The Losers' Club: A Stephen King Podcast

Bloody FM

Founded in 2017, The Losers’ Club® is an award-winning weekly series that chronologically digs through the work of Stephen King with humor, irreverence, and a critical eye. Each episode, the Losers gather together to read between the iconic pages and share the latest in King’s Dominion, whether it’s the author’s oft-controversial tweets, the boldest Hollywood headlines, or his endless forthcoming projects. The series also regularly features special guests. In the past, the Losers have spoken to Mike Flanagan, Thomas Jane, Tananarive Due, Chapo Trap House, Owen Teague, Mick Garris, Mary Lambert, Jerry O’Connell, Wil Wheaton, Joe Bob Briggs, and even King himself. Suitable for readers both Constant and casual. King says check us out. Edited by Kyle Orozovich. Music by The Most/Charlie Laurence. Produced by Michael Roffman and Randall Colburn. read less

Our Editor's Take

Stephen King is one of the most recognizable names in all of the horror genre. He has a prolific body of work that has fascinated readers for decades. The Losers' Club: A Stephen King Podcast is a great way for fans of King's work to revisit their favorites.

Starting with King's debut novel Carrie, episodes of the podcast examine one of King's novels or stories. The hosts also dedicate episodes to King-related media and news about the author.

The podcast gets its name from the group of protagonists in King's iconic novel It. The group of misfit kids in the novel accept the self-effacing nickname for their group. Like the Losers' Club in the book, the hosts of this podcast are a close friend group with a love of King's writing.

The Losers' Club: A Stephen King Podcast has six hosts, who alternate on the show. Music journalist and playwright Randall Colburn is the primary host of the podcast. The podcast also brings notable guests onto some episodes, like actors Thomas Jane and Wil Wheaton.

For fans of King, The Losers' Club: A Stephen King Podcast is like joining a book club. Fans of the podcast enjoy the hosts' friendly banter and laid-back analysis of each book. They discuss the characters, themes, and plotlines that comprise his work. By including episodes on movie adaptations, the podcast welcomes both avid and casual King fans.

This podcast offers more than just praise for King's work. Even though the hosts are fans, the podcast isn't afraid to critique his work when warranted. The hosts will acknowledge works that fall short or haven't aged well. They explore King's shortcomings as well as triumphs as an author.

In addition to individual works, the show examines King's influence on pop culture. For example, they discuss how his writing has altered the horror genre. The Losers' Club: A Stephen King Podcast offers a unique perspective on his legacy.

read less

ArtsArts

Start Here

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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Episodes

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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Doctor Sleep (Rerun)

Doctor Sleep (Rerun)

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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Brian De Palma's Carrie with The Lady Killers

Brian De Palma's Carrie with The Lady Killers

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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Stephen King's Carrie at 50

Stephen King's Carrie at 50

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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Firestarters III: Your Stephen King Hot Takes (Patreon Clip)

Firestarters III: Your Stephen King Hot Takes (Patreon Clip)

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 about on another Oops All Tangents. Plus, you’ll have access to our 24/7/365 Discord to find Constant Listeners and Readers just like you. Only $7 bucks… for all that. Subscribe now through the link in the description of this episode, or visit www.patreon.com/thebarrens. Hope to see you there -- over long days and pleasant nights. Follow us on Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Patreon Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Stephen Graham Jones on The Angel of Indian Lake, Slasher Tropes, and Final Girls

Stephen Graham Jones on The Angel of Indian Lake, Slasher Tropes, and Final Girls

Today marks the release of Stephen Graham Jones' The Angel of Indian Lake, the final chapter of his Indian Lake Trilogy. To celebrate its release, co-host Jenn Adams joins Scare You to Sleep's Shelby Novak as they speak with Jones about final girls, slasher tropes, and more. Pick up The Angel of Indian Lake now at your local bookstore! Follow us on Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Patreon Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Dark Tower: The Wind Through the Keyhole

The Dark Tower: The Wind Through the Keyhole

The Losers return to Mid-World to discuss the eighth and final (?) Dark Tower novel: 2012's The Wind Through the Keyhole. Follow us on Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Patreon Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Rage: Carrie 2 Revisited

The Rage: Carrie 2 Revisited

Lobstrosities is a Patreon-only segment of The Losers' Club that journeys into the barren wastelands of Stephen King movies and sequels. Today, in light of its 25th anniversary, the gang is unlocking their 2020 Lobstrosities episode on the 1999 sequel, The Rage: Carrie 2. Join Losers Michael Roffman, Randall Colburn, and Jenn Adams as they discuss toxic jocks, late '90s fashion, King connections, and, well, Zachery Ty Bryan. You can also read Jenn's new editorial on the film over at Bloody Disgusting. Follow us on Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Patreon Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Fritz Kiersch's Children of the Corn

Fritz Kiersch's Children of the Corn

This month marks the 40th anniversary of Fritz Kiersch's Children of the Corn. Starring Peter Horton and Linda Hamilton, the 1984 adaptation largely ignored King's Night Shift story -- and his own screenplay -- in favor of a more rote entry in the slasher genre. Join the gang as they return to Gatlin, Nebraska to chart its leap from page to screen ... to unlikely franchise. Follow us on Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Patreon Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Best and Worst Stephen King Movie Sequels

The Best and Worst Stephen King Movie Sequels

The Losers untie another big ol' Bag of Bones and answer your questions. Questions like "How has Stephen King informed or influenced your personal vocabulary?", "What should be the first Stephen King adaptation for A24?", "Which Muppets would you cast for The Dark Tower?"; and "What are the three best and worst Stephen King sequels?". They also share their earliest memories with the horror genre, share a few underseen horror movie recommendations, and name the most "dudes rock" King work. Want to ask them a question on the next Bag of Bones episode? Become an Overlook patron at www.patreon.com/thebarrens. Follow us on Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Patreon Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Tales from the Darkside and Stephen King (Patreon Clip)

Tales from the Darkside and Stephen King (Patreon Clip)

Here's a clip from our recent discussion on Tales from the Darkside, specifically Stephen King's entries. 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, 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, countless locked episodes and one-offs, including a 24-7 Discord community featuring Constant Listeners just like you! Follow us on Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Patreon Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Kingdom Hospital Miniseries Review

Kingdom Hospital Miniseries Review

Nearly three decades ago, Stephen King stumbled upon a copy of Lars von Trier's Danish miniseries The Kingdom in a dusty Colorado video store. Roughly seven years later, ABC premiered Kingdom Hospital, the author's own take on von Trier's haunted hospital. While conceived as a miniseries, King was so excited about the project — developed alongside his Storm of the Century and Rose Red collaborators — that he was ready to start work on a second season. The series premiered strong, but ratings dwindled and ABC pulled the plug just months later. Join the Losers as they unpack both the 13-episode series and King's candid thoughts about the adaptation and its swift cancellation, which he detailed in a 2004 EW column. Was it ahead of its time? Are the Twin Peaks comparisons warranted? And just how much did it inspire season 2 of American Horror Story? These questions and more — including its place in the larger canon of King's work — are discussed. Follow us on Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Patreon Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

'Salem's Lot (2004) Miniseries Review

'Salem's Lot (2004) Miniseries Review

The Losers return to a very familiar place: 'Salem's Lot. The only difference? Rob Lowe. Well, there are a lot of differences, and the gang goes into all of 'em. Follow along as they sink their teeth into this sprawling TNT miniseries update from 2004. Follow us on Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Patreon Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Stephen King's Best Sex Scenes

Stephen King's Best Sex Scenes

Since Valentine’s Day is next week, we thought we’d unlock a sweet treat for you: Our Valentine’s Day special from last year! We called it The Sweetest Slice, because in this episode, we played Kinky Cupid and tore out our favorite sex scenes from Stephen King’s works. So, if you want two hours of sensual smut, enjoy. No need to send us any bubbly either. Although, you could be our Valentine by joining The Barrens. The sweets keep on coming’ over there: hundreds of hours worth of exclusive content – from our Stephen King archival series, to our spooky Soul’s Midnights, to over a dozen commentaries on all your favorite Stephen King movies to spinoff series like Talkin’ Hawkins or our on-going CrichtonCast. You can subscribe now through the link in the description of this episode, or you can visit www.patreon.com/thebarrens. For now, grab some milk and enjoy a whole tray of poundcake. Follow us on Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Patreon Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

John Carpenter's Christine

John Carpenter's Christine

This past December marked the 40th anniversary of John Carpenter's Christine. To celebrate, the Losers are revisiting the 1983 adaptation of the 1983 novel -- more on that later -- with their first Long Watch movie review episode in over a year. Joining the gang for the ride is Kayleigh Jensen of the Glitter & Gore podcast. Together, they chart the (very) short production history from page to screen, the iconography of the Plymouth Fury, the sounds of the film, and those timeless effects. Follow us on Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Patreon Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

11.22.63 Miniseries Review

11.22.63 Miniseries Review

The Losers return to Lisbon Falls, Maine for one last ride: to discuss Hulu's 11.22.63. Produced by J.J. Abrams, Stephen King, Kevin Macdonald, Bryan Burk, and Bridget Carpenter, the 2016 eight-part miniseries starred James Franco as Jake Epping, Sarah Gadon as Sadie Dunhill, and Chris Cooper as Al Templeton. Was it a hit? Did it come and go? Was it the true origin of the latest King Renaissance? All questions will be answered. Follow us on Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Patreon Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Haven (Patreon Clip)

Haven (Patreon Clip)

Here's a clip from our recent discussion on Syfy's Haven. 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, 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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Big Driver/A Good Marriage Movie Reviews

Big Driver/A Good Marriage Movie Reviews

The Losers begin catching up on all the adaptations they've missed during their chronological re-read. Today's episode sees them discussing Mikael Salomon's Big Driver starring Maria Bello, in addition to Peter Askin's A Good Marriage starring Joan Allen. Both films pull from Stephen King's novellas collection Full Dark, No Stars and both are from 2014. Follow us on Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Patreon Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices