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I’ve been visiting Eureka Springs, Arkansas, my whole life, and in recent years, I’ve watched its popularity grow, especially within the horror community. In this episode, I sit down with Colton Scrivner, executive director of Nightmare in the Ozarks Film Festival and the Zombie Crawl, to chat about horror fandom, what to expect at this year’s festival, and how one quirky Arkansas town is becoming an unforgettable destination for all things weird. Learn more about the festival: Nightmare in the Ozarks Get Coltan’s book: Morbidly Curious by Coltan Scrivner

In this episode, I’m joined by friend of the show Bob to kick off the Southern Gothic series with a discussion of The Skeleton Key from 2005. We’re exploring what makes this film a quintessential Southern Gothic story—from its decaying plantation and dark history to its eerie use of mirrors, hoodoo rituals, and folklore. Set against a rain-soaked Louisiana landscape and building toward an unforgettable twist, The Skeleton Key remains one of the most atmospheric ghost stories of the 2000s. We’re taking a closer look at what makes its horror so effective, and the deeper themes hiding beneath its supernatural story. Listen: Straight Chilling: Horror Movie Review Read: Guide to Southern Gothic: 10 Dark Must-Reads

Pennywise the clown has become an enduring icon, terrifying kids for generations. In this special bonus episode, I’m joined by Matt and Jackie to revisit the It miniseries that started it all. We’re discussing Tim Curry’s unforgettable performance, the bond of the Losers Club, Derry’s dark history, and that infamous ending—spider, deadlights, and all. Related Episodes: Stephen King Detour: IT Welcome to Derry Live from Bangor Maine Light & Shadow: The Boogeyman Follow: The Cinemigos Podcast Tough Luck Cinema Club Watch: Pennywise: The Story of IT

In this episode, I'm joined by friend of the show Jacqueline to discuss Jacob's Ladder from 1990. Together, we explore the film's most disturbing moments, the real-world inspirations behind its story, and the lasting impact it has had on horror films and other popular media. We unpack how Jacob's Ladder uses unreliable perception, spiritual symbolism, and unsettling body horror to examine themes of death, grief, attachment, and acceptance. Along the way, we also reminisce about Bravo's The 100 Scariest Movie Moments—the series that first introduced both of us to the film—and how it served as a gateway into a deeper appreciation of horror. Listen: A Cut Above Horror Review Read: JACOB’S LADDER: Rung by Rung (Letterboxd) Hallucinogen Experiments at Edgewood Arsenal in Maryland Watch: Bravo's 100 Scariest Movie Moments

In this episode, I’m joined by friends of the show Matt and Jackie to discuss The Stand (1994). Join us as we explore the epic scope of the miniseries, analyzing how it holds up after 30 years, its themes of faith, chaos, and community, and the intricate characters that populate this post-apocalyptic world. Listen: Light & Shadow: The Stand 2020 Follow: The Cinemigos Podcast Tough Luck Cinema Club

In this episode, I'm joined by friend of the show Logan to discuss the complexity of faith and family dynamics in Frailty. We're also discussing Old Testament themes, Bill Paxton’s career and the great state of Texas! Listen: Ghoulish University Watch: The Making of Frailty Read: Dread Central With Brent Hanley and David Blocker

In this Religion in Horror episode, I’m exploring the complicated intersection of faith, reason, and devotion in the 1973 classic, The Wicker Man. I’ll also dive into the history and symbolism of May Day celebrations and examine how The Wicker Man helped define and popularize the folk horror subgenre. Listen: Religion in Horror: Midsommar Read: ROBIN HARDY ON 'THE WICKER MAN' (1973)

In this episode, I’m joined by friend of the show Randy to discuss the groundbreaking and confounding series, Twin Peaks. We’re chatting about why we love it, the impact it’s had on the media landscape, and much more. Read: But Who Is the Dreamer? Twin Peaks: The Return Watch: Twin Peaks Full Series Recap Listen: Straight Chilling Horror Review

In 1946, a masked "Phantom Killer" murdered five people in Texarkana. The mystery and lack of resolution turned the case into local legend, and it later inspired the 1976 film, The Town That Dreaded Sundown. In this episode, I'm discussing my recent visit to Texarkana for the 50th anniversary screening of the proto-slasher directed by Arkansas filmmaker Charles B. Pierce. I'm also chatting about the local controversy, the 2014 version, and the legacy that has endured in Texarkana since 1946. Listen: Moonlight Murders: Texarkana’s Phantom Killer Watch: Cinematographer James W. Roberson talks about his work on "The Town That Dreaded Sundown" (1976)

I’m joined by friend of the show Sunny to discuss church culture, family conflict, and secret lives in The Clovehitch Killer. We’re also chatting about Dennis Rader, the BTK killer, and why we’re drawn to true crime stories. Listen: Light & Shadow: True Crime Watch: BTK: Confession Of A Serial Killer Read: Morbidly Curious by Coltan Scrivner, PhD

In this Women in Horror Month episode, I’m joined by first-time guest Caitlin to discuss the terror of misadventure and the fantastic ensemble female cast in The Descent. We’re also chatting about the Missing 411 phenomenon and our own experience with caves. Listen: Plug It Up Podcast Watch: Missing 411 Cases and the Cave Systems Kenny Veach and the M Cave

In this bonus episode, I’m joined by Bob from the Straight Chilling Podcast to discuss season one of IT: Welcome to Derry. We’re chatting about our history with the IT franchise, the evolution of Pennywise, and the highs and lows of this HBO spinoff. This series has been getting alot of praise, but what did we think of the twists, turns and unexpected choices in this entry? Will we be watching next season? Tune in find out Listen: Stephen King Country: My Trip to Bangor Straight Chilling: IT Chapter One

Nightmare in the Ozarks is an annual horror film festival in Eureka Springs, Arkansas, that showcases horror, thriller, dark comedy, spooky sci-fi features, and shorts. This is my second year attending the festival and I had an absolute blast. This hidden gem deserves more attention, and I'm excited to recap my experience at the festival, including the movies I saw and what makes it a special event. Read: Checking in at The Crescent Hotel Listen: Lore: Disappointment

In this solo episode, I'm discussing Creepshow, which has become a very important part of my annual spooky season tradition. I'm discussing the stellar cast, the classic horror vibes, and the masters of horror that make this possibly the best anthology ever created. I'm also giving my thoughts on The Long Walk and Bring Her Back, which have risen to the top of my list of favorites this year.

We're kicking off Halloween season with a Disney Channel classic, Tower of Terror from 1997. In this episode, I'm joined by Justin from Straight Chilling to discuss the ride, the movie, 90s nostalgia and how we felt revisiting this kids movie as adults. We invite you, if you dare, to step aboard because in tonight's episode you are the star. And this elevator travels directly to . . . The Twilight Zone. Listen: Straight Chilling Horror Review Disney Creepypasta: River Country Film Read: The Dark Side of Disney World