Skull Rock Broadcast: A Stranger Things Podcast

In this massive episode, we are joined by lots of friends to talk all about the upside down con. We talk to Jackie and her daughter Ana about making core memories, finally fully understanding the obsession with Joe Keery, and fun interactions they had with the cast. We welcome our friend Brandi back to the show, who recounts spending the weekend with us and some highlights including her meet and greet with Caleb, Joe Keery’s kissy face (yes, you read that correctly), and the story behind our ice cream social photo. We chat with Keren about the genuine personal connections with the cast, the homecoming dance, and why every fan of the show should visit Jackson! Kat talks about how meeting friends at the con makes us feel less alone, getting to hang out with the gorgeous Cara Buono, and Joe Keery helping us all be a little less anxious. Bree tells us all about getting to talk to Joe Keery and Jamie Campbell Bower and appreciating the experience as a big fan of the show. And finally, Hannah Sarah is back to talk about posing for the perfect photos, and we go deep while talking about some really special moments with Joe. You can support the show and access bonus content, including deleted clips from these interviews, at https://www.patreon.com/skullrockbroadcast

We pick up where we left off in part 1, at the ice cream social with Joe Keery and Maya Hawke on Saturday night, and how we left being even bigger fans if that was even possible.

Finishing out that night, we talk about our Upside Down experience in the basement of the library building, created by Southern Crescent Technical College. We also go back and talk about a cute memory of Friday night that we forgot to mention in part 1 of our recap.

This episode is not sponsored by Airbnb, Stitch Fix, Dr. Scholl’s, or any of the makeup brands we mention, but if any of those companies see this, hit us up in the future, y’all (hahaha).

Finally, we get into all of our amazing photo ops and autographs on Sunday, as well as Joe’s panel with Grace and Mason, the meet and greet with Gaten, and exploring downtown Hawkins one last time. Then Meghan talks about the little detour to Mystic Falls she took before heading home.

Stay tuned for multiple interview episodes, where we chat with others who attended the Upside Down with us!

Cue Moby and grab your tissues, because it’s time to talk about the deaths on Stranger Things. We thought this topic would be appropriate for the spooky season, and we pour one out for those we’ve lost along the way. From the very first episode of the first season, to the final deaths of season four, there have been many significant deaths (and some close calls). We talk about the characters, how they die (or almost die), and the emotional impact their deaths had on the other characters and the tone of the show as a whole. We get into some heavy topics, and though we try to bring some levity to the conversation, make sure to take care while listening. Don’t forget that you can support the show and access bonus content at https://www.patreon.com/skullrockbroadcast

We spent the weekend hanging out with Joe Keery and we want to tell you all about it! Tune in as Meghan and Stacy recount their experience traveling to Georgia for the Epic Cons Upside Down event, a convention featuring over 18 members of the Stranger Things cast. Getting to meet some of our favorite actors and spend time with the cast as they are actively filming the final season of the show was a priceless, once in a lifetime experience. In this episode, we cover flying to Georgia on Thursday, visiting filming locations on Thursday and Friday, registration and trivia at the con on Friday, and the first day of the event on Saturday. We still have lots to say about the weekend, so stay tuned for part 2 of this conversation and more!

Just in time for the Upside Down, we are joined by Emma from BEYOND EPIC! We will be meeting Emma in person this weekend as she brings her amazing embroidered Stranger Things merchandise to sell as a vendor for Epic Cons. We talk about how she got started, her favorite fandoms to create for, some cool people who have worn her sweatshirts, and her process of bringing art to life.

We had an amazing time chatting about her favorite characters from Stranger Things (hint: they are the same as ours), memorable moments from the show and season 5 theories. We also connect over dogs, tattoos, and Funko POPs, and chat convention experiences, Epic Con appreciation, and excitement for the Upside Down!

Find Emma at @beyondepicshop on TikTok and Instagram and follow us at @skullrockbroadcast. Support our show and access bonus content at https://www.patreon.com/skullrockbroadcast

As you may have figured out by now, Meghan and Stacy are headed to Hawkins… (a.k.a. Jackson. Georgia). On this week’s episode, we had the chance to talk with business owners local to Jackson to hear all about how the town embraces its connection to Stranger Things, and how they are bringing the Upside Down to the town square and beyond!

Hannah from Stranger Tours & Hawkins Headquarters told us about what it’s like to welcome fans of Stranger Things from all over the world to the town where Hawkins, Indiana is filmed, sharing the nostalgia of the 80s with people from all generations.

We also spoke to Ali from Lena Jane + Company, Donna from Jackson Escape Games, and Brittany from Vintage Vineyard about their businesses, what it’s like living and working in Jackson while the show is being filmed, and special events happening the weekend of the Epic Cons Upside Down.

Whether you are attending the convention next weekend, considering a trip to Jackson in the future, or just want to hear about all the fun things going on, be sure to tune in to this special episode!

Support our show, access bonus content, including deleted clips from this conversation, and be entered into an amazing giveaway at https://www.patreon.com/skullrockbroadcast

With just two weeks left until the Upside Down convention, we are following up with Alexis from Epic Cons. Be sure to tune into our episode titled “the upside down” from May 17 to hear all about how Epic Cons got started and the beginnings of the planning process for this Stranger Things con in Jackson, Georgia (the filming location for Hawkins).

In this episode, we chat about some highlights from Epic’s last two events, the “June Wedding” Vampire Diaries con and September’s Chicago con, the very first First Responder con in the states. We loved hearing about how Alexis prioritizes connection over competition, and the amazing fundraiser they did in Chicago!

We get into how the planning process for the Upside Down has gone since May, what makes the upcoming convention unique from other Epic Cons, and what parts of the weekend Alexis is most excited about (ice cream, anyone?). Alexis shares some details and answers some of our questions about the schedule, meet and greets, and logistics of the weekend. Keep an eye out on the official Epic Cons socials for more updates as we quickly approach the week of the event.

Support our show, access bonus content, including deleted clips from this conversation, and be entered into an amazing giveaway at https://www.patreon.com/skullrockbroadcast

An in-depth discussion of Chapter Six: The Spy, the sixth episode of Season 2 of Stranger Things. The episode that finally makes Steve Harrington a MAIN CHARACTER has finally arrived, so Meghan and Stacy obviously had a blast with this episode. At the hospital, Will seems a little forgetful. But is it his memory, or is it something else? Joyce is giving major mama bear energy to protect her boy and has a sweet conversation with Bob Newby, superhero. Dustin hasn’t slept for days, but don’t worry, because Steve is there for protection, hair care tips, and dating advice (...if you feel it, chase it!). Murray gives Jancy some free couples therapy, and there are two epic kissing scenes. We find out some important information about the five mind. And Lucas and Max have a really sweet moment on top of the bus. Listen in for our thoughts, reactions, and connections to other films (like Aliens). Support the show and access bonus content at https://www.patreon.com/skullrockbroadcast

An in-depth discussion of Chapter Five: Dig Dug, the fifth episode of Season 2 of Stranger Things. We’re digging (instead of diving) deep this week to talk about Dig Dug. Easily one of the most important, iconic, and memorable episodes of Season 2, we continue the adventure with all of our favorite characters. At the Byers house, Joyce, Will, and Mike recruit Bob the Brain to help find the pirate treasure (I mean, Hopper). Meanwhile, the Chief himself tries unsuccessfully to dig out of the tunnels. At the arcade, Max’s favorite video game (can anyone guess the name?) is out of order, so she and Lucas talk. At the same time that Max is learning about all the Upside Down shenanigans, Nancy and Jonathan give Murray the not so watered-down scoop. Dustin traps Dart, buries Mews, and recruits help from an unlikely source after his Code Red is Met with a Code Shut Your Mouth. And finally, El hitchhikes to see Mama and we find out the story behind the words Terry Ives is always repeating (even getting a glimpse of Papa). We always say we have a blast recording, but this is no exception, and we are excited to take you on this journey with us. Make sure you stay tuned until the end as we talk about Stranger Things Season 5 filming updates, new merchandise, fan art, and our reading updates (get ready to take notes!). Support the show and access bonus content at https://www.patreon.com/skullrockbroadcast

An in-depth discussion of Chapter Four: Will the Wise, the fourth episode of Season 2 of Stranger Things. Meghan and Stacy dive deep into this episode featuring incredible transitions, some of the most iconic lines of the show, including “He likes it cold…” and “You are like Papa!” as well as a healthy dose of Steve Harrington’s thighs. We discuss Hopper and Joyce doing their best to help Will, Max being tired of being left out of the party and finding no comfort in Billy, and Dart growing up. It’s a traumatizing day in the Henderson household, badass Nancy Wheeler and her partner in crime carry out the first phase of their plan to take down Hawkins Lab, and Hopper digs a hole. This is an incredible and highly underrated episode of Season 2 and we had a blast talking about it. Don’t forget to listen to the end for filming, merch, and con updates as well as our secret segment! Support the show and access bonus content at https://www.patreon.com/skullrockbroadcast