Hosts Now Reveal Their Top 5 Favorite Episodes of FRIGAY THE 13TH HORROR PODCAST
Josh Millican
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Andrew Huff and Matty Zaradich, co-hosts of Dread Podcast Network’s latest addition FriGay the 13th Horror Podcast, recorded their first episode in 2018. Three years, fifty+ episodes, and over one-hundred thousand listeners later, they’re now bringing FriGay the 13th to a broader audience with Dread and our expanding network. It’s a great time to reflect, too, on some of their favorite episodes from the podcast thus far.
Related Article: FRIGAY THE 13TH Horror Podcast Joins the DREAD Podcast Network!
FriGay the 13th Horror Podcast explores horror–in real-life and in the movies–from an LGBTQ perspective. Andrew and Matty don’t view horror as just another escape– they see it as a mirror to the horrors we see in everyday life, and an opportunity to face those horrors straight-on.
And listeners agree. “It’s amazing to have a space in the horror community where LGBTQ people can feel seen and heard. I love that they meld horror films with social/political topics that feel just as horrific (if not more) to the queer community,” one reviewer said.
New to FriGay the 13th Horror Podcast? Check out these specially selected picks from your hosts, Andrew and Matty.
Andrew’s favorite FriGay the 13th Horror Podcast Episodes:
Episode 18: GAY in the U.S.A.
“This was our second annual pride episode and it was really a fantastic undertaking. Not only did we get to talk all about what was going on in the LGBTQ+ community at the time it was recorded, but this was the first time where we invited our listeners from the LGBTQ+ community to record their stories about coming out, struggles, and their hope for the future. We expected to hear some great stories, but what we got was so much more. We also had some spirited conversations around The Gay Bed and Breakfast of Terror as well as What Keeps You Alive. The episode still brings me to tears every time I listen to it.”
Episode 48: Sleep is Terrifying
“This one hit really close to home for me. As an adult that has many sleep issues, I had a lot to talk about. From sleepwalking, dreams and even sleep paralysis, this one allowed me to really talk through a lot of my struggles in a cathartic way. I was also thrilled that we finally got to talk about A Nightmare on Elm Street, and I thought our approach of covering the ‘Nancy Trilogy’ was a really unique way to talk through this franchise.”
RELATED: 10 Best Horror Movies of 2021 So Far (April Edition)
Episode 37: Cursed Casts are Terrifying
“This is one of those times where, going into it, I didn’t think we would have a lot of unique stuff to talk about. Knowing that there are several documentaries about the subject, I was worried that our topics would not stack up. Little did I know that there was so much more out there that I had never heard of, and it ended up being one of my favorite topics we’ve ever done. Additionally, just to put the cherry on the sundae, we got to talk about one of my favorite franchises and all the crazy stories that surrounded Poltergeist 1-3.”
Episode 22: Chicago is Terrifying (but also Pretty Cool!)
“Ah, Chicago, our home base. There are so many crazy stories that come out of Chicago, how could we not devote an entire episode to it? It was so interesting going into the history, mystery and ghostly stories that surround The Windy City. I felt way more connected to my city after this episode. I was also really happy with the two films we covered, as they couldn’t be more different, Candyman and Stir of Echoes.”
Episode 14: Happy Valentine’s GAY: Love, Breakups and Ex’s
“This was one of our more unique episodes as we did something totally new. Being our Valentine’s Day special, we collected crazy relationship stories from our listeners and turned them into an audio play. We had some new voices come on and act out our listener stories, and it honestly turned out GREAT. The amount of work that went into this one really makes it special. It was also fun to revisit some of the early 2000’s love gone wrong movies, Valentine and Swimfan.“
Matty’s favorite FriGay the 13th Horror Podcast Episodes:
Episode 16: Religion and Violence — God Made Me Do It
“Religion and theology fascinate me. I was raised Roman Catholic, and in many ways, I think that rearing led me to the horror genre. I grew up in a world where demons really did exist, and I was taught to believe that if I did something grievously wrong, it could mean eternal damnation– for a kid, that’s an awful lot to take on. It used to terrify me. Horror helped me overcome that fear.
“As an adult, religion is an important part of my life, and I practice as a queer Episcopalian, exploring the mysteries of our existence and discovering how I can live with them. This episode allowed me a chance to bring my experiences to our audience. The Sentinel and Frailty were also a blast to discuss.”
Episode 26: Ireland is Amazing (…but the Troubles are Terrifying!)
“I spent a month in Ireland at the end of 2019 for work, living in Dublin. I had an amazing experience getting to know the people, the land, and the culture. This episode was a bit of a love letter to all of the above, and also an exploration of The Troubles, which haunts that beautiful country still. Plus, reviewing Irish horror films Grabbers and The Hole in the Ground was a wonderful treat–for us and our audience.”
RELATED: 32 Must-See Horror Movies You Need to Stream on HBO Max Right Now
Episode 22: Chicago is Terrifying (but also Pretty Cool!)
“I’ve lived in Chicago for over 16 years, and we’ve had a love/hate relationship the entire time. It’s a city that drives me insane, and it’s a city that I lovingly call home. Our politics are wild, violence is rampant, and winter SUCKS; but damn, it is a beautiful city with so much to offer. Yet another love letter to a locale, this episode ranks as one of my absolute favorites. Plus, chatting about Candyman and Stir of Echoes gave us, even more, to love on about Chicago.”
Episode 14: Happy Valentine’s GAY: Love, Breakups and Ex’s
“Love and I have never really gotten along well. Lord knows I’ve tried, but Andrew can attest to the litany of terrible relationships I’ve had. This episode was a great catharsis, and also included one of our most creative exercises yet– turning break-up letters sent to us by listeners into monologues for a bit of theatre. This was modeled on a show I used to direct called Letters/X, which is near and dear to my heart. Swimfan gave us a chance to discuss every gay man’s crush on Jesse Bradford; and Valentine? Just plain wonderful.”
Episode 27: Our Bodies are Terrifying/Beautiful
“My body has always terrified me. I grew up a ‘fat kid’ in Indiana, which compounded my fear I experienced as a queer kid in the closet. I love my body now, but it took many years to get to where I am. Andrew and I both share some personal stories in this episode that let listeners in a little more closely to our lives. It’s tough subject matter, but reviewing Thinner and Drag Me to Hell gave us a chance to be a little lighter.”
RELATED: FRIGHT NIGHT Got Me Laid: My Personal Journey With Horror (Swimming Upstream The Final Chapter)
Andrew and Matty have promised to deliver more editorials to tie-in with their podcasts! Stay tuned and check back often!
The latest episode of FriGay the 13th just went live yesterday! Listen to Episode 53: Highways Are Terrifying, HERE for an exploration of 2001’s Joy Ride and 2003’s Final Destination 2!
EPISODE 53: HIGHWAYS ARE TERRIFYING
We’re on the highway to hell, kiddos, so hop in the back seat and never mind those screams coming from the trunk… we’re not stopping til we get there. Listen in to hear more about the Highway of Tears, road rage, and stories of REAL terror from our listeners!
HORROR IN THE MOVIES
2001’s JOY RIDE and 2003’s FINAL DESTINATION 2? Your car is all gassed up, and ready for the journey, dudes.
WHATCHA BEEN WATCHIN’, BITCH?!
Listen in to hear what they boys have been watchin’… bitch!
HOTTIE OF THE EPISODE
Who will the boys pick?! Listen in to find out!
Are you a fan of FriGay the 13th Horror Podcast? What are some of your favorite episodes? Let us know in the comments below or on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram! You can also carry on the convo with me personally on Twitter @josh_millican.
