In this episode, horror filmmaker A.K. Espada joins me to discuss her deeply personal short film I Could Just Die and That Would Be All Right.The film follows a woman struggling with suicidal depression who offers herself to a cryptid called the Bonecat in the forests of Southern Gothic suburbia, only to wake up undead and denied the escape she sought.Kate opens up about writing the script during one of the darkest periods of her life and how making the film became a form of therapy and advocacy.We discuss the COVID shutdown that nearly ended the production, the challenge of maintaining directorial distance while depicting your own trauma, and why she felt obligated to be transparent about her mental health struggles during festival Q and A sessions.Kate also talks about her other films including The Promotion, a darkly satirical office horror co-directed with Phil Cheney, This Is Our Home, a vegan versus pragmatist horror that won the Audience Award at Brooklyn Horror Film Festival, and Laundry Night, which won a Special Jury Prize.We explore the importance of programming at festivals, how dark humor functions in horror, and why she believes everyone needs some form of artistic expression to process difficult emotions.Kate shares insights from her work as a scenic artist on productions like Stranger Things, her participation in the Sundance Horror Fellowship and Moonshot Initiative, and her philosophy on self-distribution and making films outside the traditional gatekeeping system.This conversation covers the psychology of horror, the ethics of depicting suicide on screen, and what it truly takes to make independent films that break stigma and foster genuine connection.OFFICIAL WEBSITEhttps://akespada.comSOCIAL MEDIAInstagramhttps://www.instagram.com/akespada/LinkedInhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/a-k-kate-espada-b24a1075FILM-SPECIFIC SOCIAL MEDIAI Could Just Die Instagramhttps://www.instagram.com/i_could_just_die/STREAMING PLATFORMSShort of the Weekhttps://www.shortoftheweek.com/2025/07/17/i-could-just-die-and-that-would-be-all-right/Shudder (This Is Our Home - Etheria Showcase)https://www.shudder.com/movies/watch/etheria-film-night-2022/9bf212afcd42a5daALTERhttps://youtu.be/-GHVEeMJc0M?si=dE4MuNTNZvv3GkKoIMDB PROFILEhttps://www.imdb.com/name/nm6711544/SEED AND SPARK (Crowdfunding/Distribution)https://seedandspark.com/fund/i-could-just-dieCONTACThttps://akespada.com/contact

Guest: Kathe Koja

Kathe Koja is an award-winning author known for her groundbreaking Dark Factory trilogy, including the newly released Dark Matter. Her work explores immersive fiction, the collapse of consensus reality, and the psychological impact of living in a world where augmented experience and celebrity culture collide. Koja is a pioneer of narrative experimentation, blending genres and inviting readers to participate in her stories.

Website:

kathekoja.com

darkfactory.club

Social Media:

instagram.com/kathekoja

twitter.com/darkfactoryclub

Online Retailers (Books & Audiobooks):

barnesandnoble.com/w/dark-matter-kathe-koja/1146964352

barnesandnoble.com/w/dark-factory-kathe-koja/1140472551

amazon.com/stores/Kathe-Koja/author/B004N2MO82

amazon.com/Dark-Matter-Kathe-Koja/dp/1946154970

amazon.com/Cipher-Kathe-Koja/dp/1946154563

amazon.com/Velocities-Stories-Kathe-Koja/dp/1946154121

audible.com/author/Kathe-Koja/B004N2MO82

Publisher:

meerkatpress.com/category/authors/kathe-koja

Goodreads:

goodreads.com/author/show/8125999.Kathe_Koja

Alex Gonzalez joins The Dark Mind Podcast to discuss his debut novel rekt.
He talks about the dark web’s role in shaping grief and obsession.
Gonzalez shares his experience with early 2000s gore sites.
The conversation explores how algorithms exploit emotional vulnerabilities.
He examines the difference between the dark web and surface internet horror.
Gonzalez considers whether the internet is a mirror or a predator.
The episode covers the psychological effects of online shock content.
He reflects on the reality of being trapped by data-harvesting tech.
Gonzalez discusses his own online habits and digital anxieties.
The discussion touches on the evolution of horror in the digital age.
He shares insights from teaching horror workshops.
Gonzalez reveals how regional geography influenced his writing.
The episode addresses toxic masculinity and online community.
He talks about the process of turning trauma into fiction.
Gonzalez considers the future of horror storytelling.
The conversation ends with his thoughts on catharsis and confrontation in horror.
This episode offers a deep dive into tech horror, online culture, and the dark corners of the human psyche.

Here are the links for Alex Gonzalez and his work:

Official Website & Socials

• Website: alex-gonzalez.mealex-gonzalez​

• Instagram: @nahitsjustalexinstagram​

Where to Buy rekt

• Amazon: Buy on Amazon (Search Link)

• Barnes & Noble: Buy on Barnes & Noblebarnesandnoble​

• Bookshop.org: Buy on Bookshop.orgbookshop​

• Penguin Random House: Buy on PRHpenguinrandomhouse​

• Audible (Audiobook): Get the Audiobookaudible​

Lesley Camphouse returns to The Dark Mind Podcast to discuss her latest novel A Hollow Dream, a devastating work of erotic horror that explores the dark underbelly of influencer culture. Dubbed "extreme misery porn," this slow-burn psychological nightmare follows Georgia, a desperate college student who enters the world of social media stardom only to find herself trapped in a system of exploitation and manipulation orchestrated by agency head Garrett.

In this conversation, we explore why emotional abuse is more terrifying than physical violence, how social media creates invisible cages, and the real-life experiences that inspired this unforgettable story. Lesley shares insights into writing psychological manipulation, the pressures of curated online personas, and why so many readers—especially women—recognize themselves in Georgia's harrowing descent.Camphouse-Transcript.txt​

Lesley Camphouse is an independent author specializing in extreme horror, erotic horror, and dark fiction. Known for crafting psychologically intense narratives that explore the darkest corners of human experience, Lesley draws from real-life observations and personal experiences to create stories that resonate with brutal authenticity. A Hollow Dream is part of her Nightmare Duet series.Camphouse-Transcript.txt​

https://www.instagram.com/authorlacamphouse/
https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/54089710.Lesley_A_Camphouse
https://www.audible.com/author/Lesley-Camphouse/B0DSV3HTWX
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/apex-prey-lesley-a-camphouse/1147037020?ean=9789083439105
https://www.abebooks.com/9789083439105/Apex-Prey-Extreme-Horror-Novel-9083439100/plp
https://www.indiereads.org/team/lesley-a.-camphouse
https://www.bookscouter.com/author/camphouse-lesley-a

https://www.amazon.com/stores/Lesley-Camphouse/author/B0DSV3HTWX?ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1&qid=1764445661&sr=8-1&isDramIntegrated=true&shoppingPortalEnabled=true

Join us as we talk with PD Alleva about The Sleepy Hollow Incident.
This episode explores the blend of vampire lore, gothic romance, and psychological horror that defines his newest series.
We discuss how paying homage to Washington Irving shaped the story and how classic horror influences weave through every chapter.
PD Alleva shares insights into crafting villains inspired by Hannibal Lecter, Lestat, and the Joker.
We delve into deep themes like duality, trauma, anticipation, and the ritualistic nature of violence in horror.
Hear how PD's experience as a therapist influences the psychological depth of his characters and the chilling realism of his scenes.
Discover how portals and mythology fuse with raw emotion and crime thriller elements throughout the novel.
If you appreciate stories that challenge belief systems, explore the human condition, and leave you thinking after the final page, this episode is for you.

Website
https://pdalleva.com

Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/pdallevaauthor/

Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/pdalleva_author/

Goodreads
https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7634126.P_D_Alleva

Amazon Author
https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B08B3VNVN2

BookScouter
https://bookscouter.com/publisher/paul-alleva

J. Paul Roe joins us to discuss his literary journey and creative process.
We explore the themes of simulation theory and techno-capitalist futures found in his novel “The Game State.”
Roe explains how the concept of reality as a game influences his writing and characters.
We talk about AI religion, faith, and the philosophical questions driving his work.
Roe shares how his military experience shapes the story's worldview and protagonist’s struggles.
Marketing, neuro-linguistic programming, and persuasive storytelling play a major role in his creative approach.
Roe reveals the challenges and rewards of indie publishing and measuring success beyond awards.
We hear about his passion for board games, animal husbandry, and translating his universe into tabletop game mods.
Roe highlights the importance of discipline, creative fulfillment, and embracing diverse artistic pursuits.
The episode closes with insights on community, Patreon, and the power of connecting with readers.

https://www.jpaulroe.com
https://www.instagram.com/jp_designs_it_all
https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/15113880.J_Paul_Roe
https://www.jpaulroe.com/store
https://www.patreon.com/jpaulroe
https://www.linkedin.com/in/jproe
https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/arcane-fiction/augmented-reality-comic-adaptation-j-paul-roe
https://www.jpaulroe.com/contact

The Dark Mind Podcast Patreon: patreon.com/thedarkmindpodcast

Briana N. Cox and Kailee Pedersen join the show to discuss their debut horror novels.
We explore themes of home, economic precarity, and body horror through the lens of queer and BIPOC identity.
Briana shares how "Indigent" transforms urban gentrification and addiction into visceral, psychological horror.
Kailee unveils the mythic and operatic roots of "Sacrificial Animals" set on a Nebraska farm, unraveling family trauma and supernatural possibility.
Both authors reflect on writing truthfully about marginalization without reducing it to a trend or symbol.
We dig into their personal backgrounds, influences from cognitive science and opera, and the creative power of alienation.
Our conversation reveals how landscape, language, and myth structure their approach to horror.
Listeners get insights into scene edits, professional challenges, and the drive to bring authentic voices to dark fiction.
Tune in for a nuanced, candid exploration of horror, identity, and literary ambition.

Briana Cox:

briana-n-cox-writer.carrd.co
https://briannajcox.com
https://instagram.com/pedroparo2
https://linktr.ee/briana.n.cox
https://graveside-press.com/indigent-by-briana-n-cox
https://ko-fi.com/briana_n_cox

Kailee Pedersen:

https://kaileepedersen.com
https://instagram.com/kailee_pedersen
https://threads.net/@kailee_pedersen
https://blueskyweb.xyz/user/kaileepedersen.bsky.social
https://twitter.com/KaileePedersen
https://audible.com/pd/Sacrificial-Animals-Audiobook/B0CGRXFC5L

Peter Caffrey joins the show to discuss his novel, The Ballad of Seven Bastards.

We dive into the splatter western genre and how it explores moral ambiguity and violence.

Peter shares how the Western setting exposes truths about manipulation and greed that modern stories can’t.

He describes his struggle with structure and how a unique approach helped bring the novel together.

We talk about origins, voice, and rewriting until the story feels right.

Peter discusses his decision to shelve the book while the genre surged in popularity, focusing on authenticity over trends.

We discuss his characters—none truly redeemable, but all deeply human.

We explore the necessity of grotesque honesty in fiction and why avoiding standard horror tropes keeps his writing surprising.

Peter unpacks the role of humor, both as a defense and an ingredient for deepening dread.

He shares darkly comic stories and how real-life struggles with illness shaped his outlook and fiction.

Peter talks about compartmentalization, survival, and how his experience with cancer changed his attitude toward suffering, both real and fictional.

He explains how fiction, unlike journalism, creates individual truth for the reader.

The episode ends with thoughts on individuality, creativity, and the joys of making readers uncomfortable in the best way.

Website https://petercaffrey.com

Twitter/X: https://x.com/p_caffrey?lang=en

Facebook (Author Page): https://www.facebook.com/100077415820994/

Facebook (Author Page - Alternative): https://www.facebook.com/p/Peter-Caffrey-Author-61564582937618/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DNYsWRAybvM/ (posts found, profile link not directly provided)

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/18772593.Peter_Caffrey

Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Peter-Caffrey/author/B07MSBW6ZV

Amazon - The Ballad of Seven Bastards: https://www.amazon.com/Ballad-Seven-Bastards-Peter-Caffrey-ebook/dp/B0FF6DDZXC

ThriftBooks: https://www.thriftbooks.com/a/peter-caffrey/5486829/

Godless.com: https://godless.com/products/fucked-up-bedtime-stories-episode-5-legs-eleven-by-peter-caffrey-godless-exclusives