In this episode of Horror Heals, Corey and Kendall sit down with an emerging horror author, Dacre Black, who knows all about turning real-life trauma into terrifying tales. Growing up, Dacre faced relentless bullying, but instead of letting that define him, he found healing in both martial arts and writing. His mother gave him powerful advice that would shape his future: "If the world isn’t treating you right, create your own reality." This became the foundation of his career as a horror writer.

Dacre is now the author of the Afterlife series, blending '80s nostalgia with supernatural suspense in books like The Campground, which is now available. We discuss how his experiences with bullying, the therapeutic value of martial arts, and his love for horror movies from the '80s all played a key role in crafting his unique writing style.

Join us for an inspiring conversation about the intersection of horror, healing, and the creative process.

Key Themes Discussed:

Using Horror to Heal:

• The episode starts with our guest’s backstory—how bullying throughout his childhood led him to seek escape and healing through creative outlets.
• His mother’s advice to “create your own reality” was pivotal. Writing became a way to escape the harshness of reality and to build a world where he could have control over the narrative.
• How horror became a tool not just for escape, but for processing his emotions and finding strength.

From Bullying to Martial Arts:

• Alongside writing, our guest took up martial arts, specifically Gracie Jiu-Jitsu, as a means of self-defense and building confidence.
• He discusses how martial arts helped him rebuild his self-esteem after years of bullying and gave him the tools to physically and mentally defend himself.
• Martial arts continues to play a role in his life today, influencing both his personal growth and his writing style, as his characters often display the same resilience and strength.

The Power of His Mother’s Words:

• A powerful moment of the episode highlights the advice his mother gave him during those tough years of being bullied. By encouraging him to write, she helped him find a way to channel his pain into something creative and healing.
• He shares how this advice has stayed with him throughout his life and career, becoming the foundation of his work as a horror author.

The Birth of the Afterlife Series:

• His Afterlife series was born out of his love for 80s horror movies, paranormal stories, and his personal experiences. The 80s setting, with its absence of modern technology, heightens the suspense, making his characters rely more on their instincts than on gadgets.
• He talks about the development of his latest book, The Campground, which blends haunted campgrounds with paranormal thrills, all tied together by that classic 80s vibe.
• We also get a sneak peek into his upcoming books and plans for the series, which will eventually span 13 novels.

Horror as Therapy:

• The episode touches on the Horror Heals theme as our guest reflects on how writing horror helped him process trauma from bullying. Horror became a way to confront the "real monsters" of his childhood and turn them into something empowering.
• He shares insights into how horror offers both catharsis and a sense of control—two things that are essential for healing from emotional scars.

Real-Life Influences in His Writing:

• From his experiences as a martial artist to his love for 80s pop culture, we learn how real-life events and challenges shape the characters and plots in his stories.
• He discusses the importance of creating...

Welcome back to Horror Heals for part two of our conversation with the one and only Audrey Rose! In this episode, we go even deeper into how horror impacts not just mental wellness but parenting and teaching. Audrey—a self-described “weird” art teacher—shares how she uses horror films to teach her kids and students valuable life lessons, all while managing her own anxiety and depression.

Teaching Kids to Face Fear

Episode Highlights:

• Parenting with a Horror Twist: Audrey shares how she introduced her son to horror, beginning with Jurassic Park, Aliens, and later Friday the 13th. She opens up about explaining horror characters to her children—like Jason Voorhees—and how these tragic figures can help them understand emotions.
• Life Lessons Hidden in Horror: Audrey uses iconic horror films to teach real-world lessons, like Pet Sematary’s “Don’t talk to strangers” and American Werewolf in London’s “Stick to the path.” Who knew horror could be the ultimate parenting tool?
• Mental Health Through Horror: Audrey discusses how horror movies, like A Nightmare on Elm Street, help her cope with anxiety and depression. The cathartic effect of watching Nancy triumph over Freddy mirrors her own journey through mental illness, making horror a source of strength.
• Final Girl Faves: We dive into Audrey’s love for Jamie Lee Curtis and her iconic portrayal of Laurie Strode from Halloween. Audrey talks about the importance of strong, resilient female characters in horror and why Laurie is her ultimate Final Girl.
• Rocky Horror & Real Talk: Audrey is preparing to show her 13-year-old autistic son Rocky Horror Picture Show, wanting to normalize conversations around sexuality while enjoying the genre they both love. Parenting through horror and musicals? Count us in!
• The Power of Horror Conventions: Audrey talks about attending horror conventions and how being surrounded by her “people” lifted her spirits during tough times. She reflects on how horror events provide a safe, welcoming space for fans to connect and heal.

Key Takeaways:

• Using Horror to Teach: Audrey’s style of parenting and teaching is all about turning horror into learning moments—whether it's helping her kids understand complex emotions through Friday the 13th or using American Werewolf in London to instill real-world safety tips.
• Mental Wellness & Monsters: For Audrey, horror is more than entertainment. It’s a lifeline during dark times, offering her a way to confront her anxieties and fears while giving her strength to push through.
• Parenting Through Horror: Audrey believes parents do their kids a service by introducing them to horror in a thoughtful way. Watching horror together has opened doors for deeper discussions about fear, emotions, and even complex topics like sexuality.

Audrey Rose on Instagram

Memorable Quotes:

• "There’s a lot of life lessons in horror movies—thank you, Pet Sematary, for teaching us not to talk to strangers."
• "When I watch Nancy defeat Freddy in A Nightmare on Elm Street, it reminds me that I can face my own fears and come out stronger, just like she did."
• "I want to be the one to introduce my son to Rocky Horror Picture Show, so I can talk him through the themes of sexuality and make sure he understands it’s all about embracing who you are."

What You’ll Learn:

• How horror can be a valuable parenting tool, offering...

In the latest episode of Horror Heals, hosts Corey takes listeners on a journey into the world of horror community-building with guest Laura Inlow, Corey’s old friend and former coworker. Laura recently founded LC Scars, a horror club at Lewis and Clark Community College in Godfrey, Illinois, located near one of the most haunted towns in America, Alton. But what drives someone to start a horror club, and how does horror support mental wellness? Laura’s story offers insights for anyone looking to turn a passion into a meaningful, shared experience.

The Chilling Magic of Community: How Horror Brings People Together

From her explorations of haunted sites in Alton to her efforts to create an inclusive space for horror fans, Laura’s journey reveals horror as more than just jump scares—it’s a pathway to community and catharsis. For Laura, horror became a crucial outlet during the pandemic, helping her manage stress and find perspective. Watching horror films allowed her to experience the adrenaline of fear within a safe, controlled setting—a reminder that she could survive the anxiety-inducing days of uncertainty and lockdowns.

The Haunted Origins of LC Scars

Building a horror club wasn’t just about scares and thrills for Laura; it was about connection. At Lewis and Clark, she envisioned LC Scars as a place where students could share in the magic of horror, whether through spine-tingling film screenings, book discussions, or even group trips to haunted houses. As Laura and Corey discussed in the episode, horror clubs provide a safe space for fans to bond over shared scares, whether it's through creepy tales of haunted sites or the comfort of a classic monster movie.

In an unexpected twist, Laura’s kids have also begun to join her on this horror journey. With carefully chosen “gateway” horror films like Nightbooks and The Lost Boys, Laura has introduced her daughters to horror in a way that feels fun and safe, reminding listeners that horror can be a family affair.

The Power of Horror as Therapy

Laura’s experience mirrors a phenomenon recognized by horror fans everywhere: horror can provide an emotional outlet. Whether it's the thrill of a haunted house or the thrill of a horror movie marathon, horror allows people to feel a controlled fear that can serve as a mental reset. For Laura, watching horror movies gave her the adrenaline rush of fear while knowing she was ultimately safe. It’s like a rollercoaster ride for the mind—terrifying in the moment, yet exhilarating once it’s over.

As Laura shared in the episode, horror can even help fans build mental resilience. The heroes and heroines, or “final girls,” in horror films embody perseverance, facing unimaginable odds and surviving. These narratives provide more than just entertainment; they offer inspiration and validation for people facing their fears, both real and imagined.

Bringing Horror Home

For many fans, Halloween is the ultimate celebration of all things horror, and Laura is no exception. She regales listeners with stories of local Halloween traditions, like the unique trick-or-treat parade in her neighborhood, where the givers of candy line the route and watch as kids in costumes parade by. As she builds her horror club, Laura hopes to make this love for the genre an integral part of campus life at Lewis and Clark, bringing students together to experience the chills and thrills of the season in a way that builds memories and friendships.

Whether you're a horror fanatic or simply intrigued by the idea of using horror as a means of coping, this episode of Horror Heals is one you won't want to miss. Corey, Kendall, and Laura remind us that, while life can be scary, facing fears together—whether on the screen or in a haunted house—can bring people closer than ever.

In this episode of Horror Heals, hosts, Corey and Kendall, welcome art teacher and horror aficionado, Audrey Rose. Audrey takes listeners into her high school classroom, a safe haven filled with horror posters and over 150 Frankenstein toys. Audrey shares how horror films like The Exorcist and classic novels by Stephen King have helped her process her own mental health journey and how she uses horror to support her students. We dive into topics like building resilience through horror, the importance of creating safe spaces for self-expression, and the healing power of monsters, particularly her favorite, Frankenstein’s monster. Join us for a conversation that celebrates the cathartic and transformative power of horror.

Key Discussion Points:

• Audrey’s Journey: How Audrey discovered her passion for art and teaching, and how horror became her creative and emotional outlet.
• The Art of Darkness: The therapeutic power of characters like Frankenstein’s monster, who reflect feelings of sadness and being misunderstood.
• Creating a Safe Haven in the Classroom: Audrey shares how she uses horror decor and themes to make her students feel accepted, empowered, and free to express themselves.
• Mental Health and Horror: How horror helped Audrey and others cope with anxiety, depression, and other struggles.
• Horror Community: Corey and Audrey discuss the welcoming, diverse world of horror conventions and online horror communities, and how these spaces help horror fans find belonging and healing.

Listener Takeaways:

• Insight into how horror can serve as a therapeutic tool for mental wellness.
• Ideas for how to incorporate personal interests, like horror, into a professional environment to help others.
• A closer look at the horror genre’s impact on personal resilience, identity, and healing, especially for those who feel like outsiders.

Audrey Rose on Instagram

#HorrorHeals #MentalHealth #AudreyRose #Frankenstein #ArtEducation #HorrorCommunity #TheExorcist #Resilience #MentalWellness #HorrorMovies #HorrorAndHealing #ArtTherapy #AnxietyRelief #OutsiderArt #Monsters

Corey and Kendall host Dr. Ashley Allen, a licensed clinical psychologist with a surprising take on horror movies and mental health. Known for her work with neurodivergent LGBTQ+ individuals, as well as her expertise in mood disorders, PTSD, and grief, Ashley has found a unique use for horror as a therapeutic tool.

Growing up in a religious household, Ashley discovered horror at a young age and leaned on it to navigate her own struggles with PTSD, anxiety, and OCD. Now, she shares how horror films provide catharsis and emotional processing, helping her clients—many facing challenges from trauma to borderline personality disorder—to feel a sense of control and resilience. She reveals why horror conventions and fan communities offer an inclusive, nonjudgmental space for those on the neurodivergent spectrum, and how her work as a psychologist allows her to introduce horror as a powerful therapeutic medium.

If you’ve ever wondered how horror films might aid mental health, this episode explores the science, the stigma, and the unexpected support horror can bring. Listen in to learn how to unlock horror's healing potential—no therapy session required!

Topics Covered:

• The surprising link between horror and mental health: coping with PTSD, anxiety, and mood disorders
• Why horror appeals to neurodivergent and LGBTQ+ individuals as a safe space
• Exploring themes of catharsis, trauma, and resilience through horror narratives
• Behind the scenes of horror fan conventions: a psychologist’s take on community and acceptance
• How facing fictional fears helps build real-life resilience in both therapists and their clients

Key Quotes:

• “For those with trauma or mood disorders, horror offers a controlled way to confront overwhelming emotions.”
• “Horror creates a safe space for fear—perfect for my neurodivergent and LGBTQ+ clients to find empowerment and relief.”
• “Even therapists sometimes need an escape; for me, horror provides that in the most cathartic way.”

In this episode of Horror Heals, hosts Cory and Kendall welcome Jak from Horrorshow Art to discuss the therapeutic aspects of horror. Jak shares his personal journey of how horror became a creative outlet during the COVID lockdown, transforming isolation into imagination. The conversation explores the intersection of performance and horror, the importance of LGBTQ+ representation in horror narratives, and how engaging with horror can help heal past traumas. Jak's passion for horror art and performance shines through as he discusses his aspirations to merge these worlds and the community he has found within the horror genre.

From Stage to Scream with Horrorshow Art

Takeaways:

Horror can serve as a therapeutic outlet for mental wellness.

Jak's journey into horror art began during the COVID lockdown.

The act of performing allows for a cathartic escape from reality.

LGBTQ+ narratives are deeply intertwined with horror themes.

Nostalgia plays a significant role in Jak's connection to horror.

Jak's passion for masks reflects his love for horror culture.

Horror conventions provide a sense of community and belonging.

The horror genre continues to grow and evolve in popularity.

Artistic expression in horror can lead to personal healing.

Jak aims to combine his passions for performance and horror art.

Sound Bites

"Horror can heal your mental scars."

"I retreated into horror during lockdown."

"There's a real catharsis that comes with acting."

Chapters

00:00 The Healing Power of Horror

02:21 Jack's Journey into Horror Art

06:52 The Intersection of Performance and Horror

10:34 Pursuing Passion in Horror

15:40 Exploring LGBTQ+ Themes in Horror

19:27 Healing Through Horror and Nostalgia

Find Jak's art on Instagram at Horrorshow Art

In this candid and nostalgic episode, Corey reflects on his experiences attending TerrorCon in Marlborough, Massachusetts, and the surprising impact of 1984 horror films. From the childhood road trip with his grandparents to watching "Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom," Corey discusses the early moments that sparked his fascination with body horror.

Body Horror and Childhood Fears

Key Topics:

• Corey’s nostalgic recount of watching films like "Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom" as a kid
• The disturbing but oddly captivating world of body horror, featuring cult favorites like Rob Zombie’s "House of a Thousand Corpses" and David Cronenberg's masterpieces
• How horror helps Corey cope with anxiety and medical fears
• Personal messages from listeners and the growing Horror Heals community

Why You Should Listen:

Do you have childhood movie memories that shaped your love of horror? This episode dives deep into how early film experiences can shape fears and interests and how horror provides an outlet for those who struggle with anxiety.

Episode Quotes:

• “Seeing someone's heart get pulled from their chest definitely had an impact on me.”
• “We've all got our anxieties and our fears, and sometimes horror helps us cope.”
• “Horror heals us in surprising ways, and sometimes it’s what makes us feel most at home.”

Call to Action:

If you enjoyed the episode, please leave a review on Spotify or Apple, or share it with a horror-loving friend. Horror heals, and we’re all in this together!

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In this episode of Horror Heals, hosts Corey and Kendall Stulce sit down with Polish artist Hekkoto, whose horror-themed art draws from influences like Creepypasta and Japanese horror. Hekkoto shares their personal story of discovering horror during a challenging time in their life and explains how the genre—and creating terrifying monsters—became a form of mental wellness and community-building. From early inspirations like The Grim Adventures of Billy and Mandy and Paranormal Activity to their love for Slender Man and Japanese horror films like Ringu, Hekkoto reflects on the comfort they find in the darker side of creativity.

The conversation also delves into the cultural differences in horror between Poland and other countries, and Hekkoto's aspirations to expand their work into video and sculpture. Join us for a deep, spooky dive into the therapeutic power of horror art and how it helps people like Hekkoto find belonging.

From Creepypasta to Comfort: Horror Art for Mental Wellness

Key Topics Discussed:

• Hekkoto’s early love of drawing and the evolution from cute cats to horror art
• The impact of Creepypasta on their artistic direction, especially Slender Man
• How horror art became a therapeutic outlet during difficult times
• The sense of belonging Hekkoto found in the horror community
• Differences in horror culture between Poland and other parts of the world
• Hekkoto’s inspirations from Japanese horror, especially the Ringu series
• Plans to expand their creative work into video, sculpture, and YouTube
• The role of outsiders in horror and how monsters often mirror feelings of isolation

Guest Bio:

Hekkoto is an artist from Poland known for their horror-inspired artwork, which they share on social media. Drawing from sources like Creepypasta, Japanese horror, and personal experiences, Hekkoto’s art reflects their love for dark, eerie imagery. Through their art, they’ve found a sense of belonging and community, which helps them cope with life's challenges. They are currently expanding their creative outlets to include video and sculpture.

Hekkoto on Instagram

Hekkoto's Linktr.ee

In part two of this special episode of Horror Heals, Corey and Kendall continue their conversation with Andre Gower, star of The Monster Squad and creator of Wolfman’s Got Nards. Andre shares touching stories about how horror films and conventions have provided healing spaces, especially for those on the autism spectrum, and how the horror community offers a unique sense of belonging. The episode explores the power of fandom, the final girl trope, and how overcoming fears in horror mirrors the challenges we face in real life.

From Monster Squad to Mental Health: Andre Gower Discusses the Healing Power of Horror Part 2

Topics Discussed:

• The healing effects of horror conventions on fans, particularly those on the autism spectrum.
• How The Monster Squad has helped fans through personal struggles.
• Horror as an escape and safe space for many.
• The archetype of the "final girl" and its deep connection to survival instincts.
• Personal reflections from Andre on his heart attack and returning to the horror community.
• The announcement of exciting new projects, including Wolfman’s Got Nards standalone Blu-ray release.

Timestamps:

• [00:01] Corey shares the origin story of Horror Heals from Monster Mania
• [02:11] How horror conventions serve as healing spaces for fans, including those on the autism spectrum
• [04:30] Andre shares stories of how The Monster Squad helped fans with severe autism
• [08:55] Horror films as a form of escape and comfort
• [10:59] Discussing the final girl trope and its deep-rooted connection to survival
• [13:43] Andre reflects on his first horror convention post-heart attack
• [20:59] The importance of personal connections with fans at conventions

In this episode of Horror Heals, Corey and Kendall welcome Andre Gower, star of the cult favorite The Monster Squad and creator of the documentary Wolfman’s Got Nards. Andre shares his journey in the horror genre, the making of his documentary, and how horror movies have a unique way of helping people work through trauma and fears. The trio discusses the role of horror in mental wellness, how genre films serve as modern mythology, and how controlled fear can be a tool for healing. This is part one of a two-part episode, so stay tuned for more insights from Andre in part two!

Topics Discussed:

• The creation of Wolfman’s Got Nards and Andre’s perspective on horror documentaries.
• The generational love for horror, especially The Monster Squad.
• How horror films help audiences process real-life trauma.
• Shared experiences in horror conventions and the welcoming horror community.
• The evolution of horror and its role in today’s culture of mental wellness.
• The intersection of art and healing, with a focus on horror.

Timestamps:

• [00:00] Intro: Rewatching Wolfman’s Got Nards and the appeal of horror documentaries
• [02:25] The power of horror as modern mythology
• [07:09] How monster movies reflect societal fears and cultural archetypes
• [11:59] Horror as a tool for mental and emotional healing
• [16:43] The role of controlled fear in building resilience
• [23:57] Andre's first horror convention and the magic of the genre community

Connect with Andre Gower:

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