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Midnight Mass

Media & Entertainment Podcasts

Join cult leader Peaches Christ & filmmaker Michael Varrati for some hilarious and hardcore audio worship of their favorite cult movies! Each episode focuses on a unique film, filmmaker, performer, or genre and includes special guest stars,...

Location:

United States

Description:

Join cult leader Peaches Christ & filmmaker Michael Varrati for some hilarious and hardcore audio worship of their favorite cult movies! Each episode focuses on a unique film, filmmaker, performer, or genre and includes special guest stars, super-fans, and surprises befitting midnight movie celebration. Subscribe today and truly become one of the Children of the Pod-corn! Episodes released every other week.

Language:

English


Episodes
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Episode 130: Outrageous & Too Outrageous

4/15/2026
Do something dazzling! This week, Peaches and Michael are perfecting their diva impersonations in celebration of 1977’s OUTRAGEOUS and 1987’s TOO OUTRAGEOUS! In addition to discussing why this double feature is absolutely necessary for queer audiences, our hosts delve into Craig Russell’s undeniably monolithic place in the history of drag on the silver screen. Joining the conversation is filmmaker and drag artist extraordinaire Cotton Venus, who reveals how these movies and their star were a beacon to her growing up queer in Canada. Then, legendary drag superstar Jimmy James stops by to share her remembrances of making TOO OUTRAGEOUS! From Mae West to Tallulah Bankhead and beyond…this episode has it all! Go!

Duration:01:38:12

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Episode 129: Showgirls

4/1/2026
Leave your inhibitions at the door! This week, Peaches and Michael are doing up their nails real nice in celebration of 1995’s SHOWGIRLS! In addition to discussing Peaches’ own personal history of fostering the cult via three decades of raucous screenings, our hosts delve into the cultural misogyny that attempted to crush this classic…and the obsessed fans who brought it up out of the volcano. Joining the conversation is actor extraordinaire Peter Stickles, who shares how his deep love of this legendary erotic extravaganza continues to inspire him. Then, Penny/Hope herself, iconic star Rena Riffel stops by to tell stories from the set of SHOWGIRLS, as well as her work fostering the creation of SHOWGIRLS 2. From doggie chow to boat shows, this episode has got it all! Go!

Duration:01:48:11

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Episode 128: The Silence of the Lambs

3/18/2026
Enter the mind of a killer! This week, Peaches and Michael are enjoying fava beans with a nice chianti in celebration of 1991’s THE SILENCE OF THE LAMBS! In addition to discussing the game-changing prestige of this horror classic, our hosts delve into the echoes of its problematic elements. Joining the conversation is drag artist extraordinaire Dakota D’Vil, who speaks about how an early viewing led to a lifelong obsession with the subversive world of Clarice, Dr. Lecter, and Buffalo Bill. Then, undeniable superstar and Hollywood icon Clea DuVall stops by to dig into her love of Demme’s macabre masterpiece, as well as the monolithic power of Jodie Foster! From Q Lazzarus to Precious the dog, this episode has it all! Go!

Duration:01:37:05

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Episode 127: Beetlejuice

3/4/2026
It’s showtime! This week, Peaches and Michael are feeling strange and unusual in celebration of 1988’s BEETLEJUICE! In addition to discussing how this foundational work from Tim Burton is a quintessential goth staple, our hosts delve into the overall cultural impact of cinema’s favorite ghost with the most. Joining the conversation is celebrated comic book writer David M. Booher, who shares how this tale of unconventional haunting continues to inspire him. Then, drag legend The Countess Katya Smirnoff-Skyy stops by to pay tribute to the indisputable legacy of the iconic Catherine O’Hara. From sandworms to sentient shrimp cocktails, this episode has it all!

Duration:01:43:27

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Episode 126: Supergirl

2/18/2026
Adventure runs in the family! This week, Peaches and Michael are watching the skies in celebration of 1984’s SUPERGIRL! In addition to discussing the dangers of runaway construction equipment, our hosts delve into the absolutely witchy wonder that is Faye Dunaway. Joining the conversation is celebrated author Mark O’ Connell, who digs into a lifetime of love for Argo City’s most glamorous resident. Then, acclaimed comic book writer Tim Sheridan stops by to talk about how this emerging cult classic’s strangeness is its strongest suit. From Brenda Vaccaro to the Phantom Zone, this episode has it all! Go!

Duration:01:35:48

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Episode 125: Chopping Mall

2/4/2026
Have a nice day! This week, Peaches and Michael are hitting the Galleria in celebration of 1986’s CHOPPING MALL! In addition to discussing the power pairing of Kelli Maroney and Barbara Crampton, our hosts delve into the dangers of rampant gum chewing during a robot attack. Joining the conversation are Bryan and Dave White of the BRING ME THE AXE! podcast, who dig into their evolving relationship with this video rental era fave. Then, multifaceted podcaster and music artist Mae Shults stops by to explore how the Killbots provide a stunningly unique critique of capitalism. From freak thunderstorms to a Woronov/Bartel cameo, this episode has it all! Go!

Duration:01:49:32

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Episode 124: Poltergeist

1/21/2026
They’re here! This week, Peaches and Michael are haunting the suburbs in celebration of 1982’s POLTERGEIST! In addition to discussing this supernatural classic’s critique of Reagan-era capitalism, our hosts delve into the fiercely flawed cleaning skills of Zelda Rubenstein. Joining the conversation is producer/music director Christopher Hamblin, who speaks to the lasting power of the film’s iconic Carol Anne – Heather O’ Rourke. Then, television personality and ghost huntress extraordinaire Roz Hernandez stops by to dig into Cuesta Verde’s paranormal problems. From clown dolls to unmoved bodies, this episode has it all! Go!

Duration:01:36:05

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Episode 123: The Rocky Horror Picture Show

1/7/2026
Give yourself over to absolute pleasure! This week, Peaches and Michael are taking a jump to the left in celebration of 1975's THE ROCKY HORROR PICTURE SHOW! In addition to discussing this mother of all cult cinema's undeniable impact, our hosts delve into the recently wrapped fanfare marking the film's 50th anniversary. Joining the conversation is Columbia herself - the iconic "Little" Nell Campbell - to reflect on her strange journey with this zeitgeist defining phenomenon and how it continues to be a beacon for so many. From Frank N' Furter to floorshows, this episode has it all! Don't Dream It, Be It - GO!

Duration:01:18:37

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Episode 122: Violent Night

12/24/2025
You better watch out! This week, Peaches and Michael are dodging the naughty list in celebration of 2022’s VIOLENT NIGHT! In addition to discussing Santa’s bruiser daddy status, our hosts delve into why subverting the season can be so much fun. Joining the conversation is iconic film critic and author Alonso Duralde, who digs into why a nontraditional depiction of St. Nick is often exactly what we need. Then, the celebrated creators and screenwriters of VIOLENT NIGHT, Pat Casey and Josh Miller, stop by to talk about how they fostered a wild idea into a fierce, fight-filled, festive feature that became an instant cult classic. From Beverly D’Angelo to ornaments of death, this episode has it all! Go!

Duration:01:47:36

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Episode 121: A Nightmare on Elm Street

12/10/2025
Don’t fall asleep! This week, Peaches and Michael are chugging coffee in celebration of 1984’s A NIGHTMARE ON ELM STREET! In addition to discussing Freddy Krueger’s undeniable hold on pop culture, our hosts delve into how Wes Craven’s dreamscape forever altered the trajectory of horror cinema. Joining the conversation is legendary director of JAWBREAKER and G.B.F, Darren Stein, who not only speaks of his longtime love of this cult classic, but of its enduring resonance in genre circles and as a queer fave. From Nancy’s booby-traps to Ronnie Blakely’s mannequin, this episode has it all! Go!

Duration:01:18:11

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Episode 120: Candyman

11/26/2025
We dare you to say his name! On this week’s episode, Peaches and Michael are absolutely hooked on the idea of celebrating 1992’s CANDYMAN! In addition to discussing the undeniable icon status of Tony Todd, our hosts delve into this dark fable’s continued sociopolitical relevance. Joining the conversation is podcast host extraordinaire DeVaughn Taylor, whose ongoing championing of the film has helped contribute to its place in the cultural conversation. Then, multi-faceted horror superstar Xero Gravity stops by to discuss CANDYMAN’s strengths, weaknesses, and ongoing power. From Helen Lyle’s hypnotic eyes to an insane amount of bees, this episode has it all! Go!

Duration:01:36:56

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Episode 119: Dressed to Kill

11/12/2025
The latest fashion…in murder! This week, Peaches and Michael are taking a long stroll through the museum in celebration of 1980’s DRESSED TO KILL! In addition to tackling the film’s undeniably dubious elements, our hosts delve into this psychosexual classic’s place as an American giallo. Joining the conversation is renowned artist Drusilla Adeline, whose ongoing obsession with this movie continues to motivate her to dive deeper. Then, cult filmmaker extraordinaire Sam Irvin stops by to discuss his time working with Brian De Palma on the set of DRESSED TO KILL and beyond! From lengthy showers to Phil Donahue, this episode has it all! Go!

Duration:01:43:32

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Episode 118: Hocus Pocus

10/29/2025
Amok, amok, amok! This week, Peaches and Michael put a spell on you in celebration of 1993’s HOCUS POCUS! In addition to discussing the utter perfection of the Sanderson Sisters, our hosts delve into their firm belief that the film was rescued from obscurity thanks to the passion of queer fans. Joining the conversation is drag superstar Tina Burner, whose lifelong love of Salem’s favorite witches led her to create an annual traveling parody show. Then, drag icon Nicole Halliwell stops by to discuss her own legendary parody show, as well as reveal the tea about how her work has gone on to inform the ongoing HOCUS POCUS fandom. From black flame candles to eye-opening books, this episode has it all! Go! Happy Halloween!

Duration:01:28:57

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Episode 117 - Idol Worship: Art the Clown

10/15/2025
Who’s laughing now? This week, Peaches and Michael are hosting an absolute terrifier of an IDOL WORSHIP celebration in honor of ART THE CLOWN! In addition to discussing this newly minted horror icon’s meteoric rise in pop culture, our hosts delve into the curious and challenging aspects of his place in the zeitgeist. Joining the conversation is genre superstar Catherine Corcoran to dig into her memories of making the first TERRIFIER and the experience of watching her onscreen enemy become a household name. Then, the legendary actor behind Art himself, David Howard Thornton, stops by to dish on the pressure and privilege to portray a character that has become the definition of modern horror. From grisly gore to silent shenanigans, this episode has it all!

Duration:01:47:16

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Episode 116: Josie and the Pussycats

10/1/2025
DuJour means friendship! This week, Peaches and Michael are sharing a bus pass photo in celebration of 2001’s JOSIE AND THE PUSSYCATS! In addition to discussing the undeniably rockin’ soundtrack, our hosts delve into this cult fave’s predictive and damning take on capitalist culture. Joining the conversation is acclaimed entertainment journalist and host Jamie Jirak, who reflects on her evolving relationship with Riverdale’s most infamous punk rock prom queens. Then, celebrated author and comedian Elizabeth Teets stops by to talk about Josie’s resonance and how the film foresaw the rise of “trend pimps.” From Fiona to Mr. Moviefone, this episode has it all! Go!

Duration:01:33:41

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Episode 115: WolfCop

8/20/2025
Here comes the fuzz! This week, Peaches and Michael are taking a hairy trip up north in celebration of 2014’s WOLFCOP! In addition to discussing this film’s irreverent take on masculinity, our hosts delve into its decidedly unique transformation sequence. Joining the conversation are multifaceted superstars KEVIN ALLISON and MICHAEL PATRICK JANN, who explore the notion of non-traditional werewolf stories, as well as draw some parallels to their new film, ALMA AND THE WOLF. Additionally, Kevin and Michael reminisce about their time as members of THE STATE, and what it means to have a decades long collaboration! From shapeshifters to exploding dongs, this episode has it all! Go!

Duration:01:03:31

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Episode 114: The Brady Bunch Movies

8/6/2025
Marcia, Marcia, MARCIA! On this week's episode, Peaches and Michael are having a sunshine day in celebration of 1995's THE BRADY BUNCH MOVIE and 1996's A VERY BRADY SEQUEL! In addition to discussing how the feature film version of America's favorite TV family subverts expectations, our hosts delve into the absolute queer journey of unhinged icon Jan Brady. Joining the conversation is comedy dynamo and drag clown Very Gerry (aka Gerry Mastrolia) to dig into how these movies helped contextualize a sense of wholesome outsiderness. Then, drag superstar and "skinny legend" Trixie Mattel stops by to share how her obsession with the Bradys continues to inspire multiple facets of her storied career. From Jean Smart to magic mushrooms, this episode has it all! Go!

Duration:01:39:54

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Episode 113: The Garbage Pail Kids Movie

7/23/2025
A live action heap of fun! This week, Peaches and Michael get trashy in celebration of 1987’s THE GARBAGE PAIL KIDS MOVIE! In addition to discussing this contested cult classic’s place as a prime piece of gateway grossness, our hosts ruminate on the popular trading card series that inspired its creation. Joining the conversation is legendary film programmer and critic Jesse Hawthorne Ficks, who recounts his own storied history of bringing these refuse-laden tykes to midnight movie audiences. Then, iconic horror host John Dimes (aka Dr. Sarcofiguy) stops by to shed some light on why his love for the puerile antics of the titular characters endures, despite a much-maligned history. From toe-munching gators to frothy projectile vomit, this episode has it all! Go!

Duration:01:46:59

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Episode 112: The Texas Chain Saw Massacre

7/9/2025
Who will survive and what will be left of them?! This week, Peaches and Michael are out enjoying the summer sun in celebration of 1974’s THE TEXAS CHAIN SAW MASSACRE! In addition to discussing how this groundbreaking cult classic changed the face of horror forever, our hosts delve into Tobe Hooper’s longstanding assertation that he made the film as a comedy. Joining the conversation is genre icon David Dastmalchian, who speaks to this harrowing vision’s lasting resonance and how it continues to inspire him. Then, DINNER WITH LEATHERFACE filmmaker Michael Kallio stops by to share how his friendship with one of cinema’s most legendary monsters encouraged him to create a tribute as warmly baked as a Texas afternoon. From meat hooks to John Larroquette’s narration, this episode has it all! Go!

Duration:01:39:53

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Episode 111: Muriel's Wedding

6/25/2025
You’re TERRIBLE! This week, Peaches and Michael are celebrating Pride like a couple of dancing queens as they shine a spotlight on 1994’s MURIEL’S WEDDING! In addition to discussing why this tragicomedy cult classic resonates with queer viewers, our hosts delve into the undeniable icon status of Toni Collette. Joining the conversation is THE BINGE MOVIE PODCAST’s Jason LeRoy, who shares how seeing this film at a young age forged a life-long deep connection. Then, drag superstar Mary Vice stops by to talk about Porpoise Spit’s drag appeal and an alternate universe where Abba wasn’t involved! From wild vacations to Waterloo, this episode has it all! Go!

Duration:01:32:22