An in-depth discussion of Chapter Eight: The Battle of Starcourt. Happy Battle of Starcourt Day! In this podcast episode, Meghan and Stacy dive deep into the complexities of the final episode of season 3 of Stranger Things, which is set on this very day in 1985. One of our favorite episodes of the show, this is a dramatic, fast-paced, and action-packed cinematic masterpiece, reminiscent of nostalgic 80s blockbuster films, and one of the best pieces of television to ever exist (in our humble opinions). From humor to heroic moments, characters like Hopper, Nancy, and Steve steal the show with a fireworks-filled Starcourt Mall as the backdrop. Our conversation touches on the epic musical moment between Dustin and Suzie, as well as other songs used throughout the episode. We discuss the emotional performance Dacre Montgomery gives as Billy Hargrove, and the themes of redemption and sacrifice. The aftermath of the events in season 3 is also highlighted as we discuss the emotional epilogue. Finally, we give some updates on what else to expect from the podcast this summer, shout out some fun merch we’ve added to our collections this past week, and give a little reading update. You can support our show and access bonus content at https://www.patreon.com/skullrockbroadcast

An in-depth discussion of Chapter Seven: The Bite. In this podcast episode, Meghan and Stacy explore the seventh episode of season 3 of Stranger Things, analyzing its nostalgic elements, character dynamics, and the ongoing threats of the Russians and the Mind Flayer. The conversation is filled with humorous anecdotes, personal experiences, and reflections on the emotional connections to the characters. Some highlights of ‘The Bite’ include lots of fireworks, questionable first aid, trash popcorn, confusing time travel, apologies and confessions, favorite carnival rides, and lots of laughter. We had a blast chatting about this action-packed episode that prepares us for the blockbuster movie of a final episode. You definitely don’t have to be an American citizen to join in this patriotic fun! Don’t forget to check out our current giveaway on Instagram @skullrockbroadcast and support our show and access bonus content at https://www.patreon.com/skullrockbroadcast

An in-depth discussion of Chapter Six: E Pluribus Unum. In this episode of our Stranger Things podcast, Stacy and Meghan celebrate the start of summer break, discussing an exciting giveaway and Patreon specials. Then we dive into a detailed analysis of the sixth episode of Season 3, exploring its heavy themes, character dynamics, and the significance of the episode title. The conversation flows from the setup of the Fun Fair and the chaos in the hospital, to the misadventures of the Scoops Troop in the Russian base. There are some hard scenes to watch as Steve Harrington and Robin Buckley get caught and go through some awful things at the hands of the Soviets, and we explore the emotional connection formed through their shared trauma. Dustin and Erica are real American heroes, coming to their aid. There is also an exploration of trauma through Billy's character, as El enters his mind to search for the Mind Flayer. Hopper, Joyce, Alexei, and Murray finally start to understand each other, and their dynamic brings some much needed levity and humor to an otherwise dark episode. It’s the one year anniversary of our Patreon community, so come celebrate with us at https://www.patreon.com/skullrockbroadcast

An in-depth discussion of Chapter Five: The Flayed. In this episode of Skull Rock Broadcast, Stacy and Meghan provide a detailed recap and analysis of another episode of Stranger Things, highlighting the episode's fast-paced action, character dynamics, and humor. We explore the episode's homage to classic action movies, as Joyce and Hopper come face to face with the Russians, and the intense body horror elements and cliffhanger as Jonathan and Nancy take on their flayed former bosses. There is lots of screaming and fighting balanced by some tender moments, especially between the kids when a vending machine becomes an olive branch for Mike and El. And we can’t forget the classic Scoops Troop moments in this episode as they (barely) make it off the elevator and further into the underground Russian base, only to discover that it might be more related to the Upside Down than Dustin and Steve originally realized. Support our show and access bonus content including deleted clips from this episode at https://www.patreon.com/skullrockbroadcast

An in-depth discussion of Chapter Four: The Sauna Test. In this episode of Skull Rock Broadcast, Meghan and Stacy dive back into the waters of season three with this fun episode of Stranger Things. The Sauna Test balances intensity and emotion with strong comedic timing in the conversations between the characters, and allows the characters to further investigate the mysteries that have come to light. Hopper and Joyce track down the motorcyclist that attacked Jim at the lab, and he starts to realize that Joyce may be smarter than he thinks. Nancy and Jonathan have a difficult conversation after being fired from the local paper, but Karen Wheeler encourages Nancy not to give up on the story. Robin continues to be the brains of the operation as the Scoops Troop gets a new member and infiltrates the secret Russian “room.” And El isn’t quite ready to let go of what happened with Billy and Heather, so when the boys tell them that the Mind Flayer might be back, they try to figure out if it has found a new host. We explore the emotional stakes as the characters navigate complex themes of class struggles, gender dynamics, and the realities of relationships. In this episode, we also dive deep into speculations about Season 5 of Stranger Things, sharing insights from the much anticipated date announcement and the bittersweet feelings about the show's conclusion. Support our show and access bonus content at https://www.patreon.com/skullrockbroadcast

In this conversation, Meghan and Stacy chat with Lizzie about the music and lyrics of Djo (also known as Joe Keery). In each mini-episode, we discuss two Djo songs and explore the themes, interpretations of the lyrics, and our personal connections to the music. We start by analyzing the nuances of the song ‘Slither’ from the album Decide, focusing on the artistry of the vocal performance and the complex themes of fame and self-perception. Then we discuss the song 'Charlie's Garden,’ a whimsical favorite from Djo’s new album The Crux, exploring its themes of friendship, support, and personal growth as well as Joe Keery’s friendship with Charlie Heaton and his other Stranger Things co-stars. Finally, we talk about the joy and imperfections of live music, as Lizzie prepares to see Djo live in the UK this week. Extended video version of the episodes in this series are available at https://patreon.com/SkullRockBroadcast

For this mini-episode, Meghan and Stacy are joined by Kayla, who they first met at the Upside Down con, to discuss the music and lyrics of Djo (also known as Joe Keery). In each episode, we discuss two Djo songs and explore the themes, interpretations of the lyrics, and our personal connections to the music. In this conversation, we begin by discussing the first track on The Crux, ‘Lonesome is a State of Mind,’ analyzing the themes of loss and change and the unique production elements that enhance the listening experience. Then we discuss ‘Link,’ getting into the themes of conformity and the nostalgic references. We unpack the emotional impact of the lyrics in these two songs, some of our favorites from the album, and talk about how The Crux represents a departure from Djo's previous work, focusing on raw and authentic sound. Finally, we chat about some of our favorite moments from the Back on You tour, which Kayla also attended, and our excitement for the Another Bite tour later this year. Extended video version of the episodes in this series are available at https://patreon.com/SkullRockBroadcast

As we anxiously await a trailer for Stranger Things season 5, let’s revisit all of the trailers and teasers for the first four seasons of the show! In this episode, Stacy and Meghan begin by discussing the excitement for new Stranger Things content at the upcoming Netflix TUDUM event. We take a deep dive into the art of movie and TV trailers, sharing memorable examples and the impact they have on audience anticipation. Then we travel (upside) down memory lane, discussing the origins of the show, the clever use of music, nostalgia, and marketing in the trailers, and the darker and more complex themes of the season 4 trailers and teasers. The conversation highlights how all of the trailers effectively captured the essence of the show while building anticipation over time. Finally, we finish by sharing some of our hopes for the final trailers as we approach the bittersweet fifth season.

And we’re back (on you) with more Djo! In this episode, Stacy and Meghan discuss their experiences attending Joe Keery's recent tour, sharing personal stories and insights from the concerts they attended in DC, Boston, Philadelphia, and New York. We talk through our individual experiences at each show, since we weren’t at any of these tour dates together, reflecting on the joy and healing power of live music, the energy of the crowds, and the connections formed at concerts. As a heads up, Stacy discusses some health challenges and Meghan talks about the loss of a pet, as these events during the tour shaped our experiences at the shows. We also discuss memorable moments during the shows, our favorite performances, and the emotional connection Joe builds with the audience. Our conversation touches on how we are coping with post-concert blues (spoiler: there are more concert tickets involved) and all the great Djo merch available at the shows and from great small businesses and Etsy shops. Finally, we bring back the secret segment (shhh) since it’s been way too long. Don’t forget you can support our show, access bonus content, and (soon) have the chance to win some slippers from The Crux Hotel over at https://www.patreon.com/skullrockbroadcast

In this conversation, Meghan and Stacy are joined by Eli for our first mini-episode since the fever dream of attending the Back on You tour this past month, to discuss the music and lyrics of Djo (also known as Joe Keery). In each episode, we discuss two Djo songs and explore the themes, interpretations of the lyrics, and our personal connections to the music. In this episode, we analyze the evolution of Djo’s music from the track 'BNBG' on his first album all the way to the title track, 'Crux,' from his most recent album. While these two tracks couldn’t be more different in many ways, we take a look at the common threads in the themes of companionship and love, and the emotional depth of lyrics. We also chat about the songwriting process, our recent concert experiences, and connections formed through music and community. Extended video version of the episodes in this series are available at https://patreon.com/SkullRockBroadcast