Episode 22: “The Fall of the House of Usher” (Part 2)
Explore how the 19th-century Cult of True Womanhood may have influenced Edgar Allan Poe's female characters. From Madeline Usher to modern horror and the cult of domesticity to the tradwife movement, we unpack some of society’s “feminine” ideals and their surprising link to feminism. We also talk about how women in fiction still struggle to break free from being mere reflections of male narratives.
Episode 20: The Malleus Maleficarum (part 2)
The dark history of witch hunts, exemplified by Heinrich Kramer’s “Malleus Maleficarum,” has disturbing parallels with modern misogynistic violence. This week, we’re bringing the story of the witch-hunts into the present, because unfortunately, more than 250 years later, not nearly enough has changed.
Episode 15: The Island of the Dolls
On Mexico City’s Island of the Dolls, thousands of dolls, haunted by the spirit of a tragic girl, come to life at night. This episode explores the science of creepiness and the societal implications of gendered toy play.
Episode 10: “Coraline” (Part 2)
How’s this for horror? We’re not done with Freud in part 2 of our “Coraline”-themed pj party. 😱 Learn now Coraline’s adventure reflects the Oedipus theory, the significance of gender performance throughout the film, and why horror audiences love a scary maternal figure.