Horror Humor Hunger

Honky Tonk Horror with Grace R. Reynolds

Tue, 14 Jul 2026 02:00:00 -0400

Grace R. Reynolds is an American speculative fiction writer, focusing on dark fiction and poetry. In addition to her short fiction, she is the author of Lady of the House and two other collections of poetry. These include The Lies We Weave, which was nominated for the SFPA Elgin Awards, and Midnight Blue. Her debut novella, Neon Moon, recently published through Dark Matter Ink.

Join us as we discuss dark poetry (yes, it’s a thing, and super awesome!), honky tonk horror, Southern fiction, and more!

Connect with Grace: https://spillinggrace.com

Connect with Viggy: https://viggyhampton.com

Purchase A Veritable Household Pet along with Viggy’s other books: https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B082DC79CG/allbooks?ingress=0&lp_context_query=viggy+parr+hampton&visitId=de1e27e5-1287-480a-b6e5-8e57fcd3f214&ref_=ap_rdr&ccs_id=d71bd3f1-0606-455c-b57f-3eb3635a30d1

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Keep up with Horror Humor Hunger:
- Instagram: @horrorhumorhungerpodcast
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- Twitter: @HHHPodwithViggy
- Sign up for Viggy's monthly newsletter at www.viggyhampton.com

Playing in the Destructive Sandbox with Marcus Kliewer

Tue, 07 Jul 2026 00:00:00 -0400

Everybody and their mom knows Marcus Kliewer (I can personally attest to this, my mom is a huge fan!). His debut novel We Used to Live Here began life as a serialized short story on Reddit, where it won the Scariest Story of 2021 award on the NoSleep forum. Film rights were snapped up by Netflix, and it was acquired by Simon & Schuster for publication even before it had been extended into a full-length novel. His second novel, The Caretaker, is out now from 12:01 Books.

Join us as we discuss story construction as a destructive sandbox, moving from NoSleep forums to the New York Times Bestseller List, and how writing horror helped him reach an OCD diagnosis.

Connect with Marcus: https://www.instagram.com/marcus_kliewer/?hl=en

Connect with Viggy: https://viggyhampton.com

Sound effects courtesy of Pixabay and Apple

Shivering with Anticipation with Brandon Eldridge

Tue, 30 Jun 2026 02:00:00 -0400

Brandon Eldridge is the author of several novels and short stories, including The Establishment and Becoming Benjamin. He’s also the creator of ShiverCon, an indie horror convention in Indiana coming up in August that is sure to be absolutely incredible.

Join us as we discuss Easter eggs in horror books, pen names, the amazing event that is ShiverCon, and the importance of always showing and promoting kindness in the horror community.

Connect with Brandon: https://www.instagram.com/beldridgeauthor/

Get your ShiverCon tickets and more information: https://linktr.ee/shiverconindiana?utm_source=ig&utm_medium=social&utm_content=link_in_bio&fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQPOTM2NjE5NzQzMzkyNDU5AAGnOjJdEmbG2bzfylkFvRPOhR0EuHxNoUa0j_BNc7pyjfFK8hxy2O82IgXL7S4_aem_iibBofXOwWbWjB5YalXTSg

Connect with Viggy: https://viggyhampton.com

Sound effects courtesy of Pixabay and Apple

Building Horror Mansions with Erika T. Wurth

Tue, 23 Jun 2026 02:00:00 -0400

Erika T. Wurth is the author of WHITE HORSE and THE HAUNTING OF ROOM 904, and she’s an urban Native of Apache/Chickasaw/Cherokee descent. She’s a New York Times editors pick, a Good Morning America buzz pick, and an Indie Next, Target book of the Month, and Book of the Month Pick. She’s also a professor at Western Illinois University and a narrative artist for the Meow Wolf Denver Installation.

Join us as we discuss the importance of story structure, paranormal fiction, building horror mansions, and the ‘pink horror’ controversy.

Connect with Erika: https://erikatwurth.com

Connect with Viggy: https://viggyhampton.com

Sound effects courtesy of Pixabay and Apple

Sassy Demons and Female Friendship with Emily Vale

Tue, 16 Jun 2026 02:00:00 -0400

Emily Vale, author of She Feeds on Misery, writes books that blur the edge of reality with a supernatural twist, blending the horrifyingly fantastic with mundane life. Join us as we discuss sassy demons, the importance of female friendship, hauntings, cursed gumdrops (yes, you read that right) and more!

Connect with Emily: https://www.emilyvalebooks.com/about

Connect with Viggy: https://viggyhampton.com

Sound effects courtesy of Pixabay and Apple

Organ Trafficking Horror and More with Lee Upton

Tue, 09 Jun 2026 02:00:00 -0400

Lee Upton has a large and diverse body of work--her first novel, Tabitha, Get Up, is a current semi-finalist for the 2026 Thurber Prize in American Humor. She’s also written the novels Wrongful, The Withers (forthcoming in June 2026), and Tabitha, Stay Up (forthcoming in September 2026). Her poetry has appeared in the New Yorker, Poetry, Agni, and many other magazines. Her awards include the Pushcart Prize, the SaturnaliaBooks Prize, and the BOA Short Fiction Award.

Join us as we discuss how to welcome failure, epidemic horror, mining poetry and short stories for novel ideas, and even--gasp--organ trafficking.

Connect with Lee: https://www.leeupton.com

Connect with Viggy: https://viggyhampton.com

Sound effects courtesy of Pixabay and Apple

Let's Talk Decay with J.R. Blanes

Tue, 02 Jun 2026 02:00:00 -0400

What would you do if you couldn’t make your art anymore? If you couldn’t write? If you couldn’t cook, or play music, or read? If your creative outlet and passion were taken away?

Those are just a few of the horrifying questions I discuss with special guest J.R. Blanes, whose novel Portraits of Decay will make you consider the meaning of art, dark magic, the tension between the Hollywood version of voodoo and the reality, and more!

J.R. Blanes is the author of multiple short horror stories, appearing via Wicked Shadow Press, Hiraeth Publishing, Dark Horses Magazine, the NoSleep Podcast, Tales to Terrify and more. His debut novel, the New Orleans-inspired Portraits of Decay, was recently published through Ruadán Books.

Connect with J.R.: https://jrblanes.com

Connect with Viggy: https://viggyhampton.com

Sound effects courtesy of Pixabay and Apple

Strange Tales with Daniel Braum

Tue, 26 May 2026 02:00:00 -0400

Who else loves The Twilight Zone? Who else enjoys being plunged into a strange, surreal world? If this describes you, then join me and author Daniel Braum as we discuss strange tales, why we’re drawn to the macabre, and what we wish we saw more of in the horror world.

Daniel Braum writes short stories that explore the tension between the psychological and the supernatural. His debut short story collection The Night Marchers and Other Strange Tales was re-released in 2023 in a new edition from Cemetery Dance Publications. His stories have also appeared in many magazines and anthologies including the The Best Horror of the Year Volume 12 edited by Ellen Datlow.

Connect with Daniel: https://bloodandstardust.wordpress.com

Connect with Viggy: https://viggyhampton.com

Sound effects courtesy of Pixabay and Apple

BONUS ENCORE: The Tinder Chronicles and the Horror and Humor of Modern Dating

Wed, 20 May 2026 02:00:00 -0400

This very special bonus encore episode featuring the horrors of modern dating celebrates the publication of my satirical novel-in-stories, The Tinder Chronicles!

First dates can be hell… or hilarious. Dating can be horrible, but the right attitude can turn even the worst date into something memorable. From wannabe rappers to semi-pro golfers, from naughty ventriloquists to unicycle-riding parrot dads, this novel-in-stories showcases the humor of modern dating in over fifty snappy, witty vignettes—most of which are based on true stories.

It’s safe to say dating today is very different compared to dating a few decades ago. The introduction of smartphones and dating apps has radically changed how we meet people--and not always for the better. Today’s special guest, Dr. Camille Holiner, and I both met our husbands on dating apps, and we’re here to discuss the good, the bad, and the ugly of the dating process. We also have a bonus mystery guest who shares some hilarious, horrifying, and spicy stories from his dating app experience!

Connect with Viggy: https://viggyhampton.com

Purchase The Tinder Chronicles: https://www.amazon.com/Tinder-Chronicles-Novel-Stories-ebook/dp/B0GRSFS44R/

Sound effects courtesy of Pixabay and Apple

Receiving Intercepts with T.J. Payne

Tue, 19 May 2026 02:00:00 -0400

T.J. Payne is the author of the smash hit INTERCEPTS, which has sold over 95,000 copies and has had over 25 million page reads on Kindle Unlimited since its publication in 2019. He’s also the author of THE VENUE and IN MY FATHER’S BASEMENT. Born and raised in Portland, OR, he moved to Hollywood with plans to write romantic comedies, but as he worked on his craft, he found his stories drifting toward more sinister themes--and aren’t we all so grateful he found his home in horror!

Join us as we discuss the hardcover release of INTERCEPTS, going from self-publishing to traditional publishing, TV and movie writing, and relationships as the heart of horror stories.

Connect with T.J.: https://www.instagram.com/tj.payne.author/

Connect with Viggy: https://viggyhampton.com

Sound effects courtesy of Pixabay and Apple

Authorship and Art with Horror Renaissance Man Joey Powell

Tue, 12 May 2026 02:00:00 -0400

In this episode, I’m joined by award-winning author and actor Joey Powell! His recent published work includes Squirming All the Way Up and Night Games, co-authored with his twin Josh Powell. He’s also an incredible illustrator and book designer, and he’s the owner and operator of indie press Mad Axe Media. Join us as we discuss horror as art, what it’s like to operate a small press, what we wish we saw more of in the horror world, and more!

Suspense, Subversion, and Scary Surprises with Nat Cassidy

Tue, 05 May 2026 02:00:00 -0400

Nat Cassidy is an award-winning actor, playwright, director, and the author of the acclaimed novels When the Wolf Comes Home, Mary: An Awakening of Terror, Nestlings, and Rest Stop. Esquire has named him one of the "writers shaping horror’s next golden age.” His newest collection, I Know a Place, drops TODAY, May 5!

Join us as we discuss the structure of writing horror, subversion, suspense, character-driven, compulsively readable stories, and the current golden age of horror we’re lucky enough to find ourselves in!

Connect with Nat: http://www.natcassidy.com

Connect with Viggy: https://viggyhampton.com

Sound effects courtesy of Pixabay and Apple

Cinematic, Comedic, and Cozy with Stephanie Rose

Tue, 28 Apr 2026 02:00:00 -0400

Stephanie Rose is a bookseller, publisher, editor, and author--a true Renaissance woman of horror. Join us as we discuss the best background media for writing (horror movies on mute!), why horror matters, weekly writing goals, handling reviews, and her style: cinematic, comedic, and cozy (we love an alliteration over here!).

Connect with Stephanie: https://stephanierosewriter.com

Order from Death by TBR Books: https://deathbytbrbooks.com

Connect with Viggy: https://viggyhampton.com

Sound effects courtesy of Pixabay and Apple

Medical Horror with Dr. Spooky, N.J. Gallegos

Tue, 21 Apr 2026 02:00:00 -0400

Who better to discuss medical and body horror than an emergency medicine physician with a flair for the macabre? N.J. Gallegos is an absolute powerhouse--her novella Just Desserts won an American Legacy Book Award in the Psychological Horror category in 2024, and in 2022 and 2025, she won first place in Alien Buddha Press' Horror Showdown. In 2025, she was nominated for two Pushcart Prizes. She’s also published 2 novels--The Broken Heart and The Fatal Mind, and her latest publications are a fabulous novella called Eat Your Heart Out and a collection called Time of Death (coming May 26, 2026). Join us as we discuss the gnarliest things she’s seen as a physician, how to balance work and writing, the best ways to decompress (hello, reality TV and writing horror!), and our favorite pathogens!

Connect with N.J.: https://njgallegos.com

Connect with Viggy: https://viggyhampton.com

Sound effects courtesy of Pixabay and Apple

I Found a Horror-Filled Interview with Ben Farthing

Tue, 14 Apr 2026 02:00:00 -0400

Ever wondered what’s living in your walls? Or what lurks inside of that abandoned mall? Or what might happen to a terrorized neighborhood on Halloween? If so, you’ve got to check out horror author Ben Farthing. Join Ben and me as we discuss the horror of liminal spaces, full-time horror author-ing, what the horror book world needs more of, and more!

Connect with Ben: https://thedreadfarthing.com

Connect with Viggy: https://viggyhampton.com

Sound effects courtesy of Pixabay and Apple

Horror as the Liver of the Literary Body with Dawn Kurtagich

Tue, 07 Apr 2026 02:00:00 -0400

“Horror is the liver of the literary body. You need the liver to process all your toxins.”

How gorgeous and insightful, am I right? And that’s only a tiny taste of what award-winning author Dawn Kurtagich has to offer in this fascinating, fun, and frightening interview. Join us as we discuss everything from the purpose of horror to the importance of writing rituals (I, too, wish I could cozy up on the side of a mountain at sunset!).

Connect with Dawn: https://www.dawnkurtagich.com

Find Dawn on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dawnkurtagich/

Connect with Viggy: https://viggyhampton.com

Sound effects courtesy of Pixabay and Apple

Mormon Gothic with Linda Hamilton

Tue, 31 Mar 2026 02:00:00 -0400

If you’re anything like me, then you’re not immune to the widespread recent interest in Mormon culture (anybody else love The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives?). Enter Linda Hamilton, an ex-Mormon and the author of The Fourth Wife, a deliciously chilling, historical gothic horror with a feminist slant where a young Mormon woman is haunted by a malevolent presence in the decrepit Salt Lake City mansion she shares with her new husband and his other wives. Join us as we discuss how history and personal experience can inspire horror, religious trauma in horror, gothic novels, and how to manage the writing life.

Linda Hamilton is an author and historian who is currently completing her Master’s in history at Sam Houston State University with a thesis on Mormon women in polygamy. Her debut novel The Fourth Wife (publishing March 31, 2026) is rooted in the real lives of women from her own family history and religious heritage.

Connect with Linda: https://www.readlindahamilton.com

Find Linda on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lindahamiltonwriter/?hl=en

Connect with Viggy: https://viggyhampton.com

Sound effects courtesy of Pixabay and Apple

Weaving Together Historical Fiction and True Crime with A. Rae Dunlap

Tue, 24 Mar 2026 02:00:00 -0400

In this episode, I have the great pleasure of speaking with A. Rae Dunlap, author of The Resurrectionist and The Dreadfuls (which is absolutely fantastic!). Join us as we discuss the fascinating nature of cemeteries, how to create the right atmosphere for historical narratives, Jack the Ripper, the history of our obsession with true crime, and more!

Connect with A. Rae Dunlap: https://araedunlap.com

Find A. Rae Dunlap on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/araewrites/

Connect with Viggy: https://viggyhampton.com

Sound effects courtesy of Pixabay and Apple

Horror, Intelligence, and Technology with Alma Katsu

Tue, 17 Mar 2026 02:00:00 -0400

What do you get when you combine an intelligence analyst, a technology futurist, and a horror novelist? You get the one and only Alma Katsu! In this episode, we discuss everything from the looming threat of generative AI to exploring history through a horror lens.

Alma is a New York Times bestselling author, and her books have been nominated for and won multiple prestigious awards including the Stoker, Goodreads Readers Choice, and International Thriller Writers, and appeared on numerous Best Books lists. Her book THE HUNGER, which is a reimagining of the story of the Donner Party (and it’s also the book I read on my honeymoon), was named one of NPR’s 100 favorite horror stories. As if that weren’t enough, she also has over 30 years of experience as an intelligence professional at CIA and NSA.

Connect with Alma and sign up for her Substack: https://almakatsubooks.com

Connect with Viggy: https://viggyhampton.com

Sound effects courtesy of Pixabay and Apple

BONUS: Books for the Broken with R. Jacob Honeybrook

Fri, 13 Mar 2026 02:00:00 -0400

I couldn’t let a Friday the 13th go uncelebrated, so here’s a super special bonus episode featuring my friend and fellow horror author, R. Jacob Honeybrook! In addition to being an author, R. Jacob Honeybrook is one of the hosts of the fabulous, award-winning Midnight Terrors podcast. A former journalist, he also pens the weekly horror column “The Honeycut” for TBM Horror. His newest collection, BOOKS FOR THE BROKEN, will be out on March 30! Join us as we discuss his newest work, marketing as an indie author, dealing with rejection, and paving our own paths in publishing.

Connect with RJH: https://www.instagram.com/author_honeybrook/

Connect with Viggy: https://viggyhampton.com

Sound effects courtesy of Pixabay and Apple

Gothic Goodness with Paulette Kennedy

Tue, 10 Mar 2026 02:00:00 -0400

In this episode, I’m joined by the queen of Gothic suspense, Paulette Kennedy! She’s the bestselling author of The Devil and Mrs. Davenport, as well as many other fabulous novels. Join us as we discuss the power of historical settings, the Gothic genre, and her newest release, The Two Deaths of Lillian Carmichael!

Connect with Paulette: https://paulettekennedy.com

Connect with Viggy: https://viggyhampton.com

Sound effects courtesy of Pixabay and Apple

Reviving Cult Classics and Creating New Ones with Michael Harbron

Tue, 03 Mar 2026 02:00:00 -0500

Today, I’m joined by Michael Harbron, bestselling horror author of the Interview with the Devil series. He’s also the author of the official Fright Night prequel novel, called Fright Night: Hellbound. Join us as we discuss reviving cult classics, building a horror universe, and our favorite horror novels!

Connect with Michael: https://michaelharbron.com

Find Michael on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/michaelharbron/

Connect with Viggy: https://viggyhampton.com

Sound effects courtesy of Pixabay and Apple

Celebrating Women in Horror with Gwendolyn Kiste

Tue, 24 Feb 2026 02:00:00 -0500

Women in Horror Month is almost here!! Multiple award-winning author Gwendolyn Kiste joins me to discuss the importance of recognizing women in horror, the month’s theme of resilience, and her work. Come celebrate with us!

Connect with Gwendolyn: https://www.gwendolynkiste.com

Connect with Viggy: https://viggyhampton.com

Sound effects courtesy of Pixabay and Apple

Dark History and Real Life Horror with Jack Finn

Tue, 17 Feb 2026 02:00:00 -0500

Prolific horror author Jack Finn is no stranger to research--his books are layered with historical facts that make the narrative that much more terrifying. Join us as we discuss what horror has to offer readers, why history is an excellent inspiration for horror, and what we wish we saw more of in the horror world.

Connect with Jack: https://therealjackfinn.com

Connect with Viggy: https://viggyhampton.com

Sound effects courtesy of Pixabay and Apple

Lobotomy and the Evolution of Mental Health Treatment with Dr. Camille Holiner

Tue, 10 Feb 2026 02:00:00 -0500

Pod favorite and seasoned clinical psychologist Dr. Camille Holiner joins me again for a fascinating discussion of the history of lobotomy, the evolution of the treatment of mental illness over the past few decades, toxic family dynamics, and more!

Connect with Viggy: https://viggyhampton.com

Sound effects courtesy of Pixabay and Apple

Using Horror to Explore Painful History with Maria Tureaud

Tue, 03 Feb 2026 02:00:00 -0500

Often, we don’t have to look further than our own history for horrifying inspiration. Maria Tureaud, author of the Great Hunger-inspired This House Will Feed, joins me for an illuminating discussion of how we can use horror fiction to explore and provide catharsis for historic tragedy.

Maria Tureaud is the author of one of my new favorite novels, This House Will Feed, which is set at the height of the Irish Famine in the author’s own County Clare. Amidst the devastation of Ireland’s Great Hunger, a young woman is salvaged from certain death when offered a mysterious position at a remote manor house in this chillingly evocative historical horror novel. Maria hails from the Wild Atlantic Way on the west coast of Ireland, and she is a seasoned Developmental Editor of fourteen years as well as an acclaimed author of middle grade and adult fiction.

Connect with Maria: https://authormariatureaud.com/books/

Connect with Viggy: https://viggyhampton.com

Sound effects courtesy of Pixabay and Apple

Nothing But a Veritable Household Pet: The Story Behind the Novel

Tue, 27 Jan 2026 02:00:00 -0500

In the season 8 premiere, my wonderful friend Katherine flips the script and interviews me all about my newest novel, A Veritable Household Pet. Join us as we discuss the history of lobotomy, the writing process, getting into the mind of a character, and the evolution of narrative voice.

Connect with Viggy: https://viggyhampton.com

Sound effects courtesy of Pixabay and Apple

Season 8 Is Coming Soon!

Tue, 06 Jan 2026 02:00:00 -0500

Season 8 is coming soon! Mark your calendars for the premiere episode on January 27, and add A Veritable Household Pet to your TBR today (or you can always preorder!).

Connect with Viggy: https://viggyhampton.com

Sound effects courtesy of Pixabay and Apple

SEASON FINALE: Bring Your Own Bucket Devil's Food Cake

Tue, 14 Oct 2025 02:00:00 -0400

If you’ve made it this far, you’re probably just as hungry as I am. Let’s get ready to ROT with this season’s The Rotting Room-inspired recipe…Bring Your Own Bucket Devil’s Food Cake!

Bring Your Own Bucket Devil’s Food Cake

Cake

3 cups almond flour
3/4 cup cocoa powder
4 1/2 tsp baking powder
1 tsp salt
2/3 cup milk or almond milk
6 eggs
2/3 cup granulated sugar or coconut sugar
3 tsp pure vanilla extract

Cookies

3 cups almond flour
4 Tbsp softened coconut oil
1/2 cup + 2 Tbsp maple syrup or honey
1/4 tsp salt
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/4 tsp almond extract
Melted chocolate for decorating

Pudding

1 package pistachio instant pudding mix
2 cups cold milk

Frosting

1/2 cup unsweetened almond milk
1 1/4 cup dark chocolate chips
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 1/4 – 2 cups powdered sugar, sifted

Decoration

Sprinkles
Crumbled Oreos
Chopped nuts

Instructions

Cake: Preheat oven to 350F. Butter two 9” cake pans. Mix all ingredients together until batter is smooth. Divide batter into two pans. Bake cakes for 14-16 minutes. Let the cakes cool completely.
Cookies: Preheat oven to 350F. Grease a square 9x9” pan with butter. Combine all cookie ingredients until batter is smooth. Press into prepared pan. Bake for 20-22 minutes, until cookies are golden. When cool, cut into 18 uniform rectangles. Melt a bit of chocolate and pipe two lines along the cookies, one a half inch from the bottom and one a half inch from the top. Let set.
Pudding: Prepare pistachio pudding according to package instructions. Set aside in the fridge.
Frosting: Add almond milk to a glass mixing bowl and microwave for 1 minute, then add chocolate to warm milk. Cover with a towel and let sit for 2 minutes. When ready, stir with a wooden spoon. Incorporate softened butter and cover again. Let rest for 10 minutes. Next, use an electric mixer to combine everything. Add 1 1/2 cups sifted powdered sugar and mix again. Put frosting in the fridge to set for 1-2 hours. When you’re ready to frost, beat the frosting again. Add more powdered sugar if needed.
Note: If you want to make this a bit easier, you can use store-bought devil’s food cake mix, store-bought frosting, and/or premade cookie dough for this cake!
Assembly: On a cake plate, set the first cake layer onto a bit of frosting. In the center of the cake, dig a small-ish hole to accommodate the pudding, but don’t press through to the bottom of the cake (we don’t want any leakage). Frost the top of the layer (but not the hole). Carefully cut a hole through the second layer, but keep the cake you remove. Cut that in half lengthwise. Put the second layer on top of the first. Fill the cavity with pistachio pudding, then plug with the cake circle. Cover the entire cake in frosting. Press the cookies around the cake. Finally, decorate the top of your cake with whatever looks the most rotten to you--sprinkles, raspberries, chopped nuts, crumbled cookies--be creative!
Slice the cake, enjoy the ooze, and pair with a glass of green juice!

Order THE ROTTING ROOM: https://www.amazon.com/Rotting-Room-Historical-Horror-Novel-ebook/dp/B0DZD9B67S/

Sound effects courtesy of Pixabay

Main Character Energy through Tabletop RPGs with Eerie Games

Tue, 07 Oct 2025 02:00:00 -0400

Yes, horror movies and books are immersive, but have you ever wanted to be the main character in your own horror story (without the danger)? If so, you’ve got to check out Eerie Games. These are tabletop role-playing games that put YOU in the driver’s seat of the horrifying action. Join me and Eerie Games designer Scott Falzone as we explore the ins and outs of horror games--from inhabiting the role as a kind of therapy to using these games to build foundations of genuine connection with others!

Connect with Eerie Games: https://www.instagram.com/eeriegamesdev/

Play Eerie Games and join their Discord: https://www.eeriegames.com

Order Viggy’s books today: https://viggyhampton.com

Order THE ROTTING ROOM: https://www.amazon.com/Rotting-Room-Historical-Horror-Novel-ebook/dp/B0DZD9B67S/

Sound effects courtesy of Pixabay

Exploring Marginalized Voices in Horror with Briana Cox and Kailee Pedersen

Tue, 30 Sep 2025 02:00:00 -0400

In this episode, I’m joined by not one, but TWO incredibly interesting, intelligent, and insightful guests--Briana Cox and Kailee Pedersen. Briana is a horror screenwriter and author, and her novel Indigent will be published next spring (it’s already received glowing praise!). Kailee is the author of Sacrificial Animals, which is a Libby Books Award finalist for horror and an Otherwise Award long-listed book.

Join us as we discuss rage in writing, Own Voices, BIPOC and queer horror, representation, marginalized voices in publishing, and even opera! Trust me, you won’t want to miss this nuanced, lively conversation!

Connect with Briana: https://www.instagram.com/pedroparo2/

Connect with Kailee: https://www.instagram.com/kailee_pedersen/

Kailee’s website: https://kaileepedersen.com/

Order Viggy’s books today: https://viggyhampton.com

Order THE ROTTING ROOM: https://www.amazon.com/Rotting-Room-Historical-Horror-Novel-ebook/dp/B0DZD9B67S/

Sound effects courtesy of Pixabay

Spiritualism, Mesmerism, and Gothic Tales with Kathleen Kaufman

Tue, 23 Sep 2025 02:00:00 -0400

Do you believe in ghosts? What about communicating with the dead through space and time? Whether you think it’s all very real or an elaborate hoax, the idea of contacting the dead has a long and storied history, especially through the Spiritualism movement. Join me and author Kathleen Kaufman as we discuss spirits, mesmerism, Gothic tales, and the history behind her wonderful novel, The Entirely True Story of the Fantastical Mesmerist Nora Grey.

Connect with Kathleen on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kathleen.kaufman/

Connect with Kathleen on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/authorkathleenkaufman/

Order Viggy’s books today: https://viggyhampton.com

Order THE ROTTING ROOM: https://www.amazon.com/Rotting-Room-Historical-Horror-Novel-ebook/dp/B0DZD9B67S/

Sound effects courtesy of Pixabay

The End Times Are Coming with CJ Leede

Tue, 16 Sep 2025 02:00:00 -0400

I’ve got an incredible guest for this episode: the very cool, very talented, and very fun CJ Leede! CJ is a horror writer, hiker, Trekkie, and all-around very interesting person. Her debut novel, Maeve Fly, won the Golden Poppy Octavia E. Butler Award, the Splatterpunk Award for best novel, and was a Bram Stoker Award nominee as well as an Indie Next pick. Her second and most recent novel, American Rapture, was also an Indie Next pick. Join me and CJ as we discuss religious horror, crafting characters that feel like real people, finding catharsis through writing, and incorporating Place (with a capital P) in stories. You won’t want to miss this one!

Connect with CJ on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ceejthemoment/

CJ’s website: https://cjleede.com

Order Viggy’s books today: https://viggyhampton.com

Order THE ROTTING ROOM: https://www.amazon.com/Rotting-Room-Historical-Horror-Novel-ebook/dp/B0DZD9B67S/

Sound effects courtesy of Pixabay

Let's Talk Monsters with Author Brad Ricks

Tue, 09 Sep 2025 02:00:00 -0400

Who doesn’t love a good monster? Author and podcaster Brad Ricks is a monster connoisseur with a special penchant for vampires. Join Brad and me as we discuss creepy creatures, the craft of writing horror, and the best parts of podcasting!

Keep up with Brad: https://www.bradricks.com

Order Viggy’s books today: https://viggyhampton.com

Order THE ROTTING ROOM: https://www.amazon.com/Rotting-Room-Historical-Horror-Novel-ebook/dp/B0DZD9B67S/

Sound effects courtesy of Pixabay

Fun and Frightening 1980s Horror with Sean McDonough

Tue, 02 Sep 2025 02:00:00 -0400

Horror isn’t always dark and terrifying--it can also be hilarious and just plain fun. Nobody knows that better than Sean McDonough, author of many gleefully gruesome books. Join Sean and me as we discuss the most fun horror era ever: the 1980s!

Connect with Sean on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/houseoftheboogeyman/

Connect with Sean on TikTok: @‌seanmcdhorror

Order Sean’s books: https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B07SJWGX6M?ccs_id=5848f8c8-a09f-4c94-b59e-6f21d3813a87

Order Viggy’s books today: https://viggyhampton.com

Order THE ROTTING ROOM: https://www.amazon.com/Rotting-Room-Historical-Horror-Novel-ebook/dp/B0DZD9B67S/

Sound effects courtesy of Pixabay

Claustrophobic Horror with Caitlin Starling

Tue, 26 Aug 2025 02:00:00 -0400

Caitlin Starling, nationally bestselling author of The Starving Saints (2025), The Death of Jane Lawrence (2021), Last to Leave the Room (2023), and the Bram Stoker-nominated The Luminous Dead (2019), as well as the forthcoming The Graceview Patient (which will publish October 14 of this year), knows how to scare readers. Join Caitlin and me as we discuss the meaning of horror, its various subgenres (Religious! Claustrophobic! Medical! Psychological! Moist!), and the research involved in crafting a rich fictional world.

Connect with Caitlin on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/authorcstarling/

Caitlin’s website: https://www.caitlinstarling.com

Order Viggy’s books today: https://viggyhampton.com

Order THE ROTTING ROOM: https://www.amazon.com/Rotting-Room-Historical-Horror-Novel-ebook/dp/B0DZD9B67S/

Sound effects courtesy of Pixabay

Hilarious Horror and Horrifying Humor with Eric Miller

Tue, 19 Aug 2025 02:00:00 -0400

Why are we drawn not just to horror, but to horror that makes us laugh? If you’ve ever wondered why you’re guffawing during a chase scene or chuckling when the monster shows up, then you’ve got to hear what author and screenwriter Eric Miller has to say!

Keep up with Eric: https://www.ericmillerwrites.com

Order Viggy’s books today: https://viggyhampton.com

Order THE ROTTING ROOM: https://www.amazon.com/Rotting-Room-Historical-Horror-Novel-ebook/dp/B0DZD9B67S/

Sound effects courtesy of Pixabay

Navigating the Spirit Realm with Medium Jenny Lea

Tue, 12 Aug 2025 02:00:00 -0400

Okay folks, this episode goes DEEP. Special guest Jenny Lea, who is a medium, channel, empath, and psychic, joins me to take us on a brief but absolutely fascinating tour of the spirit realm. We discuss all the helpful and hopeful pieces, from angels to spirit guides, but we also get a little darker, of course--think demons, unquiet ghosts, and dark energies.

Connect with Jenny Lea: https://mediumjennylea.wordpress.com

Order Viggy’s books today: https://viggyhampton.com

Order THE ROTTING ROOM: https://www.amazon.com/Rotting-Room-Historical-Horror-Novel-ebook/dp/B0DZD9B67S/

Sound effects courtesy of Pixabay

Horror as a Vehicle for Catharsis and Exploration with Rachel Harrison

Tue, 05 Aug 2025 02:00:00 -0400

Horror is an incredibly diverse genre, and it’s able to carry the weight of both unbelievable fear and incredible catharsis. Through horror, we can explore what makes us uncomfortable in a safe, secure way. Join me and USA Today Bestselling author Rachel Harrison as we dissect the power of horror, her fantastic books, and even her novel-inspired sense of style!

Connect with Rachel: Rachel Harrison

Rachel’s Instagram: Rachel Harrison (@rachelharrisonsghost)

Rachel’s Penguin author page: Rachel Harrison | Penguin Random House

Order Viggy’s books today: Home

Order THE ROTTING ROOM: The Rotting Room: A Historical Horror Novel

Sound effects courtesy of Pixabay

Screaming Until We Laugh: Horror Comedy with D.M. Guay

Tue, 29 Jul 2025 02:00:00 -0400

Horror doesn’t just have to scare you--horror can also make you laugh. Nobody knows that better than Denise Guay, who writes under the name D.M. Guay. Her fantastic series, 24/7 Demon Mart, combines monsters, talking insects, demons, and hilariously hapless characters. Join us as we discuss the weird, wonderful world of horror comedy.

D.M. Guay’s website: https://dmguay.wordpress.com

Order Viggy’s books today: https://viggyhampton.com

Order THE ROTTING ROOM: https://www.amazon.com/Rotting-Room-Historical-Horror-Novel-ebook/dp/B0DZD9B67S/

Sound effects courtesy of Pixabay

Haunting Our Minds with Nick Roberts

Tue, 22 Jul 2025 05:00:00 -0400

Chances are, when you think of indie religious horror (which I hope you do!), you can’t help but think of Nick Roberts. He’s the internationally bestselling author of The Exorcist’s House, which won the 2023 Books of Horror Indie Book Brawl, Mean Spirited, Anathema, and many other horrifying novels, along with two story collections, It Haunts the Mindand Nocturnal by Nature. In this episode, Nick and I discuss everything from the power of religious horror in particular to what it’s like to be a full-time author. You won’t want to miss this one!

Connect with Nick and order his books: https://www.nickrobertsauthor.com

Find Nick on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SpookyWV

Follow Nick on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/spookywv/

Order Viggy’s books today: https://viggyhampton.com

Order THE ROTTING ROOM: https://www.amazon.com/Rotting-Room-Historical-Horror-Novel-ebook/dp/B0DZD9B67S/

Sound effects courtesy of Pixabay

The Fabulous World of Oldies Horror with Haley Newlin

Tue, 15 Jul 2025 02:00:00 -0400

What is your horror origin story? For author Haley Newlin, her love of horror began with oldies horror films. Think Vincent Price, William Castle, and all the gimmicky tricks. Join Haley and me as we discuss the fabulous world of oldies horror, how fear transcends the decades, and her upcoming third novel, THE FILM YOU ARE ABOUT TO SEE (which publishes October 14, 2025)!

Connect with Haley on Instagram and TikTok: @‌haleynewlin_author

Haley’s website: https://www.haleynewlinauthor.com

Order Viggy’s books today: https://viggyhampton.com

Order THE ROTTING ROOM: https://www.amazon.com/Rotting-Room-Historical-Horror-Novel-ebook/dp/B0DZD9B67S/

Sound effects courtesy of Pixabay

Local Legends and Lore with Wes Verde

Tue, 08 Jul 2025 02:00:00 -0400

From ghosts to medical mysteries to creepy cryptids, local legends bring a lot of flavor to a place. Join me and special guest Wes Verde as we discuss some of the legends surrounding his home state of New Jersey--including the Jersey Devil and the sad history of the Radium Girls.

Keep up with Wes: wesverde.com

Order Viggy’s books today: https://viggyhampton.com

Order THE ROTTING ROOM: https://www.amazon.com/Rotting-Room-Historical-Horror-Novel-ebook/dp/B0DZD9B67S/

Sound effects courtesy of Pixabay

Talking Terror with Gabino Iglesias

Tue, 01 Jul 2025 02:00:00 -0400

Horror is one of the most flexible, immersive, experimental, and expansive genres. Nobody knows that better than Gabino Iglesias, the Bram Stoker and Shirley Jackson Award-winning author of THE DEVIL TAKES YOU HOME, HOUSE OF BONE AND RAIN, ZERO SAINTS, and COYOTE SONGS. Join Gabino and me as we discuss everything from the power of horror to the best way to deal with impostor syndrome (hint: it’s not what you think!).

Keep up with Gabino on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, Twitter

Order his books today: Bookshop.org

Order Viggy’s books today: https://viggyhampton.com

Order THE ROTTING ROOM: https://www.amazon.com/Rotting-Room-Historical-Horror-Novel-ebook/dp/B0DZD9B67S/

Sound effects courtesy of Pixabay

Horror in Film, Music, and Theme Parks with Dr. Corey J. Trahan

Tue, 24 Jun 2025 02:00:00 -0400

There are few things cooler than a horror Renaissance man, and today’s guest, Dr. Corey J. Trahan, is definitely one of those. Between his horror films, his spooky band The Immortalz, and his haunted theme parks, Corey is fully immersed in the horror world. Join us as we discuss the fascinating facets of his eerie empire!

Corey’s production company with features trailers: www.horrorweb.com

Corey’s director info: https://www.coreyjtrahan.com/

Corey’s films:

https://vimeo.com/878057931/e293f26dce

https://vimeo.com/992497926/c60bd1e9e3

What's next for Corey: https://www.horrorweb.com/demoncode

Corey’s band, The Immortalz: https://www.theimmortalz.com/

Corey’s theme parks:

https://www.batcityscaregrounds.com/

https://nightmareon19thstreet.com/

Order Viggy’s books today: https://viggyhampton.com

Order THE ROTTING ROOM: https://www.amazon.com/Rotting-Room-Historical-Horror-Novel-ebook/dp/B0DZD9B67S/

Sound effects courtesy of Pixabay

Finding Faith through Horror with Reverend Joe Haward

Tue, 17 Jun 2025 02:00:00 -0400

Most people assume you consume horror to lose your faith… but what if horror could actually help you find your faith, while shedding light on the human condition in a very profound way? That may sound like a heavy weight to carry, but trust me, the horror genre is up for the challenge. Join me and Reverend Joe Haward as we discuss the deep significance and importance of the horror genre to both religion and the world at large.

Learn more about Joe: https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B09TNBMC6D?ccs_id=03a7a0ce-7032-4680-b6de-1220143a38c8

Order Joe’s book about horror and faith: https://www.amazon.com/Be-Afraid-Horror-Faith-Change-ebook/dp/B07MWS2BG2?ref_=ast_author_dp_rw&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9._FMnzTM9C4R0YHImT32VbA0haaArFiQ8WgV9EmJihCDv8elmGnxXE5GrbuY5NqvHLaUNoD8HaG-rnpL8Nq7Xvw.4NYmmU7CVxBwVi1Gd7IOsGJZnEFPXqEusIOpYjTvbQQ&dib_tag=AUTHOR

Order Viggy’s books today: https://viggyhampton.com

Order THE ROTTING ROOM here: https://www.amazon.com/Rotting-Room-Historical-Horror-Novel-ebook/dp/B0DZD9B67S/

Sound effects courtesy of Pixabay

Pink Horror and the Gothic Genre with Wendy Dalrymple

Tue, 10 Jun 2025 02:00:00 -0400

Horror is way more than gore and slashers--there’s nuance, there’s angst, and there’s even… pink horror? That’s right! Author Wendy Dalrymple joins me to discuss pink horror, the Gothic genre, and her newest novel, Credenza.

https://wendydalrymple.com/

IG: @‌wendydalrymplewrites

Order Viggy’s books today: https://viggyhampton.com

Order THE ROTTING ROOM: https://www.amazon.com/Rotting-Room-Historical-Horror-Novel-ebook/dp/B0DZD9B67S/

Sound effects courtesy of Pixabay

Devilishly Delicious Dishes with Richard Sargent

Tue, 03 Jun 2025 02:00:00 -0400

Adapting a book for film is one thing, but what about adapting a film into a… recipe?

The imaginative and highly creative Richard Sargent, an award-winning actor, director, producer, playwright, and filmmaker, joins me to discuss the tasty side of horror. He’s always had an interest in ‘creative cooking,’ which we at Horror Humor Hunger absolutely love. He’s the author of THE HORROR MOVIE COOKBOOK: 60 DELICIOUSLY DEADLY RECIPES INSPIRED BY ICONIC SLASHERS, ZOMBIE FILMS, PSYCHOLOGICAL THRILLERS, SCI-FI SPOOKS, AND MORE, and he’s got some devilishly delicious dishes up his sleeve.

Connect with Richard: https://www.instagram.com/horrormovienightcookbook/#

Get your own copy of Richard’s cookbook: https://www.amazon.com/Horror-Movie-Night-Cookbook-Psychological/dp/1646044916/ref=asc_df_1646044916?mcid=312aa393b91b3c1e8000196fa8ca0965&hvocijid=1827720246000895381-1646044916-&hvexpln=73&tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=730312820598&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=1827720246000895381&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9011276&hvtargid=pla-2281435178058&psc=1

Order Viggy’s books today: https://viggyhampton.com

Order THE ROTTING ROOM here: https://www.amazon.com/Rotting-Room-Historical-Horror-Novel-ebook/dp/B0DZD9B67S/

Sound effects courtesy of Pixabay

What Goes Bump in the Night with Dr. Randy Overbeck

Tue, 27 May 2025 02:00:00 -0400

Are you a believer in the supernatural? Do ghosts keep you up at night? Whether you’re a big believer or a seasoned skeptic, Dr. Randy Overbeck, mystery author and ghost specialist, is a fantastic guide to the world of the paranormal. Join us as we discuss everything from hauntings to the symbolism of ghosts to what makes a good ghost story.

Find Randy here: https://www.authorrandyoverbeck.com

Order Viggy’s books today: https://viggyhampton.com

Order THE ROTTING ROOM: https://www.amazon.com/Rotting-Room-Historical-Horror-Novel-ebook/dp/B0DZD9B67S/

Sound effects courtesy of Pixabay

Readers as the Ultimate Set Designer with Author Jeff Vande Zande

Tue, 20 May 2025 02:00:00 -0400

Join author Jeff Vande Zande and I as we discuss horror books, ghosts, screenwriting and filmmaking, and how important it is to leave room for the reader to engage with the story.

Jeff’s website: https://authorjeffvandezande.blogspot.com

Order Viggy’s books today: https://viggyhampton.com

Order THE ROTTING ROOM here: https://www.amazon.com/Rotting-Room-Historical-Horror-Novel-ebook/dp/B0DZD9B67S/

Sound effects courtesy of Pixabay

Get Haunted at the Brand New Savannah Paranormal Museum

Tue, 13 May 2025 02:00:00 -0400

Savannah is the most haunted city on earth, so it’s only fitting that it would be home to a brand new paranormal museum. Join me and special guests Chris Soucy and Megan Jones as they discuss their brand-new Savannah Paranormal Museum. I can’t wait to visit!

The Savannah Paranormal Museum: https://savannahparanormalmuseum.com/

Learn more about Chris: https://soucywrites.com

The Most Haunted City on Earth podcast: https://www.hauntedcitypodcast.com

Order Viggy’s books today: https://viggyhampton.com

Order THE ROTTING ROOM: https://www.amazon.com/Rotting-Room-Historical-Horror-Novel-ebook/dp/B0DZD9B67S/

Sound effects courtesy of Pixabay

Scary Stories from Thought to Screen with Screenwriter Sophia Louisa

Tue, 06 May 2025 00:00:00 -0400

Screenwriter, actress, and producer Sophia Louisa joins me to discuss all things horror movies. What scares us onscreen versus in a book? How do we translate horror from one medium to another? How do you really scare someone with a film?

You won’t want to miss this fascinating conversation!

Connect with Sophia Louisa: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm5167823/

https://www.instagram.com/sophialouisalee/#

Order Viggy’s books today: https://viggyhampton.com

Order THE ROTTING ROOM: https://www.amazon.com/Rotting-Room-Historical-Horror-Novel-ebook/dp/B0DZD9B67S/

Sound effects courtesy of Pixabay

Unpacking Religious Horror with Emma E. Murray

Tue, 29 Apr 2025 02:00:00 -0400

Horror helps you connect with the full range of human experience…. and that’s just one of the topics I cover with author Emma E. Murray. Join us as we break down religion in horror, what makes a story transgressive, how feeling uncomfortable and unsettled can help us take full advantage of our humanity, and more!

Connect with Emma and find her books: https://emmaemurray.com

Order Viggy’s books today: https://viggyhampton.com

Order THE ROTTING ROOM: https://www.amazon.com/Rotting-Room-Historical-Horror-Novel-ebook/dp/B0DZD9B67S/

Sound effects courtesy of Pixabay

Are You Ready to Enter.... The Rotting Room?

Tue, 11 Mar 2025 02:00:00 -0400

If you’re into Gothic vibes, body horror, and creepy nuns, then you’re ready to enter…. THE ROTTING ROOM. My third novel, THE ROTTING ROOM, will publish on 4/23. Season 7 of Horror Humor Hunger will be chock-full of incredible guests discussing everything from religious fanaticism to screenwriting to recipe development. Trust me, this season has something for everyone!

Preorder THE ROTTING ROOM here: https://www.amazon.com/Rotting-Room-Historical-Horror-Novel-ebook/dp/B0DZD9B67S/

Sound effects courtesy of Pixabay

It's Time to Celebrate with a Vulgar Alligator

Tue, 28 Jan 2025 02:00:00 -0500

Celebrate 1000 books sold with me by enjoying this season’s featured recipe, the Vulgar Alligator cocktail!

Recipe: The Vulgar Alligator
1.5 oz Blanco tequila
1 oz Cointreau
0.5 oz Amaretto
0.5 oz Midori
1 oz fresh lime juice

You can check out A COLD NIGHT FOR ALLIGATORS and MUCH TOO VULGAR anywhere books are sold: https://www.amazon.com/Much-Too-Vulgar-Horror-Novel-ebook/dp/B0DGQHCDT4/ref=pd_ci_mcx_mh_mcx_views_1_image?pd_rd_w=AKevI&content-id=amzn1.sym.bb21fc54-1dd8-448e-92bb-2ddce187f4ac%3Aamzn1.symc.40e6a10e-cbc4-4fa5-81e3-4435ff64d03b&pf_rd_p=bb21fc54-1dd8-448e-92bb-2ddce187f4ac&pf_rd_r=GG9B8EEQ9SRFKJABY1CJ&pd_rd_wg=kehy4&pd_rd_r=874c2429-dde1-4fb7-b2e6-45e6ddf10f6b&pd_rd_i=B0DGQHCDT4

Check out the DreadPop Magazine Patreon here: https://www.patreon.com/DreadPopMagazine

Sound effects courtesy of Pixabay

Selling Horror with High Strangeness Books

Tue, 21 Jan 2025 02:00:00 -0500

Besides authors and readers, there’s a very important cornerstone of the book world: booksellers! In this episode, I’m joined by the founder of High Strangeness Books, Jessica Ennenbach. High Strangeness is an e-commerce online bookstore dedicated to horror and dark romance that offers curated monthly book boxes (which sound so insanely awesome). From the current horror renaissance to the importance of collective third spaces for community building, Jessica and I cover a lot of fascinating ground!

Connect with High Strangeness Books on Instagram: @‌highstrangenessbooks

Order from High Strangeness Books: https://www.highstrangenessbooks.com

Order your High Strangeness Books Adult Horror Book Club Box: https://www.highstrangenessbooks.com/shop/p/adult-horror-book-club-box

Order your High Strangeness Books Dark Romance Book Club Box: https://www.highstrangenessbooks.com/shop/p/dark-romance-book-club-box

High Strangeness Books on Bookshop.org: https://bookshop.org/shop/highstrangenessbooks

Sound effects courtesy of Pixabay

Building Empathy Through Horror with Author Mona Kabbani

Tue, 14 Jan 2025 02:00:00 -0500

Mona Kabbani is a powerhouse in the indie horror world, with several acclaimed novellas and novels under her belt (The Bell Chime, Vanilla, For You, The Color of Blood) and more on the way. She’s also a strong voice for horror scholarship, consistently delving into what horror means, what it can do for us, and why it matters. Join us as for a fascinating, enlightening, and funny conversation about why horror is so important.

Connect with Mona at her website: https://www.moralityinhorror.com

Find her on Instagram and TikTok: @‌moralityinhorror

Sound effects courtesy of Pixabay

Connect with me and find my books here: https://viggyhampton.com

Unpacking the 'Disturbed' with Clinical Psychologist Dr. Camille Holiner

Tue, 07 Jan 2025 02:00:00 -0500

Aaaaaaand we're back, after a brief holiday hiatus! Let's start the new year off right with a discussion of a very disturbed individual 😈

My newest horror novel, Much Too Vulgar, is about a disturbed pre-med student named Keely who will do anything she can to get into med school… even if it means eliminating her competition. Join me and clinical psychologist Dr. Camille Holiner as we unpack just how ‘disturbed’ a character like Keely truly is. We also touch on trigger warnings, sociopathy, and perfectionism.

Get your copy of Much Too Vulgar: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DGQHCDT4?ref_=pe_93986420_775043100

Sound effects courtesy of Pixabay

Behind the Scenes of Filmmaking with Writer and Producer Barry Levy

Tue, 17 Dec 2024 02:00:00 -0500

Today, I’m joined by writer and producer Barry Levy, whose most recent project, Me, is out now on Apple TV +. His big break came from his original screenplay Vantage Point, and he has since worked with Steven Spielberg and Tom Clancy. In this episode, Barry gives us a behind-the-scenes view of filmmaking as we talk about book-to-big screen adaptations, writing for readers vs. writing for viewers, his advice for budding filmmakers, and more!

Get your copy of Much Too Vulgar: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DGQHCDT4?ref_=pe_93986420_775043100

Sound effects courtesy of Pixabay

Healing Through Horror with Indie Sensation Angel Van Atta

Tue, 10 Dec 2024 02:00:00 -0500

I don’t cry often when I read books--especially horror--but IN THE TALL TREES by Angel Van Atta had me sobbing and gasping for air. In this episode, I’m lucky enough to be joined by Angel herself. In addition to being a super talented writer, she’s a wonderful human being. Join us as we discuss writing trauma and grief, horror as catharsis, and what it’s like to be an indie author.

Connect with Angel on TikTok and Instagram @‌angelwriteshorror and find her books on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B0B57FDMPY

Get your copy of Much Too Vulgar: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DGQHCDT4?ref_=pe_93986420_775043100

Sound effects courtesy of Pixabay

The Wicked World of Plants with Naturalist Shannon Matzke

Tue, 03 Dec 2024 02:00:00 -0500

When you’re walking around in nature, you’re probably mostly worried about alligators, bobcats, and bears--but you need to add a new host of fears to that list. Plants like poison ivy, oleander, and hemlock can be irritating at best and downright deadly at worst. Join naturalist Shannon Matzke and me as we discuss some of the most wicked plants imaginable--and how to keep yourself safe.

Further Reading

Georgetown student arrested for ricin: https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/crime/georgetown-university-student-expected-to-be-sentenced-for-possessing-ricin/2014/11/10/318c4466-68d5-11e4-9fb4-a622dae742a2_story.html

Wicked Plants: https://www.amazon.com/Wicked-Plants-Lincolns-Botanical-Atrocities/dp/1565126831

A Taste for Poison: https://www.amazon.com/Taste-Poison-Eleven-Molecules-Killers/dp/1250624517/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&dib_tag=se&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.ak8LCYeDzOfqYmSqLSJN2Q8RI56SQ4ncg3Y60L9cBjemaitkQhNRY1waBcnlh7cCs7IhUQwqb70VMWnA6PHNS001Xw2LzteLpIS4Y5zTzQejEo-3TV_fnbShktFrmgLDJ6QvtpZCm1U5_yV-rdxaH4hHqum-4Wwz2OeJGdnHrpuJUEAqEN17Xe-8yCRw6Sb8AUPyzlsdS1YbI7zTbx1gYHOYQ2buFXXg6wUF1m7Omi4.4r8LMBFuT1K9Y575Bke8BuUOoIihWP8zejcc0WQ2J3k&qid=1725360200&sr=1-1

Get your copy of Much Too Vulgar: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DGQHCDT4?ref_=pe_93986420_775043100

Sound effects courtesy of Pixabay

The Cutthroat World of Medicine with Dr. Abigail Teitelbaum

Tue, 26 Nov 2024 02:00:00 -0500

Being a doctor is no joke… but neither is the journey to get there. Between pre-med weeder courses, medical school competition, and the stress of saving lives, medical careers can be cutthroat--pun intended. My fantastic friend and brilliant general surgeon Dr. Abigail Teitelbaum joins us today to talk about her experiences in the medical field and some of the spookiest things she’s experienced.

Get your copy of Much Too Vulgar: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DGQHCDT4?ref_=pe_93986420_775043100

Sound effects courtesy of Pixabay

What's Got Me SHOOK This Week with Amanda from the SHOOK Podcast

Tue, 19 Nov 2024 02:00:00 -0500

Have you ever been absolutely SHOOK by something you’ve experienced? I certainly have--from haunted hotels to ghost-ridden mansions to spooky underground tunnels, I’ve done my fair share of looking for the unexplained. In this episode, I’m thrilled to be joined by Amanda of the SHOOK Podcast, where she and cohost Sannah discuss all things paranormal and unexplained, along with a healthy dose of comedy. You won’t want to miss this episode, which is chock-full of real life ghost stories, haunted, abandoned hospitals, and friendly (and not-so-friendly) ghosts!

Listen to SHOOK: https://www.shookpodcast.com/listen.html

Follow SHOOK on Instagram: @shookpodcast

Get your copy of Much Too Vulgar: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DGQHCDT4?ref_=pe_93986420_775043100

Sound effects courtesy of Pixabay

TEASER: Upcoming Collab with Amanda from the SHOOK Podcast!

Wed, 13 Nov 2024 02:00:00 -0500

I'm thrilled to have Amanda from the SHOOK Podcast as a guest on next week's episode! If you haven't yet listened to SHOOK, you should absolutely go check that out right now!!

Listen to SHOOK: https://www.shookpodcast.com/listen.html

Follow SHOOK on Instagram: @‌shookpodcast

There's No Place Like Georgetown: The Horror and Humor of Undergraduate Life

Tue, 12 Nov 2024 02:00:00 -0500

It’s no secret that the main character of my newest novel, Much Too Vulgar, is a Georgetown undergraduate. I love the dark academic feel of a story set at a university--and in this case, the university in question has a LOT of lore, both historical and contemporary. Join me and my wonderful college roommates, Sarah and Laura, as we unpack some of the most interesting, terrifying, and hilarious aspects of learning and living at Georgetown.

Some links in case you’re interested in doing a bit of research yourself:

The Georgetown Cuddler: https://washingtoncitypaper.com/article/394104/a-georgetown-cuddler-timeline/
Howard Hughes Medical Institute: https://www.hhmi.org
Georgetown University history: https://www.georgetown.edu/who-we-are/our-history/

Get your copy of Much Too Vulgar: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DGQHCDT4?ref_=pe_93986420_775043100

Sound effects courtesy of Pixabay

Psychic Protection and the Nature of Demonic Forces with Aman Berry (Paranormal Investigations Part 2)

Tue, 05 Nov 2024 02:00:00 -0500

In Part 2 of our paranormal investigation miniseries within this season, I’m joined by paranormal researcher Aman Berry. Tune in as we discuss all things ghostly and demonic, including what these entities are, where they come from, and how to protect yourself.

Check out Aman’s YouTube channel here: https://www.youtube.com/@SifuAmanBerry/featured

Get your copy of Much Too Vulgar: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DGQHCDT4?ref_=pe_93986420_775043100

Sound effects courtesy of Pixabay

Spirituality and Demonic Entities with Exorcist Sadhu Dah (Paranormal Investigations Part 1)

Tue, 29 Oct 2024 02:00:00 -0400

There’s certainly a lot more to the world than what meets the eye. In this episode, I’m joined by Sadhu Dah, a digital nomad, performing musician, circus aerialist, and… an exorcist. He has a wealth of experience and knowledge in demonology, the paranormal, and several different spiritual disciplines. He’s studied under various monks and forest shamans and traveled extensively, helping those in spiritual need. Join us as we discuss his experiences, what scares him, the nature of the paranormal, and how to protect yourself from dark forces.

Sadhu’s website: https://www.thesadhudah.com

Sadhu’s Patreon: Patreon.com/sadhuexploring

Get your copy of Much Too Vulgar: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DGQHCDT4?ref_=pe_93986420_775043100

Sound effects courtesy of Pixabay

An Entire Season Dedicated to My New Book? That Would Be MUCH TOO VULGAR

Tue, 22 Oct 2024 02:00:00 -0400

My second novel, Much Too Vulgar, publishes TODAY! In this new horror tale, disturbed pre-med student Keely will do anything she can to get into med school, even if it means eliminating her competition.

In this Season 6 kickoff episode, you’ll get an exclusive peek at the first chapter of Much Too Vulgar, along with the story (both truth and fiction) behind the story.

Get your copy of Much Too Vulgar: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DGQHCDT4?ref_=pe_93986420_775043100

Sound effects courtesy of Pixabay and zapsplat.com

The Namaste Slasher with Alan Shivers

Tue, 01 Oct 2024 01:00:00 -0400

In one year, Alan Shivers went from an unknown author to an indie bestseller multiple times over. His newest release, The Namaste Slasher, combines queer representation, mental health awareness, and campy, 90’s-slasher vibes. Fueled by nostalgia and a knack for community building, Alan is a force to be reckoned with. Join us as we discuss his four novels, his path from newbie to bestseller, and his take on the horror genre.

Get your own copies of his books: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Alan-Shivers/author/B0CG3XXBTJ?ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1&qid=1727173242&sr=8-1&isDramIntegrated=true&shoppingPortalEnabled=true

Get your copy of Much Too Vulgar: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DGQHCDT4?ref_=pe_93986420_775043100

Sound effects courtesy of Pixabay

Season 6 Teaser: Much Too Vulgar + R. Jacob Honeybrook!

Tue, 10 Sep 2024 03:00:00 -0400

Woohoo! Instead of a tiny, 30-second teaser for season 6, you get a complete, full-length episode! Today, I’m joined by special guest and fellow author, R. Jacob Honeybrook. His latest book, WHEN WE ONCE LOVED, is available now on Amazon. In this episode, we talk all about writing horror, releasing books, and, of course, reading!

Find everything you need to know about R. Jacob Honeybrook on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/author_honeybrook/

A reminder that both Season 6 of Horror Humor Hunger and my second novel, MUCH TOO VULGAR, will be released on October 22!

dRead Con Canada: Inside an Upcoming Dark Fiction Literary Festival!

Tue, 13 Aug 2024 02:00:00 -0400

Bonus episode!! In this segment, I have the wonderful privilege of speaking with the folks of dRead Con Canada, Canada’s very first dark fiction literary festival. Whether you’re a reader interested in meeting authors, an author looking to connect with readers and other authors, or someone who just wants a place where you can let all your awesome weirdness out, dRead Con is sure to satisfy.

Find more info and purchase your tickets here: https://www.dreadconcan.com/

My lovely guests:

Mark Lefebvre (Leslie): https://markleslie.ca/
Tobin Elliot: https://www.amazon.ca/stores/Tobin-Elliott/author/B0BH763B5C
Kate DeJonge: www.katedejonge.com

dRead Con will take place on September 14, from 11am-7pm at the University of Waterloo Federation Hall, and it is sponsored by RUE MORGUE and Eerie River Publishing. Get your tickets today!

Hungry Yet? Try This Carnival Cake!

Tue, 25 Jun 2024 02:00:00 -0400

Are you hungry? It’s time to feed you! Recipe creator extraordinaire Becky Parr created this Carnival Cake, inspired by my novel A COLD NIGHT FOR ALLIGATORS! It’s set in an abandoned theme park, so the ingredients reflect all the flavors of carnival goodies. Enjoy!

INGREDIENTS

Cake

1 box french vanilla cake mix (I like Duncan Hines)

1 5.25 oz package instant vanilla pudding

1 cup sour cream

1 cup vegetable oil

4 eggs beaten

1/2 cup warm water

Caramel Buttercream Frosting

2 cups brown sugar, packed

1 cup unsalted butter, cubed

1/2 cup vanilla almond milk

Pinch of salt

5 cups powdered sugar, sifted

2-3 Tbsp heavy cream

Topping

2 cups chopped peanuts

1 bag of caramel corn

1 cup of chocolate chips, melted

DIRECTIONS

Cake: Preheat oven to 350. Butter two 9” cake pans and line the bottoms with parchment paper. Beat all 6 ingredients together until well blended. Divide the batter evenly into the two cake pans. Bake for 25-28 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool cakes completely.
Frosting: Combine brown sugar, butter, and milk in a heavy saucepan and cook and stir semi-frequently over low heat. Once butter is completely melted, stir constantly for 1 minute. Set to medium heat and cook without stirring for 3-6 minutes, or until bubbles form across the entire caramel surface and the caramel turns a rich amber color. Pour caramel into a heatproof large glass bowl and let cool. Once cool, add powdered sugar and beat until it comes together. I added a bit more almond milk plus heavy cream to get the right silky frosting texture.
Assembly: Place one layer of cake on a plate and cover with caramel frosting. Sprinkle the frosted top with chopped peanuts. Add the top layer of cake. Frost the top and sides with the caramel frosting. Cover the sides of the cake with chopped peanuts. Cover the top with caramel corn. Drizzle the melted chocolate over the caramel corn.
Best enjoyed while reading A COLD NIGHT FOR ALLIGATORS!

Order your copy of my debut horror-thriller novel, A Cold Night for Alligators: https://viggyhampton.com/book/

Sound effects courtesy of Pixabay

Chilling Chats with Cryptmaster Chucky: Paranormal Pursuits, Celebrity Horror Picks, and Vampire Vacations

Tue, 18 Jun 2024 02:00:00 -0400

In this episode, jack-of-all-horror-trades Charles F. Rosenay!!!, also known as Cryptmaster Chucky, joins me to talk about everything from paranormal investigations to celebrities' favorite horror to Vampire Vacations in Transylvania.

Dracula Tour (Vampire Vacations): www.dractours.com

Books: www.bookoftop10horrorlists.com ; www.paranormalconnecticut.com

ParaConn: www.paraconn.org

IG: https://www.instagram.com/charlesrosenay/

Order your copy of my debut horror-thriller novel, A Cold Night for Alligators: https://viggyhampton.com/book/

Sound effects courtesy of Pixabay

Trauma, Horror, and Publishing with Novelist and Trauma Therapist Monique Asher

Tue, 11 Jun 2024 02:00:00 -0400

In this episode, I’m joined by special guest Monique Asher, who is a trauma therapist by day and a horror novelist by night. Her debut novel, DON’T EAT THE PIE, will be released on September 24, 2024. Check out our discussion about everything from dealing with traumatic experiences to horror as catharsis to crafting realistic characters!

DON’T EAT THE PIE: https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/Dont-Eat-the-Pie/Monique-Asher/9781998076178

Monique’s website: https://www.moniqueasher.com

Order your copy of my debut horror-thriller novel, A Cold Night for Alligators: https://viggyhampton.com/book/

Sound effects courtesy of Pixabay

Fantasy Funerals: Navigating Life and Death with Jolene Blackbourn

Tue, 04 Jun 2024 02:00:00 -0400

How would you feel if the Grim Reaper showed up at your funeral? Would you feel comforted to have a transporter for your soul? Would you be scared?

If this interests you, then you just might want to plan your very own Fantasy Funeral.

In this episode, special guest Jolene Blackbourn, an estate planning attorney and founder of Fantasy Funerals, discusses all things death--from the second you start planning to the moment the Grim Reaper carries you to the other side!

Fantasy Funerals: https://www.fantasyfunerals.net

Jolene Blackbourn Estate Planning: https://www.joleneblackbourn.com

Instagram: @‌fantasy.funerals and @‌joleneestates

Order your copy of my debut horror-thriller novel, A Cold Night for Alligators: https://viggyhampton.com/book/

Sound effects courtesy of Pixabay

"Can We Make This Curdle More?": Acclaimed Sound Designer Jeff Schmidt on Crafting Ominous Thrills

Tue, 28 May 2024 02:00:00 -0400

Using sound to thrill and scare people is a true art form. In this episode, acclaimed sound designer Jeff Schmidt discusses how sound can elevate and liberate writing, the importance of chasing our creative passions, and his newest project, the audio horror anthology Ominous Thrill.

Jeff Schmidt is the acclaimed sound designer behind the incredible true crime podcast Dr. Death and the award-winning audio fiction thrillers Blood Ties and Aftershock. His newest project is an audio fiction anthology called Ominous Thrill, which is inspired by horror anthologies like Black Mirror and del Toro’s Cabinet of Curiosities. Ominous Thrill employs full-cast dramatizations and Dolby Atmos 3D spatial audio to bring these devious audio delights to life.

Ominous Thrill: https://ominousthrill.com

Jeff Schmidt: https://www.jeff-schmidt.com

Order your copy of my debut horror-thriller novel, A Cold Night for Alligators: https://viggyhampton.com/book/

Sound effects courtesy of Pixabay

Whispers from Savannah: Hauntings that Inspired a Chilling Thriller with Brett and Crystal of the Scary Savannah and Beyond Podcast

Tue, 21 May 2024 02:00:00 -0400

Did you know that Savannah is the Most Haunted City in America? For good reason, too! In this episode, I’m joined by Brett and Crystal of the Scary Savannah and Beyond Podcast to talk about some of the haunted history and terrifying experiences unique to Savannah!

Connect with Brett and Crystal: https://www.scarysavannahandbeyond.com

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC9L1S7eyJBRMZHpkSP1vJCQ

Order your copy of my debut horror-thriller novel, A Cold Night for Alligators: https://viggyhampton.com/book/

Sound effects courtesy of Pixabay

Jaws and Jokes: The Wild World of Alligators with Naturalist Shannon Matzke

Tue, 14 May 2024 02:00:00 -0400

Let’s face it--most of us don’t know that much about alligators, and what we think we know (run in a zigzag because alligators are aggressive) is a myth. In this episode, we’re going to do some myth-busting with expert naturalist Shannon Matzke. Trust me, you won’t want to miss this!

Fun links:

https://news.ncsu.edu/2022/10/alligators-exposed-to-pfas-show-autoimmune-effects/#:~:text=%E2%80%9CAlligators%20rarely%20suffer%20from%20infections,immune%20systems%20of%20the%20alligators.%E2%80%9D

https://crappytaxidermy.com

https://historyofyesterday.com/how-a-preserved-shark-went-from-murder-suspect-to-viral-sensation/

Order your copy of my debut horror-thriller novel, A Cold Night for Alligators: https://viggyhampton.com/book/

Sound effects courtesy of Pixabay

Character Deep Dive with Dr. Camille Holiner: Exploring Trauma-Bonding, Personal Growth, and Family Dynamics

Tue, 07 May 2024 02:00:00 -0400

It’s hard to love a novel if you can’t engage with the characters. Even though they’re fictional, the characters in a book still have personalities, psychologies, motivations, and needs that are worth unpacking. In this episode, clinical psychologist Dr. Camille Holiner discusses trauma-bonding, self-esteem, personal growth, and family dynamics as they relate to the characters in A Cold Night for Alligators!

Order your copy of my debut horror-thriller novel, A Cold Night for Alligators: https://viggyhampton.com/book/

Sound effects courtesy of Pixabay

Midnight Mischief: Tales of Youthful Daredevils

Tue, 30 Apr 2024 02:00:00 -0400

Anyone else like to do wild things and film it for YouTube? No? Just my special guest?

In this episode, my wonderful husband Ryan joins us for a discussion of youthful shenanigans, urban exploring, and the horror (and humor!) of getting into trouble--inspired by a pair of characters in my debut novel!

Order your copy of my debut horror-thriller novel, A Cold Night for Alligators: https://viggyhampton.com/book/

Sound effects courtesy of Pixabay

From Nightmares to Novels: Z.C. Krol on the Thrills of Indie Horror and Self-Publishing

Tue, 23 Apr 2024 02:00:00 -0400

Horror author Z.C. Krol is back to discuss his journey to publication, the horror genre at large, and why we like to scare people so much.

You can find Z.C.'s novella Disseverment on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Audible-Disseverment/dp/B0C78KNVJQ/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1YE2ZCGERHTIO&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.xNp0gUQHvWWwTtKSmj7OHrB7iuYYV3JPBOoa6WVm17b93U9Vp9_cDUvDB26E3GcL5Snx60c5qKg5n7oLVmLNAHqAc4Eyp4a1fP8SsFGPw7uV3DGoYD4Ic7wM0yanmi5IsIIWYHXYYkCndm327lmtHyeqKPU4qVhNzT3byufIzTu-NYVReyZhECYUL5DAkS6vv2lP6xa0pSWiNX6yhjz7SXyayQkQYXHBGQyP4HW6KWY.5w6H3kjAxQkPIYAzgjdMcDx0Oie3GFAk417XaVwcwIw&dib_tag=se&keywords=disseverment&qid=1709119811&sprefix=dissevermen%2Caps%2C194&sr=8-1

Listen to his podcast “The Creepy Kroly” on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6AsX2PzUkIbgLPhymFjgXc

Follow him on Instagram @‌zc_krol

Order your copy of my debut horror-thriller novel, A Cold Night for Alligators: https://viggyhampton.com/book/

Sound effects courtesy of Pixabay

Welcome to Gullywasher's: The Inspiration Behind Debut Thriller A COLD NIGHT FOR ALLIGATORS

Tue, 16 Apr 2024 02:00:00 -0400

Welcome to a brand-new season of Horror Humor Hunger! This season is all about my debut horror-thriller, A COLD NIGHT FOR ALLIGATORS. Tune in for a tasty teaser of the book, then a discussion with a special guest about my inspiration and publication journey!

Order your copy of my debut horror-thriller novel, A Cold Night for Alligators: https://viggyhampton.com/book/

Sound effects courtesy of Pixabay

Season 5 TEASER: A Cold Night for Alligators

Wed, 27 Mar 2024 02:00:00 -0400

Season 5 is coming soon--and it’s inspired by my debut novel, A Cold Night for Alligators. We’ll have an excerpt from the book, plus interviews from fascinating guests ranging from a wildlife naturalist to a fantasy funeral director--and of course, we’ll end with a delicious recipe from baker extraordinaire, Becky Parr of PerfectSlice Bakeware.

You can preorder the digital copy of the book now, or wait until publication day (April 10, 2024) to order a print copy!

The Horror Humor Hunger TV Dinner of Your Dreams

Tue, 26 Mar 2024 02:00:00 -0400

When I think canned laughter, I think sitcoms and TV dinners. Join me and recipe genius Becky Parr as we reinterpret the classic TV dinner in a healthier, more nutritious, and--dare I say--more delicious way! Recipe below.

Links:

You Are What You Eat: A Twin Experiment on Netflix: https://www.netflix.com/title/81133260
“Ultra-Processed People” by Chris van Tulleken: https://www.amazon.com/Ultra-Processed-People-Science-Behind-Food/dp/1324036729

Horror Humor Hunger TV Dinner

Walnut Brownie

Adapted from Elana’s Pantry: https://elanaspantry.com/easy-black-and-white-cake/

Ingredients

1 cup dark chocolate chips
1/2 cup full fat canned coconut milk
2 large eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 1/4 cups almond flour
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp baking soda
3/4 cup semisweet chocolate chips
1/2 cup + 1/4 cup chopped walnuts

Directions

Preheat your oven to 350F. Butter a 9x9 brownie pan.
Melt dark chocolate chips and coconut milk in a saucepan over very low heat. When mixture is melted, remove from heat and stir in the eggs and vanilla.
Stir in almond flour, salt, and baking soda.
Fold in the semisweet chocolate chips and 1/2 cup of the chopped walnuts.
Pour your batter into the greased 9x9 pan and top with remaining 1/4 cup of chopped walnuts.
Bake at 350F for 20-21 minutes.

Secret Ingredient Mac n Cheese

Adapted from Minimalist Baker: https://minimalistbaker.com/20-minute-mac-and-cheese-vegan/#wprm-recipe-container-78078

Ingredients

1 1/2 cups raw cashews, soaked in water for at least 8 hours (or cover with boiling water and soak for 15-20 minutes to soften)
1 box Banza elbow macaroni pasta
Juice of one whole lemon
2 Tbsp nutritional yeast
2 cloves garlic, peeled
1/4 tsp ground turmeric
1/4 tsp ground chipotle pepper
1 tsp salt
A few twists freshly ground black pepper

Directions

Drain cashews, then pour into a high-speed blender.
Cook pasta according to package instructions; reserve 1/2 cup pasta cooking water.
To the blender with the cashews, add lemon juice, nutritional yeast, garlic, turmeric, chipotle, salt, pepper, and 1/2 cup of the reserved pasta water. Blend until very smooth.
If the sauce is too thick for your liking, add more water.
Pour the sauce into the pot with the drained pasta and stir to combine!

Peas

Defrost a bag of frozen peas as your fabulous veggie side! You can also stir your peas directly into the mac n cheese.

Put it all together and you’ve got yourself a delicious Horror Humor Hunger TV Dinner--perfect for enjoying while you listen to this podcast!

Sound effects courtesy of Pixabay

Mystic Desires: The Bewitching Blend of Sex Magic, Horror, and Humor with Sex Witch Olivia LaRue

Tue, 19 Mar 2024 02:00:00 -0400

If you have no idea what a ‘sex witch’ is, you’re not alone--but you’re about to find out. My very special guest, Olivia LaRue, is a practicing sex witch, legal madame, and certified sex therapist. Join us as we discuss the spooky--and humorous--side of her work, from the terrifyingly paranormal to the hilariously goofy!

Sound effects courtesy of Pixabay

Scripting Shadows: Writing, Publishing, and the Paranormal with Harker Jones

Tue, 12 Mar 2024 02:00:00 -0400

In this episode, I have the great pleasure of speaking with Harker Jones, an editor, writer, and screenwriter with years of experience. Join us as we discuss failing forward, self-publishing, writing for the screen versus print, creative collaboration, movie adaptations, and paranormal experiences.

You can find Harker Jones on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/harker_j/ and Twitter/X https://twitter.com/HarkerJones and you can watch his wonderful short films here:

“Cole & Colette” (6 min.): https://youtu.be/iEXQawb9AKkURL
“One-Hit Wonder” (10 min.): https://vimeo.com/589459699/e78dc475cf

You can also find his book Until September here: https://www.amazon.com/Until-September-Coming-Love-Story-ebook/dp/B07V46MPBT?ref_=ast_author_mpb

ALSO: Since I recorded this episode, my debut novel has been scheduled for publication! A Cold Night for Alligators will be published on April 10, 2024 and will be available from all book retailers in paperback and ebook formats!

Sound effects courtesy of Pixabay

Hauntingly Historic: Dr. Kristy Sumner on Paranormal Tourism and Investigating the Unknown

Tue, 05 Mar 2024 02:00:00 -0500

A huge part of understanding history is learning more about the people who came before us--and sometimes, that means delving into the paranormal. Join me and my very special guest, Dr. Kristy Sumner of Soul Sisters Paranormal, as we discuss ghostly investigations, historic preservation, paranormal tourism, and more!

Links

Soul Sisters Paranormal: https://www.soulsistersparanormal.com
The Historic Scott County Jail: https://www.historicscottcojail.com
Instagram: @_soulsistersparanormal_
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/SoulSistersParanormal
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/soulsistersparanormal/

Sound effects courtesy of Pixabay

Giggles and Gadgets: The Eerie Side of Electronics

Tue, 27 Feb 2024 02:00:00 -0500

Is anybody else creeped out by old technology? Even if you’re not, join us for a discussion of all things electronic. We also touch on the moviegoing experience, audiophiles, and what makes visual media scary.

Links you might enjoy:

More information about William Castle and the 4-D moviegoing experience: https://collider.com/william-castle-horror-showman/
Scary movie study: https://www.cbsnews.com/detroit/news/these-are-the-scariest-movies-according-to-science/

Sound effects courtesy of Pixabay

Laughter, Groupthink, and Cognitive Dissonance with Dr. Camille Holiner

Tue, 20 Feb 2024 02:00:00 -0500

Have you ever thought very hard about laughter? Laughter can express everything from delight to fear, and it can have physiological implications, as well. It’s also often contagious--which helps explain the canned laugh tracks we all know and (maybe) love.

In this episode, Dr. Camille Holiner and I break down the meaning of laughter, the role of groupthink in how films, TV, and books are received, and how untreated trauma can affect our lives.

Sound effects courtesy of Pixabay

Any Industry Can Be Creepy If You Look Hard Enough

Tue, 13 Feb 2024 02:00:00 -0500

When you really think about it, any industry can be creepy! Join me and my special guest Katherine as we dissect the true story behind “The Laff Box” (it was a real thing!), why something mysterious can also feel sinister, how nonverbal communication like emojis has evolved over time, and several other industries with concealed histories (spoiler alert: glitter is so much more interesting than you might have expected!).

Background on Charley Douglass: https://www.theverge.com/2013/12/13/5207136/Charley-Douglass-laff-box-laugh-track

Decoder Ring episode about The Laff Box: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/decoder-ring/id1376577202?i=1000410255027

NYT article about glitter (sorry, it’s behind a paywall!): https://www.nytimes.com/2018/12/21/style/glitter-factory.html

Babyland General Hospital: https://cabbagepatchkids.com/pages/babyland-general-hospital

Sound effects courtesy of Pixabay

Get Ready to Laugh: "The Laff Box" [Short Story]

Tue, 06 Feb 2024 02:00:00 -0500

We’re kicking things off with my short story “The Laff Box,” which you can also read here: https://vmp22.medium.com/the-laff-box-7bafde9f9008?sk=0598af7d7231964db1d80ad0e8b4fa04

This story is a (hopefully obviously) fictionalized retelling of the real-life Charley Douglass and his Laff Box. Enjoy!

Sound effects courtesy of Pixabay.

Season 4 TEASER: Let's Get Ready to Laugh

Tue, 09 Jan 2024 03:00:00 -0500

This season is inspired by my short story “The Laff Box”, which offers a fictionalized history of the famous ‘Laff Box’, the real-life machine behind all those canned sitcom laughs of the late 20th century. In subsequent episodes, we’ll discuss everything from the nature of laughter to the engineering of spooky electronics.

Plus, I’m very lucky this season to be joined by several new and very special guests who all have different and fascinating perspectives on the paranormal--from an award-winning horror author to a filmmaker to a ‘Sex Witch’. Trust me, you won’t want to miss this season--so mark your calendars for Tuesday, February 6!

Grandma Ruth-Approved Diner Pancake Sandwiches

Tue, 14 Nov 2023 03:00:00 -0500

We’ve made it to the end of another season, which means it’s time to feed you! I hope you’re hungry for one of my mom, Becky Parr’s, newest creations inspired by “Grandma Ruth’s U.P. Truck Stop.” These Diner Pancake Sandwiches are easy, beautiful, and, of course, delicious. I hope you enjoy them as much as we did!

Recipe: Diner Stuffed Pancake Sandwiches

Ingredients
2 cups pancake mix (Bisquick is what I used , and you can use the GF version)
2 cups whole milk

4 Tbsp vegetable oil
2 eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla
8 oz softened cream cheese
Jam
Powdered sugar
Pecans

Directions

Preheat oven to 425F.
Butter a cookie sheet.
Mix up the batter, including the mix, milk, oil, eggs, and vanilla, and pour into the buttered cookie sheet. Cook for 13-15 minutes or until pancakes are golden brown and pulling away from the edges of the pan.
Add 3-6 Tbsp of jam to the cream cheese and stir until combined. If using different jams, divide the cream cheese into equal portions and add the jam. I used 3 jam flavors, so I divide the block of cream cheese into 3 equal portions and added 1-2 Tbsp of each jam.
When pancakes are cooled, cut into 3x3” squares. Place one on a platter, top with cream cheese jam, and place a second pancake square on top.
Top with powdered sugar and a sprinkle of chopped pecans.

Weird and Wondrous Northern Michigan

Tue, 07 Nov 2023 03:00:00 -0500

Northern Michigan, as the short story suggests, is a beautiful place, but it’s also very unique--some might even say weird. In this episode, we’ll talk to two very special guests and native Michiganders who can tell us firsthand what small town Northern Michigan is really like--the wild, the wonderful, and the weird.

You can find the book Ryan mentions about the Mio Pig Murders here: https://www.amazon.com/Darker-than-Night-Homicide-18-Year/dp/0312936761

You can find some more cool, weird places in Michigan here: https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/michigan/weirdest-places-mi/

Dealing with Trauma, Grief, and the Nature of Humanity with Dr. Camille Holiner

Tue, 31 Oct 2023 03:00:00 -0400

Dealing with grief and trauma is never easy, and people have developed so many different coping mechanisms. In this episode, Dr. Camille Holiner and I break down the grief process, how to heal after a traumatic event, the psychological nature of humanity, and more.

Artificial Intelligence Part 2: Savior or Destroyer?

Tue, 24 Oct 2023 03:00:00 -0400

I know we just talked about the possibilities of artificial intelligence, but hey--things move so fast in the tech world that a part two to this conversation is necessary. My lovely husband Ryan, a computer engineer, is back to discuss some of the new things he’s learned about AI--and trust me, it definitely brings the horror!

The two articles we reference most heavily for our conversation are linked here:

You can read about an author’s journey using AI to write a novel here:
https://www.theverge.com/2023/5/24/23732252/sudowrite-story-engine-ai-generated-cyberpunk-novella
The AI-assisted book is here:
https://robotlit.com/post/717956168948023296/the-electric-sea-an-ai-generated-experiment

Artificial Intelligence Part 1: Are Grandma Ruth's Robots Actually Possible?

Tue, 17 Oct 2023 03:00:00 -0400

Grandma Ruth’s robots sound terrifying--but are they actually possible? In this episode, my lovely husband Ryan, a computer engineer, talks us through artificial intelligence and the possibility that these robots could--or could not--actually exist, and what that could mean for humanity at large.

This is part one of our two-part series on AI and robots!

If you want to read more about the Vanderbilt ChatGPT scandal, click here: https://www.cnn.com/2023/02/22/tech/vanderbilt-chatgpt-shooting-email/index.html

Should the Dead Stay Dead?: Unpacking "Grandma Ruth's"

Tue, 10 Oct 2023 03:00:00 -0400

Is a humanoid robot human at all? Should the dead stay dead? If you bring someone back mechanically, what fills the void?

These are the kinds of questions my special guest and I will grapple with as we discuss the inspiration behind and meaning of my short story featured in episode 1, “Grandma Ruth’s U.P. Truck Stop.”

If you want to listen to some creepy animatronics reprogrammed to play classic songs, you can find those videos here:

Kicking Off Spooky Season: "Grandma Ruth's U.P. Truck Stop" [SHORT STORY]

Tue, 03 Oct 2023 03:00:00 -0400

Welcome back for Season 3! This season will focus on my short story “Grandma Ruth’s U.P. Truck Stop.” In this story, graduating University of Michigan engineering student Rachel Regal gets a letter from her hometown letting her know her uncle has passed. However, when she returns home for the funeral, there’s something off about the small town she knows so well--but at least she has Grandma Ruth, town matriarch, to help her get through everything…right?

If you’d prefer to read the story, you can do so here: https://medium.com/@vmp22/grandma-ruths-u-p-truck-stop-e1b0a8203ec5

Season 3 Trailer: Grandma Ruth's U.P. Truck Stop

Tue, 12 Sep 2023 03:00:00 -0400

For Season 3, we’re back to our regularly scheduled programming--meaning this season is all about another one of my original short stories. This particular story, which was inspired by The Stepford Wives, is called Grandma Ruth’s U.P. Truck Stop--U.P. as in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. It’s creepy, it’s atmospheric, and, I hope, it will make you think.

Mark your calendars for October 3--I hope to see you there!

Hot Ghoul Summer Finale: Do Aliens Really Exist?

Tue, 25 Jul 2023 03:00:00 -0400

When you hear ‘alien,' you probably think of a little green man with giant black eyes flying around in a saucer-shaped UFO--but what if aliens really exist, and they’ve visited this planet before? What if they live among us right now?

In this episode, we’ll talk to two special guests who have very different opinions about the possibility of alien life and its connection to humans here on Earth.

After listening to this episode, you deserve a treat! Today’s alien-inspired recipe is a delicious Homemade Moon Pie. You can find the recipe here: https://cookingbride.com/desserts/homemade-moon-pies/

Want more information about the Drake Equation? Here’s a good primer (and you can even put in custom parameters to make your very own estimation of the probability of communicative alien life in the universe!): https://www.pbs.org/lifebeyondearth/listening/drake.html

See you in October for Season 3!

“Art Should Comfort the Disturbed and Disturb the Comfortable”

Tue, 18 Jul 2023 03:00:00 -0400

“Art should comfort the disturbed and disturb the comfortable.” --Cesar A. Cruz

Art holds a very important place in our society--it can disturb, it can comfort, it can intrigue, it can horrify--and everything in between. Join me and my two special guests, who are both accomplished artists, as we break down the intersection of art and horror.

You can see a selection of my paintings here: https://viggyhampton.com/art/

You can see Nikole’s art here: https://nikolehampton.com

Check out my article featuring Nikole’s Pennywise illustration here: https://medium.com/slackjaw/pennywise-the-clown-what-i-eat-in-a-day-351d0f61e43c?sk=5969e20a3cf670ddc903a59b7795cea2

Check out my article featuring Nikole’s Evolution of Horror illustration here: https://medium.com/illumination/america-will-eat-itself-alive-the-future-of-horror-in-the-2020s-edef2addb9af?sk=e4e11f1799b87e92e4fb19def79abf06

Find Casa Refined here: https://casarefined.com

You can see my bookmark here: https://www.instagram.com/p/CqIVWEeLB_L/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igshid=MTI1ZDU5ODQ3Yw==

…And here’s the recipe for this episode!

“It’s Alive!” Cupcakes

Ingredients

Cupcake

1 box white or vanilla cake mix (I use GF)
Whatever ingredients the cake mix box calls for
Red raspberry jam

Cream Cheese Frosting

1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
4 oz cream cheese
1/2 tsp vanilla
1/8 tsp salt
2 cups powdered sugar, sifted

Directions

Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a 12-count muffin pan with cupcake liners and set aside.
In a large mixing bowl, prepare the cupcake mix according to the instructions on the box.
Fill cupcake wells and bake cupcakes according to instructions on box. Let cool completely.
When cool, cut a small core out of each cupcake and fill with about 1/2 tsp-1 tsp red raspberry jam.
Frosting: Combine butter and cream cheese in the bowl of a stand mixer (or you may use an electric mixer) and beat until creamy, well-combined, and lump-free. Add vanilla extract and salt and stir well to combine. With mixer on low, gradually add powdered sugar until completely combined.
Frost with cream cheese frosting.
Enjoy!

Home Is Where the Horror Is

Tue, 11 Jul 2023 03:00:00 -0400

A home is usually the biggest purchase any of us will ever make, so it can be terrifying when things go wrong. In this episode, my friend Katherine Vantosh and I break down the horror and humor of all things home--from haunted houses to bad flips to considerations for renovations.

You can find the Paradox of Choice TED Talk here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VO6XEQIsCoM

Want to learn more about the Winchester Mystery House? Click here: https://winchestermysteryhouse.com/

You can see a list and pictures of creepy things people found in their new homes here: https://www.buzzfeed.com/mikespohr/creepy-things-found-hidden-in-new-homes

Finally, here’s a (very loose) recipe for the ‘French Meal’:

Any meat you like (salami, ham, deli turkey, sliced roast beef all work well)
Hummus
Any cheese you like (Brie, Boursin, blue, Manchego, etc.)
Fruit (grapes, oranges, apples, pears, nectarines, etc.)
Vegetables for dipping (cucumbers, carrots, bell peppers, radishes, celery, etc.)
Nuts
Any other spreads you might like, such as jam, chutney, honey

Put it all on a plate and enjoy!

If you want to try that DIY graham cracker haunted house, you can find it here: https://www.homemadefoodjunkie.com/diy-graham-cracker-haunted-houses/

Not a Happy Camper: The Horror and Humor of America's Favorite Pastime

Tue, 04 Jul 2023 03:00:00 -0400

Camping is a national pastime; there’s something about marshmallows roasting over an open fire after a long day of hiking that just hits the spot, right? Well… not always. Not everyone can be a happy camper. In this episode, we’ll hear from two very special guests who have had markedly different experiences while camping. Ranging from the adventurous to the hilarious to the terrifying, these stories are sure to make you laugh and gasp in equal measure.

The recipe for this episode is a delicious mini s’more cheesecake--see below!

No S’More Camping Mini-Cheesecakes

Ingredients

Crust

1 cup graham cracker crumbs
3 Tbsp granulated sugar
3 1/2 Tbsp unsalted butter, melted

Cheesecake

1 1/2 cups raw cashews (soaked overnight)
1 large lemon (juiced)
1/3 cup coconut oil (melted)
2/3 scant cup full-fat coconut milk
1/2 cup maple syrup

Topping

3/4 cup mini chocolate chips
1/2 cup mini marshmallows
Additional graham cracker crumbs

Directions

Preheat oven to 325°F. Line a muffin pan with cupcake liners and set aside.
In a mixing bowl, stir together the graham cracker crumbs and sugar. Add the melted butter and mix until everything is moist. Evenly distribute the mixture between all 12 liners and press down.
Bake at 325°F for 5 minutes. Remove from the oven and set aside. Turn off the oven.
Add all filling ingredients to a blender and mix until very smooth.
Divide filling evenly among the muffin tins. Tap a few times to release any air bubbles, then top with chocolate chips, marshmallows, and graham cracker crumbs. Cover with plastic wrap and freeze until hard – about 4-6 hours (or refrigerate overnight).
Keep in the freezer for up to 1-2 weeks. Allow to come to room temperature before enjoying!

The Horrors of Modern Dating: Tinder, Bumble, and Hinge--Oh My!

Tue, 27 Jun 2023 03:00:00 -0400

If you want to read The Tinder Chronicles, you can find the stories on Medium: https://medium.com/search?q=the+tinder+chronicles

If you want to read the Root Beer Guy story Camille mentions, you can find that here: https://psiloveyou.xyz/the-tinder-chronicles-the-guy-who-felt-like-root-beer-8d47be2d0a5e?sk=47cabebef8b4dc5dbb29a9c9307cf50a

The Audiovisual Horror World of Doorway to Nightmare with Winslow Swan and Crimson McKenzie

Tue, 20 Jun 2023 03:00:00 -0400

Horror isn’t confined to books and movies--there’s also the in-between space, where audio and visual elements combine to make something new and interesting. That’s exactly what today’s special guests, Winslow Swan and Crimson McKenzie, set out to explore with their audiovisual horror offering, Doorway to Nightmare. While Doorway to Nightmare started out as a passion project just for them, it has blossomed into a popular YouTube channel with a full cast of talented actors. Join us as we discuss their inspiration, their process, and the evolution of horror media!

The recipe for this episode is a guest suggestion: Nightmare Ghoul-ash!

I used this recipe and added some bell pepper--it is absolutely delicious, and the perfect meal to eat while watching an episode of Doorway to Nightmare!

You can find Doorway to Nightmare on their website, their YouTube channel, or on Instagram @‌doorwaytonightmare.

So Bad It's Good: Let's Talk Turkey Movies

Tue, 13 Jun 2023 03:00:00 -0400

For this episode, I want to take you to the movies! But not just any movies--we’re here to talk all about turkeys, which are those movies that are so bad they’re delightfully good. I’m joined by two special guests, Movie Miss and Drive-In Dave, the wonderful co-hosts of the ‘Let’s Talk Turkeys' podcast, who share their wealth of expertise about these fabulous films.

As you listen (or maybe watch a few turkeys on your own), I suggest you nosh on the recipe for this episode, which is….

THE ULTIMATE TURKEY PANINI

Ingredients

Your favorite sandwich bread
Fig jam
Spicy mustard
Mayonnaise
A few slices of cheddar cheese
Sliced turkey

Directions

Slather your bread with fig jam, then add the spicy mustard mixed with mayo.
Put a piece of cheddar cheese on both slices of bread, then layer the turkey in the middle.
Panini press that sandwich! If you don’t have a panini press, you can grill your sandwich between two heavy pans, or use a pan and a brick wrapped in aluminum foil to press the sandwich down.
Enjoy with a side of buttery popcorn!

You can find ‘Let’s Talk Turkeys' on all quality podcast platforms, including Apple, Spotify, and Google. Have a movie suggestion? Reach out on Instagram to Movie Miss @‌Movie_Miss or the show @‌LetsTalkTurkeys 🦃

The Wiggly, Wobbly, Weird World of Jelly with Sam Bompas of Bompas & Parr

Tue, 06 Jun 2023 01:00:00 -0400

“Jelly is so close to human flesh. That is why it’s delightful for us, because it’s made out of gelatin. It starts off quivering, then there’s a sort of lustrous motion as it dissolves in the mouth. There’s something rather fleshy about it, which I think is wonderful.” --Sam Bompas

Jelly, with its creepy, wobbly, wiggly appearance, inspired me to write my newest novel, It Must Be Jelly, about a killer jelly mold. In the course of my research, I found Bompas & Parr, a London-based design firm specializing in incredible jellies. In this episode, Sam Bompas of Bompas & Parr talks with me about the horror and humor of jelly and why it captivates our attention so fully.

You can follow Bompas & Parr on Instagram @‌bompasandparr, order their book, Jelly, on Amazon (https://www.amazon.com/Jelly-Bompas-Parr-glorious-spectacular/dp/1862058792), visit their website (https://bompasandparr.com/ ), watch them make a jelly (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IwhkA4gdffE ), or read more about them and their work (https://www.ft.com/content/3b83cb0a-bf43-4eae-ba8e-61cf50b6f93b ).

If you’re interested in the article I first read that inspired me, you can find it here at Atlas Obscura: https://www.atlasobscura.com/articles/gelatin-art

As for the recipe, I tried this one (https://www.thespruceeats.com/strawberry-jelly-recipe-435894 ), but substituted frozen, thawed mixed berries for the fresh strawberries.

As Sam says, “Our challenge to listeners: What would you do with jelly? Where will it take your imagination?”

Horror as Junk Food: How Much Is Too Much?

Tue, 30 May 2023 03:00:00 -0400

What makes a work of literature ‘great?' Why are some books upheld as paragons of cultural and social critique while others are dismissed as ‘junk food’? Why is horror so often relegated to the junk food category?

In this episode, special guest and horror author Z.C. Krol helps us answer these questions and many others. We explore the concept of splatterpunk, how much is too much in horror, and the importance of horror as a genre to society at large.

You can find Z.C. Krol’s novella, Disseverment, on Amazon at https://www.amazon.com.au/Disseverment-Horror-Story-Z-C-Krol/dp/B0BBD7L316

You can follow him on Instagram @‌zc_krol and listen to his podcast, The Creepy Kroly, on Spotify.

This week’s recipe is JUNK FOOD COOKIES, which are the perfect accompaniment to every horror book and movie.

Ingredients

2 cups almond flour

1/8 tsp salt

1/2 tsp baking soda

1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened

2 Tbsp honey or maple syrup

1 Tbsp vanilla extract

1/2 cup dark, semisweet, or milk chocolate chips

1/2 cup lightly crushed salted potato chips

Directions

Preheat oven to 350.
In a medium bowl, combine almond flour, salt, and baking soda.
In a small bowl, combine butter, honey, and vanilla.
Mix wet ingredients into dry until a soft dough forms.
Fold in chocolate chips and potato chips.
Scoop dough one tablespoon as a time (a spring-loaded disher works great) onto a parchment lined baking sheet.
Press balls of dough down gently.
Bake at 350 for 6-8 minutes.
Let cool for 15 minutes, then enjoy!

Reality TV Bites Back

Tue, 23 May 2023 04:00:00 -0400

Everybody’s favorite guilty pleasure isn’t always so benign. Reality TV can easily turn into a horror show, blurring the lines between what is really real and what is unreal. Join us as we unpack the nuances of reality TV, what it means for us as a culture, and how it can slide so quickly into true horror.

Here are a few of the shows we mention: Unreal, Rock of Love, The Bachelor, The Real Housewives franchise, Keeping Up with the Kardashians, Love Is Blind, Too Hot To Handle

Some further reading:

https://medium.com/illumination/why-watching-the-bachelor-is-like-eating-a-diet-cupcake-f99b4142dac9?sk=fb38b12ef0db4ba2b17a32f7fa0e1b63

https://time.com/6265533/reality-tv-instagram-influencers-less-followers/

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Murder_of_Kim_Wall

You can find the recipe for the “I’m Not Here to Make Friends” Grapefruit Mimosa Jellies here: https://vmp22.medium.com/the-im-not-here-to-make-friends-grapefruit-mimosa-jellies-598a2f9b0055?sk=63edaa797ee52e5ed5e8eeaaaab906a2

Mommy Issues: Mothers & Horror

Tue, 16 May 2023 04:00:00 -0400

Happy Mother’s Day! Special guest clinical psychologist Dr. Camille Holiner breaks down ‘mommy issues’ as we discuss why moms can be so darn scary. We’ll also hear from two very important moms who have some scary (and funny!) stories to tell about the reality of being a mother.

This episode’s recipe is ICE CREAM PIE, because mothers can be cold, and they come in so many different flavors!

Mom’s Cold as Ice Cream Pie (Dreamsicle Flavor!)

Ingredients

CRUST (you can make your own or use store-bought)

1 ½ cups finely ground graham crackers (~12 crackers)

5 Tbsp unsalted butter, melted

¼ cup sugar

1/8 tsp salt

FILLING

1 pint orange sherbet, slightly melted to softness

1 pint vanilla ice cream, slightly melted to softness

Chopped pecans for garnish

Directions

If making your own crust, preheat oven to 350°F. Pulse graham cracker crumbs, butter, sugar, and salt in a food processor until combined. Firmly press crumb mixture into bottom and up sides of a 9-inch pie pan. Bake until crust is fragrant and edges are golden, 12 to 14 minutes. Let cool completely on a wire rack.
Filling: Dump the orange sherbet into the piecrust and gently press down into a flat layer. Dump the vanilla on top and, using a spatula, gently spread over the entire top of pie. Freeze.
When ready to eat, let thaw slightly before cutting--then enjoy!

Mix it up: You can swap in Oreos or other cookies for the graham crackers in the crust as well as any ice cream flavors or toppings you like!

Check out the podcast Instagram @horrorhumorhungerpodcast to see photos of Mom's Cold as Ice Cream Pie!

Introducing: Hot Ghoul Summer!

Tue, 18 Apr 2023 04:00:00 -0400

I couldn't wait until October to get back into podcasting with Season 2, so I'd like to announce Hot Ghoul Summer!

What is Hot Ghoul Summer? Throughout the summer, I'll be releasing episodes about interesting topics that don't fit neatly into a season. Things like the wonderful world of aliens, the horrors of reality TV, the terror and hilarity of camping, and the intersection of horror and art will all be dissected and presented to you with all the humor and hunger you've been craving.

Join me for Hot Ghoul Summer starting in May, when we kick things off with a special Mother's Day episode. In the meantime, if you have any topic ideas or are interested in being a guest on the show, connect with me on Instagram @viggyparrhampton. I'd love to hear from you!

Thank you all so much--it's going to be a great summer!

I Hope You're Hungry!

Tue, 11 Apr 2023 04:00:00 -0400

Expert bakeware inventor and recipe developer Becky Parr joins us again to share the recipe she created inspired by this season’s featured short story, ‘The Leak’! This Meatball Sub Casserole is sure to feed your fears!

You can find the full recipe here: https://vmp22.medium.com/the-meatball-sub-casserole-that-will-feed-your-fears-f9ec4195281b?sk=ee0aa90c1025bc114e9c3b568603ef9b

The Mysterious Moist Ghost, Part Two

Tue, 04 Apr 2023 04:00:00 -0400

Did last week’s episode leave you hanging? Fear not--here’s Part Two of the Mysterious Moist Ghost saga. We'll finally (maybe?) solve this mystery!

For a full breakdown (with photos and spoilers!) of this story, check out my article on Medium at: https://vmp22.medium.com/the-mysterious-very-moist-ghost-and-the-diabetic-schnoodle-fa21da54e8e2?sk=bb057b62d29539a62418e2acd2dea54d

The Mysterious Moist Ghost, Part One

Tue, 28 Mar 2023 04:00:00 -0400

Fictional stories can be scary, that’s for sure--but what about a real-life ghost right across the street? In this episode, we’ll hear Part One of the Mysterious Moist Ghost that terrorized my parents in their new home.

A Medium article was mentioned in the episode, but to avoid spoiling the rest of the story, that article won’t be posted until next week when Part Two airs! Don’t worry, though--I won’t leave you hanging. For photos of the ghostly puddles, check out the podcast Instagram @‌horrorhumorhungerpodcast 👻

To find out more about the haunted Driskill Hotel guest Kim Gordon mentioned, check out: https://austinghosts.com/10-the-haunted-the-driskill-hotel/

Fear of the Unknown: Exploring Mental Health & Horror

Tue, 21 Mar 2023 06:00:00 -0400

What is it about psychological horror that is so perpetually terrifying? Clinical psychologist Dr. Camille Tobolowsky helps us break down the connection between mental health and horror both in the story ‘The Leak’ and in other horror media.

Want another taste of psychological horror? Check out https://www.menshealth.com/entertainment/g34287899/psychological-horror-movies/ , as well as the movies “The Witch” and “Orphan”. Enjoy!

Peaking in High School and Horror as Catharsis

Tue, 14 Mar 2023 05:00:00 -0400

Why is ‘The Leak’ scary--or not [make sure you've listened to Episode 1!]? Host Viggy Hampton and special guest Becky Parr discuss the true events that inspired the story, why it’s scary (or not), how consuming horror can be a cathartic experience--and so much more.

Atlas Obscura article about MTA water barrier testing: https://www.atlasobscura.com/articles/subways-flood-without-rain

Chicago Tribune article about the 1970 Sly and the Family Stone riot: https://www.chicagotribune.com/history/ct-grant-park-rock-fest-riot-fest-flashback-0726-jm-20150722-story.html

Starting Things Off Scary with 'The Leak' [Original Short Story]

Mon, 06 Mar 2023 05:00:00 -0500

In this original short story by Viggy Parr Hampton, societal pariah Andrew Ferenc finds himself trapped in a subway station during a water barrier test. The barrier is leaking, but that’s not the worst part—he quickly realizes he’s not alone in the dark.

You can read the full story here:

The Leak

Horror Humor Hunger Introduction and Season 1 Teaser

Fri, 24 Feb 2023 11:00:00 -0500

In Horror Humor Hunger, host and horror author Viggy Parr Hampton will scare you, make you laugh, and then feed you. Each season presents an original short story, followed by interviews with experts, discussion about the themes of the story and the nature of horror, and a custom-crafted recipe inspired by the story.

This season features a short story called 'The Leak', a real-life ghost story, a punchline you won't see coming, and a delicious custom recipe. Come back March 7, 2023, for the first episode!