Hi Thrillers!
Last summer, I put out a call on the podcast feed to take the temperature of listeners in my first ever listener survey. You showed up.
You gave me your unfiltered, beautifully chaotic opinions, and honestly, I couldn’t be more grateful and entertained. The feedback was everything from touching to low-key hilarious.
I thought it might be fun for you to get to know a bit about your fellow dark and devious Ominous Thrill family members, so I'm sharing some highlights.
It's a long post, and it could have been much longer. This is about a restrained as I could get.
NOTE: some comments below contain spoilery details on certain stories.
I'm posting this to both paid and free tiers here on Patreon. I adore you all. Thank you for being here 🙏
WHO ARE YOU?
Here’s the age-bracket breakdown by order of size:
AGE
36–45: 31%
46–55: 26%
26–35: 23%
55+: 12%
18–25: 5%
Under 18: 1%
This is a well balanced age range for an audio only production which could easily lean much older. I love the solid Gen Z representation with Millennials and X'ers making up bulk of the audience. This is clearly a show for people who have lived enough life to find it terrifying. Welcome, all of you.
GENDER
Male: 52%
Female: 46%
Non-Binary: 2%
Most horror audiences lean heavily male. This more even gender balance for Ominous Thrill warms my heart, so much. 🖤
HOW DID YOU FIND US?
The single biggest source of new listeners?
Each other.
Word of mouth and podcast-to-podcast shoutouts brought in the majority of respondents (roughly 51%)
Followed by platform recommendations on Apple and Spotify (about 25%)
And good old-fashioned searching (about 20%).
A great follow-up question for next survey, "what search terms un-earthed Ominous Thrill?"
A few found us via social media and the charts.
Keep being Ominously Thrilling evangelists. 🙏
HOW DEEP ARE YOU IN? (summer 2025)
Listened to ALL episodes: 57%
Listened to 10+ episodes: 40%
Listened to 7 episodes or fewer: 1%
97% of respondents have heard 10 or more episodes. For original anthology that takes a different swing every episode/story, this is pretty remarkable to me.
In other words, this is not a casual audience. You’re committed. You’re invested. You’re a little bit obsessed, and I am absolutely here for it.
THE PEOPLE HAVE SPOKEN: FAVORITES
When asked to pick a favorite story (as of Summer 2025), listeners top 5:
ADVICE AFTER DARK: 27%
BECOMING LILITH: 12%
THE RIDE: 8%
ADVICE AFTER DEATH: 7.5%
THE CHANT: 6.5%
LET'S HEAR FROM YOU
Listener comments in BOLD, followed by 🗣my replies.
"Bella Donna. More assholes getting their karma.”
🗣 A listener articulating their entire Advice After Dark content brief. The universe heard you. Ominous Thrill delivers. The assholes have been notified.
"Advice After Dark, that character could be a full-length movie. I loved everything about it.”
🗣 You are not alone in this. Bella Donna on a screen is a thought that has crossed more than one mind. Please put these very correct intentions out to the universe. Bella is listening.
"It brought back my favorite DJ, bigger and badder than ever!!!”
A listener on why ADVICE AFTER DEATH is their favorite.
🗣 Bella Donna has re-entered the chat. The chat is now haunted.
"The actress is showing such terror on the phone that it scared me. the first part when she hides from her husband, half-whispering, half-crying, was conveying so much emotion it moved me.”
Listener of ADVICE AFTER DEATH, describing a performance that deserved every award it didn’t get
🗣 Bix Krieger (the actor performing Kate) was so incredible in the studio creating that performance. She made me feel every bit of it. I’m thrilled you felt it too.
"I love true crime podcasts and podcasts that cover fictional stories, and this was a horror podcast about someone covering a true crime podcast, and the fictional story. So the meta-humour was amazing.”
🗣 Listener of THE FINAL CUT, who correctly identified the structural joke and appreciated it fully. I’m thrilled you discovered and enjoyed the layers in that one.
"A lot of audio horror podcasts specialize in eldritch horror, where things just randomly get weird and bizarre. I like that Ominous Thrill’s stories build up. There’s suspense and intrigue that’s missing from a lot of other horror fiction audio productions.”
🗣 Noted. I love weird things, often just for the sake of being weird. But I make Ominous Thrill to be a bit more thrill. I’m thrilled you enjoy it!
"Pure bias, but I adore the theme of call-in radio shows. Never knowing who you might get on the other line. A great plot line to go in so many amazing directions!!!”
A listener on ADVICE AFTER DARK
🗣 Declared bias recognized. Don’t be surprised to hear more of this kind of story.
"The twist at the end, or rather the double twist!! Also enjoyed the rude 911 operator, hilarious.”
🗣 Giving equal billing to the dramatic revelation and the bureaucratic irritant. The 911 operator ate every scene she was in. She knows what she did.
"Another Bella Donna story coming from a different angle would be fun. Maybe someone who reaches out and Bella Donna actively works against them.”
🗣 A listener who has not only requested more Bella Donna but also arrived with a specific narrative premise. Well played. Bella Donna is listening.
"I liked seeing behind the scenes of the radio show, that it was all fake, but then when she dies, she becomes the character.”
A listener describing the arc of ADVICE AFTER DARK with surgical economy
🗣 That sentence is the entire pitch for the episode. I could have just led with that. Too late now. It’s already made.
"Like when the bad guy gets his due. In this case, spectacularly.”
ADVICE AFTER DEATH listener
🗣 Spectacularly is the only way. There are no understated comeuppances here.
"The Ride was a great introduction to you! Give me a few months, and I’ll see if Sia replaced it. Part 1 was AMAZING.”
🗣 The confidence of listing a favorite and immediately scheduling its overthrow is genuinely inspiring. Kira would like a word. Maybe Kira and Sia should team up and…. (runs off to the writing room)
"It’s the one that sits in the back of my mind the most.”
A listener on why STRESS KILLS is their favorite
🗣 That is the highest compliment I could receive for that particular story. It was designed to sit there, sawing away at your psyche. Back and forth... back and forth. I’m glad it found room in the dark corners of your mind.
OKAY, THE LEAST FAVORITES...
This is the part of the survey that took the most courage to read. But you were asked, you answered, so here is the top 5 least favorite as of July 2025.
HUNGER: 22%
THE CHANT: 13%
EXTRACTION: 11%
SUNDAY FUNDAY: 11%
BECOMING LILITH: 7%
To be fair, a remarkable number of people clarified that even their “least favorite” was still pretty good. As one listener put it: “It was just crazy but still 8 out of 10.” I’ll take that.
Also worth noting that a few of these were also among other listeners TOP stories.
LISTENER COMMENTS
"It felt a little too much like it was just being weird and gross for the sake of being weird and gross. That is a valid style. It’s just not my taste.”
A listener on not liking HUNGER
.🗣 The generosity of ‘that is a valid style, just not my taste’ is excellent. HUNGER respects this. HUNGER is still gonna HUNGER, but it respects this as do I.
"Spot phobia!!!”
A listener explaining why EXTRACTION was their least favorite.
🗣 I had no idea that was a thing. I do now. Please, tell me more of your phobias and fears. I super-duper promise they will NEVER end up in a story. Pinky swear.
"Too much pus for me.”
Another listener on not liking EXTRACTION, with surgical precision
🗣 Five stars. Perfect sentence. A genuinely fair critique. I will pass this note along to the pus department. They deserve a raise.
"I don’t remember this one.” A listener, on their least favorite episode
🗣 This is somehow both one of the most brutal and the most gentle critiques I have received. The episode in question is not currently pursuing legal action.
AND NOW, YOUR MOMENT OF OMINOUS THRILL BLASPHEMY
"I think I’d enjoy most characters returning, but I think Bella has run her course, reached the apex of her character arc.”
🗣 Uh, no. Bella Donna is not an “arc.” She is a BEAST! and no arc can contain her!!!
Uh… sorry. Point taken. Backing away from the comments section now.
"The bad guy won in the end (in a way).”
On why SUNDAY FUNDAY is their least favorite.
🗣 Hmm, did he, though? I mean… he’s kinda missing a very vital body part.
"I feel bad for Madison’s fate.”
On why STRESS KILLS is their least favorite.
🗣 Madison appreciates your concern. She cannot answer messages at this time. For reasons.
"I don’t like the male protagonist.”
On LIES.
🗣 Not an accident. Keep listening to more Ominous Thrill and you may discover a pattern.
"I prefer seeing women working together rather than pitted against each other.”
A listener on why SUNDAY FUNDAY is their least favorite.
🗣 Solid point. The women in this story have complicated dynamics. Human dynamics, but complicated. In the end, though, they put their differences aside and rocked that guillotine… together.
"My least favorite? THE RIDE. Because I haven’t heard it yet.”
🗣 This is a logically airtight loophole. Respect. But please… fix this immediately.
"I disliked all three parts of PRICE OF SIN, mostly due to how it twists the bible and religion for evil means. I use your show to escape reality, so personally it was my least favourite, still not bad, just personally not my taste.”
🗣 The devastating subtext of this comment... it was too real. Still, finishing something that doesn’t speak to you and still writing in with this much kindness about it is genuinely rare. I hear you and appreciate you. The show will keep pushing into uncomfortable territory; that’s what it’s for. I’m grateful you stayed.
"The Chant was great the first two episodes, I was just let down on the final act and reveal. I do respect the point of the twist ending leaving plenty of story left for another episode.”
🗣 This is valid and shared by a few others who wanted more definitive closure/answers. THE CHANT’s final act was intentionally designed to open a few more doors, rather than tie the bow. What this comment suggests is that I need to tell more of the story.
I'LL END THIS SECTION ON THIS NOTE:
"HUNGER is my favorite. ADVICE AFTER DEATH is my least favorite. Love the show. Always happy to listen to new episodes.”
🗣 An iconoclast. A contrarian. A person of mystery. You are the one. The sole HUNGER champion. I see you. HUNGER sees you. HUNGER is deeply moved. ADVICE AFTER DEATH will be fine, Bella has heard much, much, worse.
Oh, hey look… how about some more data!
HOW (AND WHERE) ARE YOU LISTENING?
I built this show in Spatial Audio specifically so you could lose yourself in it. And here’s how your fellow listeners are choosing to experience it:
LISTENING DEVICE
#1 - Earbuds (in ear): 71% (YAY!)
#2 - Car speaker: 45% ( This works surprisingly well!)
#3 - Headphones (over ear): 29% (Woo Hoo!)
#4 - Phone speaker: 18% (I can vouch, tip the phone in landscape mode for stereo)
#5 - Smart Speaker: 12% (curious... did it feel weird listening to Lilith tell Stuart to disable all smart devices in BEING TRUE?)
#6 - Laptop/computer: 4% ( OG! )
I love seeing so much earbud and headphone usage. That's the way to do it!
LISTENING LOCATION
At Home: 64%
In the Car: 56%
Out & About: 49%
At Work: 40%
*“Out and about (walks, runs, running errands, summoning demons in dark places” was the exact wording of that option.
LISTENER ELABORATION
"Late night in the dark.”
🗣I built the show for this. I will not check in on you. You are fine. Probably.
"Headphones but don’t like to wear them.”
🗣 The dedication to optimal audio quality despite personal comfort is the Ominous Thrill listener experience in one sentence. I live for this. Thank you.
"Genuinely terrifying sometimes when listening through headphones and walking in the dark.”
🗣 This is the desired effect. Stay aware of your surroundings. But also… don’t.
WHAT YOU LOVE MOST
When asked what you like most about Ominous Thrill, the same themes came up again and again:
The sound design/production quality was mentioned by nearly every single respondent
The voice acting and full cast performances
The writing: original, unpredictable, with great twists
The diversity of stories, characters, and themes
The immersive quality. Multiple people said it feels like watching a movie
That it’s genuinely adult content that doesn’t talk down to its audience
LISTENER COMMENTS
"You would never know this was a one-man operation; your production quality is just as good, if not better, than any full staff production house.”
🗣 This kind of comment is what keeps me going during 2 am mix sessions. Genuinely. Thank you.
"I cannot overstate how f***ing impressed I am of OMINOUS THRILL as a production.”
🗣 Message received. Now, please lower the bar so I don’t have to keep clearing it. (kidding)
"ASMR for your fears.”
🗣 Nailing it in four words. I’m hiring this person to write all my marketing copy. If I had marketing copy. Should I have marketing copy? I will if this person agrees to write it.
"The production value is HIGH, and really stands out. I’m also a big fan of not every episode being about a straight white dude.”
🗣 A listener who reviewed the production quality and the writing/casting philosophy in the same breath. Both things are intentional. Thank you for noticing them.
"Female leads are my favorites, so any of the female characters.”
🗣 A listener answering the ‘who do you want more of’ question. The female protagonists of Ominous Thrill collectively appreciate the endorsement and thank you.
WHAT WE COULD DO BETTER (and my answers)
The most common pieces of constructive feedback were:
MORE: Episodes - by a mile, or kilometer, for those of you sane souls on the metric system, the #1 request.
🗣 I hear you, and when my self-cloning technology goes online, look out!
MORE: multi-part stories - many listeners specifically loved the serialized format and want more of it.
🗣 The good news: this is where my writing is naturally evolving. The less-than-great news: longer stories take longer to write. Who knew?
BETTER ad placement - a few listeners found ads at tense moments mood-breaking.
🗣 Fair point. I launched The REDROOM ad-free experience on Patreon and Apple Podcasts so you can avoid the scourge of the ad-buzzkill, if you’re able.
CONTENT WARNINGS in episode notes - several listeners mentioned wanting a heads-up before things get spicy.
🗣 Agree. I acted on this right away. You’ll notice that all episodes featuring spicy content have my 🌶️🌶️🌶️ three-pepper emoji content warning in the show notes.
Full transcripts - some listeners noted the current transcripts lack speaker labels, making them hard to follow for hearing-impaired folks.
🗣 Noted. The auto-generated transcripts on Apple and Spotify are not good. I’m working on finding a better solution. I'll keep you posted.
SPECIFIC LISTENER COMMENTS
"If you really don’t have to, please don’t do those suggestion episodes for other shows.”
🗣 I hear you. You subscribe to Ominous Thrill and that's what you want to show up in the feed. And I don't have to post suggestions. But... consider the fact that most people discovered Ominous Thrill through other podcasts suggesting me. We swap. So, it’s a dual edge sword. Dripping with blood. Sounds like maybe some of your blood? Would you like a bandage? 🖤
"Maybe keep kissy-feely scenes between characters to a minimum, that’s really nitpicking and my personal preference.”
🗣 Thanks for sharing. I know others agree. And others don't. Just a point of reference though, since launch, Ominous Thrill characters F&^k. That will continue, now with a 🌶️🌶️🌶️ warning.
ARE YOU SPREADING THE WORD?
Yes, I’ve shared the show: 71%
No, I haven’t: 29%
71% of you have recommended Ominous Thrill to others. Which, given that this is an adult horror podcast with routinely graphic content, is actually very impressive. If we were IRL, I’d give you a big hug! Consensually, of course.
As for the 29% who said they haven’t shared Ominous Thrill, the most common reason was a simple one: the people around you just don’t listen to dark fiction or horror. Which is fair. Not everyone is ready for Ominous Thrill, and we’re not for everyone.
LISTENER COMMENTS
"I’m alone in my enjoyment and appreciation for dark and twisted horror stories.”
🗣 You are not alone. There are many other people in this audience who found their way here who are also the lone dark one in their circles. This is our circle. Welcome.
"I don’t have friends who do horror podcasts.”
🗣 You do now. We are your friends. Welcome to the Ominous Thrill extended family. We meet in the comments section, and we are all a bit delightfully unhinged.
"I’m the dark lover in my immediate circle.”
🗣 A burden and a gift. Carry it with grace. I hear you!
"I’m an introvert. :-)"
🗣 Aww…. I hear you. You don’t have to share. Just stay. 🖤
HOW YOU DESCRIBE THE SHOW
"Made for those who like a sexy, thrilling taste of Darkness…”
🗣 This is now the official tagline. Effective immediately. I’m not even asking legal.
"After listening to an episode, you may want to consider leaving a light on when you go to sleep that night.”
🗣 This is how I want every episode to land. Job confirmed. Sleep Tight.
"Lots of squelching.”
🗣 Lol… yet still, describing Ominous Thrill exactly. My inner Foley artist who recorded those squelches just stood up and took a bow. You’re welcome. And I’m soo sorry, not sorry.
"Think of The Outer Limits, X-Files, Twilight Zone rolled into one.”
🗣 No notes. This is the company I want to be in. Filed under: aspirational.
"Supernatural horror noir, some splatter.”
🗣 This person should write jacket copy for a living. Five words. Genre. Sub-genre. Content warning. Perfect.
"It’s a horror podcast. If you’re not into horror, you probably won’t like it. If you are, then this is one of the best soundscapes of all the podcasts I've heard of my 200+ collection.”
🗣 200+ podcasts. Ominous Thrill is in the top tier of that list. I am going to try very hard not to think about what the other 199 are doing.
"Gory, but extremely entertaining tho I would only recommend the podcast to someone who was mentally ‘stable’.”
🗣 I respect the vetting system. But I have to ask: how are you defining ‘stable’?
"Warped journey into the tiniest nook of our sacred dark thoughts.”
🗣 This might be the most poetic thing anyone has said about Ominous Thrill. I’m framing it.
"The podcast horror marketplace is saturated with diet horror for mass consumption. These stories are spectacular, and the multiple voice actors really plunge u deep into these nightmares.”
🗣 OMINOUS THRILL: No “Diet Horror.” I am stealing that. With gratitude, of course.
"Each story, even ADVICE AFTER DEATH and BECOMING LILITH, are SO vastly unique. They make nods to each other now and then, which implies deeper world building, but never feel recycled or cheesed. A world that is continuously fresh and alien despite reference, inspiration, and cameos.”
🗣 The nods are intentional. The Ominous Thrill world is larger than any single story. I am thrilled you caught a glimpse. More to come!
GENERAL COMMENTS / ADVICE / WISHES
"I am a very big fan of Lilith’s voice, and I too am a fan of being true to myself and everyone around me.”
🗣 Fan of BEING TRUE, quietly revealing something about themselves in the process.
Lilith appreciates you living your truth. Even if not quite the way Lilith does.
"I love that the rich bastard got what was coming to him.”
🗣 Fan of THE RIDE, getting right to the point. We all know a “Jake.” Ominous Thrill is the one place where the Jakes of the world face actual consequences.
"It was the mixture of the possibility of the Hitchcockian double cross, the Twilight Zone effect of Joyhaven appearing on the radio, and the mirage of a different time and place where everything is perfect.”
🗣 This is one of the most literate things anyone has ever said about an Ominous Thrill episode. I am pinning it to the studio wall immediately.
"I love a found recording moment… Ring vibes.” -
🗣 A listener of THE CHANT, casually comparing it to one of the most unsettling horror films ever made. I’ll take this.
"Delightful cynicism!!!”
🗣 Two words explaining why STRESS KILLS is their favorite. This is in the running for a new show slogan. Emma is pleased by this. She’ll also probably find a way to turn that pleasure into something paralyzingly… sharper.
"Kira from THE RIDE is someone I can relate to, not a typical heroine, has a conscience, and a good survival instinct. I’m also interested in what’s going on with Nina and her mom from SLEEP TIGHT, and if JOYHAVEN had any other visitors since Ava.”
🗣 This listener clearly has a notebook going, and I am extremely here for it. The specificity of this. Nina and her mom. Other visitors to Joyhaven. Kira’s conscience. You’ve thought about these people the way I hoped listeners might. Wondering what’s happening with them in the parts I didn’t show.
WHAT YOU WANT MORE OF
"A backstory on Judith? Her struggle of oppression, her secret admiration for Lera, her time at Ravenwood, struggling for freedom, the makings of a tragic hero robbed of herself.”
🗣 You clearly thought about PRICE OF SIN, and I love you for it. You have written half the pitch deck for me! I am not saying this is or isn’t happening. I am saying: you have good instincts and excellent taste in doomed characters. 🖤
"Lacie from THE FINAL CUT. I understand she is dead, but the assistant was still there so maybe we could listen to her more?”
🗣 A listener who found a creative workaround to the small obstacle of character mortality. The optimism here is genuinely touching. “She’s dead, but the assistant is fine” is a sentence that will live rent-free in my mind for some time. Btw - Kim is pondering the offer to return.
VERY SPECIFIC CONSTRUCTIVE CRITICISM
"Your sound effects are really well done; however, the stabbing and tearing of flesh sounds too similar to the non-demonic slasher scenes. They shouldn’t be the same-sounding force.”
🗣 A genuinely thoughtful note about the sonic taxonomy of violence. Thank you. The demon-tearing sounds are now in a separate folder. Labeled correctly. Hat tip!
"Create stories that capture the feeling of a nightmare, intensely eerie, unsettling, similar to the dinner scene in Nosferatu. Also include stories set during camping or hiking trips, since those are settings most people enjoy.”
🗣 The Nosferatu dinner scene AND s’mores. This is not a contradiction. It’s a pitch. The woods are listening, the campfire crackles, the s’mores are dripping… or is it…. blood?
"Keep it up, you’ve got something great here. Don’t water it down.”
🗣 A listener delivering both encouragement and a warning in the same breath. Hugs! The water content of Ominous Thrill will remain at zero percent. Unless you consider the water creature in KARMA, which was not out yet at the time of this survey.
FEEDBACK I DIDN’T EXPECT
"The binaural positioning is very good but could always be improved. The most difficult region to externalize is the frontal region; perhaps look into production options to increase externalization in that region.”
🗣 Clearly, a listener who works in spatial audio and was NOT going to let this moment pass. You are absolutely right. You are also the only person who said this. I have written it down and am quietly intimidated. In a good way. Please never stop listening.
AND NOW - THE ONE WHO USED - EVERY - SINGLE - FIELD
Trigger Warning: Homophobia
"How Would You Describe The Show: “A queer positive horror podcast.”
Least Favorite: “Any story where the protagonist is gay, a lesbian or non-binary. I hate those.”
Characters You Want More Of: “No more stories with gays or lesbians please.”
What Do You Like Most: “The non-queer stories.”
What Can We Do Better: “Fewer queers stories.”
Membership (Other): “Not interested due to your queer stories.”
Say Anything: “More hetero stories. Less queer stories will improve your show and attract more listeners.”
🗣 On one hand, this listener correctly identified the show in their own words as a "queer positive horror podcast" - yes, this, exactly. Bravo.
But then they spend the 6 remaining fields complaining about it.
Let me be clear: queer characters/stories are part of the DNA of the show. Full stop. It's not the main course, but it's part of what one can expect from the show every so often.
Additionally, I think if you look at those stories a bit more deeply, you might realize they are just as much HUMAN stories as any of the others. They will continue to be of the show, and always, presented with love. 🖤
FAN MOMENTS THAT DESERVE A SPOTLIGHT
"ASMR for your fears.”
🗣 Yes, I already mentioned this. Bringing it back because it deserves two spots.
"Ominous Thrill is a rowdy, horny violent podcast about 4 dads. Oh wait, wrong podcast. A beautifully crafted collection... sneak filled with unforgettable moments and twists!!”
🗣 I have so many questions about the 4 Dads podcast. Is it good? Is it thrilling? How horny are they?
And FINALLY - this super kind listener asks
"How can your audience help?”
🗣 Tell a friend. No, not that one, the freaky one. Leave a + review. Text an episode to the one person in your life who you think can handle it. Join the REDROOM on Patreon or Apple Podcasts. Just keep listening. Any and all of those things help tremendously. Thank you!
IN CLOSING
I could go on, because you have been SOOOOO generous with your time and sharing your wonderfully thoughtful comments. I so appreciate you.
I applaud you if you made it this far.
Just for the record, Ominous Thrill is NOT a huge show. It might sound like it sometimes, but it's not.
By every measure, it's niche, in its appeal, and in its reach. I can't/won't spend money advertising it to broad audiences who would expect something safe and "mainstream."
So, I depend on listeners who enjoy this kind of show sharing it with people who they think would also enjoy it. Ours may be a small circle, but it's the circle I want to be a part of and make devious audio delights for.
I'm thrilled it's found an audience in you, and I'm truly grateful for your listening; for being here and for sharing your thoughts with me. It means a lot.
Til next time, Thrill Ya Later!
🖤
--jeff
Did you miss the survey? Sound off on any of this in the comments, or message me directly.