Light & Shadow: A Horror Podcast: Recent Episodes
Light & Shadow: A Horror Podcast
A monthly podcast about the cultural themes presented in the horror genre. Tune in and we’ll share another dark tale…
I'm joined once again by Jacqueline from A Cut Above for a women in horror month special! We're chatting about the weirdness of LA, dealing with death, awkward gatherings, and the impactful ending in Karyn Kusama's The Invitation.
Listen:
Root of Evil Podcast
The Los Feliz Murder Mansion Podcast
Light & Shadow: True Crime Episode
In the first episode of the Fundamental Frights series, I'm discussing A Nightmare on Elm Street from 1984. I'm diving into the legacy of Wes Craven and why this movie is so important to my own horror history.
Read
Fairytales & Freddy Krueger
Listen
Light & Shadow: The Boogeyman
Lore: A Stranger Among Us
Originally recorded last year, I join Justin from Straight Chilling for a discussion of the classic tale, A Christmas Carol. We’re chatting about the book and the many film adaptations that have made this story a timeless icon of the season. Here's to Haunted Holidays and a Spooky New Year!
Listen to Straight Chilling Podcast
Watch Creature Comforts on YouTube
Hello, Losers! As you know, I am a lifelong Stephen King fan and constant reader. My Mom and I recently spent a few days exploring the Bangor, Maine area including locations that inspired IT, Pet Sematary and more. Come along and join us for a tour of Stephen King Country!
References and Resources:
SK Tours of Maine
Stephen King's Maine by Sharon Kitchens
King's Domain Designs
I'm joined by friend of the show Logan to discuss crime, punishment, and the bad decisions that lead us down the dark road in Southbound. We're also chatting about our favorite anthologies and desert horror.
Be sure to check out Logan's show, Ghoulish University.
In this episode, I'm joined by friend of the show Matt to discuss Clive Barker's 1987 classic Hellraiser. We're chatting about the complicated nature of the Cenobites, Frank's misguided motivations, and what makes Hellraiser an enduring icon of the genre.
Check out Matt's podcast Swords in Stereo
I'm once again joined by my husband, David to discuss the complexities of faith and rogue angels in Constantine. We're also chatting about David's experience as a horror husband and our memorable spooky adventures.
References:
The Last Exorcism
Wild Turkey Fist Fight
In this episode, I'm discussing the the recent popularity of Catholic horror and why I was pleasantly surprised by The First Omen. I'm also returning to my roots and exploring why religious themes continue to resonate in the horror genre.
Other Catholic Episodes:
The Exorcist
The Exorcist: Believer
Midnight Mass
In this episode, I'm discussing the the recent popularity of Catholic horror and why I was pleasantly surprised by The First Omen. I'm also returning to my roots and exploring why religious themes continue to resonate in the horror genre.
I'm joined by Hannah of the Cinema Slab Podcast to discuss the 1984 classic, Children of the Corn. We also chat about our experiences growing up in church, including singing hymns and heckling pastors.
Is this a simple haunted house story, or something more? This month, I’m taking a deep dive into this Stephen King adaptation and what it has to say about being trapped in the personal hell that is room 1408.
Read the original blog that inspired this episode:
1408: Trapped in Purgatory
View the many endings of this film:
Theatrical Ending
The Worst Ending
Alternate Endings
This month, I’m sharing a special collaboration episode originally released on Creature Comforts, a spinoff show featured on Straight Chilling’s YouTube channel that explores horror adjacent films. Justin and I are discussing the more gruesome aspects of The Passion of the Christ, why the movie might resonate with horror fans, and how I personally view it as a religious person.
Watch this episode on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7aD_BNdOPbQ&t=323s
Read the Jesus Bunny Blog:
https://www.lightandshadowpod.com/blog/jesus-bunny
In this Women in Horror Month episode, Im joined by Jacqueline from A Cut Above to discuss motherhood, purgatory, and judgement in Silent Hill.
For weekly horror review, check out A Cut Above Horror Review.
I'm joined by Bob from Straight Chilling to discuss the world of voodoo, magic, and scientific discovery in Wes Craven's The Serpent and the Rainbow.
We also chat about playing drums in worship bands and the controversy of wearing pants on stage at my childhood church. For weekly horror review, check out Straight Chilling Podcast on your favorite pod catcher.
In this special Christmas episode, I’m sharing two classic horror tales for the season - The Dancing Partner and Smee.
Wraparound Story: Between the Lights, E.F. Benson, 1912 Narrator's Story: The Dancing Partner, Jerome K. Jerome, 1893 Edward's Story: Smee, A.M. Burrage, 1929
I'm joined by Logan of Ghoulish University to discuss spiritual celebrities, hauntings, and exorcism and in The Conjuring.
Listen to Ghoulish University
Follow Christopher McKenny on Instagram
Watch Ghost Adventures ridiculousness
I’m joined once again by special guest Nat to discuss the highs, lows and multi-denominational approach to exorcism in David’s Gordon Green’s latest installment.
Follow Nat's work on Instagram @lunathespectre.
I'm joined by good friend Nat to discuss the complexity of humanity, finding your own faith and the beauty of self-sacrifice in the The Exorcist.
Follow Nat's work on Instagram @lunathespectre.
Sacred Terror: Religion and Horror on the Silver Screen by Douglas Cowan, featured on Shudder's Cursed Films
I'm joined by first-time guest David (who I also happen to married to) to discuss crisis of faith and culty churches in The Last Exorcism.
We're also discussing our personal journey with deconstruction and David’s experience as an ordained missionary.
If you're in touring band and you're interested in free lodging while on tour, check out RYFO.
In this episode, I'm joined by my Mom, Sherry, to discuss growing up in church, cults and true crime in Ti West’s The Sacrament.
In this bonus episode, I'm joined by Bethany, co-host on my first podcast Disney Native. We're discussing the highs, lows, easter eggs and happy haunts in Disney's Haunted Mansion.
Listen to Disney Native
Grim, Grinning Ghosts - A Tribute to the Haunted Mansion
Boo Bash!
River Country Film
Read the Blog
The Dark Side of Disney World
I'm joined by Andy from The Straight Chilling Podcast to discuss monsters, religious fanatics, and the flaws of humanity in Frank Darabont's The Mist.
Watch
When Darkness Came: The Making of the Mist
Listen
Religion in Horror: Midnight Mass
The Straight Chilling Podcast
I’m joined by friend of the show Sunny to discuss pagan festivals, symbolism, toxic relationships, and manipulation in Ari Aster’s Midsommar.
I’m discussing my personal experience with religion and how it connects to mania and faith in Mike Flanagan’s fresh take on an old subgenre.
Read
Fear + Faith Blog Post
Listen
Beware the Jesus Bunny: Easter Recommendations
Storytime: Young Goodman Brown
This year, I’m reflecting on the last decade of female-driven horror in a discussion about how far we’ve come and where I’d like to see us go next.
Listen:
American Mary on A Cut Above Horror Review
Knock at the Cabin on Straight Chilling
Shop:
Anna's House of Wax
Read:
https://editorial.rottentomatoes.com/guide/best-horror-movies-directed-by-women/
https://scariesthings.com/2020/12/01/dead-list-30-important-women-horror-directors-who-you-should-know/
https://www.nytimes.com/2016/06/03/movies/mary-harron-narrates-a-scene-from-american-psycho.html
In this episode, I'm joined by Randy from the Straight Chilling Podcast to discuss creativity and criticism in The Menu. We're also sharing some of our personal experiences as creative professionals, and chatting about the best meal we've ever had.
In this episode, I’m joined by friends of the pod to discuss some of our favorite spooky season content, including TV episodes and underrated gems. I’m also sharing a campfire tale from Knifepoint Horror to kick off the Halloween weekend.
Special thanks to our guests!
TV Episodes: A Cut Above Horror Review
Underrated Gems: The Straight Chilling Podcast
“Trail” written by: Soren Narnia of Knifepoint Horror
It’s Easter week and although we nerds love our holiday horrors, Easter isn’t one that immediately comes to mind as a favorite. But I put a little thought into it, and have a few unconventional recommendations that I think fit the bill for the Easter season.
Read more:
Daybreakers: The Gospel According to Vampires
Holidays (2016): The Jesus Bunny
When Goodman Brown ventures into the Salem woods to meet a mysterious stranger, he discovers that his friends and neighbors are not who they seem, and gains a deeper knowledge that will haunt him for the rest of his life.
It’s time once again for another Women in Horror episode! This year, I’m joined by Jacqueline from A Cut Above Horror Review, and we’re talking about the most influential women in horror. We approached this topic from both a historical and personal perspective, discussing women from many forms of media including authors, directors, actors, podcasters and more.
This is obviously a huge topic and there is no way we can possibly cover everything in this one episode. Jacqueline and I encourage listeners to use this episode as a jumping off point to dive in and explore what others have to say about this topic and also to learn about the women who have played a crucial role in creating the art that you love.
You can listen to Jacqueline’s show at A Cut Above Horror Review
Show Notes:
Tabitha King
Barbara Crampton on The Movies That Made Me
Julia Ducournau, The Guardian
Carol Clover on “The Final Girl” archetype
Carmen Maria Machado, Metal
Psychoanalysis: A Horror Therapy Podcast
Faculty of Horror Podcast
Women in Horror from A to Z (Film School Rejects)
Quotes About Horror Cinema from Female Filmmakers
Four Forgotten Women Who Built the Horror Genre
I don't usually review new films, but I had such a blast with Scream (Scream 5, Scream 2022, etc, etc) that I wanted to take a few minutes to talk about it. In today's episode, I'm discussing nostalgia, pros, cons, old cast members, new killers and more!
In my last episode of the year, I'm recapping my year in horror including new and "new to me" movies and series. I'm also talking a bit about what's to come in 2022.
I'm so grateful for my listeners and happy to be a part of the larger horror community. Stay safe, stay warm and Happy New Year, friends!
I managed to make it back to Halloween Horror Nights once again this year despite living roughly 1000 miles away. In this Halloween bonus, I’m sharing my experience with the crowds, houses, scare zones and more!
Hello friends. It's time to share another dark tale for spooky season. In this story written by Algernon Blackwood, a school administrator vacationing in the French Alps is lucky to find last minute lodging, but finds something rather unexpected and unsettling in his room...
During the spring of 1692, a group of young girls in Salem Village, Massachusetts, claimed to be possessed by the devil and accused several local women and men of witchcraft. These accusations sparked the infamous Salem witch trials, which resulted in the execution of 20 innocent people.
Today, Salem is a lovely tourist town and a haven for the weird and the spooky. My Mom and I spent a week in the Witch City to kick off our dark tourism travels and to celebrate her 60th birthday. Let’s wander the cobblestone streets and learn a bit of history shall we?
We're back in Stephen King country with a review of the latest adaptation of The Stand. I'm discussing highs, lows and what I might do if I was in charge of this epic story.
In my third annual Women in Horror Month episode, I'm joined by friends of the pod, Sunny and Nat, in a discussion about our favorite female killers. We're discussing why murderous women are so interesting and diving into some of our favorite characters.
In this episode, we discuss:
Why female killers are interesting
Common themes and motivations
Some of our favorite female killers
Under the Skin
Monster
American Mary
Follow Sunny's work at https://www.instagram.com/arrows.in.eros/.
Follow Nat's work at https://www.instagram.com/lunathespook/
Find out more about The Witch of Lakeland project at https://www.witchoflakeland.com/
Hello, friends! I'm back with a brand new episode covering the work of director Joe Dante. In this episode I'll be discussing:
Kindertrauma
Twilight Zone: The Movie
Gremlins
The Burbs
Joe's unique combination of cartoon imagery with horror themes
Themes in Joe's work that are particularly relevant to American culture
The Movies That Made Me
References:
https://bloody-disgusting.com/editorials/3628557/kindertrauma-generation-family-friendly-horrors-1980s/?fbclid=IwAR3kBcUlDWo6v4psGoc11mwaMYaBEiIbtbxLySkdDGllqfrgBtE9ru9y6X0
https://www.amazon.com/Nightmares-White-Blue-Lance-Henriksen/dp/B0789KLGVQ
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-movies-that-made-me/id1412094313
On Christmas, a girl calls upon an old spirit to deal with her bully brother.
Yuletide was written by Matheus Macedo. Subscribe to Sessions X podcast for more of his stories. https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/sessionsx/id1285982034?mt=2
Learn more about Matheus' work at https://mhmacedo.weebly.com/?fbclid=IwAR0aZwSllHx5bp_Hk9QImex7rYz9-qMgUlFxD76g4R-gfOI_GOiFRrazvdo.
Happy Halloween, friends! I recently rewatched Halloween 6 for the first time and I have a few thoughts. In this bonus episode, I’m discussing cults, Paul Rudd and the Halloween 3 connection.
Witches are a central figure in folklore and horror. In this special Halloween episode, I'm joined once again by Sunny and Natalie, and we're covering all things Witches, including fairytales, classics, and modern-day interpretations.
In this episode, we discuss:
Roald Dahl's The Witches
Return to Oz
Suspiria (1977 & 2018)
The Blair Witch Project
American Horror Story: Coven
The Autopsy of Jane Doe
The Witch
Follow Sunny's work at https://www.instagram.com/arrows.in.eros/.
Follow Nat's work at https://www.instagram.com/lunathespectre/
Find out more about The Witch of Lakeland project at https://www.witchoflakeland.com/
Candyman has always held a special position in the slasher genre. The upcoming adaptation by Jordan Peele and Nia DeCosta inspired me to revisit the original franchise, and have a conversation about the highs and lows of each installment with the crew from the Straight Chilling Podcast.
You can listen to Straight Chilling everywhere you get your podcasts, and follow them on major social media outlets, including Patreon! Listen to our coverage of Candyman (2021) at http://straightchillingpodcast.com/news-media/334-candyman-2021/
A woman suffering from depression retreats to a country estate. While there, her husband urges her to rest, but she is troubled by the odd features in her room and is determined to find the secret that lurks behind the hideous yellow wallpaper...
The Yellow Wallpaper was written by Charlotte Perkins Gilman, published in 1892
Music in this episode:
Prelude in C Major, Bach
As with everything right now, 4th of July probably looks a little different this year. Horror fans are possibly the best at embracing weird times, and maybe what we need most in America right now is something weird. If you’re keeping it low key (like I am) a movie marathon and a big bowl of popcorn might be just what you need.
Tune in as I discuss some of my favorite 4th of July offerings - two of which are fairly under viewed in my opinion.
For more summer viewing recommendations, visit my classic blog post Sinister Summer.
Motherhood is both a painful and beautiful part of womanhood. Horror has proven to be an excellent genre to explore the intricacies of this complex human experience.
IN THIS EPISODE, I DISCUSS:Inside (2007)
The Orphanage
The trauma of pregnancy and child loss
The strength to overcome tragedy
Read the original blog that extensively covers Inside, and inspired this episode. It’s the most personal blog I’ve written to date, and has been one of the most popular pieces of content I’ve shared. https://lightandshadowpod.com/blog/inside
Episode artwork by Sunny Balliette. Follow her work on Instagram at @arrows.in.eros.
I recently binged the Root of Evil podcast and WACO on Netflix and they’ve got me thinking about the popularity of true crime. Why do these stories continue to be relevant decades after their occurrence? Why can’t we look away from these stories?
Let’s dig in and discuss some of the most famous true crime tragedies in American history.
An elderly couple inherits an enchanted object from India that is rumored to grant three wishes. But they soon find it is best to be very careful what you wish for, for you may receive it.
The Monkey’s Paw was written by W.W. Jacobs
Music in this episode:
Funeral March, Chopin
Hello friends! I'm checking in to see how you're doing, keep you updated on what's coming up and give you a few recommendations for what to watch while you’re cooped up at home.
While a deadly plague rages throughout the world, a wealthy noble and a thousand of his friends quarantine themselves inside his castle. During a lavish masquerade ball, they are surprised by the presence an unexpected visitor dressed in a costume of death…
The Masque of the Red Death was written by Edgar Allan Poe
Music in this episode:
Toccata in D Minor, Bach
Moonlight Sonata, Beethoven
A marine biologist moves to a seaside town for research and discovers a force far beyond anything she's ever experienced before. In today’s episode, I'm sharing a tale that follows the tradition of Lovecraft, featuring cults, the unknown and the old gods.
This story was written by HumboldtLycanthrope and was adapted under a CC-BY-SA liscense. Some edits have been made. You can read the original story at https://creepypasta.fandom.com/wiki/The_Abalone_Thief.
Can horror be considered art? Is art dangerous? Should filmmakers have boundaries? In today’s Women in Horror Month episode, I’m joined by two female horror fans and artists for a discussion about art in horror and what it means to us.
According to folklore, blues musician Robert Johnson sold his soul to the devil at the crossroads in exchange for great talent and fame. He achieved legendary status and his music continues to be influential to this day. The story is simple and familiar, but it’s genesis and mystery continue to be relevant in pop culture.
In today's episode, I explore the life of Robert Johnson, the mystery of the 27 club and the Faustian film Heartless from 2009.
Episode artwork by Sunny Balliette. Follow her work on Instagram at @arrows.in.eros.
Snuggle in and prepare for a dark yuletide tale. In today's episode, I read a creepypasta featuring a loving father trying to rebuild a normal life for his daughter after the incident with The Christmas Tree.
The Christmas Tree
Written by Michael Whitehouse
Content is available under CC BY-SA. Some edits have been made. You can read the original story at https://creepypasta.fandom.com/wiki/The_Christmas_Tree.
It’s November 1st, the most depressing day of the year for us horror fans. Earlier this week, we went to Halloween Horror Nights with friends and special guests White Collar Sideshow, and we’re here to give you one last sprinkle of spooky before we have to move on with the holiday season.
In this episode, we chat about our night at HHN 29, including favorite houses and more!
To listen, support and find out more about White Collar Sideshow, visit https://whitecollarsideshow.com/.
The Overlook Hotel doesn’t really exist.
What pop culture has come to know and love was built using mostly sets with a few real locations sprinkled in. The closest you’ll get is The Stanley Hotel, a beautiful resort nestled in the Rocky Mountains. It was Stephen King’s inspiration for The Shining, and my home for the last three days. Let’s check in and wander the halls, shall we...
What is it that makes a child believe? Children love to play pretend, because they are believers. They believe in Santa Claus, the Easter Bunny, happily ever afters, the monster under the bed, and the boogeyman.
In this episode, we're exploring the origins of some of the most enduring stories and monsters of our time including:
Fairy tales
Childhood fears
Slashers
Stephen King
Creepypasta
Episode artwork by Sunny Balliette. Follow her work on Instagram at @arrows.in.eros.
Fire is one of the most powerful and dangerous forces on this planet. Humankind has learned how to harness it to power our cities and protect our people, but we can’t really ever control it.
In this episode, we’re exploring the horror of what happens when we lose control and that power is unleashed.
In this episode, I discuss:
• The coal fire in Centralia, Pennsylvania
• The Challenger Explosion
• The Chernobyl disaster
• Godzilla (1954)
• Silent Hill
• The Hills Have Eyes (2006)
• HBO’s Chernobyl
Episode artwork by Sunny Balliette. Follow her work on Instagram at @arrows.in.eros.
It’s almost time for the return of our favorite dancing clown. Tune in to a special bonus episode for my thoughts on the miniseries and IT Chapter 1 in preparation for the upcoming IT Chapter 2.
Our culture has always been drawn to the spectacle of the circus, carnival and theme park. But since the beginning, these entertainment venues have had a dark side. There are have always been dark rides, oddities and peep shows that appeal to the weirder interests of human nature.
In this episode, we're exploring the magic, mystery and macabre elements that make up the Dark Carnival in film and television.
In this episode, I discuss:
• Freaks
• Pinocchio
• Something Wicked This Way Comes
• Waxwork
• Carnivale
• AHS: Freakshow
• The Devil’s Carnival
• Escape From Tomorrow
Episode artwork by Sunny Balliette. Follow her work on Instagram at @arrows.in.eros.
I’ve got something very special for you today. In the spirit of summer vacation, I’m sharing a tale about Walt Disney World’s creepiest location. Prepare yourself for the River Country Film.
This audio was originally recorded for my other podcast, Disney Native. Check it out if you also happen to be a Disney nerd like myself.
River Country Film
Written by TheBushAdministration.
Content is available under CC BY-SA. Some edits have been made. You can read the original story at creepypasta.wikia.com.
Summer is not my favorite season. I prefer spring thunderstorms and crisp fall air to the relentless heat of the summer sun. I grew up in the South and now live in Florida where It's always hot, always humid, and the sun is always beating down on you. It's enough to make you crazy sometimes, but there are several great films to get us through the hot season.
This month, I'm taking a break from the norm to bring you some recommendations including all my summer favorites!
You can read the original blog post at https://lightandshadowpod.com/blog/summer.
Episode artwork by Sunny Balliette. Follow her work on Instagram at @arrows.in.eros.
It's my favorite book, and one of my favorite movies. It's a timeless tale of loss, regret and decent into madness. In my longest episode ever, I'm diving deep into Pet Sematary. In the episode, I’m discussing the novel, both adaptations and why Stephen King was afraid to publish this book.
Episode artwork by Sunny Balliette. Follow her work on Instagram at @arrows.in.eros.
What does it mean when we say a place is haunted? Does in have anything to do with ghosts? Or is it simply a feeling left behind by tragic events of the past? Come with me and I’ll tell you a story about a haunting in the most mundane of locations. This particular story happened five years ago, on tax day.
Episode artwork by Sunny Balliette. Follow her work on Instagram at @arrows.in.eros.
Many horror nerds have family members to thank for their love of the genre, and I am no exception. Watching scary movies with my Mom was quite a memorable part of my childhood - one I’m very thankful for. In this special bonus episode, I sit down with Mom to talk about her introduction to horror, and the upcoming adaptation of Pet Sematary!
This movie has been getting trashed for years, but I honestly love it. I'm here to give you the defenses I've been using to justify this adaptation for the last two decades.
In this bonus episode, I cover a few women in horror month recommendations I didn't have time to mention on the last episode, and talk about what to look forward to in the coming months!
We're celebrating Women in Horror Month with an episode focusing on female directors! I’m joined by fellow horror nerd, Nat, in a discussion about our favorite directors and what their films mean to us.
Follow Nat on instagram at https://www.instagram.com/lunathespecter/.
The American wilderness holds many legendary monsters, but possibly the oldest of them is the Wendigo. Originating from the lore of Algonquin tribes, the Wendigo is a tall, thin, horned creature who has a taste for human flesh. Real life stories of cannibalism and the Wendigo legend have influenced several films over the years, taking us on a journey into one of the darker corners of the human experience.
Fall is the time that really reigns for horror fans, but I have found that the winter season proves to be a pretty great time for horror as well. With the longer nights and colder weather, I find it's a good time to snuggle up and retreat into something spooky during the sugar coated season.
Tune in for a brief history of Christmas and a discussion of my favorite holiday and winter films.
Horror has always existed on the fringe of entertainment, but when you take a closer look, you'll see that it holds a surprising amount of truth about humanity, and seems to make the most relevant statements about our culture at any given time. Horror has always excelled when society is unstable, and I think we're living in quite an interesting time for scary stories.
In the very first episode, I tell you a little bit about who I am and discuss why horror is currently so popular in today's culture.