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The Ringer 227 Episodes Aug 20, 2026

Bandsplain is a show where host Yasi Salek invites experts to explain cult bands and iconic artists—and why people love them.

Episodes

Solo Mailbag with Yasi. Plus, an interview with Elias Bender Rønnenfelt and Johan Suurballe of Iceage.
Solo Mailbag with Yasi. Plus, an interview with Elias Bender Rønnenfelt and Johan Suurballe of Iceage. Aug 20, 2026 7762 It's time for a loaded mailbag, and Yasi is handling this one solo. She’s tackling questions on skin-care routines, the importance of physical media, and the best venues for seeing a show. Plus: Learn whether 24 is too old. (Spoiler: It’s not.) Next, Iceage’s Elias Bender Ronnenfelt and Johan Suurballe Wieth join Yasi to discuss their new album, 'For Love of Grace & the Hereafter.' They talk abou
The Music Biopic Hall of Fame With Sean Fennessey
The Music Biopic Hall of Fame With Sean Fennessey Aug 13, 2026 9505 Sean Fennessey joins Yasi to build the Music Biopic Hall of Fame, from the 1940s to today. Along the way, they consider what makes a great music biopic, why rock and roll lends itself so well to the genre, and why a great central performance doesn’t always mean a great movie. Plus: Yasi’s cocurated Criterion Channel collection, the movies that belong in the trash, and the TV movie that ‘Odyssey’ s
SOUNDTRACK: ‘Times Square’ with Patrik Sandberg
SOUNDTRACK: ‘Times Square’ with Patrik Sandberg Aug 6, 2026 7085 Yasi is joined by returning guest Patrik Sandberg to revisit the soundtrack to 1980 cult film ‘Times Square.’ They cover the scrapped love story between its two leads, the producer’s efforts to turn the project into the next ‘Saturday Night Fever,’ and the decision to market its sprawling punk and new wave soundtrack ahead of the movie itself. Plus: Patrik’s mini deep dive on legendary producer Ro
SOUNDTRACK: ‘Pretty in Pink’ With Rob Harvilla
SOUNDTRACK: ‘Pretty in Pink’ With Rob Harvilla Jul 30, 2026 6082 Rob Harvilla joins Yasi to revisit the music of the John Hughes coming-of-age classic ‘Pretty in Pink.’ They discuss the film’s defining mix of new wave and college rock, the eponymous Psychedelic Furs song and its misinterpretation, the ’80s classics that were written specifically for the movie, and why ‘Pretty in Pink’ remains one of the decade’s essential soundtracks. CREDITS:Host: Yasi Salek
SOUNDTRACK: 'Working Girl' With Amanda Dobbins
SOUNDTRACK: 'Working Girl' With Amanda Dobbins Jul 23, 2026 5167 Amanda Dobbins joins Yasi to take on the Oscar-, Grammy-, and Golden Globe-winning soundtrack to 'Working Girl.' They trace Carly Simon’s path to penning “Let the River Run,” how the Eagles nearly provided the movie’s defining song instead, and the iconic sneakers-to-heels commuter transition. Plus: Who almost played the lead, how much did that apartment really cost, and gifts from Kansas. CREDIT
SOUNDTRACK: 'Dirty Dancing' With Joanna Robinson
SOUNDTRACK: 'Dirty Dancing' With Joanna Robinson Jul 16, 2026 6248 Joanna Robinson joins Yasi to break down one of the defining soundtracks of the ’80s: 'Dirty Dancing.' They get into the real-life tension between Jennifer Grey and Patrick Swayze that became undeniable on-screen chemistry, the soundtrack’s seamless blend of ’60s nostalgia and ’80s pop hits, Swayze’s surprise turn as a recording artist with the hit song ‘She’s Like the Wind,’ and how the music hel
MADONNA: 'Confessions II' with Patrik Sandberg
MADONNA: 'Confessions II' with Patrik Sandberg Jul 9, 2026 10167 Madonna Month icon Patrik Sandberg is back to help Yasi break down 'Confessions II,' Madonna’s return to the dance floor. They break down the album’s callbacks to New York nightlife, the name-checks from Debi Mazar and Mark Kamins to Basquiat and Keith Haring, and why Madonna is revisiting one of her most beloved eras. Plus, our review (we love it)! CREDITS: Host: Yasi Salek @yasisalek Guests
The Best New Music of Spring 2026 With Bre Morell. Plus, An Interview With Domenic Palermo of Nothing.
The Best New Music of Spring 2026 With Bre Morell. Plus, An Interview With Domenic Palermo of Nothing. Jun 25, 2026 9278 Yasi and returning guest Bre Morell discuss their favorite new albums that came out this spring. Plus, the new singles from their most anticipated albums of the summer! Next, Yasi talks with Domenic “Nicky” Palermo of Nothing about their latest album, ‘a short history of decay’, his Slide Away Music Festival and so, so much more. Episode PlaylistListen to the Best New Music of Spring 2026 hereAn
SOUNDTRACK: 'Purple Rain' With Anthony Anzaldo
SOUNDTRACK: 'Purple Rain' With Anthony Anzaldo Jun 18, 2026 11615 Yasi is joined by musician and producer Anthony Anzaldo (Ceremony, Anthony Family) to unpack 'Purple Rain,' the soundtrack that took Prince from rising pop star to household name. They discuss the making of the film, the role of The Revolution, the live recording that became the title track, Morris Day and The Time (and of course, Jerome), and how Prince blended rock, funk, and pop to create a who
Madonna Mailbag With Fattaneh Salek and Patrik Sandberg
Madonna Mailbag With Fattaneh Salek and Patrik Sandberg Jun 11, 2026 9971 Madonna Month (OK, six weeks) is coming to a close, and it’s going out with a bang! First, Yasi is joined by the original Madonna influence, her mom, Fattaneh Salek! It all started here, from picking Madonna favorites while still in a stroller to transcribing lyrics for future sing-alongs. Then, Patrik Sandberg is back to help Yasi answer all your burning Madonna questions. What was Madonna’s bes
Madonna: The Movies With Amanda Dobbins and Sean Fennessey
Madonna: The Movies With Amanda Dobbins and Sean Fennessey Jun 4, 2026 8514 Yasi is joined by Amanda Dobbins and Sean Fennessey of The Big Picture to reconsider Madonna’s life on film, including her breakout role in Desperately Seeking Susan, box office hits like Dick Tracy and A League of Their Own, polarizing works like Body of Evidence, and of course her most critically acclaimed film work, Evita. They discuss Madonna the cinephile, the vulnerability required to be a g
Madonna: Part 4 With Caryn Ganz
Madonna: Part 4 With Caryn Ganz May 28, 2026 13545 Yasi is joined by journalist and critic Caryn Ganz as the Madonna series enters the modern era. They discuss the glittering revival of 'Confessions on a Dance Floor,' the superstar collaborations and pop maximalism of 'Hard Candy,' the spectacle and chaos of 'MDNA,' the leaks, vulnerability, and often misunderstood ambition of 'Rebel Heart,' and the globetrotting experimentation of 'Madame X.' Plu

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