The Losers' Club: A Stephen King Podcast

Did you know author Dennis Etchison was the first to take a crack at adapting The Mist for the silver screen? In our latest exclusive episode to The Barrens, the Losers explore this curious artifact and weigh in on the what-ifs. Hear a clip now and get the full thing at patreon.com/thebarrens. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

It's always a cruel summer, but 2026 is about to get crueler. The Losers hit the road to visit all the towns in King's Dominion. Derry, Castle Rock, Ludlow, Boulder, the list goes on. They've got miles to drive and so many sights to see. At the end of the day, though, they have to ask themselves: Which one's the best? So, join them in our first bracket ranking in quite some time. PayDays and Nozz-a-La, optional. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The Losers put on their cardigans and hit the college campus to take a closer look at Stephen King's college column, King's Garbage Truck. The series was published in The Maine Campus from February 20, 1969 to May 21, 1970 during King's junior and senior years at The University of Maine. There were a total of 47 installments published: 34 in 1969 and 13 in 1970. For this episode, however, the Losers focus specifically on those that ran in the Spring of 1969. Note: This episode was published in September 2021 in The Barrens. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and...

Here's a preview of our discussion on "Dinah's Hat", the new short story by Stephen King that you can find now in the June 2026 issue of The Atlantic. Want to hear the full track? Become a member of The Barrens (Patreon) by visiting www.patreon.com/thebarrens. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Did you know we've been recapping Widow's Bay on Apple TV? Well, you do now. Yes, for the last month, Mike and Randall have been chatting about the very Kingian show that Guillermo del Toro recently called "the best streaming series in a long time." The rub? It's all been locked away in The Barrens. To whet your appetite, though, we're unlocking our first episode, which finds the Rhys Bros. talking about "Welcome to Widow's Bay" and "Lodging." Want more? Join us at patreon.com/thebarrens. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about...

Behold, The Definitive Stephen King Book Ranking! This year, the Losers are counting down Stephen King's published novels -- specifically, novels (no collections) -- from worst to best. For May, the heat turns up as they round out the 40s with a handful of picks that race all around King's Dominion. One title dusts off one iconic debate within the Club. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Here's a preview of our latest installment of the CrichtonCast, our Michael Crichton spinoff podcast exclusive to The Barrens. Want to hear the full track? Become a member of The Barrens (Patreon) by visiting www.patreon.com/thebarrens. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Losers' Club executive producer and co-host Michael Roffman finally unboxes this mysterious crate that's been at the bottom of his stairs. What he discovers is a stunning collection of Stephen King reissues from Vintage Books, specifically 1974's Carrie, 1975's 'Salem's Lot, 1977's The Shining, 1978's Night Shift, and 1978's The Stand. So, in this special episode, we hear from the maestros behind that makeover magic: Julianne Clancy, Senior Director of Marketing at Vintage Books; Mark Abrams, Art Director at Vintage Books; and legendary artist Ghoulish Gary Pullin. Together, they share the process of reinventing iconic covers for a new era...

The Losers check into The Overlook for the umpteenth time. This time, however, they dedicate some time to Stephen King's oft-forgotten prologue "Before the Play", which was also the inspiration for Glen Mazzara's unproduced script The Overlook Hotel. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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It's time for another spell in The Stacks, this time with author (and friend of the pod) Laramie Dean joining Randall, Jenn, and Ashley. They talk through several upcoming horror releases, debate revisionist riffs on classic stories ("Sorry, Marion!"), and delve into what they've been reading, watching, and listening to. No spoilers, of course. Also, check out Laramie's new novel: Haunt Me, Then. Below is an abbreviated list of the episode's recs: Books: Hex by Thomas Olde Heuvelt Something in the Walls by Daisy Pearce In the Miso Soup by Ryu Murakami Trad Wife by Saratoga Schaefer Bury Your Gays...

Behold, The Definitive Stephen King Book Ranking! In the following months, the Losers will countdown Stephen King's published novels -- specifically, novels (no collections) -- from worst to best. For April, they're finally cracking into the top 50. Harder decisions, harder revelations, and harder discussions. Don't forget to return next month when their journey continues. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The Losers' Club producer and co-host Randall Colburn sits down with author Caroline Bicks to discuss her highly anticipated new book, Monsters in the Archives: My Year of Fear with Stephen King. Named the University of Maineʼs inaugural Stephen E. King Chair in Literature, Bicks became the first scholar to be granted exclusive access to King's private archives -- a huge coup and one that certainly turned our heads at the Derry Public Library. Together, they discuss the expectations vs the reality of the archives, how King’s work and themes have evolved, bucket list stories to sift through, and...

The Losers revisit their old hometown of Liberty, Missouri to celebrate 35 years of Sometimes They Come Back. Together, Mike, Jenn, and Caffrey discuss the changes from page to (small) screen, the stylish direction of Tommy McLoughlin, the era of TV movies, and whether or not Tim Matheson was knocked aside by Rockin' Rob Lowe. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The Losers untie another big ol' Bag of Bones and answer your questions. Questions like: "Which Stephen King story should Tim Robinson adapt?"; "Which King book did you read at a impactful time of your life?"; "If you found yourself in a Freaky Friday situation and had to switch bodies with any Stephen King character, who ya picking?"; and more. They also digress on their current reading habits, the possibility of new merch, whether either of us wants to write our own book (we have), and our fandom for David Lynch and The X-Files. Want to ask them a question...

The Losers return to the Stephen King Archives to dust off a couple more uncollected stories: "Squad D" and "The Reploids". Listen to the full episode now in The Barrens: patreon.com/thebarrens Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Behold, The Definitive Stephen King Book Ranking! In the following months, the Losers will countdown Stephen King's published novels -- specifically, novels (no collections) -- from worst to best. What started at the bottom of the barrel in February (#66-59) continues right as March comes to close with their picks for 58 to 53. Will they start to see the light? Find out and return next month as their journey continues. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Now that they're caught up on the beam, the Losers weigh in on Stephen King's best and worst endings. This is by no means definitive. Well, maybe it is. You be the judge and listen to the full episode now in The Barrens: patreon.com/thebarrens Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Losers Michael Roffman, Dan Caffrey, and Justin Gerber return to Hollywood King where they discuss the latest developments in King's Dominion, specifically Other Worlds Than These, Mike Flanagan's The Mist, John Mellencamp, Daylight Savings Time, and much, much more. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Randall, Mike, Sammie, and Ashley are back in the Stacks to preview March and April's new horror books — including Daniel Kraus' Partially Devoured — and share some non-spoilery takes on what they're currently reading, watching, and listening to. In between, they talk UFOs, sicko elites, and the most physical pain they've ever felt. Check out everything recommended in this episode below. Books: Ask Not: The Kennedys and the Women They Destroyed by Maureen Callahan Haunt Me Then by Laramie Dean Come Closer by Sara Gran Persona by Aoife Josie Clements UFO of GOD by Chris Bledsoe Your Favorite Scary Movie: How the...

In June 2023, The Losers' Club began discussing Stephen King's EW column The Pop of King on their Patreon. What was initially going to be one full-length episode has since become a subsection of The Stephen King Archives that sees the gang dedicating one episode to one full year's worth of columns from King. What started with 2003/2004 -- an episode we unlocked for you last year (look it up) -- has since grown to four more installments, the latest being on 2008. Today, we're dusting off the second of five episodes in the series as a way to shed light on this...

In January 2026, nearly a decade after hitting record on their first book episode, The Losers' Club completed their Herculean task of covering Stephen King's bibliography. From 1974's Carrie to 2025's Never Flinch, the Losers covered each and every title in King's Dominion with long, expansive book episodes. Now, they're doing what anybody does when they complete a gargantuan catalogue in pop culture: rank them. Behold, The Definitive Stephen King Book Ranking! In the following months, the Club will countdown King's published novels -- specifically, novels (no collections) -- from worst to best. Today, they begin this journey with their picks...

Richard Matheson’s I Am Legend is often called the first modern vampire novel. Preceding Salem’s Lot by 21 years, the story follows a would-be scientist named Robert Neville who also happens to be the last man on Earth. Tormented by the memory of his wife’s horrific transformation, not to mention the hordes of vampires trying to break through his heavily fortified home, Neville spends his days systematically euthanizing the undead and searching in vain for a sustainable cure. But a surprising discovery throws his efforts into question while destabilizing his lonely life. In the latest episode of Bloody FM’s T...

The Losers untie another big ol' Bag of Bones and answer your questions. Questions like: ""What's Stephen King's strongest six-book stretch?"; "What's Stephen King's most overrated character and most underrated?"; "Which Stephen King movie adaptation would have been MOST improved by a different actor or director?"; "In "N.," what do you think the n stands for?"; and more. They're also asked about the Club's origins, the bird annoying the hell out of Mike, and which King ka-tet would make for the most nightmarish blunt rotation. Good stuff, great fun, Losers' Club. Want to ask them a question on the next...

Losers Randall Colburn, Dan Pfleegor, and Jenn Adams return to Hollywood King where they discuss the latest developments in King's Dominion, specifically Andy Muschietti’s IT supercut, Welcome to Derry season 2, Mike Flanagan’s Carrie, The Talisman no longer happening with the Duffer Brothers, and Wil Wheaton narrating The Body. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Randall, Caff, Sammie, and Rachel return to The Stacks to gab about January and February's new horror releases and share their own (non-spoilery) recommendations for what they've been reading, watching, and listening to. Plus, an extended conversation on David Sim's influential (and controversial) Cerebus comic book series. See an abbreviated list of recs below: Books: The Deep by Peter Benchley The Fort Bragg Cartel: Drug Trafficking and Murder in the Special Forces by Seth Harp I'm Glad My Mom Died by Jennette McCurdy Serious Creatures: I Was a Teenage Special FX Wizard! by Tony McMillen Cerebus by David Sim Gorky...

The Losers reach the end of the beam -- for now -- as they unlock their book episode for Stephen King's 2025 novel Never Flinch. This is it, Constant Listeners, we're officially caught up now. Note: This episode was recorded in May 2025 for patreon.com/thebarrens. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Our weekly coverage of It: Welcome to Derry was the big event of Fall 2026. For two months, you got to hear Losers Randall Colburn, Julia Marchese, Jenn Adams, and Michael Roffman get their hands dirty with the HBO Max series. But, there are other Losers to this Club; other Losers with other opinions. So, they've gathered to share their two cents before we officially close the book on this chapter in Derry. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The Losers enter their tenth year with Season 10. This month, they're releasing their final book episode along the beam with Never Flinch, catching everyone up on King's canon until we get Talisman 3. So, what's next? Join Losers Randall, Jenn, Pfleegor, and Mike as they tease the future, highlight the past year around the wheel, and mourn those we lost in 2025. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

It's the end of 2025, which means we're 25 years into the 21st century. As they're wont to do, the Losers take inventory of the last 25 years and pick the 10 best Stephen King movies during that stretch. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In our latest book episode, which was recorded in Summer 2024 and had previously been exclusive to the Barrens, the Losers head to the tropics to rank all 12 stories within Stephen King's 2024 collection You Like It Darker. Spoilers within, so please read before you stream. You've been warned. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The following clip previews our latest installment of TALKIN’ HAWKINS, a limited series podcast that flips King’s Dominion Upside Down to discuss all things Stranger Things. Join Michael Roffman, Randall Colburn, and Sammie Kuykendall as they dissect the first volume of the fifth and final season of the blockbuster Netflix series. Check out the full episode in The Barrens: patreon.com/thebarrens Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

It: Welcome to Derry co-showrunner Jason Fuchs joins the Losers in the Barrens to talk all about Chapter 1 of the HBO Max series and what to expect from future seasons. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The Losers conclude their weekly coverage for HBO Max's Welcome to Derry with "Winter Fire". Yes, there are spoilers. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The Losers continue their weekly coverage for HBO Max's Welcome to Derry with "The Black Spot". Yes, there are spoilers. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The Losers continue their weekly coverage for HBO Max's Welcome to Derry with "In the Name of the Father". Yes, there are spoilers. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The Losers are back in The Stacks for another round of recommendations, digressions, and musings about the joys of the written word. Randall, Sammie, and Caff begin by gabbing about some of November and December's new horror and genre releases. then share some non-spoilery takes on what they've been reading. Check out an abbreviated list of our recs below. Books: Psycho/Psycho II/Psycho House by Robert Bloch Widow's Point by Richard Chizmar and W.H. Chizmar Tom's Crossing by Mark Z. Danielewski Titan Shrinking by James Dixon American Rapture by C.J. Leede Adventures in Amity: Tales From the...

The Losers continue their weekly coverage for HBO Max's Welcome to Derry with "29 Neibolt Street". Yes, there are spoilers.

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Once again, we're back on the Beam to close out the King catalogue. In our latest book episode, which has been exclusive to the Barrens since 2023, the Losers hang out with Holly. Together, they discuss why Stephen King loves this character so much, the political overtones that ostensibly fuel the narrative, the macabre villains at the center of the story, and whether or not this feels like Holly's story. One of our most divisive outings to date. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The Losers continue their weekly coverage for HBO Max's Welcome to Derry with "The Great Swirling Apparatus of Our Planet's Function". Yes, there are spoilers. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.