Horror movies may not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think about mental wellness, but for Kendall and Corey Stulce, they are a powerful tool for healing. In the inaugural episode of the Horror Heals podcast, co-hosts Corey and Kendall dive into the therapeutic benefits of horror films, novels, comics, and the entire genre’s culture. This podcast explores how the adrenaline rush, psychological release, and catharsis provided by horror help many people—including them—cope with stress, trauma, and anxiety.
A Passion Born from Personal Experience
Kendall and Corey have been partners in life for nearly 20 years and have shared their passion for horror throughout their relationship. As hosts of their other podcast, Family Twist, which centers around DNA surprises and adoption stories, they’ve spent years delving into stories of personal discovery and family dynamics. But with the Horror Heals podcast, they shift focus to a genre that has been deeply comforting for both of them in times of personal struggle.
As Kendall explains in the first episode, his introduction to horror was through his adoptive parents. He recalls sneaking down the hall to catch glimpses of The Exorcist on TV when he was just six years old, and that pivotal moment shaped his love for horror. For Corey, horror conventions are his happy place, filled with positivity, cosplay, and vendors who unite the horror community under one roof.
“Horror fans are from all walks of life,” Corey explains. “There’s something kind of magical about it. We all come together in this big old soup of whatever, and there’s a sense of camaraderie that you don’t find elsewhere.”
Why Horror? How It Helps Us Cope
So why horror? Kendall and Corey both deal with ongoing anxiety, and after a particularly stressful day, they unwind with a horror movie. Whether it’s a demonic possession film or the bloody, humorous chaos of The Evil Dead, horror helps them escape into a fantasy world, offering both a mental break and an emotional release. Horror is, in many ways, a catharsis—a way to face fears, trauma, and anxiety in a controlled environment.
For Corey, horror also brings a sense of belonging. Walking into a horror convention and seeing the cosplayers and vendors fills him with excitement. The horror community, as Kendall and Corey explain, is a supportive, close-knit group of people who come together over a shared love for the genre and often a shared experience of being outsiders.
“There’s something really special about this group of people. Horror fans bend over backwards for each other,” Kendall says. “At the end of the day, we’re all just really nice, good people.”
Horror as a Tool for Connection and Healing
In this introductory episode, Corey and Kendall also share how their love for horror connected them with Kendall’s long-lost family. After discovering his half-siblings through a DNA test, Kendall learned that his half-sister Monica was a huge horror fan—so much so that she even named her son Gage, after the child from Pet Sematary. This newfound connection came full circle when they all attended a horror convention together, cementing horror’s place as a tool for bonding and healing.
“Horror connects people,” Kendall says. “It’s about more than just scares and gore. It’s a space where people can find common ground, express their individuality, and in many cases, find comfort in facing their deepest fears.”
The Birth of the Horror Heals Podcast
The idea for the Horror Heals podcast grew from Corey and Kendall’s realization that horror isn’t just about thrills—it’s about personal growth, mental wellness, and even healing trauma. They’ve already interviewed several horror celebrities, fans, and artisans for the podcast, and one common theme emerges: horror helps people confront the things that scare them, both on and off the screen.
Throughout the season, Corey and Kendall will bring you conversations with horror icons like Dee Wallace, Adrienne King, and more, diving deep into their personal stories and exploring how horror has helped them navigate real-life challenges. From final girls to fan artists, the stories you’ll hear are not just about surviving slasher flicks—they’re about overcoming life’s biggest monsters.
Join the Conversation
With the Horror Heals podcast, Corey and Kendall hope to spark a larger conversation about how horror can be a force for good. Whether you’re a die-hard horror fan or someone who’s curious about how this genre could help with mental wellness, there’s something in this podcast for everyone.
And for those of you who want to dig deeper into family dynamics, adoption stories, and DNA surprises, Corey invites you to check out their other podcast, Family Twist. There, you’ll hear more about Kendall’s journey of self-discovery and connection, which ties directly into the themes of identity, family, and healing that often arise in the Horror Heals podcast.
As Corey says, “Horror is more than entertainment—it’s a way to explore our own fears and find the strength to overcome them.”
Stay Tuned for More!
Be sure to listen to the full episode and don’t miss their upcoming conversations with horror legends like Dee Wallace. Follow the Horror Heals podcast to learn more about how horror movies, books, and culture can bring comfort, healing, and a sense of belonging.
