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
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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
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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
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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!
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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.
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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!
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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.
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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!
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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.'
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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.
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