Jo and Amelie dive deep into Barry's pilot episode, exploring how Bill Hader transforms from SNL comedian to complex hitman-turned-actor. We break down everything from Henry Winkler's perfect casting as Gene Cousineau to the brilliant way Barry stumbles into acting class while on a hit. Plus, Amelie brings fresh insights about the show's portrayal of LA's grittier side and the perfect musical moment with "Journal of Ardency." From the opening kill to the final scene in the cafe, we examine how this pilot episode earned its perfect critical scores and set up one of HBO's best dark comedies.

Show highlights:

 * Barry's transition from Midwest hitman to LA actor
 * The Chechens and NoHo Hank's introduction
 * Sally Reed's iconic acting class scene
 * Gene Cousineau's teaching methods
 * The episode's perfect bookend structure
 * Bill Hader's directorial achievements

Making Your Mark By Murder - Barry S1E1 Deep Dive

This week we speak to Andy Mcgrath - Presenter / Host of the British TV show Weird Britain.

We explore the weird history, weird legends and weird locations of the UK, including Loch Ness,  Stone Circles, Rendlesham UFO Incident, and much much more

SIPA Paranormal Chronicles S1 E13 - Andy McGrath, Presenter of Weird Britain

Join Jo and special guest Amelie as they launch their comprehensive deep-dive series into HBO's 'Barry'. In this pilot episode, they explore Bill Hader's transformation from SNL comedian to the complex character of Barry Berkman, a hitman seeking redemption in LA's theater scene. From uncinematic reality to authentic PTSD portrayal, discover why this dark comedy resonates so deeply with viewers. First in a 32-episode analysis series covering all seasons of Barry.

Key Topics: • Bill Hader's evolution from SNL to dramatic acting • The show's unique approach to "uncinematic reality" • Character analysis and authentic portrayal of post-military life • Why audiences returned after the pandemic pause • Preview of upcoming episode-by-episode analysis

🎙️ Streaming Demons Special Episode  🗓️ New episodes weekly

Barry Deep Dive #1: From Hitman to Hollywood - Breaking Down Bill Hader's Masterpiece with Jo and Amelie

In this engaging episode of What's Kraken?, host Jo Szewczyk sits down with Charlie Hall, a multi-talented creative force in the horror and paranormal world. Charlie discusses her journey from being the bassist of the all girl rock band The Suffrajets to her current work in horror films, including her role in "Party Politics" and being a PA in Director Jem Karto's "Lake on the Cabin." She shares fascinating insights about her lifelong experiences as a medium, starting from age three, and her family's spiritual legacy. The conversation delves into her recent zombie film experience, complete with memorable makeup mishaps, and her upcoming screening at HorrorCon UK. Charlie also opens up about her evolution as an artist, writer for Haunted Magazine, and her perspectives on the paranormal world, offering valuable advice about pursuing creative passions at any age.

Key Timestamps: 00:00 - Introduction and zombie film discussion 02:30 - Charlie's experience with zombie makeup in "Party Politics" 03:42 - Discussion of Jem Karto's "Lake on the Cabin" and HorrorCon UK 08:03 - Charlie's artistic journey and background 09:42 - Early spiritual experiences and family background 14:43 - Intense paranormal experience at Crumlin Road Jail 20:18 - Career advice and future projects

Key Points:

 * Charlie Hall's transition from signed musician (The Suffrajets) to horror film creator and writer
 * Recent crew work in Director Jem Karto's "Lake on the Cabin" (screening at HorrorCon UK on May 18th at 4:30)
 * Family background in spirituality (father is a druid, mother is a medium)
 * Experience as a medium since age three
 * Writing contributions to Haunted Magazine
 * Upcoming projects including potential book and TV show about Northern Ireland's paranormal locations

Guest Information: Charlie Hall is a multi-faceted creative professional with experience in music, acting, writing, and the paranormal field. She's a brand ambassador for Haunted Magazine and has recently ventured into horror filmmaking. Her latest work in Jem Karto's "Lake on the Cabin" has already won three awards and will be screened at HorrorCon UK's 10th anniversary.

Resources:

 * Find Charlie Hall on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HauntedCharlieHall
 * Haunted Magazine website: https://www.hauntedmagazineprintshop.com/
 * Independent Horror Society
 * HorrorCon UK (May 18th screening)

From Rock Star to Horror Films: Charlie Hall on Mediumship, Movies, and Creative Evolution

Empty Hell presents a special Mother's Day episode with Amazon #1 bestselling author Jo Szewczyk (Surviving Gen X) and shark enthusiast JM Brannyk ranking horror's most memorable maternal figures. From Silent Hill's sacrificial love to a surprisingly deep analysis of maternal instincts in Jaws 3, this episode covers the good, the bad, and the downright terrifying mothers of horror.



Featured Discussions:

• Silent Hill - The Ultimate Mother's Story

• Aliens - Ripley vs The Queen

• Psycho - Norman's Mom Issues

• Child's Play - Single Mom Survival

• Jaws 3 - Maternal Instincts Under the Sea

• And many more maternal nightmares...



Hosts:

Jo Szewczyk - Amazon #1 bestselling author of "Surviving Gen X"

JM Brannyk - Shark enthusiast and Empty Hell regular



Find Empty Hell on:

Instagram:  @emptyhellllc

Blue Sky: @www.hauntedmtl.com

Jo Szewczyk on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/czykmate



Horror's Best & Worst Horror Movie Moms | Mother's Day Special (Empty Hell)

Today i am more than delighted to talk to Barri Ghai, best known for being one of the trio of investigators on the hit UK Paranormal Investigating show, Help my House is Haunted.

Barri is also the creator of SpiritWave, a pioneering ITC application that allows spirits to manipulate a huge database of electronic vocalisations to provide us with potentially intelligent and meaningful responses.

S.I.P.A. Paranormal Chronicles S1 E12 Barri Ghai - Paranormal Investigator & TV Presenter

In this week's episode we have great fun talking with Cyn Shrader Hill.

A Self-published Author/Editor/Publisher, and the founder of Elk Valley Paranormal, in Lincoln County Tennessee.

We talk about everything that is EVP's or Electronic Voice Phenomena.

Cyn has helped other paranormal teams as well as law enforcement officers with EVP analysis.

SIPA Paranormal Chronicles S1 E11 - Cyn Shrader Hill

In this unexpectedly heartfelt and chaotically hilarious episode, Jim Phoenix welcomes longtime friend and globetrotting co-host Amelie to talk all things Val Kilmer. From Willow to Batman Forever, The Doors, and the haunting brilliance of Kiss Kiss Bang Bang, they explore Kilmer’s transformation from underrated icon to personal inspiration. Along the way, they tackle bidets, jungle toilets, French TV, karaoke with Val himself, and what it means to live one day at a time. This isn't just a tribute to a chameleon actor—it's a reminder of why we love movies, and why we hold onto the people who love them too.

Val Kilmer: The Doors, The Batsuit, and the Bucket List

In this week's episode, we are delighted to talk to Chris Styles, an active UFO researcher who investigates classic and select current UFO incidents that have occurred in Atlantic Canada.

He is best known for his work on the 1967 Shag Harbour Incident and has presented at several MUFON symposia in both Canada and the US.

He has appeared in several US, UFO specials, such as “Canada’s Roswell” and “UFOs II, Have We Been Visited?” In 2019 Styles appeared in an episode of “Ocean Mysteries” with Celine Fabien Cousteau.

Chris is the co-author of two UFO books on the Shag Harbour Incident, “Dark Object” (Dell Bantam) with Don Ledger & “Impact to Contact” (Arcadia House) with Graham Simms.

In 2023 MUFON Canada presented Chris with an honorary membership in recognition of his lifetime achievement in Ufology.

SIPA Paranormal Chronicles S1 E10 UFO Investigator Chris Styles

In this episode we speak to Michael Familant, a full-time bigfoot researcher, producer and lead investigator from Northwest New Jersey.

His interest started after an encounter on a camping trip in 2011. Since then, he has made it his personal goal to find out exactly what is roaming the woods of America.

In 2016, after becoming frustrated with the lack of true research expedition shows on TV, he created his own show, called “In the Shadow of Big Red Eye.”  The show is currently filming their 9th season.

SIPA Paranormal Chronicles S1 E9 Mike Familant Producer and Bigfoot Researcher

Streamin' Demons is your bi-weekly guide through the vast world of streaming entertainment. Join host Jo Szewczyk and special guests as they dive deep into three carefully selected titles - from the latest releases to hidden gems and everything in between. Each 30-45 minute episode features unfiltered reviews, engaging discussions, and authentic reactions that help you decide what to watch next. Whether you're a casual viewer or a dedicated binge-watcher, our candid conversations and expert insights will keep you informed and entertained. Subscribe now to join our growing community of streaming enthusiasts!

🎬 New episodes every other week ⏱️ Quick, focused 30-45 minute format 👥 Featured guests and expert perspectives 📺 Coverage across all major streaming platforms

Streamin' Demons

Join bestselling author Jo Szewczyk in 'What's Kraken?', Empty Hell's signature interview series where authentic, unfiltered conversations with entertainment's most fascinating voices come to life. In just 20 minutes, Jo - known for his dark narrative hit 'Surviving Gen X' - cuts through the noise to deliver genuine discussions with creators, innovators, and industry game-changers. From filmmakers to musicians, writers to artists - discover the stories, processes, and personalities that shape today's entertainment landscape. No scripts, no pretense - just real talks with real creators.

Subscribe now and join our growing community of entertainment enthusiasts. New episodes drop regularly on our YouTube channel and everywhere you get your podcasts!

What's Kraken with Jo Szewczyk

Surviving Gen X

Welcome to the SIPA Paranormal Chronicles, a Weekly Podcast for believers, skeptics, and everyone in between.

Launched by an Ottawa based paranormal team SIPA - Scientific Investigation of Paranormal Activity

Join our enthusiastic host, Lee, as he attempts to unveil a new layer of the mysterious, from chilling tales of ghosts to traditional concepts of the afterlife, From the complex world of demonology to the intriguing world of reincarnation, and from the mysterious world of Cryptids to the Intergalactic world of UFO’s and Extraterrestrials.

Our episodes will be rich with content designed to intrigue and inform and will hopefully unravel some of the mysteries that have captivated humanity for centuries.

Guests include paranormal researchers, seasoned ghost hunters, mediums and ordinary individuals with extraordinary experiences.

Listeners are invited to share their own paranormal experiences, which may even become topics of future episodes. Contact us at:

https://www.facebook.com/people/SIPA-Canada/61559002901355/

So, grab your headphones, settle in, and prepare for an adventure that challenges what you think you know about the paranormal, one ghostly chronicle at a time!

Jo

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