John opens this episode by announcing himself as "the man of the duo." Rachel introduces herself as "John's wife, defined by her role in the life of a man." Then we talk about feminist horror for 30 minutes. Inspired by The Slumber Party Massacre, we're asking what actually makes a horror film feminist - and whether it matters who made it. We work through The Descent, You're Next, Midsommar, The Love Witch, and more. Plus Rachel debuts "You Want It," a duet with the male gaze itself.
Adams, Jenn. “’Pearl’ and the Face of a Woman Pushed Too Far.” Strong Female Antagonist. https://femaleantagonist.com/pearl-and-the-face-of-a-woman-pushed-too-far/.
Dolar, Danne Niko. “Ti West’s Pearl (2022) and the Affliction of Female Sensibility.” Academia. https://www.academia.edu/97577659/Ti_Wests_Pearl_2022_and_the_Affliction_of_Female_Sensibility.
Salinas, Julianna. “If You Don’t Fall in Love With This Campy 2016 Horror Masterpiece, I Don’t Know How to Help You.” 4 January 2025. Collider. https://collider.com/the-love-witch-movie/.
Totaro, Donato. “Female Empowerment in the ‘Small World’ films of Midsommar (2019, Ari Aster) and The Other Lamb (2019, Malgorzata Szumowska).” December 2019. OffScreen. https://offscreen.com/view/female-empowerment-in-small-world-films.
Wilhelmi, Jack. “You’re Next: Every Horror Movie Final Girl Trope It Subverted.” 26 December 2019. ScreenRant. https://screenrant.com/youre-next-horror-movie-final-girl-trope-changes/.
00:00:00 Intro00:06:02 The Descent00:11:08 You're Next00:16:25 Pearl00:20:03 The Love Witch00:24:27 Midsommar00:31:17 Demo - You Want It00:34:05 Losing Light
 

This week we're taking a deep dive into The Slumber Party Massacre (1982) - a 77-minute slasher that's weirder and smarter than its reputation suggests, and honestly more fun than it has any right to be. Written by Rita Mae Brown as a feminist parody and shot as a straightforward exploitation film, the result is this fascinating hybrid that we genuinely cannot stop thinking about. We dig into what makes it tick - the girls' social world, the camera choices that keep quietly flipping your expectations, the drill (which is maybe the least subtle symbol in the history of cinema, and we love it for that), and the ways this movie centers female friendship and survival while still giving Roger Corman exactly what he paid for. Plus our original songs inspired by the film - our gimmick this week is Scene Swap, meaning we dropped this bloody sleepover into the present day. We are not sorry.
 
“The Slumber Party Massacre,” AFI Catalog, https://catalog.afi.com/Catalog/moviedetails/56875.
Brock, Peyton. “How ‘The Slumber Party Massacre’s Feminist Lens Subverted the Slasher.” Collider. 28 July 2021. https://collider.com/slumber-party-massacre-feminist-explained/.
 
00:00:00 Intro
00:07:56 Intro: Distribution & Reception
00:19:57 Let's Make a Movie: Filmmakers
00:28:12 Let's Make a Movie: Cast
00:35:24 Let's Make a Movie: Production
00:39:21 Vibe Check: Cinematography
00:44:03 Vibe Check: SFX
00:49:41 Vibe Check: Music & Sound Design
00:53:01 Story Time: Characters
01:02:53 Story Time: Murder/Mayhem
01:16:10 Story Time: Themes
01:30:25 Open Mic
01:42:25 Losing Light
 

In this encore episode, we dig into the fascinating history of horror movies at the Academy Awards. From early classics like Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde and Phantom of the Opera to modern favorites like Get Out, Pan’s Labyrinth, and this year’s record-breaking Sinners, we explore which films from the genre have scored Oscar nods and wins. We discuss trends in how horror films are recognized - often in technical or “vibes” categories like makeup, sound, and visual effects - and share our surprise at some unexpected nominees and winners. Plus, we debut our original demo, Yet We Breathe, inspired by this year’s Oscar darling Sinners. Join us as we celebrate nearly a century of horror’s place in cinematic awards history! 
00:00:00 Intro
00:01:26 Horror at the Oscars
00:04:43 1930s-1940s
00:08:40 1960s 
00:11:28 1970s
00:22:09 1980s
00:25:29 1990s
00:29:56 2000s & 2010s
00:32:58 2020s
00:35:24 Yet We Breathe Demo
00:38:45 Outro

In this episode, we dive deep into the 2025 horror sensation Sinners. We explore its genre-blending brilliance, unpack the cultural and social themes woven throughout, and discuss everything from the film’s remarkable dual performances and historical context to its award-winning music and jaw-dropping practical effects. We share our personal experiences watching the film, debate its critical reception and impact on the horror landscape, and reflect on its layered symbolism - from assimilation and appropriation to the healing power of blues. Plus, we reveal our original songs inspired by Sinners, connecting art, love, and hope. Join us as we celebrate horror at its most thoughtful and transformative!
Sources
“Aspect Ratios with Sinners Director Ryan Coogler.” Kodak YouTube channel. 10 April 2025. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=78Ru62uFM0s
“How the invisible VFX of 'Sinners' protected the large format vision of cinematographer Autumn Durald Arkapaw, ASC.” Kodak. 12 February 2026. https://www.kodak.com/en/motion/blog-post/vfx-sinners/
McKenna, Brittney. “The Roots Music of Ryan Coogler’s Sinners, Explained.” The Bluegrass Situation. 23 July 2025. https://thebluegrasssituation.com/read/the-roots-music-of-ryan-cooglers-sinners-explained/
Instagram: talkswithatvwriter
To Whom It May Concern. “Smoke, Stack, and the Self: A Poetic-Psychological Mirror of Black Masculinity in Sinners.” Medium. 23 May 2025. https://medium.com/@cpatterson235/smoke-stack-and-the-self-a-poetic-psychological-mirror-of-black-masculinity-in-sinners-5143b392a234.
 
00:00:00 Intro
00:13:01 Intro: Distribution & Reception
00:29:18 Let’s Make a Movie: Filmmakers
00:34:38 Let’s Make a Movie: Cast
00:47:35 Let’s Make a Movie: Production
01:01:28 Vibe Check: Cinematography
01:08:34 Vibe Check: SFX
01:16:12 Vibe Check: Music & Sound Design
01:24:04 Story Time: Characters
01:38:04 Story Time: Murder/Mayhem
01:53:04 Story Time: Themes
02:21:58 Open Mic
02:34:48 Losing Light

In this encore episode, we dive into the urban legends that inspired horror classics, focusing on how they shaped Candyman. We unpack stories like the Hookman, Bloody Mary, razor blades in Halloween candy, babysitter terror, and killer alligators lurking in city sewers. We also explore modern creepypasta legends like Slenderman and the elevator game, discussing how old and new myths fuel our deepest fears and horror cinema alike. Plus, we share a studio demo of Rachel’s original song, Writing on the Wall, inspired by Candyman. Join us as we trace the eerie roots of horror with a mix of nostalgia, analysis, and original music.
00:00:00 Intro
00:02:31 Hookman/Bloody Mary
00:09:40 Razor Blades/Inside the House
00:17:10 Backseat Killer/Gators
00:23:10 Slenderman/Black Eyed Children/Elevator Game
00:30:18 Song Demo - Writing on the Wall

This week, we dive deep into the chilling world of Candyman (1992). We share our personal memories and first impressions of the film, break down its origins - connecting Clive Barker’s The Forbidden to Bernard Rose’s haunting adaptation - and discuss how the movie transcends the typical slasher genre. We examine the film’s complex themes, including urban legends, systemic racism, and the power of myth, while recognizing our perspectives as outsiders to some of the film’s core experiences. We cover everything from Tony Todd’s unforgettable performance and the infamous bee scenes, to Virginia Madsen’s hypnotic portrayal of Helen, and the movie’s legacy in horror and pop culture. Plus, we reveal our favorite characters, debate the nature of Candyman’s curse, and share original music inspired by the film.
Sources
Bogira, Steve. “They Came in Through the Bathroom Mirror: A Murder in the Projects.” Reader, 3 Sep. 1987, https://chicagoreader.com/news/they-came-in-through-the-bathroom-mirror/.
Bogira, Steve. “How a story about the horrors of housing projects became part of a horror movie.” Reader, 14 Mar. 2014, https://chicagoreader.com/blogs/how-a-story-about-the-horrors-of-housing-projects-became-part-of-a-horror-movie/.
Hanson, Eric. “Sweet & Sour Nightmares: Race and Exploitation in the Original ‘Candyman’.” ScreenHub Entertainment, 10 Sep. 2021. https://screenhub.blog/2021/09/10/sweet-sour-nightmares-race-and-exploitation-in-the-original-candyman/
H.C., Luiz. “Examining the Urban Legends That Inspired ‘Candyman’.” Bloody Disgusting, 25 August 2021. https://bloody-disgusting.com/editorials/3679694/examining-urban-legends-inspired-candymaneditorial/#:~:text=Keeping in mind that Barker was well-versed,patient that preys on unsuspecting teenage couples.
Johnny Lee Writes. “History, Collective Memory, and More in ‘Candyman’ (1992).” Medium, 16 April 2024. https://medium.com/black-horrific/history-collective-memory-and-more-in-candyman-1992-15b13cfb5e44
Petty, Audrey (Editor). High Rise Stories: Voices from Chicago Public Housing (Voice of Witness). 2013.
Wiltz, Dr. Allison. “In Candyman, White Supremacy is the Real Bad Guy Lurking in the Shadows.” Medium, 3 Apr. 2024, https://medium.com/afro-cinemaphile/in-candyman-white-supremacy-is-the-real-bad-guy-lurking-in-shadows-2e8a6fb1176c.
 
00:00:00 Intro: Hosts & Spoiler/Content Warnings
00:05:38 Intro: Distribution & Reception
00:17:00 Story Time: Production & Filmmakers
00:30:18 Story Time: Book vs. Film
00:37:30 Story Time: Cast & Characters
01:12:15 Story Time: Murder Mayhem
01:41:00 Story Time: Themes
01:57:05 Vibe Check
02:15:35 Open Mic Night
02:25:45 Losing Light

This week on Open Mic Night of the Living Dead, we check into the world of “hospitality horror” - those unsettling stories set in hotels, motels, inns, and even Airbnbs! Following up on our discussion of Psycho, we run down our favorite (and wackiest) creepy lodgings, from Motel Hell and The Shining to recent entries like Barbarian, Superhost, Bone Lake, and more. We share firsthand horror viewing memories, debate what counts as “hospitality” in horror, and spotlight some super deep cuts. As a bonus, we debut our original song, Your Lifeless Eyes, inspired by the GOAT of hospitality horror, Psycho. If you’ve ever gotten goosebumps from a night away from home, this is your episode.
 
0:00:00 Introduction
0:03:00 Motel Hell, The Shining
0:05:09 Barbarian, Superhost, Hostel
0:08:44 Mountaintop Motel Massacre, Eaten Alive, The Innkeepers
0:12:39 Vacancy, American Horror Story, The Rental
0:15:50 Bone Lake, Bates Motel, Night Shift
0:20:54 Your Lifeless Eyes Demo

This week on Open Mic Night of the Living Dead, we take a deep dive into Alfred Hitchcock’s groundbreaking 1960 classic, Psycho. We revisit our first-time experiences with the film, discuss its production backstory, and marvel at Hitchcock’s lean, suspense-driven style. Together, we explore Psycho's pivotal place in horror history, analyzing its impact and revolutionary cinematography. We unpack central themes of guilt, duality, and repression, and reflect on the performances, especially Anthony Perkins as Norman Bates. From the infamous shower scene to birds (and bird metaphors!), plus our original songs inspired by the movie, we celebrate all things Psycho and share why this film still mesmerizes us 65 years later.
 
0:00:00 Intro: Distribution, Reception & Ratings
0:34:15 Story Time: Production & Filmmakers
0:57:00 Story Time: Characters 
1:17:48 Story Time: Murder Mayhem & Themes
1:43:30 Vibe Check
2:02:10 Open Mic Night
2:12:25 Losing Light