Chronic Coven

Ep. 25 Thinner

This week, Leslie and Sam take on the unsettling body horror of Thinner, a chilling adaptation of Stephen King's novel. The film follows Billy Halleck, an arrogant, overweight lawyer who escapes accountability after a fatal hit-and-run accident involving a Romani woman. But justice comes in the form of a supernatural curse. With one ominous word — Thinner — Billy begins to lose weight at an alarming rate, no matter how much he eats. As his body deteriorates, Billy's desperation grows, leading him to confront the consequences of his actions and the vengeful force pursuing him. Fueled by guilt, paranoia, and the relentless effects of the curse, Thinner explores themes of justice, privilege, and the dark price of evading responsibility. Directed by Tom Holland and starring Robert John Burke, Joe Mantegna, Lucinda Jenney, Bethany Joy Lenz, Time Winters, and Howard Erskine, this Stephen King adaptation serves up psychological horror with a side of grotesque body transformation. Pair it with the Strain of the Week, Apple Cobbler (hybrid), for a viewing experience that’s both unsettling and surreal. What's in your stash? [https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/2285122/open_sms] Follow us on Instagram @chroniccovenpodcast [https://www.instagram.com/chroniccovenpodcast/]! Sam McCarthy @y0semitesamantha [https://www.instagram.com/y0semitesamantha/] Leslie Minek @creepyleslie [https://www.instagram.com/creepyleslie/]

Ep. 24 In the Mouth of Madness

This week, Leslie and Sam dive into the reality-warping nightmare of In the Mouth of Madness, John Carpenter’s chilling tribute to Lovecraftian horror. The film follows insurance investigator John Trent as he searches for missing horror author Sutter Cane, only to find himself trapped in a world where fiction is bleeding into reality. As paranoia and madness take hold, Trent realizes that Cane’s work isn’t just terrifying—it may be rewriting existence itself. With its eerie atmosphere, mind-bending twists, and existential dread, In the Mouth of Madness is a must-watch for fans of cosmic horror. Directed by John Carpenter and starring Sam Neill, Jürgen Prochnow, Julie Carmen, David Warner, John Glover, and Bernie Casey, this film delivers an unforgettable descent into insanity. Pair this journey into madness with the Strain of the Week, Sour Papaya, a sativa that just might have you questioning what’s real and what’s fiction. What's in your stash? [https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/2285122/open_sms] Follow us on Instagram @chroniccovenpodcast [https://www.instagram.com/chroniccovenpodcast/]! Sam McCarthy @y0semitesamantha [https://www.instagram.com/y0semitesamantha/] Leslie Minek @creepyleslie [https://www.instagram.com/creepyleslie/]

Ep. 23 As Above So Below

This week, Leslie and Sam venture into the Paris Catacombs with As Above, So Below, a found-footage horror film that combines history, mythology, and supernatural terror. The story follows Scarlett, a fearless archaeologist, and her team as they descend into the labyrinthine catacombs beneath Paris in search of the legendary Philosopher’s Stone. What begins as a daring archaeological mission quickly transforms into a nightmarish odyssey. As the group ventures deeper into the eerie underground tunnels, they face unexplainable phenomena, disturbing secrets, and the chilling manifestations of their own fears. With its unique setting and relentless tension, As Above, So Below delivers a haunting exploration of both physical and psychological horror. Directed by John Erick Dowdle, the film stars Perdita Weeks, Ben Feldman, Edwin Hodge, François Civil, Marion Lambert, and Ali Marhyar. Pair this thrilling journey with the Strain of the Week, Strawberry Cough, for a viewing experience as intense as the film itself. What's in your stash? [https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/2285122/open_sms] Follow us on Instagram @chroniccovenpodcast [https://www.instagram.com/chroniccovenpodcast/]! Sam McCarthy @y0semitesamantha [https://www.instagram.com/y0semitesamantha/] Leslie Minek @creepyleslie [https://www.instagram.com/creepyleslie/]

Ep. 22 The Thing (1982)

This week, Leslie and Sam delve into the frozen terror of John Carpenter’s The Thing, a sci-fi horror masterpiece that has chilled audiences for decades. Set in the unforgiving isolation of Antarctica, the film follows a group of researchers whose routine existence is shattered when they encounter a shape-shifting alien capable of perfectly imitating any living being. As paranoia grips the camp and trust among the crew crumbles, the team must figure out who—or what—can still be trusted before they all fall prey to the alien menace. With Kurt Russell leading an outstanding cast that includes Wilford Brimley, Keith David, and Richard Masur, The Thingmasterfully blends psychological horror with groundbreaking practical effects to create an unrelenting atmosphere of dread. From Rob Bottin’s jaw-dropping creature designs to the eerie score by Ennio Morricone, every element of this film has cemented it as a pinnacle of the horror genre. The Strain of the Week, Melonhead, pairs perfectly with the film’s mix of tension and unease, offering a cerebral experience to accompany this iconic thriller. Join Leslie and Sam as they explore the themes, scares, and legacy of The Thing, a movie that continues to terrify and inspire. Don’t miss this deep dive into one of horror’s greatest films! Huge shout out to Chris for our new outdo music! We love you ❤️ What's in your stash? [https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/2285122/open_sms] Follow us on Instagram @chroniccovenpodcast [https://www.instagram.com/chroniccovenpodcast/]! Sam McCarthy @y0semitesamantha [https://www.instagram.com/y0semitesamantha/] Leslie Minek @creepyleslie [https://www.instagram.com/creepyleslie/]

Ep. 21 Scare Package

This week, Leslie and Sam tackle the outrageous horror anthology Scare Package, a film that’s part blood-soaked carnage, part laugh-out-loud comedy, and all love letter to the horror genre. Directed by an ensemble of filmmakers, Scare Package gleefully embraces and subverts classic horror tropes in each of its wildly inventive segments. From slashers to body horror, every chapter is packed with absurd twists, over-the-top gore, and sharp meta humor that pokes fun at the very genre it celebrates. With standout performances from Jeremy King, Noah Segan, Chase Williamson, Zoe Graham, and Baron Vaughn, the film balances chaos and charm while keeping you guessing. Whether it’s a killer who can’t quite catch a break or an office prank gone horrifyingly wrong, each story delivers fresh, unpredictable thrills. It’s a must-watch for die-hard horror fans who enjoy scares with a healthy dose of satire. Pairing perfectly with the chaotic energy of Scare Package, the Strain of the Week, The King’s Mustache (Hybrid), brings balance to the madness. Tune in as Leslie and Sam break down the blood, the laughs, and why this anthology is a standout in modern horror. Don't miss this wild ride! What's in your stash? [https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/2285122/open_sms] Follow us on Instagram @chroniccovenpodcast [https://www.instagram.com/chroniccovenpodcast/]! Sam McCarthy @y0semitesamantha [https://www.instagram.com/y0semitesamantha/] Leslie Minek @creepyleslie [https://www.instagram.com/creepyleslie/]