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 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! 

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-aspects of storytelling that led to the creation of contemporary fave THE FINAL GIRLS, as well as his recent tale of a father possessed. From angsty vampires to Anthony Perkins, this episode has it all! Go! 

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, acclaimed writer and “withered debutante” Muffy Bolding stops by to dig into her ongoing deep obsession with every facet of ROSEMARY’S BABY’s DNA…and what it means to watch as a mother. From Ruth Gordon to the guiding hand of William Castle, this episode has it all! GO! 

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 Drusilla Adeline stops by to explore the film’s nonlinear approach to narrative…and human nature. From Garmonbozia to David Bowie, this episode has it all! Go!