Midnight Mass

Oh hi, Mark! This week, Peaches and Michael are spending some quality time on the roof in celebration of 2003’s THE ROOM! In addition to discussing Tommy Wiseau’s uniquely singular approach to storytelling, our hosts delve into this cult classic’s complicated presentation of female characters. Joining the discussion is acclaimed filmmaker H.P. Mendoza, who shares how his evolving relationship with the movie brought him to a new place of sympathy for its creator. Then, celebrated filmmaker Erick Lorinc stops by to dig into why THE ROOM’s reputation as one of “the worst movies ever” is unfairly assigned…and how its idiosyncrasies give it strength. From alley football to flower shop visits, this episode has it all! Go! 

Forget everything you have ever seen! This week, Peaches and Michael are running away with the circus in celebration of 1989’s SANTA SANGRE! In addition to discussing the Catholic damage of this Mexican/Italian co-production, our hosts discuss Alejandro Jodorowsky’s singular, mind-expanding sense of vision. Joining the conversation is celebrated filmmaker Gigi Saul Guerrero, whose longtime love of this cult classic has led her to many insightful, artistic revelations. Then, acclaimed actor Guillermo Diaz stops by to share how his first viewing of the movie left him astounded. From Luchadoras to elegant hand choreography, this episode has it all! Go! 

Angela is having a party…and you’ll have a hell of a time! This week, Peaches and Michael are headed to Hull House in celebration of 1988’s NIGHT OF THE DEMONS! In addition to discussing this cult classic’s place as a prime Halloween party movie, our hosts delve into the undeniable power of a Bauhaus dance number. Joining the conversation is drag superstar Loosey LaDuca, whose love of Linnea Quigley is a cornerstone of her appreciation for this goth fave. Then, celebrated cosplayer Gregory Van Abelar stops by to dig into how his lifetime of love for Angela and this franchise have inspired his own journey. From animated intros to disappearing lipstick, this episode has it all! Go!  

It’s a movie about audience participation! This week, Peaches and Michael are making cemeteries their cathedrals in celebration of 1985’s DEMONS! In addition to discussing their love of films set at cinemas, our hosts delve into the gloriously gory legacy of Italian auteur Lamberto Bava! Joining the conversation is acclaimed filmmaker Alexander McGregor Birrell, whose discovery of this cult classic at a young age has continued to influence his life and work. Then, STEREO ARGENTO co-founder and drag artist extraordinaire Andrew Sheets (aka Meredeath) stops by to dig into the larger than life elements that make this gruesome fave endure. From dripping drool to motorcycle rides down the aisles, this episode has it all! Go!  

We are the weirdos mister! This week, Peaches and Michael are casting spells in celebration of 1996’s THE CRAFT! In addition to discussing the lasting queer resonance of this cult classic, our hosts delve into the meaningful representation presented by each of the four witches. Joining the conversation is drag icon Vander Von Odd, who speaks to a lifetime of lessons learned from obsessing over this magical movie. Then, acclaimed writer Jenika McCrayer stops by to explore THE CRAFT's continued legacy and how it broke the mold in representations of teen empowerment. From summoning the four corners to slumber party games, this episode has it all! Go! 

The Revolution Is My Boyfriend! This week, Peaches and Michael raise the amorous dead in an Idol Worship celebration of the legendary Bruce LaBruce! In addition to discussing this iconic cult filmmaker and artist’s impact on the world of queer punk cinema, our hosts delve into the evolving power of shock value. Joining the conversation is none other than Bruce LaBruce himself, who shares stories and insights about a lifetime of bucking the system. From underground zines to the collision of porn and art and beyond…this episode has it all! Go! 

You’ll never forget her! This week, Peaches and Michael learn that Hollywood isn’t all glitz and glamour as they tackle 1970’s MYRA BRECKINRIDGE! In addition to discussing this controversial classic’s place in the pantheon of queer cinema, our hosts delve into the film’s exploration of showbiz power dynamics. Joining the conversation is legendary actress/activist/performer Calpernia Addams, who not only helps deconstruct many of the movie’s trickier elements, but also shine a light on its endurance as a fantastical artifact. Then, acclimated drag artist Mad Magda (aka David Nemoyten) stops by to dig into the powerful presence of Mae West and how her legacy continues to transcend. From Rex Reed’s dance moves to clip shows galore, this episode has it all! Go! 

From Baby Jane to Auntie Roo and beyond! This week, Peaches and Michael unveil a special episode dissecting one of horror’s most “Sainted Subgenres” – HAGSPLOITATION (aka “Psycho Biddies”)! In addition to discussing the many luminous women who brought these movies to life, our hosts tackle the oft problematic labeling of this particular avenue of fright. Joining the conversation is award-winning historian/author/host David Del Valle, who provides insight and personal stories about the era of Hollywood that birthed these films. Additionally, David digs into why these deliciously devilish dames connect with a whole generation of queer folks. Bette! Joan! Olivia! Oh my! This episode has it all! Go! 

A pumpkin, if you please! This week, Peaches and Michael are taking a trip to the dark side of the rainbow in celebration of 1985’s RETURN TO OZ! In addition to discussing this unlikely sequel’s gateway horror leanings, our hosts delve into the many queer allusions of Dorothy Gale’s travels. Joining the conversation is award-winning author and illustrator Terry Blas, whose love of the character Tik-Tok has become a crucial part of his cult devotion. Then, acclaimed filmmaker Christopher Wesley Moore stops by to dig into the fact the spookiness is what makes this particular vision of Oz so uniquely special. From Mombi’s heads to an understated Piper Laurie, this episode has it all! Go! 

Mistletoe can be deadly if you eat it! This week, Peaches and Michael are heading to Gotham City for the holidays in celebration of 1992’s BATMAN RETURNS! In addition to discussing the personal aesthetic Tim Burton brings to the comic book world, our hosts delve into this classic’s place as both a Christmas fave and gateway horror staple. Joining the conversation is acclaimed author Mark O’ Connell, whose appreciation of the movie helps dissect its place in the greater Bat-pantheon. Then, celebrated adult entertainer and author Blue Bailey stops by to dig into Catwoman as a representation of kink power dynamics and more! From the Ice Princess to bloody nose chomps, this episode has it all! Go! 

Hips or lips? This week, Peaches and Michael are having a questionable night out in celebration of 1980’s CRUISING! In addition to discussing the queer reclamation of this subversive fave, our hosts reflect on William Friedkin’s numerous intersections with the community. Joining the conversation is pop culture celebrant and recording artist Jeff Nelson, who shares how his evolving love of the film allowed him to embrace the camp in the darkness. Then, acclaimed photographer and author Leo Herrera stops by to dig into why our relationship with transgressive art helps define our queer experience. From popper parties to Pacino dancing, this episode has it all! Go! 

Lights, camera, revolution! This week, Peaches and Michael take guerilla filmmaking to the extreme in celebration of 2000’s CECIL B. DEMENTED! In addition to discussing John Waters’ loving lambast of transgressive cinema, our hosts delve into what auteur’s name they’d be willing to have branded on their bodies. Joining the conversation is the Prince Charles Cinema’s Ralph Bogard, whose intersecting love of film exhibition and the Pope of Trash lead to insightful dissection of this cult classic. Then, Media Meltdown’s Piranha Psychotronica stops by to dig into the evolving prescience of the film’s take on subversive movie culture. From burning hair to FORREST GUMP 2, this episode has it all! Go! 

We warned you not to go out tonight! This week, Peaches and Michael are getting positively 42nd Steet for their Idol Worship celebration of William Lustig! In addition to discussing this genre legend’s deep connection to New York City, our hosts delve into his dedication to preserving fright films from around the world. Joining the conversation is none other than the icon himself, William Lustig, fresh from being honored with the first inaugural lifetime achievement Leviathan Award at the Brooklyn Horror Film Festival. In this far ranging discussion, Lustig shares behind the scenes stories from the making of MANIAC, the MANIAC COP series, and beyond, as well as reflects on his lifetime of love for cinema. From wild stunts to late night phone calls from Joe Spinell, this episode has it all! Go!  

Dance by the light of the TV screen! This week, Peaches and Michael are tapping into a broadcast from beyond the stars in celebration of 1986’s TERRORVISION! In addition to discussing this cult classic’s bead on 80s archetypes, our hosts delve into the slimy staying power of asymmetrical monsters. Joining the conversation is the legendary writer/director of the film, Ted Nicolaou, who shares memories and behind-the-scenes tales of bringing this fan favorite to life. Then, Knucklehead of the acclaimed HEBGB TV stops by to talk about his longtime love of TERRORVISION and the legacy of strange signals. From Mary Woronov’s swinger pad to cantankerous horror hosts, this episode has it all! Go! 

Top that! This week, Peaches and Michael are never gonna be the same again as they celebrate 1989’s TEEN WITCH! In addition to discussing this cult classic’s unique story construction, our hosts delve into the abundance of spells cast to ensure sexy times. Joining the conversation is one of the legendary stars of the movie, Mandy Ingber, who shares behind-the-scenes memories and what it means to be the person behind a truly magical rap. Then, Eisner Award-winning comic book writer Casey Gilly stops by to dig into our ongoing fascination with the intersection of adolescence and witchcraft. From popular girls to the finest hour, this episode has everything! Go!  

Let’s go ape! This week, Peaches and Michael are questioning every cucumber in celebration of 1975’s THUNDERCRACK! In addition to discussing the undeniable legacy of this arthouse favorite’s unabashedly queer auteurs, our hosts delve into the film’s subversive use of all-manner of unsimulated sex. Joining the conversation is award-winning filmmaker Jennifer Kroot, who shares insight about one of the film’s co-creators, not just as his former student…but his documentarian. Then, acclaimed producer and “original bear” Bobby Barber stops by to talk about how his longtime love of this deeply subversive movie helped him find his community. From gorilla brides to severe eyebrows, this episode has it all! Go!  

Red, White…and Blaine? This week, Peaches and Michael are having an Idol Worship celebration of a filmmaker who is truly “Best in Show” – Christopher Guest!  In addition to discussing this comedy auteur’s foundational work in the mockumentary space, our hosts delve into the fabulous troupe of performers who populate his world. Joining the conversation is producer extraordinaire Brian Nolan, who shares how crucial WAITING FOR GUFFMAN was to his own experiences in the creative space. Then, acclaimed film & TV star Sam Pancake stops by to talk about the power of improv comedy in the “Guest style” and his analysis of that gently hilarious world. From Mitch & Mickey to HOME FOR PURIM, this episode has it all! Go! 

Death for running a stop sign? This week, Peaches and Michael are taking a trip to Valkenvania in celebration of 1991’s NOTHING BUT TROUBLE! In addition to discussing this film’s undeniably powerhouse cast, our hosts delve into the ultimate rollercoaster ride that is “Mister Bonestripper.” Joining the conversation is BALONEY co-founder and acclaimed choreographer Rory Davis, whose love of the movie brings further context to its vastly expensive weirdness. Then, celebrated creator and exec Jeffrey McCrann stops by to talk about this emerging cult classic’s horror parallels, mutant babies, and what it means to have a lifetime of devotion to a true cinematic underdog. From Tupac Shakur to tasty sausages, this episode has it all! Go!  

Killers come in all sizes! This week, Peaches and Michael aren’t toying around as they celebrate 1989’s PUPPET MASTER! In addition to discussing the sheer glamour of leech vomiting living dolls, our hosts delve into the multi-faceted appeal of this cult classic’s many sequels. Joining the conversation is Nat Brehmer, acclaimed author of PUPPET MASTER COMPLETE: A FRANCHISE HISTORY, whose lifelong obsession with the creations of Andre Toulon led him to write the definitive book on the matter. Then, celebrated professional wrestling superstar Allie (aka The Bunny) pops by to talk about how she went from being a deeply devoted fan of the franchise to one of the stars of the most recent entry – DOKTOR DEATH! From psychic gatherings to switchblade splattering, this episode has it all! Go! 

The true nature of sacrifice! This week, Peaches and Michael are dancing around the maypole in honor of 1973’s THE WICKER MAN! In addition to discussing this cult classic’s five decades of cinematic influence, our hosts delve into its foreboding commentary on the precarious nature of belief. Joining the conversation is filmmaker and acclaimed horror host Melissa LaMartina (aka Aurora Gorealis), whose evolving love of the movie led her to create a uniquely immersive experience. Then, producer extraordinaire Bren O’Callaghan speaks on his own devotion to the film, sharing details on creating Summerisle specific scratch-n-sniff cards, as well as his visits to the movie’s actual shooting locations. From hobby horses to Christopher Lee’s Cher wig, this episode has it all! Go!