Gabe Castro: Using Horror to Entertain, Educate, and Empower

Gabe Castro is the kind of creator who makes you rethink everything you thought you knew about horror. A Philly-based Latiné multimedia artist, Castro isn’t just talking about scary movies — they’re using the genre to break down social issues, build community, and push the boundaries of what horror can do. As the co-host and producer of Ghouls Next Door, an award-winning media literacy podcast, Castro dives into how horror reflects real-world anxieties, reclaims monsters, and turns fear into power.

Ghouls Next Door has been running strong since 2017, closing in on its 300th episode—an impressive feat for an indie podcast. Co-hosted with Kat Kushin, whose background in history and anthropology brings depth to the discussion, the show blends media analysis with humor, making it an entry point for people who don’t usually vibe with horror. And they don’t just talk about films—they get creative with it, dressing up in cosplay, playing with makeup, and adding a visual layer to their discussions. It’s no surprise the podcast won a 2023 Hometown Media Award from the Foundation of the Alliance for Community Media.

"Horror and comedy are cousins," Castro says. "Both build tension and release it—one with a laugh, the other with a scream. That’s why Jordan Peele is such a good horror writer; he started in comedy. Horror lets us be absurd about heavy things. It’s cathartic. It helps us work through fears, and when we throw in comedy, it makes those fears more approachable. You can laugh, but you can also get real about what's happening—all while dressed as an ancient vampire."

Castro’s love for horror isn’t just about movies—it’s about the world we live in. "Let’s be real, the world is a mess. Horror helps us process that mess. It’s a mirror reflecting what’s wrong, but it’s also a way to imagine solutions." The podcast makes the genre more accessible, especially to folks who might not typically engage with horror. "People who say they don’t like horror just haven’t found their gateway yet. We’re here to help with that."

Beyond podcasting, Castro is an award-winning filmmaker. Their comedy-horror short "Jolly Butcher" made waves at the Philadelphia Latino Film Festival and the L.A. Indie Horror Fest in 2022. "Most of our shorts mix horror with comedy, but our next projects are leaning deeper into emotion. Still horror-comedy, but tackling heavier themes like grief and trauma.”

At PhillyCAM, Castro has worked their way up from intern to Member Programming Manager, where they now train and mentor creators, helping them develop their own TV series. "Everybody has a story to tell, and everyone deserves to be heard. I love being part of making that happen."

Gabe is also big on media literacy, emphasizing how crucial it is to understand the media we consume. "Media literacy isn’t just for journalists—it’s for everyone. PhillyCAM is all about free speech, but with that comes the responsibility of knowing how media influences people. Who gets to tell stories? Who gets silenced? Understanding that lets us demand better from media organizations."

On the technical side, Castro’s expertise extends to sound design. They’ve worked with Dusky Productions on Black Women Are Scary, an anthology podcast that amplifies horror stories by Black and Brown women. "Sound design in horror is make-or-break. It builds tension, sets the atmosphere, and shapes how you experience fear. If you do it right, you can scare someone with just a whisper."

They’re also involved in cinéSPEAK’s From Screens to Streets initiative, using film as a catalyst for social change. "Movies aren’t just entertainment—they shape the way we see the world. This project helps spark conversations and get people thinking critically about representation and Storytelling."

They’ve also written for The Philadelphia Inquirer, cinéSPEAK, and ¡Presente! Media, bringing cultural criticism and creative advocacy into written form. Whether through articles, film, or podcasts, Castro is always looking for ways to challenge dominant narratives and uplift marginalized voices.

At the core of everything they do is one simple message: just create. "I always tell people, just make the thing. It doesn’t have to be perfect. Perfection is overrated. The only way we shift narratives and highlight unique voices is by actually doing the work."

Gabe Castro is proof that horror isn’t just about fear—it’s about empowerment, resilience, and storytelling that refuses to be ignored.