Skip to content
That Was Pretty Scary poster

That Was Pretty Scary

TWPS Special: Night of The 'Scaries' Call in Show - That Was Pretty Scary

TWPS Special: Night of The 'Scaries' Call in Show

Released on 10/30/2025

Join Jon and Alex in a thrilling bonus episode of 'That Was Pretty Scary' as they dive into listener calls and questions. They explore horror origin stories, delve into horror movie suggestions, and reflect on underrepresented themes in the genre. Listeners like Kim, Camo, Jenna, Shari, and more share their horror experiences and queries, leading to engaging discussions about the scariest films that shaped their fears, the potential of horror miniseries, and the importance of identity in horror storytelling. Jon and Alex also tease future plans for the podcast, including exploring horror TV shows and miniseries. Don’t miss this interactive and insightful episode!

00:00 Introduction and Listener Shoutout

00:20 Special Bonus Episode Announcement

00:42 Listener Calls: Kim's Horror Journey

06:16 Listener Calls: Camo's Questions

08:54 Listener Calls: Jenna's Nostalgic Picks

14:42 Listener Calls: Shari's Miniseries Request

15:53 Nostalgic TV Memories

16:41 Exploring Horror in Television

17:24 Future Plans for TV Horror Deep Dives

20:11 Holiday Podcast Preview

22:48 Underrepresented Themes in Horror

26:50 Community Engagement and Future Plans

28:38 Amityville Horror and Crossover Ideas 

Follow That Was Pretty Scary on Instagram and TikTok

Follow Jon Lee Brody on Instagram

 


Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

TWPS Listener Pick: Hell House LLC - That Was Pretty Scary

TWPS Listener Pick: Hell House LLC

Released on 10/29/2025

In this episode of 'That Was Pretty Scary,' Jon dives deep into the unsettling brilliance of 'Hell House LLC.' Released in 2015, this found footage horror has made waves with its hyperrealistic approach, reflecting the enterprise culture and media obsession of its time. Jon dissects the film's craft, likening its relatable scare tactics to real life experiences. With shoutouts to his listeners and fellow horror movie enthusiasts, Jon also shares personal insights on vulnerability, grief, and the psychology of fear. Tune in for a detailed breakdown of this low budget yet highly effective horror gem, and don't miss the epilogue where Jon and Alexis brainstorm future projects and address listener feedback.

00:00 Introduction to Found Footage Horror

01:10 Listener Picks and Personal Reflections

06:45 Hell House LLC Overview

07:28 The Making of Hell House LLC

11:41 2015: A Year in Context

22:14 Plot Breakdown and Analysis

35:24 The Psychology of Found Footage Horror

39:02 The Physiology of Fear in Horror Films

39:18 Realism in Horror: The Mundane and the Terrifying

40:42 Weaponizing Subtle Visual Disturbances

43:44 The Craftsmanship Behind Found Footage Films

45:38 The Business of Horror: LLC and Its Implications

50:58 The Moral Undertones and Micro-Budget Realism

54:39 Epilogue: Reflections and Future Projects

Follow That Was Pretty Scary on Instagram and TikTok

Follow Jon Lee Brody on Instagram

 


Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

TWPS Listener Pick: The Halloween Tree - That Was Pretty Scary

TWPS Listener Pick: The Halloween Tree

Released on 10/22/2025

October Listener Picks continue on TWPS with the 1993 hidden gem 'The Halloween Tree'. This 1993 made for TV animated film explores friendship, sacrifice, and the true meaning of Halloween. With voice work from Leonard Nimoy and a story penned by Ray Bradbury, this episode offers a nostalgic trip back to the '90s while uncovering deeper themes of mortality and cultural traditions. 

00:00 Introduction to a Forgotten Gem

01:23 Listener Picks and Personal Memories

04:29 The Halloween Tree: Basic Info and Background

11:50 Ray Bradbury: The Myth Maker

15:24 The Genesis of The Halloween Tree

20:08 1993: A Year of Cultural Shifts

24:38 The State of Horror in 1993

30:54 Plot Breakdown: The Halloween Tree

37:59 Symbolism and Key Sequences

39:50 Ray Bradbury's Influence and Symbolism

40:30 The Four Costumes and Their Meanings

42:29 The True Horror: Mortality

43:56 Mount Shroud and The Halloween Tree

46:37 The Cultural Significance of Jack-o'-Lanterns

49:00 Themes of Friendship and Sacrifice

53:00 Reflections on 90s Animation and Music

58:04 Potential for a Live-Action Adaptation

01:07:13 Listener Picks and Community Engagement

Follow That Was Pretty Scary on Instagram and TikTok

Follow Jon Lee Brody on Instagram

 


Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

TWPS Listener Pick:  Monster House - That Was Pretty Scary

TWPS Listener Pick: Monster House

Released on 10/15/2025

The 'That Was Pretty Scary' October Listener Picks continue with the 2006 animated film 'Monster House'. Explore the unique blend of Pixar-level heart and DreamWorks-level sarcasm that 'Monster House' brought to the screen. Jon discusses how this film dared to be different with its chilling story, innovative performance capture CGI, and surprisingly deep emotional themes of trauma, grief, and letting go. Jon delves into the influence of Spielberg and Zemeckis in the film's production, the movie's place in the horror animation lineage, and its lasting impact. Monster House crawled so the likes of Paranorman and Coraline would truly run! 

Follow That Was Pretty Scary on Instagram and TikTok

Follow Jon Lee Brody on Instagram

 


Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

TWPS Listener Pick: Halloween III: Season of the Witch - That Was Pretty Scary

TWPS Listener Pick: Halloween III: Season of the Witch

Released on 10/08/2025

TWPS October Listener Picks are underway and being kicked off with the bold and misunderstood 'Halloween III: Season of the Witch.' Jon takes you back to 1982 when audiences were left scratching their heads at the absence of Michael Myers, and explores the cult following that this daring film has since garnered. Dive into the film’s unique take on Halloween lore, its commentary on consumerism, media brainwashing and the fascinating behind-the-scenes stories. Join the discussion on how experimental horror can earn a timeless, albeit delayed, appreciation. 

Follow That Was Pretty Scary on Instagram and TikTok

Follow Jon Lee Brody on Instagram

 


Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

TWPS Scary Talk with SARAH NICKLIN (V/H/S Halloween) - That Was Pretty Scary

TWPS Scary Talk with SARAH NICKLIN (V/H/S Halloween)

Released on 10/03/2025

In this special bonus episode of 'Scary Talk,' Jon Lee Brody sits down with indie horror sensation Sarah Nicklin. With over 100 film credits to her name, Sarah delves into her journey through the horror genre, including her latest role in 'VHS Halloween' now streaming on Shudder. They discuss the evolution of her career, her strict criteria for selecting projects, and the importance of staying true to one's artistic instincts. Sarah also shares the behind-the-scenes scoop on 'Popeye the Slayer Man' and the collaborative spirit of indie filmmaking. Don't miss this deep dive into the life and work of one of horror's hardest-working actresses!

Follow That Was Pretty Scary on Instagram and TikTok

Follow Jon Lee Brody on Instagram

 


Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Bonus Minisode: "Good Boy" Spoiler Free Review - That Was Pretty Scary

Bonus Minisode: "Good Boy" Spoiler Free Review

Released on 10/02/2025

Jon Lee Brody takes us through a semi spoiler-free review of the independent supernatural horror film 'Good Boy.' Directed by Ben Leonberg and co-written by Leonberg and Alex Cannon, the film stands out by telling a haunted house story from the perspective of a dog named Indy. Hear about the unique production challenges, emotional depth, and the innovative narrative style. Plus, Jon gives a heartfelt shoutout to the film's canine star.

Follow That Was Pretty Scary on Instagram and TikTok

Follow Jon Lee Brody on Instagram

 


Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

TWPS "What If?" - John Carpenter's "Halloween IV" - That Was Pretty Scary

TWPS "What If?" - John Carpenter's "Halloween IV"

Released on 10/01/2025

In this captivating episode of That Was Pretty Scary, host Jon Lee Brody dives into a WHAT IF scenario of Halloween 4.  Ten years after Michael Myers, evil remains, but in a new, chillingly abstract form. Jon breaks down Carpenter's original plan, examines how it could have altered horror history, and offers a deep analysis of the potential ripple effects on pop culture and the film industry. If you're a fan of Halloween, this episode is a must-listen for discovering what might have been!

Follow That Was Pretty Scary on Instagram and TikTok

Follow Jon Lee Brody on Instagram

 


Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

TWPS Investigates: The Fall and Rise of James Wan's Dead Silence - That Was Pretty Scary

TWPS Investigates: The Fall and Rise of James Wan's Dead Silence

Released on 09/24/2025

Join Jon Lee Brody as he revisits the 2007 horror film, 'Dead Silence,' directed by James Wan and written by Leigh Whannell. This episode delves into why the film was initially panned by critics and how it has grown to become a cult favorite over the years. Jon breaks down the movie's plot, explores the horror landscape of 2007, and discusses how our perceptions of art can change over time. Plus, stay tuned for an in-depth discussion about anchoring bias and the successor problem. Don't miss the epilogue where Alex and Jon discuss ventriloquist dummies and the possibility of a sequel to 'Dead Silence.'

Follow That Was Pretty Scary on Instagram and TikTok

Follow Jon Lee Brody on Instagram

 


Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Bonus Minisode: "The Long Walk" Spoiler Free Review - That Was Pretty Scary

Bonus Minisode: "The Long Walk" Spoiler Free Review

Released on 09/19/2025

Jon Lee Brody presents a spoiler-free review of 'The Long Walk,' a new thriller directed by Francis Lawrence and based on a novel by Stephen King. Highlighting notable performances from Cooper Hoffman, David Jonsson, Judy Greer, and more, Jon dives into the movie's setup, differences between the book and film, and the intense themes of human endurance and totalitarianism. He praises the diverse cast and unique character portrayals, particularly Ben Wang's role as Hank Olson. Jon concludes with his rating, emphasizing the movie's lasting impact and its thought-provoking nature. Tune in for an engaging take on this haunting adaptation.

Follow That Was Pretty Scary on Instagram and TikTok

Follow Jon Lee Brody on Instagram

 


Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Bottom star pattern decoration

That Was Pretty Scary Ratings

Overall

Overall rating of the media

0.0 0 ratings

Atmosphere

How immersive and tense is the atmosphere

0.0 0 ratings

Story

Quality of the storyline and plot

0.0 0 ratings

Production Quality

Overall production value

0.0 0 ratings

Sound Design

Audio quality and sound effects

0.0 0 ratings

Entertainment Value

How entertaining is it

0.0 0 ratings

Educational Value

Learning and informational value

0.0 0 ratings