Slasher Digest: June 2025
Greetings and salutations to all of you enjoying your Hot Ghoul Summer!
This month, I sat down to record episode 399 of Hack or Slash and found myself reflecting on how far we’ve come. It’s insane to think we’re just one episode away from 400.
What started as a small creative outlet to talk about horror with friends has grown into a full-blown community that continues to surprise and inspire me. We’ve seen listeners become friends, strangers show up for each other in hard times, and thoughtful conversations unfold daily in our Discord. That kind of connection isn’t an accident. It’s the result of something we’ve all built together…intentionally.
June also lit a creative fire under me, and I’ve been continuing our trend of experimentation. We tried a lot of new things this month: YouTube shorts, Instagram reels, and carousels. If you’re a Patron, you’ll also get to enjoy our first-ever video edition of Slasher Digest FM.
For the first time in a long time, I’ve felt myself scratching that creative itch in ways I haven’t since I was doing video production in the Navy. It reminded me that there’s still so much room to explore what Hack or Slash can be, not just as a podcast, but as a creative hub.
A lot of this has been made possible by actually finishing off my office space, which has slowly become Hack or Slash HQ. I teased this for the last few months, but here’s a look at the space:
This summer also marks the return of The Crypt, our exclusive archival series hosted by Nathan. We’re digging back into our first 132 episodes, revisiting the early days of the show with fresh commentary, behind-the-scenes stories, and a look at how far we’ve come—warts and all. If you’re a long-time listener or a newer fan who missed the early days, this is a great time to journey back to where it all began.
We also launched Hack or Slash: On Air, a new perk for premium patrons that gives folks access to lightly edited video versions of our live episode recordings. And in keeping with the spirit of experimentation, Paris joined me for a bonus video episode diving into the world of sharksploitation, just in time for the 50th anniversary of Jaws.
That same energy made its way into our newly relaunched merch store. We didn’t just throw together some designs—we focused on creating gear we actually use and love. From the grid-dot notebook Binx takes movie notes in to the packable windbreaker I wear to work, every item was made with intention. If you pick something up, I hope you feel that.
And if you haven’t already, I’d love for you to check out what we’re building over on YouTube. We’re adding new videos, behind-the-scenes content, and shorts designed to dive into the legacy of the movies we cover. Subscribe if you’re curious. This is just the beginning.
Whether you’ve been here since the early days or just found us this summer, thank you. We’re here because of you, and I’m more excited for what’s ahead than I’ve ever been.
Here’s to the next 400. 🥂
Stay spooky, my friends!
Here’s what we’re covering this month on the podcast:
I’ll Always Know What You Did Last Summer (2007)
A straight-to-video sequel we probably didn’t ask for—but we’re watching anyway.
Bring Her Back (2025)
This emotionally intense and brutally crafted horror tale demands your full attention.
I Know What You Did Last Summer (2025)
Legacy horror returns to theaters. We’re diving into the newest installment of this classic slasher series.
Peter Pan’s Neverland Nightmare (2025) (Slasher Pick)
The Pooniverse expands with this twisted public-domain reimagining of a beloved childhood tale.
To celebrate our 400th episode, we’re going all in with a special Hack or Slash Jeopardy game, live-streamed on YouTube and open to everyone.
We’re putting our hosts to the test with trivia covering 400 episodes of horror, show lore, unhinged quotes, fake sponsors, and more. Some of the questions come straight from the community, and we’re even giving you a chance to play along and challenge the hosts in real-time.
Think you know the show better than Mac, Binx, or Sean? Time to prove it.
Keep an eye out for the date and RSVP info, we’ll be announcing it soon. Whether you’re watching to cheer, heckle, or compete, we’d love to see you there.
We embraced the electric camp and queer legacy of Bride of Frankenstein (1935).
We launched into low-orbit mayhem with the over-the-top chaos of Jason X (2001).
We witnessed the brutal collapse of a safe zone with 28 Weeks Later (2007).
We reckoned with grief, survival, and societal breakdown in 28 Years Later (2025).
Houston, We Have a Problem: Why Did So Many Horror Franchises Go to Space?
Chel unpacks the bizarre trend of horror icons heading into orbit and what that says about genre evolution.
Sharksploitation: How Jaws Changed Horror and Shark Movies Forever
We dive into the impact of Jaws and the rise of sharksploitation in this anniversary reflection.
28 Years Later: The Bone Temple
The next entry in the franchise is already filmed and set to release 28 weeks after 28 Years Later, with Nia DaCosta directing.
When Evil Lurks Sequel in Development
The bleak Argentinian horror hit is getting a follow-up. Prepare to be spiritually unwell all over again.
Universal Horror Unleashed Coming to Chicago
A permanent horror experience is opening in the Windy City. Consider this your early invitation.
Jason Voorhees Gets a Halloween Horror Nights House
Jason is back, and he’s bringing the blood with a full HHN installation this year.
Crystal Lake Series Begins Filming
Officially in production under the code name “Mama’s Boy.” We couldn’t be more obsessed.
Rocky Horror Picture Show Turns 50
A nationwide tour is kicking off to celebrate this cult classic’s golden anniversary. We’ll be covering it—and maybe watching it together, too.