February 5, 2025
Written by: Jaylin Emond-Hardin | Entertainment Editor
Looking for a new show to binge or a new artist to fill the homework hours? The staff of “The Western Howl” has all avenues covered — and then some.
Shows and movies:
“Attack on Titan” — Sophie Taylor, designer
One of the highest-rated animes of all time, Taylor’s choice of “Attack on Titan” is a show that “is breathtaking and was crafted to perfection. Twists and turns that no one sees coming will leave you jaw-dropped, looking at your own reflection on the black screen.”
The show follows protagonist Eren Yeager as he joins the elite Survey Corps and faces off against Titans — gigantic, humanoid creatures that feed on humans — and is currently streaming on Apple TV+ and Crunchyroll.
“River Monsters” — Sophia Pierce, designer
“After 9 seasons, the show has sadly been discontinued since Jeremy Wade, the show’s star, has caught essentially all our waters have to offer,” Pierce said.
Following Jeremy Wade as searches for exotic fishes, both big and small, the show goes across the globe and explores the cultures and stories of the people who have seen these creatures.
“When a Stranger Calls” — Quincy Bentley, sports editor
Bentley’s love for horror shows in his pick, calling it a horror movie without the gore. “Though it was made in 1979, the suspense remains timeless. The utter intensity of the film kept me on the edge of my seat for the full 97 minutes,” he said. “(It’s) definitely worth the watch.”
The film follows high school student Jill Johnson who is terrorized by a killer during an evening of babysitting. She receives repeated calls asking her, “Have you checked the children lately?”
Books:
“Jurassic Park” by Michael Criton — Isabelle Jones, lifestyle editor
Jones is a self-professed lover of all things “Jurassic Park,” and her pick had her captivated by the relationship between man and dinosaurs — and its destructive nature. “For those waiting for Jurassic World Rebirth, take some time and learn about the origins of the franchise in this vicious adventure,” she said.
The first in a duology, “Jurassic Park” explores the concept of cloning dinosaur DNA and its consequences. Much of the plot is similar to the movie, though of course creative liberties were taken during its filming.
“The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue” by V.E. Schwab — Hannah Field, editor-in-chief
“My favorite book of all time. Addie LaRue is cursed to live forever and be known by nobody — until somebody remembers her and, against all odds, they vow to rewrite their past and future as one. V.E. Schwab writes with magnetic prose in this standalone novel, capturing the human experience in such a captivating story,” Field says.
“The Book Thief” by Markus Zusak — Addie Floyd, head designer
Perhaps one of the greatest books of our time, Floyd’s choice is one that she says broke her heart to pieces. “(It’s) definitely a life-changing book. I finished this book when I was in class my senior year of high school,” she says. “Worst idea ever. I should have known better. After all, it is narrated by death.”
Music:
“Preacher’s Daughter” by Ethel Cain — Ruth Simonsen, digital media manager
At Terry House, there’s one rule: in Ruth’s music we trust, and her choice of Ethel Cain’s album is the best example of why this is. “This album strikes home for anyone with religious trauma, as it follows the daughter of a preacher through her life, brutal death and afterlife,” she says. “Listen to this album during the quiet hours of the evening, preferably with a candle burning and noise-canceling headphones.”
“the sugar machine” by slenderbodies — Kiera Roedel, copy editor
Aside from being our copy editor, Roedel is also phenomenal at writing deep-dive album reviews, so this is familiar territory for her.
“A falsetto-laden dream-pop record about yearning for days gone by and wishing for love and tranquility. Soft guitars, synthesizers and unusual percussion lines make it a peaceful yet engaging listen,” she says. “It doesn’t hurt that almost every song has an earworm chorus.”
“Imaginary Appalachia” by Colter Wall — Jaylin Emond-Hardin, entertainment editor
My personal pick, Wall’s debut album is reminiscent of the days of Johnny Cash, Willie Nelson and Loretta Lynn. With soulful lyrics that dredge up images of the American South, this album is sure to make one yearn for the days of open ranges, cowboys and whiskey so strong it would knock the fuzz off a peach.
Podcasts:
“The Magnus Archives” — Sadie Latimer, news editor
A horror anthology podcast, “The Magnus Archives” progresses as Jonathan Sims archives a collection of statements dealing with the paranormal. Each episode varies between 20 and 40 minutes and is sure to keep listeners riveted.
“This podcast is long, but so worth it. Throughout the 200 episodes, it delves into the supernatural world and what it really means to be human,” Latimer says.
“Old Gods of Appalachia” — Jaylin Emond-Hardin, entertainment editor
Another horror anthology podcast, “Old Gods of Appalachia” narrates the sordid and violent events surrounding the town of Barlo, Kentucky and its paranormal origins.
With a backing soundtrack that throws listeners into the moment, this is a podcast that is truly terrifying.
“Ologies” — Ruth Simonsen, digital media manager
This podcast is filled with interviews from experts in basically every field — “If it has an ‘-ology,’ it has an episode,” Simonsen says.
With more than 130 episodes, the podcast explores the truly wild and niche fields, including basket weaving, called canistrumology.
Contact the author at howlentertainment@wou.edu
