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Watch If You Dare is a podcast exploring horror cinema through the eyes of a coward and the eyes of a longtime fan. Whether you’re a hardened horror expert, a casual in a love-hate relationship with scary cinema, or just a victim of a dare, join Derek, Aaron, and the occasional guest or two and face your fears. Find new episodes of Watch If You Dare on PodBean, iTunes, Stitcher, Spotify, CastBox, and Google Play. Please subscribe, rate and review.
Episodes

7 days ago
Episode 161: Jacob's Ladder
7 days ago
7 days ago
On this episode, Derek and Aaron discuss 1990's psychological horror film "Jacob's Ladder" directed by Adrian Lyne. They talk about how screenwriter Bruce Joel Rubin's spiritual journey and beliefs influenced the script, the heavy inspiration this movie had on the Silent Hill video game franchise, and how this sits somewhere between cult hit and horror masterpiece. They also get into the exploration of Vietnam and government experimentation, Lyne and Rubin's specific ideas on what they wanted in the movie, and many other aspects of the flick. According to Derek, Aaron is already dead.
Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/WatchIfYouDare
We are on PodBean, Apple Podcasts, Podchaser, Goodpods, Amazon Music, Spotify, iHeartRadio and CastBox. Please rate, review, subscribe, and share our show. Also, check out our Spotify Music playlist, links on our Twitter and Podbean page. Our socials are on Bluesky and Facebook and Twitter @WatchIfYouDare

Sunday May 11, 2025
Episode 160: Dead Alive (Braindead) w/ special guest Josiah Mansfield
Sunday May 11, 2025
Sunday May 11, 2025
Aaron's brother Josiah returns to the show to discuss 1992's New Zealand comedy splatter film "Braindead" ("Dead Alive" in North America) directed by Peter Jackson with the Spoop Bois. They talk about the wild nature of Peter Jackson's career trajectory, the amount of fake blood used with the practical effects, and the insane humor and how it works. They also get into their favorable scenes, why setting the film as a 1950s period piece helps enhance certain themes, mother-son dynamics, and many other aspects of the movie. Josiah, Aaron and Derek are not dead exactly, they're just...sort of rotting.
Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/WatchIfYouDare
We are on PodBean, Apple Podcasts, Podchaser, Goodpods, Amazon Music, Spotify, iHeartRadio and CastBox. Please rate, review, subscribe, and share our show. Also, check out our Spotify Music playlist, links on our Twitter and Podbean page. Our socials are on Bluesky and Facebook and Twitter @WatchIfYouDare

Monday Apr 21, 2025
Episode 159: The Cell
Monday Apr 21, 2025
Monday Apr 21, 2025
On this episode, Derek and Aaron discuss 2000's science fiction psychological horror film "The Cell" directed by Tarsem Singh. They talk about how style over substance helps this movie, the Hollywoodization of mental illness and serial killers, and how much of the plot takes place as a true crime thriller vs the dream horror scenes. They also get into how the cast features Jennifer Lopez, Vincent D'Onofrio and a slew of character actors, Tarsem Singh's music video directing career, and many other aspects of the film. Derek went sailing. Aaron's world, Aaron's rules.
Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/WatchIfYouDare
We are on PodBean, Apple Podcasts, Podchaser, Goodpods, Amazon Music, Spotify, iHeartRadio and CastBox. Please rate, review, subscribe, and share our show. Also, check out our Spotify Music playlist, links on our Twitter and Podbean page. Our socials are on Bluesky and Facebook and Twitter @WatchIfYouDare

Saturday Mar 29, 2025
Episode 158: Deep Red
Saturday Mar 29, 2025
Saturday Mar 29, 2025
To celebrate the 50th anniversary of its release, Aaron and Derek discuss Italian giallo film "Deep Red ('Profondo rosso' in Italian)" directed by Dario Argento. They talk about what makes this a quintessential giallo film, the straightforward slasher elements, and how the movie challenges perception and memory. They also get into the film's portrayal of sexual orientation and gender dynamics, the thematic use of the color red, what makes it accessible for newer audiences to the subgenre, and many other aspects of the flick. Aaron feels death in this room! Derek will arm wrestle you.
Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/WatchIfYouDare
We are on PodBean, Apple Podcasts, Podchaser, Goodpods, Amazon Music, Spotify, iHeartRadio and CastBox. Please rate, review, subscribe, and share our show. Also, check out our Spotify Music playlist, links on our Twitter and Podbean page. Our socials are on Bluesky and Facebook and Twitter @WatchIfYouDare

Sunday Mar 16, 2025
Episode 157: The Hallow w/ special guest Katie O’Hagan
Sunday Mar 16, 2025
Sunday Mar 16, 2025
In time for Saint Patrick's Day, actress Katie O’Hagan (Mia Winters in Resident Evil 7 and Resident Evil Village) returns to the podcast to discuss 2015's British-Irish co-produced supernatural horror movie "The Hallow" directed by Corin Hardy with Aaron and Derek! They get into the portrayal of Irish folklore with nature and vegetation, distrust of outsiders, and the horrors of changelings. They also talk about the Lebor Gabála Érenn, the encroachment of modern humanity against old magic, and many other topics about the movie. Derek and Aaron dare not trespass where Katie put down roots.
Katie O'Hagan can be found at Instagram, Twitter, and Linktree @Katieoacts Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/katieoacts/?hl=en
Twitter: https://bit.ly/3G8chh1
Katie's Linktree: https://linktr.ee/katieohagan
We are on PodBean, Apple Podcasts, Podchaser, Goodpods, Amazon Music, Spotify, iHeartRadio and CastBox. Please rate, review, subscribe, and share our show. Also, check out our Spotify Music playlist, links on our Twitter and Podbean page. Our socials are on Bluesky and Facebook and Twitter @WatchIfYouDare

Friday Feb 21, 2025
Episode 156: Def by Temptation
Friday Feb 21, 2025
Friday Feb 21, 2025
On this episode, Aaron and Derek tackle 1990's horror film "Def by Temptation" written, directed, and produced by James Bond III who is also the star. They talk about how this became James Bond III's passion project, the progressive and problematic aspects of the story, and Kadeem Hardison's portrayal of K through the plot. They also get into the the excellent soundtrack, the shadow of politics in a post-Reaganism urban America, and many other aspects of the movie. Aaron and Derek use a cigarette lighter. The flame lasts longer.
Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/WatchIfYouDare
We are on PodBean, Apple Podcasts, Podchaser, Goodpods, Amazon Music, Spotify, iHeartRadio and CastBox. Please rate, review, subscribe, and share our show. Also, check out our Spotify Music playlist, links on our Twitter and Podbean page. Our socials are on Bluesky and Facebook and Twitter @WatchIfYouDare

Friday Feb 07, 2025
Episode 155: Blue Velvet w/ special guest Heather Murray
Friday Feb 07, 2025
Friday Feb 07, 2025
Rest in peace, David Lynch! This episode, Aaron's wife Heather returns to discuss 1986's neo-noir psychological thriller "Blue Velvet" written and directed by David Lynch with Aaron and Derek. They get into Lynch's exploration of the horrific dark underbelly of a white picket fences Americana town, Dennis Hopper's horrifying portrayal of the villainous Frank Booth, and dynamics of sex and violence. They also discuss some of Lynch's real life inspirations for the story, the concept of love conquering evil, and many other aspects of the film. Heather wants to go for a ride! Aaron and Derek want to know what kind of beer do you like.
Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/WatchIfYouDare
We are on PodBean, Apple Podcasts, Podchaser, Goodpods, Amazon Music, Spotify, iHeartRadio and CastBox. Please rate, review, subscribe, and share our show. Also, check out our Spotify Music playlist, links on our Twitter and Podbean page. Our socials are on Bluesky and Facebook and Twitter @WatchIfYouDare

Friday Jan 24, 2025
Episode 154: 30 Days of Night
Friday Jan 24, 2025
Friday Jan 24, 2025
Aaron and Derek start 2025 off by tackling 2007's vampire horror film "30 Days of Night" directed by David Slade and based on the comic book of the same name. They talk about the severe isolation and how unforgiving the environment is to anyone unprepared, the animalistic portrayal of the vampires, and the addition of certain character relationships not shown in the comics. They also get into the concept of becoming a monster to fight monsters, whether or not the runtime is warranted, and many other aspects of the flick. Derek and Aaron realize that cold ain't the weather. That's podcast approaching!
We are on PodBean, Apple Podcasts, Podchaser, Goodpods, Amazon Music, Spotify, iHeartRadio and CastBox. Please rate, review, subscribe, and share our show. Also, check out our Spotify Music playlist, links on our Twitter and Podbean page. Our socials are on Bluesky and Facebook and Twitter @WatchIfYouDare

Tuesday Dec 24, 2024
Episode 153: Christmas Evil
Tuesday Dec 24, 2024
Tuesday Dec 24, 2024
Happy holidays! For the 2024 holiday episode, Aaron and Derek tackle 1980's Santa slasher "Christmas Evil" (originally "You Better Watch Out," and also known as "Terror in Toyland") written and directed by Lewis Jackson. They compare it with other dark holiday horror movies, discuss the dangerous nature of the deranged Santa's interaction with children, and the thematic elements of working class stress. They also talk about Lewis Jackson's inception of the plot, the dream-like climax, and many other aspects of the movie. Aaron and Derek want you to remember to stay good boys & girls. Respect your mothers & fathers and do what they tell you. Obey your teachers and learn a whooooole lot!
We are on PodBean, Apple Podcasts, Podchaser, Goodpods, Amazon Music, Spotify, iHeartRadio and CastBox. Please rate, review, subscribe, and share our show. Also, check out our Spotify Music playlist, links on our Twitter and Podbean page. Our socials are on Bluesky and Facebook and Twitter @WatchIfYouDare

Sunday Dec 15, 2024
Episode 152: Ghost Story w/ special guest Heather Gunnell
Sunday Dec 15, 2024
Sunday Dec 15, 2024
On this episode, Heather Gunnell returns to the show to discuss 1981's supernatural horror film "Ghost Story" directed by John Irvin and based on the 1979 novel by Peter Straub. They talk about how this is a great horror movie for winter, the tradition of telling ghost stories, and revelations of town elite thematically being more relevant now than ever. They also get into unnecessary character inclusions, Peter Straub's reaction to the movie, the effectiveness of the ghost, and many other aspects of the movie. Derek will take you places you've never been. Aaron will show you things that you have never seen, and Heather will see the life run out of you.
Heather's links!
Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/patchworkwitch.bsky.social
Etsy: thepatchworkwitch.etsy.com
Storygraph: https://app.thestorygraph.com/profile/patchworkwitch
Instagram: @patchworkwitchquilts
TikTok: @patchworkwitch
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ThePatchworkWitch
We are on PodBean, Apple Podcasts, Podchaser, Goodpods, Amazon Music, Spotify, iHeartRadio and CastBox. Please rate, review, subscribe, and share our show. Also, check out our Spotify Music playlist, links on our Twitter and Podbean page. Our socials are on Bluesky and Facebook and Twitter @WatchIfYouDare