Lesley Camphouse returns to The Dark Mind Podcast to discuss her latest novel A Hollow Dream, a devastating work of erotic horror that explores the dark underbelly of influencer culture. Dubbed "extreme misery porn," this slow-burn psychological nightmare follows Georgia, a desperate college student who enters the world of social media stardom only…

Join us as we talk with PD Alleva about The Sleepy Hollow Incident. This episode explores the blend of vampire lore, gothic romance, and psychological horror that defines his newest series. We discuss how paying homage to Washington Irving shaped the story and how classic horror influences weave through every chapter. PD Alleva shares insights into…

J. Paul Roe joins us to discuss his literary journey and creative process. We explore the themes of simulation theory and techno-capitalist futures found in his novel “The Game State.” Roe explains how the concept of reality as a game influences his writing and characters. We talk about AI religion, faith, and the philosophical questions driving hi…

Briana N. Cox and Kailee Pedersen join the show to discuss their debut horror novels. We explore themes of home, economic precarity, and body horror through the lens of queer and BIPOC identity. Briana shares how "Indigent" transforms urban gentrification and addiction into visceral, psychological horror. Kailee unveils the mythic and operatic root…

Peter Caffrey joins the show to discuss his novel, The Ballad of Seven Bastards. We dive into the splatter western genre and how it explores moral ambiguity and violence. Peter shares how the Western setting exposes truths about manipulation and greed that modern stories can’t. He describes his struggle with structure and how a unique approach help…

Christa Carmen returns to The Dark Mind Podcast for a dive into psychological horror. We discuss her new novel, How to Fake a Haunting, and the devastating effects of addiction. Christa shares insight into creating multidimensional characters and blurring the line between reality and fiction. We explore toxic relationships, gaslighting, and the thr…

In this immersive episode of The Dark Mind Podcast, Vincent welcomes independent filmmaker Danny Stygion back to the show for a deep dive into his latest projects: the brutal horror thriller "One Last Trip" and the provocative documentary "Dominatrices." Stygion shares the personal experiences and influences behind his films, from tense camping tri…

About the Author: Clare Castleberry is a Southern Gothic and transgressive horror author known for blending dark feminine energy, psychological depth, and taboo-breaking themes in her fiction and nonfiction. With an MLIS from Louisiana State University, she draws deeply from the gothic atmosphere of Louisiana and personal experiences. Her writing e…

Episode Summary: Join us for a deep dive into existential horror, identity, and cosmic weirdness with Erik McHatton—author of "Straw World and Other Echoes from the Void," published by Undertaker Books. We talk about defying traditional storytelling, searching for meaning in the Void, and crafting literary horror that lingers long after the last pa…

In this episode, Daniel Volpe discusses his latest novel “Slaughterhouse Moan,” exploring themes of horror, depravity, and redemption. He shares insights into his creative process, the evolution of his writing, and the personal experiences that shape his work. Keywords Daniel Volpe, Slaughterhouse Moan, horror, depravity, redemption, creative proce…

Author Jessica McHugh joins Vince on the show to discuss her novel "Pins," inspired by her own experiences in the club scene. This episode explores the emotional, gritty, and glamorous world behind the book, with discussion spanning blackout poetry, the power of sisterhood, storytelling craft, and new horror projects. Highlights "Pins": Real-life i…

On this episode of The Dark Mind Podcast, host Vincent Midgard welcomes horror author Holly Rae Garcia for a deep dive into her debut novel, Come Join the Murder, and her unique approach to dark fiction. Key Topics Covered: From Psychological Thriller to Soul-Crushing Horror: Holly discusses the inspiration and emotional core behind Come Join the M…

Guest: Keith Rosson Host: Vincent Midgard Episode Recorded: August 22, 2025 About This Episode In this episode, Vincent welcomes renowned author and artist Keith Rosson to talk about his new dark literary novel Coffin Moon. The conversation covers the gritty heart of noir fiction, the reimagining of the vampire archetype, the lasting impact of war …

Show Notes This week, host Vincent Midgard welcomes back acclaimed dark fiction author Megan Stockton to discuss her novel "Pink Neon." Together they dive deep into the book’s brutal realism, creative process, the psychology of trauma and survival, and Megan’s approach to writing about difficult subjects with honesty and respect. Episode Highlights…

Explore memory, morality, and the future of technology in this gripping conversation with author T. R. Napper. We delve into his cyberpunk novel *The Escher Man*, set in a high-tech, neon-lit Macau of 2101, where identity can be erased and rewritten at will. Napper discusses the inspiration for his world, the philosophical roots of cyberpunk, and t…

What happens when grief, abuse, and horror collide in the most intimate spaces of our lives? In this episode, I sit down with author Emma E. Murray to discuss her searing new novel, Shoot Me in the Face on a Beautiful Day. We explore the psychology behind toxic relationships, how abusers weaponize love and grief, and why the real horror often hides…

In this episode of The Dark Mind Podcast, Vincent Midgard welcomes author Blaine Daigle back to discuss his latest Gothic-folk horror novel, The Ashes of August Manor. The conversation dives deep into the novel’s themes of grief, mortality, and the quiet dread that lingers in spaces where time feels frozen. Blaine shares how the story follows Noell…

Join host Vincent Midgard in a chilling discussion with Andrew Najberg, author of Extinction Dream, as we journey into a hidden war waged through dreams. Markus, a soldier stationed on a research outpost in orbit, defends Earth against a telepathic alien force that weaponizes humanity’s nightmares. As bonds—mental and emotional—fracture, we explore…

In this episode, Vincent Midgard is joined by author Elizabeth Devecchi to discuss her slow-burn psychological thriller A Twist of the Lens. They explore the novel’s complex themes of childhood manipulation, familial tension, and the subtle grooming that isn’t sexual—but is no less horrifying. Elizabeth shares the inspiration behind her enigmatic p…

In this episode of The Dark Mind Podcast, I sit down with author Caleb Jones to dissect the disturbing technological and psychological terrain of his new novel, The Eliza Test. We explore the book’s chilling premise: a team of scientists uploads mental illnesses—starting with borderline personality disorder—into a sentient AI designed to simulate a…

In this powerful episode, we sit down with author, producer, and journalist Tamika Thompson to explore her genre-defying short story collection Unshod, Cackling and Naked. From beauty pageants to beast transformations, from societal collapse to personal revenge, Thompson’s work challenges what horror can do—and who it can empower. We discuss creatu…

What happens when trauma doesn’t end—it mutates? In this episode, I sit down with S.E. Howard, whose debut novel The Vessel strips away pretense to expose the raw aftermath of abduction, memory loss, and survival. We talk sex work, shame, emotional fragmentation—and why the scariest parts of horror aren’t always supernatural. This one’s for listene…

In this episode, I sit down once again with author Andrew Adams to dive deep into his chilling new novel, Son of a Serial Killer. We explore the terrifying legacy of fictional killer Brock Blackwood, and his troubled (and possibly hallucinating) son, Glenn Overton—a man slowly unraveling under the weight of routine, trauma, and maybe something supe…

In this episode, I sit down once again with author and poet Stephanie Parent to explore her haunting and deeply personal poetry collection, Cinder Girl Grows Wings. We discuss the visceral power of free verse, the symbolic structure of the collection—from Kindling to Phoenix—and how themes of girlhood, desire, BDSM, and body image are woven through…

Today’s guest is Matthew R. Corr, author of the retro-inspired horror novel Camp 1985 and creator of the ever-expanding Slasherverse series. What begins as a tongue-in-cheek sendup of influencer culture quickly descends into something far more sinister—and emotionally resonant. We dive deep into how Corr blends analog horror tropes with modern anxi…

In this episode, host Vincent Midgard is joined by author, podcaster, and epidemiologist Viggy Parr Hampton to discuss her haunting new novel The Rotting Room. Together, they explore the disturbing intersection of religious ritual, bodily decay, and psychological trauma in a cloistered convent where silence reigns and something sinister festers ben…

In this episode, we sit down with Tiffany Koplin—curator, community builder, and indie horror champion—to explore the thriving world of self-published horror fiction. From her roots at Half Price Books to her leadership of the 63,000-member Books of Horror community, Tiffany shares how a passion for the genre turned into a full-blown movement. We d…

In this unsettling and unforgettable episode, acclaimed author Eric LaRocca joins host Vincent Midgard to delve into his haunting new novel At Dark I Become Loathsome—a disturbing tale of grief, ritual rebirth, and self-destruction. LaRocca discusses the real-life burial therapy practices that inspired the story, the claustrophobic horror of confro…

In this visceral and thought-provoking episode, extreme horror author Lesley Camphouse joins Vincent Midgard to dive deep into her latest novel, Eternal Wives. They unpack the brutal cult at the heart of the story, discuss how real-world influences like Sister Wives and reformed communities helped shape its terrifying world, and explore how horror …

Nick Roberts joins Vincent on The Dark Mind Podcast to discuss his blistering short story collection Nocturnal by Nature. They explore the fine line between intensity and excess in horror, how addiction and recovery fuel Nick’s storytelling, and why he believes horror should hit hard—or not at all. From body horror and psychological claustrophobia …

In this episode, Vincent sits down with author and artist Chris Panatier to discuss his haunting novel, The Redemption of Morgan Bright — a psychological horror story that explores identity, grief, institutional abuse, and the terrifying blur between reality and delusion. Recorded just after their meeting at the Ghoulish Book Festival, the conversa…

In this episode, author Mark Towse returns for a chaotic, hilarious, and deeply insightful conversation about his revised and expanded horror-comedy One Last Shindig. We talk cranky old folks, creeping dread, and the art of pulling the floor out from under readers when they least expect it. Mark opens up about finding creative balance, grief and le…

In this episode returning guest Christy Aldridge joins Vince on the show to discuss her haunting new novel—a slow-burn supernatural creature feature with deep emotional resonance. The story follows Joe, a man with a traumatic childhood who’s trying to build a better life with his fiancée and stepdaughter—only to be haunted by the return of his mons…

In this episode, acclaimed author Philip Fracassi joins us to talk about his gripping new novel, The Third Rule of Time Travel. We dive deep into the emotional and psychological layers of time travel, the haunting consequences of reliving the past, and the blurred lines between science and corporate ambition. Fracassi unpacks the complex dynamics b…

Author M.J. Mars joins Vince for a deep dive into her chilling short story collection, We’ve Already Gone Too Far. In this engaging conversation, she explores the layers of horror, psychological tension, and the emotional complexities that drive her characters. From urban legends and internal fears to the eerie balance between myth and reality, M.J…

Emily Bennett is an Academy-recognized screenwriter and FANGORIA Chainsaw Award-winning director whose work has captivated audiences at top genre festivals including Sitges, Fantastic Fest, Brooklyn Horror, and Fantasia. In this episode, Emily joins us to talk about her recent short film Accidental Stars, her debut feature Alone With You—starring B…

In this episode, Vincent Midgard sits down with author Matt Micheli to dive deep into his provocative and supernatural horror novel, Pornageddon. The story follows Roy, a devoted family man struggling with his own addiction to the adult industry’s hottest starlet, Abella Jane—whose meteoric rise seems to trigger chaos, destruction, and brutal murde…

In this episode, I sit down with Josh Mendoza to discuss his debut novel, Shadow of the Eternal Watcher, a gripping blend of noir, sci-fi, and horror. We dive into the mind of his protagonist, Duster Raines—a troubled PI haunted by his past, entangled in a high-stakes mystery, and discovering a reality-bending ability that forces him to confront hi…

In this episode, I sit down with horror writer and reviewer Mona Kabbani to dive deep into her novel The Color of Blood. We explore the psychological and cosmic horror elements of the story, particularly through the lens of Void, a character with the haunting ability to see the colors of people’s souls. Mona shares insights into his artistic inspir…

In this episode, Vince sits down with author Sabrina Voerman to dive into the dark and immersive world of Song of the Sea, the third book in the Blood Bound series. They discuss the haunting mythology of sirens, the treacherous power struggles within Nikolai’s family, and the deeper themes of greed, survival, and morality woven throughout the novel…

In this episode, author Caleb Jones joins Vince on the show to discuss his new psychological horror novel, Red Hill Paradise, a chilling exploration of isolation, parenthood, and the unsettling secrets hidden within the woods. Caleb shares the inspiration behind the novel, the challenges of writing horror that taps into real-life anxieties, and how…

In this episode, filmmaker Alessia Devecchi joins Vince on the show to discuss her haunting short film Toska, delving into its themes of emotional pain, obsession, and visual storytelling. She reflects on her journey from writing to filmmaking, comparing Toska with her previous work Crow in terms of style and tone. Alessia also explores the metapho…

Award-winning horror author Ronald Malfi joins Vince on the show to discuss his highly anticipated novel, Senseless. In this fascinating conversation, Malfi delves into the novel’s intricate themes of grief, moral ambiguity, and the intertwining of multiple storylines, offering insight into the emotional complexity of his characters—Renney, Alan, a…

Join us for an inspiring conversation with Mina Brower—lawyer, wife, mom, and now debut author of A God of Moonlight and Stardust. Mina shares her journey from immigrating to the U.S. from Mexico to achieving her dream of publishing her first novel, part of the Daughters of Chaos series. We dive deep into Mina’s approach to world-building, her fasc…

What happens when a boy who loved grossing out his classmates with wild, creepy tales grows up? If you’re Brad Ricks, you never really leave those stories behind. In this episode, we dive into Brad’s journey from writing eerie classroom stories inspired by Stephen King and Edgar Allan Poe to crafting his darkly comedic short story collection, To He…

Alan Shivers, a 90s enthusiast captivated by the campy charm of MTV-era slashers, joins Vince on the show to discuss his latest novel, The Namaste Slasher. Their conversation explores themes of survivor’s guilt, the influence of virtual spaces on horror, and the complex dynamics of characters within a slasher narrative. Alan delves into the cultura…

Guy Quintero, a veteran reconnaissance soldier with three deployments to his name, merges his battlefield experience with a deep-seated passion for the occult. He joins Vince on the show to discuss his latest novel, Door to Darkness, a compelling blend of supernatural horror, military thrillers, and occult themes. The dialogue explores the intricat…

Joe Scipione is a storyteller at heart, having authored Mr. Nightmare, Decay, Zoo: Eight Tales of Animal Horror, and Perhaps She Will Die. A proud member of the Horror Writers Association, he also contributes as a Senior Contributor and horror book reviewer for Horrorbound.net. In this episode, Joe joins Vince to discuss his latest novel, The Gods …

N.J. Gallegos wears many hats: Emergency Medicine Physician, horror enthusiast, and storyteller with a penchant for crafting tales about fierce women taking justice into their own hands. Her work fuses her love of medicine with a dark imagination, creating stories where revenge is served with a wicked twist. When she’s not saving lives or writing c…