Episode 76: Return to Oz

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!