The Stranger Things Podcast

Hey there, Strangers! Many of you have sent us written or audio feedback during this very long off season, and we're back to share your thoughts with the community. We tried to keep things a little extra casual in this episode as we go through all of the feedback submissions, and we also give a few podcast updates along the way. We kick things off with some news items about Millie's wedding and latest movie project, as well as some news about Finn's upcoming SNL movie project.   Connect with The Stranger Things Podcast: Facebook community Twitter Instagram Contribute Listener Feedback

Eddie Munson wore a jacket all season that shared his love for the rock legend, DIO.  The music of Ronnie James Dio not only inspired and influenced the fictional character of Eddie Munson, it also inspired and influenced the lives of many in the 70s, 80's, and even today.  Although Ronnie James Dio passed away in 2010, his legacy and memory live on through his music, fans, friends, and family. Fully authorized by Dio's estate and executive produced by his widow, Wendy Dio, the documentary, "DIO: Dreamers Never Die" comes to theaters worldwide for TWO DAYS only on Wednesday, September 28 and Sunday, October 2. Click to find a theatre near you. The film delves deep into Dio's incredible rise from a '50's doo-wop crooner to his early rock days in Elf and Ritchie Blackmore's Rainbow, to replacing Ozzy Osbourne in Black Sabbath, and finally cementing his rock star status with his own band, DIO. In this exclusive interview with Wendy Dio and the film's directors, Don Argott and Demian Fenton, Darrell and Jason talk with them about  Dio's role in Stranger Things 4, the influence of Ronnie's music, Dio's charity work, the world of metal music, and more. Don't miss "DIO: Dreamers Never Die" in theaters for two days only on September 28 and October 2.

When we asked our listeners to give us one word to describe how they feel about the Stranger Things 4 finale, we heard words like dissatisfied, numb, anxious, resolved, crushed, bewilderment, depressed, bittersweet, and intrigued just to name a few. Now that we get to hear listeners share in-depth how they feel about it, those words definitely ring true.  Some felt that Stranger Things 4 was the best season ever, while others felt it was the worst season ever.  However, most of you felt like the season did a lot of things right and can't wait for Stranger Things 5. One thing that the entire fandom seems to be united on is the heartbreak over the death of Eddie. In this episode we hear some interesting theories about Eddie, as well as some other fun ideas about what may be in store next season.  With feedback coming in from at least 10 countries and 8 states, this is the most excellent feedback episode we've put together yet!  Thanks to all of you who made this episode possible.   Connect with The Stranger Things Podcast: Facebook community Twitter Instagram Contribute Listener Feedback

The Stranger Things 4 finale was full of SO MUCH action, suspense, sadness, exposition, humor, and intrigue!  Coming in at the run time of a full-length movie, we still wanted more! How could the Duffer brothers leave the ending on such a massive cliffhanger?  How could they yet again kill off a major fan-favorite character? Will we ever see Max alive again? Overall we found the season 4 finale to be very enjoyable. Obviously, like most (all?) of the fandom, we are not happy with Eddie's death, but the excellent storytelling in this episode built to an epic crescendo with all of the character groups coming together to push back Vecna.  The music was masterfully woven into the episode, and the use of Metallica's "Master of Puppets" was spectacular.   Connect with The Stranger Things Podcast: Facebook community Twitter Instagram Contribute Listener Feedback

Why did Will lie to Mike about El commissioning his painting? How will El be able to help Hawkins with no way to get there? Did Dr. Owens have a role in raising Peter the creepy orderly? These are just a few of the interesting questions raised by listeners this week.  We also have insights on the musical selections, predictions on who will die in the finale, and multiple connections to Star Wars in this week's listener feedback episode! Connect with The Stranger Things Podcast: Facebook community Twitter Instagram Contribute Listener Feedback

The penultimate episode of Stranger Things season 4 has arrived and it did exactly what a penultimate episode should do! "Papa" insists that everything he has done for Eleven, and Henry too for that matter, has been in their best interests. Like, El, we strongly disagree with his point of view.  Although we can see how he could come to those conclusions, his methods are hard to justify.  Is Papa truly dead?  Only time will tell.  In Hawkins, Max is willing to put her life on the line to save the town and all her friends.  We think the kids have no idea what they are truly up against, but also agree with them that they have no better choice.  Will Eleven be able to make it to Hawkins in time?  The ending of this episode was perfect with the kids going separate ways and preparing to execute their two-pronged attack on Vecna.  We can't wait for next week's finale! Connect with The Stranger Things Podcast: Facebook community Twitter Instagram Contribute Listener Feedback

With the major reveals and twists of "The Massacre at Hawkins Lab," many of us are updating our theories and coming up with new ones.  Is Peter Eleven's father?  Was Brenner using El to search the void in an effort to find Peter?  Was El a pawn used by Peter, or was he being truthful with her?  Did Peter/Vecna create the upside down, or did it exist before he was sent there by El?  What's up with the earthquakes, and why is the upside down frozen at November 6, 1983? These are only a few of the discussion points and theories brought up by listeners this week.  Two of you even bring back a theory Darrell threw out after watching the very first episode of season one! We do our best to make sense of these questions, put together a list of who you all think will die this season, update Darrell's predictions from this season, and make a few more predictions on how the rest of the season will play out.   Connect with The Stranger Things Podcast: Facebook community Twitter Instagram Contribute Listener Feedback

Has there ever been a more amazing or mind blowing reveal than what the Duffer brothers gave us in "The Massacre at Hawkins Lab?" Peter the friendly/creepy orderly is actually Henry Creel. I mean, he's actually 001.  What I mean to say is that he is Vecna.  And to top it all off, El created Vecna!?!?!  Wow, what a crazy twist.  Then you add in the most amazing demogorgon fight scene we've ever seen with the most exploration of the upside down that we've ever seen, and you have one amazing episode of Stranger Things. We do our best to break down all of these incredible plot developments, and Darrell talks about any spoilers he encountered about the first part of the season as well as all the things that surprised him in this episode.   Connect with The Stranger Things Podcast: Facebook community Twitter Instagram Contribute Listener Feedback

We're quickly approaching the end of Stranger Things 4 Part 1, and you all continue to come up with intriguiging theories! The debate continues on whether or not Peter is friendly or creepy, and some of you are even tossing out ideas on Peter's possible true identity.  As the community of Hawkins is lathered up into a frenzy by Jason, some of you saw parallels between Eddie's story of this season and the West Memphis 3 real-life events from the early 1990's.  In fact, your insight shared about the West Memphis 3 cause Darrell to reevaluate his theory on Miss Kelley. We love all the insightful feedback you send in each week, and look forward to hearing all of your amazing thoughts as the season continues!   Connect with The Stranger Things Podcast: Facebook community Twitter Instagram Contribute Listener Feedback

Steve jumps at the opportunity to leave the kids behind and step out of his babysitter role, but we were not prepared for him to do so! The Dive, episode 6 of Stranger Things' 4th season, left us wanting more! With the citizens of Hawkins in a frenzy thanks to Jason's accusations against The Hellfire Club, it's not only Eddie that now finds himself in their crosshairs. Eleven continues to dive deeper into her memories, exploring her previous life as Brenner's lab rat, and becoming increasing influenced by the creepy/friendly orderly, Peter.  002 is not too happy about her rising strength, and it looks like she's now convinced she is the one responsible for the massacre at Hawkins Lab. Hopper is preparing to fight a demogorgon, and it looks like his story is nearly ready to combine with that of Joyce and Murray!  Suzie provides a valuable asset to the California crew, and we wonder if Eden will join them in the weed wagon as they leave Utah in search of El.   Connect with The Stranger Things Podcast: Facebook community Twitter Instagram Contribute Listener Feedback

Brenner is back! While his return is not really a surprise, the events that unfold in "The Nina Project" with Brenner, Dr. Owens, and Eleven do bring quite a few surprises.  We see the appearance of Peter Ballard the Friendly Orderly, and we can not agree on whether or not he is truly friendly, or truly creepy.  In Hawkins, the exploration of the Creel house has us asking new questions about how many dimensions are at play in this story, and how the gang will find their way to Vecna's lair on their own. Darrell throws out a few new theories involving 002, Henry Creel, and Peter Ballard, listeners share in some really insightful comments and theories, and we share an opportunity for a special bonus episode we're hoping to pull off at the end of this season.   Connect with The Stranger Things Podcast: Facebook community Twitter Instagram Contribute Listener Feedback

Are we the only ones who think "Dear Billy" might just be the best episode of Stranger Things yet?  With Sadie Sink's impeccable performance, this episode has us heaping praise upon praise.  Robert Englund's performance as Victor Creel also stood out and his story gave us chills.  Is his story to be believed?  We have our doubts. The shootout at the Byers home was one of the most impressive scenes of the series with the one-shot steady cam action, and left us on the edge of our seats.  While Yuri's double cross is one we saw coming, the depth of his double cross is NOT something we foresaw!  Every story element of "Dear Billy" was excellent!  Nancy and Robin faking their way into Pennhurst was hilarious, and the nods to "The Silence of the Lambs" were excellent.  Capping the episode with Max's flashback memories of the kids and Kate Bush's "Running Up That Hill" were absolute perfection! We have much to discuss, listeners once again flooded our inbox with incredible insights, and Darrell has put together such a long theory that at least one (hopefully) thing has to be correct!   Connect with The Stranger Things Podcast: Facebook community Twitter Instagram Contribute Listener Feedback

We saw major developments on every front in, "The Monster and the Superhero."  El is arrested for assaulting Angela with the skate, but ends up rescued by Dr. Ownens and given the option to return to Hawkins, undergo training to restore her powers, and save everyone.  Murray and Joyce make their way to Alaska.  In Hawkins, Lucas finds himself in a delicate position as he tries to provide a layer of protection between Dustin's group and the basketball bullies.  Robin and Nancy find themselves hunting for clues together, unsure how each of them feel about each other or Steve.  Meanwhile, Steve, Dustin, and Max break into the school to examine student records in Ms. Kelly's office.  While there, Max hears the voice of Vecna, wanders out to the hallway, and sees a grandfather clock embedded into the wall. This episode gave us a lot to think about and we loved it.  We feel like it not only moved each of the story lines forward in significant ways, but it set up the stories in ways that they can carry momentum throughout the rest of the season.  We're very intrigued and concerned about what will happen with Max, excited that it looks like Lucas has abandoned the basketball boys to rejoin his geeky friends, and intrigued by the thought of Nancy and Steve rekindling their relationship.  We're also quite concerned for El as we wonder whether Dr. Owens trip to California has tipped off the government to her whereabouts, or if her arrest record will tip off the government posse.  Either way, we're quite sure El is in danger!    Connect with The Stranger Things Podcast: Facebook community Twitter Instagram Contribute Listener Feedback

"Vecna's Curse" is now haunting the residents of Hawkins, just as they beginning to heal from the events of season 3. With the news of Chrissy's death spreading around town, the Hawkins kids begin their own investigations as to what happened?  What the culprit Eddie, the leader of The Hellfire Club, or are their worst fears coming to life and something far more sinister is the cause?  Fred becomes the second gruesome victim of Vecna, and his death gives us more clues to how Vecna chooses his prey. Out in California, El continues spreading her lies in an effort to bamboozle Mike into thinking her life there is great.  Her lies catch up with her though, and she's once again the focus of Angela's bullying.  Mike watches on in horror as El is humiliated in front of the entire skating rink.  El has had enough, and smashes a skate into Angela's face, bringing back memories of the massacre in the Hawkins Lab we saw in "The Hellfire Club." Season 4 continues to be thrilling and more horrorific than ever before.  We have lots of thoughts, some new theories, and a great time discussing, "Vecna's Curse" in this week's episode. Connect with The Stranger Things Podcast: Facebook community Twitter Instagram Contribute Listener Feedback

"The Hellfire Club" starts season 4 of Stranger Things off with a bang (or should we say, crack)?  With a significantly darker and more horror tone than previous seasons, the group of Hawkins kids are more splintered and dysfunctional than ever before.  Max is facing significant challenges with her family and personal feelings after the death of Billy and breakup of her parent's marriage, El, Will, and Jonathan are trying to adjust to a new town in California, while Lucas, Mike, and Dustin adjust to life in high school which has them pursuing interests that are testing the limits of their friendship. We also meet new characters, Jason, Chrissy, and Eddie, which even after one episode, have each given us reasons to form strong opinions about them.   This episode looks like it could be the best season yet, and in this episode we break down each of the events from "The Hellfire Club," make new predictions based on what we saw in this episode, and try to work through some of the confusion we have about the various character ages. Connect with The Stranger Things Podcast: Facebook community Twitter Instagram Contribute Listener Feedback

Stranger Things 4 is just a couple of days away, arriving on Netflix on May 27!  Earlier this week we dropped part 1 of our season 4 prep episode, and now we have part 2 for you so that you can be full prepared when Stranger Things 4 arrives. Check out the MeUndies Stranger Things collection! Save 15% at www.meundies.com/strange Here in our Season 4 Prep Episode Pt 2, we do a detailed breakdown of episodes 5-8 of Stranger Things 3.  We also share our favorite moments from Stranger Things 3, unanswered questions we have, what we hope to see in Stranger Things 4, and make some season 4 predictions.  We top it all of with some listener feedback!   Connect with The Stranger Things Podcast: Facebook community Twitter Instagram Voice feedback: (304) 837-2278

The wait is almost over! Stranger Things 4 arrives on May 27, and we are here to help you get ready!  We know it's been a loooong time since Stranger Things 3, so we don't blame you if you've forgotten a thing or two. Check out the MeUndies Stranger Things collection! Save 15% at www.meundies.com/strange Here in our Season 4 Prep Episode Pt 1, we cover a few items from seasons 1 and 2 that we think are going to be relevant in season 4.  Then we give a detailed breakdown of episodes 1-4 of Stranger Things 3.  We'll cover the rest of season 3 and share some listener feedback in part 2 which comes our later this week!   Connect with The Stranger Things Podcast: Facebook community Twitter Instagram Voice feedback: (304) 837-2278

Season 4 of Stranger Things is almost here!  Netflix dropped a new trailer on April 12th, and it is LOADED with all sorts of tasty morsels.  Addi and Darrell break down every single moment of the trailer and share some observations from the trailer that lead to some new theories on what might be in store for season 4. If you don't want to know anything about the upcoming episode, then this episode is not for you and this is your spoiler warning. But if you want to know about the main villain of the season, new characters, and who might be the secret to fighting the big bad of the season, then hit that play button and journey to the upside down with us! Connect with The Stranger Things Podcast: Facebook community Twitter Instagram Voice feedback: (304) 837-2278

How does a Stranger Things fan pass the time during this prolonged break between seasons?  Rewatching previous seasons of our beloved show is certainly an excellent option.  Another excellent option is playing Stranger Things Trivial Pursuit with other Stranger Things fans!  We recently teamed up with a few of the listeners of our podcast, started a Facebook Live broadcast, and played Stranger Things Trivial Pursuit.  We had a wonderful time and recorded the whole thing so we could bring it to you in podcast form.  We hope you have fun playing along!

Earlier this month we visited Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Studios Hollywood.  Featured among this seasonal attraction are haunted houses, or mazes, from some of our favorite TV and film franchises.  The biggest franchise for us is the Stranger Things maze.  While not much changed with this years maze vs. last year's maze, we still found the experience to be very enjoyable.   We also enjoyed mazes themed for Ghostbusters, Jordan Peele's "Us," Frankenstein vs. the Wolf Man, Pandora's Box, Holidayz in Hell, and we enjoyed some delicious Stranger Things themed food! The best part of all was spending the day with Katrina, one of our podcast listeners! We spent the next couple of days at Disneyland with podcast listeners Jeremiah, JJ, Blake, and Rachel.  While no Stranger Things tie-ins could be found at Disney, we still spend time discussing our time at those parks and the fun times we shared with listeners.