Living Into the Dark: Matt Cardin on Creativity, Horror, and the Daemonic

In this episode of The Gospel of Direct Experience, we're joined by Matt Cardin, acclaimed writer of cosmic horror and author of the new book Writing at the Wellspring: Tapping the Source of Your Inner Genius. What unfolds isn't just a discussion of creativity; it's also an initiation into darkness—darkness as terror and generative source and spiritual/cultural necessity. Matt reframes the "demon muse" or "genius" not as a benevolent guide from beyond but as an abducting, inner organizing force that destabilizes our egoic certainty and is the true wellspring of art, vocation, and transformation. Our conversation ranges from the chapel perilous and cosmic horror, to non-dual philosophy and role-playing games to Frankenstein and the collapse of modern culture. Get ready to descend into the living dark—not to transcend it, but to be transformed by it. Visit Matt's excellent Substack newsletter The Living Dark. Episode Highlights [00:00:51] Intro to Matt Cardin Matt Cardin is an author known for delving into the realms of horror and the metaphysical. His widely acclaimed books, including To Rouse Leviathan and What the Daemon Said, explore the convergence of horror, religion, and creativity. [00:03:29] Horror as Spiritual Initiation Matt reflects on discovering Lovecraft, Ligotti, and the weird fiction tradition, describing the uncanny experience of encountering work that feels less like influence than recognition. [00:15:33] Lovecraft as Spirit Guide Matt describes discovering H.P. Lovecraft not simply as a writer, but as a formative guide into cosmic horror and spiritual disorientation. [00:25:07] Satanic Panic Matt recalls two episodes from childhood that alerted him that his interest in darkness and creativity would not be readily accepted in his cradle religious tradition. [00:30:46] The Living Dark & the Allotted Function We unpack the idea of living into the dark as both a creative and existential condition—life lived without a map or final certainty. From there we discuss discovering one's allotted function—Is it cosmic slavery or existential freedom? [00:42:44] The Demon Muse Matt explores the demon or daemon/daimon muse as a way of naming the unconscious, involuntary source of creativity that moves through us rather than obeying us. We discuss personifying this force—not as superstition, but as a practical way of collaborating with the deep patterns that shape us as individuals and creative beings. [00:50:55] Frankenstein & Collapse Matt reframes Frankenstein as a parable of the daemonic unconscious gone unacknowledged, returning as both personal and cultural catastrophe. Then we turn toward possibility: a new monastic path for those who want to live meaningfully at "the end of the world." What seeds should we plant for the other side of apocalypse? [01:51:23] Becoming the Living Book Jeff reflects on Matt's story "Notes of a Mad Copyist," where a new inner revelation is experienced as a horror. What if collapse isn't the end but a transformation where the false things fall away? Continue the Conversation What did you think about this conversation? Tell us at [e-mail] or reach out at: https://www.gospelofdirectexperience.com/#contact.