In this episode of the Horror Heals podcast, Corey and Kendall are joined by the talented horror author Rachel M. Martens, who has made a career out of writing stories that not only thrill, but also serve as a therapeutic outlet. From childhood favorites like Scooby-Doo to deep dives into the gothic classics, Rachel’s love for horror has been a consistent thread throughout her life, and it's one that has helped her process trauma, overcome personal struggles, and ultimately find her voice as a writer.

Rachel shares how writing horror has been a method of healing, helping her transform painful experiences into powerful, haunting tales that resonate with readers. She takes us on a journey through her writing process, including the influence of Edgar Allen Poe and classic gothic horror, and how her characters evolve as they battle their own demons. We also discuss her Poe series, which blends psychological horror with deeply personal themes of PTSD, depression, and healing, creating a world where the darkness isn't something to shy away from, but something that empowers.

Throughout this conversation, Rachel’s passion for horror as a tool for mental wellness is clear. She explains how horror, whether through books, movies, or writing, allows us to confront our fears in a controlled space, providing us with the strength to face what’s lurking in the shadows of our own lives.

If you’re a fan of horror or just want to hear more about how creative expression can help us heal, this episode is a must-listen!

Guest Bio: Rachel M. Martens

Rachel M. Martens is a talented horror author whose work delves deep into the shadows of the human experience, blending gothic horror with psychological thrillers. Her passion for horror, which began in childhood, has shaped both her writing and her personal journey of healing. Drawing inspiration from classic figures like Edgar Allan Poe and the works of gothic horror legends, Rachel’s stories explore themes of trauma, grief, PTSD, and the strength found in confronting darkness head-on.

Rachel is the author of the Poe series, a gothic thriller that brings to life the terrifying and empowering world of a young woman battling a family curse, all while grappling with her own emotional scars. Her writing is not just a creative outlet but a form of catharsis, allowing her to process personal struggles and offer readers a sense of empowerment through powerful endings and haunting tales.

As an active member of the horror community, Rachel has embraced the camaraderie found at conventions and events, connecting with fans and fellow authors alike. With each book, she continues to inspire those who turn to horror for both entertainment and healing, proving that sometimes, the scariest stories hold the most transformative power.

This week on Horror Heals, we’re serving glamour, gore, and a whole lot of gratitude with none other than the high priestess of horror drag herself—Peaches Christ! 🎃👑💋

From her locker full of Fangoria centerfolds to commanding the San Francisco Symphony stage as Pinhead with fla-tits (you read that right), Peaches takes us on a full-throttle ride through her haunted, hilarious, and heartfelt journey. Along the way, we summon the spirits of John Waters, Divine, Elvira, Tim Curry, Heather Langenkamp, Adrienne King, Amanda Wyss, and Chloris Leachman—yes, all in one episode.

✨ Topics we sink our fangs into:

• Catholic schoolgirl horror and the bedroom that got a priest to do a blessing
• How Wes Craven and horror legends inspired survival and identity
• Peaches’ horror-soaked drag origin story—from Elvira to Frank-N-Furter
• Behind-the-scenes tea on meeting Tim Curry, working with Cassandra Peterson, and that iconic elevator moment with Nancy & Tina
• The legacy of Rocky Horror Picture Show, Nightmare on Elm Street, and Friday the 13th
• Building chosen family through drag and the power of celebration over cruelty
• Creating immersive horror experiences like Terror Vault
• Why horror drag is finally breaking into the mainstream (hi, Boulay Brothers!)
• Hope, horror, and being loud in a world that’s trying to silence us

🎤 Plus: A tribute to Nancy Thompson, a love letter to Adrienne King, and one very rogue moment with Chloris Leachman that involves a wig and a lap.

This episode is a lovefest to horror, queerness, drag, and the radical act of being exactly who you are—even when the world tells you not to. So don your fiercest wig, light your cult candles, and get ready to feel seen, slayed, and celebrated.

🩸 Episode Trigger Warning: We talk about bullying, religious trauma, political rhetoric, and safety for queer and trans communities in today’s climate—with love, strength, and dark humor.

Peaches Christ is the cult movie queen, horror hostess, drag icon, and all-around underground legend whose work has helped redefine the intersections of horror, queerness, and theatrical spectacle. Known for her long-running Midnight Mass movie series in San Francisco, Peaches has spent decades paying reverent, riotous tribute to cult classics and the queer creatives behind them.

She’s the mastermind behind immersive horror experiences like Terror Vault, the writer-director of the beloved horror-comedy All About Evil, and a celebrated performer who’s taken the stage everywhere from haunted attractions to highbrow symphony halls (often in Cenobite couture).

A drag mother to icons like Jinkx Monsoon and Bob the Drag Queen, Peaches is also a champion of horror’s healing power, creating space for misfits, Final Girls, and everyone in between to feel seen—and fabulous.

From her early days as a horror-obsessed Catholic school kid to rubbing elbows (and elevator rides) with Elvira, Tim Curry, John Waters, Heather Langenkamp, and Adrienne King, Peaches’ story is proof that when you embrace the strange, the world gets a whole lot more beautiful.

• 💻 Website: peacheschrist.com
• 🧛 Instagram: @thepeacheschrist
• 🩸 Twitter/X:

Is it possible for a witch to change the world? If you're Borah!, the answer is a wickedly enthusiastic YES.

In this enchanting episode of Horror Heals, we sit down with Salem’s spellbinding star, Borah! — the beloved persona of Brian Sims, who has become a mainstay in the spooky streets of Salem and a symbol of joy, healing, and self-expression for thousands.

We talk about:

• How a viral German witch dance sparked the creation of Borah!
• Moving to Salem and discovering a deeper connection to self and community
• What it's like officiating weddings (and divorce parties!) as a fabulous witch
• The healing power of horror, Halloween, and embracing your weirdness
• Stories of fans and strangers whose lives have been touched by Borah!'s presence
• Ghosts, haunted places, abandoned resorts — and why we love them
• And yes… why Jamie Lee Curtis needs to come on Horror Heals 🧡

Whether you’ve seen Borah! twirling through the Halloween streets of Salem, judging costume contests at cons, or spreading joy online, this episode is a celebration of the magic that happens when you fully become you.

Don’t miss this one — it’s warm, funny, heartfelt, and just a little witchy.

Guest Bio:

🧹 Meet Borah! (aka Brian Sims)

Borah! is the high-heeled, high-spirited witch alter ego of Brian Sims — a performer, creator, and community figure based in Salem, Massachusetts. What started as a Halloween witch dance in 2016 has evolved into a year-round celebration of spooky joy, inclusion, and personal expression. Borah! is a regular fixture at cons like Silver Scream and Spooky Empire, a judge of costume contests, an officiant of wonderfully weird weddings, and a source of healing and laughter for thousands who encounter them in person and online.

Borah!’s mission? To remind everyone that it's okay to be different, weird, and wildly yourself — and that sometimes, the best magic is just being seen and celebrated.

Follow Borah! on Instagram: @salemsblackhatsociety

In this deeply revealing and powerful episode of Horror Heals, hosts Corey and Kendall Stulce welcome Andy Grant, creator and host of the Real Men Feel podcast, for an unflinching exploration of how horror and esoteric teachings became vital to his survival and healing journey. Andy’s path, marked by battling depression and suicide attempts, took an unexpected turn into the shadowy worlds of ancient mystery schools, unlocking tools to embrace emotional vulnerability and resilience through the symbolic power of horror.

Episode Highlights:

• Surviving Through Horror: Andy courageously details his darkest moments—surviving multiple suicide attempts—and reveals how engaging with horror provided an unexpected lifeline, helping him process trauma safely and profoundly.
• Ancient Mysteries and Modern Fears: Discover how Andy's immersive experiences with esoteric mystery schools transformed his understanding of fear and darkness, aligning seamlessly with horror’s potent symbols to provide genuine emotional catharsis.
• Breaking Free from Toxic Masculinity: Corey, Kendall, and Andy passionately explore how horror subverts harmful stereotypes about masculinity, empowering men to feel deeply, share authentically, and reject society’s emotional limitations.
• Transformative Tools for the Horror Fan: Learn how Andy incorporates mindfulness, gratitude rituals, and creative self-expression as practical healing methods—demonstrating how horror fandom and spiritual practices intersect powerfully to promote mental wellness.
• Finding Family in the Shadows: Andy reflects on the supportive, judgment-free embrace he found within the horror community, offering meaningful connection, empathy, and understanding for those who navigate mental health struggles.

About Andy Grant:

Andy Grant is the compelling voice and heart behind the Real Men Feel podcast. As a survivor, transformational energy coach, author, and suicide prevention advocate, Andy openly shares his story of mental health struggles and self-discovery. Combining emotional authenticity, ancient wisdom, and modern horror insights, Andy helps others embrace their full humanity and heal through the power of vulnerability.

Connect with Andy:

• TheAndyGrant.com
• Instagram: @theandygrant
• Facebook: Andy Grant

Resources Mentioned:

• Real Men Feel Podcast
• Book: Still Here: How to Succeed in Life After Failing at Suicide

Horror isn’t just about fear—it’s about survival, transformation, and sometimes even healing. In this episode of Horror Heals, we explore the surprising ways horror can help us process trauma, navigate addiction recovery, and reclaim our power. Our guest is a writer, therapist, and PhD researcher who has dedicated their career to understanding how horror fiction, storytelling, and fandom provide a safe space for people to explore their own struggles.

From childhood weekends spent devouring Point Horror books to writing horror stories that unpack real-life trauma, we discuss why facing the darkness in fiction can be a powerful way to deal with the darkness in our own lives. Our guest shares how horror allows us to confront our fears in a controlled environment, whether it’s through books, films, or even creative writing.

This episode also dives into:

• The concept of bibliotherapy and how reading horror can be therapeutic
• Why writing horror stories can help process personal trauma and addiction
• The science behind why people feel relief and catharsis from watching horror
• The welcoming and supportive nature of the horror community
• How horror films and fiction help us face feelings of powerlessness, grief, and anxiety
• The real psychological benefits of engaging with horror, from building resilience to reclaiming control over personal fears

If you’ve ever wondered why horror movies and books provide comfort in times of struggle, or how storytelling can help with healing, this episode is for you.

Listen now and discover why horror heals.

In this colorful and deeply reflective episode, hosts Corey and Kendall welcome special guest Circus Envy, a celebrated clown persona from haunted attractions, conventions, and film. Circus Envy shares a profound journey that blends horror, cosplay, drag, therapy, and personal healing.

Key Highlights:

• Origins of Circus Envy:
• Circus Envy details the inception of his iconic clown character, influenced by therapeutic advice to embrace the "trickster" archetype.
• Insights into how embodying a clown helped him confront and process deep-rooted personal trauma.
• Therapy and the Trickster Archetype:
• Circus Envy shares the transformative guidance received from his therapist, who introduced the powerful symbolism behind the trickster and clown characters.
• Discussion about how using clown imagery provided emotional release, personal empowerment, and therapeutic healing.
• Friendship with Amelia Kincaid:
• Circus Envy recounts his meaningful connection with Amelia Kincaid, famed horror actress and animal advocate, highlighting how their friendship influenced both their personal and professional lives.
• Exploration of meditation and guided visualization techniques learned through Amelia, underscoring the unexpected but powerful intersection between horror culture and mental wellness.
• Drag, Horror, and Community Healing:
• Circus Envy reflects on the vibrant intersections of horror, drag culture, and cosplay.
• Celebrating the legacy of drag icon Lily White, and the embracing reception she received at horror conventions, illustrating the healing and inclusive power of community.
• Identity, Shame, and Empowerment:
• Deep conversation on how Circus Envy's clown persona allowed him to safely explore and reclaim aspects of his identity previously shrouded in shame or stigma.
• Insights into using horror and cosplay intentionally for mental and emotional healing.
• Horror Conventions as Safe Spaces:
• Corey, Kendall, and Circus Envy discuss personal anecdotes and emotional revelations experienced at horror conventions.
• Celebrating how these conventions create judgment-free zones that encourage self-expression, curiosity, and connection.
• Collaborations and Inspirations:
• Circus Envy shares heartfelt memories of collaboration with horror legends such as Sid Haig, including his mother's creation of Haig's iconic Captain Spaulding costume.
• Reflecting on inspirations drawn from Karen Black, Dee Wallace, Rob Zombie, and other horror icons known for embracing vulnerability and authenticity.
• Future of Circus Envy:
• Circus Envy discusses plans for evolving his character and using cosplay with therapeutic intentions, aiming to support others on their healing journeys.
• Emphasis on shamanic traditions, sacred clowns, and cosplay as powerful tools for integrating fragmented aspects of self.

Reflective Insights:

• Corey, Kendall, and Circus Envy emphasize breaking stigmas around mental health through honest conversations within the horror community.
• Highlighting horror’s role as a profound, inclusive medium for personal growth, acceptance, and healing.

In this episode of Horror Heals, Corey and Kendall sit down with Harrod Blank, the actor behind Rudy the Clown in the cult classic Killer Klowns from Outer Space. While Harrod may be known for his role in the iconic '80s horror film, his career and creativity stretch far beyond the big top. This episode explores the fascinating intersection of horror, art, and healing, featuring everything from clown tattoos to a 31-year-long documentary on Burning Man.

1. The Timeless Appeal of Killer Klowns:

• Harrod shares his theories on why Killer Klowns from Outer Space has continued to grow in popularity over the decades.
• The creativity and uniqueness of the Kyoto brothers' work and how it resonates with fans of all ages.
• The phenomenon of Killer Klowns becoming a symbol of individuality and rebellion.

2. Rudy the Clown: A Surprising Beacon of Hope:

• Harrod recounts stories of fans who found solace and inspiration in his character, Rudy.
• One particularly moving story involves a fan who said Rudy helped them through suicidal thoughts.
• The deep connection fans feel to the clowns and how the film offers a sense of permission to be themselves.

3. Beyond the Clown: Harrod’s Artistic Journey:

• Harrod’s work as a filmmaker and artist, including his Art Car World Museum in Arizona.
• His art car documentaries, Wild Wheels and Automorphosis, which explore the transformative power of creativity.
• His ongoing Burning Man documentary, a project 31 years in the making, capturing the evolution of art and self-expression at the legendary festival.

4. Creativity as Healing:

• How art cars and the horror community share a common theme of owning one’s identity.
• The therapeutic aspects of expressing oneself through creative projects, whether it’s a clown character or an art car.
• Harrod’s insight into how being creative, even in unusual ways, can offer healing and fulfillment.

• "The movie gave me permission to be myself. That's pretty big." — Harrod Blank

If you've ever wondered how a movie as quirky as Killer Klowns from Outer Space could save a life, this episode offers that and more. Harrod Blank's stories demonstrate the profound and surprising ways that horror can offer hope, healing, and a sense of belonging. Whether you’re a horror fan, a creative soul, or someone seeking comfort in unexpected places, this episode will leave you inspired.

In this episode of Horror Heals, Corey sits down with horror power couple Porsher and Elijah Black, whose passion for the genre goes far beyond just watching scary movies. From using cosplay as a tool for self-expression to founding Return of the Giving Dead, a charity-focused horror cosplay group, they share how horror has become a vital part of their healing journey.

Porsher opens up about her struggles with panic disorder, health anxiety, and depression, including how a deeply personal Instagram video documenting her experience resonated with the horror community. Elijah, a supportive partner and advocate, discusses what it’s like to be there for a loved one battling mental health challenges and how horror conventions and cosplay have given them both a sense of belonging.

They also discuss their incredible horror cosplays, including their legendary Creepshow and Return of the Living Dead poster recreations, and why they believe horror fans are some of the kindest and most generous people out there. Plus, they share their favorite final girl (or guy!) and why horror has been a refuge in tough times.

Topics Discussed in This Episode:

🔪 Facing Fear Head-On: How Porsher’s anxiety and mental health struggles led to a transformative journey of healing and self-acceptance.

🧠 Horror as Therapy: Why watching horror films can actually help people process real-life anxieties and struggles.

🎭 The Power of Cosplay: How dressing as horror icons became an outlet for self-expression and confidence.

💀 Return of the Giving Dead: The origin of their horror-based charity group and how it’s making a difference.

🎃 Cosplay That Turns Heads: The inside story of their most jaw-dropping horror cosplays, including Creepshow, Return of the Living Dead, and more.

📢 Mental Health Awareness in the Horror Community: Why horror fans understand anxiety and depression better than most.

🔥 Final Person Picks: Who is the ultimate survivor? Porsher and Elijah weigh in!