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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 c

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If you want to support our guests, check the show notes for links to their work, conventions, and fundraising pages.

You can also listen to our sister podcast Family Twist, a show about DNA surprises, identity, and the families we find along the way.

Horror Heals is produced by How the Cow Ate the Cabbage LLC.

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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

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Share the show with someone who loves horror and someone who needs a little healing.

If you want to support our guests, check the show notes for links to their work, conventions, and fundraising pages.

You can also listen to our sister podcast Family Twist, a show about DNA surprises, identity, and the families we find along the way.

Horror Heals is produced by How the Cow Ate the Cabbage LLC.

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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.”

Thank you for listening to Horror Heals. 

Share the show with someone who loves horror and someone who needs a little healing.

If you want to support our guests, check the show notes for links to their work, conventions, and fundraising pages.

You can also listen to our sister podcast Family Twist, a show about DNA surprises, identity, and the families we find along the way.

Horror Heals is produced by How the Cow Ate the Cabbage LLC.

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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

Thank you for listening to Horror Heals. 

Share the show with someone who loves horror and someone who needs a little healing.

If you want to support our guests, check the show notes for links to their work, conventions, and fundraising pages.

You can also listen to our sister podcast Family Twist, a show about DNA surprises, identity, and the families we find along the way.

Horror Heals is produced by How the Cow Ate the Cabbage LLC.

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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!

HorrorHeals.com

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Spotify

YouTube

Thank you for listening to Horror Heals. 

Share the show with someone who loves horror and someone who needs a little healing.

If you want to support our guests, check the show notes for links to their work, conventions, and fundraising pages.

You can also listen to our sister podcast Family Twist, a show about DNA surprises, identity, and the families we find along the way.

Horror Heals is produced by How the Cow Ate the Cabbage LLC.

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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

Thank you for listening to Horror Heals. 

Share the show with someone who loves horror and someone who needs a little healing.

If you want to support our guests, check the show notes for links to their work, conventions, and fundraising pages.

You can also listen to our sister podcast Family Twist, a show about DNA surprises, identity, and the families we find along the way.

Horror Heals is produced by How the Cow Ate the Cabbage LLC.

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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

Thank you for listening to Horror Heals. 

Share the show with someone who loves horror and someone who needs a little healing.

If you want to support our guests, check the show notes for links to their work, conventions, and fundraising pages.

You can also listen to our sister podcast Family Twist, a show about DNA surprises, identity, and the families we find along the way.

Horror Heals is produced by How the Cow Ate the Cabbage LLC.

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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:

Instagram

Thank you for listening to Horror Heals. 

Share the show with someone who loves horror and someone who needs a little healing.

If you want to support our guests, check the show notes for links to their work, conventions, and fundraising pages.

You can also listen to our sister podcast Family Twist, a show about DNA surprises, identity, and the families we find along the way.

Horror Heals is produced by How the Cow Ate the Cabbage LLC.

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In this episode of Horror Heals, hosts Corey and Kendall Stulce sit down with veteran and miniature artist, Eerie Earl, to explore how creating eerie, quiet, creepy art helps him process trauma and heal from past experiences. Earl delves into his artistic journey, influenced by his military background and his need for a creative outlet.

From Military to Miniatures: Eerie Earl’s Healing Through Art

Episode Highlights:

• Eerie Earl's Artistic Origins: Earl talks about how creativity runs in his family and how his military career pushed his artistic side into the background. It wasn’t until his retirement, and his wife's encouragement, that he began exploring miniature art with a focus on eerie, abandoned, and horror-inspired aesthetics.
• Military Influence on Art: Earl discusses how traveling during his military service gave him a unique perspective and appreciation for the eerie, abandoned spaces he now recreates in miniature. He reflects on how his experiences shaped the way he crafts small, haunting pieces.
• The Therapeutic Power of Art: Earl touches on how art became a therapeutic outlet for his trauma, offering him a sense of calm and control over the eerie subjects he creates. He also talks about the healing power of art in the veteran community through his involvement with Artists in Arms, a nonprofit organization for veteran artists.
• Collaborative Art and Family: Earl shares how he and his wife share a studio space, bonding over their artistic passions. He highlights how his sons, each with different personalities and interests, are learning from the creativity within their home.
• Favorite Final Person in Horror: Earl names Ben from Night of the Living Dead as his favorite final character, reflecting on how both the original and remake versions resonate with him. He discusses how his perspective on the film has evolved as he has matured, making the remake’s ending particularly powerful.

Why You Should Listen:

This episode touches on the therapeutic power of horror and art, exploring how creating eerie, miniature worlds has helped Eerie Earl process his trauma. Whether you're an artist, horror fan, or someone interested in mental wellness, Earl’s story is inspiring, showing how art can become a meaningful tool for healing.

Thank you for listening to Horror Heals. 

Share the show with someone who loves horror and someone who needs a little healing.

If you want to support our guests, check the show notes for links to their work, conventions, and fundraising pages.

You can also listen to our sister podcast Family Twist, a show about DNA surprises, identity, and the families we find along the way.

Horror Heals is produced by How the Cow Ate the Cabbage LLC.

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In this powerful episode, Corey and Kendall again sit down with Adrienne King, best known for her iconic role as Alice in Friday the 13th, to explore how horror films, art, and community can provide unexpected healing from trauma. Adrienne shares her deeply personal experiences with PTSD, her struggles with a real-life stalker, and how painting became a therapeutic outlet. She also discusses her journey toward finding solace and strength in the horror community and her current passion for creating art. The conversation touches on survival, resilience, and how the horror genre mirrors personal battles in real life.

From Crystal Lake to Canvas: How Adrienne King Found Healing Through Art

Key Takeaways:

• Adrienne shares her artistic passion and how painting has helped her process trauma, including her experiences with a stalker.
• The importance of community: Adrienne talks about how the support of her fans, whom she calls "campers," has played a significant role in her healing journey.
• Facing demons on and off-screen: Adrienne opens up about her emotional challenges after Alice’s shocking exit in Friday the 13th Part 2.
• How art and horror intersect: Horror allows us to face our fears in a safe space, empowering us to tackle real-life challenges with newfound resilience.

Episode Highlights:

• [00:03] – Introduction to Adrienne King and her role as Alice in Friday the 13th.
• [06:15] – Adrienne’s love for art and how painting has become a therapeutic tool for healing.
• [10:37] – The impact of Adrienne’s fans on her emotional recovery and finding strength through community.
• [14:10] – Adrienne's experiences with PTSD and the emotional toll of her character’s exit from the Friday the 13th franchise.
• [19:00] – How horror can be an outlet for mental wellness, and Adrienne’s final message: “Final girls do win.”

Get in touch!

HorrorHeals.com

IG: horror_heals

[email protected]

Thank you for listening to Horror Heals. 

Share the show with someone who loves horror and someone who needs a little healing.

If you want to support our guests, check the show notes for links to their work, conventions, and fundraising pages.

You can also listen to our sister podcast Family Twist, a show about DNA surprises, identity, and the families we find along the way.

Horror Heals is produced by How the Cow Ate the Cabbage LLC.

Is horror good for mental wellness? Of corpse it is.