Bell, Book and Candle

The Virgin Witch

Before modern folk horror and long before witchcraft became mainstream in horror cinema, there was The Virgin Witch (1971), a bizarre blend of occult themes, sexploitation, and questionable storytelling choices. This week on Broomsticks & Bloodshed, Cory and Rossa take a deep dive into one of the strangest witch-themed films they’ve tackled yet. The hosts break down the film scene by scene, exploring its portrayal of witchcraft, cult imagery, psychic powers, and the many ways it misses the mark when it comes to actual magical practice. Along the way, they discuss the film’s place within the exploitation era of horror, the cultural attitudes that shaped it, and why both lead actresses later distanced themselves from the project. Before the review, Cory and Rossa catch up on what they’ve been watching, including Interview with the Vampire, Death of a Unicorn, The Backrooms, Obsession, and the surprising discovery of Slumber Party Massacre 3. Is The Virgin Witch an overlooked cult gem, a fascinating historical curiosity, or simply a confusing collection of boobs, robes, and bad decisions? Tune in as the witches weigh in. Topics Include: * The Virgin Witch (1971) film breakdown * Witchcraft vs. Hollywood witchcraft * Exploitation horror of the 1970s * Interview with the Vampire discussion * Death of a Unicorn review * Horror recommendations and disappointments * Season break announcements and future plans for the podcast __________________________________________ 🎙️ Broomsticks and Bloodshed is the podcast where witches talk horror, heresy, and the weird beauty of the unholy. 🩸 If you’re loving the dark magic, cursed cinema and witchy chaos, make sure to rate, review, and subscribe to Broomsticks and Bloodshed! Your support helps more horror lovers find the coven! 🔮 Follow the podcast: Instagram: brmstixandbloodpod Threads: brmstixandbloodpod Bluesky: brmstixandbloodpod 🕯️ http://linktr.ee/brmstixandbloodpod ✉️ Drop us a line at: broomsticksandbloodshedpodcast@gmail.com

Hereditary

The Graham family never had a chance. From the very first frame, Ari Aster’s Hereditary makes that terrifyingly clear — and this week, Cory and Rosśa drag every hidden sigil, every carefully placed hat, and every demonic invocation into the light. They walk through the full arc of the Graham family’s unraveling, while Rosśa unpacks the deep goetic underpinnings of the film’s magic — Crowley’s Thelemic invocations, the necromantic significance of a corpse in the house, Walpurgis Night, and the binding power of “Liftoach Pandemonium.” Because Aster didn’t just gesture at the occult. This coven knows their craft. They also dig into Toni Collette’s devastating, awards-robbed performance, the layered color symbolism of red and blue, and why Alex Wolff needed years of trauma therapy after filming. Whether you’re a first-timer or you’ve seen it a dozen times and you’re still finding things — put your phone on silent, turn up the brightness, and come join the coven. Rating: Four broomsticks. Obviously. ___________________________________________ 🎙️ Broomsticks and Bloodshed is the podcast where witches talk horror, heresy, and the weird beauty of the unholy. 🩸 If you’re loving the dark magic, cursed cinema and witchy chaos, make sure to rate, review, and subscribe to Broomsticks and Bloodshed! Your support helps more horror lovers find the coven! 🔮 Follow the podcast: Instagram: brmstixandbloodpod [https://www.instagram.com/brmstixandbloodpod?igsh=MXFtdXRuZmtrM3UxcA%3D%3D&utm_source=qr] Threads: brmstixandbloodpod [https://www.threads.com/@brmstixandbloodpod?igshid=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ==] Bluesky: brmstixandbloodpod [https://bsky.app/profile/brmstixandbloodpod.bsky.social] 🕯️ http://linktr.ee/brmstixandbloodpod [http://linktr.ee/brmstixandbloodpod] ✉️ Drop us a line at: broomsticksandbloodshedpodcast@gmail.com [broomsticksandbloodshedpodcast@gmail.com]

Cory’s 5 Favorite Horror Films Of All Time

This week on Broomsticks and Bloodshed, Cory steps behind the mic solo for a deeply personal dive into the five horror films that shaped his love of the genre forever. From the spiritual terror of The Exorcist to the grief soaked nightmare of Hereditary, the paranoid isolation of The Thing, the grimy brutality of The Texas Chain Saw Massacre, and the haunting madness of The Shining, this episode explores why horror stays with us long after the credits roll. Together, we unpack fear, faith, grief, violence, isolation, and the beautifully unholy emotions that make horror feel so human. Light a candle, settle into the dark, and maybe leave the hallway light on tonight.

The Craft

In this episode of Broomsticks and Bloodshed, Cory and Rossa dive headfirst into the iconic 1996 film The Craft, unpacking its legacy, its chaos, and its surprisingly layered portrayal of witchcraft. Recorded on the film’s 30th anniversary, the timing feels almost… fated. Before getting into the movie, the hosts reflect on a whirlwind weekend at Spirit Northwest, sharing stories from their live screening of Horror Hotel, unexpected fan encounters, and the beautifully chaotic energy of convention life. From there, they ease into their review with a mix of nostalgia, humor, and sharp insight. The discussion explores each of the film’s central characters and the real-world themes they embody: trauma, power, marginalization, and the intoxicating pull of control. From Sarah’s fragile vulnerability to Nancy’s explosive descent, the hosts examine how The Craft balances empowerment with consequence. They also highlight the film’s cultural impact, including its unforgettable soundtrack, aesthetic influence, and enduring place in witchy spaces today. Along the way, Cory and Rossa dig into the accuracy and symbolism of the magic portrayed, touching on concepts like invocation, elemental balance, and the ethics of spellwork. They don’t shy away from the darker elements either, including discussions of mental health, manipulation, and the dangers of unchecked power. Blending personal stories, witchcraft insight, and horror analysis, this episode celebrates The Craft as both a cult classic and a cautionary tale—one that still resonates decades later. So light your candles, call your corners, and remember: whatever you send out… might just come back.

Streaming Screams & Theater Nightmares

Step away from the coven for a moment as Broomsticks and Bloodshed dives into a horror catch-up session. Cory and Rossa trade notes on everything they’ve been watching lately, from theatrical releases to streaming deep cuts, covering the good, the bad, and the absolutely unforgivable. From the chaotic fun of Ready or Not 2 to the bleak dread of The Dark and the Wicked, the duo explores what makes horror hit… or miss. They dig into slow-burn psychological terror, brutal action flicks, overlooked indie gems, and the ongoing struggle of video game adaptations that just can’t quite stick the landing. Expect passionate rants, unexpected recommendations, and a few films you may want to avoid at all costs. Whether you’re hunting for your next scare or just love hearing horror fans break it all down, this episode is your ultimate watchlist companion. Plus, stick around for updates on upcoming events, including Spirit Northwest, and more from the ever-expanding world of Broomsticks and Bloodshed. http://linktr.ee/brmstixandbloodpod