Mad Men Men
A weekly podcast that revisits each episode of the AMC series "Mad Men," which aired from 2007 to 2015. The hosts, Jon Negroni, Will Ashton, and Mike Overhulse, focus their discussion on the show's commentary about gender, patriarchy, and other societal issues that provoke anger. The podcast aims to analyze the series through a critical lens, engaging with its themes and character dynamics.
Episodes
S5E9 – 'Dark Shadows'
On this week’s Mad Men Men, we dig into “Dark Shadows.” That's right, it's the episode where envious smog spreads through the office, the suburbs, and even Thanksgiving dinner! But also, Don starts to feel the elevator walls closing in from every direction. And everyone around him seems newly aware of what he has... If you’re new here, Mad Men Men covers Mad Men from t
S5E8 – 'Lady Lazarus'
On this week’s Mad Men Men, we dig into "Lady Lazarus." The Season 5 midpoint where Don starts to realize the world is moving faster than he can follow. But also, Megan finally reveals what she truly wants. And Pete mistakes desire for destiny in the most Pete Campbell way possible. If you’re new here, Mad Men Men covers Mad Men from three angles. First, we have a first-time watcher. T
S5E7 – 'At the Codfish Ball'
On this week’s Mad Men Men, we unpack "At the Codfish Ball." The episode centers on dinners, children, in-laws, and professional wins. More importantly, it asks what growing up really means. Usually, it means learning how badly adults can disappoint you. We talk about Megan as her own person, not just Don’s fantasy. We also explore how the episode uses her family to sharpen that point.
S5E6 – 'Far Away Places'
“Far Away Places” is one of those Mad Men episodes where the show quietly changes shape. This week on Mad Men Men, we dig into that Season 5 standout. First, the episode fractures a single day into three interlocking stories. Then, it follows Peggy, Roger, and Don as each tries to escape a life that feels unbearable. Meanwhile, Peggy chases professional authority and confronts how lone
S5E5 – 'Signal 30'
Pete Campbell takes the wheel and crashes straight into an existential pileup in one of Mad Men’s sharpest, saddest hours. On this episode of Mad Men Men, Jon Negroni, Will Ashton, and Mike Overhulse unpack Season 5, Episode 5, “Signal 30,” directed by John Slattery and co-written by Matthew Weiner and Frank Pierson (Dog Day Afternoon). We break down Pete’s slow-motion unra
S5E4 – 'Mystery Date'
Don’s fever breaks, but not before Mad Men delivers one of its most surreal and polarizing hours to date. On this episode of Mad Men Men, Jon Negroni, Will Ashton, and Mike Overhulse react to Season 5, Episode 4, “Mystery Date,” directed by Matt Shakman (WandaVision and Fantastic Four: First Steps) and co-written by Victor Levin and Matthew Weiner. We break down the episode&rsquo
S5E3 – 'Tea Leaves'
Jon Hamm steps behind the camera for Mad Men Season 5, Episode 3, “Tea Leaves” and the results are…complicated! On this episode of Mad Men Men, Jon Negroni, Will Ashton, and Mike Overhulse react to Betty’s triumphant return. They also talk Peggy’s new hire Michael Ginsberg and Harry Crane continuing to be the worst man alive. We break down the real-life inspiration b
S5E2 – 'A Little Kiss Part 2'
Don’s got shaving cream in the mirror, Megan’s got a mop and a plan, and Lane Pryce is one wallet away from going full American Psycho. It’s A Little Kiss Part 2! And on this episode of Mad Men Men, Jon Negroni, Will Ashton, and Mike Overhulse are breaking down the second half of Mad Men’s bold, chaotic, and deeply handsy Season 5 premiere. This episode also covers the real
S5E1 — 'A Little Kiss Part 1'
It’s season five, baby! And we’re back with A Little Kiss Part 1, the two-part premiere that gave us a Zubi Zubi Zoom into Don Draper’s new life. And all the weird vibes that come with it. On this episode of Mad Men Men, Jon Negroni, Will Ashton, and Mike Overhulse reunite to talk about Megan’s infamous birthday serenade, why Pete Campbell continues to be the show’s m
S4E13 – 'Tomorrowland'
Why put off today when we can podcast about Tomorrowland? That's right, in the Season 4 finale of Mad Men (titled "Tomorrowland"), Don Draper faces a turning point both personally and professionally. Big surprise. As Sterling Cooper Draper Pryce struggles to secure its future, Don takes a bold step by taking his secretary Megan to a family trip to California. Meanwhile, Peggy tries to land a much-
S4E12 – Blowing Smoke
We're not known for blowing smoke on Mad Men Men, but I guess we can make an exception for this penultimate episode of the season! That's right, we're back to discuss Season 4, Episode 12, titled "Blowing Smoke." Which finds the old gang at Sterling Cooper Draper Pryce scrambling in the fog of losing Lucky Strike. As usual, we recap the episode, give our analysis, and reference the director/writer
S4E11 – Chinese Wall
The Chinese Walls are coming down for Sterling Cooper Draper Pryce this week as we dig into Season 4, Episode 11. That's right, Mad Men Men is back for another dive into how Don Draper is the absolute worst at balancing professional and personal relationships, plus how desperation truly drives all of us. As usual, we recap the episode, give our analysis, and reference the director/writer/actors’ c
S4E10 – Hands and Knees
Fittingly enough, we're on our hands and knees begging you to give Mad Men Men a chance. Just don't hit us over the head for it. That's right, this week we're talking about Season 4 Episode 10 of Mad Men, titled "Hands and Knees." As usual, we recap the episode, give our analysis, and reference the director/writer/actors' commentaries as well as Mad Men Carousel by Matt Zoller Seitz. In case this
S4E9 – The Beautiful Girls
We're podcasters, not astronauts, so give us some slack if we don't shoot for new heights with "The Beautiful Girls." A Mad Men episode with ample hijinks and comedy mixed with dramatic workplace sexism and Don Draper constantly disappointing the women in his life. Because, well, this is Mad Men. And the Mad Men "Men" never know what's going on... In case this is your first time digging into our p
S4E8 – The Summer Man
A thing like that, we managed to get to "The Summer Man" before the end of the summer. That's right, this week we dig into the eight episode of the fourth season of Mad Men, in which Peggy is on "fire" and Don faces his toughest nemesis yet: sobriety. In case this is your first time digging into our podcast, we recap Mad Men from the perspective of a first-time watcher, someone who only watched th
S4E7 – The Suitcase
Want us to talk about "The Suitcase," widely considered one of the greatest episodes of any television show ever? Well, that's what the podcast is for! That's right, this week we dig into the seventh episode of the fourth season of Mad Men. And listeners, it's a knockout. In case this is your first time digging into our podcast, we recap Mad Men from the perspective of a first-time watcher, someon
S4E6 – Waldorf Stories
Many have said that Mad Men Men is the cure for the common podcast. That's right, this week we discuss and analyze 'Waldorf Stories,' the sixth episode of the fourth season of Mad Men. And we're planning on going on a bender even if we don't win an award for this. In case this is your first time digging into our podcast, we recap Mad Men from the perspective of a first-time watcher, someone who on
S4E5 – The Chrysanthemum and the Sword
It's ok Don, Mad Men Men doesn't have a budget for a commercial, either. That's right, this week we're getting into 'The Chrysanthemum and the Sword,' the fifth episode of Season 4. And we don't need a "gift" from you the listeners, as you just being our listeners is plenty gift enough. Just don't invite us to any sleepovers anytime soon. In case this is your first time digging into our podcast, w
S4E4 – The Rejected
We at Mad Men Men know a little something about being the rejected podcast. That's right, we're talking about Season 4 Episode 4 this week, directed by the one and only John Slattery A.K.A. Roger Sterling! If you have any criticisms, be sure to write half a sentence on your typewriter and then throw the paper out. In case this is your first time digging into our podcast, we recap Mad Men from the
S4E3 – The Good News
This week on Mad Men Men, we venture back out to sunny Los Angeles to visit our old friend Anna Draper and get some decidedly NOT good news to ring in the new year. But at least Don gets to stay in his Lane. In case this is your first time digging into our podcast, we recap Mad Men from the perspective of a first-time watcher, someone who only watched the show once while it was airing, and a super
S4E2 – Christmas Comes But Once a Year
This week on Mad Men Men, it’s Christmas in June as we discuss “Christmas Comes But Once a Year,” the second episode of Season 4. In case this is your first time digging into our podcast, we recap Mad Men from the perspective of a first-time watcher, someone who only watched the show once while it was airing, and a superfan who watches excessively instead of having a functional social life. Discus
S4E1 – Public Relations
This week on Mad Men Men, we kick off Season 4 with “Public Relations,” which is pretty much a pilot type of episode smack dab in the middle of the whole series. In case this is your first time digging into our podcast, we recap Mad Men from the perspective of a first-time watcher, someone who only watched the show once while it was airing, and a superfan who watches excessively instead of having
S3E13 – Shut the Door. Have a Seat.
Special guest Jeff Swystun, an actual Madison Avenue advertising veteran, joins us to discuss the Season 3 finale of Mad Men! Often praised as one of the best episodes of the entire series, we're far from closing the door on new tidbits, trivia, and ideas to unpack in this exciting season closer. Discussion Points: How characters in Mad Men balance their personal and professional challenges, part
S3E12 – The Grown-Ups
Turn off the TV and listen up! We're back for another episode of Mad Men, this time unpacking "The Grown-Ups," the penultimate episode of Season 3. SHOW NOTES 00:00 – Introduction 03:27 – The JFK Assassination 08:59 – The Grown-Ups as a title 11:00 – Characters Regressing and Pete's anxiety 17:46 – The Loss of Innocence 22:23 – Peggy's Roommate 24:41 – TV and the JFK Assassination 30:02 – Editing
S3E11 – The Gypsy and the Hobo
Hey there, we haven't seen you in a while! Our fault for running off to take over our father's dog food company. Oh? You want to show us something in our office? You sure look pretty serious. Well, hopefully it's to talk about Season 3 Episode 11 of Mad Men, titled "The Gypsy and the Hobo." We can explain. Just wait in the car, we'll be right back. Promise. In case this is your first time digging
S3E10 – The Color Blue
Goodness, we're starting to take this podcast so personally. That's right, it's time for another episode of the Mad Men Men podcast, and this week we're folding laundry and uncovering some secrets behind Don Draper's talent for leaving a room. And you know what they say. You can't frame a podcast. In case this is your first time digging into Mad Men Men, our humble little baby podcast recaps Mad M
Interview – Bryan Batt AKA Sal Romano
Last week, we paid tribute to Sal Romano's final appearance on Mad Men, so this week we had on Bryan Batt, the actor who plays Sal to talk about all things Mad Men! The best part might be the fact that Will had no idea Bryan was going to be on the show going in, so you get to hear his actual reaction to suddenly seeing Sal himself in the recording studio. Bryan answered all of our questions, even
S3E9 – Wee Small Hours
When we say we want to watch Mad Men on the moon, we mean it. That's right, it's time for another episode of the Mad Men Men podcast and this week we're saying goodbye to our good friend Salvatore Romano (Bryan Batt) and saying good early morning to the new jogger in Don's life. Here's hoping she has some endurance. In case this is your first time digging into Mad Men Men, our humble little baby p
S3E8 – Souvenir
And people say podcasts aren't friendly! We're back this week but just for one night as we discuss yet another episode of Mad Men, this time recapping "Souvenir." That's right, we're already at Episode 8 of Season 3, and by golly, we are an indecently lucky podcast. In case this is your first time digging into Mad Men Men, our humble little baby podcast recaps Mad Men from the perspective of someo
S3E7 – Seven Twenty Three
We had some wandering eyes this week, which brings us to yet another recap of a Mad Men episode, this time covering "Seven Twenty Three." We're now at Episode 7 of Season 3, and you might want to Duck for cover. Peggy sure did! In case this is your first time digging into Mad Men Men, our humble little baby podcast recaps Mad Men from the perspective of someone who hasn’t really watched the show,
S3E6 – Guy Walks Into an Advertising Agency
We're just three guys walking into an advertising show, all of us hoping to keep our feet intact. That's right, we're back to discuss and recap Episode 6 of Season 3 of Mad Men, titled "Guy Walks Into an Advertising Agency." Should we plan to mow down the competition when it comes to other Mad Men podcasts? In case this is your first time digging into Mad Men Men, our humble little baby podcast re
S3E5 – The Fog
This podcast was recorded during the 2023 WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes. Without the labor of the writers and actors currently on strike, the TV show being covered here wouldn’t exist. We're in the waiting room with a special guest this week! That's right, we invited Mad Men aficionado Ben Crew to talk with us about Episode 5 of Season 3 of Mad Men, titled "The Fog." Put another way, what if...this is
S3E4 – The Arrangements
Sorry we're late with this episode, we were out picking up peaches and smelling the oranges. That's right, this week we're discussing Episode 4 of Season 3 of Mad Men, titled "The Arrangements." As we point out, this is a big episode for characters with "Sal" in their name, and if you happen to coincidentally be a massive Jai Alai fan. Actually, you might not be too happy about how this episode pl
S3E3 – My Old Kentucky Home
We'll give you five dollars if you listen to the latest episode of the Mad Men Men podcast. The only catch, though, is we're going to immediately steal it back. That's right, this week we're discussing Episode 3 of Season 3 of Mad Men, titled "My Old Kentucky Home." An episode so spicy, it gets a disclaimer at the beginning if you're watching the digital version. The workers of Sterling Cooper are
S3E2 – Love Among the Ruins
We don't like what we've been saying lately, so we're changing the conversation. That's right, we're back this week to discuss Episode 2 of Season 3 of Mad Men, titled "Love Among the Ruins." This is an episode all about replacing the old with the new, whether it's the sound of Ann Margaret's voice selling you Diet Pepsi or Peggy doing something new. Having sex! Well, almost. Elsewhere in the Mad
S3E1 – Out of Town
Hurry up and finish heating up your milk and processing your daddy issues like you're in a play, it's time to talk about Mad Men again! That's right, we're back this week to kick of Season 3 of Mad Men with "Out of Town," and boy do we get to see a couple old boys hanging out, out of town. It's a big Sal and Don episode is what we're saying, but wait, there's more. Pete Campbell and Ken Cosgrove b
S2E13 – Meditations in an Emergency
The world didn't end on Monday, so we can talk! That's right, we're back this week to discuss the return of the Draper. We're recapping Episode 13 of Season 2 of Mad Men, titled "Meditations in an Emergency," though the real emergency is our recording schedule. This is the season finale, of course, so we have plenty of reflections upon Mad Men's sophomore chunk of episodes, which takes plenty of b
S2E12 – The Mountain King
Here's hoping you love Mad Men Men as much as you love popsicles. That's right, we're back this week to discuss the California dreamin' of one Dick Whitman. This week we're recapping Episode 12 of Season 2 of Mad Men, titled "The Mountain King," which is scary and we know. This is the penultimate episode of what some people consider the show's bumpiest season, but where do the Mad Men men stand? W
S2E11 – The Jet Set
Why would you deny yourself a new episode of Mad Men Men? That's right, we're back this week to discuss some problematic nomads with cool names (and accents). We discuss Episode 11 of Season 2 of Mad Men, titled "The Jet Set," which has more than one meaning as it happens. This is one of the more controversial episodes of Mad Men, where some fans absolutely love it while others find it confounding
S2E10 – The Inheritance
Get your comics out. The Mad Men Men podcast is back this week with even more problematic relationships to dig into. We recap Episode 10 of Season 2 of Mad Men, titled “The Inheritance,” and wow does that title carry a lot of weight in this episode where Harry Crane gets his very own office baby shower. And like Hildy, Mike Overhulse showed up to the podcast with some, ahem, alcohol in his system.
S2E9 – Six Month Leave
All right, keep your pants on. The Mad Men Men podcast has returned, and with it, a whole episode about Freddy Rumsen! We can't be too surprised about what goes down in this episode considering "rum" is literally in Freddy's name. This week, we're recapping Episode 9 of Season 2 of Mad Men, titled "Six Month Leave." Betty squares off against a frosted over freezer. Peggy's promotion comes after a
S2E8 – A Night to Remember
Finally, a podcast that isn’t imported from Holland. That’s right, it’s time for another installment of the Mad Men Men podcast, and us boys won’t come if the girls don’t. This week, we’re recapping Episode 8 of Season 2 of Mad Men, otherwise known as “A Night to Remember.” Peggy is getting closer to the Lord. Duck finally meets Crab. Petra still can’t find her chair to this day, and someone has t
S2E7 – The Gold Violin
This week we’re gawking at another episode of Mad Men that we found in Mike’s office. Don’t worry, we remembered to take our shoes off before breaking in. That’s right, it’s time for another episode of the Mad Men Men podcast, which is beautiful in every way, except we can’t make TV shows. We of course recap Episode 7 of Season 2 of Mad Men, titled “The Gold Violin.” Sal is making some spaghetti,
S2E6 – Maidenform
We've finally reached the backdoor pilot for Chauncey's spinoff show. But in the meantime, let's just talk about Mad Men again on the Mad Men Men podcast! This week, we're enjoying ribs with all the familiar faces at Sterling Cooper this afternoon in our recap of Episode 6 of Season 2 of Mad Men, also known as "Maidenform." Don't ask Pete to give you a plot synopsis of the movie you want to watch.
S2E5 – The New Girl
New year, new girl. That's right, the holidays are over, so it's time we advertise our return from the beach with yet another episode of Mad Men Men. Or is it Mad Men Men Men because there's three of us? Anyway, this week we're drinking in Episode 5 of Season 2 of Mad Men, known by some as "The New Girl." Don finally meets the one and only Tilden Katz. Joan has some new bling to show off. Pete's m
S2E4 – Three Sundays
We can relate, since sometimes it takes us three weeks to record just one episode of Mad Men Men. That's right, this week we're covering Episode 4 of Season 2 of Mad Men, titled "Three Sundays." And we're having quite the crisis of faith as a result. The Drapers have some daddy issues to sort out. Peggy's Catholic guilt takes center stage, and so does Colin Hanks as Mad Men's prototypical Hot Prie
S2E3 – The Benefactor
Take it from some nuts. Mad Men is even better with some nuts. That's right, it's time for yet another episode of the Mad Men Men podcast, and we're putting our whole heads into this week's installment. We're now on the third episode of Season 2, "The Benefactor. Harry has tampered with the U.S. mail. Betty's people are, in fact, Nordic. And it's time for the introduction of two characters many Ma
S2E2 – Flight 1
We know how you all had it in your heads. Someone would see our podcast and say, "get me that podcaster!" Well, I'm sorry things didn't work out that way. That's right, it's time for another episode of Mad Men Men! This week on the podcast, we discuss "Flight 1," which is the second episode of Season 2. Drugs and racism rear their heads at an office work party. A flight nosedives, and Pete won't b
S2E1 – For Those Who Think Young
And we're back. To do the twist! The twist to a new season that is. In the time since we finished recording season 1, we switched over to InBetweenDrafts, so here we are! Let's get started. This week on the podcast, we discuss "For Those Who Think Young," which is the first episode of Season 2. Valentine's Day sweeps the Sterling Cooper staff and their families. Don's meditating on a poetic emerge
S1E13 – The Wheel
We did it. We watched a full season of Mad Men. It was extremely easy (we just pressed play on a TV show 13 times). But in other ways it was difficult. We had to put our hands up to the wall and say, "We're here...to podcast." So this week on Mad Men Men, we discuss "The Wheel," the 13th episode of Season 1. Pete Campbell has the opposite of baby fever. But don't tell that to Peggy Olson. Don find
S1E12 – Nixon vs. Kennedy
My father had a podcast like this, and when I listened to it...that was a mistake. All right, the polls have closed, and Mad Men Men is ahead. That's right, this week we're digging our own graves for "Nixon vs Kennedy," the 12th episode of Season 1. The Sterling Cooper crew is partying it up, complete with Paul Kinsey's stage play. Peggy said all lives matter. Don and Pete are fighting over which
S1E11 – Indian Summer
Take a break from your passive exercise regime, it's time for another episode of Mad Men Men. This week, we're unpacking our suitcases for "Indian summer," the 11th episode of Season 1. Peggy's first pitch goes down to the wire(s). Don's affair with Rachel has Betty all hot and bothered. Roger tries makeup for the first time, and is Peggy finally learning to take her work home with her? In case th
S1E10 – Long Weekend
We needed a long weekend to collect our thoughts on what is certainly our most contentious Mad Men discussion yet. This week, we're talking about "Long Weekend," the tenth episode of Season 1. Betty's dad is in town, and so is his new girlfriend. Kennedy has a new jingle that's getting all the kids talking. Joan and Carol are coming out for a night on the town! On that note, Don and Roger throw a
S1E9 – Shoot
We're back from Mamie's funeral, so don't call us Cutups. This week, special guest Katey Stoetzel joins us to shoot yet another episode of Mad Men Men, aptly titled "Shoot," the ninth episode of Season 1. Betty's therapy sessions have been firing on all cylinders. For once, Don's the one getting seduced by a creepy ad executive. And yes, we can confirm Peggy Olsen loves lobster, so all bullies des
S1E8 – The Hobo Code
Ciao, ciao. We're taking a break from the bowling team this week, and all our holes have been dug, so it's time to talk about Mad Men again! This week, we're marking our podcast for "The Hobo Code," the eighth episode of Season 1. Peggy and Pete come, ahem, into work early. Sal goes on a man date. Don gets high and listens to Jesus, I mean Miles. And this episode has a twist! In case this is your
S1E7 – Red in the Face
You got fingers in your ears? We’re talking about Mad Men! It has episodes on the side and a podcast in the middle. This week, we set our sights on ‘Red in the Face,’ the seventh episode of Season 1. Don feels like he’s living with a child, Betty’s a vegetarian sometimes, Roger parks in the wrong garage, and Pete has a special little errand he gets to run during lunch, today. How exciting for him!
Tales from the Drink Cart – Dick and Adam
On our first ever Mad Men Men "special," we zero in on just one series of scenes from a recent episode we covered. You might remember how in S1E5 ("5G"), we talked about how the scenes between Dick and Adam could play out as a profound short story and...well, it's time to prove that! This is a re-edit of the audio from the episode, stitched together as a new version of the same story. We'll be ba
S1E6 – Babylon
Don't you want to see the podcast land? Welcome back to Mad Men Men! This week, we get into 'Babylon,' the sixth episode of Mad Men Season 1. Don's flexing his library card these days, but he's the one being read like a book by Maggie Siff as Rachel. Peggy's taking out the trash when it comes to sexist expectations, and is that Joan and Roger leaving the same hotel at the same time again? In case
S1E5 – 5G
Podcasts sent to the office…hey there, welcome back to Mad Men Men! This week, we’re covering Season 1, Episode 5: 5G. Lots of fives in this one. After winning a prestigious advertising award, Don comes face-to-face with an unlikely figure from his past. Meanwhile, Peggy gets in over her head trying to save the Draper photo shoot. And is that Ken Cosgrove, published author? In case this is your fi
S1E4 – New Amsterdam
We like to think of podcasting as the backbone of America. Especially when it comes to Mad Men! In "New Amsterdam," we follow way more of Pete (Dykeman?) Campbell's life than usual, as he conflicts with Don over a pitch with Bethlehem Steel. And at home, Betty gets some alone time with Glen Bishop, and it goes about as well as no one expected. In case this is your first time digging into Mad Men M
S1E3 – Marriage of Figaro
Who is Don Draper...at home? In "Marriage of Figaro," we find the first real experimentation of Mad Men's formula, specifically as it relates to two halves of Don's life at constant conflict with one another. Pete Campbell returns from his honeymoon, Peggy picks up a new book, and Don tries to spark something with Rachel. But that's just Part 1 of an episode that says something a little deeper abo
S1E2 – Ladies Room
On Episode 2 of Mad Men Men, we return to Madison Avenue to discuss the second episode of Mad Men. We continue our conversation from last week about the show’s handling of sexism and out-of-place 60s references. Plus we start digging into the motivations behind Don Draper’s infidelity and romantic aspirations. In case you skipped the pilot, this podcast tackles Mad Men from the perspective of some
S1E1 – Smoke Gets in Your Eyes
The year is 1960. Sorry, 2022. Three men who are mad about Mad Men are smoking herbal cigarettes and getting a little chatty about one of the greatest television dramas of all time. We begin with the show's pilot, of course, titled "Smoke Gets in Your Eyes," but this isn't your typical rewatch podcast. One of our hosts has only seen a handful of episodes over a decade ago, one has seen the show on
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