The Dark Mind Podcast

Aron Beauregard returns to The Dark Mind Podcast to discuss his latest book Homewreckers, a devastating family horror story about the Huxley family and their possessed 14-year-old son Dustin. Aaron breaks down the suffocating atmosphere of the novel, exploring how he crafted a story about a marriage crumbling under the weight of an impossible burden. We dive into the cult element of the book, The...

Rebecca Rowland returns to The Dark Mind Podcast to discuss her new novel Eminence Front, releasing January 20th from CLASH Books. Set on a single New England street during a brutal snowstorm, the novel follows neighbors as an ancient entity preys on their secrets, sins, and regrets. We explore why snow creates such effective psychological horror, from its sound-muffling properties to the sensatio...

A haunted house on Virginia’s Eastern Shore becomes a conduit between two women separated by 400 years. Author and screenwriter Jacquie Walters joins The Dark Mind Podcast to talk about her new novel Turn Off The Light. We dig into dual timelines, women of knowledge, and how small communities can be more terrifying than any ghost. Jacquie unpacks how sleep deprivation, grief, and family secrets fr...

In this episode, horror filmmaker A.K. Espada joins me to discuss her deeply personal short film I Could Just Die and That Would Be All Right. The film follows a woman struggling with suicidal depression who offers herself to a cryptid called the Bonecat in the forests of Southern Gothic suburbia, only to wake up undead and denied the escape she sought. Kate opens up about writing the script durin...

Guest: Kathe Koja Kathe Koja is an award-winning author known for her groundbreaking Dark Factory trilogy, including the newly released Dark Matter. Her work explores immersive fiction, the collapse of consensus reality, and the psychological impact of living in a world where augmented experience and celebrity culture collide. Koja is a pioneer of narrative experimentation, blending genres and inv...

Alex Gonzalez joins The Dark Mind Podcast to discuss his debut novel rekt. He talks about the dark web’s role in shaping grief and obsession. Gonzalez shares his experience with early 2000s gore sites. The conversation explores how algorithms exploit emotional vulnerabilities. He examines the difference between the dark web and surface internet horror. Gonzalez considers whether the internet is a...

Lesley Camphouse returns to The Dark Mind Podcast to discuss her latest novel A Hollow Dream , a devastating work of erotic horror that explores the dark underbelly of influencer culture. Dubbed "extreme misery porn," this slow-burn psychological nightmare follows Georgia, a desperate college student who enters the world of social media stardom only to find herself trapped in a system of exploitat...

Join us as we talk with PD Alleva about The Sleepy Hollow Incident. This episode explores the blend of vampire lore, gothic romance, and psychological horror that defines his newest series. We discuss how paying homage to Washington Irving shaped the story and how classic horror influences weave through every chapter. PD Alleva shares insights into crafting villains inspired by Hannibal Lecter, Le...

J. Paul Roe joins us to discuss his literary journey and creative process. We explore the themes of simulation theory and techno-capitalist futures found in his novel “The Game State.” Roe explains how the concept of reality as a game influences his writing and characters. We talk about AI religion, faith, and the philosophical questions driving his work. Roe shares how his military experience sha...

Briana N. Cox and Kailee Pedersen join the show to discuss their debut horror novels. We explore themes of home, economic precarity, and body horror through the lens of queer and BIPOC identity. Briana shares how "Indigent" transforms urban gentrification and addiction into visceral, psychological horror. Kailee unveils the mythic and operatic roots of "Sacrificial Animals" set on a Nebraska farm,...

Peter Caffrey joins the show to discuss his novel, The Ballad of Seven Bastards. We dive into the splatter western genre and how it explores moral ambiguity and violence. Peter shares how the Western setting exposes truths about manipulation and greed that modern stories can’t. He describes his struggle with structure and how a unique approach helped bring the novel together. We talk about origins...

Christa Carmen returns to The Dark Mind Podcast for a dive into psychological horror. We discuss her new novel, How to Fake a Haunting, and the devastating effects of addiction. Christa shares insight into creating multidimensional characters and blurring the line between reality and fiction. We explore toxic relationships, gaslighting, and the thrill of staging hauntings. Christa reflects on humo...

In this immersive episode of The Dark Mind Podcast, Vincent welcomes independent filmmaker Danny Stygion back to the show for a deep dive into his latest projects: the brutal horror thriller "One Last Trip" and the provocative documentary "Dominatrices." Stygion shares the personal experiences and influences behind his films, from tense camping trips in the Sam Houston National Forest to nuanced e...

About the Author: Clare Castleberry is a Southern Gothic and transgressive horror author known for blending dark feminine energy, psychological depth, and taboo-breaking themes in her fiction and nonfiction. With an MLIS from Louisiana State University, she draws deeply from the gothic atmosphere of Louisiana and personal experiences. Her writing explores the intersection of power, survival, abuse...

Episode Summary: Join us for a deep dive into existential horror, identity, and cosmic weirdness with Erik McHatton—author of "Straw World and Other Echoes from the Void," published by Undertaker Books. We talk about defying traditional storytelling, searching for meaning in the Void, and crafting literary horror that lingers long after the last page. Guest Information: Erik McHatton – Author of S...

In this episode, Daniel Volpe discusses his latest novel “Slaughterhouse Moan,” exploring themes of horror, depravity, and redemption. He shares insights into his creative process, the evolution of his writing, and the personal experiences that shape his work. Keywords Daniel Volpe, Slaughterhouse Moan, horror, depravity, redemption, creative process, writing evolution Takeaways “Slaughterhouse Mo...

Author Jessica McHugh joins Vince on the show to discuss her novel "Pins," inspired by her own experiences in the club scene. This episode explores the emotional, gritty, and glamorous world behind the book, with discussion spanning blackout poetry, the power of sisterhood, storytelling craft, and new horror projects. Highlights "Pins": Real-life inspiration, re-release by Madness Heart Press, and...

On this episode of The Dark Mind Podcast, host Vincent Midgard welcomes horror author Holly Rae Garcia for a deep dive into her debut novel, Come Join the Murder , and her unique approach to dark fiction. Key Topics Covered: From Psychological Thriller to Soul-Crushing Horror: Holly discusses the inspiration and emotional core behind Come Join the Murder , exploring themes of grief, vengeance, and...

Guest: Keith Rosson Host: Vincent Midgard Episode Recorded: August 22, 2025 About This Episode In this episode, Vincent welcomes renowned author and artist Keith Rosson to talk about his new dark literary novel Coffin Moon . The conversation covers the gritty heart of noir fiction, the reimagining of the vampire archetype, the lasting impact of war and trauma on storytelling, the struggle and beau...

Show Notes This week, host Vincent Midgard welcomes back acclaimed dark fiction author Megan Stockton to discuss her novel "Pink Neon." Together they dive deep into the book’s brutal realism, creative process, the psychology of trauma and survival, and Megan’s approach to writing about difficult subjects with honesty and respect. Episode Highlights Opening with Impact: Why Megan starts and ends he...

Explore memory, morality, and the future of technology in this gripping conversation with author T. R. Napper. We delve into his cyberpunk novel *The Escher Man*, set in a high-tech, neon-lit Macau of 2101, where identity can be erased and rewritten at will. Napper discusses the inspiration for his world, the philosophical roots of cyberpunk, and the emotional impact of memory manipulation. We als...

What happens when grief, abuse, and horror collide in the most intimate spaces of our lives? In this episode, I sit down with author Emma E. Murray to discuss her searing new novel, Shoot Me in the Face on a Beautiful Day. We explore the psychology behind toxic relationships, how abusers weaponize love and grief, and why the real horror often hides in plain sight. Emma opens up about writing throu...

In this episode of The Dark Mind Podcast, Vincent Midgard welcomes author Blaine Daigle back to discuss his latest Gothic-folk horror novel, The Ashes of August Manor. The conversation dives deep into the novel’s themes of grief, mortality, and the quiet dread that lingers in spaces where time feels frozen. Blaine shares how the story follows Noelle, a hospice worker and struggling writer, whose l...

Join host Vincent Midgard in a chilling discussion with Andrew Najberg, author of Extinction Dream, as we journey into a hidden war waged through dreams. Markus, a soldier stationed on a research outpost in orbit, defends Earth against a telepathic alien force that weaponizes humanity’s nightmares. As bonds—mental and emotional—fracture, we explore memory, trauma, and the blurry edges between peac...

In this episode, Vincent Midgard is joined by author Elizabeth Devecchi to discuss her slow-burn psychological thriller A Twist of the Lens. They explore the novel’s complex themes of childhood manipulation, familial tension, and the subtle grooming that isn’t sexual—but is no less horrifying. Elizabeth shares the inspiration behind her enigmatic protagonist Charlie, the real-life story that shape...