Synopsis
The Losers Club is a cozy, chummy place where lifelong fans and newbies can dig deep into Stephen Kings oeuvre and the myriad TV, film, print, and stage adaptations of his works.
Episodes
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11/22/63 Pt. 2: The Janitor's Father
01/12/2023 Duration: 03h11minThe Losers continue their journey through Stephen King's time-traveling drama: 11/22/63. In the second of six episodes, the Losers head to Derry, Maine, where they reunite with familiar faces and meet a new villain in King's Dominion: Frank Dunning. Along the way, they also discuss the evolution of Jake Epping -- err, George Amberson -- and how this section of the book affords Constant Readers the perfect opportunity to stakeout our main character ... during a stakeout of his own.Follow us on Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Patreon
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Unpacking Stephen King's Evolving Politics with Blowback's Brendan James
29/11/2023 Duration: 01h45minLook, we would've been perfectly happy enjoying 11/22/63 without getting into the weeds of the JFK conspiracy, but Stephen King himself took pains to detail how his research for the book convinced him that Lee Harvey Oswald acted alone. "It is very, very difficult for a reasonable person to believe otherwise," he writes in the book's afterword. Since that's no fun, we sought out some smart people to provide a counterpoint and share their own thoughts about the book's depictions of Oswald, Kennedy, and the assassination.In this episode, The Losers' Club speaks with Blowback co-host (and recent King convert) Brendan James about 11/22/63's Oswald, conspiracy in the 21st century, and King's political evolution over the years -- from the paranoia of The Stand to the regret of Hearts in Atlantis to the ghastly spirit of Donald Trump pervading his latest novels (and Twitter account). Finally, Brendan leaves us with some conspiracy fiction recommendations.Stay tuned for "Pt. 2: The Janitor's Father" -- dropping this
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11/22/63 Pt. 1: A Watershed Moment
22/11/2023 Duration: 03h10minThe Losers finally reach Stephen King's time-traveling drama: 11/22/63. In the first of six episodes dedicated to the 2011 best-seller and Constant Reader favorite, they wrestle with the novel's origins, its themes, and its commitment to history. Along the way, they also try to pinpoint what this story might have looked like when King originally dreamt it up way, way back in the early '70s.Follow us on Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Patreon
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Nightmares in the Sky: Gargoyles and Grotesques
17/11/2023 Duration: 01h08minThe Losers scan the nearby skyscrapers and gaze at the monstrosities watching from above. The stone monsters. The gargoyles! Join Losers Dan Pfleegor and Dan Caffrey as they flip through Stephen King and f-stop Fitzgerald's coffee table book Nightmares in the Sky: Gargoyles and Grotesques. Together, they discuss the impetus behind the project, King's essay, and the countless photos within. To stay on theme, they also revisit Stan Winston's 1972 telefilm Gargoyles. Note: This episode was recorded in 2021 and is being unlocked for the book's 35th anniversary.Follow us on Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Patreon
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Randall and Mel's Halloween Hell 3 (Patreon Clip)
13/11/2023 Duration: 04minHere's a clip from Randall and Mel's Month of Halloween Hell 3, the Losers’ Club's Patreon-exclusive annual series in which Randall and Mel watch a horror movie every day in October and talk about it, returns for its third year, this time with fellow Losers Dan Caffrey and Justin Gerber along for the ride. It's a marathon four-hour episode.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 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
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Hollywood King: On You Like It Darker, 'Salem's Lot, The Life of Chuck, and The End of the World...
10/11/2023 Duration: 02h13minThe heat is on across King's Dominion. To cool off, The Losers' Club put on their shades, rev up their ol' Plymouth Fury, and feel the breeze in Hollywood King. Along the way, they sort through plenty of Needful Tweets. Topics include Stephen King's new short stories collection You Like It Darker, the forthcoming short story collection tied The Stand from fellow authors, and a whole lotta talk about the adaptations we've been waiting for like 'Salem's Lot, The Life of Chuck, The Monkey, and more.Follow us on Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Patreon
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Finding Stephen King in Garth Marenghi's Darkplace with Popular Music's Zac Pennington
03/11/2023 Duration: 01h39minThe Losers' Club's Randall Colburn is joined by one of his favorite songwriters, Zac Pennington (Popular Music/Parenthetical Girls), to unpack the parodic pleasures of U.K. cult hit Garth Marenghi's Darkplace, a loony hospital horror soap that's maybe-sorta-definitely taking the piss out of Stephen King (in the most loving way possible, of course). The pair discuss low-rent '80s horror, hearing Matt Berry's voice for the first time, and how genuinely strange it is that Darkplace came out just months before King's own Kingdom Hospital, his short-lived ABC hospital horror soap. Popular Music's lush and haunting new album, Minor Works, is available now. Order it here and stream it wherever you stream music. Follow us on Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Patreon
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The Soul's Midnight: On Serial Killers and Horror Movies (Patreon Clip)
02/11/2023 Duration: 06minHere's a clip from our latest Patreon-exclusive installment of The Soul's Midnight, a Patreon exclusive series that allows the Losers to put down Stephen King for a moment and talk about some real-life spooky tales. Since we’ve just read Full Dark, No Stars --a collection of novellas all about murder – we figured we’d combine the two and talk about some crazed killers who have influenced, or may have been influenced by one of our all time favorite things: horror movies.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 Randall and Mel's Halloween Hell, Talkin' Hawkins, and CrichtonCast. Not to mention, dozens upon dozens of locked episodes and one-o
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Full Dark, No Stars: Fair Extension / A Good Marriage
27/10/2023 Duration: 02h57minWhat a long dark night it’s been on this trip through Stephen King’s 2011 collection Full Dark, No Stars. After traveling back to 1922 and taking a detour through Big Driver, Losers Justin Gerber, Rachel Reeves, and Jenn Adams make a pit stop in Derry for a nasty little tale of schadenfreude and revenge, “Fair Extension.” Then it’s full speed ahead through the collection’s final novella A Good Marriage. Inspired by the horrific crimes of BTK, King’s story follows a happily married woman who finds a life-altering secret buried in her garage. Topics range from the ethics of True Crime storytelling, the fine line between art and exploitation, and the lies we tell ourselves to get through the day. Follow us on Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Patreon
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Apt Pupil with Horror Queers
23/10/2023 Duration: 02h03minToday marks the 25th anniversary of Apt Pupil, the 1998 Stephen King adaptation that stars the late Brad Renfro and Sir Ian McKellen. Admittedly, it's a very controversial film to discuss, but to their credit, our friends Joe Lipsett and Trace Thurman of the Horror Queers braved the unnerving themes and backstories within the production. They also invited our co-host Jenn Adams along to help 'em out. So, we thought: Why not shed a light on the film -- consider it a Long Watch -- and give our network pals the spotlight, too. Win-win. If you dig this episode, do not hesitate to subscribe to the Horror Queers wherever you get podcasts. They're brilliant.Follow us on Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Patreon | Store
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'101 Horror Books to Read Before You're Murdered' with Sadie Hartmann
20/10/2023 Duration: 01h04minWe all know Stephen King loves to write horror fiction, but he also loves to read it. And when the Master of Horror is looking for his next literary fright he turns to our special guest for this episode: Sadie “Mother Horror” Hartmann! Losers Jenn Adams and Dan Caffrey join the Bookstagram star and fellow Constant Reader to discuss her incredible new book 101 Horror Books to Read Before You’re Murdered. Together, they chat about all things horror fiction including their favorite subgenres, creepy kids, the importance of modern horror, and what makes a book Stephen King(ish). And, of course, Sadie recommends a few novels perfect for spooky season! We guarantee you’ll come away from this episode with a much longer To Read list! Follow us on Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Patreon | Store
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Introducing The Lady Killers: A Feminine Rage Podcast
13/10/2023 Duration: 15minHappy Friday the 13th, Constant Listeners! We have a special treat for you: Another series from the LC family. It's called The Lady Killers: a Feminine Rage Podcast, and it's hosted by fellow Losers Jenn Adams and Sammie Kuykendall, in addition to Halloweenies editor Mae Shults and Rue Morgue editor Rocco Thompson. So what's the gist? Each episode will feature Jenn, Sammie, Mae, and Rocco discussing a female-identifying killer in the horror genre—and sometimes the wider world of cinema—from Julia and Jennifer to Carrie and Christine. They’ll tell the story from her point of view, decide if it’s “Good For Her” Horror, and answer the most important question of all: would we die for her? New episodes every Thursday; subscribe now.
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The Blair Witch Project Was "Too Freaky" for Stephen King
13/10/2023 Duration: 02h04minBecause it's spooky season, the Losers are dusting off an old Crate episode on 1999's The Blair Witch Project, a film that even Stephen King asked to turn off for being "too freaky." Where do you stand? Where do the Losers stand? Hopefully, not in the corner.Note: This was recorded in January 2021 and is being unlocked today for the main feed. For more exclusive episodes like this that we haven't unlocked,please join us at www.patreon.com/thebarrens. You can even get our latest book episode on Holly. Follow us on Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Patreon | Store
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The Making of Pet Sematary: Bloodlines with Lindsey Anderson Beer
06/10/2023 Duration: 52minThe Losers continue their coverage of Pet Sematary: Bloodlines by speaking with writer-director Lindsey Anderson Beer.Follow us on Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Patreon
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Pet Sematary: Bloodlines Movie Review
06/10/2023 Duration: 01h35minThe Losers return to Ludlow, Maine to review Pet Sematary: Bloodlines. Stay tuned for their interview with writer-director Lindsey Anderson Beer.Follow us on Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Patreon
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Full Dark, No Stars: Big Driver
29/09/2023 Duration: 02h52minOur Full Dark, No Stars coverage continues! In the second of three episodes dedicated to the 2010 collection, Losers Justin Gerber, Randall Colburn, and Jenn Adams discuss one of Stephen King's most uncomfortable stories to read due to the subject material. The less written here, the better. What's next? Well, next week we're reviewing Pet Sematary: Bloodlines. We'll conclude our Full Dark coverage on October 20th with a double hitter centered on Fair Extension and A Good Marriage.Follow us on Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Patreon
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Stephen King Character Corner: Holly Gibney (Patreon Clip)
27/09/2023 Duration: 10minHere's a clip from Jenn’s King Character Corner, our Patreon exclusive series that finds Jenn Adams embarking on a deep dive on some of your favorite characters, be it the villains, the heroes, the couples, the clowns, and everyone in between. Who’s on deck this time around? Holly Gibney! Hot off her latest appearance in King’s Dominion – her sixth by our account – Holly.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 The Stephen King Archives, Dark Tower Detour, 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
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Full Dark, No Stars: 1922
22/09/2023 Duration: 02h35minWith summer behind us, it's time to embrace the Fall season ahead of us. Be sure to keep an eye on your watch as the sun hits that horizon much, much earlier this time of the year. Before you know it? Full Dark, No Stars. Alas, the Losers have reached the next novellas collection in their journey through Stephen King's catalogue. The first of the four finds them dialing the clock back to 1922 and returning to Hemingford Home, Nebraska where there's been a grisly murder. That's an understatement. Stay tuned next week for Big Driver.Follow us on Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Patreon
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Holly (Patreon Clip)
19/09/2023 Duration: 10minHere'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 Holly. 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
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Ranking Stephen King's Critters
15/09/2023 Duration: 02h09minIn honor of the 40th anniversary of Lewis Teague’s Cujo, the Losers count down and match up to identify -- and crown -- the best critter in all of King’s Dominion! Instead of listing and ranking, we’re gonna let the critters themselves take control and duke it out with each other until only one remains. But never fear. No animals will be hurt in the recording of this episode. We’re using a March-Madness style Bracket to narrow down the competitors to a grand champion.Note: This was recorded last month and is being unlocked for the main feed. For more exclusive episodes like this that we haven't unlocked -- not to mention, over hundreds of hours of content --please join us at www.patreon.com/thebarrens. You can even get our latest book episode on Holly. Follow us on Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Patreon | Store