Podcast · Film & TV

The Monsters That Made Us

by Dan Colón and Mike Manzi · English · Film & TV

Welcome to The Monsters That Made Us! Join “The Invisible Dan" Colón and “Monster Mike" Manzi as they celebrate all of the SPOOKTACULAR characters and films in the Universal Studios Classic Monsters series. 

New episodes: Monthly
Typical length: 1 hr 29 min
Latest: 26 Sep 2026
Language: English

Latest episode

26 Sep 2026 · 1 hr 45 min

Dracula: Prince of Darkness (1966)

Stranded 2km outside of Karlsbad, “The Invisible Dan” and “Monster Mike” brace themselves for the return of Christopher Lee as Count Dracula! Join them as they discuss the new silent Count, why everyone should be listening to “Queen of Hammer” Barbara Shelley, the badass new priest who deserves his own spin-off, the amped up violence, and why Dracula: Prince of Darkness is, in many ways, a return to form for Hammer Film Productions. If you enjoy this episode, and want to support the show, check out our Patreon!

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Earlier episodes 29 most recent

S3 · E11 · 29 Aug 2026 · 1 hr 18 min
The Evil of Frankenstein (1964)
It’s time to head back to Karlsbruck! Or is it Karlstadt? Who knows? In this episode, “The Invisible Dan” and “Monster Mike” discuss the return of Peter Cushing as the abominable Victor Frankenstein, Hammer’s distribution deal with Universal Pictures and the subsequent ret-con of their Frankenstein continuity, the additional footage and storyline shot specifically for American television, and why The Evil of Frankenstein still manages to be fun despite its shortcomings. If you enjoy this episode, and want to support the show, check out our Patreon!
S3 · E10 · 31 Jul 2026 · 1 hr 22 min
The Curse of the Mummy's Tomb (1964)
It’s time for yet another mummy movie! Join “The Invisible Dan” and “Monster Mike” as they head back to ancient Egypt to discuss Michael Carreras sliding into the director’s chair, his lackluster script, the awful Mummy costume, and why a few brilliant performances (*ahem* Fred Clark *ahem*), some amped up violence, and a shocking third act twist make The Curse of the Mummy’s Tomb somewhat watchable. If you enjoy this episode, and want to support the show, check out our Patreon!
S3 · E9 · 26 Jun 2026 · 1 hr 24 min
The Phantom of the Opera (1962)
In this episode, “The Invisible Dan” and “Monster Mike” dive back down into the sewers for another spin on the classic Phantom of the Opera! Join them as they discuss the new mask, the star that almost was, the similarities and differences between Hammer’s film and Universal’s 1925 and 1943 versions, and why this Phantom is ultimately just… fine? If you enjoy this episode, and want to support the show, check out our Patreon!
S3 · E8 · 30 May 2026 · 1 hr 34 min
The Curse of the Werewolf (1961)
In this episode, “The Invisible Dan” and “Monster Mike” are heading back to 18th Century Spain for Hammer’s one and only wolf man movie! Join them as they discuss the iconic Oliver Reed in his first lead role, producer Tony Hinds adapting the screenplay himself from “the Dracula of werewolf novels,” Hammer’s trademark cost-saving measures moving the story from Paris to Madrid, and why the focus on story–rather than star power–makes The Curse of the Werewolf a distinct entry into Hammer’s gothic horror canon. TW: this episode contains a brief mention of sexual assault. If you enjoy this…
S3 · E7 · 26 Apr 2026 · 1 hr 44 min
The Two Faces of Dr. Jekyll (1960)
In this episode, “The Invisible Dan” and “Monster Mike” finally dive into their first genuine adaptation of Robert Louis Stevenson’s classic gothic novella Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, and boy, it's a doozy! Join them as they discuss Paul Massie’s unique dual role as the homely Dr. Jekyll and the handsome Mr. Hyde, the return of horror icon Christopher Lee in a non-monster role, plus another big screen icon making his first Hammer appearance, Hammer’s trademark use of bold colors, what constitutes a monster movie, and why The Two Faces of Dr. Jekyll is far and away the most…
S3 · E6 · 28 Mar 2026 · 1 hr 36 min
The Brides of Dracula (1960)
“The Invisible Dan” and “Monster Mike” are, once again, heading back to Transylvania, where Count Dracula’s Cult of the Undead continues to spread in his absence. Join them as they discuss the return of Peter Cushing’s Van Helsing, the new vampire threat, the incredible cast of women, and how The Brides of Dracula finds ways to keep things fresh and exciting while staying true to the established Dracula mythology. If you enjoy this episode, and want to support the show, check out our Patreon!
S3 · E5 · 27 Feb 2026 · 1 hr 51 min
The Mummy (1959)
The evil mummy Kharis has once again been resurrected to exact revenge on those who have disturbed the tomb of the Princess Ananka! In this episode, “The Invisible Dan” and “Monster Mike” unwrap Hammer’s first legitimate remake, 1959’s The Mummy! Join them as they discuss the return of Hammer’s dream team, the distribution deal with Universal International that resulted in Hammer gaining access to Universal’s vaults, all of the borrowed elements from The Mummy (1932), The Mummy’s Hand, and The Mummy’s Tomb, and the subsequent lack of original material. Plus: they also ask the big questions…
S3 · E4 · 8 Feb 2026 · 1 hr 26 min
The Revenge of Frankenstein (1958)
Frankenstein is dead! Or is he? In this episode, “The Invisible Dan” and “Monster Mike” dissect all the brain-swapping mayhem in Hammer’s first Frankenstein sequel! Join them as they discuss the return of the Hammer dream team: Terence Fisher, Jimmy Sangster and Peter Cushing, plus the handsome new “monster” played by Michael Gwynn; the challenges of writing a follow-up to a film that beheaded its protagonist; more cost-cutting measures, including repurposing some of the Dracula sets; Hammer’s unproduced Frankenstein TV series; more James Bond connections; and so much more! If you enjoy this…
26 Dec 2025 · 1 hr 41 min
Dracula (1958)
It’s time to dust off the ol’ crucifix because “The Invisible Dan” and “Monster Mike” are diving into the film that made Christopher Lee a household name, and may also have established Dracula as a sexy/sad character, rather than just a bloodthirsty monster. That’s right, they’re talking about 1958’s Dracula (aka Horror of Dracula)! Join them as they discuss Hammer’s journey bringing Dracula to the big screen, including whittling the source material down to its bare essentials, the challenges of including so much sex and violence, and the interesting connection Hammer shared with Universal…
S3 · E2 · 28 Nov 2025 · 1 hr 29 min
The Curse of Frankenstein (1957)
It’s officially Hammer time! Join “The Invisible Dan” and “Monster Mike” as they dissect the production of Hammer’s first gothic horror film, and cover all the gory details including the fantastic performances from Peter Cushing and Christopher Lee, the film’s notable differences from previous Frankenstein interpretations, Terence Fisher’s creative direction, the brilliant use of color and subsequently amped up violence, and so much more! If you enjoy this episode, and want to support the show, check out our Patreon!
S3 · E1 · 31 Oct 2025 · 27 min
The Origin of Hammer
Happy Halloween! “The Invisible Dan” and “Monster Mike” are back with a brand new season of monster goodness! This time, they’re turning the clocks back to the 1930s to examine the humble beginnings of one of the most iconic horror houses in cinema history: Hammer Film Productions. Join them for a short little season 3 primer as they discuss Hammer co-founders William Hinds and Enrique Carreras, the studio’s decline during the war, and how their sons, Anthony Hinds and James Carreras resurrected the Hammer brand, and began production on the sci-fi and horror films which would ultimately…
28 Mar 2025 · 1 hr 27 min
Wolf Man (2025)
In this episode, “The Invisible Dan” and “Monster Mike” come howling back for one last episode to close out Season 2 of The Monsters That Made Us! Join them as they dig into Leigh Whannell’s reinvention of the Wolf Man, along with all the new mythology and the slam dunk performance from Christopher Abbott (possibly the greatest Wolf Man performance ever?), as well as some its flaws, not limited to the half-baked script, the clunky cast chemistry, the wholesale omission of just about all traditional werewolf lore, and the heavy themes, at times, getting in the way of an otherwise solid…
S2 · E17 · 28 Feb 2025 · 2 hr 6 min
Abigail (2024)
In this episode, “The Invisible Dan” and “Monster Mike” are hunting a ballerina vampire as they discuss 2024’s Abigail! Join them as they dive into all the gory details about the incredible ensemble cast (including plenty of gushing about Dan Stevens), the filmmaking duo Radio Silence and their knack for melding comedy and horror, and why Abigail is a fantastic take on the Dracula’s Daughter concept. If you enjoy this episode, and want to support the show, check out our Patreon!
S2 · E16 · 31 Jan 2025 · 1 hr 33 min
The Last Voyage of the Demeter (2024)
All aboard! In this episode, “The Invisible Dan” and “Monster Mike” set sail for England on the ill-fated merchant ship, Demeter. Join them as they discuss The Last Voyage of the Demeter‘s long road to production, from its conception in the early ’90s through the many personnel changes and script revisions, and finally to its big screen debut. Plus, they dive into the film’s fantastic cast, the challenges of shooting an entire film set at sea, the choice to go super heavy on digital effects as opposed to practical effects, and whether or not the film ultimately plays it a little too safe to…
S2 · E15 · 28 Dec 2024 · 1 hr 15 min
Renfield (2023)
In this episode, “The Invisible Dan” and “Monster Mike” dive into Chris McKay’s over-the-top, action-packed horror comedy, Renfield! Join them as they discuss the film’s origins as part of the Dark Universe and its evolution into the film it eventually became, the brilliant performances from Nicholas Hoult and the iconic Nicolas Cage, the jaw-dropping practical makeup effects and stunt work, the occasionally uneasy balance between the film’s horror and comedic elements, and why Renfield is ultimately a fun addition to the Universal Monsters canon. If you enjoy this episode, and want to…
S2 · E14 · 29 Nov 2024 · 1 hr 45 min
The Invisible Man (2020)
Exit Alex Kurtzman, enter Jason Blum. In this episode, “The Invisible Dan” and “Monster Mike” dive into Universal’s first theatrical monster movie since the death of the Dark Universe. Join them as they discuss writer/director Leigh Whannell’s bold new vision for the Invisible Man, including shifting the perspective to the victim, the clever camera work, the stunt choreography, changing the invisibility serum to an invisibility suit, and why a smaller, more intimate story–rather than a huge, globetrotting adventure–was exactly the hard reset the Universal Monsters needed. If you enjoy this…
14 Nov 2024 · 1 hr 1 min
Jakob Skrzypa (Interview)
In this second episode of The Monsters That You Made, “The Invisible Dan” and “Monster Mike” chat with filmmaker Jakob Skrzypa, producer and co-writer of the new horror comedy, Vampire Zombies… From Space! Join them as they discuss Jakob’s history with the Universal Monsters, growing up with The Creature from the Black Lagoon and The Wolf Man, discovering the films of Ed Wood, and the 10+ year journey of breathing new life into a project that began way back in high school and finally getting it up on the big screen. Find Jakob and Vampire Zombies… From Space online: Website:…
S2 · E13 · 25 Oct 2024 · 1 hr 14 min
The Scorpion King: Book of Souls (2018)
In this episode, “The Invisible Dan” and “Monster Mike” head back to ancient Egypt for one last ride with the Scorpion King! Join them as they discuss their experience working through Universal’s first Universal Monsters spin-off franchise and how it did (or didn’t) live up to expectations, as well as its final installment, its new lead actor, and why The Scorpion King: Book of Souls is arguably the best of the Scorpion King sequels. If you enjoy this episode, and want to support the show, check out our Patreon!
S2 · E11 · 27 Sep 2024 · 1 hr 59 min
The Mummy (2017)
Join “The Invisible Dan” and “Monster Mike” as they say hello and goodbye to Universal’s short-lived Dark Universe. In this episode, they discuss the origins of 2017’s The Mummy, its evolution into a launching pad for an enormous shared cinematic universe, the tumultuous early stages of its production, the brilliant action set pieces, the horrifying mummy moments, the questionable casting decisions, and why, despite its flaws, they still wish they had gotten to see more of the Dark Universe! If you enjoy this episode, and want to support the show, check out our Patreon!
S2 · E11 · 30 Aug 2024 · 1 hr 23 min
The Scorpion King 4: Quest for Power (2015)
In this episode, “The Invisible Dan” and “Monster Mike” continue their journey through the world of straight-to-video Scorpion King installments. Join them as they discuss Victor Webster’s second film as Mathayus, the return of Will Kemp to the Universal Monsters Universe, the star-studded supporting cast, the blatant Indiana Jones rip-offs, the impressive fight sequences, and whether a more pronounced shift towards comedy helps or hurts The Scorpion King 4: Quest for Power. If you enjoy this episode, and want to support the show, check out our Patreon!
S2 · E10 · 26 Jul 2024 · 1 hr 30 min
Dracula Untold (2014)
Join “The Invisible Dan” and “Monster Mike” as they turn the clock all the way back to the 15th century to witness the transformation of Vlad Dracula, the Prince of Wallachia, into one of the most legendary monsters the world has ever seen. They discuss Luke Evans’ fantastic performance as the warrior Dracula, the feature film debut of director Gary Shore, the undeniable influence superhero movies had on Dracula’s origin, all the cool vampire stuff that is (or should’ve been) in this movie, and how Dracula Untold was almost definitely Universal’s first attempt at launching a cinematic…
S2 · E9 · 28 Jun 2024 · 1 hr 27 min
The Scorpion King 3: Battle for Redemption (2012)
Not long after he was crowned the Scorpion King, Mathayus has lost his wife, his kingdom, and is back to his old mercenary ways. Join “The Invisible Dan” and “Monster Mike” as they head to the Far East for the first direct sequel to 2002’s The Scorpion King. They discuss the new Mathayus, the myriad cost-cutting measures and low-budget filmmaking techniques employed by director/cinematographer Roel Reiné, the supporting cast of movie stars (and future movie stars), including a brilliant, scenery-chewing Billy Zane, and so much more! If you enjoy this episode, and want to support the show,…
S2 · E8 · 31 May 2024 · 2 hr 10 min
The Wolfman (2010)
In this episode, “The Invisible Dan” and “Monster Mike” got that dog in ’em! Join them as they discuss Universal’s back-to-basics approach to their 2010 remake, The Wolfman, as well as the last minute personnel changes, the reshoots a year after principle photography wrapped, the differences between the theatrical cut and the (superior) unrated director’s cut, Rick Baker’s Academy Award-winning makeup, and so much more! If you enjoy this episode, and want to support the show, check out our Patreon!
29 Apr 2024 · 45 min
Jason Ginsburg (Interview)
“The Invisible Dan” and “Monster Mike” kick off a brand new feature where they sit down with fellow monster fanatics to discuss their Universal Monsters-inspired creations! Join them as they chat with Jason Ginsburg, the producer and co-writer of the brand new monster-themed rock song, “Children of the Night”! They discuss the entire creative process of bringing Jason’s song to life, as well as his history with the monsters, his experience as a Universal Studios tour guide, and so much more! “Children of the Night” on Apple Music “Children of the Night” on Spotify Lyrics on Genius Jason’s…
S2 · E7 · 25 Apr 2024 · 1 hr 26 min
The Scorpion King 2: Rise of a Warrior (2008)
It’s time to head back to kingdom of Akkad to witness the birth of a legend! Join “The Invisible Dan” and “Monster Mike” as they discuss young Mathayus in his first straight-to-DVD adventure which takes him deep into the Underworld to retrieve the Sword of Damocles, fight Randy Couture, and become the new Scorpion King. They get into the new cast, the (better) original title, the (mostly) excellent use of low-budget special effects, and why The Scorpion King 2: Rise of a Warrior is, ultimately, a goofy good time. If you enjoy this episode, and want to support the show, check out our Patreon!
S2 · E6 · 29 Mar 2024 · 1 hr 28 min
The Mummy: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor (2008)
“The Invisible Dan’ and “Monster Mike” leave the desert sands of Egypt and head deep into ancient China to wrap up Stephen Sommers’ Mummy trilogy with 2008’s Tomb of the Dragon Emperor! Join them as they discuss the personnel changes among the cast and crew, as well as the addition of some Honk Kong action legends, and why this third installment still manages to be entertaining despite its flaws. If you enjoy this episode, and want to support the show, check out our Patreon!
S2 · E5 · 23 Feb 2024 · 1 hr 54 min
Van Helsing (2004)
Long before the Dark Universe, Universal had plans to build a massive franchise around the world’s most famous monster hunter, but unfortunately, it never got past the first installment. Join “The Invisible Dan” and “Monster Mike” as they discuss Van Helsing as a perfect concept to unite a shared monster universe, and how Stephen Sommers’ over-the-top, more-is-more approach may have ultimately doomed it from the start. If you enjoy this episode, and want to support the show, check out our Patreon!
S2 · E4 · 26 Jan 2024 · 1 hr 27 min
The Scorpion King (2002)
In this episode, “The Invisible Dan” and “Monster Mike” go WAY BACK to about 3,000 B.C. to witness the rise of the legendary Scorpion King! Join them as they discuss the first Universal Monster spin-off, Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson’s debut as a leading man, the terrific practical effects, the horror roots of director Chuck Russell and co-star Kelly Hu, and why, despite leaving the monsters behind, The Scorpion King still succeeds as a pulpy, throwback, Conan the Barbarian rip-off by playing to everyone’s strengths and not taking itself too seriously. If you enjoy this episode, and want to…
S2 · E3 · 29 Dec 2023 · 1 hr 40 min
The Mummy Returns (2001)
Nearly a decade after the events of The Mummy, Imhotep is back, Rick and Evy have a kid, and they’re all searching for the secret resting place of the fabled Scorpion King! Join “The Invisible Dan” and “Monster Mike” as they travel back to Egypt, then to London, then back to Egypt to discuss all the twists and turns and Stephen Sommers action crammed into 2001’s The Mummy Returns! If you enjoy this episode, and want to support the show, check out our Patreon!

About The Monsters That Made Us

The Monsters That Made Us is a English film & tv podcast from Dan Colón and Mike Manzi. Melo plays each episode straight from the publisher's own feed — no ads added, no account needed — and remembers where you stopped, in this browser only.

Publisher: Dan Colón and Mike Manzi
Language: English
Category: Film & TV
New episodes: Monthly
Typical length: 1 hr 29 min
Latest episode: 26 Sep 2026
Feed: RSS — paste into any podcast app
Apple Podcasts: podcasts.apple.com/podcast/id1534254369

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