Scary Spirits Podcast

Unwrap Holiday Cheer in July! “Santa’s Slay” (2005) Review with a Shivery Santa-gria Recipe

Calling all fans of Christmas classics (and cult comedies!)

Join Karen and Greg for a festive exploration of the 2005 holiday horror comedy film, “Santa’s Slay.” This episode dives into the outrageous plot, unforgettable characters, and unique blend of dark humor and Christmas spirit.

Plus, quench your thirst with a festive twist! We’ll share a delicious Shivery Santa-gria recipe, the perfect way to celebrate Christmas in July.

Very special Thanks to Sam, Julia and Sadie for picking the film and cocktail!

Shivery Santa-gria Recipe

• 1 bottle red wine
• 1/2 cup spiced apple cider
• 1/2 cup sparkling cider
• 1/2 cup vodka
• 1/2 cup cranberry juice
• oranges, apples, cranberries and rosemary for garnish

Instructions:

1. Combine all ingredients in a pitcher.
2. Stir to combine.
3. Serve over ice.

A Brief Synopsis: After a millennium of spreading Christmas cheer, Santa Claus reverts to his demonic self and gives the gift of fear.

Some of the topics discussed and highlights of this episode include:

• Is the song “Joy to The World” really a Christmas carol?
• Some believe that part of the Santa Claus story is taken from Norse mythology.
• Interested in taking a tour of all the “Hell” towns in the world?
• Karen tells us all about the invention of the snow globe.

Our rating of the film:

This movie was so bad that it took us 4 cocktails to get through it.

Take our online survey!

We want to know more about you! Please take our survey. All questions are optional and you can remain completely anonymous if you prefer. Tell us what you like or would like to hear more of!

All music on the Scary Spirits Podcast is provided by the band “Verse 13”. Please check them out. You can listen to all their music on their Bandcamp page.

Get social with us!

• Connect with us on Facebook and Instagram
• Subscribe on YouTube to watch Greg attempt to make all the featured cocktails
• Follow @ScarySpiritsPod

Questions, comments or suggestions?

Shoot us an email at [email protected]

As an Amazon Associate, we earn a small percentage of qualifying purchases through our links.

4th of July Horror: Diving Deep into “The Bay” (2012 Film Review)

Celebrate Independence Day with a terrifying twist! This week on the Scary Spirits Podcast, Karen and Greg dive into the chilling 2012 horror film “The Bay.” In true holiday spirit, Karen picks this environmental thriller for a special 4th of July episode. Listen in as they dissect the film, with special bonus points for those brave enough to mix up a refreshing Bay Breeze cocktail while they listen (recipe included in show notes!).

Bay Breeze Cocktail Recipe

• 1 cup ice cubes
• 2 oz cranberry juice
• 2 oz pineapple juice
• 1 1/2 oz vodka
• 1 lime wedge for garnish

Instructions:

1. Gather all ingredients.
2. Combine ice and vodka in a highball glass.
3. Add pineapple juice.
4. Add cranberry juice. Garnish with a lime wedge and enjoy!

   Source: allrecipes.com

A Brief Synopsis: The residents of a seaside Maryland community become the unfortunate hosts of mutant, waterborne parasites that take control of their minds and bodies.

Some of the topics discussed and highlights of this episode include:

• How does one become an Oceanographer? What is their average salary?
• Karen tells us about the components found in chicken manure.
• We learn about the Center for Disease Control (CDC).
• What is a borescope?
• Dr. Karen tells us all about anaphylactic shock.
• We learn about isopods.

Our rating of the film:

This movie was pretty good. It only took us 2 cocktails to get through it.

Take our online survey!

We want to know more about you! Please take our survey. All questions are optional and you can remain completely anonymous if you prefer. Tell us what you like or would like to hear more of!

All music on the Scary Spirits Podcast is provided by the band “Verse 13”. Please check them out. You can listen to all their music on their Bandcamp page.

Get social with us!

• Connect with us on Facebook and Instagram
• Subscribe on YouTube to watch Greg attempt to make all the featured cocktails
• Follow @ScarySpiritsPod

Questions, comments or suggestions?

Shoot us an email at [email protected]

As an Amazon Associate, we earn a small percentage of qualifying purchases through our links.

Unmasking a Classic: Dive into Hammer’s 1962 “The Phantom of the Opera” (with Cocktail Recipe!)

It’s a hauntingly good time as the Scary Spirits podcast celebrates the release anniversary of the iconic 1962 Hammer film, “The Phantom of the Opera“! Join horror enthusiasts Karen and Greg as they dissect this chilling classic, offering their insights and analysis. Plus, to add some spooky fun, they’ll whip up a themed “Phantom Potion” cocktail you can mix along at home!

This episode is perfect for fans of classic horror movies, Hammer Films, and anyone looking for a thrilling listen. So, grab your favorite beverage (or concoct your own Phantom Potion!), and prepare to be swept away to the shadowy world of the Phantom.

Phantom Potion Recipe

• 8 oz lemon lime Kool-Aid
• 2 oz triple sec
• 2 oz vodka
• lemon slice for garnish

Instructions:

1. Combine ingredients in a shaker with ice
2. Shake well.
3. Strain into a glass with ice.
4. Garnish with a lemon slice.

   Source: Newfoundland Symphony Orchestra YouTube Channel

A Brief Synopsis: Composer Lord Ambrose D’Arcy and his backer, Harry Hunter, struggle to find a replacement for the female lead in their new opera after she quits in the wake of a gruesome murder. When a new prospect, the nubile Christine Charles, disappears, Harry cautiously investigates. Meanwhile, a mysterious masked man who is eerily familiar with the opera holds Christine captive and offers to groom her to play the part.

Some of the topics discussed and highlights of this episode include:

• The story of Joan of Arc is discussed,
• We learn about the effects of nitric acid.
• Greg tells us a little about “Toccata and Fugue in D minor” by Johann Sebastian Bach.
• How does one become a orchestra conductor?
• When was the first opera perfomed?
• We learn the meaning of the word “nubile”.
• This episode was recorded prior to the passing of Donald Sutherland, but he is mentioned.

Our rating of the film:

This movie was OK. It took us 3 cocktails to get through it.

Take our online survey!

We want to know more about you! Please take our survey. All questions are optional and you can remain completely anonymous if you prefer. Tell us what you like or would like to hear more of!

All music on the Scary Spirits Podcast is provided by the band “Verse 13”. Please check them out. You can listen to all their music on their Bandcamp page.

Get social with us!

• Connect with us on Facebook and Instagram
• Subscribe on YouTube to watch Greg attempt to make all the featured cocktails
• Follow @ScarySpiritsPod

Questions, comments or suggestions?

Shoot us an email at [email protected]

As an Amazon Associate, we earn a small percentage of qualifying purchases through our links.

Dive into Swedish Horror with “Let The Right One In” on the Scary Spirits podcast!

This week Karen serves up a chilling cocktail (and movie)! Join your horror hosts Karen and Greg as they sink their teeth into the critically acclaimed Swedish vampire film, Let The Right One In (2008). Will this artsy horror romance quench their thirst for scares, or leave them feeling… hollow? Tune in for a fang-tastic discussion filled with spoilers, scares, and a recipe for the Loneliness cocktail!

Looking for a unique vampire story? Let The Right One In offers a refreshingly different take on the classic bloodsucker myth.

Loneliness Cocktail Recipe

• Ice cubes
• 1 1/2 oz Absolut Vodka
• 1 dash orange bitters
• 3/4 oz lemon juice
• 3/4 oz vanilla syrup
• 1/3 oz egg white

Instructions:

1. Fill a shaker with ice cubes.
2. Add all ingredients.
3. Shake and strain into a rocks glass.

   Source: absolutdrinks.com

A Brief Synopsis: When Oskar, a sensitive, bullied 12-year-old boy living with his mother in suburban Sweden, meets his new neighbor, the mysterious and moody Eli, they strike up a friendship. Initially reserved with each other, Oskar and Eli slowly form a close bond, but it soon becomes apparent that she is no ordinary young girl. Eventually, Eli shares her dark, macabre secret with Oskar, revealing her connection to a string of bloody local murders.

Some of the topics discussed and highlights of this episode include:

• We learn about the origins of the Rubik’s Cube.
• Karen tells us about Morse Code.
• Greg makes a reference to a Batman villain.
• Dr. Karen talks about burst ear drums.
• The Atlas Vampire murder is discussed.

Our rating of the film:

This movie was pretty good. It only took us 2 cocktails to get through it.

Take our online survey!

We want to know more about you! Please take our survey. All questions are optional and you can remain completely anonymous if you prefer. Tell us what you like or would like to hear more of!

All music on the Scary Spirits Podcast is provided by the band “Verse 13”. Please check them out. You can listen to all their music on their Bandcamp page.

Get social with us!

• Connect with us on Facebook and Instagram
• Subscribe on YouTube to watch Greg attempt to make all the featured cocktails
• Follow @ScarySpiritsPod

Questions, comments or suggestions?

Shoot us an email at [email protected]

As an Amazon Associate, we earn a small percentage of qualifying purchases through our links.

Unleash the Monster! Celebrating Sir Basil Rathbone in Son of Frankenstein!

Listen now as Karen and Greg of the Scary Spirits podcast raise a chilling toast to the legend, Sir Basil Rathbone, on the anniversary of his birth (June 13th). Dive deep into the chilling world of Universal’s Son of Frankenstein (1939) – a film that boasts both Rathbone’s iconic performance and the return of Boris Karloff’s monster. In true Scary Spirits fashion, they’ll be mixing up a spooky sip – the Brandy Alexander – to complement the thrills and chills. Join them for a night of classic horror!

Brandy Alexander Recipe

• 1 oz brandy
• 1 oz dark crème de cacao liqueur
• 1 oz cream
• Freshly ground nutmeg for garnish

Instructions:

1. In a cocktail shaker filled with ice cubes, pour the brandy, crème de cacao, and cream. Shake well.
2. Strain into a chilled cocktail glass.
3. Garnish with a dusting of nutmeg. Serve and enjoy.

   Source: thespruceeats.com

A Brief Synopsis: Baron Wolf von Frankenstein is determined to prove the legitimacy of his father’s scientific work, thus rescuing the family name from disgrace. With the help of Ygor, a grave robber, Wolf successfully reanimates the monster his father originally brought back from the dead. But when several villagers are killed mysteriously, Wolf must find the culprit in order to vindicate his creation, or face the possibility that he may be responsible.

Some of the topics discussed and highlights of this episode include:

• We discuss some superstitions concerning the position of beds.
• We learn about sulphur springs.
• Dr. Karen tells us all abut blood pressure.

Our rating of the film:

This movie was OK. It took us 3 cocktails to get through it.

Take our online survey!

We want to know more about you! Please take our survey. All questions are optional and you can remain completely anonymous if you prefer. Tell us what you like or would like to hear more of!

All music on the Scary Spirits Podcast is provided by the band “Verse 13”. Please check them out. You can listen to all their music on their Bandcamp page.

Get social with us!

• Connect with us on Facebook and Instagram
• Subscribe on YouTube to watch Greg attempt to make all the featured cocktails
• Follow @ScarySpiritsPod

Questions, comments or suggestions?

Shoot us an email at [email protected]

As an Amazon Associate, we earn a small percentage of qualifying purchases through our links.

Celebrate Pride Month with a Stylish Vampire Classic: The Hunger (1983) ‍♀️

This Pride Month, we celebrate a genre-bending classic: The Hunger (1983)! Join Karen and Greg as they dissect this stylish vampire film starring David Bowie, Catherine Deneuve, and Susan Sarandon. Get ready for a review filled with campy fun, gothic vibes, and a touch of horror. Plus, they’ll be whipping up a special cocktail inspired by the film, rumored to be a favorite of David Bowie himself: the Bombay Sapphire Martini.

This episode is perfect for fans of:

• David Bowie
• 1980s horror movies
• Cult classics
• LGBTQ+ representation in film (The Hunger has gained a following within the goth subculture)

Tune in and:

• Unravel the mysteries of this enigmatic vampire love story
• Explore the film’s themes of aging, desire, and immortality

So grab your cocktail shaker and join us for a Pride Month movie review you won’t forget!

Bombay Sapphire Martini Recipe

• 1/4 oz dry vermouth
• 2 oz Bombay Sapphire Gin
• Garnish with olive

Instructions:

1. Shake or build.

   Source: barschool.com

A Brief Synopsis: John is the lover of the gorgeous immortal vampire Miriam, and he’s been led to believe that he’ll live forever, too. Unfortunately, he quickly deteriorates into a horrible living death, and Miriam seeks a new companion. She soon sets her sights on Sarah, a lovely young scientist, who quickly falls under Miriam’s spell. However, Sarah doesn’t warm up to the concept of vampirism easily, leading to conflict with Miriam.

Some of the topics discussed and highlights of this episode include:

• Dr. Karen tells us all about Progeria.
• What exactly are “liver spots”?
• Dr. Karen also teaches us about the process of decomposition.
• We learn about the Egyptian hieroglyphic symbol, the ankh.

Our rating of the film:

This movie was OK. It took us 3 cocktails to get through it.

Take our online survey!

We want to know more about you! Please take our survey. All questions are optional and you can remain completely anonymous if you prefer. Tell us what you like or would like to hear more of!

All music on the Scary Spirits Podcast is provided by the band “Verse 13”. Please check them out. You can listen to all their music on their Bandcamp page.

Get social with us!

• Connect with us on Facebook and Instagram
• Subscribe on YouTube to watch Greg attempt to make all the featured cocktails
• Follow @ScarySpiritsPod

Questions, comments or suggestions?

Shoot us an email at [email protected]

As an Amazon Associate, we earn a small percentage of qualifying purchases through our links.

Dive into Hammer Horror’s “The Evil of Frankenstein” on the Scary Spirits Podcast!

Celebrate 60 years of terror! This week on the Scary Spirits Podcast, Karen and Greg revisit the classic Hammer Horror film “The Evil of Frankenstein” in honor of its 60th anniversary release in the UK on May 31st.

Get ready for a chilling and in-depth review as they dissect the plot, characters, and iconic scares of this legendary monster movie. Plus, they’ll whip up a festive “Frankenstein Reviver” cocktail to add some horror-themed fun to the episode!

Love classic horror? This episode is a must-listen for horror buffs and classic movie enthusiasts alike! Tune in and raise a glass to “The Evil of Frankenstein“!

Frankenstein Reviver Recipe

• 1/2 cup slightly crushed ice
• 3 tablespoons gin
• 3 tablespoons melon-flavored liqueur
• 3 tablespoons orange-flavored liqueur
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon simple syrup

Instructions:

1. Place ice in martini shaker or pitcher.
2. Add remaining ingredients; shake or stir until blended.
3. Pour into 2 (3-oz) chilled stemmed glasses, straining out ice.

   Source: pillsbury.com

A Brief Synopsis: Dr. Frankenstein returns destitute to his home village to recommence his experimental research into the reanimation of dead tissue, and stumbles upon his old monster suspended in ice. Though he revives the creature, Frankenstein must seek the help of hypnotist Zoltan to repair its mind. Zoltan then assumes control of the monster, using him to wreak havoc. But when Frankenstein tries to regain power over his creation, he becomes Zoltan’s next target.

Some of the topics discussed and highlights of this episode include:

• How long does it take a human to cool to the touch after death?
• What percentage of people have disabling hearing loss?
• How long can a person survive encased in ice?
• How common are blue eyes in people?
• Greg makes many references to the Rankin/Bass Christmas special “Santa Claus is Comin’ to Town”.

Our rating of the film:

This movie was OK. It took us 3 cocktails to get through it.

Take our online survey!

We want to know more about you! Please take our survey. All questions are optional and you can remain completely anonymous if you prefer. Tell us what you like or would like to hear more of!

All music on the Scary Spirits Podcast is provided by the band “Verse 13”. Please check them out. You can listen to all their music on their Bandcamp page.

Get social with us!

• Connect with us on Facebook and Instagram
• Subscribe on YouTube to watch Greg attempt to make all the featured cocktails
• Follow @ScarySpiritsPod

Questions, comments or suggestions?

Shoot us an email at [email protected]

As an Amazon Associate, we earn a small percentage of qualifying purchases through our links.

Buzz into Terror with “The Deadly Bees” on the Scary Spirits Podcast!

Are you afraid of bees? This week on the Scary Spirits Podcast, host Karen conquers her entomophobia by diving into the campy thrills of the 1966 horror film, “The Deadly Bees.” Join Karen and Greg as they dissect this bee-themed horror movie, all while sipping on a specially concocted “Killer Bee” cocktail (recipe included!).

Looking for a campy horror fix? Learn if “The Deadly Bees” buzzes with entertainment or stings with disappointment. Tune in for scares, laughs, and maybe even a new favorite cocktail!

Killer Bee Recipe

• 1 1/2 oz honey
• 2 oz mezcal
• 1 1/2 oz freshly squeezed lemon juice

Instructions:

1. To make a honey syrup, in a small bowl or jar, combine the honey with 1 1⁄2 ounces water.
2. In a cocktail shaker, combine the mezcal, lemon juice, and 3⁄4 ounce of the honey syrup (save the remaining honey syrup for another cocktail). Fill the shaker three-quarters of the way with ice and shake vigorously for 10 seconds if serving on the rocks or 15 seconds if serving “up.” Strain into an ice-filled double old-fashioned glass or bucket glass, or serve up with no ice.

   Source: epicurious.com

A Brief Synopsis: Horror about an exhausted pop star who goes to an island to take a break from her hectic schedule but soon finds herself in the middle of a vicious swarm of killer bees.

Some of the topics discussed and highlights of this episode include:

• Comparisons are made to the Alfred Hitchcock film, “The Birds”.
• Do you know what an English larder is?
• Karen tells us all about the invention of the electric toothbrush.
• We learn all about killer bees.
• Death’s-head hawkmoths can indeed raid a beehive and take the honey.
• Dr. Karen teaches us about “death by misadventure”.
• We learn about the “smell of fear”.

Our rating of the film:

This movie was so bad that it took us 4 cocktails to get through it.

Take our online survey!

We want to know more about you! Please take our survey. All questions are optional and you can remain completely anonymous if you prefer. Tell us what you like or would like to hear more of!

All music on the Scary Spirits Podcast is provided by the band “Verse 13”. Please check them out. You can listen to all their music on their Bandcamp page.

Get social with us!

• Connect with us on Facebook and Instagram
• Subscribe on YouTube to watch Greg attempt to make all the featured cocktails
• Follow @ScarySpiritsPod

Questions, comments or suggestions?

Shoot us an email at [email protected]

As an Amazon Associate, we earn a small percentage of qualifying purchases through our links.

Unveiling the Curse: A Deep Dive into Hammer’s “Blood From the Mummy’s Tomb“.

Celebrate the 42nd anniversary of the iconic Hammer film “Blood From the Mummy’s Tomb“, released in the US on May 17th, 1971 with the Scary Spirits Podcast! Join hosts Karen and Greg as they dissect this chilling classic starring Valerie Leon.

In this special episode:

• In-depth discussion of the film’s plot, characters, and themes.
• Discuss the captivating performance of Valerie Leon.
• Learn how to make a spooky “Mummy White Russian” cocktail (recipe included!).

Love classic horror and Hammer films? This episode is a must-listen!

Mummy White Russian Recipe

• 2 oz vanilla vodka
• 1 oz coffee liqueur
• 2-3 oz heavy cream
• gauze bandages

Instructions:

1. Wrap your highball glass with gauze and fill it with ice.
2. Add 2 oz vanilla vodka, 1 oz coffee liqueur, and 2-3 oz heavy cream or sweetened coconut milk.
3. Stir to combine.

   Source: cosmopolitan.com

A Brief Synopsis: A British archaeologist and his team bring an embalmed Egyptian royal back from their latest expedition, and trouble ensues when the archaeologist’s daughter is possessed.

Some of the topics discussed and highlights of this episode include:

• The film is based on the novel “Jewel of the Seven Stars” by Bram Stoker.
• Karen tells us about the Pharaoh Hound dog breed.
• We learn about Egyptian hieroglyphics.
• Greg works in references to Iron Maiden, KISS and The Doobie Brothers.

Our rating of the film:

This movie was OK. It took us 3 cocktails to get through it.

Take our online survey!

We want to know more about you! Please take our survey. All questions are optional and you can remain completely anonymous if you prefer. Tell us what you like or would like to hear more of!

All music on the Scary Spirits Podcast is provided by the band “Verse 13”. Please check them out. You can listen to all their music on their Bandcamp page.

Get social with us!

• Connect with us on Facebook and Instagram
• Subscribe on YouTube to watch Greg attempt to make all the featured cocktails
• Follow @ScarySpiritsPod

Questions, comments or suggestions?

Shoot us an email at [email protected]

As an Amazon Associate, we earn a small percentage of qualifying purchases through our links.

Return to Horror High: A George Clooney Birthday Special.

How to make a Casamigos Tequila Margarita and enjoy a cheesy horror comedy!

This week, we celebrate the birthday of one of Hollywood’s most charming stars, George Clooney, by reviewing his first film role in the 1987 horror comedy “Return to Horror High“. This low-budget slasher spoof features a young Clooney as an actor portraying a cop who investigates a series of murders at a high school where a film crew is shooting a movie based on a previous massacre. If you love cheesy horror, bad acting, and meta humor, you’ll love this cult classic.

To make this episode even more fun, we also show you how to make a delicious Casamigos Tequila Margarita, the brand of tequila that Clooney co-founded with his friend Rande Gerber. This refreshing drink is perfect for a summer day or a movie night with friends. All you need is some Casamigos Blanco Tequila, fresh lime juice, orange juice, agave nectar, orange liqueur, and a salt rim. Cheers!

So join us as we toast to George Clooney’s birthday and review “Return to Horror High“, a film that proves that you can’t keep a good actor down, even if he dies in the first 15 minutes.

Casamigos Tequila Margarita Recipe

• 1 1/2 oz Casamigos Blanco Tequila
• 3/4 oz fresh lime juice
• 1/4 oz fresh orange juice
• 1/3 oz agave nectar
• 1/3 oz orange liqueur

Instructions:

1. Combine all ingredients in a cocktail shaker filled with ice.
2. Shake vigorously for 10 count.
3. Pour into a rocks glass with or without salted rim. Garnish with lime.

   Source: creative-culinary.com

A Brief Synopsis: In the early 1980s, a series of gruesome murders occurred at Crippen High School. The killer was never apprehended. A few years later, a film crew uses the now-abandoned Crippen High as the set for a film about the murders. But an uninvited guest star — the killer the film is based on — makes a cameo appearance on the set. As the murderous madman terrorizes the cast and crew, leading man Steven Blake and leading lady Callie Cassidy set out to stop him.

Some of the topics discussed and highlights of this episode include:

• The percentage of people who are left handed.
• Karen and Greg discuss some of their reoccurring nightmares.
• Dr. Karen tells us all about formaldehyde.
• Is Karen getting paid to do this podcast?
• Greg makes a reference to 420.
• Karen an Greg discuss song lyrics and their real meaning.
• Dr. Karen explains why frogs are typically dissected in biology class.

Our rating of the film:

This movie was so bad that it took us 4 cocktails to get through it.

Take our online survey!

We want to know more about you! Please take our survey. All questions are optional and you can remain completely anonymous if you prefer. Tell us what you like or would like to hear more of!

All music on the Scary Spirits Podcast is provided by the band “Verse 13”. Please check them out. You can listen to all their music on their Bandcamp page.

Get social with us!

• Connect with us on Facebook and Instagram
• Subscribe on YouTube to watch Greg attempt to make all the featured cocktails
• Follow @ScarySpiritsPod

Questions, comments or suggestions?

Shoot us an email at [email protected]

As an Amazon Associate, we earn a small percentage of qualifying purchases through our links.