We continue our look back at some of the most noteworthy and interesting horror films of 2025 (#2025stillalive) with an examination of Steven Soderbergh's unconventional haunted family drama, PRESENCE. Shown entirely from the perspective of a mysterious entity moving among them, Presence displays the escalating tensions of a family as they settle into a new home. As tensions escalate between the nuclear family members, and pressures begin to boil from both internal and external conflicts, the titular presence watches them all. Who, or what, is this presence? Why is it here? What does it want or need? And in what ways, if any, will it be able to affect the fate of this family?

We're joined by FoGger friends both new and old -- Nicole Amato, Will Frank, and (making his debut) Mike Runyon -- to discuss the film's fascinating thematic interests about time, connection, regret, grief, fear, outrage, and (possibly) redemption. It's a fascinating film and an even more fascinating conversation. Also featuring a Patron-only segment where Nathan is joined by Nicole Amato and (also making his debut) Josh Heake to discuss STRANGER THINGS, Season 5, Episode 6, this is a hearty and lively conversation that we really hope you enjoy.

4:26 - Two Questions with Mike Runyon

12:04 - Whatcha Playin'?

Patron Only Segment: STRANGER THINGS, Season 5, Episode 6

28:31 - PRESENCE

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We continue our series looking back at some of the most noteworthy horror movies of 2025 (#2025stillalive) by discussing the latest feature from Josh Ruben (of Werewolves Within). HEART EYES is a rather lightweight film with an ambitious goal: to make a film that is both a romantic comedy and a slasher. Although the balance is sometimes a bit off, the film impressively succeeds at being funny, charming, suspenseful, and fun. We're joined by returning guests, novelists Nick Medina and Christina Henry, to discuss what works and doesn't about this unique cocktail as well as what the film might entice us to think about in this age of trivial social media sentiments and our tendencies to romanticize dangerous things.

Also featuring friend of the show Andrew Nelson in a Patron-only segment discussing STRANGER THINGS, Season 5, Episode 5, this is a fun and breezy conversation that we really hope you'll enjoy.

3:28 - Upcoming works from Christina Henry and Nick Medina

7:10 - Whatcha Watchin' / Readin' / Listenin' To

Patron Only Segment: STRANGER THINGS, Season 5, Episode 5

22:00 - HEART EYES

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We have another special interview episode for you today for something that's not directly horror-related, but definitely falls within our framework of examining what scares us to find what saves us. Recently, Nathan was invited to host an author discussion at Troubadour Booksellers in Charlotte with author and pastor Greg Jarrell, whose book OUR TRESPASSES: WHITE CHURCHES AND THE TAKING OF AMERICAN NEIGHBORHOODS paints a sobering portrait of the ways that "race, geography, policy, and religion have created haunted landscapes in Charlotte, North Carolina, and throughout the United States." The conversation was so strong, Nathan invited Jarrell to share his book with us on the show.

As was observed of Jarrell's work, he "brings receipts" for a conversation that is compelling, challenging, and thought-provoking about the moral gravity of having displaced and devalued our neighbors, both systematically and ideologically. Offering substantive research and thoughtful analysis, Jarrell provides not only an insightful portrait of how we got here, but what avenues might be open to us for lasting change.

We hope you'll check out Greg Jarrell's book and we hope you enjoy this conversation!

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