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 85 - Twin Peaks: Fire Walk With Me

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...

May 08, 20241 hr 54 minSeason 4Ep. 85

Episode 84: The Room

Oh hi, Mark! This week, Peaches and Michael are spending some quality time on the roof in celebration of 2003’s THE ROOM ! In addition to discussing Tommy Wiseau’s uniquely singular approach to storytelling, our hosts delve into this cult classic’s complicated presentation of female characters. Joining the discussion is acclaimed filmmaker H.P. Mendoza , who shares how his evolving relationship with the movie brought him to a new place of sympathy for its creator. Then, celebrated filmmaker Eric...

Apr 24, 20241 hr 44 minSeason 4Ep. 84

Episode 83: Santa Sangre

Forget everything you have ever seen! This week, Peaches and Michael are running away with the circus in celebration of 1989’s SANTA SANGRE ! In addition to discussing the Catholic damage of this Mexican/Italian co-production, our hosts discuss Alejandro Jodorowsky’s singular, mind-expanding sense of vision. Joining the conversation is celebrated filmmaker Gigi Saul Guerrero , whose longtime love of this cult classic has led her to many insightful, artistic revelations. Then, acclaimed actor Gui...

Apr 10, 20241 hr 38 minSeason 4Ep. 83

Episode 82: Night of the Demons

Angela is having a party…and you’ll have a hell of a time! This week, Peaches and Michael are headed to Hull House in celebration of 1988’s NIGHT OF THE DEMONS ! In addition to discussing this cult classic’s place as a prime Halloween party movie, our hosts delve into the undeniable power of a Bauhaus dance number. Joining the conversation is drag superstar Loosey LaDuca , whose love of Linnea Quigley is a cornerstone of her appreciation for this goth fave. Then, celebrated cosplayer Gregory Van...

Mar 27, 20241 hr 34 minSeason 4Ep. 82

Episode 81: Demons

It’s a movie about audience participation! This week, Peaches and Michael are making cemeteries their cathedrals in celebration of 1985’s DEMONS ! In addition to discussing their love of films set at cinemas, our hosts delve into the gloriously gory legacy of Italian auteur Lamberto Bava! Joining the conversation is acclaimed filmmaker Alexander McGregor Birrell , whose discovery of this cult classic at a young age has continued to influence his life and work. Then, STEREO ARGENTO co-founder and...

Mar 13, 20241 hr 40 minSeason 4Ep. 81

Episode 80: The Craft

We are the weirdos mister! This week, Peaches and Michael are casting spells in celebration of 1996’s THE CRAFT ! In addition to discussing the lasting queer resonance of this cult classic, our hosts delve into the meaningful representation presented by each of the four witches. Joining the conversation is drag icon Vander Von Odd , who speaks to a lifetime of lessons learned from obsessing over this magical movie. Then, acclaimed writer Jenika McCrayer stops by to explore THE CRAFT 's continued...

Feb 28, 20241 hr 28 minSeason 4Ep. 80

Episode 79 - Idol Worship: Bruce LaBruce

The Revolution Is My Boyfriend! This week, Peaches and Michael raise the amorous dead in an Idol Worship celebration of the legendary Bruce LaBruce ! In addition to discussing this iconic cult filmmaker and artist’s impact on the world of queer punk cinema, our hosts delve into the evolving power of shock value. Joining the conversation is none other than Bruce LaBruce himself, who shares stories and insights about a lifetime of bucking the system. From underground zines to the collision of porn...

Feb 14, 20241 hr 9 minSeason 4Ep. 79

Episode 78: Myra Breckinridge

You’ll never forget her! This week, Peaches and Michael learn that Hollywood isn’t all glitz and glamour as they tackle 1970’s MYRA BRECKINRIDGE ! In addition to discussing this controversial classic’s place in the pantheon of queer cinema, our hosts delve into the film’s exploration of showbiz power dynamics. Joining the conversation is legendary actress/activist/performer Calpernia Addams , who not only helps deconstruct many of the movie’s trickier elements, but also shine a light on its endu...

Jan 31, 20241 hr 42 minSeason 4Ep. 78

Episode 77 - Sainted Subgenre: Hagsploitation

From Baby Jane to Auntie Roo and beyond! This week, Peaches and Michael unveil a special episode dissecting one of horror’s most “Sainted Subgenres” – HAGSPLOITATION (aka “Psycho Biddies”)! In addition to discussing the many luminous women who brought these movies to life, our hosts tackle the oft problematic labeling of this particular avenue of fright. Joining the conversation is award-winning historian/author/host David Del Valle , who provides insight and personal stories about the era of Ho...

Jan 17, 20241 hr 8 minSeason 4Ep. 77

Episode 76: Return to Oz

A pumpkin, if you please! This week, Peaches and Michael are taking a trip to the dark side of the rainbow in celebration of 1985’s RETURN TO OZ ! In addition to discussing this unlikely sequel’s gateway horror leanings, our hosts delve into the many queer allusions of Dorothy Gale’s travels. Joining the conversation is award-winning author and illustrator Terry Blas , whose love of the character Tik-Tok has become a crucial part of his cult devotion. Then, acclaimed filmmaker Christopher Wesley...

Jan 03, 20241 hr 33 minSeason 4Ep. 76

Episode 75: Batman Returns

Mistletoe can be deadly if you eat it! This week, Peaches and Michael are heading to Gotham City for the holidays in celebration of 1992’s BATMAN RETURNS ! In addition to discussing the personal aesthetic Tim Burton brings to the comic book world, our hosts delve into this classic’s place as both a Christmas fave and gateway horror staple. Joining the conversation is acclaimed author Mark O’ Connell , whose appreciation of the movie helps dissect its place in the greater Bat-pantheon. Then, cele...

Dec 20, 20231 hr 32 minSeason 3Ep. 74

Episode 74: Cruising

Hips or lips? This week, Peaches and Michael are having a questionable night out in celebration of 1980’s CRUISING ! In addition to discussing the queer reclamation of this subversive fave, our hosts reflect on William Friedkin’s numerous intersections with the community. Joining the conversation is pop culture celebrant and recording artist Jeff Nelson , who shares how his evolving love of the film allowed him to embrace the camp in the darkness. Then, acclaimed photographer and author Leo Herr...

Dec 06, 20231 hr 25 minSeason 3Ep. 74

Episode 73: Cecil B. Demented

Lights, camera, revolution! This week, Peaches and Michael take guerilla filmmaking to the extreme in celebration of 2000’s CECIL B. DEMENTED ! In addition to discussing John Waters’ loving lambast of transgressive cinema, our hosts delve into what auteur’s name they’d be willing to have branded on their bodies. Joining the conversation is the Prince Charles Cinema’s Ralph Bogard , whose intersecting love of film exhibition and the Pope of Trash lead to insightful dissection of this cult classic...

Nov 22, 20231 hr 31 minSeason 3Ep. 73

Episode 72 - Idol Worship: William Lustig

We warned you not to go out tonight! This week, Peaches and Michael are getting positively 42nd Steet for their Idol Worship celebration of William Lustig ! In addition to discussing this genre legend’s deep connection to New York City, our hosts delve into his dedication to preserving fright films from around the world. Joining the conversation is none other than the icon himself, William Lustig , fresh from being honored with the first inaugural lifetime achievement Leviathan Award at the Broo...

Nov 08, 202355 minSeason 3Ep. 72

Episode 71: TerrorVision

Dance by the light of the TV screen! This week, Peaches and Michael are tapping into a broadcast from beyond the stars in celebration of 1986’s TERRORVISION ! In addition to discussing this cult classic’s bead on 80s archetypes, our hosts delve into the slimy staying power of asymmetrical monsters. Joining the conversation is the legendary writer/director of the film, Ted Nicolaou , who shares memories and behind-the-scenes tales of bringing this fan favorite to life. Then, Knucklehead of the ac...

Oct 25, 20231 hr 33 minSeason 3Ep. 71

Episode 70: Teen Witch

Top that! This week, Peaches and Michael are never gonna be the same again as they celebrate 1989’s TEEN WITCH ! In addition to discussing this cult classic’s unique story construction, our hosts delve into the abundance of spells cast to ensure sexy times. Joining the conversation is one of the legendary stars of the movie, Mandy Ingber , who shares behind-the-scenes memories and what it means to be the person behind a truly magical rap. Then, Eisner Award-winning comic book writer Casey Gilly ...

Oct 11, 20231 hr 33 minSeason 3Ep. 70

Episode 69: Thundercrack!

Let’s go ape! This week, Peaches and Michael are questioning every cucumber in celebration of 1975’s THUNDERCRACK! In addition to discussing the undeniable legacy of this arthouse favorite’s unabashedly queer auteurs, our hosts delve into the film’s subversive use of all-manner of unsimulated sex. Joining the conversation is award-winning filmmaker Jennifer Kroot , who shares insight about one of the film’s co-creators, not just as his former student…but his documentarian. Then, acclaimed produc...

Sep 27, 20231 hr 37 minSeason 3Ep. 69

Episode 68 - Idol Worship: Christopher Guest

Red, White…and Blaine? This week, Peaches and Michael are having an Idol Worship celebration of a filmmaker who is truly “Best in Show” – Christopher Guest ! In addition to discussing this comedy auteur’s foundational work in the mockumentary space, our hosts delve into the fabulous troupe of performers who populate his world. Joining the conversation is producer extraordinaire Brian Nolan , who shares how crucial WAITING FOR GUFFMAN was to his own experiences in the creative space. Then, acclai...

Sep 13, 20231 hr 43 minSeason 3Ep. 68

Episode 67: Nothing But Trouble

Death for running a stop sign? This week, Peaches and Michael are taking a trip to Valkenvania in celebration of 1991’s NOTHING BUT TROUBLE ! In addition to discussing this film’s undeniably powerhouse cast, our hosts delve into the ultimate rollercoaster ride that is “Mister Bonestripper.” Joining the conversation is BALONEY co-founder and acclaimed choreographer Rory Davis , whose love of the movie brings further context to its vastly expensive weirdness. Then, celebrated creator and exec Jeff...

Aug 30, 20231 hr 40 minSeason 3Ep. 67

Episode 66: Puppet Master

Killers come in all sizes! This week, Peaches and Michael aren’t toying around as they celebrate 1989’s PUPPET MASTER ! In addition to discussing the sheer glamour of leech vomiting living dolls, our hosts delve into the multi-faceted appeal of this cult classic’s many sequels. Joining the conversation is Nat Brehmer , acclaimed author of PUPPET MASTER COMPLETE: A FRANCHISE HISTORY , whose lifelong obsession with the creations of Andre Toulon led him to write the definitive book on the matter. T...

Aug 16, 20231 hr 25 minSeason 3Ep. 66

Episode 65: The Wicker Man

The true nature of sacrifice! This week, Peaches and Michael are dancing around the maypole in honor of 1973’s THE WICKER MAN ! In addition to discussing this cult classic’s five decades of cinematic influence, our hosts delve into its foreboding commentary on the precarious nature of belief. Joining the conversation is filmmaker and acclaimed horror host Melissa LaMartina (aka Aurora Gorealis), whose evolving love of the movie led her to create a uniquely immersive experience. Then, producer ex...

Aug 02, 20231 hr 29 minSeason 3Ep. 65

Episode 64: Tremors

The ultimate underground movie! This week, Peaches and Michael dig deep in celebration of 1990’s TREMORS ! In addition to discussing how this fan favorite brought the creature feature into the modern era, our hosts delve into the phallic nature of the Graboids. Joining the conversation is THIS ENDS AT PROM’s Harmony Colangelo , whose lifetime of love for this ongoing franchise has made her the unofficial “Mayor of Perfection.” Then, CERTIFIED FORGOTTEN’s Matt Donato stops by to examine why this ...

Jul 19, 20231 hr 23 minSeason 3Ep. 64

Episode 63: Fright Night LIVE

You’re so cool, Brewster! This week, Peaches and Michael are joined by special guest host Cream to reflect on their recent live show celebrating 1985’s FRIGHT NIGHT ! In addition to discussing the queerness of vampirism, this unholy trio also delves into the progressive politics of having the undead next door. Featuring exclusive audio from the live event, the conversation continues with The Overlook Theatre’s Terrell Trotty , who dishes on his lifetime of love for this cult classic. Then, horro...

Jul 05, 202359 minSeason 3Ep. 63

Episode 62: Leprechaun

Your luck just ran out! This week, Peaches and Michael are going for the gold in celebration of 1993’s LEPRECHAUN ! In addition to discussing the titular monster’s capitalist leanings, our hosts delve into Jennifer Aniston’s place in the pantheon of horror’s Final Girls. Joining the conversation is legendary drag king Landon Cider , who talks about his lifetime of love for this cult classic and the importance of turning a mean, green look. Then acclaimed screenwriter of LEPRECHAUN RETURNS Suzann...

Jun 21, 20231 hr 26 minSeason 3Ep. 62

Episode 61 - Idol Worship: Herschell Gordon Lewis

Nothing so appalling in the annals of horror! This week, Peaches and Michael offer up a blood red celebration of the Godfather of Gore – HERSCHELL GORDON LEWIS ! In addition to discussing this exploitation legend’s many contributions to underground cinema, our hosts delve into his undeniable influence on the splatter films of today. Joining the conversation is cult phenomenon Babette Bombshell , who not only shares stories of her time making movies with Lewis, but also offers insight on his razo...

Jun 07, 20231 hr 41 minSeason 3Ep. 61

Episode 60 - Idol Worship: Heklina

When Idol Worship meets queer excellence! This week, Peaches and Michael embark on a very special episode celebrating the legacy of drag superstar Heklina . In addition to discussing Heklina’s legendary club nights, our hosts delve into this singular iconoclast’s curation of queer punk rebellion. Joining the conversation is acclaimed photographer and drag royalty José Alberto Guzmán Colón (aka Putanesca), who talks about his lifelong friendship with Heklina and how that association helped define...

May 24, 20231 hr 58 minSeason 3Ep. 60

Episode 59 - Hello Mary Lou: Prom Night II

An old flame returns! This week, Peaches and Michael are clawing their way to the crown in celebration of 1987’s HELLO MARY LOU: PROM NIGHT II ! In addition to discussing the titular Mary Lou’s legacy as one of horror’s few enduring female villains, our hosts also delve into her place as a representative of queer id. Joining the conversation are celebrated spooky drag icons The Boulet Brothers , who share their admiration for the film’s aspirational villainy. Then, acclaimed SCREAM, QUEEN! MY NI...

May 10, 20231 hr 37 minSeason 3Ep. 59

Episode 58: The Wiz

Ease on down the road! This week, Peaches and Michael are headed to Oz in celebration of 1978’s THE WIZ ! In addition to discussing the Motown majesty of the film’s power cast, our hosts delve into the impact of reframing a classic story from a different point of view. Joining the conversation is writer and STRANGELORE creator Viktor T. Kerney , whose lifetime of love for this cult phenomenon continues to inform him today. Then, filmmaker and WHAT IS QUEER ’s Parker Sargent stops by to discuss h...

Apr 26, 20231 hr 44 minSeason 3Ep. 58

Episode 56: Harold and Maude

If you want to sing out…sing out! This week, Peaches and Michael explore unconventional connection in celebration of 1971’s HAROLD AND MAUDE ! In addition to discussing the film’s remarkable use of music, our hosts delve into Harold’s place as one of cinema’s first proto-goths. Joining the conversation is cult filmmaker Chris LaMartina , who digs into the continued impact this classic has had on his life and outlook. Then, Vintage Annals Archive’s own Richard Wexler stops by to offer up some of ...

Mar 22, 20231 hr 28 minSeason 3Ep. 56

Episode 55: The Faculty

Take me to your teacher! This week, Peaches and Michael navigate the evils of high school in celebration of 1998’s THE FACULTY ! In addition to discussing this cult classic’s considerable power cast, our hosts delve into the movie’s layered commentary on teen assimilation. Joining the conversation is celebrated actor and producer Ben Baur , who not only muses on the film’s queerness, but also its parallels to another “disturbing” 90s shocker. Then, acclaimed actor Joshua Tonks stops by to dig in...

Mar 08, 20231 hr 35 minSeason 3Ep. 55
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