Truth Behind the Terror

Carissa Willis
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Welcome to Truth Behind the Terror, the podcast that digs into the “based on a true story” claims behind your favourite horror films. Host Carissa dives deep into the backstories, legends, and real-life events that supposedly inspired iconic scary movies — from haunted hotels to demonic possessions to monsters born from myth. Each episode separates fact from fiction to reveal what’s real, what’s exaggerated, and what’s pure Hollywood imagination. If you love horror, research, or just debunking spooky stories, this is the podcast for you.

Episodes

  1. JAN 30

    The Wendigo, Ravenous (1999), and the Hunger That Never Ends

    Send us a text What happens when hunger doesn’t stop — even after survival? In this episode of Truth Behind the Terror, I explore the Wendigo: a terrifying figure from Algonquian First Nations folklore associated with winter, starvation, greed, and the loss of humanity. More than a monster, the Wendigo serves as a moral warning — one that draws a sharp line between survival and excess. From there, we dive into the 1999 cult classic Ravenous, a darkly comedic horror western inspired by real historical events including the Donner Party and the story of Alfred Packer, the so-called “Colorado Cannibal.” Set against the backdrop of American expansionism, Ravenous uses cannibalism as a metaphor for power, greed, and Manifest Destiny — and draws heavily on the Wendigo myth to do so. Finally, we contrast mythic cannibalism with real-world survival cannibalism, examining the 1972 Andes plane crash as depicted in Alive (1993) and Society of the Snow (2023), and how folklore can help us understand — rather than sensationalize — human desperation. This episode contains discussions of cannibalism, starvation, death, and psychological trauma. Listener discretion is advised. 🎬 Films & Stories Discussed Ravenous (1999)Alive (1993)Society of the Snow (2023)The Wendigo (Algonquian folklore)🎵 Music & Audio “Curse” — Eerie and Scary Ambient Music by Mehul Sharma (Royalty-Free)Film clips used for commentary and educational purposes🎙️ Production Credits Research, writing, editing, and narration: Carissa WillisPodcast hosted on BuzzsproutFan Mail button enabled — listeners are welcome to send a message directly through the episode page

    35 min

  2. 12/25/2025

    Shadow of the Solstice: The Truth Behind Krampus

    Send us a text 🎙️ Truth Behind the Terror — Episode: Shadow of the Solstice: The Truth Behind Krampus (2015) Episode Description Every winter, a horned creature stalks the snowy villages of the Alps — rattling chains, dragging birch branches, and punishing the misbehaved. But how much of that legend actually made its way into the 2015 horror-comedy Krampus? In this episode of Truth Behind the Terror, Carissa descends into pre-Christian folklore, Alpine winter rituals, and centuries-old moral traditions to uncover the real stories behind the monster that Hollywood turned into a gingerbread-slaying Christmas demon. From Krampusnacht parades and Saint Nicholas’ dark companion to snow-globe dimensions and killer toys, we separate folklore fact from cinematic chaos — and reveal what Krampus really was meant to be. 🎄 Creepy.  📜 Historical.  👹 Surprisingly meaningful. 🩸 Truth Behind the Terror Scale 🧊 5/10 — Rooted in folklore, wildly fictionalized 📬 Listener Fan Mail Have thoughts, theories, or your own creepy holiday traditions?  Use the Fan Mail button to send a message — your note may be featured in a future episode. 🎬 Credits & Disclaimers Host, Research, Writing & Editing: Carissa Willis Music: Eerie and Scary Ambient Music (Royalty Free Music) “Curse” by Mehul Sharma Film Clips: Brief audio excerpts from Krampus (2015) are used under fair-dealing provisions for commentary, criticism, and educational purposes. Podcast Platform: Buzzsprout

    28 min

  3. 04/09/2024

    Episode 6 - The Blair Witch Project

    Send us a text Happy New Year ... in April!!  We are back with our first episode of 2024 and it's a fun one!  Join us as we look at a movie that had one of the most creative marketing campaigns in movie history ... it's based on a true story ... but it actually isn't.  It's also a bit of winding path as we explore a truly indescribable movie from the 70s that was actually the pioneer of the modern found footage film genre.  And we leave you with some true crime/true horror stories that are sure to add a little something extra to your next camping trip! Episode warning: This episode contains discussions of animal cruelty, child abuse, violence against children, violence against First Nations, and sexual assault.  Listener discretion is advised. References and Sources - Music by SoundGalleryByDmitryTaras from Pixabay - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A5iF5psCp28 - Blair Witch Mythology: The Burkittsville 7 (Documentary/Mockumentary) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VEmUpmA27QI - Ruggero Deodato - Interview (Part 1) with his son discussing “Cannibal Holocaust” - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_-mUYmyxlCw - Ruggero Deodato - Interview (Part 2) with his son discussing “Cannibal Holocaust” - The Blair Witch Project. Directed by Daniel Myrick and Eduardo Sanchez, performances by Heather Donahue, Michael C. Williams, and Joshua Leonard, Haxam Films, 1999. - https://www.nytimes.com/2019/07/30/movies/blair-witch-project-1999.html   “‘The Blair Witch Project’ at 20: Why It Can’t Be Replicated” Jake Kring-Schreifels The New York Times July 30, 2019 - https://www.vice.com/en/article/8xzy4p/blair-witch-project-oral-history-20th-anniversary “The Terrifying True Story of How ‘The Blair Witch Project’ was Made” Tatiana Tenreyro Vice July 16th, 2019 - Blair Witch Online Message Boards - https://blairwitch.proboards.com/ - Blair Witch Project - Documentary Prequel - https://youtu.be/NxmoQrF6Zik?si=r0D9YseBlYeWQaNQ - Cannibal Holocaust Directed by Ruggero Deodato, performances by Robert Kerman, Francesca Ciardi, and Perry Pirkanen, F.D. Cinematografica, 1980. - https://collider.com/cannibal-holocaust-production-history-explained/ “The Fascinating Story Behind One of Horror’s Most Disturbing Films, “Cannibal Holocaust” Luna Guthrie Collider December 29th, 2022 - https://www.theguardian.com/film/2011/sep/15/cannibal-holocaust “Cannibal Holocaust: ‘Keep filmint!  Kill more people!" Steve Rose The Guardian September 15th, 2011 - https://listverse.com/2022/10/14/10-brutal-crimes-committed-against-campers/ “10 Brutal Cr

    1h 9m

  4. 12/24/2023

    Episode 5 - Black Christmas

    Send us a text Merry Christmas, ya filthy animal!  Happy holidays to you!  Need a break from your Festivus celebrations?  Looking for that perfect holiday film to cuddle up with the whole family?  Need some topics of conversation to get through all of the awkward family dinners?  You are in luck!  Join us on the winding path of our latest podcast as we cover such topics as: ✅  Why were all of the horror movies of the early 2000's such 💩? ✅  Serial killers ... their psychopathy, why they should only ever drive Honda Civics, and what is with the mommy issues? 🗡️ ✅  Forensic odontology ... is it junk science or the new fingerprints? 🦷 ✅  The best of Canadian cinema ... Fubar? Strange Brew? Porky's? 🇨🇦 ✅ Why is it probably for the best that only one of us has children? 👶 ✅ Occasionally circling back to the 2 (or is it 3? 🤔) true crime stories that inspired the Canadian cult classic Christmas/horror movie Black Christmas.  Thank you so much for listening to our podcast through 2023, we hope that you have enjoyed listening as much as we have enjoyed making the episodes!  Remember to like, subscribe, rate, and review on your favourite podcast platform if you are enjoying what you are hearing. We wish you the very best of the holiday season and look forward to entertaining you again in 2024!  Happy New Year! 🎊 References and Sources Music by SoundGalleryByDmitryTaras from Pixabay Black Christmas. Directed by Bob Clark, performances by Olivia Hussey, Keir Dullea, and Margot Kidder, Warner Bros., 1974.  "13 Things You Didn't Know About 'Black Christmas'". Chiller (TV channel). December 25, 2015. Archived from the original on December 29, 2015. Wikipedia contributors. (2023, December 7). Black Christmas (1974 film). In Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. Retrieved 19:09, December 7, 2023, from https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Black_Christmas_(1974_film)&oldid=1188746384 https://nerdbot.com/2023/11/13/urban-legend-fact-or-fiction-the-babysitter-and-the-man-upstairs/ Urban Legend Fact or Fiction: The Babysitter and the Man Upstairs Amy Davis Nerdbot November 13th, 2023 https://www.youtube.com/watch?app=desktop&v=uUEfES_6-Ko The Story Behind Black Christmas: The Boy Murderer George Webster and The Vampire Killer Wayne Boden Under the Ash Tree December 31st, 2022 https://serialkillercalendar.com/WAYNE-CLIFFORD-BODEN-THE-VAMPIRE-RAPIST.php Wayne Clifford Boden - The Vampire Rapist Serial Killer Calendar Aaron Kirkland

    55 min

  5. 11/05/2023

    Episode 4 - The Exorcist

    Send us a text One of the most terrifying movies of all time, "The Exorcist" was based on the true story of a 14 year old boy, which also inspired the novel by William Peter Blatty.  Join us as we explore the myths surrounding the "cursed" movie, the theology behind exorcisms, the true story of Roland Doe, and to what extent demonic possession can be linked to mental health. Show Notes: - Music by SoundGalleryByDmitryTaras from Pixabay - https://www.history.com/news/exorcisms-christianity-gospels-movie - Exorcisms: The Centuries-Long History of Expelling Evil The History Channel - A&E Television Networks Elizabeth Yuko October 27, 2022 - https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2021/dec/20/the-exorcist-boy-named-magazine - Boy whose case inspired The Exorcist is named by US magazine Maya Yang The Guardian December 20, 2021 - Exorcism Protocol Archdiocese of Toronto Catholic Pastoral Centre 1155 Younge Street Toronto, Ontario, Canada March 12th, 2015 - https://www.cnn.com/2017/08/04/health/exorcism-doctor/index.html - When exorcists need help, they call him John Blake CNN Health - CNN Friday August 4th, 2017 - https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/politics/1978/04/21/cries-of-a-woman-possessed/94bf2fd3-8e64-482d-869d-1f929851ca8f/ - Cries of a Woman Possessed The Washington Post Michael Getler April 21st, 1978 - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=29fpnF1DWoQ - Rare, Unedited Recordings of the 67 Exorcisms of Anneliese Michel, the Real Emily Rose Planet Weird - Mellor, Lee Dr. Behind the Horror: True Stories That Inspired Horror Movies. New York, Penguin Random House, 2020. - Blatty, William Peter. The Exorcist - A Novel. New York, Harper Collins, 1971. - The Exorcist. Directed by William Friedkin, performances by Ellen Burstyn, Max von Sydow, and Linda Blair, Warner Bros., 1973. - Annelise Michel Exorcism recording (German with English subtitles) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-H4gvQDGiak - The Exorcist: Believer. Directed by David Gordon Green, performances by Ellen Burstyn, Jennifer Nettles, and Leslie Odom, Jr., Universal Pictures, 2023 - Cursed Films - Season 1, Episode 1: The Exorcist. Directed by Jay Cheel, performances by Hector Avalos, Linda Blair, Vincent Bauhaus, Shudder, 2020. - Eli Roth’s History of Horror - Season 1, Episode 4: The Demons Inside. Directed by Kurt Sayenga, performances by Eli Roth, Greg Nicotero, and Rob Zombie, Asylum Entertainment, 2018.

    1h 14m

  6. 07/22/2023

    Episode 3 - Part 1 - The Last of Us

    Send us a text In the first part of our special two-part episode, we take a look at the hit HBO show and video game, "The Last of Us".  Even though the show is not based on a true story, it has led to much speculation about the role that fungi may play in future pandemics.  In Part 1, we look at the history of zombies in pop culture, take a look at some "true" cases of zombies, and look at how this latest instalment in the post-apocalyptic genre holds up.      References and Sources Music by SoundGalleryByDmitryTaras from Pixabayhttps://www.history.com/topics/folklore/history-of-zombies - The History Channel - The History of Zombieshttps://www.bbc.com/culture/article/20150828-where-do-zombies-come-from - BBC Culture - Where do zombies come from? Our contemporary take on the lumbering undead is actually rooted in Voodoo folklore from the Caribbean - Roger Luckhursthttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Last_of_Us_(TV_series)https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Last_of_Us - video gamehttps://zombie.fandom.com/wiki/Why_Zombies_Eat_Brains%3FThe Last of Us. Created by Neil Druckman and Craig Mazin, performances by Pedro Pascal, Bella Ramsey, HBO, 2013.The Walking Dead. Created by Frank Darabont, performances by Andrew Lincoln, Norman Reedus, AMC, 2010.Night of the Living Dead. Directed by George A. Romero, performances by Duane Jones, Judith O’Dea, Karl Hardman, Image Ten, 1968.Jackson, Michael. “Thriller”, Thriller, Epic Records, 1982, 4.BBC Planet Earth - Season 1, Episode 8: Jungles. Directed by Alistair Fothergill, performances by David Attenborough, BBC, 2007.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VSJTPbAm-SM - Trailer for “Pig” starring Nicolas Cage

    33 min

  7. 07/16/2023

    Episode 3 - Part 2 - The Last of Us - The Interview

    Send us a text In the second of our special two-part episode, we take a deep dive into the world of fungi with mycologist and Teaching Professor Emerita from the University of Calgary, Heather Addy.    What is a fungus?  What is the Cordyceps fungus?  Could the Cordyceps fungus ever evolve to infect humans?  Are there any fungi that are dangerous to humans?  Is there anything that humans can do?    We look at these questions and many others as we look at one of the largest, and most overlooked, organisms on the planet. Additional Information from Professor Addy: - The number of fungal species vs plant and animal species: There are an estimated ~ 300 000 species of plants and likely around 7.7 million species of animals (mostly insects!).  So, more animals than fungi, likely (although we don't know number of fungal species for sure), but more fungi than plants. - Fungal pathogens of other animals, specifically white-nose syndrome and the chytrid fungus that is decimating frogs and other amphibians around the world, I mentioned that individual frogs can be treated by transferring them to warmer temperatures for a time (which eliminates the fungal infection from their bodies), which is true.  The same treatment would not work for bats infected with white-nose syndrome fungus.  The probiotic treatment is promising for protecting bats, this involves spraying the wings of bats with a mixture of bacteria that naturally occur on their wings and that slow the growth of the fungus.  There is also a research group working on a vaccine.    References and Sources A huge thank you to Professor Addy for the taking the time to talk to us and help us to learn more about this fascinating topic!  https://youtu.be/jM5jf-8ekVA - Could the Cordyceps fungus really take over? https://medicine.yale.edu/news-article/the-last-of-us-apocalypse-is-not-realistic-but-rising-threat-of-fungal-pathogens-is/ - Yale School of Medicine, “The Last of Us” Apocalypse is Not Realistic, But Rising Threat of Fungal Pathogens Is February 6th, 2023 Isabella Backmanhttps://educationnewscanada.com/article/education/level/university/1/1005668/ucalgary-biologist-says-fungus-presents-no-last-of-us-style-threat-to-humanity.html - Calgary biologist says fungus presents no Last of Us-style threat to humanity University of Calgary February 17th, 2023 Brennan Black Interview with Professor Heather Addyhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XuKjBIBBAL8 - BBC Planet Earth - Ant infected with Cordyceps fungusThe Last of Us. Created by Neil Druckman and Craig Mazin, performances by Pedro Pascal, Bella Ramsey, HBO, 2013. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OuInX_lsI8g - Leaf Cutter Ants - Shadow of the Sun - BBC Earthhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9xKeJyvnuWs - CBC Docs - The Evolutionary Story of How Fungi Shaped All Terestrial Life - Including Ushttps://www.ecovative.com/ - Ecovative pioneered the art and science of growing complete mat

    47 min

  8. 06/10/2023

    Episode 2 - The Amityville Horror

    Send us a text In December of 1975, newlyweds George and Kathy Lutz moved into a house at 112 Ocean Avenue in Amityville, New York, setting off what would become one of the most famous haunted house stories of all time.  The house, the site of a grisly mass murder, had a history that the Lutzes were not concerned about, but just 28 days later, they were fleeing for their lives with only the clothes on their back.  Based on the 1977 best selling novel by Jay Anson, "The Amityville Horror" was one of the most successful films of 1979, but how much of this story is actually true?  Using historic newsreel, as well as interviews from Ronald DeFeo Jr. and George Lutz, join us as we explore the true, and maybe not so true, history of one of the most famous houses in the world. Sources and Credits: Narrated by: Carissa Willis and Tara Moore Researched by: Carissa Willis and Tara Moore Podcast edited by: Carissa Willis Music by: SoundGalleryByDmitryTaras from Pixabay Mellor, Lee Dr. Behind the Horror: True Stories That Inspired Horror Movies, Penguin Random House, New York, 2020 Shock Docs - Amityville Horror House - Discovery + / ID Blistein, Jon. “Ronald DeFeo, Killer Who Inspired ‘The Amityville Horror,’ Dead at 69”, Rolling Stone Magazine, March 16th, 2021 https://www.rollingstone.com/culture/culture-news/amityville-horror-murderer-ronald-defeo-dead-1142644/ https://youtu.be/dM6D4pSausw - News Clip https://youtu.be/WtNXl_z8Ue8 - Ronald DeFeo Jr. Clip https://youtu.be/tgaWzCfckHM - George Lutz Interview  The Amityville Horror. Directed by Stuart Rosenberg, performances by James Brolin, Margot Kidder, and Rod Steiger, American International Pictures,  1979. Armstrong, Frances J. The Real Amityville Horror, Independently Published, 2017.

    52 min

  9. SEASON 1 TRAILER

    Introducing "Based on a True Horror Story"

    Send us a text We've all seen those movies that are supposedly "based on a true story" or "inspired by true events", but what does that mean?  How much of the story is actually true and how much is just Hollywood?  Join Carissa and Tara as we explore horror movies, both old and new, to see how much of the true story is actually true.

    1 min

  10. 05/07/2023

    Episode 1 - The Shining

    Send us a text Published in 1977, the popularity of Stephen King’s gothic horror novel, “The Shining”, is outmatched only by the 1980 film adaptation by legendary director Stanley Kubrick.   Jack Torrance has been hired to be the winter caretaker of the Overlook Hotel, a grand hotel with a violent past, located high up in the Colorado mountains.  Along with his wife, Wendy and their son Danny, the Torrance family settles in for what is supposed to be a peaceful winter of family togetherness.  However, as Jack slowly descends into madness and something new awakens within Danny, a battle between good and evil, with the Overlook Hotel at the centre, is beginning. Stephen King has said that he was inspired to write “The Shining” after staying a night at the Stanley Hotel in Estes Park, Colorado.  “The Shining’s” book disclaimer reads: Some of the most beautiful resort hotels in the world are located in Colorado, but the hotel in these pages is based on none of them.  The Overlook and the people associated with it exist wholly within the author’s imagination.  However, in our first podcast episode, we will explore the rather interesting true story behind the Stanley Hotel and argue that maybe, just maybe, it influenced Stephen King, and “The Shining” a little more than he thinks it did. Sources and Credits: Narrated by: Carissa Willis and Tara Moore Researched by: Carissa Willis and Tara Moore Podcast edited by: Carissa Willis Music by: SoundGalleryByDmitryTaras from Pixabay King, Stephen. The Shining. New York, Random House, 1977. Pittman, Rebecca F. The History & Haunting of the Stanley Hotel 2nd Edition.  Self-Published, 2015 The Shining. Created by Stephen King, Warner Bros, Television, 1997. The Shining. Directed by Stanley Kubrick, performances by Jack Nicholson,  Shelley Duvall, and Danny Lloyd,Warner Bros., 1980. Stanley Hotel Web Page: https://www.stanleyhotel.com/ The Stanley Hotel Ghost Hunt: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LiFsRSbFgp8 Rocky Mountain  Paranormal:  https://www.rockymountainparanormal.com/investigationpdfs/StanleyHotel.pdf

    43 min

Trailer

About

Welcome to Truth Behind the Terror, the podcast that digs into the “based on a true story” claims behind your favourite horror films. Host Carissa dives deep into the backstories, legends, and real-life events that supposedly inspired iconic scary movies — from haunted hotels to demonic possessions to monsters born from myth. Each episode separates fact from fiction to reveal what’s real, what’s exaggerated, and what’s pure Hollywood imagination. If you love horror, research, or just debunking spooky stories, this is the podcast for you.

Information

  • Creator
    Carissa Willis
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    10
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Truth Behind the Terror
  • Show Website
    Truth Behind the Terror