The Ghostly Gallery Podcast

This week on The Ghostly Gallery Podcast, we welcome Brian Forrest, also known as Toothpickings, a respected writer, researcher, and expert on vampires in popular culture. Brian joins us to discuss his work exploring vampire history and folklore, along with his recent reprint of The Black Vampyre, the rare 1819 Gothic work attributed to Uriah Derrick D’Arcy. From forgotten horror history to the enduring fascination with vampire mythology, this is a fascinating conversation for horror fans and lovers of the macabre. Subscribe to The Ghostly Gallery Podcast for more classic horror movie reviews, discussions, and interviews every week! Episode 142 Brian “Toothpickings” Forrest Amazon: The Black Vampyre: and other writings by Uriah Derick D'Arcy https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0H35GD7Q9 Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/toothpickings.blog YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@toothpickings9218 William Crain Documentary Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A_EqxPQRu1U The Ghostly Gallery Podcast: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheGhostlyGalleryPodcast Audio Podcast Available: Podbean: https://bmarkusen.podbean.com/ Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-ghostly-gallery-podcast/id1824273985 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5PWrc4PJ6NUt2BZtcVFSy9?si=6481b6be011c4393 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GhostlyGallery X: https://twitter.com/markusen_s IMDb: https://m.imdb.com/title/tt34553033/ Email: theghostlygallerypodcast@gmail.com

This week on The Ghostly Gallery Podcast, we take a look at two very different cult horror films from the 1980s: Crawlspace (1986) and Killer Klowns from Outer Space (1988). First, we head into the dark world of Crawlspace, starring Klaus Kinski as a disturbed landlord who uses hidden passages and secret crawlspaces to spy on and terrorize his tenants. We discuss Kinski's chilling performance, the film's atmosphere, memorable moments, and whether this lesser-known thriller deserves more recognition among horror fans. We then shift gears completely with Killer Klowns from Outer Space, the colorful cult classic about alien clowns invading a small town with cotton candy cocoons, living popcorn, balloon animals, and plenty of carnival-themed chaos. We talk about the film's lasting popularity, creative practical effects, memorable characters, and why horror fans continue to celebrate it nearly forty years after its release. Join Bruce Markusen and Tracy Asteria as they explore two unique horror films that showcase just how varied the genre could be during the 1980s. From psychological terror and paranoia to outrageous horror-comedy, this double feature has a little bit of everything. What are your thoughts on Crawlspace and Killer Klowns from Outer Space? Let us know in the comments.. Episode 140 Subscribe to The Ghostly Gallery Podcast for more classic horror movie reviews, discussions, and interviews every week! The Ghostly Gallery Podcast: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheGhostlyGalleryPodcast Audio Podcast Available: Podbean: https://bmarkusen.podbean.com/ Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-ghostly-gallery-podcast/id1824273985 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5PWrc4PJ6NUt2BZtcVFSy9?si=6481b6be011c4393 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GhostlyGallery X: https://twitter.com/markusen_s IMDb: https://m.imdb.com/title/tt34553033/ Email: theghostlygallerypodcast@gmail.com

This week on the Ghostly Gallery Podcast, we sit down with horror author TJ Payne, the writer behind Intercepts, The Venue, and In My Father’s Basement. TJ joins us to talk about leaving Hollywood screenwriting behind to pursue darker storytelling, the disturbing themes at the heart of Intercepts, and why human behavior can be more frightening than anything supernatural. We also discuss horror influences, psychological tension, self-publishing, and the growing appetite for intense horror fiction. If you enjoy psychological horror, conspiracy-driven stories, and thoughtful conversations about modern horror writing, this is an episode you won’t want to miss. Plus, after the interview, Bruce shares commentary on the cancellation of the TV series Watson. Episode 138 Subscribe to The Ghostly Gallery Podcast for more classic horror movie reviews, discussions, and interviews every week! TJ Payne: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/TJ-Payne-horror-author-100063687020159/ Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/stores/T.J.-Payne/author/B07JWDZT1P?fbclid=IwY2xjawR19B1leHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETF2UU9yeDNMeHI2NzA0S2J2c3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHuuIX3yrH5D6ctgvOqa4Omfq_KVMxE7kxCJVLvL95i9jhTv0NysDTj_S_lf2_aem_EUkwPb2qMTEzWx7uqqBlAA&ref=ap_rdr&shoppingPortalEnabled=true Penguin Random House: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/833286/intercepts-by-t-j-payne/?fbclid=IwY2xjawR19E1leHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETF2UU9yeDNMeHI2NzA0S2J2c3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHr8swOcU8629gxWCEIvPEDEPd0Nis23euPdBmRVOggyRxcmA1f4yiayI6xAN_aem_Z4ot51TqCJLf9xUy6kfYeA IG: https://www.instagram.com/tj.payne.author Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@tj.payne.author The Ghostly Gallery Podcast: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheGhostlyGalleryPodcast Audio Podcast Available: Podbean: https://bmarkusen.podbean.com/ Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-ghostly-gallery-podcast/id1824273985 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5PWrc4PJ6NUt2BZtcVFSy9?si=6481b6be011c4393 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GhostlyGallery X: https://twitter.com/markusen_s IMDb: https://m.imdb.com/title/tt34553033/ Email: theghostlygallerypodcast@gmail.com

The man behind Frankenstein’s Monster, The Wolf Man, and The Mummy. Why isn’t Jack Pierce a household name? In this episode of the Ghostly Gallery Podcast, author Christopher Lock joins us to explore Jack Pierce: Hollywood’s Makeup Master and the story behind some of horror’s most iconic creations. From his early life to his groundbreaking work at Universal, we look at how these legendary monsters were brought to life. We also discuss Pierce’s collaborations with Boris Karloff, the challenges he faced in Hollywood, and why his legacy still matters today. If you love classic horror, film history, and the stories behind the monsters, this is an episode you won’t want to miss. Episode 136 Subscribe to The Ghostly Gallery Podcast for more classic horror movie reviews, discussions, and interviews every week! Christopher Lock: Books Available On Amazon: https://us.amazon.com/stores/Christopher-Lock/author/B089YW2T9S?ref=ap_rdr&isDramIntegrated=true&shoppingPortalEnabled=true&ccs_id=91108175-27ae-4bfd-af05-b8ed7e0497b8# The Ghostly Gallery Podcast: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheGhostlyGalleryPodcast Audio Podcast Available: Podbean: https://bmarkusen.podbean.com/ Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-ghostly-gallery-podcast/id1824273985 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5PWrc4PJ6NUt2BZtcVFSy9?si=6481b6be011c4393 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GhostlyGallery X: https://twitter.com/markusen_s IMDb: https://m.imdb.com/title/tt34553033/ Email: theghostlygallerypodcast@gmail.com

On this episode of the Ghostly Gallery Podcast, we’re diving into two very different sides of horror. First up is Talk to Me, the breakout supernatural horror that took audiences by surprise with its intense possession story and emotional core. Then we head into creature feature territory with Abominable (2006), a Bigfoot horror film with a familiar Rear Window style twist. We share our thoughts, first impressions, and final ratings on both films, including what worked, what didn’t, and where each one lands for us. We also introduce our very first Monster Mail Bag segment, where we read and react to comments from listeners and viewers. If you’re into horror movies, creature features, or supernatural thrillers, this episode has a bit of everything. Episode 134 Subscribe to The Ghostly Gallery Podcast for more classic horror movie reviews, discussions, and interviews every week! Rondo Awards Link: https://rondoaward.com/rondoaward.com/blog/ The Ghostly Gallery Podcast: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheGhostlyGalleryPodcast Audio Podcast Available: Podbean: https://bmarkusen.podbean.com/ Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-ghostly-gallery-podcast/id1824273985 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5PWrc4PJ6NUt2BZtcVFSy9?si=6481b6be011c4393 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GhostlyGallery X: https://twitter.com/markusen_s IMDb: https://m.imdb.com/title/tt34553033/ Email: theghostlygallerypodcast@gmail.com

On this episode of the Ghostly Gallery Podcast, we are joined by author and classic horror expert Bill Fleck. Bill is the creator of the Rondo Award nominated newsletter Classic Horror Behind the Scenes and the author of Chaney’s Baby and Chaney’s Audition. We take a closer look at the life of Lon Chaney Jr., exploring the man behind one of horror’s most iconic roles. Bill shares insights from his research, including lesser known moments from Chaney’s life, along with the story behind his books. We also talk about Bill’s early love of horror and what it was like meeting Vincent Price. This is a thoughtful conversation about classic horror, Hollywood history, and the legacy of Lon Chaney Jr. Episode 132 Subscribe to The Ghostly Gallery Podcast for more classic horror movie reviews, discussions, and interviews every week! Bill Fleck: Substack: https://billfleck.substack.com/ IG: https://www.instagram.com/bill.fleck.10/ The Ghostly Gallery Podcast: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheGhostlyGalleryPodcast Audio Podcast Available: Podbean: https://bmarkusen.podbean.com/ Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-ghostly-gallery-podcast/id1824273985 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5PWrc4PJ6NUt2BZtcVFSy9?si=6481b6be011c4393 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GhostlyGallery X: https://twitter.com/markusen_s IMDb: https://m.imdb.com/title/tt34553033/ Email: theghostlygallerypodcast@gmail.com

Join Bruce Markusen and Tracy Asteria as they discuss two recent horror films: Abraham’s Boys: A Dracula Story and We Bury the Dead. First, we talk about Abraham’s Boys, the Shudder film directed by Natasha Kermani and based on the short story by Joe Hill. Set years after the events of Dracula, the story follows Abraham Van Helsing living in isolation with his family in California as his sons begin to question whether their father is protecting them from vampires or descending into dangerous obsession. We also explore We Bury the Dead, starring Daisy Ridley, where a woman travels to Tasmania after a catastrophic experimental weapon devastates the region, leaving thousands dead and some mysteriously reanimated as she searches for her missing husband. Join us as we break down both films and share our overall thoughts on these two recent horror releases. #HorrorMovies #HorrorPodcast #VampireMovies #ZombieMovies #AbrahamsBoys #WeBuryTheDead Episode 130 Films discussed: Abraham’s Boys: A Dracula Story (2025) We Bury the Dead (2026) Subscribe to The Ghostly Gallery Podcast for more classic horror movie reviews, discussions, and interviews every week! The Ghostly Gallery Podcast: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheGhostlyGalleryPodcast Audio Podcast Available: Podbean: https://bmarkusen.podbean.com/ Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-ghostly-gallery-podcast/id1824273985 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5PWrc4PJ6NUt2BZtcVFSy9?si=6481b6be011c4393 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GhostlyGallery X: https://twitter.com/markusen_s IMDb: https://m.imdb.com/title/tt34553033/ Email: theghostlygallerypodcast@gmail.com

In this episode of The Ghostly Gallery Podcast, we welcome back vampire scholar Brian Forrest, also known as Toothpickings, for an insightful conversation about vampire culture, horror history, and the legacy of director William Crain. Brian shares his personal memories of Crain, the groundbreaking filmmaker behind the 1972 cult classic Blacula, and reflects on the challenges he faced breaking into Hollywood as a Black director during a pivotal era in genre cinema. We also explore Crain’s lesser-known film Dr. Black, Mr. Hyde, discuss the challenges surrounding its preservation and availability today, and consider what his lasting legacy should be within horror history. Beyond film discussion, Brian talks about his work in vampire scholarship, his recognition from the Children of the Night International Dracula Congress, and why vampire stories continue to captivate audiences after decades of evolution in popular culture. We also touch on the upcoming Academy Awards and the highly nominated film Sinners, directed by Ryan Coogler. Episode 128 Subscribe to The Ghostly Gallery Podcast for more classic horror movie reviews, discussions, and interviews every week! Brian “Toothpickings” Forrest Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/toothpickings.blog YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@toothpickings9218 William Crain Documentary Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A_EqxPQRu1U The Ghostly Gallery Podcast: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheGhostlyGalleryPodcast Audio Podcast Available: Podbean: https://bmarkusen.podbean.com/ Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-ghostly-gallery-podcast/id1824273985 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5PWrc4PJ6NUt2BZtcVFSy9?si=6481b6be011c4393 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GhostlyGallery X: https://twitter.com/markusen_s IMDb: https://m.imdb.com/title/tt34553033/ Email: theghostlygallerypodcast@gmail.com

Valentine’s Day gets a dark twist in this horror-themed episode of The Ghostly Gallery Podcast. Bruce and Tracy look at two slasher films from very different eras: the cult classic My Bloody Valentine from 1981 and the modern horror comedy slasher Heart Eyes from 2025. They talk about the stories, characters, setting, kills, and overall tone, with the moments that stood out and the parts that didn’t quite land. You’ll hear what surprised them, what felt dated or predictable, and which film works best depending on your horror taste. If you’re picking your next seasonal scare or just want a fun horror movie conversation, this is a great one to queue up! Episode 126 Subscribe to The Ghostly Gallery Podcast for more classic horror movie reviews, discussions, and interviews every week! The Ghostly Gallery Podcast: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheGhostlyGalleryPodcast Audio Podcast Available: Podbean: https://bmarkusen.podbean.com/ Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-ghostly-gallery-podcast/id1824273985 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5PWrc4PJ6NUt2BZtcVFSy9?si=6481b6be011c4393 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GhostlyGallery X: https://twitter.com/markusen_s IMDb: https://m.imdb.com/title/tt34553033/ Email: theghostlygallerypodcast@gmail.com

This week on The Ghostly Gallery Podcast, we start the show by discussing the latest Oscar nominations in the horror genre, including Sinners, which leads the pack with a record 16 nominations. We then dive into two intense new horror films from January 2026. First, we review Primate, a creature feature directed by Johannes Roberts. Set in a remote home in Hawaii, the film follows Lucy and her friends as they face a terrifying threat when a chimpanzee named Ben begins acting violently. We talk about the film’s shocking opening, the emotional setup, the use of practical effects, and whether the straightforward survival horror approach works. Next, we move on to The Bone Temple, the fourth film in the 28 Years Later series, directed by Nia DaCosta. The story continues directly from the previous film and follows Spike as he becomes trapped in a dangerous cult led by the unstable Jimmy Crystal. The film stars Jack O’Connell, Ralph Fiennes, Alfie Williams, and features a surprise appearance by Cillian Murphy. We discuss the disturbing storyline, the possibility that the infected may be curable, the unforgettable Bone Temple setting, and the standout performances. If you love creature features, zombie films, and survival horror, this episode is for you! Episode 124 Subscribe to The Ghostly Gallery Podcast for more classic horror movie reviews, discussions, and interviews every week! The Ghostly Gallery Podcast: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheGhostlyGalleryPodcast Podbean: https://bmarkusen.podbean.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GhostlyGallery X: https://twitter.com/markusen_s IMDb: https://m.imdb.com/title/tt34553033/ Email: theghostlygallerypodcast@gmail.com

In this episode of The Ghostly Gallery Podcast, we continue our Creature Features series with a look at one of horror’s most enduring and tragic monsters, the werewolf. Bruce Markusen and Tracy Asteria explore how werewolves have evolved in film, beginning with early silent-era appearances and moving through classic Universal horror, Hammer Films, and modern cult favorites. Along the way, they discuss how folklore, atmosphere, makeup effects, and performance helped shape the cinematic werewolf. Films covered include Werewolf of London, The Wolf Man, Curse of the Werewolf, The Howling, An American Werewolf in London, Silver Bullet, Ginger Snaps, and Dog Soldiers. The conversation highlights standout performances, practical effects, shifting mythology, and the emotional themes that make werewolf stories resonate across generations. If you enjoy monster movies, classic and modern horror, or thoughtful discussions about creature-driven films, this episode is a perfect fit. Episode 122 Subscribe to The Ghostly Gallery Podcast for more classic horror movie reviews, discussions, and interviews every week! The Ghostly Gallery Podcast: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheGhostlyGalleryPodcast Podbean: https://bmarkusen.podbean.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GhostlyGallery X: https://twitter.com/markusen_s IMDb: https://m.imdb.com/title/tt34553033/ Email: theghostlygallerypodcast@gmail.com

This week on The Ghostly Gallery Podcast, Bruce Markusen and Tracy Asteria welcome back horror historian and composer Kirk Hazen to count down his Top 5 Horror Films of 2025. Kirk breaks down the top horror movies of 2025, ranking the year’s most talked-about and critically discussed films, including The Monkey, 28 Years Later, Companion, Sinners, and his number one pick, Weapons. From unsettling slow burns to intense, thought-provoking horror, we explore what made these films stand out, which performances left the biggest impact, and why 2025 has been such a strong year for horror fans. And stay tuned after Kirk’s list, Bruce and Tracy reveal their own Top 3 Horror Films of 2025, sharing their personal favorites and celebrating the stories that made this year so memorable. If you love smart, atmospheric, and unforgettable horror, this episode is for you. Episode 120 Subscribe to The Ghostly Gallery Podcast for more classic horror movie reviews, discussions, and interviews every week! The Ghostly Gallery Podcast: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheGhostlyGalleryPodcast Podbean: https://bmarkusen.podbean.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GhostlyGallery X: https://twitter.com/markusen_s IMDb: https://m.imdb.com/title/tt34553033/ Email: theghostlygallerypodcast@gmail.com

This week on The Ghostly Gallery Podcast, host Bruce Markusen is joined by legendary actor Stephen Macht, whose career spans over five decades with more than 100 credits across film, television, and theater. Stephen shares stories from his journey in Hollywood, including his recent Lifetime Achievement Award from the Mystic Film Festival, his early dream of becoming a baseball player, and his path from Dartmouth College to acting stardom. Horror fans will love our deep dive into cult classics like The Monster Squad, Nightwing, and Graveyard Shift, exploring why these films continue to captivate audiences decades later. The conversation also touches on Stephen’s work in sci-fi and memorable appearances on Suits alongside his son, Gabriel Macht. Later, Bruce and Tracy wrap up the episode by discussing their favorite film adaptations of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol, a timeless story with its own haunting charm. If you love cult classics, behind-the-scenes stories, and legendary guests, this is an episode you won’t want to miss. Episode 118 Subscribe to The Ghostly Gallery Podcast for more classic horror movie reviews, discussions, and interviews every week! The Ghostly Gallery Podcast: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheGhostlyGalleryPodcast Podbean: https://bmarkusen.podbean.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GhostlyGallery X: https://twitter.com/markusen_s IMDb: https://m.imdb.com/title/tt34553033/ Email: theghostlygallerypodcast@gmail.com