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 connected to the film’s portrayal of family and grief. From flying balls to ice cream man jam sessions, this episode has it all! Go! 

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 fave continues to cast a spell. From mouse hunts to haunted paintings, this episode has it all! Go!  

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 industry. Then, producer of TURA! THE TURA SATANA DOCUMENTARY, Siouxzan Perry stops by to reminisce on her adventures taking the stars of this cult classic out on the road. From the Carrie Nations to Roger Ebert and beyond, this episode has it all! Go!  | ReplyForwardAdd reaction

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 on this cult classic’s reverential glamour. Then, A. Ashley Hoff, author of With Love, Mommie Dearest: The Making of an Unintentional Camp Classic, stops by to dig into how his deep love for this controversial motion picture led to him quite literally writing the book on the subject. From wire hangers to ice bowl facials, this episode has it all! Go! 

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 challenges of bringing her cult fave character to the silver screen. From misbehaved poodles to auditioning superstars, this episode has it all! PLUS – all new studio interstitials reflecting on the night in question! Go, go, go!!! 

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 stops by to dig into why this cult classic is an undeniably feminine fright. From floating heads to blood-spewing felines, this episode has it all! Go! 

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 by to talk about a lifetime of love for the film and its messages of queer empowerment! From Calvin Klein dresses to being a total Betty, this episode has it all! Go! 

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 has led to the definitive empirical study that links queer spectator ship and the horror genre. Then, celebrated author and playwright Sean Abley stops by to discuss penning one of the first “out” columns in Fangoria, as well as his years in the making work on a true encyclopedia of Queer Horror films. From Clive Barker’s bloodletting to the trans male fascination with werewolves and beyond, this episode has it all! GO! 

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, celebrated author Jared Stearns reveals how his work writing about the life of Marilyn Chambers led him deeper into the world of Cronenberg. From naked Russian bathhouse brawls to drippy bio-ports, this episode has it all! Go! 

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 the industry and beyond. Then, drag legend Varla Jean Merman stops by to dig into how seeing the film as a kid helped cement her own approach to acting…and fostered a lifetime of inspiration. From M&Ms to Skinny & Sweet, this episode has it all! Go!