Midnight Mass

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.

Episode 100 - Idol Worship: Matthew Lillard

Episode 100…and it’s a SCREAM! This week, Peaches and Michael are celebrating this momentous occasion with an Idol Worship celebration all about pop culture icon Matthew Lillard! In addition to discussing this zeitgeist defining actor’s landmark roles that range from Stu to Shaggy and beyond, our hosts delve into his place as a champion figure for the “othered.” Joining the conversation is none other than Matthew Lillard himself, who reflects on his continually evolving career. Then, Fangoria...

12-11
01:25:30

Episode 99: Addams Family Values

The Family Just Got a Little Stranger! This week, Peaches and Michael are feeling all together ooky in celebration of 1993's ADDAMS FAMILY VALUES! In addition to discussing the pop culture defining turn of Joan Cusack as Debbie Jellinsky, our hosts delve into how this superior sequel got a queer injection from legendary screenwriter Paul Rudnick! Joining the conversation is drag icon Liquorice Black, who explores how her trademark aesthetic was undeniably influenced by the Addams. Then, perfo...

11-27
01:27:56

Episode 98 - Idol Worship: Corey Feldman

Never say die! This week, Peaches and Michael dreamed a little dream of an Idol Worship celebration all about COREY FELDMAN! In addition to discussing this undeniable superstar’s impact on both the mainstream and cult canons, our hosts delve into a staggering oeuvre that includes THE LOST BOYS, THE GOONIES, GREMLINS, LICENSE TO DRIVE, and so much more! Joining the conversation is none other than the icon himself, Corey Feldman, who shares stories about the recent recovery of his “lost” film T...

11-13
01:19:21

Episode 97: Phantasm

If this one doesn't scare you, you're already dead! This week, Peaches and Michael are having an interdimensional Halloween in celebration of 1979’s PHANTASM! In addition to discussing this cult classic’s thoughtful presentation of male friendship, our hosts delve into the undeniable presence of Angus Scrimm. Joining the conversation is filmmaker Henry Darrow McComas, who shares how Don Coscarelli’s innovation continues to inspire him. Then, writer Brian W. Smith stops by to dig into how he c...

10-30
01:22:54

Episode 96: The Witches

Remove your wigs! This week, Peaches and Michael are having a hexy hotel stay in celebration of 1990’s THE WITCHES! In addition to discussing the enduring majesty of Anjelica Huston as the Grand High Witch, our hosts delve into this cult classic’s long-lasting sense of kindertrauma. Joining the conversation is drag icon Anna Phylactic, who discusses how growing up with this film forever impacted her aesthetic. Then, writer/producer Amanda Grace Collins stops by to dig into why this perennial ...

10-16
01:25:02

Episode 95: Beyond the Valley of the Dolls

In a scene like this you get a contact-high! This week, Peaches and Michael are entering a world of super-octane girls in celebration of 1970’s BEYOND THE VALLEY OF THE DOLLS! In addition to discussing the ongoing legacy of filmmaker Russ Meyer, our hosts delve into this forever’s fave’s ability to strut between genres. Joining the conversation is Scissor Sister, DJ, and author Ana Matronic, who digs into the film’s female forward messaging, as well as its unique perspective on the music indu...

10-02
01:37:42

Episode 94: Mommie Dearest

The meanest mother of them all! This week, Peaches and Michael are fetching the axe in celebration of 1981’s MOMMIE DEAREST! In addition to discussing this audacious portrait of Hollywood’s juggling of camp and severity, our hosts delve into the double standard women are held to when delivering larger than life performances. Joining the conversation is The Academy Museum of Motion Pictures' Director of Film Programs K.J. Relth-Miller, whose love of filmmaker Frank Perry helps provide insight ...

09-17
01:52:25

Episode 93 - Elvira: Mistress of the Dark LIVE at the Academy Museum

Unpleasant dreams! In this very special episode, Peaches and Michael are LIVE at the legendary Academy Museum of Motion Pictures in celebration of 1988’s ELVIRA: MISTRESS OF THE DARK! Recorded on site in the David Geffen Theater on July 19th, 2024, our hosts delve into how the maven of the macabre’s inaugural motion picture outing inspired generations of fans to follow. Joining the conversation is none other than the icon herself, Cassandra Peterson, who shares stories of the triumphs and cha...

09-04
01:00:44

Episode 92: House

The girls were…eaten! This week, Peaches and Michael take a deranged trip to the countryside in celebration of 1977’s HOUSE! In addition to discussing this fever dream fave’s place as a singular slice of psychedelic haunting, our hosts delve into the impactful imagery of ghost cats and severed fingers. Joining the conversation is music-industry manager and radio DJ Kelly Fitzpatrick, whose interest in the film’s unusual uniqueness led to a lifetime of love. Then, drag icon Louisianna Purchase...

08-21
01:38:35

Episode 91: Clueless

As if! This week, Peaches and Michael are rollin’ with the homies in celebration of 1995’s CLUELESS! In addition to discussing the sheer pop culture defining power of filmmaker Amy Heckerling, our hosts delve into how this forever fave cleverly subverts the tropes of classic teen cinema. Joining the conversation is drag icon Biqtch Puddin’, who shares how the smart character construction of Cher Horowitz continues to inspire her. Then, acclaimed host of SLAYERFEST 98 Ian Carlos Crawford stops...

07-31
01:24:25

Episode 90 - Sainted Subgenre: Queer Horror

The monsters are no longer in the closet! This week, Peaches and Michael dig into a “fearz” subgenre that’s near and dear to their hearts – QUEER HORROR! In addition to discussing how they’ve watched the cultural conversation around LGBTQIA+ representation in genre shift in real time, our hosts delve into the very real catharsis fright cinema provides for those who have faced the true horrors of society. Joining the conversation is acclaimed author Dr. Heather O. Petrocelli, whose life work h...

07-17
01:36:40

Episode 89 - Idol Worship: David Cronenberg

Long live the new flesh! This week, Peaches and Michael are serving body in an Idol Worship celebration of David Cronenberg! In addition to discussing this notorious auteur’s penchant for exploring physical frights, our hosts delve into how audiences often react erotically to his particular brand of horror. Joining the conversation is acclaimed writer/editor Ally Melling, whose discovery of THE FLY at a young age led to a lifetime obsession with this groundbreaking filmmaker's oeuvre. Then, c...

07-03
01:29:47

Episode 88: 9 To 5

Pour yourself a cup of ambition! This week, Peaches and Michael are gathering around the watercooler in celebration of 1980’s 9 TO 5! In addition to discussing this undeniable classic’s crucial feminist messaging, our hosts delve into the power of Jane Fonda, Lily Tomlin, and Dolly Parton as pop culture defining powerhouses. Joining the conversation is horror icon Felissa Rose, who not only speaks to a deep obsession with this forever fave, but also unpacks what it means for women working in ...

06-19
01:31:23

Episode 87 - Growing Up Cult: Joshua John Miller

A true child of the popcorn! In this very special episode, Peaches and Michael sit down with iconic actor, writer, and filmmaker Joshua John Miller for an in-depth talk about a lifetime in cult cinema. In advance of his forthcoming feature THE EXORCISM, Joshua reflects on growing up with genre royalty for parents, living a punk lifestyle, and taking part in such pop culture defining fare as NEAR DARK, TEEN WITCH, RIVER'S EDGE, and more. Additionally, this singular creator speaks on the meta-a...

06-05
01:00:52

Episode 86: Rosemary's Baby

He has his father’s eyes! This week, Peaches and Michael are moving into a new apartment building in celebration of 1968’s ROSEMARY’S BABY! In addition to discussing this classic’s commentary on bodily autonomy, our hosts delve into the notion of “the devil next door.” Joining the conversation is celebrated screenwriter Joshua Conkel, who shares how this landmark piece of cinema's sophisticated construction has caused it not only to become his favorite film, but also a source of comfort. Then...

05-22
01:40:16

Episode 85 - Twin Peaks: Fire Walk With Me

We live inside a dream! This week, Peaches and Michael are having some coffee and cherry pie in celebration of 1992’s TWIN PEAKS: FIRE WALK WITH ME! In addition to discussing David Lynch’s symbolic smashing of the television set, our hosts delve into the importance of giving Laura Palmer life. Joining the conversation is acclaimed filmmaker Ariel Sinelnikoff, whose constantly evolving relationship with the town of Twin Peaks continues to inform her own work. Then, award-winning artist Drusill...

05-08
01:54:04

Episode 84: The Room

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 Eri...

04-24
01:43:57

Episode 83: Santa Sangre

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&nb...

04-10
01:37:44

Episode 82: Night of the Demons

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 Va...

03-27
01:34:09

Episode 81: Demons

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 an...

03-13
01:39:53

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