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Bestselling author JD Barker joins me on The Nightmare Engine Podcast, sharing his incredible journey from a ghostwriter and book doctor to a New York Times bestseller. I get an insider’s look at his creative collaborations, including a Dracula prequel and thrilling projects with James Patterson. JD’s insights into the business of writing, along with his strategic genre-blending techniques, give us a deep dive into the complexities of attracting diverse audiences while staying true to his horror roots. This episode is a goldmine for anyone curious about what it takes to build a successful writing career.

I take you on a journey through the realms of fan fiction and cosmic mysteries as we dive into the excitement of sequels and reboots, including the 1990 thriller Flatliners. We explore the scientific and existential themes surrounding med students flirting with death and draw fascinating parallels with films like The Lazarus Project. Our conversation spirals into a cosmic tangent, where black holes and our place in the universe set the stage for some existential musings. If you love the intersection of science, fiction, and the unknown, this discussion is for you.

Get ready to experience the spine-tingling allure of real-life horror and folklore monsters as I recount chilling moments from Costa Rica to the Stanley Hotel, the eerie inspiration behind Stephen King’s The Shining. The fusion of real and fictional terror sparks an exploration into haunted house experiences, folklore, and the psychology of fear. With personal anecdotes and compelling narratives, this episode reveals how true stories breathe life into imaginative storytelling, blurring the line between reality and the supernatural. Join me for a hauntingly engaging exploration of horror at its finest.

🔗Connect with David
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If you enjoy listening to the podcast, please do leave a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts and let us know in your review who you want to see next on the podcast. Thanks!

You can also Tweet me @ViergutzDavid and tell me what horror author you want to hear from next, or what topics you want me to cover. 🙏🙏

How did you like the show? Text us and let us know.

What uncanny fears keep you up at night? Join us as we unravel the intricacies of fear and superstition on the latest episode of the Nightmare Engine podcast. We're thrilled to have Christine Daigle, a versatile writer shifting from steampunk to dark thrillers, join us for an exploration into the eerie and unsettling. Together, we navigate through an array of chilling superstitions, from the haunting Latin of exorcism prayers to the disquieting tales of mirrors in shadowy rooms, all while sharing personal stories from my past as a police officer facing the unknown.

As we journey further, the discussion takes exhilarating twists into the realm of irrational fears and dangerous thrills. From the heights of skydiving to the ominous fear of trains, we dissect why some dangers entice us while others paralyze us with fear. Alongside Christine, we ponder the neuroscience behind sociopathic behavior, featuring insights from neuropsychologist James Fallon, and examine the role of environmental influences in shaping one's moral compass through gripping anecdotes of investigating violent crimes.

The episode culminates in a heartfelt discussion on the power of empathy and human connection. We reflect on the importance of acknowledging emotions and fostering genuine interactions, much like those learned from FBI interrogator training. Our conversation also touches on the fascinating intersection of technology and mental health, diving into the potential, and potential pitfalls, of brain-computer interfaces. With a lighter touch, we end with a humorous story about an airline system playfully named Skynet. Tune in for a rollercoaster of emotions and insights that promise to leave you both pensive and entertained.

🔗Connect with David
🌎 Website | 🎥 Youtube | 👨‍🏫Facebook | 📸 Instagram |🐤 Twitter | 🕰️TikTok

⭐️ Leave a Review

If you enjoy listening to the podcast, please do leave a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts and let us know in your review who you want to see next on the podcast. Thanks!

You can also Tweet me @ViergutzDavid and tell me what horror author you want to hear from next, or what topics you want me to cover. 🙏🙏

How did you like the show? Text us and let us know.

Prepare yourself for a chilling journey into the world of horror as we welcome the masterful James Cain to the Nightmare Engine podcast. Balancing his life as a finance professional in the icy realms of New Jersey, James shares the unique challenges and amusing stories of keeping his horror writing persona separate from his day-to-day life. Listen as we laugh about the quirky reactions from colleagues and loved ones who stumble upon our dark tales, and embrace the peculiar joys that come with being a horror writer.

Revisit the spine-tingling nostalgia of horror cinema, as we reminisce about the thrill of VHS tapes and the iconic films that shaped the genre. From the slasher thrills of "Friday the 13th" to the cosmic terror of "Event Horizon," we explore how different environments enhance the horror experience. You'll even get a sneak peek into the eerie world of "Dead Children's Playground," where unsettling settings make for captivating storytelling.

Discover the art of crafting horror with realism, as we delve into the unpredictable nature of human behavior and the essence of survival in extreme situations. Through personal experiences and tales like "Mr. Wicker" and "Black Friday," we uncover the layers of human nature that drive the chaos and terror in our stories. With James by our side, we dissect the haunting soundscapes of films like "Sinister" and "Paranormal Activity," appreciating the intricate storytelling that makes horror an unforgettable experience. Don't miss this chance to explore the mysteries and nuances of the horror genre with us!

🔗Connect with David
🌎 Website | 🎥 Youtube | 👨‍🏫Facebook | 📸 Instagram |🐤 Twitter | 🕰️TikTok

⭐️ Leave a Review

If you enjoy listening to the podcast, please do leave a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts and let us know in your review who you want to see next on the podcast. Thanks!

You can also Tweet me @ViergutzDavid and tell me what horror author you want to hear from next, or what topics you want me to cover. 🙏🙏