Opening Kill
Opening Kill is the podcast that dives deep into the chilling world of horror films! Every Thursday, we explore a different movie, uncovering behind the scenes secrets, analyzing themes and of course the opening kill. Join us as we chat with fellow horror enthusiasts to celebrate the art of fear in cinema. Opening Kill is hosted by Brian O'Connor and Michael Duren, just two friends with an unhealthy horror obsession.
Opening Kill is the podcast that dives deep into the chilling world of horror films! Every Thursday, we explore a different movie, uncovering behind the scenes secrets, analyzing themes and of course the opening kill. Join us as we chat with fellow horror enthusiasts to celebrate the art of fear in cinema. Opening Kill is hosted by Brian O'Connor and Michael Duren, just two friends with an unhealthy horror obsession.
Episodes

Oct 30, 2025
Opening Kill Episode 38: Trick 'R Treat
Oct 30, 2025
Oct 30, 2025
1 hr 2 min
🎃 Episode 38: Trick ‘R Treat (2007) 🎃This week, we’re diving into one of the ultimate Halloween anthologies — Trick ‘R Treat! From werewolves and vengeful kids to that adorable little pumpkin-headed enforcer, Sam, this movie packs every October vibe you could want. We break down each twisted tale, talk about how they all connect, and debate where Trick ‘R Treat ranks among modern Halloween classics.
Plus, we talk about why this movie feels like Halloween in every frame. And of course, we determine whether Trick ‘R Treat’s Opening Kill earns the coveted Butcher Knife or suffers the fate of the dreaded Butter Knife.
Catch the full video episode on YouTube and don’t forget to subscribe for more horror every week! 👻
Follow Opening Kill on our social media, to stay up to date on news and fun series we are doing.
Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/opening_kill_pod/
Facebook : https://www.facebook.com/people/Opening-Kill-Pod/61569602580667/
Please subscribe to the podcast wherever you listen, and consider rating and reviewing! It helps alot!
Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/opening-kill/id1777172081
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2TwRykGUmXkdZqz5VKLKZP?si=e2c78820ad134728
Amazon: https://a.co/d/0BwpWuU
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@OpeningKillPod
Email the show for questions comments or requests!
openingkillpod@gmail.com
Oct 30, 2025
1 hr 2 min

Oct 23, 2025
Opening Kill Episode 37: Hell Fest
Oct 23, 2025
Oct 23, 2025
52 min
🎢 This week on Opening Kill, the crew takes a wild ride through Hell Fest (2018) — the slasher that turns your favorite haunted attraction into a blood-soaked nightmare! We talk killer costumes, haunted house horror, and whether this theme park of terror lives up to its name.
Plus, we’ve got video episodes all season long — so make sure to subscribe on YouTube to catch all the scares (and our faces) every week. Grab your popcorn, secure your wristband, and don’t trust the guy in the mask…
Follow Opening Kill on our social media, to stay up to date on news and fun series we are doing.
Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/opening_kill_pod/
Facebook : https://www.facebook.com/people/Opening-Kill-Pod/61569602580667/
Please subscribe to the podcast wherever you listen, and consider rating and reviewing! It helps alot!
Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/opening-kill/id1777172081
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2TwRykGUmXkdZqz5VKLKZP?si=e2c78820ad134728
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Amazon: https://a.co/d/0BwpWuU
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@OpeningKillPod
Email the show for questions comments or requests!
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openingkillpod@gmail.com
Oct 23, 2025
52 min

Oct 21, 2025
Opening Kill Episode 36: The Evil Dead (1981)
Oct 21, 2025
Oct 21, 2025
51 min
We had some issues, but we now have the episode out again.
This week on Opening Kill, things get a little groovy… and a little snotty. Michael is down for the count with a brutal cold, so Shay steps into the host chair and takes us back to the creepy cabin in the woods where it all began — Sam Raimi’s 1981 horror classic The Evil Dead. Armed with Book of the Dead trivia, behind-the-scenes chaos, and a healthy appreciation for Bruce Campbell’s exaggerated screaming, we break down why The Evil Dead is one of the most influential indie horror films of all time. From the stop-motion nightmare finale to Raimi’s wild DIY camerawork, this episode dives into how a group of friends with almost no budget accidentally created one of the most iconic horror franchises ever.
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Follow Opening Kill on our social media, to stay up to date on news and fun series we are doing.
Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/opening_kill_pod/
Facebook : https://www.facebook.com/people/Opening-Kill-Pod/61569602580667/
Please subscribe to the podcast wherever you listen, and consider rating and reviewing! It helps alot!
Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/opening-kill/id1777172081
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2TwRykGUmXkdZqz5VKLKZP?si=e2c78820ad134728
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Amazon: https://a.co/d/0BwpWuU
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@OpeningKillPod
Email the show for questions comments or requests!
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openingkillpod@gmail.com
Oct 21, 2025
51 min

Oct 10, 2025
Oct 10, 2025
45 min
Season 2 PremiereEpisode 35: The Houses October Built (2014)Season 2 is officially HERE — and we're kicking things off by diving headfirst into haunted hayrides, killer clowns, and extreme haunt horror! This week we're talking The Houses October Built (2014), a documentary-style found footage thrill ride that asks a terrifying question: how far would you go for a real scare?We follow a group of friends on a road trip across America in search of the most intense underground haunted attractions. But what starts as a fun Halloween adventure turns dark fast when they cross paths with a mysterious group known only as Blue Skeleton.Fake blood and jump scares quickly turn into stalking, paranoia, and a terrifying fight to survive. Is it all part of the show—or something much darker?In this episode, we break down:The charm and chaos of found footage horrorRoad trip horror done rightWhy this movie hits extra hard for haunt loversThe creeping dread of not knowing who you can trustAnd yes—THAT endingPLUS: BIG NEWS!This season we're bringing video episodes to YouTube! So if you want to see our terrified faces while we talk about possessed hayride drivers and backwoods clowns… hit that subscribe button and join the horror family! YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@OpeningKillPod Subscribe now so you don't miss an episode! Grab your pumpkin spice, lock your RV doors, and let's kick off Season 2 the spooky way.Listen now—if you dare.Follow Opening Kill on our social media, to stay up to date on news and fun series we are doing.Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/opening_kill_pod/Facebook : https://www.facebook.com/people/Opening-Kill-Pod/61569602580667/Please subscribe to the podcast wherever you listen, and consider rating and reviewing! It helps alot!Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/opening-kill/id1777172081Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2TwRykGUmXkdZqz5VKLKZP?si=e2c78820ad134728 Amazon: https://a.co/d/0BwpWuUYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@OpeningKillPodEmail the show for questions comments or requests! openingkillpod@gmail.com
Oct 10, 2025
45 min

Aug 1, 2025
Aug 1, 2025
1 hr 45 min
Thanks for staying hooked through Season 1 with us — what a killer ride! We're closing things out with the 2025 reboot of I Know What You Did Last Summer. In this season finale, we dive into everything from the film's plot twists and fresh kills to the new cast of characters and how this version stacks up against the original.This is one, where the team didn't see eye to eye, so this is a lively and long discussion. Thank you for joining us for Season 1 — and get ready, because Season 2 is coming back bigger, bloodier, and better than ever.
Enjoy the show — and remember… we know what you did last summer.
Follow Opening Kill on our social media, to stay up to date on news and fun series we are doing.
Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/opening_kill_pod/
Facebook : https://www.facebook.com/people/Opening-Kill-Pod/61569602580667/
Please subscribe to the podcast wherever you listen, and consider rating and reviewing! It helps alot!
Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/opening-kill/id1777172081
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2TwRykGUmXkdZqz5VKLKZP?si=e2c78820ad134728
Amazon: https://a.co/d/0BwpWuU
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@OpeningKillPod
Email the show for questions comments or requests!
openingkillpod@gmail.com
Aug 1, 2025
1 hr 45 min

Jul 24, 2025
Opening Kill Episode 33: The Lost Boys
Jul 24, 2025
Jul 24, 2025
1 hr 7 min
In this episode of Opening Kill, we sink our fangs into Joel Schumacher's cult classic The Lost Boys. We kick things off with our usual plot breakdown — teenage rebellion, vampire biker gangs, and Santa Carla's finest mullets. Then, we get into the gnarly details of the film's iconic kills and makeup effects (yes, those glowing contacts were just as painful as they looked).
We also shine a UV light on the behind-the-scenes chaos and cool facts: the original script's Goonies-style vibe, and the way this film helped redefine vampires for the MTV generation. Whether you're here for the blood, the brotherhood, or the Echo & the Bunnymen soundtrack, this episode is pure 80s horror gold.
Follow Opening Kill on our social media, to stay up to date on news and fun series we are doing.
Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/opening_kill_pod/
Facebook : https://www.facebook.com/people/Opening-Kill-Pod/61569602580667/
Please subscribe to the podcast wherever you listen, and consider rating and reviewing! It helps alot!
Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/opening-kill/id1777172081
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2TwRykGUmXkdZqz5VKLKZP?si=e2c78820ad134728
Amazon: https://a.co/d/0BwpWuU
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@OpeningKillPod
Email the show for questions comments or requests!
openingkillpod@gmail.com
Jul 24, 2025
1 hr 7 min

Jul 18, 2025
Jul 18, 2025
1 hr 39 min
In this thrilling episode of Opening Kill, we dive deep into the 1997 teen slasher classic I Know What You Did Last Summer! We're joined by the brilliant Stephanie Rose, author of Hiding Lies and the upcoming Small Town Slasher. Together, we break down the plot, explore all the juicy twists and turns, and revisit those unforgettable moments that made this film a staple of '90s horror.
From slickers to secrets, we're asking the big question: does the film's iconic opening kill deserve the coveted Butcher Knife or the dreaded Butter Knife ? Tune in for laughs, thrills, and some killer insights.
Check out Stephanie Rose online, https://stephanierosewriter.com/ and pre order her upcoming books!
Follow Opening Kill on our social media, to stay up to date on news and fun series we are doing.
Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/opening_kill_pod/
Facebook : https://www.facebook.com/people/Opening-Kill-Pod/61569602580667/
Please subscribe to the podcast wherever you listen, and consider rating and reviewing! It helps alot!
Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/opening-kill/id1777172081
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2TwRykGUmXkdZqz5VKLKZP?si=e2c78820ad134728
Amazon: https://a.co/d/0BwpWuU
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@OpeningKillPod
Email the show for questions comments or requests!
openingkillpod@gmail.com
Jul 18, 2025
1 hr 39 min

Jul 17, 2025
Opening Kill Episode 31: Jaws
Jul 17, 2025
Jul 17, 2025
1 hr 14 min
In this episode of Opening Kill, we're diving deep into one of the most iconic horror thrillers of all time — Jaws (1975). We break down the plot, explore the film's massive cultural impact, and, of course, spotlight one of the most legendary opening kills in cinematic history: Chrissie's midnight swim. From the haunting score to Spielberg's masterful suspense, we analyze how this seemingly simple beach attack changed horror — and summer — forever. Grab your floaties, because once you hear this, you may never go back in the water again.
Follow Opening Kill on our social media, to stay up to date on news and fun series we are doing.
Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/opening_kill_pod/
Facebook : https://www.facebook.com/people/Opening-Kill-Pod/61569602580667/
Please subscribe to the podcast wherever you listen, and consider rating and reviewing! It helps alot!
Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/opening-kill/id1777172081
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2TwRykGUmXkdZqz5VKLKZP?si=e2c78820ad134728
Amazon: https://a.co/d/0BwpWuU
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@OpeningKillPod
Email the show for questions comments or requests!
openingkillpod@gmail.com
Jul 17, 2025
1 hr 14 min







