Within the last year or so, my consumption of horror stories has tremendously increased. For what reason, you may ask? It certainly feels like there’s a contemporary horror “boom” at the moment, but in my own reading journey, I can certainly pinpoint the reason for this influx: podcasts. My introduction to horror was marked by a personal desire to learn. What books have I missed out on in past years? What’s releasing soon? If I liked this movie, what book pairs well with it? Of course, a number of podcasts have helped to answer my burning questions and build my TBR list extensively. It’s very fair to say so many of the books I have come to know and love so deeply may have gone unread without the aid of these podcasts. Deep dives into particular books, author interviews, and fun themes are the reason I read as much as I do and how I’ve come to love this genre much (also why my wallet hates me but we’re only mentioning the positives here, right?). It’s only right I spotlight these amazing shows that have helped me grow in my knowledge, creativity, and love for horror fiction.
Talking Scared
The podcast that started it all, Talking Scared. Neil McRobert hosts this wonderful slice of listening space in which he showcases some of the most prominent voices in contemporary horror fiction. His episode with Stephen King and Mike Flanagan managed to rope me in, leading to many commutes to work discovering new authors and titles. Neil does a delightful job of hosting author interviews, compiling “Best of” lists, and orchestrating deep dives into classic works of horror fiction. His insights into the smallest of details have shaped how I digest horror fiction, a skill I treasure dearly as a reviewer. If you’re looking to take the pulse of the current state of horror, I highly recommend giving Talking Scared a listen.
Favorite episodes: State of the Horror Nation 2023, Sarah Gailey & The Scariest Place in the House, Clay McLeod Chapman & The Chesapeake Softshell Shuffle, Catriona Ward & Rewriting the American Gothic (Like, Literally), Sadie Hartmann & The Books of Our Horrid Hearts, Stephen King & Writing From the Nerve Endings, Mike Flanagan & Lighting Up the Darkness
She Wore Black
While horror has managed to capture my heart, gothic fiction has always held my interest and is the focus point of Agatha Andrews’ She Wore Black. Some of the best conversations I’ve encountered regarding the portrayal of women in fiction have happened on this podcast in addition to discussions on womanhood in general. Agatha is such a warm, lovely host who facilitates these conversations with authors of various genres including romance and horror alike. She manages to balance a level of fun topics (see the Gilmore Girls ep) with heavy-hitting subjects such as religious trauma, sexism, and the harm of banning books. She Wore Black and Books in the Freezer have led to many, “I FEEL SO SEEN RIGHT NOW,” outbursts in my car (a compliment).
Favorite episodes: Rachel Harrison and the Fangs of Female Rage, What if Gilmore Girls Read Horror? With Books in the Freezer, Grady Hendrix on Vintage Gothic Romance, Rachel Harrison talks BLACK SHEEP, Sadie Hartmann’s Gothic Era
Books in the Freezer
Any fan of the 90s sitcom Friends knows why books go in the freezer, but in case you don’t here’s a refresher. Joey attempts to read the classic horror novel, The Shining, only to feel so terrified, that he resorts to stashing his copy in his freezer, the only place he deems safe in his apartment. Stephanie, our host, so cleverly uses this scene to gauge just how horrifying a book feels. Is it freezer-worthy, or just fridge? Maybe room temp? One of the most enjoyable aspects of this podcast is Stephanie’s creativity in building read-a-likes or comps for other pop culture influences. Similar to She Wore Black, difficult topics are covered, and meaningful conversations are had with authors and other readers alike. Did I mention the Final Girl Playlist, too? Every guest picks a song they feel is fitting for the last scene of a Final Girl movie, yielding some interesting choices and a banger playlist.
My Favorite Episodes: Song Readalikes with Rachel Harrison and Agatha Andrews, Serial Killer Horror with Grady Hendrix, Cozy Horror with Agatha from She Wore Black, Meta Horror with Neil McRobert from Talking Scared
Sley House Presents
From Sley House Publishing, Sley House Presents features episodes consisting of author interviews (my favorite), genre literature discussions, and other genre fiction conversations. One of the most enjoyable aspects of this podcast is just how passionate Trevor (host) is about the subjects he discusses with authors. There’s a personal level of care that shines in these interviews and other episodes that makes listening so enjoyable. The heart at the core of this podcast keeps me listening for more and has provided many new reads for me to discover.
My Favorite Episodes: Interview w/ Liz Kerin, Interview with Scott Leeds, Interview with Nat Cassidy, Reflection on 2023, Interview with Ally Malinenko, Interview with Emily Ruth Verona
The Loser’s Club
The Loser’s Club is certainly not new in the space of horror literature podcasts, but it is indeed new to me. While I’ve only begun listening to the podcast’s extensive backlog, I can certainly say this time dedicated to diving into all things Stephen King is time well spent. To keep things fresh, The Loser’s Club utilizes a plethora of hosts for unique takes and opinions (not to pick a favorite, but any episode with Jenn Adams is a hit). These discussions are dedicated to a work of King’s including movie adaptations, television adaptations, and other media forms. There’s a lot of humor to be found in The Loser’s Club in addition to very insightful conversations about the little things in King’s work. Also, this podcast isn’t afraid to talk about what doesn’t work, something that helps me shape my own opinions. Honestly, it’s just a good time overall, long days and pleasant nights.
My Favorite Episodes: Misery, The Mist, Carrie, The X-Files Re-Opened: Stephen King’s “Chinga” Turns 25, The Stephen King Interview, ‘101 Horror Books to Read Before You’re Murdered’ with Sadie Hartmann
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