ALTOONA, Pa. — Penn State Altoona faculty members Brian Onishi, associate professor of philosophy, and Jeff Stoyanoff, associate 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 interview USA Today bestselling author Luke Dumas about horror’s link to joy, his path into the genre, and his novel “Nothing Tastes as Good.”
Dumas describes early horror influences with his father, writing seriously since high school, and how Edinburgh inspired his first horror novel. In discussing “Nothing Tastes as Good,” he cites Stephen King’s “Thinner,” his experience growing up, and the fatphobic cultural discourse around GLP-1 drugs as key inspirations, aiming to depict the systemic horror of living in a fatphobic society. He addresses weaponized “health” language, gym shame, social media’s superficial acceptance, and autobiographical family dynamics.
Dumas critiques unfaithful casting in new “Carrie” adaptations, previews his 2027 zoo-set thriller “We Don’t Call Them Cages,” and recommends the film “Obsession” for its emotional, tragic horror.
Full episodes of "Horror Joy" can be accessed on podcast providers or on Red Circle.