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The Conner & Smith Show

Stephen Smith

Join Matt and Stephen as they talk to artists, creative thinkers, discuss films, try craft projects, explore local lore, debate beloved holiday traditions and much more!

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  • 54 episodes
  • Avg 20 min
  • English
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  • S10 · E242
    October 31 · 15 min

    When a Stranger Calls (1979)

    Episode 242 — When a Stranger Calls (1979) Day 31 of 31 Days of Halloween brings Ryan and me together to discuss When a Stranger Calls—and close out our Halloween countdown! We get into the film’s first 20 minutes and last 20 minutes, which are so suspenseful and terrifying! The middle section takes a strange swerve, but those chilling opening and closing sequences make this babysitter nightmare unforgettable. Carol Kane gives a classic performance, capturing the vulnerability and terror that make this film so unnerving. And it leaves us with one question: “Why haven’t you checked the children?” Happy Halloween, everyone! Thank you for joining us for all 31 Days of Halloween! 🎃👻 Spoilers ahead—watch the film, then join us! Support The Conner & Smith Show on Patreon:
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  • S10 · E241
    October 30 · 21 min

    It’s The Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown! (1966)

    Episode 241 — It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown (1966) Day 30 of 31 Days of Halloween brings Matt, Ryan, and me together to discuss It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown—a beloved holiday favorite of ours! We get into the nostalgia, humor, and heart that make this classic such an essential part of Halloween. From Linus’s faithful vigil in the pumpkin patch to Snoopy’s adventures as the World War I Flying Ace—and Charlie Brown’s unfortunate trick-or-treat haul—there’s so much to love. It’s a holiday tradition we’re always happy to revisit, and we couldn’t wait to share why it still means so much to us after all these years! Spoilers ahead—watch the special, then join us! Support The Conner & Smith Show on Patreon:
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  • S10 · E240
    October 29 · 23 min

    The Rule of Jenny Pen (2024)

    Episode 240 — The Rule of Jenny Pen (2024) Day 29 of 31 Days of Halloween brings Ryan and me together to discuss The Rule of Jenny Pen, starring John Lithgow and Geoffrey Rush—and we absolutely love this film! We get into the acting masterclass these two deliver and just how deeply disturbing this story is. The horrors of growing old, losing independence, and becoming vulnerable are amplified by the worst possible resident at a personal care home. It’s unsettling, cruel, and terrifyingly human, with performances that make it impossible to look away. We couldn’t wait to talk about why this film got under our skin! Spoilers ahead—watch the film, then join us! Support The Conner & Smith Show on Patreon:
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  • S10 · E239
    October 28 · 37 min

    Frankenstein (1931)

    Episode 239 — Frankenstein (1931) Day 28 of 31 Days of Halloween brings Matt, Ryan, and me together to discuss Frankenstein—and how incredible this iconic film still is nearly a century after its release! We get into its unforgettable performances, haunting atmosphere, and the humanity at the heart of the monster. We also explore its lasting legacy, its influence on generations of horror filmmakers, and why its themes remain relevant today. It’s a landmark film that still has the power to move and unsettle audiences, and we couldn’t wait to talk about what makes it so enduring. Spoilers ahead—watch the film, then join us! Support The Conner & Smith Show on Patreon:
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  • S10 · E238
    October 27 · 30 min

    Hokum (2026)

    Episode 238 — Hokum (2026) Day 27 of 31 Days of Halloween brings Ryan and me together to discuss Hokum—and we both think it’s our favorite horror film of the year so far! We get into the incredible performances, the witch, and the relentless tension that kept us on edge. Neither of us knew what was going to happen next, and that feeling of being completely in a film’s hands made the experience even more exciting—and terrifying. It’s one of the best-made horror films either of us has seen in a very long time, and we couldn’t wait to talk about everything that makes it work so brilliantly. Spoilers ahead—watch the film, then join us! Support The Conner & Smith Show on Patreon:
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  • S10 · E237
    October 26 · 19 min

    Obsession (2026)

    Episode 237 — Obsession (2026) Day 26 of 31 Days of Halloween brings Ryan and me together to discuss Obsession, how much we enjoyed it, and Indy Navarrette’s absolutely brilliant performance. We also get into what a piece of shit the male character is, digging into the selfishness, entitlement, and horrifying consequences at the heart of this story. And, of course, we have questions! Does the snapping wood have anything to do with Aunt Gladys’s plant in Weapons? Could this be the same kind of magic? We compare notes, trade theories, and discuss the unsettling details that kept us talking afterward. Spoilers ahead—watch the film, then join us! Support The Conner & Smith Show on Patreon:
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  • S10 · E236
    October 26 · 5 min

    Clown Panic (2026)

    Episode 236 — Clown Panic (2026) Day 25 of 31 Days of Halloween takes us into Clown Panic, the Hulu documentary exploring the creepy-clown craze that swept across America—and then the world—in 2016. I found this a fascinating time capsule of a year already filled with anxiety. Looking back a decade later, through COVID, political violence, fears surrounding federal agencies, and the rise of AI, there’s something almost surreal about remembering a moment when people were terrifying one another simply by putting on clown costumes. I also reflect on the horror imagery surrounding that moment, from Heath Ledger’s Joker in The Dark Knight to the portrayals that followed in Stephen King’s It and American Horror Story: Cult. But behind the masks and viral videos, the consequences were devastatingly real. The documentary introduces families on both sides of a fatal encounter involving a young person wearing a clown mask, showing how a scare could change—and end—lives. A compelling, unsettling watch about fear, viral attention, and the human cost of turning a scare into content. Support The Conner & Smith Show on Patreon:
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  • S10 · E235
    October 24 · 5 min

    The Night That Panicked America (1975)

    Episode 235 — The Night That Panicked America (1975) Day 24 of 31 Days of Halloween brings us to The Night That Panicked America, a television movie dramatizing Orson Welles’s legendary 1938 War of the Worlds radio broadcast! Matthew and I explore the recreation of the broadcast and the frightened listeners who believed Martians were invading. With a cast including Paul Shenar, Eileen Brennan, Vic Morrow, John Ritter, and Meredith Baxter, this film brings one of radio’s most famous nights to life—a subject that has fascinated me for years! Watch The Night That Panicked America on YouTube:
👉 The Night That Panicked America (1975)⁠ Support The Conner & Smith Show on Patreon:
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  • S10 · E234
    October 23 · 29 min

    J.W. Ocker - Author of Chasing the Headless Horseman

    Episode 234 — Chasing the Headless Horseman with J.W. Ocker Day 23 of 31 Days of Halloween brings us a special guest! Matthew and I interview author J.W. Ocker about his new book, Chasing the Headless Horseman, and explore the history, legends, and Halloween magic of Sleepy Hollow. We also discuss his other works dealing with Salem, Edgar Allan Poe, cryptids, cursed objects, and so much more. A fascinating conversation with a fascinating author—full of strange places, spooky stories, and plenty of Halloween spirit! Explore J.W. Ocker’s world and find your next spooky read:
👉 Odd Things I’ve Seen — Official Website⁠
👉 Shop J.W. Ocker’s Books⁠ Support The Conner & Smith Show on Patreon:
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  • S10 · E233
    October 22 · 5 min

    Transylvania 6-5000 (1985)

    Episode 233 — Transylvania 6-5000 (1985) Day 22 of 31 Days of Halloween brings us to Transylvania 6-5000—a monster comedy with an incredible cast, including Jeff Goldblum, Ed Begley Jr., Carol Kane, and Geena Davis! From its eccentric characters to its cartoon-like hijinks, we discuss this goofy Halloween romp and the performers who make it so much fun. Given a choice between Haunted Honeymoon and this, I’m picking Transylvania 6-5000—for me, it’s an even more entertaining ride! Join us for some monstrous mischief in Transylvania! Support The Conner & Smith Show on Patreon:
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  • S10 · E232
    October 21 · 4 min

    Haunted Honeymoon (1986)

    Episode 232 — Haunted Honeymoon (1986) Day 21 of 31 Days of Halloween brings us to Haunted Honeymoon—a spooky comedy starring Gene Wilder, Gilda Radner, and Dom DeLuise! From its creepy mansion and eccentric relatives to its old-fashioned Hollywood atmosphere, we explore this playful blend of haunted-house mystery and comedy. We also celebrate its unforgettable performers and discuss where it fits among our Halloween favorites. Join us for a honeymoon full of things that go bump in the night! Support The Conner & Smith Show on Patreon:
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  • S10 · E231
    October 20 · 23 min

    The Bride of Frankenstein (1935)

    Bride of Frankenstein (1935) Day 20 of the 31 Days of Halloween on The Conner & Smith Show brings Ryan and me to James Whale’s Bride of Frankenstein—and what an all-time classic! We talk about its wonderfully wicked humor, its glorious gayness, and the unforgettable performances that make this so much more than a monster movie. From the camp to the heartbreak, there’s so much packed into this film—and so many reasons it remains one of horror’s greatest achievements. Join us for a little quality time with the Bride! Support The Conner & Smith Show on Patreon:👉 Support us on Patreon

  • S10 · E230
    October 19 · 30 min

    Drag Me to Hell (2009)

    Episode 230 — Drag Me to Hell (2009) Day 19 of 31 Days of Halloween brings Ryan and me to Sam Raimi’s Drag Me to Hell—and there’s plenty to scream about! From that wild car scene to the moments we simply can’t watch, we talk through the scares, the gross-outs, and Raimi’s wonderfully twisted sense of humor. We also discuss Sam Raimi’s legacy and what makes his brand of horror so memorable. Join us for a trip to hell! Support The Conner & Smith Show on Patreon:
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  • S10 · E229
    October 18 · 5 min

    Demons (1985)

    Episode 229 — Demons (1985) Day 18 of 31 Days of Halloween brings me to Lamberto Bava’s Demons—and this movie is absolutely bonkers in the best way! It’s loud, gory, wildly over the top, and peak ’80s horror. From the music to the makeup effects, there’s so much crazy energy packed into this movie, and I have such a fun time with it. Sometimes you just want to strap in and enjoy the madness! Join me for a little demonic mayhem! Support The Conner & Smith Show on Patreon:
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  • S10 · E228
    October 17 · 26 min

    Sleepy Hollow (1999)

    Episode 228 — Sleepy Hollow (1999) Day 17 of 31 Days of Halloween brings Ryan and me to Tim Burton’s Sleepy Hollow—and what an amazingly gorgeous adaptation it is! From its foggy woods to its wonderfully Gothic atmosphere, there’s so much to love just looking at this movie. But how does the rest of it hold up? We talk through the pros and cons, what works for us, and where this take on the Headless Horseman leaves us wanting more. Join us for a trip back to Sleepy Hollow! Support The Conner & Smith Show on Patreon:
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  • S10 · E227
    October 17 · 5 min

    Night of the Living Dead (1990)

    Episode 227 — Night of the Living Dead (1990) Day 16 of 31 Days of Halloween brings me to the 1990 remake of Night of the Living Dead—and for me, this one is… okay. There are some good performances, but there’s also some bad dialogue delivered poorly. It’s fun to go back to that farmhouse and see it in a different light, even if some parts work better than others. I’m glad I revisited it, but when it comes to the original, there’s just no topping it! Support The Conner & Smith Show on Patreon:
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  • S10 · E226
    October 15 · 7 min

    Play Misty for Me (1971)

    Episode 226 — Play Misty for Me (1971) Day 15 of 31 Days of Halloween brings me to Clint Eastwood’s directorial debut, Play Misty for Me—and this one has always creeped me out! I’ve always thought being a late-night DJ taking calls from strangers was like spinning a roulette wheel. Especially at that hour, you never really know who’s on the other end of the line—or what a little attention might mean to them. Jessica Walter gives a fantastic performance, turning a familiar voice on the phone into something truly frightening. It’s a creepy, unsettling thriller that still gets under my skin! Support The Conner & Smith Show on Patreon:
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  • October 15 · 17 min

    Infested

    This is a repeat. But still good one.

  • S10 · E224
    October 13 · 7 min

    WKBW’s War of the Worlds (1968)

    Episode 224 — WKBW’s War of the Worlds (1968) Day 13 of 31 Days of Halloween brings me to WKBW’s 1968 radio broadcast of War of the Worlds—and I absolutely love this version! I love the original Orson Welles broadcast so much, and nothing can touch that. But WKBW’s take brings the terror a little closer to our own era, making it feel more immediate and relatable. It’s a different way into a story I already love, and it still gives me chills! Listen to WKBW’s 1968 broadcast on YouTube:
👉 WKBW Radio’s War of the Worlds⁠ Support The Conner & Smith Show on Patreon:
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  • S10 · E223
    October 12 · 6 min

    The Day of the Triffids (1963)

    Episode 223 — The Day of the Triffids (1963) Day 12 of 31 Days of Halloween brings me to 1963’s The Day of the Triffids—and this one comes with a childhood memory! After school, the bus would drop me off at my house, and I’d have to walk through the woods to my nana’s house. With woods on either side of the path, there were plenty of places for my imagination to hide something. After watching this movie, I spent about a month convinced there might be triffids lurking among the trees! Today, I revisit this classic tale of killer plants and a world plunged into chaos—and remember how it turned an ordinary after-school walk into a daily horror adventure. Support The Conner & Smith Show on Patreon:
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Showing 1–20 of 54 episodes