Episode 101: Valley of the Dolls

Lonely hearts beware! This week, Peaches and Michael are putting romance on notice in celebration of 1970’s THE HONEYMOON KILLERS! In addition to discussing how this venerated classic goes beyond the confines of a standard true crime adaptation, our hosts delve into the cult power of the singular sensation that is Shirley Stoler. Joining the conversation is host/film programmer extraordinaire Beth Accomando, who considers this take on Martha and Raymond one of cinema’s great love stories. Then, horror icon Debbie Rochon stops by to dig into why she continues to draw inspiration from the film’s thoughtfully unique construction and powerhouse performances. From grifting church ladies to Scorsese getting bounced, this episode has it all! Go! 

…you won’t be coming home! This week, Peaches and Michael are hiding their curling irons in celebration of 1983’s SLEEPAWAY CAMP! In addition to discussing this cult classic’s constant cultural reassessment, our hosts delve into why this legendary gorefest also became a benchmark moment in queer cinema. Joining the conversation are THIS ENDS AT PROM’s dynamic wifely duo BJ and Harmony Colangelo, who recently wrote a whole book digging into the trials, tribulations, and joys of this controversial fave. Then, iconic star of the film Karen Fields stops by to talk about her own journey with the movie and her memories of bringing Camp Arawak’s resident queen of mean to life! From Judy’s side ponytail to the shortest of short shorts, this episode has it all! Go! 

The story of a woman possessed! This week, Peaches and Michael are raising some hell on behalf of 1974’s ABBY! In addition to discussing how this burgeoning cult classic was almost lost due to studio suppression, our hosts delve into how it fundamentally breaks the Judeo-Christian mold of exorcism cinema. Joining the conversation is acclaimed writer and host Sharai Bohannon, who has made it her mission to make sure this film and its heroine finally get their day in the sun. Then, HORROR MOVIE SURVIVAL GUIDE’s Teri Gamble stops by to lay down the law on why ABBY is so much more than a knock-off of THE EXORCIST! From Carol Speed to bar room rituals, this episode has it all!Additional Reading: 'Abby' Is More Than Just A Rip-off of 'The Exorcist' by Sharai Bohannon

…and weird on top! This week, Peaches and Michael take a fever dream of a road trip in celebration of 1990’s WILD AT HEART! In addition to paying homage to the legacy of David Lynch, our hosts delve into the film’s unapologetic commitment to horniness. Joining the conversation is best-selling author Mallory O’Meara, who continues to be inspired by the ongoing exploits of Sailor and Lula. Then, celebrity chef Kat Turner stops by to discuss this unconventional love story, as well as her own remembrances of working with David Lynch on INLAND EMPIRE! From Diane Ladd to snakeskin jackets, this episode has it all! Go! 

A rock & roll fable! This week, Peaches and Michael are ruled by the music in celebration of 1984’s STREETS OF FIRE! In addition to discussing this deliciously dystopian vision of a 50’s style future, our hosts delve into the unmitigated power of filmmaker Walter Hill for curating a cult vibe. Joining the conversation is multi-faceted artist extraordinaire Ric Ray, whose love of this movie runs so deep, he even occasionally styles himself in its image. Then, fashion icon and costume design superstar Ruby Vixen stops by to discuss this classic’s impact on a generation of queer femmes. From sledgehammer fights to Stevie Nicks, this episode has it all! Go! 

Be Afraid. Be Very Afraid. This week, Peaches and Michael are buzzing over their celebration of 1986’s THE FLY! In addition to discussing the film’s themes surrounding the delicate nature of the body, our hosts delve into the powerhouse pairing of Geena Davis and Jeff Goldblum. Joining the conversation is renowned writer and critic Matt Konopka, who shares how his appreciation of this cult classic is continually evolving. Then, acclaimed actor Danny Plotner stops by to dig into why he feels body horror is a communal experience. From transportation pods to powerful puke, this episode has it all! Go!

Nice planet…we’ll take it! This week, Peaches and Michael are preparing for invasion in celebration of 1996’s MARS ATTACKS! In addition to discussing this wacky satire’s stacked cast, our hosts delve into whether or not the film is a prophetic vision of actual extraterrestrial arrival! Joining the conversation is acclaimed screenwriter and author John “Jack” O’Brien, whose lifetime of love of this cult classic continues to burn as bright as the red planet. Then, drag icon Abhora stops by to dig into how the movie’s otherworldly aesthetic inspires her. From bubble gum chewing alien divas to dog-headed transplants, this episode has it all! Go! 

Sparkle, Neely, Sparkle! In celebration of their brand-new season, Peaches and Michael are taking a deep dive into 1967’s VALLEY OF THE DOLLS! In addition to discussing how this adaptation of Jacqueline Susann’s sordid novel captured queer imaginations, our hosts delve into the story's searing exposé of showbiz! Joining the conversation is legendary film programmer Mark Valen, who discusses his longtime love of this movie that he was willing to break the rules to see! Then, galactic drag icon Miss X stops by to talk about her time portraying Helen Lawson on stage in DOLLS! From nudies in Paris to Gillian girls, this episode has it all! 

Episode 100…and it’s a SCREAM! This week, Peaches and Michael are celebrating this momentous occasion with an Idol Worship celebration all about pop culture icon Matthew Lillard! In addition to discussing this zeitgeist defining actor’s landmark roles that range from Stu to Shaggy and beyond, our hosts delve into his place as a champion figure for the “othered.” Joining the conversation is none other than Matthew Lillard himself, who reflects on his continually evolving career. Then, Fangoria’s Digital Editor Angel Melanson stops by to talk about the ongoing impact of Lillard fandom. Plus, Peaches and Michael reflect on 100 episodes…and Angel joins our hosts for a chat about holiday horror! From SERIAL MOM to SLC PUNK, this episode has it all! Go! 

The Family Just Got a Little Stranger! This week, Peaches and Michael are feeling all together ooky in celebration of 1993's ADDAMS FAMILY VALUES! In addition to discussing the pop culture defining turn of Joan Cusack as Debbie Jellinsky, our hosts delve into how this superior sequel got a queer injection from legendary screenwriter Paul Rudnick! Joining the conversation is drag icon Liquorice Black, who explores how her trademark aesthetic was undeniably influenced by the Addams. Then, performer extraordinaire Manuel Caneri stops by to dig into the lessons we can glean from this frightful family's unique form of togetherness. From Thanksgiving pageants to Malibu Barbie, this episode has it all! Go!