[Editorial] 10 Horror Podcasts You May Not Have Heard Of

Horror podcasts are an absolute lifeline for me, whether I want my spirits lifted on a low day, to geek out with fellow-enthusiasts or if I am looking to dig into a specific topic for research purposes, there is a podcast for every occasion!

Listening to people bonding over their love of horror and sharing their insights is such a privilege and it feels like now more than ever we are absolutely spoilt for choice. I thought I would take the time to show appreciation for some of my current favourites which all have something unique and outstanding to offer. Settle down, switch off those notifications and immerse yourself with a selection of audible treats!

List is in no particular order

10. Inside Psycho/ Inside Jaws

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This six- part special from podcasting network, Wondery will delight both fans of Hitchcock’s black and white masterpiece and horror buffs alike. Host Mark Ramsey weaves a magical audible experience through a wonderful blend of fact and fiction that really puts you in the places, locations and times being explored. This succinct and informative series takes listeners through the times and crimes of Ed Gein, the influence for the original text (written by Robert Bloch) which Hitchcock based his film upon as well as covering key moments in the production of the 1960 film we all know and love. With its high-quality production values and fascinating content at every turn, you are certain to work your way through this series in no time at all. For those with a thirst for more, Wondery and Mark also pair up again to bring us Inside Jaws, another six- part exploration of one of the most cinematic films of all time.   

9. Halloweenies: A Horror Franchise Podcast

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I didn’t realise how much I loved horror franchises until I started listening to Halloweenies. Brought to you by long-time fanboys Justin Gerber, Mike Vanderbilt, Dan Caffrey, McKenzie Gerber and Michael Roffman this podcast has become one of my go-tos over the last year. The main reason for this is owing to the feature length episodes which allow me to geek out with the gang and also because, despite considering myself to be a hardcore enthusiast, Halloweenies always has something new to teach me. Starting with the Halloween films and moving onto A Nightmare on Elm Street, Friday the 13th and most recently Scream, the group nail it every single episode with their assessments across each franchise. This podcast is truly a delight and a must for any fans of the aforementioned films. I have my fingers crossed that their next run covers the Texas Chainsaw Massacre franchise!  

8. Halloween Unmasked 

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Whenever anyone asks me for a horror podcast recommendation they may not have heard of, I always tell them about Unmasked. Hosted by the brilliant Amy Nicholson, this eight-part series offers a unique and immersive look into one of the most adored slasher films of all time, John Carpenter's 1978 Halloween. With episodes that cover the film’s production history, examination of Myers as a psychopath and analysis of Jamie Lee Curtis’s forever final girl Laurie Strode, this really is the definitive pod on the horror classic. Nicholson also takes the time to examine the sequels, why this film will never be forgotten and in one of my personal favourite episodes, she pits Michael against Freddy and Jason to ascertain who is the most iconic villain. Director John Carpenter and Scream Queen Jamie Lee Curtis also guest star in episodes offering their own intriguing perspective on the discussions.

7. Horror Home Room

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The Horror Home Room Conversations have formed part of my listening habits ever since I stumbled upon their episode entitled “Pro-Sex Slasher: Talking Black Christmas”, a little under two years ago. Covering a wide and diverse range of topics such as “Unapologetic Disability in Tod Browning’s Freaks” to “Feminist Exploitation? Talking The Slumber Party Massacre”, the incredibly well-informed hosts, Dawn Keetley, Elizabeth Erwin and Gwen Hofmann generate some fascinating discussions. Within their collective, Elizabeth also hosts an amazing off-shoot podcast entitled When the Woman Screams. This looks at scream moments across a range of issue-driven episodes including “Post-Trump Anger”, “Maternal Grief”, “Coded Queerness”, “Sexual Harassment” and my favourite “Hagsploitation”. Both podcasts are outstanding and take a close and important look at how women endure against all odds.   

6. Projections Podcast

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Freudian cinephile Mary Wild and Researcher Sarah Kathryn Cleaver are your guides as they discuss and dissect a range of films providing beautiful and brilliant insights that will constantly  make you look at film in new ways. Worthy of specific mention here is their “Women in Horror '' series which looks at everything from extremity in Martyrs and American Mary to pregnancy in Mother! As if that doesn’t spoil us enough there’s also their collection of “Cult on Film'' episodes covering horror gems such as The Devils and Midsommar. In addition to regular themed episodes, keep your eye out for bonus material including an analysis of the latest cinematic releases and hot zeitgeisty topics. My brain is always left feeling nourished and poised for further research after listening to Projections which, in addition to offering thought-provoking discussion, has introduced me to some undiscovered films that I would not have found without them. 

5. Psychoanalysis: A Horror Therapy Podcast

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Quickly becoming my favourite horror podcast, Psychoanalysis takes a look at horror through the lens of mental health. Hosts include one of our own Ghouls Magazine writers Jenn Adams, Lara Unnerstall and Mike Snoonian who create a safe and non-judgmental space to discuss difficult and important topics such as narcissism, schizophrenia, and PTSD. Episodes are built around a mental health theme and there is also a concurrent Comfort Horror series running alongside it which examines the horror films we keep returning to and why. What makes Psychoanalysis so unique and invaluable is that real-life therapist Mike provides valuable and factual insights into each topic and all three hosts share their experiences with a sincere touching and refreshing honesty. Highlights so far include a look at Hereditary under the theme of schizophrenia and a two part deep-dive into killer kids in Better Watch Out and We Need to Talk About Kevin. Psychoanalysis offers a fascinating and often relatable look into the intersections between horror and mental health and I am constantly humbled by their willingness to go to those vulnerable places. 

4. Rosemary’s Baby 6.66/ The Shining 2:37

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I am in awe of Suzen Tekla Kruglnska who has basically created my dream podcast, not once but twice! There is nothing I love more than a deep dive into my favourite horror films and it's clear that Suzen has worked her ass off to bring us The Shining Room 237 and Rosemary’s Baby 6.66. Each series consists of episodes which take a close look at specific chunks of the respective films. With so much to chew on, repeat listens are essential and I am not exaggerating when I say that a revisit of Room 237 literally got me through the first lockdown. In addition to breaking down the history and analysing these two landmarks of horror, Suzen has a range of incredible guests including the New Yorker Cartoonist Joe Dator and cinephile Megan Dooley. If you have an interest in The Shining and/or Rosemary’s Baby then a treasure trove awaits you. I’m always surprised at how few people in the community are aware of this podcast as it is deserving of so much more adoration and attention. 

3. Screaming Queenz Horror Podcast

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A group of three queer horror fans and their token straight buddy get together to discuss horror and believe me when I say nothing is off limits! Covering everything from slashers and horror-themed television series’ to giallos and the latest releases, the pod is led by Jon Larkin and always offers a fun and interesting take on the genre. More than any other podcast I know, Screaming Queenz really makes me feel like I’m kicking back with a drink and chatting horror with some friends. Highlights include a live discussion of Theatre of Blood held in an abandoned department store and a recent deep dive into my favourite horror of all time, The Texas Chainsaw Massacre. With over one hundred recordings in the bag, there is plenty of content to dig into. 

2. The Hysteria Continues

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As a devotee of the slasher sub-genre, The Hysteria Continues was one of the first horror-based podcasts I found and many years later I am still a loyal and faithful follower. With over 200 episodes under their belts, the group consisting of US-born Nathan Johnson and Joseph Henson and Toyah Wilcox loving Erik Threlfall are guided by main host UK born Justin Kerswell as they take a tour of slashers, giallos and b-movies. A fun and light-hearted look at all things schlocky, camp and gory, the foursome also manages to pack in lots of facts and hilarious insights into each episode. What is so appealing about this podcast is that the chemistry between the hosts is completely and utterly genuine. If you like jesting sarcasm, cats and lengthy discussion of slashers then The Hysteria Continues is the gift the keeps on giving! 

1. The Thing from Another Medium

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A recent discovery for me through the Anatomy of a Scream podcasting network, The Thing From Another Medium, is a show about cross-gender film adaptations of horror stories. Co-hosts Adam Bumas and Maeve McGee have hit on a concept I wish I’d thought of myself as each episode takes a look at a novel and the accompanying film adaptation. While this is a relatively young podcast, the discourse and topics covered are incredibly rich and interesting and the hosts are engaging and enthusiastic. Works covered to date offer a treat for King lovers with episodes on both Carrie and Pet Semetary and my recommendation, an episode on The Birds which looks at Du Maurier’s short story alongside Hitchcock’s cinematic masterpiece. Tune in to join the excellent Adam and Maeve as they discuss books, movies, LGBTQ+ stuff, and more!

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