Dead for Filth with Michael Varrati

It's our 100th episode! To mark the occasion and kick off Pride, we're joined by representatives from a handful celebrated podcasts to host a Queer Horror Symposium. Lending their voices to the discussion are Nay Bever and Brennan Klein from ATTACK OF THE QUEERWOLF, Andrew Huff and Matty Zaradich from FRIGAY THE 13th, Stacie Ponder and Anthony Hudson/Carla Rossi from GAYLORDS OF DARKNESS, Terry Mesnard from GAYLY DREADFUL and SCARRED FOR LIFE PODCAST, Trace Thurman and Joe Lipsett from HORROR QUEERS, and our own producer Dru Phillips of SISTER HYDE DESIGN! Among other things, this mighty panel discusses the impetus for creating their podcasts, the ongoing debate on what we can learn from our problematic horror faves, and the importance of standing aside and making space so that others may be heard. Plus, SLEEPAWAY CAMP's Angela, NIGHTMARE 2, and the power of inclusion. If you liked this episode, or just want to further fight for what's right, please consider donating to one (or all) of the following Black-led Queer & Trans organizations that provide aid and resources to communities in need: - Trans Justice Funding Project: www.transjusticefundingproject.org - The Okra Project: www.theokraproject.com - Youth Breakout: www.youthbreakout.org - Black Aids Institute: www.blackaids.org - LGBTQ+ Freedom Fund: www.lgbtqfund.com - The Marsha P. Johnson Institute: https://marshap.org/donate/ - The Trans Women of Color Collective: https://www.twocc.us/

This week, we're taking it to the theater as we welcome multidisciplinary artist and drag sensation Anthony Hudson/Carla Rossi, host/programmer of Portland's legendary QUEER HORROR film series and co-host of the acclaimed GAYLORDS OF DARKNESS! Among other things, Anthony/Carla discusses the fairy tale allure of fright, pop culture's failings in the representation of Indigenous people, and the none too subtle connection between horror and drag. Plus, the dangerous art of Delia Deetz!

This week, we're entering the Haunted House of Glen Coco as we welcome Daniel Franzese, iconic star of MEAN GIRLS, BULLY, and HBO's LOOKING! Among other things, Daniel discusses the "tickle-pinch" method of horror, the fan letter that helped him understand the queer impact of one of his most iconic characters, and his time working with the legendary Godfather of Gore - Herschell Gordon Lewis! Plus, Larry Clark, John Waters, and I SPIT ON YOUR GRAVE! Oh my!

This week, we're going for an X-rating as we welcome Joe Rubin, producer, film archivist, and co-founder of the celebrated Vinegar Syndrome! Among other things, Joe discusses how explicit acts on film often fall victim to the "erotic assumption," the trials and tribulations of tracking down some of cinema's forgotten gems, and how the director of BLOOD FRENZY was crucial to changing the sex laws in California. Plus, Joe and Michael celebrate the legacy of cult filmmaker Chuck Vincent!

This week, we're taking an animated trip to Crystal Lake as we welcome Stacie Ponder, writer & creator of the acclaimed FINAL GIRL blog and co-host of GAYLORDS OF DARKNESS! Among other things, Stacie discusses finding power in reevaluating problematic portrayals in films of yesteryear, what prestige actress she thinks should be the next of Luca Guadagnino's reimagined Three Mothers, and her journey artistically recreating all of Jason Voorhees's finest moments for her book DEATH COUNT: ALL THE DEATHS IN THE FRIDAY THE 13TH FILM SERIES, ILLUSTRATED!

This week, we're opening the puzzle box to welcome pop culture commentator extraordinaire Jordan Crucchiola, acclaimed writer and the sensation behind Vulture's "55 Essential Queer Horror Films!" Among other things, Jordan discusses the persisting significance of the many layers of queerness in HELLRAISER, how Angelina Jolie was the beacon that led to her professional career, and what queer cinema has gotten right so far...and what more it still needs to do. Plus, Jordan shares her memories of hosting the 10th anniversary of JENNIFER'S BODY and the importance of the film's culture rediscovery.

On this week's episode, things get heretical as we welcome David Kittredge, acclaimed filmmaker of PORNOGRAPHY: A THRILLER and the upcoming documentary HERETICS: BRUSHED BY THE WINGS OF EXORCIST II! Among other things, David discusses how early gay adult cinema engaged in an arthouse aesthetic, his work to help restore the queer content of the Ryan Phillippe film 54, and his journey exploring the history of the divisive sequel to William Friedkin's lauded classic. Plus, David and Michael share cinematic cocktail recipes for a "Pazuzu-tini" and an EYES OF LAURA MARS themed drink.

This week, it’s a teenage revolution as we’re joined by Adam Sass, acclaimed author of the forthcoming SURRENDER YOUR SONS! Among other things, Adam discusses why horror is important in the landscape of young adult literature, his past cinematic participation in the world of Amityville, and why the AMERICAN WEREWOLF movies are steeped in homoerotic and queer subtext. Plus, Adam theorizes what Buffy and the Scoobies would be doing in the era of quarantine!

This week, we’re keeping it in the family as we welcome filmmaker and artist extraordinaire Dru Phillips, the sensational creator behind the celebrated Sister Hyde Design! Among other things, Dru discusses her childhood obsession with the allure of Dracula, her work crafting artwork for some of the biggest names in show business, and why horror still has a long way to go in terms of trans representation. Plus, Dru gives us all a lesson on why it’s important to embrace our problematic faves.

We’re baaaaack! To help us mark our rise from the grave, we’re joined this week by fabulous femme fatale and veritable drag icon Louisianna Purchase! Among other things, Louisianna discusses her legendary appearance on the third season of THE BOULET BROTHERS DRAGULA, the influence of the lesbian vampire films of Jean Rollin, and the punk rock ethos of bringing drag to a digital landscape in a time of quarantine. Plus, Lousianna digs into the “catharsis of evil,” and Michael catches listeners up on the show’s return!

Some news for our listeners.

This week, we're catching the attention of all the dead boys as we welcome Carter Smith, acclaimed photographer and filmmaker of BUGCRUSH, THE RUINS, and JAMIE MARKS IS DEAD! Among other things, Carter discusses growing up in Stephen King's Maine, how his work as a photographer prepared him for life on film sets, and the oft unspoken kinship between the grotesque and beautiful.

This week, we're taking on killer vanity as we welcome Jane Clark, acclaimed filmmaker of METH HEAD, CRAZY BITCHES, and the recently released CRAZY BITCHES: SPA DAYS! Among other things, Jane discusses the harrowing real life connections that inspired her to create a powerful film about addiction, her experience of taking a feature project and restructuring it as an ongoing series, and the significance of allyship in the ongoing discussion of crafting queer narratives.

This week, our chests are bursting with excitement as we welcome veritable genre icon Jenette Goldstein, acclaimed star of ALIENS, NEAR DARK, TERMINATOR 2, and much, much more! Among other things, Jenette discusses the socially-tinged horror films that unnerved her as a child, Hollywood's penchant for putting people in boxes, and why the sexual ambiguity of Vasquez from ALIENS gives the character an almost universal appeal. Plus, Jenette dishes on vampire families, T-1000s, sinking ships, and beyond!

This week, cellists best beware as we welcome Eric Charmelo, acclaimed writer behind THE PERFECTION, as well as popular TV shows like RINGER, SUPERNATURAL, and MIDNIGHT, TEXAS! Among other things, Eric discusses his draw to stories about "identity in crisis," why being gay is a somewhat Cronenbergian experience, and the fascinating & voracious queer following of SUPERNATURAL! Plus, Eric shares how the work of John Waters continues to inform his own.

This week, we're discovering where the dead go to die as we welcome Aaron Dries, acclaimed author of HOUSE OF SIGHS, THE FALLEN BOYS, and A PLACE FOR SINNERS! Among other things, Aaron discusses his native Australia's obsession with horror "on the road," Brian De Palma's cultural voyeurism, and his quest to find "the good in all evil."

This week, we're introducing you to the men of your dreams as we welcome Roman Chimienti and Tyler Jensen, filmmakers of the acclaimed new documentary SCREAM, QUEEN: MY NIGHTMARE ON ELM STREET! Among other things, Roman and Tyler discuss the storied history of horror's allegedly "gayest" movie, how Madonna's TRUTH OR DARE helped inform their film, and the sapphic intensity of HELLO MARY LOU: PROM NIGHT II!

On this week’s episode, we’re escaping the night as we welcome cinematic renaissance man Gregory Blair, the celebrated multi-hyphenate actor/writer/director behind DEADLY REVISIONS and GARDEN PARTY MASSACRE! Among other things, Gregory discusses why Laurie Strode and Carrie White are two sides of the same coin, the heightened place where horror and camp intersect, and if you can push the envelope too far.

This week, we're traveling through the trees as we welcome Addison Peacock, host of THE CRYPTID KEEPER and acclaimed voice actor known for her work on THE NO SLEEP PODCAST! Among other things, Addison discusses how JENNIFER'S BODY helped her reckon with her own sexual identity, musical theater's need to expand its own horizons, and why we love to prescribe queerness to folklore creatures like the Mothman and Bigfoot!

This week, we're capturing a caper on celluloid as we welcome Julia Marchese, filmmaker of the acclaimed documentary OUT OF PRINT and host of HORROR MOVIE SURVIVAL GUIDE! Among other things, Julia discusses her origins as a blood-soaked scream queen, her mission to teach the world about the importance of film preservation, and why she equates being a gorehound with riding a roller coaster!

This week, we're adding some sparkles to our slaughter as we welcome Jose D. Alvarez and Drew Bolton, the creative duo behind the new queer slasher KILLER UNICORN! Among other things, Jose and Drew discuss how Tumblr porn helped inspire some of their movie's kill scenes, the dangerous situations queer people sometimes place themselves in when engaging with nightlife, and the horror movie classics they'd love to remake using only drag queens!

This week, we're singing to survive as we welcome the diabolical duo of Jerome Sable and Nicholas Musurca, the creative team behind hit horror musical STAGE FRIGHT! Among other things, Jerome and Nicholas discuss the calculated casting of Minnie Driver as the ultimate operatic diva, the authenticity of wearing a mask, and why a musical number can often have the same energy as a murder scene.

This week, we're fighting back the armies of darkness as we welcome Ray Santiago, horror icon and star of ASH VS. EVIL DEAD, SUBURBAN GOTHIC, and INTO THE DARK: THE BODY! Among other things, Ray discusses his childhood fascination with final girls, where he thinks his EVIL DEAD character would be now, and his goal of becoming the queer/Latinx representation he always wanted to see growing up. Plus, Ray reveals what famous drag queen he'd really like to call him!

This week, we're taking fright panel by panel as we welcome William O. Tyler, acclaimed comic book artist and writer of RATBOY, CINEPHILIA, and the upcoming THEATER OF TERROR: REVENGE OF THE QUEERS! Among other things, William talks about the practice of "conscious escapism," how Disney villains tend to lean into the opulence of drag presentation, and his recent work bringing the ghoulish world of Peaches Christ to the world of comics.

This week, we're digging into the politics of fright as we welcome fandom fave Clarke Wolfe, acclaimed host of SENDING THE WOLFE and COLLIDER NIGHTMARES! Among other things, Clarke discusses how certain problematic ideas are "grandfathered" into our art, why the themes of ROSEMARY'S BABY are still sadly relevant to women today, and her recent roles in upcoming feature films SATANIC PANIC and DEATHCEMBER!

This week, we're redefining tradition as we welcome Jason Rostovsky, filmmaker of DON'T BE AFRAID OF THE LIGHT and the upcoming DEATHCEMBER segment BEFORE SUNDOWN! Among other things, Jason discusses how his Jewish background informs his connection to genre, his opposition to the divisive phrase "elevated horror," and the lessons in filmmaking he learned while working post-production on some of Blumhouse's biggest titles. Plus, Jason shares a story of his personal history with Oprah!

This week, we're getting haunted in high fashion as we welcome drag sensation Roz Drezfalez, acclaimed comedian, male actress, and host of the paranormal podcast GHOSTED! Among other things, Roz discusses her desire to bring drag to spaces where it normally doesn't exist, how a childhood misunderstanding led her to believe a horror classic was about evil soap, and the most haunted location she's visited in her travels. Plus, in honor of Dead for Filth's 75th episode, Roz and Michael dig into their recent horror favorites.

This week, the buzz is back as we welcome Caroline Williams, iconic star of THE TEXAS CHAINSAW MASSACRE 2, LEPRECHAUN 3, and HATCHET III! Among other things, Caroline discusses Hollywood's resistance to women "of a certain age" owning their sexuality, why she believes gay men are drawn to final girls, and her memories of working with the likes of Louis Malle, Dennis Hopper, and Angela Lansbury!

This week, we're falling in love with the undead as we welcome Michael Simon, acclaimed filmmaker of GAY ZOMBIE and THE LOVE PATIENT! Among other things, Michael discusses the trial by fire lessons he learned from indie filmmaking, the Rod Serling series that kept him up for nights, and how his celebrated tale of zombified queer romance became a topic of discussion at Harvard!

This week, we're rollerskating into fright as we welcome Viktor Kerney, acclaimed author of STRANGELORE and co-host of the popular MEGASheen Podcast! Among other things, Viktor discusses how his childhood love of spookiness led his peers to mistakenly believe he was a witch, why he feels there's a strong kinship between comic books and horror, and how an androgynous vampire in FRIGHT NIGHT PART 2 gave him a new perspective on what genre could be.

This week, we’re putting faith in fangs as we welcome Fernando Rivera, acclaimed author of THE AFTERLIVING (His Blood & Silver Series, Vol. 1) and filmmaker of WHERE MONSTER HIDES! Among other things, Fernando discusses the impact of community on his work, his longstanding fear of clowns, and why a certain Mel Brooks movie ranks as one of his favorite vampiric film representations. Also, Fernando dishes on his guest starring roles on such hit series as CRAZY EX-GIRLFRIEND and JANE THE VIRGIN!

This week, we're turning things RED RED as we welcome Ama Lea, acclaimed filmmaker and photographer behind the celebrated YEAR OF FEAR project! Among other things, Ama discusses the joys of photographing her heroes, her mission to destroy horror's oft objectifying gaze, and her obsession with the world of kaiju!

This week, we're delving into a world of sex-driven scares as we welcome Yann Gonzalez, filmmaker of YOU AND THE NIGHT and the celebrated new queer giallo masterpiece KNIFE + HEART! Among other things, Yann discusses modern art's reliance on being a patchwork of what has come before, why the work of Brian De Palma brings him to tears, and the rebellious kinship between horror and porn.

On this week's episode, we're tapping the pop culture vein as we welcome Jason LeRoy, acclaimed critic and host of THE BINGE MOVIE PODCAST! Among other things, Jason discusses why he believes queer people are drawn to strong actresses, the Shakespearian pedigree of SCREAM's Sidney Prescott, and dishes on his recent stage debut in Peaches Christ's MEAN GAYS! Plus, Jason details a story about the time he was interrogated by none other than Glenn Close!

On this week's episode, we're celebrating a trailblazer in terror as we welcome Jeffrey McCrann, former development exec at FearNet and creator of the foundational and transgressively-titled queer genre blog "Faggoty Ass Horror." Among other things, Jeffrey discusses his life in the world of professional musical theater, how pushing boundaries landed him a job working with his heroes, and why we need weird voices in art now more than ever.

This week, we're investigating the man behind the mask as we welcome Derek Dennis Herbert, the filmmaker of the acclaimed horror documentary TO HELL AND BACK: THE KANE HODDER STORY. Among other things, Derek discusses how the trials & tribulations of low budget filmmaking helped prepare him to make his feature, horror's innate ability to create community, and what queer audiences can learn from the life story of the man who played Jason Voorhees.

We're having a crossover! This week we're Dead Together as we welcome Zack Ogle and Haley Manrique, co-hosts of the new hit queer podcast WE'RE NOT TOGETHER! Among other things, Zack and Haley discuss the items in their homes they believe are haunted, what members of the queer community can learn from each other, and the sex lives of horror's greatest icons. Also, the duo dig into their lives as filmmakers, with Zack discussing his recent horror hit WE GOT A MONKEY'S PAW and Haley dishing on her award-winning short LEZ BE HONEST!

This week, we're ghosting fang-bearing fiends as we welcome Brian Nolan, star of THE LAIR and prolific producer of over 55 films, including CUCUY: THE BOOGEYMAN and CHRISTMAS MADE TO ORDER! Among other things, Brian discusses how his time mixing & mingling with queer vampires helped set the course of his career, the full-circle moments of producing movies starring childhood heroes, and why he believes horror has an innate sense of justice.

This week, we're singing a dark duet as we welcome the prolific Staci Layne Wilson, acclaimed filmmaker of FETISH FACTORY and best-selling author of SO L.A.- A HOLLYWOOD MEMOIR! Among other things, Staci discusses the kinship between fright fandom and rock n' roll, the outrageous things she witnessed on film sets during her years as an entertainment reporter, and her recent endeavor to help shine a spotlight on women in horror!

We've got our Reading Glasses on this week as we welcome the multi-talented Brea Grant, the prolific filmmaker, producer, and hostess who also happens to be the star of such hits as HEROES, DEXTER, and Rob Zombie's HALLOWEEN II! Among other things, Brea discusses the importance of visibility of women behind the camera in her own filmmaking journey, the gay terminology she learned while working on hit LGBTQ+ series EASTSIDERS, and the empowerment of otherness in the world of horror.

On this week's episode, you'll believe in magic as we welcome Michael Carbonaro, the award-winning actor and master magician behind the hit TV series THE CARBONARO EFFECT! Among other things, Michael discusses the unlikely correlation between Freddy Krueger and David Copperfield, his childhood obsession with special effects makeup, and his cherished memories of starring in one of queer cinema's most beloved cult classics.

On this week's episode, we're counting down the ways we love fright with spooky icon Rachel Evans, power producer and creator/host of DARK 5! Among other things, Rachel discusses the carny mindset crossover between horror and professional wrestling, the power of body representation, and the lessons in humanity she learned studying serial killers.

It's a holiday celebration from beneath the waves as we welcome Mallory O'Meara, producer and author of the forthcoming THE LADY FROM THE BLACK LAGOON: HOLLYWOOD MONSTERS AND THE LOST LEGACY OF MILLICENT PATRICK! Among other things, Mallory discusses the forgotten history of the woman who helped create one of fright's most notable icons, the problematic truth behind H.P. Lovecraft, and the inspirational power of visibility in horror.

On this week's episode, we learn about the legacy of one badass cheerleader as we welcome horror icon Kelli Maroney, the legendary star of FAST TIMES AT RIDGEMONT HIGH, NIGHT OF THE COMET, and CHOPPING MALL! Among other things, Kelli discusses the correlation between soap operas and horror, why she believes the film industry operates on fear, and how her most famous characters empowered her to live as her most authentic self.

Good evening, America! This week, we're thrilled to welcome acclaimed performer, writer, and queer icon Drew Droege (BRIGHT COLORS AND BOLD PATTERNS, SCOUTS GUIDE TO THE ZOMBIE APOCALYPSE)! Among other things, Drew discusses his childhood obsession with Freddy Krueger, the authenticity of camp, and the time he became cinema's only Britney Spears obsessed zombie!

This week, our hearts go Ka-Boom as we welcome back returning guest Thomas Dekker (JACK GOES HOME, THE SARAH CONNOR CHRONICLES)! Among other things, Thomas discusses the power of music in the landscape of fright, the industry's odd resistance to movies calling themselves "horror," and gives us the low-down on his latest album, INTO THE NIGHT! What's more, you'll get your first ever listen to one of the album's tracks, "Boys in Eyeliner," making an exclusive debut here!

On this week's episode, we're guided by ghosts as we welcome Axelle Carolyn, acclaimed filmmaker of SOULMATE and TALES OF HALLOWEEN! Among other things, Axelle discusses discovering horror movies while growing up in Belgium, how her fascination with spirits and hauntings on screen led to her new book, and her recent work as a writer on pop culture phenomenon CHILLING ADVENTURES OF SABRINA!

It's Halloween! To celebrate, we're throwing a spooktacular extravaganza featuring a roundtable panel of returning guests, including writer/producer Lotti Pharriss-Knowles (CHASTITY BITES, I AM DIVINE), filmmaker/festival guru J.T. Seaton (GEORGE: A ZOMBIE INTERVENTION, THE PERIPHERAL), and super producer/artist extraordinaire Drew Phillips (BEAUTIFUL)! Among other things, this cool coven discusses their picks for perfect movies to screen at your spooky gathering, the enduring sex appeal of Tom Atkins, and has a powerful conversation about the fight for representation in the world of horror movies and beyond.

It's a "Violent Kind" of episode this week as we welcome the prolific Tiffany Shepis, star of a multitude of fright flicks including THE FRANKENSTEIN SYNDROME, VICTOR CROWLEY, and ABOMINABLE! Among other things, Tiffany discusses the inclusive power of horror, the double-edged sword of the term "Scream Queen," and her discovery of the industry's penchant for queerbaiting.

Grab your pirate costumes, because this week we're going trick or treating as we welcome Jeffrey Landman, star of HALLOWEEN 5: THE REVENGE OF MICHAEL MYERS! Among other things, Jeffrey discusses his time in the original Broadway productions of LES MISERABLES and FALSETTOS, what it's like to be part of one of horror's most enduring franchises, and a truly poignant moment on stage where he learned the power of performance in helping us heal.

On this week's episode, we launch the Halloween season by welcoming Paul Etheredge, acclaimed filmmaker of HELLBENT and ANGEL OF DEATH! Among other things, Paul discusses the creation of the "first gay slasher," the horror movie that traumatized his youth, and a true life incident of eyeball popping terror!