Skull Rock Broadcast: A Stranger Things Podcast

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

An in-depth discussion of Chapter Two: Vecna’s Curse. In this episode of Skull Rock Broadcast, Meghan and Stacy continue their deep dive into season 4 of Stranger Things. In this episode of the show, the characters begin to team up, Mike joining El and Will in California, Dustin and Max forming an alliance with Steve and Robin (and eventually Eddie), and Murray and Joyce becoming unlikely partners in crime. News of Chrissy’s death spreads through Hawkins, as we hang out in familiar locations like Family Video and the hangout formerly known as Benny’s Burgers. We’re also introduced to new locations like Reefer Rick’s boat house, and new characters like Wayne Munson, who tells us about Victor Creel. We discuss the character dynamics and evolving plotlines, as Vecna takes another victim, while also reflecting on our personal experiences and insights related to the show. Tune in to hear our thoughts on pivotal moments, emotional reactions, the unfolding mystery surrounding the Hellfire Club, and the Russian connection. You can support our show and get access to bonus content, including ad-free episodes coming soon, at https://www.patreon.com/skullrockbroadcast

In this conversation, Meghan and Stacy are joined by our friend and Elm Street-enthusiast Brandi to explore the connections between the A Nightmare on Elm Street franchise and Stranger Things. We delve into character parallels, themes of trauma and mental health, and the evolution of Freddy Krueger as a cultural icon. The discussion also highlights the significance of visual effects in horror and the impact of horror on pop culture. We share lots of humorous moments from Meghan’s experience watching the first three films for the first time with Stacy, and speculate on future plot developments in season 5 of Stranger Things based on connections the Duffer Brothers may continue to make to these movies. We also get into the recent explosion of new Stranger Things merch as we quickly approach the final season. Access bonus content and support our show at https://www.patreon.com/skullrockbroadcast

An in-depth discussion of Chapter One: The Hellfire Club. In this episode of Skull Rock Broadcast, Meghan and Stacy finally dive into season 4 of Stranger Things. This iconic episode of the show is one of our all-time favorites, as it introduces the world to Eddie Munson. It also reintroduces all of the characters we’ve come to love both in Hawkins, Indiana and all the way out in California. We analyze the parallel experiences of Max and El navigating the struggles of high school after so much trauma, laugh as Dustin and Mike scramble to find a substitute for Lucas at their D&D campaign, and cheer for the Sinclair siblings as they lead their teams to victory. Throughout the episode, we note how it is difficult to watch the struggles of characters with their mental health and the new challenges in their relationships with each other, and the dark themes intensify with the horrifying conclusion to the episode. Don't forget you can access bonus content and support the show at https://www.patreon.com/skullrockbroadcast