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Dark Fiction Meets Real Psychology | Seth Voorhees (Ep. 303)
About this Episode
In tonight’s live show from the Asylum in Eagle Pass, I sit down with dark fiction author and former adolescent mental health professional, Seth Voorhees.
We dig into how real-world counseling experience shapes believable characters, the misconceptions people have about mental health (especially with youth), and why environment and circumstance often matter more than we admit when judging human behavior.
We also explore spirituality in dark narratives, morality in a gray world, and how asking direct questions can save lives.
Along the way, we swap stories about writing process, secondary trauma, and the fine line between authenticity and entertainment—plus a few laughs, Monty Python nods, and some very live-show chaos courtesy of a mid-episode coffee spill.
We preview Seth’s upcoming horror novel set in West Carlton, Michigan—where a secretive society called the Albatross faces disappearances and murder—and touch on his prior work “Immune,” a pandemic tale that pits the “immune” against the “inflicted” while testing love, loyalty, and faith. If you’re into character-driven, psychologically grounded dark fiction, this one’s for you.
Guest: Seth Voorhees
https://sethtvoorhees.com
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Special thanks to:
Executive Producer Wayne Rankin
Executive Producer Rosanna Rankin
Executive Producer Carolina Jimenez
Executive Producer Marisa Lee
Executive Producer Angela Wetuski
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(00:01:48) Opening theme, date, and live show intro from Eagle Pass
(00:03:00) Schedule changes, guest reschedule, and weekend plans
(00:05:04) Housekeeping: website, contact options, and live stream details
(00:08:19) Audience growth talk and playful sharing-argument stories
(00:08:53) Guest intro: Dark fiction author Seth Voorhees
(00:09:51) South Dakota calm, wild weather, and small talk
(00:11:08) Self‑deprecating humor, bald beards, and laughter as medicine
(00:18:09) Monty Python riff and classic comedy influences
(00:23:19) Work travel, culture, and humility in the South
(00:24:26) Roots in the Black Hills and how place shapes imagination
(00:28:28) From psychology studies to writing dark fiction
(00:31:08) Adolescent mental health truths and real impact
(00:35:03) Early literary influences: Stine, King, Matheson, Shelley
(00:37:00) What writers miss about human behavior and treatment settings
(00:38:43) Live show hiccup: coffee spill and rolling with it
(00:42:02) Craft talk: scenes first, pantsing vs plotting, character growth
(00:46:08) How to listen to youth: silence, reflection, and respect
(00:48:39) Are people good or situational? Environment and agency
(00:51:17) Morality, assertiveness vs trauma, and accountability
(00:55:26) Current projects: The Cottonwood Prestige and more
(00:58:31) Writing scenes that feel too real and editorial boundaries
(01:01:30) Real life vs fiction: why reality is scarier
(01:04:13) What readers should take away: hope, courage, and choices
(01:07:10) Entertain first: reading habits and pacing talk
(01:08:41) A hard truth: getting comfortable with our hypocrisy
(01:12:03) Owning mistakes: training vs instincts in crisis
(01:14:15) Wrapping the interview and life lessons
(01:15:29) Who inspires Seth: mom’s grit and Mel Brooks’ joy
(01:16:32) Where to find Seth and a clear call to action
(01:18:11) Host close: apologies, gratitude, and final reflections
- Wayne Rankin
- Rosanna Rankin
- Carolina Jimenez
No transcript available for this episode.
