Episode 139 - Idol Worship: Ted V. Mikels

It’s time for a Ted talk! This week, Peaches and Michael are putting on their gold boots for an Idol Worship celebration of cult movie icon Ted V. Mikels! In addition to discussing this indie maverick’s legendarily lavish lifestyle, our hosts delve into a foundational filmography that includes the likes of THE CORPSE GRINDERS, ASTRO ZOMBIES, and THE DOLL SQUAD! Joining the conversation is acclaimed filmmaker Elijah Drenner, who digs into why movies like BLOOD ORGY OF THE SHE-DEVILS didn’t always deliver on their title, while also exemplifying the wild world of their creator. Then, celebrated horror host Mr. Lobo returns with some remembrances of working on a later Mikels’ picture, as well as a story about how Ted V. Mikels once crossed paths with Ed Wood! From 10 VIOLENT WOMEN to boar’s tooth fashion accessories, this episode has it all! Go! 

And a child shall lead them! This week, Peaches and Michael are walking behind the rows in celebration of 1984’s CHILDREN OF THE CORN! In addition to discussing this enduring tale of innocence perverted, our hosts delve into how the aesthetic of the original film continues to inspire modern folk horror. Joining the conversation is celebrated comedian Alaina Bamfield, who shares how a youthful association with this cult classic led to an ongoing fascination. Then, filmmaker/editor extraordinaire Erick Lorinc stops by to extoll the virtues of the entire Corn franchise and why it persists in pop culture. From Linda Hamilton to the crimes of being an outlander, this episode has it all! Go! 

The most terrifying vision of all! This week, Peaches and Michael are unleashing a swarm of locusts in celebration of 1977’s EXORCIST II: THE HERETIC! In addition to discussing this much maligned and misunderstood sequel’s place in horror history, our hosts delve into the details of its troubled production. Joining the conversation is David Kittredge, the acclaimed filmmaker of BOORMAN AND THE DEVIL, to shed some light on his years long exploration into this notorious classic and what it ultimately reveals about the artist’s journey. From Pazuzu's possession to Linda Blair stepping out on the edge, this episode has it all! Go!  

OH MY GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOD! This week, Peaches and Michael are taking a trip to Nilbog in celebration of 1990’s TROLL 2! In addition to discussing this unusual fave’s strange connection to vegetarianism, our hosts delve into what it means to be the “best worst” cult film around. Joining the conversation is filmmaker Adam Deyoe, who reflects on how seeing the likes of TROLL 2 made a career in cult cinema seem possible. Then, Horrifying Hot Sauce’s D. Ryan Mowry stops by to share how his love of this peculiar picture inspired two of his spicier concoctions. From green-dripping goblins to pissing on hospitality, this episode has it all! SPECIAL OFFER: In celebration of this week’s discussion, Horrifying Hot Sauce is offering 10% off any hot sauces from 7/20 - 8/31 (2026) for Midnight Mass listeners. Visit http://www.horrifyinghotsauce.com/ and use coupon code MMT2 at checkout! 

The laughs are MONSTROUS! This week, Peaches and Michael are exploring the hilarious House of Horrors in celebration of 1948’s ABBOTT AND COSTELLO MEET FRANKENSTEIN! In addition to discussing this classic’s foundational melding of genres, our hosts delve into the lasting significance of bringing all our fright faves together. Joining the conversation is horror comedian Rick Guzman, who shares how Bud and Lou’s antics have had an ongoing impact on his life and comedy. Then, legendary horror host Penny Dreadful stops by to discuss this landmark film’s impact on all the children of the night who blend camp with chills. From Lon Chaney Jr.’s hairy predicament to Vincent Price’s voice cameo, this episode has it all! Go! 

The Raw Personal Story of a Night Girl! This week, Peaches and Michael are snatching some wigs in honor of 1964’s THE NAKED KISS! In addition to discussing the film’s exploration of the dark underbelly of Americana, our hosts delve into how many of the societal issues raised in this neo-noir classic remain relevant today. Joining the conversation is drag icon D’Arcy Drollinger, who shares how she continues to draw inspiration from the story of Kelly’s plight. Then, entertainment marketing expert Jack Paterson stops by to dig into why filmmaker Samuel Fuller is worthy of his own brand of Idol Worship. From Bon-Bons to dirty money in the mouth, this episode has it all! 

Take a walk on the wild side! This week, Peaches and Michael are showing their Pride by throwing an Idol Worship celebration in honor of the legendary Holly Woodlawn! In addition to discussing this Warhol Superstar’s undeniable impact on the landscape of cult cinema, our hosts delve into her place as an iconic queer trailblazer. Joining the conversation is acclaimed author Jeff Copeland, whose friendship with Holly not only led to him co-authoring her autobiography, but also pen the recent memoir LOVE YOU MADLY, HOLLY WOODLAWN: A WALK ON THE WILD SIDE WITH ANDY WARHOL’S MOST FABULOUS SUPERSTAR all about their shared misadventures navigating showbiz. From Lou Reed to WOMEN IN REVOLT, this episode has it all! Go! 

If they get caught it's all over. If they don't, it's just the beginning! This week, Peaches and Michael are sneaking out on a school night in celebration of 1990’s HOUSE PARTY! In addition to discussing the cultural impact of Kid ‘n Play, our hosts delve into why this raucous classic was the perfect antidote to the teen movies that had come before. Joining the conversation is comedian and ASTRONOMY CLUB co-founder Shawtane Bowen, who speaks to the film’s foundational nature and his formative love for the comedy of Robin Harris. Then, iconic comic book author and artist William O. Tyler returns to explore this slice of cinema's undeniable message of Black joy...as well as his thoughts regarding the movie's abundance of hot men. From Full Force to high top fades, this episode has it all! 

Nothing’s gonna stop us now! This week, Peaches and Michael are getting their window display just right in celebration of 1987’s MANNEQUIN! In addition to discussing the film’s trailblazing queer portrayal courtesy of the iconic Hollywood Montrose, our hosts delve into this kitsch-classic’s commitment to kink. Joining the conversation is drag superstar Detox, who talks about how her lifetime of love for this Kim Cattrall fashion-forward flick inspired one of her most legendary signature performance pieces. From Estelle Getty to the shifty evils of James Spader, this episode has it all! 

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!