HAPPY HALLOWEEN, Spookies! In continuing the tradition of discussing the Halloween films in sequential order twice a year, we've finally come to HALLOWEEN 5: THE CURSE OF MICHAEL MYERS. To help me discuss this mixed trick or treat bag of plot holes, narrative misfires, and countless script rewrites, I’m joined by one of my favorite friends, Mikey A…

Guest host Preston Fassel (accomplished horror journalist and celebrated author) joins to discuss Rob Zombie's controversial 2003 grindhouse-inspired 1970's fever dream, HOUSE OF 1000 CORPSES. We also discuss Preston's time working with Rue Morgue, Fangoria, and Dread Central, and his novels, which include "Our Lady of the Inferno" and "Beasts of 4…

RICK OR TREAT HORRORCAST is back from the dead! Refreshed, revitalized, and reformatted. In the show's grand return, insanely talented cinematic power couple Allan Piper and Jennifer Leigh Houston join to discuss their hilarious and spirited new horror/comedy, "eVil Sublet". We also gush over 1963's ghostly classic, THE HAUNTING, analyzing its port…

Artist, entertainer, and filmmaker Clover Welsh guest hosts to discuss Brian de Palma's controversial sexual thriller DRESSED TO KILL. We also discuss trans representation in horror, Hitchockian cinematic influence, and the ties that bind the horror genre to the queer lived experience. LET'S GO RICK OR TREATING! RICK OR TREAT HORRORCAST: www.RickOr…

Kyle Poppert (AKA TikTok's @ScreamKingKyle) joins to discuss the beloved cinematic bisexual awakening for millennials everywhere: 1999's classic action/adventure/horror, THE MUMMY! We also talk about the horror genre's influence as it blurs into other genres, what classifies as a "horror movie," and the reasons we ALL love Brendan Fraser. LET'S GO …

This week I'm joined by Blaine & Austin Duncan, the brotherly hosts of HALLOWEEN LIVES! THE PODCAST OF MICHAEL MYERS, to discuss one of our favorites of the franchise: HALLOWEEN 4: THE RETURN OF MICHAEL MYERS! We also talk speculative alternate versions of this installment, the film's unfortunate mask mishaps, and the absolute international treasur…

Horror host and two-time Rondo-nominee STAN THE MECHANIC joins to discuss the 1992 queer staple of camp horror humor, DEATH BECOMES HER. We also talk the horrors of society's obsession with youth, Dean Cundey's oeuvre of sinister cinematography, and the utter perfection that is this film's cast. LET'S GO RICK OR TREATING! PODCAST: www.RickOrTreat.c…

Horror Journalist (and personal friend) Justin Lockwood joins me to discuss the queerly-beloved cult classic HELLO MARY LOU: PROM NIGHT II. We also discuss demonic rocking horses, the intimidating power of a fully nude stalking scene, and which other classic horror films this one MIGHT have borrowed from. LET'S GO RICK OR TREATING! PODCAST: www.Ric…

Peter Hatch, creator of the viral production company/YouTube channel DEFORMED LUNCHBOX, joins to discuss George A. Romero's 1978 "horror-movie-lover's'-horror-movie," DAWN OF THE DEAD. We also discuss the state of independent film distribution, the effectiveness of Savini's practical effects, and how, 45 years later, this film is (unfortunately) mo…

This week, we're biting into the 2007 horror/dark comedy classic TEETH! My guests include the film's writer/director, Mitchell Lichtenstein, as well as the writers/composers of the new Off-Broadway musical adaption, Pulitzer & Tony winner Michael R. Jackson ("A Strange Loop") & award winner Anna K. Jacobs ("POP!"). Finally, activist/artist/burlesqu…

Filmmaker Kyle Mangione-Smith joins this week to discuss the 2007 Spanish found footage opus, REC. We also discuss the creativity of found footage as a storytelling medium, the effectiveness of a contained, claustrophobic setting, the real life horrors of human behavior in the event of an outbreak, and the recent, exciting surge in queer horror fil…

Guests Jarrod Hornbeck & Steve Guntli, hosts of the podcast PUPPET MASTERS / CASTLE FREAKS, join to dissect the 1981 slashic, THE PROWLER. We also discuss the beauty of Tom Savini's practical effects, censorship in the early 80's, and the film's final girl's questionable choices in formalwear. LET'S GO RICK OR TREATING. PODCAST: www.RickOrTreat.com…

NYC horror drag icon Coma White joins the pod to discuss 1982's sleazy, grimy, gross-out cult classic BASKET CASE! We also discuss sex clubs in the 80's, exploitation acting techniques, terrible wigs, and the dangers of queer suppression. Let's go RICK OR TREATING! PODCAST: www.RickOrTreat.com INSTA: @RickOrTreatPod TIKTOK: @RickOrTreatPod YOUTUBE:…

HAPPY NEW YEAR, Spookies! My guest this week is the incredibly talented Kristin Noriega – writer/director/star of the jaw-dropping short horror film, WHEN YOU'RE GONE. We're discussing the 1980 holiday slasher NEW YEAR'S EVIL. We also talk about practical creature effects, transcendental meditation, and our New Year's resolutions. LET'S GO RICK OR …

Hello, Spookies... I'M BACK! This week, my guests are writer/director Adam Mackie and TWO TIME Olivier Award winner and Tony nominee Tracie Bennett! Join us as we discuss the iconic 1976 classic THE OMEN. We also discuss their upcoming short horror film, END OF STORY, Tracie's appearance in Stephen Sondheim's final musical, HERE WE ARE, surrealism …

"If you can't find a friend, make one." Steph Marie Oberle joins this week to discuss Lucky McKee's underrated 2002 indie cult classic masterpiece, MAY. We also discuss the joys of body horror, erotic cannibalism, lesbians eating melons, and chili dogs. LET'S GO RICK OR TREATING! PODCAST: www.RickOrTreat.com INSTA: @RickOrTreatPod TIKTOK: @RickOrTr…

"It's time! It's time!" Screenwriter and board member of the NYC Horror Film Festival Brian W. Smith guest hosts to discuss all things HALLOWEEN III: SEASON OF THE WITCH. We also talk writing horror for the screen, 80's synth scores, and the John Carpenter-esque "every-man" character trope. LET'S GO RICK OR TREATING! PODCAST: www.RickOrTreat.com IN…

Rue Morgue's online managing editor – and MY editor – William J. Wright joins the show this week to discuss 1992's made-for-BBC mock-newscast, GHOSTWATCH. We also discuss the impact of cinematic psychosis, the repercussions and responsibilities tied to creating horror art, and what it's like to write for one of the world's top horror publications. …

Guest host Armando Muñoz joins me to celebrate the 35th anniversary of 1988's ELVIRA, MISTRESS OF THE DARK. We also discuss Armando's upcoming novelization of the Christmas slasher classic, SILENT NIGHT, DEADLY NIGHT, the lasting influence of Clive Barker, and my incredible weekend at CT HorrorFest where I finally met Elvira, herself, Cassandra Pet…

Guest host George Streicher, composer of the haunting Halloween album MUSIC OF THE MACABRE, shares his insight on 1995's nostalgic gateway horror classic, CASPER. We also discuss impactful film scores, those shaking ghost decorations from our childhood that played spooky theremin music, and the absolute gift to the world that is Cathy Moriarty. LET…

Rick or Treat's social media manager/evil minion, Stanley Martin, joins to discuss Dark Castle Entertainment's over-the-top 2001 remake of THIR13EN GHOSTS! We also talk about the joys of practical makeup effects, my recent upstate set visit to an exciting upcoming horror film, and blame the zodiac for the behaviors of those who have betrayed us. Le…

Iconic NYC horror host UNKLE SPOOKY joins me to talk about the eerie 1971 unsung masterpiece LET'S SCARE JESSICA TO DEATH. We also discuss repressed lesbian vampire undertones, the aftermath of the hippie movement, and manic bean marketing campaigns. LET'S GO RICK OR TREATING! PODCAST: www.RickOrTreat.com INSTA: @RickOrTreatPod TIKTOK: @RickOrTreat…

Guest hosts Michael J. Ahern, Ryan Miller, & Brandon Perras-Sanchez of Monster Makeup Productions join to discuss their films SAINT DROGO & DEATH DROP GORGEOUS, as well as the 1974 cinematic masterpiece, THE TEXAS CHAIN SAW MASSACRE! We also discuss insufferable travel companions, the legitimacy of horoscopes, and the sacrifices we'd be willing to …

British comedian and horror fanatic Tom Short, creator of "The Stand Up Horror Show," joins me to discuss the classic rom/zom/com SHAUN OF THE DEAD! We also discuss comedic influences and managing stage fright, and I get fired from my own podcast...twice! LET'S GO RICK OR TREATING! PODCAST: www.RickOrTreat.com INSTA: @RickOrTreatPod TOM SHORT (Gues…

Friend of the pod Justin McDevitt returns to discuss 1992's better-than-you-remember domestic thriller, THE HAND THAT ROCKS THE CRADLE. We also talk cancel culture, parallels with a certain Bette David classic, and the absolute horror show that is AND JUST LIKE THAT... Let's go RICK OR TREATING! PODCAST: www.RickOrTreat.com INSTA: @RickOrTreatPod J…

Guest host Roman Chimienti, co-director of the très iconique queer horror doc, SCREAM, QUEEN! MY NIGHTMARE ON ELM STREET, joins The Horrorcast to discuss 1980's unsung incel classic, the anti-heroic (anti-climactic?), FADE TO BLACK. We also discuss the creative process, our formative influences in horror cinema, and the brilliance that was characte…

Join me for a killer bonus episode as I participate as the special guest in a post-show discussion following a performance of Broadway's GREY HOUSE, a brand new horror play. I'm so deeply and profoundly honored to have joined lead co-producer Tom Kirdahy to discuss the mysterious and frightening themes and theories behind this terrifying new play, …

Every day is Halloween at Rick or Treat Horrorcast! Producer, creator, and influential HALLOWEEN superfan Anthony Masi joins to discuss 1981's HALLOWEEN II. We also discuss his line of slasher movie board games, the various franchise timelines, and the genius that was Donald Pleasence. LET'S GO RICK OR TREATING! PODCAST: www.RickOrTreat.com INSTA: …

We're wrapping up week 4 of ANIMAL ATTACK MONTH with my guest, Paul Jordan, co-host of the SCARED GAY! podcast. This week, we're talking about the 1972 so-bad-it's-good eco-horror classic, FROGS! We also talk horror in theatre, the horror show that is the state of Florida, and what's happening in Sam Elliot's denim-denim-denim pants. LET'S GO RICK …

This week I'm joined by the host of Australia's favorite horror podcast (allegedly), Danny Boy, from THE CREEPY CRAP PODCAST for week 3 of Animal Attack Month. We're discussing the Ozploitation classic RAZORBACK. We also talk about the writer's strike, being a Nielsen family, and I embarrass myself again with my inability to deliver a convincing Au…

Kevin Lane, host of SPILL YOUR GUTS, returns to the pod to discuss horror cons, meeting celebrity heroes, and the questionable ethics behind giving a gorilla a martini to calm her nerves on a bumpy plane ride. In the second week of ANIMAL ATTACK MONTH, Ricky can't stop eating sesame cake and Kevin can't stop drinking green drop drink as we discuss …

I'M BACK, SPOOKIES! THIS FRIDAY, MAY 5TH--my guest host this week is an actor, a writer, a horror aficionado, AND a professional merman! 🧜‍♂️ Chris O'Brocki (AKA Merman Christian @merman_christian) is helping me kick off ANIMAL ATTACK MONTH by joining me to discuss the ambitious CGI, overwrought dialogue, and massive wetsuit budget of 1999's deligh…

SHEETAR!! This week I'm joined by new friends Rachel & Ariel, the hosts of The MORE DEADLY Podcast, to discuss the epitome of 1987 absurdism and excess: Jackie Kong's BLOOD DINER! We also talk about spooky West Hollywood music venues, my spotlight-stealing cat, and my taste in problematic men with hypnotic mind-controlling powers. LET'S GO RICK OR …

I'm joined by my friend Esta Rosevear, who also happens to have been my high school theatre teacher, to discuss the 1956 classic THE BAD SEED. We also discuss life in the theatre, life as working entertainment critics, and mama's boys with snazzy penmanship. LET'S GO RICK OR TREATING! PODCAST: INSTA: @RickOrTreatPod RICKY (Host): INSTA: @rickrtreat…

Colin Holmes returns to the pod to talk SCREAM FEVER as we rank each installment of the franchise from our least to most favorites. We also discuss my scary upstairs neighbors, post-Marvel Sebastian Stan, and my distaste for Buffy the Vampire Slayer. Let's go RICK OR TREATING! PODCAST: INSTA: @RickOrTreatPod COLIN HOLMES (Guest Host): SOCIALS: @hol…

I'm joined this week by Paige Joy and Diandra Lazor, creators/stars of the new NoES Fandom Documentary, FREDHEADS, to discuss A NIGHTMARE ON ELM STREET 3: DREAM WARRIORS! Grab your crucifix, take your Hypnocil, and never sleep again as we go RICK OR TREATING on Elm Street! PODCAST: INSTA: @RickOrTreatPod DIANDRA & PAIGE (Guest Hosts): DIANDRA INSTA…

This week's episode is a KILLER cross-collab as Kevin Lane's SPILL YOUR GUTS joins me for the first annual DEAD CARPET Horror Awards! We're recognizing the remarkable contributions to the genre that other award ceremonies choose to ignore. The episode is available to listen to on BOTH OF OUR PODCAST CHANNELS. PODCAST: INSTA: @RickOrTreatPod KEVIN L…

This week Victoria Rae Sook guest hosts to discuss everyone's favorite prom date, CARRIE. Vic is currently directing a production of Carrie the Musical at Ohio University and provides some insight into adapting this classic Stephen King tale from the page to the stage. We also discuss bullying, dirty pillows, and recent horror releases. LET'S GO RI…

This week it's "An American Podcaster Talks to Londoners" as Alex Lynch & Odinn Orn Hilmarsson of RAMON FEAR'S TERROR TAPES join me to discuss John Landis' 1981 horror masterpiece AN AMERICAN WEREWOLF IN LONDON. We also discuss the beauty of practical special effects, intercontinental cultural differences, and David Naughton's noble attempt at a ca…

Kevin Lane of SPILL YOUR GUTS Podcast joins me to discuss a queer staple in horror cinema: 1985's FRIGHT NIGHT! We also discuss Kevin's career as a horror filmmaker, queer/female representation within the genre, and I get really toxic and snotty about my taste in scary movies. LET'S GO RICK OR TREATING! PODCAST: INSTA: @RickOrTreatPod KEVIN LANE'S …

This week I'm hopping a minecar down to the Hanniger Mines in 'ol Valentine Bluffs—the little town with the big heart—with Armando Muñoz (author of the all new "MY BLOODY VALENTINE" novelization) and Anthony Masi (creator of STOP THE KILLER board games) to discuss the 1981 slasher classic, MY BLOODY VALENTINE! We also talk about the new book and bo…

This week, I'm joined by Danny Boy of THE CREEPY CRAP PODCAST to discuss CHILD'S PLAY 2! We also talk about childhood fears, my shortcomings as an actor when it comes to dialects, and Danny completely ruins the logic of this movie's finale for me. Let's go Rick or Treating! PODCAST: INSTA: @RickOrTreatPod THE CREEPY CRAP PODCAST (Guest Host): INSTA…

In another installment of the EVIL QUEENZ Disney Villains series I'm joined by Shawnna Pomeroy to discuss The Mistress of All Evil, Herself, MALEFICENT! We also discuss childhood fears, our days as former Disney Cast Members, and I inform Shawnna that she's never seen an Alfred Hitchcock movie. Let's go RICK OR TREATING! PODCAST: INSTA: @RickOrTrea…

I'm joined by Jon & Carlos from HORROR DADDIES to discuss 1991's cinematic spectacle BRAM STOKER'S DRACULA directed by Francis Ford Coppola. We also discuss the perils of working in the service industry and the joys of practical special effects. LET'S GO RICK OR TREATING! HORROR DADDIES (Guest Hosts): INSTA: horrordaddies CARLOS: carloswarlock JON:…

I'M BACK after a nice winter break. Did you miss me, Spookies? I'm kicking this Friday the 13th off with JASON TAKES MANHATTAN! Michael from the WE LOVE HORROR podcast joins me to discuss the real life perils of living in NYC, eating the rich, and my favorite Amy Grant song. (This might be the first and only horror podcast to ever talk about Amy Gr…

This week my guest hosts are the boyz from one of my fave podcasts, SCARED GAY! Paul Jordan and Pablo Escobar join me discuss Michael Dougherty's 2015 Christmas horror film, KRAMPUS! We also relay the dangers of being a top and go on a weird, long tangent about gross porn. (Listener beware!) LET'S GO RICK OR TREATING! GUEST HOSTS: PAUL JORDAN: @pau…

'Tis the season to be brutally murdered in an attic as guest host Justin McDevitt and I discuss 1974's slasher classic BLACK CHRISTMAS! So snuggle up with some eggnog, grab a plate of gingerbread cookies, and arm yourself with a sturdy fire poker because you’re in for a surprisingly excellent horror film. Let's go RICK OR TREATING! JUSTIN (Guest): …

It's time for another EVIL QUEENZ Disney Villains episode! Join as guest host Edward Miskie joins me to discuss everyone's favorite UV-reactive burlap sack full of a hive mind of varying insects, OOGIE BOOGIE from Tim Burton's THE NIGHTMARE BEFORE CHRISTMAS! We also discuss Edwards book, CANCER, MUSICAL THEATRE, AND OTHER CHRONIC ILLNESSES, and the…

This week, guest host Christopher Brown and I discuss Dario Argento's 1977 Italian masterpiece, SUSPIRIA! We also discuss other spaghetti slashers and giallo's, the punk genius of Claudio Simonetti's Goblin, plus everyone's favorite cowardly pup, Scooby Doo! Let's go RICK OR TREATING! CHRISTOPHER (GUEST): christopherbrownfilm.myportfolio.com INSTA:…

This week guest host Sharai Bohannon joins me to discuss Jordan Peele’s out-of-this-world summer blockbuster, NOPE. She also gives me some fabulous tips on podcasting and international traveling, we discuss the importance of representation within the horror genre, the absolute brilliance that is Keke Palmer, and attempt (unsuccessfully) to rate Jor…