Happy Halloween, friend!
It’s the final day of our Spooky Season extravaganza, so naturally, it’s a moment for me to pause and reflect.
Our Spooky Season was packed with chills, thrills, and a few unexpected turns. While Hurricane Milton forced us to cancel our plans for a booth at Spooky Empire, we’re already setting our sights on making it happen next year. I’m so grateful to have gone to Halloween Horror Nights with Sean this year — some absolutely incredible memories were made that night. It makes an annual pass for next year all the more tempting (if you haven’t been to the Dead Coconut Club, you simply must put that at the top of your list next year).
This season also brought fresh energy to the team, and I’m thrilled to officially welcome the Demonic Darling Chel as a contributor and staff writer! With new voices and more horror on the horizon, we’re excited to keep bringing the spooky spirit year-round.
The Demonic Darling Chel
It’s a lovely October 31st in Miami, I’ve got my Halloween franchise marathon going on the tv, and I’m currently nursing a swollen arm that’s healing from 10+ hours of tattooing (but the continuation of a horror sleeve is a worthy sacrifice). I added a giant Ghostface, Sackhead Jason and Pamela’s head from Friday the 13th Part II (1981), and — at long last — a tattoo commemorating Hack or Slash, since it’s officially the longest consistent commitment of my life.
October 13th marked 7 years of Hack or Slash—it feels surreal. This year in particular was one of the hardest I’ve ever faced, but having this podcast, our community, and each of you kept me grounded and gave me strength I never expected to need. This journey has always been fueled by you: our listeners, our patrons, and our community. Hack or Slash has been my constant, and your support—through every episode, watch party, and message—has been a lifeline. I especially want to thank Nathan, who constantly checked in on me when I was disappearing from the world. Thanks for not letting me disappear, bud.
Thank you for making Hack or Slash more than a show; you’ve made it a family, and I’m grateful beyond words. I’ve shared a more personal reflection on this past year and our journey together here in this blog post. Let’s keep going, through every horror story that awaits us.
We returned to a fan-favorite ghoul in 347: Beetlejuice Beetlejuice (2024).
We braved the urban landscape with Jason’s infamous Big Apple debut in 348: Friday the 13th Part VIII: Jason Takes Manhattan (1989).
We explored nostalgia, melancholy, and creeping dread in 349: I Saw The TV Glow (2024).
We pulled back the curtain on haunted attraction artistry in our bonus episode, House of Horror Revealed: A Journey Through Miami’s Spookiest Haunt Attraction.
We revisited the chilling roots of an infamous horror locale in 350: Hell House LLC Origins: The Carmichael Manor (2023).
In episode 351, we dissected suburban malaise and time loops in the cult classic Donnie Darko (2001).
We confronted the horrors of rural isolation in 352: When Evil Lurks (2023).
We examined Freddy’s dark paternal twist in 353: A Nightmare on Elm Street 5: The Dream Child (1989).
We took another fateful ride with death itself in 354: Final Destination 3 (2006).
We celebrated a milestone with our 7th Anniversary Special, 355: Tides of Terror: Part 1.
We faced Art the Clown’s latest gruesome rampage in 356: Terrifier 3 (2024).
We leaned into grindhouse thrills and over-the-top gore in 357: Planet Terror (2007).
We forced a grin at the theater for 358: Smile 2 (2024).
In episode 361, we revived a grotesque classic with the campy brilliance of Re-Animator (1985).
We unraveled a franchise mystery in 360: Halloween: The Curse of Michael Myers (1995).
Our Demonic Darling Chel has spun gold for our blog all Spooky Season long.
Here’s what you missed:
Quick Tips to Build the Best 31 Days Watchlist: Discover easy tips for curating a month-long horror movie marathon that’s packed with both scares and surprises.
How to Train Your Scaredy Cat: Ways to Help Your Non-Horror Friends Fall in Love with Horror Too: Learn how to ease your horror-wary friends into the genre with films that balance thrills and fun.
Haunts vs. the Haunted: Facing Your Fears for the Fun of It: Explore the allure of haunted attractions and why we willingly seek out terrifying experiences.
Juggling Fear & Fun: The Paradox of Clowns in Horror: Dive into horror’s complicated relationship with clowns and what makes them both frightening and fascinating.
Discussion surrounding our review of Smile 2 (2024) revealed some mixed opinions on the film!
Our Terrifier 3 (2024) discussion was filled with a lot of buzz, and links to great Terrifier franchise collections.
Our 31 Days of Horror thread was on fire all month, with several of our listeners sharing their progress with their watch lists.
Live Recordings
11/10: Young Frankenstein (1974)
11/24: The Substance (2024)
Watch Parties
11/27: Thanksgiving (2023)
Daviywan 📍Long Beach
How did you first discover Hack or Slash?
I discovered you guys while searching for a horror podcast on Spotify. I listen to quite a few, but there was something that stood out to me about Hack or Slash. Something felt very genuine and inviting. I felt like I was in the conversations. I started listening to you guys late 2022 I believe. You guys help me get through the long work days for sure.
Which Hack or Slash episode has been your favorite so far?
Now this is a very hard question to answer, because there’s been so many great episodes and highlights. If I had to pick, it would probably be the episode where we find out about Binx's secret love for Shrek. That had me dying lol
What’s your favorite part of the Hack or Slash community on Discord?
Everyone is very welcoming. I struggle with social anxiety, so it’s hard to put myself out there on the Discord and be social. But I'm trying lol. But I enjoy reading the conversations and listening to live recordings and the watch parties.
What’s your favorite horror franchise?
This is a hard question. I am a slasher fan. Halloween was the first slasher that I've ever seen when I was a little kid. Michael Myers haunted my dreams so much as a kid and still to this day. Halloween is my favorite for sure. Scream is my 2nd.
What are your biggest passions outside of horror?
Music is something I've been passionate about since I was in diapers. I've been in a few bands here and there and played a handful of shows. Without music I'd probably be a different person. It's gotten me through some dark times.
What’s your go-to snack or drink during a horror movie marathon?
Pizza, wings, and ice cold cola.
What’s the worst horror movie you’ve ever seen?
The Gingerdead Man (2005).
Why would you probably die in a horror movie?
This is a good question. I do think that I can survive a horror movie with all of the knowledge that I have from watching horror and true crime series. But if a killer was able to get me, it would only be because I would be fighting them off trying to save a loved one or they just get me off guard when I'm not expecting them. So basically get me in my sleep lol.
Who’s your favorite horror villain or survivor?
Favorite horror villain is Art the Clown. Favorite survivors are Mindy and Chad Meeks.
What’s one underrated horror film you recommend to everyone?
There's this foreign slasher film called Cold Prey. Takes place in the snow. There’s some good suspense and good kills.
Several episodes of the Spooky Season were brought to you by Adam and Eve, the #1 source for adult toys for 50 years.
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