In this spellbinding episode of Horror Heals, Corey and Kendall dive into the transformative journey of actor, Nate Gaik, who found empowerment and healing through the magic of horror. From a challenging childhood to embodying an 18th-century witch in the indie film "Hunting for the Hag," this episode is all about defying the gravity of trauma and finding strength in the most unexpected places.

Son of a Witch Is Defying Gravity

Hear how Margaret Hamilton’s Wicked Witch of the West sparked a lifelong fascination with witches, providing inspiration and escape during dark times. Learn how playing a witch on-screen became a powerful moment of reclaiming control and self-expression. Plus, explore how the horror genre fosters community, creativity, and connection for even the most introverted among us.

Key Topics Discussed:

• Growing up with challenges and finding refuge in movies.
• The influence of "The Wizard of Oz" and the Wicked Witch’s enduring legacy.
• Behind-the-scenes stories from Hunting for the Hag, including prosthetic adventures and cornfield chaos.
• The therapeutic power of horror to foster connection and self-discovery.
• Favorite horror icons, from Jamie Lee Curtis to Lauren LaVera and beyond.

Watch Now:

Stream Hunting for the Hag on Tubi.

Connect with Us:

Follow the guest on Instagram: @tallactorboy

Share your favorite final person in horror with us on social media!

Closing Message:

If you’ve ever felt trapped or misunderstood, this episode is your reminder that defying gravity is possible—and sometimes, it starts with a little bit of witchcraft and horror.

Episode Overview:

In part two of our conversation with the Spooky Twins, things get hilariously spooky as we dive into their adventures in cosplay, their love for horror cult classics, and some heated debates about what truly qualifies as horror. From The Thing to Blood Dolls, the twins share their unfiltered takes, proving once again that horror can be as silly as it is scary.

The Great Horror Debate with the Spooky Twins

What You’ll Hear in This Episode:

🎭 Cosplay Creations:

The Spooky Twins reveal their current cosplay projects, including a mashup of Animal Crossing characters Red and Tom Nook.

Hear about their memorable Us-inspired cosplay featuring the iconic red jumpsuit and golden scissors.

🎮 Gaming & Horror Lore:

Tonia admits she doesn’t play first-person games like Outlast or Fallout but gets all the juicy lore from Tonie, who loves diving into these creepy worlds.

Corey and Kendall share their struggles with gaming and how kids these days are introducing them to gamer culture.

🏆 Favorite Final Characters:

Tonia passionately defends R.J. MacReady (The Thing) as her ultimate “final person,” sharing a theory about the film’s iconic ending.

Tonie chooses Sally Hardesty (The Texas Chainsaw Massacre), praising her grit and the importance of keeping horror alive through remakes and reimaginings.

🎥 The Horror Debate:

Is Gremlins a horror movie or a Christmas movie? Kendall stirs the pot with his controversial take, and the group dives into the nuances of horror-comedy.

The twins defend remakes and reboots, comparing them to cover songs and emphasizing the joy of keeping horror relevant.

🍕 Horror is Like Pizza:

Tonia drops a gem of wisdom: “Horror is like pizza—whether it’s gourmet or cafeteria quality, you’ll still eat it!”

🎞️ Cult Classics and Obscurities:

The twins introduce Corey and Kendall to hidden gems like Blood Dolls, raving about its bizarre mix of puppets, clowns, and a girl band in a cage.

They also reminisce about Full Moon Features classics like Puppet Master and Demonic Toys.

📽️ The Magic of Horror Conventions:

Tonia and Tonie discuss the creativity and community they experience at cons, making it clear why horror fans are some of the most welcoming people around.

Highlights:

The Gremlins debate: Is it horror, Christmas, or both?

Why The Thing is a masterpiece with no romance to distract from its monstrous paranoia.

Tonia’s passionate defense of Sally Hardesty and the beauty of horror remakes.

A deep dive into cult classics, from Blood Dolls to Phantasm.

Memorable Quotes:

“Horror is pizza—you’re going to eat it no matter what!”

“The Thing doesn’t have romance, girlfriends, or tension—it’s just pure monster paranoia, and that’s why it’s perfect.”

“We can cover songs, so why can’t we cover movies?”

Core Themes:

Horror as Community: Whether it’s cosplay, gaming, or conventions, horror unites people across creative and cultural boundaries.

Embracing Nostalgia: From 80s classics to Full Moon Features, the twins celebrate the beauty of revisiting and reviving old favorites.

Redefining Horror: Debating genres and blurring lines between horror, comedy, and everything in between.

The Fun of Cosplay: Using horror fandom as an outlet for creativity and connection.

Where to Find the Spooky Twins:

Follow them on Instagram for more cosplay, crafts, and spooky creations: @spookytwins13.

Stay Connected with Horror Heals:

Follow us on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook for updates, behind-the-scenes content, and more stories of how horror helps us heal.

Don’t forget to tag us with #HorrorHeals to share your own horror stories!

Final Note:

This episode celebrates the beauty of horror in all its forms—scary, silly, or downright strange. Whether you’re into...

Guests:

Tonia and Tonie, aka the Spooky Twins, artists, horror fanatics, and all-around spooky sisters. Check out their creepy, crafty creations on Instagram @spookytwins13.

What’s Inside This Episode?

🎃 Growing Up Horror: Tonia and Tonie share how their horror journey began as kids in Okinawa, Japan, on Kadena Air Force Base. Spoiler alert: their dad pulling a Friday the 13th-style couch scare set them on a lifelong quest for the ultimate scream-worthy moment.

😱 Trauma = Arrows Through Throats: Forget childhood innocence—these twins grew up learning that kissing leads to gruesome deaths, thanks to their parents’ “creative” movie censorship.

🛠️ Crafting Creepy: From pagan altar tools to Necronomicons, the twins reveal how they turned their love for horror into an artistic empire. Whether it’s felting, wood-burning, or paper crafts, their work blends gore and giggles.

🖼️ Instagram Inspiration: The Spooky Twins don’t just make art—they live it. Find out how audiobooks, games like Fallout and Outlast, and even Spongebob-esque scheduling fuel their creations.

💀 Why Horror Fans Are the Nicest Murder Enthusiasts: Horror conventions are their happy place. Tonia and Tonie explain why the bloodiest fandom also happens to be the most welcoming.

Highlights:

• Okinawa Origins: The twins recall their dad’s epic horror prank and how VCR rentals shaped their love for slashers.
• Branding Genius: Recognizing the power of their twin dynamic, they embraced the kitschy, spooky gimmick—because let’s face it, no one forgets the Spooky Twins.
• The Convention Vibe: Horror cons are all love and family—despite the murder, mayhem, and buckets of fake blood.

Core Themes:

• Horror as an escape from everyday life (and some complicated family dynamics).
• Using humor to balance the dark and gruesome.
• Building community through shared love of the macabre.

Best Quotes:

• “Ever since Jason popped out of the lake, we’ve been searching for that pee-your-pants moment!”
• “Kissing equals death. That’s just horror movie math.”
• “Horror fans are the people who’ll welcome you in and say, ‘Come sit down, let’s watch this guy get decapitated together!’”

Where to Find the Spooky Twins:

Follow their creepy, crafty adventures and snag your own horror-inspired art at @spookytwins13.

Stay Spooky with Horror Heals:

Follow us on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook to keep the creepy conversation going. Got a story about how horror has healed or inspired you? DM us or tag us using #HorrorHeals for a chance to be featured!

Closing Notes:

This episode is a love letter to everyone who finds comfort in the creepy. The Spooky Twins prove that horror isn’t just about scares—it’s about community, creativity, and catharsis. See you in the shadows, horror fam. 👻

In part two of this killer conversation with Jarid, the ultimate 90s kid and horror aficionado, Corey and Kendall dig into the deeper connections horror fans share with their favorite monsters, movies, and memorabilia. Jarid explains why David Cronenberg’s The Fly is his all-time favorite horror movie and how the genre’s ability to balance elegance and terror keeps us hooked.

The trio also explores why horror conventions are the ultimate homecoming for fans, the psychology behind collecting, and the surprising emotional fulfillment we get from regaining pieces of our childhood. Whether it’s rediscovering Goosebumps books or passing the horror torch to a new generation, this episode celebrates the connections that horror fans build with the genre—and each other.

What’s Inside This Episode:

• Why The Fly is a perfect blend of elegance, terror, and Jeff Goldblum magic
• Horror conventions: the psychology of community and connection
• Collecting as a way to rebuild ourselves and reclaim childhood joy
• How kids and families are introducing the next generation to horror
• Why horror is uniquely positioned to bring fans together across divides
• The enduring appeal of Freddy Krueger and why horror villains resonate so deeply

Standout Quote:

“Horror conventions are like a family reunion for fans—you’re surrounded by people who get you, who share your love for the weird and wonderful.” – Jarid

Why You Should Tune In:

If you’ve ever felt the joy of meeting like-minded horror fans or the thrill of finding that perfect collectible, this episode is for you. Jarid’s passion for the genre and his insights as a psychology professor bring a fresh perspective to what makes horror such a powerful and lasting force in our lives.

Don’t Miss:

Jarid’s heartfelt thoughts on how horror fandom brings people together and helps us process fear, joy, and everything in between.

Join Corey and Kendall as they venture into the ever-growing basement library of horror collector and Goosebumps enthusiast, Jarid. From original Tim Jacobus artwork to stacks of Bone Chillers and Fear Street, Jarid’s collection is a nostalgia-filled haven for anyone raised on ’90s kid horror. In this episode, Jarid shares his love of Goosebumps, his introduction to horror through Gremlins and Mighty Morphin Power Rangers, and the fascinating psychology behind why we love being scared.

Goosebumps, Gremlins, and Growing Up Horror

Jarid also explores the nature vs. nurture debate of horror fandom and digs into the catharsis horror brings, channeling his expertise as a psychology professor. Corey and Kendall reminisce about their own spooky introductions—sneaking behind the couch to watch The Exorcist and flipping through forbidden Fangoria magazines.

Key Discussion Points:

• Jarid’s one-of-a-kind Tim Jacobus painting (yes, the Goosebumps artist!)
• Why Goosebumps was groundbreaking and irresistible for kids
• Horror’s role in catharsis and releasing pent-up emotions
• The evolution of horror fandom and collecting—conventions, autographs, and wall space struggles
• Nature vs. nurture: Are we born horror fans, or is it our environment?

90sKidHorror on IG

This week on Horror Heals, Corey and Kendall unwrap a special gift for horror fans everywhere—a festive, frightening conversation with Lynne Griffin, the star of the 1974 slasher classic Black Christmas. Celebrating the film’s 50th anniversary, Lynne shares behind-the-scenes stories, from Bob Clark’s joyful direction to the creation of the film’s haunting visuals.

Black Christmas at 50: Lynne Griffin's Legacy

Lynne also explores how the movie broke boundaries, empowered audiences, and built a legacy that endures to this day. From signing pictures of herself with a bag over her head to dreaming up her next role as a serial-killer grandma, Lynne brings humor, charm, and insight to this unforgettable episode.

Plus, get the scoop on her involvement in It’s Me Billy, the fan-made sequel, and find out why Black Christmas continues to captivate horror lovers around the world.

In Part 2 of our conversation with paranormal historian and master storyteller Troy Taylor, we delve deeper into his incredible career and contributions to the world of haunted histories, horror, and community building. From his creation of the American Oddities Museum to the Haunted America Conferences, Troy shares the passion and dedication that have defined his life’s work.

Discover the Secrets of Haunted America

What We Discuss in This Episode

The American Oddities Museum

Troy introduces us to his American Oddities Museum, a fascinating collection of unusual artifacts that blends history, the macabre, and storytelling. Located in Alton, Illinois—a town often referred to as one of the most haunted in America—the museum houses items ranging from haunted dolls and funeral artifacts to true crime relics and sideshow memorabilia.

Key Artifacts: Learn about some of the museum’s standout pieces, including haunted dolls, Houdini artifacts, and chilling relics tied to infamous crimes.

The Inspiration: Troy shares the story behind the museum’s creation and how it serves as a physical extension of his lifelong passion for the unusual.

Haunted America Conferences

As the creator of the Haunted America Conferences, Troy has built a community of paranormal enthusiasts who come together each year to explore ghost stories, supernatural tales, and haunted histories.

Conference Origins: Troy explains how the conferences began and why they’ve become a staple event for fans of the paranormal.

Community Building: Discover how these gatherings foster connections and provide a space for people to share their curiosity and passion for the unknown.

Storytelling and Historical Accuracy

Troy’s commitment to separating fact from fiction is a hallmark of his work. In this episode, he explains why balancing compelling storytelling with historical accuracy is essential when exploring haunted histories.

The Challenges: Troy discusses the research and effort that go into uncovering the truth behind ghost stories.

Why It Matters: He emphasizes the importance of respecting history while still embracing the wonder and mystery of the paranormal.

Troy’s Unique Approach

From writing over 150 books to curating his museum and events, Troy shares how his work is driven by a desire to connect people with the past and the paranormal. His insights into blending entertainment and education highlight why he’s become such a beloved figure in the horror and supernatural community.

Why This Episode Matters

In this second part of our conversation, we see how Troy’s passion has translated into tangible contributions to the horror and paranormal world. His museum, conferences, and books all serve as reminders of the ways in which history and storytelling can create connection, foster curiosity, and even bring comfort to those who engage with them.

Highlights

• A deep dive into the American Oddities Museum and its most intriguing artifacts.
• The origins and impact of the Haunted America Conferences.
• Troy’s process for blending storytelling and historical accuracy.
• Insights into why horror and haunted histories resonate so deeply with people.

In this episode, Corey and Kendall welcome the legendary Troy Taylor, author, historian, and paranormal storyteller extraordinaire. Troy dives into his lifelong love of horror, how Famous Monsters of Filmland magazine sparked his interest, and how being a horror fan shaped his journey into writing and exploring the paranormal.

The True Story Behind The Exorcist

Troy shares incredible insights into the healing power of horror, the connection between spooky stories and real-life history, and how his museum of oddities has become a hub for curiosity and wonder. Whether you’re into ghost stories, horror films, or simply love a good tale, Troy’s stories are sure to captivate.

But there’s more to this episode than storytelling. Troy recently experienced a devastating hack that took control of his social media accounts and drained his small business's finances, including his museum and podcast. Now, our horror-loving community has a chance to give back to someone who has given us so much.

Support Troy Taylor:

Troy’s small business has been hit hard by a recent cyberattack that drained his accounts. To help him rebuild his museum, podcast, and events, we’ve linked his GoFundMe below. Every little bit helps, whether you donate or share the link with your friends. Let’s come together as a community to support one of our own.

➡️ Donate to Troy’s GoFundMe Here

Follow Horror Heals:

Don’t forget to subscribe to Horror Heals wherever you get your podcasts, and connect with us on social media for more spooky stories and updates.

In this episode, Corey and Kendall sit down with Dr. Coltan Scrivner, a leading expert on the psychology of horror, morbid curiosity, and true crime. Coltan shares his journey from curious grad student to global thought leader, exploring why we’re drawn to the macabre, how horror can benefit mental health, and the fascinating science behind our fear-driven behaviors.

Horror Fans' Morbid Curiosity Unmasked

Coltan discusses:

• His upcoming book Morbidly Curious (releasing October 2025).
• The Eureka Springs Zombie Crawl and Nightmare in the Ozarks Film Festival.
• The evolution of horror villains like Freddy Krueger.
• How horror fans are more empathetic and better at perspective-taking than stereotypes suggest.
• The three types of horror fans: adrenaline junkies, white knucklers, and dark copers.
• Why zombies might just be the perfect monster.

Visit Coltan Scrivner's website to take the Morbid Curiosity Test and learn more about his work.

This week, Corey and Kendall dive into the Halloween wonderland of Melissa Lahr, an artist and diehard Beetlejuice fan who’s turning her love of spooky nostalgia into jaw-dropping props and unforgettable parties. From her Etsy shop to her annual Halloween fundraiser (think 200 people, costumes, and DJ vibes), Melissa shares how a childhood obsession with the Ghost with the Most became a creative outlet—and how horror helped her survive the darkest days of the pandemic.

The Healing Power of Beetlejuice

We also talk practical effects, the timeless appeal of Tim Burton’s Beetlejuice, and the much-anticipated sequel that’s finally here. Don’t miss Melissa’s insights on the healing side of horror and her pick for the ultimate final person. Let’s just say, if you’re a fan of Ripley or Sidney, you’ll want to tune in.

Why You’ll Love This Episode:

• Hear how Melissa’s Beetlejuice-inspired props (yes, shrimp hands!) brought her Halloween dreams to life.
• Get inspired by her mission to turn her annual Halloween bash into a fundraiser for senior dog rescues.
• Learn why horror can be the ultimate form of self-care—especially during tough times.
• Celebrate the practical effects and genius behind Beetlejuice and its long-awaited sequel.
• Find out which iconic horror characters Melissa thinks are the ultimate final survivors.

Links to Explore:

• Melissa’s Etsy Shop: Shrimp Hands and More!
• Follow Melissa’s Work: @MelissaLahrCreates
• Learn About Forgotten Paws Dog Rescue: Forgotten Paws
• Watch Beetlejuice 2: Streaming Now!

Join the Conversation:

• Share your Halloween setups and horror-inspired creations on Instagram with @HorrorHealsPodcast. Let’s see your spooky side!