The Horror Heals Podcast is about how horror culture, movies, and performers aid so many of us with mental wellness. Firsthand we’ve seen and heard the power of horror to help us feel better mentally. (Being part of the horror convention community is great for lowering our anxiety!) Here’s the “why and how” of the Horror Heals Podcast: Kendall and Corey host the podcast with guests on each episode, including horror enthusiasts who are willing to share their stories about how horror has helpe ...
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Therapy in Terror: Why Horror is Good for the Mind
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30:21In this episode of the Horror Heals podcast, Corey and Kendall are joined by the talented horror author Rachel M. Martens, who has made a career out of writing stories that not only thrill, but also serve as a therapeutic outlet. From childhood favorites like Scooby-Doo to deep dives into the gothic classics, Rachel’s love for horror has been a con…
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This week on Horror Heals, we’re serving glamour, gore, and a whole lot of gratitude with none other than the high priestess of horror drag herself—Peaches Christ! 🎃👑💋 From her locker full of Fangoria centerfolds to commanding the San Francisco Symphony stage as Pinhead with fla-tits (you read that right), Peaches takes us on a full-throttle ride t…
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Borah! The Witch Who Cast a Spell on Salem (and Us!)
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41:06Is it possible for a witch to change the world? If you're Borah!, the answer is a wickedly enthusiastic YES. In this enchanting episode of Horror Heals, we sit down with Salem’s spellbinding star, Borah! — the beloved persona of Brian Sims, who has become a mainstay in the spooky streets of Salem and a symbol of joy, healing, and self-expression fo…
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Suicide Attempts, Mystery Schools, and Healing Via Horror
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25:59In this deeply revealing and powerful episode of Horror Heals, hosts Corey and Kendall Stulce welcome Andy Grant, creator and host of the Real Men Feel podcast, for an unflinching exploration of how horror and esoteric teachings became vital to his survival and healing journey. Andy’s path, marked by battling depression and suicide attempts, took a…
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The Monsters We Create to Heal the Ones Inside
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26:42Horror isn’t just about fear—it’s about survival, transformation, and sometimes even healing. In this episode of Horror Heals, we explore the surprising ways horror can help us process trauma, navigate addiction recovery, and reclaim our power. Our guest is a writer, therapist, and PhD researcher who has dedicated their career to understanding how …
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Circus Envy Reveals How Horror and Drag Saved His Life
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33:02In this colorful and deeply reflective episode, hosts Corey and Kendall welcome special guest Circus Envy, a celebrated clown persona from haunted attractions, conventions, and film. Circus Envy shares a profound journey that blends horror, cosplay, drag, therapy, and personal healing. Circus Envy Reveals How Horror and Drag Saved His Life Key High…
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In this episode of Horror Heals, Corey and Kendall sit down with Harrod Blank, the actor behind Rudy the Clown in the cult classic Killer Klowns from Outer Space. While Harrod may be known for his role in the iconic '80s horror film, his career and creativity stretch far beyond the big top. This episode explores the fascinating intersection of horr…
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Using Monsters to Combat the Real Horrors of the World
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31:09In this episode of Horror Heals, Corey sits down with horror power couple Porsher and Elijah Black, whose passion for the genre goes far beyond just watching scary movies. From using cosplay as a tool for self-expression to founding Return of the Giving Dead, a charity-focused horror cosplay group, they share how horror has become a vital part of t…
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The Horror of the Unknown and How It Became Therapy
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1:48:40Horror fans know that sometimes the scariest stories aren’t the ones on screen—they’re the ones life throws at us. For Brad Ewell, a DNA test set off a chain of events he never saw coming. What started as a search for answers led him to uncover a biological father he never knew existed—one who had been serving a life sentence for murder. But this s…
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From Fans to Family – How Horror Brought Us Together
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28:44Horror isn’t just about the monsters on screen—it’s about the people who watch them together. In this episode of Horror Heals, Corey sits down with four horror superfans—Leighann, Vinnie, Amber, and Steve—who didn’t just bond over their love of horror, they became family because of it. What started as a shared appreciation for the films of Adam Gre…
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How Jason Voorhees Became an Anti-Bullying Icon
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24:59What if Jason Voorhees walked into your classroom—not to chase you, but to inspire you? In this episode of Horror Heals, we sit down with James Stokes, an actor who has stepped into the legendary hockey mask of Jason Voorhees in multiple fan films. But James isn't just about slashing his way through Crystal Lake—he's using his platform to fight bul…
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Blood, Sweat, and a Whole Lot of Horror Love
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20:03Corey and Kendall are back with part two of DonnaJean’s jaw-dropping journey, and trust us—this is an episode you can’t miss. From laughing (and maybe crying) over celebrity encounters with horror icons like Matthew Lillard, Dee Wallace, and Kane Hodder, to her inspiring work helping others in need, DonnaJean shares the kind of stories that’ll leav…
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Corey and Kendall are joined by DonnaJean, a remarkable individual whose journey through life’s most challenging moments has made her a cornerstone of the horror community. From surviving personal trauma and overcoming addiction to finding joy and purpose at Monster Mania and other conventions, DonnaJean’s story is a testament to resilience, healin…
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Bystanders: Redefining the Rape-Revenge Genre
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24:19In this episode of Horror Heals, Corey and Kendall sit down with filmmaker Mary Beth McAndrews to discuss her bold new take on the rape-revenge genre with her upcoming film, Bystanders. Hear how Mary Beth redefines the genre by omitting exploitative tropes and focusing on empowerment, resilience, and turning trauma into triumph. Discover how horror…
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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 …
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The Great Horror Debate with the Spooky Twins
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19:34Episode 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 c…
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Twin Terrors: From Okinawa to Etsy with the Spooky Twins
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30:56Guests: 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 …
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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…
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Goosebumps, Gremlins, and Growing Up Horror
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21:05Join 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, h…
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Black Christmas at 50: Lynne Griffin's Legacy
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31:45This 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 h…
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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 …
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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…
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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 fea…
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The Healing Power of Beetlejuice Beetlejuice Bee...
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31:35This 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 obsessio…
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The Science of Fear: Why We Love to Be Afraid
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15:02In part two of this fascinating conversation, Corey and Kendall continue their discussion with Mathias Clasen and Marc Malmdorf Andersen from Aarhus University’s Recreational Fear Lab. Building on part one, the conversation dives deeper into the psychological and social dimensions of horror, revealing how fear can serve as a tool for personal growt…
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Fear Factor: The Psychology and Science Behind Thrills
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24:44Episode Summary: In this first of a two-part conversation, Corey and Kendall are joined by Mathias Clasen and Marc Malmdorf Andersen, two leading scholars from Aarhus University in Denmark. Together, they delve into the fascinating ways horror movies and other forms of recreational fear impact our mental health. From haunted attraction studies to t…
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From Shy Kid to Eisner Nominee: The Healing Power of Monsters
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25:28In this episode of Horror Heals, Corey and Kendall welcome Eisner Award-nominated horror comic book writer Jim Ousley. From his love of Universal monster movies to creating stories that tackle societal issues, Jim takes us on a journey through his lifelong connection to horror, comics, and the creative process. The episode explores the intersection…
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From Vagina Monsters to Vampires: Hailey Piper’s Horror Healing Journey
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27:29In this episode of Horror Heals, Corey and Kendall sit down with Bram Stoker Award-winning novelist Hailey Piper to explore the transformative power of horror. Hailey delves into how horror helps us process despair, build emotional resilience, and find catharsis. She discusses her latest novel, All the Hearts You Eat, a haunting tale of ghosts, vam…
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Meet the Artist Behind Horror’s Creepiest Dolls
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22:56In this episode of Horror Heals, Corey and Kendall welcome Catherine Bonetti, the artist behind Devil Eyed Dumplings, whose passion for horror and craft merges into eerily beautiful creations. Catherine shares her journey into horror art, tracing her fascination back to her family’s history in costume design for Hollywood classics. From family lore…
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Death Comes Lifting is Where Horror Meets Health
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33:56In this episode of Horror Heals, Corey and Kendall dive into a conversation with Zak from Death Comes Lifting – a one-of-a-kind gym that combines horror, punk rock, and heavy metal with fitness and mental wellness. Zak’s mission? To create a judgment-free space where horror fans, metalheads, and self-proclaimed misfits can feel comfortable, get fit…
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Debbie Rochon: Embracing Horror and Aging Gracefully in the Troma Universe
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27:14In the second half of our conversation with horror icon Debbie Rochon, Corey and Kendall Stulce dive into Debbie’s storied career with Troma Entertainment and her collaborations with the legendary Lloyd Kaufman. Debbie shares fascinating anecdotes from her work in the '90s with Troma, starting with her early roles, promotional events, and her journ…
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Blood, Guts, and Resilience: Debbie Rochon on Healing Through Horror
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25:19In this unforgettable episode of Horror Heals, Corey dives deep into the life and career of horror icon Debbie Rochon. Known for her legendary roles in horror, Debbie opens up about her real-life horror story—an on-set accident with a prop machete that nearly severed four fingers on her right hand. Through extensive surgeries, physical therapy, and…
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Generations of Scares and Smiles: Monster-Mania's Lasting Legacy
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18:06In this continuation of Horror Heals, Corey and Dave dive deeper into the Monster-Mania community—unpacking the heart and soul behind the horror convention scene. Dave shares his approach to fostering a family-like atmosphere, highlighting how the Monster Mania team creates a space where horror fans, introverts, and everyone in between feel at home…
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How Monster-Mania Makes Horror a Safe Haven
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20:23In this exciting episode of Horror Heals, Corey Stulce dives deep with the legendary Dave Hagan, founder of the iconic Monster-Mania convention—a haven for horror fans worldwide. From heartfelt memories of watching double-feature horror films with his father, to the humble origins and incredible growth of Monster-Mania, Dave shares what makes this …
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Using Horror to Escape Bullies and Build a Writing Career
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26:21In 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 …
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Teaching Kids to Face Fear: A Horror-Based Approach to Parenting and Anxiety
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23:49Welcome 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 …
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The Chilling Magic of Community: How Horror Brings People Together
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33:25In 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, A…
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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 …
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What Your Therapist Isn’t Telling You: How Horror Films Aid in Healing Trauma
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29:15Corey 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 househo…
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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 imp…
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Body Horror, Childhood Fears and the Flicks of 1984
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14:11In 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 hor…
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From Creepypasta to Comfort: Horror Art for Mental Wellness
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14:54In 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 …
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From Monster Squad to Mental Health: Andre Gower Discusses the Healing Power of Horror Part 2
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27:55In 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 communit…
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From Monster Squad to Mental Health: Andre Gower Discusses the Healing Power of Horror Part 1
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35:32In 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 discuss…
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From Military to Miniatures: Eerie Earl’s Healing Through Art
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22:35In 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 Milita…
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From Crystal Lake to Canvas: How Adrienne King Found Healing Through Art
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17:50In 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 bec…
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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 we…
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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 …
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Monsters and Mental Health: How Horror Saved Me
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25:20In 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 man…
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Adrienne King on Survival, Stalkers, and the Power of Horror
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30:21In this exciting episode of the Horror Heals Podcast on Friday the 13th, hosts Corey and Kendall Austin Stulce sit down with Adrienne King, the legendary "final girl" from the original Friday the 13th. Together, they discuss the healing power of horror, both for Adrienne and for her fans. Adrienne shares intimate stories about the trauma she endure…
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