Poltergeists and Pixie Dust

Carrie (1976) - Episode 21

Carrie White’s prom night meltdown isn’t just horror-movie legend — it’s a master class in how religion, repression, and really bad boyfriends can spark literal fireworks. This month Laura and Kelly crack open the King classic to sift through the ashes of all that pig’s blood. * Holy terror. From Margaret White’s fire-and-brimstone parenting to the locker-room fiasco that opens the film, we unpack how faith—and the fear it can breed—can power horror stories. * Travolta in a twist. John Travolta’s Billy Nolan is the anti-Danny Zuko we never asked for. We debate whether Billy’s animal cruelty permanently dents Danny’s greaser glow or just reminds us that prom kings can be toxic too. * Sex ed, then & now. Believe it or not, Chicago high schools piloted formal sex-hygiene classes way back in 1912 — decades before the 1950s boom that made “family-life” curricula mainstream. In other words, Carrie definitely should have known what was happening! * Rubric time. We slap Carrie onto our 25-point fright scale and pair it with a Disney flick to wash the gore from our brains. Grab your tiara, cue the pipes of Sissy Spacek’s rage, and join the conversation. Have your own prom-night horror story—or a Danny-turned-Billy heartbreak? Tag us on Instagram with #PoltergeistsAndPixieDust and spill the (pig’s) tea. Your happily-ever-after horror fix starts now—press play!

Scream (1996) - Episode 20

What’s your favorite scary movie? This week on Poltergeists and Pixie Dust, we’re diving into the 1996 horror classic that redefined the slasher genre—Scream! From Ghostface’s iconic phone calls to the self-aware horror movie rules that keep (or don’t keep) characters alive, we’re dissecting what makes Scream both terrifying and endlessly rewatchable. But we’re not stopping at the scares! After slashing through Scream, we’re wrapping up the episode with two feel-good, nightmare-busting movies to help you sleep with the lights off. Because let’s be real—sometimes you need a little comfort after all that Ghostface-induced paranoia. 🔪 The Scream breakdown you didn’t know you needed 📞 Why answering the phone in a horror movie is always a bad idea 🎬 The ultimate double feature to cleanse your horror-loving soul Stream now, and don’t forget to follow Poltergeists and Pixie Dust for more spooky fun with a happily-ever-after twist! Links & Socials: * Follow us on Instagram: ⁠@poltergeistspixiedust⁠ [https://instagram.com/poltergeistspixiedust] * Tag us in your thoughts or movie pairings—#PoltergeistsAndPixieDust * Got a movie suggestion? Slide into our DMs or email us at ⁠poltergeistsandpixiedust@gmail.com [poltergeistsandpixiedust@gmail.com]⁠! Subscribe, rate, and review! It helps more horror-nerds and Disney-lovers like you find the show. Let’s keep the conversation going!

Rosemary's Baby (1968) - Episode 19

In this episode of Poltergeists and Pixie Dust, Kelly and Laura dive into the creepy, cult-classic world of Rosemary’s Baby. We debate the big question: Would you have moved into the Bramford? Spoiler alert—one we totally would have. From the apartment’s unsettling neighbors to the absolute dumpster fire that is Rosemary’s husband, we rage about controlling men and the societal structures that made life in the 1960s a horror story in itself. We also dig into the film’s feminist undertones (and overtones), unpacking how Rosemary’s struggles are amplified by the lack of rights and autonomy afforded to women in a pre-Roe v. Wade world. How much agency did she really have—and how much were her choices stolen from her by the men around her? To lighten the mood (and help you sleep tonight), we end with not one, but two Disney movie pairings designed to balance out the nightmare fuel. Tune in to find out which wholesome films we think can banish even the creepiest of cult vibes! Links & Socials: * Follow us on Instagram: @poltergeistspixiedust [https://instagram.com/poltergeistspixiedust] * Tag us in your thoughts or movie pairings—#PoltergeistsAndPixieDust * Got a movie suggestion? Slide into our DMs or email us at poltergeistspixiedust@gmail.com! Subscribe, rate, and review! It helps more horror-nerds and Disney-lovers like you find the show. Let’s keep the conversation going!

The Deliverance (2024) - Episode 18

Join Laura and Kelly on a haunting journey into Netflix's chilling horror release, The Deliverance (2024). In This Episode: * Family Fractures & Supernatural Forces: Meet Ebony, Alberta, and their children as they face terrifying events that test their bonds and beliefs. * Pixie Dust Pick-Me-Ups: After tackling the dark themes of The Deliverance, Laura and Kelly share their favorite Disney films to lift the mood and chase away the chills. Share your thoughts with us on social media using #PoltergeistsAndPixieDust! Connect With Us: * Discover upcoming episodes and extras: ⁠poltergeistsandpixiedust.com⁠ [poltergeistsandpixiedust.com] * Follow on Instagram: ⁠@PoltergeistsAndPixieDust⁠ [https://www.instagram.com/poltergeistsandpixiedust] * Join the conversation on Twitter: ⁠@PolterPixiePod⁠ [https://twitter.com/PolterPixiePod] * Send us your spooky movie suggestions: ⁠poltergeistsandpixiedust@gmail.com⁠ Subscribe & Review: Catch every episode by subscribing on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite podcast platform. If you enjoyed today’s episode, leave a review, and let us know which Disney movie tops your list as the ultimate paranormal repellent! Disclaimer: Poltergeists & Pixie Dust is not liable for any chills, creaks, or unexplained noises that may follow you after listening to this episode. Tune in, enjoy the scares, and remember—spook responsibly!

Cabin in the Woods (2011) - Episode 17

Welcome back to Poltergeists and Pixie Dust! This episode, we’re diving headfirst into one of Laura’s all-time favorite films—Cabin in the Woods! Join Kelly, the whimsical dreamer, and Laura, the logical thinker, as they unpack this genre-bending horror movie that’s equal parts terrifying and hilarious. We’ll take you through the wild twists and turns as five college friends head to a remote cabin, unknowingly becoming pawns in a sinister ritual orchestrated by shadowy corporate puppet masters. Along the way, we discuss everything from creepy gas station attendants, not-so-stereotypical characters, and even a wolf-head makeout session that Laura would rather forget! Kelly brings the trivia (Chris Hemsworth before Thor, anyone?), and Laura channels her excitement for Bradley Whitford, plus we debate whether free will or fate decides the characters' fates. It’s a fun, spooky episode that unearths the brilliance of Cabin in the Woods while touching on classic horror tropes, the Buffy-verse, and even a little Aaron Sorkin fangirling. So, grab your favorite horror movie snack, settle in, and let’s venture deep into the woods—just remember to follow our horror survival rules and never read the Latin! Follow us on Instagram @poltergeistsandpixiedust [https://www.instagram.com/poltergeistsandpixiedust] and Twitter @PolterPixiePod [https://www.twitter.com/polterpixiepod]. And don't forget to check out our calendar at www.poltergeistsandpixiedust.com [https://www.poltergeistsandpixiedust.com] to see what's coming up next time!