'The Cave of Death' is a real place in Costa Rica but in this episode we question the reality inside the cave in The Descent (2005) and The Descent Part II (2009) and what is really happening with Sarah's (the protagonist) story of survival. Hint: it's DEEP! We’ll also use Plato’s cave analogy to guide us 'through the dark' to the reality and to the meaning we’re meant to take away from this iconic film series - no matter which ending you're used to. *This episode contains spoiler for The...

What is the deal with female heroes in high heels? Is the disbelief supposed to be that we see this as an added superpower, like killing and slaying in impractical footwear is like a part of their magic? Or is it something else? ...You already know the answer.  It’s totally something else. But it makes total sense and will give you a new way to watch and see your favourite horror heroines. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/spookyscholars/message

A look at the effects of diegetic sound in the Buffy the Vampire Slayer, episode “The Body,” as well as how other masters of horror cinema use diegetic and non-diegetic sound to add layers of creep to our viewing experience - such as in The Shining, Us and Sinister. *This episode contains spoilers of the Buffy episode but it’s been like, 23 years so… hurry up and binge the rest of the series so we can be best friends! --- Send in a voice message:...

In this episide we celebrate spring by looking at the story and retelling of the Persephone myth. I question the validity, importance or maybe even the necessity of sanitzing the classics. Is it really helpful or harmful? Revisionist or revolutionary? Do we still need to keep talking about Ancient Greece when there's more than enough choice on Netflix? *Important trigger warning of sexual harm and discussions of R*** in this one. --- Send in a voice message:...

Welcome to the first episode as The Spooky Scholars Podcast! In this episode we learn more about the effect of the uncanny valley. We look at how this psychological phenomenon is at play and working to add layer of creep to your favourite films. Also, we do a deep dive into the use of the effect in M3gan and a peak at how this all applies to our favourite puppet horror like Annabelle and Chucky. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/spookyscholars/message

‘No tears please, it’s a waste of good suffering,’ - Hellraiser's Pinhead (Barker 1987).

Fayge and Mazal Horesh join me to talk about morbid history in Philadelphia. Fayge is a public historian and also produces the podcast, D-Listers of History. Mazal is Fayge's wife and co-host. They bring us the story of The Boy in the Box also known as Joseph Augustus Zarelli. It’s tragic, mostly unsolved murder that has been a part of Philadelphia's history since the 1950s. They also share an interesting connection for us to another body found in nearby Virginia that will definitely give...

It’s Part Two of Hellhounds. This time we look more closely (if we dare!) at theStalking Type. Where are these beasts usually spotted and what kind of people see them the most? Will you be their next victim or the next mark to protect? Plus, what is up with the patterns we see about black dog legends around the world and what does it all mean? The Grim, The Barghast, El Cadejo- find out what’s these hellhounds from around the world have in common and why they might be lurking at your door...

In this first part of the Hell Hound series, let's look at the Cerberus-like hounds that are found in cultures all over the world. These hell-dwelling dogs that protect the entryways to the Underworld and Otherworlds have a longer history and wider influence than you think. Other figures like Hecate and Anubis belong on this list as well to super-charge this motif. Let's look at where all this myth comes from and what's really behind the stories and depictions we come across in our...

My guest is John Brassard Jr, also known as the Kitchen Table Historian. He’s an author and ghost story lover and in this episode he brings us all of that with some true crime tales from the Midwest. John tells us the story of Ed Gein, one of the most famous serial killers of the Midwest, plus several tales of bank robberies, family murders and eerie local legends that live on and cross over into the paranormal. 

Gilles de Rais, one of France’s most disturbing serial killers, who was also (allegedly) a pedophile and demon summoner, and the inspiration for the tale of Bluebeard. But how much is true and how much is sensationalizing this dark story of the so-called dark ages? Stick with me to the end to uncover the truth and the modern twist in this morbid medieval tale! 

Dr.Gary Simmons, neurosurgeon and professor of neuroscience, shares with me his experience from his days of cutting into ooey gooey brains! Plus, get MAJOR chills (as I did) learning about brain implants and the eerie applications... Hear about the pressures and pleasures in the daily life of a typical brain surgeon, and even how Dr. Gary has (untypically) become a believer and even peddler of the paranormal. This is a stand out episode so get your thinking caps on, your zombie movie...

Welcome to Season 3 of That’s So Morbid with Ashe Woodward. In this episode Ashe looks at the Roman god of beginnings, Janus, and the larger influence of his legacy including a rare condition and even on the movie Frozen. Somehow we make it to demonic twin heads and the sexual ritual between the Keymaster and the Gatekeeper in Ghostbusters. Then we round it all out with Dan Aykroyd and Crystal Skull vodka.  It’s going to be quite a journey - both in this episode and the entire season.

It's the most DANGEROUS time of the year! Just when you thought everything was slowing down as we get cozy in the darkness, this episode reminds you not to get too comfy this holiday - it's actually time to stay alert so you make it to the new year in tact. We go over some brutal Christmas killings, poinsettia poisoning and Christmas tree fires, all adding up to about 300 Christmastime deaths each year. PLUS! Find out how you made this year special for this podcaster and what's...

The third installment in my quest for the finest and fullest definition of the term, 'Dark Fiction'. I'm in conversation with magic realism author, Lale Davidson, who brilliantly guides me to some surreal and magical ideas - a great one for those of us who feel there's more magic around us at this time of year...

The classic combo of spooky meets merry has been around a lot longer than you may think (or may want to believe). If your kids just aren't worried about the threat of 'coal in your stocking', how about telling them a couple tales of monsters that drag you to hell if you misbehave or a giant cat that will eat you alive for not getting any new underwear? This is the Yule episode with everything you need to know about Krampus, The Christmas Cat, sarcastic goats and more!

Still on the hunt for the perfect Dark Fiction definition, this is my very dark chat with author Patrick Barb. We also talk (of course) about horror, horror sub genres and all the types of dark fiction we can think of. Among all the horror and other theories, Patrick teases with some previews of tales out of his recent collection, upcoming novel and we even discuss the therapeutic value of horror and other dystopias. This is a fun one for all my fellow horror theorists and dark fiction...

Well look who's a teenager! Not counting Morbid Morsels, this is our 13th episode!!! And also it's a morsel - but just go with it because today is the 13th of November and the 13th episode for me and I'm celebrating with bringing you the history and some possible origins and connections of number phobias.

This month I'm teaching the Dark Fiction writing course so I'll be featuring some other pros in the genre to keep us all inspired. So what's up with the 'Dark' part of Dark Fantasy anyway? What are the elements? What makes the monsters and themes hit different?And why are we obsessed?! I pose all my inelegant questions to author JV Hilliard in this week's episode and he graciously lays it all out for us and even makes me question why dragons have gotten so much positive press over the...

It's Devil's Night, the veil is thin and we're going from Crows to Curses. Learn more about Scarecrow symbolism, Crow murders (or are they?) and a Holllywood curse to haunt your nightmares tonight! Let's hang out on Halloween Eve!

What do you really know about the Headless Horseman? Is it a myth, legend or a beloved character from 19th century American literature...or all of the above? Does he really have a jack-o-lantern for a head or does he carry his head around with him? Which one is it?! Let's get to the bottom of this before Halloween, shall we? We need to know what we're dealing with...for when he returns...

Kicking off Halloween month with ... ghost stories!! ..some of the OGs in the literature world and some classic modern favourites. What is it about ghosts that we're so eager to learn from them, follow them and remember them from texts? This week we'll explore how ghosts and ghost stories can guide us to our past, our history and even lure us in for a closer look at ourselves.

If you can't explain the difference between "poisonous" and "venomous" snakes (don't worry - neither could I!) then this is the episode for you. I bring you all I learned, not only about this linguistic faux pas, but the treatment and potential lasting effects from a snake bite as well. Plus, a haunting snake bite death story that will chill you in more ways than one!

A small musing on the traditional taboo of telling jokes at a funeral...

Can you stomach a leap from leeches to Angela Lansbury? In this episode we dive into the world of leeches, leeching and bring it all the way from ancient Egypt to the present...and somehow, yes, to Murder She Wrote royalty. How is that even possible? You'll have to listen to find out!