The Sunday Scaries

Rick & Trav take on a domestic deadite in EVIL DEAD RISE (2023). In the process they cover Otis-sanctioned elevator weight limits, Lee Cronin’s Lee Cronin-isms, and the true horror of dropping a box of pizza.

We are also dedicating this episode to Ricky’s neighbor Bob and his dog Xena, who he lost in a recent house fire. Gofund Me can be found here if you’re interested in helping Bob get back on his feet: https://gofund.me/875d60181

(00:02:10) - GoFundMe for Bob

(00:05:04) - Lee Cronin’s Lee Cronin Segment

(00:10:20) - Overal...

Rick and Trav continue their demonic trip down The Groovy Road to Evil Dead Burn as they cover Fede Alvarez's 2013 revitalization of the franchise with EVIL DEAD.  Warning: Drugs, deadites, and dogs named 'Grandpa' lie ahead.

(00:02:57) - Intro

(00:04:40) - Synopsis 

(00:05:25) - Overall Thoughts

(00:21:55) - Production Notes

(00:27:25) - Jane Levy!

(00:31:45) - Box Office, Scrapped Sequel Plans, & Rights Issues

(00:38:02) - Rest of the Cast

(00:40:35) - Scare-o-Meter

(00:43:00) - Highlights

(00:43:07) - Awards

(01:30:22) - Scream Queen or King

(01:32:25) - Next Ep...

The Groovy Road to EVIL DEAD BURN continues with the inconceivably batshit insane ARMY OF DARKNESS, the third installment of the Evil Dead franchise. Rick and Trav cover this movie’s connections to Hannibal, TEXAS CHAINSAW MASSACRE 2 (1986), why it wasn’t titled MEDIEVAL DEAD, why the “Ash vs. Evil Dead” TV show can’t reference this film, and the louder-than-a-boom-stick history of Sun Chips. This is Bruce Campbell at his most Bruce Campbell. Hail to the king, baby.

(00:00:55) - Random Banter

(00:02:36) - Horror News

(00:05:08) - Intro

(00:09:21) - Synopsis

(00:10:10) - Overall...

In anticipation of the release of EVIL DEAD BURN (2026), Rick and Trav begin their trek through the entire franchise, starting with a first for the podcast, a DOUBLE FEATURE, diving into the lore and cultdom of Sam Raimi's THE EVIL DEAD (1981) and EVIL DEAD 2 (1987). Welcome to The Groovy Road to Evil Dead Burn.

(01:42) - Movie News

(06:05) - Introducing our new franchise series: The Groovy Road to EVIL DEAD BURN

(14:40) - Our Relationship to Evil Dead 

(20:57) - Synopsis

(21:15) - The History of THE EVIL DEAD’s Production

(42:00) - The...

Rick & Trav get lost in a litany of liminal linguini creepypasta. From the electrical spend of an infinite set of backroom (rooms?) to Real Life therapists no-clipping their way into a suspended license, the Duo of Dread talk all things Analog Horror, Uncanny Valley, and where Kane Parsons sits amongst next Gen(Z)eration of spooky filmmakers. 

(01:00) - Random Banter

(03:52) - Intro

(04:20) - State of the Union of Horror Movies in 2026

(05:23) - Is horror back? Was it ever gone? 

(08:22) - The Terror of Generative A.I.

(10:04) - Sy...

This week we reach back into the vault for an episode recorded back in January this year, but we're just now releasing. Don't be scared, this one is worth the wait, as Nia DaCosta's The Bone Temple is quite possibly the best installment in the franchise to date.

(01:44) - Intro

(04:45) - Synopsis

(05:18) - What 28 DAYS LATER franchise movies do you need to see beforehand?

(10:38) - Travis' D-BOX experience (!)

(12:20) - Overall Thoughts

(18:25) -  Box Office

(20:10) - Production Notes

(26:55) - Casting

(35:13) - Return o...

Rick and Trav are back, and they've brought backup. This week we're covering Curry Barker's debut wide release film, Obsession.

(00:00) - Meet Amanda Woman

(04:06) - Bone Temple PSA

(05:00) - Intro

(06:55) - Synopsis

(08:10) - Viewing Experience

(13:37) - Curry Barker’s Comic Roots

(16:55) - Overall Thoughts

(36:20) - Casting

(44:00) - Production Notes

(48:44) - Scare-O-Meter

(51:11) - Highlights

(54:35) - Awards, Pt 1

(01:16:40) - Our One Wish Willows

(01:28:45) - Awards, Pt 2

(01:32:00) - Scream King / Queen

With awards season just getting started, it's time to let in one of 2025's best horror, if not best overall films, in Ryan Coogler's Sinners.  Rick and Trav welcome filmmaker Ayron La'Vell Walker, as they cover customary vampire etiquette and the outsized impact this genre film has had on the culture.

Tis the season for Rick and Trav to unbox one of their favorite Christmas horror films in Bob Clark's 1974 grand daddy of slashers, Black Christmas.

(00:00) - Random Banter

(03:22) - Favorite Holiday Movies

(05:50)- Movie News

(08:03) - Intro

(09:34) - Synopsis

(10:54) - Overall Thoughts

(16:11) - Themes

(20:13) - Production Notes

(26:30) - Casting

(35:05) - Scare-O-Meter

-Spoilers Beyond this point!-

(36:22) - Highlights

(42:30) - Deep Cuts

(43:49) - Awards

(01:11:04) - Scream King / Queen

Rick and Trav show their age by needing to bring in reinforcements by way of Gen Z Edie (accompanied by her dad, KB) to help unpack this latest adaptation of the popular video game franchise, Five Nights at Freddy's. We discuss wrongful allegations towards Bowling for Soup, Megan Fox's thumbs, and Josh Hutcherson's wardrobe choices in this film. 

(00:00) - Random Banter

(01:35) - Introducing Gen Z Edie & KB

(05:30) - Movie News (Netflix & WB)

(09:38) - Intro / FNAF 2 Theatrical Experience

(12:13) - Synopsis

(15:43) - Overall Thoughts

(31:21) - FNAF Lore w...

Rick and Trav share all that they're thankful for from the second best fake trailer-turned-movie (hat tip to MACHETE) in Eli Roth's 2023 THANKSGIVING.  A slasher served with questionable ethics of Patrick Dempsey's “Sexiest Man Alive“ win, a slice of Neck Glass Guy, and even a dash of tasteful cannibalism, this one has it all.

(00:00) - Teasing the 1st Annual Spooky Awards on Dec 21st

(3:25) - Intro / Synopsis / Where We Saw It

(7:44) - Overall Thoughts

(15:30) - Analysis 

(19:21) - Production Notes

(26:30) - Casting

(31:54) - The Real John Carver...

Rick & Trav tackle Osgood Perkins' new folk horror KEEPER, his third collaboration with Neon in two years. We discuss movie theatre etiquette, 1950's needle drops, and whether chocolate cake is overrated, underrated, or perfectly rated. 

(00:00) - Banter

(6:02) - Teasing the Annual Spooky Awards Episode

(7:17) - Intro / Theatre Experience / Overall Thoughts

(22:27) - Analysis

(28:18) - Production Notes

(32:49) - Casting

(39:01) - Scare-o-Meter Rating 

(39:43) - Highlights / Spoilers after this point!

(42:31) - Deep Cuts 

(46:44) - Awards

(01:22:18) - Outro / Coming Up Next

In preparation for Osgood Perkins' upcoming release KEEPER, Rick and Trav slowly recover their memories of Perkins' 2024 horror hit, LONGLEGS.  Favorite Nic Cage performances, Perkins familial ties, making deals with Mr. Downstairs, and so much more to make our listeners happy as peaches.  HAIL THE SUNDAY SCARIES!

(00:00) - A Short Nic Cage Story

(03:15) Intro / Best Horror Films of 2024

(5:20) Overall Thoughts / Analysis

(13:00) Production Notes / Osgood Perkins' Influences

(32:32) Casting / Our Favorite Nic Cage Performances

(44:16) Scare-O-Meter 

(45:38) Highlights

(52:40) Awards

(01:25:37) Outro / Coming Soon

It's ALIVE!!!  Rick and Trav resurrect their love for gothic horror as they cover Guillermo del Toro's new take on Mary Shelley's Frankenstein.  We debate how common confusing Frankenstein for his monster is and come together in our disappointment that we were teased with a variant of the Creature where he has Syphilis that ultimately does not pan out.

(00:00) - Post-Halloween Banter

(05:00) - Horror Movie News

(06:40) - Intro / Where We Saw It

(14:27) - Overall Thoughts / Analysis

(30:28) - Production Notes

(47:47) - Novel vs. Movie

(50:53) - Awards

Why settle for a Director's commentary when you can listen to Trav and Rick provide their own shot-by-shot commentary as they watch John Carpenter's iconic Halloween (1978).  We'll tell you when to press play on the movie so that you can listen to our audio as you watch along with us.

We are terrifingly honored to have scary movie expert, SMU film professor, and published author Dr. Rick Worland on the pod with us to cover John Carpenter's genre-defining slasher of all slashers - HALLOWEEN (1978).

You can find Dr. Worland's recently revised book THE HORROR FILM: AN INTRODUCTION here.

(00:00) - Introducing Dr. Worland

(06:03) - Horror Movie News

(08:43) - Defining what makes a Horror Film

(15:40) - Overall Thoughts

(20:07) - PSYCHO's Influence on HALLOWEEN

(25:00) - Development (BLACK CHRISTMAS, Debra Hill, etc.)

(34:35) - Making Of (The Music...

Travis is joined by aspiring podcast co-hosts Weslie and Margot (his daughters) as they cover their favorite Halloween film to watch together, The Nightmare Before Christmas.  Our highest scare-o-meter rating to date, continual requests for more apple slices, and one of the co-hosts angrily storms out halfway through the pod...you'll have to tune in to find out who it is!

The boys answer the call to Scott Derrickson's follow-up to his 2022 surprise hit in this year's BLACK PHONE 2 as they cover 80's tropes, 8mm film, and the power of the ole "I'll pray for you!!!"

Our spooky special episode covering Michael Dougherty's Halloween fixture, Trick 'r Treat.  Jenna Pumpkin joins us to dive into the history of Halloween, Rick and Jenna cover the fraught release of the film and why that contributed to its cult status, and Benny Townsend joins us again as we cover our scary movie awards.  Go see Trick 'r Treat, back in theaters for only two nights this week (Tuesday, 10/14, and Thursday, 10/16)!

This one's for the dogs!  Rick and Trav throw a bone to indie horror films as they cover Ben Leonberg's debut film, GOOD BOY (2025).  Plenty of reminiscing about their own goods boys, who both recently passed, with coverage of the film starting at 33:10.

Rick & Trav have historically done their best to avoid death and taxes. But in this episode what we can't avoid is our guest - old friend Joseph Ryan Gaasbeck AKA Juggy AKA Captain Clutch AKA Trav's former roommate AKA my former college rugby teammate, who joins us during the Awards portion of the show. Together we discuss the structural integrity of space needle buildings and rank all the kill scenes in this booming success of a legacy sequel.

Calling all Himbos, Himothée Chalamets, & Himzel Washingtons!  Rick & Trav tackle HIM (2025), a rare combo of their two favorite pastimes: football and horror. The boys get into the best fake pro football teams, why the Green Bay Packers are cursed, and troubleshoot how to rid Trav's daughters of their continued nightmares of the scariest mascot of all: Gritty.

Rick and Trav band together to walk down one of their surprise horror hits of the year, Francis Lawrence's The Long Walk (2025).  A film that may be the best analogy for this podcast, Travis ensures they keep the pace, Rick brings the soul, and amidst the struggles of watching, recording, and editing a podcast in under 48 hours, their bond of brotherhood is only made stronger. While the laughs are few and deaths are graphic, they still step through kids getting shot mid bowel movement, JoJo Rabbit, favorite Stephen King adaptations, and questionable shoe decisions.

The end of the Warrens, The Conjuring Franchise, and our Franchise series, Rick and Trav come out of retirement to cover Michael Chaves' last chapter for Ed and Lorraine Warren in The Conjuring: Last Rites.  More haunted hospital visits, some scary mirrors, Father Gordon praise, and chickens running amok at birthday parties; we cover it all.

Sometimes you just have to lift up and celebrate murderers - Rick and Trav continue their deep dive into the Conjuring franchise in preparation for the release of Last Rites, by covering The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It (2021).  We chat about the switch to Michael Chaves at Director, dubious legal defense strategies, how far one can take "based on a true story", and waterbeds.

Rick and Trav continue our Franchise Series in preparation for the release of THE CONJURING: LAST RITES (9/5/25), as we hop across the pond and investigate James Wan's THE CONJURING 2 (2016).  We cover appropriate London montage music, ventriloquists, flooded basements, and litigate more case files of Ed and Lorraine Warren.

Grab your rosary and an Nalgene bottle of holy water, we are kicking off a hecka new Franchise Series on THE CONJURING, that we have colloquially dubbed “If This Is Wrong, We Don’t Wanna Be Rite!” This dang week we begin with James Wan’s 2013 original, before working our way through the 2016 sequel next week 8/24, followed by the 3rd film from 2021 on 8/31, and finishing with the upcoming 4th and final (?) entry, THE CONJURING: LAST RITES releasing in theatres 9/5.

In this gosh darn episode Ricky develops a mysterious rash, Travis becomes a believer, and we have a specia...

Last night at 2:17 am, Rick and Travis woke up, got out of bed, went downstairs, opened the closet door, walked into the dark, recorded a podcast ...and they never came back. Until the following Sunday to do it all over again. Zach Cregger's WEAPONS is here!!!

Two pod hosts converge into this one episode as Rick and Trav cover Michael Shanks' debut film, Together, starring Dave Franco and Alison Brie.

Trav and Rick dive into 1982's smashing success of a horror film, The Poltergeist, the finer points of building subdivisions over cemeteries, Tobe Hooper vs Spielberg, and a movie that may be more cursed than the house in the film. 

In anticipation for Zach Cregger's WEAPONS release later this summer, Rick and Trav double-book themselves with Cregger's first solo-directed film and surprise hit, BARBARIAN (2022).  You won't want to miss a drop of this one.

This podcast was found in a cabin outside of Bellingham, WA....please do not be alarmed when Trav and Rick crawl out of your smartphone all wet and icky within seven days of listening to this epsiode.

In preparation for the 4th of July and in celebration of its 50th anniversary, Rick and Trav are going back into the water to cover the 1975 original summer blockbuster, Jaws!

Cut for time from the 28 Years Later pod, Rick and Trav debate and arrive at agreement on the best 10 zombie films of all time.

Fresh off of the premiere, Ricky Townsend and Travis Talaric dive into Danny Boyle and Alex Garland's long awaited sequel, 28 Years Later!

In preparation for 28 Years Later releasing next week, Ricky Townsend and Travis Talaric continue their rewatch of the franchise, with this episode devoted to Juan Carlos Fresnadillo's 28 Weeks Later.

In preparation for 28 Years Later releasing next week, Ricky Townsend and Travis Talaric dive into the hit zombie (but are they really zombies?) film 28 Days Later.

In our pilot episode, Rick and Trav dive into the Philippou brothers new film, Bring Her Back.