Talking Scared
Neil McRobertConversations with the biggest names in horror fiction. A podcast for horror readers who want to know where their favourite stories came from . . . and what frightens the people who wrote them.
| Publishes | Twice weekly | Episodes | 301 | Founded | 5 years ago |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Number of Listeners | Categories | BooksSociety & CultureArts | |||
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Latest Episodes
Imagine you’re back in high school – but worse! The shuffling idiots actually want to EAT you!
That’s the premise of Courtney Summers’ This is Not a Test, her 2012 zombie novel of teen despair amongst the undead, now reissued in a fresh ‘definitive’... more
The year may have started with more real-world horrors from old white dudes, but here on Talking Scared they get their comeuppance – in the form of Kristi DeMeester’s Dark Sisters.
Kristi returns to the show for the first time since 2022, to talk ab... more
No need for a big intro this week. You know what this is about.
The year is over, and it’s time to offer my thoughts on the best books that made it bearable. Here’s my top-10 favourite horror novels of 2025.
I invite comment and debate. The polite ... more
In our sixth Let Us Palaver, Nat and I try to clean things up a bit after the dirty deep dive into Wizard & Glass.
We get spoilery, so this is for Tower Junkie’s only. It will make no sense to anyone else anyway – as we get deep into the metatextual... more
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- Fab horror podcast
Smart, funny, insightful, and a constant source of inspiration - if you’re a horror fan, or just love stories, you’ll adore these episodes led by author Neil, as he chats with all the best horror folk around.
Apple Podcasts5Doc Forbes
United Kingdom3 months ago - New here and not going anywhere.
On episode 30 thanks to a recommendation on Reddit. As someone pursuing a Ph.D. in gothic literature, Neil and his work are complementary and wonderfully apropos! Episode 122 was my entryway and met all my expectations—if only it had been twice as long!
Apple Podcasts5H. P. Squigly
United States3 months ago Smart. Well produced. Worth your time and attention.
Podcast Addict55 months agoR H- Transformational discussions on the horror genre
This is a blow your socks off amazing podcast that brings back the exhilarating feeling I had as a teenager when I rescued a water-swollen, coverless copy of “The Stand” out of a bin and did not sleep for nearly a week.
Thank you Neil for your intelligence, your sensitivity, your humor and your empathy. I have never heard anyone who thinks about and lauds authors the way you do. Just brilliant!
This podcast celebrates and legitimizes the love so many of us have for the horror genre - a love th... more
Apple Podcasts5prusarnUnited States5 months ago - My favourite podcast
I could listen to Neil talk about horror stories all day, I always think that the sign of a good podcast is if you want to join in the conversation at some quiet country pub. I’d honestly get a round in for Neil and Nat just to geek out about SK books for a couple of hours. Thanks for sharing this with us.
Apple Podcasts5lshaky12345United Kingdom5 months ago
Listeners Say
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Chart Rankings
How this podcast ranks in the Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube charts.
Apple Podcasts | #139 | United States/Arts/Books |
Apple Podcasts | #133 | United Kingdom/Arts/Books |
Apple Podcasts | #243 |  Canada/Arts/Books |
Apple Podcasts | #218 |  Australia/Arts/Books |
Apple Podcasts | #153 |  Ireland/Arts/Books |
Apple Podcasts | #178 |  New Zealand/Arts/Books |
Talking Points
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Audience Metrics
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Frequently Asked Questions About Talking Scared
What is Talking Scared about and what kind of topics does it cover?
Focusing on the realm of horror fiction, this series engages in deep conversations with renowned authors, exploring their works, inspirations, and the intricacies of writing within the genre. The discussions cover a diverse array of topics such as psychological horror, societal commentary, and environmental themes, often weaving personal anecdotes with broader narrative explorations. Listeners can expect insightful content on both classic and contemporary horror literature, with episodes that intertwine critical examination and appreciation of the genre's evolution, making it appealing to avid readers and aspiring writers alike. Additionally, the dynamic between the host and guests fosters a rich environment of camaraderie and respect, prov... more
Where can I find podcast stats for Talking Scared?
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How many listeners does Talking Scared get?
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What are the audience demographics for Talking Scared?
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How many subscribers and views does Talking Scared have?
To see how many followers or subscribers Talking Scared has on Spotify and other platforms such as Castbox and Podcast Addict, simply upgrade your account. You'll also find viewership figures for their YouTube channel if they have one.
Which podcasts are similar to Talking Scared?
These podcasts share a similar audience with Talking Scared:
1. The Kingcast
2. Books in the Freezer - A Horror Fiction Podcast
3. The Losers' Club: A Stephen King Podcast
4. Colors of the Dark
5. Reading Glasses
How many episodes of Talking Scared are there?
Talking Scared launched 5 years ago and published 301 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.
How do I contact Talking Scared?
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Where can I see ratings and reviews for Talking Scared?
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How do I access podcast episode transcripts for Talking Scared?
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What guests have appeared on Talking Scared?
Recent guests on Talking Scared include:
1. Carmen Maria Machado
2. Jeff VanderMeer
3. Courtney Summers
4. Joe Hill
5. Joe Lansdale
6. Ben Leonberg
7. Neil McRobert
8. Michael Wehunt
To view more recent guests and their details, simply upgrade your Rephonic account. You'll also get access to a typical guest profile to help you decide if the show is worth pitching.