Rather than throwing a splashy party to mark their fifth year on the airwaves, the hosts of the Horror Makes Us Happy podcast have chosen to channel their milestone into something more meaningful: a rare, autograph‑packed T‑shirt headed straight to charity. The commemorative shirt—bearing 32 signatures from an eclectic lineup of horror novelists, filmmakers, game designers, and comics creators—will hit the auction block this summer at the Scares That Care x Mad Monster Party in Phoenix, Arizona (July 11‑13). Every cent raised goes to Scares That Care, a nonprofit that supports families dealing with childhood illnesses, burns, breast cancer, and other hardships.
A Five‑Year Journey, One Shirt, and Dozens of Guests
Launched on May 1, 2020, Horror Makes Us Happy was born from the shared curiosity of co‑hosts Steve Becker(author of A Guide to the Recovery Toolbox) and Chris Whitman (creator of the psychological‑horror webcomic PIECES). Each episode dissects what first drew their guests to horror, how it shaped their creative lives, and why dark storytelling continues to fascinate them. Over five years, that simple premise has lured in a who’s‑who of genre voices—from breakout indie filmmakers and bestselling novelists to cult comics artists on the brink of mainstream acclaim.
In 2022, Becker and Whitman discovered Scares That Care, a charity that blends fandom with philanthropy. Realizing they’d soon meet many of their podcast guests face‑to‑face at conventions, the pair began a mission: collect as many autographs as possible on a single Horror Makes Us Happy logo tee. By the time they handed the shirt to Scares That Care staff at AuthorCon V last month, it carried the marks of 32 creators—some instantly recognizable, others poised to become household names.
“There aren’t many pieces of memorabilia that gather so many rising and established horror voices in one place,” Becker said. “We wanted something fans would fight for—because the higher the bid, the more families Scares That Care can help.”
Whitman added, “Horror is about community. Giving back felt like the ultimate anniversary present.”
Why Scares That Care?
Founded in 2006, Scares That Care unites horror enthusiasts to raise money for people facing real‑life nightmares. From burn victims to children battling illness, the organization has delivered hundreds of thousands of dollars in direct aid—largely through fan‑driven events and silent auctions stocked with genre collectibles. The Phoenix convention marks the charity’s first West‑coast collaboration with Mad Monster Party, making the T‑shirt auction a centerpiece for their expanded audience.
There’s no online bidding for the shirt, so collectors and horror aficionados eager to own this one‑of‑a‑kind artifact will need to attend the event in person. Beyond bragging rights, the winning bidder walks away knowing their cash directly funds Scares That Care’s mission of compassion.
What’s Next for the Podcast?
Even as the shirt heads for auction, Horror Makes Us Happy shows no signs of slowing down. Upcoming episodes will continue probing how fear shapes creativity—whether that means interviewing bestselling author‑turned‑screenwriter or spotlighting indie game developers weaving cathartic nightmares into interactive form. Becker and Whitman also hint at future charity collaborations, hoping to keep blending fandom with real‑world impact.
For more on the podcast, back episodes, or Becker and Whitman’s personal projects, visit HorrorMakesUsHappy.com. And if you’re planning a trip to Phoenix this July, swing by the Scares That Care x Mad Monster Party booth—your winning bid might support a family in need and net you the most collectible horror tee of the year.
Event Snapshot
- What: Silent auction of a 32‑signature Horror Makes Us Happy T‑shirt
- Beneficiary: Scares That Care charity
- Where: Scares That Care x Mad Monster Party, Phoenix, AZ
- When: July 11‑13, 2025
- Why it matters: One‑of‑a‑kind memorabilia raising funds for families battling illness and hardship.
