Podcast

Watch If You Dare

Film History, Film Reviews, TV & Film

Watch If You Dare is a podcast exploring horror cinema through the eyes of a coward and the eyes of a longtime fan. Whether you’re a hardened horror expert, a casual in a love-hate relationship with scary cinema, or just a victim of a dare, join Derek, Aaron, and the occasional guest or two and face your fears. Find new episodes of Watch If You Dare on PodBean, iTunes, Stitcher, Spotify, CastBox, and Google Play. Please subscribe, rate and review.

Episodes
188
Releases
Every two weeks
Typical length
2 hr 14 min
On air since
2018
Latest episode
4 days ago

Episodes

188 episodes, newest first

  1. Episode 184: Halloween

    Episode 188

    Show notes

    To finish this year's Season of Spoop on "Grim Returns," Aaron and Derek discuss the seasonal slasher masterpiece 1978's "Halloween" directed and scored by John Carpenter, who co-wrote it with producer Debra Hill. The spoop bois also include audio clips from various past guests with their thoughts on the movie! With a movie that has been analyzed to death, Aaron and Derek decide to focus on what this film means on a personal level and what makes it an undeniable important piece of horror cinema. The night Aaron and Derek came home!

    ONLY $5 A MONTH to join our Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/WatchIfYouDare

    We are on PodBean, Apple Podcasts, Podchaser, Goodpods, Amazon Music, Spotify, iHeartRadio and CastBox. Please rate, review, subscribe, and share our show. Also, check out our Spotify Music playlist, links on our Twitter and Podbean page. Our socials are on Bluesky and Facebook and Twitter @WatchIfYouDare

    2 hr 12 min
  2. Episode 183: Trick or Treat (1986)

    Episode 187

    Show notes

    To continue the Season of Spoop on the theme of "grim returns," Aaron and Derek cover 1986's supernatural rockstar horror flick "Trick or Treat" (also known as "Ragman") directed by Charles Martin Smith. They discuss the use and marketing of Ozzy Osbourne and Gene Simmons in the cast and the exploration of metal music and panic of the 80s. They also get into the character development of the protagonist throughout the film, how this predates parasocial relationships, and many other aspects of the movie. Derek is a big fan of his. Aaron his tapes for him and die!

    ONLY $5 A MONTH to join our Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/WatchIfYouDare

    We are on PodBean, Apple Podcasts, Podchaser, Goodpods, Amazon Music, Spotify, iHeartRadio and CastBox. Please rate, review, subscribe, and share our show. Also, check out our Spotify Music playlist, links on our Twitter and Podbean page. Our socials are on Bluesky and Facebook and Twitter @WatchIfYouDare

    2 hr 8 min
  3. Episode 182: Pet Sematary

    Episode 186

    Show notes

    The 2026 Season of Spoop on the themes of "returns" and "back from dead" begins now! To start things off, Aaron and Derek discuss 1989's supernatural horror movie "Pet Sematary" adapted from Stephen King's 1983 novel. They talk about the heavy themes in regard to death, how grief can consume and destroy, and the lore exploration between the film and the book. They also get into Jud's motivations, what scares you more from this film at different ages, and many other aspects of this movie. The soil of Aaron's heart is stonier. Derek's ground is sour.

    ONLY $5 A MONTH to join our Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/WatchIfYouDare

    We are on PodBean, Apple Podcasts, Podchaser, Goodpods, Amazon Music, Spotify, iHeartRadio and CastBox. Please rate, review, subscribe, and share our show. Also, check out our Spotify Music playlist, links on our Twitter and Podbean page. Our socials are on Bluesky and Facebook and Twitter @WatchIfYouDare

    1 hr 55 min
  4. Weeee’re BaaAAaaack!…The Catch Up Episode

    Episode 185

    Show notes

    The Spoop Bois Aaron and Derek are back! On this special out of continuity, in between episode, the boys explain the hiatus and get into some horror they've enjoyed lately with a focus on movies.

    ONLY $5 A MONTH to join our Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/WatchIfYouDare

    We are on PodBean, Apple Podcasts, Podchaser, Goodpods, Amazon Music, Spotify, iHeartRadio and CastBox. Please rate, review, subscribe, and share our show. Also, check out our Spotify Music playlist, links on our Twitter and Podbean page. Our socials are on Bluesky and Facebook and Twitter @WatchIfYouDare

    1 hr 58 min
  5. Episode 181: Manhunter w/ special guest Mansfield's mom Tammy

    Episode 184

    Show notes

    This episode features the return of Aaron's mom Tammy as a guest! They discuss 1986's crime thriller "Manhunter" directed by Michael Mann and based off of the 1981 novel "Red Dragon" by Thomas Harris. They talk about Brian Cox's performance as Hannibal Lecktor (Lecter), the portrayal of crime procedural in media, and how Francis Dollarhyde makes for a great horror-adjacent villain. They also get into Mann's "Miami Vice" neon influence bleeding into this movie, the banality of evil, music choices, and many other aspects of the flick. Tammy, Aaron and Derek recorded a podcast. DO YOU SEE!

    ONLY $5 A MONTH to join our Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/WatchIfYouDare

    We are on PodBean, Apple Podcasts, Podchaser, Goodpods, Amazon Music, Spotify, iHeartRadio and CastBox. Please rate, review, subscribe, and share our show. Also, check out our Spotify Music playlist, links on our Twitter and Podbean page. Our socials are on Bluesky and Facebook and Twitter @WatchIfYouDare

    2 hr 37 min
  6. Episode 180: Lord of Illusions w/ special guest Cullen Bunn

    Episode 183

    Show notes

    Aaron and Derek welcome back horror comic author extraordinaire Cullen Bunn (Harrow County, The Empty Man, The Sixth Gun, etc.) to talk 1995's neo-noir supernatural horror film "Lord of Illusions" written and directed by Clive Barker. They discuss what makes Nix such a good horror villain, Bakula's performance as Harry D'Amour, and the amazing opening sequence with the cult. They also get into the world of stage magicians vs actual magicians, Barker's history with the D'Amour character, and trope inversion of a villain trying to achieve godhood. Aaron and Derek know flesh is a trap, and magic sets them free. Cullen wanted to be a god... then changed his mind.

    Cullen Bunn can be found on Bluesky https://bsky.app/profile/cullenbunn.bsky.social
    Facebook https://www.facebook.com/cullenbunn
    Twitter @cullenbunn
    The Cullenoscopy Podcast on Youtube https://www.youtube.com/@TheCullenoscopy
    Links for all of his work can be found here: https://linktr.ee/cullenbunn

    ONLY $5 A MONTH to join our Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/WatchIfYouDare

    We are on PodBean, Apple Podcasts, Podchaser, Goodpods, Amazon Music, Spotify, iHeartRadio and CastBox. Please rate, review, subscribe, and share our show. Also, check out our Spotify Music playlist, links on our Twitter and Podbean page. Our socials are on Bluesky and Facebook and Twitter @WatchIfYouDare

    1 hr 54 min
  7. Episode 179: Razorback

    Episode 182

    Show notes

    On this episode, the Spoop Bois discuss 1984's Australian animal attack horror film "Razorback" written by Everett De Roche and directed by Russell Mulcahy. They talk about the Ozploitation sub-genre of movies, the use of the Australian outback as a wasteland, and the elements of psychedelia and ethereal nightmare logic in visuals and storytelling. They also get into the backdrop of animal rights activism, man vs nature, the junk punk aesthetic of the Baker brother characters, and many other aspects of the film. Aaron and Derek only got two states of being- dangerous or dead. Nothing in-between.

    ONLY $5 A MONTH to join our Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/WatchIfYouDare

    We are on PodBean, Apple Podcasts, Podchaser, Goodpods, Amazon Music, Spotify, iHeartRadio and CastBox. Please rate, review, subscribe, and share our show. Also, check out our Spotify Music playlist, links on our Twitter and Podbean page. Our socials are on Bluesky and Facebook and Twitter @WatchIfYouDare

    2 hr 17 min
  8. Episode 178: His House

    Episode 181

    Show notes

    On this episode, Aaron and Derek cover 2020's supernatural folk horror film "His House" written and directed by Remi Weekes. They talk about why movies like this are so important in understanding world views that are not often represented in media, and they get into how the flawed nature of the characters Rial and Bol is well written. They also discuss the context of the South Sudan's history of conflict, the effectiveness of supernatural horror mixed in with trauma and social commentary, why this is movie is more important now than ever, and many other aspects of the flick. Aaron and Derek might paint this podcast red.

    ONLY $5 A MONTH to join our Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/WatchIfYouDare

    We are on PodBean, Apple Podcasts, Podchaser, Goodpods, Amazon Music, Spotify, iHeartRadio and CastBox. Please rate, review, subscribe, and share our show. Also, check out our Spotify Music playlist, links on our Twitter and Podbean page. Our socials are on Bluesky and Facebook and Twitter @WatchIfYouDare

    2 hr 19 min
  9. Episode 177: Silent Hill w/ special guest Valerie Morreale

    Episode 180

    Show notes

    Val returns to the podcast once again to discuss 2006's supernatural horror film "Silent Hill" adapted from the Konami published game series and directed by Christophe Gans. They talk about how the movie captures the thematic vibes of the game franchise, comparisons and differences from the source material, and how the creative team got involved with a video game adaptation. They also get into why Sean Bean's subplot doesn't work, the horror of the final confrontation, and many other aspects of the movie. Aaron and Derek are looking at the map. Val is memorizing it.

    Val's Bluesky: @val-more.bsky.social
    Check out Screenage Wasteland at https://screenagewasteland.com/
    They are on Twitter @SAWasteland and @SAWpodcasts

    We are on PodBean, Apple Podcasts, Podchaser, Goodpods, Amazon Music, Spotify, iHeartRadio and CastBox. Please rate, review, subscribe, and share our show. Also, check out our Spotify Music playlist, links on our Twitter and Podbean page. Our socials are on Bluesky and Facebook and Twitter @WatchIfYouDare

    2 hr 34 min
  10. Episode 176: Dreamcatcher

    Episode 179

    Show notes

    On this episode, Aaron and Derek tackle 2003's science fiction horror film "Dreamcatcher" directed by Lawrence Kasdan, co-written by Kasdan and screenwriter William Goldman, and adapted from the 2001 Stephen King novel. They talk about how this movie failed despite having a superstar team of creatives, the novel being equally as flawed, and where Stephen King was at this point in his life and career. They also discuss the movie blending multiple genres, the insane performance choices for certain characters, and many other aspects of the flick. Aaron and Derek will bite...your bag...and everything else.

    We are on PodBean, Apple Podcasts, Podchaser, Goodpods, Amazon Music, Spotify, iHeartRadio and CastBox. Please rate, review, subscribe, and share our show. Also, check out our Spotify Music playlist, links on our Twitter and Podbean page. Our socials are on Bluesky and Facebook and Twitter @WatchIfYouDare

    2 hr 30 min
  11. Episode 175: Silent Night, Deadly Night Part 2

    Episode 178

    Show notes

    PODCAST DAY! For the 2025 holiday season, Aaron and Derek cover 1987's slasher sequel "Silent Night, Deadly Night Part 2" directed by Lee Harry. They discuss why a large chunk of this movie is a recap of the first movie, Lee Harry's career, and the brief moments of actual depth through the film. They also get into Eric Freeman's relationship with his casting as Ricky Caldwell, the extremely low budget, how it's become an entertaining cult classic to revisit, and many other aspects of the movie. Mother Superior! Aaron and Derek got a present for you!

    We are on PodBean, Apple Podcasts, Podchaser, Goodpods, Amazon Music, Spotify, iHeartRadio and CastBox. Please rate, review, subscribe, and share our show. Also, check out our Spotify Music playlist, links on our Twitter and Podbean page. Our socials are on Bluesky and Facebook and Twitter @WatchIfYouDare

    1 hr 57 min
  12. Episode 174: Constantine w/ special guest Lauren Willson

    Episode 177

    Show notes

    To celebrate it now being over 20 years since its release, Aaron and Derek are joined by returning guest Lauren Willson to tackle 2005's supernatural action flick "Constantine" directed by Francis Lawrence and adapted from the "Hellblazer" comic book series. They talk about how the Constantine character balances being edgy and taking the classic hero's journey. They also get into the stylistic choices of the movie, how Keanu Reeves makes this version of the character his own, the amazing smaller performances, differences between this film and the comic, and many other aspects of the movie. Lauren believes in you. Aaron and Derek are the punchline.

    We are on PodBean, Apple Podcasts, Podchaser, Goodpods, Amazon Music, Spotify, iHeartRadio and CastBox. Please rate, review, subscribe, and share our show. Also, check out our Spotify Music playlist, links on our Twitter and Podbean page. Our socials are on Bluesky and Facebook and Twitter @WatchIfYouDare

    2 hr 48 min
  13. Episode 173: BLOOD RAGE 2025 w/ special guest Valerie Morreale

    Episode 176

    Show notes

    For Thanksgiving, the Spoop Bois are joined by returning guest Valerie Morreale of the Screenage Wasteland film website and The Canon Podcast to tackle the 1980s cult holiday slasher film "Blood Rage" directed by John Grissmer. They discuss why they chose this film and what makes it perfect horror viewing for Thanksgiving. They also dig into what Val thought about the movie and her opinions on character motivations. Derek is not Aaron. Val is eating leftovers on the floor. Surprise, that's not cranberry sauce, it's a podcast (again again again AGAIN AGAIN AGAIN)! If you've read this far, congratulations and thanks.

    Val's Bluesky: @val-more.bsky.social
    Check out Screenage Wasteland at https://screenagewasteland.com/
    They are on Twitter @SAWasteland and @SAWpodcasts

    We are on PodBean, Apple Podcasts, Podchaser, Goodpods, Amazon Music, Spotify, iHeartRadio and CastBox. Please rate, review, subscribe, and share our show. Also, check out our Spotify Music playlist, links on our Twitter and Podbean page. Our socials are on Bluesky and Facebook and Twitter @WatchIfYouDare

    2 hr 12 min
  14. Episode 172: A Cure for Wellness w/ special guest Caitlin Starling

    Episode 175

    Show notes

    Superstar horror author Caitlin Starling (The Graceview Patient, The Starving Saints, The Death of Jane Lawrence, The Luminous Dead, and many other works) returns to the show to discuss 2016's psychological horror film "A Cure for Wellness" directed by Gore Verbinski and written by Justin Haythe with Aaron and Derek. They get into how this movie thematically pairs well with Caitlin's new book The Graceview Patient, the pacing of gothic horror, and fears of claustrophobia and healthcare. They also talk about Mia Goth's performance vs the writing of her character, what makes this flick both ambitious and messy, the trope of a weird paternalistic doctor antagonist, and many other aspects of the movie. Caitlin wants to know why anybody would want to leave. Derek and Aaron want to know what the cure for the human condition is.

    Please follow Caitlin on Instagram @authorcstarling and on Bluesky @caitlinstarling.com
    Check out her works at her website: http://www.caitlinstarling.com/

    We are on PodBean, Apple Podcasts, Podchaser, Goodpods, Amazon Music, Spotify, iHeartRadio and CastBox. Please rate, review, subscribe, and share our show. Also, check out our Spotify Music playlist, links on our Twitter and Podbean page. Our socials are on Bluesky and Facebook and Twitter @WatchIfYouDare

    1 hr 57 min
  15. Episode 171: Scream w/ special guests Raf Stitt & Valerie Morreale

    Episode 174

    Show notes

    For Halloween 2025 and to wrap up the "High School Horror" Season of Spoop, Aaron and Derek are joined by Raf Stitt and Valerie Morreale of the Screenage Wasteland film website and The Canon Podcast to discuss 1996's slasher classic "Scream" directed by Wes Craven and written by Kevin Williamson. They talk about how "Scream" both honors and subverts slasher films, the thematic elements of mass violence in schools, and what it did in revitalizing horror in the 90s. They also get into the undertones of certain relationships between characters, the realism of Ghostface making the slasher more terrifying, all the references to other horror movies, and many other aspects of the film. Val and Raf have a favorite scary movie. Aaron and Derek's parents are going to be so mad at them.

    Check out Screenage Wasteland at https://screenagewasteland.com/
    The Canon Podcast can be found on Apple at https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-canon-an-essential-movies-watchlist/id1680794257
    On Spotify at https://open.spotify.com/show/5WgmNfRzvbLNtPlBC2jkD3?si=ba78aaf2a23646f0&nd=1&dlsi=5b701af83fcb4fa4
    On Youtube at https://www.youtube.com/@ScreenAgeWasteland
    They are on Twitter @SAWasteland and @SAWpodcasts

    Raff's Bluesky: @rafstitt.bsky.social
    Raff'x Twitter: @rafstitt
    Val's Bluesky: @val-more.bsky.social

    We are on PodBean, Apple Podcasts, Podchaser, Goodpods, Amazon Music, Spotify, iHeartRadio and CastBox. Please rate, review, subscribe, and share our show. Also, check out our Spotify Music playlist, links on our Twitter and Podbean page. Our socials are on Bluesky and Facebook and Twitter @WatchIfYouDare

    2 hr 26 min
  16. Episode 170: Carrie w/ special guest Heather Murray

    Episode 173

    Show notes

    For the second "high school horror" themed Season of Spoop episode, Heather returns to the show to discuss 1976's supernatural horror movie "Carrie" directed by Brian De Palma and adapted from the Stephen King book. They get into bullying in high school, whether or not Carrie is a sympathetic character, and how this adaptation's success impacted the careers of King, De Palma, and star Sissy Spacek. They also talk about how the mother character is the true villain, why most the horror comes from the experiences of an abused teenager, and many other aspects of the film. Heather can see your dirty pillows. Derek and Aaron really like poems.

    We are on PodBean, Apple Podcasts, Podchaser, Goodpods, Amazon Music, Spotify, iHeartRadio and CastBox. Please rate, review, subscribe, and share our show. Also, check out our Spotify Music playlist, links on our Twitter and Podbean page. Our socials are on Bluesky and Facebook and Twitter @WatchIfYouDare

    2 hr 16 min
  17. Episode 169: The Faculty w/ special guests Nate Boyd & Tyler McCarty

    Episode 172

    Show notes

    It's October, so 2025's Season of Spoop begins! This year the theme is "high school horror." To start off this year's series, Nate and Tyler (hosts of the Hate Speech Podcast, The Bruce Campbell Podcast and Animorphing Time Podcast) return to discuss 1998's science fiction horror film "The Faculty" directed by Robert Rodriguez with a screenplay by Kevin Williamson. They talk about what makes high school scary, the supreme late-90s nostalgia in this movie, and whether or not it still holds up. They also get into Kevin Williamson's writing, all the obvious horror movie references, what seems problematic under a modern lens, and many other aspects of the flick. Nate, Tyler, Derek and Aaron aren't aliens, they're discontent.

    Nate Boyd's Bluesky: @buttzilla.bsky.social
    Nate's Twitter: @BateNoyd
    Tyler McCarty's Bluesky: @bearnurse.bsky.social
    Tyler's Twitter: @bearnurse
    Hate Speech Podcast's Twitter: @h8speechpod
    Hate Speech Podcast's Bluesky: @hatespeechpod.bsky.social
    The Bruce Campbell Podcast @BruceCPod : https://anchor.fm/brucecpod
    Animorphing Time Podcast @animorphingtime : https://animorphingtime.com/

    We are on PodBean, Apple Podcasts, Podchaser, Goodpods, Amazon Music, Spotify, iHeartRadio and CastBox. Please rate, review, subscribe, and share our show. Also, check out our Spotify Music playlist, links on our Twitter and Podbean page. Our socials are on Bluesky and Facebook and Twitter @WatchIfYouDare

    1 hr 54 min
  18. Episode 168: Race with the Devil

    Episode 171

    Show notes

    On this episode, Aaron and Derek take a road trip with 1975's road horror film "Race with the Devil" directed by Jack Starrett. They discuss RV culture, how this movie is a mix of 70s Satanic panic, road movies, car chases and hicksploitation, and the differences between Satanism in media in the 1970s vs the 80s and 90s. They also talk about the meeting of old school Hollywood and modern horror, Peter Fonda and Warren Oates' careers, the portrayal of authority and paranoia, and many other aspects of the movie. Aaron doesn't drive too well when he's asleep. Derek wants to race for $10.

    We are on PodBean, Apple Podcasts, Podchaser, Goodpods, Amazon Music, Spotify, iHeartRadio and CastBox. Please rate, review, subscribe, and share our show. Also, check out our Spotify Music playlist, links on our Twitter and Podbean page. Our socials are on Bluesky and Facebook and Twitter @WatchIfYouDare

    2 hr 6 min
  19. Episode 167: Trollhunter w/ special guest Caitlin Starling

    Episode 170

    Show notes

    On this episode, acclaimed author Caitlin Starling (The Luminous Dead, The Starving Saints, The Death of Jane Lawrence, etc.) joins Aaron and Derek to discuss 2010's Norwegian dark fantasy mockumentary "Trollhunter" written and directed by André Øvredal. They talk about Caitlin's bibliography, inspirations, writing process and experiences with professional publishing. They also get into Trollhunter's blending of Norwegian culture and folktale with grounded reality, the movie's exploration of bureaucracy and lack of oversight, the effective use of found footage in the revelation of trolls and plot progression, and many other aspects of the movie. Derek and Aaron are in troll territory now. Caitlin once saw a troll try to eat its own tail.

    Please follow Caitlin on Instagram @authorcstarling and on Bluesky @caitlinstarling.com
    Check out her works at her website: http://www.caitlinstarling.com

    We are on PodBean, Apple Podcasts, Podchaser, Goodpods, Amazon Music, Spotify, iHeartRadio and CastBox. Please rate, review, subscribe, and share our show. Also, check out our Spotify Music playlist, links on our Twitter and Podbean page. Our socials are on Bluesky and Facebook and Twitter @WatchIfYouDare

    2 hr 5 min
  20. Episode 166: The Mangler

    Episode 169

    Show notes

    On this episode, Aaron and Derek discuss 1995's haunted machine film "The Mangler" directed by Tobe Hooper and based off the 1972 Stephen King short story. They talk about how Hooper combined his humorous horror sensibilities with King's insane creative energy and adding more to what is an otherwise direct adaptation of the short story. They also get into Hooper's use of lighting and set dressing, the not so subtle exploration of capitalism and lack of oversight consuming everything, and how Hooper as a director always "goes for it." Derek is doing a little dance! Aaron has a little bit of that machine in him.

    We are on PodBean, Apple Podcasts, Podchaser, Goodpods, Amazon Music, Spotify, iHeartRadio and CastBox. Please rate, review, subscribe, and share our show. Also, check out our Spotify Music playlist, links on our Twitter and Podbean page. Our socials are on Bluesky and Facebook and Twitter @WatchIfYouDare

    2 hr 23 min