The Fear of God: A Horror Movie Podcast

After taking a slight detour last week, we're back to close off our Spooky Season (AHHH!) franchise run of the Alien film series with an epilogue looking back at some of our key takeaways, favorite moments, and finally solidifying the Kills Hall of Fame for Xenomorphs.

Kick back, relax, and enjoy our wrap up of all things face-huggy and chest-bursty. We hope you enjoy!

7:57 - Key Takeaways from the Alien Franchise

23:00 - Our 3 Favorite Scenes from the Franchise

36:54 - Highers and Lowers (which films rose or fell in our esteem)

42:47 - Ranking the 7 Alien Films

59:45 - The Xenomorphic Kills Hall of Fame

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Due to some scheduling adjustments and coinciding with some proximal current events, we bring to you a very different episode this week. Each week, we explore what scares us in order to find what saves us. This week, we're digging a little deeper on the last part of that motto.

Whether you are burnt out, stressed, worried, anxious, fearful, saddened, burdened, confused, lonely, or all of the above and more, we hope to offer you just a few words of encouragement and hope this week.

Reed is joined by friends of the show Andrew Nelson, Vera Goudie, and Dave Courtney for an open-hearted conversation about what we turn to when we're seeking hope or strength. From the simple practice of finding something to do with our hands to the creative meditations of a story or song, we're offering up a few things that we hope will make you feel just a little bit better and a little bit less alone.

We'll be back next week with our regularly scheduled programming, but for this week we want you to take a moment to breathe and we hope this episode helps you feel just a little bit better. Thank you for listening.

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We have finally arrived at the primary reason we chose to march through the Alien franchise this spooky season (AHHHHH). As we've made our way through #halloweylanyutani, we've had the 2024 release of the latest installment in our minds. So now, after all the facehugging, chestbursting, and j-j-j-j-jaw-dropping conversations, we have finally arrived at ALIEN: ROMULUS.

We sit down with two old friends, Blake Collier and Andy Whitfield, while all nestled together in a cabin in the California mountains to discuss why this film seems to have successfully reinvigorated the franchise 7 years after Alien: Covenant, what works and doesn't about this return to form, and the compelling way this particular entry explores our relationship with our technological and artificial companions.

It's an earnest and thoughtful conversation and we really hope you enjoy it!

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This week we feature our second Redux episode in the Alien Franchise run for Spooky Season (AHHHHH) #Halloweylanyutani. Redux episodes feature films we've covered on the show before but with fresh takes, new voices, and lots of renewed perspectives. This time around we're joined by friends of the show Vera Goudie and Matt Ruff to unpack the often frustrating specifics of ALIEN: COVENANT. Following the more polarizing response to Prometheus, Alien: Covenant feels like a deliberate correction -- perhaps an overcorrection -- away from the more thematic, existential questions the franchise was posing to get back to more xenomorphic carnage. The result is a film that abounds in wasted potential, though not without its moments.

Also featuring a Patron only segment with our final Simpsons Treehouse of Horror episode for this year, this is a hearty, lively, and thoughtful discussion we really hope you enjoy!

Patron Only Segment: The Simpsons, Treehouse of Horror XV

5:48 - ALIEN: COVENANT

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We continue our Spooky Season (AHHHH) run through the iconic Alien franchise (#Halloweylanyutani) with the film that saw the return of Ridley Scott to the film series that he had originally launched. PROMETHEUS initially played things a bit light on whether or not it actually was an Alien film, choosing instead to go for philosophical and existential ideas exploring our origins and our purposes within the framework of alien worlds.

We invite friends of the show Jess Fischli, Andrew Nelson, and Steve Beckley for a wonderful and hearty conversation full of thoughtful questions, poignant observations, and an absurd amount of laughter. Also featuring a Patron only segment covering The Simpsons Treehouse of Horror XIV, this is an extremely fun conversation that we really hope you enjoy!

Patron Only Segment: The Simpsons, Treehouse of Horror XIV

9:52 - PROMETHEUS

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We have a fun October Surprise for you this morning. We invited now-frequent guest and friend of the show Dr. David Gushee to discuss with us his newly released book, THE MORAL TEACHINGS OF JESUS: Radical Instruction in the Will of God.

The book focuses on 40 unique moral teachings of Jesus from throughout the gospels and can be read as intermittent devotions, as a scholarly text, as a community of dialogue with friends and peers, or as a means to challenge yourself with the astonishing relevance, power, and gravity of the teachings of Jesus for our current world.

We dive into how the book came to be and why such a text is so important, perhaps now more than ever, and then we open up a listener mail bag to explore thoughtful questions about politics, theology, church community, and faithfully walking in the way Jesus taught us.

This is a conversation we are very grateful to have had, and we hope you enjoy it!

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We continue our Spooky Season (AHHHHH) run through the Alien franchise with unquestionably the silliest and most absurd entry in the franchise: ALIEN: RESURRECTION. After Ellen Ripley is cloned centuries following her death, she is forced to unite with a renegade group of space pirates to destroy the newest iteration of the Xenomorph species, including facehuggers, Xenomorphs, a queen, and a new monstrous hybrid creation unlike anything she'd ever seen. We're joined by friends of the show Drew Pasanen and Jackson Harper to laugh, critique, defend, and generally dissect all of the "very 90s" nooks and crannies of this gonzo installment.

Also featuring a Patron-only segment about THE SIMPSONS TREEHOUSE OF HORROR XIII, this is a lively and fun conversation that we really hope you enjoy!

Patron Only Segment: The Simpsons, Treehouse of Horror XIII

5:15 - ALIEN: RESURRECTION

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We continue our Spooky Season franchise run of the Alien films (#Halloweylandyutani) with an examination of the notoriously troubled production and polarizing finished product that was David Fincher's directorial debut: ALIEN3. We're joined this week by friends of the show and fellow podcasters Lindsey Dunn and Blake Collier (hosts of the shows 1ofmystories and Fly By Films respectively). Together we try to make sense of what this film was trying to be and how well (or not) it succeeded.

Also featuring a Patron-only segment where Reed and Nathan dive into The Simpsons Treehouse of Horror XII, this is a really fun discussion and we hope you enjoy it!

Patron Only Segment: The Simpsons, Treehouse of Horror XII

5:55 - ALIEN3

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We have another special interview episode for you this week featuring writer/director Michael Felker talking with us about his new film THINGS WILL BE DIFFERENT. The film is released to theaters and VOD as of October 4th, and we had the chance to sit down with Michael to discuss its lush production, its innovative and thought-provoking premise, and its often profound emotional qualities.

The film centers on two estranged siblings who, following a robbery, evade the authorities by hiding in a unique house which permits them to be displaced in time. While there, sudden unexpected challenges push their familial bond to its devastating limit. We had a wonderful discussion with Michael about his film's production, its themes, and -- remarkably -- the Legend of Zelda.

It's a fun discussion and an excellent film. We hope you'll check out the film and our chat and we hope you enjoy them both!

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We continue our spooky season franchise run (#Halloweyalnd-utani) with the next stop in the Alien franchise: ALIENS. Writer/Director James Cameron took inspiration from Ridley Scott's horror/sci-fi landmark and expanded both the scope and the possibilities with his own vision of a more action-packed, brisker paced thrill ride. Sigourney Weaver returns as Ellen Ripley, accompanied by a host of gun-stacked space marines, a corporate shill, and an android she cannot bring herself to trust. Cameron's vision opened the storytelling possibilities for this franchise and arguably made it possible to continue with any further sequels at all.

Joining us to unpack all of the thematic, aesthetic, and narrative layers of Aliens is Sarah Welch-Larson, author of the excellent book, Becoming Alien (which we highly recommend you check out). Also featuring a Patron-only segment covering the laughs and joys of The Simpsons Treehouse of Horror XI, it's a thoughtful and fun episode that we really hope you enjoy!

5:13 - Two Questions with guest, Sarah Welch-Larson

19:43 - Becoming Alien: The Beginning and End of Evil in Science Fiction's Most Idiosyncratic Franchise by Sarah Welch-Larson

Patron Only Segment: The Simpsons, Treehouse of Horror XI

26:47 - ALIENS

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It's almost Spooky Season once again at The Fear of God and this year, we're keeping the annual tradition alive of marching through a whole franchise by tackling deep space, where no one can hear you scream. That's right, we'll be making our way through the entire ALIEN franchise through the rest of September and October, and we start this week with a Redux conversation about the landmark original by Ridley Scott.

We're joined aboard the Nostromo by friends of the show Brandon Grafius and Matt Murray to unpack why this franchise is not only still captivating and relevant, but why it also seems to stand apart from its peers as respected beyond the trappings of its genre.

Also featuring a Patron-only chat about the recently released ALIEN: ROMULUS, this is a hearty, lively, and thoughtful discussion that we hope you enjoy!

Patron Only Segment: ALIEN: ROMULUS

14:36 - ALIEN REDUX

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We close down our march through a handful of recent Dracula-inspired films by taking a look at last year's RENFIELD. Starring Nicholas Hoult and Akwafina, Renfield is an energetic, humorous, and remarkably thoughtful take on codependency, oppressive relationships, and rampant injustice. Oh.... and Nic Cage plays Dracula.

We're joined this week by FoGers and friends, Vera Goudie and John Viinalass to unpack all the mayhem, all the laughs, and the disarming amount of depth this film carries with it. Also featuring a "Whatcha" Patron-Only segment, we really hope you enjoy our conversation!

Patron Only Segment: Whatcha Watchin' / Readin' / Listenin' To?

8:02 - RENFIELD

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We continue our series of recent takes on the Dracula mythos by examining last year's THE LAST VOYAGE OF THE DEMETER. Nestled in the first third of Bram Stoker's original novel is the tale of a ship which unknowingly carried Dracula from his homeland to London, losing crew member after crew member along the way. Until now, that specific chapter had never been given a deeper cinematic exploration. The result, directed by Andrew Ovredal, has a sleek production, competent performances, and a well-structured script. But we are joined by FoG friend Dave Courtney to debate how well the film captures the themes it's so clearly interested in.

With apologies for the slightly late release, we hope you enjoy this week's episode!

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We have another special interview for you this week, this time with Mikael Hafstrom, director of 1408, The Rite, and his latest film, SLINGSHOT (in theaters August 30th). Slingshot tells the story of an expedition into deep space, where a small crew must execute a risky slingshot maneuver propelling off of Jupiter's orbit. When the mission's security becomes questionably compromised, one particular crew member (Casey Affleck) must fight to maintain his grip on reality amidst possible hallucinations, potentially faulty equipment, and fellow crewmates possibly more precariously compromised than he is. While the film's space narrative proceeds, we also witness the blossoming romance Affleck's character left back on earth, and the relationship between the two experiences may prove more consequential than he could have imagined.

Slingshot is a love story, a mind-bending science fiction drama, and an existential exploration of isolation and the importance of connection. It's an excellent film that we hope everyone checks out and we hope you enjoy our conversation about it with director Mikael Hafstrom.

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We continue our series this week on recent interpretations of Dracula with a subversively entertaining new thriller from the Radio Silence boys: ABIGAIL. When a motley crew of kidnappers take captive a young girl, they are locked in a mansion for 24 hours while the man who hired them seeks ransom. Little do they know, but quickly do they discover, that this is no ordinary job and they're holding captive no ordinary girl.

We're joined by recurring guests Jackson Harper and Jocee Worley for a laugh-filled chat about this highly enjoyable film that may have some quibble-worthy elements but is overall a simply fantastic time at the movies. This conversation was a real blast and we hope you enjoy it!

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We kick off a brand new mini-series this week all about the most infamous bloodsucker in all of culture. Earlier this year, we drilled down on some recent films which were inspired by Mary Shelley's novel Frankenstein. Coincidentally, the same thing has been happening with Bram Stoker's original classic vampire tale, inspiring a handful of films in the last year or two based upon different aspects of the Dracula story.

So we start this series with a direct adaptation, one which forever influenced the way vampires were depicted in pop culture entirely. 1992's BRAM STOKER'S DRACULA, directed by Francis Ford Coppola, is a lush and excessive production full of gothic grandeur and theatricality. It features incredible performances from Gary Oldman and Anthony Hopkins and a script which drills in on the concept of lost love, abandonment of faith, and the nature of appetite and longing. We're joined this week by fellow film critic and host of the "1 of my Stories" podcast, Lindsey Dunn, to discuss the film's rich tapestry of religious symbolism, desperate romance, and -- of course -- bloodsucking vampires.

Also featuring a Patron-only segment where we catch up on our "Whatchas", this is a fun and hearty episode that we really hope you enjoy.

6:24 - Getting to Know Lindsey Dunn

Patron Only Segment: Whatcha Watchin' / Readin' / Listenin' To?

15:52 - BRAM STOKER'S DRACULA

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In October of 2019, we covered this horror sci-fi landmark as part of our #ilovethe70s series. This week, we're revisiting it as part of our tribute to the late Donald Sutherland. This time around, we've invited two friends of the show: bestselling author Matt Ruff and Gorey Gamer Matt Murray. We all have a tremendous amount of positive things to say about this excellent film that explores paranoia, humanity, and societal destabilization. It holds up remarkably even almost 50 years since its release.

Also featuring a Patron-only "Whatcha" segment, this is a fun conversation that we really hope you enjoy.

Patron Only Segment: Whatcha Watchin' / Readin' / Listenin' To?

5:31 - INVASION OF THE BODY SNATCHERS Redux

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We have another very special bonus interview for you today featuring writer and director Marcus Dunstan. Marcus first broke into the industry as a co-writer for the winning screenplay of Project Greenlight season 3, on which Wes Craven himself was an advisor. From there, he's directed The Collector, The Collection, Pilgrim, Unhuman, and co-written nearly half of the Saw franchise.

His latest film, out in theaters and on demand as of August 2nd, is #AMFAD ALL MY FRIENDS ARE DEAD. When a group of friends rent an Airbnb to attend the biggest music festival of the year, their plans quickly turn sour when someone begins killing them one by one, each according to one of the seven deadly sins.

Marcus was gracious enough to sit down with us to talk about his inspirations for this latest piece and what makes working within the horror genre such a rewarding joy. Check out our conversation and check out Marcus's latest film. We hope you enjoy both!

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We continue our series paying tribute to the late Donald Sutherland by covering an unconventional, Oscar-winning thriller from 1971. KLUTE tells the story of a man (Sutherland) in search of his missing friend. His only lead is a tempestuous call girl named Bree (Jane Fonda). As the two of them pursue answers to this mystery, a richly layered and disarmingly human story unfolds between them. The film is filled with provocative nuances and challenging subtleties. It's a somewhat demanding, but also rewarding film, that has a lot to say about the ways we present ourselves to each other and what that says about who we truly are.

This conversation also features a Patron-only segment where we share some preliminary thoughts on the recent horror film starring Nicolas Cage and Maika Monroe that's been generating a ton of buzz: Longlegs. We hope you enjoy it!

Patron Only Segment: Oz Perkins' Longlegs

9:33 - KLUTE

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We continue our tribute series to the late Donald Sutherland with a film that is perhaps more well known for the shadow cast by its sibling TV series. Scripted by Joss Whedon, BUFFY THE VAMPIRE SLAYER tells the story of valley girl cheerleader Buffy who learns that she was born destined to rid the world of evil vampires. Sutherland plays her trainer and mentor Merrick in a cast that also features Rutger Hauer, Luke Perry, David Arquette, and a delightfully funny turn from Paul Reubens.

We're joined this week by regular FoG voice Vera Goudie and long-time-listener-first-time-caller Ned Canepa in a conversation that is brisk, fun, and full of laughs at this bonkers, tonally confused, and somehow still totally fun film. We hope you enjoy our conversation!

8:03 - BUFFY THE VAMPIRE SLAYER

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We kick off a new mini-series this week celebrating the work of the late Donald Sutherland, who passed away last month. We start by one of the most highly regarded horror films in his whole catalog: the dread-soaked, melancholy tale of grief and premonition called DON'T LOOK NOW.

Set in Venice amidst the tragedy of a deceased child, married couple John and Laura (Donald Sutherland and Julie Christie) are trying to move on with their lives when two older women approach them with the news that their daughter is in a happier place now, but is trying to warn them. The encounter sparks a chain of events that touches on matters of memory, intimacy, faith, and ultimately horror as they seek to make sense of what to do next.

Also featuring our preliminary thoughts on Ti West's recent thriller MaXXXine, exclusively for our Patrons, this is a thoughtful, contemplative, and often disarmingly funny conversation that we really hope you enjoy.

Patron Only Segment: Ti West's MaXXXine

4:00 - DON'T LOOK NOW

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We have something unique and somewhat special for you this week. Not a horror film in the traditional genre sense, last year's award-winning film from Jonathan Glazer THE ZONE OF INTEREST takes an unconventional approach to a story that's been told countless times. The Zone of Interest follows the family of Rudolf Hoss, a commandant stationed at the infamous Auschwitz death camp. The film never shows us what happens in the camp where Hoss works, but rather shows us the day-to-day, often casual existence of his family. Shots of his wife Hedwig tending to her garden are punctuated by gunshots and the occasional scream. This juxtaposition prompts a haunting reflection on our own life and culpability to the atrocities around us.

We are joined this week by friend of the FoG, Dr. David Gushee, who has appeared a few times before speaking to some of his recent books. He sits with us here to discuss his own historical research into the Holocaust and to unpack the potent approach this film takes to telling this story.

We hope you enjoy this week's discerned and thoughtful conversation.

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Landing the third installment in the ever-growing Quiet Place universe, A QUIET PLACE: DAY ONE gives us all new characters and a completely new location. Stylistically, it changes things up pretty dramatically and also takes the opportunity to dive into new territory thematically. On this episode, we talk from our hearts about how challenging -- but also how necessary -- it can be to hold onto hope in uncertain times. The threats change and the situations shift, but the choice seems to always remain the same.

This episode also features a Patron-only segment where Lackey the Listicle counts down some favorite "part 3" films in cinema history. We hope you enjoy it!

Patron Only Segment: LACKEY THE LISTICLE's Favorite Threequels in Film History

4:23 - A QUIET PLACE: DAY ONE

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A few weeks ago, we covered a wonderful and unconventional new horror film called NEW LIFE. We'd encourage you to check that film and our episode about it out, and then join us for this special interview we were able to have with the writer and director, John Rosman. We dive into not only the production elements and specific narrative choices of this film, but also the rich and poignant themes it provides around navigating the unexpected turns life throws at you.

We hope you'll see the film and we hope you'll enjoy this interview!

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We have something a little different for you this week. In anticipation of the release of A Quiet Place Day One, we gathered some of our friends and FoGers together (including Vera Goudie, Andrew Nelson, Jocee Worley, and Steve Beckley) to have a pod party discussing the first two films in this franchise. We pour out lots of love on these films as well as identifying some quibbles, make some difficult choices, and selecting which songs we'd slow dance to when the apocalypse comes.

It's a fun, brisk, laugh-filled episode this week as we gear up for an episode NEXT week all about A Quiet Place Day One. We hope you enjoy!

1:00 - Introductions, explanations, and a little bit of business time

9:18 - A QUIET PLACE PARTY GAME

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One of the more unique and noteworthy horror films to release this year, following a successful festival run last year is the new film by the Cairnes brothers, LATE NIGHT WITH THE DEVIL. The film almost entirely takes place on the set of a late 70s late night talk show where a Halloween special focusing on mediums and possession goes horribly awry. We gather a small group of FoGger favorites including Brandon Grafius and Jackson Harper to dive into this captivating and disarmingly fun film that also has a lot to say about the power of platform and the danger of attention.

This is a great film and we hope you enjoy our discussion about it as much as we did!

3:53 - Upcoming works from Brandon Grafius

13:34 - LATE NIGHT WITH THE DEVIL

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Go big or go home. Well this week, we're doing both as we bring the one and only GODZILLA MINUS ONE home to the Fear of God Podcast. This film absolutely swept the global imagination, becoming nearly unanimously praised for its thoughtful humanity, eye-popping (and Oscar winning) visual effects, and its rich, classical storytelling. We invited a bunch of guests, including returning friends Steven Beckley, Blake Collier, and Chris Clark along with first-time guest, author Kevin Cooney, to discuss the film's powerful, inspiring, terrifying, and deeply moving ideas.

We think you're gonna love this one. Check out this incredible film and we hope you enjoy our conversation!

5:41 - Getting to know Kevin Cooney

10:24 - GODZILLA MINUS ONE

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In a somewhat rare opportunity for us, we are covering a film this week that was just released LAST week. NEW LIFE is an unexpectedly thoughtful and moving film about two women in a cat and mouse chase across the country. Jessica (Hayley Erin) is on the run while Elsa (Sonya Walger) is pursuing her. The stakes and details of the chase are revealed later in the film (to devastating effect) but along the way is a journey of discovery, loss, meaning, tragedy, and hope. The film is intimate and surprisingly profound. We're thrilled to be able to discuss it today and hope you all enjoy our conversation as much as we enjoyed having it!

Also featured in this episode is a new segment called FoG Your Consideration where we'll mention other films that should be on your radar. Hope you enjoy!

10:27 - FoG Your Consideration

28:46 - NEW LIFE

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Have we got a fun episode for you this week! SHADOW IN THE CLOUD from 2020 is part claustrophobic radio play, part creature-feature, part war movie, and part absolutely bananas-bonkers action fantasy. Chloe Grace-Moretz stars as a WWII gunner who boards a plane under top secret orders with some top secret cargo, only to discover mid-flight that the plane is under attack from a malevolent creature. We're joined this week by Vera Goudie, Jess Fischli, and Jocee Worley for a very lively debate about the film's merit, its message, and its manic, absurdist energy. Our individual opinions vary wildly on this film, but also guide us into a thoughtful reflection on the spectrum of perspectives in all walks of life, and provides a fascinating opportunity to make room for approaches and responses that differ greatly from our own.

Also featuring a Patron-Only Whatcha segment, we hope you enjoy hearing this conversation as much as we enjoyed having it.

Patron Only Segment: Whatcha Watchin' / Readin' / Listenin' To?

4:42 - SHADOW IN THE CLOUD

Please note -- this conversation features a good bit of salty language. And also a fun little blooper after the credits.

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This week, we're going way back to the silent film era for an absolute classic of early horror filmmaking. The iconic scene where Christine rips away the mask from the distorted face of Lon Chaney in THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA from 1925 has been played countless times. But the film itself is woefully underappreciated. We're joined this week by co-hosts of the review podcast Horror, Sci-Fi, and Beyond (Drew Pasanen and Eric White) to discuss the relevance of its themes, the value of restoring and preserving classic films, and the unique power this particular classic holds.

We hope you enjoy our conversation and we want to encourage you to check out some silent films (especially The Phantom of the Opera) for yourself with fresh eyes.

2:43 - Getting to Know Drew Pasanen and Eric White

11:27 - Horror, Sci-Fi, and Beyond Podcast

26:23 - THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA

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We have another special treat for you today. We had the opportunity to sit down with writer/director Nicholas Tomnay about his upcoming thriller: WHAT YOU WISH FOR. The film is a psychological nail-biter with darkly comedic elements and we really think you're gonna enjoy it.0

In the film, Ryan (Nick Stahl) is a talented chef with crushing gambling problems. Circumstances being what they are, he leaves town in a hurry for the safe haven of an unnamed Latin American country where his friend Jack (Brian Groh), a more prestigious chef with his own unique troubles, welcomes him into his home. Ryan has no idea how Jack’s able to afford his extravagant lifestyle, and he doesn’t want to feel envious, but he knows that he wants it for himself. Soon, a grim twist of fate will give that to him. And just as soon, Ryan discovers what Jack’s been doing to maintain the lifestyle he so desperately craved.

We have a really fun discussion tracking this film's development, its outstanding cast, its subversive and provocative twists, and the ways its deeper themes spark thoughtful examinations about contentment and aspiration. Tomnay's excellent new film is in limited theatrical run and on video on demand as of May 31st. Check it out and we hope you enjoy the interview!

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We have something a little different for you this week FoGers. We're taking a look at the "found footage" subgenre with a series of films all about a haunted hotel and its extended mythology. In 2015, writer/director Stephen Cognetti gave us HELL HOUSE LLC, a pseudo-documentary about 5 individuals seeking to renovate a supposedly haunted hotel in Abaddon, NY and turn it into a tourist haunt. Over the course of three sequels, Cognetti would explore an ever-widening mythology that was -- at times -- very refined and intimate and -- at other times -- went almost cosmic with its spiritual warfare elements.

Joined by friends of the show Andrew Nelson and Matt Ruff, we survey these unique and fascinating films for all they're worth: including where they sit in the trends and tropes of found-footage horror and the psychological depths they sometimes brush up against. Not to mention the scary AF clowns!

The conversation is a bit more free-wheelin' this week and we really hope you enjoy listening to it as much as we enjoyed having it!

(Be sure to check out Andrew's recently released album - Love at the End of the Earth and Matt's most recent novel - The Destroyer of Worlds: A Return to Lovecraft Country)

3:35 - Catching up with Andrew Nelson and Matt Ruff

13:16 - HELL HOUSE LLC Franchise

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We wrap up our mini-series #Franklymydear by going further back to another direct adaptation of the novel (albeit one that makes a TON of changes to the text). THE CURSE OF FRANKENSTEIN from 1957 was Hammer Studios attempt to see if they could get in the game of horror cinema. It was a smash success, fueling 6 sequels and launching nearly 2 decades of prolific output of horror films from the studio. Starring Peter Cushing as the infamous doctor and Christopher Lee as the creature, the film takes a decidedly gothic -- almost elegant -- approach to tell its story. It leans heavy on the theatrics and the morality tension to deliver a film that is brief, dense, and surprisingly hefty in emotional and moral resonance.

Foreign Correspondent and Quarterly Queen Vera Goudie joins us to discuss this flick, as well as for a Patron-only segment featuring Lackey the Listicle counting down the top 5 mad scientist films that AREN'T based on Frankenstein. It's a brisk and thoughtful conversation that we really hope you enjoy.

Patron Only Segment: LACKEY THE LISTICLE'S Top 5 Mad Movie Scientists who AREN'T Based on Frankenstein

4:07 - THE CURSE OF FRANKENSTEIN

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We have a real treat for you today. We had the opportunity to sit down with writer/director Francis Galluppi about his feature film debut: THE LAST STOP IN YUMA COUNTY. The film is a gritty, textured, character-rich mystery thriller and we really think you'll love it.

While awaiting the next fuel truck at a middle-of-nowhere Arizona rest stop, a traveling young knife salesman is thrust into a high-stakes hostage situation by the arrival of two similarly stranded bank robbers with no qualms about using cruelty – or cold, hard steel – to protect their bloodstained, ill-begotten fortune.

We get to dive deep on the craft of putting this film together, including an exceptional cast of character actors, a meticulously crafted visual palette, and a script filled with clever and surprising turns. Galluppi is an exciting new voice in filmmaking and his debut feature is available in limited theatrical run and on video on demand as of today. Check out our really fun conversation and definitely check out the film. We hope you enjoy it!

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We continue our series called #Franklymydear on films inspired by Mary Shelley's classic novel Frankenstein with our penultimate installment. This week we're examining an independent production filmed right in one of our guest's backyard. THE ANGRY BLACK GIRL AND HER MONSTER delivers a smart and disarmingly thoughtful approach to the Frankenstein scenario, repositioning the narrative in the modern, rural south and tackling some pretty heavy themes. It follows Vicaria, a brilliant young student who theorizes that death is merely a disease awaiting a cure. When she resurrects her brother following his untimely death, she unknowingly releases a horror upon the community, although it is not immediately the horror you might imagine. The film is a compelling portrait of the power of identity in the face of systemic obstacles and systemic abuses that -- despite its heavy subject -- leaves a remarkably hopeful statement with us.

We're joined by new FoGger Chris Clark and Quarterly Queen Jess Fischli to discuss this impressive film as well as for a Patron-only segment of "Whatcha"s. This is a vibrant conversation and we really hope you enjoy it.

Patron Only Segment: Whatcha Watchin' / Readin' / Listenin' To?

6:35 - Getting to know new guest Chris Clark

13:32 - THE ANGRY BLACK GIRL AND HER MONSTER 

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We continue our mini-series looking at quite recent films which are taking their inspiration from Mary Shelley's Frankenstein. This week on #Franklymydear, we look at a truly stunning film from last year called BIRTH/REBIRTH. The film stars Judy Reyes and Marin Ireland as two women who become connected after one of them suffers a dreadful loss. What follows is a complex, deeply compelling portrait of two women suddenly thrust into confrontation with the cultural and social stigmas of our era as well as their own personal ethics. The film is thoughtful, provocative, and exceptionally crafted. It is the rare horror film that manages to unsettle and unnerve without any gimmicks or sensationalism. It tells a very textured, very feminine, and very human story in a way that's difficult to shake off.

We're joined for this vulnerable and thoughtful discussion by Vera Goudie and Jocee Worley who help us start to merely scratch the surface of this excellent and compelling film. We hope you enjoy!

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We continue our mini-series #Franklymydear which examines horror films inspired by Mary Shelley's Frankenstein with a very recent film from this year. LISA FRANKENSTEIN is the feature debut of Zelda Williams and was written by Diablo Cody. It features a very 80s aesthetic and a darkly comic story of death, resurrection, murder, and how difficult it is to be a teenager. We debate the film's effectiveness and unpack some of our own personal difficulties with finding out how we fit in with a world that is rarely easy and doesn't always seem to want us.

Also featuring a Patron-only Whatcha Watchin', Readin', and Listenin' segment, we hope you enjoy this week's stroll through the graveyard!

Patron Only Segment: Whatcha Watchin' / Readin' / Listenin' To?

3:36 - LISA FRANKENSTEIN

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Having concluded our series on some of the best horror films of 2023, we are launching a new series focusing on a classic from modern literature that seems to be having a creative moment. A handful of films were released within the past year that took their inspiration directly from Mary Shelley's classic novel Frankenstein. So we're kicking off a mini-series of a few of those this week by taking a look at an adaptation of the original story.

Kenneth Branagh's lavish -- and somewhat indulgent -- film is grand in ambition and a bit uneven in pacing. But it remains one of the most faithful adaptations of Shelley's novel to date. We dive into its merits and its oddities as we launch this series exploring what makes this tale so timeless and why it is striking a particular chord for this season.

Also featuring the long-awaited listener voted Top Ten Horror Films of 2023, this is a fun and thoughtful conversation that we hope you enjoy!

5:52 - Listener Voted Top Ten Horror Films of 2023

25:57 - MARY SHELLEY'S FRANKENSTEIN

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As an epilogue to our look back series on some of the most noteworthy horror films of 2023, we ventured into the largely dialogue-free, alien-infested world of the Hulu thriller NO ONE WILL SAVE YOU. Joined by Quarterly King Ian Olson, this is one of our more heavily debated films, as opinions widely vary between the three of us on what this film is trying to say and whether or not it succeeds at what it's aiming for. What emerges is an investigation of the desire to be redeemed, and how the hand offering us salvation may not always put us in the place we truly longed for.

Featuring a Patron-only segment detailing some fun "Whatcha"s of late, this is a strong conversation that we really hope you enjoy!

Patron Only Segment: Whatcha Watchin' / Readin' / Listenin' To?

3:52 - NO ONE WILL SAVE YOU

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We culminate a conversation that's been playing out for 2 months on our Patron segments by circling up a broader conversation about Netflix's series THE FALL OF THE HOUSE OF USHER, adapted by Mike Flanagan and his team from the works of Edgar Allan Poe.

Over the past eight episodes, our Patron segments have been tracking each episode of the show in detail, focusing on what we liked, what we didn't, and what simply "ain't right". Now, we culminate the conversation by diving into the show's central conceit and the thematic implications of what it means to gain the world at the cost of your soul.

We hope you enjoy this concluding chapter in our coverage of the Netflix series!

4:20 - Our Favorite Short Stories of Edgar Allan Poe

21:05 - Poe's Prose

25:52 - The Deaths of the House of Usher

44:38 - THE FALL OF THE HOUSE OF USHER

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We're almost to the end of our look back at the best horror films of 2023 but we couldn't possibly leave the series without discussing the robotic sensation from Blumhouse known as M3GAN. We're joined by friends of the show Drew Pasanen and Jackson Harper for a strikingly thoughtful and very open conversation about our evolving relationship with technology and the effect it is having on our humanity.

Also featuring a Patron-only conversation about the final episode of Mike Flanagan's series for Netflix, THE FALL OF THE HOUSE OF USHER, this is a really great episode and we hope you all enjoy it.

Patron Only Segment: THE FALL OF THE HOUSE OF USHER, Episode 8, "The Raven"

5:17 - M3GAN

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As we continue our look back at some of the best horror films of 2023, we encounter a truly unique and original epic as only acclaimed director Ari Aster could conceive it. BEAU IS AFRAID chronicles the bizarre and varied adventures of Beau (Joaquin Phoenix) as he struggles to find his way back home following the news that his mother has died. The film makes some bold choices in its exploration of guilt, fear, identity, despair, and so, so much more. We're joined by Continuity Guru Steven Beckley to help us try to get to the bottom of this wildly creative and highly personal intimate epic that is often as lovely as it is horrific as it is hysterical as it is confounding.

Also featuring a Patron-only segment about Mike Flanagan's THE FALL OF THE HOUSE OF USHER, Episode 7, this is a hearty, thoughtful, and vulnerable conversation that we hope you all enjoy.

Patron Only Segment: THE FALL OF THE HOUSE OF USHER, Episode 7, "The Pit and the Pendulum"

3:14 - BEAU IS AFRAID

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Time to pump up those sneakers and pop that denim jacket collar because the Fear of God is going 80s this week as we continue our look back at some of the best films of 2023 with a discussion about the time-travel horror comedy, TOTALLY KILLER. We're joined by foreign correspondent and Quarterly Queen Vera Goudie this week as we examine this delightfully funny slasher that took us all by surprise. Despite some questionable production choices, this impressive script filled with endearing performances (including a really strong turn from Kiernan Shipka) gave us the chance not only to laugh along and have some fun, but also to explore the importance of showing grace when reconciling ourselves with who we are and who we used to be.

Also featuring a Patron-only segment about Mike Flanagan's THE FALL OF THE HOUSE OF USHER, episode 6, this is a fun and heartfelt conversation that we really hope you enjoy!

Patron Only Segment: THE FALL OF THE HOUSE OF USHER, Episode 6, "Goldbug"

4:59 - TOTALLY KILLER

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We continue our look back at the best horror films of 2023 with a film many placed at the very top of their lists. TALK TO ME was first discussed on the FoG back when it hit theaters when we were joined by Quarterly Queen Jess Fischli and former Literary Correspondent Meridith Curran in an impromptu chat. Now, it gets the full FoG treatment as we team up with friends of the show and authors Matt Ruff and JR Forasteros to get into all of the grisly and grimy as well as the thoughtful and provocative. We explore the varied themes the film is interested in, including whether or not it fully lands effectively on those themes: including our choices amidst the power of influence, the history of possession films, and the complexity of its approach to the sensitive subject of self-harm.

Also featuring a Patron-only segment discussing episode 5 of Mike Flanagan's THE FALL OF THE HOUSE OF USHER -- "The Tell-Tale Heart" -- and the iconic Edgar Allan Poe short story it's based on. This is a fun and thoughtful discussion that we really hope you enjoy.

Patron Only Segment: THE FALL OF THE HOUSE OF USHER, Episode 5, "The Tell-Tale Heart"

3:21 - TALK TO ME

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In the summer of 2022, we covered a brief series of horror documentaries and during that time, our Patrons also got to hear our thoughts on five episodes of the Shudder Original documentary series CURSED FILMS.

As a special surprise release this week, we're collecting those brief conversations together for our broader listenership to enjoy. Featured here are our thoughts on the episodes of Cursed Films which examined the haunted legacies of the films Poltergeist, The Omen, The Serpent and the Rainbow, The Crow, and The Twilight Zone: The Movie.

We'll be back with our regular programming this Tuesday, but we hope you enjoy this special surprise bonus. If you'd like to hear discussions like this as they occur, please consider becoming a Patron at Patreon.com/thefearofgodpodcast.

1:00 - Cursed Films: Poltergeist

19:34 - Cursed Films: The Serpent and the Rainbow

48:26 - Cursed Films: The Omen

59:53 - Cursed Films: The Crow & The Twilight Zone: The Movie

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We continue our look back at the horror films of 2023 with one of the most inventive and creative films of last year, as equally likely to bore you to tears as it is to terrify you to your core. SKINAMARINK is an experimental horror film (one of a handful we've seen released in the past couple of years) that strips away most of our comfortable and familiar narrative conventions to immerse us in something more visceral and unnerving. To help us unpack this wildly unique experiment, we've invited along friends of the show Brandon Grafius and Leland Merritt to dissect the ways this film's vision remains so difficult to dismiss, whether you loved or hated it. The result is an invigorating discussion that invokes a gamut of emotions and perspectives, not unlike the potential in this film itself.

Also featuring a Patron-only segment about Netflix's THE FALL OF THE HOUSE OF USHER, Episode 5, this is a conversation you won't want to miss and we hope you enjoy it!

Patron Only Segment: THE FALL OF THE HOUSE OF USHER, Episode 4, "The Black Cat"

5:34 - SKINAMARINK

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We continue our look back at some of the best horror films of 2023 with the latest installment in the legacy Evil Dead franchise, EVIL DEAD RISE. We're joined not only by Quarterly Queen Vera Goudie, but also by first time guest and "nowayjocee" Twitch streamer Jocee Worley to discuss the merits and missteps of this newest entry in the war against those pesky deadites. We cite what's great, what missed its potential, and what might as well be sleeping with the maggots now. We also examine the film's intriguing interest in motherhood, even if it doesn't quite grasp all that it's reaching for.

Also including a Patron-only segment about Episode 3 of Mike Flanagan's THE FALL OF THE HOUSE OF USHER (including some discussion about the original Poe story), this is a hearty and fun conversation we really hope you enjoy.

Patron Only Segment: THE FALL OF THE HOUSE OF USHER, Episode 3, "The Murder in the Rue Morgue"

12:17 - EVIL DEAD RISE

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Among the Capital-C Choices made among films of 2023, perhaps the zaniest of them all was the comedy horror directed by Elizabeth Banks: COCAINE BEAR. As we continue our look back at 2023, we're joined by friend of the show, pastor and author JR Forasteros, to discuss all of the intricate facets of all that is Cocaine Bear.

Seriously, though, we dissect different forms of comedy and why they resonate to some people and not others, we go into the various comedic and horrific scenarios that the film delivers, we debate the qualities of the CGI bear, and even find a few moments to discuss the broader insights the film offers up about what happens to a functional and perfectly natural system when some chaos is dropped into it.

This episode is hearty and soaked in a ton of laughter. It also features a Patron-only segment about episode 2 of Mike Flanagan's THE FALL OF THE HOUSE OF USHER on Netflix. We hope you'll enjoy this episode even half as much as we enjoyed making it.

Patron Only Segment: THE FALL OF THE HOUSE OF USHER, Episode 2: "The Masque of the Red Death"

5:23 - COCAINE BEAR

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Welcome to our first discussion of 2024 Friends and FoGgers! And believe us when we tell you it's a doozy. Demian Rugna's film WHEN EVIL LURKS took festivals and horror fans by storm last year for its unflinchingly bleak examination of the deterioration of an entire community. It features transgressive boundary-pushing, dreadful narrative revelations, and a thoughtful -- but frightening -- approach to the subject of our very limited power.

We're joined on this installment by friends of the show AJ Porfirio and Evan Derrick from Van Ryder Games (creators of the smash hit solo board game Final Girl) and by our very own Gorey Gamer Matt Murray to discuss all the grisly, leaky details on this unforgettable flick. Also featuring a Patron-only segment where we discuss episode one of director Mike Flanagan's latest mini-series: THE FALL OF THE HOUSE OF USHER, accompanied by a brief discussion of Edgar Allan Poe's short story, "The Premature Burial".

It's an episode packed with humor and thoughtful observations that we really hope you enjoy!

Patron Only Segment: THE FALL OF THE HOUSE OF USHER, Episode 1: "A Midnight Dreary"

8:25 - WHEN EVIL LURKS

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Hey everyone! Whether you're finding us for the very first time or have been with us for years, THIS is an episode we want you to hear.

We (Reed Lackey and Nathan Rouse) have been putting this show together for over seven years! A whole lot has changed since then and we wanted to have a fresh conversation (a kind of soft reset, if you will) about who we are, what this show is, and how we each approach this curious intersection of horror and faith. We talk about the show's history to this point, our respective approaches to film and faith, and why it is we do what we do each week.

If you're JUST finding the show, please start here. We promise there's a whole catalog behind us and (hopefully) a whole catalog ahead of us of rich conversations full of humor, thoughtfulness, vulnerability, and curiosity to explore. And if you've been with us until now, consider this your continued invitation to journey with us into the fearful and the faithful, where the fear of God is most certainly NOT the end of the conversation.

Thank you! We hope you enjoy...

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As part of our Spooky Seasons for 2022 and 2023, we paraded through the Halloween and Scream franchises respectively. As a bonus for our patrons during those runs, we also covered the first ten episodes of THE SIMPSONS TREEHOUSE OF HORROR specials.

Now, while we're on a brief break, we'd like to share with the rest of our listeners the complete collection of those segments. We choose our favorite gags, our favorite segments, and have fun with our very own FoGkus!

It's a parade of laughter and silliness that we look forward to every year and that we hope you enjoy!

1:00 - The Simpsons: Treehouse of Horror

16:27 - Treehouse of Horror II

32:44 - Treehouse of Horror III

45:10 - Treehouse of Horror IV

1:02:08 - Treehouse of Horror V

1:20:10 - Treehouse of Horror VI

1:32:58 - Treehouse of Horror VII

1:41:16 - Treehouse of Horror VIII

1:51:41 - Treehouse of Horror IX

2:00:29 - Treehouse of Horror X

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Welcome back again Friends and FoGgers! To close out this tumultuous and challenging year, we invited a whole host of staff and guests to have a straight-up New Year's Party. We look back on what we've enjoyed this year, forecast some entertainment for 2024 (including a brand new fun segment involving movie trailers), and reflect on what we hope for in the days to come.

It's a laugh-filled, occasionally poignant journey through our days behind and our days to come. We hope each and every one of you have a very Happy New Year and we hope you enjoy this closing chapter of The Fear of God 2023!

2:40 - Favorite Things We Watched in 2023

31:10 - Trailer Talk!

52:56 - Rolling the Dice on Some Questions

1:51:24 - What We're Looking Forward to in 2024

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Happy Christmas and Merry Holidays to one and all! We are starting a new tradition here at the Fear of God this week by taking a look -- hopefully each new year to come -- at one of the many adaptations of Charles Dickens' beloved classic, A Christmas Carol. This week, we tackle the 1988 rendition directed by Richard Donner, scored by Danny Elfman, and starring Bill Murray: SCROOGED.

Scrooged gets quite a few bonus points for being different and has several notable production elements, but some head-scratching sensibilities and an unfortunate approach by Bill Murray to the Scrooge character make for some uneven returns. Nonetheless, the film still bears some potent reminders about how we can better approach who we wish we could be.

Also featuring a Patron-Only segment where Nathan and Reed discuss recent awards contenders, we hope you enjoy this week's episode!

8:23 - Business Time

Patron Only Segment: Whatcha Watchin' -- Awards Season!

9:53 - SCROOGED

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We're having a very special conversation this week, specifically about a classic Christmas special! Dr. Seuss' iconic HOW THE GRINCH STOLE CHRISTMAS cartoon is ubiquitous in culture, particularly around the holiday season. There have been live action and feature length animated ventures to broaden the story, but there's something very simple and special about that initial cartoon short directed by Chuck Jones. We dive into just what that might be this week, as well as all of the ways we can miss the point amidst our efforts to either claim or protect what we feel Christmas has become.

Also featuring a praising patron segment about the wonderful holiday special EMMET OTTER'S JUG-BAND CHRISTMAS, this is a brisk and lively episode we hope you'll really enjoy.

4:23 - Business Time

Patron Only Segment: EMMET OTTER'S JUG-BAND CHRISTMAS

6:28 - HOW THE GRINCH STOLE CHRISTMAS!

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Welcome to the party, pal! That's right, this week we're continuing our coverage of Christmas movies where tough cookies take on loads and loads of baddies with the 1988 action classic of all action classics: DIE HARD. There's a lot of praise to be sung for how this film has endured, how it's changed the face of the action genre, and for how impeccably it is constructed. But there's also quite a bit to be said about how effectively the film lands to modern sensibilities, especially when considering the ways it criticizes opportunism, and heralds the influence and agency of a thoughtful individual.

We do a lot of gushing over this flick this week. If you love it, come love it with us. And we hope you enjoy the show!

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We're kicking off this holiday season like a Christmas star to the eyeball with last year's Santa-Claus-meets-Die-Hard romp, VIOLENT NIGHT.

The film more than lives up to its title and David Harbour sells the heck out of a disillusioned, had-enough Santa Claus who finds himself up against some greedy baddies with guns one Christmas Eve. Our discussion zones in on what the film does well, but also what it could have been, and what its possibilities are for commentary about the Christmas season.

Also featuring a Patron segment where we play Six Degrees of Horror Icons, this is a brisk and vibrant conversation that we hope you all enjoy!

3:42 - Business Time

Patron Only Segment: Six Degrees of Horror Icons

5:22 - VIOLENT NIGHT

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It's that time again! Every 25 episodes or so, we venture into vast catalog that is horror master Stephen King. This time around we assemble the ka-tet with Blake Collier and Ian Olson to tackle the "Last Castle Rock Story" with NEEDFUL THINGS. When a genial elderly shop owner opens a new store in the fictional Maine town of Castle Rock, he sells people trinkets that are treasured beyond measure, for a very small price. But the price may prove to be far more destructive than anyone could have imagined.

Our conversation tackles the text of the original book, and the film adaptation from 1993 (in both its theatrical version and the extended 3-hour television cut). We explore the ways this concept is strikingly prescient 30 years later and what it costs us to continue to pursue what we lack at a cost that is not counted.

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Before we dive into our holiday seasonal series, we're taking a stopover at a film directly suggested by one of our Patrons during last year's FoGgoween party. LIGHTS OUT began as an award winning viral short film that packed an unforgettable punch. In 2016, the film was given the feature treatment, delivering most of the same thrills and scares but with a controversially problematic conclusion. With Reed absent this week (for real this time), Nathan is joined by Quarterly Queens Jess Fischli and Vera Goudie to discuss all there is to praise and caution about this fascinating film.

Also featuring a Patron-only "Whatcha" segment, this is a brisk and high-energy conversation we really hope you enjoy.

1:55 - Business Time

Patron Only Segment: Whatcha Watchin' / Readin' / Listenin' To?

4:29 - LIGHTS OUT

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We're going somewhere new and different this week while we're in-between series. This week, we're discussin a film released just this October called DARK HARVEST, directed by David Slade based upon a book by Norman Partridge. The premise involves a secluded mid-western town in the 1960s wherein each Halloween, every able-bodied teenage boy in the town must starve and isolate themselves for three days before emerging to participate in a violent hunt for the legendary creature known as Sawtooth Jack. The stakes are high if the boys lose, but they may be even higher if they win.

We dive into this fascinating film and the ways it reflects not only our relationship to the systems which govern our everyday lives, but the ways it subtly comments on our relationships with power and control. Also featuring a Patron only segment where we try the brand new FoG game, Six Degrees of Horror Icons, this is a very heartfelt discussion that we hope you enjoy!

6:27 - Business Time

Patron Only Segment: Six Degrees of Horror Icons

13:07 - DARK HARVEST

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Happy Halloween FoGgers!!! It's the rare occasion we have once every seven years or so to actually deliver an episode to you ON Halloween. And we're wrapping up our #Screamaween journey with a mega-sode marching through the highlights of the Scream franchise. We rank the opening teasers, we rank the killers, we make our pitches for Scream 7, we heavily debate the Ghostface Kills Hall of Fame, and so much more!

Also including a Patron-only segment where we run down some of our specific 2023 Halloween viewing this year, this episode is fully loaded and we hope you enjoy it. Most of all, though, we wish you all a very safe and Happy Halloween!

2:46 - Business Time

Patron Only Segment: Spooky Season Viewing 2023

10:45 - How Have the Scream Films Changed for Us?

20:05 - Ranking the Scream Film Prologues

34:56 - Lackey the Listicle Ranks the Ghostface Killers

51:37 - What Makes Scream, Scream?

58:46 - Pitching Scream 7

1:17:08 - The Ghostface Kills Hall of Fame

1:44:56 - Ranking the Scream Films

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We come to the penultimate episode in #Screamaween and our final discussion about an individual film when we tackle this year's latest release: SCREAM 6. Picking up with the survivors of Scream 5, this time relocated to the Big Apple, Scream 6 is one of the most character-centric installments in the entire franchise. We invited back to the show Jackson Harper, Vera Goudie, and Blake Collier to have a hearty and very lively discussion about why this rejuvenation of the franchise seems to be working so well and what makes its latest direction so interesting, even 6 installments in.

Also featuring a Patron-only segment where we all unpack our Halloween traditions, this is a very energetic conversation that we hope you all enjoy!

6:53 - Business Time

Patron Only Segment: This is Halloween!

14:10 - SCREAM 6

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We're back with another installment in our spooky season's #Screamaween covering the film that acts as a soft reset for the franchise and its fifth entry: SCREAM (2022). Bringing back our old gang of characters and introducing us to a whole batch of fresh faces, this "requel" did the impossible by proving that that franchise had life left in it, even following the death of Wes Craven. We're joined by co-host of Horror, Sci-Fi, & Beyond Drew Pasanen as well as friend of the show Jackson Harper to dissect all of the sharp, clever, and fun ways this film reinvigorated the franchise for a new generation, including the fascinating things it has on its mind about legacy and fandom.

Also featuring a Patron-only segment discussing THE SIMPSONS Treehouse of Horror X, this is a hearty and fun conversation we really hope you'll enjoy.

3:36 - Business Time

Patron Only Segment: THE SIMPSONS, Treehouse of Horror X

5:32 - SCREAM (2022)

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We continue our run through #Screamaween with a revisiting stop through the fourth installment of the SCREAM franchise. Having first discussed this film as part of our Scares Us/Saves Us series in 2021, we invite some new voices to the conversation: Foreign Correspondent and Quarterly Queen Vera Goudie as well as long-time friend and first-time guest Denise Smith.

Scream 4 unveils itself (surprisingly) to be one of the most solidly constructed and intuitively thematic entries in the franchise, forecasting the troublesome way our lives broadcast on the internet would change our perceptions of ourselves and the world around us. Also featuring a Patron-only segment about The Simpsons, Treehouse of Horror IX, this is a hearty and thoughtful conversation that we really hope you enjoy.

5:55 - Business Time

Patron Only Segment: THE SIMPSONS, Treehouse of Horror IX

9:14 - Special Guest, Denise Smith

17:23 - SCREAM 4 Redux

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We have a special little bonus for you guys today! Nathan recently got the opportunity to sit down with friend of the show and President of Van Ryder Games AJ Porfirio to discuss the third series of their landmark, megahit game FINAL GIRL. They dig into lots of behind the scenes details about the production and development of the latest series as well as some thoughts on why board gaming has recently hit a renaissance.

The Kickstarter for Final Girl Series 3 ends on Friday, October 13th so head over there to back the project if you haven't yet and enjoy this insightful interview!

Final Girl Series 3 by A.J. Porfirio — Kickstarter

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We continue our spooky season franchise run with SCREAM 3, originally conceived as a potential definitive conclusion to a trilogy of Scream films. Beset by creative missteps and haunted by cultural pressures to tone down the violence, Scream 3 lands as far more comedic than either of its predecessors and feels the least cohesive of any in the franchise. It does have its charms, particularly in some of its outrageous new characters and the ever-present affection for its surviving returning characters. But on the whole, Scream 3 would come to be known as where the series begins to slide off the edge of the proverbial knife.

We're joined by Gorey Gamer Matt Murray and Quarterly King Andy Whitfield to have a whole lot of fun discussing one of the wildest entries in this franchise. Also featuring a Patron-only segment about The Simpsons Treehouse of Horror VIII, this is a brisk and funny conversation that we really hope you enjoy.

3:04 - Business Time

Patron Only Segment: THE SIMPSONS, Treehouse of Horror VIII

5:41 - SCREAM 3

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#Screamaween is in full sway and we're trekking through our college years by covering the sequel to the meta-smash and mega-smash hit from Wes Craven: SCREAM 2. We're joined by friend of the show, author, and pastor JR Forasteros as well as our resident Gorey Gamer Matt Murray for a deep dive into all the good, the bad, and the clunky in this briskly paced but erratic follow up to Scream. Behind the scenes mishaps, evolutions of the original's humor and suspense, and the interesting way this sequel -- somewhat accidentally -- engages the ideas of the masks we all wear.

Featuring a Patron-only segment about The Simpsons TREEHOUSE OF HORROR VII, this is a hearty and fun discussion we really hope you enjoy!

3:47 - Business Time

Patron Only Segment: THE SIMPSONS, Treehouse of Horror VII

12:10 - SCREAM 2

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It's Spooky Season here at the Fear of God and we're following a tradition established last year where every September/October we march through an iconic horror franchise, covering each installment in depth. This year we present #Screamaween! Yes indeed, we like scary movies and we are marching through the Scream franchise one at a time to cover the kills, the frights, the rules, the callouts, and the memories we'll make along the way.

Since we already covered the original Scream on the show, we invited some powerhouse guests for this Redux conversation: friends of the show Matt Ruff (author of Lovecraft Country and Destroyer of Worlds) and Brandon Grafius (professor and author of Lurking Under the Surface) join us to discuss how well this film still holds up under the light of today's sensibilities and to unpack its iconic legacy in greater depth.

Also featuring a Patron-only segment where Nathan and Reed breakdown the joys and laughs of The Simpsons, Treehouse of Horror VI, this is a really thoughtful and fascinating discussion that we're all very, very proud of. We hope you enjoy it and we look forward to starting this spooky season journey with all of you! "Do you like scary movies...?"

3:43 - Business Time

Patron Only Segment: THE SIMPSONS, Treehouse of Horror VI

6:29 - SCREAM (1996) Redux

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Before we venture into our official Spooky Season, we have a prelude of sorts featuring a film that Reed has been wanting to discuss for years. We have another official #LackeyLeftover with 1981's DARK NIGHT OF THE SCARECROW. Broadly considered to be one of the greatest made for television horror films of all time, Dark Night of the Scarecrow is deceptively simple but very tightly constructed. It leverages minimalism in both narrative and style to tell a powerful story about men who carried out vigilante violence on an innocent man and the ways their choices haunt and destroy them.

Featuring a stellar cast of character veterans, an impressive script, and excellently crafted suspense sequences, Dark Night of the Scarecrow is a powerfully effective film that delivers thoughtful chills with impressive resonance. Also featuring a Patron-only segment where Nathan attempts to #StumpReed, this is a great conversation about a great film and we hope you enjoy it!

2:28 - Business Time

Patron Only Segment: Stump Reed!

5:22 - DARK NIGHT OF THE SCARECROW

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Taking a break from our series format, we're excited to bring you another #FoGgoweener: one-off episodes based on media that was recommended to us by our Patrons during our annual FoGgoween party. This week's entry is the indie vampire road movie, STAKE LAND, recommended to us by Continuity Guru Steve Beckley, who also guests with us for the conversation.

Stake Land takes a melancholy and thoughtful approach to its subject, delivering an occasionally horrific and just as often profound exploration of how both civilization and individuals change when the societal structures break down. It's also impressively insightful in its handling of politics, religion, violence, and hope, making it a real hidden gem for fans of our show.

Also featuring a Patron-only segment of Whatchas, this is an energizing conversation that we really hope you enjoy.

3:41 - Business Time

Patron Only Segment: Whatcha Watchin' / Readin' / Listenin' To?

6:09 - STAKE LAND

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On this special Sunday edition of The Fear of God, Nathan invites back to the show author, professor, and Christian ethicist Dr. David Gushee for discussion about his new book: DEFENDING DEMOCRACY FROM ITS CHRISTIAN ENEMIES.

While the work's title certainly pulls no punches about its themes, both its content and this conversation is incredibly thoughtful, tracking the history and development of democracy as a national framework and providing crucial context for why it is presently being challenged by certain strands of thought within the Christian faith. In moments both hopeful and sobering, this dialogue not only illuminates why this consideration is so vital for our moment in history, but points the way towards stronger reconciliation and communal cooperation between divergent political landscapes.

It's a hearty and thoughtful discussion. We're privileged to have hosted it and we hope you enjoy it.

Previous conversations with Dr Gushee and the Fear of God can be found below.

What Scares Us and What Saves Us Epilogue

Introducing Christian Ethics

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For the past couple of months (with a brief intermission through folk horror), we've been working our way through the film catalogue of M Night Shyamalan. The landmark successes, the mind-boggling disappointments, the polarizing visions, and -- of course -- all the twists got the Fear of God treatment in individual episodes. Now, we come to the grand finale, a hearty discussion breaking down the highs, the lows, and the memories we made along the way.

Presented for you is our definitive exploration of the unique director's two and a half decade career. Kick back, pour yourself a drink (hopefully not contaminated), and enjoy the journey as we conclude #Shyamalamarama and do the twist one more time.

We hope you enjoy listening as much as we enjoyed discussing it!

2:15 - Business Time (It's our Seventh Anniversary!!)

Patron Only Segment: Whatcha Watchin' / Readin' / Listenin' To?

11:19 - Shyamalamawrapup

13:46 - How Did Our Opinions of These Films Change?

21:56 - Ranking the Cameos (Shyameos) of Each Film

30:47 - Reed and his son Discuss M Night Shyamalan

49:19 - What Are Shyamalan's Strengths and Weaknesses?

1:08:37 - Our Favorite Shyamalan Scenes

1:22:08 - Nathan and his daughter Discuss M Night Shyamalan

1:48:12 - What's Next for Shyamalan? What Film Should He Remake?

1:57:00 - Ranking the Films of M Night Shyamalan

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As part of our weeks-long journey through the films of M Night Shyamalan (#Shyamalamarama!) we've also been steadily charting our way through the Apple TV+ original series: SERVANT. We now reach the culmination of that journey, wherein we'll breakdown some specifics about the last four episodes of Season 4 and discuss our feelings about the show as a whole, including what worked well, the missed opportunities, and the themes. How did we feel about Shyamalan's foray into television? How does it hold up amidst the rest of his catalogue? And perhaps most importantly, was there a final twist?

Also featuring a Patron-only tribute segment for the late director William Friedkin, we hope you enjoy our concluding discussion about the television show, Servant!

3:10 - Business Time

Patron Only Segment: Tribute to William Friedkin

7:41 - SERVANT

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As referenced a few times in this week's episode, we recently had the privilege to sit down with Josh Larsen, author and podcaster at Think Christian and Filmspotting to discuss his newest release, FEAR NOT!: A CHRISTIAN APPRECIATION OF HORROR.

The book is an easily digestible and remarkably thorough journey through some of the landmarks of horror cinema, exploring the ways they can be engaged and appreciated from a faith perspective.

Josh was kind enough to share with us how the book came to be and how he approached its structure, as well as digging a bit deeper into one of its featured entries (The Sixth Sense) as part of our Shyamalamarama series.

We hope you'll check out Josh's book and we hope you enjoy this conversation as much as we did!

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We're nearly at the end of #Shyamalamarama, our journey through the catalogue of M. Night Shyamalan. This week's stop is where most people encountered him for the first time: the landmark thriller with the mega-twist, THE SIXTH SENSE.

We're joined by Quarterly Queen Jess Fischli to dive into all that's "So" and "Ain't" right about what remains his most successful and noteworthy film. Together, we take a look at all the frights, all the feels, and all the filmmaking staples that would come to define his material. We even spend some time reflecting on what the film makes us feel about death, ghosts, parenting, and growing older in a hearty and heartfelt discussion you won't want to miss.

Also featuring a Patron-only discussion of SERVANT, Season 4, Episodes 4-6, this is one we really hope you'll enjoy.

3:32 - Business Time

Patron Only Segment: SERVANT, Season 4, Episodes 4 - 6

6:39 - THE SIXTH SENSE Redux

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We come now to one of the most notorious entries in the catalog of M. Night Shyamalan: THE HAPPENING. During this excursion through his films (#Shyamalamarama), we've encountered many highs and lows, but few films (save for maybe his take on Last Airbender) are more derided than this ecological thriller about a mysterious neurotoxin which makes people violently kill themselves. But is The Happening truly as bad as its reputation claims? Or is it merely a slick, b-movie style film that has been misunderstood for years?

Find out where Reed and Nathan land as they discuss all the highs, the lows, and the ain't rights of The Happening. Also featuring a Patron-only segment about SERVANT, Season 4, episodes 1 through 3, this one is a lot of fun and we hope you enjoy it.

3:38 - Business Time

Patron Only Segment: SERVANT, Season 4, Episodes 1 - 3

6:39 - THE HAPPENING

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We continue our trek through the catalog of M Night Shyamalan (#Shayamalamarama) with a reviewing of one of his most enduring (and endearing) films: SIGNS. We're joined by Quarterly King Ian Olson for a hearty and heartfelt discussion about our experiences with this obviously very personal film for Shyamalan and the ways it has come to represent some of the best of the director's traits from a period when all involved were arguably at their creative peak.

Also featuring a round-up of SERVANT, Season 3 (including a Patron segment drilling down more fully on episodes 7 through 10), this is a fun conversation that we really hope you enjoy.

2:35 - Business Time

Patron Only Segment: SERVANT, Season 3, Episodes 7 - 10

8:21 - SERVANT, Season 3 general discussion

22:58 - SIGNS

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In some ways, this is the centerpiece of the entirety of #Shyamalamarama. Ever since 2019, when Shyamalan concluded his Eastrail 177 trilogy to polarizing responses from fans, we've known this conversation would come. How did Reed and Nathan navigate their opposing takes on the film? Did the re-watching of it change any minds about it? And most importantly, does the film do what it means to do in order to wrap up M Night's most ambitious story yet?

We're joined by foreign correspondent Vera Goudie to unpack all of that and more, including a Patron segment about SERVANT, Season 3, episodes 4-6, in a lively discussion that we hope you all enjoy.

3:27 - Business Time

Patron Only Segment: SERVANT, Season 3, Episodes 4 - 6

5:37 - GLASS

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Welcome back! We're doing the twist again on #Shyamalamarama where we're making our way through the catalog of M. Night Shyamalan! This week, we discuss two of his most highly regarded films: Unbreakable (for the first official time in FoG canon) and Split (redux from our episode on it in 2017). We're joined by Holding Court's Dave Courtney for a robust conversation about the place these films hold in the canon of Shyamalan, the surprising ways they ignited audiences with their unexpected connections, and the way they explore our best worst versions of ourselves.

Also featuring a Patron-only segment about SERVANT Season 3, episodes 1 through 3, this is a hearty discussion that we really hope you enjoy.

3:05 - Business Time

Patron Only Segment: SERVANT, Season 3, Episodes 1 - 3

4:56 - The Unbreakable and Split Connection

16:05 - UNBREAKABLE

43:19 - SPLIT

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We conclude our mini-series on folk horror (#whatthefolk) with a discussion of the meditative, horrific, and strangely beautiful film from last year: YOU WON'T BE ALONE. Constructed as a sequence of loosely connected vignettes (ones which involve both different characters and yet, the same character), it tells the story of a young girl who is turned into a witch at a young age and proceeds through the world with the ability to transform herself. What emerges is a deeply haunting and equally moving portrait of a "brutal and biting world", but one which may yet be navigated with grace and beauty and hope.

We're joined by friend of the show and Quarterly King, Ian Olson for a heartfelt and thoughtful conversation about what it means to be in this often savage and strange world. We hope it encourages and challenges you and we hope you enjoy it.

3:08 - Business Time

Patron Only Segment: Whatcha Watchin' / Readin' / Listenin' To?

4:30 - Ian Olson's The Book of Common Terror

15:16 - YOU WON'T BE ALONE

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We continue our series on folk horror films (#whatthefolk) with a film from South Korea and Thailand called THE MEDIUM. Recommended to us by a longtime listener during our annual FoGgoween Party, The Medium tells the harrowing story of Nim, a regional shaman blessed and inhabited by the spirit of Ba Yan to bestow blessing upon her local community. When her niece Mink begins to exhibit signs that she might be the next human vessel for the goddess, questions begin to arise about whether what is possessing her is benevolent or malicious. What follows is a haunting, captivating, and frequently disturbing story that grapples with deeply rooted questions about belief and religious practice. We dive into all of it with a lot of humor and open hearts as always.

Also featuring a Patron-only "Whatcha" segment, this is a conversation we thoroughly enjoyed having and we hope you enjoy it as well.

2:31 - Business Time

Patron Only Segment: Whatcha Watchin' / Readin' / Listenin' To?

4:38 - THE MEDIUM

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If you like what we do at the Fear of God, we'd like you to consider becoming a Patron. You'll get extended episodes every week and special invitations to online events and hangouts. You'll also receive exclusive bonus episodes, like this one we're previewing today on WORLD'S GREATEST DAD, the independent dark comedy from 2009 written and directed by Bobcat Goldthwait and starring Robin Williams.

For the whole episode, visit Patreon.com/TheFearofGodPodcast and thank you so much for listening!

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We're continuing our journey through the sub genre of folk horror (#whatthefolk) with another landmark entry in the genre from 1971: THE BLOOD ON SATAN'S CLAW. We're joined by Continuity Guru Steven Beckley for a hearty and vibrant conversation about one of the most controversial and infamous horror films of the 1970s. While its specifics may be a bit too disjointed (and a bit too problematic) to wholly support, a surprisingly strong conversation emerges about the different ways people deal with the problem of evil, often completely ignoring their own hand in feeding it themselves.

Also featuring a "Whatcha" segment for the Patrons, this is a strong conversation that we're quite proud of and hope that you enjoy.

**Special note** - As with last week's film, the film in discussion contains a scene of sexual assault which is somewhat more extensive and viewer discretion is advised. Even if you choose not to watch the film, we'd encourage you to hear our thoughts about it and thank you.

4:02 - Business Time

Patron Only Segment: Whatcha Watchin' / Readin' / Listenin' To?

5:57 - THE BLOOD ON SATAN'S CLAW

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We're taking a brief intermission from our Shyamalamarama series to bring you a handful of discussions on the subgenre known as "folk horror", which we've lovingly titled #whatthefolk.

We start with the 1968 film WITCHFINDER GENERAL, starring Vincent Price as the historical figure Matthew Hopkins, who executed more than 300 people for the crime of witchcraft in just under 3 years. We're joined by author and scholar Leland Merritt, whose work on folk horror and its relationship to the Hebrew Bible provides some incredible insights to both the genre and the more challenging narratives we find in the scriptures.

**A special note of consideration** Although the film exercises restraint in its visual representation, it does contain instances and discussions of sexual assault. Our conversation addresses these as well as similar instances in Biblical texts and we want to give awareness for sensitive listeners. We have a very thoughtful and insightful conversation that we hope you'll hear and enjoy as always, although discretion is advised.

3:36 - Business Time

Patron Only Segment: Whatcha Watchin' / Readin' / Listenin' To?

5:11 - Getting to know special guest, Leland Merritt

15:30 - Getting to know the Folk Horror Subgenre

33:55 - WITCHFINDER GENERAL

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We're going to be taking a quick, temporary pause on Shyamalamarama but not before we close out our discussion of SERVANT Season 2 and take a stroll back to Nana and Pop Pop's house for a refresh on M Night Shyamalan's 2015 film, THE VISIT. We're joined this time around by Gorey Gamer Matt Murray as we assess whether or not The Visit still holds up and why it sparked a creative resurgence for Shyamalan. We also wrestle with its potentially problematic characterizations and its more subtle heartbeat of forgiveness.

Also featuring a Patron segment catching up with what games we've all been playing as well as a deeper dive into episodes 7 through 10 of Servant Season 2, this is a hearty, thoughtful, and fun conversation we hope you'll enjoy.

2:53 - Business Time

Patron Only Segment: Whatcha Playin'? / and SERVANT, Season 2, Episodes 7 - 10

4:39 - SERVANT, Season 2

28:22 - THE VISIT (Redux)

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We're continuing our run through the films of M. Night Shyamalan (SHYAMALAMARAMA!) with one of "his" worst reviewed films: AFTER EARTH. Originally envisioned by its star Will Smith as a multi-platform, mega franchise launchpad, After Earth strangely failed at nearly every one of its aims, including on set reports that M. Night Shyamalan didn't actually perform most of the director duties. We dissect the film's many missteps and try to engage with what it seemed to be trying to do while having quite a bit of fun in the process.

Also featuring a Patron segment discussing episodes 4-6 of the TV show SERVANT, this episode is both briefer and (possibly) way more fun than actually watching After Earth and we hope you enjoy it.

5:12 - Business Time

Patron Only Segment: SERVANT, Season 2, Episodes 4 - 6

7:31 - AFTER EARTH

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Here at the Fear of God, we explore -- we don't explain -- and that's perhaps most relevant on today's discussion on KNOCK AT THE CABIN, part of our ongoing series on the works of M. Night Shyamalan called Shyamalamarama! We're joined once again by professor and author Brandon Grafius for an earnest and thoughtful dialogue about the film's philosophies and its difficulties. We dive a bit into the book as well and how the same scenario can prompt multiple conversations and considerations, for good or ill.

Also featuring a Patron segment with foreign correspondent Vera Goudie about SERVANT, Season 2, episodes 1 through 3, this is a thoughtful and thought-provoking conversation that we really hope you enjoy.

3:24 - Business Time

Patron Only Segment: SERVANT, Season 2, Episodes 1 - 3

6:11 - KNOCK AT THE CABIN

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We're in a new era of Shyama-lama-rama where we're surveying nearly the entirety of the director's catalog, including revisiting some films we've previously discussed. This week, we not only wrap up our journey through SERVANT Season 1 (including a patron segment focusing on the last four episodes specifically), but we also take another look at THE VILLAGE, this time accompanied by our Horror Enneagrammarian, Asia Swartzentruber. We drill down on differing interpretations of the theme of the film, including why it remains one of Shyamalan's most compelling (if divisive) entries.

We hope you enjoy this new "Redux" discussion of one of our favorite M. Night Shyamalan films.

3:11 - Business Time

Patron Only Segment: SERVANT, Season 1, Episodes 7 - 10

7:06 - SERVANT, Season One

30:59 - THE VILLAGE (Redux)

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We're still doin' the twist on another installment of Shyamalamarama! This week, we travel to a secluded beach to reflect on the rapid movement of time with OLD, a film that works surprisingly well as a horror film, even if it forgets to slow down long enough to highlight its more thoughtful intentions. We're joined by friend of the show Jackson Harper as we explore all of the ways that aging, intention, and the friend-or-foe nature of time itself influence our choices, no matter how much time we have left.

Also featuring a Patron-only segment discussing episodes 4 through 6 of Season 1 of SERVANT, this is a fun and thoughtful conversation we think you'll really enjoy.

Patron Only Segment: SERVANT, Season 1, Episodes 4 - 6

6:54 - OLD

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It's here everyone! We're diving back into the M. Night Shyamalan pool. And this time we're headed to the deep end.

Welcome to Shyamalamarama!, a comprehensive look at one of the most inspiring, polarizing, entertaining, and notorious filmmakers in history. We're going to be covering all of his films that we haven't already, and even revisiting (to a degree) the ones we have. We start with LADY IN THE WATER, the 2006 film that many of his critics cite as the beginning of the worst run in his filmography. Nathan and Reed come down on somewhat different sides about this film, and the resulting conversation is not only ripe for nerdy debate, but also points the way to some common inspiration as well.

Also featuring a Patron-only discussion of the first three episodes of the Apple TV+ series, SERVANT -- for which Shyamalan was the showrunner, this is going to be a fun and lively series that we hope you'll all enjoy.

2:40 - Business Time

Patron Only Segment: SERVANT, Season 1, Episodes 1 - 3

8:18 - LADY IN THE WATER

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We're setting a new precedent this week, starting a new recurring series of sorts. In between major tentpole series we have, we'll be occasionally re-introducing the one-off conversation about films which interest or excite us that don't easily fit elsewhere. This week, we're starting that trend with a Japanese language gem called One Cut of the Dead.

If you've never heard of this delightful little zombie film, we URGE you -- with emphasis we don't always give -- to please seek out the movie and watch it before our conversation. Its surprises deserve to remain surprises and we think you'll be very happy at having watched this unique and uncommonly good-natured take on the zombie genre.

To say more would be to ruin the fun, so check out the movie, then come check out our chat on it and we hope you enjoy both!

3:05 - Business Time

Patron Only Segment: Whatcha Watchin' / Readin' / Listenin' To?

8:36 - ONE CUT OF THE DEAD

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Over the past month, we've taken a unique approach for us in covering Stephen King's first short story collection: NIGHT SHIFT. Following individual segments with rotating guests and hosts, each devoted to one or two stories, we've now arrived at the finish line.

This discussion features Reed and Nathan joined by Ian Olson and Andy Whitfield to do a deep dive on King's excellent essay which serves as the foreword to Night Shift (beginning with the gripping first line, "Let's talk, you and I. Let's talk about fear."); as well as sharing further thoughts and experiences in our own journeys at this unique intersection of faith and fear. Lackey the Listicle also counts down the top ten stories from the collection and each of us spends a moment discussing the stories which stayed with us after we put the book down.

We hope you enjoy this concluding summary of our latest Quarterly King and all of the installments that have led us here. So without further ado, let's talk... let's talk about fear.

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Back in 2019, we covered a brief run of Stephen King's non-horror material and as part of that series, we had a small discussion about his powerful short story, THE LAST RUNG ON THE LADDER. Since we're broadly covering NIGHT SHIFT, we wanted reprise that discussion for you as well. Consider it picking up an extra shift on the Night Shift.

The full episode in which this excerpt is located was about The Running Man and can be located (along with all things FoGgy) at thefearofgodpodcast.com. We hope you enjoy!

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We have some of our most fun and thoughtful conversations this week for our penultimate installment in Stephen King's NIGHT SHIFT. This week, Reed gathers together Asia Swartzentruber, Jackson Harper, and Dave Courtney to discuss the short story TRUCKS, as well as the adaptation of it called MAXIMUM OVERDRIVE (which is Stephen King's only attempt to direct a film himself). Then, Nathan walks behind the rows with Meridith Curran, Vera Goudie, and Jess Fischli as they discuss CHILDREN OF THE CORN, including the original story, the most popular 1984 adaptation, and the most recent 2023 version.

Also featuring a Patron segment where Nathan and Steve Beckley discussing two bonus stories: I AM THE DOORWAY and I KNOW WHAT YOU NEED, this is a couple of hours of laughter and heartfelt observations like you've come to know and love. We hope you enjoy it!

1:00 - The Fear of God Corporate Offices

Patron Only Segment: I AM THE DOORWAY & I KNOW WHAT YOU NEED

6:16 - MAXIMUM OVERDRIVE (TRUCKS)

1:04:27 - Break Room

1:07:45 - CHILDREN OF THE CORN

2:03:18 - Clocking Out

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We're back this week with a packed show of different guests, different discussions, and a handful of different stories from Stephen King's collection: NIGHT SHIFT.

This week, Reed hosts Quarterly Queen Jess Fischli and Continuity Guru Steven Beckley for a very fun trip down memory lane discussing the film CAT'S EYE from 1985, which adapted two stories from Night Shift (QUITTERS, INC. & THE LEDGE) as well as featuring a third story original to the film (GENERAL). Then, Nathan hosts friends of the show Matt Ruff, Meridith Curran, and Andy Whitfield to dive into SOMETIMES THEY COME BACK, both the story and the TV Movie adaptation, including a fun game about what the next sequel in that franchise should be.

This episode also features a Patron segment with Reed and Andrew Nelson for a thoughtful and vulnerable conversation about two additional stories, THE BOOGEYMAN and THE WOMAN IN THE ROOM. This is a hearty and fun collection of discussions and we hope you enjoy it!

1:00 - Fear of God Corporate Offices

Patron Only Segment: THE WOMAN IN THE ROOM and THE BOOGEYMAN

6:00 - CAT'S EYE (featuring discussions on QUITTERS, INC., THE LEDGE, and GENERAL)

1:00:40 - Break Room

1:01:45 - SOMETIMES THEY COME BACK

1:35:19 - Clocking Out

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We're continuing our special format series covering Stephen King's NIGHT SHIFT, focusing each week on a couple of stories with their own unique collection of hosts. This week, Nathan, Dave Courtney, Vera Goudie, and Jackson Harper brave the frightening effects of a bad can of beer when they discuss GRAY MATTER, and then Reed, Matt Murray, and Steve Beckley fight toy army men in a penthouse apartment with a conversation about BATTLEGROUND. Both of these stories were adapted for series anthology episodes: Gray Matter was featured on the first season of Shudder's Creepshow series and Battleground was adapted as a TNT mini-series called Nightmares and Dreamscapes. Our different groups dive into both the stories and the adaptations in some really fun and surprisingly thoughtful conversations as always.

Also, for our patrons, there's a special bonus discussion where Blake Collier, Ian Olson, and Matt Ruff dive into THREE different stories from Night Shift, discussing JERUSALEM'S LOT, ONE FOR THE ROAD, and STRAWBERRY SPRING. This is a jam-packed, fun-filled episode that we really hope you enjoy.

0:58 - Back to the Corporate Offices of The Fear of God

Patron Only Segment: JERUSALEM'S LOT, ONE FOR THE ROAD, & STRAWBERRY SPRING

4:43 - GRAY MATTER

33:56 - Break Room

35:29 - BATTLEGROUND

1:16:58 - Clocking Out

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Welcome to our second celebration of the premiere achievements in the world of horror cinema last year: The FoGgy Awards! Last year, we debuted 7 awards for the best in horror, with Best Picture being awarded to James Wan's Malignant. This year, we introduce two brand new categories (as well as split out an old one into two more new ones) for a total of TEN awards recognizing such nominees as The Menu, Barbarian, Nope, Pearl, The Northman, Smile, and many more films from the past year in horror.

We're joined by a collection of guests who helps us present, debate, and celebrate these films. What will be awarded for the best performances, production design, writing, scares, and what will claim the coveted first-ever THAT AIN'T RIGHT Award? Check it out and find out!

And if you'd like to learn how you could participate in next year's FoGgies, visit fearofgodpodcast.com to submit films for consideration, check out our episodes on the nominees, or to become a Patron. Thank you and we hope you enjoy!

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We're trying something new and exciting this week as we launch a series of episodes focusing in on some of the stories from the first collection by Stephen King: NIGHT SHIFT. In a shake-up to our typical formatting, each story is given its own segment AND its own unique collection of hosts. First up is the rats-in-the-basement pulp thriller GRAVEYARD SHIFT (hosted by Nathan and Reed, joined by Matt Murray and Asia Swartzentruber), also featuring a wild trip through the 1990 film adaptation starring (I guess) Brad Dourif. Then, it'll be time to do our laundry, Stephen King style, as Blake Collier, Ian Olson, and Matt Ruff have a close encounter with THE MANGLER, covering both the story and the Tobe Hooper-directed film starring Robert Englund.

For the Patrons, there's even a bonus discussion as Reed partners with Andy Whitfield for a surprisingly thoughtful conversation about the stories THE LAWNMOWER MAN and NIGHT SURF. We're packed full with friends and fun this week so clock in, kick back, and enjoy this first installment of discussions on Stephen King's NIGHT SHIFT.

1:06 - The Fear of God Corporate Offices

Patron Only Segment: THE LAWNMOWER MAN & NIGHT SURF

6:08 - GRAVEYARD SHIFT

52:21 - The Break Room

53:49 - THE MANGLER

1:38:02 - Clocking Out

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In our final installment looking back at horror films from last year (#2022.2), we once again welcome the Quarterly Queens as Jess, Vera, and Asia dissect the fractured chaos that is DOCTOR STRANGE IN THE MULTIVERSE OF MADNESS. While the film is something of a mixed bag both on horror and MCU measurements, it has some surprising considerations about motherhood, grief, and the responsibilities we have between gratitude for what we have and wishing for something else.

The Queens also countdown your listener voted Top Ten Horror Films of 2022 in an episode full of heart, humor, and a few surprises. We hope you enjoy it!

4:02 - Business Time

4:25 - Listener-voted TOP TEN HORROR FILMS OF 2022

11:22 - DOCTOR STRANGE IN THE MULTIVERSE OF MADNESS

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In our penultimate installment of #2022.2 which looks back at some of the best horror films of last year, we're tackling a throwback double feature with Ti West's visionary pairing of films from last year: X and PEARL. Linked by characters and location but wildly varied in tone and production, these two films are having a fascinating conversation about bodies, gender, desire, age, and sexuality. We're joined in this discussion by friend of the show and author of Empathy for the Devil, JR Forasteros, who provides his insightful wit to help us wrestle down these remarkable films. 

This discussion is hearty, funny, challenging, thoughtful, and a whole lot of fun. We really think you're gonna enjoy this one and we hope you do.

5:29 - Business Time

11:47 - Revisiting Empathy for the Devil, by JR Forasteros

22:52 - X / PEARL

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Continuing our series on the best horror films of last year, 2022.2, we revisit Gotham City for the latest vision in the ever-evolving saga of the legendary vengeance: THE BATMAN. Matt Reeves' latest contribution to the Batman legacy ramps up the fear, the ambition, and the runtime for an unquestionably compelling installment. We're joined by film critic, professor, and friend of the show Noel Manning to debate and discuss the myriad of complex ways the film engages justice, vengeance, fear, and hope.

Also featuring a brief chat about the upcoming Oscars (and an unexpected mini-chat about Everything Everywhere All At Once), this is a fun and thoughtful conversation that we think and hope you'll really enjoy.

5:05 - Business Time (Including voting for the Second Annual FoGgy Awards)

6:46 - The Oscars (and Everything Everywhere All At Once)

25:03 - THE BATMAN

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Continuing our series looking back at some of the best horror of 2022, #2022.2, we're heading all the way back to the 800's for visionary director Robert Eggers' intensely immersive Norse epic: THE NORTHMAN. Joining us in this quest for Valholl is friend of the show and founding director of The Order of St Hildegard, Frances Cutshaw. Together we explore the myriad of compelling imagery, symbolism, and narrative heft that this fascinating film has to offer: from its visceral brutality, its fascination with religious imagery, its earthy, subversive gender dynamics, and its ultimately disarming message of hope and justice.

Also featuring a "Whatcha" patron segment, this is a hearty and fun conversation we hope you enjoy.

5:16 - Business Time

Patron Only Segment: Whatcha Watchin' / Readin' / Listenin' To?

7:35 - THE ORDER OF ST HILDEGARD

17:29 - THE NORTHMAN

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Continuing our series looking back at some of the best horror films of 2022, #2022.2, we are answering Scott Derrickson's latest chiller starring Ethan Hawke: THE BLACK PHONE. We're joined by our special guest, Brandon Grafius, author of the recent book Lurking Under the Surface: Horror, Religion, and the Questions that Haunt Us. Together, we discuss the emotionally complex ways the film engages bullying, growing up, and the ways that faith can sometimes accumulate over time, using both victories and tragedies.

We also spend some time with Brandon discussing his book, which grapples with faith and horror in a wonderfully concise and accessible way. It's a book we highly recommend to fans of our show and to anyone who wonders how faithful considerations can dialogue with fearful storytelling. Also featuring a Patron-only segment including some of our spoiler-filled thoughts on M. Night Shyamalan's latest: KNOCK AT THE CABIN, this is a packed episode that we really think you're going to enjoy.

5:27 - Business Time

Patron Only Segment: Some Thoughts on KNOCK AT THE CABIN

8:18 - LURKING UNDER THE SURFACE, by Brandon Grafius

35:33 - THE BLACK PHONE

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We continue our look back at some of the best films of last year, #2022.2, with a discussion of the biting horror satire of THE MENU. Starring Anya Taylor-Joy and Ralph Fiennes, the film goes to some unexpected and emotionally complicated places which forces us to think about our own complicity with destructive things in the name of art or experience, and to question the attraction we have for people who may be monsters beneath their thin veil of expressed love.

Joining us is comic artist, writer, and friend of the show Charlie Baber to tell us about his upcoming book INCOMPATIBLE and unpack the myriad of complex themes this film presents to us. Also featuring a Patron segment where we share our own positive and negative memories associated with food, this is a lively and thoughtful conversation we hope you enjoy.

5:56 - Business Time

Patron Only Segment: Food Memories, both Good and Bad

7:45 - A preview of INCOMPATIBLE, by Charlie Baber

17:39 - THE MENU

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We continue with our annual run looking back at last year's strongest films by examining the latest offering from visionary director Jordan Peele: NOPE. Peele continues his streak of unpredictability with this simultaneously vast and intimate movie about sibling horse trainers who discover terror in the skies above their remote California ranch and make a concentrated effort to capture proof of the phenomenon on film. 

We're joined this week by friend of the FoG and bestselling author Matt Ruff as we unpack humanity's relationship with the natural world and the impulsive drive and desire for fame at any cost. We also spend some time previewing Matt's upcoming novel THE DESTROYER OF WORLDS, a sequel to his New York Times bestseller, LOVECRAFT COUNTRY. Also featuring a Patron-only Whatcha segment (where we're also joined by Matt), this is a hearty and thoughtful discussion we hope you enjoy.

4:35 - Business Time

Patron Only Segment: Whatcha Watchin' / Readin' / Listenin' To?

6:07 - THE DESTROYER OF WORLDS, the latest novel by Matt Ruff

38:08 - NOPE

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Welcome to 2023! We're back with our regularly scheduled weekly episodes and kicking off a fresh look back at some of the best films of last year with #2022.2! This week, we are joined once again by the creators of the mega-smash, multi-award-winning, bestselling solo board game sensation Final Girl (A.J. Porfirio & Evan Derrick) as well as our good friend Matt Murray (now adopting a new role in the FoG as our resident Gorey Gamer) for a discussion about the wildly surprising and boundary pushing hit from last year: BARBARIAN.

After detailing some of the film's more gruesome and effective surprises, we dissect its myriad of thematic considerations, including misperceptions, consequences, and the necessity of examining our own barbaric tendencies. Also featuring a Patron segment where each of us break down some of our latest board game experiences, this is a hearty and fun conversation we hope you enjoy!

6:06 - Business Time!

Patron Only Segment: Whatcha Playin'?!

12:32 - Updates and Insights on the board game FINAL GIRL

37:24 - BARBARIAN

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We're coming to you a bit earlier than our normally scheduled programming for a special prelude to the upcoming look back at 2022's best in horror.

DEADSTREAM is a mostly real-time, live streaming pov horror comedy about an internet streamer with a huge personality and a whole lot of apologizing to do who decides to spend the night in a haunted house to attract an audience. Unfortunately he attracts a lot more than that. As our guest says, the film is "fast, funny, and does no harm". It also sparks a surprising conversation about the ways we can make ghosts of the people in our lives by filling our time with non-meaningful interactions.

Speaking of our guest, it's bestselling author Grady Hendrix! He graciously joined us not only to discuss Deadstream but also to tell us all about his latest novel, HOW TO SELL A HAUNTED HOUSE. It's on bookshelves and all major outlets now and we highly encourage you to check it out as it's one of his best books yet.

Also featuring a Patron-only segment where Lackey the Listicle counts down the haunted houses he'd still love to visit, this is a really fun conversation we think you'll enjoy. We'll see you in February for more of our regularly scheduled FoG episodes!

4:36 - Business Time!

Patron Only Segment: Lackey the Listicle's Top 5 Haunted Houses Where I'd Still Like to Spend a Night

7:29 - HOW TO SELL A HAUNTED HOUSE, by Grady Hendrix

39:42 - DEADSTREAM

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It feels like an unbelievable landmark, but The Fear of God Podcast has reached episode 300. After 6 1/2 years of "not the end of the conversation", we're taking things back to a very, very early beginning.

THE VICTIM, written and directed by Michael Biehn, is a grindhouse-flavored suspense thriller where every character has something to hide and no one quite knows who to trust. It's made in the tradition of drive-in mayhem, full of sex and drugs and violence. And its original story was written by none other than the FoG's Reed Lackey.

So in this, our 300th episode, a collection of FoG staffers examine The Victim, a film oft-mentioned only in hushed allusions on the show previously, with fresh eyes. They then invite Reed on as a guest (instead of a host) to share stories and insights about how it came to be, the creative process, and the funny ways pretty incredible things can happen down the least likely of paths.

Capping it all off, our group celebrates year's end by looking backwards and forwards as we celebrate our favorite movie and podcast moments of the year and share our hopes for what's to come.

We want to thank you for spend all these countless hours with us, and raise a glass to what we hope will be many, many more. We hope you enjoy this 300th episode spectacular, and thank you all again for our wonderful FoG community.

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As 2022 began, we made our way through a sequence of the best films from 2021. Along that way, we also spent many conversations with the fictional inhabitants of Crockett Island and Mike Flanagan's mini-series, MIDNIGHT MASS. The show sits at our unique intersection of discussion better than nearly anything we've previously covered, and yielded some of the most vulnerable and thoughtful discussions about religion, horror, and hope.

Here, collected all together, is the complete collection of those conversations, not only including our previously released Patron segments about Midnight Mass, but also interspersed with the Clergy Roundtable epilogue which closed the series.

May these conversations encourage you to ask better questions, to challenge your conclusions, and most earnestly, to do your best.

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We close down this current series of films curated for us by our annual FoGoween attendees (lovingly dubbed #FoGgoweeners) with David Bruckner's 2018 film THE RITUAL. This chilling story of four friends on an excursion who get lost in the woods and find themselves in the path of an unspeakable and seemingly ageless threat is not only haunting for the ways it challenges us to confront our own lack of bravery, but for the ways in which it can make us think more deeply about the casual ways we ignore our daily habits, particularly when the steady drum of choosing a poor choice in the small things may leave us ill-equipped to make the right choice when a truly big thing comes along.

Also featuring an EPIC patron segment in which Nathan and Reed count down each of their personal TOP TEN HORROR FILMS of 2022, this is an episode we hope you'll greatly enjoy. Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays everyone!

7:05 - Business Time

Patron Only Segment: Nathan's and Reed's Top Ten Favorite Horror Films of 2022

13:07 - THE RITUAL

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We're continuing in our series of films which are otherwise unrelated except that they were selected for coverage by the attendees of this year's annual FoGgoween, #foggoweeners. It's time as well to step back into the halls of the Quarterly Queens as Asia, Vera, and Jess unpack 2020's haunting exploration of illness and generational legacies: RELIC. This gruesome and meticulously crafted frightener evokes reflections on the ways illness or trauma can sometimes transform those we love, forcing us to face our own inescapable transformations in the aftermath.

Also featuring a brief excursion into Whatcha territory, this is a heartfelt and vulnerably honest discussion, and we hope you enjoy it.

5:01 - Whatcha Watchin' / Readin' / Listenin' To?

12:00 - RELIC

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We have a truly unique discussion for you this week about a truly unique film. Continuing our series #FoGgoweeners covering otherwise unrelated films which were recommended to us at this year's FoGgoween, we cover a film from Hungary called WHITE GOD, about an abandoned dog who leads an uprising among the canine community against his human oppressors. 

Remarkably thoughtful and sensitively made, despite its harrowing premise, White God is a rich text, providing a profound opportunity not only to re-assess how we value those around us, but how we can seek to reconcile the harsh realities of the world and its habits with the holy effort to find and to build a place to rest. It's a wonderful film and a wonderful discussion. Also featuring a very fun game of "What's the Sequel" in our Patron segment (with perhaps the longest sustained laughter we've ever had on the show), this is a conversation we hope encourages you and that you greatly enjoy.

5:01 - Business Time

Patron Only Segment: What's the Sequel?

11:21 - WHITE GOD

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We're continuing our year-end series of films which are otherwise unrelated, but were curated by our FoGgoween guests: #foggoweeners. This week's stop is the moody and bleak film from Oz Perkins, THE BLACKCOAT'S DAUGHTER. Featuring a patient and methodical approach to an incredibly creepy story, Blackcoat's Daughter presents a haunting portrait of the extents to which we'll go to try to recapture the things which once brought us comfort, no matter how dreadful the actions are that we take to pursue them.

Also featuring the return of Stump Reed on the Patron-only segment, this is a hearty and thoughtful discussion we believe you'll really enjoy.

12:08 - Business Time

Patron Only Segment: Stump Reed!

15:37 - THE BLACKCOAT'S DAUGHTER

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Continuing our new series on recommendations we received directly at this year's FoGgoween -- #foggoweeners -- we're going back to the 1980s and the cast of Universal's classic monsters for Fred Dekker's THE MONSTER SQUAD. Grab your backpack and pedal those bicycles for a fun, wonderfully visualized send up of all your favorite monsters. While the film does have some dated, problematic elements that shouldn't be ignored, the overwhelming sensibility is of joy and gleeful monster mayhem, not to mention a somewhat disarming truth about how to recognize and dispel the monsters around us.

Also featuring an extended "Whatcha" segment for our patrons, this is a brisk and very fun conversation we hope you enjoy.

4:15 - Business Time

Patron Only Segment: Whatcha Watchin' / Readin' / Listenin' To?

9:08 - THE MONSTER SQUAD

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We launch a brand new series this week gleefully titled #foggoweeners, representing films which are otherwise unrelated but linked by being recommended to us by our patrons during our annual FoGgoween event. We start with Denis Villeneuve's endlessly fascinating and provocative film starring Jake Gyllenhaal, ENEMY. It's a film which invites shock upon first viewing, but then quickly proceeds to invite contemplation and self reflection as its various metaphors and imagery dig their way into our imaginations.

It would be foolish to forecast that we were able to crack the code or explain what this film is about, but like the explorer mindset we actively embrace, we tread eagerly into the many things this film makes us think about relational roles, choices, gender dynamics, control and manipulation, and our own adopted perceptions and perspectives regarding those around us we are tempted to call "enemies". 

Also featuring a Patron-only segment recapping our Halloween experiences, this is a discussion we're very proud of and that we think (and hope) you'll really enjoy.

6:58 - Business Time

Patron Only Segment: Whatcha Watchin' / Readin' / Listenin' To? (Halloween 2022 Memories)

11:21 - ENEMY

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Lock yourselves in yours cars friends and FoGgers, there's a monster around and perhaps, that monster might even be you. That's right, we're diving into our next installment in the recurring series of Quarterly Kings, taking an in-depth look at the works of Stephen King. This time, we're tackling his rabid dog terror tale: CUJO. 

Most people know at least a bit about Cujo even if they haven't read it. But with the rare opportunity for us to record in the same room, we had a disarmingly thoughtful and poignant conversation with special guests Andy Whitfield, Ian Olson, and Blake Collier about what it means to go rabid -- for animals and for people -- and the ways we can all tend to focus too much on the monsters we fear instead of the reasons we must face them.

We invite you to sit at the morning coffee table again with us as we do our best to honestly and openly discuss the various criticisms and merits this unique tale invoked in us. We think you'll really enjoy it.

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We've spent the entire spooky season marching through each entry in the legendary Halloween franchise. As a kind of breath at the closure of that run, and as a special Halloween bonus, we decided to devote a unique epilogue episode to chart our favorite sequels in the franchise, answer some listener questions, solidify the Shape Kills Hall of Fame, and ponder the richer elements of the franchise and its characters that the previous installments didn't always permit us to discuss.

We hope you have a very safe and happy Halloween. And we hope you enjoy this special coda to our series #Halloween@Halloween.

Stay safe everybody!

10:50 - Listener Questions, part 1

26:39 - Ranking our Top 5 Halloween Sequels

48:23 - Listener Questions, part 2

59:17 - The Shape Kills Hall of Fame

1:30:14 - Final Questions and Final Thoughts on the Halloween Franchise

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So it comes to this. Following Rob Zombie's efforts to reimagine the horror of Michael Myers, the franchise lay dormant for nearly a decade until Blumhouse and David Gordon Green revived the franchise with a trilogy of films that both invigorated and occasionally frustrated fans, effectively bringing Michael Myers roaring back into cultural immediacy. They brought back John Carpenter to produce and compose the score for the films. They ignored all previous sequels in service of a fresh vision. And most notably, they brought back Jamie Lee Curtis for a final run as the ultimate final girl. 

In a rare opportunity to record in the same room, Nathan and Reed are joined by Quarterly Kings Ian Olson, Blake Collier, and Andy Whitfield to break down the new trilogy, with specific focus on Kills and Ends. This is a somewhat spontaneous conversation, featuring the sound and feel of friends around a table after getting home from the theater. We invite you to join us as we draw towards a close of this landmark franchise... for now...

We hope you enjoy hearing it as much as we enjoyed discussing it. 

5:21 - Business Time

7:38 - HALLOWEEN (2018) kills and toys

20:25 - HALLOWEEN KILLS

1:08:58 - HALLOWEEN ENDS

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This stop in our journey of Halloween @ Halloween was inevitable. In 2007, following years of developmental misfires for a sequel in the franchise, Rob Zombie was tasked with bringing his unique vision to a remake of the original Halloween. The result was a highly controversial -- but also highly successful -- film. Zombie then followed up with a sequel two years later (with much more reluctance and to even more controversy). In tackling these two films, we pivot away somewhat from our recent jovial banter to conduct one of our most thoughtful conversations in some time, as we wrestle with the context for engaging material as heavy and challenging as these films are while still striving to mature in our critical and spiritual perspectives.

Approach the material itself with discretion and caution; but approach this conversation with an eager and open mind. Also featuring a Patron-only segment discussing The Simpsons Treehouse of Horror V, this is one we think you'll really enjoy.

4:50 - Business Time

Patron Only Segment: THE SIMPSONS: Treehouse of Horror 5 #tvguideposts

5:53 - HALLOWEEN & HALLOWEEN 2, by Rob Zombie

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Our next stop in our October series Halloween @ Halloween features a returning legendary heroine and inexplicable kung fu as we explore HALLOWEEN H20: 20 YEARS LATER and HALLOWEEN RESURRECTION. Following the messy production and reception of The Curse of Michael Myers, the franchise recalibrated back to basics and brought back Jamie Lee Curtis to reprise her role as the iconic Laurie Strode. But following the impressive success of H20, the franchise followed up with a sequel featuring web-streaming, underground tunnels, and a whole lotta Busta Rhymes. We break it all down for you: the kills, the scares, and the dangertainment.

Featuring a lot of laughs, all our usual segments, and a Patron-only examination of The Simpsons Treehouse of Horror IV, this is a very fun episode we hope you'll enjoy.

9:56 - Business Time

Patron Only Segment: THE SIMPSONS: Treehouse of Horror 4 #tvguideposts

13:00 - HALLOWEEN: H20 & HALLOWEEN: RESURRECTION

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We continue our murderous parade through the exploits, the escapades, and the eviscerations of the one and only Michael Myers with a truly unique entry in horror franchise canons. The 6th Halloween film was much contested among its creatives as the production rights came into dispute, and the Haddonfield slasher came under new management at Dimension Films. This led to drastically different visions for the latest installment and, eventually, drastically different films. So this week, we are examining both cuts in dialogue with each other: the Theatrical version which was definitive for many years, and the famed Producer's Cut released a few years ago which restores the original creative vision for the story.

So kick back, relax, and enjoy this laugh-filled discussion about a distinctly fascinating entry in the horror genre. Also featuring a Patron-only segment on The Simpsons TREEHOUSE OF HORROR III, this is a fun and brisk conversation that we're sure you'll enjoy.

Patron Only Segment: THE SIMPSONS: Treehouse of Horror 3 #tvguideposts

7:24 - HALLOWEEN: THE CURSE OF MICHAEL MYERS, Theatrical & Producer's Cuts

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We are continuing our spooky season journey this week through the landmark Michael Myers franchise we call Halloween @ Halloween where we assess every adventure in the Halloween franchise. Our next stop is HALLOWEEN 4: THE RETURN OF MICHAEL MYERS and HALLOWEEN 5: THE REVENGE OF MICHAEL MYERS. These two films made an intentional effort to course correct after Halloween III: Season of the Witch left audiences wanting more Michael, delivering a vision of Haddonfield that attempted to be more in the spirit of the original. Their success at doing so is negligible at best, but they do manage to anchor a mythos around the mysterious boogeyman that stays rooted in the legacy of his hometown, his family, and his ever-increasingly more eccentric doctor, Dr. Sam Loomis. 

We survey the hall of fame kills, propose a new line of potential Michael Myers toys, and try to wrestle down what these films were trying to accomplish with frequent guest Blake Collier and an excessive amount of laughter, including a Patron-only segment surveying The Simpsons TREEHOUSE OF HORROR 2. We hope you have as much fun hearing this episode as we had making it.

7:18 - Business Time

Patron Only Segment: THE SIMPSONS: Treehouse of Horror 2 #tvguideposts

12:09 - HALLOWEEN 4 & HALLOWEEN 5: THE RETURN & REVENGE OF MICHAEL MYERS

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We begin a new adventure at the Fear of God by making our way through an entire landmark franchise. We begin our journey though every sequel, every kill, and every jumpy music cue of the HALLOWEEN franchise. That's right, it's Halloween @ Halloween. Since we've already covered the original back on episode 10, we're starting this journey with HALLOWEEN II from 1981, the sequel that practically had to drag all of its talent back to make and which, while not without its charms, has some pretty noticeable faults as a result. This episode is large on laughs and light on theme this time around, but we have a whole lot of fun discussing it and we hope you have a lot of fun listening as well.

We also begin a list of nominees for the Michael Myers Kill Hall of Fame and -- in the Patron segment -- survey the very first Simpsons Halloween special: Treehouse of Horror. It's a lot of fun and we hope you enjoy it!

5:31 - Business Time

Patron Only Segment: THE SIMPSONS: Treehouse of Horror #tvguideposts

8:00 - HALLOWEEN II (1981)

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We conclude our summer of Stranger Things by diving into the details of episode 9, The Piggyback, and expressing our thoughts on the season as a whole with the Quarterly Queens: Vera Goudie, Asia Swartzentruber, and Jess Fischli. A mega series deserves a mega episode and not only do we take the season to task for its narrative missteps, we also highlight what makes the show such a resonant and affecting cultural phenomenon. We even play a few rounds of Stranger Things Trivial Pursuit while we're at it.

It's a hearty and fun-filled episode this week (also featuring a Patron-only "Whatcha" segment) that we think you're really going to enjoy.

Patron Only Segment: Whatcha Watchin' / Readin' / Listenin' To?

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In celebration of the release of Season 5 of Cobra Kai to Netflix, please enjoy this special preview of our full B-Side conversation on Season 4 of Cobra Kai featuring friend of the show Josh Rouse. Hear the full episode by becoming a Patron at the $5 or above level and enjoy all of the additional bonus content that comes with that as well.

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We've made it to the last track on our #mixtape covering the major influences of Stranger Things. We trek our way alongside the pinnacle of adventure heroes with INDIANA JONES AND THE TEMPLE OF DOOM. While Temple of Doom may largely be regarded as the third best in the original Indy trilogy (for some understandable reasons), it still has a propulsive and fun energy and is anchored by the impressive charisma of Harrison Ford. It also offers an interesting observation about the pursuit of reclaiming sacred treasure and the value of when such journeys are undertaken on behalf of others.

Also featuring a discussion about Episode 8 of Season 4 of STRANGER THINGS, we hope you enjoy our trek through high adventure like a fast-moving rail car or an impenetrable life raft.

4:53 - Business Time

Patron Only Segment: STRANGER THINGS, Season 4, Episode 8 (with Josh Rouse) #tvguideposts

8:15 - The Best Actor & Character Pairings in Film

26:47 - INDIANA JONES AND THE TEMPLE OF DOOM

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For the next installment of our #mixtape where we take a look at films that largely inspired the hit series Stranger Things, we explore a landmark work in animation: AKIRA. Featuring returning guest and continuity guru Steven Beckley, we unpack the myriad of ways this epic film of children with psychic powers, apocalyptic societies on the verge of collapse, and lots and lots of motorcycles has endured the test of time (while remaining eerily prophetic).  

Also featuring an appearance by Lackey the Listicle counting down the greatest bicycle scenes in film history and a Patron only discussion about STRANGER THINGS, Season 4, Episode 7 with Quarterly Queen Jess Fischli, this is a thought-provoking and lively conversation that we hope you enjoy.

5:07 - Business Time

Patron Only Segment: STRANGER THINGS, Season 4, Episode 7 (featuring Jess Fischli) #tvguideposts

9:50 - AKIRA

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It's time for the next track in our #mixtape as we make our way through some of the influences of the TV series Stranger Things. Here, we have a very special conversation as we invite guest Ian Olson to discuss THE ROAD WARRIOR, as well as his enthusiastic thoughts on the entire Mad Max franchise. What emerges from all the dust and fire and gasoline is a compelling portrait of a man who is not a hero, but constantly finds himself in situations where a choice of heroism is thrust upon him. This is distilled specifically in The Road Warrior but our dialogue carries us all the way through Thunderdome and Fury Road as well on our way to discovering that sometimes it's not about being a hero, it's just about making a difference.

Also featuring a Patron-only segment with horror enneagrammarian and Quarterly Queen Asia Swartzentruber about STRANGER THINGS Season 4, Episode 6, this is a lively and fun conversation you won't want to miss and that we hope you enjoy.

6:16 - Business Time

Patron Only Segment: STRANGER THINGS, Season 4, Episode 6 (featuring Asia Swartzentruber) #tvguideposts

7:38 - THE ROAD WARRIOR (and the Mad Max franchise)

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We're continuing our journey through Season 4 of STRANGER THINGS and its myriad of influences by celebrating a bygone 80s tradition: the mixtape. In our own little rendition, we're stacking up a handful of 80s influences starting with a classic of adventure and buried treasure where imagination never says die. It's THE GOONIES as we're joined by foreign correspondent and Quarterly Queen Vera Goudie to discuss this staple of 80s childhood films, how well it holds up in today's landscape, and tackle the daunting question of what makes a Goonie to begin with.

This is a funny and heartfelt conversation, also featuring a Patron segment on Stranger Things Season 4, episode 5 with special guest Matt Murray, that we really hope you enjoy.

8:11 - Business Time

Patron Only Segment: STRANGER THINGS, Season 4, Episode 5 (featuring Matt Murray) #tvguideposts

9:29 - The Mixtape Series

14:34 - THE GOONIES

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For this special conversation we welcome back to the show, Dr. David Gushee, who has been referred to as "one of the best Christian ethicists alive today." It's a substantive dialogue primarily centered on Dr. Gushee's most recent book, INTRODUCING CHRISTIAN ETHICS. This discussion particularly focuses on the subjects of scriptural interpretation, feminism, and truthfulness as a Christian norm. It is our hope that this discussion will hearten, chasten, challenge, and embolden you in your pursuit of faithfulness. Dr. Gushee also shares the first public insight to his next work, currently titled DEFENDING DEMOCRACY FROM ITS CHRISTIAN ENEMIES.

To find more on the work of Dr. Gushee, visit his website here.

To find more on the work of The Fear of God, visit its website here.

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We continue this week with the concluding half of our epic conversation about the work of John Carpenter and Kurt Russell featuring guest, friend, and bestselling author Matt Ruff. This week, you'll hear us dive deeper into the themes and importance of THE THING as well as a lively and light-hearted traipse through BIG TROUBLE IN LITTLE CHINA before going back into all three films (including ESCAPE FROM NEW YORK) to examine the ways we can hold onto hope in the midst of often very cynical surroundings.

Also featuring a Patron segment with Vera Goudie discussing STRANGER THINGS: Season 4; episode 4, this a lively and hearty discussion that we really hope you enjoy.

Patron Only Segment: STRANGER THINGS, Season 4, Episode 4 (featuring Vera Goudie) #tvguideposts

5:37 - THE THING

39:40 - BIG TROUBLE IN LITTLE CHINA

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We have something really special for you today folks. In what is our penultimate installment in #carpenterredux, we present to you the first half of a mega conversation we had with bestselling author and returning FoG favorite Matt Ruff about the work of legendary horror master John Carpenter. Specifically, we focus on three of his iconic films starring Kurt Russell: ESCAPE FROM NEW YORK, THE THING, & BIG TROUBLE IN LITTLE CHINA.

The first half of this discussion zones in on Carpenter's work as a whole, including a countdown of the TEN BEST CARPENTER FILMS from Lackey the Listicle, as well as a deeper dive on the specifics of Escape from New York. This particular installment closes down just as we're starting to get into arguably his greatest and most controversial film: The Thing.

Also featuring a Patron-only segment on STRANGER THINGS Season 4, Episode 3 featuring FoGger and Stranger Things superfan Drew Pasanen, this is an epic dialogue in every sense of the word and we hope you enjoy it! Don't forget to come back next week for part two...

6:41 - Catching up with Matt Ruff (including a preview of his latest novel)

Patron Only Segment: STRANGER THINGS, Season 4, Episode 3 (featuring Drew Pasanen) #tvguideposts

18:07 - The Work of John Carpenter

33:22 - Lackey the Listicle's TOP TEN FILMS OF JOHN CARPENTER

1:01:37 - ESCAPE FROM NEW YORK

1:27:25 - THE THING (part one)

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Continuing in our new series covering the influences of the hit show Stranger Things, and specifically revisiting more of the works of the legendary John Carpenter, we delve into the basement to find the secret of the ooze in PRINCE OF DARKNESS.

Carpenter's fascinating premise puts science and religion in direct dialogue as a group of young scientists study a recently uncovered vat of swirling green slime which might just be the physical manifestation of Satan himself. While the film doesn't quite explore the fullest extent of its potential, it offers some fascinating considerations about the nature of evil and the importance of agency, providing a chance for us to discuss the vital need we have to consider our choices -- large and small -- in the world around us.

Also featuring a Patron-only segment discussing STRANGER THINGS Season 4, Episode 2, this is a hearty and thoughtful conversation we think you won't want to miss.

7:47 - Business Time

Patron Only Segment: STRANGER THINGS, Season 4, Episode 2 #tvguideposts

9:00 - PRINCE OF DARKNESS

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We start a brand new series this week, selected by you the patrons where we revisit the work of the legendary master of horror, John Carpenter. Having previously covered his landmark films like Halloween and The Thing, we are joined by Dave Courtney to turn our attentions now to IN THE MOUTH OF MADNESS, his mid-90s apocalyptic vision which thrusts profound questions about the nature of influences upon reality into startling and horrific tension. It is regarded by many to be the last truly great John Carpenter directed outing and it pushes us to explore our own feelings about the power of influences, often unseen influences, upon us and how we navigate the world.

Also featuring a Patron-only discussion of STRANGER THINGS, Season 4, Episode 1, this is a  thoughtful and challenging discussion we hope you'll enjoy.

**Please note, for a portion of the discussion there is an extra special guest in the background: a lively and lovable dog whose occasional barking couldn't be edited out without hurting the overall audio quality. We hope you'll smile at his interjections as much as we did. :)

Patron Only Segment: STRANGER THINGS, Season 4, Episode 1 #tvguideposts

7:24 - Whatcha Watchin' / Readin' / Listenin' to?

18:46 - IN THE MOUTH OF MADNESS

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We are back once again friends and FoGgers with another special installment of the Quarterly Queens, this time with Asia Swartzentruber and Vera Goudie discussing the claustrophobic found footage thriller, AS ABOVE SO BELOW. This remarkably effective frightener about an ill-fated expedition through the French catacombs received largely uneven reviews when it was initially released, but Vera and Asia successfully champion the need for its reconsideration, not only as a terrifying horror entry, but also as a well-researched exploration of the horrors we subject ourselves to when our secret guilts consume us and we are unwilling to go the way because it means going ever further and deeper into what scares us most.

Also featuring a fun catch-up on Whatcha Watchin', Readin', and Listenin' to, this episode is a brisk, fun, and -- as always -- thoughtful conversation you won't want to miss.

4:06 - Business Time

6:10 - Whatcha Watchin' / Readin' / Listenin' To?

13:38 - AS ABOVE SO BELOW

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We bring our series #docuscared to a close with a discussion of some of the best -- and worst -- of the creative filmmaking process. In 1990, a notorious film named Troll 2 was made and released to nearly unanimous derision. However, in the years that followed, a very specific and enthusiastic fan base arose surrounding the film. The documentary BEST WORST MOVIE, directed by one of Troll 2's original actors, explores this unique phenomena through discussions with those who made the film and the fans who love it. What emerges is a disarmingly compelling portrait of the relationship between art and audience, of the dichotomy between objective quality and subjective affection, and of the disconnect between what we desire for our lives and how we fritter them away.

This discussion also features a very sobering Patron-only segment surrounding the episodes of CURSED FILMS about the tragedies on the sets of The Crow and Twilight Zone: The Movie, and -- on a lighter note -- an appearance by Lackey the Listicle counting down some personal favorite "best worst movies". It's an episode full of challenges and encouragement, one that we really think you'll be glad you heard and that we hope you enjoy.

6:27 - Business Time

Patron Only Segment: CURSED FILMS: The Crow & Twilight Zone: The Movie #tvguideposts

9:29 - Lackey the Listicle's Personal Best Worst Movies

27:14 - BEST WORST MOVIE

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We continue our journey through #docuscared exploring horror-themed documentaries, this week examining the documented account from Daniel Lutz, who as a child lived and experienced strange phenomena in the famed Amityville house. Danny's story is a captivating but complicated one, raising several doubts about reliability while also presenting certain details which prove hard to dismiss. The resulting conversation allows for an exploration of the relationship between our own susceptibility and the residue of trauma or tragedy which can be associated with a place and its history.

Also featuring a Patron-only excursion through the episode of CURSED FILMS on The Omen and a catch-up about what we've been watching, this discussion features a lot of laughs and is one we believe you'll enjoy.

6:35 - Business Time

Patron Only Segment: CURSED FILMS: The Omen #tvguideposts

8:30 - MY AMITYVILLE HORROR

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Our episode this week is specially curated by our guest, Andrew Nelson. The Exorcist is arguably the most iconic landmark in horror film cinema, and in this intimate and lyrical documentary, he is given full attention to share his insights into the crafting of the film, its cultural impact, and its enduring legacy. There are remarkable observations about the mystery of faith, the human experience, and the creative process along the way. Our conversation about it takes down paths of exploring and observing the grace notes in our own lives and confronting the terrifying possibilities of the spaces where we find ourselves truly alone.

This is a vulnerable and honest conversation, but also saturated with hope. Also featuring a Patron segment about the Cursed Films episode on The Serpent and the Rainbow and a special post-credits original song by Andrew, it's one we really believe you'll enjoy and we hope you do.

8:44 - Business Time

Patron Only Segment: CURSED FILMS: The Serpent and the Rainbow #tvguideposts

12:19 - LEAP OF FAITH: William Friedkin on The Exorcist

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In our brand new, patron-voted mini-series for the FoG, we are covering a handful of horror documentaries, starting with a film that is arguably more frightening than any fictional film we've ever discussed. Rodney Ascher's terrifying film THE NIGHTMARE explores the mysterious and haunting reality of sleep paralysis through the stories of 8 individuals who have suffered from it. In addition to being an utterly horrifying prospect, the questions remain about why so many stories have such strong similarities and whether or not there are supernatural drivers behind the horror. After bracing ourselves for discussing the film's particulars, we then navigate into a vulnerable dialogue about the ways our restful and comforting sensibilities can be stolen from us and how we might find the courage and the power to reclaim them.

Also featuring a miniature discussion of the episode of the CURSED FILMS series about the Poltergeist films for our Patron section, this is a heartfelt discussion we believe you won't want to miss, even if you ultimately decide the film is just a bit too scary...

4:43 - Business Time

Patron Only Segment: CURSED FILMS: Poltergeist #tvguideposts

7:31 - THE NIGHTMARE

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It's that time once again friends and FoGgers to explore the vast and influential world of Stephen King. This week, in coordination with the recent release of a new film based upon his landmark work, we're discussing the one and only FIRESTARTER.

After having a grand old time ranking our favorite Stephen King villains (limiting ourselves to only what's been covered on the pod), we explore this story of a girl and her powers, which remains one of King's most widely recognized works. Covering the novel, the recent 2022 adaptation, and to a lesser degree the 1984 film starring Drew Barrymore, we explore the power of the main premise to display our own destructive capabilities, even if none of the story's iterations have yet to fully flesh out the ramifications of them. And in a bit of surprising turn, we find something even in what's considered to be a rather poor adaptation in the new film that is worth pondering about moving beyond the choices to merely stuff down our outrage or let loose and burn things to the ground.

As always, this is a hearty conversation full of thoughtfulness and laughter and we hope you enjoy it!

10:09 - Business Time

11:25 - Ranking Stephen King's Villains* (as covered in the FoG)

39:04 - FIRESTARTER

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We've finally arrived at Castle Dracula for the ultimate discussion of Seasons 1 & 2 of Netflix's CASTLEVANIA as our concluding conversation on #scaretoons. The series has proven to be quite subversive, particularly when considering the game franchise upon which it is based (games which get some special attention in a bonus patron segment). What the series and its approach to the iconic character of Dracula prompts is a heartfelt conversation about the needs and limitations of empathy and the difficult burden of challenging our own perceptions of people and of a changed heart and mind.

This is a conversation we greatly enjoyed having and deeply hope you enjoy hearing.

5:39 - Business Time

Patron Only Segment: Castlevania Video Games RANKED

9:49 - CASTLEVANIA, Seasons 1 & 2

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In our penultimate installment of #scaretoons, we received a specially curated episode at the request of special guest and continuity guru Steve Beckley for the 1988 Japanese OVA special DEMON CITY SHINJUKU. It's a swift epic in miniature about a madman who has made a deal with the demon realm to unleash monsters upon the earth, and the only one standing in his way is a novice young man with a family legacy of waging war against evil. 

While the film has its merits (a striking visual style and genuinely compelling monsters) and its demerits (some unfortunate audio dubbing and tropes which haven't aged well), we have a surprisingly rich conversation about waging war against our own desires and the legacies, both good and evil, upon which we build our own choices.

It's a fun conversation as always, including a special Patron segment covering CASTLEVANIA Season 2, episodes 3 & 4. We hope you enjoy!

4:51 - Business Time

Patron Only Segment: CASTLEVANIA, Season 2, Episodes 3 & 4; Whatcha Watchin' / Readin' / Listenin' To?

8:41 - Some notable additional animated horror films

23:17 - DEMON CITY SHINJUKU

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We continue on our journey through spooky animated features, #scaretoons with a conversation about an undeniable classic. In the early 80s animator Don Bluth and several of his peers left Disney to pursue different projects, the first of which was THE SECRET OF NIMH. Layered with incredible animation, outstanding vocal performances, and a genuinely thrilling and emotional narrative, The Secret of Nimh resonates powerfully -- even 40 years later -- and prompts deeply vulnerable observations from each of our hosts (including special guests Asia Swartzentruber and Jackson Harper) about courage, faith, hope, and a mother's love. 

Also featuring a Patron segment on CASTLEVANIA, Season 2, episodes 1 & 2 and a Whatcha Watchin' check-in, this is a hearty and heartfelt conversation you won't want to miss and that we hope you enjoy.

5:27 - Business Time

Patron Only Segment: CASTLEVANIA, Season 2, Episodes 1 & 2; Whatcha Watchin' / Readin' / Listenin' To?

10:03 - THE SECRET OF NIMH

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We continue our walk through patron-voted, animated horror features by exploring Laika studios flagship film, CORALINE. We're joined once again by Vera Goudie, where we tackle the wondrous craftsmanship that goes into a stop-motion film like this before taking an honest and open-hearted look at the necessity to sometimes not receive what we want. We so desperately want to receive good things that we too often forget how quickly certain things can spoil if we let our indulgences become uncontrolled.

For the patrons, this episode also features a discussion of CASTLEVANIA, episodes 3 & 4 of Season 1, and another installment of Stump Reed! We hope you enjoy this one as much as we did.

6:34 - Business Time

Patron Only Segment: CASTLEVANIA, Season 1, Episodes 3 & 4; Stump Reed

14:18 - CORALINE

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We begin a new mini-series this week where we look at animated frights and fantasies, some gruesome and some whimsical and some a bit of both on #scaretoons. The first entry comes from master animator Hayao Miyazaki, SPIRITED AWAY, which won the Academy Award for best animated feature and remains one of the most acclaimed animated films in history. It is stunningly rendered and is vividly imaginative, prompting some heartfelt soul-searching about the ways our own senses of self and of wonder can diminish over time and the simple, vital struggle to recover it. 

Also featuring a Patron #tvguideposts conversation about the first two episodes of season 1 of Netflix's CASTLEVANIA, this is a conversation dripping with honesty and hope and we trust you'll enjoy it!

4:57 - Business Time

Patron Only Segment: CASTLEVANIA, Season 1, Episodes 1 & 2

6:27 - SPIRITED AWAY

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We close down our exploration of Nic Cage films by visiting one of his most maligned and (possibly) misunderstood films, the Neil LaBute directed remake of THE WICKER MAN. We covered the 1970s original film back on episode 55 of the show. This remake tells largely the same story, but with some noteworthy differences of the central clash which prompts a thoughtful examination of the ways we can, by pride and presumption, both consider ourselves falsely superior and dehumanize others at our own peril. 

The patron segment also features a countdown of the Top 5 Greatest Cage Rage Freakouts (with clips) that you'll have to hear to believe. We hope you enjoy this concluding installment in the one, the only #uncaged!

To view the clips referenced in the Patron segment, see below. To learn how they rank, join the Patreon!

Ghost Rider: Spirit of Vengeance

The Vampire’s Kiss

Mandy

The Wicker Man

Deadfall

4:15 - Business Time

Patron Only Segment: The Top 5 Greatest Nic Cage Rage Freakouts (including clips)

11:56 - THE WICKER MAN

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Last week's heartfelt discussion about Pig definitely went horror-lite. Well, we've arguably over-compensated this week on our weekly series #uncaged by discussing the vibrantly visualized and horrifically envisioned COLOR OUT OF SPACE. When a meteorite lands in the front yard of a reclusive family's farmhouse, it begins to spread a beautiful but transformative color to everything in its vicinity. Unspeakable torments and horrors follow, and in discussing it, we not only have more laughs than we could count, but also a convicting conversation about our own individual perspectives and the transformative colors which shift and distort them.

While the film might be a bit rough for some of our more sensitive listeners, this is absolutely a conversation you don't want to miss and we hope you enjoy listening as much as we enjoyed having it.

5:46 - Business Time

Patron Only Segment: What's the Sequel? and Would You Rather...? Color Out of Space Style!

8:30 - COLOR OUT OF SPACE

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Continuing our mini-series #uncaged on films starring the one and only Nicolas Cage, we stop by one of his most recent -- and most critically acclaimed -- features, about a reclusive former chef on a mission to find and rescue his stolen truffle pig. When PIG was first promoted, most of us didn't know what to expect, whether it would be another bonkers Cage-rage adventure or a quirky B-movie thriller. What we ultimately got was a strikingly thoughtful and meditative piece about loss and purpose, identity and love, and the power of grace in moments of profound turmoil. 

It is an uncommon film and much-deserving of consideration. We have a hearty discussion about it and we really hope you enjoy it.

7:29 - Business Time

Patron Only Segment: Whatchas and Lackey the Listicle's Ten Greatest Pop Culture Pigs

12:53 - PIG

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We continue on with our series on Nicolas Cage by diving out of the frying pan and into the flaming skull (and back into the MCU) with GHOST RIDER! Although it was a passion project for Nic Cage (who loves the character and even has a tattoo of him), the film struggles to deliver anything less than pedestrian quality with any of its elements. 

Despite the uniformly mediocre presentation, we manage -- with the help of our returning guest Jackson Harper -- to have a real conversation about penance, justice, and the necessity of grace. This is a really fun ride and we hope you enjoy it!

5:16 - Business Time

Patron Only Segment: Whatchas and Stump Reed

5:58 - GHOST RIDER

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It's time to unleash the most unpredictable and fascinating actor the Fear of God has ever witnessed as we peruse through a series of films starring the one and only Nic Cage! Our first stop in this patron-voted series is WILLY'S WONDERLAND, a simple and very fun b-movie romp wherein Cage plays a man who -- in order to pay for repairs on his damaged car -- agrees to spend the night cleaning up the local kid's attraction Willy's Wonderland. Little does he know that he's now locked in with half a dozen possessed animatronic figures who are intent on brutally murdering him. Too bad he's Nic freaking Cage...

We have a tremendous amount of fun with this conversation including a lot of laughs and then some surprising observations about the remarkable value of diligence and focus for our spiritual well-being. This is a fairly brief (for us) discussion and we hope you have as much fun with it as we did.

4:35 - Business Time

Patron Only Segment: Lackey the Listicle's Top 7 Robots in Horror Films

8:53 - WILLY'S WONDERLAND

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The Oscars -- as you may have heard -- occurred yesterday. But that same weekend, we at the Fear of God hosted our very own awards show honoring the best of the year in horror: The First Annual FoGgy Awards!

Joined by a host of voices both new and familiar to the show, we debated, discussed, and delivered awards for the Best Picture, Director, Lead and Supporting Performances, Writing, Production Design, and Scare in horror for the past year. It was a fun and lively time and we're presenting it here for your listening (and list-making) enjoyment!

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We're back with another special installment this week which not only acts as the coda to #2021moretime with another great discussion about a film from last year, but it also formalizes Ladies Night (now dubbed Quarterly Queens) as an official recurring staple of the Fear of God catalog. 

That's right, this week Reed and Nathan turn the reins over once again to Vera Goudie, Asia Swartzentruber, and Jess Fischli for an in-depth discussion of the follow-up to John Krasinski's incredible film A Quiet Place. They discuss the ways Part II builds upon the ideas in the first one while still managing to create a tense and emotionally rich sequel in its own right. The film also provides some lovely commentary on the ways in which hope can be as infectious as fear and how those aspects of ourselves that others might consider a liability may just be the part of our story which saves us.

It's a fun and hope-fueled discussion this week and we hope you enjoy it!

4:54 - Business Time

8:28 - Whatcha Watchin' / Readin' / Listenin' To?

20:48 - A QUIET PLACE PART II

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As a special coda to our recent string of conversations about Midnight Mass, we invited three ministers: Frances Cutshaw, Josh Bowron, and Charlie Baber, to join us for an open discussion about the Netflix original series from Mike Flanagan: MIDNIGHT MASS.

This is a truly special discussion, rooted in brave vulnerability and hopeful soul-searching, as we examine our respective relationships with the church and with scripture, our capacity to do great good or profound harm, and the strength we can find when even our wounds may indicate to us that something has been made right.

We hope you enjoy the heartfelt dialogue among friends, truly exploring what scares us and what saves us.

Guests for this episode and where they can be found elsewhere are:

Charlie Baber - Wesley Bros online comic

Frances Cutshaw - The Order of Saint Hildegard

Josh Bowron - St Martin's Episcopal Church

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For the past 6 weeks, we've been slowly marching our way through this series to this night, where we look back on all that has been said, explored, feared, and inspired about Mike Flanagan's Netflix original series, MIDNIGHT MASS. 

In this episode, we dive deep into episode 7 specifically and look at the series as a whole, including what was "So Right" and what "Ain't Right", particular quibbles we have in what might become a new regular segment, and what the show left us thinking about, as Flanagan has put it, "how we should live and what happens when we die."

It's a heartfelt and hearty discussion and we hope you enjoy *the* meeting in the Fear of God about MIDNIGHT MASS.

5:00 - Business Time

Patron Only Segment: Whatcha Watchin' / Readin' / Listenin' To?

10:41 - MIDNIGHT MASS

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As a special episode in our series looking back on films from the past year (#2021moretime), we take a special look at the independent documentary VALLEY OF THE SHADOW: THE SPIRITUAL VALUE OF HORROR, which was co-written by Tyler Smith and Reed Lackey, and hosted by Bill Oberst, Jr. The documentary's subject is not a strange one to Fear of God listeners, as the film walks you through four major categories of horrific considerations, culminating in a message of hope and faith as we seek to put some of our deepest fears to rest.

Joined by Tyler and Bill, we unpack the origins of the project as well as what was learned and discovered through the making and releasing of it. We hope you enjoy this very special episode.

4:07 - Business Time

Patron Only Segment: Midnight Mass, episode 6

7:00 - VALLEY OF THE SHADOW: THE SPIRITUAL VALUE OF HORROR

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As part of #2021moretime, we take a trip across the pond and back in time this week for a look at Edgar Wright's stylish, kinetic thriller LAST NIGHT IN SOHO. We're joined by horror enneagrammarian Asia Swartzentruber to explore the twists and surprises in this inventive film, as well as the complex ways it tackles gender commodification, our distorted fixation with nostalgia, and so much more.

This is a hearty and thoughtful discussion and we hope you enjoy it!

4:21 - Business Time

Patron Only Segment: Midnight Mass, episode 5 & "Stump Reed"

6:16 - LAST NIGHT IN SOHO

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We carry on with our journey through some of your favorite horror films of last year (#2021moretime) by visiting the snowy lodge of Josh Ruben's WEREWOLVES WITHIN. This sharply scripted horror-comedy based on the VR video game from Ubisoft is remarkably funny, surprisingly thoughtful, and ultimately just a ton of fun. We unpack its myriad of delights and insights as we gauge the odds of maintaining your hope amidst an increasingly suspicious and polarized society. Also featuring the announcements of the nominees for the FIRST ANNUAL FOGGY AWARDS, this is an episode not to be missed and we hope you enjoy it!

5:12 - Business Time

Patron Only Segment: Midnight Mass, episode 4

6:01 - First Annual FoGgy Awards Nominees Announcement

23:32 - WEREWOLVES WITHIN

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We have a really scary one for you today. As part of our series looking back at films released last year, we visit the dreadful and powerful film SAINT MAUD, written and directed by Rose Glass. When Maud, a hospice nurse, becomes convinced that God wants her to save her patient's soul at all costs, things grow horrific very quickly. We, reluctantly, dive into the film's incredible horrors, while examining what the film can teach us about our own compulsion to try to save others, often at the risk of losing ourselves in the process.

It's a thoughtful and hearty conversation this week and we hope you enjoy it!

4:51 - Business Time

Patron Only Segment: Midnight Mass, episode 3 & Lackey the Listicle's Top 6 Religious Horror Films (that aren't The Exorcist)

6:24 - SAINT MAUD

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We continue our series examining favorite horror films of 2021 (#2021moretime) by welcoming back foreign correspondent Vera Goudie for a discussion about THE NIGHT HOUSE, starring Rebecca Hall and directed by David Bruckner. This film is an atmospheric examination of grief and depression, anchored by an outstanding central performance from Hall. The narrative intricacies, however, pose some confusing challenges for our panel as they attempt to decipher and critique what it is the film seems to be trying to say while offering some noteworthy observations about our own habits when combatting grief and despair.

It's a lively and fun conversation this week and we hope you enjoy it!

7:46 - Business Time

Patreon Only Segment: Midnight Mass Ep2 Discussion, STUMP REED

11:40 - THE NIGHT HOUSE

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We had the privilege to sit down with A. J. Porfirio and Evan Derrick to discuss their thrilling solo board game: FINAL GIRL. They had incredible success with the first iteration of Final Girl, a highly thematic and incredibly variable horror game where you play as a "final girl" character to defeat a killer, and now they're back with Series 2! They broke down for us the inception of the game and its basic mechanics, as well as how to join the kickstarter and make your selections for gameplay.

Joined also by professional gamer and friend of the show Paula Deming, as well as FoGger Matt Murray (who owns and loves the game as well), we had a fantastic time discussing this exciting new game and we want to encourage you to check out the discussion and check out the kickstarter before it closes!

Go to kickstarter.com and search for "Final Girl" to find the project and enjoy!

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It's a brand new year and a brand new month and the inaugural episode of a brand new series here at the Fear of God. We're kicking off a rundown of some of your favorite horror films of last year with #2021moretime. We start with your selection for the very best horror film of last year, James Wan's MALIGNANT! It's an absolutely bananas film which starts off rather predictably, but then swerves hard in all kinds of bonkers directions by the end. We have a lot of fun with this one unpacking the experience of seeing it for the first time, speculating on the potential sequels, and finally observing some surprisingly encouraging truths about the parts of ourselves we try very hard to deny, until the right trauma unleashes it on our little worlds, and how to finally integrate all of it back again. 

This is a really fun first entry to the new year and we hope you enjoy it!

4:37 - Business Time! (the new series AND the new Patreon page!)

9:16 - MALIGNANT

To unlock bonus content for this episode, please consider becoming a patron at patreon.com/thefearofgodpodcast

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The new year is upon us and that means we're in for lots of fun, frivolity, and fright in the one and only Fear of God Podcast. This brief little episode will give you the lowdown on three things:

1) What will 2022 content look like? (including #2021moretime)

2) We're now on PATREON! We'll break down the bonus content tiers and what it means for the show

3) Top Ten Horror Films of 2021 (including which of those ten films we'll cover over the next few weeks)

We're very excited to be back to weekly horror and back to regularly scheduled content. Please check out these announcements and we'll see you this year in the FoG!

thefearofgodpodcast.com

patreon.com/thefearofgodpodcast

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We closed out our series on #whatsavesus with a trek through Season 2 of the Apple TV+ show TED LASSO. The Richmond gang deal with darker and more complex issues this season, as the optimism and kindness are put to their limits and their downsides are exposed. Yet, there is still a tremendous amount to learn from facing the truth which "will set you free, but first it'll piss you off."

Featuring special appearances by fellow podcaster John Viinalass, our "Ain't Right" and "So Right" songsmith Andrew Nelson, and a recurrence from Nathan's brother Josh Rouse... here is our conversations about every episode of Season 2 along with all of our thoughts on its themes, revelations, and challenges. We hope you enjoy revisiting these before our regularly scheduled content returns next week!

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As we navigated the end of the year and #whatsavesus, we spent time walking through the first two seasons of the Apple TV+ series TED LASSO. Here is our full set of conversations about the first season, which became a cultural touchstone through 2020 as a film showing the power and influence that basic kindness and decency could have upon a group of people. While it could have simply been a milquetoast, saccharine exercise, Ted Lasso is -- instead -- a remarkably uplifting and hopeful examination of the work that kindness can do in a community, if we're willing to do the work that kindness requires.

Featuring appearances from our friend former college professor Keith Cassidy, FoG regulars Dave Courtney and Blake Collier, and an extended discussion with Nathan's brother Josh Rouse, we hope you enjoy revisiting these mustache-sized discussions about TED LASSO, Season 1.

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We have another special treat for you before we dive back into our usual content next month, an interview with award-winning novelist, professor, lawyer, advocate, and friend, Natashia Deon. Her most recent novel is called THE PERISHING, where an immortal being arrives in 1930s Los Angeles with no memory of how she came to be there or what had come before. As she makes her way through the world around her -- a time nearly a century ago which somehow still eerily feels like yesterday -- the truth of her journey comes into clarity, culminating in a nail-biting and emotional finale filled with wonder, terror, and hope.

We had the privilege to speak with Natashia about her work outside of writing, her creative process, and how we as a people come to process turmoil and death in the relationships around us. It's a hearty and lovely conversation we were immensely grateful to have. We hope you will seek out Natashia's work and that you enjoy this discussion.

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In between our tentpole twin series of 2021 (What Scares Us & What Saves Us), we took a summer break to have a month long Fear of God PARTY! We invited guests, we reminisced about the 1980s, we played trivia games and we covered every episode of STRANGER THINGS SEASON 3.

Collected here is the full party experience. We share fond memories of the mall; we hold a nail-biting game of 1980s / Stranger Things Trivial Pursuit; and most of all, we go through all of the differing opinions, perspectives, themes, and never-ending stories of the third season of Stranger Things.

Featuring special appearances by nearly a dozen members of the FoG family, here is what we did last summer. It was so much fun and we hope you enjoy revisiting it with us.

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Around May and June of 2021, we took a listener's advice to go wandering the Continent on a journey through Season 1 of Netflix's original series THE WITCHER. It was an often perplexing travel through character names, magical abilities, and the infamous law of surprise but the discussions were lively, thoughtful, and a ridiculous amount of fun.

So here for your listening pleasure -- as we wait to resume new content in February -- is the full menagerie of jokes, lists, and observations about the relationship between destiny and choice that resulted from covering every episode of THE WITCHER, season 1. Also featuring special appearances by recurring guests Steve Beckley and Blake Collier, we had tremendous fun revisiting these conversations and we hope you do as well.

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Throughout 2021, The Fear of God, alongside our listeners, brought into the light the twin questions that have become tentpole philosophical tenants on our show: "What Scares Us?" and "What Saves Us?". We used listener submitted films and media to guide the year-long dialogue, dredging the depths of fearfulness and ascending the heights of vulnerability to find solace in each other and in artistry that pointed to transcendent truths, and in so doing found sharper vision to see this tragically beautiful world and, hopefully, better understand our place in it.

But film and media have limits that sometimes curtail what living faithfully in a society can and perhaps should mean. So today's episode, something of an epilogue to What Scares/Saves Us, is a deeply personal, hopefully thoughtful, thoughtfully hopeful conversation between host Nathan Rouse and author, professor, and ethicist, Dr. David Gushee.

It is a discussion of ideas found often to 'scare' people of faith, but with any luck and a little grace, perhaps it also serves as a means to find ways to be 'saved' of those fears. But more than a discussion of ideas, it is an honest attempt to wrestle faithfully with the real world we all occupy.

May it be a blessing to you in this new year.

-------

Dr. Gushee's works and online presence can be found at https://davidpgushee.com

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We close out this year -- and our series of #whatsavesus -- with Reed's official selection: Frank Capra's IT'S A WONDERFUL LIFE. This film has seen a remarkable cultural rollercoaster, ranging from some considering it one of the most inspirational films of all time to others who regard it as, in Mr. Potter's words, "Sentimental hogwash." But in our exploration of this film's simple yet profound question of "what would the world be like without you?" we examine the ways in which current burdens can fog our perspective and deteriorate the relationships that we so vitally need to protect and cultivate. And in an effort to see things more clearly, we hope that each of us may find someone -- be they treasured friend or angel-second-class -- who could help us shift that perspective and begin to wish joy and gladness on what once was considered a cage of disappointment.

We've really enjoyed this series this year and we hope you have as well, so Happy New Year, FoGgers! We hope you enjoy this final episode of 2021 and we'll see you next year!

4:32 - Business Time

6:34 - Reflections on the #whatsavesus series

11:52 - Whatcha Watchin' / Readin' / Listenin' To?

21:20 - IT'S A WONDERFUL LIFE

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In our penultimate episode of 2021 -- and of our series #whatsavesus -- we venture to the outskirts of a not-too-distant future for the concluding chapter of an epic sci-fi/fantasy trilogy: WAR FOR THE PLANET OF THE APES. While this franchise has its cinematic roots extending all the way back to the 1960s, this modern trilogy of prequels tells a richly drawn and emotionally complex story that dares to ask questions about what makes us human, and positions the central conflict as a war not for dominance or power, but about the character of the soul. Including a brief discussion about the previous two installments (RISE and DAWN), this discussion around WAR is one we think you won't want to miss and that, as always, we hope you enjoy.

6:50 - Business Time

12:15 - Christmas Trivia Fun

25:33 - WAR FOR THE PLANET OF THE APES

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Well, the truth may be here to set us free, but first it's gonna piss us off. That's a direct line (one of the best) from TED LASSO, Season 2, which is our featured discussion this week. We welcome back guest Josh Rouse for his third round in the FoG as we discuss the joys, the tragedies, the outrage, and the wisdom of this show as it matures its narrative from a display about the strengths of kindness and optimism to the challenge of living with change. This is a fun and insightful conversation that we really hope you enjoy.

6:02 - Whatcha Watchin' / Readin' / Listenin' To?

25:16 - TED LASSO, Season 2

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It's hard to know how to set this week's episode up. Terrence Malick, a unique cinematic voice known for contemplative, sweeping stories focused more on evocative emotion than narrative structure directed A HIDDEN LIFE, based upon the true story of a conscientious objector in WWII who refused to swear allegiance to Hitler at the peril of his life and family. We are joined by special guest Andrew Nelson this week (known to the FoG community as the writer and performer of our "So Right" and "Ain't Right" jingles) for a vulnerable and heartfelt conversation on the power and strength of still, small choices and the beauty of being known beyond our relevance or our potential. It's a lovely film and a lovely discussion (also featuring our penultimate diversion through Richmond for TED LASSO, Season 2, Episodes 9 & 10) We hope you enjoy it!

6:57 - TED LASSO, Season 2, Episodes 9 & 10

28:13 - Meet Andrew Nelson (featuring a very special world-premiere song)

39:52 - A HIDDEN LIFE

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And away we go... right into 1960s for a wallop of a #whatsavesus entry courtesy of Quentin Tarantino's ONCE UPON A TIME IN HOLLYWOOD. Tarantino's work is distinct, and occasionally divisive, particularly when he dabbles in revisionist history like he did with Inglorious Basterds and, of course, this piece. But this exercise opens up a really special conversation about the risks and the value that such stories provide for us and how they help us navigate a world which can be, in turns, both lovely and cruel.

Also featuring a detour through TED LASSO Season 2, Episodes 7 & 8, this is a discussion you won't want to miss and we hope you enjoy it.

4:55 - TED LASSO, Season 2, Episodes 7 & 8 #tvguideposts

32:16 - ONCE UPON A TIME IN HOLLYWOOD

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We have a very hearty conversation this week for an absolutely incredible film on #whatsavesus. CALVARY, written and directed by John Michael McDonagh and starring Brendan Gleeson is a complex film with a very simple premise: a man who has suffered years of abuse as a child at the hands of a priest determines that he will kill the innocent local priest in retribution. The priest (Gleeson) has one week to set his affairs in order, and he spends that week continuing to pastor the eclectic, often very cynical people of the town, hoping to do some good before he must face his threatened end. The film confronts the burden of a broken world and the fractures of a broken church with startling insight, disarming wit, and profound sense of humanity. It is a film of remarkable power, unlikely to be forgotten once you've seen it.

We have a challenging and hopeful discussion about it; one we think you won't want to miss.

5:30 - Business Time

12:23 - TED LASSO, Season 2, Episodes 5 & 6

42:58 - CALVARY

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We have something truly special for this week's installment of #whatsavesus. FoG Staffers Asia Swartzentruber and Vera Goudie are your special EXCLUSIVE hosts this week with special guest Jess Fischli for a lovely and heartfelt discussion about Roberto Benigni's critically acclaimed and controversial film La Vita e' Bella (LIFE IS BEAUTIFUL). Set in the Italian countryside, what begins as a lovely romantic comedy soon takes on a darker sheen as the dangers of World War II threaten to destroy a family, forcing a father to do the only thing he knows how to do to protect his son's heart from the horrors around him -- convince him that it is all merely an elaborate game. At turns heartwarming and heartbreaking, in nearly equal measure challenging and inspiring, La Vita e' Bella stirred controversy upon its release with some claiming it made light of a tremendous tragedy while others praised its willingness to create a kind of fairy-tale about the power of finding joy amidst unspeakable tragedy.

It is an incredibly effective film, and Vera, Jess, and Asia have an absolutely wonderful conversation about it which you do NOT want to miss.

4:28 - Business Time

5:08 - Whatcha Watchin' / Readin' / Listenin' To?

21:34 - La Vita e' Bella (LIFE IS BEAUTIFUL)

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We're back this week with a particularly heartfelt and lovely film in our ongoing but temporary series called #whatsavesus, where we briefly intermission our usual excursions into horror to look at films beyond that genre. This week's film by Roland Joffe is called THE MISSION, starring Jeremy Irons and Robert DeNiro. It's an achingly beautiful and often melancholy exploration of the efforts of a small group of Jesuit priests to establish and defend a mission among an indigenous South American community from the political and institutionally religious forces which would uproot, enslave, and destroy them. At times profoundly inspiring and painfully sorrowful, the film evokes a vulnerable and honest conversation about Christ's place in this world, within and often despite the larger understanding of "the church".

Including a brief excursion through Richmond once again for TED LASSO Season 2, episodes 3 & 4, this is a film we strongly encourage you to see and a conversation we think you won't want to miss.

4:58 - TED LASSO, Season 2, Episodes 3 & 4 #tvguideposts

20:25 - THE MISSION

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Inconceivable! The Fear of God is doing an episode about Rob Reiner's THE PRINCESS BRIDE! It's true, it's true, as part of our intermission into non-horror material for #whatsavesus continues and we crack open this modern classic of romance, adventure, fencing, fighting, torture, revenge, true love... and miracles. We welcome guest John Viinalass of the podcast Two Geek Soup to help us navigate the Fire Swamp and uncover trivial bits, favorites moments and characters, and a full discussion about how even death cannot stop true love. It's a fun and hearty conversation, also featuring a detour through Richmond for TED LASSO, Season 2, episodes 1 & 2.

We hope you enjoy it. As you wish.

6:55 - Business Time

13:22 - Whatcha Watchin' / Readin' / Listenin' To?

27:33 - TED LASSO, Season 2, Episodes 1 & 2 #tvguideposts

56:29 - THE PRINCESS BRIDE

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It's time once again to assemble our very own ka-tet and return to the literary world of the master of horror himself, Stephen King. This QK we're covering 'SALEM'S LOT, thanks to a listener's #whatsavesus submission, focusing primarily on the original novel and the 1979 mini-series directed by Tobe Hooper. After a fun exercise in who we'd cast to populate the town in our own version, this bleak and haunting story provides an opportunity to also examine our own reactions to the monstrous actions of people and what hope we could ever have of living our lives without succumbing to the infections around us.

It's a hearty, laugh-filled, and thoughtful conversation as we welcome back Andy Whitfield, Ian Olson, and Blake Collier to the Fear of God with another Quarterly King! We hope you enjoy it.

6:43 - Business Time

8:09 - A Surprise for Reed

18:48 - A Few Additional Announcements and a Listener Submission

25:22 - Recasting 'Salem's Lot

55:44 - 'SALEM'S LOT, main discussion

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We bid you welcome for a very special October episode of The Fear of God, featuring another podcast with a unique and particularly relevant premise. Rev. Peter Laws is an ordained minister, an author, a podcaster, and an ardent fan of all things spooky, macabre, scary, and strange. His most recent project is the Creepy Cove Community Church Podcast, an immersive experience where listeners are invited to hear a church service in a fictional town where every horror movie actually happened. Each service features fun appearances by iconic horror characters, as well as scripture reading, a sermon by Rev. Peter, a special time of prayer and reflection and even a fun horror hymn. It's an experience uniquely accessible to both believers and non-believers alike, presenting spiritual observations in a fun and interesting way.

We had the privilege of talking with Peter about the inception of this wonderfully creative and remarkably edifying venture, as well as thoughtful reflections about the unique opportunity horror can provide us in our spiritual journeys. Featuring lively discussion, thoughtful observations, and clips from a few episodes of Creepy Cove, this is an episode we think you'll really enjoy and urge you to check out.

Also -- stay tuned at the end of the episode for one of Creepy Cove's special horror hymns! And don't forget to RSVP for the upcoming first ever (hopefully annual) FoGoween Party.

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The #whatsavesus series has all been about getting personal; sharing the stories particular meaning for us in particular ways. In that spirit, our guest this week -- Jackson Harper, returning for his third trip through the FoG -- asked us to discuss BLESS THE CHILD, the 2000 film from director Chuck Russell about a literal battle between Heaven and Hell over the soul of a gifted young girl, and possibly the fate of the entire world. While the film's objective quality is negligible at best, the discussion about it is both lively and thoughtful, as Jackson shares with us the circumstances around which he first saw this film and why it has stayed with him. We have a lot of laughs with this one as well (including both a "That's So Right" AND a "That Ain't Right" segment) and we really think you're going to enjoy it.

6:07 - Business Time (Don't miss our first ever FoGoween Zoom Party!)

10:09 - Whatcha Watchin' / Readin' / Listenin' To?

27:19 - BLESS THE CHILD

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It's our favorite time of year!!! Time to get a little creepy and spooky and maybe even all together ooky! October kicks off by continuing our ongoing series on #whatsavesus, but THIS time with entries which are still in our old friend the horror genre. We start off with a feast of pure delight, the gleefully macabre film from 1991 about our favorite weird family, THE ADDAMS FAMILY. We're joined by our very own horror enneagrammarian Asia Swartzentruber to explore all the ways this film makes us laugh, gives us hope, and even has a thing or two to teach us about embracing difference.

This is a fun and hearty conversation (which also includes lots of love for The Gilmore Girls, Martin Short, and the new Netflix series Midnight Mass) and we hope you enjoy it!

9:29 - Business Time -- There's a Halloween FoG Party and YOU'RE invited!

14:15 - Whatcha Watchin' / Readin' / Listenin' To?

42:49 - THE ADDAMS FAMILY

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Time to be a goldfish and high-five some trees everybody because we're headed to Richmond for TED LASSO, Season 1! We're joined once again by sports enthusiast and Nathan's lifelong brother Josh Rouse for a deep dive on all the best moments, whether funny or profound of season 1, as well as a heartfelt examination of what a show like this compels from us and teaches us about the hard-earned value of navigating the world with deliberate kindness.

This is one we think you won't want to miss and we hope you enjoy it!

7:11 - Business Time (an upcoming Halloween party!)

9:07 - Whatcha Watchin' / Readin' / Listenin' To?

19:08 - TED LASSO, Season 1

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We have something special for you today, friends. This week, we log another installment in the temporary but long-form series of non-horror material in #whatsavesus. MY LIFE AS A ZUCCHINI (original French title MA VIE DE COURGETTE) was a 2016 Oscar nominee for Best Animated Feature and clocks in at barely longer than an hour. It tells the remarkably restrained but powerfully moving story of a boy named Ikar (who insists that everyone call him Zucchini) who is left orphaned following a sudden accident and taken to a group foster home where he soon discovers friendship, trust, love, and family. Nearly every scene of the film is rich with emotion, both joy and sadness in equal doses. Our guest Dave Courtney (newly invited to a more formal role in the FoG community) selected this film as an opportunity not only to share some of his personal story, but to give us all the chance to explore our own intersection with the world of adoption, whether literally, figuratively or spiritually.

This is a really special film and we have a sensitive and heartfelt discussion about it which we hope will encourage you. Also don't miss a brief excursion through merry old England for episodes 5 & 6 of Season 1 of TED LASSO! Enjoy!

4:46 - Business Time (a promotion and a party!)

13:59 - TED LASSO, Season 1, Episodes 5 & 6 #tvguideposts

39:38 - MY LIFE AS A ZUCCHINI

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Hi everyone. This week's episode covers some challenging subject matter and is worth a bit of brief investigation beforehand to decide if you'd rather watch the film first or hear our discussion before watching. The brilliant but challenging film is THE WOODSMAN, starring Kevin Bacon, Kyra Sedgewick, and Mos Def, and is directed by Nicole Kassell. It tells the story of a convicted child molester who tries to start a new life following his release from prison. The film, though certainly heavy, is told with remarkable sensitivity and insight, offering some profound observations about trauma and freedom about a subject less brave films wouldn't even be willing to touch. We are joined by frequent guest Blake Collier for a vulnerably honest conversation about what our responsibility truly is when we encounter another person's shame.

Also featuring a much livelier and more fun discussion about episodes 3 & 4 of Season 1 of Ted Lasso, this is a fruitful and thoughtful discussion with an honest aim towards finding hope that we hope you enjoy.

5:24 - TED LASSO, Season 1, Episodes 3 & 4 #tvguideposts

37:48 - THE WOODSMAN

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Yo Adrian, it's time for the Fear of God! This week, we dive into another installment in our ongoing series of non-horror material titled #whatsavesus where we explore stories that inspire us or give us hope. This week we are joined by our often-referenced college professor and beloved friend Keith Cassidy for a discussion about his favorite movie of all time: the underdog love story from the imagination of Sylvester Stallone, ROCKY.

In addition to some of the more obvious inspirational notes this legacy film has to communicate, it also affords us the chance to reflect on our own dreams and wishes, and what it means to really "go the distance" to see them become a reality. It's a fun and fast-paced conversation which also includes a brief chat about the first two episodes of SEASON 1 of TED LASSO, so it's one we hope you'll really enjoy.

6:34 - TED LASSO, Season 1, Episodes 1 & 2 #tvguideposts

25:17 - ROCKY

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O captain, my captain... it is time to seize the day. Make your lives extraordinary. Carpe DIEM!

In this week's installment in our ongoing mini-series examining not-necessarily-horror entries called #whatsavesus, we stop by Welton prep school to visit Mr. Keating's class for a discussion about Peter Weir's incredible film starring Robin Williams: DEAD POETS SOCIETY.

The film prompts reflection from both Nathan and Reed about individuals in their lives who have influenced them tremendously before leading to a broader discussion about what it really means -- and doesn't mean -- to make our lives extraordinary. A heartfelt and hearty discussion this week that we hope you will enjoy.

9:18 - Business Time

11:50 - Whatcha Watchin' / Readin' / Listenin' To?

31:30 - DEAD POETS SOCIETY

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Ciao amici! Welcome to another installment in this ongoing series about the other half of our weekly explorations: #whatsavesus, where for a time we're examining films beyond the horror genre. This week's entry comes to us courtesy of our guest, Vera Goudie, and it's served with a heaping helping of warm-heartedness and trenette al pesto: Pixar studio's LUCA!

This most recent film in Pixar's prestigious canon may appear simplistic at first, but as we quickly uncover, there are a multitude of lovely and inspiring truths sitting beneath the surface. This is a full-spirited and lively conversation that we hope you all enjoy. Silencio, Bruno!

6:32 - Business Time

7:54 - Whatcha Watchin' / Readin' / Listenin' To?

29:59 - LUCA

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Heeeellllllooooooooo, cherubs! Welcome back to another installment in our series of listener-curated, not-necessarily-horror films on this half of 2021 known as #whatsavesus. This week, we're heading to Baz Luhrmann's bombastic, big-feeling musical ode to the glory of bohemian ideals: MOULIN ROUGE! Nathan and Reed have somewhat divergent takes on this film, which prompts a very honest discussion about the nature and necessities of romantic love and how we cultivate the relationships in our lives. It's one you won't want to miss and we hope you enjoy it!

6:48 - Business Time

8:07 - Whatcha Watchin' / Readin' / Listenin' To? (including our thoughts on M. Night Shyamalan's OLD)

26:49 - MOULIN ROUGE!

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3... 2... 1... Welcome back to another installment of #whatsavesus! This time, courtesy of special guest and official continuity guru Steve Beckley, we are discussing Robert Zemeckis's CONTACT. The film was an unconventional summer blockbuster about explorations of faith and science through the lens of Carl Sagan's novel about the search for extraterrestrial life and the questions that linger about who we are and what we believe. The three of us have an honest and open conversation about the possibilities and the wonders of what lies beyond our understanding, as well as an unpacking of the wrestling we all do between our faith and our skepticism. It's a fun and hope-filled discussion this week and we hope you enjoy it!

5:45 - Business Time

8:25 - Whatcha Watchin' / Readin' / Listenin' To?

30:32 - CONTACT

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Hei Hei, everybody! We're kicking off a whole new chapter in the Fear of God saga with a few months following conversations about #whatscaresus specifically about #whatsavesus. So, while the frights and spooks won't quite be up front and center the next few months, we'll still be having all the usual laughter and thoughtful conversation you've come to know and (hopefully) love.

First up is the selection by Nathan himself: Disney's MOANA! This lovely film has some profound observations about creation's redemption and the invitation we have to participate in it, so we want to invite you to relax and enjoy as we venture beyond the reef into uncharted waters at the Fear of God. It's going to be a great time, and what else can we say except... ;-)

6:29 - Business Time

9:41 - Whatcha Watchin' / Readin' / Listenin' To?

31:36 - MOANA

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It's all come to this -- all the partying, all the 80s vibe, all the rad hair, synth music, and trapper keepers have come to our final party of the month and a conversation about the whole season of STRANGER THINGS 3! We're joined by Jess Fischli and Vera Goudie for a true party vibe -- complete with an actual game night! -- and a surprisingly thoughtful conversation about what this season of Stranger Things had to say about the ways in which we fear change, particularly in our relationships, and the necessity of embracing it in order to "keep the door open 3 inches" towards the wonder that life and faith and tomorrow hold for us.

We had a ton of fun recording this one and we hope you have a lot of fun listening to it as well.

8:51 - Business Time

11:36 - 80s Party Game Night Round 1

28:16 - Stranger Things Season 3 General Thoughts (including That Ain't Right!)

40:13 - 80s Party Game Night Round 2

46:11 - Whatcha Watchin' / Readin' / Listenin' To?

1:04:51 - 80s Party Game Night Round 3

1:10:25 - STRANGER THINGS SEASON 3, Episodes 7 & 8, and Thoughts on Theme

2:08:46 - 80s Party Game Night (Goodbye Round)

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Grab your cotton candy people, fire off your flying popcorn gun, and hornswoggle that poor old farmer because we are going under the big top for our next installment in #thoseFoGgin80s, a series of podcast parties featuring classic 80s films and a run through STRANGER THINGS 3. This week, it's none other than KILLER KLOWNS FROM OUTER SPACE, given the FoG treatment by your usual hosts as well as special guests Blake Collier, Steve Beckley, and Matt Ruff. And if you think there isn't any thematic substance to be discussed in this film.... well, you're mostly right. But the guys still manage to find some interesting observations about our tendencies to make fools of ourselves -- by insisting nobody else will make a fool out of us.

There's also a stopover in Hawkins for episodes 5 & 6 of Stranger Things 3, as well as all the usual fun and frivolity, so buckle up, watch out for those shadow puppets, and enjoy our 80s party treatment of the likes the Killer Klowns from Outer Space!

5:35 - Business Time - (What Saves Us and a CONTEST!)

8:38 - STRANGER THINGS 3, Episodes 5 & 6 #tvguideposts

43:49 - KILLER KLOWNS FROM OUTER SPACE

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Time to get totally righteous dudes and dudettes because we're back for another 80s Party featuring Santa Clara's best (oily saxophone) and worst (those $&#*@ vampires) as we invite Dave Courtney, Ian Olson, and Jackson Harper onto the show to discuss Joel Schumacher's THE LOST BOYS on this installment of #thoseFoGgin80s. After another brief stopover in Hawkins again for episodes 3 & 4 of STRANGER THINGS Season 3, we dive right in to this stylish vampire classic of the 80s, have a lot of laughs, and also find the time to observe how easy it can be to normalize yourself to some pretty dangerously abnormal things.

It's a wild ride on the special shelf of the fridge this week. We had a lot of fun recording it and we hope you have a lot of fun listening to it.

4:58 - Business Time (#whatsavesus AND a new contest!)

11:25 - STRANGER THINGS Season 3, Episodes 3 & 4 #tvguideposts

39:18 - THE LOST BOYS

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Hey everyone and happy summer! We're coming to you with a very special bonus episode courtesy of novelist and screenwriter Grady Hendrix. Grady is a Bram Stoker award winning author of several bestselling novels including My Best Friend's Exorcism, We Sold Our Souls, and most recently The Southern Book Club's Guide to Vampire Slaying. His latest novel -- which becomes available on July 13th, 2021 -- is called The Final Girl Support Group and it comes highly recommended.

Grady was gracious enough to sit down with Reed for an insider's tour of his career and his major works, including a sneak peek at The Final Girl Support Group. It's a really fun conversation and we're so grateful he spent some time with us. Please check out gradyhendrix.com for more information about his work, enjoy this lively discussion, and mark your calendars to check out The Final Girl Support Group on July 13th!

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Cowabunga dudes and dudettes! After half a year of some heavy-lifting conversations about what scares us, it's summetime and we're having a PARTY! Welcome to a mini-series of four special 80s-themed episodes featuring special guests, classic 80s flicks, and Stranger Things season 3!

We kick things off by welcoming some of our favorite FoGgers: Asia Swartzentruber and Andy Whitfield to discuss the 90-minute "that ain't right" fest that is Clive Barker's HELLRAISER. After a brief stopover in Hawkins to unpack episodes 1 & 2 of STRANGER THINGS SEASON 3, we venture into that creepy upstairs bedroom, open up the puzzle box and devour the cenobites whole with a conversation that is not only fun, but also explores the ways in which our own obsessive pursuit of certain things may be the slow erosion of our very humanity.

This is a fun time and we hope you enjoy our inaugural installment of #thoseFoGgin80s.

10:55 - Stranger Things Season 3, Episodes 1 & 2

49:55 - Clive Barker's HELLRAISER

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2021 is still here! And thankfully so are we. As you may well know by now, we've spent the first half of the year tackling YOUR submissions for what SCARES you. And now, it's time to complete the picture, where once again we need YOUR help and participation to discover what SAVES us.

Take a listen to this brief unpacking of our vision for #whatsavesus, including some hopefully helpful examples of the kinds of material we'd love to hear from you about so that we can discuss them on the show. We can't wait to hear from you and are very excited for what the rest of 2021 will be bringing us thanks to each and all of you!

Check out this mini-bonus episode and we'll see you in the FoG

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This week's episode of The Fear of God is somewhat unique and requires a bit of introduction. The film in discussion -- called TRUST, from 2010, directed by David Schwimmer and starring Clive Owen, Catherine Keener, and Liana Liberato -- is about a teenage girl who becomes the victim of sexual assault after being preyed upon by an online predator. The nature of the material sparks one of our most vulnerable and personal conversations yet, one which we hope and believe is as mature and sensitive as the subject matter requires.

Our show's primary focal point is to examine what scares us in order to find what saves us. At times, that exploration can be difficult, with the "scares us" portion not making it very easy to see the "saves us" part. But, as we learn in this conversation, as long as we have the courage to speak the truth about what's been lost, we have a hope of finding what remains. If you, or someone you know, has encountered this week's subject in any degree, then we encourage you to approach this week's film and conversation with discretion, and pray that you may find the safety and the courage to speak the truth to any and all who have ears to hear it.

Thank you for listening.

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Surprise Sydney... This week's episode picks up on the franchise we haven't visited since episode 60 with a discussion about Wes Craven's unexpected farewell film, SCREAM 4. Thanks to a #whatscaresus submission by special guest Jackson Harper, we have the opportunity to discuss the franchise as a whole, and to dig deeper on what makes Ghostface a unique slasher among his peers, and what it might take if we ourselves were to be tempted to adopt the mask persona and do damage in the name of anonymity. It's a fun and thoughtful discussion this week that we hope you enjoy!

17:01 - Whatcha Watchin' / Readin' / Listenin' To?

35:04 - SCREAM 4

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No pun intended (maybe a little) but this week's episode, things get pretty deep. We're tackling another #whatscaresus submission, this time the claustrophobic thriller by Rodrigo Cortes starring Ryan Reynolds -- BURIED. The film is about a man buried alive with only a cell phone to connect to the outside world, and the perils he faces with increasing desperation to try to find rescue. After unpacking the film's nerve-wracking particulars (including formalizing a show segment with a brand new musical introduction) we explore the broader metaphors of the ways in which our own lives, systems, failures, and traumas can overwhelm and bury us, sucking our oxygen away and making it ever more difficult to be seen or heard, or to know our humanness and that we are loved.

This is an episode we think you won't want to miss and we hope you enjoy it.

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Drop a coin for your podcast... we're wrapping up our journey through the Continent this week with a summation conversation about season 1 of Netflix's THE WITCHER. It's been a windy, often confusing, but very fun journey getting to episodes 7 & 8 and through this conversation we explore the landing points of the first season, rank the show's scariest monsters, and talk through some of the overarching themes the show had at its core, particularly themes of destiny and choice and which one really leads us to where we are going.

It's a lot of fun this week and we hope you enjoy it.

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Sweets to the sweet, FoGgers... In a hearty and deeply personal episode, we're joined by special guest Jess Fischli to talk about her #whatscaresus submission: Bernard Rose's film CANDYMAN, based on a story by Clive Barker. The film has been described as both progressive and problematic for the ways in which it both subverted stereotypes and reinforced them. We discuss the film's impact as an effective frightener (even almost 30 years later) but also spent a lot of time unpacking our own personal experiences with the ways that certain stories have changed how we see the world around us and how we see ourselves. The film prompted some scary and honest conversation around the the things we believe we control simply by naming them, only to realize far too late how out of our control those things have truly become.

We hope you enjoy this challenging and heartfelt discussion this week!

6:00 - Afterthoughts and Whatcha Wednesdays

9:08 - Introductions with our guest, Jess Fischli

23:08 - Whatcha Watchin' / Readin' / Listenin' To?

34:44 - CANDYMAN

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The highways are long and stretch out before us in the wild and treacherous wilderness as we tackle one of the most controversial films in horror history: the 1986, taboo-busting thriller starring Rutger Hauer, Jennifer Jason Leigh, and C. Thomas Howell... THE HITCHER.

FoG regular Blake Collier joins us once again to submit his entry in our series of #whatscaresus to discuss this film of uniquely unsettling power, about a man who decides to show kindness to the wrong hitchhiker on the wrong day and finds himself in the crosshairs of a deadly game of cat and mouse. But what emerges from this deceptively simple story is a challenging moral puzzle that confronts even the strongest optimists among us with the painful speculation about what happens when the truth comes down and things don't always work out ok.

This episode also features another lively round of conversation about episodes 5 & 6 of season 1 of Netflix's THE WITCHER before hitting the open road to unpack how to overcome malevolent evil without losing our own soul in the process. It's a hearty and thought-provoking discussion this week and we hope you enjoy it!

7:44 - THE WITCHER, Season 1, Episodes 5 & 6

31:59 - THE HITCHER

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We venture beyond the boundaries of the known universe this week, into a realm of pure chaos, as we welcome continuity guru Steve Beckley back to the show for a new installment in our series #whatscaresus to discuss Paul W. S. Anderson's 1997 cult classic EVENT HORIZON.

We venture through The Continent first for a brief discussion about episodes 3 & 4 of THE WITCHER before climbing aboard the Lewis and Clark for a conversation wrestling with chaos and freedom, and all the attractions, risks, and dangers inherent in our own potential addiction to a world without structure. It's a hearty conversation about a grisly but fascinating film and we hope you enjoy it.

4:57 - Business Time

6:52 - THE WITCHER, Episodes 3 & 4 #tvguideposts

29:00 - EVENT HORIZON

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"Dead or alive, you're coming with us..." to an unconventional conversation this week with an entry in #whatscaresus as we explore the neo-noir, sci-fi, dystopian classic of 1980s action spectacle: Paul Verhoeven's ROBOCOP. Featuring a remarkably sharp and clever script, compelling performances, and an almost gleefully excessive amount of violence, Robocop has emerged as a surprisingly insightful and subversive examination of the relationship between man and our machines, both external, internal, and systematic. What is perhaps the most noteworthy element of its premise, however, is the way it takes a character who is mostly machine, and makes him an unconventional surrogate for the more universal quest for identity and humanity.

We also dive into the first two episodes of season 1 of Netflix's THE WITCHER, in an episode filled with laughter, self-reflection, and a decent amount of really challenging questions. It's one we think you won't want to miss and we hope you enjoy it.

8:08 - Business Time

10:01 - THE WITCHER, Episodes 1 & 2 #tvguideposts

34:00 - ROBOCOP

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Let us go on a quest, beyond the boundaries or our wildest imaginations to combat the dreaded terror of the relentless and unforgiving Nothing. That's right night hobs and rock biters, this week as part of our ongoing series #whatscaresus we are discussing the one and only THE NEVERENDING STORY! (ahhh-ah-ahh-ah-ah-ahhh-ah-ahhh)

In a conversation filled with wonder and possibilities, we are joined by special guest Dave Courtney to discuss one of the greatest fantasy films of the 80s and possibly of all time. Wolfgang Peterson's film means a great deal to each of the participants in this discussion, not just for its nostalgia and how well it holds up, but for the absolute overflow of ideas and inspiration it wrestles with, most particularly the ways in which it proposes that the stories which ground our histories, our faith, and our relationships are not stories locked in time and unmoving, but are perhaps reading us as much as we are reading them.

This is a vulnerable, honest, and hope-filled discussion this week and we really hope you enjoy it.

7:39 - Introductions and Business Time

12:02 - Whatcha watchin' / readin' / listenin' to?

30:35 - THE NEVERENDING STORY

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Another installment for #whatscaresus produces one of our most personal and challenging conversations yet. LAKE MUNGO, written and directed by Joel Anderson, is a fictional documentary about the disappearance of a teen girl and her family's journey through the mystery of her death, the secrets she took with her to the grave, and the spectral shadows that haunt us all along our way. It's a unique approach to narrative horror and a special kind of experimental film. What the film prompts in us is a thoughtful conversation about reconciling our current self with our former self (and our future self); the ways we stage focal points in our lives while ignoring the much more vital periphery; and the difficult but necessary work of bringing ourselves to the place of each other's needs without merely trying to fix problems or force everything to make sense.

Even if you've never heard of or seen Lake Mungo, we encourage you to both seek out the film and hear our responding discussion. We think you'll be encouraged and challenged in equal measure and we hope you enjoy it.

5:21 - Business Time

7:23 - Whatcha Watchin' / Readin' / Listenin' To?

21:09 - LAKE MUNGO

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Checking in this week with another installment in the listener-curated #whatscaresus series, we welcome back to the show bestselling author Matt Ruff (Lovecraft Country, 88 Names) for a discussion about the haunting film from director Brad Anderson, SESSION 9. When a small asbestos abatement team agree to complete the clearance of an abandoned mental facility (and agree to do it in a third of the time it would normally take), their tensions are pushed to the edge, and possibly their sanity as well.

While it is a strong, unconventional thriller in its own right, it also invites a challenging and frightening consideration (as our guest puts it) of the ways in which "sin without the possibility of forgiveness leads to madness." The discussion here is confessional (at times rather embarrassingly so), thoughtful, and honest as we grapple with the temptations to feel superior about the wrongdoings of others, times when confession is helpful or dangerous, and the collective addiction people can have to casting condemnation in our demand for accountability.

It's a hearty and lively discussion this week and we hope you enjoy it.

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Following another terrifying entry in our series #whatscaresus, we take a trip through the static of the TV screen to visit CANDLE COVE, the fictional and dreadfully treacherous place featured in the first season of SYFY's anthology series CHANNEL ZERO.

Featuring gruesome and terrifying visuals as well as a tremendous sense of dread and unease, Channel Zero (and specifically the six episodes of Candle Cove) also provided an opportunity for a challenging conversation about the ways we are influenced by things we may otherwise view as harmless or under our control, and the potential necessity of creating imaginative blockers to turn them off for us before they destroy us from the inside out.

Hoist the sails, bring in the plank, and most of all hold onto your teeth!

4:36 - Business Time

5:41 - Whatcha Watchin' / Readin' / Listenin' To?

13:19 - CHANNEL ZERO: CANDLE COVE

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It's difficult to believe that after more than 4 years of horror-themed conversations, we still had yet to cover the landmark entry in the canon known as ROSEMARY'S BABY, but thanks to a submission of #whatscaresus by special guest Asia Swartzentruber, we finally get to have this discussion. And believe us when we say, it's a doozy.

In addition to exploring the film's myriad of complex themes and intricacies, we also have an honest look at the ways in which people of faith will often respond and react to what they consider "the work of the devil". While overt, more blatant displays of devilish theater may curl our hair, we are often painfully blind to the more insidious and subtle ways we are tempted and coerced into continued selfish and oppressive patterns that are far more devilish than pointy horns or yellow eyes. And perhaps directly confronting our presumptions and our own little rituals might just be the path back to something holy amidst something horrific.

It's a hearty and heartfelt conversation this week that you won't want to miss.

4:53 - Business Time

6:56 - Whatcha Watchin' / Readin' / Listenin' To?

21:23 - ROSEMARY'S BABY

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Hi, we're the Fear of God. Wanna play...? Well then you're in luck, because we're tagging back in on our umbrella series of #whatscaresus with a listener-requested entry to discuss Tom Holland's film featuring the one and only maniacal doll, Chucky: CHILD'S PLAY!

Featuring special effects that remain impressive more than 20 years later and a main villain with the staying power for 6 sequels and a remake, Child's Play works on its surface as a top-notch slasher thriller, but also has some fascinating considerations under its surface, including the careleness with which we sometimes invite harm into our little worlds by simply not believing those who are warning us of imminent and severe danger.

It's a fun and thoughtful dollhouse we step into this week and we hope you enjoy it!

**Special note** -- This episode was recorded before we had seen Zack Snyder's Justice League or had confirmed that we would discuss it on an episode, hence our preliminary comments within this episode about it.

4:58 - Business Time

9:18 - Whatcha Watchin' / Readin' / Listenin' To?

21:07 - CHILD'S PLAY (1988)

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It's time for the Age of Heroes to come again. In what was an unprecedented cyclone of fan outcry, visionary debate, consumer opportunity, and fraught creative conflicts... four years after the theatrical version of Justice League was released to the public, HBO Max delivered to us ZACK SNYDER'S JUSTICE LEAGUE.

Zack Snyder's final vision, the conclusion of a trilogy of stories he began with 2013's Man of Steel, is massive in both runtime and vision. And while we at the Fear of God have certainly taken more than our share of jabs at the DCEU prior to now, we wanted to approach this cultural moment with open minds and open hearts, seeking to have an honest conversation about these films and where they take our imaginations.

Joined by frequent guest and FoG staffer Ian Olson, we seek to unite the Mother Boxes in a discussion that walks down the road of nostalgia for DC films and stories at large, highlights some of our favorite elements of this new film, and grapples with what heroism truly means in the DC SnyderVerse.

So, like Amazons before Steppenwolf, have no fear dear listeners, this is a fun and open-hearted conversation about the cultural titan that is Zack Snyder's vision and we hope you enjoy it!

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It's time once again to explore the vast catalog of the one and only Stephen King. We're taking a bit of a detour this time around, to a remote island called Little Tall, where the worst blizzard the community has ever seen won't be the worst devastation to hit their town this weekend. A stranger has come with a terrible power and an even more terrible request.

We assemble, once again, our own little ka-tet of fellow King fans -- Andy Whitfield and Blake Collier -- to dive in right away for a challenging and honest conversation wrestling with one of the horror master's most compelling moral dilemmas and the struggles that confront our moral will at its very core.

It's a discussion we think you won't want to miss and we hope you enjoy it.

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We continue our journey this week in #whatscaresus with an episode curated by our very own Vera Goudie: Johannes Roberts' 47 METERS DOWN.

A relentless exercise in aquatic terror might be what you'd expect from this story about two diving sisters who find themselves dreadfully stuck beyond the safe free-diving distance in the ocean. What you might not expect is the discussion that arose from it, about the fragility of our self-awareness, the entitlement we display when we encroach upon areas without good stewardship, and the ways these depths and the struggle to navigate them can distort our perspectives. Vera joins us for another thoughtful conversation that we hope you enjoy!

6:09 - Business Time

8:33 - Whatcha Watchin' / Readin' / Listenin' To?

25:56 - 47 METERS DOWN

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We kick off a brand new series this week of content specifically answering the question, #whatscaresus. Most of these entries will be listener sourced stories and media that digs at the core of our deepest fears. But to start things off, we're beginning with Reed's selection -- the 1988 directorial debut of Stan Winston, PUMPKINHEAD.

Featuring an incredible creature design and a remarkable level of narrative depth, Pumpkinhead should not be too easily dismissed as a generic 80's kill fest. It is a haunting meditation on the price of vengeance and the cost of what happens when we choose -- in our grief and rage -- to unleash hell upon those who have wronged us.

We think you'll really enjoy this series and we certainly hope you enjoy this episode!

5:09 - Business Time

9:37 - Whatcha Watchin' / Readin' / Listenin' To?

15:53 - PUMPKINHEAD

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In our final stop on this journey of 20/20/2020-2.0 where we examine some of the strongest films of 2020, we make an unexpected swap in our lineup and have a discussion about Christopher Landon's body-swap-slasher, FREAKY. While we fully expected this gleefully entertaining horror comedy to spark some fun conversation, we did not expect it to also spark thoughtful observations about the relationship between our spirits and our bodies and importance of reconciling ourselves as a whole person within that discussion. This one is a film -- and a conversation -- we think you won't want to miss.

3:48 - Business Time - "What Scares You?"

7:21 - Whatcha Watchin' / Readin' / Listenin' To?

17:12 - FREAKY

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Who are we and what do we do?

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Welcome to another installment in 20/20/2020-2.0 as we log another favorite 2020 film discussion in the books. This time, it's the directorial debut on Netflix from Remi Weekes, HIS HOUSE. A gripping, terrifying story of two people who have suffered tremendous loss and faced incalculable desperation to flee Sudan in the hopes of a new life in London, His House is a powerfully human nightmare couched in an intensely relevant social issue. Nathan and Reed's dissection of this hauntingly effective film unearths the dreadful dilemma of wrestling with individual transgression versus societal evils, how the two beget each other, and the hope we might have to finally face them with hope and generosity of spirit.

This is a conversation we don't think you'll want to miss and we hope you enjoy it.

6:58 - Business Time

13:18 - Whatcha Watchin' / Readin' / Listenin' To?

31:10 - HIS HOUSE

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We hope you're awake now! Because we're heading the wintry landscape of Utah for our next discussion in 20/20/2020-2.0 -- THE WOLF OF SNOW HOLLOW. A quirky and unique horror-comedy from writer/director Jim Cummings, this film is remarkably subversive and in addition to being highly entertaining, has quite a bit on its mind about gender, self-awareness, and the condition of realizing when you're not ok. We have a fun and heartfelt conversation about it that we really think you're gonna enjoy!

5:02 - Business Time

8:14 - Whatcha Watchin' / Readin' / Listenin' To

17:15 - THE WOLF OF SNOW HOLLOW

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Ladies and gentlemen, you're listening to radio station TFOG, playing you all the hits and all of those strange sounds from all that goes bump in the night. We're continuing our collection of hits from last year called 20/20/2020-2.0 with this impressive science fiction gem called THE VAST OF NIGHT. This independent thriller is one of the most impressively inventive bits of cinema in recent memory, and launches Reed and Nathan into a vibrant conversation about the ways we can quickly find ourselves way over our heads, and the simple words of wisdom which might provide the hope to anchor us along the way.

This is a lively and thoughtful conversation and we hope you enjoy it!

4:26 - Business Time

8:27 - Whatcha Watchin' / Readin' / Listenin' To?

28:45 - THE VAST OF NIGHT

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2021 has arrived! And we have some special things planned that involve -- and frankly won't work without -- YOUR participation. Listen to this brief little warm-up to find out what this year's general slate of films are going to be centered around and how YOU can directly select a good chunk of what we cover. We have frequently had listeners ask us if we'd be willing to cover "this" or would consider a conversation about "that" and this year we have a really intentional way for that to become a reality.

Check out this pre-cap episode to see what that will entail and we'll look forward to making our way through 2021 together!

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We're back everybody! Starting things off with 20/20/2020-2.0, where we take a look at some of the films from 2020 we didn't yet have the chance to discuss. We check in first at the provocative and challenging film from the directors of Goodnight Mommy, THE LODGE. The conversation takes on a different format for us given the heaviness and difficulty of the material, but yields some heartfelt and vulnerable conversation about the ways in which lies, given too much freedom and propagation, can shackle and devastate us with irreparable consequences. It's a discussion deeply rooted in our mission to explore, not explain, and one we hope you enjoy.

5:23 - Important Announcement!

7:20 - Whatcha Watchin' / Readin' / Listenin' To?

20:24 - THE LODGE

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Welcome to 2021 everybody! And welcome back to the Fear of God. We're kicking things off this year -- get it? -- with an episode a bit out of our typical format. Nathan welcomes his brother Josh Rouse -- author, blogger, pastor, and all around excellent guy -- to join him and Reed on a discussion about the hit series continuing the Karate Kid Franchise on Netflix and YouTube Premium: COBRA KAI!

After some fun general questions about the franchise as a whole, we prune the bonsai tree a bit further diving into why the series, which could have easily been little more than a nostalgic joke, is one of the most interesting, entertaining, and often quite moving television series in recent history.

We'll be back with our regularly scheduled programming next week, but meanwhile -- QUIET!.... now, wax on, wax off and don't forget to sweep the leg!

11:28 - Whatcha Watchin' / Readin' / Listenin' to?

21:29 - Strike first, strike hard, no mercy!

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And so we reach the end of our extended series on learning how to lose, anchored most directly in HBO's THE LEFTOVERS. Season 3 was a bold and unpredictable season, and our conversations about it reflect that, including all of the pain and the joy and the mystery and the discovery that come with our perpetual mission to explore and not explain.

Collected here are each of the individual segments from that series, including our extended discussion about the show's finale, our brief moment to reflect upon the sudden untimely passing of Chadwick Boseman in light of loss and grief, and the themes of the show as a whole.

Nothing is explained. Everything is explored. And then it ends.

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The journey to letting the mystery be continues. Phase 2 of our extended series on learning how to lose, anchored in the full seasons of HBO's THE LEFTOVERS, dealt with paradigm shifts -- the places we find ourselves where what we knew and thought we knew is completely turned upside down. Narratively, the Leftovers pivoted to the town of Jarden, Texas -- the only place in the country where no one had vanished in the Departure. But the people who live there holds secrets of their own, and despite their collective repetition that "we are spared", they would come to know how fragile that security truly was.

This season presented a chance to not only discuss some incredible character-based storytelling, but also to come to terms with the painful and difficult question the arc of the season was asking us: "Why are we losing?" And in our hopeful and haunted attempts to be honest about what our faith is really telling us, we explore what it might mean if the answer is, "Because we are supposed to."

Collected here are the complete segments breaking down each episode of the stunning Season 2, including appearances from show regulars Vera Goudie and Ian Olsen. So let's check in to the hotel between the worlds and sing our way out...

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The year 2020 taught us more things than we were really ready -- or willing -- to learn. Early in the year, Nathan and Reed began a conversational journey through a sequence of films all centered around one idea: learning how to lose. More than just a treatise on grief or defeat, there was a hope that by exploring the trauma of navigating the world when it's been suddenly shifted so intensely, we might find the substance of hope amidst the evidence of things not seen. In other words, digging in to what scares us in order to find what saves us.

This lengthy series was bookended by two films in the Marvel Cinematic Universe: Avengers Infinity War and Avengers Endgame. But the thread that really bound these discussions together was the HBO series, THE LEFTOVERS, wherein characters tried to navigate a world in which 2% of the population had suddenly vanished. Presented here are the collected segments centered around Season 1 of The Leftovers, focusing on the "remnant" of what's left over after what has gone.

The conversations are thoughtful, occasionally fun and silly, and -- as always -- honest. So, as Matt Jamison so deftly observed, let's be in it then...

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As the centerpiece of our October season in 2020, we made our way through Ray Bradbury's classic novel of dark carnivals, illustrated men, witches, lightning rods, and humble library janitors: SOMETHING WICKED THIS WAY COMES. The novel held a unique relevance given the climate of 2020, with all of the social and political turmoil amidst an ever increasing threat of a global pandemic. But beyond the common fears of time, age, death, and madness, this beautiful and powerful novel also reminded us that the most common cause of all was love, and that perhaps evil ultimately has only the power that we give it.

Presented here are the collected Book Club installments in a singular discussion, including a few excerpts from interviews with Bradbury himself. We'll be back in February with new, regularly scheduled content, but meanwhile we hope you all are safe and well and we can't wait to be back in the FoG with you again.

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It's been a crazy and unconventional year, so we wanted to end it in a crazy and unconventional way -- by hosting our first ever New Year's Eve Staff Party! So many of our show favorites are with us (Andy Whitfield, Steve Beckley, Blake Collier, Vera Goudie, and Jacob Hunt) to count down the listener voted favorite horror of 2020, but also to have a fun dialogue about what the year has brought and what we've learned and what we hope for in the coming new year.

Operating in a fun, round-table style game, questions about the year and about ourselves (as well as several questions discussions about Leigh Whannel's THE INVISIBLE MAN) arise and spark fun, thoughtful, and honest reflections about who we are and where we are.

We hope you enjoy this uniquely formatted episode and we hope you all have a very safe and very Happy New Year, never forgetting that the Fear of God is the beginning of wisdom but not the end of the conversation. So in that spirit, we urge you to fear nothing else and be on your way rejoicing.

Happy New Year everyone!

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Happy Christmas everyone! And what better way to celebrate 2020 Christmas than with hurricanes and gators?!

That's right, our penultimate episode of #20/20/2020 features a lot of fun and laugh-filled surprises including trivia, a few "whatchas", your listener-voted favorite horror of 2019, and an extended discussion about Alexandre Aja's CRAWL. Nathan and Reed have a lot of fun and more than a few laughs making their way through this one as we get ready to wind the madness that was 2020 down with humor, thoughtfulness, and some surprising observations about the requirements of peace on earth and good will towards men.

This is a lengthy, but -- we hope and believe -- a very entertaining episode and we hope you all enjoy it and have a very safe and very Merry Christmas!

4:39 - Reflections on Christmastime in 2020

11:59 - Business Time

16:06 - SURPRISE CHRISTMAS TRIVIA FUN!

24:00 - Whatcha Watchin' / Readin' / Listenin' To?

38:10 - TOP TEN FAVORITE HORROR 2019

1:09:57 - CRAWL

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Silence & Darkness is a wonderful independent thriller about two sisters -- one blind and the other deaf -- who live in a peaceful, pastoral home with their father. However, when a neighbor pays them an unexpected visit, a disturbing mystery begins to unfold which points to a possibly much more sinister truth about their life together.

Reed had the privilege to watch and review Silence & Darkness for More Than One Lesson and reached out to writer and director Barak Barkan for a discussion about the project and his passion for film as a whole. It is rare to find such a unique and fascinating film which was truly crafted with an independent spirit and an impressive display of talent. We hope you will seek out and enjoy the film, one of the most uniquely impressive under-the-radar entries of 2020.

We felt honored to be able to discuss it with the director and we hope you will enjoy the conversation.

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It's the episode where we come home. The tenth episode of our show was John Carpenter's original classic from 1978. Now, four years later in pod-time (and 40 years later in the fictional Haddonfield), Michael Myers is back to wreak havoc on the small town's residents, particularly the iconic heroine, Laurie Strode, in David Gordon Green's HALLOWEEN. After we countdown the listener voted Favorite Horror Films of 2018, we dive deep on this latest installment of the landmark horror franchise and have a discussion around generational trauma and the power of the responsibility of neighborliness. It's a lot of fun this time around and we hope you'll enjoy it.

9:10 - Business Time

13:40 - TOP TEN FAVORITE HORROR FILMS 2018

33:44 - David Gordon Green's HALLOWEEN

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It's time for more face-hugging here at the show as this week's installment of #20/20/2020 brings us your top ten favorite horror films of 2017 and a full discussion of Ridley Scott's SIXTH entry in the benchmark sci-fi horror franchise -- ALIEN: COVENANT.

While this film certainly isn't the strongest entry in the Alien saga, and a recent viewing of Prometheus causes Reed to be even more critical of Covenant, there are still lots of fun things to latch onto, including a remarkably heartfelt conversation about the temptation and the burden of perfection, and what it truly means and doesn't mean when Jesus compels his followers to "Be perfect."

This is another fun and honest conversation that we think and hope you'll greatly enjoy.

5:18 - Business Time

8:57 - TOP TEN FAVORITE HORROR FILMS OF 2017

29:25 - ALIEN: COVENANT

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In complete contrast to both the title and tone of this week's film, Nathan and Reed take things pretty deep with a heartfelt and vulnerable conversation about Jaume Collet-Serra's film starring Blake Lively and a very large shark -- THE SHALLOWS. After another countdown for #20/20/2020 of your listener-voted FAVORITE HORROR FILMS OF 2016, we explore why this woman-versus-shark story might easily be dismissed despite a surprising amount of craft and talent clearly at work in its execution, before exploring the challenging concepts of what it means to fight in the shallow places of our day-to-day lives.

This is a thoughtful and heartfelt conversation we think you won't want to miss and that we hope you enjoy.

5:48 - Business Time

9:56 - Whatcha Watchin' / Readin' / Listenin' To

17:48 - TOP TEN FAVORITE HORROR FILMS OF 2016

42:24 - THE SHALLOWS

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The work of Guillermo del Toro has received a lot of love and attention on this show, so we were excited when this week's #20/20/2020 installment gave us an excuse to cover his gothic, taboo romance with ghosts in it: CRIMSON PEAK. While we take the film to task for some of its missteps, it provides us a chance to talk about one of its most compelling central ideas... namely what happens when what we call "love" becomes monstrous and makes monsters of us all.

In addition to the film, we catch up on The Mandalorian and more in a new segment of Whatcha Watchin'/Readin'/Listenin' To? (featuring some listeners music you won't want to miss) and countdown your listener-voted TOP TEN FAVORITE HORROR FILMS of 2015!

There's a lot of fun and a lot of thought in this one and we hope you enjoy it.

5:29 - Business Time

10:09 - Whatcha Watchin' / Readin' / Listenin' To?

32:00 - TOP TEN FAVORITE HORROR FILMS OF 2015

52:39 - CRIMSON PEAK

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We fire up the Camaro for some treacherous nighttime car chasing as we log another installment of #20/20/2020 and have a full discussion about Dan Gilroy's thriller starring Jake Gyllenhaal, NIGHTCRAWLER. We count down your listener voted FAVORITE HORROR FILMS OF 2014, before buckling up for a passionate (and potentially quite dangerous) discussion about Gyllenhaal's incredible performance in Gilroy's powerful film and the dark corners of opportunistic enterprise that it reveals to us, and what our rabid insistence to marry our own beloved political and economic systems to our faith infects us with "unfettered ambition coupled with unfiltered discernment."

This is a really affecting film that we think everyone should see. And this is a lively and bold conversation about it that we hope you all will hear and enjoy.

5:50 - Business Time

13:37 - TOP TEN FAVORITE HORROR FILMS OF 2014

34:50 - NIGHTCRAWLER

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You want a ride? Well, have we got a wild one for you as we dive back into our OTHER year-long umbrella series, examining your favorite horror films from each year since 2000 with #20/20/2020.

This week, we count down the listener voted TOP TEN HORROR FILMS OF 2013 and feature a conversation about the unique and incredibly challenging film by Jonathan Glazer, UNDER THE SKIN. While we both enter the discussion with questions and reservations about what the film is trying to explore, what ultimately emerges is a vulnerable and honest discussion about the ways people can sometimes try to leverage common humanity in efforts of destruction. A sobering and hopefully thought-provoking conversation with plenty of the usual fun littered in along the way and we hope you enjoy it.

6:08 - Business Time

12:37 - TOP TEN FAVORITE HORROR FILMS OF 2013

40:00 - UNDER THE SKIN

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Hello and welcome back to another installment of Quarterly King, an every-25-episodes-or-so exploration of the work of Stephen King. This release, corresponding by no coincidence at all with 2020's Election Day in America, we explore Stephen King's first #1 bestselling novel, THE DEAD ZONE, and the 1983 film adaptation starring Christopher Walken and directed by David Cronenberg.

We've gathered our usual QK cast together and a hearty discussion that kicks off almost immediately by unpacking the story's particularly impactful moments before diving into the rich themes the story wrestles with and forces us to wrestle with in turn. How are we expected to influence the conditions around us? What should we do when the struggle for good compels morally troublesome choices? And is there a hope or a way for us to find reconciliation and restoration in such difficult times as these?

This is a really hearty conversation, filled with vulnerability and humor and a heaping helping of bold explorations. We hope it will encourage and challenge you and we hope you enjoy it.

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Happy Halloween Eve everyone! All month long, we've been celebrating #thisishalloween by making our way through Ray Bradbury's classic novel Something Wicked This Way Comes. As a coda to those discussions, friend of the show and award-winning actor Bill Oberst Jr. stopped by to chat with Reed about the work of Ray Bradbury and the one-man stage show about the legendary author which Bill crafted and performs.

Bill, surrounded by Bradbury's work and memorabilia, unpacks what the author's work has meant to him and to countless others, as well as what happens to our culture and our inner life when we lose our poetic spirit, and how we can possibly chart a path to rediscovering it. In shaping and performing a stage show about Ray's life, Bill brings his unique insight to the legacy and interpretation of Bradbury's work, as well as passion for the self-motivation and gratifying work that comes when we learn that "Doing is Being".

It's a conversation of vibrant fandom, about the necessity to do what you love and surround yourself with it, and how to clutch a thread of fragile hope amidst troublesome times as examined through the poignant and inspiring fantastical work of Ray Bradbury.

We hope you enjoy it and we hope you have a very Happy Halloween!

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It's Halloween everybody! We hope you have a very special, delightful, safe, fun-filled and very happy Halloween this year and we celebrate this annual festivity with our concluding discussion surrounding Ray Bradbury's legendary literary classic novel, SOMETHING WICKED THIS WAY COMES.

After a brief summary of the concluding chapters of the book (and a rather detailed discussion around our dream cast and production team for a new film adaptation of it), we dive deep into the text and into our own spirits to explore the common cause that binds us all in this fearful work of goodness, and learn how to accept our place in space and time as well as ourselves as we learn how to starve the darkness.

Something wicked may indeed be on its way, so vague and yet so immense, but whatever is coming, we will be -- as always -- about the business of being on our way rejoicing.

Happy Halloween everybody and we hope you enjoy this week's episode!

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