Episode 124: Poltergeist

It’s showtime! This week, Peaches and Michael are feeling strange and unusual in celebration of 1988’s BEETLEJUICE! In addition to discussing how this foundational work from Tim Burton is a quintessential goth staple, our hosts delve into the overall cultural impact of cinema’s favorite ghost with the most. Joining the conversation is celebrated comic book writer David M. Booher, who shares how this tale of unconventional haunting continues to inspire him. Then, drag legend The Countess Katya Smirnoff-Skyy stops by to pay tribute to the indisputable legacy of the iconic Catherine O’Hara. From sandworms to sentient shrimp cocktails, this episode has it all! 

Adventure runs in the family! This week, Peaches and Michael are watching the skies in celebration of 1984’s SUPERGIRL! In addition to discussing the dangers of runaway construction equipment, our hosts delve into the absolutely witchy wonder that is Faye Dunaway. Joining the conversation is celebrated author Mark O’ Connell, who digs into a lifetime of love for Argo City’s most glamorous resident. Then, acclaimed comic book writer Tim Sheridan stops by to talk about how this emerging cult classic’s strangeness is its strongest suit. From Brenda Vaccaro to the Phantom Zone, this episode has it all! Go!  

Have a nice day! This week, Peaches and Michael are hitting the Galleria in celebration of 1986’s CHOPPING MALL! In addition to discussing the power pairing of Kelli Maroney and Barbara Crampton, our hosts delve into the dangers of rampant gum chewing during a robot attack. Joining the conversation are Bryan and Dave White of the BRING ME THE AXE! podcast, who dig into their evolving relationship with this video rental era fave. Then, multifaceted podcaster and music artist Mae Shults stops by to explore how the Killbots provide a stunningly unique critique of capitalism. From freak thunderstorms to a Woronov/Bartel cameo, this episode has it all! Go! 

They’re here! This week, Peaches and Michael are haunting the suburbs in celebration of 1982’s POLTERGEIST! In addition to discussing this supernatural classic’s critique of Reagan-era capitalism, our hosts delve into the fiercely flawed cleaning skills of Zelda Rubinstein. Joining the conversation is producer/music director Christopher Hamblin, who speaks to the lasting power of the film’s iconic Carol Anne – Heather O’ Rourke. Then, television personality and ghost huntress extraordinaire Roz Hernandez stops by to dig into Cuesta Verde’s paranormal problems. From clown dolls to unmoved bodies, this episode has it all! Go! 

Give yourself over to absolute pleasure! This week, Peaches and Michael are taking a jump to the left in celebration of 1975's THE ROCKY HORROR PICTURE SHOW! In addition to discussing this mother of all cult cinema's undeniable impact, our hosts delve into the recently wrapped fanfare marking the film's 50th anniversary. Joining the conversation is Columbia herself - the iconic "Little" Nell Campbell - to reflect on her strange journey with this zeitgeist defining phenomenon and how it continues to be a beacon for so many. From Frank N' Furter to floorshows, this episode has it all! Don't Dream It, Be It - GO! 

You better watch out! This week, Peaches and Michael are dodging the naughty list in celebration of 2022’s VIOLENT NIGHT! In addition to discussing Santa’s bruiser daddy status, our hosts delve into why subverting the season can be so much fun. Joining the conversation is iconic film critic and author Alonso Duralde, who digs into why a nontraditional depiction of St. Nick is often exactly what we need. Then, the celebrated creators and screenwriters of VIOLENT NIGHT, Pat Casey and Josh Miller, stop by to talk about how they fostered a wild idea into a fierce, fight-filled, festive feature that became an instant cult classic. From Beverly D’Angelo to ornaments of death, this episode has it all! Go! 

Don’t fall asleep! This week, Peaches and Michael are chugging coffee in celebration of 1984’s A NIGHTMARE ON ELM STREET! In addition to discussing Freddy Krueger’s undeniable hold on pop culture, our hosts delve into how Wes Craven’s dreamscape forever altered the trajectory of horror cinema. Joining the conversation is legendary director of JAWBREAKER and G.B.F, Darren Stein, who not only speaks of his longtime love of this cult classic, but of its enduring resonance in genre circles and as a queer fave. From Nancy’s booby-traps to Ronnie Blakely’s mannequin, this episode has it all! Go!

We dare you to say his name! On this week’s episode, Peaches and Michael are absolutely hooked on the idea of celebrating 1992’s CANDYMAN! In addition to discussing the undeniable icon status of Tony Todd, our hosts delve into this dark fable’s continued sociopolitical relevance. Joining the conversation is podcast host extraordinaire DeVaughn Taylor, whose ongoing championing of the film has helped contribute to its place in the cultural conversation. Then, multi-faceted horror superstar Xero Gravity stops by to discuss CANDYMAN’s strengths, weaknesses, and ongoing power. From Helen Lyle’s hypnotic eyes to an insane amount of bees, this episode has it all! Go!

The latest fashion…in murder! This week, Peaches and Michael are taking a long stroll through the museum in celebration of 1980’s DRESSED TO KILL! In addition to tackling the film’s undeniably dubious elements, our hosts delve into this psychosexual classic’s place as an American giallo. Joining the conversation is renowned artist Drusilla Adeline, whose ongoing obsession with this movie continues to motivate her to dive deeper. Then, cult filmmaker extraordinaire Sam Irvin stops by to discuss his time working with Brian De Palma on the set of DRESSED TO KILL and beyond! From lengthy showers to Phil Donahue, this episode has it all! Go!

Amok, amok, amok! This week, Peaches and Michael put a spell on you in celebration of 1993’s HOCUS POCUS! In addition to discussing the utter perfection of the Sanderson Sisters, our hosts delve into their firm belief that the film was rescued from obscurity thanks to the passion of queer fans. Joining the conversation is drag superstar Tina Burner, whose lifelong love of Salem’s favorite witches led her to create an annual traveling parody show. Then, drag icon Nicole Halliwell stops by to discuss her own legendary parody show, as well as reveal the tea about how her work has gone on to inform the ongoing HOCUS POCUS fandom. From black flame candles to eye-opening books, this episode has it all! Go! Happy Halloween!