Need a helping hand to guide you through the haunted house that is the horror genre? Welcome to Scaredy Cat and Horror Hound! Join Carson (the horror hound) as he leads Laney (the scaredy cat) through an introduction to all things horror, as they explore the genre in its many highs and lows. By introducing each other to the different sides of horror media, they will share insights as both newbies and seasoned pros while reviewing one piece of media each episode. With their backgrounds in art, art history, queer theory, and film analysis, Carson and Laney hope to provide new insight into horror and its many subgenres to educate each other and their audience. From the high camp horror of cult classics, to the psychological heavy hitters of contemporary horror, and every spook, slash, and scare in between, we hope all of your scaredy cats and horror hounds alike will join us on our journey!
TRIGGER WARNING: This episode contains explicit descriptions and discussions of suicide, both fictional and literal. Please take care of yourself and be mindful when choosing to listen.other content warnings: descriptions of drug use, gore, violence, stigma of mental illness, emotional abuse, relationship abuse, cults
Who knows scaredy cat Laney's favorite movie? If you guessed the absolute masterpiece that is Ari Aster's MIDSOMMAR, then you would be right! We both have so much to say while breaking down the plot, themes, reactions, and cultural influences of this film that we had to split our discussion into two parts! In Part 1, we examine the effects this film had on each of us, how its depictions of mental illness and relationship abuse, as well as its broader themes of grief, belonging, and older European folk cultures have cemented Midsommar in each of our top ten favorite movies. Other topics include: high praise for the cinematography, acting, and costumes; debating the nuances of Aster's cherry picked Pagan holidays, and the beginnings of our discussion tanking the levels of villainy versus heroism that each character brings to the story. More to come in Part 2!
7 Jul 2026
20. READY OR NOT (2019): Crossbows, Card Games, and Classism
Content warnings: violence, descriptions of gore
I’m sure we’ve all had game nights that end with everyone wanting to kill each other– but what would happen if the devil from the bible was influencing the stakes from the start? Hide and Seek games can be found in many a horror film, with their built-in jumpscares and convenient eavesdropping setup, but 2019’s Ready or Not takes it to a whole other level! Carson and Laney have some fun with this horror comedy (which got a sequel earlier this year!), examining the class and gender roles the movie explores, the sheer beauty and talent of Samara Weaving, and Carson’s favorite horror movie question: is it bad luck, or bad choices that lead the characters to their eventual (and very entertaining) demise?
10 Jun 2026
19. THE EXORCIST (1973): What an Excellent Day for a Pod Guest
Content warnings: descriptions of gore and medical trauma, discussions of alcohol abuse, mental illness stigmatization, and child abuse.
What’s this? A wild podcast guest appeared! Join Scaredy Cat and Horror Hound in welcoming friend of the pod and Exorcist super fan, Amanda! The trio discuss the many intricacies, controversies, and allegories of the genre-defining 1973 classic The Exorcist. From audience (over)reactions and overcultural impacts, to feminist interpretations versus nuclear family propaganda, there are countless ways to view and critique the infamous possession of Reagan McNeil and the violent consequences that follow. Bringing their own ideas of the film’s meaning as well as discussing the literature that it has inspired over the decades, Carson, Laney, and Amanda have a lively discussion about the importance of this film, as well as its drawbacks. We also get some fun tidbits from Amanda about the making of the film, the different versions that have been released over the years, and Amanda’s background with horror as a genre! Make sure you’ve got your crucifix, holy water, and all-important pea soup at the ready!
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Apple Podcasts (US)
5.0 / 5
2 ratings
Spotify
5.0 / 5
2 ratings
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