University Park, Pa. — Brian Onishi, associate professor of philosophy at Penn State Altoona and affiliate faculty in the Rock Ethics Institute, delves into the political and philosophical dimensions of “Alien” (1979) in the latest episode of the podcast “Horror Joy.”

Titled “‘Alien’: An Uncanny Political Fable,” the episode examines themes of fear, corporate greed and bodily violation, along with Ellen Ripley’s evolution into a cultural icon of resilience.

“Horror Joy,” co-hosted by Onishi and Jeff Stoyanoff, assistant professor of English and women’s, gender and sexuality studies at Penn State Altoona, combines analysis of horror films with thought-provoking discussions on how horror both reflects and challenges our perceptions of the world around us. Access this episode and others on podcast platforms or through Red Circle.