In this episode, Vincent sits down with author and artist Chris Panatier to discuss his haunting novel, The Redemption of Morgan Bright — a psychological horror story that explores identity, grief, institutional abuse, and the terrifying blur between reality and delusion. Recorded just after their meeting at the Ghoulish Book Festival, the conversation dives deep into the novel’s inspirations, including the Victorian-era treatment of women, mind control theories like MK-Ultra, and the disturbing real-life history of psychiatric care.

Chris reveals how Roe v. Wade’s overturning reshaped the book’s trajectory, how legal experience informs his worldview, and what it’s like to write horror in a world where reality keeps outpacing fiction. They also discuss the use of epistolary storytelling, the symbolic significance of butterflies, and how psychological horror offers a unique — and terrifyingly intimate — reading experience.

If you’re a fan of horror that doesn’t flinch from social critique, or you just want to hear from a writer who can balance dread with depth, this one’s for you.

Website: https://chrispanatier.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chrispanatier/?hl=en

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Mr.-Chris-J.-Panatier/author/B01F4R6XWW?ref=dbs_a_mng_rwt_scns_share&isDramIntegrated=true&shoppingPortalEnabled=true

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/@ChrisPanatier/

In this episode, author Mark Towse returns for a chaotic, hilarious, and deeply insightful conversation about his revised and expanded horror-comedy One Last Shindig.

We talk cranky old folks, creeping dread, and the art of pulling the floor out from under readers when they least expect it. Mark opens up about finding creative balance, grief and legacy, the catharsis of writing terrifying things, and what it’s like turning coach holidays into nightmare fuel.

Also: glow worms are real, his TikTok videos make his wife cringe, and someone out there left 15 one-star reviews in 30 minutes—we’re naming names (kind of).

Grab a drink, settle in, and prepare for laughs, darkness, and a few existential gut punches.

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B07H8DBS31

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/towseywrites/?hl=en

X: https://x.com/i/flow/login?redirect_after_login=/marktowsey12

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mark.towse.75/

Website: https://marktowsedarkfiction.wordpress.com/author/marktowsedarkfiction/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@marktowse

In this episode returning guest Christy Aldridge joins Vince on the show to discuss her haunting new novel—a slow-burn supernatural creature feature with deep emotional resonance.

The story follows Joe, a man with a traumatic childhood who’s trying to build a better life with his fiancée and stepdaughter—only to be haunted by the return of his monstrous imaginary friend, Boo.

They dive into the themes of childhood trauma, toxic attachment, redemption, and the terrifying gray areas between protection and obsession.

Christy shares insights into her creative process, the psychological underpinnings of her characters, and the lore of her “Christy Universe,” where monsters don’t always disappear when the lights come on.

If you enjoy layered horror that blends the supernatural with the deeply human, you won’t want to miss this conversation.

Website: https://grimpoppydesign.carrd.co/

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Christy-Aldridge/author/B016OTPN66?ref=ap_rdr&isDramIntegrated=true&shoppingPortalEnabled=true

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/christy_aldridge/?hl=en

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Christyheartsnerds/

X: https://x.com/i/flow/login?redirect_after_login=/christya_horror

Poet Nathaniel Blackhelm joins Vince to discuss his latest collection, Lothario—a bold and reflective work that navigates the terrain of midlife, identity, and the surreal beauty of being human.

In this conversation, we unpack the archetype of the Lothario, the friction between cultural identities, and the role of lust, humor, and self-worth in shaping how we live and love.

Blackhelm speaks candidly about the absurdity of modern existence, the challenge of curating meaning through poetry, and the influence of Shakespeare in his work.

This episode is a deep dive into artistic freedom, aging with vitality, and how metaphor helps us survive the chaos.

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B0BK292M3C/about

https://www.instagram.com/nblackhelm/

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/14182861.Nathaniel_Blackhelm

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@nblackhelm

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jay.helmstutler/

Threads: https://www.threads.net/@nblackhelm

Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/nathanielblackhelm.bsky.social

In this episode, acclaimed author Philip Fracassi joins us to talk about his gripping new novel, The Third Rule of Time Travel.

We dive deep into the emotional and psychological layers of time travel, the haunting consequences of reliving the past, and the blurred lines between science and corporate ambition.

Fracassi unpacks the complex dynamics between his characters—especially the fragile trust between protagonist Beth and the morally murky Jim Langan—and the cold, clinical setting that mirrors Beth’s internal struggles.

He shares his thoughtful approach to character development, the personal and professional duality of his lead, and how theoretical physics and universal consciousness inform his storytelling.

Plus, we get a look at his writing process, his transition to full-time author, and what’s coming next.

Website: https://pfracassi.com/

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B000APLIRE

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pfracassi/?hl=en

Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/Philip_Fracassi

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/philipfracassiwriter/

Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/pfracassi.bsky.social

Threads: https://www.threads.net/@pfracassi

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@pfracassi

Author M.J. Mars joins Vince for a deep dive into her chilling short story collection, We’ve Already Gone Too Far.

In this engaging conversation, she explores the layers of horror, psychological tension, and the emotional complexities that drive her characters.

From urban legends and internal fears to the eerie balance between myth and reality, M.J. shares the inspirations behind her stories and how personal experiences shape her work.

Together, they discuss standout tales like Fallen Eagles and Aces, Spilled Chardonnay, and Big Gulp’s and Bigfoot—each offering a unique blend of genres, from Wild West horror to punk-infused supernatural chaos.

M.J. also opens up about overcoming anxiety, especially her fear of flying, and how that journey influences her creative process.

Later, the conversation turns to the strange world of magician lore and the psychological weight of performance.

The episode wraps with a reading from Stooge, one of M.J.’s favorite stories, capturing the dark and tragic undercurrent of a magician’s final act.

If you’re a fan of character-driven horror with heart, humor, and a touch of the macabre, this one’s for you.

Website: https://mjmarsauthor.com/

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B0BHF5MTKG

X: https://x.com/i/flow/login?redirect_after_login=/MJMarsAuthor

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mjmarsauthor/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mjmarsauthor

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mjmarsauthor/

Emily Bennett is an Academy-recognized screenwriter and FANGORIA Chainsaw Award-winning director whose work has captivated audiences at top genre festivals including Sitges, Fantastic Fest, Brooklyn Horror, and Fantasia.

In this episode, Emily joins us to talk about her recent short film Accidental Stars, her debut feature Alone With You—starring Barbara Crampton and produced by Untapped Productions—as well as her upcoming film Blood Shine, currently in post-production.

We dive into her journey from RADA-trained actor to acclaimed filmmaker, her experience making films during the pandemic, and the creative and collaborative forces behind her storytelling.

Emily offers insight into the challenges of independent filmmaking, balancing artistry with life, and what drives her unique voice in horror.

Website: https://www.emilyreneebennett.com/bio

IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm4077057/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/emilyrbennett/?hl=en

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/emily-bennett-96843816

“Accidental Stars” the film: https://youtu.be/kfIEnrQKBFk?si=nodo1CFaLnFNFG7G

In this episode, Vincent Midgard sits down with author Matt Micheli to dive deep into his provocative and supernatural horror novel, Pornageddon. The story follows Roy, a devoted family man struggling with his own addiction to the adult industry’s hottest starlet, Abella Jane—whose meteoric rise seems to trigger chaos, destruction, and brutal murders. As Roy begins to see visions of those he must recruit to stop a demonic, sex-fueled apocalypse, the novel explores themes of addiction, fame, and morality in a world consumed by technology and temptation.

Micheli shares insights into his writing process, character development, and the real-world inspirations behind Pornageddon. The discussion delves into the psychological struggles of the characters, the impact of technology on addiction, and the genre of splatter-punk. Additionally, Micheli reflects on personal challenges, his approach to horror and sci-fi storytelling, and upcoming projects like The Vines.

This episode is a must-listen for fans of transgressive horror, dystopian fiction, and thought-provoking storytelling that pushes boundaries while keeping an eye on redemption.

Website: https://www.mattmicheli.com/

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B004GN70IC

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mattmicheliauthor/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mattmicheliauthor/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mattmicheliauthor

#pornageddon #splatterpunk #sexaddiction #characteranalysis #technohorror #psychologicalthemes #addiction #fame #loneliness #literaryinspiration #scifi #technology #horror #adultfilm #characterdevelopment #writingprocess #emotionalstorytelling #literaryawards #authorevents #communityengagement

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