Midnight Mass

Bad blood runs between them! This week, Peaches and Michael honor one of vampirism’s most elegant duos by celebrating 1973’s GANJA & HESS! In addition to discussing this burgeoning classic’s place among the arthouse undead, our hosts delve into the horror idol status of the incomparable Duane Jones. Joining the conversation is acclaimed actor Verton Banks, who not only speaks to a lifetime of love for the film, but contextualizes filmmaker Bill Gunn's place in Black cinema history. Then,...

A Hollywood Story! This week, Peaches and Michael are ready for their close-ups as they celebrate 1950's SUNSET BOULEVARD! In addition to discussing the powerhouse character that is Norma Desmond, our hosts delve into the movie's influence on a particular style of exploitation film that would follow. Joining the conversation is multi-award winning filmmaker Jeffrey Schwarz, whose recent documentary BOULEVARD! A HOLLYWOOD STORY explored a hidden, musical chapter of this cult classic's...

There’s got to be a morning after! This week, Peaches and Michael are having a topsy-turvy New Year’s Eve party in celebration of 1972’s THE POSEIDON ADVENTURE! In addition to discussing this disaster epic’s influence over a whole subgenre that would follow, our hosts delve into why it just may be the most harrowing movie they’ve covered yet. Joining the conversation is drag icon and dancing diva Love Connie, who shares how her deep love of this classic film’s female characters formed the...

Christmas is coming early this year…and it’s murder! This week, Peaches and Michael are making some lewd phone calls in celebration of 1974’s BLACK CHRISTMAS! In addition to discussing this cult classic’s contributions to the foundations of the slasher genre, our hosts delve into why comedy is an essential part of its dark DNA. Joining the conversation is none other than one of the film’s stars, Lynne Griffin, who offers up some behind-the-scenes stories and reflects on nearly five decades...

Do you hear what I hear? This week, Peaches and Michael are definitely eating after midnight in celebration of 1984's GREMLINS! In addition to discussing this cult classic's placement in the pantheon of holiday horror, our hosts reminisce about FEMLINS, the large scale drag parody they co-created. Joining the conversation is legendary cabaret performer and music artist Kat Robichaud, who shares how her longtime love of the film influenced her to include little green monsters in her shows....

Do the BIM! This week, Peaches and Michael discover the power of rock in celebration of 1980's THE APPLE! In addition to discussing the film's amped up musical numbers, our hosts muse over whether Eurovision had a profound impact on this cult classic's vision of the future. Joining the conversation is proud member of the Children of the Popcorn Brian Knecht, whose examination of the world presented in the movie reveals a deeply interwoven global aesthetic. Then, acclaimed filmmaker and...

Terror under the Big Top! This week, Peaches and Michael are spinning some cotton candy in celebration of 1988's KILLER KLOWNS FROM OUTER SPACE! In addition to discussing this Chiodo Brothers-helmed classic's rise from video store shelves to haunted attraction staple, our hosts delve into its undeniable impact on a whole subgenre of fright films that followed. Joining the conversation is acclaimed journalist Amanda Bartlett, whose recent SFGate article about this groundbreaking slice of...

A symphony of scares! This week, Peaches and Michael are conducting an unconventional IDOL WORSHIP that sings the praises of THE MUSIC OF HORROR! In addition to discussing the undeniable role a well-curated soundscape can have on fright cinema, our hosts delve into some of their favorite soundtrack scores. Joining the conversation are legendary Metallica guitarist Kirk Hammett and iconic conductor Edwin Outwater to dig into the groundbreaking compositions that shaped cult, tell tales of...

They say we're insane, but we don't care! This week, Peaches and Michael are putting on their cha-cha heels in celebration of 1974's FEMALE TROUBLE! In addition to discussing this groundbreaking film's commentary on the cult of celebrity, our hosts delve into its placement in the pantheon of John Waters' filmography. Joining the conversation is legendary Dreamlander Elizabeth Coffey Williams, who reflects on her time making FEMALE TROUBLE and PINK FLAMINGOS, as well as the trials,...

Season 3 Premiere! That's right, Peaches and Michael are BACK and decidedly "mask 4 mask" as they celebrate 1982's HALLOWEEN III: SEASON OF THE WITCH! In addition to discussing the power of autumnal nostalgia, our hosts delve into the cult trajectory of this notorious franchise outlier. Joining the conversation is actor extraordinaire and host of the iconic BRAIN ROT podcast, Stevie Webb, who offers theories on the film's reassessment and insight into his own witchy childhood obsessions....

Come out to play-ay! This week, Peaches and Michael are taking it to the mean streets in celebration of 1979’s THE WARRIORS! In addition to discussing Walter Hill’s lawless vision of New York City, our hosts delve into the near fairy tale-like structure of the film’s narrative. Joining the conversation is acclaimed comedian Samantha Hale, who dishes about how her love affair with this film began in a graveyard. Then, celebrated journalist Paul Farrell stops by to talk about his lifelong...

Happy Pride! This week, Peaches and Michael are road tripping in style in celebration of 1994’s THE ADVENTURES OF PRISCILLA, QUEEN OF THE DESERT! In addition to discussing the film’s undeniable impact on queer representation at the movies, our hosts delve into how this classic’s unapologetic fabulousness paved the way for a cultural drag explosion. Joining the conversation is legendary Australian pop icon Mark Trevorrow, who pulls back the curtain to share stories about the real people and...

Star quality! In this special episode, Michael turns the microphone on Peaches in celebration of the Severin blu-ray release and Shudder streaming debut of her movie ALL ABOUT EVIL! In addition to discussing the film’s initial William Castle-esque rollout, our hosts delve into the journey of finally getting EVIL back into the hands of fans. Joining the conversation are three of the stars of GRINDHOUSE, the original short that would serve as the basis for the feature to come. First, drag icon...

She's out of this world! This week, Peaches and Michael are braving the sensual depths of space in celebration of 1968’s BARBARELLA! In addition to discussing this cult classic’s message of galactic free love, our hosts delve into why Jane Fonda just might be the star to save us all. Joining the conversation is acclaimed performance artist April Kidwell, who shares stories about how Barbarella’s agency helped her own sense of personal empowerment. Then, drag superstar Lady Bear stops by to...

We want our cake! This week, Peaches and Michael are opening the Crate in celebration 1982’s CREEPSHOW! In addition to discussing the film’s powerhouse team-up of George Romero and Stephen King, our hosts delve into the reverential nostalgia of E.C. Comics. Joining the conversation is acclaimed magician and superstar Michael Carbonaro, who not only speaks to his lifetime of love for this cult classic, but about how Tom Savini’s own brand of illusions inspired him. Then, drag icon Erika Klash...

Braaaiiinnns! This week, Peaches and Michael are dancing on tombstones in celebration of 1985’s RETURN OF THE LIVING DEAD! In addition to discussing this classic’s brilliant meta-sequel approach, our hosts delve into the deeper symbolism of eating gray matter. Joining the conversation is QUEER FOR FEAR author and PhD of fright, Dr. Heather Petrocelli, who discusses a lifetime of punk zombie love and the connotations of the film’s comedic leanings. Then, trainer extraordinaire and BALONEY...

They’re standing outside your door! This week, Peaches and Michael are steering clear of the produce aisle in celebration of 1978’s ATTACK OF THE KILLER TOMATOES! In addition to discussing the film’s sharp lampooning of B-movie culture, our hosts delve into how this cult classic led to a franchise that changed the zeitgeist forever. Joining the conversation is KILLER TOMATOES screenwriter and co-creator Costa Dillon, who shares stories about the can-do spirit of indie cinema and making...

Call your Three Mothers! This week, Peaches and Michael are donning their black leather gloves in a special Idol Worship celebration of Italian maestro of horror: Dario Argento! In addition to discussing this celebrated director's undeniable penchant for blood-soaked style, our hosts delve into the indulgent, fairytale logic of films like SUSPIRIA, PHENOMENA, and INFERNO. Joining the conversation is the rockin' writer of GIALLO, Sean Keller, who shares stories of crafting a script befitting...

Dishes are done, man! This week, Peaches and Michael are getting the QED report together in celebration of 1991’s DON’T TELL MOM THE BABYSITTER’S DEAD! In addition to discussing the film’s unusual tonal shifts, our hosts delve into this cable-era classic’s important messaging regarding personal agency. Joining the conversation is drag icon Alaska Thunderfuck 5000, who speaks to the film’s enduring queer legacy and fashion aspirations. Then, acclaimed author and podcaster Laura Leigh Abby...

In here, life is beautiful! This week, Peaches and Michael are celebrating the “divine decadence darling” of 1972’s CABARET! In addition to discussing this landmark musical’s layered messaging, our hosts delve into how this celebrated classic puts the “cult” into “culturally important.” Joining the conversation is drag legend Coco Peru, who shares stories of her personal friendship with Liza Minnelli and the power of cabaret as an artform. Then, acclaimed author and drag superstar Fauxnique,...