The Spooky Chris Podcast

A weird podcast by a strange dude. I am a writer, and creative professional with experience organizing film festivals and horror events. Here, I discuss culture, horror, writing, and occasionally speak with fellow creatives. Come along. It’s a hoot.

The Spooky Chris Podcast: A Conversation with Author Michal Bardavid – The Spooky Chris Podcast

In this episode, I interview author Michal Bardavid about her book "Becoming a Peacock: Strut Yourself into Self-Love." We discuss the themes and insights of her work, highlighting its value in promoting self-love. The book is available for purchase on Amazon.com.… Continue reading The Spooky Chris Podcast: A Conversation with Author Michal Bardavid →

Episode 1 – An Introduction

Hi, my name is Chris, and this is my podcast! I love discussing movies, my books, culture, and society, and I have some pretty cool conversations from time to time.

Episode 2 – The Death of Physical Media

In which I lament the loss of physical media.

Episode 3 – Over It

In hard times, it’s easy to want to give up, even when you know you can’t.

Episode 4 – A Short Story

Here I am reading my short story “Happen.”

Episode 5 – Follow Your Passion

When the odds are against you, and you are questioning everything – keep going.

Episode 6 – Hope

Keeping hope alive in horror and beyond.

Episode 7 – Read It Out

Reading stories and work at events, and the sweaty palms it tends to cause.

Episode 8 – Show Man

Doing conventions and how they have changed.

Episode 9 – Makin’ Movies

Stories about making your own movies and working on other people’s films.

Episode 10 – Shudder

Evaluating the Shudder channel during its early days.

Episode 11 – The Friday the 13th Franchise

Talking about the FRIDAY THE 13th films and my love for and thoughts on the franchise.

Episode 12 – The Nightmare on Elm Street Franchise

This time I talk about the NIGHTMARE ON ELM STREET franchise and my thoughts on good old Freddy.

Episode 13 – The Struggle

Episode 14 – Stoker Con 2019

Episode 15 – Stoker Con 2019 – Days One and Two

Re-living the excitement that is Stoker Con 2019!

Episode 16 – Stoker Con 2019 – Wrap-Up

(Lost episode…I shall try to find it, friend, I SWEAR!)

Episode 17 – Familiar Ghosts

Remembering people I have lost, and the impact they have had on my writing and stories.

Episode 18 – Something In The Water – Story Reading

Reading my story “Somthing in the Water,” a dark fiction story.

Episode 19 – Ball – Story Reading

Ooo, story time, children.

Episode 20 – Future Flint

Imgining the future of Flint, Michigan.

Episode 21 – The New Books

Let’s talk about my new books.

Episode 22 – Obscurity

Episode 23 – The Pitch

Episode 24 – The Art of The Scare

The art of constructing a scare.

Episode 25 – ROAD KILL – a novel

In Which I talk about my novel ROAD KILL.

Episode 26 – Just Write

In which I talk about writing and inspiration.

Episode 27 – Halloween – the holiday and lifestyle

In which I talk about my love for Halloween.

Episode 28 – The Con Game

In which I talk about conventions.

Episode 29 – Cemetery Earth – a novel of zombie horror

In which I talk about my book CEMETERY EARTH.

Episode 30 – Horror Movie Franchises

In which I talk about horror franchises

Episode 31 – Christmas Horror Favorites

In which I talk about my favorite Christmas horror films.

Episode 32 – A Good Man – story

In which I read my seasonal ghost story story A GOOD MAN.

Episode 33 – Keep Going

In which I talk about surviving the holidays.

Episode 34 – Kill Your Idols

In which I talk about letting go of idol worship.

Episode 35 – Awards Season

In which I talk about honoring horror and awards in general.

Episode 36 – Rob Zombie’s THREE FROM HELL

In which I talk about the woeful THREE FROM HELL.

Episode 37 – Let There Be Rock

In which I talk about the halcyon days of rock concerts and such.

Episode 38 – Horror Justice

In which I talk about Friday the 13th and other horror franchises deserving better treatment on their home releases.

Episode 39 Raise a Light

In which I talk about hope, loss, and the way forward.

Episode 40 – Milkman (short story)

In which I read my short story Milk Man.

Episode 41 – Readers Wanted

In which I talk about writing, inspiration, and the need for readers.

Stories from a Jerk

In which I tell tales of my youth.

Little Sue and the Monster – story read from my book of the same name

In which I read my children’s book LITTLE SUE AND THE MONSTER

Story Time Two

In which I tell more tales of my youth, this time about a serial killer.

Tattered Tents & Whispered Wishes – Book Teaser

In which I talk about my newest book, TATTERED TENTS & WHISPERED WISHES.

I Love Horror

In which I talk about how darned much I love horror.

Quarantine Update

In which I give an update on the craziness of this pandemic world of ours.

The Meep Sheep Trilogy – a fantasy book series

In which I talk about my trilogy of fantasy books.

Once When I Was Cool (No, Seriously)

That time I hatched the idea of putting a horror convention on in Flint.

The Games People Play

In which I talk about my love of videogames and two current faves.

So You Wanna Write?

In which I talk about writing, writers, and words and junk.

So You Wanna Direct?

In which I talk about getting that camera out and directing.

Commencement – congratulations to the grads

Welcome to the new world, graduate.

The Only Way Forward Is Through

Uncle Chris’ Dating Stories

In which I regale you with tales of dating woe.

Freedom Fries

A celebration of the Fourth of July.

How Great Thou Art

In which I talk about where we are and how great we aren’t.

The Darkness of We

In which I talk about troll culture and every day horrors.

Insidious

In which I talk about the evils of our time.

Halloween Horrors 2020

In which I read a brand new Halloween story.

Tyrone Sunken Gardens

In which I reminisce about my many trips to the beautiful and mysterious Tyrone Sunken Gardens.

It’s The End Of The Year As We Know It

In which I remember the year that was.

That’s A Wrap On 2020

In which I recap my year.

Dating Games

In which I talk about the film Rent-A-Pal and reminisce about my dating days.

Welcome to Flint

In which I talk about my home city of Flint.

Who I Am

In which I talk about the weirdo stuff I do.

Odds and Ends

Ramble on. Just talking about the world, and life and such. Etcetera.

Fundrazors

The weird world of fundraising for fun and profit.

Reveal

What we have learned during the pandemic.

Fracture

In which I talk about the craziness of these times and politics.

Blinders

We rarely see the whole truth of a situation.

#GirlDad

In which I talk about fatherhood.

No Help Wanted

In which I talk about how unhelpful job postings are.

Fan Service

In which I talk about being a geek and the entitlement it seems to engender.

The Troubles With Flint

In which I talk about Flint, Michigan’s recent issues.

Hope

In which I talk about hope in the inferno.

Requiem for a Dream review

In which I review Requiem for a Dream.

Movie Sign

In which I talk about recent movies I have seen.

C+

In which the shadow catches up with the rabbit.

Halloween 2021

Talking about Halloween, and such.

Are We Monsters?

In Which I talk about my newest book, a collection of short stories.

NanoWriMo2021

In which I talk about National Write A Novel A Month 2021 and the weirdo novel I accidentally wrote.

Cash In Hand

In which I talk about Flint and the impending water crisis payout.

The Fire

In which I talk about the house fire that destroyed my family’s house just before Christmas in 2002.

That’s Super

The Screaming Is Crying – 2021 in review

2021…it sure was a year.

The Rights Of The Author

In which I talk about the rights an author has to their own properties, the selfishness of fandom, and the precarious ledge authors and their opinions live on. Phew.

The Casual Gamer

In which I talk about being a casual gamer, my love for video games, and my love for Far Cry 6.

Flint’s Art Guerillas

In which I talk about the arts scene in Flint, Michigan and the time some zombies tried to protest an art show we were putting on.
IT’S TRUE!
Zombies descended on our little art show as a sort of silly flash mob to protest our use of the word ‘guerilla’ and because artists dared to sell their art. Oh, boy, it was some fun.

Found Footage Findings

In which I talk about my love of found footage films, talk about some faves, and discuss some downfalls of the subgenre.

Some Faves –
Blair Witch Project (and The Blair Witch)
Lake Mungo
Hell House, LLC
Grave Encounters
Leaving D.C.
The Tunnel
Poughkeepsie Tapes
REC 1 + 2
Willow Creek
Host
Taking of Deborah Logan
The Den
As Above So Below
Europa Report
Paranormal Activity
Phoenix Forgotten
Troll Hunter
Borderlands
…to name a few.

Texas Chainsaw Massacre 2022

Let’s take a dive into the newest entry in the Chainsaw franchise, shall we?

Remaking The Blair Witch Project

In which I talk about the remaking of The Blair Witch Project that is being discussed.

Making The Place

In which I talk about the idea of placemaking and the idea of placemaking in my home city of Flint, Michigan.
Theme Intro/Outro by SKELETON KIDS.

Convenience Store Days

In which I talk about my days working as a clerk at a convenience store.

Theme by SKELETON KIDS

How To Self Publish A Book…or how I did it.

In which I talk about putting a book together for self-pub. DO IT! — Theme by Skeleton Kids

Halloween 2022

In which I talk about the Halloween season, Halloween Ends, Hellraiser, The Munsters, and more. — Theme by Ross Grimson

Halloween Story 2022 – Smasher

In which I read a new Halloween story in honor of the season and holiday.

Theme by Ross Grimson

The Rich

In which I talk about how the rich are responsible for helping humanity.

Horror Updates

In which I talk about the state or modern horror.

Con Pact

In which I talk about the pact between fans, event coordinators, and guests.

The Bureaucracy of Events

In which I talk about how events and event creation gets mired in bureaucracy.

How Not To Haunt

In which I talk about the worst haunted attraction I have ever been to. Phew!

Indie Movie Film School – A Discussion with Paul Counelis

In which I welcome author and filmmaker Paul Counelis in to talk about movies, the Writer’s Guild strike, streaming, and using indie movies as your film school.

Film Festivals

In which I talk about film festivals and what makes them so special.

A Hole – a story

In which I tell a story about a hole in the ground.

Halloween Story 2024 – Gourd

Tune and freak out for my 2024 Halloween story…Gourd.

Expectations

In which I talk about the expectations we bring to movies, music, books, and art, and how it gets in the way of enjoyment, and even understanding of the art. Sometimes you just need to get over yourself, ya know?

Theme by Ross Grimson

Boutique Geek

Talking about the advent of boutique movie releases and how they are changing the collecting habits of movie geeks. I also revisit the film GRINDHOUSE.

Theme by Ross Grimson

Get Physical Too

In which I talk about the fear of losing physical media to the indifference of the studios and streamers. Viva le physical media!

Theme by Ross Grimson

My Favorite Horror Films of 2023

In which I talk about my favorite horror movies of 2023 with a little bonus of my fave overall movie of the year. HOT DOG!

Theme by Ross Grimson

A Conversation with author Kathe Koja

In which I have a conversation with acclaimed award winning author Kathe Koja.

Theme by Ross Grimson

A Conversation with Author Paul Counelis

In which I speak with author, filmmaker, musician, and all-around Halloween devotee Paul Counelis.

Theme by Ross Grimson

Those Above

In which I tell a horror story I make up during the podcast. I had the idea for it, I knew where I wanted to go with it, but I wasn’t sure how I’d get there. Here’s what I ended up with.

Theme by Ross Grimson

My Life With Cinema

In which I talk about my relationship with movies and my connection with them.

Theme by Ross Grimson.

It’s In the News

Can we trust the news anymore?

Too Much of a Good Thing

There are so many movies now it’s hard to find time to watch them. What do ya do?

Theme by Ross Grimsom

10 Years After the Crisis Started

Remembering ten years of the Flint Water Crisis and its legacy. A personal recollection.

Theme by Ross Grimson

Good Grief 2024

In which I talk about losing the peopel we love and finding the strength to go on.

I Still Believe

In which I talk about belief, faith, and just for good measure, ghosts. Wooooo. Ghosts!

Talking About “The Returned – Tales of the Haunted” Book

On this episode of the podcast I talk with fellow author and partner Paul Counelis about the newest release from our imprint Goblin Holler. The book is called “The Returned – Tales of the Haunted” and features several ghost stories that will surprise and shock the reader.

Talking about “Catherine the Ghost” with Author Kathe Koja

I speak with author Kathe Koja about her new novel Catherine the Ghost, a spiritual follow-up to the classic novel Wuthering Heights.

https://kathekoja.com/news-1/2022/8/9/catherine-the-ghost

Theme by Ross Grimson

Keep Getting Physical – Horror and Physical Media Continued

It’s me, Spooky Chris talking about modern horror films, the verstility of horror, and loving physical media. Pour yourself a glass of something refreshing and dig on in friend. Check out my other podcasts, reviews, blogs, and my many books – spookychris.com.

Talking to Filmmaker Geno MacGahee

In this episode I speak with indie filmmaker Geno MacGahee, director of the RISE OF THE SCARECROWS films as well as the new film SCARY TALES: Dark Walker. Geno is a self-taught filmmaker who has garnered millions of views of his films and is a great example of a working filmmaker.

Find more on him here –

IMDB – https://www.imdb.com/name/nm3062127/

Tubi – https://tubitv.com/person/b05f12/geno-mcgahee

Scared Stiff Reviews – https://scaredstiffreviews.com/the-team/

An Interview with Dr. Scott Bonn, PhD.

I speak with renowned criminologist Dr. Scott Bonn, PhD. about his study of serial killers and his upcoming lecture in Flint, MI.

Serial Killers October 19, 2024 Capitol Theatre

Halloween Story 2024 – Personal Panda

This a new story I have written that will hopefully send a shiver down your spine. A story about what happens when you scratch that itch in the back of your brain that needs answers to mysterious things. Settle in and enjoy and if you dig the story, check out my books for even more creepy fun.

A Discussion About the Film #MissingCouple

In this episode I was able to speak to someone involved with the film #MissingCouple and learned more about it and theories about what may have happened. There are spoilers toward the end of the podcast but there is a warning.

The Call is Coming From Inside the House

Oh, hey. There was a Presidential election. Let’s talk about it, shall we? Sure.

The Blair Witch Project – Festival Cut – Thoughts

I recently bought the Second Sight special edition release of THE BLAIR WITCH PROJECT and having watched the festival cut I had some thoughts.

An Interview with Author J.C. Vande Zande

Listen as I speak with Michigan-based author J.C. Vande Zande about his recent book from Montag Press, The Dance of Rotten Sticks. In our discussion we talk about this book and his other releases, the writing process, book promotion, and how AI may impact publishing.

An Interview with ADR and Sound Supervisor Jessie Anne Spence

Join me as I speak with ADR and Sound Supervisor Jessie Anne Spence about her path to the film industry, her experiences working on films like PREY and the REBEL MOON movies, and her other work. To track down all of my podcasts and other work head to – Spookychris.com

And What Did We Learn

Spooky Chris here to talk about 2024 and the lessons we learned. Or perhaps didn’t learn.

An Interview with Author Marco Gamboa

On this episode I speak with Marco Gamboa, the author of the book Within Normal Limits, a story about a man named Marco reckoning with his multiple sclerosis diagnosis. You can find more information on he and his book at – Wnlmarco.com.

Tales of Convention Promotion

During the hey-day of doing conventions the group was approached by a lower level celebrity to put a theatrical show in that they would star in. This is that story.

PHEW!

An Interview with Best-Selling Author JD Barker

Join me for an amazing talk with best-selling author JD Barker (Dracul, Forsaken, etc.) as we talk about his books, his work being optioned for film, collaborating with other authors, and the future of AI in writing.

Find more about him at jdbarker.com.

An Interview with Author David C. Hayes

Join me for an interview with author David C. Hayes as we talk about how he fell in love with storytelling, the film adaptations that have been made from his work, and advice for aspiring creators.

An Interview with Author Paul G. Vecchiet

On this episode I had the opportunity to talk to author Paul G. Vecchiet about his upcoming book “The Disclosure Paradox”, coming out on Feb. 18, 2025.

The Disclosure Paradox by Paul Vecchiet uncovers ancient secrets and alien mysteries in a sci-fi thriller that explores humanity’s hidden past and cosmic connections.

A Re-Introduction

Just re-introducing myself and the podcast. Hi, I’m Chris!

An Interview with Sara Winokur

I got the opportunity to speak with author and former geneticist Sara Winokur about her new book Ivory Bones: The Lewis Chessmen Murders, a thrilling mystery about missing history and genetics.

Read more about Sara at her website – https://www.sarawinokur.com/

You can buy her book from her site, independent book sellers, or Amazon.

Star Warsin’

On this episode I talk about my love of the STAR WARS films and what the heck is going wrong with the franchise lately.

spookychris.com

The Great Change – reading

A live reading of a new piece I wrote for the release of the anthology book “A New Liberty.”

Have You Ever Heard of AmeriCorps?

An Interview with Filmmakers Layla Bird Revoldt & Peace McAllister

Join me for a great talk with Layla Bird Revoldt, the director of the upcoming short film Bloodsuckers of Bushwick and the short film’s executive producer Peace McAllister. We discuss their history with film, their experience working in the movie industry, and how Bloodsuckers of Bushwick came together.

Their film is fundraising now. Find that here – https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/bloodsuckers-of-bushwick-short-film#/

Author Kathe Koja on Inspiration

Join me for a discussion about inspiration with author Kathe Koja.

Kathe just saw her seminal novel “Skin” re-released in a beautiful new edition, had her book “Catherine the Ghost” released earlier in the year, and the third book in the Dark Factory series – “Dark Matter” – will be released this fall.

www.darkfactory.club

A New Liberty

Talking about a recent antholgy I released with some friends to raise money for Planned Parenthood. The book is called A New Liberty

A Toast to the Departed

A short podcast about how we see the dead and are seen when we die.

An Interview with Mark Bloodworth

I got the chance to speak with comic artist and writer Mark Bloodworth about his career in comics, his love of classic horror and sci-fi, and about some of the comics he’s been reading. This is a very long episode but worth every minute! You can find him on Instagram, Facebook, and Etsy – https://www.etsy.com/shop/6368Studios

An Interiew with Author Jessica Revoldt

In this episode I had the opportunity to speak with author and community arts activist Jessica Revoldt. Jessica is an avid writer and has been involved in film before and behind the camera. She is currently working on a book of short fiction and essays.

A Conversation with Poet and Artist Glen Birdsall

On this podcast I have a conversation with poet, artist, and musician Glen Birdsall. We talk about poetry, art, the city of Flint, and creativity. Glen’s books are available on Amazon.com

A Conversation with David A. Guster and Kate Anderson-Song

Join me for a greart conversation with David A. Guster and Kate Anderson-Song as we talk about their work on the short film “Bloodsuckers of Bushwick”, acting, and film.

Find more about the film and these great performers and creatives at the “Bloodsuckers of Bushwick” Facebook page – https://www.facebook.com/people/Bloodsuckers-of-Bushwick-Short-Film/61575699451548/

Ownership

A short solo episode in which I talk about the idea of ownership and feeling as if you own something just because you’ve lived with it in your life.

Flint Short Film Freak Out!

Listen along and hear all about the Flint Short Film Freak Out, a short horror film festival in Flint, MI, featuring short films from around the world.

Learn more at – https://filmfreeway.com/FlintShortFilmFreakout.

A Conversation with Filmmaker Tyler Zickafoose

Join me for a conversation with head of Atomic Swan Films, Tyler Zickafoose. Tyler is a filmmaker, event coordinator, and food aficianado and this conversation gets into favorite films, the history of Atomic Swan Films, and indie events.

A Conversation with Author Paul G. Vecchiet

A Conversation with author Paul G. Vecchiet about his new book The Disclosure Paradox 2: Salvation. During our conversation we discuss his Disclosure Paradox series, the bridging of faith and science, how Disclosure Paradox 2 came about, and more.

For more about Paul, and his books head to: https://thedisclosureparadox.com/

A Conversation with T.S. O’Banion of The DeGrave Brothers Podcast

T.S. O’Banion, the creator, writer, actor, and producer of The DeGrave Brothers Podcast joins me for a conversation about what interested him in horror, his inspiration for creating the DeGrave Brothers, and the process of making this really fun podcast.

Find The DeGrave Brothers on your favorite podcast platform.

The Flint Short Film Freakout 2025 In Review

In this episode I talk about the recent film festival I put on, what it was like, what it meant, and how great these little festivals are.

Who Is: Freddy Krueger?

In this episode I talk about Freddy Krueger, what makes him the monster he is, why he is so horrifying, and take a couple detours along the way.

A Conversation with Author John R. Carlos

On this episode of the podcast I speak with author John Carlos about his “Cryonic Dreams” trilogy, specifically the first book, “Awakening.” This is a fascinating speculative sci-fi series set in a dystopian future. He has a wealth of information about the books and world on his site, and you can learn more there: https://johnrcarlos.com.au/

All Hail Halloween

On this episode I talk about the magic of Halloween, community, and keeping the jack-o-lantern lit.

A Conversation with Author Barry Maher

During this podcast I have a conversation with author Barry Maher about his new horror novel “The Great Dick: And the Dysfunctional Demon.” It’s a fun read, and a great discussion. You can find the book on Amazon, and more about Barry and the book at http://www.barrymaher.com.

A Convesation with Author Geoff Gibbins

Join me for a conversation with author Jeff Gibbons as we talk about AI, how we interact with it, and his new book: “Critical Intelligence: Strengthening Human Thinking in the Age of AI” https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FP99683Y/.

The Endless Waiting: Flint Water Crisis Update 11/25

As more information comes out about when the people of Flint may see payouts from the Flint Water Crisis, the stark reality of what that looks like becomes clear.

A Conversation with Author JC Vande Zande (Blood of the Witness Tree)

On this episode I have another great conversation with author JC Vande Zande, who returns to talk about his newest novel: “Blood of the Witness Tree,” a sequel to “The Dance of Rotten Sticks.” It’s a great conversation that gets into book promotion, how Van writes, the new book, and his advice for someone interested in writing.

A Conversation with Author Michal Bardavid

In this episode, I interview author Michal Bardavid about her book “Becoming a Peacock: Strut Yourself into Self-Love.” We discuss the themes and insights of her work, highlighting its value in promoting self-love. The book is available for purchase on Amazon.com.