The Stranger Things Podcast
Hosted by Addi Darnell and Darrell Darnell, The Stranger Things Podcast is a fun and insightful look into the upside down world of Stranger Things. Each episode includes meme of the week, news and rumors, quote of the week, episode discussion, and more.
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TSTP 83- Listener Feedback Part 2 for The Rightside Up
01/11/2026
TSTP 83- Listener Feedback Part 2 for The Rightside Up
The conversation continues! Welcome to Part 2 of our listener feedback extravaganza for "The Rightside Up," the Stranger Things series finale that gave us so many emotions we're still processing. Hosts Darrell and Addi are back with even MORE of your incredible contributions because you weren't done sharing your thoughts, theories, and feelings about how this epic saga concluded. In this episode, we're diving into your reactions to the 1989 epilogue, Dustin's unforgettable valedictorian speech and Eddie Munson tribute, each character's future, Hopper's romantic proposal to Joyce, and that beautiful final scene of Holly and her friends starting their own D&D campaign in the Wheeler basement. We're also sharing your personal stories about what Stranger Things has meant to you over the past nine years, how the show impacted your life, and what you'll miss most about this journey. Whether you're finding hope in Mike's belief that El survived, cherishing the chosen family bonds that carried the group through, or simply grateful for the community we built together, this final listener episode celebrates everything Stranger Things gave us. Thank you for being part of this incredible adventure. Always. Connect with The Stranger Things Podcast:
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TSTP 82- Listener Feedback Part 1 for The Rightside Up
01/07/2026
TSTP 82- Listener Feedback Part 1 for The Rightside Up
The series finale dropped and you had SO MUCH to say that we couldn't fit it all into one episode! "The Rightside Up" brought the Stranger Things saga to its emotional conclusion, and our inbox was STUFFED with your reactions and heartfelt messages about how this show impacted your lives. Hosts Darrell and Addi are dedicating this first of TWO listener feedback episodes to YOUR voices because the response was overwhelming. We're sharing your passionate commentary on the epic final battle in the Abyss, Holly's heroic leadership saving the kidnapped children, Vecna's tragic origin story and the revelation that he was corrupted by the Mind Flayer, Joyce's cathartic revenge with her axe, and that heart-shattering goodbye between El and Mike at the gate. Your insights on these moments were too powerful not to share. Connect with The Stranger Things Podcast:
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TSTP 81- The Rightside Up
01/05/2026
TSTP 81- The Rightside Up
After four years of fighting monsters from another dimension, the the Hawkins heroes face their final battle—one that will determine not just the fate of Hawkins, but whether Eleven can ever escape the cycle of being hunted. Join hosts Darrell and Addi as we break down "The Rightside Up," the epic series finale that brings the Stranger Things saga to its emotional conclusion. We dissect the climactic showdown in the Abyss as El, Kali, and Max infiltrate Vecna's mind while the Party battles the Mind Flayer's physical form, analyze Holly's heroic leadership as she guides the kidnapped children to safety, and explore Vecna's tragic origin story revealed through Will's connection to the hive mind—discovering that Henry Creel was an innocent boy corrupted by the Mind Flayer. From Joyce's cathartic revenge with her axe to Hopper's devastating vision of Sara, from the explosive exotic matter collapse to that gut-wrenching final goodbye between El and Mike at the gate, we're covering every moment of this finale. But the story doesn't end with Vecna's death—we jump forward to 1989 for the kid's high school graduation, where Dustin delivers an unforgettable valedictorian speech honoring Eddie Munson's legacy, and we witness each character's future unfold. We break down the emotional epilogue showing where everyone ends up: Robin at Smith College, Steve coaching baseball and teaching sex ed, Nancy at the Herald, Jonathan making films at NYU, and Will finding a fresh start embracing his identity. We also explore the biggest question the finale leaves us with—did Eleven really sacrifice herself, or did she and Kali pull off one final illusion to escape the government's hunt forever? Mike's D&D theory gives us hope, and we're sharing our take on this bittersweet ending. From Hopper's proposal to Joyce to that final shot of Holly and her friends starting their own D&D campaign, this series finale honored the journey while saying goodbye to the characters we love. Whether you're celebrating the victories, mourning the losses, or debating El's true fate, this breakdown covers it all. Thank you for being part of this adventure with us—always. Connect with The Stranger Things Podcast:
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TSTP 80- Listener Feedback for The Bridge
01/03/2026
TSTP 80- Listener Feedback for The Bridge
Will Byers came out to his friends and family, Max woke up from her coma, and the Party discovered "The Abyss"—and YOU had ALL the feelings about every moment! "The Bridge" delivered the most emotionally powerful episode of the season, and our inbox was flooded with your heartfelt reactions, theories, and incredible insights. Hosts Darrell and Addi are dedicating this entire episode to listener contributions because you brought such thoughtful commentary on every major moment: Will's coming out scene and what it means for his character arc, Max's triumphant awakening and tearful reunion with Lucas, Dustin's revelation that the Upside Down is actually a bridge to "The Abyss," and the Party's plan to use the exotic matter collapse as their final weapon against Vecna. Your analysis of these pivotal moments was powerful and enlightening. Connect with The Stranger Things Podcast:
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TSTP 79- The Bridge
01/02/2026
TSTP 79- The Bridge
On the four-year anniversary of Will Byers' disappearance, the Party reunites for a final battle—but first, Will must confront his deepest fear to overcome Vecna. Join hosts Darrell and Addi as they break down "The Bridge," the emotional penultimate episode that brings everything full circle. We dissect Max's triumphant awakening from her two-year coma, analyze Dustin's game-changing revelation that the Upside Down is an unstable bridge between worlds and "The Abyss" where Vecna is truly hiding the children, and explore the Party's desperate plan to use the exotic matter collapse as their final weapon. From Holly's harrowing second capture in Dimension X to the cult-like behavior of the possessed children in Camazotz, we're covering every moment of this setup for the series finale. But the episode's most powerful moment comes when Will gathers the courage to share his deepest fear with his friends and family. We break down this beautiful, tender scene and what it means for Will's character arc, plus we analyze El and Kali's plan to sacrifice themselves by staying behind as the bridge collapses, the Party's infiltration of the MAC-Z base in a Bradley's Big Buy truck, and those devastating final moments as the brainwashed children prepare Holly for Vecna's ritual. We're also sharing our theories about how the sensory deprivation tank plan will work, what "The Abyss" really is, and our predictions for the series finale. Whether you're still processing Will's coming out scene, theorizing about the timed bomb strategy, or preparing yourself for the final battle, this breakdown covers everything you need before the end! Connect with The Stranger Things Podcast:
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TSTP 78- Listener Feedback for Escape From Camazotz
12/31/2025
TSTP 78- Listener Feedback for Escape From Camazotz
A black hole threatening to consume humanity, an "un-proposal" that broke our hearts, and Max on the cusp of escaping Vecna's mind—and YOU had SO MUCH to say about all of it! "Escape From Camazotz" delivered some of the most emotionally devastating and mind-bending moments of the season, and our inbox absolutely exploded with your reactions, theories, and brilliant breakdowns. Hosts Darrell and Addi are dedicating this entire episode to listener contributions because you brought incredible insights on every major plot point: Dustin's revelation that the Upside Down is actually a wormhole and black hole (not just Vecna's lair), Holly and Max's harrowing journey through Henry Creel's traumatic Boy Scout memory, El rescuing Will from the hive mind, and that heart-wrenching scene between Nancy and Jonathan accepting their "un-proposal." Your analysis was too good not to share. From deep dives into what the exotic matter collapse means for the final battle to theories about Will being used as Vecna's spy—you delivered the kind of passionate commentary that makes this community so special. Whether you're still processing Jonathan's hidden engagement ring, debating what Dustin and Steve's heart wrenching conversation means, or theorizing about how the crew will stop a literal black hole from destroying Earth, this listener-driven episode celebrates YOUR voices and the incredible Stranger Things fandom. Grab your oxygen tanks and let's dive in—this one's all about YOU! Connect with The Stranger Things Podcast:
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TSTP 77- Escape From Camazotz
12/30/2025
TSTP 77- Escape From Camazotz
The Upside Down is collapsing—and it's not because of Vecna, it's because of an exotic matter black hole that could consume the entire human race. Join hosts Darrell and Addi as they break down "Escape From Camazotz," the episode where everything we thought we knew about the Upside Down gets flipped on its head. We dissect Dustin's shocking revelation about the shield generator being a wormhole between worlds, analyze Holly and Max's desperate escape from Vecna's mind through the traumatic memory in the caves, and explore El's journey into the Void to rescue Will from being used as Vecna's spy one final time. From the explosive hospital showdown with Demodogs to Karen Wheeler's heroic oxygen tank moment, we're covering every heart-pounding plot point. Plus, we dive into the emotional turning point between Nancy and Jonathan as they face their relationship's truth in a flooding office, examining their "un-proposal" and what it means for both characters moving forward. We also break down Will's connection to the hive mind, Joyce's parental guilt, and the devastating moment when Henry Creel discovered the Mind Flayer as a Boy Scout. Darrell's bringing his theories about what Dustin's research means for Holly, and we're sharing our predictions about how Max and Holly's "escape" will impact the endgame. Whether you're still processing that wormhole revelation or trying to figure out how our crew will stop dimensional collapse, this breakdown has all the insights you need! Connect with The Stranger Things Podcast:
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TSTP 76- Listener Feedback for Shock Jock
12/28/2025
TSTP 76- Listener Feedback for Shock Jock
Plans on plans on plans—and YOU had thoughts on ALL of them! "Shock Jock" kicked off Volume 2 with teams scattered across two dimensions executing elaborate strategies, and our inbox absolutely exploded with your theories, reactions, and breakdowns. Hosts Darrell and Addi are dedicating this entire episode to listener contributions because you brought the fire on every major moment: Will's hive mind connection and what it means for Vecna, the multi-layered plans that only partially worked (shocking, we know), Dustin's mysterious drawings and research, and all those dire consequences our crew now has to deal with due to Nancy's shotgun. Your insights were too brilliant not to share. Connect with The Stranger Things Podcast:
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TSTP 75- Shock Jock
12/27/2025
TSTP 75- Shock Jock
Three teams across two dimensions are executing bold and dangerous plans—and if you think nothing could go wrong, you haven't been watching Stranger Things. Join hosts Darrell and Addi as they break down "Shock Jock," the midseason premiere that kicks off Volume 2 with even more elaborate schemes than before. After Will's radical self-acceptance moment unlocked his powers in the previous episode, our crew is now scattered across Hawkins and the Upside Down, coordinating insane multi-layered plans that only partially work and create dire consequences that will require… you guessed it, even more insane plans to fix. We dissect every strategic move, analyze what's happening with the hive mind connection, and explore the revelations hidden in the drawings and research Dustin found. Plus, Darrell is bringing the heat with his Grand Final Theory that connects all the dots from this season—and trust us, you'll want to hear all the crazy places he thinks this is all headed. We also dive deep into what Dustin's drawings and research reveal about the true nature of the threat our crew is facing and what it means for the endgame. From group brainstorming sessions to cross-dimensional coordination, we're breaking down every plot point and sharing our wildest predictions for how this all ends. Whether you're trying to piece together the clues or just along for the chaotic ride, this breakdown has everything you need! Connect with The Stranger Things Podcast:
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TSTP 74- Tiffany Interview
12/24/2025
TSTP 74- Tiffany Interview
'80s pop queen Tiffany's "I Think We’re Alone Now" just invaded Vecna's dream world—and in this explosive episode, the legend spills exclusively on the Upside Down magic. We sit down for a thrilling and fun chat where she reveals her phone "blowing up" after episode 3, the joy of watching Holly Wheeler dance, bake, and sass her on cassette tape ("just a pop star!"), and why it feels like pure '80s full-circle for a die-hard Stranger Things fan. We go beyond Hawkins as Tiffany dishes on her sizzling 2026 lineup: sneak peeks at the POPLife cookbook (55 '80s-inspired recipes with Vegas chef Alicia Shevetone), a charity album for Children’s Miracle Network, and "Let's Food With Tiffany" cooking club gems. Hear teen tour wisdom for stars like Holly, standout 2025 tour moments with fans, and lightning-round fun—including her favorite season, favorite character, and what dish she would love to make for the cast of Stranger Things! Connect with The Stranger Things Podcast:
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TSTP 73- Feedback for Sorcerer
12/19/2025
TSTP 73- Feedback for Sorcerer
The response to our “Sorcerer” recap was so massive, we had no choice but to dedicate an entire follow-up episode to listener theories—and it gets wild fast. Addi and Darrell dive into your reactions and ideas surrounding the episode’s biggest moments, from the children’s rescue mission and the Demogorgon chase into the Upside Down to Will’s vision of Vecna’s web and his shocking emergence as a new psychic force. This episode is fueled by the fans, breaking down how these moments may reshape the endgame of Stranger Things Season 5 and why “Sorcerer” could be the most important chapter yet. The highlight is a huge new theory from Bradley, which brilliantly connects the color symbolism from Chris in New York’s earlier theory to Max’s comics from Season 3, revealing a potential visual language that’s been hiding in plain sight for years. There's also a lot of speculation into Max’s time inside Henry’s dream world and what it might mean for her fate going forward. If you love deep-cut callbacks, fan-driven analysis, and the kind of theories that make you want to rewatch the entire series, this listener-powered episode is absolutely essential listening. Connect with The Stranger Things Podcast:
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TSTP 72- Sorcerer
12/17/2025
TSTP 72- Sorcerer
Stranger Things Season 5 just delivered its most shocking power shift yet—and it didn’t come from Eleven. In our Season 5, Episode 4 “Sorcerer” breakdown, Addi and Darrell dive headfirst into the episode that changes everything. From the desperate rescue mission to save the children to the pulse-pounding moment when a Demogorgon is chased straight into the Upside Down, this chapter pushes Hawkins past the point of no return. We analyze Will’s haunting vision of Vecna’s web, where Holly Wheeler and other children hang suspended, and unpack how that single image reframes Vecna’s endgame. Addi and Darrell also walk through Mike, Lucas, and Robin’s high-risk infiltration of the military base, a sequence that blends classic Stranger Things teamwork with real, irreversible consequences. But the heart of “Sorcerer”—and of our podcast episode—is Will Byers. As three Demogorgons prepare to attack Mike, Lucas, and Robin, Will’s memories of his happiest moments with Joyce, Jonathan, and Mike ignite something entirely new. He freezes the creatures in midair and kills them, revealing new psychic abilities that redefine Will’s role in the fight against Vecna. Addi and Darrell connect this moment to their new theories, while also breaking down the chilling revelations about Max’s experience trapped inside Henry’s dream world, drawing unsettling parallels between memory, trauma, and power. If you’re searching for an in-depth Stranger Things Season 5 podcast that goes beyond recap and into meaning, theory, and emotional fallout, this episode is one you don’t want to miss. Connect with The Stranger Things Podcast:
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TSTP 71- Listener Feedback for The Turnbow Trap
12/12/2025
TSTP 71- Listener Feedback for The Turnbow Trap
What happens when an episode is SO explosive that listener feedback takes over the entire show? "The Turnbow Trap" broke the internet—and our inbox—so hosts Darrell and Addi are dedicating this entire episode to YOUR voices, theories, and reactions. We received an overwhelming flood of listener contributions about every major moment: the kids' ingenious plan to take down the Turnbow family, the devastating weapon that shuts down Eleven's powers, the mystery of who's trapped at the lab, and that absolutely haunting final scene where Holly encounters a figure that left us all speechless. Your insights, wild theories, and detailed breakdowns were too good not to share. From deep dives into Henry's true motives to speculation about Eleven's fate without her powers, from theories about Holly's mysterious encounter to predictions about what's really happening at the Upside Down lab—you brought the heat, and we're here to amplify your brilliance. Whether you're team "Holly is the key to everything" or convinced that Eleven will find a way to overcome this new threat, this listener-driven episode celebrates the passionate Stranger Things community that makes this show so special. Grab your Eggos and settle in—this one's all about YOU! Connect with The Stranger Things Podcast:
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TSTP 70- The Turnbow Trap
12/10/2025
TSTP 70- The Turnbow Trap
What happens when a weapon emerges that can completely shut down Eleven's powers—and who is that mysterious figure Holly encounters at the end? Is it REALLY who we think it is? Join hosts Darrell and Addi as they unpack every twist and turn in Stranger Things season 5 episode 3, "The Turnbow Trap." This episode changes SO MUCH of what we thought we knew about Stranger Things season 5. We break down the kids' brilliant plan that took down the Turnbow family, the shocking reveal of the new weapon that neutralizes Eleven, and the mystery of the person trapped at the lab. Plus, we dive into the haunting final moments between Holly and the character she encounters, analyzing what this could mean for the rest of the season. Plus, it's time to give credit where credit is due—Darrell has predicted several plot points, and we're revisiting his spot-on theories about Tiffany, Mr. Clarke, and Jonathan that actually came true! We share our latest theories about where Holly's storyline is headed and what the implications are for Eleven now that this power-suppressing weapon exists. Whether you're still reeling from that final scene or trying to piece together what's really happening in Hawkins, this episode breakdown has all the insights and speculation you need. Let's dive in! Connect with The Stranger Things Podcast:
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TSTP 69- The Vanishing of Holly Wheeler
12/03/2025
TSTP 69- The Vanishing of Holly Wheeler
Why would Vecna target the youngest Wheeler—and what does Holly's disappearance mean for everyone in Hawkins? Join hosts Darrell and Addi as we dive deep into one of the most shocking events of Stranger Things yet—"The Vanishing of Holly Wheeler." In this episode, we break down all the jaw-dropping moments, explore the increasingly complex connection between Will and Vecna, and share our genuine confusion about why young Holly became a target in the Upside Down's latest attack. We analyze the clues, discuss what this means for the Wheeler family, and examine how this episode raises the stakes for our favorite Hawkins crew. But that's not all! We're also sharing our wildest predictions and theories about where the season is headed, plus some exciting news for Stranger Things fans everywhere—there's a brand new Lego set hitting shelves, and you'll definitely want to hear about the incredible opportunity to watch the series finale in movie theaters! We also feature several amazing listener feedback contributions that bring fresh perspectives to the episode. Whether you're team "Holly has hidden powers" or team "this was random chaos," this discussion has something for every fan. Links Mentioned in the Episode: Connect with The Stranger Things Podcast:
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TSTP 68- The Crawl
11/29/2025
TSTP 68- The Crawl
The Upside Down has never felt closer, and after years of waiting, Stranger Things is finally back to terrorize our hearts one last time. Join hosts Darrell and Addi as we dive deep into the highly anticipated premiere of Stranger Things season 5 with "The Crawl." In our comprehensive episode breakdown, we share our initial reactions, analyze key plot developments, and explore the intricate details that make this opening chapter so compelling. We also take a closer look at the significance of Holly's reading material—Madeleine L'Engle's classic "A Wrinkle in Time"—and discuss how this literary choice might connect to the broader themes and supernatural elements we can expect throughout the season. Beyond our episode analysis, we're excited to share a major podcast milestone and discuss the upcoming Stranger Things virtual reality experience that has fans buzzing with anticipation. We also showcase several fantastic listener contributions and feedback from our amazing community, highlighting your theories, observations, and reactions to the premiere. Whether you're looking for in-depth character analysis, wild predictions for what's to come, or just want to relive the excitement of returning to Hawkins, this episode has everything you need to process the emotional rollercoaster that was "The Crawl." Links Mentioned in the Episode: Connect with The Stranger Things Podcast:
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TSTP 67- Stranger Things Season 5 Prep Episode
11/17/2025
TSTP 67- Stranger Things Season 5 Prep Episode
What if we told you that the key to understanding Stranger Things' final season has been hiding in plain sight since Episode 1? In this special episode, Addi and Darrell welcomed three incredible listeners—Emily, John, and Bradley—to help us create the ultimate roadmap for Season 5. Together, we embarked on a comprehensive journey through the Upside Down's greatest mysteries, carefully dissecting the most crucial episodes and storylines from Seasons 1-3 that we believe will be essential to understanding how this epic story concludes. Our collaborative approach brought fresh perspectives and fan insights that even surprised us as longtime followers of the series. We didn't stop there! Then we took the dive headfirst into a complete Season 4 breakdown, going episode by episode to identify every plot thread, character development, and supernatural revelation that's setting up the final showdown. The real magic happened when we opened up about our biggest unanswered questions, shared our deepest hopes for our favorite characters, and made some bold predictions about how the Duffer Brothers will wrap up this incredible saga. Whether you're a casual viewer who needs a refresher or a die-hard fan looking for deeper analysis, this episode will have you counting down the days until Season 5 drops while armed with everything you need to fully appreciate the epic conclusion. Connect with The Stranger Things Podcast:
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TSTP 66- Season 5 Teaser Trailer Breakdown
08/27/2025
TSTP 66- Season 5 Teaser Trailer Breakdown
Netflix recently dropped a teaser trailer for Stranger Things Season 5, marking the beginning of the end for Netflix's beloved series. Set in fall 1987, this final season brings the ultimate showdown between Vecna's forces and Hawkins' determined heroes. For those of you who don't want any SPOILERS about this new season, stop reading and avoid this podcast episode. The newly released trailer reveals familiar faces alongside newcomer Linda Hamilton as Dr. Kay, while showcasing Eddie Munson's grave, Max's hospital bed, and an army of demogorgons. Stranger Things Season 5 finds Hawkins scarred by rifts, under military quarantine, with Eleven forced into hiding as the government intensifies its hunt for her. The climactic Stranger Things Season 5 will release in three volumes this holiday season: four episodes on November 26, three on Christmas Day, and the series finale on New Year's Eve 2025, all dropping at 5 pm PT. The Duffer Brothers promise a return to horror roots as our heroes unite with one goal: find and kill the vanished Vecna. The trailer's ominous tone raises fears for beloved characters' fates, though fans hope the power of friendship—and Eleven's abilities—will ultimately triumph against the darkness of the Upside Down in Stranger Things Season 5. Connect with The Stranger Things Podcast:
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TSTP 65- Listener Feedback & Podcast Update
03/26/2024
TSTP 65- Listener Feedback & Podcast Update
Hey there, Strangers! Many of you have sent us written or audio feedback during this very long off season, and we're back to share your thoughts with the community. We tried to keep things a little extra casual in this episode as we go through all of the feedback submissions, and we also give a few podcast updates along the way. We kick things off with some news items about and latest movie project, as well as some news about project. Connect with The Stranger Things Podcast:
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TSTP 64- DIO: Dreamers Never Die
09/13/2022
TSTP 64- DIO: Dreamers Never Die
Eddie Munson wore a jacket all season that shared his love for the rock legend, DIO. The music of Ronnie James Dio not only inspired and influenced the fictional character of Eddie Munson, it also inspired and influenced the lives of many in the 70s, 80's, and even today. Although Ronnie James Dio passed away in 2010, his legacy and memory live on through his music, fans, friends, and family. Fully authorized by Dio's estate and executive produced by his widow, Wendy Dio, the documentary, "DIO: Dreamers Never Die" worldwide for TWO DAYS only on Wednesday, September 28 and Sunday, October 2. The film delves deep into Dio's incredible rise from a '50's doo-wop crooner to his early rock days in Elf and Ritchie Blackmore's Rainbow, to replacing Ozzy Osbourne in Black Sabbath, and finally cementing his rock star status with his own band, DIO. In this exclusive interview with Wendy Dio and the film's directors, Don Argott and Demian Fenton, Darrell and Jason talk with them about Dio's role in Stranger Things 4, the influence of Ronnie's music, Dio's charity work, the world of metal music, and more.
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TSTP 63- The Piggyback Listener Feedback
07/27/2022
TSTP 63- The Piggyback Listener Feedback
When we asked our listeners to give us one word to describe how they feel about the Stranger Things 4 finale, we heard words like dissatisfied, numb, anxious, resolved, crushed, bewilderment, depressed, bittersweet, and intrigued just to name a few. Now that we get to hear listeners share in-depth how they feel about it, those words definitely ring true. Some felt that Stranger Things 4 was the best season ever, while others felt it was the worst season ever. However, most of you felt like the season did a lot of things right and can't wait for Stranger Things 5. One thing that the entire fandom seems to be united on is the heartbreak over the death of Eddie. In this episode we hear some interesting theories about Eddie, as well as some other fun ideas about what may be in store next season. With feedback coming in from at least 10 countries and 8 states, this is the most excellent feedback episode we've put together yet! Thanks to all of you who made this episode possible. Connect with The Stranger Things Podcast:
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TSTP 62- The Piggyback
07/25/2022
TSTP 62- The Piggyback
The Stranger Things 4 finale was full of SO MUCH action, suspense, sadness, exposition, humor, and intrigue! Coming in at the run time of a full-length movie, we still wanted more! How could the Duffer brothers leave the ending on such a massive cliffhanger? How could they yet again kill off a major fan-favorite character? Will we ever see Max alive again? Overall we found the season 4 finale to be very enjoyable. Obviously, like most (all?) of the fandom, we are not happy with Eddie's death, but the excellent storytelling in this episode built to an epic crescendo with all of the character groups coming together to push back Vecna. The music was masterfully woven into the episode, and the use of Metallica's "Master of Puppets" was spectacular. Connect with The Stranger Things Podcast:
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TSTP 61- Papa Listener Feedback
07/20/2022
TSTP 61- Papa Listener Feedback
Why did Will lie to Mike about El commissioning his painting? How will El be able to help Hawkins with no way to get there? Did Dr. Owens have a role in raising Peter the creepy orderly? These are just a few of the interesting questions raised by listeners this week. We also have insights on the musical selections, predictions on who will die in the finale, and multiple connections to Star Wars in this week's listener feedback episode! Connect with The Stranger Things Podcast:
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TSTP 60- Papa
07/18/2022
TSTP 60- Papa
The penultimate episode of Stranger Things season 4 has arrived and it did exactly what a penultimate episode should do! "Papa" insists that everything he has done for Eleven, and Henry too for that matter, has been in their best interests. Like, El, we strongly disagree with his point of view. Although we can see how he could come to those conclusions, his methods are hard to justify. Is Papa truly dead? Only time will tell. In Hawkins, Max is willing to put her life on the line to save the town and all her friends. We think the kids have no idea what they are truly up against, but also agree with them that they have no better choice. Will Eleven be able to make it to Hawkins in time? The ending of this episode was perfect with the kids going separate ways and preparing to execute their two-pronged attack on Vecna. We can't wait for next week's finale! Connect with The Stranger Things Podcast:
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TSTP 59- Listener Feedback for The Massacre at Hawkins Lab
07/13/2022
TSTP 59- Listener Feedback for The Massacre at Hawkins Lab
With the major reveals and twists of "The Massacre at Hawkins Lab," many of us are updating our theories and coming up with new ones. Is Peter Eleven's father? Was Brenner using El to search the void in an effort to find Peter? Was El a pawn used by Peter, or was he being truthful with her? Did Peter/Vecna create the upside down, or did it exist before he was sent there by El? What's up with the earthquakes, and why is the upside down frozen at November 6, 1983? These are only a few of the discussion points and theories brought up by listeners this week. Two of you even bring back a theory Darrell threw out after watching the very first episode of season one! We do our best to make sense of these questions, put together a list of who you all think will die this season, update Darrell's predictions from this season, and make a few more predictions on how the rest of the season will play out. Connect with The Stranger Things Podcast:
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TSTP 58- The Massacre at Hawkins Lab
07/11/2022
TSTP 58- The Massacre at Hawkins Lab
Has there ever been a more amazing or mind blowing reveal than what the Duffer brothers gave us in "The Massacre at Hawkins Lab?" Peter the friendly/creepy orderly is actually Henry Creel. I mean, he's actually 001. What I mean to say is that he is Vecna. And to top it all off, El created Vecna!?!?! Wow, what a crazy twist. Then you add in the most amazing demogorgon fight scene we've ever seen with the most exploration of the upside down that we've ever seen, and you have one amazing episode of Stranger Things. We do our best to break down all of these incredible plot developments, and Darrell talks about any spoilers he encountered about the first part of the season as well as all the things that surprised him in this episode. Connect with The Stranger Things Podcast:
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TSTP 57- The Dive Listener Feedback
07/06/2022
TSTP 57- The Dive Listener Feedback
We're quickly approaching the end of Stranger Things 4 Part 1, and you all continue to come up with intriguiging theories! The debate continues on whether or not Peter is friendly or creepy, and some of you are even tossing out ideas on Peter's possible true identity. As the community of Hawkins is lathered up into a frenzy by Jason, some of you saw parallels between Eddie's story of this season and the West Memphis 3 real-life events from the early 1990's. In fact, your insight shared about the West Memphis 3 cause Darrell to reevaluate his theory on Miss Kelley. We love all the insightful feedback you send in each week, and look forward to hearing all of your amazing thoughts as the season continues! Connect with The Stranger Things Podcast:
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TSTP 56- The Dive
07/04/2022
TSTP 56- The Dive
Steve jumps at the opportunity to leave the kids behind and step out of his babysitter role, but we were not prepared for him to do so! The Dive, episode 6 of Stranger Things' 4th season, left us wanting more! With the citizens of Hawkins in a frenzy thanks to Jason's accusations against The Hellfire Club, it's not only Eddie that now finds himself in their crosshairs. Eleven continues to dive deeper into her memories, exploring her previous life as Brenner's lab rat, and becoming increasing influenced by the creepy/friendly orderly, Peter. 002 is not too happy about her rising strength, and it looks like she's now convinced she is the one responsible for the massacre at Hawkins Lab. Hopper is preparing to fight a demogorgon, and it looks like his story is nearly ready to combine with that of Joyce and Murray! Suzie provides a valuable asset to the California crew, and we wonder if Eden will join them in the weed wagon as they leave Utah in search of El. Connect with The Stranger Things Podcast:
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TSTP 55- The Nina Project
06/27/2022
TSTP 55- The Nina Project
Brenner is back! While his return is not really a surprise, the events that unfold in "The Nina Project" with Brenner, Dr. Owens, and Eleven do bring quite a few surprises. We see the appearance of Peter Ballard the Friendly Orderly, and we can not agree on whether or not he is truly friendly, or truly creepy. In Hawkins, the exploration of the Creel house has us asking new questions about how many dimensions are at play in this story, and how the gang will find their way to Vecna's lair on their own. Darrell throws out a few new theories involving 002, Henry Creel, and Peter Ballard, listeners share in some really insightful comments and theories, and we share an opportunity for a special bonus episode we're hoping to pull off at the end of this season. Connect with The Stranger Things Podcast:
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TSTP 54- Dear Billy
06/20/2022
TSTP 54- Dear Billy
Are we the only ones who think "Dear Billy" might just be the best episode of Stranger Things yet? With Sadie Sink's impeccable performance, this episode has us heaping praise upon praise. Robert Englund's performance as Victor Creel also stood out and his story gave us chills. Is his story to be believed? We have our doubts. The shootout at the Byers home was one of the most impressive scenes of the series with the one-shot steady cam action, and left us on the edge of our seats. While Yuri's double cross is one we saw coming, the depth of his double cross is NOT something we foresaw! Every story element of "Dear Billy" was excellent! Nancy and Robin faking their way into Pennhurst was hilarious, and the nods to "The Silence of the Lambs" were excellent. Capping the episode with Max's flashback memories of the kids and Kate Bush's "Running Up That Hill" were absolute perfection! We have much to discuss, listeners once again flooded our inbox with incredible insights, and Darrell has put together such a long theory that at least one (hopefully) thing has to be correct! Connect with The Stranger Things Podcast:
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