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 eposide, the hosts are joined by author and playwright Nat Cassidy to explore his career and the intricate relationship between joy and horror.
Cassidy discusses his journey from a macabre child fascinated by the works of Stephen King and William Shakespeare to a versatile storyteller working across various mediums, including novels, plays and audio dramas. The conversation delves into the philosophical underpinnings of fear and anxiety, the evolution of horror as a genre and the impact of his latest work, “When the Wolf Comes Home.” Cassidy shares his insights into the immersive and ecstatic qualities of horror, likening it to spicy food that delights because it hurts. The conversation also touches on the importance of live performance and the existential truths that horror can reveal.
The full episode can be accessed on podcast providers or on Red Circle.