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ClassHorrorCast is a podcast created by Aran from FirstClassHorror for fans of the Horror genre.
First Class Horror is Ireland's biggest and best horror related content producer.
First Class Horror is Ireland's biggest and best horror related content producer.
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Transcribed
6 JUL 2026 · The episode that started it all.
In my very first interview as host of ClassHorrorCast, I was fortunate enough to spend over two hours talking horror with The Blair Witch Project co-creator and director Eduardo Sánchez.
Looking back, I was inexperienced, asked way too many questions and probably kept Eduardo talking far longer than I should have but he was incredibly generous with his time and stories, helping shape what ClassHorrorCast would eventually become.
Over the years we stayed in touch, exchanged some very cool gifts and remained connected through our shared love of horror cinema.
In this wide-ranging conversation we discuss The Blair Witch Project, found footage horror, Seventh Moon, the fantastic Bigfoot film Exists, the criminally underrated Lovely Molly and much more.
Whether you know these stories already or are hearing them for the first time, this conversation remains one of my favourite episodes we've ever recorded.
The episode that started it all, and Eduardo returns to ClassHorrorCast in 2026.
For more of my content or to grab a copy of my book - https://linktr.ee/FirstClassHorror?utm_source=linktree_profile_share<sid=e10a7462-ebc0-4896-a10d-7e9d07afa5ea Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/class-horror-cast-horror-movie-podcast--4295531/support.
Transcribed
23 JUN 2026 · This week on ClassHorrorCast, we sit down with filmmaker, writer, adventurer and one of cinema’s true originals - Richard Stanley.
We begin with a look back at his cult classic Hardware and discuss why its themes feel more relevant today than ever before, before moving into Dust Devil and how the film has continued to find new audiences year after year.
From there, we dive headfirst into one of the most infamous stories in movie history. The Island of Dr. Moreau.
Richard tells the full story of being hired to direct the film, being fired, the complete chaos that surrounded the production, and the strange aftermath that followed.
We also talk about how he feels about the experience today and whether his original vision for the film could still one day be seen.
We also explore Richard’s work as a writer on films such as The Abandoned and Imago Mortis, his process for writing, and his years spent away from filmmaking before making a remarkable return in 2019 with Color Out of Space starring Nicolas Cage.
Bringing things right up to the present day, Richard tells us the unbelievable story of writing the third installment in the Winnie the Pooh: Blood and Honey franchise and how he ended up playing the role of villain… or hero… Balthazar von Woozle.
Outside of film, Richard has spent years pursuing interests that go far beyond cinema.
Living in the French Pyrenees, we discuss his fascination with the Holy Grail, Cathar history and the remarkable story behind his 2001 documentary The Secret Glory, which explored the life of Otto Rahn and his strange place in history.
We also talk about his recent book Otto Rahn, Grail Hunter.
Finally, we touch on projects still waiting to emerge from the shadows and Richard’s continued desire to bring his long-held vision of The Dunwich Horror to life.
This is a wide-ranging, fascinating and completely unpredictable conversation with one of genre cinema’s most unique voices and one you definitely don’t want to miss.
For more of my content and to grab a copy of my book - https://linktr.ee/FirstClassHorror
For more on Richard's work - https://theofficialrichardstanley.com/ Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/class-horror-cast-horror-movie-podcast--4295531/support.
Transcribed
11 JUN 2026 · In this episode, we sit down with director and cinematographer John R. Leonetti for a deep dive into his incredible career and lifelong love of filmmaking.
We talk about his early beginnings in the industry and his work behind the camera on iconic films including The Mask, Mortal Kombat, Dead Silence, Insidious, Insidious: Chapter 2, and The Conjuring.
That naturally leads into the conversation about his transition into directing with Mortal Kombat: Annihilation and how that experience shaped the next phase of his career.
We also explore his entry into The Conjuring Universe with Annabelle, including discussion around some of the real-life mythology and inspiration behind the infamous doll.
John shares fascinating behind-the-scenes stories from across his career, opens up about why films like Dead Silence continue to build passionate cult followings, and even talks about the possibility of Dead Silence 2.
And to top it all off, he reveals an incredible upcoming project that horror fans will absolutely not want to miss.
If you've ever wanted to hear stories from inside the making of some of modern horror and cult cinema’s most memorable films, this is an episode you don’t want to miss.
For more of my content and to grab your copy of the book - https://linktr.ee/FirstClassHorror Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/class-horror-cast-horror-movie-podcast--4295531/support.
Transcribed
8 JUN 2026 · In this bonus episode, I was interview by a radio station here in Ireland called South-East Radio on a show called 'Saturday Morning Mix with John Moynihan'
We chat about my start in horror and love for film in general. The beginning of my blog 'Firstclasshorror' which slowly turned into the podcast you listen to each week. Some stories over the years.
There is also a connection between Wexford (where I live) Halloween 3: Season of the witch and Robocop 1&2... Can you guess?!
We dive into the concept behind writing my first published book 'Horror Hot Takes' which is now available worldwide.
https://tr.ee/XVw_6pibnr
https://tr.ee/sAhN2AIcXv
Also available through Barnes&Noble, Red Books, Byrnes Bookstores, Seanchai Books, Nerd-Up and many more! Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/class-horror-cast-horror-movie-podcast--4295531/support.
Transcribed
5 JUN 2026 · This week on ClassHorrorCast, I’m joined by screenwriter Jeff Barker for one of the most thoughtful and inspiring conversations we’ve had on the show.
Jeff is not only a writer in his own right, but also the father of filmmaker Curry Barker, whose new film Obsession has been making a huge impact. We talk about the incredible success surrounding the film, Jeff’s own contributions to the project, and what it’s been like watching something that started so small become such a major moment.
We dive deep into Jeff’s lifelong love of cinema, how he developed his voice as a writer over the years, and the kinds of stories and emotions he’s always been drawn to expressing creatively. We also discuss some of the filmmakers and movies that continue to inspire him.
Beyond filmmaking, this episode becomes a conversation about family, passion, and perseverance. Jeff opens up about his relationship with Curry through the years and what it means to now witness everything they’ve achieved together.
We also talk about Curry’s next film, which has already wrapped, and Jeff shares his thoughts on the upcoming A24 Texas Chainsaw project.
Along the way we explore imposter syndrome, navigating difficult periods in life, staying positive, and continuing to chase creative goals no matter where you are in the journey.
We also spend time discussing Jeff’s fantastic YouTube channel, The Screenplay Lab, where he creates brilliant screenplay breakdowns and insightful analysis of some truly great films.
This is a unique, honest, and incredibly interesting conversation with someone whose own creative journey feels like it’s only just beginning and someone who may have some very exciting years ahead.
Enjoy the episode.
More of my content and to purchase my book https://linktr.ee/FirstClassHorror
Jeff Barker's
https://www.youtube.com/@jeff-barker
https://jeff-barker.com/
https://www.instagram.com/jbark27/ Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/class-horror-cast-horror-movie-podcast--4295531/support.
Explicit
Transcribed
20 MAY 2026 · In this episode of ClassHorrorCast, I’m joined by Steve Barton!
One of the true pioneers of modern online horror media and co-founder of Dread Central.
We dive deep into Steve’s early beginnings as a horror fan, his days posting on the legendary Fangoria message boards, and the completely random encounter with Tony Timpone that ultimately changed the course of his life forever.
From there, Steve takes us through the creation of Dread Central and the challenges, sacrifices, and triumphs that came with building one of the most important horror outlets in internet history during a time when online horror journalism was still the wild west.
Throughout the conversation, Steve reflects on the relationships he built with legendary figures including George A. Romero and Sid Haig, sharing incredible stories from decades spent inside the horror industry and convention scene.
We also discuss Steve’s pivotal involvement in the rise of Terrifier and the Art the Clown phenomenon, his role in helping bring attention to the franchise, and the difficult fallout that eventually led to his firing from the production.
It’s an honest and deeply personal discussion about passion, loyalty, success, disappointment, and the realities of working within the entertainment industry.
The episode also explores Steve’s raw and emotional autobiography, which serves as a brutally honest reflection on following a dream, navigating personal struggles, and dedicating your life to horror culture.
We wrap things up by discussing his current projects, consulting work, writing, and what the future holds next.
This is a fascinating conversation with somebody who helped shape modern horror fandom in the age of the internet and a must-listen for horror fans, filmmakers, collectors, and anyone who grew up living on horror message boards and websites during the early online era.
For more of my content - https://linktr.ee/FirstClassHorror Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/class-horror-cast-horror-movie-podcast--4295531/support.
Transcribed
12 MAY 2026 · In this episode, we’re joined by filmmaker Rob Schmidt, the director behind the cult classic Wrong Turn, as well as Crime + Punishment in Suburbia, The Alphabet Killer, Masters of Horror, and more.
We dive deep into his career, exploring the stories behind his films, the challenges of bringing them to life, and what it was really like working within the horror genre during a very different era.
Rob shares behind-the-scenes insights on Wrong Turn, discusses the evolution of the franchise, and opens up about whether he’d ever consider returning.
Beyond film, we also get into his work in true crime television, including Your Worst Nightmare, Swamp Murders, and Dead Silent, and talk about the growing fascination with real-life horror stories.
It’s an honest and wide-ranging conversation covering creativity, industry realities, and the ups and downs of pursuing a career in filmmaking, with some genuinely valuable advice for anyone trying to follow their passion.
For more of my content - https://linktr.ee/FirstClassHorror?utm_source=linktree_profile_share<sid=75f81942-a44b-4e87-9c3f-a1597b1a0e37 Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/class-horror-cast-horror-movie-podcast--4295531/support.
Transcribed
22 APR 2026 · In this episode, I sit down with director Brandon Christensen to talk about his latest film Bodycam, a unique found-footage horror told entirely through the perspective of police bodycams.
We get into the idea behind it, the challenges of working within that format, and what makes it such an effective way to tell a story.
From there, the conversation opens up into a deeper look at Brandon’s love for film as an art form - from the movies and games that shaped him, to the drive to create and tell stories through cinema.
We also get into something a lot of horror fans feel but don’t always talk about, how movies feel different now. The nostalgia of the 80s and 90s, the experience of discovering films back then, and the slow loss (and recent resurgence) of physical media and collecting as part of the culture.
Of course, we dive into horror itself and why the genre continues to connect so strongly with audiences, and how it’s finally getting the recognition it deserves, both at the box office and on the awards stage.
This is a laid-back, honest conversation about horror, nostalgia, and what keeps us coming back to movies in the first place.
Check out more of my content here - https://linktr.ee/FirstClassHorror?utm_source=linktree_profile_share<sid=64be11b1-73e8-423a-9092-d9bcb5322c1f Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/class-horror-cast-horror-movie-podcast--4295531/support.
Transcribed
10 APR 2026 · In this episode, we sit down with director, producer, and author Craig Singer for a deep dive into a career that spans filmmaking, studio leadership, and the business side of Hollywood.
Craig takes us back to his early days in the industry and the path that led him to creating films like Dark Ride, Perkins’ 14, and 6:45. We get into the stories behind these projects, the realities of independent filmmaking, and what it takes to bring bold ideas to the screen.
We also discuss his latest project, The Block, and what continues to drive him creatively after decades in the industry.
Beyond directing, Craig shares insights from his time as a VP at Disney, the decision to step away from the corporate world, and how he transitioned back into filmmaking and entrepreneurship, building and selling businesses along the way.
A major part of the conversation focuses on his book, Moguls: The Lives and Times of Hollywood Film Pioneers Nicholas and Joseph Schenck, which explores the history of Hollywood through the rise of the Schenck brothers - from the silent era and the Roaring Twenties, through the Golden Age, World War II, and the paranoia of the McCarthy era. It’s a story that mirrors the evolution of Hollywood itself and the enduring pull of the American Dream.
Packed with behind-the-scenes stories, industry insight, and a genuine love of film, this is a conversation that covers every side of what it means to build a life in the movies.
For more of my content - https://linktr.ee/FirstClassHorror?utm_source=linktree_profile_share<sid=2917e177-c392-43b2-bd97-950b32f3f831
Order Moguls - https://www.amazon.co.uk/Moguls-Hollywood-Pioneers-Nicholas-Schenck/dp/0806543086 Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/class-horror-cast-horror-movie-podcast--4295531/support.
Transcribed
2 APR 2026 · In this episode, I sit down with legendary cult Italian director and writer Luigi Cozzi for a fascinating deep dive into a life dedicated to cinema.
From his early days in film journalism and writing, Luigi shares how his passion for movies shaped his path into filmmaking.
We explore his deep love for both science fiction and horror, and how those genres gave him the freedom to create bold, imaginative, and unforgettable films.We dive into some of his most iconic work, including Starcrash, Contamination, and Paganini Horror including the ideas behind them, the challenges of bringing them to life, and the lasting cult legacy they’ve built over the years.
Luigi also reflects on the magic of cinema itself. Why it continues to inspire, how it captures our imagination, and what it truly means to dedicate your life to storytelling. Along the way, he shares honest advice for aspiring filmmakers and creatives trying to find their voice in an ever-changing industry.
This is a conversation about passion, persistence, and the power of film to transport us somewhere else entirely.
For more of my content - https://linktr.ee/FirstClassHorror?utm_source=linktree_profile_share<sid=2917e177-c392-43b2-bd97-950b32f3f831 Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/class-horror-cast-horror-movie-podcast--4295531/support.
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ClassHorrorCast is a podcast created by Aran from FirstClassHorror for fans of the Horror genre.
First Class Horror is Ireland's biggest and best horror related content producer.
First Class Horror is Ireland's biggest and best horror related content producer.
Information
| Author | Aran Doyle |
| Organization | Aran Doyle |
| Categories | TV & Film |
| Website | - |
| arandoyle@classhorrorcast.com |
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