Embracing The Shadows: Vampire Podcast Captures Enthusiasts’ Imaginations

By Renae Ison • Photos By Matt Johnson

Lovers of moonlight and still streets may have a new stop in the everlasting quest for more content. A podcast was launched, with a focus on media of the undead variety. Vampire podcasts are sinking their teeth into the podcasting world. Titled “Vamp Chat,” the show has recently wrapped its second season and has quickly become a favorite among both casual listeners and die-hard fans of the vampire genre. 

Hosts Dan Klefstad and Eva Vertrice, authors and aficionados, met at an October 2023 joint book signing. “Within five minutes we were saying to each other we have to co-host a show,” Dan states of their first introduction. “The crazy thing is we jumped in this.” Eva recounted the experience of beginning the podcast. It premiered a year later in October 2024, and was originally intended to go to Halloween. By popular demand, a second season was produced. 

Listeners of Vamp Chat are treated to a diverse array of topics. Each episode is thoughtfully curated to provide a balance between education and entertainment, ensuring that listeners come away with both newfound knowledge and a sense of delight. Segments range from explorations of ancient vampire legends, starting with interviews with experts such as Ve Neill, Dacre Stoker and P.C. Cast, and discussionson how these mythical beings have influenced literature and pop culture. They often analyze popular vampire themes in history, offering critiques and reflections on how these themes shape our beliefs about vampires in a segment named “Fanged Folklore”. For followers, this intersection is fascinating and highlights our ever-evolving relationship with the supernatural. Typically topping off with movie and television reviews, with a drop of blood rating from 1 to 20. The dynamic duo’s ability to blend humor with horror and their knack for uncovering hidden gems in vampire lore make every episode a thrilling adventure into the unknown. 

Beyond the captivating content, the podcast’s success is also attributed to the chemistry between its hosts. Listeners feel a connection not only to the material but also to the vibrant personalities behind the mic. Dan and Eva infuse each episode with a sense of authenticity that is hard to replicate. Their passion for the genre is palpable, and they often share personal anecdotes and insights that deepen the connection with their audience. Their engaging discussions and thoughtful insights, combined with the sometimes unintended but often hilarious moments, make Vamp Chat a must-listen for anyone intrigued by the allure of the night. 

Whether unraveling the mysteries of vampiric lore or dissecting the latest vampire-centric media, Dan and Eva ensure that their audience stays spellbound. With every new episode, Vamp Chat continues to elevate the experience of exploring the shadowy realms of the undead, solidifying its place as a beacon for vampire mavens everywhere. 

Stay tuned for Season 3, available on many platforms such as Apple Podcasts, Podbean, YouTube, and vampchatwithdanandeva.com. 

Catch Dan and Eva at Louisville Horror Con June 7-8, 2025, and The Imaginarium July 18-20, 2025. Pick up Dan’s book, Fiona’s Guardians, and Eva’s book, A Fury, both available on Amazon. Keep an eye out for Eva’s upcoming book, A Hellish Fury, later this year.