ALTOONA, Pa. — Penn State Altoona faculty members Brian Onishi, associate professor of philosophy, and Jeff Stoyanoff, assistant professor of English and of women's, gender and sexuality studies, have released a new episode of their "Horror Joy" podcast. In the latest episode, the hosts welcome acclaimed author Gwendolyn Kiste, a multiple Bram Stoker Award-winner, to discuss her novel “The Haunting of Velkwood.”
The episode explores the synergistic relationship between horror and joy, emphasizing the cathartic and self-discovery elements inherent in the genre. Kiste shares her journey from a young storyteller to an author who uses horror to navigate and express personal and societal traumas.
The conversation also delves into the unique stasis experienced by characters in “Velkwood” and the liberating exploration of queer identity within horror narratives. The episode concludes with a discussion on cicadas, puzzles, board games and Kiste's upcoming projects.
The full episode can be accessed on podcast providers or on Red Circle. Learn more about the "Horror Joy" podcast online.