The Losers' Club: A Stephen King Podcast

In this deep dive into the second season of Audience Network's Mr. Mercedes, Randall Colburn, Justin Gerber, and Dan Pfleegor gather to discuss why the series jumped ahead to End of Watch over Finders Keepers. They also wrestle with its efforts to find drama in holding patterns and touch on the season’s shocking ending, a wild deviation from the source material. Follow us on Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Patreon

Losers Michael Roffman, Dan Caffrey, Justin Gerber, and Dan Pfleegor head to Hollywood King again to discuss the latest developments in King's Dominion, specifically on The Long Walk, The Monkey, The Institute, and forthcoming projects by King such as Always Holly. They also sort through some tweets, which ranges from greatest film scores to King's 1999 accident to more.Follow us on Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Patreon

Here's a clip from our latest Patreon-exclusive episode that sees your Losers gushing about their favorite, all-time Stephen King crushes. Want to hear the full track? Become a member of The Barrens (Patreon) by visiting www.patreon.com/thebarrens. You'll unlock hundreds hours of exclusive content that includes even more episodes of The Stephen King Archives, our Dark Tower Detour series, dozens of Ka-mmentary tracks for your favorite King flicks, all of our Lobstrosities episodes clawing through those silly King sequels, in addition to spinoffs like The Soul's Midnight, Talkin' Hawkins, and CrichtonCast. Not to mention, dozens upon dozens of locked episodes and one-offs, including a 24-7 Discord community featuring Constant Listeners just like you!Follow us on Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Patreon

After taking a quick (and bleak) detour with the macabre Revival, Stephen King returned to the characters he introduced in 2014’s Mr. Mercedes with 2015’s Finders Keepers. The second in a trilogy of novels about aging detective Bill Hodges, Finders Keepers follows a young boy whose discovery of a trunk filled with cash (and moleskin notebooks) puts him in the crosshairs of a psychopathic bookworm. In this episode of The Losers’ Club, hosts Randall Colburn, Jenn Adams, Rachel Reeves, and Ashley Casseday slip on their pocket protectors and duct-taped specs to discuss King’s return to the obsessed fan archetype. Along the way, they touch on parasocial fandom, rare book dealers, butts, and whether the story even needs Hodges and co.

Today, we’re unlocking our debut episode of the Dark Tower Detour, our Patreon-exclusive series that studies the minutiae of Roland Deschain’s epic quest. Hosted by Dan Pfleegor and Dan Caffrey, this exclusive series covers a range of topics that interest those who remember the face of their father. No character is too small. No detail too obscure. This kickoff episode -- recorded in September 2021 -- sees the Dans joined by Kingslingers co-hosts Scott Daly and Matt Freeman. Together, this blessed ka-tet bring its expertise to the ill-fated Battle of Jericho Hill, a tragic bloodbath mentioned in passing across several installments of the series.If you recall, the event was finally explored in full during a five-issue Marvel comic book run that ran from December 2009 to April 2010. Using that as a stepping stone, your heroes will examine the minds behind these comics, break down the belligerents on either side of the battle, and discuss the canonical significance of the Horn of Eld in this world and others.If

In 2014, Stephen King took a turn toward the macabre with Revival. A sprawling opus about the intersection between faith and science, the novel has since become a favorite amongst Constant Readers, who all consider it to be one of his modern masterpieces with an ending that haunts you forever. Today, the Losers step up and prepare to be healed by Minister Charles Jacobs as they discuss the unnerving novel. Together, they weigh in on the themes, how they relate to King's own beliefs in god and the afterlife, and whether or not this is the most harrowing ending King has put to paper.Follow us on Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Patreon

The Losers once again find themselves in Hell where they're surrounded by the most scorching Stephen King hot takes they've read to date. Yes, we're back with another installment of Firestarters. For context, this feature sees the Club sift through hot takes submitted by their patrons -- Constant Readers just like you! Each one is classified as mild, medium, or hot, and, let's just say, you're gonna need some milk as this episode rolls on. Want to submit a hot take next time around? Become a member of The Barrens at patreon.com/thebarrensFollow us on Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Patreon

As Constant Readers, we love to wander through King's Dominion, whether it's down the main street of Castle Rock or through the barrens outside of Derry. But Sharon Kitchens actually followed the footsteps of Stephen King, and she lived to tell the tale. Well, she lived to write the book! It's called Stephen King's Maine: A History & Guide, and it's an essential tome for Constant Readers. Today, Sharon joins Losers' Club co-host Michael Roffman to discuss how she put together this incredibly rich read and shares her 10 favorite King spots ... all of which you can visit in real life.Follow us on Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Patreon

To celebrate the release of King’s latest shortest story collection You Like It Darker, we’re unlocking our premiere episode of The Stephen King Archives, our Patreon exclusive imprint in which your Losers search the vault of Stephen King material – dusting off unpublished short stories, long-forgotten interviews, coffee-stained manuscripts, and alternate versions of your favorite tales.This particular episode, recorded in 2021, zeroes in on King’s earliest stories – his roots, if you will – 1956’s "Jhonathan and the Witchs" 1963’s The Aftermath, and 1965’s "I Was a Teenage Grave Robber". What are these stories? Where did they come from? Listen ahead as Losers Randall Colburn, Jenn Adams, and myself parse through these early, early works. And to help us out, we even consulted the one and only Bev Vincent. And, as you’ll hear, the writer and noted King scholar had much to say on these works.But if you want more of the Archives series, rest assured, we have several installments from over the years, including a

Losers Randall, Justin, and Jenn are joined by LC OG Wolfman Mac (Halloweenies) to talk the latest developments in King's Dominion. That includes the news that Hollywood Hunk Glen Powell will star in Edgar Wright's The Running Man, Neon picking up Oz Perkins' adaptation of The Monkey, and Francis Lawrence's The Long Walk heading into production this summer. They also check in on King's recent online antics, like his bizarre claim that he was never a Neil Young fan and his new friendship with Ice T, which leads to a meditation on the divergent paths of devoted posters in old age (and dramatic readings of Ice T's best tweets). Follow us on Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Patreon

Today we're unlocking our "book episode" on Stephen King's e-book Finn. This was recorded in 2022 and is being unleashed today to celebrate the story being collected in his latest book: You Like It Darker. So, if you're reading that collection and you'd like to hear our thoughts on all 12 stories... good news. We have a full book episode already available in The Barrens (Patreon): www.patreon.com/thebarrens. In addition to that episode, you'll unlock hundreds hours of exclusive content that includes episodes of The Stephen King Archives, our Dark Tower Detour series, dozens of Ka-mmentary tracks for your favorite King flicks, all of our Lobstrosities episodes clawing through those silly King sequels, plus spinoffs like The Soul's Midnight, Talkin' Hawkins, and CrichtonCast. Not to mention, dozens upon dozens of locked episodes and one-offs, including a 24-7 Discord community featuring Constant Listeners just like you!Follow us on Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Patreon

Here's a clip from our latest Patreon-exclusive book episode that sees your Losers leave the path of the beam and jump ahead to Stephen King's newest novel You Like It Darker. Want to hear the full track? Become a member of The Barrens (Patreon) by visiting www.patreon.com/thebarrens. You'll unlock hundreds hours of exclusive content that includes even more episodes of The Stephen King Archives, our Dark Tower Detour series, dozens of Ka-mmentary tracks for your favorite King flicks, all of our Lobstrosities episodes clawing through those silly King sequels, in addition to spinoffs like The Soul's Midnight, Talkin' Hawkins, and CrichtonCast. Not to mention, dozens upon dozens of locked episodes and one-offs, including a 24-7 Discord community featuring Constant Listeners just like you!Follow us on Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Patreon

You've read the book, now watch the series! In this deep dive into the first season of Audience Network's Mr. Mercedes, Losers Randall Colburn, Justin Gerber, Ashley Casseday, and Dan Pfleegor discuss the ways in which the show improves upon the source material, how a good performance can elevate a dud character, and the cultural turmoil of the time that clearly influenced its production. Later this summer, the Losers will check in on the show’s subsequent seasons as their coverage of the trilogy continues.Follow us on Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Patreon

After releasing The Colorado Kid and Joyland via the Hard Case Crime imprint, Stephen King made his grand debut into the world of hard-boiled crime fiction with Mr. Mercedes. The first in a trilogy, the 2014 novel introduced readers to Bill Hodges, a crusty, retired detective who finds his golden years interrupted by the taunts of a psychopathic killer he failed to apprehend. Join the Losers as they detail the book’s origins, how it differs from the author’s previous forays into crime, and the ways in which it reflects evolving societal fears about domestic terrorism. They also discuss the book’s messy vision of a post-recession America and its musings on class, second chances, and the nature of evil. It’s also one of King’s poundcakiest books, so prepare to blush.Follow us on Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Patreon

The Losers close out April with another trip to prom with Carrie White, only this time there's no Brian De Palma, no Sissy Spacek, and no Amy Irving. Instead, they dial back to 2002, when NBC aired a new vision of Carrie that may or may not have been the backdoor pilot for a would-be TV series. Together they discuss Bryan Fuller's vision, the early aughts aesthetics, the garish CGI, Angela Bettis and Patricia Clarkson's performances, how it hews closer to the page, and more.Follow us on Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Patreon

The Losers head to Frazier, New Hampshire to review Stephen King's novel Doctor Sleep. Together, they weigh in on the True Knot, dirty dozens of dishes with poundcake, and argue whether King should have ever burned down The Overlook Hotel. Note: This episode was recorded in Fall of 2019 and is being re-published for our chronological read through.Follow us on Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Patreon

We interrupt our regular programming to give you a taste of The Lady Killers: A Feminine Rage Podcast. Our sister series -- featuring Jenn Adams, Sammie Kuykendall, Mae Schults, and Rocco Thompson -- celebrated the 50th anniversary of Stephen King's first novel by revisiting King's first adaptation.Brian De Palma's 1976 Oscar-nominated Carrie.Together, they discuss cinematic mean girls, upsetting monologues, cartoonish calisthenics, egregious red hats, Carrie’s true motivations, and more. They also answer burning questions like: What do we think of De Palma’s opening shower scene? Why does King like to burn down his fictional towns?Enjoy and be sure to subscribe to The Lady Killers!Follow us on Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Patreon

Fifty years ago today, Stephen King published his first novel, Carrie. A lot has changed since 1974 -- the world, the culture, King himself -- and yet his debut novel pervades. Half a century later, Carrie has become a trope, a story we all think about when we see the curious kid in the corner. It's been adapted, emulated, and influenced countless cultural moments. Carrie White lives.Today, the Losers gather for their very first Twinner episode, which sees all your favorite co-hosts who weren't on the original book episode getting a chance to record their own. To celebrate the major milestone in King's Dominion today, co-hosts Jenn Adams, Rachel Reeves, Ashley Casseday, and Mel Kassel gathered around the mic and recorded their own thoughts.Same categories, different voices.Follow us on Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Patreon

Here's a clip from our recent installment of Firestarters in which the Losers leave The Shop and come face to face with some scorching Stephen King hot takes from all of their testy Constant Listeners. Want to hear the full track? Become a member of The Barrens (Patreon) by visiting www.patreon.com/thebarrens, and here’s the good news. We’ve done away with tiers. We got one single tier: Losers Forever, which gets you access to everything under the Derry sun for $7 a month.That means hundreds of hours worth of exclusive content we’ve already recorded over the last four years: our Stephen King Archives series, our Dark Tower Detour series, our spooky Soul’s Midnight series, our Stranger Things spinoff series, our Michael Crichton spinoff series, dozens of commentaries on all your favorite Stephen King movies, rankings, bracket games, lists, AND that’s not all. You can submit your own hot takes for another Firestarters, submit questions that we’ll 100% answer on Bag of Bones episodes, and tell us what to talk ab

The Losers head down to North Carolina for a summer job at Joyland. Together, they discuss Stephen King's second Hard Case Crime novel, weighing in on the era, the crime at the center, and how it connects to an iconic work in King's Dominion. Spiritually, of course.Follow us on Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Patreon