Steeped in Cinema: A Reel Reflections Podcast

Oddity & the Power of Restraint with Mi Lan Dan Cong

In this episode of Steeped in Cinema, we crack open a spooky little indie gem called Oddity — an Irish horror film with more guts than gore, and a wooden golem that will haunt your dreams (but like… politely). Written and directed by Damian McCarthy, this unsettling tale follows a blind medium and curiosity shop owner as she seeks the truth behind her twin sister’s death — with the help of a disturbing wooden figure from her private collection. Nothing weird about that, right?
We’ll be sipping on Mi Lan Dan Cong, courtesy of Ohio Tea Company, a hauntingly floral tea with the perfect hint of mystery. Honestly, it’s the kind of tea you’d expect to be served in a cursed shop full of haunted objects — and we mean that as a compliment.
Plus: A round of horror trivia!
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And don’t forget to check out my creepy short story collection, Stories of Havenwood, available now: Buy Here
Subscribe. Sip. And as always…
Keep steeping your mind in great cinema. Cheers!

Wicked Women: Power, Friendship, and the Price of Defiance

This week on Steeped in Cinema, we’re defying gravity and diving broom-first into the film adaptation of the hit musical, Wicked. But this isn’t just about emerald skin and high notes—this episode explores the powerful themes of friendship, ambition, and the complicated nature of feminism. We take a deep look at the dynamic between Elphaba and Glinda, unpacking how Wicked reimagines female power, loyalty, and the systems that try to define them.
Along the way, we sip on Long Island Strawberry Green Tea from our friends at Ohio Tea Company—a subtly sweet, refreshing blend with a whisper of fruit and a hint of rebellion. It’s light, vibrant, and the perfect pairing for a film that’s anything but ordinary. Huge thanks to Ohio Tea Company, located at 5154 Fulton Dr. NW in Canton, OH, for sponsoring this episode. You can explore all their blends (and order your own tea online) at www.ohioteaco.com.
While you’re listening, don’t forget to:
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And if you love eerie stories and small-town chills, check out my debut horror anthology Stories of Havenwood—a haunting collection of interconnected tales set in a cursed town where nothing stays buried. Available now in paperback, hardcover, and FREE with Kindle Unlimited at https://amzn.to/42aBDX4. 
Pour a cup, Press Play, and Let's Steep our minds in great cinema.

Tapes That Haunt Us: The Evolution of Found Footage Horror with Yunnan Black

In this episode of Steeped in Cinema, we’re diving headfirst into the eerie, immersive world of found footage horror. From the televised terror of Tales from the Crypt’s groundbreaking 1990 episode “Television Terror”, to the nostalgic VHS nightmare of WNUF Halloween Special, and the chaotic livestream descent of Deadstream, we explore how this subgenre has evolved and what it says about the way we consume fear. What does found footage horror reveal about our obsession with watching? What lines are blurred when horror imitates real life—and real life imitates horror? And how does the camera act as both a weapon and a window into the human condition?
Tea Pairing:
This week’s tea is the bold and beautifully complex Yunnan Black from our incredible sponsor, Ohio Tea Company. Smooth, earthy, and slightly strong, it’s the perfect companion for a night spent unraveling cursed tapes and haunting questions.
Brew a cup, press play, and let’s steep our minds in great cinema.
Sponsored by:
Ohio Tea Company — discover your next favorite blend.
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Why We Need Art: Susan Stroman, The Producers, and Peach Honeybush

In this episode of Steeped in Cinema, we’re celebrating Women’s History Month with a deep dive into The Producers (2005) and the incredible work of Susan Stroman. While Hollywood often overlooks female directors, Stroman stepped up to direct this bold, hilarious, and satirical musical adaptation—proving that women can lead major studio comedies just as well (if not better!) than their male counterparts.
We’ll explore the film’s biting satire, the role of women in entertainment, and what this story says about us as a society. Why do we laugh at power? Why does failure fascinate us? And has Hollywood really changed since The Producers hit the big screen?
And of course, we’re pairing this discussion with Peach Honeybush tea—a naturally sweet, caffeine-free blend that’s just as smooth and rich as Stroman’s directorial style. Huge thanks to Ohio Tea Company for sponsoring this episode! Be sure to check them out at www.ohioteaco.com for a great selection of premium loose-leaf teas.
Join the conversation! Follow us on Facebook: Steeped in Cinema Community and Instagram: @Steeped_In_Cinema.
Pour a cup, press play, and keep steeping your mind in great cinema! 

Once Upon a Time in Hollywood & Almond Pear Chai

In this episode of Steeped in Cinema, we’re diving into Quentin Tarantino’s love letter to 1969 Hollywood. We’ll explore the film’s themes of nostalgia and fading relevance, as well as Tarantino’s evolution as a filmmaker. Plus, we break down the performances of Leonardo DiCaprio, Brad Pitt, and other actors—what makes their characters so compelling, and how the film reflects the very industry it’s paying tribute to.
And what better tea pairing for this reflective journey than Almond Pear Chai from Ohio Tea Company? With its warm spice and subtle sweetness, it’s the perfect brew to sip while discussing a film that lingers between memory and fantasy.
Enjoying Steeped in Cinema? Be sure to subscribe on your favorite podcast platform and leave a review—it helps the show grow! Join the discussion in our Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1415392649834678/ OR on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/steeped_in_cinema?igsh=MWR1ZGR3OGt5eTc4NQ%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
and don’t forget to check out Ohio Tea Company, our tea sponsor for this episode, at www.ohioteaco.com.
And, until next time… keep steeping your mind in great cinema!

Gothic Eroticism with Nosferatu (2024) and Berry Sangeria Tea

In this episode of Steeped in Cinema, we explore how the film bends the tension between fear and attraction, especially through the eerie, hypnotic dynamic between Ellen (Lily-Rose Depp) and Count Orlock (Bill Sakrsgard). What is is about the vampire myth that pulls us in? Why do we crave the things that terrify us? And what does this film reveal about the connection between submission, power, and longing?
And what better way to sip through this conversation than with a blood-red, fruit-forward tea? I'm pairing today's discussion with Berry Sangria from Ohio Tea Company (www.ohioteaco.com) - a tea that starts off sweet and indulgent before finishing with a sharp, unexpected bite...much like the film itself. If you're looking for an incredible selection of loose-leaf teas, be sure to check them out online or visit their shop in Canton, Ohio.
Join the conversation in my Facebook Group https://www.facebook.com/groups/1415392649834678/ 
 

Dissociation, Identity, with I Saw the TV Glow and Midnight Blue Tea

In this episode of Steeped in Cinema, we explore the unsettling world of I Saw the TV Glow- a haunting look at dissociation, identity, and the power of media. Paired with Midnight Blue tea from the Ohio Tea Co. we deep dive into the film's themes and how it blurs the line between reality and self. Sip, listen, and get lost in the glow. 

Cinematic Winterlands: Films That Embrace the Cold

In this episode of Steeped in Cinema, we take a deep dive into films that bring the chill—The Revenant, Fargo, The Thing, and more. How does winter shape storytelling, isolation, and survival? Plus, we’re sipping on Casablanca peppermint tea from Ohio Tea Company—cool, refreshing, and the perfect match for a discussion on icy cinematic landscapes. Bundle up and join the conversation! If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to subscribe and leave a review!

The Masks We Wear: The Creep Tapes and Blue Flower Pea Tea

In this episode of Steeped in Cinema, we dive into the psychological depths of The Creep Tapes, the latest installment in the Creep franchise. As we sip on vibrant blue flower pea tea - a fitting choice for a series that blends the ordinary with the unsettling.

The Final Girl and Society's Changing Fears

In this episode we explore one of horror's most iconic tropes - the Final Girl. From Laurie Strode in Halloween to Dani in Midsommar, we discuss how the Final Girl has evolved over time, reflecting society's changing views on women, survival, and trauma. Grab a cup of Harney & Sons Titanic Blend and join us for a thoughtful, cozy deep dive into what our favorite horror films really say about us.