Chewing on Pearls
Chewing on Pearls is a podcast that dissects and deciphers Lady Gaga's chameleonic career and its impact, one pearl at a time. Hosted and produced by Tom and Patrick, the show explores her artistic evolution, cultural influence, and legacy. Listeners can follow updates on Instagram at @chewing__pearls.
Episodes
2 Years of Chewing on Pearls
On this episode we're celebrating the 2nd anniversary of Chewing on Pearls! We discuss how the show has grown over the last two years, break down our top 5 episodes of all time, share which episodes are our personal favorites, reveal those we think are underrated, and consider how we plan to expand the show's scope in the future. THANK YOU to everyone who has listened to the show, engaged
"Marry The Night" Music Video
On this episode of Chewing on Pearls, we wrap up our series celebrating 15 years of Born This Way!Join us as we discuss and dissect the (self-directed!) music video for Lady Gaga's energizing and cathartic final single from Born This Way: “Marry The Night”! We traverse Gaga’s fantasy-filled, surrealist memoryscape while dissecting every moment from the minty medical clinic to the ethereal, div
"Yoü and I" Music Video
On this episode of Chewing on Pearls, we continue our series celebrating 15 years of Born This Way! Join us as we discuss and dissect the music video for Lady Gaga's anthemic, pop-rock, country-tinged fourth single from Born This Way: "Yoü and I"! From Yüyi the mermaid to Jo Calderone, we examine each facet of Gaga's identity she explores in this visual, while tackling the layere
MAYHEM Requiem
On this episode of Chewing on Pearls, we discuss all things Apple Music Live: MAYHEM Requiem, Lady Gaga’s live music experience that reimagines all of the songs from her acclaimed 2025 album MAYHEM with fresh production that recalls the sounds and engages the instruments that inspired it. Taped in Los Angeles in January 2026, the project highlights Gaga’s innate musicianship, the malleability of h
The Devil Wears Prada 2 (w/ Andrew Davalos)
On this episode of Chewing on Pearls, artist, friend, and The Devil Wears Prada aficionado Andrew Davalos joins us to discuss the recently released box office hit sequel The Devil Wears Prada 2. We chat about Lady Gaga's cameo and contributions to the soundtrack, Andy Sach's questionable style, Gaga's relationship to fashion, and the ever-changing world of media. Follow us on Instagram at
"Runway" Music Video
On this episode of Chewing on Pearls, we discuss the brand-new, fashion-forward, Parris Goebel-directed music video for Lady Gaga and Doechii’s song, “Runway”! Released as a single from the upcoming soundtrack for The Devil Wears Prada 2, the song puts the intersection of Gaga and Doechii’s talents on full display – and the music video is no different. We dissect the clip’s various schemes, specul
"The Edge of Glory" Music Video
On this episode of Chewing on Pearls, we continue our series celebrating 15 years of Born This Way! Join us as we discuss the origins of ”The Edge of Glory” it's journey from promotional release to radio single, and the behind the scenes turmoil that resulted in one of Gaga's most captivating yet polarizing music videos to date. Follow us on Instagram at @chewing__p
That's Gossip – 4/12/26
On this episode of Chewing on Pearls, we spit fact and spew fiction in another installment of our current events series, THAT’S GOSSIP. We discuss Tom's recent experience at The Mayhem Ball in St. Paul, the surprise release of "RUNWAY", Gaga's collaboration with Doechii for the Devil Wears Prada 2, and the rumors swirling about a potential LG-fronted "woman empowerment" EP to accompany the film's
"Judas" Music Video
On this episode of Chewing on Pearls, we continue our series celebrating 15 years of Born This Way! Join us as we discuss the aesthetically rich and biblically referential music video for Lady Gaga's "Judas," directed by Gaga in tandem with Laurieann Gibson. We journey to neo-Jerusalem with Jesus, Mary Magdalene, and their crew of motorcycle gang apostles, dissect the visual treatmen
"Born This Way” Music Video
On this episode of Chewing on Pearls, we kick-off our series celebrating 15 years of Born This Way! Join us as we discuss the fantastically bizarre and visually dense psychedelic space opera that is the Nick Knight directed film "Born This Way". Steeped in surrealism, camp, and primordial goo, the music video explores Gaga's vision of a new race born without prejudice through otherwo
That's Gossip – 2/28/26
On this episode of Chewing on Pearls, we spit fact and spew fiction in another installment of our current events series, THAT’S GOSSIP. We discuss Gaga's appearance at the Super Bowl in Bad Bunny's monumental halftime show, the final leg of The MAYHEM Ball, rumors about Gaga's masters and The MAYHEM Ball tour film, recent Liza-related press, and The Devil Wears Prada 2. Follow us on In
The 68th Annual Grammy Awards
On this episode of Chewing on Pearls, we discuss Lady Gaga's appearance at the 68th Annual Grammy Awards, including her performance of "Abracadabra", her win for Best Pop Vocal Album, and her fashions throughout the event. We also chat about our Grammys viewing party and speculate about Gaga's evolving relationship to her craft. Follow us on Instagram at @che
Acoustic in Japan
On this episode of Chewing on Pearls, we're back with an installment of our series ~CHEWED~ where we break down our favorite live performances where Gaga... well, chewed! Since Gaga is currently touring The MAYHEM Ball in Japan, we decided to discuss three of our favorite acoustic performances she's given over the years on the Japanese morning talk show Sukkiri: 2009's "Poker Face
House of Gucci (w/ Cache Taylor)
On this episode of Chewing on Pearls, artist, maker, and friend Cache Taylor joins us to discuss the 2021 film House of Gucci. We chat about Lady Gaga's performance (and clothes and wigs and accent!), the film's tone and storyline, our thoughts on key scenes, our critiques for the film's editors, and the future of Gaga's film career. Follow us on Instagram at @chewing__pearls
The V Magazine Memorandums
On this episode of Chewing on Pearls, we discuss the series of memorandums that Lady Gaga wrote for V Magazine from Summer 2011 to Spring 2012, and dissect her musings on fashion, art, culture, fantasy, criticism, and performance Read Gaga's memorandums here!Follow us on Instagram at @chewing__pearls. Check out our website here. Hosted and produced by To
Harlequin Live: One Night Only
On this episode of Chewing on Pearls, we discuss Harlequin Live: One Night Only, Lady Gaga's recorded concert special in which she performs Harlequin front-to-back at the Belasco Theater in LA. We dissect all aspects of Gaga's performance and muse about what this project means for her career. Follow us on Instagram at @chewing__pearls.Hosted and produced by To
The Muppets Holiday Spectacular
On this episode of Chewing on Pearls, we discuss Lady Gaga and The Muppets Holiday Spectacular, a 2013 televised special in which Gaga is joined by The Muppets to perform songs from ARTPOP with a holiday twist. Join our upcoming email list HERE. Follow us on Instagram at @chewing__pearls.Hosted and produced by Tom and Patrick.Intro and outro created using La
Revisiting Harlequin
On this episode of Chewing on Pearls, we revisit all things Lady Gaga's 2024 album Harlequin. We discuss the project track-by-track, review its praise and criticism, decipher its conceptual treatment, and speculate about what it could indicate for Gaga's music career going forward. Join our upcoming email list HERE. Follow us on Instagram at @chewing__pearls.Hos
"The Sound of Music" Tribute
On this episode of Chewing on Pearls, we're back with an installment of our series CHEWED where we break down our favorite live performances where Gaga... well, chewed! At the 2015 Academy Awards, Lady Gaga performed a medley of songs from The Sound of Music to celebrate the film's 50th anniversary. In this episode we discuss the performance and what it meant for Gaga's career at the t
Rolling Stone: Voices of the Year
On this episode of Chewing on Pearls, we discuss Lady Gaga's recent cover story for Rolling Stone magazine's "Voices of the Year" issue by Brian Hiatt. After skimming through recent headlines and chatting Grammy nominations, we dissect the editorial's imagery, the framing of Gaga's past, Michael's involvement in her process, MAYHEM's evolving concept, the ongoing conversation around Gaga's bifurca
Which Witch? – Gaga x Florence
On this episode of Chewing on Pearls, we discuss creative and professional interactions between Lady Gaga and Florence Welch. We map the cultural icons' respective career trajectories, speak to the conceptual and critical intersections of MAYHEM and Everybody Scream, and compare the equally singular nature of their artistic identities. Follow us on Instagram at @chewing__pearls
That's Gossip – 10/17/25
On this episode of Chewing on Pearls, we spit fact and spew fiction in another installment of our current events series, THAT’S GOSSIP. We discuss recent MAYHEM press (including appearances on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, KCRW, and Song Exploder), Grammy submissions and campaign for Album of the Year, her upcoming cameo in The Devil Wears Prada 2, and European updates to The MAYHEM Ball. Fo
Every Chessboard Has Two Queens
On this episode of Chewing on Pearls, we discuss our experiences attending The MAYHEM Ball in Chicago on September 15th, 2025. Between reflections on our favorite moments from the show, messages for Gaga, and musings on being a Little Monster in 2025, this episode celebrates a special night in our lives as friends and fans. Follow us on Instagram at @chewing__pearls.Hos
Voices of MAYHEM – Chicago
On this episode of Chewing on Pearls, we listen and respond to 23 voice memos sent to us by friends, fans, and monsters that attended one of Lady Gaga’s three sold-out shows in Chicago earlier this month. These “Voices of MAYHEM” detail their myriad experiences at The MAYHEM Ball with thoughts, feelings, analyses, praise, and messages for Mother Monster that perfectly capture this triumphant chapt
That's Gossip – 9/11/25
On this episode of Chewing on Pearls, we spit fact and spew fiction in another installment of our current events series, THAT’S GOSSIP. After giving brief personal life updates, we discuss Gaga's appearances at the MTV VMAs and The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, Haus Labs' updated branding elements, "The Dead Dance" and its growing success, the announcement of additional MAYHEM
"The Dead Dance"
On this episode of Chewing on Pearls, we discuss Lady Gaga's latest single "The Dead Dance", including her appearance in Netflix's Wednesday, her music video collaboration with Tim Burton, fan praise and criticism for the release, and the addition of bonus MAYHEM tracks on streaming. We also discuss Gaga's Miami concert postponement and upcoming appearances at the VMAs and on The Late Show with St
That's Gossip – 8/24/25
On this episode of Chewing on Pearls, we spit fact and spew fiction in another installment of our current events series, THAT’S GOSSIP. We discuss the New York City dates of The MAYHEM Ball (so far), Labubu fever, rumors about "The Dead Dance" and TOTAL MAYHEM, and Gaga's recent collaboration with the Roblox game Dress to Impress. Follow us on Instagram at @chewing__pearls
The MAYHEM Ball
On this episode of Chewing on Pearls, we discuss the opening night of Lady Gaga’s The MAYHEM Ball world tour in Las Vegas! We dissect the show act-by-act, including new songs performed and costumes worn, the origins of Gaga’s “gothic dreams” and musical inspirations, pop excellence through storytelling, and our excitement to see the Chicago stop of the tour! Follow us on Instagram at
That's Gossip – 6/3/25
On this episode of Chewing on Pearls, we spit fact and spew fiction in another installment of our current events series, THAT’S GOSSIP. We discuss Gaga's performance at a private YouTube Brandcast event, her "Lion City MAYHEM" shows, her recent Emmy and American Music Award wins, her Wednesday-inspired performance at Netflix's Tudum event, the Haus Labs Pride season fundraiser, and the mysterious
MAYHEM & McQueen (w/ Livia Caligor)
On this episode of Chewing on Pearls, NYC-based writer and artist Livia Caligor joins us to dissect how Gaga’s references to Alexander McQueen’s revolutionary work in The Art of Personal Chaos uncover the deeper meaning of the iconic, career-defining show. We discuss Gaga’s longstanding admiration for McQueen’s life and work, the artists’ iconic collaboration for “Bad Romance” and Plato’s Atlantis
"Hair" – iHeart Radio Music Festival
On this episode of Chewing on Pearls, we're back with an installment of our series CHEWED where we break down our favorite live performances where Gaga... well, chewed! In September 2011, Gaga headlined the iHeart Radio Music Festival in Las Vegas. In the middle of her set, she dedicated her performance of "Hair" to Jamey Rodemeyer, a young fan who had passed away the week prior after sending Gaga
That's Gossip – 4/27/25
On this episode of Chewing on Pearls, we spit fact and spew fiction in another installment of our current events series, THAT’S GOSSIP. We discuss MAYHEM in the Desert (Weekend 2), forthcoming single speculation, Viva La MAYHEM in Mexico City, Michael Polansky's Webby Award wins, Haus Labs' recent fragrance registration, the Wednesday Season 2 teaser, rumors that Gaga is in talks to star in Rob Ma
MAYHEM In The Desert
On this episode of Chewing on Pearls, we discuss Lady Gaga's groundbreaking and triumphant headlining Coachella set entitled, "The Art of Personal Chaos". We dissect the show act by act, relive our reactions to watching the livestream, chat references to previous Gaga lore, and celebrate the breathtaking performance as friends and fans. Follow us on Instagram at @chewing__pearls
Custom Pianos
On this episode of Chewing on Pearls, we chew on a selection of Gaga's custom pianos! We discuss some of our favorites (The Rubberman Piano, "Nadine" from The Monster Ball, The Boudoir Organ, The High Heel Piano, The ARTPOP Piano, The Robot Piano, The Laser Piano, and The Pregnant Tree Piano) and explore the ways these iconic instruments shaped Gaga's performances and her legacy as a known pianist
That's Gossip – 3/31/25
On this episode of Chewing on Pearls, we spit fact and spew fiction in another installment of our current events series, THAT’S GOSSIP. We discuss recent Gaga's recent press appearances for Apple Music, Las Culturistas, and The Howard Stern Show, the official announcement of The MAYHEM Ball, the "Abracadabra" fan music video, our recent TikTok comments, and more! Follow us on Instagram at
The MAYHEM Reviews Are In!
On this episode of Chewing on Pearls, we discuss official criticism of Lady Gaga's seventh album MAYHEM. We compare and contrast our thoughts about the album against reviews from The New Yorker, NME, Slant Magazine, Pitchfork, The LA Times, Variety, and Rolling Stone, pulling quotes from those publications to both criticize and praise their assessments. Follow us on Instagram at @ch
Saturday Night Live – S50 E15
On this episode of Chewing on Pearls, we discuss Lady Gaga's appearance as host and musical guest on Saturday Night Live (Season 50, Episode 15). We chat sketches, performances of "Abracadabra" and "Killah", living vicariously through Bowen Yang, Gaga's fashion (and wigs!) throughout the night, and more. Follow us on Instagram at @chewing__pearls.Hosted and produced by
MAYHEM – First Reaction
On this episode of Chewing on Pearls, we react to our first listen of Lady Gaga's MAYHEM. After listening just once at midnight, we break down our initial thoughts about the album's genre blending, pared back visuals, immediate standout tracks, and meaning in the context of Lady Gaga's music career at large. Follow us on Instagram at @chewing__pearls.Hosted and produced b
That's Gossip – 2/24/25
On this episode of Chewing on Pearls, we spit fact and spew fiction in another installment of our current events series, THAT’S GOSSIP. We discuss the MAYHEM lyric reveal on ladygaga.com, Gaga's upcoming hosting spot on Saturday Night Live, the behind-the-scenes footage from the "Abracadabra" music video shoot, the Vanity Fair lie detector interview, the upcoming Spotify fan press conference, Gaga
That's Gossip – 2/15/25
On this episode of Chewing on Pearls, we spit fact and spew fiction in an installment of our current events series, THAT’S GOSSIP. We discuss the FireAid Benefit Concert, the 67th Grammy Awards, Gaga's Super Bowl preshow tribute performance, Hot Ones, and SNL 50. Follow us on Instagram at @chewing__pearls. Hosted and produced by Tom and Patrick. Intro and outro created using
"Abracadabra"
On this episode of Chewing on Pearls, we discuss Lady Gaga's latest single "Abracadabra" and its accompanying music video. We chat narrative parallels, the blending of dance music genres,MAYHEM, the Grammy Awards, Gaga's dance abilities, duality, brutality, and what we think "Gaga is back!" really means.Follow us on Instagram at@chewing__pearls.Hosted and produced by Tom an
MAYHEM is Coming!
On this episode of Chewing on Pearls, we discuss the long-awaited announcement of Lady Gaga's 7th studio album MAYHEM. We analyze the visual treatment of the album promo, break down the track list, and reflect on speculations and theories surrounding thee project formerly known as LG7. This episode was recorded just hours after the announcement! Follow us on Instagram at @chewing__pearl
That's Gossip – 01/20/25
On this episode of Chewing on Pearls, we spit fact and spew fiction in an installment of our *new* current events series, THAT’S GOSSIP. We discuss awards season, the imminent release of LG7, a certain viral CCTV clip, and more. Follow us on Instagram at @chewing__pearls. Hosted and produced by Tom and Patrick. Intro and outro created using "I Like it Rough" by Lady Gaga and SF
Germany's Next Top Model
On this episode of Chewing on Pearls, we're back with a new series: CHEWED. Join us as we break down our favorite live performances, beat-by-beat, where Gaga... chewed! Beauty is a lie!! In this installment, we discuss Gaga's appearance on Germany's Next Top Model in Cologne, Germany on June 9th, 2011. She performs a medley of “Schieße”, “Born This Way”, and “The Edge of Glory” in her best German
Highest Heels
On this episode of Chewing on Pearls, we chew on a selection of the highest heels ever worn by Lady Gaga. We examine Gaga’s patterns and preferences when it comes to her legendary shoe game via our non-exhaustive list of notably towering shoes that blur the line between fashion and function – including Pleaser Shoes, Noritaka Tatehana, Alexander McQueen, Marc Jacobs, and more. Follow us on Instagr
Gaga's Workshop
On this episode of Chewing on Pearls, we dissect Gaga's Workshop, Lady Gaga's 2011 holiday collaboration with Barney's New York. Between the Madison Avenue window displays, fashionable product line (costume, couture, and curiosities included), fantastical in-store shopping experience, interactive online presence, and the Workshop's grand opening – we cover it all. Follow us on Instagram at
"Happy Mistake"
On this episode of Chewing on Pearls, we discuss Lady Gaga's song "Happy Mistake" from her 2024 album Harlequin. We analyze the track lyric-by-lyric, taking note of Gaga's statement that it is perhaps the most personal song she's ever released. We also break down Gaga's only live performance of the song (so far) as well as the fans' response. Follow us on Instagram at @chewing__pearls
A Very Gaga Thanksgiving
On this episode of Chewing on Pearls, we dissect Lady Gaga's 2011 holiday special A Very Gaga Thanksgiving by breaking down the program’s various segments, discussing the story that was being told through its portrayal of Gaga, and fondly remembering the first time we each watched it. We chat vintage glamour, fried turkey and waffles, anecdotal Germanotta-isms, and Katie Couric’s poorly-aged inter
Notable Headgear
On this episode of Chewing on Pearls, we discuss the evolution of Lady Gaga's notable headgear. Through our non-exhaustive list of both iconic and lesser known fashion moments, we explore how Gaga has employed fascinators to both conceal and reveal the inner workings of the girl behind the aura. Follow us on Instagram at @chewing__pearls. Hosted and produced by Tom and Patrick. Fashi
"Disease" Music Video (w/ Miss Twink USA)
On this episode of Chewing on Pearls, our very first guest Miss Twink USA joins us to discuss the music video for Lady Gaga's latest single "Disease"! We talk references and parallels to Gaga's existing body of work, ruminate on where she could be heading thematically for LG7, and reflect on our earliest memories of queening out for Mother Monster. Follow us on Instagram at @chewing__pearls
Gagaween
On this episode of Chewing on Pearls, we discuss Lady Gaga's Halloween costumes over the years and browse the Internet for available-for-purchase and fan-made Gaga costumery to determine what makes the most effective Gagaween ensemble. Follow us on Instagram at @chewing__pearls. Hosted and produced by Tom and Patrick. Fashion credits sourced via La Maison Gaga. Intro and outro created
"Disease"
On this episode of Chewing on Pearls, we discuss Lady Gaga's new single "Disease" from her upcoming solo pop album known (for now) as LG7. Follow us on Instagram at @chewing__pearls. Hosted and produced by Tom and Patrick. Intro and outro created using Lady Gaga's "I Like it Rough" and SFX from freesound.org.
The Lead Singles
On this episode of Chewing on Pearls, we discuss the lead singles from all of Lady Gaga's solo pop albums (Just Dance, Bad Romance, Born This Way, Applause, Perfect Illusion, and Stupid Love) in anticipation of the lead single of LG7's imminent October release. Follow us on Instagram at @chewing__pearls. Hosted and produced by Tom and Patrick. Intro and outro created using Lady Gaga's "I
The Manifesto of Little Monsters
On this episode of Chewing on Pearls, we dissect Lady Gaga's Manifesto of Little Monsters, an important text and visual interlude that appeared in the booklet for the super deluxe edition of The Fame Monster and played at The Monster Ball Tour. Follow us on Instagram at @chewing__pearls. Hosted and produced by Tom and Patrick. Intro and outro created using Lady Gaga's "I Like it Rough" and
LG 6.5
On this episode of Chewing on Pearls, we discuss the announcement of Lady Gaga's new project Harlequin – the solo album that acts as a companion to the soundtrack for Joker: Folie à Deux. We chat marketing, visuals, tracklist, fan theories, rumors, and more. Follow us on Instagram at @chewing__pearls. Hosted and produced by Tom and Patrick. Intro and outro created using Lady Gaga's "I Like
Black Hair
On this episode of Chewing on Pearls, we dissect a curation of key moments that Lady Gaga has worn black hair throughout her career, proposing that this choice often acts as an allusion to her past, her pain, and her nature as both artist and canvas.Follow us on Instagram at @chewing__pearls. Hosted and produced by Tom and Patrick. Fashion credits sourced via La Maison Gaga. Intro and outro
Venice & Vogue
On this episode of Chewing on Pearls, we discuss Lady Gaga's appearance at the Venice Film Festival for Joker: Folie à Deux and the fashionable, incisive, and masterfully-written Vogue cover story that was published while she was there. Follow us on Instagram at @chewing__pearls. Hosted and produced by Tom and Patrick. Cover photo by Ethan James Green for Vogue. Intro and outro created using L
"Die With a Smile"
On this episode of Chewing on Pearls, we discuss Lady Gaga and Bruno Mars' "Die With a Smile": the song, the video (the cigarette!), where it lies in Gaga's discography, and what it could mean for LG7. Follow us on Instagram at @chewing__pearls. Hosted and produced by Tom and Patrick. Intro and outro created using Lady Gaga's "I Like it Rough" and SFX from freesound.org.
Chewing on Pearls
An introduction to Chewing on Pearls, the show where we dissect and decipher Lady Gaga’s chameleonic career and its impact… one pearl at a time. Follow us on Instagram at @chewing__pearls. Hosted and produced by Tom and Patrick. Intro and outro created using Lady Gaga's "I Like it Rough" and SFX from freesound.org.
