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Midnight Mass

Peaches Christ & Michael Varrati

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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23 episodes
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Avg 1 hr 32 min
English

Episodes 23

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S6 · E140
Wednesday · 1 hr 30 min
Episode 140: What Ever Happened to Baby Jane?
Too late to call for help! This week, Peaches and Michael have written a letter to daddy in celebration of 1962’s WHAT EVER HAPPENED TO BABY JANE? In addition to discussing how this undeniable classic launched an entire subgenre, our hosts delve into how the film functions as a master class on diva worship. Joining the conversation is PLEASERS & PUNISHERS’ Caitlyn of the North, who digs into how the nuanced dynamics of this cult fave make it more than quotable camp. Then, drag legend Matthew Martin stops by to discuss how a career embodying the likes of Bette Davis and Joan Crawford continues to provide him inspiration. From porcelain dolls to rats for din-din, this episode has it all! Go!
S6 · E139
September 9 · 1 hr 34 min
Episode 139 - Idol Worship: Ted V. Mikels
It’s time for a Ted talk! This week, Peaches and Michael are putting on their gold boots for an Idol Worship celebration of cult movie icon Ted V. Mikels! In addition to discussing this indie maverick’s legendarily lavish lifestyle, our hosts delve into a foundational filmography that includes the likes of THE CORPSE GRINDERS, ASTRO ZOMBIES, and THE DOLL SQUAD! Joining the conversation is acclaimed filmmaker Elijah Drenner, who digs into why movies like BLOOD ORGY OF THE SHE-DEVILS didn’t always deliver on their title, while also exemplifying the wild world of their creator. Then, celebrated horror host Mr. Lobo returns with some remembrances of working on a later Mikels’ picture, as well as a story about how Ted V. Mikels once crossed paths with Ed Wood! From 10 VIOLENT WOMEN to boar’s tooth fashion accessories, this episode has it all! Go!
S6 · E138
August 26 · 1 hr 28 min
Episode 138: Children of the Corn
And a child shall lead them! This week, Peaches and Michael are walking behind the rows in celebration of 1984’s CHILDREN OF THE CORN! In addition to discussing this enduring tale of innocence perverted, our hosts delve into how the aesthetic of the original film continues to inspire modern folk horror. Joining the conversation is celebrated comedian Alaina Bamfield, who shares how a youthful association with this cult classic led to an ongoing fascination. Then, filmmaker/editor extraordinaire Erick Lorinc stops by to extoll the virtues of the entire Corn franchise and why it persists in pop culture. From Linda Hamilton to the crimes of being an outlander, this episode has it all! Go!
S6 · E137
August 12 · 1 hr 7 min
Episode 137 - Exorcist II: The Heretic
The most terrifying vision of all! This week, Peaches and Michael are unleashing a swarm of locusts in celebration of 1977’s EXORCIST II: THE HERETIC! In addition to discussing this much maligned and misunderstood sequel’s place in horror history, our hosts delve into the details of its troubled production. Joining the conversation is David Kittredge, the acclaimed filmmaker of BOORMAN AND THE DEVIL, to shed some light on his years long exploration into this notorious classic and what it ultimately reveals about the artist’s journey. From Pazuzu's possession to Linda Blair stepping out on the edge, this episode has it all! Go!
S6 · E136
July 22 · 1 hr 20 min
Episode 136: Troll 2
OH MY GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOD! This week, Peaches and Michael are taking a trip to Nilbog in celebration of 1990’s TROLL 2! In addition to discussing this unusual fave’s strange connection to vegetarianism, our hosts delve into what it means to be the “best worst” cult film around. Joining the conversation is filmmaker Adam Deyoe, who reflects on how seeing the likes of TROLL 2 made a career in cult cinema seem possible. Then, Horrifying Hot Sauce’s D. Ryan Mowry stops by to share how his love of this peculiar picture inspired two of his spicier concoctions. From green-dripping goblins to pissing on hospitality, this episode has it all! SPECIAL OFFER: In celebration of this week’s discussion, Horrifying Hot Sauce is offering 10% off any hot sauces from 7/20 - 8/31 (2026) for Midnight Mass listeners. Visit http://www.horrifyinghotsauce.com/ and use coupon code MMT2 at checkout!
S6 · E135
July 8 · 1 hr 29 min
Episode 135: Abbott and Costello Meet Frankenstein
The laughs are MONSTROUS! This week, Peaches and Michael are exploring the hilarious House of Horrors in celebration of 1948’s ABBOTT AND COSTELLO MEET FRANKENSTEIN! In addition to discussing this classic’s foundational melding of genres, our hosts delve into the lasting significance of bringing all our fright faves together. Joining the conversation is horror comedian Rick Guzman, who shares how Bud and Lou’s antics have had an ongoing impact on his life and comedy. Then, legendary horror host Penny Dreadful stops by to discuss this landmark film’s impact on all the children of the night who blend camp with chills. From Lon Chaney Jr.’s hairy predicament to Vincent Price’s voice cameo, this episode has it all! Go!
S6 · E134
June 24 · 1 hr 29 min
Episode 134: The Naked Kiss
The Raw Personal Story of a Night Girl! This week, Peaches and Michael are snatching some wigs in honor of 1964’s THE NAKED KISS! In addition to discussing the film’s exploration of the dark underbelly of Americana, our hosts delve into how many of the societal issues raised in this neo-noir classic remain relevant today. Joining the conversation is drag icon D’Arcy Drollinger, who shares how she continues to draw inspiration from the story of Kelly’s plight. Then, entertainment marketing expert Jack Paterson stops by to dig into why filmmaker Samuel Fuller is worthy of his own brand of Idol Worship. From Bon-Bons to dirty money in the mouth, this episode has it all!
S6 · E133
June 10 · 1 hr 19 min
Episode 133 - Idol Worship: Holly Woodlawn
Take a walk on the wild side! This week, Peaches and Michael are showing their Pride by throwing an Idol Worship celebration in honor of the legendary Holly Woodlawn! In addition to discussing this Warhol Superstar’s undeniable impact on the landscape of cult cinema, our hosts delve into her place as an iconic queer trailblazer. Joining the conversation is acclaimed author Jeff Copeland, whose friendship with Holly not only led to him co-authoring her autobiography, but also pen the recent memoir LOVE YOU MADLY, HOLLY WOODLAWN: A WALK ON THE WILD SIDE WITH ANDY WARHOL’S MOST FABULOUS SUPERSTAR all about their shared misadventures navigating showbiz. From Lou Reed to WOMEN IN REVOLT, this episode has it all! Go!
S6 · E132
May 27 · 1 hr 50 min
Episode 132: House Party
If they get caught it's all over. If they don't, it's just the beginning! This week, Peaches and Michael are sneaking out on a school night in celebration of 1990’s HOUSE PARTY! In addition to discussing the cultural impact of Kid ‘n Play, our hosts delve into why this raucous classic was the perfect antidote to the teen movies that had come before. Joining the conversation is comedian and ASTRONOMY CLUB co-founder Shawtane Bowen, who speaks to the film’s foundational nature and his formative love for the comedy of Robin Harris. Then, iconic comic book author and artist William O. Tyler returns to explore this slice of cinema's undeniable message of Black joy...as well as his thoughts regarding the movie's abundance of hot men. From Full Force to high top fades, this episode has it all!
S6 · E131
April 29 · 1 hr 15 min
Episode 131: Mannequin
Nothing’s gonna stop us now! This week, Peaches and Michael are getting their window display just right in celebration of 1987’s MANNEQUIN! In addition to discussing the film’s trailblazing queer portrayal courtesy of the iconic Hollywood Montrose, our hosts delve into this kitsch-classic’s commitment to kink. Joining the conversation is drag superstar Detox, who talks about how her lifetime of love for this Kim Cattrall fashion-forward flick inspired one of her most legendary signature performance pieces. From Estelle Getty to the shifty evils of James Spader, this episode has it all!
S6 · E130
April 15 · 1 hr 38 min
Episode 130: Outrageous & Too Outrageous
Do something dazzling! This week, Peaches and Michael are perfecting their diva impersonations in celebration of 1977’s OUTRAGEOUS and 1987’s TOO OUTRAGEOUS! In addition to discussing why this double feature is absolutely necessary for queer audiences, our hosts delve into Craig Russell’s undeniably monolithic place in the history of drag on the silver screen. Joining the conversation is filmmaker and drag artist extraordinaire Cotton Venus, who reveals how these movies and their star were a beacon to her growing up queer in Canada. Then, legendary drag superstar Jimmy James stops by to share her remembrances of making TOO OUTRAGEOUS! From Mae West to Tallulah Bankhead and beyond…this episode has it all! Go!
S6 · E129
April 1 · 1 hr 48 min
Episode 129: Showgirls
Leave your inhibitions at the door! This week, Peaches and Michael are doing up their nails real nice in celebration of 1995’s SHOWGIRLS! In addition to discussing Peaches’ own personal history of fostering the cult via three decades of raucous screenings, our hosts delve into the cultural misogyny that attempted to crush this classic…and the obsessed fans who brought it up out of the volcano. Joining the conversation is actor extraordinaire Peter Stickles, who shares how his deep love of this legendary erotic extravaganza continues to inspire him. Then, Penny/Hope herself, iconic star Rena Riffel stops by to tell stories from the set of SHOWGIRLS, as well as her work fostering the creation of SHOWGIRLS 2. From doggie chow to boat shows, this episode has got it all! Go!
S6 · E128
March 18 · 1 hr 37 min
Episode 128: The Silence of the Lambs
Enter the mind of a killer! This week, Peaches and Michael are enjoying fava beans with a nice chianti in celebration of 1991’s THE SILENCE OF THE LAMBS! In addition to discussing the game-changing prestige of this horror classic, our hosts delve into the echoes of its problematic elements. Joining the conversation is drag artist extraordinaire Dakota D’Vil, who speaks about how an early viewing led to a lifelong obsession with the subversive world of Clarice, Dr. Lecter, and Buffalo Bill. Then, undeniable superstar and Hollywood icon Clea DuVall stops by to dig into her love of Demme’s macabre masterpiece, as well as the monolithic power of Jodie Foster! From Q Lazzarus to Precious the dog, this episode has it all! Go!
S6 · E127
March 4 · 1 hr 43 min
Episode 127: Beetlejuice
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!
S6 · E126
February 18 · 1 hr 35 min
Episode 126: Supergirl
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!
S6 · E125
February 4 · 1 hr 49 min
Episode 125: Chopping Mall
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!
S6 · E124
January 21 · 1 hr 36 min
Episode 124: Poltergeist
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!
S6 · E123
January 7 · 1 hr 18 min
Episode 123: The Rocky Horror Picture Show
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!
S5 · E122
Dec 24, 2025 · 1 hr 47 min
Episode 122: Violent Night
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!
S5 · E121
Dec 10, 2025 · 1 hr 18 min
Episode 121: A Nightmare on Elm Street
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!

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