In this episode of What’s Kraken, Jo sits down with filmmakers Madeleine Sims-Fewer and Dusty Mancinelli about their chilling new Shudder premiere, Honey Bunch—a psychological thriller exploring lost memories, experimental trauma treatments, and the dark underbelly of a marriage tested to its limits. They open up about their collaborative writing-directing process, the challenges of indie horror, and how personal dynamics shape their storytelling. No spoilers, just raw insight into crafting tense, hallucinatory cinema. Catch Honey Bunch now on Shudder!

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Opening riff – Jo kicks off with wild energy, setting the stage for a candid chat with the Honey Bunch creators

Insights– Madeleine and Dusty reveal how their real-life partnership influences the film's twisted relationship dynamics

Personal story – The duo shares how their writing process evolves when directing together—collaboration, clashes, and creative breakthroughs

Why it matters – From shorts to features--these two have resurrected the art of writing plots that twist as much as they matter.

In this episode of What’s Kraken, Jo surprises co-host Amelie with a deep dive into her fascinating life – from growing up in a historic French bed and breakfast to working hotels across Europe, Asia, and beyond. Amelie shares heartfelt stories of family work ethic, saving fiercely for independence, falling in love with Asia's community spirit, and her burning dream of owning a B&B that empowers others. From childhood hustles earning Toys R Us gift cards to navigating young adult struggles, this raw chat inspires dreaming big and grinding smart. Check out more at https://linktr.ee/Emptyhell. We're Amazon Affiliates – if you buy through our links, we earn a commission!

KEY MOMENTS

• Surprise trap – Jo ambushes Amelie mid-movie hangout for an unplanned What's Kraken takeover
• Childhood hustle spark – Amelie greets guests at age 5, racks up Toys R Us gift cards from impressed English visitors
• Family work ethic insight – Growing up in a public bed and breakfast teaches discipline, politeness, and helping out from day one
• Young adult grind story – Saving fiercely at McDonald's, dishwashing gigs, and hostels to gain independence without burdening parents
• Asia love revelation – Why family-run businesses, friendliness, and community in Asia stole her heart and mirrored her upbringing

Jo goes FULL chaotic energy with Lee Hatfield (S.I.P.A. Paranormal Chronicles) as they unpack how Lee launched a paranormal podcast that exploded in 2025, booked guests until mid-January, and still finds time to get stroked by ghosts in creepy jails. From EVPs that make jaws drop to seeing a full apparition walk past his bed in New York, Lee spills the real tea on scientific investigating, time slips, and why patience + spreadsheets = paranormal gold. Jo admits he’s jealous Lee got ghost-touched and they both roast flashy ghost-hunting gadgets. Whether you’re a skeptic or a believer, this episode will make you think and laugh.

Check out our other shows→ https://linktr.ee/Emptyhell (we’re Amazon Affiliates — if you click our links and buy stuff, we get a little kickback, thank you legends!)

KEY MOMENTS

• Opening chaos – Jo can’t read Lee’s name, blames laundry list, instant friendship roast
• Lee’s origin spark – From one nervous episode with Jo to 47+ bangers and guests booked into 2026
• Behind-the-scenes hustle – Spreadsheets, TidyCal, and the art of never ghosting your own guests
• Personal goosebump story – Lee gets gently stroked by a ghost...no, not that way! + full apparition in NY
• Why it matters – Real investigating means debunking first, wonder second — and that’s how you earn respect