Happy Spooktober! Don't lose your head over this news, but Benny Townsend returns to the pod for his third (second and a half) appearance as he joins Rick and Trav in unraveling the mystery in Tim Burton's Sleepy Hollow. Listen in to hear about the Jack the Ripper of New York, Christopher Walken impressions, and an abundance of conjecture on whether Christina Ricci was just a tad too young to play Johnny Depp's love interest.
There's a hole at the bottom of the lake...and that's where the podcasts come from. Jane Schoenbrun is having FUN with their third feature and fellow fanfic fan / Gillian Anderson hall-passer Sarah Shady is here to break down this queer meta commentary on the slasher. Rick and Trav bring their own expertise as well, such as on The Counting Crows, the golden age of gummy candy, and identifying what an orgasm is. (00:00:00) - 2 Disclaimers! (00:01:53) - Rick Drives 6 Hours to See CAMP MIASMA (00:04:02) - Horror Movie News (00:06:45) - Intro (00:09:16) - Hello Again, Sarah Shady! (00:11:11) - Synopsis (00:12:15) - Where Trav Saw CAMP MIASMA (00:13:53) - Overall Thoughts (00:20:26) - Themes: Jane’s Trilogy of Self Discovery (00:26:00) - Themes: Sexual Mentorship (00:30:40) - Themes: Cultural Neuroticism (00:35:23) - Spoiler Alert for SLEEPAWAY CAMP (1983) (00:42:43) - Production Notes (00:48:50) - Jane’s Love of Media (00:53:42) - Casting (00:57:43) - The Power of Gillian Anderson (01:00:15) - Box Office (01:01:01) - Scare-O-Meter (01:03:25) - Highlights (01:14:03) - Awards (02:02:06) - Scream Queen / King / Royalty (02:04:24) - Byeeeeee
Joel joins Rick and Trav for a second week in a row, this time to discuss Zach Cregger’s RESIDENT EVIL (2026). We are JAZZED about this fun 90min speed run, so naturally we talked about it for 2 hours. Favorite cereals, DoorDash horror stories, and the great LieMax debate - we cover it all. Enjoy! (00:00:00) - Intro Song (“Serenity” from Resident Evil 4) (00:00:40) - Random Banter (00:03:30) - Horror Film News (00:05:35) - Intro to Ep. 43 (00:06:50) - Synopsis (00:07:03) - Overall Thoughts (00:13:43) - Video Game Adaptations (00:17:02) - The Cinema-Going Experience for RESIDENT EVIL (00:25:44) - Themes (00:29:22) - Production Notes (00:37:27) - Casting (00:42:52) - Test Screenings / RE Fandom (00:46:41) - Box Office (00:47:15) - What's Next for Cregger *SPOILER TERRITORY FROM HERE ON OUT* (00:51:25) - Scare-O-Meter (00:56:06) - Highlights (01:04:30) - Awards (01:53:43) - Scream Queen or King (01:58:20) - Next Week
In preparation for Zach Cregger's much-anticipated loop release of Resident Evil (2026), Rick and Trav are joined by former T-Virus survivor, Joel Myers, as they go back to Paul W.S. Anderson's original Resident Evil film. Video games, metal riffs, illegal research, and vulgar auteurism - no stone is left unturned. (00:00:40) - Random Banter (00:02:00) - Intro to Joel (00:03:30) - Horror News (00:09:03) - Intro (00:12:30) - Overall Thoughts (00:23:45) - Vulgar Auteurism! (00:31:00) - Looking towards Cregger’s Vision (00:34:50) - Themes (?!!) (00:38:38) - Production Notes (00:45:00) - Casting (00:53:20) - Box Office (00:54:30) - Scare-O-Meter (00:59:42) - Highlights (01:53:55) - Awards (01:58:12) - Scream King or Scream Queen (01:59:17) - Her Name is Vasquez 🤦♂️ (02:02:00) - Next Week
Rick and Trav unwrap the gruesome lore of LEE CRONIN'S THE MUMMY (2026) and discuss how it fits into the Evil Dead franchise and world of Carmen San Diego more so than the Boris Karloff franchise. (00:01:05) - Random Banter (00:03:15) - PSA for Buffet Infinity (00:05:12) - Intro (00:08:55) - Synopsis (00:09:10) - Overall Thoughts (00:24:30) - Production Notes (00:30:00) - Casting (00:32:30) - Box Office (00:34:14) - Scare-O-Meter (00:36:05) - Highlights (00:43:00) - Awards (01:17:33) - Scream Queen or King (01:19:25) - Next Week
With another Insidious movie coming out this weekend, Rick and Trav thought it best to Travel to where it all started: James Wan's INSIDIOUS (2011). In the Further, they discuss product placement, bodily fluids, and what type of suburban home a single income family on a high school teacher's salary could get you in a post-recession 2010 market. (00:01:17) - Random Banter (00:02:30) - Intro (00:04:07) - Overall Thoughts (00:09:10) - Similarities with POLTERGEIST (1982) (00:15:20) - James Wan & Leigh Whannell (00:23:57) - Casting (00:28:50) - Box Office (00:30:16) - Scare-o-Meter (00:31:45) - Highlights (00:36:29) - Awards (01:22:20) - Scream Queen or King (01:24:49) - Next Week
Rick and Trav continue their wee pivot into earlier 2026 releases as they cover Damian McCarthy's 2026 horror film Hokum. Rick reveals his clairvoyance in knowing every single twist in the movie, Travis expresses his concern about people who decide to take a nap while a witch is literally circling around your bed.
Rick and Trav are stranded on Podcast Island. Luckily for this episode, covering Sam Raimi's SEND HELP (2026) starring Rachel McAdams, they are joined by the only one out of the three of them that knows how to spot a poisonous plant or properly double lash a raft, industry professional, new homeowner, and Rick's patient partner: Sarah Shady. Together the 3 of them discuss the enduring power of Blondie, how men underestimate the difficulty of domestic labor, and Dylan O'brien's ass. (00:00:30) - Introducing Sarah Shady (00:04:08) - Intro (00:04:34) - Horror Movie News (00:06:30) - Watching Movies as a Production Worker (00:08:06) - Synopsis (00:08:55) - Overall Thoughts (00:13:32) - Rachel McAdams Movies (00:15:00) - Themes (00:24:22) - Production Notes (00:28:50) - Casting (00:33:18) - Scare-O-Meter (00:37:29) - Highlights (00:47:15) - Awards (01:27:40) - Scream King or Queen (01:29:22) - Next Week
In memory of Sam Neill who recently passed on July 13, 2026, Rick and Trav honor the legendary Horror King Kiwi by covering his personal favorite of his filmography - Andrzej Żuławski's POSSESSION (1981). Starring a historical turn from Isabelle Adjani, this iconic psychological horror has confounded audiences for over 4 decades and counting - yet we keep coming back for more.... Also covered: tentacle appendages, blood sausage, and why you should be careful around older, erotic German men who also happen to be martial artists. RIP Sam Neill. (00:02:07) - Random Banter (00:04:10) - Horror Movie News (00:06:45) - Intro / In Memory of Sam Neill (1947-2026) (00:13:35) - Synopsis (00:14:08) - Overall Thoughts / Themes (00:24:30) - Production Notes / Casting (00:30:10) - Box Office (00:33:30) - Overall Thoughts / Themes Pt. II (00:48:10) - Scare-o-Meter (00:50:08) - Highlights (00:55:25) - Awards (01:24:30) - Scream Queen or King (01:27:15) - Next Week
Our groovy road finally reaches it's destination, as Rick and Trav talk about Sébastien Vaniček's 2026 newest installment in the Evil Dead franchise, Evil Dead Burn. If you have the palette to distinguish fresh mashed potatoes from frozen, this one's for you.
Rick & Trav take on a domestic deadite in EVIL DEAD RISE (2023). In the process they cover Otis-sanctioned elevator weight limits, Lee Cronin’s Lee Cronin-isms, and the true horror of dropping a box of pizza. We are also dedicating this episode to Ricky’s neighbor Bob and his dog Xena, who he lost in a recent house fire. Gofund Me can be found here if you’re interested in helping Bob get back on his feet: https://gofund.me/875d60181 (00:02:10) - GoFundMe for Bob (00:05:04) - Lee Cronin’s Lee Cronin Segment (00:10:20) - Overall Thoughts (00:18:00) - Themes (00:21:12) - Production Notes (00:26:17) - Box Office (00:27:26) - Cast and Crew (00:29:22) - Connective Tissue (00:35:40) - Scare-O-Meter (00:38:28) - Highlights (00:45:20) - Deep Cuts (00:48:00) - Awards (01:19:20) - Scream Queen or King (01:21:20) - Next Week
Rick and Trav continue their demonic trip down The Groovy Road to Evil Dead Burn as they cover Fede Alvarez's 2013 revitalization of the franchise with EVIL DEAD. Warning: Drugs, deadites, and dogs named 'Grandpa' lie ahead. (00:02:57) - Intro (00:04:40) - Synopsis (00:05:25) - Overall Thoughts (00:21:55) - Production Notes (00:27:25) - Jane Levy! (00:31:45) - Box Office, Scrapped Sequel Plans, & Rights Issues (00:38:02) - Rest of the Cast (00:40:35) - Scare-o-Meter (00:43:00) - Highlights (00:43:07) - Awards (01:30:22) - Scream Queen or King (01:32:25) - Next Episode
The Groovy Road to EVIL DEAD BURN continues with the inconceivably batshit insane ARMY OF DARKNESS, the third installment of the Evil Dead franchise. Rick and Trav cover this movie’s connections to Hannibal, TEXAS CHAINSAW MASSACRE 2 (1986), why it wasn’t titled MEDIEVAL DEAD, why the “Ash vs. Evil Dead” TV show can’t reference this film, and the louder-than-a-boom-stick history of Sun Chips. This is Bruce Campbell at his most Bruce Campbell. Hail to the king, baby. (00:00:55) - Random Banter (00:02:36) - Horror News (00:05:08) - Intro (00:09:21) - Synopsis (00:10:10) - Overall Thoughts (00:16:10) - Production Notes (00:26:20) - Cast & Crew (00:31:30) - Highlighting Bruce Campbell (00:32:30) - Box Office (00:37:12) - Scare-O-Meter (00:37:55) - Awards (01:07:55) - Scream Queen or King (01:11:33) - Next Week
In anticipation of the release of EVIL DEAD BURN (2026), Rick and Trav begin their trek through the entire franchise, starting with a first for the podcast, a DOUBLE FEATURE, diving into the lore and cultdom of Sam Raimi's THE EVIL DEAD (1981) and EVIL DEAD 2 (1987). Welcome to The Groovy Road to Evil Dead Burn. (01:42) - Movie News (06:05) - Introducing our new franchise series: The Groovy Road to EVIL DEAD BURN (14:40) - Our Relationship to Evil Dead (20:57) - Synopsis (21:15) - The History of THE EVIL DEAD’s Production (42:00) - The History of THE EVIL DEAD’s Distribution (50:15) - The Brief History of EVIL DEAD 2 & Continuity Questions (56:42) - Cast & Crew (01:01:40) - Scare-o-Meter (01:06:08) - Awards (01:36:15) - Scream King or Queen (01:38:57) - Next Week
Rick & Trav get lost in a litany of liminal linguini creepypasta. From the electrical spend of an infinite set of backroom (rooms?) to Real Life therapists no-clipping their way into a suspended license, the Duo of Dread talk all things Analog Horror, Uncanny Valley, and where Kane Parsons sits amongst next Gen(Z)eration of spooky filmmakers. (01:00) - Random Banter (03:52) - Intro (04:20) - State of the Union of Horror Movies in 2026 (05:23) - Is horror back? Was it ever gone? (08:22) - The Terror of Generative A.I. (10:04) - Synopsis (10:35) - Our Viewing Experiences (sponsored by AMC A-List) (15:45) - The Origin Story of BACKROOMS (20:48) - Overall Thoughts (28:11) - Box Office (31:40) - Kane Parsons and Production Notes (35:55) - Production Design & Cinematography (38:22) - Casting (42:55) - Scare-O-Meter Rating (45:33) - Highlights (47:37) - Deep Cuts & Flea Market Montgomery (50:14) - Awards (01:17:38) - Scream King or Queen (01:20:18) - Coming Next Week
This week we reach back into the vault for an episode recorded back in January this year, but we're just now releasing. Don't be scared, this one is worth the wait, as Nia DaCosta's The Bone Temple is quite possibly the best installment in the franchise to date. (01:44) - Intro (04:45) - Synopsis (05:18) - What 28 DAYS LATER franchise movies do you need to see beforehand? (10:38) - Travis' D-BOX experience (!) (12:20) - Overall Thoughts (18:25) - Box Office (20:10) - Production Notes (26:55) - Casting (35:13) - Return of the Hanging Dong (38:11) - Rick the Theatre Hero SPOILER WARNING FROM HERE ON OUT (40:52) - Themes (47:53) - Deep Cuts (57:00) - Scare-O-Meter (57:39) - Highlights (01:04:40) - Ranking the 28 DAYS LATER Franchise (01:07:32) - Awards (01:51:25) - Scream King or Queen (01:53:45) - Outro (
Rick and Trav are back, and they've brought backup. This week we're covering Curry Barker's debut wide release film, Obsession. (00:00) - Meet Amanda Woman (04:06) - Bone Temple PSA (05:00) - Intro (06:55) - Synopsis (08:10) - Viewing Experience (13:37) - Curry Barker’s Comic Roots (16:55) - Overall Thoughts (36:20) - Casting (44:00) - Production Notes (48:44) - Scare-O-Meter (51:11) - Highlights (54:35) - Awards, Pt 1 (01:16:40) - Our One Wish Willows (01:28:45) - Awards, Pt 2 (01:32:00) - Scream King / Queen (01:41:00) - Outro
With awards season just getting started, it's time to let in one of 2025's best horror, if not best overall films, in Ryan Coogler's Sinners. Rick and Trav welcome filmmaker Ayron La'Vell Walker, as they cover customary vampire etiquette and the outsized impact this genre film has had on the culture.
Tis the season for Rick and Trav to unbox one of their favorite Christmas horror films in Bob Clark's 1974 grand daddy of slashers, Black Christmas. (00:00) - Random Banter (03:22) - Favorite Holiday Movies (05:50)- Movie News (08:03) - Intro (09:34) - Synopsis (10:54) - Overall Thoughts (16:11) - Themes (20:13) - Production Notes (26:30) - Casting (35:05) - Scare-O-Meter -Spoilers Beyond this point!- (36:22) - Highlights (42:30) - Deep Cuts (43:49) - Awards (01:11:04) - Scream King / Queen
Rick and Trav show their age by needing to bring in reinforcements by way of Gen Z Edie (accompanied by her dad, KB) to help unpack this latest adaptation of the popular video game franchise, Five Nights at Freddy's. We discuss wrongful allegations towards Bowling for Soup, Megan Fox's thumbs, and Josh Hutcherson's wardrobe choices in this film. (00:00) - Random Banter (01:35) - Introducing Gen Z Edie & KB (05:30) - Movie News (Netflix & WB) (09:38) - Intro / FNAF 2 Theatrical Experience (12:13) - Synopsis (15:43) - Overall Thoughts (31:21) - FNAF Lore w/ Gen Z Edie (34:11) - Production Notes (43:05) - Casting (51:08) - Scare-O-Meter -Spoilers Beyond this point!- (55:55) - Deep Cuts (59:05) - Highlights (01:02:30) - Awards (01:48:43) - Scream King / Queen Award
