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Ghouls Next Door

Ghouls Next Door

By Gabe & Kat

A media-literacy podcast from a horror lens, exploring the unique and raw way society and culture influence film and media. We review media and discuss the history and psychology behind our fears.
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Single White Female & The Roommate: Envious Imposter

Ghouls Next DoorJan 22, 2019

00:00
01:04:08
Infinity Pool (2023): An Unhealthy Obsession with the Rich
Feb 28, 202401:07:27
Possessor (2020): Labor Alienation & Data Mining Horrors
Feb 22, 202401:15:33
They Cloned Tyrone (2023): Subverting Stereotypes & Government Conspiracies

They Cloned Tyrone (2023): Subverting Stereotypes & Government Conspiracies

They Cloned Tyrone is a loud, absurd, and charming sci-fi film that's equal parts blaxploitation, social commentary, and confirmed conspiracy theories. Following three unlikely heroes as they uncover a government conspiracy that weaponizes cultural staples and stereotypes against them. Gabe unpacks the harmful stereotypes and the power of Blaxploitation films. Kat gives an in-depth history lesson about the government and CIA's role in the role of drug trafficking around the world and how they use their power to oppress.


Sources in this Episode:

They Cloned Tyrone Director Juel Taylor Uncovers the Easter Eggs in They Cloned Tyrone | Netflixed Tyrone’ Ending Explained: What Do the Clones Represent? - Decider

What Is Blaxploitation: The Essential Guide To The Subgenre

Food Deserts

The INFAMOUS “Black” McDonald’s commercials

Director Juel Taylor Uncovers the Easter Eggs in They Cloned Tyrone | Netflix

The Truths and Symbolisms in “They Cloned Tyrone” | by ASUS BUTTERFLY

They Cloned Tyrone' Director Juel Taylor on His Favorite Conspiracies and Winning Over Erykah Badu

How ‘They Cloned Tyrone’ Transforms Racial Archetypes into Unlikely Heroes

A Tangled Web: A History of CIA Complicity in Drug International Trafficking -- Institute for Policy Studies

The Politics of Heroin in Southeast Asia

What We Really Know About the CIA and Crack

THE CIA-CONTRA-CRACK COCAINE CONTROVERSY: A REVIEW OF THE JUSTICE DEPARTMENT'S INVESTIGATIONS AND PROSECUTIONS

MANAGING A NIGHTMARE - How the CIA Watched Over the Destruction of Gary Webb | The Intercept | By Ryan Devereaux

Reaganomics and Its Implications for African-American Family Life

Reaganomics: The Impact On Black Economic Mobility


Feb 14, 202401:28:31
Get Out (2017): Black Horror and White Liberal Villains
Jan 31, 202401:21:25
Us (2019): America's Selective Memory
Jan 24, 202401:15:42
Culture Shock (2019): Horrors of Immigration & the Veiled Threat of the American Dream
Jan 17, 202401:15:06
Don't Worry Darling (2022): Confused Feminism
Jan 12, 202401:14:23
Anaconda (1997): There's Snakes this Big?!

Anaconda (1997): There's Snakes this Big?!

Anaconda (1997) is a fun creature feature with an interesting cast. A team of National Geographic documentarians find themselves in the clutches of an evil poacher, oh and also there are snakes here. Gabe gives us a glimpse into the making of these gigantic foes and other fun film things. Kat tells us how to survive a snake attack and shares some super fun facts about the big snakes too.

Dec 27, 202301:01:18
The Grey (2011): Fight to Live Another Day

The Grey (2011): Fight to Live Another Day

The Grey is an emotional film that has men facing their mortality. Fighting against the elements and a natural enemy, these men stranded in the Alaskan wilderness learn what's important to them. How can you survive a wolf attack?

Dec 20, 202301:06:22
Crawl (2019): Gators & Florida Man

Crawl (2019): Gators & Florida Man

Crawl is a home invasion film with a twist, the intruders are gators and your house is being flooded by a Category 5 hurricane! Gabe is shares the true Floridian things about this film (as a Floridian themselves). Kat tells us the difference between gators and crocs; and what to do to survive an attack.

Dec 13, 202301:02:25
Meg 2: Prehistoric Beasts & Real Shark Dangers

Meg 2: Prehistoric Beasts & Real Shark Dangers

Meg 2 is a wild ride where prehistoric aquatic beasts make people their tasty lunch. Ghouls discuss this fun film and what the real Megaladons were like. Kat gives us a rundown of the world's deadliest sharks and what to do if you're attacked by one.

Dec 06, 202359:46
The Birds (1963): Horrors Behind the Scenes and in the Skies

The Birds (1963): Horrors Behind the Scenes and in the Skies

The Birds (1963) is a classic creature feature with an even more terrifying backstory and making-of. Ghouls discuss this sleepy film, the potential themes, and the interesting approach to storytelling. Gabe also explores the real horror of the film: Hitchcock's unhealthy obsession and torture of Tippi Hedren. Kat shares facts about the most dangerous birds and if we should be afraid of birds. Gabe even gives us a taste of a fun true-crime theory involving birds!

Nov 29, 202301:24:37
Beast (2022): Battle of the Dads

Beast (2022): Battle of the Dads

Beast starring Idris Elba is a suspenseful, family-driven story where one father fights to protect his family while another (furry and vicious) father fights to avenge the loss of his own. An expected film with heartfelt moments, Ghouls unpack this sleeper film. Kat shares what to do when you encounter a lion and also, maybe some things you shouldn't do. (Thanks WikiHow!)

Nov 22, 202359:30
Slotherhouse: the Slowest Slasher

Slotherhouse: the Slowest Slasher

Slotherhouse is an absurd new horror film that follows a killer sloth in a sorority. It is exactly as you imagine it is. Ghouls talk about where it hits and misses. Kat shares fun, unexpected facts about sloths. Do they have the capacity to kill? The answer might surprise you!

Nov 15, 202301:01:09
Cocaine Bear: Rules to Survive a Bear Encounter

Cocaine Bear: Rules to Survive a Bear Encounter

Cocaine Bear is a quirky, dark comedy that charmed the Ghouls. Full of memorable characters, a villain you root for, and some helpful tips to survive a bear attack. Ghouls talk about the film and Kat shares some instructions on how to know when a bear means business and what to do in the event they do.

Nov 08, 202353:08
Malignant: Family Trauma & Flawed Memory

Malignant: Family Trauma & Flawed Memory

James Wan's Malignant is a truly unique film with creative imagery, a troublesome plot, and unforgettable stunts. This episode is ripe with spoilers because it's quite difficult to understand the story without knowing the truth. Ghouls discuss the "twist" ending, the hilarious stunts, and what they think would've made it even better.

Nov 01, 202348:30
Insidious Franchise: Astral Projections & Family Secrets

Insidious Franchise: Astral Projections & Family Secrets

Insidious is a fun franchise of dreamwalkers, demons, and hereditary trauma. The Ghouls discuss all 5 films, the good, the bad, and the hideous (looking at you Insidious 3).

Oct 25, 202301:25:54
Conjuring Franchise: the Romanticization of the Warrens

Conjuring Franchise: the Romanticization of the Warrens

Though the Ghouls have strong, negative feelings about the Warrens, the films have been a fun watch for them as horror lovers. Ghouls discuss the three Conjuring films, the real cases of the Warrens (both covered and not covered in the films), and why giving the Warrens a film make-over is a bad look.

Oct 18, 202301:07:12
Saw Franchise Pt. 2: Traumatizing Traps & Troubling Lessons

Saw Franchise Pt. 2: Traumatizing Traps & Troubling Lessons

The Ghouls walk you through the first 9 Saw movies, the traps that haunt their nightmares, and who their least favorite proteges are. We sorted, or attempted to, the storyline of the franchise. Some of Jigsaw's victims make sense while others feel like a low blow.

Oct 11, 202359:60
Saw Franchise Pt. 1: The Will to Live

Saw Franchise Pt. 1: The Will to Live

The Saw Franchise is an important thread in the fabric of horror history. Known for the elaborate, gory, and challenging traps, Saw will leave an ache in your bones. The Ghouls have never been so aware of their individual body parts before. In this first part of our Saw coverage, the Ghouls start to question the motives and the holier-than-thou message John Kramer has for his victims. And they begin to unpack the many layers of the dense story of the franchise, the numerous proteges and more.

Oct 04, 202356:31
Paranormal Activity Franchise: Haunted by Plot Holes

Paranormal Activity Franchise: Haunted by Plot Holes

The Paranormal Activity franchise holds a special place in the Ghouls' hearts. The first film revived the Found Footage sub-genre (Gabe's favorite) and the films often promised creative jump scares and a slow burn. However, in trying to expand the universe the films began answering questions we never asked while never addressing plot holes or questions we did have.

Sep 27, 202301:33:59
Final Destination Franchise: Premonitions & Death's List

Final Destination Franchise: Premonitions & Death's List

Final Destination is one of the Ghouls' favorite series! What happens when you beat Death only to have them return with vengeance? With some of the most memorable and creative deaths in the horror genre, the series is a fun slasher with a faceless villain.


Did these people really ruin Death's plan or was this all a part of Death's twisted game?

Sep 20, 202301:20:57
Alien Franchise: Mother & the Meaning of Human Existence

Alien Franchise: Mother & the Meaning of Human Existence

The Alien Franchise is what we like to refer to as Listen-to-Women the film because if only any of the other characters did just that, we'd avoid this sticky, acid, chest-bursting mess. Ghouls are talking about the entire Alien franchise (sans AVP, already covered in our Predator episode), yes even Alien^3. Why won't they let Ripley die?

Sep 13, 202301:14:40
Predator Franchise: Trophy Hunting & the Male Gaze

Predator Franchise: Trophy Hunting & the Male Gaze

The Predator franchise is full of fun action-packed slashers. The first one stars one of the Ghouls' favorite final girls, Arnold Schwarzenegger. The films that follow are a mix of fun and why did this get made? We unpack each of the films (including Alien vs. Predator). We watched them so you don't have to!

Sep 06, 202301:23:35
Cyberpunk 2077 & Edgerunners: Evil Corporations & Technology

Cyberpunk 2077 & Edgerunners: Evil Corporations & Technology

The Cyberpunk franchise is one that highlights countercultural antiheroes trapped in a dehumanizing high-tech future. Kat talks about the history of the Cyberpunk world and explains the bleak picture of the video game. Gabe discusses the sad and too-real characters of the mini-series, Edgerunners and their complicated relationship with tech, healthcare, and their identities in a world intent on erasing the impoverished.

Jul 05, 202301:00:21
Dune (2021) : What's the Deal with Spice?

Dune (2021) : What's the Deal with Spice?

Dune is an expansive science fiction world created by Frank Herbert with characters, societies, and tropes intended to reflect real-world issues. Ghouls are joined by Dune fan, Mike Levitt who tells them what the book is about, what happens in the film, what doesn't happen in the film, and why we should care about Dune at all.

Jun 28, 202301:03:10
Star Trek with Kennedy Allen
Jun 21, 202301:09:39
The Expanse: Space Colonization with Li Sumpter
Jun 14, 202301:13:08
American Psycho: the Monster of Wealth and Consumerism
Jun 07, 202301:03:47
Severance: Horrors of Corporate Culture
May 31, 202301:11:13
The Platform (2019): A Hunger for Economic Reform
May 24, 202301:09:48
The Mist (2007): A Disaster Society to Fear
May 17, 202301:04:08
Candyman (2021): Generational Trauma & the Power of Folklore

Candyman (2021): Generational Trauma & the Power of Folklore

Nia DaCosta's Candyman is a sequel to the 90’s folklore villain. The film is creative with its storytelling, handling pain and grief with care. The tale transforms into a way for this community to put a word to their pain. It is no longer about a villain terrorizing an already vulnerable community but instead, something to point to, to separate themselves from and move forward. Gabe explores the evolution of the notorious folklore villain turned vengeful spirit. Kat shares the film's Impact Guide and how to continue the work.


Sources in this Episode:

Candyman - The Impact of Black Horror

Candyman: The Official Companion Guide

CANDYMAN - Social Impact Initiative


Other Reviews & Learning Opportunities for Candyman (2021):

Generational Trauma & History

Candyman Is a Manifestation of Generational Trauma | Podcast

The Cycles of Violence That Haunt Nia DaCosta's Candyman

CANDYMAN Crafts Its Own Lore and Dark Inheritance - Nerdist

All 6 Candymen Explained: Origins, Differences, Real Meanings

Nia DaCosta's 'Candyman' Explores Black History and Trauma Through Myth

Candyman is a tale of two different movies | Screen | Pittsburgh

Review: Candyman turns singular slasher into a timeless avatar for Black trauma | Ars Technica

The Movie Sleuth: Violence is a Ritual: Candyman (2021) - Reviewed

‘Candyman’: Explaining the Anthony McCoy Twist – The Hollywood Reporter

Candyman review: A 2021 reboot made for the wrong audience - Polygon

Gentrification

How Gentrification Expands CANDYMAN's Urban Legend - Nerdist

'Candyman' indicts gentrification as the real horror

'Candyman' Gets An Update, And The Horror Is Gentrification : Pop Culture Happy Hour : NPR

Candyman Wrings Terror Out of the Horror of Gentrification

De-Gentrification: The Removal of the White Savior Element Entirely from Nia DaCosta’s Candyman | Culled Culture

Candyman and the gentrification of black culture

Is racist housing policy the real villain in "Candyman"? - Marketplace


May 10, 202301:01:01
Swarm (2023): Finding Connection through Fanaticism

Swarm (2023): Finding Connection through Fanaticism

May 03, 202301:03:47
Skinamarink: Experimental Horror Gets Real on Fear

Skinamarink: Experimental Horror Gets Real on Fear

Skinamarink is a bizarre and disquieting film about interpreting the darkness with a young mind. The experimental film has many interpretations and in that, unifies its viewers to feel that special brand of fear from our youths. Gabe explains some of those theories and how the film successfully scares the pants off of you. Kat discusses childhood fears, how they're incredibly valid, and how to best help a child cope.


Sources in this Episode:

Skinamarink Explained- Child Abuse, Death, And The Monsters Of Our Youth | Signal Horizon

Skinamarink’s Mysterious Voice Could Be Darker Than You Realize | Screenrant

Skinamarink: A Forgotten Nightmare | Wendigoon

Anxiety and fear in children | Better Health Channel


Other Reviews on Skinamarink:

What the heck is a 'Skinamarink'? Explaining the abstract horror gem | Mashable

Skinamarink Ending Explained: The Darkness Will Swallow You Whole | Collider

Skinamarink Ending Explained - who is the strange voice? | Ready, Ready, Cut

These Scenes Reveal What's Really Going On in Skinamarink | CBR

'Skinamarink' Ending, Explained: Is 'Skinamarink' Just A Horror Story Or A Childhood Fantasy? | Film Fugitives

Skinamarink ending explained – Reddit and fan theories, plus what the director thinks | Dexerto

Skinamarink and the Many Reddit Theories About Kevin, the Monster, and the Ending | Den of Geek

Skinamarink Ending Explained: You're Just My Archetype | SlashFilm

What is Skinamarink About? The Skinamarink Ending Explained | We Got This Covered 

"Skinamarink" feels different for anyone who grew up in an abusive household | Salon.com

Skinamarink’s Mysterious Voice Could Be Darker Than You Realize | Screenrant

Skinamarink Explained- Child Abuse, Death, And The Monsters Of Our Youth | Signal Horizon

Apr 26, 202301:10:51
Steven Universe: Generational Trauma & the Rebellion of Existence
Apr 19, 202301:29:01
M3GAN (2022): An AI Companion for Grief & Parenting
Apr 12, 202301:06:50
Wednesday (2022): A Conversation on Latine and Neurodivergent Representation
Apr 05, 202301:07:44
Pearl (2022): Love in the Time of the 1918 Flu
Feb 28, 202301:05:59
I'm Totally Fine (2022): Friendship is Love
Feb 22, 202357:16
You (season 3): Toxic Relationships

You (season 3): Toxic Relationships

In season 3 of Netflix's You, everyone's favorite problematic lover boy, Joe, has finally settled down into marital bliss with Love. Not all is perfect in this cookie-cutter, little boxes town as Joe and Love’s relationship begins a sharp decline. Turns out that staying together for a baby and because you know each other’s murderous secrets isn’t enough to keep a relationship afloat. Gabe delights at the hilarious season that pokes fun at the characters and fans of the series. Kat explains how Joe and Love embody the phrase “our trauma is not our fault, but it is our personal responsibility to heal from it when we become adults”.

Sources in this Episode:
‘You’ Season 3 is its best yet, thanks to its true horrors: Marriage and suburbia

Other Reviews on You, season 3:
About Love and Joe’s psyche:
We Had A Psychologist "Diagnose" Joe From "You" And It Seems Pretty Accurate
A therapist explains how 'You' gets its characters' twisted psychology right
Sherry & Cary’s relationship:
Three Cheers for You Season 3's MVP Couple: Sherry and Cary - TV Guide
Joe’s backstory: Who Is Nurse Fiona In 'You'? Joe's Memories Are Tragic
You - Joe Childhood Flashback Scenes  Also covered in episode 6, and 9
More General:
You Season 3 Twist Ending Explained: Every Question Answered
You Season 3 Is the Best The Series Has Ever Been
‘You’ Season 3 is its best yet, thanks to its true horrors: Marriage and suburbia - The Washington Post
'You' Season Three Review: an uneven but entertaining turn toward suburban domesticity - The Brown Daily Herald
‘You’ Season Three Review: A Refreshing Look at Murder in the Suburbs | Arts | The Harvard Crimson

Feb 15, 202301:07:31
Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind: Break-Ups and the Pain in Your Brain

Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind: Break-Ups and the Pain in Your Brain

Michel Gondry's Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind is an interesting exploration of memory and the impact of a breakup. Can we grow without the memories of our failures? Gabe discusses the toxic couple and the ways our relationships can define us, shaping us into the people we're to become. Kat researches the effects of break-ups on our brains, and the physical and mental pains that come from a split. As well as covers how our brain retains or erases memories for our benefit and health. 


Sources in this Episode:
‘Eternal Sunshine’ Destroyed the Manic Pixie Dream Girl Stereotype Before It Even Existed
Film Analysis: “Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind”
Breakups can impact you in more ways than you think. Here's the science behind why they hurt so much
Using the logic of neuroscience to heal from a breakup
New Technique Can Help People Forget Certain Memories
Neural Correlates of Direct and Indirect Suppression of Autobiographical Memories

More Study Materials for Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind:
Resources | Film Library | Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind
Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind Analysis | Shmoop
Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind Study Guide | GradeSaver
Film Analysis: “Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind” – The Cinephile Fix
A Film to Transform You: Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind | The Prolongation of Work • F17.1
Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind | SBIFF
Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind | How Editing Shapes a Story
How Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind Subverts Expectations

Feb 08, 202301:09:37
Crimes of the Future (2022): Human Evolution

Crimes of the Future (2022): Human Evolution

David Cronenberg's future in Crimes of the Future is one without physical pain but with much distress. What is the next step in human evolution and will the powers-that-be allow for a new future? Gabe works to unpack the messages in the film and discusses a world in which surgery is the new sex. Kat explains how recycling is a scam and how insidious microplastics are. 

Sources in this Episode:
Crimes of the Future, Explained: Dissecting David Cronenberg's New Movie
Plastic Recycling is an Actual Scam | Climate Town
Microplastics are in our bodies. How much do they harm us?
Microplastics cause damage to human cells, study show
Plastic-Eating Microbes — “Rapid Evolution” May Not Be Darwinian at All
Bugs across globe are evolving to eat plastic, study finds

Other Crimes of the Future Reviews:
Crimes of the Future, Explained: Dissecting David Cronenberg's New Movie
CRIMES OF THE FUTURE | The Essential Explanation
David Cronenberg Explains What 'Crimes of the Future' Is Really About
'Crimes Of The Future' Ending, Explained: What Happens At The Live Autopsy Performance? Is Saul Dead Or Alive? | DMT
David Cronenberg on the evolution to 'Crimes of the Future' - Los Angeles Times
Transhumanism, Surgery as Sex, and Humanity's Frightening Evolution - Signal Horizon
Crimes of the Future: Why Scott Speedman's Character Is So Important
“A Great Future in Plastics”: Crimes of the Future and Cronenberg’s Story of Evolution - Bright Lights Film Journal
A Meditation on Human Evolution - Crimes of the Future
Crimes of the Future is Cronenberg Evolved
Crimes of the Future: Evolution of the New Flesh – The Twin Geeks

Jan 31, 202359:38
Slash/Back (2022): Alien Imposters & Embracing Your Culture
Jan 25, 202358:28
CAM: Sex Work & Social Identity
Jan 18, 202301:12:28
The Outside: Horrors of the Beauty Industry
Jan 10, 202301:03:07
Haunted Prisons pt. 2: Special Interviews
Dec 28, 202201:25:05
Haunted Prisons: Horrors of Mass Incarcerations and Wendell & Wild reviews

Haunted Prisons: Horrors of Mass Incarcerations and Wendell & Wild reviews

The horrors of the incarceration system are so robust and complex that there’s truly no one answer the problem. There is no end to what we could cover in this episode. It’s been a really difficult episode to plan for. In a two-part special, Ghouls are discussing the horrors of our mass incarceration system. Gabe explores the many issues and offers an abundance of documentary suggestions while also reviewing the claymation film, Wendell & Wild. Special guest, Pascale Vallee, shares her findings from her Masters research about the harmful effects on one's mental health while incarcerated. There are many ways our system fails us. We encourage you to learn more about our monstrous and horrific systems so that you can help change them.


Sources in this Episode:
Why Is Rikers Island Still Open And Why Won't NYC Mayor Eric Adams Accept The Help He Needs?
40% of incarcerated people have chronic conditions — how good is the health care they get behind bars?
Access to primary care in Philly varies greatly by neighborhood
A Reckoning in Philadelphia
The Healing Power of Greek Tragedy
The Dose–Response of Time Served in Prison on Mortality: New York State, 1989–2003
Explore Data on Philadelphia's Returning Citizens
Countries with the largest number of prisoners per 100,000 of the national population, as of May 2021
Impact of Incarceration on Health
Chronic Punishment: The unmet health needs of people in state prisons
Incarceration and Population Health in Wealthy Democracies
Reentry Preparedness among soon-to-be-released inmates and the role of time served

Recommended Reading:
Ten Years After “The New Jim Crow” | The New Yorker
Practical Abolition: Alternatives to Prisons and Police Animated Series | Amistad Law Project
Abolishing Death By Incarceration | Amistad Law Project
Creating Public Safety Alternatives to the Police | Amistad Law Project

Dec 20, 202201:29:56
Haunted Towns (pt. 2): The Low Low Woods & Centralia, PA
Dec 07, 202201:12:53
Haunted Towns (pt 1): Barbarian & Detroit, MI
Nov 29, 202201:17:48