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In this debut episode of Horror Heals, your co-hosts Corey and Kendall Austin Stulce introduce themselves and set the stage for what the podcast is all about—exploring the therapeutic benefits of horror movies, books, comics, and horror culture. They share their personal stories about how horror has helped them manage anxiety and provided mental wellness, while also previewing future episodes featuring horror icons, fans, and artists. The episode begins with a familiar voice for horror lovers—John Kassir, the voice of the Cryptkeeper, who provides the show's eerie yet exciting introduction.

Horror Heals? Of Corpse It Does!

Episode Highlights:

What is Horror Heals About?

Corey and Kendall explain how horror, despite its scary elements, can offer therapeutic benefits, especially for those dealing with anxiety, depression, and trauma.

The podcast will feature interviews with horror celebrities, artisans, and fans who will share how horror has positively impacted their mental health.

Corey & Kendall’s Personal Connection to Horror:

Both hosts share personal anecdotes about their early introductions to horror and how it became a therapeutic escape. Kendall recalls sneaking a peek at The Exorcist as a child, despite his mother’s strict “no horror” rule. This childhood experience sparked a lifelong love for horror, especially The Exorcist, which remains his favorite movie.

Corey discusses how watching E.T. at a young age helped him feel seen, identifying with the character Elliot and his outsider status. This connection to film is something he now recognizes as an early form of emotional processing through media.

Horror Fandom and Acceptance:

Kendall and Corey talk about their experiences with horror conventions and the inclusive, supportive nature of the horror community. Corey describes horror conventions as his "happy place," filled with cosplayers and vendors that make him feel an instant sense of belonging.

The couple shares how horror fans, regardless of background, come together in a shared passion for the genre. This sense of camaraderie and acceptance was especially significant when they attended a horror convention in Massachusetts with Kendall’s newly discovered birth family.

How Horror Films Help with Anxiety:

Both Corey and Kendall discuss how horror helps them manage anxiety, explaining that after a stressful day, they often unwind by watching demonic possession films like The Evil Dead.

The adrenaline rush and escapism of horror allows them to release stress in a healthy way, showing how films that might seem frightening to some can actually be calming for others.

Family Twist & Finding Connection:

Corey and Kendall talk about their first podcast, Family Twist, which focuses on DNA surprises, adoption stories, and family reunions. The themes of family and identity are close to their hearts, and they plan to weave these themes into Horror Heals by discussing how horror can help people navigate complex emotional landscapes.

They share the personal story of how Kendall met his half-brother Chris through a DNA test and how this reunion led

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.

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Exploring the positive effects of horror movies and their connection to mental health, fear management, and emotional healing.

Dee Wallace: Healing Fear Through Horror

Opening Thoughts (00:00 – 02:00):

Corey introduces Dee Wallace, a Hollywood legend renowned for her roles in classic films like E.T. and Cujo. Dee dives straight into the core theme of the podcast, discussing the overlooked benefits of watching horror films, especially for mental health.

Horror as a Tool for Emotional Release (02:01 – 06:30):

Dee shares her experience discussing the positive effects of horror films at an industry event, a topic that surprised many. She explains how horror helps people manage fear in controlled environments and the physiological effects horror has on the brain, such as the release of dopamine and serotonin, which contribute to feelings of excitement and relief.

Dee also highlights how watching horror films with others—especially in a romantic setting—can bring people closer, citing personal examples and her thoughts on why people feel a sense of connection through shared fear.

The Difference Between Horror and Slasher Films (06:31 – 09:30):

Corey and Dee discuss how the horror genre has shifted over the years. Dee expresses her preference for true horror films, like Cujo, over modern slasher films, which often sacrifice character depth for graphic violence. She points out that films like Cujo engage the audience emotionally, creating a lasting impact, especially for parents who see the film from a different perspective as adults.

Revisiting Cujo and the Power of Emotional Horror (09:31 – 11:30):

Dee revisits her role in Cujo, explaining how she approached the film not as a horror movie, but as a mother’s desperate fight to protect her child. Corey and Dee reflect on how films like The Exorcist and Don't Look Now create horror through psychological tension rather than gore, making them even more terrifying and impactful.

Horror's Universal Message (11:31 – 13:00):

Dee emphasizes how horror often taps into universal fears, such as losing control, whether it’s through supernatural forces or real-life struggles like domestic abuse. Horror films allow viewers to practice facing fear, helping them feel more in control of their emotions and their lives.

The Love from Fans and Emotional Connections (13:01 – 15:47):

Dee shares touching stories from her experiences at fan conventions. She recounts an emotional moment with a mother whose autistic son spoke for the first time after watching E.T., highlighting the deep emotional impact these films can have on people’s lives. She reflects on the power of storytelling and the unique bond she shares with her fans, who often open up about how her films helped them through difficult times.

Judgment and Reaction: Lessons from a Fan Encounter (15:48 – 18:00):

Dee shares a transformative moment where she realized her own unconscious judgments after meeting a heavily tattooed fan. The fan’s kindness and dedication to helping underpriv

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.

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In this episode of Horror Heals, Corey and Kendall sit down with Jennifer Ginty, a passionate horror fan and entrepreneur. Jennifer shares her personal journey of growing up in a horror-loving family while dealing with trauma, PTSD, and depression. She opens up about how horror became a source of comfort for her and how it continues to help her manage her mental health. Jennifer also discusses her incredible creation, Moody—a therapeutic doll designed to help children and adults alike process emotions and trauma. Moody’s customizable features, including detachable limbs, provide a safe outlet for frustration and stress. Throughout the conversation, Jennifer reflects on her favorite horror movies, the complex nature of PTSD, and her aspirations for expanding the Moody line to help even more people.

Monsters and Mental Health: How Horror Saved Me

Episode Highlights:

• Jennifer shares her upbringing in a family that adored horror and how this connection to horror movies and books was integral to her mental health.
• Discussion on how horror culture, especially films like Texas Chainsaw Massacre and Nightmare on Elm Street, provide comfort and grounding during PTSD episodes.
• Insight into the development of Jennifer's entrepreneurial project, Moody, a therapeutic doll created to help people cope with emotional struggles by allowing them to physically release tension and anxiety.
• Jennifer's thoughts on how horror genres, like body horror and religious horror, intersect with her personal life and healing journey.
• A deep dive into Jennifer's personal experience with childhood trauma, navigating PTSD, and how horror movies helped her find emotional solace during difficult moments.
• Conversation about Jennifer’s love for characters like Ash from Evil Dead and how those horror icons became a source of comfort and empowerment.

Jennifer’s Journey with Moody:

• The origin story of Moody, born from Jennifer’s desire to create something that could physically represent and help process emotional distress.
• Moody’s arms, legs, and head are detachable, allowing users to rip it apart and release anger and frustration in a healthy way.
• Moody has been embraced by therapists, teachers, and families, and Jennifer shares her vision of expanding the product line to include customized dolls for children with ADHD and autism.
• Jennifer discusses plans for a Make-a-Monster feature, where kids and adults can design their own Moody doll, tailoring it to their specific needs.

Key Takeaways:

• Horror isn’t just about scares; for some, it’s a therapeutic and healing experience that helps them navigate trauma and emotional challenges.
• Jennifer’s story is a testament to the power of creativity, as she turned her own struggles into something that can help others with similar challenges.
• The horror community continues to be a place of comfort and connection for those who feel like outsiders or who are managing difficult life experiences.

Favorite Final Person: Jennifer’s favorite final person is Ash from Evil Dead. She loves everything about his character and the series, calling Ash her “absolute favorite hero

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.

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Adrienne King, the original Alice from Friday the 13th, joins Corey and Kendall for one of the most powerful conversations ever recorded on Horror Heals. Fans know her as the first final girl of the franchise. Few know the real story that came after: the stalker, the trauma, the years she went silent, and the moment the horror community brought her back to life.

Adrienne opens up about her fight for safety, the panic and isolation she carried for decades, and how walking into her first horror convention changed everything. She shares the emotional moment when hundreds of fans stood with her, cried with her, and helped her reclaim the story that began at Camp Crystal Lake.

This episode also dives into the healing power of horror, the connection between trauma survivors and final girls, and why Adrienne has become a touchstone for fans around the world. She reveals intimate memories from the set, including filming the iconic canoe jump scare, returning to the real camp, and the stunning stories fans have shared that shaped her journey.

If you love Friday the 13th, final girl stories, or the way horror brings broken pieces back together, this episode will stay with you long after the credits roll.

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

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.

Send us Fan Mail

Corey: Horror movies are good for mental wellness?! That’s crazy talk!

Kendall: Afraid not!

Hi, I’m Kendall Austin Stulce. Corey Stulce is my partner in life and podcasting, and he and I host the Horror Heals podcast.

Corey: Hello, I’m Corey, and an aha moment at a horror convention inspired Horror Heals. I saw a young person’s trauma and anxiety instantly melt away when a friendly attendee showed some kindness.

Kendall: Both of us experience anxiety, and a sense of being outsiders, but we find peace and comfort in horror movies.

In the Horror Heals podcast, we unleash our inner demons by interviewing horror celebrities, artists, and fans who know the healing power of horror.

Corey: For depression, PTSD and trauma – horror movies and horror conventions are prescriptions that work.

Kendall: The Horror Heals podcast is available wherever you get your podcasts as well as our website horror heals dot com.

Take a listen, and you’ll understand why someone says, “Scary movies saved my life.”

Corey: Check out the Horror Heals podcast for monsters, mayhem and mental wellness.

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.