In this episode of Horror Joy, the hosts bring on two guests for the first time: Alan Good, founder and editor of Malarkey Books, and Lauren Bolger, a horror author published by Malarkey Books. The discussion dives into the intersection of horror and joy, and both guests share their unique perspectives. Alan talks about the community support that keeps Malarkey Books afloat and the joy of seeing people engage with their work. Lauren discusses her journey as a writer, drawing inspiration from childhood experiences and various mythologies. They also delve into Lauren's upcoming book, 'The Barre Incidents,' which blends horror, sci-fi, and fantasy. Additionally, they touch on the value of small presses and the role of mythology in storytelling. The show highlights the upcoming releases from Malarkey Books and emphasizes the importance of maintaining creative hobbies into adulthood.LaurenBolger.comThe Barre Incidents by Lauren BolgerMalarkey BooksHellarkey
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Weapons
In this episode of Horror Joy, hosts Jeff and Brian discuss Zach Cregger's 2025 film 'Weapons.'The film’s controversial portrayal of children as both instruments and objects of horror breaks traditional tropes by delving into issues like school shootings, societal decay, and the overarching themes of violence and isolation.Through its intricate narrative and complex characters like Aunt Gladys, who embodies both the literal and metaphorical horrors of small-town life, the hosts explore the multifaceted weaponization and manipulation of youth.They also touch on broader societal critiques, including capitalism and surveillance. The episode culminates in an analysis of the film’s surprising and symbolic ending, highlighting its blend of horror and dark humor.'Weapons' exposes the dark underbelly of American suburbiaOf Course ‘Weapons’ Is About SomethingThe Gruen Transfer
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53:34
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Nick Medina on Meet Your Maker
In this episode of Horror Joy, Brian and Jeff are joined by Nick Medina, author of 'Sisters of the Lost Nation,' 'Indian Burial Ground,' and the recently released novel, 'The Whistler.'Nick discusses his shared perception of finding joy in horror, reflecting on the creativity and talent within the genre.We explore his writing journey, the long road to getting published, and the significant influence of horror on his life.Additionally, Nick delves into the themes, inspirations, and background research for his latest works, emphasizing the importance of addressing social issues through horror literature.We also touch on his personal experiences and methods, especially his use of music to create atmosphere in his writing, and his intent to shed light on undervalued perspectives. The episode ends with recommended horror books and films that brought Nick joy.
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30:00
The Conjuring
In this episode of Horror Joy, Brian and Jeff delve into the 2013 haunted house film 'The Conjuring', directed by James Wan. They explore the film's use of horror tropes, its connections to the Amityville Horror, and its implications regarding Christian nationalism. The episode also examines Ed and Lorraine Warren's roles, the significance of the basement as a metaphorical space, and the conservative ideology underlying the movie. Along the way, they discuss the film's patient buildup of tension, the performance of masculinity, and the significance of games like hide and clap. The hosts compare their reactions to the film upon rewatching it and analyze the movie's impact on the horror genre.Paranormal StateAmityville HorrorThe Conjuring by Kevin J. Wetmore, Jr.Sola ScripturaEd and Lorraine WarrenPossession, Politics, and Patriotism: The Influence of Christian Nationalism and Evangelical Horror Tropes on The Conjuring and The Conjuring 2 by Zachary Doiron
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Thomas Ha on Meet Your Maker
In this episode of Meet Your Maker, hosts welcome Thomas Ha to discuss his forthcoming collection 'Uncertain Sons'.The conversation delves into Ha’s perspective on the intricate relationship between horror and joy, the cathartic and connective aspects of horror literature, and the experiential overlap between fear, happiness, and grief.Ha shares insights into his creative process, his multicultural background, and the welcoming nature of the horror community.Additionally, the role of independent presses, particularly Undertow Publications, in fostering innovative horror fiction is highlighted.The episode concludes with recommendations of short story collections and films that embody the unsettling, immersive quality of weird fiction.Thomas HaUndetertow PublicationsHapa Pandemic practice: Horror fans and morbidly curious individuals are more psychological resilient during the COVID-19 pandemic by Coltan Scrivner, John A. Johnson, Jens Kieldegaard-Christiansen and Mathias Clasen
UK