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Penn State Altoona professors’ podcast welcomes author Matthew Trifan

In the latest episode of “Horror Joy,” hosts Brian Onishi and Jeff Stoyanoff are joined by Matthew Trifan, an emergency physician and author of the supernatural horror collection “The Fever Called Living.” Credit: Jason Long, Spring Dam Designs. All Rights Reserved.

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 episode, the hosts are joined by Matthew Trifan, an emergency physician and author of the supernatural horror collection “The Fever Called Living.” They discuss the complex relationship between horror and joy and how Trifan integrates his medical background into his horror writing.

Episode Highlights include the impact of secondhand trauma on medical professionals, the existential themes explored in his stories, the stigmatization of horror and recommendations for readers and gamers interested in exploring the genre further.

The full episode can be accessed on podcast providers or on Red Circle. Learn more about the "Horror Joy" podcast online.

Last Updated September 5, 2025

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