Dec 04 2023 55 mins
This was such a fascinating conversation. I had a chance to speak with the authors of the book "Necessary Death", Chris Gross and Preston Fassel. These guys take a truly unique approach to growth, resilience, healing and transformation.
"Necessary Death" is a compelling and thought-provoking work. This book skillfully intertwines elements of psychological horror with deep philosophical inquiries. Set against a backdrop that blurs the lines between reality and the supernatural, "Necessary Death" explores the themes of mortality, fear, and the human psyche's resilience. The narrative follows a gripping journey that forces the characters, and consequently the readers, to confront the inevitabilities of life and death, posing profound questions about what it means to truly live and face one's deepest fears. With its rich character arcs and suspenseful plot, "Necessary Death" is a masterful contribution to the horror genre, offering a unique and introspective look at the existential dilemmas that haunt us all.
In this thought-provoking episode, we delve into the depths of horror and self-discovery with Chris Gross and Preston Fassel, authors of "Necessary Death". Our conversation traverses the eerie and enlightening paths of horror films, exploring how they mirror our inner selves and aid in our mental health.
We discuss the unique freedom of the horror genre, where the absence of limits allows for an exploration of boundless ideas. Drawing parallels to social cognitive theory, particularly Albert Bandura's work on overcoming phobias through vicarious experiences, we examine how horror films enable us to confront and process our fears safely.
Our dialogue touches on the therapeutic aspect of horror, likening the genre to a journey of self-actualization. We explore how facing metaphorical monsters in films teaches us about resilience and overcoming life's challenges, reflecting on the hero’s journey and the confrontation with our shadow selves.
The episode further delves into the concepts of grace and grit as presented by Ken Wilber, and how horror films often mirror this duality. We highlight the transformative power of horror, where the audience, initially drawn in by the monster, stays to witness the hero's journey, often finding parallels to their own life challenges.
"Necessary Death" is discussed in the context of personal transformation and human coping skills, emphasizing how horror films can be a tool for self-discovery. We also explore the importance of mindfulness and balance between heart and mind, and the role of perception in shaping our understanding of horror narratives.
The conversation shifts to the societal implications of the fusion of sex and violence in media, referencing the Joker as a commentary on mental wellness decline. We touch upon Charles Bukowski's profound insight into the pursuit of goals, and how horror sequels often demonstrate the impact of personal growth on others.
Join us in this intriguing episode as we uncover the hidden lessons in horror films and how they can be a conduit for personal growth, healing, and understanding the complexities of the human psyche.
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