Midnight Mass - podcast cover

Midnight Mass

Peaches Christ & Michael Varratiwww.peacheschrist.com
Join cult leader Peaches Christ & filmmaker Michael Varrati for some hilarious and hardcore audio worship of their favorite cult movies! Each episode focuses on a unique film, filmmaker, performer, or genre and includes special guest stars, super-fans, and surprises befitting midnight movie celebration. Subscribe today and truly become one of the Children of the Pod-corn! Episodes released every other week.
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Episodes

Episode 54: The Stuff

Enough is never enough! This week, Peaches and Michael are enjoying a heaping spoonful of creamy goodness in celebration of 1985’s THE STUFF ! In addition to discussing their fascination with this foodie fright’s branding power, our hosts delve into the legendary legacy of STUFF creator Larry Cohen. Joining the conversation is celebrated screenwriter and producer Mike Zara , whose lifelong love of this cult classic continues to influence him today. Then, acclaimed writer Lea Anderson stops by to...

Feb 22, 20231 hr 25 minSeason 3Ep. 54

Episode 53: An American Werewolf in London

Beware the moon! This week, Peaches and Michael unleash the beast in celebration of 1981’s AN AMERICAN WEREWOLF IN LONDON ! In addition to discussing the film’s industry changing practical effects, our hosts delve into certain people’s lust for transformation. Joining the conversation is award-winning author Adam Sass , whose lifetime of love for this cult classic has led to a thoughtful queer analysis of its hairy antics. Then, iconic cult artist Skinner stops by to explore the larger function ...

Feb 08, 20231 hr 36 minSeason 3Ep. 53

Episode 52: Ganja & Hess

Bad blood runs between them! This week, Peaches and Michael honor one of vampirism’s most elegant duos by celebrating 1973’s GANJA & HESS ! In addition to discussing this burgeoning classic’s place among the arthouse undead, our hosts delve into the horror idol status of the incomparable Duane Jones. Joining the conversation is acclaimed actor Verton Banks , who not only speaks to a lifetime of love for the film, but contextualizes filmmaker Bill Gunn's place in Black cinema history. Then, c...

Jan 25, 20231 hr 24 minSeason 3Ep. 52

Episode 51: Sunset Boulevard

A Hollywood Story! This week, Peaches and Michael are ready for their close-ups as they celebrate 1950's SUNSET BOULEVARD ! In addition to discussing the powerhouse character that is Norma Desmond, our hosts delve into the movie's influence on a particular style of exploitation film that would follow. Joining the conversation is multi-award winning filmmaker Jeffrey Schwarz , whose recent documentary BOULEVARD! A HOLLYWOOD STORY explored a hidden, musical chapter of this cult classic's history. ...

Jan 11, 20231 hr 38 minSeason 3Ep. 51

Episode 50: The Poseidon Adventure

There’s got to be a morning after! This week, Peaches and Michael are having a topsy-turvy New Year’s Eve party in celebration of 1972’s THE POSEIDON ADVENTURE ! In addition to discussing this disaster epic’s influence over a whole subgenre that would follow, our hosts delve into why it just may be the most harrowing movie they’ve covered yet. Joining the conversation is drag icon and dancing diva Love Connie , who shares how her deep love of this classic film’s female characters formed the DNA ...

Dec 28, 20221 hr 2 minSeason 3Ep. 50

Episode 49: Black Christmas

Christmas is coming early this year…and it’s murder! This week, Peaches and Michael are making some lewd phone calls in celebration of 1974’s BLACK CHRISTMAS ! In addition to discussing this cult classic’s contributions to the foundations of the slasher genre, our hosts delve into why comedy is an essential part of its dark DNA. Joining the conversation is none other than one of the film’s stars, Lynne Griffin , who offers up some behind-the-scenes stories and reflects on nearly five decades of ...

Dec 23, 20221 hr 27 minSeason 3Ep. 49

Episode 48: Gremlins

Do you hear what I hear? This week, Peaches and Michael are definitely eating after midnight in celebration of 1984's GREMLINS ! In addition to discussing this cult classic's placement in the pantheon of holiday horror, our hosts reminisce about FEMLINS, the large scale drag parody they co-created. Joining the conversation is legendary cabaret performer and music artist Kat Robichaud , who shares how her longtime love of the film influenced her to include little green monsters in her shows. Then...

Dec 14, 20221 hr 22 minSeason 3Ep. 48

Episode 47: The Apple

Do the BIM! This week, Peaches and Michael discover the power of rock in celebration of 1980's THE APPLE ! In addition to discussing the film's amped up musical numbers, our hosts muse over whether Eurovision had a profound impact on this cult classic's vision of the future. Joining the conversation is proud member of the Children of the Popcorn Brian Knecht , whose examination of the world presented in the movie reveals a deeply interwoven global aesthetic. Then, acclaimed filmmaker and podcast...

Nov 30, 20221 hr 23 minSeason 3Ep. 47

Episode 46: Killer Klowns from Outer Space

Terror under the Big Top! This week, Peaches and Michael are spinning some cotton candy in celebration of 1988's KILLER KLOWNS FROM OUTER SPACE ! In addition to discussing this Chiodo Brothers-helmed classic's rise from video store shelves to haunted attraction staple, our hosts delve into its undeniable impact on a whole subgenre of fright films that followed. Joining the conversation is acclaimed journalist Amanda Bartlett , whose recent SFGate article about this groundbreaking slice of cinema...

Nov 23, 20221 hr 29 minSeason 3Ep. 46

Episode 45 - Idol Worship: The Music of Horror

A symphony of scares! This week, Peaches and Michael are conducting an unconventional IDOL WORSHIP that sings the praises of THE MUSIC OF HORROR ! In addition to discussing the undeniable role a well-curated soundscape can have on fright cinema, our hosts delve into some of their favorite soundtrack scores. Joining the conversation are legendary Metallica guitarist Kirk Hammett and iconic conductor Edwin Outwate r to dig into the groundbreaking compositions that shaped cult, tell tales of their ...

Nov 16, 20221 hr 9 minSeason 3Ep. 45

Episode 44: Female Trouble

They say we're insane, but we don't care! This week, Peaches and Michael are putting on their cha-cha heels in celebration of 1974's FEMALE TROUBLE! In addition to discussing this groundbreaking film's commentary on the cult of celebrity, our hosts delve into its placement in the pantheon of John Waters' filmography. Joining the conversation is legendary Dreamlander Elizabeth Coffey Williams, who reflects on her time making FEMALE TROUBLE and PINK FLAMINGOS, as well as the trials, tribulations, ...

Nov 09, 20221 hr 34 minSeason 3Ep. 44

Episode 43 - Halloween III: Season of the Witch

Season 3 Premiere! That's right, Peaches and Michael are BACK and decidedly "mask 4 mask" as they celebrate 1982's HALLOWEEN III: SEASON OF THE WITCH ! In addition to discussing the power of autumnal nostalgia, our hosts delve into the cult trajectory of this notorious franchise outlier. Joining the conversation is actor extraordinaire and host of the iconic BRAIN ROT podcast, Stevie Webb, who offers theories on the film's reassessment and insight into his own witchy childhood obsessions. Then, ...

Oct 28, 20221 hr 19 minSeason 3Ep. 43

Episode 42: The Warriors

Come out to play-ay! This week, Peaches and Michael are taking it to the mean streets in celebration of 1979’s THE WARRIORS ! In addition to discussing Walter Hill’s lawless vision of New York City, our hosts delve into the near fairy tale-like structure of the film’s narrative. Joining the conversation is acclaimed comedian Samantha Hale , who dishes about how her love affair with this film began in a graveyard. Then, celebrated journalist Paul Farrell stops by to talk about his lifelong obsess...

Jun 29, 20221 hr 36 minSeason 2Ep. 42

Episode 41: The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert

Happy Pride! This week, Peaches and Michael are road tripping in style in celebration of 1994’s THE ADVENTURES OF PRISCILLA, QUEEN OF THE DESERT ! In addition to discussing the film’s undeniable impact on queer representation at the movies, our hosts delve into how this classic’s unapologetic fabulousness paved the way for a cultural drag explosion. Joining the conversation is legendary Australian pop icon Mark Trevorrow , who pulls back the curtain to share stories about the real people and que...

Jun 22, 20221 hr 41 minSeason 2Ep. 41

Episode 40: The ALL ABOUT EVIL Release Special!

Star quality! In this special episode, Michael turns the microphone on Peaches in celebration of the Severin blu-ray release and Shudder streaming debut of her movie ALL ABOUT EVIL ! In addition to discussing the film’s initial William Castle-esque rollout, our hosts delve into the journey of finally getting EVIL back into the hands of fans. Joining the conversation are three of the stars of GRINDHOUSE , the original short that would serve as the basis for the feature to come. First, drag icon a...

Jun 15, 20221 hr 52 minSeason 2Ep. 40

Episode 39: Barbarella

She's out of this world! This week, Peaches and Michael are braving the sensual depths of space in celebration of 1968’s BARBARELLA ! In addition to discussing this cult classic’s message of galactic free love, our hosts delve into why Jane Fonda just might be the star to save us all. Joining the conversation is acclaimed performance artist April Kidwell , who shares stories about how Barbarella’s agency helped her own sense of personal empowerment. Then, drag superstar Lady Bear stops by to dig...

Jun 08, 20221 hr 21 minSeason 2Ep. 39

Episode 38: Creepshow

We want our cake! This week, Peaches and Michael are opening the Crate in celebration 1982’s CREEPSHOW ! In addition to discussing the film’s powerhouse team-up of George Romero and Stephen King, our hosts delve into the reverential nostalgia of E.C. Comics. Joining the conversation is acclaimed magician and superstar Michael Carbonaro , who not only speaks to his lifetime of love for this cult classic, but about how Tom Savini’s own brand of illusions inspired him. Then, drag icon Erika Klash s...

Jun 01, 20221 hr 40 minSeason 2Ep. 38

Episode 37: Return of the Living Dead

Braaaiiinnns! This week, Peaches and Michael are dancing on tombstones in celebration of 1985’s RETURN OF THE LIVING DEAD ! In addition to discussing this classic’s brilliant meta-sequel approach, our hosts delve into the deeper symbolism of eating gray matter. Joining the conversation is QUEER FOR FEAR author and PhD of fright, Dr. Heather Petrocelli , who discusses a lifetime of punk zombie love and the connotations of the film’s comedic leanings. Then, trainer extraordinaire and BALONEY super...

May 25, 20221 hr 49 minSeason 2Ep. 37

Episode 36: Attack of the Killer Tomatoes

They’re standing outside your door! This week, Peaches and Michael are steering clear of the produce aisle in celebration of 1978’s ATTACK OF THE KILLER TOMATOES ! In addition to discussing the film’s sharp lampooning of B-movie culture, our hosts delve into how this cult classic led to a franchise that changed the zeitgeist forever. Joining the conversation is KILLER TOMATOES screenwriter and co-creator Costa Dillon , who shares stories about the can-do spirit of indie cinema and making absurdi...

May 18, 20221 hr 12 minSeason 2Ep. 36

Episode 35 - Idol Worship: Dario Argento

Call your Three Mothers! This week, Peaches and Michael are donning their black leather gloves in a special Idol Worship celebration of Italian maestro of horror: Dario Argento ! In addition to discussing this celebrated director's undeniable penchant for blood-soaked style, our hosts delve into the indulgent, fairytale logic of films like SUSPIRIA , PHENOMENA , and INFERNO . Joining the conversation is the rockin' writer of GIALLO, Sean Keller, who shares stories of crafting a script befitting ...

May 11, 20221 hr 45 minSeason 2Ep. 35

Episode 34: Don't Tell Mom the Babysitter's Dead

Dishes are done, man! This week, Peaches and Michael are getting the QED report together in celebration of 1991’s DON’T TELL MOM THE BABYSITTER’S DEAD ! In addition to discussing the film’s unusual tonal shifts, our hosts delve into this cable-era classic’s important messaging regarding personal agency. Joining the conversation is drag icon Alaska Thunderfuck 5000 , who speaks to the film’s enduring queer legacy and fashion aspirations. Then, acclaimed author and podcaster Laura Leigh Abby stops...

May 04, 20221 hr 31 minSeason 2Ep. 34

Episode 33: Cabaret

In here, life is beautiful! This week, Peaches and Michael are celebrating the “divine decadence darling” of 1972’s CABARET ! In addition to discussing this landmark musical’s layered messaging, our hosts delve into how this celebrated classic puts the “cult” into “culturally important.” Joining the conversation is drag legend Coco Peru , who shares stories of her personal friendship with Liza Minnelli and the power of cabaret as an artform. Then, acclaimed author and drag superstar Fauxnique , ...

Apr 27, 20221 hr 45 minSeason 2Ep. 33

Episode 32: A Nightmare on Elm Street 3: Dream Warriors

Ain’t gonna dream no more! This week, Peaches and Michael are taking Hypnocil and staying up late in celebration of 1987’s A NIGHTMARE ON ELM STREET 3: DREAM WARRIORS ! In addition to discussing this legendary sequel’s brilliant world-building, our hosts delve into why this particular entry in the franchise altered the course of pop culture forever. Joining the conversation is iconic filmmaker and FINAL DESTINATION creator Jeffrey Reddick , who reveals how his love of Elm Street set him on a lif...

Apr 20, 20221 hr 52 minSeason 2Ep. 32

Episode 31: Barb Wire

Don’t call her babe! This week, Peaches and Michael are flinging their high heels in celebration of 1996’s BARB WIRE ! In addition to discussing the film’s prophetic drag stylings, our hosts delve into the singular cult sensation that is Pamela Anderson and why she deserves her own brand of Idol Worship. Joining the conversation is acclaimed filmmaker and writer BJ Colangelo , whose lifetime of love for this movie has led her to be an outspoken voice for its pop culture reclamation. Then, celebr...

Apr 13, 20221 hr 44 minSeason 2Ep. 31

Episode 30: Drop Dead Gorgeous

Amer-I-Can! This week, Peaches and Michael are donning their tiaras in celebration of 1999’s DROP DEAD GORGEOUS ! In addition to discussing the film’s powerhouse pageant cast, our hosts delve into the film’s mockumentary indictment of Americana. Joining the conversation is acclaimed performer and podcast host Teri Gamble , whose lifetime of love for the movie and its nuances continues to inspire her to be a Mt. Rose American Teen Princess. Then, drag superstar and Queer Horror creator Carla Ross...

Apr 06, 20221 hr 36 minSeason 2Ep. 30

Episode 29: Skidoo

The world can be a better place for you! This week, Peaches and Michael are taking a strange trip in celebration of 1968's SKIDOO ! In addition to discussing this psychedelic curiosity's prophetic approach to mind expansion, our hosts delve into why this star-studded, Otto Preminger-directed fever dream deserves a cult rediscovery. Joining the conversation is celebrated artist and producer Brendan Haley, who talks about how he found his way to this movie via Carol Channing and never looked back....

Mar 30, 20221 hr 35 minSeason 2Ep. 29

Episode 28: Madonna: Truth or Dare

Strike a pose! This week, Peaches and Michael are voguing the house down in celebration of 1991’s MADONNA: TRUTH OR DARE ! In addition to discussing how a documentary can be cult, our hosts delve into the film’s luminous representation of queer people in an era where there was little to be seen. Joining the conversation are three sensational stars of the film who bring their blonde ambition to the table. First, Luis Xtravaganza shares stories of choreographing a pinnacle moment in time…and the e...

Mar 23, 20221 hr 43 minSeason 2Ep. 28

Episode 27: Carrie

They're all gonna laugh at you! This week, Peaches and Michael are putting on their best prom wear in celebration of 1976's CARRIE ! In addition to discussing this zeitgeist defining classic's impressive roster of stars, our hosts delve into the film's undeniable significance for queer and marginalized audiences. Joining the conversation is none other than drag superstar Jackie Beat , whose intense love of this movie has evolved into a life long obsession. Among other things, Jackie dishes on Pi...

Mar 16, 20221 hr 15 minSeason 2Ep. 27

Episode 26: Night of the Living Dead

They’re coming to get you, Barbara! This week, Peaches and Michael have boarded themselves into the old farmhouse in celebration of 1968’s NIGHT OF THE LIVING DEAD ! In addition to discussing the undeniable legacy of filmmaker George A. Romero, our hosts delve into how this cult classic defined zombie cinema forever. Joining the conversation is one of the film’s legendary stars, Kyra Schon , who reminisces on playing the trowel-wielding Karen Cooper and offers insight on five decades of flesh-ea...

Mar 09, 20221 hr 35 minSeason 2Ep. 26

Episode 25: Shortbus

Are you close? This week, Peaches and Michael are brushing up on the lyrics to the National Anthem in celebration of 2006's SHORTBUS ! In addition to discussing this controversial classic's depiction of a sexual landscape before social media, our hosts delve into how the discourse surrounding the frank subject matter is more important today than ever. Joining the conversation is the film's creator and legendary auteur John Cameron Mitchell , who discusses the impetus for his radical vision and w...

Mar 02, 20221 hr 28 minSeason 2Ep. 25
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