All I want to do is talk about Madonna
A podcast dedicated to covering Madonna's entire music catalog. Each short weekly episode focuses on one song, starting from the very beginning and working forward. The hosts, Snyder and Finkle, provide commentary and analysis on each track.
Episodes
S8-Ep15 - I Rise
Mark and Kenny contemplate what makes a pride anthem while discussing the finale proper from Madame X. Topics include X Gonzalez & 2019, love & hurt, messages & oppressions, guitars & strings, Peter Matkiwsky, wrapping up & holding the light, Tracy Young, Daybreakers, DJ Irene & The Alliance, Pride Island, and a whole of tragic magic. “Immigrants are America.”
S8-Ep14 - Looking for Mercy
Kenny and Mark make some episode corrections and get super-vulnerable discussing the lost power ballad from Madame X. Topics include: mercy & grace, Laurie Metcalfe & Scott Rudin, Tori Amos & Neil Gaiman, Bruce Norris’ play Downstate, writing letters, high powers, sinners & punishment, love & grief, flaws & cancellation, Ordinary People, and what makes the best protes
S8- Ep 13 - I Don't Search, I Find
Mark and Kenny reach the destination of the journey and Madonna returns to the dance floor … or does she? Topics include: flexing the pop muscle, vibes, home & the wilderness, Picasso, sharing the search, Vogue snaps, gypsy blood, contentment, realigning values, Honey Dijon, iPods, Offer Nissim, Charlize Theron, the Boom Boom Room, Orlando Puerta, and celebrating DJ Kue. “Platinum
S8- Ep 12 - Bitch I'm Loca (feat Maluma)
Kenny and Mark lose their identities with the return of Maluma to Madame X. Topics include: Lauren D’Elia, Kaytranada, Starrah, cheap jokes, and the further adventures of Mr. Safe and Mrs. Crazy (and the dark shadow of “Soltera”). Plus - Freddy DeMann is ALIVE!!
S8- Ep 11 - Faz Gastoso (feat Anitta)
Mark and Kenny gyrate their hips and discuss a rare cover (and banger) track on Madame X. Topics include: Blaya, tattoos, bisexuality and married women, cachaca, party sets, collaborators, and a deep dive into duet partner Anitta (and her father).
S8- Ep 10 - Extreme Occident
Kenny and Mark reflect on the first deluxe version track - a DIARISTIC ballad that may prove to be the true centerpiece of Madame X. Topics include: restless travel and searching, second guessing, campaign slogans, shuddering opportunities, lucidity, street singing, Mirwais’ sonic landscapes, Malawi, reflective logic, John Wells, childlike essence, Buddhist circles, Madonna’s Portugues
S8- EP 9 - Come Alive
Mark and Kenny take a collective exhale while celebrating this exuberant anthem from Madame X. Topics include Krakebs, oppression, freedom, Jeff Bhasker, Saint James Joy dance parties, simplicity, bees, standing in lines, Morocco, producer choices, and how Madonna knew exactly what the Madame X album needed. “Who you talkin to?
S8- Ep 8 - Crazy
Kenny and Mark go a little nuts over Madonna’s yearning vocals on this spare and compelling gem from Madame X. Topics include Grindr and vinyl, app fantasies and selfies, Jason Evigan and Mike Dean, self-knowledge and mystery, studying and safety, married men and married songs, trust and community, changing the narrative and attracting the drama, Katy Perry and Carly Rae Jepsen, and th
S8- Ep 7 - Crave (featuring Swae Lee)
Mark and Kenny confess their latest cravings while musing on this illusive and near-classic ballad from Madame X. Topics include paper clips and major keys, desire and experience, Starrah and Swae Lee, On the Waterfront and The Wizard of Oz, bananas and pizza, Rae Sremmurd and Spider Man, Nuno Xico and Carson McCullers, “old choreography” and pigeons, swagger and grillz, Mike Cruz and Joe Ga
S8- Ep6 - Killers Who Are Partying
Kenny and Mark get vulnerable and stay sensitive to discuss one of the most polarizing and criticized songs in Madonna’s entire canon. Topics include: Portuguese lyrics, taking a big risk, embracing awkwardness and metaphors, privilege, costs, oppressive poetry, legacy, the embarrassment of vulnerability, and the challenge embracing all of the personal and intense narratives in Madame X.&nbs
S8 -Ep5 - Batuka
In the midst of the “I Feel So Free” launch, Mark and Kenny flee to Cape Verde to dissect this anthemic duet w/ the mighty and inspiring Orquestra Batukadeiras. Topics include David Banda’s security, community singing, generational mentorship, radical joy, recapturing the enthusiasm, Paul Simon, Joni Mitchell, the darkness of survival, Emmanuel Adjei, communal tasks, unself-conscious j
S8-Ep4 - Future (featuring Quavo)
Kenny and Mark get out the oracles and peer into this reggae-tinged anthem from Madame X. Topics include scratchy pianos, Starrah, autotune vs. clean vocal, Quavo, Athens, GA, Sondheim & Streisand, being a sound level diva, rebirth, future & past, Great Depression propaganda, Anne Frank and the lack of empathy, The Little Drummer Girl, Angels in America, a troubling Eurovision 2019,
S8-Ep3 - God Control
Mark and Kenny light up some clove cigarettes to discuss the daring and deliciously disconcerting third song from Madame X. Topics include illusionary disco, plethoras of motifs, threatening strings, the Wooster Group, nostalgic coos, useless founding fathers, Casey Spooner, not-so-secret villains, disruptive choirs, James Baldwin, new democracies, Jonas Akerlund, Taylor Swift,
S8-Ep2 - Dark Ballet
Kenny and Mark don their Supreme Hoodies to dive deep on the extreme and WHACKY second track from Madame X. Topics include the 2018 MetGala, Eurovision, Tchaikovsky, A Clockwork Orange, the material life, truth vs. fiction, screen entrapment, insomnia, reading plays, Instagram whoredom, Mykki Blanco, evil cardinals, watchful matrons, the GLAAD Awards, and the turbo-charged return of old frie
S8-Ep1 - Medellin (featuring Maluma)
Mark and Kenny break out the wigs (and, yes, the eye patches) to launch Season Eight: Zero Fucks Given with an epic conversation about the first song and single from Madame X. Topics include: eye twitches, pineapple, pandemic impact, skincare, pussy hats, Cher and a potential Mamma Mia 3 movie, Lisbon, Estere and Stella, Starrah, Dino D’Santiago and his band Expensive Soul, the ups and downs
PATREON PREVIEW: BIG TIME GIRL TALK
As the launch of Season Eight nears, Kenny and Mark revive and explore one of the great long form interviews Madonna gave during the first decade of her career with the genius Carrie Fisher over two issues of Rolling Stone in the summer of 1991. Two iconic women discuss men, marriage, mothers – and share stories about god, death, ecstasy and spankings. For the entire episode, subscribe
S7-Ep 26 - The Rebel Heart Tour
Mark and Kenny celebrate the end of Season Seven with a wide-ranging conversation about the Rebel Heart Tour - and it’s Heart Rebel companion, Tears of a Clown. Topics include Q-Tips, thumb ailments, the comment flurry, Saturday Night Online, bathrooms, Grimes, ART, Billions, Bar Six, diehard fan finances, Kyle Richards, Kevin Antunes, Semtex Films, Michael Jackson, cages, uni
S7 - Bonus - PHYSICAL ATTRACTION (Live at Iron/Feather)
Mark and Kenny travel way back to 1982 and revisit their 2019 conversation from the FIRST season of ALL I WANT TO DO IS TALK ABOUT MADONNA - LIVE in front of a very sexy SOLD OUT audience at Soho’s stunning Iron | Feather. Topics include: Jean-Michel Basquiat, Gwen Gutherie, Stephanie Mills, Seymour Stein, Michael Rosenblatt, Martin Burgoyne, Christopher Ciccone, Erica “Bags” Bell, James Mtu
S7- Ep 25 - Graffiti Heart
Kenny and Mark bust out the spray cans to celebrate the wrapping up of their conversations about the Rebel Heart album. Topics include Basquiat, the legality of graffiti, backup vocals, misleading choirs, Lizzo, Keith Haring’s POP! Shop, Brad Gooch, Martin Burgoyne, downtown realities, the Smithsonian, The History of Sound and folk songs, Michelle Shocked, and a wrap-up discussion of the alb
S7- Ep24 - Addicted (X-Rated Edition)
Mark and Kenny thrash their heads through a great lost bonus track from Rebel Heart. Topics include Avicii, femme fatales, Janet Jackson, deadlifting on Instagram, kiwis and plums, psychic pain, the value of time, yoga, Notes on a Scandal, remix maxi-singles, and candid confessions about addiction and the thrill of obsession
S7 - Ep 23 - Borrowed Time
Kenny and Mark piece together a fresh working theory about the Rebel Heart recording sessions with this true “fork in the road” lost album track. Topics include Avicii and country music voices, Julia Roberts, Malawi, sonic links, spiritual time management, Sondheim’s Merrily We Roll Along, destinies, the power of love as a uniting force, and Madonna’s top priorities in 2015. “We’re onl
S7 - Ep22 - Beautiful Scars
Kenny and Mark frolic through this fizzy and sentimental favorite bonus track from Rebel Heart. Topics include triptychs, AM/FM radio, New Wave synths, Rick Nowels, DJ Dahi, Blood Diamond, dancing through the streets in Lisbon, talismans, Super Deluxe Editions, and the meaning of “beautiful.” Plus, a history of personal scars and the freedom in imperfection - and the dawn of Virgo Seas
S7 - Ep 21 - AutoTune Baby
Mark and Kenny boil the baby bottle and the burping blanket to discuss this wild and weird bonus track from Rebel Heart. Topics include joking with Mike Dean & Kanye West in the studio, friends with benefits, chemistry graduate students, gym buddies, wedding invitations, paprika and potato salad, lighting designers, growling, Amy Schumer, SNL, and Cher. Plus an in-depth conversatio
S7 - Ep20- Rebel Heart
S7, E20: REBEL HEART (w/ Special Guest Nick Rufca)Kenny and Mark embark on the home stretch of Season Seven (!!) with a deep dive discussion of the title track from Rebel Heart. Plus, a late Christmas gift arrives for super-fan Nick Rufca, who picks up up the phone to talk about SUPER deluxe editions, emotional honesty, lyrical affirmations, tempting fate, Peter, Paul & Mary, n
S7 - Ep19 - Messiah
Mark and Kenny rejoice over this beautiful surprise at the tail end of the deluxe edition of Rebel Heart with acclaimed actor Tony Corrales, who picks up the phone to discuss his particular devotion to this album and who precisely IS the “Messiah.” Topics include Mercy James’ piano scales, candlelight mysticism, lyrical previews, the balance of vulnerability and power, Madonna as s
S7 - A Special Message - Calling All Clowns!
Mark and Kenny are taking a breather this week to recover from PHYSICAL ATTRACTION: LIVE @ IRON | FEATHER (were you there?) with a small request and assignment for the listening fans Down Under and in Miami. Can you guess? See you next week.
S7 - Ep18 - S.E.X.
Kenny and Mark critique/celebrate this lesson in sexology while Madonna resurrects and re-embraces Dita Parlo. Topics include being Game & Giving, Sniffies, blatant innuendo, the Summer of Spitting, licorice, golden showers, breaking the beds, raw meat recipes with mayonnaise, grillz, a phenomenal demo bridge, Samantha’s hand-rolled sushi, masks, the 1994 version of S.E.X., and having a
S7 - Bonus Episode - Two Steps Behind
ark and Kenny investigate who the culprit of this lost, sassy demo. Topics include dissing friends, BOMBOCLAT, taking to twitter, Guy Oseary, “appreciating” Tony Bennett & Lady Gaga, recipes, Whitney Houston, Janet Jackson, Paula Abdul, Cyndi Lauper, Sabrina Carpenter, teaching the children, starting a feud with YouTubers, imitators, the power of community, Lola Lourdes as Betty Rizzo, t
S7 - Ep17 - Veni Vidi Vici (feat. Nas)
Mark and Kenny grapple with a feeling that they cannot explain while discussing the meaning (and mythology) behind this would-be anthem. Topics include Julius Caesar, perception, the value of the underdog, generational education, Nas, divorcing Kelis, and Madonna (finally) embracing the title of QUEEN. Plus electronic pop artist Afro Sensei picks up the phone and joins the co
S7- Ep 16 - Best Night
Kenny and Mark head back into the shadows of Hollywood noir and portraiture on this slinky gem that opens the deluxe edition of Rebel Heart. Topics include the M Experience, the fucking GRILLZ, nom de plumes, Art of Noise, Vangelis, champagne and big cigars, remembering “Justify My Love”, sex tapes, a license to chill, and the Madonna song that everyone walks down the wedding aisle to.
S7- Ep 15 - Wash All Over Me (w/special guest Jeff Vicente)
WASH ALL OVER ME (w/ Special Guest Jeff Vincente)Mark and Kenny wrap up the standard edition of Rebel Heart with this intense and beautiful ballad (and its THREE versions!) with events guru Jeff Vincente. Topics include operatic rock, Elizabeth Taylor, kikis, Good Music, Charlie Heat, Avicii, The Cure, other surprising water songs, theatrical strings, spiritual revelations on the b
S7- Ep14 - Inside Out
Kenny and Mark grapple with the proper arrival of producer Mike Dean on this miss of an anthem from Rebel Heart. Topics include patchwork songwriting, sweatpants energy, loving the scars, lazy strings, switching “tactics”, spontaneous looping, another reconsideration of the RH track list, and a “BREATH” requirement. Plus Kenny stalks the wigs of Madame X and Mark makes a case for re-em
S7- Ep 13 - Holy Water (X-rated)
Mark and Kenny get down to the nitty-gritty (and steamy) throw back to 1992’s Erotica. Topics include game-changing weather, cunnilingus, vitamins and filth, Kanye West and Yeezus, baseline and hand claps, gold star gays, pole dancing, the physical challenges of sexual positioning and particular turn-ons, multiple leaking demos, and when is the right time to return to “Vogue.” Plus Mar
S7-Ep 12 - Body Shop (w/special guest Wayne Parker!)
Kenny and Mark pop up the hood and take this romantic romp of a song out for a spin with Madonna Get Together podcast host Wayne Parker! Topics include vehicular high jinks, having fun, over-thinking and staying out of the way, electro-shock, Sabrina Carpenter, sequels to songs from True Blue and Madonna, role-playing, driving stick shift, car CD players, snacks, Lady Gaga, Aston Martins, Nikki Su
S7-Ep 11 - Heartbreak City (featurning Jess Rothschild)
Mark and Kenny amp up the drama (and military drums) with special guest Jess Rothschild (host of Hot Takes & Deep Dives and Finding Fire Island) to discuss one of the most vulnerable songs in the entire canon. Topics include piano deliciousness, public humiliation, ten songwriters, Sean Penn, cinema demos, terrible waiters, Joe’s Pub, and Madonna’s last private relationship. Plus J
S7-Ep10- Iconic
Kenny and Mark explore the part that no one sees in the soaring (and strange) anthem from Rebel Heart. Topics include being in an “era”, current slang, mite bites, Mike Tyson Mysteries, Head of the Class, Mohammed Ali, Robin Givens, Jay-Z, Amy Schumer, Chance the Rapper, Save Money, icons and gods as examples, Avicii’s cinematic choices, and a deep dive into the endurance and character of Mi
S7-Ep9 - Joan of Arc
Mark and Kenny unsheathe their swords to discuss this powerful and beautiful ballad about mortality, battle, inspiration, and the pulsating humanity that lies beneath it all. Special Guest Jesse Factor joins the conversation to discuss remixing Martha Graham & Madonna together in his thrilling dance show The Marthaodyssey and the many muses found in his work as both a dancer an
S7 - Ep8 - Hold Tight
Kenny and Mark pick up the story of this anthemic, enduring tracks from Rebel Heart. Topics include: the haunting MNEK, Ryan Tedder, apocalyptic lyrics, Joan Rivers, survival techniques, alternative melodies, drumming, and the power of a solo Madonna producer credit. Plus, another alternative release concept for Rebel Heart to consider and the priority of reaching out, making time, and
S7 - Ep 7 - Bitch I'm Madonna
Mark and Kenny conclude the Season of the Bitch by twerking their way through this maximalist third single from Rebel Heart. Topic include Diplo, finales, taking the day, the return of Nicki Minaj, colorful pop art synths, boundaries, plantar fasciitis, pale ale beers, the Standard Hotel, Wicked Part 2, pools in Westchester, neighbors Barry and Fran, Lil B, Charli xcx, celebrity cameos (Beyo
S7- Ep 6 - Illuminati
Kenny and Mark hide from the all-seeing eye to wrestle with this polarizing track from Rebel Heart. Topic include the golden calf, the arrival of Mike Dean, stoners, the true definition of the illuminati, the potential to dance, a reckoning with Kanye West (past & present), Claire Dederer’s Monsters: A Fan’s Dilemma, iconography, the TIDAL signing, and the desire (and danger) of channeli
Special bonus -Trust No Bitch
Mark and Kenny continue the Season of the Bitch w/ this bratty lost demo from the Rebel Heart era. Topics include Natalia Kills, Rosalind Shays, STDs, Anne Sexton, Brahim Zaibat, Nicole Winhoffer, the allure of vindictive cleverness, hooking up in a sauna, knowledge as power, Orville Peck, Khloe Kardashian’s podcast, Paul Mescal, French theatergoers and Tennessee Williams, not applauding Cat
S7- Ep 5 Unapologetic Bitch
Mark and Kenny get their Reggaeton swagger going to discuss the sassy shoulda-been-a-single from Rebel Heart. Topics include Toby Gad, Garcia & Teenwolf, the primal urge to get up and go out post-break-up, Justin Bieber, ex-boyfriend group texts, shooting weekends with Guy Ritchie, Kieran Culkin, The Weekend, tsunami alarms, Bette Davis, James Baldwin, and a surprise encounter with a fav
S7-Ep 4 - Ghosttown
Kenny and Mark celebrate the return of the power ballad with Boy Culture himself (and author of the essential Encyclopedia Madonnica) Matthew Rettenmund! Topics include: nepo babies, Celine Dion, potential cover albums, illegal downloads, the value of spite, Jason Derulo, My Two Dads, vocal “edging”, lyrical warnings and promises, bringing a golf club to an apocalypse, Stevie Nicks, Terrence
S7- Ep3 - Devil Pray
Mark and Kenny break out the guitars, the oracles (and the glue) to examine the folky, funky - even freaky - second track on Rebel Heart. Topics include the arrival of Aviccii, the Animals’ “House of the Rising Sun”, The Rake and Appalachian folk tunes becoming global anthems, the Madonna rhythm, walking as inspiration, getting high, karaoke voice memos, Emily Witt, higher consciousness
S7- Ep2 - Living for Love
Kenny and Mark welcome Billboard Magazine’s Keith Caulfield (co-host of the Billboard Pop Shop podcast) to discuss the vibrant - yet troublesome - first song and lead single from Rebel Heart. Topics include THE LEAK and technology foibles, demos on hard drives, launching a “leak lead” hotline, multiple album versions (and covers), Sebastien Tellier, unending teasers, unusual suspects, t
S7- Ep1 - Secret Project Revolution
Mark and Kenny begin Season Seven: Defending the Crown with a detailed discussion of Madonna’s most politically urgent (and last - for now!) film project, in collaboration with Steven Klein as well as the debut of a now oft-covered Elliott Smith song. Topics include channeling the source and upping security, Instagram, VICE and BitTorrent, cutting edge lingerie, Danny Tull, troublesome rollo
s6- Ep17- MDNA TOUR
Join Kenny and Mark for an ultra-thick FOUR HOUR conversation about the Mount L’Olympia of Madonna tours - 2012’s MDNA Tour. Topics include the legacy of Christopher Ciccone, trading recipes, the first selection for the Alain Delon Film Club, new faces on tour, fighting (already) with Interscope, transgression, FREEDOM, Australia, Zoey Bartlett and The West Wing, cosplay, the return of the P
S6- Ep16- Best Friend
Mark and Kenny decode the restlessly bold and confessional final track on the deluxe edition of MDNA. Topics include the final return of the Benassi Brothers, the slender difference between friendship and romantic love, Sheridan Smith, Alex Rodriguez, the vocal pushing away and the pulling in, the specters of 2012, confessions and celebrations, lyrical bread crumbs and evolutions, Bjork’s “H
S6-Ep15 - B'Day Song
Kenny and Mark light some candles to celebrate one of the most frequently-streamed song in the Madonna canon - and the return of M.I.A.! Should MDNA have had THIRTEEN official album tracks? Topics include: M.I.A.’s “Come Walk With Me”, the joys of silliness, Sixties Mod-sters, The Beatles, secret final tracks, Stevie Wonder and the other anthemic birthday songs. Plus, Mark works
S6- Ep14 - I Fucked Up
Mark and Kenny bust out their decoder rings to interpret the diaristic lyrics on this bonus track from MDNA and fight over what constitutes a “bonus track.” Topics include swimming pools, Madonna’s art collection, Rocco’s canvases, Madonna going hiking, lyrical exorcisms, fantasy roads not taken, potential duets, and whether or not we can forgive (and forget). Plus, Kenny introduces a
S6- Ep13- Beautiful Killer
Kenny and Mark pull on their Burberry trenches to investigate this fan favorite from the deluxe edition of MDNA while Madonna role plays femme fatale with Martin Solveig, the Alain Delon Appreciation Film Festival is launched, and the girls from Madame X give a preview at an extra special live show at the Paris Olympia. Plus an extra special announcement to share at the top of the episode -
S6-Ep12 - Falling Free
Mark and Kenny wrap up the standard album version of MDNA with a deep and vulnerable discussion about heartbreak, relationships, mortality, and freedom. William Orbit collaborates with Torch Song bandmate Laurie Mayer and Joe Henry’s back to assist his sister-in-law. Plus, Special Guest Miguel Gutierrez performs a cover version of the ballad as “Sadonna” from the August 2024 live show.
S6-Ep11 - Love Spent
Kenny and Mark re-string their banjos to break down BOTH versions of this fan favorite ballad (?) from MDNA. Topics include family prenups, Sex and the City’s Bunny MacDougal (as well as Charlotte and Trey’s doomed marriage), Marian Seldes, Lynn Cohen, Muni Long, Free School, the veteran Alain Whyte, Morrissey’s Your Arsenal, MIKA, Benjamin Franklin, Abraham Lincoln, corsets, J Lo and Ben Af
S6- Ep10 - I'm A Sinner
Mark and Kenny get down on their knees to discuss the sparkling and oh-so-Catholic shoulda-been single fromMDNA. Topics include Kelis and the album she co-wrote with Jean Baptiste Flesh Tone, the return of poppy William Orbit, the Pet Shop Boys, Thomas Aquinas, Mark’s grandfather, ICE CREAM, Kenny’s play about miracles and Golda Meir, and the potential first Millennial saint. Plus
S6-Ep9 - I Don't Give A...
Kenny and Mark bust out their To-Do lists and revisit this autobiographic and confessional track from MDNA. Topics include a return to rap, operatic escalations, time management lessons from Trixie Mattel and Joan Rivers, meeting the new tech guy, the musical variety of collaborator Julien Jabre, and whether or not Madonna truly ever yearns to hop off that never-ending treadmill. Plus,
S6- Ep8 - Superstar
Mark and Kenny take their insulin shots to survive the sugary-sweet return to 1980s Madonna, Topics include a pair of mystery songwriter/producers, a special suprise remix, and - oh no! - Lola starts smoking! Ooh La La indeed!
S6- Ep7 - Some Girls
Kenny and Mark strap on their pumps and dance with one of the darker, secret tracks on MDNA. Topics include William Orbit, the brilliant Klas Åhlund & his collaborations with Robyn, lyrical weaponry, the sleaze of the Rolling Stones, the return of Dita Parlo, and a special three song story (across three albums) about vengeance. Quiet in the limousine!
S6- Ep 6 - Give Me All Your Luvin' (LIVE!)
Kenny and Mark bust out the pom-poms for a LIVE show at the Francis Kite Club in Alphabet City to discuss the first single and so much more from MDNA. Topics include cheerleading, female collaborators, garage rock, bananas, ZZ Top, Burgundy wine, Martin Solveig, Michael Tordjman, Bob Costas, mascots, Megaforce, trench coats and baby carriages, THE SUPER BOWL HALFTIME PERFORMANCE, Midwestern
S6- Episode 5 - Turn up the Radio
Live from the Newsstand Studios at Rockefeller Center in New York City! Mark and Kenny hop back in the car with Madonna to rave about the final single from MDNA. Topics include Martin Solveig, Jade Williams, Bridgette Bardot and Barcelona, cleavage and convertibles, handsy chauffeurs, sweetheart Brahim Zaibat, Laidback Luke, R3hab, Tom Munro, missing dance breaks, the chart-toppers Aut
S6- Ep 4 - I'm Addicted (w/Rich Juzwiak)
Live from the Newsstand Studios at Rockefeller Center in New York City! Kenny and Mark welcome special guest (and notorious Madame X critic) Rich Juzwiak for a joyous and EDM-tinged discussion about the hard-driving dance track from MDNA. Topics include critical exchanges and reassessment, the beloved Madonna bridge, Katy Perry and naked running, “dom energy”, competitive producers, dr
S6-Ep 3 - Gang Bang
Mark and Kenny explore the dark and vengeful corners of MDNA on this audacious and visceral story song. Topics include sunset trickery, transforming a demo, studio nerd-dom, William Orbit, Demolition Crew, the power of dubstep, the arrival of a new Madonna voice going there, Tori Amos’ Strange Little Girls album, the emergence of musical mash-ups, and another reckoning with Madonna’s visual
S6- EP2 - Girl Gone Wild (w/ Charlotte Salmon)
Here it comes - Mark and Kenny get wild while breaking apart the second single from Madonna’s MDNA, her first on Interscope Records. Topics include the returns of the Benassi Bros. and Mert and Marcus, the liberation from constraints, Kazaky, ghosting in Provincetown, the inspiration of new collaborators and influences, Quentin Tarantino, 60s mod style, Jimmy Fallon and Facebook Live, cover
S6- Ep 1 - Masterpiece
Kenny and Mark kick off a packed Season Six assessing the many non-musical ventures Madonna embarks on into the second decade of the 21st century including clothing lines, fragrances and gyms. Plus, a deep dive conversation about W.E. and its official theme song “Masterpiece”. Topics include: the emergence of Lourdes Leon, Taylor Momson, Zendaya and the rest of the Material Girl models, Madonna a
SPECIAL SUMMER EP: A Conversation with Ann Powers
SPECIAL SUMMER EPISODE: A Conversation w/ Ann Powers, author of Traveling: On the Path of Joni MitchellFor Part Two of our celebration of Joni Mitchell, the great ANN POWERS, esteemed rock writer and NPR music critic, joins Mark for a conversation about her brilliant new book Traveling: On the Path of Joni Mitchell. Topics include: the question of critical enthusiasm, Ann Beattie, Don DeLill
summer special- Joni Mitchell’s Hejira
Mark and Kenny spend a long awaited spring afternoon in conversation about one of Madonna’s early musical influences - Joni Mitchell - and their favorite album 1976’s Hejira, as well as road trips and motels, a crackerjack collection of jazz fusion musicians, a genius’ search for bravery and clarity in both personal relationships and the relationship with herself, a renewed search in the American
S5- Episode 29 - Celebration
Kenny and Mark wrap up some loose threads (and Season Five!) with a celebratory discussion of the title song from Madonna’s THIRD greatest hits album. Topics include: the continuing challenges of a greatest hits record, Paul Oakenfold, Ciaran Gribbin, INXS and the late great Michael Hutchence, a tribute to Fine Young Cannibals, Benny Benassi, a desire for the throb, the Dance of Life, Jesus
S5- Episode 28- Revolver
Mark and Kenny load it up to discuss one of the two new tracks included on Madonna’s third (or fourth?) greatest hits collection from 2009. Topics include: Lil Wayne (and his many feuds), DJ Frankie, the Jackie Boyz, R&B swagger, cigars, drive-by recording, the return of Louise Oriole, troublesome mixes, Paul Van Dyk, David Guetta, Tracy Young, gun metaphors in songwriting, the appeal of
S5- Episode 28- Revolver (Copy)
Mark and Kenny load it up to discuss one of the two new tracks included on Madonna’s third (or fourth?) greatest hits collection from 2009. Topics include: Lil Wayne (and his many feuds), DJ Frankie, the Jackie Boyz, R&B swagger, cigars, drive-by recording, the return of Louise Oriole, troublesome mixes, Paul Van Dyk, David Guetta, Tracy Young, gun metaphors in songwriting, the appeal of
S5- Episode 27 - The Sticky and Sweet Tour
Kenny and Mark take a mega, near-THREE hour dive into the 2008-2009 world tour as well as the documentary I Am Because We Are. Topics include: Nathan Rissman, Michael Moore, Desmond Tutu, Hustling at Cannes, Hamutsan Serve, Kevin Antunes, Stefanie Roos, Sofia Boutella, unnecessary thrones, Madonna’s hat, Britney Spears, ad hoc car shows, Keith Haring, double-dutch jump rope, a tribute to Mic
S5- Episode 26 - Voices
Mark and Kenny wrap up their conversations about Hard Candy and also welcome Special Guest Zachary Pace (author of I Sing to Use the Waiting: A Collection of Essays About the Women Singers Who’ve Made Me Who I Am) to discuss this urgent ballad (and final Timbaland/Timberlake collaboration). Topics include Hello Suckers, singing in the shower, Kabbalah, essential b-sides, Cher, Rihanna, askin
S5- Episode 25 - Devil Wouldn't Recognize You
Kenny and Mark celebrate the return of Brother-in-Law of the Decade Joe Henry and the haunting story song ballad from Hard Candy. PLUS - at long last - a reckoning and reassessment of Madonna’s film directing debut, Filth & Wisdom. Spoilers abound so do yourself a favor and head over to the indispensable www.ifc.com to stream the film beforehand! Thank you and you’re welcome!
S5 - Episode 24 - Spanish Lesson
Mark and Kenny dive back into their respective school days to discuss the joyfully divisive palate cleanser of a song from Hard Candy. Topics include Mrs. Ritchie the Art Teacher, banging erasers, phonetic worksheets and language lessons, Monte Pittman, hooded monks, and The Percolator. Plus EXTRA SPECIAL GUESTS Parrita Duarte and Augustin Aguirre (hosts of the magnifico/caliente Spani
S5- Episode 23 - Dance 2Night
Kenny and Mark remain on the dance floor with Madonna (Timberlake and Timbaland) for a simmering song about moving your body. Topics include thick beats, smoking grass, Madonna as professor, musical courtships, the weirdness of star billing, NPR’s Tiny Desk series, the virtues of being beautiful or interesting, Janet Jackson’s Discipline, apocalyptic chaos, Justin’s voice, artistic flexing,
S5- Episode 22 - The Beat Goes On
Mark and Kenny celebrate the infectious and joyous call to the dance floor (and to arms) on Hard Candy. Topic’s include Dylan’s Candy Store, soda pop ads, covert guest spots, disco strings, Kanye West, Taylor Swift, Kim Kardashian, the Songwriters Hall of Fame, the hippie demo version, Sonny & Cher, chasing “Believe”, “Houdini” by Dua Lipa, Eve’s version “The Beat is So Crazy”, and a hid
S5- Episode 21- Incredible
Kenny and Mark unwrap some Starbursts and grapple with the longest and most divisive track on Hard Candy. Topics include sorrowful subtext, diaristic detail, romantic partners as best friends, the benefits (and danger) of building a song entirely in the studio, Guy Ritchie’s dancing, David Banda, the cost of getting back to where you used to be, tall assignments and working outside of comfor
S5- Episode 20 - She's Not Me
S5- Episode 20- She's Not Me
Mark and Kenny bust out their cowbells and attitude with the sassy story-song Pharrell (welcome back!) collaboration from Hard Candy. Topics include the importance of lightness and bounce, the great Wendy Melvoin, passing off batons, the easy narrative of infidelity, traffic in the suburbs, Donna Summers, dutiful wives and resentful musicians, Madonna’s Liz Phair album, the Pet Shop Boys, Al
S5- Episode 19 - Miles Away
Kenny and Mark consider the third single (and best song) from Hard Candy, especially the struggle between the Timberlake/Timbaland production and the beauty and ideas in Madonna’s song. Topics include acoustic guitars, nasty UK tabloids, A-Rod, the tour video and Madonna’s joy, touring love affairs, the futility of long-distance phone calls, redundant remixes, the end of the true confessiona
S5 - Episode 18 - Heartbeat
Mark and Kenny brainstorm Madonna assignment song ideas for the AIWTDITAM EP (including the soon-to-be classic ballad “Table for One” and “Meet Cute”) alongside another synth-fueled collaboration w/ Pharrell about the dance floor. Topics include Madonna’s beating heart and climbing vocals, the revelations in the original Pharrell demo, Pussycat Doll Nicole Scherzinger, victorian bodices, Emm
S5 - Bonus - Have U Confessed?
Kenny and Mark channel Santa Claus and reach into their holiday sack for some confessional gifts to round out an eventful 2023. Topics include VHS tapes, dates at the shopping mall, the enduring theories around the lyrics to “Get Together”, Kylie Minogue, Borders Bookstore (RIP), Aunt Roxy Finkle, Michael Parkinson, Avicii’s version of “Rebel Heart”, and dinner with Stuart Price. Speci
Recommended
Supreme Court Decision Syllabus (SCOTUS Podcast)
the JustPod
Brian Lehrer: A Daily Politics Podcast
The Daily
Doctor Zhivago Slow Read
Conspiracy Files with Paige Carter
This Past Weekend w/ Theo Von
The Theory of Psychoanalysis - Carl Jung
A Life Engineered
پادکست بهزاد بلور | Behzad Bolour's Podcast
The Rabbit Hole: Conspiracy Theories
The Swerve Podcast: Obscure Topics | Conspiracy Theories
