[WiHM] Interview with I Spit on Your Podcast Co-Host and Writer, Kelly
Tell us a little bit about yourself! What is your role in the horror community (content creation, writing, journalism, critic etc).
I am one part of the duo Spinsters of Horror with my long time friend Jessica, and we have a monthly horror podcast called I SPIT ON YOUR PODCAST. We have been podcasting for over three years now, helping to fill the void of female voices in horror. Our website also includes our writing from movie reviews, editorials and more! I have branched out and written for Ghouls Magazine, Grim Magazine, Horror Homeroom, and Morbidly Beautiful (our podcast network and family).
What was the first thing you encountered that made you fall in love with horror?
I have been watching horror movies for over 25 years now! My first experiences with horror were the epic sleepovers my friends and I would have where we would rent a bunch of movies and stay up late watching them. Horror is, at its best, a social sport, as it brings people together and bonds them through terror. When I first watched The Exorcist (at a way too young age!) I was in a small room with my best girlfriends and there were screams and tears. Horror creates vivid memories that are long lasting.
What does the horror community mean to you?
Horror creates bonding through shared experiences, whether they be traumatic or fun, and the people I have encountered within all areas of the horror community are some of the best people I have ever met. It has also created a new type of relationship through my podcast with a friend of over 20 years!
Who are your favourite women in horror? (directors, presenters, podcasters, writers)?
Alex West - Writer and Podcaster. She not only loves horror for the spooks and scares, but lives for the allegory contained within. She also isn’t afraid to have FUN with horror, and I respect that. Alex also has written books on under-appreciated subgenres of horror like the 90s teen horror cycle and New French Extremity, and both I love.
Jenn Adams - Writer and Podcaster. Although I have never met her in real life, Jenn is the kindest, most compassionate woman I have met in the horror community. She is also quite a brilliant mind and her writing is exceptional. I have watched her grow from The Horror Virgin podcast into a FORCE to be reckoned with.
Julia Ducourneau - Film Writer/Director. For the podcast this month we are highlighting this incredible woman in horror. Her films are daring, subversive and unique. Besides a fellow French horror creator in Claire Denis (In My Skin, Trouble Every Day), I have yet to see such transgression when it comes to portraying the female experience through the style of body horror.
If you could invite one woman from horror to dinner who would you invite and why?
Cassandra Peterson aka ELVIRA because not only do I think she would be an absolute blast to hang out with, I think as a professional woman, I could stand to learn a lot from her about my career path, and how to create the life that I desire. Cassandra Peterson is an icon!
Women in horror have been making progress, but it’s clear that a lot of work is still needed to ensure that representation is correct and widespread . What is the importance of Women in Horror Month?
I think everyone in the horror community deserves a month of celebration, and of course, year round recognition. I think it’s important to highlight the impact that women have had in the film industry, especially in horror, as we are seeing more and more high quality films created by women, and so many have come out in the last 20 years. The evolution of horror is for all marginalized voices to be heard, women included, as we are the ones that understand the realities of horror— we live it every day.
In honor of celebrating Women in Horror, who do you believe readers should keep an eye on in terms of women in horror?
Jenn Adams - Writer/Podcaster. Besides what I have already stated, her diversity of interests in the horror genre (mental health, gender politics and Stephen King), and her inspiring writing journey, makes her one to watch. I foresee big things coming for her!
Ghouls Magazine - This online writing outlet for women/LGTBQIA+/BIPOC was created to get their voices heard through sharing their perspectives on the horror genre. Its grown exponentially since it was created last year, and the diversity of writers, topics, and ways to engage with their community is astounding. Shout out to Zoe Rose Smith for launching this incredible site during the stress of a global pandemic!
Jessie Seitz - SFX Artist/Filmmaker/Writer. When it comes to extreme cinema, this woman is a “got to” person for me. She is multi-talented, and within this very niche genre of cinema, there are very few female voices, and through her female driven extreme horror anthology FUKT (due out this year) and her documentary Beyond Horror, she is a game changer in an area of horror that greatly needs it.
What do you have coming in 2022 that you can talk to us about?
I have developed a strong interest in extreme horror/extreme cinema over the last three years and besides doing some writing on these types of films for the Spinsters of Horror website under my Taboo Terrors brand, I needed to do MORE. So, I will be joining forces with someone I adore and respect in the upcoming months on this particular subject. Stay tuned for this as we are heading into the murky waters where very few, if none at all, have ventured as women in the podcasting world. Listeners discretion is advised!
