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.

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Sam McCarthy @y0semitesamantha
Leslie Minek @creepyleslie

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?

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Sam McCarthy @y0semitesamantha
Leslie Minek @creepyleslie

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?

Follow us on Instagram @chroniccovenpodcast!
Sam McCarthy @y0semitesamantha
Leslie Minek @creepyleslie

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?

Follow us on Instagram @chroniccovenpodcast!
Sam McCarthy @y0semitesamantha
Leslie Minek @creepyleslie

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?

Follow us on Instagram @chroniccovenpodcast!
Sam McCarthy @y0semitesamantha
Leslie Minek @creepyleslie

This week, Leslie and Sam delve into V/H/S, a chilling found-footage anthology that brings a sinister twist to the concept of "home movies." The film begins with a group of petty criminals breaking into an abandoned house to retrieve a mysterious VHS tape. What they discover instead is a horrifying collection of recordings, each more twisted than the last. From supernatural entities to visceral body horror, V/H/S keeps viewers on edge with its raw, unsettling approach to storytelling.

Directed by a powerhouse lineup including Matt Bettinelli-Olpin, David Bruckner, Tyler Gillett, and others, V/H/S pushes the boundaries of the anthology format. Each segment stands out with its unique horror style, blending supernatural dread, visceral scares, and relentless tension. With standout performances by Brad Miska, Simon Barrett, Hannah Fierman, and more, the film captures a gritty and immersive experience that has redefined the found-footage genre.

This week’s Strain of the Week, 92 Cookies (Hybrid), is the perfect companion for the eerie ride. Its balanced effects will help you absorb each story’s creeping dread while keeping you grounded for the jumps and shocks.

Join Leslie and Sam as they break down each twisted tale, share their favorite scares, and explore how V/H/S revitalized anthology horror with its innovative, nerve-shredding approach.

What's in your stash?

Follow us on Instagram @chroniccovenpodcast!
Sam McCarthy @y0semitesamantha
Leslie Minek @creepyleslie

Get ready for a chilling Halloween anthology! This week, Leslie and Sam delve into Trick 'r Treat (2007), Michael Dougherty’s cult classic that expertly intertwines four sinister tales in one eerie small town, all connected by the mysterious trick-or-treater, Sam. With his burlap sack mask and unrelenting adherence to Halloween’s rules, Sam acts as both observer and enforcer, ensuring everyone respects the holiday’s traditions.

In Trick 'r Treat, we encounter four unique stories: a serial-killing school principal, a group of teens who get more than they bargained for with a cruel prank, a young woman whose first date turns deadly, and a Halloween-hating recluse who finds himself face-to-face with Sam. Each tale reveals the darker side of Halloween and unearths the consequences of ignoring its customs, crafting a rich tapestry of horror that appeals to both hardcore fans and newcomers alike.

Starring Anna Paquin, Dylan Baker, Quinn Lord, Brian Cox, and more, the film is brought to life by Dougherty’s knack for suspenseful, creative storytelling and its nods to classic horror folklore. With its atmospheric visuals, creepy score, and unforgettable moments, Trick 'r Treat has earned its place as a Halloween staple, reminding us why we should always honor the holiday’s spirit.

Pair this night of Halloween tales with Lemon Slushee (sativa), a strain that’s perfect for keeping your senses sharp as each story unfolds, adding a boost of focus for catching all the film's clever twists and nods to horror lore.

So, grab some Lemon Slushee, sit back, and join us as we explore Trick 'r Treat, a perfect celebration of Halloween's thrills and chills that’ll make you think twice about breaking any of the holiday’s rules.

What's in your stash?

Follow us on Instagram @chroniccovenpodcast!
Sam McCarthy @y0semitesamantha
Leslie Minek @creepyleslie

This week, Leslie and Sam dive int The Halloween Tree, an animated classic based on Ray Bradbury’s enchanting tale that explores Halloween's ancient roots and rich history. Directed by Mario Piluso, this film takes us on a mystical journey alongside four friends—Tom, Jenny, Ralph, and Wally—who are looking forward to a night of Halloween fun. However, when their friend Pip suddenly disappears, they are drawn to a mysterious mansion where they meet the ghostly Mr. Moundshroud, voiced by Leonard Nimoy (not Ray Bradbury).

Moundshroud reveals that in order to save Pip, the friends must travel through time and uncover the true origins of Halloween. With each stop—from the tombs of ancient Egypt to the streets of medieval Europe and the vibrant celebrations of Día de los Muertos in Mexico—the children learn how different cultures have grappled with themes of life, death, and the supernatural. Narrated by Ray Bradbury himself, The Halloween Tree is a spellbinding journey that celebrates both the spooky fun and profound traditions behind the holiday.

For this magical journey, the Strain of the Week is Headcracker (Indica-dominant hybrid), a strain that pairs well with the film’s blend of wonder and eerie intrigue, enhancing the atmosphere as you travel through Halloween’s ancient past.

So, grab some Headcracker and join us as we explore The Halloween Tree, a Halloween classic that’s equal parts spooky and educational. It’s a story that will leave you with a newfound appreciation for the rich traditions of this haunting season!

What's in your stash?

Follow us on Instagram @chroniccovenpodcast!
Sam McCarthy @y0semitesamantha
Leslie Minek @creepyleslie