From finally getting new Djo music in January, to finishing our season 4 re-watch in time for volume one of Stranger Things 5, the past year has been a rollercoaster over here at Skull Rock Broadcast. In this episode, Stacy and Meghan reflect on 2025, acknowledging some of the challenges while intentionally focusing more on all of the great things that happened this year. We re-cap all of our adventures on and off the air, from the Rocky Mountains to the barricade at the Djo show in New Haven. We also reminisce about all of the great guests we got to talk to on the podcast this year, including lots of other Djo fans, Stacy’s sister, our friends Brandi, Rachel, Juan, and the incredible Matt Gilbert! It was the year of djonuts (Djo & donuts, get it?) and we are ending it with no regrets. Come hang out with us on Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/skullrockbroadcast and stick with us in the new year!

As we continue to recover from the first volume of Stranger Things 5, we have a special conversation for you this week on Skull Rock Broadcast. In the introduction (recorded this week), Meghan and Stacy chat about watching The Great Escape together, manifesting the return of Boppers, and our Spotify Wrapped results. That conversation about music is the perfect segway into the rest of the episode, which is our previously unreleased Djo mini-episode discussing our two favorite songs from The Crux (recorded in the beginning of August). We start with a taste test of the Djo cold brew coffee collaboration and a casual conversation about true crime and Hotel Mira (note: Meghan has new favorite songs now). Then, we explore themes of identity, change, and the importance of support systems in navigating life's challenges while talking about Egg and Back on You. We are so grateful for everyone who has supported us on Patreon this year, and shout out our current members on this episode. You can find video versions of all of our Djo mini-episodes, including this one which will be posted soon, as well as other bonus content at https://www.patreon.com/skullrockbroadcast

Well, we finally made it! Stranger Things 5 is here. We have some complicated feelings and definitely needed this ‘therapy’ session. In this episode, Stacy and Meghan dive deep into the first volume of the fifth season of Stranger Things, discussing their differing perspectives on the show's character dynamics, emotional impact, and storytelling choices. This episode is a wild ride and we have a lot to say, so join us on the journey. Access bonus content and support our show at https://www.patreon.com/skullrockbroadcast

An in-depth discussion of Chapter Nine: The Piggyback. We did it! Less than 24 hours before the release of Season 5 of Stranger Things, Stacy and Meghan are here to discuss the final episode of Season 4. We explore the emotional stakes, character dynamics, and the intense battle against Vecna and the hive mind. The conversation highlights the significance of friendship and loyalty, as well as the sacrifices made by characters in their fight against the Upside Down. As we reflect on the episode and its Empire Strikes Back ending (including the death of our beloved Eddie Munson), we also set the stage for what to expect in the final season. You can access bonus content and support our show at https://www.patreon.com/skullrockbroadcast

An in-depth discussion of Chapter Eight: Papa. Meghan and Stacy continue the deep dive of season 4 with the episode we had to wait over a month for back in 2022. The episode is aptly named "Papa," referencing Dr. Martin Brenner and his influence over Eleven, who is still grappling with the trauma of her past. Nancy begins the episode trapped in a vision orchestrated by Vecna, who reveals his plan to her (and ultimately to Eleven as she listens in on her friends remotely). The Hawkins gang spend the rest of the episode making a plan to defeat Vecna, while Eleven tries to escape the Nina Project and get to them to help, despite Papa telling her she isn’t ready. And in Russia, Hopper and Joyce escape the Russian prison, but not before some startling discoveries. This episode is an exciting ride from start to finish, and includes even more Star Wars references and some of our all-time favorite scenes. Access bonus content and support our show at https://www.patreon.com/skullrockbroadcast

An in-depth discussion of Chapter Seven: The Massacre at Hawkins Lab. As we finish our deep dive of Season 4, Volume One, the anticipation for the final season has reached a new high and we are feeling nostalgic over here at Skull Rock Broadcast. We first watched this episode over three years ago and are only days away from Season 5, so we start this episode with some reflection on our journey. Then we discuss one of our all-time favorite episodes of the show, full of heartfelt reunions, huge reveals, and lots of sparkles. Don’t forget you can access bonus content and support our show at https://www.patreon.com/skullrockbroadcast

An in-depth discussion of Chapter Six: The Dive. “Skull Rock. Do you know it?” In this conversation, Meghan and Stacy discuss the significance of the Stranger Things episode that most shaped the identity of this podcast. From the iconic scenes at Skull Rock to Steve’s deep dive into Lover’s Lake, this episode is responsible for much of the lore surrounding our show. We discuss all of the memorable moments, impactful lines, and scenes that resonated with us in The Dive. The episode is full of references to other 80s movies and personal anecdotes. With just a few weeks left until the fifth season, we also catch up about Stranger Things day, the cast appearances at the LA premiere, the first five minutes of season 5, avoiding leaks and spoilers, and the seemingly endless supply of merch that continues to be released. And be warned that our secret segment is a little extra spicy! We’d appreciate your support and would love to have you join us over on Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/skullrockbroadcast

An in-depth discussion of Chapter Five: The Nina Project. In this 100th episode of Skull Rock Broadcast, we unravel the intricate layers of this episode, filled with nostalgia, suspense, and character development that keeps us on the edge of our seats. We discuss the Scooby-Doo and Nancy Drew vibes as the Hawkins gang puts together puzzle pieces and looks for clues at the Creel House, with Steve and Dustin getting a little tired of each other and Lucas and Max sharing a sweet moment of reconnection. El is taken to the Death Star-coded underground lab of the Nina Project, where we witness the return of Dr. Brenner and find out the plan to help her regain her powers. Joyce and Murray have a peanut butter filled flight and fight on their way to Russia, and we are left unsure of their fate. And Eddie loses his hiding places as the episode reaches its explosive conclusion and Vecna takes another victim. Finally we talk about the season 5 trailer, the start of the press tour, and of course all of the new merch. Be sure to find us on Patreon and support the show at https://www.patreon.com/skullrockbroadcast

An in-depth discussion of Chapter Four: Dear Billy. In this episode of the Skull Rock Broadcast, Stacy and Meghan dive deep into the emotional connections music creates, especially during tough times. Starting with another recap of recent Djo concert experiences, the conversation shifts to our rewatch of Stranger Things season 4, focusing on the fan-favorite episode 'Dear Billy.' We explore the character dynamics and intense action sequences of the fast-paced, emotional episode. Focusing particularly on Max's journey and the significance of music in overcoming darkness, we highlight the show's ability to blend horror with humor and heartfelt moments. From the Nightmare on Elm Street references to the iconic Running Up That Hill moment, we get into the many pop culture elements highlighted in the episode. Finally, we wrap up the episode discussing more of the seemingly endless Stranger Things merch being released in anticipation of season 5. The first 45 minutes of this episode were released early for Patreon members, and you can access bonus content and support our show at https://www.patreon.com/skullrockbroadcast

An in-depth discussion of Chapter Three: The Monster and the Superhero. In this episode of Skull Rock Broadcast, Meghan and Stacy start off by discussing their recent concert experiences together at the Djo Another Bite tour in New Haven, CT and All Things Go music festival in Maryland, which was a wild ride! The conversation then shifts to a detailed analysis of the next episode of Stranger Things season 4 as we continue our deep dive. We explore character interactions, emotional moments, and plot developments, including the emotional confrontation between El and Mike before she is taken away, the unlikely team-up of Nancy and Robin, and how great Steve looked, obviously. We ask the tough questions like is Ms. Kelly suspicious? And who is Peter and why do they take his school projects!? And we make some interesting personal comparisons between relationships in the show and our interactions during our time spent together recently (spoiler, Meghan is Nancy and Stacy is Robin). After lots of references to Vecna being plugged in, we talk about lots of merch, including Funko Pops, snacks, and the new Djo VIP merch. Finally, the secret secret segment makes its return! Support our show and access bonus content including new taste tests from Stacy at https://www.patreon.com/skullrockbroadcast