Scary Spirits Podcast

Dive into Hammer Horror’s “Vampire Circus” with a Spooky Cocktail! (1972 Film Review)

Calling all horror fans! This week on the Scary Spirits Podcast, we celebrate the chilling classic, Hammer Film’s “Vampire Circus” (1972), in honor of its UK release anniversary on April 30th.

Join your fright-loving hosts, Karen and Greg, as they sink their teeth into a review of this thrilling vampire flick. Expect in-depth discussion, hair-raising moments, and maybe even a recipe for a “Vampire Curse” cocktail to sip along with the episode!

Looking for a campy horror gem with a unique twist? Then “Vampire Circus” might just be your next movie night obsession. Tune in to find out if it sinks its fangs into our hosts’ approval rating!

Vampire’s Curse Cocktail Recipe

• 1 1/2 oz spiced rum
• 6 oz fruit punch
• 1 1/4 oz fresh lemon juice
• 3 large mint leaves

Instructions:

1. Add spiced rum and mint leaves to shaker.
2. Muddle until well incorporated.
3. Add fresh ice to brim.
4. Add remaining ingredients.
5. Shake until well blended.
6. Strain and serve with mint leaf garnish (if desired).

   Source: hauntvault.com

A Brief Synopsis: A circus setting is combined with an unusual vampire story in this Hammer tale. In 1825, a mysterious circus visits a Serbian village cut off from the world by an outbreak of plague, and corpses start being found totally drained of blood.

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

• Karen and Greg celebrate their third anniversary.
• We get a geography lesson about Serbia.
• Dr. Karen tells us all about leprosy.
• When did people at war start using white flags to surrender?
• Dr Karen also teaches us about rabies and bats.
• Greg works in a Star Wars reference.

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.

Unleash the Chills! Scary Spirits Tackles 1950s Sci-Fi Classic “Them!“

Calling all classic monster movie buffs! This week on Scary Spirits, Karen finally dives into her long-awaited watchlist pick: the 1954 sci-fi horror film, “Them!“. Get ready for a chilling discussion packed with:

• In-depth analysis of “Them!” – Our hosts dissect the plot, special effects, and cultural impact of this giant ant horror classic.
• Spirited debate (pun intended!) – Join Karen and Greg as they share their unique perspectives on the film’s scares and themes. (Will they agree on how terrifying those ants are?)
• A monstrously good time (with a tropical twist!) – Listen in as Karen and Greg sip on pina coladas (because, well, Karen wanted one) while they delve into the movie’s chilling world.

So, grab your favorite beverage and prepare to be swept back to the 1950s for a thrilling encounter with “Them!” on Scary Spirits.

Pina Colada Recipe

• 6 oz pineapple juice
• 3 oz real cream of coconut
• 1 1/2 oz light rum
• 1-2 cups crushed ice

Instructions:

1. Mix all ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth.
2. Pour into glass and serve garnished with pineapple slice and cherry.

   Source: crazyforcrust.com

A Brief Synopsis: A nest of gigantic irradiated ants is discovered in the New Mexico desert; they quickly become a national threat when it is discovered that two young queen ants and their consorts have escaped to establish new nests. The national search that follows finally culminates in a battle with Them in the concrete spillways and storm drain system of Los Angeles.

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

• Karen tells us about the invention of the cash register.
• Formic acid is discussed.
• We learn about hysterical conversion disorder.
• The diet of ants.
• Ants make noise via stridulation.
• Greg does an impression of Ernest T. Bass from “The Andy Griffith Show”.

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.

Scary Spirits Dives into “Older Gods” – Now Streaming on Prime & Apple TV!

Fans of Lovecraftian Horror! This week on Scary Spirits, Karen and Greg take a chilling look at “Older Gods,” the feature film debut from Wagyu Films, a powerhouse production company with over 1,000 commercials under their belt.

Is “Older Gods” a must-watch horror or a miss? Join the crew as they dissect the film, discussing what sent shivers down their spines and what left them wanting more.

Looking for a fright? “Older Gods” is now available for streaming on both Amazon Prime and Apple TV. So grab some popcorn, turn down the lights, and listen to Scary Spirits’ review before you press play!

Follow Wagyu Films:

• Linktree
• Instagram
• Threads
• YouTube

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.

1953 Horror Classic “House of Wax” Gets Reviewed with a Spooky Cocktail on the Scary Spirits Podcast!

This month, we celebrate the 71st anniversary of the iconic 1953 film “House of Wax“! Join Karen and Greg as they delve into the chilling world of Vincent Price’s murderous sculptor and his macabre wax museum.

In this episode, you’ll hear:

• A review of “House of Wax,” including comparisons to the original “Mystery of the Wax Museum“
• A discussion of Vincent Price’s chilling performance
• Bonus: Karen and Greg mix up a spooky “Manhattan” cocktail using Vincent Price’s own recipe (included below)!

Love classic horror? Then this episode is for you! Tune in and get ready to be thrilled (and maybe a little thirsty)!

Vincent Price’s Manhattan Recipe

• 2/3 part good whiskey
• 1/3 part sweet vermouth
• 2 dashes Angostura bitters

Instructions:

1. Over ice, stir 2/3 any good whiskey, 1/3 sweet vermouth, two dashes of Angostura.
2. Stewpendous!

   Source: silverscreensuppers.com

A Brief Synopsis: Wax sculptor Henry is horrified to learn that his business partner, Matthew, plans on torching their wax museum to collect on the insurance policy. Henry miraculously survives a fiery confrontation with Matthew and re-emerges some years hence with a museum of his own. But when the appearance of Henry’s new wax sculptures occurs at the same time that a number of corpses vanish from the city morgue, art student Sue Allen begins suspecting wrongdoing.

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

• Karen gives us a little history about “Madame Tussauds”.
• The invention of the electric chair and its early uses are discussed.
• Did you have a paddle ball toy when you were a kid?
• We learn about the drink “Sarsaparilla”.
• The equivalent of $25,000 in 1930 in todays money.

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.

Ready to Get Schooled by Spirits in “Poltergeist“? (listener requested review!)

Calling all fans of classic horror! This week on Scary Spirits, we quench our thirst for spooky chills with a listener request: a deep dive into the iconic 1982 film “Poltergeist.” Join your paranormal pals Karen and Greg as they dissect this Spielberg-produced haunted house tale. Will they find the film to be a spectral masterpiece or a paranormal dud? Tune in to find out, and grab a refreshing “swimming pool” cocktail (recipe included!) to sip along with the scares.

Looking for a review that’s both chilling and fun? Tune in for a lively discussion packed with:

• The chilling story of the Freeling family and their spectral struggle
• In-depth analysis of “Poltergeist’s” plot, scares, and special effects.
• Spirited debate (pun intended!): Karen and Greg may not always see eye-to-eye on the film’s frights.
• A refreshing “Swimming Pool” cocktail recipe to mix up as you listen.

So, grab your beverage of choice (alcoholic or not!), and get ready to be schooled by spirits in “Poltergeist” with Scary Spirits!

Swimming Pool Cocktail Recipe

• 1 oz vodka
• 1 oz rum
• 1/2 oz coconut milk the canned, thick kind, plus a bit more for the rim
• 1/2 oz sweetened, condensed milk
• 2 oz pineapple juice
• 1 oz blue curaçao
• shredded, unsweetened coconut for the rim
• 1 wedge fresh pineapple for garnish
• 1 maraschino cherry for garnish

Instructions:

1. Prepare the cocktail rim by dipping into the coconut milk and then the shredded unsweetened coconut. Fill your glass with crushed ice.
2. Prepare your garnish by cutting little wedges of pineapple and add to a cocktail skewer with a maraschino cherry.
3. Stir together vodka, rum, sweetened condensed milk, coconut milk and pineapple juice.
4. Shake with ice in a cocktail shaker, then strain over the fresh ice in your glass.
5. Add the blue curacao directly into the glass to create the swimming pool effect. No need to stir.
6. Garnish and serve immediately. Prost!

   Source: dirndlkitchen.com

A Brief Synopsis: Strange and creepy happenings beset an average California family, the Freelings — Steve, Diane, teenaged Dana, eight-year-old Robbie, and five-year-old Carol Ann — when ghosts commune with them through the television set. Initially friendly and playful, the spirits turn unexpectedly menacing, and, when Carol Ann goes missing, Steve and Diane turn to a parapsychologist and eventually an exorcist for help.

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

• Greg works in a reference to the rock band “Rush” (he missed the opportunity to reference “Iron Maiden”).
• Remember when they used to play the “Star Spangled Banner” when the TV stations went off the air for the day?
• Karen tells us all about the Golden Retriever dog breed.
• We learn what a clairvoyant is.
• Did you know that sleepwalking may be genetic?
• Karen tells us what Questa Verde means.

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 1988’s “The Seventh Sign“: Apocalypse, Cocktails & Reviews!

Is it the end of days or just a wild film? This week we celebrate the 36th anniversary of the apocalyptic thriller “The Seventh Sign” (1988). Join Karen and Greg as they dissect the film, with special “Seventh Seal” (recipe below!) cocktails in hand!

Gear up for a discussion on:

• The film’s plot and themes
• Demi Moore’s performance
• Biblical references and the apocalypse
• …and maybe a splash of trivia!

Looking for a chilling rewatch or a first look? Tune in for our review of “The Seventh Sign“!

The Seventh Seal Cocktail Recipe

• 2 oz Advocaat liqueur (Sub eggnog, Irish cream or RumChata)
• 5 oz Sprite
• 1 1/2 oz lemon
• 2 oz crushed ice
• 6 oz ice cubes

Instructions:

1. Fill a highball glass to the top with ice cubes.
2. Pour in 2 oz of advocaat liqueur.
3. Top up with Sprite and stir gently.
4. Top up with crushed ice.
5. Garnish with a lemon wedge.

   Source: inshaker.com

A Brief Synopsis: Prior to his death on the crucifix, Jesus Christ was offered a drink of water, a kind act turned away by a Roman soldier. These events play a profound role in occurrences during modern times, which some construe as signs of Christ’s return and the apocalypse. While Abby Quinn believes the end is coming and that her unborn child may be in danger as a result, Father Lucci, a Vatican agent, is doubtful no matter what evidence she presents.

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

• Karen tells us the story of Sodom and Gomorrah.
• We learn when the first ultrasound was done.
• What is the minimum length of a pregnancy that will give the baby a good chance of survival?
• Karen tells us yet another Biblical story. This time about “The Guf”.
• Dr. Karen tells us teaches us about placental insufficiency.
• We announce the winners in our March Madness Horror Movie contest!

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 with Cake & Critique: “Happy Birthday” (2016) Movie Review ️

Join Karen and Greg for a fun birthday bash of a movie review! This week, they’re diving into the 2016 film “Happy Birthday” to celebrate Karen’s special day while indulging in decadent Chocolate Cake Shots (recipe included!). Get ready for laughs, birthday cheer, and maybe even a little tipsiness as they dissect the film’s plot, characters, and overall entertainment value.

Looking for a lighthearted movie review with a fun twist? Tune in for this episode!

Chocolate Cake Shot Recipe

Cocoa Powder Rim (Optional):

• 2 Tbsp cream cheese icing
• 1 Tbsp cocoa powder, or white sugar

Chocolate Cake Shot:

• 1 1/2 oz whipped cream vodka, or vanilla vodka
• 1 1/2 oz hazelnut liqueur
• 1/2 oz heavy cream
• whipped cream, for garnish

Instructions:

1. (optional first step) Make the cocoa powder rim: dip the rim of the shot glasses into cream cheese icing and then dip into cocoa powder. Tap off any excess cocoa powder and set aside.
2. Add vodka, hazelnut liqueur, and cream to a cocktail shaker. Add ice and shake for 10-15 seconds.
3. Pour into shot glasses and garnish with a little whipped cream and a dash of cocoa powder (optional).

Source: britneybreaksbread.com

A Brief Synopsis: When two friends embark on a journey to the seediest parts of Mexicali for a birthday celebration, they quickly realize their trip has taken a dangerous turn that involves sex, drugs, torture and a ransom involving the Mexican cartel.

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

• Karen tells us all about the climate of deserts.
• Are Americans really kidnapped on a regular basis when they travel to Mexico?
• What countries are Americans currently urged not to travel to?
• We learn about the city of Mexicali.
• Greg works in references to the bands “Orion the Hunter”, “KISS” and “Aerosmith”.
• Help us pick a champion in our Horror Movie March Madness Bracket!

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.

Uncork Chills and Cocktails with “The Final Conflict” on Scary Spirits!

This week on Scary Spirits, we’re raising a glass in celebration of the 1981 classic, “The Final Conflict“. It’s the 43rd anniversary of this chilling film’s release, and our fearless hosts, Karen and Greg, are diving deep into its scares.

Join the fun as they dissect the plot, analyze the characters, and unleash their wildest theories on what truly transpired during “The Final Conflict“. But wait, there’s more! To keep the spooky vibes flowing, Greg whips up a “Second Coming” cocktail inspired by the movie, following a recipe he found on YouTube. Will it be a heavenly concoction or a taste of damnation? Tune in to find out!

So, grab your favorite beverage (spooky or otherwise), settle in, and get ready for a frightfully fun episode of Scary Spirits!

Second Coming Cocktail Recipe

• 2 oz cream liqueur (Baileys)
• 1 oz coffee liqueur (Kahlua)
• 1 oz orange flavored liqueur (Triple Sec or Cointreau)

Instructions:

1. Add all ingredients to a cocktail shaker with ice.
2. Shake well.
3. Pour into a cocktail glass.
4. Serve.

   Source: Citizen TV Kenya

A Brief Synopsis: In this second sequel to “The Omen,” Antichrist Damien Thorn is now a successful 32-year-old businessman ready to fulfill his destiny. As Damien is appointed United States ambassador to Britain, priests led by Father DeCarlo try to kill him. While Damien prepares for the return of Jesus Christ, he takes advantage of his relationship with Kate Reynolds to recruit her son, Peter, as his follower.

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

• We learn quite a bit about the constellation “Cassiopeia”.
• Karen gives us the definition of a parsec.
• Karen tells us all about the last rites prayer.
• The Biblical stories of the “Massacre of the Innocents” and “The Doubting Thomas” are discussed.
• Is fox hunting still legal in Great Britain?
• We learn about the ceremony of “blooding” in fox hunts.
• Help us pick the winners in our Horror Movie March Madness Bracket!

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.

Windigo Review: Native American Horror on Demand! (Available on Amazon Prime, Apple TV, More!)

Love Native American folklore and horror movies? This episode of Scary Spirits dives into “The Windigo,” a new film by Gabe Torres. Join Karen and Greg as they discuss everything chilling (and maybe a little disappointing) about this monster flick, now available for streaming on Amazon Prime, Apple TV, Fandango, Google Play, YouTube TV, Redbox, VUDU, and XBOX/Microsoft.

Is it a must-watch, or a monster of a miss? Listen in to find out!

Links to pages referenced in this episode include:

• Information on the Windigo from The Canadian Encyclopedia.
• Scary Spirits episode covering our favorite cryptids.
• Yoda quote from “The Empire Strikes Back”.
• Help us pick the Final Four in our Horror Movie March Madness bracket.

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.

Unveiling the Swamp: A Dive into the 1982 Cult Classic “Swamp Thing” with Scary Spirits Podcast

This week on Scary Spirits Podcast, Karen and Greg sink their teeth (and taste buds) into a listener request: the campy, cult classic 1982 film “Swamp Thing”!

Get ready for a chilling discussion laced with laughs as they dissect the movie’s plot, special effects, and iconic monster. Plus, they’ll quench your thirst with a chilling Swamp Thing cocktail recipe inspired by the film, courtesy of cocktailbuilder.com.

Looking for a spooky listen with a boozy twist? Don’t miss this episode of Scary Spirits Podcast!

Swamp Thing Cocktail Recipe

• 4 oz gin
• 4 oz Sunny Delight orange juice (or orange juice)
• 4 oz Hpnotiq liqueur

Instructions:

1. Pour in Sunny D and gin first.
2. While pouring Hpnotiq, stir.
3. Add ice if ingredients are not cold.

   Source: cocktailbuilder.com

A Brief Synopsis: On the verge of a breakthrough in his quest to wipe out world hunger, altruistic botanist Dr. Alec Holland is placed under the protection of special government agent Alice Cable. Mad outlaw scientist Anton Arcane wants to steal Holland’s research for his own nefarious ends, but an unforeseen accident during the heist turns Holland into the Swamp Thing, an enormous plant-like creature that fights back against Arcane’s henchmen to save Cable.

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

• We learn the official definition of a swamp.
• Do you know the 5 states in the USA that have the largest population of alligators?
• Dr. Karen tells us all about recombinant DNA.
• We learn about airboats.
• Greg gives us some information about the “speed of love”.
• Greg works in references to the bands Dokken and Rush (see above).
• Help us pick the winners in our Horror Movie March Madness Bracket!

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.