The Horror Heals Podcast
The Horror Heals Podcast is about how horror culture, movies, and performers aid so many of us with mental wellness. Firsthand we’ve seen and heard the power of horror to help us feel better mentally. (Being part of the horror convention community is great for lowering our anxiety!)Here’s the “why and how” of the Horror Heals Podcast:Kendall and Corey host the podcast with guests on each episode, including horror enthusiasts who are willing to share their stories about how horror has helped them heal, be it from trauma, anxiety, depression, or whatever their circumstances.They will also feature luminaries from the horror world who will share—one—how being part of the community is great for their own mental health and—two—will share stories of meeting fans and their experiences with healing through horror.After hosting our successful Family Twist podcast for two years, Kendall and Corey pondered a horror podcast, but with so many in existence, we wondered, “How can we be heard in the noise?” Corey had an “aha” moment at the horror convention earlier this year.He was in line to meet director, Sam Raimi, packed in tightly. Corey observed a young man in the next row, clearly nearing a panic attack. He was obviously in distress. Corey was about to ask the people in front of and behind him if they wouldn’t mind holding his spot in line so he could step away if he needed to. Then someone asked the young man about the stack of DVDs he was holding.Immediately, the distressed young man’s demeanor changed. The anxiety seemed to melt away as he chatted with his new friend. He was seemingly fine and relaxed for the duration of the line. That is the healing magic of horror—just one example of many.
The Horror Heals Podcast
Borah! The Witch Who Cast a Spell on Salem (and Us!)
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Is it possible for a witch to change the world? If you're Borah!, the answer is a wickedly enthusiastic YES.
In this enchanting episode of Horror Heals, we sit down with Salem’s spellbinding star, Borah! — the beloved persona of Brian Sims, who has become a mainstay in the spooky streets of Salem and a symbol of joy, healing, and self-expression for thousands.
Borah! The Witch Who Cast a Spell on Salem (and Us!)
We talk about:
- How a viral German witch dance sparked the creation of Borah!
- Moving to Salem and discovering a deeper connection to self and community
- What it's like officiating weddings (and divorce parties!) as a fabulous witch
- The healing power of horror, Halloween, and embracing your weirdness
- Stories of fans and strangers whose lives have been touched by Borah!'s presence
- Ghosts, haunted places, abandoned resorts — and why we love them
- And yes… why Jamie Lee Curtis needs to come on Horror Heals 🧡
Whether you’ve seen Borah! twirling through the Halloween streets of Salem, judging costume contests at cons, or spreading joy online, this episode is a celebration of the magic that happens when you fully become you.
Don’t miss this one — it’s warm, funny, heartfelt, and just a little witchy.
Guest Bio:
🧹 Meet Borah! (aka Brian Sims)
Borah! is the high-heeled, high-spirited witch alter ego of Brian Sims — a performer, creator, and community figure based in Salem, Massachusetts. What started as a Halloween witch dance in 2016 has evolved into a year-round celebration of spooky joy, inclusion, and personal expression. Borah! is a regular fixture at cons like Silver Scream and Spooky Empire, a judge of costume contests, an officiant of wonderfully weird weddings, and a source of healing and laughter for thousands who encounter them in person and online.
Borah!’s mission? To remind everyone that it's okay to be different, weird, and wildly yourself — and that sometimes, the best magic is just being seen and celebrated.
Follow Borah! on Instagram: @salemsblackhatsociety
Thank you for listening to Horror Heals.
Share the show with someone who loves horror and someone who needs a little healing.
If you want to support our guests, check the show notes for links to their work, conventions, and fundraising pages.
You can also listen to our sister podcast Family Twist, a show about DNA surprises, identity, and the families we find along the way.
Horror Heals is produced by How the Cow Ate the Cabbage LLC.
Is horror good for mental wellness? Of corpse it is.