Horror VS Reality
By Anastasia Byrd
Anastasia and Morgan break down a horror film based on a true crime and discuss the crime that the film is based on. Together they compare, contrast, and nerd out.
Horror VS Reality May 30, 2022
00:00
02:17:15
Ep. 41: Night of the Hunter (1955) VS Harry Powers w/ Mondo Boys
Join Anastasia and Morgan plus special guests Mike and Mike of Mondo Boys to discuss Charles Laughton's Night of the Hunter and its inspiration, bluebeard serial killer, Harry Powers. Plus, Mike's Irish Robert Mitchum story; Mondo Boys' music in She Dies Tomorrow contributed to Anastasia's fainting; high praise for I Know This Much is True and much more!
May 30, 202202:17:15
Ep. 40: The Devils (1971) VS The Strange Tale of Urbain Grandier
Theeeeeey're baaaack! Mo and Ana are fresh off vacation and ready to rumble. This episode they discuss Ken Russell's cult classic, The Devils, and the real life of Urbain Grandier. Plus! Oliver Reed was a "hellraiser"; Morgan had a Wiccan phase; vacation stories, and more!
May 17, 202201:19:54
Introducing: Attack of the Killer Objects!
Horror VS Reality will be back in May, until then, enjoy this preview of Ana's other podcast, Attack of the Killer Objects!
AOTK is a horror comedy podcast about killer object movies, their absurdity, and why we love them. Hosted by Anastasia Byrd twice monthly with a guest every episode.
Preview episode is the first episode: Killer Sofa. enjoy!
Apr 24, 202244:57
Ep. 39: Naked Lunch (1991) VS The Death of Joan Vollmer
Morgan and Ana dive into the drug fueled world of Cronenberg's Naked Lunch and the real life events in William Burroughs and Joan Vollmer's life that led to her death. Plus! Morgan still hasn't finished Marvelous Mrs. Maisel; Kurt Cobain was a Burroughs stan; and Ana finally conquers her awful cold.
Mar 30, 202201:26:52
Ep. 38: Santa Sangre (1989) VS The Tacuba Strangler
Morgan and Ana dive into the surreal world of Alejandro Jodorowsky, Santa Sangre and Goyo Cardenas Hernandez. Plus, Morgan watched The Holy Mountain on mute at a punk bar; Morgan and Ana ponder if Eddie Murphy is a Jodorowsky fan; and Ana objectifies Luke Kirby.
Mar 14, 202201:15:42
Ep. 37: The Sacrament (2013) VS The Jonestown Massacre w/ The Let's Talk Horror Channel
Anastasia and Morgan have the delightful BP from Let's Talk Horror on to discuss Ti West's The Sacrament and its basis, The Jonestown Massacre. Plus! Bp can't play horror games; Mo watches Kristen Bell spoof cheesy mysteries; and Ana enlightens Bp on the suicide of Budd Dwyer. Plus more!
Feb 20, 202202:36:17
Ep. 36: Extremely Wicked, Shockingly Evil and Vile (2019) VS Ted Bundy w/Wednesday, Wine and Horror
Ana and Mo are joined by Heather of Wednesday, Wine and Horror to discuss Netflix's film about Ted Bundy as well the real Ted. Plus, Heather has pregnant brain; Morgan's future mother in law narrowly dodged Ted herself; Ana watched Burn Notice solely for Bruce Campbell and more!
Feb 06, 202202:19:35
Ep. 35: Lords of Chaos (2018) VS The Norwegian Black Metal Scene PT. 2
Ana finishes off our series on The Norwegian Black Metal Scene by discussing the real life events that inspired Lords of Chaos. Plus, Morgan and Ana discuss the Forbidden channels from our childhood, Morgan watched Slaxx finally, and Ana puts in waaay too many hours playing Dragon Age Inquisition.
Feb 02, 202201:07:04
Ep. 34: Lords of Chaos (2018) VS The Norwegian Black Metal Scene PT. 1
Morgan and Ana tackle the rise of The Norwegian Black metal scene and Jonas Akerlund's The Lords of Chaos. In this first half, Morgan goes in depth on the actors resumes, the finer plot details of the film, and Ana tries not to faint during the more grisly descriptions. Ana created a spotify playlist as a companion to these episodes which can be found here: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/2RPI4RiwNkNQb7CsRPSGpy?si=pS0shtoqQ-asT8otuGuFVg&utm_source=copy-link
Jan 23, 202202:21:05
Ep. 33: When A Stranger Calls (1979) VS The Murder of Janett Christman
Morgan and Anastasia discuss The classic but honestly mediocre film, When A Stranger Calls (1979) and the horrific unsolved murder of Janett Christman. (The basis for the Babysitter and the Man Upstairs urban legend). Plus, Morgan watches two Adam Driver films, Ana and Morgan share their love of John C. Reilly and more!
Jan 13, 202201:47:38
Ep. 2 REMASTERED: Heavenly Creatures (1994) VS The Parker-Hulme Murder
(ORIGINALLY AIRED JULY 2020) [Newly remastered audio] Morgan and Ana discuss Peter Jackson's Heavenly Creatures, and The Murder of Pauline Parker's mother by Pauline and Juliet Hulme. Plus, we discuss the beauty of Kate Winslet, and speculate about Ghislane Maxwell (who is now convicted!).
Jan 02, 202250:01
Ep. 32: The Ritual (2017) VS The Yuba County Five
***(contains spoilers for The Lodge, Hereditary, and The Descent)***Join Morgan and Anastasia as they discuss this excellent little film and the enduring mystery of the Yuba County Five. Plus! Morgan has a real life encounter with a bear, Ana talks A LOT about Doctor Who and much more.
Dec 23, 202101:47:59
Ep. 31: Gran Bollito (1977) VS The Soap Maker of Correggio
Morgan and Ana discuss this film and real life crime full of superstition, lies, cannibalism and one really overprotective Mom. Plus! Hufu, Titane, Morgan's secret plan to kill Ana 😂 and more!
Nov 27, 202102:14:41
Ep. 30: In Her Skin (2009) VS The Murder of Rachel Barber
Morgan and Ana discuss the Aussie true crime and Film involving the murder of Rachel Barber by Caroline Reed- Robinson, her former neighbor. Also, Morgan stans an Etsy Witch, stranger danger, and Ana's Bloodthirsty.
Nov 18, 202101:27:41
BONUS: Halloween Gab Fest 2: Revenge of the Pod
Morgan and Ana take a break from the normal format to chat about would you rather horror scenarios and recent horror films we've watched, like Possum and the Last Man on Earth.
Oct 31, 202140:44
Ep. 29: I Can't Sleep (1994) VS Thierry Paulin
Morgan and Ana discuss the heinous murders of the Monster of Montmarte, Thierry Paulin, and the Claire Denis film that is loosely based on his crimes, I Can't Sleep (J'ai Pas Sommeil). Also, Andre is the best champagne; Ana watched the new Dune; and Morgan contemplates the meaning of "Naval gazing".
Oct 27, 202101:16:42
Ep. 28: Frenzy (1972) VS John Christie, The Rillington Place Killer w/ Alli Hobbs of Swampflix
Morgan and Ana have fellow cinephile, Alli Hobbs, on to discuss John Christie and the Hitchcock film, Frenzy, which is based in part on Christie. Plus!: How did P!nk really get her stagename?; Morgan learns the truth about JT Leroy; Ana plays more grounded; and Alli discusses 2018's The Wind.
Sep 30, 202102:25:59
Ep. 27: Amok (2017) VS. Krystian Bala
Mo and Ana discuss the Polish author who just couldn't keep his smug mouth shut. We also discuss Starcraft, crafting, Grounded and The Gabby Petito case.
Sep 21, 202101:35:10
Ep. 26: Snowtown (2011) VS The Bodies in the Barrels Murders w/ The Evidence Locker
Morgan and Anastasia have Noel and Sonya from the Evidence Locker podcast on to discuss one of the most notorious Australian crimes, The Bodies in the Barrels Murders aka The Snowtown Murders and the film based on them, 2011's Snowtown. Also, Morgan can game again, Anastasia is playing Myst for the first time in over 20 years, Noel is working hard on horror shorts and Sonya watches American Vandal.
Sep 01, 202101:54:60
Ep. 25: Zee Oui (2004) VS Si Ouey
Morgan and Ana discuss Zee Oui the Thai Film based on infamous cannibal serial killer, Si Ouey. But is he a killer or just an immigrant victim of racism? You decide. Plus, we discuss The Americans and Ana's love of Keri Russell. Also, Morgan binges the reality show, 60 Days in.
Aug 27, 202101:04:21
Ep. 24: The Lighthouse (2019) VS The Smalls Lighthouse Tragedy
Ana and Mo discuss Robert Eggers' atmospheric masterpiece, The Lighthouse and The real life tragedy at Smalls Lighthouse in Pembrokeshire, Wales. Plus, Charlotte Russe still exists, Anthropologie is expensive, and Morgan made vegan chili.
Jul 31, 202101:30:21
Ep. 23: Memories of Murder (2003) VS The Hwaseong Murders
Mo and Ana discuss Bong Joon-Ho's excellent Memories of Murder and The depraved Hwaseong Serial Murders which were only very recently solved. We also talk Mythic Quest, The Seventh Continent, Safe, The Little Things and more. Please excuse some minor audio issues. :)
Jul 24, 202101:26:26
Ep. 22: The Strangers (2008) VS The Keddie Cabin Murders w/ Blood, Guts and Boos
Ana and Mo have Kendrah and Olivia from The Blood, Guts and Boos Podcast on to discuss the 2008 film The Strangers and The Keddie Cabin Murders cold case. Plus, We discuss Fried Barry, the new season premiere of Rick and Morty, Clarkson's Farm and more!
Jun 25, 202101:46:19
Ep. 21: Eaten Alive (1976) VS Joe Ball
Ana and Mo discuss Tobe Hooper's swamp hell, Eaten Alive, and Joe Ball aka The alligator man aka The Butcher of Elmendorf aka the Bluebeard of South Texas. Also: She (1985), Things (1989), we're hot for Robert Englund's nose, and we ponder if Bo Burnam is in therapy.
Jun 15, 202101:27:44
Dahmer Series pt 2: Ep. 20: Dahmer (2002) VS Jeffrey Dahmer's Killing Years
Morgan and Anastasia discuss The surprisingly good Dahmer starring Jeremy Renner in a tour de force performance and The gruesome crimes of Dahmer. Plus! Ana is salty about The Reckoning and The Devil's Ground and more!
May 23, 202102:00:39
Dahmer series pt 1: Ep. 19: My Friend Dahmer (2017) VS. Jeffrey Dahmer's Early Years
Morgan and Ana discuss My Friend Dahmer and how accurate it was to Jeffrey Dahmer's early life. Plus talk of Frankenhooker, early 00's shoes, and Die Antwoord.
May 15, 202101:27:32
BONUS: Copycats 1: Gary George VS The Loved Ones (2009)
Since Morgan couldn't be with us, Keith (Xo, How to Write a Novel Podcast) takes over co-hosting duties in a special bonus episode. We discuss a very specific scene that Gary George copies from the The Loved Ones in a horrific attack on his "best mate". Keith breaks down The synopsis of The Loved Ones and I fill him in on the details that he missed. Plus we discuss a great new idea for a reality show. Enjoy!
May 01, 202101:18:10
Ep. 17: The Black Dahlia (2006) VS The Black Dahlia Case w/ The Haunted Outfit
Mo and Ana have Katie(IG: @thehauntedoutfit) in to discuss the dull adaptation of Jame's Ellroy's The Black Dahlia and the murder of Elizabeth Short. Also, 90s YA horror novels, NIN, Tod Browning's Freaks and more!
Apr 18, 202102:30:09
Ep. 18: The Dentist (1996) VS. Glennon Engleman
Ana and Morgan discuss the campy fun 90s film, The Dentist, as well as the stupidity and bloodlust of Glennon Engleman. Also, Ana's frog loving dentist, too many Sherlock Holmes related media, and the hilarious films, Slaxx and The Pit. Tune in!
Apr 15, 202101:42:19
Ep. 16: Henry: Portrait of a Serial Killer (1986) VS Henry Lee Lucas w/ Trent Manning
Morgan and Ana have Trent (Bloody Buddies Podcast) on to discuss Henry, the man and the film. We also learn way too much about A Serbian Film memorabilia, lust after Crawfish pie, and giggle like teenagers. ***Sources: The New York Times; ABC News; Murderpedia; "True Crime Blacksburg: The Henry Lee Lucas Story" published by Pylon a now defunct Blacksburg-based digital publication; The Last Drive- In with Joe Bob Briggs s1 week 6; Violence Incorporated: John McNoughton's "Henry Portrait of a Serial Killer" and the Uses of Gratuitous Violence in Popular Narrative(2001) by S. Hantke
Mar 13, 202102:06:51
Episode 15: Karla (2006) VS The Ken and Barbie Killers
(Note to the audience: The videos of Karla and Paul’s crimes were destroyed after Paul’s trial. The filmmakers based those scenes off of the transcripts of those videotapes. I don’t make that super clear in the episode. - Ana
) Morgan and Ana discuss the incredibly disturbing case of Karla Homolka and Paul Bernardo and the infamous horror/drama bio film, Karla. They also talk dating horror stories as a palate cleanser for the audience, and discuss their favorite things to get at their local Asian Markets.
) Morgan and Ana discuss the incredibly disturbing case of Karla Homolka and Paul Bernardo and the infamous horror/drama bio film, Karla. They also talk dating horror stories as a palate cleanser for the audience, and discuss their favorite things to get at their local Asian Markets.
Feb 26, 202102:23:53
Episode 14: Dukun (2018)* VS Mona Fandey w/Keith McNally
Mo and Ana have Keith McNally (Keith McNally's XO, How to Write a Novel podcast) back to discuss the controversial film, Dukun, and its inspiration, pop singer turned shaman turned murderer, Mona Fandey. They also discuss Ana's love of Svalbard, Keith's love of the singer Vitamin C, and Morgan's love of black eyed peas with Mayo.
Feb 19, 202101:44:27
Episode 13: Orphan (2009) VS The Kurim Case w/ A Sprinkle of Sugar, A Dash of Murder Podcast
Ana and Morgan have Emily and Kasey from A Sprinkle of Sugar, A Dash of Murder on to Discuss the deliciously trash film, Orphan, and the terrible real life Kurim Case that insprired the film. Plus, Emily and Kasey made a tasty coctail and Russian blinis.
Jan 28, 202102:28:13
Episode 12: Spree (2020) VS The Uber Killer w/ Class Horror Cast
Morgan and I have Aran Doyle from Class Horror Cast on to discuss Spree and the infamous Uber Killer who killed six people one fateful night in Kalamazoo, MI in 2016. We also discuss creepy uber rides and Joe Keery's sex appeal. NEW THEME SONG: Halloween by Cody Vondell open.spotify.com/artist/3Ip4sUylxiEg4imOkgDAsP?si=rxNHQ22jSyqSMZRM9O-rmA IG: @codyvondell
Jan 21, 202102:20:48
Episode 11: Scream (1996) VS. The Gainsville Ripper
Ana and Mo discuss Wes Craven's modern classic, Scream, Wes Craven (himself), and the heinous killer, Danny Rolling, who inspired Scream screenwriter, Kevin Williamson. IPAs are involved.
Jan 01, 202102:32:14
Episode 10: Texas Chainsaw Massacre (1975) VS. Ed Gein FT. The Toke Tales Podcast
Ana and Mo have Sel and Jared from The Toke Tales Podcast on to Discuss the similarities and differences between Texas Chainsaw Massacre and Ed Gein. They also talk behind the scenes of TCM, chickens' rights, and Ana's tuna casserole. It's a ride.
Dec 17, 202002:38:40
Episode 9: Hounds of Love (2016) VS. The Moorhouse Murders FT. Cubby and Phil of Modern Day Escape
Ana and Mo are joined by guitarists Cubby and Phil from metalcore band, Modern Day Escape. Together, they discuss the excellent aussie horror flick, Hounds of Love, and the awful spree killers that inspired it, Catherine and David Burnie.
Nov 28, 202001:58:14
Episode 8: Bloody Wednesday (1988) VS. The San Ysidro McDonald's Massacre
Morgan and Ana discuss the worst movie they've watched yet, and break down the horrible tragedy of the largest mass shooting (at the time) in American history.
Nov 28, 202001:31:51
BONUS: Halloween Gab Fest
Morgan and I felt bad that we were only able to record 1 regular format episode this month, so everyone gets to enjoy this bonus episode originally recorded for patreon. We discuss candy and horror films like all good Halloween loving people should.
Nov 01, 202001:44:59
Episode 7: Wolf Creek (2005) VS. Ivan Milat FT. Keith Mcnally
Morgan and I invite Keith Mcnally to talk about his film pick, Wolf Creek (2005), and the inspiration behind it, Ivan Milat. Find Keith at keithcourage.com. sources included in episode. Ro1k7Df2BV129nv75tiX
Oct 31, 202002:10:53
Episode 6: Child 44 (2015) Vs. Andrei Chikatilo
Morgan and I discuss a real dial tone of a film (my opinion). Morgan thinks maybe she just really enjoys Tom Hardy. Oh yeah, we also take on the monstrous Andrei Chikatilo. Sources: The Last Book on the Left by Marcus Parks, Henry Zebrowski and Ben Kissel; murderpedia; wikipedia; The Big Book of Serial Killers by Jack Rosewood and Rebecca Lo.
Sep 26, 202002:16:14
Episode 5: Grimm Love (2006) vs. The Rotenberg Cannibal, Armin Meiwes
Anastasia and Morgan discuss the horrific crime of infamous German cannibal, Armin Meiwes, and the film based on his murderous act, Grimm Love. (Sources for today's episode: Grimm Love dir. Martin Weisz; https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/europe/armin-meiwes-interview-cannibal-documentary-sheds-new-light-one-germany-s-most-infamous-murderers-a6863201.html; murderpedia; https://www.dw.com/en/cannibal-convicted-of-manslaughter/a-1100270)
Sep 04, 202002:03:58
Episode 4: There is a Secret in My Soup (2001) Vs. The Hello Kitty Murder
Morgan and Anastasia discuss the heinous Hong Kong Cat. 3 film, There is a Secret in My Soup and the very real Hello Kitty murder of Fan Man-yee. (Sources for today's episode: There is A Secret in My Soup dir.
Yeung Chi Kin; https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/politics/2000/12/09/hello-kitty-murder-case-horrifies-hong-kong/bafa4ff1-bbf6-4d28-b0cc-2eea9bef43d0/; https://www.nytimes.com/2016/11/24/world/asia/hong-kong-haunted-apartments-app.html)
Yeung Chi Kin; https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/politics/2000/12/09/hello-kitty-murder-case-horrifies-hong-kong/bafa4ff1-bbf6-4d28-b0cc-2eea9bef43d0/; https://www.nytimes.com/2016/11/24/world/asia/hong-kong-haunted-apartments-app.html)
Aug 20, 202001:29:46
Episode 3: Lake Bodom (2016) vs. The Lake Bodom Murders
Morgan and Ana discuss their hatred for the film Lake Bodom and contemplate who they think killed the 4 teens at Lake Bodom in Espoo, Finland (1960). Enjoy! (Sources for today's episode: https://web.archive.org/web/20081210112643/http://www2.hs.fi/english/archive/news.asp?id=20040405IE7; wikipedia; Lake Bodom dir. Taneli Mustonen)
Jul 29, 202001:26:20
Episode 1: Angst (1983) vs. Werner Kniesek
In the first episode, I have my old roommate and friend, Morgan, on to talk about the 1983 German cult film, Angst, and the killer who inspired it, Werner Kniesek. (Sources for today's episode: Murder: The Most Spectacular Murders in Austria By Andreas Zeppetzauer & Regina Zeppetzauer; murderpedia; Angst dir. Gerald Kargl)
Jun 17, 202044:05