Whiskey Morgue Podcast

It's a Halloween first at the Morgue! For the first time ever, we're welcoming an in-person guest, Rob from Whisky in the 6, for a little trick or treating.

We're putting four Jim Beam bourbons to the test in a blind flight, with two limited release bottles and two everyday pours you can find on the shelf. Which bottles will be treats, and which ones will leave us with a trick?

Along the way, we're getting into all things Halloween, from the worst candy to the movies that scared the hell out of us as kids...

On this episode of the Whiskey Morgue Podcast, I’m joined by screenwriter and director Kristen Semedo, an editor for the NoSleep Podcast, to talk horror, filmmaking, and her upcoming film Comfort Food while sipping on some of our favourite RTD Old Fashions.

We dig into the film’s blend of ghost stories, existentialism, surrealism, and food as a source of comfort, explore female agency and the tropes women face in horror, and discuss the creative challenges of independent filmmaking. We wrap things up with a round of comfort food, movies, and albums.

Head over to S...

On this episode of the Whiskey Morgue Podcast, Mike sits down with Troy Bolotnick, Charlie Flint, and Steve Canepa of Filmland Spirits to talk horror, whiskey, and the evolution of the brand.

The guys dive into Filmland’s latest releases, including their American single malt finished in IPA barrels, the creative story behind Malted Mummy and the Saga of Raiya, their favorite Mummy movies, the Brewzle collaboration and Brewzlefest, and what’s next for the B-movie-inspired whiskey brand. From killer robots and werewolves to mummies and future horror concepts, this is a deep dive into the filmmaking, stor...

In this episode, Mike sits down with husband-and-wife duo Tony Wash and Meredith Tummillo, the executive producers behind Better Luck Than Chuck, a horror trivia game show born from a late-night conversation about whether a horror trivia show had ever been made.

They discuss the journey from that initial idea to a fully produced series, their inspirations, selecting contestants, the challenges of bringing the concept to life, and why partnering with independent horror companies like Fright Rags, Severin Films, Trick or Treat Studios, and Terror Vision was so important.

Along the way, they share a...

This week on After the Last Rental, Zack pulls Phantasm 3: Lord of the Dead off and cracks some cold beers with Mike—just as Reggie would.

We celebrate Reggie Bannister and one of horror’s most beloved cult characters, diving into his evolution from wisecracking ice cream man to shotgun-wielding Tall Man hunter, and why Phantasm 3 perfectly blends horror, sci-fi, zombies and weird comedy. Reggie might be gone, but his legacy is never over. 

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Check out the video store: @terrorr...

Senses Fail's Buddy Nielsen Talks Still Searching, Fatherhood & Horror Movies

On this episode of the Whiskey Morgue Podcast, Mike sits down with Senses Fail frontman Buddy Nielsen to celebrate the 20th anniversary of Still Searching and reflect on the legacy of an album that has meant so much to so many fans.

While Buddy is literally out on a camping trip, the conversation takes a fitting detour into the world of campy horror and Sleepaway Camp before exploring nostalgia, fatherhood, literature, creativity, and the challenge of honoring the past while continuing to grow.

...

This week on After the Last Rental, we're cracking open the 1987 cult classic The Gate and pairing it with a pour of Buffalo Trace Bourbon—Mike's gateway whiskey into bourbon.

Using our 3 Sips System, we revisit the movie's unforgettable practical effects, Satanic Panic atmosphere, and surprisingly effective nightmare fuel, while debating whether its tiny demons, meandering story, and over-the-top finale still hold up today.

Is The Gate an overlooked '80s gem or just a nostalgic rental best left on the shelf? Grab a glass and join us as we decide if this cult favorite de...

TERRIFIER 3 Secrets, Horror Legends & the Most Whiskey Ever Drank on the Podcast

This week on the Whiskey Morgue Podcast, Mike sits down with filmmaker and producer Marcus Slabine to talk horror, filmmaking, and the winding road that led him from working on blockbuster productions like The Dark Knight Rises and The Amazing Spider-Man 2 to projects including STREAM, Dark Offerings, Terrifier 3, and his upcoming feature, Sundown.

Marcus shares stories from filming during COVID, working with horror icons, and the challenges of keeping continuity intact on the Terrifier films. He also discusses the influence of The Evil...

David Weiner joins me on the Whiskey Morgue Podcast to discuss In Search of Darkness: The Golden Age of Horror, the upcoming documentary celebrating 1970s horror cinema. Over a few drinks, we talk about the films, filmmakers, and cultural impact that helped define the golden age of horror.

If you’re a fan of 70s horror movies, horror documentaries, and classics like Halloween (1978), The Texas Chain Saw Massacre (1974), Black Christmas (1974), and Carrie (1976), this episode is for you.

Pre-orders for In Search of Darkness: The Golden Age of Horror are available now through July 1st. Be su...

TERRIFIER 3 Secrets, Horror Legends & the Most Whiskey Ever Drank on the Podcast

This week on the Whiskey Morgue Podcast, Mike sits down with filmmaker and producer Marcus Slabine to talk horror, filmmaking, and the winding road that led him from working on blockbuster productions like The Dark Knight Rises and The Amazing Spider-Man 2 to projects including STREAM, Dark Offerings, Terrifier 3, and his upcoming feature, Sundown.

Marcus shares stories from filming during COVID, working with horror icons, and the challenges of keeping continuity intact on the Terrifier films. He also discusses the influence of The Evil...

The Most Overhated Horror Remake of the 2000s?

In this episode of After the Last Rental, Zack pulls House of Wax off the shelf while Mike pours a glass of Maker’s Mark. From Paris Hilton’s infamous “See Paris Die” marketing to the sticky practical effects overshadowed by the glossy early-2000s cast, the guys revisit a remake that may deserve more credit than its reputation suggests.

Along the way they talk doomed road trips, hillbilly horror, the death of the curated movie soundtrack, and why the town of Ambrose feels like a cursed roadside a...

This week on the Whiskey Morgue Podcast, I’m joined by whiskey reviewer, sneaker enthusiast, former Malt Review contributor, and Bourbon Pursuit regular Matt Kusek for a conversation that blends horror, whiskey, wrestling, and sneaker culture.

We talk about growing up with Chicago horror icon Svengoolie, the magic of late-night horror hosts, and the uniquely weird cultural identity of Chicago.

We also dive into whiskey trends deserving of a rubber chicken, legendary Halloween Nike releases, the mythic Freddy Krueger SB Dunks, and the similarities between sneaker hype and bourbon hunting. Plus: underrated whiskey picks, favourite wr...

On this episode of After the Last Rental, Zack and Mike re-visit Freddy’s Dead: The Final Nightmare, the one that was supposed to actually bury the franchise, but somehow brought it roaring back to life. Zack pulls a final chapter that leans into bigger lore, bigger cameos, and bigger spectacle, while Mike pairs it with a pour of Weller Antique.

Together, they break down a sequel that trades scares for style, where Freddy becomes more cartoon than nightmare, kills land like punchlines, and reality bends into full-on dream logic. From MTV-era energy and celebrity appearances to a...

On this episode of the Whiskey Morgue Podcast, Mike sits down with professional wrestler and actor Vinny Pacifico to talk about his journey from the wrestling ring to the world of horror with his upcoming indie horror film Mr. Reset and the Society of Turnbuckle & Bone.

Vinny shares stories from working shows connected to All Elite Wrestling, training with some of the industry’s best, and developing his “Don’t Count Vinny Out” mindset. The conversation dives into the crossover between wrestling theatrics and horror storytelling, how Mr. Reset came together, and Vinny even takes on a rapid-fi...

Mike from Whiskey Morgue is teaming up with Zack Lovitz of Terror Racks Video in this episode of, After the Last Rental.

We're pouring a drink, reviewing a VHS from Zack's video store, and discussing why these classic movies still matter.

In this episode, Mike and Zack rewind the tape on Candyman: Farewell to the Flesh, pairing the Mardi Gras–set sequel with a pour of Starlight Honey Finish Bourbon.

Through their “3 Sips System,” they revisit childhood impressions, unpack the film’s mythology, religion, and themes of belief and reckoning, and explore how Candyman...

Mike from Whiskey Morgue is teaming up with Zack Lovitz of Terror Racks Video in this new series, After the Last Rental.

We're pouring a drink, pulling a VHS from Zack's video store, and digging into why these classic movies still matter. 

We kick off the series with a childhood favorite, Ernest Scared Stupid while sipping some Eagle Rare 10 year bourbon.

After the Last Rental is where the video store lights flicker off, the last tape gets slid back on the shelf, and the real conversation begins.

Pour something, hi...

Christmas might be over, but the chaos lives on.

In this episode of The Whiskey Morgue Podcast, Mike is joined by director and producer Steven LaMorte to talk about Christmas Chaos: The Making of The Mean One, a behind-the-scenes look at turning a viral Hallmark-horror trailer into a full-blown feature.

From bootstrapping a production with almost no budget—building caves in living rooms to racing through post-production in mere days, Steven breaks down the creative chaos, unexpected viral success, and personal stakes of making the film. It’s a masterclass in DIY filmmaking, creative perseverance, and ho...

On this episode of Whiskey Morgue, Mike cracks open Moonlight Mayhem bourbon with the minds behind Filmland Spirits — Charlie Flint and Steve Canepa.

We dig into how Film Land blends whiskey culture with cinematic nostalgia, why the story and the liquid have to speak the same language, and which horror tropes they’d happily bury six feet under in the spirits world.

The conversation dives into their blending philosophy, behind-the-scenes “director’s commentary” moments, and the pulp art and vintage movie posters that shaped the brand’s aesthetic. Along the way, we talk favorite werewolf movies and te...

On this episode of The Whiskey Morgue, Mike is joined by Richard T. Wilson, writer and creator of Halloween Girl and founder of Mad Shelley Comics.

They dive into Richard’s path from Emmy-winning educational programming to horror storytelling, exploring how grief, identity, and catharsis shaped the evolution of Charlotte and the expanding world of Halloween Girl Book 3: Gods and Monsters. 

Richard reflects on the series’ origins as a short film—one that notably marked Lauren LaVera’s (of the Terrifier franchise) first acting gig—and discusses the shift from screenwriting to comics.

The convers...

This week on The Whiskey Morgue Podcast, I sit down with Justin Ware — producer and co-founder of Find Familiar Spirits, the creative force behind the fantasy-inspired Quest’s End and the hauntingly immersive Macabre Spirits.

We dive into how Justin and Matthew Lillard built entire worlds around their whiskies, blending storytelling, art, and community into every bottle. From the origins of Dawn of the Unbound Gods to collaborations with horror-rockers Ice Nine Kills, we also explore how fandom plays a central role in shaping their growing universe — where drinkers become part of the story itself. Whether you’re a D&D...

This week, I’m joined by my friend Eric, the Whiskey Mutant for our first ever Halloween special as we dive mask-first into Halloween III: Season of the Witch — the black sheep of the franchise that ditched Michael for Celtic curses, killer masks, and pure 80s weirdness.

Join us, as we pair Halloween treats with whiskey and get as unhinged as frisky Tom Atkins with a six-pack and a theory.

Happy Halloween! 

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Check out the...

This week, Mike shares a few pours with The United States of Bourbon —

Mitch Gerads (Eisner Award–winning DC Comics artist),

Brandon Boone (World Soundtrack Award–winning composer), and

Graham Rowat (actor and acclaimed narrator).

They do a deep dive into how art, music, and storytelling collide over a good pour.

They share how the series came to life through their shared roots in the NoSleep Podcast community, the creative freedom that comes from collaboration, and the distilleries that left a lasting impression — from Peerless and its resident...

In this episode, Mike sits down with award-winning filmmaker Steven LaMorte to talk about his horror parodies The Mean One and Screamboat, starring David Howard Thornton.

With a few epic pours of Heaven Hill Distillery in hand, they dive into Steven’s early storytelling roots, his jump from working with Sony and WWE into horror, and how he balances camp, gore, and humor on screen. They also dig into the “party watch” appeal of his films, the value of practical effects, and the twisted fun of giving childhood classics a sinister edge without losing the magic.

Exp...

Season 2 of The Whiskey Morgue Podcast kicks off with Chris Dudley of Underoath! We talk about the band’s Three Chord bourbon release, the making of their new album The Place After This One, and how recording in a cottage brought them back to their roots. Chris also dives into his passion for film scoring, from his work on Plastic Men to the movies that inspire him, plus we trade thoughts on some of our recent horror watches. 

Check out: @chrisunderoath

and: @underoath

Subscribe to: Whiskey Morgue YouTube

Follow: @whiske...

On this episode, I’m joined by my super pal Zack from Terror Racks Video to dissect the glorious mess that is Jason Goes to Hell.

We dive into everything from the legal tangle that kept “Friday the 13th” off the title, to Jason’s supernatural body-hopping side quest that split fans harder than a pole through a camper. We show some love to the tense, trap-filled opening, and debate whether Creighton Duke is an unsung horror icon or just plain bizarre.

Zack, our resident Youngstown expert, tries to make sense of the greatest cinematic mystery...

In Part II of this episode, I’m joined by director and cinematographer Jamie Root of JFR Media, whose horror credits include Terrifier 2 & 3, STREAM, and Screamboat. We dive into Jamie’s path through the genre, the organized chaos of working with blood, prosthetics, and passionate creatives, and the unique challenges of being a steady hand behind the camera when things get wild.

Jamie shares behind-the-scenes stories from Terrifier, including working with David Howard Thornton (Art the Clown), navigating complex stunts and FX-heavy scenes like the brutal shower sequence, and what it takes to keep continuity when the gore...

In Part I of this episode, I’m joined by director and cinematographer Jamie Root of JFR Media, whose horror credits include Terrifier 2 & 3, STREAM, and Screamboat. We dive into Jamie’s path through the genre, the organized chaos of working with blood, prosthetics, and passionate creatives, and the unique challenges of being a steady hand behind the camera when things get wild.

Jamie shares behind-the-scenes stories from Terrifier, including working with David Howard Thornton (Art the Clown), navigating complex stunts and FX-heavy scenes like the brutal shower sequence, and what it takes to keep continuity when the gore...

On this episode, I hang out with the gents from Boos Brews and BBQ, a thrilling new TV series that explores haunted histories and smoky flavors across America. Hosted by Barry Kerch (Shinedown), Ty Sherrell (BBQ guru), and John Guarnieri (Spear Talk podcast), each episode takes viewers to a new city where they dive into local BBQ traditions, investigate eerie legends, and sometimes get surprise visits from horror icons like Lee Waddell (Ghostface) or James Jude Courtney (Michael Myers).

The guys share the origin of the project and how their friendship and shared passions brought it all...

On this episode, I’m joined by Jaz'min Weaver, National Brand Ambassador for Bardstown Bourbon Company. She shares her journey from crafting cocktail menus and working in hospitality in Metro Detroit to moving to Kentucky, falling down the bourbon rabbit hole, and joining Bardstown.

We discuss the formative movies that ignited her love for horror and all things spooky, including her affinity for werewolf films. Jaz' also talks about how her passion for the strange and unusual led her to various creative projects and events within Detroit’s art community.

While chatting, Jaz' walks me thro...

On this episode I share a few drinks with the original Ghostface from Scream 1 and 2, Lee Waddell. 

Lee shares the story of how he broke into the stunt business, kicking off an illustrious career that’s seen him work with legends like Spielberg, Burton, Bay — and of course, Wes Craven. Wes kept Lee on speed dial, and the two collaborated on multiple projects for over a decade.

We dive into the making of that unforgettable opening scene with Drew Barrymore, and how Lee ended up killing one of his childhood heroes — none other than the Fonz hi...

On this episode, I dive into all things Barrell with Master Blender Nic Christiansen. Nic shares her journey before joining Barrell, honing her skills as Beverage Director at the renowned Butchertown Grocery. She discusses how managing an extensive whiskey program and crafting cocktails prepared her for her dream job—creating innovative whiskey blends.

Nic takes me through a tasting of Batch 36 and the newest release, Barrell Foundation Double Barrel, breaking down the science, creativity, and storytelling behind each blend. Along the way, she shares some great behind-the-scenes stories from the blending process. Then, we put a fun tw...

In this episode, I sit down with my guy, Eric the Whiskey Mutant. We take a trip down memory lane to the video store and pick out one of our favourite movies growing up, Puppet Master. We discuss the cover art and posters that drew us to the film and then of course have some fun discussing the film itself. Turns out it’s not quite as we remembered. 

Eric guides me through an epic Whiskey Mutant tasting by pairing some of our favourite bottles with nostalgic movie snacks. We start savoury, pairing Michter’s Barrel Strength Rye w...

In this episode, I catch up with my longtime friend, Ben Scrivens, CEO of Fright-Rags Horror Apparel. We recap some highlights after finally reuniting at Frightmare in the Falls this past October. Ben shares epic stories from nearly two decades of attending conventions, including hanging with George Romero and drinking bourbon in a hotel lobby with Sam Raimi.

Ben also pulls back the curtain on the struggles and legalities of getting franchise designs from concept to t-shirt, while revealing some of the 'holy grail' franchises he hopes to work with in the future. Being the generous guy...

This week, I sit down for a drink with Russ Flynn, guitarist and bassist of X Ambassadors.

Russ shares his passion for the culinary world, which led him deep into the world of spirits and cocktails. We chat about his whiskey hunting adventures on tour, and how he bakes artisan bread when he's home (he literally has a loaf of rye in the oven as we speak).

We also dive into the band's performance at the Bourbon and Beyond Festival, followed by Russ’s private tour at Starlight Distillery on the Huber Farm. Naturally, we en...

In Episode 6, Mike sits down with Kim Moser—Television Director, Production Manager, Host, and one of Canada's standout paranormal investigators.

Kim shares her incredible journey, detailing how she made the leap from 15 years in corporate sales to pursuing a career in paranormal investigations and media.

She discusses how she began to marry her love for both paranormal spirits and alcohol spirits with her podcast Boos and Bourbon. 

The two sip on one of their favourite bourbons, Weller Antique 107, while delving into some of Kim’s most haunting experiences including the infamous Lizzy Borden house...

In this episode, Mike sits down with his close friend Connor Gilbert, CEO of McTavish Spirits, to explore the origins of the brand and the story of how Connor connected with the legendary actor Graham McTavish through his podcast.

The two reminisce about Connor’s “Who Gives a Dram” podcast, which happens to be the first podcast Mike ever recorded during Whiskey Morgue’s infancy. Naturally, they pour McTavish Spirits’ flagship War Chief Bourbon while diving into life, horror, and the craft of McTavish whiskey.

Tune in as they share stories, laughs, and a few pours. 

On this episode of Whiskey Morgue, Mike sits down for a drink with Lear Mason, the lead singer of the rising gloom-rock band Some Days Are Darker. They dive into the band’s freshly released LP, TV-MA, and explore Lear’s remarkable musical journey, including how this unique project came to life. The conversation uncovers how the band skillfully weaves themes of gothic romance and noir cinema into their sound, all fueled by Lear’s artistic vision and marketing expertise. Mike even makes the case for why Some Days Are Darker deserves a spot on every vampire movie soundtrack.

...

In this episode, Mike sits down with writer, poet, journalist, and musician Marcel Feldmar to discuss his upcoming releases with Dead Sky Media. Including "Awkward on the Rocks", a story inspired by bar hopping and cocktail concoctions infused with spirits—both in the glass and from the underworld.

They also discuss Marcel's collaborations with Metallica guitarist Kirk Hammett, including their eerie short stories "We Brought Something Home From the Fire" and "I Have to Get Rid of This Guitar I Found", as well as the graphic novel series "Nights of Lono", now in development. Marcel opens up ab...

In this episode, Mike sits down with Miles Munroe, the Master Blender of Westward Whiskey, for a conversation that blends two of their favourite things: whiskey and horror. Miles shares the story behind Westward Whiskey, from its origins to the unique processes that make it an award-winning standout in the American Single Malt world.

They also take a deep dive into Miles’ journey into the whiskey industry, hearing how his passion for the craft helped him carve out a name for himself. Naturally, drinking is involved as Miles walks Mike through a tasting of three distinct Westward ex...

Today Mike is talking with Dylan Beyer from Shanky's Whip, on the very first episode of the Whiskey Morgue Podcast. They are sipping on their own versions of the Whip or Treat together, while talking pairings and horror.

Have a Whip or Treat with us:

Stay Spooky!

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