x

75% of people globally want unbiased news (Pew Research) but are concerned they're not getting that.

Get balanced coverage with Symby. See how stories are covered across diverse outlets and spot when one side covers a story the other skips.

PODCAST

Ghouls Next Door

Award-winning media literacy podcast from a horror lens. Gabe & Kat discuss real-life influences on our cinematic fears every Wednesday.

tv & film film reviews

All Episodes

01:02:18

From Grief to Gore: 'Lisa Frankenstein' Brings the...

Ghouls Next Door ·

2025/01/22

Lisa Frankenstein is a darkly comedic, neon-soaked horror film set in the late 80s, penned by Diablo Cody and directed by Zelda Williams. It explores Lisa’s journey from grief-stricken teen to self-assured misfit as she accidentally resurrects her Victorian crush and navigates a chaotic world filled with small-town gossip, body parts, and dark humor.Ghouls Next Door unpack this delightful mashup of camp, gore, and heart. Dive into our discussion about the film’s unique blend of comedy, grief, and

en

00:56:24

The Shape of Water and America Today: Monsters,...

Ghouls Next Door ·

2025/01/08

Guillermo del Toro’s The Shape of Water feels eerily relevant as we brace for a second Trump presidency. Set in a Cold War-era America steeped in paranoia, oppression, and cruelty, the film critiques the illusion of “greatness” that MAGA rhetoric glorifies. Through characters like Elisa, Giles, Zelda, and the Amphibian Man—people existing on society’s margins—it celebrates empathy, connection, and resistance against authoritarianism.

en

00:55:55

Alien: Romulus – Corporate Greed, Bodily Autonomy,...

Ghouls Next Door ·

2024/12/26

In Alien: Romulus, the latest chapter of the iconic franchise, themes of corporate greed, bodily autonomy, and systemic oppression take center stage. From Rain’s desperate fight for freedom to Andy’s struggle for personhood, we explore how the film critiques unchecked capitalism and its dehumanizing effects. With connections to real-world issues like exploitation, "othering," and post-Roe anxieties, the story challenges us to reflect on what truly makes someone human. Dive into our analysis of the

en

01:04:57

The Substance (2024): Beauty Is a Beast

Ghouls Next Door ·

2024/12/11

Ghouls explore The Substance, a satirical body horror film that critiques society’s obsession with youth and beauty. Through the story of Elisabeth Sparkle, we examine the devastating impact of external validation on identity, the pressures of pretty privilege, and the pervasive stigma against aging women. From Hollywood’s unrealistic standards to personal reflections on gender norms, we dive deep into how societal expectations shape self-worth. Featuring parallels to real-life stories and media, we

en

00:58:55

Faith, Folklore, and Agrochemicals: The Real-Life...

Ghouls Next Door ·

2024/11/27

When Evil Lurks is a brutal Argentinian horror film blending supernatural terror with real-life issues of faith, isolation, and environmental contamination. Follow along as Ghouls review how Demián Rugna’s tale of demonic possession taps into Argentina’s struggle with pesticide exposure, exploring how folklore and cultural fears bring a chilling depth to the film’s relentless horror.--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/the-ghouls-next-door/support

en

00:49:30

Beneath the Habit: Exploring Immaculate (2024) and...

Ghouls Next Door ·

2024/11/13

The Ghouls explore Immaculate, a psychological horror film that delves into themes of bodily autonomy and the dark side of faith through the story of a nun's involuntary pregnancy. We also tackle the systemic misogyny within the Catholic Church, examining how nuns are marginalized and how the Church’s stance on reproductive rights reflects hypocrisy. Join us as we unpack the chilling connections between this horror narrative and real-world issues surrounding women's rights, control, and abuse within

en

00:50:21

Late Night with the Devil (2024): Cults,...

Ghouls Next Door ·

2024/10/30

Late Night with the Devil is a campy horror that cleverly intertwines reality with the supernatural. Join us as we unpack Jack Delroy’s desperate bid for ratings, culminating in a live séance that spirals into chaos. Gabe discusses the film’s bold commentary on media manipulation and our obsession with the occult, drawing parallels to real-life spiritualism. Kat uncovers the mysterious Bohemian Grove, the secretive society that inspired the film’s cult elements, and how its rituals echo in the eerie

en

00:47:21

Longlegs (2024): Satanic Panic, Government Hysteria,...

Ghouls Next Door ·

2024/10/23

Longlegs is a psychological thriller about a supernatural satanic panic killer, who murders without ever touching his victims. From twisted coming-of-age stories to the sinister use of dolls as instruments of control, we examine the cultural obsession with preserving and corrupting girlhood through fear, trauma, and moral panic. We delve into how government investigations mirrored societal anxieties about protecting innocence during the Satanic Panic of the 80s and 90s.--- Support this podcast:

en

00:44:26

Suspiria (2018): Witchcraft, Dance, and Post-WWII...

Ghouls Next Door ·

2024/10/16

Suspiria (2018) is a haunting exploration of power, control, and the horrors of fascism, set against the backdrop of Cold War-era Berlin in 1977. Gabe discusses the differences in the two films, unpacks the themes of facism and guilt, as well as defines the three mothers and their role in Argento's world. Kat gives us a history lesson to understand the setting of this Suspiria and the motivation for the coven, dancers, and the psychologist. --- Support this podcast:

en

00:38:12

Maxxxine (2024): A Neon Drenched Video Nasty

Ghouls Next Door ·

2024/10/09

Maxxxine is the final neon-soaked chapter of Ti West's trilogy, blending genres influenced by their respective decades. Gabe talks about how sexuality is explored in Ti West's trilogy and gives us a film history lesson on video nasties. Kat talks about the 1980s Satanic Panic craze. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/the-ghouls-next-door/support

en

01:06:56

The Witch (2015): A Folklore of Fanaticism and Family

Ghouls Next Door ·

2024/10/02

The Witch is a psychological, folktale horror film that offers us a slow descent into a puritanical satanic panic. A witchy crucible tale that subverts the traditional empowering women narratives we're used to. Gabe shares what they took from the film and why a second watch left them terribly depressed. Kat gives a history lesson on Puritans, what brought them to the New World and what makes them different from the Separatists.--- Support this podcast:

en

01:10:30

I Saw the TV Glow (2024): A Tale of Transition

Ghouls Next Door ·

2024/09/04

I Saw the TV Glow is an experimental, horror film that has audiences facing and exploring their identities. A personal tale of gender dysphoria, the film is heartbreaking and bizarre. Gabe talks about Owen's struggles with their identity, zipping yourself back up to conform to society, and why the sad ending isn't an ending at all. Kat talks about the millennial struggle for identity, how a generation raised by TV saw themselves on screen, and that it's not too late to find yourself

en

01:01:02

It Follows (2014): The Many Faces of the Monster

Ghouls Next Door ·

2024/08/21

It Follows is a unique, dwelling horror film that delves into the abrupt loss of innocence after an assault. While it can be seen as a cautionary tale about STIs, its themes run much deeper. Gabe talks about MC Jay's loss of innocence, reflects on the lingering monster of trauma, and deconstructs the myth that this is a film about an STI demon. Kat talks about the meaning of the monster, the importance of support systems after a traumatic event, and how the film's absentee parents solidify

en

01:01:01

The Craft (1996): Teen Girl Justice, Sisterhood, and...

Ghouls Next Door ·

2024/08/10

The Craft is an unapologetically dark film where four teen girls live out a powerful fantasy of retribution and justice. Gabe fans over the power of witchcraft, found families, and outlets for societal rage. We call for justice for Nancy and try to tap into the four corners of the world. Kat gives a history lesson on women, witchcraft, and midwifery. Who gets to decide who the weirdos are?--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/the-ghouls-next-door/support

en

01:17:55

Heathers (1988): A Dark Comedy for Dark Times

Ghouls Next Door ·

2024/07/24

Heathers is a dark comedy film that, through satire, challenges high school politics, social hierarchies, and the illusion of teenage depth. Gabe dives into this cult classic to unpack the weight of social hierarchies in school that mimic the big world outside. Kat gives us some background on why the teens in this film are so broken and what we need to do to avoid such a bleak outcome. Sources in this episode: Heathers: High School is a Black Comedy Youth Suicide -- United States, 1970- 1980 ---

en

01:11:05

Talk to Me (2023): Addicted to Possession

Ghouls Next Door ·

2024/07/10

Talk to Me is a supernatural, psychological horror film is a gut-wrenching, emotional film that explores the horrors of a teenage life for Gen Z. Gabe talks about the film's brilliant approach to a delicate subject - addiction. Kat educates on the impact of loss and grief on the growing mind. Talk to Me is a Ghouls favorite in horror. Highly recommend!--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/the-ghouls-next-door/support

en

01:03:31

Bodies, Bodies, Bodies (2022): Gen Z Struggles for...

Ghouls Next Door ·

2024/06/26

Bodies, Bodies, Bodies is a dark horror comedy that tests friendships and one’s flimsy perception of self. Gabe talks about the woes of Gen Z culture, connection, and community. Kat explores the way youth and wealth can negatively impact your capacity for love, honesty, and trust. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/the-ghouls-next-door/support

en

01:12:03

Assassination Nation (2019): A Spectacle of Teen...

Ghouls Next Door ·

2024/06/12

Assassination Nation is a bloody, intense thriller that mirrors a modern-day witch hunt, tackling head-on the chaos and hysteria fueled by sexism, social media, and toxic American ideals. The Ghouls unpack some of the themes addressed in the film as well as confront the issue of the way the film is packaged.--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/the-ghouls-next-door/support

en

01:09:15

Last of Us: The Resilience of Love at the End of the...

Ghouls Next Door ·

2024/05/29

Last of Us is an emotionally charged drama, set in a post-apocalyptic world ravaged by a fungal outbreak, that masterfully intertwines elements of horror and heartfelt storytelling.Gabe explains the horrors of the cordyceps fungus that inspired the game and show's villain. They also talk about the brilliant storytelling that has us in our feels. Kat shares ways we can be better before an apocalypse forces our hand. Let's build Disaster Utopias now! Sources in this Episode can be found in

en

01:36:33

Fallout (2024): Societal Experiments & a Plan for the...

Ghouls Next Door ·

2024/05/16

Fallout is an ambitious, gore-filled, comedic adaptation of the popular post-apocalyptic video game franchise. What Fallout and our world have in common is endless human suffering, a hatred for communism, manipulative and controlling governments, and war, which never changes.Gabe compares the two worlds and histories. And they dive into all the horrifying experiments of VaultTec. Kat tells us what to do in the event of a nuclear war, where is the safest place to be during a nuclear attack, and if

en

317 results

Similar Podcasts

BEHIND THE VELVET ROPE

David Yontef

Nerd Culture - A Gamekings Podcast

Blammo Media

UPodcast

UPodcast

The Writers Hangout

Sandy Adomaitis

The Sarah Fraser Show

Sarah Fraser