror. Their firs stop is Dario Argento's 1977 class, Suspiria.

We explore themes such as ritualized violence, paranoia, and the cult-like power dynamics of a coven of witches who both govern and are governed by the institution.

We highlight the vivid colors, atmospheric elements, and unsettling soundtrack that is used to convey meaning and evoke fear.

We delve into the use of witches not as symbols of feminist empowerment but as tools of misogyny, driven by the male gaze.

Additionally, we consider the idea of suppressed queer and feminine elements in a drab world.

We conclude with a look at the film's reliance on practical effects over CGI, setting a joyful yet terrifying tone.

Kristeva, Julia. Powers of Horror: An Essay on Abjection. Translated by Leon S. Roudiez, Columbia University Press, 1982.

Ivy Grimes on Meet Your Maker Jan 05, 2026

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In this episode of 'Horror Joy, Meet Your Maker', Jeff sits down with Ivy Grimes, an author known for her supernatural and surreal short story collections including 'Glass Stories'.

Ivy discusses her unique journey into the horror genre having grown up in a conservative setting, her inspirations from filmmakers like David Lynch, and her fascination with using glass as a central motif.

The conversation delves into the relationship between horror and joy, the elements of weird fiction, and the influence of classical literary tales on Ivy's writing.

The episode wraps up with a look at the contemporary indie horror writing community and Ivy's upcoming projects.

Ivy Grives website

The 25th Hour anthology

Terrell Dorsey on Meet Your Maker Dec 29, 2025

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In this episode of 'Meet Your Maker' by a Horror Joy, Brian and Jeff are joined by Terrell Dorsey, founder of the film production company Vault 81. Terrell discusses his journey into film making, the creation of his film 'Sawmill Road,' and his unique perspective on the intersection of horror and joy.

He elaborates on his passion for writing, directing, and producing original horror content that resonates with audiences.

Terrell also talks about his influences, learning experiences, and the authentic local lore behind 'Sawmill Road.'

The episode concludes with insights into his future projects and the vision for Vault 81, including an ambitious feature film called 'The Tunnels.'

Terrell Dorsey

Jack Finn on Meet Your Maker Dec 22, 2025

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In this episode of Horror Joy, Brian and Jeff speak with Jack Finn, a Horror author from the Pacific Northwest.

Jack discusses his life-long love for Horror, how it played a joyous role in his childhood through monster movies, and his journey from enjoying Horror to writing it.

He talks about his 2023 debut novel 'The Seven Deaths of Prince Vlad,' his werewolf duology 'Prey Upon the Lambs' and 'The Desolation of Hunters,' and his short story collection 'They Come When You Sleep.'

The conversation delves into the intersection of Horror and joy, folklore's influence on his work, and the genre's deeper thematic elements.

Jack also provides insights into his writing process, the significance of historical and cultural contexts in his stories, and his upcoming projects.

Withered Hill by David Barnett

Cunning Folk by Adam Neville

Yellow Jackets

Found Footage 5 - Found Footage and The October Film Haunt with Michael Wehunt Dec 15, 2025

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In this episode of 'Horror Joy,' hosts Brian and Jeff delve into the appeal of found footage horror and are joined by author Michael Wehunt to explore these themes.

They discuss Wehunt's debut novel, 'The October Film Haunt,' which blends subgenres including found footage, slasher, and occult horror.

The conversation covers Wehunt’s writing journey, the intricacies of the horror genre, and deeper themes of community, belief, and the potential dangers they pose.

Wehunt shares his thoughts on the joy within horror and how true-life horrors like social media manipulation and post-truth societies interact with horror elements in literature.

The episode concludes with insights on recent horror literature that has brought joy to the participants, emphasizing the depth and complexity of the genre.

Chris Dileo on Meet Your Maker Dec 08, 2025

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In this episode of Horror Joy’ Meet Your Maker series, Jeff and Brian welcome author Chris Dileo to discuss his new book, Empty Devils (Cabelo Books, 2025), and his deeply personal relationship with horror. Dileo emphasizes that reading is a process of cooperation between the reader's imagination and the writer's world. He discusses how he used Empty Devils to distill the national tragedy at the “Unite the Right” rally in Charlottesville in 2017 into a horror narrative. Jeff and Chris also chop it up over teaching Shakespeare and how the bard shows up in the story. Ultimately, all three find joy in the project of reading, writing, and celebrating how the horror genre allows us to work through difficult and sometimes violent political and ideological activity in the real world.

***Chris Dileo's Books from the Coffin***

Cat Delaney – Unclaimed Property

Killer on the Road – Stephen Graham Jones

Philip Fracassi - Autumn Springs Retirement Home Massacre

Sam Rabelein – Galloway’s Gospel

Keith Rosson – Coffin Moon

Kat Silva – Where the Soul Goes

Jonathan Janz - Veil