Terror Talk - True Crime Through a Psychological Lens
Criminal psychology meets the dark corners of true crime and horror cinema with a sense of humor. Hosted by Shannon and Cathy, we dive deep into the twisted minds of serial killers, uncover the mysteries behind true crime documentaries, and explore the artistry of horror films and their creators. From ridiculous crimes and unhinged criminals to female and male psychopaths and narcissists, no topic is off-limits. With our dark sense of humor and a conversational approach, we aim to entertain first and educate second—because sometimes the truth is scarier (and funnier) than fiction.
Episodes
In this episode of Terror Talk Podcast, we rev up the chainsaw and dive into the horror legacy of Tobe Hooper, the groundbreaking director behind The Texas Chainsaw Massacre, Poltergeist, and Salem’s Lot. Join us as we unpack Hooper's unique blend of suburban fear, supernatural tension, and raw terror that shaped modern horror.
We explore his directorial trademarks, the cultural impact of Texas Chainsaw Massacre, how Poltergeist...
This is a preview of our all-new Patreon exclusive episode where Shannon and Cathy discuss the strange epidemic of Cotard's Syndrome.
Want more? Head on over to Patreon and become a patron for exclusive bonus content, to join our Discord and enjoy other perks depending on your level of support!
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In this installment of our Female Psychopath Series, we dive into Robert Altman’s 1972 psychological thriller Images, exploring the unraveling psyche of protagonist Cathryn. Is she experiencing a full psychotic break or something more nuanced? We offer a clinical lens on her symptoms and propose a specific psychological diagnosis, while also reacting to the film’s surreal tone, eerie visuals, and narrative ambiguity.
Blending psycho...
This is a preview of our all-new Patreon exclusive episode where Shannon and Cathy discuss some psychology research about how news changes our morality, the way the brain organizes our memory and story and the psych bed shortage for youth.
Want more? Head on over to Patreon and become a patron for exclusive bonus content, to join our Discord and enjoy other perks depending on your level of support!
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In this episode of Terror Talk Podcast, we dive deep into the eerie world of The Shining — both Stephen King's original novel and Stanley Kubrick’s polarizing 1980 film adaptation. They share a title… but tell two very different stories. We compare and contrast the drastically different portrayals of Jack Torrance, the mystery of the Overlook Hotel, and how each version tackles psychological horror. No wonder King famously hate...
In this episode of Terror Talk Podcast, we dive headfirst into the Stranger Danger phenomenon that gripped the U.S. in the 1970s and 1980s. From disturbing true crime cases like the disappearances of Etan Patz and Adam Walsh, to dramatized media like Girls Beware and Wheels of Terror, we explore how a cultural wave of fear shaped parenting, public policy, and the childhoods of an entire generation.
We break down the origins of the S...
This is a preview of our all-new Patreon exclusive episode where Shannon and Cathy discuss some psychology research about 8 habits that steal your joy. A few you know, a few you don't and a few Cathy disagrees with.
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In this week's Shrink Chat, we’re back with our signature blend of horror news, quick-hit reactions, and Horror Facts with Cath trivia! We dish out our rapid-fire takes on a batch of horror films, from weirdly wonderful to just plain "what the hell did we just watch?" — including:
🧠 Movies Discussed:
Sinners (yes, we have thoughts)
Death of a Unicorn (is it horror? fantasy? we don't know, but we’re in)
Borderline
...
It’s time for another wild ride in our What the Hell? series! On this episode of Terror Talk Podcast, we dive headfirst into some of the most ridiculous, unhinged, and hilariously dumb criminal stories we've ever come across — and yes, we saved the weirdest for last: a criminal competition involving actual Sperm Racing (we’re not kidding).
From arrests gone wrong to schemes that are so absurd they belong in a sitcom, we’re react...
This is a preview of our all-new Patreon exclusive episode where Shannon and Cathy discuss the Menendez news, relate it to newer changes in the court system with regards to how we consider trauma plus the political influences that will play out with Menendez.
Want more? Head on over to Patreon and become a patron for exclusive bonus content, to join our Discord and enjoy other perks depending on your level of support!
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Get ready for tech nightmares and twisted futures! On this episode of Terror Talk Podcast, we rank all six episodes of Black Mirror Season 7 from worst to best (according to us, of course). It's reactions, laughs, and strong opinions as we revisit the show's latest dystopian gems—and some that maybe missed the mark.
We debate standout performances, disagree on a couple of episodes (with love), and highlight the recurring themes that...
In this chilling episode of Terror Talk Podcast, we revisit one of Australia’s most haunting unsolved cases: the 1966 disappearance of Jane, Arnna, and Grant Beaumont. We explore the cultural climate of 1960s Adelaide, the shocking nature of this case at the time, and how it changed public perception of safety in Australia forever.
We cover the known facts of the case, dive into psychological insights about the offender profile, and...
This is a preview of our all-new Patreon exclusive episode where Shannon and Cathy discuss the documentary Devil in the Family and the fall of Ruby Franke.
Want more? Head on over to Patreon and become a patron for exclusive bonus content, to join our Discord and enjoy other perks depending on your level of support!
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It’s Mother’s Month on Terror Talk! In this Shrink Chat episode, we dive headfirst into the creepy, complex, and unhinged world of terrifying mothers in horror and thriller films. From the grotesque mother-son nightmare of Dead Alive to the manipulative matriarch in The Manchurian Candidate, we explore how these mother figures get under our skin—and sometimes into our nightmares.
Featured Films:
Dead Alive
The Manchurian Candidate
...
In this episode of Terror Talk Podcast, we dive into the layered portrayals of narcissistic mothers in three iconic films: White Oleander, Terms of Endearment, and Mommie Dearest. From emotional manipulation and guilt-tripping to martyr complexes and full-blown control tactics, we explore the psychology of maternal narcissism through each character’s unique behavior.
Using clinical insights, we break down the narcissism spectrum, co...
On this episode of Terror Talk Podcast, we dive deep into the stylish, surreal, and slash-happy world of legendary Italian horror director Dario Argento. As part of our Influential Horror Directors Series, we explore how Argento redefined horror with visually arresting masterpieces like Deep Red, Tenebrae, The Bird with the Crystal Plumage, and Opera. We geek out over his bold use of color, extreme violence, and obsessive camera wo...
This week on Terror Talk Podcast, we’re diving headfirst into the true crime case that inspired the 1995 film To Die For. That’s right—we’re talking about the real-life story of Pamela Smart, her controversial trial, and how it all morphed into Gus Van Sant’s icy, satirical thriller starring Nicole Kidman as the unforgettable Suzanne Stone.
We break down:
The parallels between Suzanne and Pamela
Why Suzanne’s narcissism is chef’s ...
This is a preview of our all-new Patreon exclusive episode where Shannon and Cathy discuss new psych research.
Want more? Head on over to Patreon and become a patron for exclusive bonus content, to join our Discord and enjoy other perks depending on your level of support!
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This week on Terror Talk Podcast, we’re diving into the deep end of horror fandom absurdity—yep, we’re reading and ROASTING 1-star reviews of some of our favorite horror films: Hellraiser, Slumber Party Massacre, The Host, The Omen, and the new classic Nosferatu.
From the emotionally complex to the cult classics, these films deserve more respect—and we’re here to give it to them. Join us as we laugh (and cry) through reviews that si...
In this episode of Terror Talk Podcast, we're diving deep into the psychological profile of Sue Ann, aka Ma—Octavia Spencer’s chilling yet complex character in the 2019 psychological horror thriller.
This isn’t just your standard horror review—we break down Ma through the lens of female psychopathy, trauma, and emotional control. From childhood bullying to adult manipulation, we explore her descent into madness with humor, insig...
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