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!