In this episode of Horror Joy, hosts Brian and Jeff welcome acclaimed author Gwendolyn Kiste, a multiple Bram Stoker Award winner, to discuss her novel 'The Haunting of Velkwood.'They explore the synergistic relationship between horror and joy, emphasizing the cathartic and self-discovery elements inherent in the genre.Kiste shares her journey from a young storyteller to an author who uses horror to navigate and express personal and societal traumas.The conversation also delves into the unique stasis experienced by characters in 'Velkwood' and the liberating exploration of queer identity within horror narratives. The episode concludes with a discussion on cicadas, puzzles, board games, and Kiste's upcoming projects.
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34:29
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34:29
The Bay (2012)
The Depths of Horror: Exploring Barry Levinson's The BayIn this episode, Brian and Jeff delve into Barry Levinson's 2012 found footage horror film, 'The Bay.' Set during a disastrous 4th of July celebration in Claridge, Maryland, the film intertwines environmental horror with a mockumentary format. The story follows reporter Donna Thompson as she navigates through a town descending into chaos due to a waterborne outbreak. Drawing parallels to 'Jaws,' the hosts examine how 'The Bay' critiques human neglect and environmental irresponsibility while utilizing modern technology to heighten its impact. They also explore themes of surveillance, the narrative coherence of found footage, and the unsettling reality it brings to life. Ultimately, the episode underscores how horror can reveal uncomfortable truths about our world, sparking a rich discussion on the intersections of joy, terror, and societal reflection.Buy us a CoffeeMimesis of Media: Found Footage Cinema and the Horror of the Real by Niel McRobertFound Footage Horror Films - A Cognitive Approach by Pete Turner
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52:50
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52:50
Kayli Scholz on Meet Your Maker
In this episode of Meet Your Maker, we are joined by author Kayli Scholz, known for her horror novels St. Grit, Black Rain Season, and her most recent novel, Yeehaw Junction. Kayli discusses the intersection of joy and horror in her work, sharing personal anecdotes about how horror has influenced her life, from childhood experiences to her deep immersion in genre writing. She delves into the societal and psychological aspects that inspire her storytelling, including how place and culture shape horror. The episode also features insights into her writing process, the impact of media on her characters, and her thoughts on the current state and misperceptions of the horror genre.KayliScholz.com
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28:15
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28:15
REC (2007)
In this episode of Horror Joy, hosts Brian Onishi and Jeff Stoyanoff continue their deep dive into found footage horror by investigating the 2007 Spanish film [REC], directed by Jaume Balagueró and Paco Plaza.The conversation explores the film's claustrophobic terror, its political nature, and its effectiveness as a groundbreaking entry in the found footage genre.We discuss:The Appeal of Found FootageThe Horror of quarantineReading [REC] forward into 2025, including social and political commentaryThe joy of an effective found footage film, the use of the camera, and terrifying staircasesReferences:The Pain in Spain: an analysis of horror auteur Jaume Balaguero’s films by Brian Michael GossDon’t Miss a Bloody Thing: [REC] and the Spanish Adaptation of Found Footage Horror by Shelagh M. Rowan-Legg Reel Evil: A Critical Reassessment of Found Footage Horror by Xavier Aldana Reyes
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51:45
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51:45
Clay McLeod Chapman on Meet Your Maker
In this episode of Meet Your Maker, a series by Horror Joy, hosts Brian Onishi and Jeff Stoyanoff welcome author Clay McLeod Chapman to discuss his work, including his recent novel, Wake Up and Open Your Eyes, and the fascinating relationship between joy and horror.Chapman shares his belief that joy and horror work together, emphasizing the catharsis found in horror, which allows for the release of pent up fears and the ability to tap into or let go of strong emotions.Chapman discusses his journey to becoming a horror creator, noting that while he's been writing professionally for nearly 25 years, people only began to notice his work around seven years ago.Exploring Wake Up and Open Your Eyes: The conversation delves into his polarizing novel, which has been characterized as "MAGA Horror" and "online Horror."Clay McLeod ChapmanCoffin Moon by Keith RossonHorror for Weenies by Emily HughesChumbawumba
UK