The Losers' Club: A Stephen King Podcast

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 October, they close in on the Top 20 with some last trips to Mid-World, a couple pit stops in Castle, and more. The show is almost over, folks. Only 10 more to go after this! 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 give a non-spoiler preview of Stephen King and Peter Straub's highly anticipated third Talisman novel, Other Worlds Than These, now available in stores. Shortly after, literal Constant Reader Patton Oswalt -- as he lends his voice to the audiobook -- stops by to discuss his journey through King's Dominion. Note: For the full book episode, you can join The Barrens 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.

All eight episodes of Mike Flanagan's Carrie are now streaming on Amazon Prime. Fortunately for you, Constant Listeners, the Losers were able to binge it all weeks ago. Haven't finished it yet? Have no fear: This episode features one section with no spoilers and another with a spoiler free-for-all. Join Jenn Adams, Michael Roffman, and returning guest Julianne Clancy, Senior Director of Marketing at Vintage Books. 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 author Dennis Etchison was the first to take a crack at adapting The Mist for the silver screen? Sadly, that never manifested; however, it was used as the basis for ZBS Media's groundbreaking radio drama adaptation. Today, the Losers explore this curious artifact and weigh in on the what-ifs. 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! This year, the Losers are counting down Stephen King's published novels -- specifically, novels (no collections) -- from worst to best. For September, the Losers turn the key on killer cars, head to Mid-World (again), ride the lightning, and get all tied up. Spoilers? Mayhap, mayhap not. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

We're weeks out from the release of Stephen King and Peter Straub's highly anticipated third Talisman novel Other Worlds Than These. In anticipation, the Losers dust off the two preceding tomes: 1984's The Talisman and 2001's Black House. Don't forget, we have full book episodes on both of these novels. This is more or less a primer for Constant Readers and Listeners alike. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Oops! All Tangents is a free-flowin' conversation based on a topic either topical or submitted by our patrons.  In anticipation of Zach Cregger's Resident Evil, Mike, Randall, and Mac head to Raccoon City to talk about quite possibly the greatest horror title to ever grace a game system. 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.

Randall and Jenn are back in the Stacks to preview spooky season's most intriguing books, including new releases from Gwendolyn Kiste, Alma Katsu, Tanavarie Due, Stephen Graham Jones, and Jane Schoenbrun, as well as nonfiction titles about Rod Serling, the Loch Ness Monster, and the town that inspired Washington Irving's "The Legend of Sleepy Hollow." So many books. Then they share some non-spoilery takes on what they're currently reading, watching, and listening to. In between, they discuss "cozy" horror, board games, Jon Ronson, and Mr. Beast's literary debut. Check out everything recommended in this episode below. Books: Last Days by...

In a new series, the Losers will be exploring the Dollar Baby world by interviewing filmmakers who’ve been through the process. In this episode, Julia Marchese and Jenn Adams speak to filmmaker Paul Inman who adapted Everything's Eventual short story "That Feeling, You Can Only Say What It Is in French" for the program in 2021. They also discuss their forthcoming plans for KingCon and a new anthology book with fellow Club pal and former Dollar Baby filmmaker Billy Hanson. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal da...

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 August, the Losers cycle through a few more novels before getting lost in the woods with some underrated gems in the King canon. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

An Unofficial Stephen King Adaptation is a horror story that feels indebted to King’s work in some way, whether spiritually connected through subject or monster, or treading similar thematic ground. In the latest Patreon exclusive episode, Jenn, Justin, Dan, and Julia name their favorite Unofficial Stephen King adaptations and name connections to his body of work. 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.

The Summer of Straub continues as the Losers head to London and discuss Peter Straub's 1975 classic horror novel Julia. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The Summer of Straub continues as we dust off our past Danse Macabre episode on Peter Straub's iconic 1979 horror novel Ghost Story. Originally recorded in May of 2022, return to Milburn, New York with Losers Michael Roffman, Jenn Adams, Ana Marie Cox, and Justin Gerber as they chart the rise and fall of the literary horror wave of the '70s, debate the MVP of the Chowder Society, point out the literary influences, connect the dots to King's Dominion, and share their own spine-tingling ghost stories. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our...

Look, you don't have to tell us: We know Stephen King has written a lot of books. We've read them all! What still surprises us, though, are how many of those books are still collecting dust when it comes to Hollywood King. Join the Losers as they grab their dusters are take inventory on all the King novels that have yet to make the leap. 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 ...

Losers Michael Roffman, Jenn Adams, and Randall Colburn return to Hollywood King where they discuss the latest developments in King's Dominion, specifically Mike Flanagan's Carrie, Sam Raimi's Desperation, Other Worlds Than These, celebrities ruining Oreos, and what exactly Cosm is and how it applies to Pennywise clown. 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 coverage of Stephen King's Entertainment Weekly column The Pop of King. This episode centers around his 2009 articles, which include: musings on 24, torture, Breaking Bad, his budding screen addiction, and websites with names like Retrocrush.com and PurpleSlinky.com. Oh, he also lowkey predicted streaming culture. 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.

The Summer of Straub begins! With Other Worlds Than These, the third Talisman novel, hitting bookshelves this October, the Losers will be taking some time to familiarize any new Constant Readers with the works of Stephen King's late partner-in-crime Peter Straub. This is an introduction to the man's work and legacy. Stay tuned for a book episode on Julia and a special "Twinner" episode on Talisman/Black House in the weeks leading up to T3. 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! This year, the Losers are counting down Stephen King's published novels -- specifically, novels (no collections) -- from worst to best. Before July bleeds into August, the Losers dance right into the roaring '20s with some lengthy discussions on some of King's angriest and most surrealistic works. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In a new series, the Losers will be exploring the Dollar Baby world by interviewing filmmakers who’ve been through the process. In this episode, we begin with our very own Julia Marchese who adapted the Night Shift tale “I Know What You Need.” Told through the lens of an after school special and filmed on location at the University of Maine, this haunting short film is an intimate portrayal of toxic love that overflows with Stephen King Easter eggs. Julia walks Jenn through the entire process from securing the rights, and pre-production to touring the finished product on the fe...

Randall, Jenn, and Justo dive deep into The Stacks to discuss what they’re reading and binging, but first they preview upcoming horror books about man-eating wasps, witches, death fugues, and underwater cults from Chuck Tingle, Christopher Golden, Megan Bontrager, and others. A heated sidebar about “Goosebumps for adults” segues into spoiler-free reviews of multiple 2026 releases, including Caro Claire Burke’s Yesteryear, Nick Cutter’s The Dorians, Tom Perotta’s Ghost Town, and Tom Holland and A. Jack Ulrich’s Fright Night Aftermath, among several others. Below is an abbreviated list of the episode's recs: Books: Yesteryear by Caro Claire Burke The Dori...

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. To cap off June, the Losers crack into the 30s with some rough choices surrounding some of King's most fantastical works and a sequel that's as divisive as always with this group. 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 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.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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.