This week on Mostly Horror we welcome back acclaimed author Eric LaRocca, one of the most exciting voices shaping modern horror. Eric is a three time Bram Stoker Award finalist, Shirley Jackson Award nominee, and Splatterpunk Award winner, recently praised by Esquire as a writer helping lead horror into its next golden age.

We talk about Eric’s upcoming novel We Are Always Tender With Our Dead, the first entry in the Burnt Sparrow trilogy arriving September 9th. The story explores America’s fixation on mass shootings and how horror can help us process collective tragedy. We also dive into the controversial nature of horror itself and the conversations around what themes and subjects the genre should or shouldn’t address.

Along the way Eric reflects on how their work has evolved since Things Have Gotten Worse Since We Last Spoke and Everything the Darkness Eats, while digging into abominations, animal imagery, and what it means to cross thresholds. We also cover dream adaptation ideas, the lasting impact Eric hopes to leave with readers, and a brand new round of the Spook’em Scare’em Starter Kit.

This is also one of our first episodes since moving from Wondery to SiriusXM, which means new episodes now arrive every Thursday wherever you listen!!! Sooo...

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Step inside the world of The Twisted Spine, New York City’s first bookstore dedicated entirely to horror and dark literature. We’re joined by the founders to talk about their love of the genre, their horror origin stories, and why they felt the city needed a space that celebrates all things spooky, chilling, and weird.

We dig into the role horror plays in building community, especially in today’s dark times anddd get a sneak peek at the store’s layout and vibe, and even trade some horror hot takes you won’t want to miss!

Whether you’re a lifelong horror fan or just looking for your next creepy read, this episode is a must listen for anyone who loves indie bookstores, horror books, horror fans, and horror community spaces sooo...

COME HANG OUT!!!

Follow Us on Social Media:

Instagram & Threads: @mostlyhorrorpod

TikTok & Twitter/X: @mostlyhorror

Steve: @stevenisaverage (all socials)

Sean: @hypocrite.ink (IG/TikTok), @hypocriteink (Twitter/X)

Writer, director, producer, and actor Macon Blair joins us this week to talk about his fascinating career, and his bold new take on a cult classic: the unrated remake of The Toxic Avenger (in theaters August 29).

You’ve seen Macon on screen in films like Blue Ruin, Green Room, Thunder Road, and even Oppenheimer. He also won the Sundance Grand Jury Prize with his directorial debut I Don’t Feel at Home in This World Anymore, starring Melanie Lynskey and Elijah Wood. Now, he’s back with a gooey genre shift...reimagining Lloyd Kaufman’s radioactive hero for a new generation while honoring the messy, subversive spirit of Troma.

We dig into Macon’s creative path from Murder Party with Jeremy Saulnier all the way to working with Elijah Wood and Peter Dinklage on this bonkers new Toxie. Along the way, we talk about practical effects (yes, intestines are involved), absurd kills that didn’t make the cut, the challenges of redesigning an iconic monster, and why The Toxic Avenger might actually be the perfect antidote to the Marvel-ification of movies.

and of course we ask the important question… when can we expect 2oxic 2venger: Toxie vs Dracula vs the Unicorn’s Horn in Space?

If you love cult cinema, superhero parodies, or just a good old fashioned over the top practical effect, you don’t want to miss this conversation sooo...

Follow Us on Social Media:

Instagram & Threads: @mostlyhorrorpod

TikTok & Twitter/X: @mostlyhorror

Steve: @stevenisaverage (all socials)

Sean: @hypocrite.ink (IG/TikTok), @hypocriteink (Twitter/X)

Enjoyed this episode? Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and leave a review on your favorite podcast platform to help us reach more horror fans like you! For early access, ad-free episodes, and exclusive content, subscribe now on Wondery+.