The Losers' Club: A Stephen King Podcast

Check it, there's a dead guy over there. He's talking to us. His mouth and his words don't match up entirely, but if you just listen, he's not hard to follow. Get used to it. They're everywhere. The dead. And they have a lot to say before they're gone forever.

The Losers have left the West and have returned to the East Coast as they make their way back to Maine. Along the way, they visit New York City and stop by The Manhattan Restaurant of the Mind to pick up Stephen King's new hardboiled crime novel, Later. 

The sun is setting and the Losers make one last stop to examine Stephen King's Desperation and Richard Bachman's The Regulators. Already, we've mined themes of religion, addiction, and authority in the Nevada desert and powered through cathartic writing, television, and violence in the suburbs of Ohio. What a long, strange trip it's been, and it's about to get even stranger, if you can believe that.

Join Losers Randall Colburn, Jenn Adams, Dan Pfleegor, and Ana Marie Cox as they conclude their series on King's great twinning experiment. They'll discuss the benefits to writing as Bachman and the emotional core of this darker style. Is King funny? Would we read his published laundry list? Why is Richard Bachman so mad? All these questions and more will be answered as we discuss the author and his pseudonym.

It’s summertime in suburbia and the Losers find themselves on an idyllic street in Wentworth, Ohio. But there’s a storm on the way. And an ominous van at the corner. The neighbors seem alright, maybe a little mean, ut we have the strangest feeling we’ve met them before. 

In another world?

Join Losers Randall Colburn, Jenn Adams, Dan Pfleegor, and Ana Marie Cox as they sort through Richard Bachman’s take on tragedy, religion, and TV in 1996's The Regulators. Together, they’ll discuss King’s angry pseudonym, problematic prose, cartoon monsters, and the scariest thing to ever happen while eating honey. 

Tak!

The Losers are still stuck in Desperation, where they're starting to realize things aren't exactly as they appear. No, you might say there's a supernatural presence in the air. Hell, even the coyotes and critters are beginning to take on a strange demeanor.

Reunite with Losers Randall Colburn, Jenn Adams, Dan Pfleegor, and Ana Marie Cox as they continue their coverage of Stephen King's 1996 novel. In the second of two episodes dedicated to the book, they discuss Tak, body horror, and the terror of unbridled authority.

Stay tuned for The Regulators in March.

The Losers head down Highway 50 out in Nevada and make a pit stop in a small mining town called Desperation. It's hot, it's eerie, and it's seemingly abandoned. To their surprise, though, there's a lone deputy waving them in. He seems nice.

Join Losers Randall Colburn, Jenn Adams, Dan Pfleegor, and Ana Marie Cox as they begin their coverage of Stephen King's 1996 novel. In the first of two episodes dedicated to the book, they discuss its themes of addiction, relationship to faith, and grisly scenery.

Things take an emotional turn when the Losers weigh in on how they personally react to the book, their own evolving journeys with religion, and their own experiences with addiction, recovery, and AA. Needless to say, there is much to mine in Desperation.

Stay tuned for Part Two next week.

The Losers reunite with The Stand showrunner Benjamin Cavell for their own coda to their weekly coverage. Together, they discuss the themes behind Stephen King's new ending, the political allusions that naturally surfaced amidst the series, and why Alexander Skarsgard's portrayal of Randall Flagg feels different without Vegas. They also discuss favorite scenes, the best needle drops, and whether or not we'll see any footage from the cutting room floor.

Our weekly coverage of The Stand on CBS All Access concludes! Join Losers Randall Colburn, Michael Roffman, Jenn Adams, and McKenzie Gerber as they hit the road with Stu and Frannie. Along the way, the four discuss Stephen King's new coda, how it fits into the original 1978 novel, the half dozen Easter eggs littered throughout, and, finally, which performances they prefer between the 1994 version and this adaptation.

Our weekly coverage of The Stand on CBS All Access continues! Join Losers Randall Colburn, Michael Roffman, Jenn Adams, and Dan Caffrey as they head to court to give their verdict on the penultimate chapter. During recess, they discuss Lloyd's turn from the pages, the big ol' dance party, the Trumpian parallels to Flagg, and the big bang out in the desert. As promised, there are Easter eggs uncovered.

Let's see those fucking dimples, Constant Listeners. The Losers are joined by The Stand star Owen Teague, aka Harold Lauder, for a special bonus episode recorded outside of Boulder, Colorado. The Constant Reader and actor discusses the hurdles in becoming one of Stephen King's most complex villains, his love for The Dark Tower multiverse, whether he actually likes PayDays, and dreaming of New England from South Florida. The Cell and It star also meditates on what other roles he'd like to play in King's Dominion.  

Our weekly coverage of The Stand on CBS All Access continues! Join Losers Randall Colburn, Michael Roffman, McKenzie Gerber, and Jenn Adams as they lace up and walk 800 miles to Las Vegas. Along the way, they discuss that wonderful needle drop from the No. 1 band of all time Radiohead, Owen Teague's victory lap, the creepiest portrayal of Sin City, and Randall Flagg's sexy ass. Yes, there are Easter eggs.

Our weekly coverage of The Stand on CBS All Access continues! Join Losers Randall Colburn, Dan Caffrey, Mel Kassel, and McKenzie Gerber as they oscillate between Boulder and Sin City in breakneck fashion. Together, they discuss the introduction of Ezra Miller's Trashcan Man, the best scene with Randall Flagg thus far, and that explosive ending.  Yes, there are Easter eggs.

Hey baby! The Losers are joined by The Stand star Katherine McNamara, aka Julie Lawry, for a special bonus episode straight outta Sin City. The Constant Reader and actress-musician discusses her love for Stephen King's prose, explains her kinetic approach to the character, and shares a number of musical anecdotes from the set. She also weighs in on how she's kept busy during the pandemic and teases what's coming next.

Our weekly coverage of The Stand on CBS All Access continues! Join Losers Jenn Adams, Michael Roffman,  Mel Kassel, and special guest Joe Lipsett (of Horror Queers) in Sin City for a wild night of gladiator bloodbaths, sleazy shopping, and glasses of fresh milk. Together, they meditate on the puritanical tones of the series, the queer representation, and why Vegas deserved its own episode. Yes, there are Easter eggs.

Our weekly coverage of The Stand on CBS All Access continues! Join Losers Michael "Monroeville Mall" Roffman, Rockin' Randall Colburn, Jenn "2: The Rage" Adams, and special guest Sammie "Weizak" Kuykendall as they convene for an afternoon ad hoc meeting. Together, they break down why the flashbacks work to startling effect in this chapter, debate whether Glen Bateman shops at J. Crew, praise Julie Lawry's dress, and explain why every woman will relate to this episode. Naturally, they stumble upon a few Easter eggs along the way.

Hey, look at that! There's one more gift under the tree: Shake off those post-holiday blues with the Losers as they're joined by The Stand showrunner Benjamin Cavell. The Constant Reader and veteran producer-writer discusses his roots with Stephen King, the narrative hurdles in adapting the apocalyptic epic, casting challenges, behind-the-scenes trivia, and, yes, King's new mysterious coda.

Our weekly coverage of The Stand on CBS All Access continues! Join Losers Michael "Monroeville Mall" Roffman, "Wolfman" McKenzie Gerber, Justin "Juniper Hills" Gerber, and Rockin' Randall Colburn as they play Planchette and eat potato chips. Together, they parse through the half-dozen flashbacks, weigh in on Amber Heard's performance as Nadine Cross, keep the ol' Glen Bateman bit going, and try to uncover as many Easter eggs related to King's Dominion as they can.

Chapters include: Intro, Road So Far (3:50), Mars & Skars (1:00:00), Nightmares & Dreamscapes (1:37:00), Sematary (1:47:00), King's Dominion (1:50:00), Final Thoughts (1:54:00), and Outro (2:02:00)

Our weekly coverage of The Stand on CBS All Access continues! Join Losers Michael Roffman, McKenzie Gerber, Jenn Adams, and Rockin' Randall Colburn as they head to New York City with Larry Underwood in "Pocket Savior". Together, they discuss whether the structure and format still holds up, Nat Wolff's vision of Lloyd Henreid, Alexander Skarsgard's folksy beard, the show's new spin on King's heroic singer-songwriter, and all of the Easter eggs in King's Dominion.

Chapters include: Intro, Road So Far (4:00), Mars & Skars (44:15), Nightmares & Dreamscapes (1:26:00), Sematary (1:36:00), King's Dominion (1:44:00), Final Thoughts (1:47:00), and Outro (1:54:00)

Our weekly coverage of The Stand on CBS All Access begins! Join Losers Michael Roffman, Justin Gerber, Jenn Adams, and Rockin' Randall Colburn as they make their way through the series premiere, "The End". Together, they talk about Owen Teague's terrifying performance as Harold Lauder, the Lost-styled flashbacks, Odessa Young's tougher portrayal as Frannie Goldsmith, and all of the Easter eggs in King's Dominion.

Chapters include: Intro, The Road So Far (10:30), Mars & Skars (48:00), Nightmares & Dreamscapes (1:15:00), Sematary (1:33:00), King's Dominion (1:40:00), Final Thoughts (1:54:00), and Outro (2:01:00).

It's movie night at Georgia Pines and the Losers are invited. Together, they grab a seat and watch a matinee presentation of Frank Darabont's 1999 Oscar-nominated epic The Green Mile starring the one and only Thomas Hanks.

Join Losers Michael Roffman, Aiysha Gatson, Dan Pfleegor, and Randall Colburn as they discuss Darabont's love for King, the differences from page to screen, and why Hanks makes Paul Edgecomb an all-too-easy protagonist.

They'll also discuss the brilliant castings of Sam Rockwell and Doug Hutchison, the '90s Planet Hollywood-era, how the Mile brought King back to the Oscars, and Hollywood's problematic relationship with the Magical Negro trope.

Our gift to you! In anticipation of CBS All Access' The Stand, which debuts Thursday, December 17th, we decided to unlock our four-part rewatch of Mick Garris' original 1994 miniseries. If you recall, we ran the first episode, but ran the three other eps in our Patreon, The Barrens.

Now, it's all here for you...

So, join Losers Randall Colburn, Michael Roffman, Dan Caffrey, and Dan Pfleegor as they finally reach Las Vegas, Nevada. Together, they discuss Stu's great fall, the return of Nick Andros, the mah-velous hand of god, and that ludicrous ending at the hospital.

Our gift to you! In anticipation of CBS All Access' The Stand, which debuts Thursday, December 17th, we decided to unlock our four-part rewatch of Mick Garris' original 1994 miniseries. If you recall, we ran the first episode, but ran the three other eps in our Patreon, The Barrens.

Now, it's all here for you...

So, join Losers Randall Colburn, McKenzie Gerber, Michael Roffman, and Jenn Adams as they attempt to make a new life for themselves in Boulder, Colorado. Together, they'll discuss the smug (?) Christian overtones, how Nadine was totally lowballed, and why Harold works better in the book.

Our gift to you! In anticipation of CBS All Access' The Stand, which debuts Thursday, December 17th, we decided to unlock our four-part rewatch of Mick Garris' original 1994 miniseries. If you recall, we ran the first episode, but ran the three other eps in our Patreon, The Barrens.

Now, it's all here for you...

So, join Losers Randall Colburn, Dan Caffrey, Michael Roffman, and Dan Pfleegor as they leave the big cities for the heart of America. Along the way, they discuss the schmaltzy overtones between Stu and Frannie, make fun of Ralph Brentner, and, yes, listen to Crowded House.

Our gift to you! In anticipation of CBS All Access' The Stand, which debuts Thursday, December 17th, we decided to unlock our four-part rewatch of Mick Garris' original 1994 miniseries. If you recall, we ran the first episode, but ran the three other eps in our Patreon, The Barrens.

Now, it's all here for you...

So, join Losers Randall Colburn, Dan Caffrey, Michael Roffman, and McKenzie Gerber as they make their way out West. Who's going to Boulder, CO? Who's heading to Las Vegas, NV? You'll have to follow along to find out -- and, hopefully, you're wearing a mask.

The Losers are still roaming around the halls of Georgia Pines. They've had their eggs, they've eaten their toast, and they're still listening to Paul Edgecombe as he tells his story over a warm glass of orange juice. The end is near, though.

Join Dan Caffrey, Jenn Adams, Dan Pfleegor, and Michael Roffman as they reach the last pages of Stephen King's 1996 serialized novel, The Green Mile. In the second of two episodes dedicated to the book, they discuss its blemishes, its beauties, and its bones.

They also discuss the loose connections to King's other works (there is one intriguing tie to The Dark Tower), the many, many slices of poundcake within, and eventually how many bright-red Pennywise clown noses this novel deserves.

Stay tuned for the film adaptation in December.

Chapters include: Intro, Misery (6:30), Sematary (25:00), Word Processor (45:00), Mudcake (1:00:00), King’s Dominion (1:15:00), Final Thoughts (1:24:00), and Outro (1:38:00)

The Losers have left Maine for the balmy confines of Georgia Pines. It's here they listen to a curious old man by the name of Paul Edgecombe. There's no telling how old he is, but those weathered eyes of his speak to multiple lifetimes. 

Join Dan Caffrey, Jenn Adams, Dan Pfleegor, and Michael Roffman as they begin their coverage of Stephen King's 1996 serialized novel, The Green Mile. In the first of two episodes dedicated to the book, they discuss its themes of atonement, King's controversial use of the Magical Negro trope, and whether or not Paul is a jerk.

Stay tuned for Part Two next week.

Chapters include: Intro, The Hook (16:05), Structure & Format (37:45), Heroes & Villains (54:15), and Outro (2:34:00)

The Losers dump out another big ol' Bag of Bones right after spooky season. Together, Losers Michael Roffman, Dan Pfleegor, and McKenzie Gerber crack some skulls and answer your pressing questions. You know, like what would a Stephen King biopic look like? What's the right age to become a Constant Reader? What are some tips for writing stories? And what Stephen King merchandise/paraphernalia would we want ourselves? Gather around and find out the As to your Qs.

Legendary SFX creator, television producer, and director Greg Nicotero joins Loser Michael Roffman for a stroll in the Land of the Dead. Together, they discuss his roots in horror, growing up 20 minutes away from George A. Romero's cinematic nightmares, visiting the set of Creepshow, and stumbling into King's Dominion. He also previews The Creepshow Halloween Special, which premieres on Shudder this Thursday, October 29th.

Ever put down your Stephen King book and wonder how much of it could actually happen? So did authors Meg Hafdahl and Kelly Florence. In fact, the two of them went down such a deep rabbit hole that they came out with a new book. It's called The Science of Stephen King and it's the essential guide for Constant Readers who want to go a little deeper between the lines. In celebration of its recent publication, Loser Randall Colburn sat down with the two authors to discuss their findings in King's Dominion and what brought them there in the first place.

The Losers are back in Boulder, Colorado, this time to discuss the New York Comic-Con trailer for Josh Boone's The Stand miniseries for CBS All Access. Join Michael Roffman, Jenn Adams, McKenzie Gerber, and Randall Colburn as they break down every second of the trailer and hear their reactions to the star-studded panel.

Danse Macabre is a new feature of the series that finds the Losers journeying through all the books that influenced Stephen King. The first episode dials back to 1959 for Shirley Jackson's iconic Gothic horror novel, The Haunting of Hill House. 

Join Randall Colburn, Jenn Adams, McKenzie Gerber, and Mel Kassel as they discuss the themes within Jackson's influential novel, the many, many adaptations available (including Mike Flanagan's Netflix series), and how it connects to King's work. 

Rest assured, they give it the good ol' fashioned Losers' Club book review.

Chapters include: Intro (:35), The Stacks (5:00), The Guests and Ghosts (35:00), The Macabre (1:14:00), The Misery (1:25:30), The Magic (1:31:30), The King Connection (1:41:00), and Adaptations/The Final Waltz (1:47:00).

The spine cracks, the pages unfold, and the Losers are suddenly inside a world where paintings breathe and horned monsters bite down to the bone. At the center of it all is a woman on the verge of self-actualization, one she’ll achieve only after the huffing, puffing beast she left behind is gone for good.

Join Randall Colburn, Jenn Adams, McKenzie James, and returning guest Ana Marie Cox as they review 1995's Rose Madder. Together, they discuss King’s piecemeal use of a Greek myth, whether the villains are too evil, the struggles of building a new life from scratch, and whether this is an unofficial Eclipse novel.

Chapters include: Intro (:35), History (18:05), Structure & Format (1:26:00), Heroes & Villains (1:33:00), Misery (2:10:00), Word Processor of the Gods (2:20:00), Sematary (2:34:00), Poundcake (2:42:00), King’s Dominion (2:48:00), Final Thoughts (2:53:00), and Outro (3:06:00)

The Losers dump out another big ol' Bag of Bones right as summer turns to fall. Together, Losers Michael Roffman, Dan Caffrey, Jenn Adams, and Randall Colburn crack some skulls and answer your pressing questions. You know, like what would an It movie look like had it been fast-tracked for a 1987 release? Why do people think Stephen King writes bad endings? What are the best King stingers? And what would a King-centric sitcom look like on ABC? Gather around and find out! It's an instant classic episode.

The Losers return to Boulder, Colorado to discuss the first teaser trailer for Josh Boone's The Stand miniseries for CBS All Access. Join Michael Roffman, Jenn Adams, and Justin Gerber as they break down every second of the 30-second spot and find more than what meets the eye.

The Losers return to Derry, Maine for some much-needed R&R. Maybe it's the pillow, or the weather, or straight-up allergies, but they just can't seem to get any shut-eye. Even worse, they're having these bizarre visions and being chased by little bald doctors. 

Join Randall Colburn, Ahse Digg, Dan Pfleegor, and Jenn Adams as they discuss the multiverse madness within Stephen King's 1994 horror fantasy novel Insomnia. Together, they discuss the grimy horror within and the many, many connections to The Dark Tower.

Somewhere along the way, they find a way to sleep.

Chapters include: Intro (:35), History (5:18), The Hook (23:00), Structure & Format (47:00), Heroes & Villains (54:25), Misery (1:40:45), Word Processor of the Gods (1:53:00), Sematary (2:03:00), Poundcake (2:17:45), King's Dominion (2:26:30), Maximum Spoilers (2:41:38), Overall Thoughts (2:45:51), and Outro (2:50:00).

The Losers are finally closing the book on Stephen King's Nightmares and Dreamscapes after two long months of coverage. To clean up shop, they're revisiting the remaining adaptations to discuss, specifically 2009’s Dolan’s Cadillac, 1997’s The Night Flier, "Chattery Teeth" from 1997’s Quicksilver Highway, and "The Moving Finger" from 1991’s Monsters. Unfortunately, they couldn't find a stream of "Sorry, Right Number" from the fourth season of Tales from the Darkside, so that one remains lost in the thinny. Alas, topics range from Christian Slater's mid-aughts career, to the sexual appeal of Miguel Ferrer, to the Golden Age of horror anthologies, and, naturally, to Tom Selleck. You've been warned.

In light of Comic-Con@Home, the Losers host their own panel with a very special episode featuring one very special ka-tet. Ahead you'll hear from voices all across Mid-World, who have all dedicated their lives to serve the beam of Sai King. We have an influencer, a filmmaker, and even another podcast host, one who paved the way long before the Losers ever built the Barrens.