Best Strange Uncles Podcasts (2025)

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BrainStuff Classics: Why Is the Winchester House Built So Strangely? 7:27

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4h ago7:27

7:27

We can't prove whether the Winchester Mystery House is really haunted, but it was definitely built for ghosts. Learn the story of how its strange construction was one woman's unending quest in this classic episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://science.howstuffworks.com/science-vs-myth/afterlife/winchester-mystery-house.htm See omnys…

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Is the 'Number of the Beast' an Ancient Riddle? 7:25

1d ago7:25

7:25

The number 666 has been adopted by modern horror media as a demonic symbol, but what (or whom) does this number really refer to? Learn about the Book of Revelation and ancient wordplay via numbers in this episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://history.howstuffworks.com/history-vs-myth/666.htm See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy i…

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Could Piranhas Really Eat a Cow in Under a Minute? 8:06

2d ago8:06

8:06

Piranhas are very efficient eaters, but their frothing feeding frenzy seen in horror movies is mostly based on a myth started by Theodore Roosevelt. Learn more in this episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://animals.howstuffworks.com/animal-facts/piranha-eat-cows.htm See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.…

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HMSG Interview Sarah Nicklin from V/H/S HALLOWEEN - "The Monster Squad" 1:03:28

3d ago1:03:28

1:03:28

HMSG Interview Sarah Nicklin - "The Monster Squad" We have another great Spooky Season Treat! We got to chat with SARAH NICKLIN one of the stars of the new V/H/S HALLOWEEN (2025) horror anthology about her incredible career and a gateway horror classic THE MONSTER SQUAD (1987)! We hope you enjoy this delightful conversation as much as we did! And b…

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Göbekli Tepe: How Does Humanity's Most Ancient Monument Work? 8:40

3d ago8:40

8:40

In Turkey, a set of prehistoric columns rivals Stonehenge -- but they're 6,000 years older. Learn what we know (and don't know) about the hunter-gatherers who built Göbekli Tepe in this episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://history.howstuffworks.com/european-history/gobekli-tepe.htm See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy informatio…

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Why Are There Sriracha Shortages? 11:46

4d ago11:46

11:46

This blockbuster style of hot sauce started with the Huy Fong brand, but that original 'rooster sauce' is often out of stock. Learn how a combo of weather and legal drama are at the root in this episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://recipes.howstuffworks.com/food-facts/sriracha.htm See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information…

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How Do Levees Protect Us? 9:56

5d ago9:56

9:56

Levee systems make it possible for us to live alongside bodies of water with less danger of flooding. Learn how engineers design them -- and why levees sometimes fail -- in this episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://science.howstuffworks.com/engineering/structural/levee.htm See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.…

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Trick or Treat - "Your Cage is Shaking Loose" 33:30

5d ago33:30

33:30

Trick or Treat - "Your Cage is Shaking Loose" Our Halloween themed party ends with TRICK OR TREAT (1986). A cautionary tale about following your heroes to the pits of hell & the power of rock-n-roll. Starring Marc Price as a nerd who wants revenge with cameos from rock legends Ozzy Osbourne & Gene Simmons this one rocks hard! We hope you have a ver…

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TIH 636: Jacy Morris on We Like It Cherry, Misconceptions about Indigenous People, and Writing Violence in Fiction 1:21:13

7d ago1:21:13

1:21:13

In this podcast, Jacy Morris talks about We Like It Cherry, misconceptions about indigenous people, writing violence in fiction, and much more. About Jacy Morris Jacy Morris was born in 1979 in Richmond, Virginia. At the age of ten he was transplanted to Portland, Oregon, where he developed a love for punk rock, horror movies, … Continue reading…

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Retrocast #37 - UI Podcast #248 27:36

11d ago27:36

27:36

A fire department stands back and watches a man's home burn to the ground, a pig flies for possibly the first time ever, fleas are transported on a dog, and a gorilla destroys an American Tourister suitcase, and much more! The Flea Circus video mentioned in this episode can be seen on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r9BjN_GHIic Images, l…

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Tales of Halloween - "Whoa Dude, Monster Up!" 38:10

12d ago38:10

38:10

Tales of Halloween - "Whoa Dude, Monster Up!" More tricks & a whole bunch of treats await you in this spooky season anthology - TALES OF HALLOWEEN (2015). We discuss 10 titillating tales that take place on All Hallows' Eve. This film is jam-packed with cameos from horror royalty and nods to the genre we love! We hope you enjoy digging into this epi…

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TIH 635: Jacy Morris on Early Life Lessons, Current Writing Routine, and Horror Writing 56:04

14d ago56:04

56:04

In this podcast, Jacy Morris talks about early life lessons, his current writing routine, horror writing, and much more. About Jacy Morris Jacy Morris was born in 1979 in Richmond, Virginia. At the age of ten he was transplanted to Portland, Oregon, where he developed a love for punk rock, horror movies, and writing, all … Continue reading…

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HMSG Interview Becky D'Anna & Jon Laubinger - "Presence" 1:08:50

15d ago1:08:50

1:08:50

We are so excited to celebrate spooky season with our friends, Becky D'Anna & Jon Laubinger, as they launch their new show - DIRECTOR'S TAKE: A SONY PICTURES PODCAST! We got to chat with them about one of their favorite films of this last year, Steven Soderbergh's, PRESENCE (2024). Be sure to check out their New Podcast! Director’s Take brings toda…

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Bad Apples - "Pumpkin Palooza" 38:20

19d ago38:20

38:20

Bad Apples - "Pumpkin Palooza" We have another film set on Halloween night for your spooky season listening pleasure - BAD APPLES (2018)! 🍎 🍏 A couple moves to a new city after a tragic loss and get more than they bargained for in their new home. This film stars friends of the podcast Brea Grant & Graham Skipper in the leads! An extra treat for us,…

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TIH 634: Josh Malerman on Fully Embracing Your Writing, Lessons Learnt Watching Evil Dead, and Jizzly Bear 1:21:21

23d ago1:21:21

1:21:21

In this podcast, Josh Malerman talks about fully embracing your writing, lessons learnt watching Evil Dead, Jizzly Bear, and much more. About Josh Malerman Josh Malerman is an American novelist, short story writer, film producer, and one of two singer/songwriters for the rock band The High Strung. He is best known for writing horror and … Continue …

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Night of the Demons - "All Alone in Wonderland" 36:36

26d ago36:36

36:36

Night of the Demons - "All Alone in Wonderland" It's officially Spooky Season and we are celebrating with movies set on Halloween ALL MONTH LONG! This week we tackle the cult classic NIGHT OF THE DEMONS (1988). A couple of girls want to throw an epic party at a haunted mansion, but some uninvited guests from the demon realm crash the fun! We hope y…

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TIH 633: Josh Malerman on Watching Evil Dead, Unearthing the Radiant Artist Within, and Sequencing Book Order Like an Album 1:10:37

1M ago1:10:37

1:10:37

In this podcast, Josh Malerman talks about his brand new book, Watching Evil Dead, unearthing the radiant artist within, sequencing book order like an album, and much more. About Josh Malerman Josh Malerman is an American novelist, short story writer, film producer, and one of two singer/songwriters for the rock band The High Strung. He … Continue …

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Bad Apples #6 – Lost Boundaries – UI #247 40:06

1M ago40:06

40:06

My wife, Mary Jane, joins me to discuss the 1949 movie Lost Boundaries, the screen adaptation of the lives of Dr. Albert and Thyra Johnston, the New Hampshire couple who passed as white for nearly twenty years. You can watch the movie Lost Boundaries on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z26VL_0EQksand the Internet Archive: https://archive.or…

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The Monkey - “Everything is an Accident” 39:12

1M ago39:12

39:12

The Monkey - “Everything is an Accident” We conclude our Stephen King Birthday Month Celebration with a lot of laughs & tons of gore with Osgood Perkins adaptation of THE MONKEY (2024). This one was a treat - filled with delightful character performances and philosophical life lessons! Have you seen this one? We hope you enjoy this episode & then g…

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What's the Difference Between Socialism and Communism? 11:09

1M ago11:09

11:09

Socialism and communism are often mentioned in the same breath, and they do share a common history, but socialists aren't necessarily communists -- and vice versa. Learn more about both concepts and how they've been put into practice in this episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://people.howstuffworks.com/socialism-vs-communism.htm Se…

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Strange Journey: The Story of Rocky Horror - Documentary TEASER! 9:59

1M ago9:59

9:59

Strange Journey: The Story of Rocky Horror We got a sneak peak of the new documentary STRANGE JOURNEY: The Story of Rocky Horror (2025) - about the longest running cult classic just in time to celebrate it’s 50th Anniversary. We discuss our love for all things ROCKY HORROR & talk about how the film played pivotal roles in both of our lives. We hope…

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HMSG Interviews Director, Barnaby Roper & Actor, Eddie Marsan - "All the Devils Are Here" 23:09

1M ago23:09

23:09

Oh my goodness! ALL THE DEVILS ARE HERE! We got to chat with Director, Barnaby Roper and lead Star of the film Eddie Marsan about their fresh takes on the Brit Gangster thriller. We gave this film an all around 5 out of 5 Chainsaws! It is absolutely Fantasticgorical and we hope you get a chance to check it out now that it’s in theaters! Check out t…

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How Do Vaccines Prevent Diseases? 13:39

1M ago13:39

13:39

Our bodies can often prevent us from catching the same illness twice, and vaccines use that bodily system to prevent us from getting sick in the first place. Learn how the immune response works, what goes into vaccines, and why vaccines are safe for kids in this episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://health.howstuffworks.com/wellness…

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TIH 632: Ryan C. Bradley on Ghoulish Books, Books Bound in Human Flesh, and Story Writing Process 1:16:12

1M ago1:16:12

1:16:12

In this podcast, Ryan C. Bradley talks about Ghoulish Books, books bound in human flesh, his story writing process, and much more. About Ryan C. Bradley Ryan is a musician, podcaster, and the author of the novella Saint’s Blood, Bad Connections: Horror Stories and the brand new novel Say Uncle from Ghoulish Books. His short … Continue reading…

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Apt Pupil - "I Wanna Know" 37:56

1M ago37:56

37:56

Apt Pupil - "I Wanna Know" We continue our Stephen King birthday party with a very challenging piece this week - APT PUPIL (1998). A young man's quest for historically accurate knowledge of a WW2 soldier's life and work in Nazi Germany consumes him and his subject alike as they jockey for power. We acknowledge this film is a tough watch, but we hop…

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A White Lie - UI Podcast #246 33:28

2M ago33:28

33:28

A New Hampshire doctor and his wife kept a secret from their children, friends, and community for nearly two decades. That was until the federal government discovered the lie. After the publication of their story in Reader's Digest in 1947, the entire nation would know. Images, links, and transcripts for this podcast can be found at https://useless…

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Song snippet [in progress] 0:23

2M ago0:23

0:23

Song snippet [in progress] by Wendy WBy Wendy W

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TIH 631: Ryan C. Bradley on Say Uncle, Early Life Lessons, Setting Stories in the Noughties 1:11:08

2M ago1:11:08

1:11:08

In this podcast, Ryan C. Bradley talks about Say Uncle, early life lessons, setting stories in the noughties, and much more. About Ryan C. Bradley Ryan is a musician, podcaster, and the author of the novella Saint’s Blood, Bad Connections: Horror Stories and the brand new novel Say Uncle from Ghoulish Books. His short fiction … Continue reading…

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Take on Bold Grenadier 0:46

2M ago0:46

0:46

Double W's take on an English soNG from 1600's.By Wendy W

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The Mangler - "Payment in Full" 41:18

2M ago41:18

41:18

The Mangler - "Payment in Full" We continue our Stephen King celebration with THE MANGLER (1995). This doozy of a film was helmed by director of the OG Texas Chainsaw Massacre, Tobe Hooper and stars horror legend Robert Englund (Nightmare on Elm Street Franchise) as another baddie ready to enter your nightmares! Unthinkable sacrifices are made by a…

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BrainStuff Classics: How Did Sealab Work? 6:15

2M ago6:15

6:15

In the 1960s, advances in technology allowed brave aquanauts to explore deeper into the ocean than ever before, but the project was shut down. Learn how Sealab worked -- and how that technology is still used today -- in this classic episode of BrainStuff. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.…

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HMSG Interview Bryn Chainey - "Rabbit Trap" 27:46

2M ago27:46

27:46

Horror Movie Survival Guide hosts Teri Gamble & Julia Marchese sit down to talk to the writer & director of Rabbit Trap, Bryn Chainey. The film opened in theaters on September 12th. Bryn Chainey is a British filmmaker, folklorist and poet. Exploring the thorny edgeland of nature, technology and the unconscious, his influences include Nic Roeg, Davi…

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How Do Slow Lorises Work? 8:50

2M ago8:50

8:50

The slow loris is the world's only venomous primate, but it looks like a cuddly plush toy. Learn why you shouldn't go in for a snuggle in this episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://animals.howstuffworks.com/mammals/slow-loris.htm See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.By iHeartPodcasts

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How Do Venus Flytraps Work? 11:14

2M ago11:14

11:14

Venus flytraps can photosynthesize like most other plants, but they supplement their diet by catching insects and arachnids. Learn what we know (and don't know!) about how they accomplish this feat in today's episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://science.howstuffworks.com/life/botany/venus-flytrap.htm See omnystudio.com/listener for…

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Salem's Lot - "Running Away Makes it Worse" 44:20

2M ago44:20

44:20

Salem's Lot - "Running Away Makes it Worse" We continue our celebration of all things Stephen King this week with the new SALEM'S LOT (2024). This classic vampire tale gives us a brave (and well informed hero) in Mark Petrie and so many other themes and tropes from the King-verse - kids on bikes, a small New England town and a store that seems way …

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TIH 630: C. J. Dotson on Writing routine, Strange Supernatural Experiences, and Writing about Trauma in Fiction 1:29:27

2M ago1:29:27

1:29:27

In this podcast, C. J. Dotson talks about her writing routine, strange supernatural experiences, writing about trauma in fiction, and much more. About C. J. Dotson C. J. Dotson is a Northeast Ohio native who now lives with her family upstate New York. She studied English with a creative writing focus at Cleveland State University and … Continue rea…

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Rewind: 1st Jewish Couple Married on TV 45:02

2M ago45:02

45:02

Cartoonist Leigh Rubin's parents were the first Jewish couple ever to be married on US television, but it almost never happened. Includes audio clips from that Bride and Groom television episode. Original Release Date: April 25, 2019. If you would like to contribute to the GoFundMe set up to help with the long-term care of Leigh's wife Teresa, plea…

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Needful Things - "I'm Just One Lonely Guy" 42:20

2M ago42:20

42:20

Needful Things - "I'm Just One Lonely Guy" We're celebrating Stephen King's birthday month with another round of King adaptations! Our festivities begin with a Faustian inspired tale starring the legendary actor, Max von Sydow, in NEEDFUL THINGS (1993). A mysterious man (von Sydow) sets up a curious little shop in a small New England town that quic…

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TIH 629: C. J. Dotson on The Cut, Lake Erie Folklore, and Hotel Horror 1:05:42

2M ago1:05:42

1:05:42

In this podcast, C. J. Dotson talks about The Cut, Lake Erie folklore, hotel horror, and much more. About C. J. Dotson C. J. Dotson is a Northeast Ohio native who now lives with her family upstate New York. She studied English with a creative writing focus at Cleveland State University and now daydreams about … Continue reading…

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How Did Jerry Lawson Change the Course of Video Gaming? 10:19

2M ago10:19

10:19

In the 1970s, Jerry Lawson was instrumental in creating the first cartridge-based video game console and the first digital joystick -- and he did it as one of the only Black engineers in Silicon Valley at that time. Learn about Lawson and the Fairchild Channel F in this episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://science.howstuffworks.com…

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Why Is Glass Transparent? 9:01

2M ago9:01

9:01

Glass windows are as solid as the materials that surround them, yet they let light through. Learn the physics of why glass can be so transparent -- and why it took humans thousands of years to create totally clear glass -- in this episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://science.howstuffworks.com/question404.htm See omnystudio.com/list…

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HMSG Interview Heather O. Petrocelli - "Chopper Chicks from Zombietown" 1:06:22

2M ago1:06:22

1:06:22

HMSG Interview Heather O. Petrocelli - "Chopper Chicks from Zombietown" We got to finally chat with friend of the podcast Heather O. Petrocelli, author of QUEER FOR FEAR, about an under seen Troma Gem CHOPPER CHICKS IN ZOMBIETOWN (1989). Dr. Heather O. Petrocelli - is a film critic, writer, and researcher who works with transdisciplinary methods ac…

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BrainStuff Classics: Should We Retest Licensed Drivers Periodically? 7:03

2M ago7:03

7:03

Although some driving skills can deteriorate with age, experienced drivers tend to be the safest drivers. To an extent. Learn when and how experts think drivers should be retested in this classic episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://auto.howstuffworks.com/car-driving-safety/auto-safety-testing/should-licensed-drivers-be-tested-peri…

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TIH 628: Daddy’s Boy by Michael David Wilson, Chapter One, Narrated by Josh Curran 32:13

2M ago32:13

32:13

In this podcast, we present chapter one of Daddy’s Boy by Michael David Wilson, narrated by Josh Curran. About Michael David Wilson Michael David Wilson is the founder of the popular UK horror website, podcast, and publisher, This Is Horror. He is the author of The Girl in the Video, They’re Watching (with Bob Pastorella), House of Bad Memories, an…

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How Did President Jimmy Carter Work? 10:25

2M ago10:25

10:25

As a U.S. President, Jimmy Carter championed education and renewable energy as keystones of a healthy nation. Outside of office, he helped other nations grow democracy, built afforadable housing with his own hands, nearly eradicated guinea worm disease -- and still found time to teach Sunday school. Learn about Jimmy and Roselynn Carter in this epi…

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Why Are Truffles So Expensive? 10:27

2M ago10:27

10:27

Truffles are fungi that grow underground, are almost exclusively foraged, and taste best extremely fresh. Learn about truffle biology, truffle flavoring, and truffle crime in this episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://recipes.howstuffworks.com/truffles.htm See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.…

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How Do Alligator Snapping Turtles Work? 7:25

2M ago7:25

7:25

This positively prehistoric-looking freshwater turtle is the largest in North America -- and it catches fish by wiggling a worm-like lure. Learn more about alligator snappers in this episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://animals.howstuffworks.com/reptiles/alligator-snapping-turtle.htm See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy informat…

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Retrocast #36 - UI Podcast #245 36:33

2M ago36:33

36:33

Abbott & Costello agree to perform in a boy’s backyard for 70 cents, parents sue a milk dairy because their son grew too tall, a man sleeps only 2 hours per day for 33 years, and much more! Images, links, and transcripts for this podcast can be found at https://uselessinformation.org/retrocast-36-podcast-245/ Listen to my interview with cartoonist …

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Copycat - "He Wants to Dazzle Us" 43:12

3M ago43:12

43:12

Copycat - "He Wants to Dazzle Us" This week we get into all the gory details of a serial killer's spree in COPYCAT (1995). A deathly cat and mouse game ensues as a manhunt for a clever killer is on in San Francisco. The chase is led by detectives (Holly Hunter & Dermot Mulroney) with an assist from a hotshot criminal psychologist (Sigourney Weaver)…

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TIH 627: Dean Koontz on Going Home in the Dark, Breaking The Fourth Wall, and Theodore Sturgeon 1:22:21

3M ago1:22:21

1:22:21

In this podcast, Dean Koontz talks about his new book, Going Home in the Dark, breaking the fourth wall, Theodore Sturgeon, and much more. About Dean Koontz Acknowledged as “America’s most popular suspense novelist” (Rolling Stone) and as one of today’s most celebrated and successful writers, Dean Ray Koontz has earned the devotion of millions … Co…