Dread Alert Podcast

Dread Alert Media
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The Dread Alert Podcast explores the darkest corners of horror literature, film, and media through in-depth conversations and interviews with the creators behind the fear. Co-hosted by Vince and Sara of Dread Alert Media, the show dissects the craft of storytelling, the psychology of dread, the impact of these stories, and the cultural roots of horror. Featuring exclusive interviews with authors, filmmakers, and genre innovators, The Dread Alert Podcast is where fans and scholars of horror come together to uncover what truly makes us afraid.   The Dread Alert Podcast is a part of the Dread Alert Media Network.  https://linktr.ee/dreadalertmedia

  1. 4d ago

    Bootstrapping Uncontained & Reimagining Zombie Cinema with Morley Nelson

    Join Vince on The Dread Alert Podcast for an in-depth conversation with filmmaker and actor Morley Nelson! Morley sits down to discuss his breakout indie hit Uncontained (streaming on Amazon Prime), a fresh, emotionally grounded take on the zombie genre that blends high-octane survival with the DNA of a classic Western. In this episode, Morley pulls back the curtain on the triumphs and grueling challenges of bringing an ultra-low-budget feature to life. From shooting on a micro-budget in sub-zero winter temperatures on his family's property to directing his own children and family dog, Scout, Morley shares candid behind-the-scenes stories about what it takes to bootstrap a feature film. The conversation dives deep into: The Process: How he developed the script, handled notes from mentors and distributors like Cineverse, and found the movie's heart in its climactic moments.The Craft: Collaborating with editor Charlie Gusevsky to create a "lovingly ruthless," fast-paced edit that cuts out all the fat.Visual Storytelling & Themes: Using depth of field, focus, and visual metaphors to mirror grief, trauma, and emotional focus during extreme crisis.Inspirations: How Uncontained functions as a "cold Western," drawing structural cues from classic cinema, Sergio Leone/Corbucci Spaghetti Westerns, and genre favorites like The Grey.What's Next: Teasing an upcoming prequel exploring "The Man's" origins, a potential sequel, and the power of the horror community.Timestamps & Chapters 00:00 - Intro & Welcome Morley Nelson01:06 - Pitching Uncontained & Crafting the Logline02:34 - Writer Vulnerability, Feedback & Mentors04:34 - Vince on Directing vs. Acting & Taking Notes06:23 - Directing Yourself on a Micro-Budget08:52 - Shooting a Feature in 14 Days on Personal Property10:38 - Editing Pace & Working with Editor Charlie Gusevsky12:51 - Editing to Music & Building the Score with Chromosomes14:45 - Making a $55,000 Budget Look Like a Million Bucks16:48 - Subverting Horror Tropes & Building Tension20:09 - Feedback from the Indie Horror Community & Reshoots23:27 - Directing His Own Kids & Pet Dog (Scout)34:18 - Visual Composition, Depth of Field, & Visual Metaphors38:12 - Why Horror Fans are the Smartest Audience40:32 - Crafting Complex Antagonists & Sympathetic Villains43:22 - Character Arcs & Structuring Uncontained as a Cold Western47:32 - Filming in -40° Weather & Extreme Stunts52:23 - Working with Cast Members & Casting First-Time Actors55:25 - Favorite On-Set Memories & Non-Verbal Acting01:01:56 - Putting Art into the World & Hitting 40+ Million Views01:04:53 - Dealing with Online Feedback & Trolls01:09:14 - Teasing the Uncontained Prequel & Franchise Plans01:11:07 - Supporting Independent Artists in Horror01:14:29 - Favorite Westerns & Essential Zombie Film Recommendations01:21:03 - George A. Romero, Dawn of the Dead, & Monroeville Mall History01:25:46 - Are Slasher Icons (Jason/Michael) Considered Zombies?01:35:33 - Where to Find Morley & Upcoming Projects (Tin Man)01:39:34 - Girl Dad Life & Final Words of WisdomWhether you're an aspiring indie filmmaker, a die-hard horror fan, or someone who loves great story craft, this insightful, humorous, and deeply personal interview is a must-listen! Follow Morley Nelson Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/morley_nelson/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@morleymewing IMDb: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm5580315/Watch & Stream Uncontained Available to stream now on Amazon Prime VideoConnect with Dread Alert Media: Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/DreadAlertMediaSupport the show Follow us on YouTube, TikTok, Instagram, or for more horror hot takes and reviews!

  2. 4d ago

    How This Romero-Backed Short Film Redefines Inclusivity in Horror | Gene Blair Jr. Interview

    Save 20% on Fangoria Merch and New Subscriptions at https://shop.fangoria.com/DreadAlertMedia or with code DREADALERTMEDIA  Dread Alert Media Earns Commission on Purchases _________________________________ Support Dread Alert Media on Patreon | https://www.patreon.com/DreadAlertMedia _________________________________ In this episode of the Dread Alert Podcast, host Vince sits down with writer and director Gene Blair Jr. to discuss his moving, Dickensian horror short film, Stay. Backed by the George A. Romero Foundation and featuring horror legend Lori Cardille (Day of the Dead) alongside Suzanne Romero, Stay blends surreal, dream-logic storytelling with a powerful message on self-harm awareness, empathy, and meaningful representation for individuals with special needs. Gene shares the story behind working with his daughter and first-time actors, adapting set locations on the fly near the historic Monroeville Mall area, navigating adaptive special effects makeup with T-Rex Talents, and how the spirit of George A. Romero continues to shape indie horror. Real-Life Origins & Casting: Gene shares how his friendship with Ashley Spears inspired the film's central relationship, along with directing his daughter in her first acting role. Inclusive Filmmaking in Action: How the crew provided floor-level studio adaptations and flexible scheduling for special effects artist Logan Register and cast members with special needs. Partnering with the George A. Romero Foundation: The serendipitous Living Dead Weekend panel that led to co-writer Jeff Whitehead, Suzanne Romero, and Day of the Dead star Laurie Cardille joining the project. Visual Metaphors & Surreal Storytelling: Using David Lynch-inspired dream logic, local festival backdrops, and striking cinematography to mirror the protagonist's inner turmoil. Empathy as the Core of Horror: Exploring the film's anti-self-harm themes, navigating pre-grief, and why horror as a genre allows audiences to connect with "otherness". Practical Effects vs. Modern CGI: Reflecting on George Romero's legacy, growing up in a golden era of practical FX, and why creative constraints make better art. Where to Follow Gene Blair Jr: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@GeneBlairJr – Catch Gene's personal video updates, behind-the-scenes content, and local media work. Gene’s IMDb: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm11533971/ Watch Stay: Stream Stay: https://fawesome.tv/movies/10728858/stay-2024 Upcoming Projects: Keep an eye out for Mr. X, coming out in 2026, and future updates from the George A. Romero Foundation. Connect with Dread Alert Media: Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/cw/DreadAlertMedia  Support the show Follow us on YouTube, TikTok, Instagram, or for more horror hot takes and reviews!

  3. 4d ago

    The Hospital at the End of the World: AI vs. Human Medicine with Author & Psychiatrist Dr. Justin C. Key

    Can Artificial Intelligence truly replace human empathy in healthcare? In this episode of Dread Alert Media, Vince sits down with author and practicing psychiatrist Dr. Justin C. Key to discuss his debut sci-fi medical thriller, The Hospital at the End of the World. We dive deep into the terrifying and hopeful realities of AI in medicine, balancing medical school with creative writing, algorithmic bias, systemic disparities in healthcare, and what inspired Dr. Key’s vision of a near-future New Orleans holding out against an AI-driven medical conglomerate. Plus, Dr. Key shares his favorite sci-fi/horror influences from Stephen King’s IT to Michael Crichton’s Jurassic Park, and gives a sneak peek at his next quantum-mechanics body horror novel! TIMESTAMPS:  00:00 - Introduction: The Hospital at the End of the World  01:12 - Book Overview: AI vs. Human-Led Medicine in Near-Future New Orleans  03:42 - Balancing Medical School, Psychiatry Residency, and Writing Novels  08:14 - Building a Grounded, Realistic Sci-Fi World & AI Displays  13:09 - The Real-World Risks of AI in Healthcare & Language Model Limits  18:08 - The Hope for AI: Predictive Care, Data Insights, and Medical Intuition  22:15 - Algorithmic Bias, Systemic Disparities, and Predictive Eugenics  28:02 - The Essential Human Connection in Medicine & Healing  36:29 - What Draws Dr. Justin C. Key to Speculative Fiction and Horror?  42:23 - The Core Message: The Privilege of Being a Healer & The Hippocratic Oath  49:03 - Quick Fire: Favorite Sci-Fi & Horror Books, Movies, and TV Shows  53:29 - Where to Find the Book, Signed Copies, and Social Media  55:15 - What’s Next: Quantum Mechanics & Body Horror Sneak Peek  Get The Hospital at the End of the World: Find it at your local indie bookstore or Bookshop.orgSigned copies available (while supplies last) at Reparations Club (LA), Mysterious Bookshop (NYC), and Brookline Booksmith (Boston).Audio version narrated by James Foley available on Audible and major platforms.Connect with Dr. Justin C. Key: Website: https://justinckey.comInstagram: https://instagram.com/justinckeyTikTok: https://tiktok/@justinckeyConnect with Dread Alert Media: Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/cw/DreadAlertMedia Support the show Follow us on YouTube, TikTok, Instagram, or for more horror hot takes and reviews!

  4. 6d ago

    Weight Loss Drugs, & Cannibalism: Nothing Tastes As Good with Author Luke Dumas

    In this episode of the Dread Alert Podcast, Vince sits down with author Luke Dumas (A History of Fear) to dive deep into his razor-sharp novel, Nothing Tastes As Good. Part The Substance, part Stephen King's Thinner, Nothing Tastes As Good is a visceral body horror thriller following Emmett, a man struggling with weight, career, and self-worth, who enters a clinical trial for a revolutionary miracle weight loss drug. But as the pounds shed and his life turns around, sinister side effects manifest, leaving behind blood, missing enemies, and whispers of a cannibalistic killer on the loose. Vince and Luke explore the profound intersections of body image, societal fatphobia, food addiction, queer identity, and the psychological impact of modern weight-loss cultures. Luke also shares insights into his transition from dark satirical comedy to horror, his inspirations ranging from Edinburgh's Gothic atmosphere to Black Swan, and gives an exclusive look at his upcoming projects, including a monster anthology and a zoo-set thriller! In this episode, we discuss: 00:00 – Welcome to Dread Alert & Personal Fitness Journeys 01:24 – What is Nothing Tastes As Good? Plot & Premise 03:37 – Luke Dumas’s Writing Journey: From Edinburgh satire to body horror 05:28 – Horror influences: Thinner, Gothic atmospheres, & dark humor 07:59 – Male fatness, queer identity, and representation in fiction 10:45 – Ozempic, weight loss drug stigmas, & societal indoctrination 15:12 – Crafting Emmett: Writing a sympathetic yet monstrous protagonist 18:38 – Body horror breakdown: Navigating the book's most intense scenes 25:02 – Horror as a tool for empathy & addressing food noise  32:26 – Favorite body horror stories: The Substance, Black Swan, & Big Trouble in Little China 38:55 – What’s next for Luke Dumas: The Big Bad Book of Kaiju & a new zoo thriller! Connect with Author Luke Dumas: Website: lukedumas.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thenewdumas/ Threads: https://www.threads.com/@thenewdumas  Book Release: Nothing Tastes As Good is available wherever books are sold! Connect with Dread Alert Media: Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/cw/DreadAlertMedia    Support the show Follow us on YouTube, TikTok, Instagram, or for more horror hot takes and reviews!

  5. Oct 2

    The Next Cult Horror Comedy? | Interview with Weekend at the End of the World Director Gille Klabin

    What happens when two idiot best friends try to flip a cabin, only to be interrupted by the apocalypse?  In this episode of The Dread Alert Podcast, Vince sits down with visionary filmmaker Gille Klabin (The Wave) to discuss his latest sci-fi horror comedy, Weekend at the End of the World. Starring Thomas Lennon (Reno 911!, The State), this hilarious, genre-bending indie film explores male friendship, family trauma, and cosmic dread—all on an ultra-low budget. Gille takes us deep into the making of the film, sharing: Behind-the-scenes indie filmmaking secrets: How they shot a feature film in just 12 days without overtime. Visuals & VFX: Balancing neon purple lighting, Lovecraftian vibes, and doing all the visual effects in Blender without using AI. Directing & Cast Culture: Creating a fair revenue-share model for the entire crew and working with comedy legend Thomas Lennon. Fun details: The hilarious truth behind having a dedicated "fart consultant" on set! If you're a fan of Shaun of the Dead, indie horror, or bold sci-fi comedies, this interview is packed with practical advice for filmmakers and insights for movie lovers. Timestamps  00:00 - Intro & Unfiltered Impressions of Weekend at the End of the World 01:08 - Film Logline: Idiots, Real Estate & The Apocalypse 02:21 - Gille Klabin's Journey: From Home Movies to The Wave & Feature Films 06:05 - Visual Style: Choosing Neon Purple Over Green Screen Dread 09:49 - Behind the Credits: Yes, There Was a "Fart Consultant" 11:25 - Creating a Positive On-Set Vibe with a 27-Person Crew 16:45 - Independent Film Equity: Equal Pay & Revenue-Share Model 25:31 - Working with Comedy Legend Thomas Lennon (The State, Reno 911!) 31:45 - Filming in 12 Days & On-Set Improvisation 38:28 - Hands-On VFX: Busting the "AI Slop" Myth & Journalistic Ethics 51:19 - Themes of Male Friendship, Self-Actualization & Idealism 57:59 - Gille's Favorite Horror-Comedy & Ultimate Horror Influences 01:03:04 - Where to Watch & Upcoming Projects Follow Gille and Weekend at the End of the Workd Follow Gille Klabin on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gilleklabin/ Follow the Film: https://www.instagram.com/weekendattheendoftheworld/ Connect with Dread Alert: Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/cw/DreadAlertMedia  Support the show Follow us on YouTube, TikTok, Instagram, or for more horror hot takes and reviews!

  6. Sep 29

    CJ Leede Returns! Writing Horror at The Stanley Hotel: HEADLIGHTS & Stephen King Homage

    Author CJ Leede (Maeve Fly, American Rapture) returns to Dread Alert as our very first returning guest to talk about her new supernatural detective novel, HEADLIGHTS! In this episode, Vince and CJ sit down to discuss: The Pitch & Premise: A strange setup involving people waking up on Colorado highways wearing someone else's skin with a stranger's hair around their tongues.Researching HEADLIGHTS: Spending nearly five years on forensic details, procedural elements, and consulting authenticity readers to capture compound trauma and the veteran experience.Exploring Death & Nature: How grief, ecological sprawl,Keystone species like wolf reintroductions, and Colorado's landscape shaped the book's core questions about mortality and our place in the world.Leaning into The Shining: Balancing homage to Stephen King’s classic, researching in a haunted room at the Stanley Hotel, and capturing the "madness of art".Road Trips & Cryptids: CJ's recent trip to the Mothman Museum in Point Pleasant and hanging out with Clay McLeod Chapman in Vermont.TIMESTAMPS: 01:10 - What is HEADLIGHTS? Genre Mashups & The Setup  05:03 - Deep Forensic Research, Male Protagonists & Compound Trauma  12:00 - Processing Grief, Ghosts & DNA  15:16 - Leaning into The Shining & Staying at the Stanley Hotel  23:37 - Ecological Horror, Denver Sprawl & Keystones  28:06 - Road Trips: Point Pleasant, Mothman & Horror Retreats  35:36 - Vulnerability, Being Seen & Favorite Supernatural Detectives  45:03 - What’s Next: Short Stories & Book Four Follow CJ Leede Follow CJ Leede on Intagram: https://www.instagram.com/ceejthemomentBuy Headlights wherever books are soldConnect with Dread Alert: Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/cw/DreadAlertMedia  Support the show Follow us on YouTube, TikTok, Instagram, or for more horror hot takes and reviews!

  7. Sep 25

    Nightmares on Autopilot: Making Autonomous with BigSquid Films

    Save 20% on Fangoria Merch and New Subscriptions at https://shop.fangoria.com/DreadAlertMedia or with code DREADALERTMEDIA In this episode of the Dread Alert Podcast, host Vince sits down with returning friends and indie filmmakers Kyle Valle and Erin Áine of BigSquid Films. They dive deep into their new project, Autonomous, a cutting-edge, vertical-format horror film released exclusively on the indie streaming platform Screamify. Inside the Episode: The Inspiration Behind Autonomous: How real-world autonomous vehicles and rideshare tech sparked the concept for a claustrophobic, high-tension horror film.Shooting in Vertical: Kyle breaks down the technical hurdles of shooting vertically, handling massive custom camera rigs, and adapting storyboarding for mobile-first storytelling.Chasing Waymos in Atlanta: Hear the chaotic, behind-the-scenes story of tracking down actual autonomous vehicles, guerilla-style filming in cul-de-sacs, and re-creating custom car props.Character & Performance: Erin shares her approach to portraying complex, grounded characters and navigating a tense, continuous argument locked inside a moving vehicle.AI & The Future of Indie Filmmaking: A thoughtful discussion on technology's impact on human relationships, the ethical boundaries of AI in art, and balancing modern tech with indie film craft.Where to Watch: Watch Autonomous: Stream it now on the Screamify app.Behind the Scenes: Check out the mini-documentary Behind the Screams: Autonomous on Screamify to see how the team pulled it off!Follow the Crew: Follow BigSquid Films on Instagram at @BigSquidFilms and @ZombieConMovie.Connect with Dread Alert Media: Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/cw/DreadAlertMedia Support the show Follow us on YouTube, TikTok, Instagram, or for more horror hot takes and reviews!

  8. Sep 23

    Making the Cabin Scream: Double Danger on Legacy and Distortion in Evil Dead Burn

    On this episode of the Dread Alert Podcast, host Vince sits down with Xavier and Douglas, the composing duo known as Double Danger, to talk about their work on the score for Evil Dead Burn. The duo discusses their approach to joining the iconic Evil Dead franchise, detail how they honored the legacy of previous compositions while introducing modern, distorted textures, and share what it was like treating the film's primary location as its own living character. They also dive into their close collaboration with director Sébastien Vaniček right from the script phase, working alongside the sound design team to build tension and jump scares, and how their DIY, self-taught musical backgrounds shaped their approach to film scoring. Topics Covered: Respecting vs. Subverting Franchise Heritage: How Double Danger took elements from previous Evil Dead scores—including Joseph LoDuca's work—and twisted them using heavy distortion, pitched string instruments, and experimental textures to forge a modern identity.Conceptual Scoring: Why double bass was used to embody the house itself, and how haunted vocal performances were layered to symbolize family legacy.Collaboration and Process: Developing the musical palette with director Sébastien Vaniček long before filming began in New Zealand, working seamlessly with the sound design department, and receiving creative encouragement from producers Sam Raimi and Rob Tapert.Standout Tracks & Influences: A breakdown of key score moments, including "Where Is It?" and "To Your Perfect Family" featuring vocals by Julien Casarino (Psycup), plus the duo's personal favorite horror films.Physical Release Details: Updates on where to stream the soundtrack and details regarding the upcoming double vinyl release via WaterTower Music featuring artwork by Steve Reeves.Links & Resources: Follow Double Danger on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/doubledangermusicListen to the Score: Available now on Spotify, Apple Music, and all major streaming platforms.Pre-Order the Vinyl LP: https://waxworkrecords.com/collections/all/products/evil-dead-burn Connect with Dread Alert: Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/cw/DreadAlertMedia  Support the show Follow us on YouTube, TikTok, Instagram, or for more horror hot takes and reviews!

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About

The Dread Alert Podcast explores the darkest corners of horror literature, film, and media through in-depth conversations and interviews with the creators behind the fear. Co-hosted by Vince and Sara of Dread Alert Media, the show dissects the craft of storytelling, the psychology of dread, the impact of these stories, and the cultural roots of horror. Featuring exclusive interviews with authors, filmmakers, and genre innovators, The Dread Alert Podcast is where fans and scholars of horror come together to uncover what truly makes us afraid.   The Dread Alert Podcast is a part of the Dread Alert Media Network.  https://linktr.ee/dreadalertmedia

Information

  • Creator
    Dread Alert Media
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    31
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Dread Alert Media
  • Show Website
    Dread Alert Podcast