Scary Spirits Podcast

On November 23rd, we celebrate the birthday of Boris Karloff, one of the most iconic horror actors of all time. To mark the occasion, Karen has chosen the 1963 film “The Terror” for our viewing pleasure this week. Join Karen and Greg as they discuss “The Terror” while enjoying a “Black Widow” cocktail, a classic horror-themed drink. They’ll talk about Karloff’s performance, the film’s gothic atmosphere, and its complex themes. Below is the drink recipe that Karen discovered on zestysouthindiakitchen.com.

Black Widow Cocktail Recipe

Blackberry Juice:

• 1/2 tbsp lemon juice
• 1/2 cup blackberries

Black Widow:

• 1 oz simple syrup
• 4 oz blackberry juice
• 2 oz vodka
• ice
• blackberries for garnish

Blackberry Juice Instructions:

1. In a blender, add blackberries and lemon juice.
2. Process fine and strain it.

Black Widow Cocktail Instructions:

1. In a glass filled with ice add blackberry juice, simple syrup and vodka.
2. Mix by stirring.
3. Garnish with blackberries.
4. Enjoy.

A Brief Synopsis: Lt. Duvalier, a French soldier, loses contact with his unit and is forced to wander alone near the Baltic Sea. While in search of his regiment, he spies Helene, a mysterious beauty, walking by herself. Mesmerized, Duvalier begins tracking her, but she vanishes. He later catches up with her and follows her into a castle, where he encounters the bizarre Baron Von Leppe, finds signs of witchcraft and learns the shocking truth about Helene.

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

• Greg tells us the nutritional value of blackberries
• Karen tells us about many of the actors and directors that Roger Corman helped get into the business.
• We learn that the magnetic compass was likely invented by the Chinese.
• Karen gives us some safety facts about quicksand.
• We learn about “Mesmerism”.
• Greg works in a reference to the rock band “Scorpions”.
• In todays geography lesson, we learn about the Baltic Sea.
• Greg tells us about his Halloween. If you would like to donate to “Skeletons for St. Jude”, you can click here.

Our rating of the film:

This movie was soooo bad that it took us 5 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.

Looking to keep the Halloween spirit alive into November? Join our hosts, Karen and Greg, as they dive into the cult classic, “Night of the Demons” (1988). Set on the spookiest night of the year, October 31st, this film is a perfect choice for your November watchlist. In this episode, they will sip on some “Possession Punch” and dissect the film’s spooky atmosphere, gruesome practical effects, and iconic soundtrack. Whether you’re a fan of horror movies or just looking for a fun way to celebrate Halloween, be sure to check out this episode of the Scary Spirits Podcast. Greg found the “Possession Punch” recipe below on cointreau.com.

Possession Punch Recipe

• 1 cup apple juice
• 1 cup Cointreau L’Unique
• 1 cup fresh lemon juice
• 12 oz IPA
• 1 cup whiskey

Instructions:

1. Add all ingredients to batch vessel.
2. Garnish with lemon wheels or apple slices.
3. Serve with ice.

A Brief Synopsis: Wild teenage girls hold a Halloween séance in an old funeral parlor to scare their friends.

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

• Do you know the value of a 1966 Ford Mustang?
• What is the origins of the word: séance?
• Karen gives a history lesson on breast surgeries.
• Greg makes a reference to Cheech & Chong.
• We learn that Angela is wearing a Siouxsie Sioux costume in the film.
• Greg tells us a little about the thrash metal band “Exodus“.
• If you listen closely, you can hear Greg do his impression of Doug Henning.

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.

In this October podcast episode, our hosts dive deep into the spooky spirit by exploring the first-ever feature-length zombie film, “White Zombie” from 1932. This groundbreaking film introduced the world to the concept of zombies as we know them today, and it remains an influential work of horror cinema over 90 years later. While they’re discussing the film, Karen and Greg will be enjoying a “Witch Doctor” cocktail, a delicious and spooky drink perfect for Halloween! So grab a drink, sit back, and enjoy this informative and entertaining look at one of the most important horror films ever made. Karen found the recipe below on food.com.

Witch Doctor Cocktail Recipe

• 1 oz light rum
• 1 oz coconut rum
• 3 oz orange juice
• 1 oz cranberry juice
• 1/2 oz dark rum
• 1 maraschino cherry
• 1 orange slice

Instructions:

1. In a glass filled with ice, pour light rum and coconut rum.
2. Add cranberry juice.
3. Fill with orange juice and float dark rum on top.
4. Garnish with cherry and orange slice.

A Brief Synopsis: Murder Legendre is the menacingly named zombie master of Haiti. Charles Beaumont goes to him when he needs help for a twisted plan. Spurned in marriage by Madeline Short, Beaumont has decided on a simple solution: kill Short and bring her back as a zombie. Then he can be with her forever. The only problem comes when Legendre keeps the fetching girl for himself — and her new husband comes to Madeline’s rescue.

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

• As you can imagine, there are many references to Rob Zombie and the band “White Zombie”.
• We learn about the islands that make up the West Indies.
• Karen tells us all about vultures.
• We learn that the song played by Madeline on the piano is “Liebestraum” by Franz Liszt.
• Do you know what is the poorest country in the world?
• Greg gives us a short review of the Rob Zombie concert he attended recently.

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]

Join Greg and Karen as they discuss the 1985 horror film “The Re-Animator”, loosely based on the short story “Herbert West–Reanimator” by H. P. Lovecraft. The film follows Herbert West, a medical student who develops a serum that can reanimate the dead. West’s experiments lead to chaos and mayhem, as the reanimated corpses become increasingly violent and uncontrollable.

“The Re-Animator” is a beloved cult classic, praised for its over-the-top gore, dark humor, and campy style. It is also notable for its special effects, which were groundbreaking at the time.

In this episode, Greg and Karen will discuss the film’s plot, characters, themes, and legacy. They will also share their thoughts on the film’s special effects, soundtrack, and overall impact. And of course, no discussion of “The Re-Animator” would be complete without a cocktail! Greg and Karen will be enjoying a “Miskatonic Reviver Cocktail,” a custom drink inspired by the film. The recipe that Greg found at 2geekswhoeat.com is below.

Miskatonic Reviver Cocktail Recipe

• 1 1/2 oz vodka
• 1 oz melon liqueur
• 1 oz pineapple juice
• 3/4 oz lime juice
• 1 dash Bittermen’s Boston Bittahs
• tonic water

Instructions:

1. Combine all ingredients except tonic water with ice in a cocktail mixing glass.
2. Fill a tumbler with crushed ice.
3. Strain mixed ingredients into the tumbler.
4. Top with tonic water.
5. Serve.

A Brief Synopsis: At the University of Zurich, Herbert West brings his dead professor back to life. Following the horrific side-effects involved in the procedure, West moves to the USA to further his studies.

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

• Our hosts discuss the author, H.P. Lovecraft.
• Dr. Karen lets us all know how long we should continue to try to revive someone using CPR.
• Do you know how much a bone saw used in autopsies cost?
• Karen gives us some history on the National Science Foundation (NSF).
• Our hosts hypothesize about how the glowing green serum effect was created.
• Do corpses bleed?
• We get a refresher course in lobotomies.

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]

In celebration of October and Halloween, Karen has chosen the 1943 classic horror film “I Walked with a Zombie” for our viewing pleasure. Join Karen and Greg as they discuss the film’s haunting atmosphere, its groundbreaking use of voodoo, and its influence on popular culture. Plus, learn how to make a Black Margarita cocktail to enjoy while you watch! The recipe that Karen found at thehealthfulideas.com is below.

Black Margarita

Black Salt:

• 1 tbsp fine sea salt
• 1 activated charcoal capsule
• 1 lime wedge (for the glass rim)

Margarita:

• 1 1/2 oz blanco tequila
• 1/2 oz Cointreau (or other orange liqueur)
• 1 oz freshly squeezed lime juice
• 1 dash orange bitters (optional)
• 1/2 oz maple syrup (or agave or simple syrup)
• 1 activated charcoal capsule
• ice cubes

Black Salt Instructions:

1. Add the fine sea salt to a small bowl and open up the charcoal capsule.
2. Mix well and transfer to a small shallow plate.
3. Run the lime wedge along the rim of your glass and dip it in the black salt.
4. Set aside.

Margarita Instructions:

1. Add the tequila, Cointreau, lime juice, orange bitters, and maple syrup to a cocktail shaker.
2. Open up the capsule and add the powder to the shaker.
3. Add a handful of ice and shake for a few seconds.
4. Pour into the prepared glass over ice and enjoy.

A Brief Synopsis: Canadian nurse Betsey Connell is hired to care for Jessica Holland, a woman on a Caribbean sugar plantation, who has a bizarre condition. The mysterious affliction baffles Betsy but when she falls for Jessica’s husband, Paul, she is determined to make him happy by curing his wife. However, in her quest, Betsey is drawn into the island’s dark culture of voodoo and zombies and begins to uncover the Holland family’s sinister secrets.

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

• Once again, our hosts make an “Iron Maiden” reference.
• We learn what “nyctophobia” is.
• Greg makes a reference to “The Beatles”.
• Karen tells us about the Voodoo spirit “Damballa”.
• Dr. Karen teaches us about insulin shock treatment.
• We learn a little about Saint Sebastian.

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]

Join us in honoring Donald Pleasence’s birthday on October 5th as we delve into the 1987 John Carpenter classic “Prince of Darkness.” Our engaging hosts share insights and lively discussions about the film, all while sipping on a specially crafted cocktail coined the “Green Dream,” expertly prepared by Greg himself. Explore the thematic depths of the film while indulging in this delightful concoction. Don’t miss out on this birthday tribute episode filled with cinematic intrigue and flavorful delights. Greg based the cocktail on a recipe he found on food.com.

Green Dream Cocktail Recipe

• 2 oz melon liqueur
• 2 oz coconut rum
• 2 oz pina colada nonalcoholic drink mix
• dash edible green glitter
• whipped cream (optional)

Instructions:

1. Pour the Malibu coconut rum into a pina colada glass over ice.
2. Add the pina colada mix, melon liqueur and edible glitter; serve unstirred to see color difference, stir when ready to drink.
3. Serve with whipped cream on top if you wish.

A Brief Synopsis: Poking around in a church cellar, a priest finds an otherworldly vial filled with slime. Frightened, he brings his discovery to a circle of top scholars and scientists, who eventually learn that the strange liquid is the essence of Satan. The slime then begins to seep out, turning some of the academics into zombified killers. As the possessed battle the survivors, student Kelly is infected by a large quantity of the liquid and becomes Satan personified.

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

• Karen gives us a rundown of the hierarchy of the Catholic Church.
• We learn about supernovas white dwarf stars.
• Karen gives us some background on the Coptic language.
• Our hosts discuss the classic cartoon “Tom and Jerry”.
• Greg makes a reference to the band “Blue Öyster Cult”.
• We learn what the favorite hymn of Greg’s Mother was.

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]

This week, Karen and Greg celebrate the 19th anniversary of the iconic English horror comedy film “Shaun of the Dead”! They’ll enjoy a “Zombie” cocktail and take a deep dive into the film, discussing its unique blend of humor and horror, its memorable characters, and its enduring legacy. Karen found the recipe below for a “Zombie” cocktail at bacardi.com.

Zombie Cocktail
• 1 oz Bacardí superior rum
• 3/4 oz Bacardí black rum
• 1/2 oz triple sec
• 1 oz orange juice
• 1/2 oz lime juice
• 1/2 oz simple syrup
• 1/4 oz grenadine

Instructions:

1. Pour all ingredients into a shaker full of ice, and give a good shake.
2. Strain and pour into a highball glass filled with crushed ice.
3. Give it a stir with a bar spoon.
4. Garnish with a cherry and orange slice.

A Brief Synopsis: Shaun is a 30-something loser with a dull, easy existence. When he’s not working at the electronics store, he lives with his slovenly best friend, Ed, in a small flat on the outskirts of London. The only unpredictable element in his life is his girlfriend, Liz, who wishes desperately for Shaun to grow up and be a man. When the town is inexplicably overrun with zombies, Shaun must rise to the occasion and protect both Liz and his mother.

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

• Our hosts reminisce about a classic song by the musical group “Chicago”.
• The rock band “Queen” is discussed.
• Which of our hosts have been a “freeloader”, sleeping on a friend’s couch?
• Do you know what a “Pony Keg” is?
• If you listen closely, you may hear Greg singing the song “White Lines”.
• Greg learns that apparently has a few enemies.

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]

After enjoying John Carpenter’s 1982 remake, Greg thought it would be a good idea to watch the original film and see how it compares. Our hosts discuss the film’s plot, characters, special effects, and legacy. They’ll also enjoy a “UFO Cocktail” while they watch. This episode is perfect for fans of classic sci-fi horror movies, or anyone who wants to learn more about the history of the genre. Listen in for a night of classic sci-fi horror! The recipe that Greg found at cocktailsandshots.com is below.

UFO Cocktail Recipe

• 1 oz vodka
• 1 oz dry vermouth
• 1/3 oz orange curaçao
• 1/3 oz Campari
• ice
• zest orange for garnish

Instructions:

1. Put some ice in a cocktail shaker and add the vodka, the dry vermouth, the orange curaçao and the campari.
2. Shake well and strain your UFO drink in a glass filled with ice cubes.
3. Decorate your UFO mixed drink with some orange zest.

A Brief Synopsis: When scientist Dr. Carrington reports a UFO near his North Pole research base, the Air Force sends in a team under Capt. Patrick Hendry to investigate. What they find is a wrecked spaceship and a humanoid creature frozen in the ice. They bring their discovery back to the base, but Carrington and Hendry disagree over what to do with it. Meanwhile, the creature is accidentally thawed and begins wreaking havoc.

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

• Karen channels her inner mixologist and explains why we shake cocktails and then strain them into a glass of ice.
• Our hosts discuss the novella “Who Goes There?” by John W Campbell.
• Dr. Karen tells us all about the periodic table.
• Our hosts debate the runway length required to land a plane equipped with skis.
• We learn a little history of the Unites States Air Force and its separation from the United States Army.
• Karen gives us some information about thermite and thermite bombs.

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]

In celebration of Fay Wray’s birthday on September 15th, our hosts are reviewing the 1932 classic “The Most Dangerous Game.” Join them as they discuss the film’s themes of survival, power, and morality. They’ll also be enjoying a “Shipwreck” cocktail while they watch, so come along for a night of classic cinema! The recipe that Karen found on caribbeancastaways.com is below.

Shipwreck Drink #1 Recipe

• 2 oz orange juice
• 2 oz pineapple juice
• 1/2 oz grenadine
• 1/2 oz coconut rum
• 1/2 oz melon liqueur

Instructions:

1. Fill shaker with crushed ice.
2. Add ingredients (except for Grenadine).
3. Shake and strain into glass.
4. Add Grenadine.
5. Raise glass and toast.

A Brief Synopsis: When legendary hunter Bob Rainsford is shipwrecked on the perilous reefs surrounding a mysterious island, he finds himself the guest of the reclusive and eccentric Count Zaroff. While he is very gracious at first, Zaroff eventually forces Rainsford and two other shipwreck survivors, brother and sister Eve and Martin Towbridge, to participate in a sadistic game of cat and mouse in which they are the prey and he is the hunter.

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

• Did you know that Karen was a lifeguard? She tells us a little about her training.
• We learn a little about Great Danes.
• Greg quotes a “Deep Purple” lyric.
• Karen teaches us about centaurs.
• Our hosts discuss a “Motörhead” song.
• Karen gives us some facts about the Cossaks.
• Do you know who holds the word record for flag pole sitting?
• We learn a little about Cape Buffalos.
• Greg makes a reference to “Uncle Remus”.

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]

This week Karen and Greg discuss the 1971 Hammer horror film “Lust for a Vampire,” the sequel to “The Vampire Lovers,” which is celebrating its 52nd anniversary on September 2nd. They’ll talk about the film’s plot, characters, and special effects, and they’ll also share their thoughts on the film’s legacy. Join them as they enjoy a Strangelove Negroni cocktail and take a deep dive into this classic vampire film. The recipe that Greg found on foodandhome.co.za is below.

Strangelove Negroni Cocktail Recipe

• 50 ml gin
• 40 ml Campari
• 40 ml sweet vermouth
• A slice or big zest of orange for garnish

Instructions:

1. Pour the ingredients into a mixing glass filled with ice and stir until well chilled.
2. Strain into an ice filled tumbler.
3. Garnish with a large zest of orange.
4. Serve.

A Brief Synopsis: A seductive vampire enrolls at an 1800s exclusive finishing school and finds an abundance of victims among the staff and students.

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

• Karen tells us all about Finishing, or Charm School.
• How long does it take men and women, respectively to fall in love?
• Are heart attacks common to people in their 20’s?
• What does a pathologist do exactly?
• Karen makes a reference to the 1970’s sitcom “Laverne & Shirley”.
• Greg tries really hard to work in a reference to the rock band “Heart”.

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]