All I want to do is talk about Madonna

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 and a choreographer - and mega fan Manny Melendez shares a poem inspired by the song and his own philosophy of artistic endurance. Plus, the All I Want To Do is Talk About Madonna Institute launches its Call for Projects - get those artist statements together!Find Jesse Factor here: www.jessefactor.com

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 being together. Only love tonight, babes.

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 (Beyonce! Chris Rock! Alexander Wang!), Rocco's man bun, David Banda's coming out on the dance floor, sock puppets, roughing up the cops, and partying on Madonna's terms. London's premiere drag pop star BABY/FACE picks up the phone for a ribald conversation about the brilliant and much-missed electro-pop pioneer (and song collaborator) SOPHIE and her impact on BABY/FACE's fabulous EP “Harpy”. Plus, the danger of sitting during a Madonna television performance, Kenny sends poetic voice memos at 5AM, and Mark dances naked on a table in Greece! Who do you think YOU are? “Bitch I'm Madonna” video, directed by Jonas Åkerlund (2015)“Bitch I'm Madonna” live on The Tonight Show (2015)BABY/FACE's Artist Page on Spotify - LISTEN TO IT ALL!

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 channeling power to help others. Plus, Kenny makes Mark watch The Kardashians! “Don't make it into something sordid!”

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 Cate Blanchett, karmic betrayal, Mark's neighbor Florinda, and whether or not there is a ‘no fraternization' policy in the Inner Circle. Plus, Kenny has a bathroom emergency at BAM and Mark calls out a basic bitch in the audience at AStreetcar Named Desire. “This is a special time.”f you want more Shadow Season Episodes, join the Patreon here: https://www.patreon.com/c/alliwant2doistalkaboutmadonna

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 favorite bitch (and pioneer) … TINA! Plus, a detour into that deranged Bond tribute at the 2025 Academy Awards and Mark writes a fan letter to his spirit animal Stockard Channing ahead of his trip back to the UK.

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 Howard, Ariana Grande, mature dance breaks, resistant industry tides, Taylor Swift, the Ellen residency, Andy Cohen and Sandra Bernhard, and Matt makes a strong case for Rebel Heart as the ultimate embarrassment of riches. Plus, Matt shares the inspiration behind Encyclopedia Madonnica, his evolving embrace (and flexibility) of the fandom ride, rejecting the binge mentality, and another encounter with the legendary (and witty) Liz Rosenberg. “I don't want to focus on the hair."Matthew Rettenmund's BoyCulture website & blog

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, rubber cement, lecturing and hectoring, and protection from the Devil. Plus, Kenny and Mark take mushrooms “We can get STONED!”And on the "shadow season” HEART REBEL - a lost protest song that hints at the direction the album really could have taken. Join the Patreon to listen! https://www.patreon.com/c/alliwant2doistalkaboutmadonna

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, the power of pivoting and musical chaos, Jonathan Ross, Prince, the endless curiosity of Diplo, Mozella, Sky Ferreira,“Where are the stems?”, bringing in the gospel choir at the Grammy Awards, THE FALL (or “The Yank”) at the Brit Awards, the Nietzsche quote, Megan Lawson, Danny Tull, JACK, diamond encrusted bull horns and fussy matadors, and the subtle nods to nostalgia. Plus, Kenny converses with Chat GPT and Keith helps Madonna find her light and reminds her of “Rescue Me”! Mark, Kenny, and Keith trades Liz Rosenberg “The Validator” stories, Guy Oseary meet-ups, and podcast best-practices and music industry dish. AND in 2015, Mark and Kenny meet … for the very first time. Love's gonna lift us up!Please join us on the Patreon for our “shadow season” - discussing the lost demo tracks from the Rebel Heart sessions - in conversation with this season. It's messy and magical, y'all - just like REBEL HEART. XO

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 rollouts and surprise drops, the illusions of the mid-2010s, the Daddy Syndrome, Jean-Luc Goddard, The Night Porter, David Lynch's influences, rebirth and performance, Anne Sexton, Ariana Grande, the Gagosian Gallery, Rocco Ritchie, Anderson Cooper and the GLAAD Awards, the importance of props, Amnesty International, Pussy Riot and the continuing struggle and fight to protect human rights and the freedom of speech - globally. Madonna's in the kitchen getting dragged across the floor and getting sued for one million dollars! Thank you - as always - for listening. We are so excited to be resuming our conversations with each and every one of you. It's a Revolution of Love!

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 Pussy Posse, priests under beds, the perfect hotel room for $45, a polarizing “Hung Up” and “Like a Prayer”, Baby Jesus on Sixth Avenue, “Born This Way”, batons, unshackling one's self from old ideas, Ryan Murphy's inspiration, George Michael, Miley Cyrus, masturbation, gas masks, slavery, zip lines, trust falls, Yankee Stadium, a goth Monte Pittman, David Crosby's benefit, the evolution of gender-bending, Mark's obsession with drummers, Wilco, Madonna as PTA President, the Williamsburg in Virginia, Kevin Antunes, harmonizing with the Kalakan trio, the Golden Triangle bitches, Kenny's thwarted trip to Dallas, lip-syncing to “Justify My Love”, plastic surgery, musical checking of the box, the return of Gus: Floor Mopper, Joan Ciccone, the lackluster Nicki Richards, the blend-able Kiley Dean, the fickleness of the Generation Gap, the waste of a social media nude, keeping your finger on the zeitgeist, and whether it's better to show your ass or show your feelings. Plus, a comping through of all that bootleg pre-show rehearsal footage from around the world and Madonna makes a run for the car! As Season Six: BUSINESS, WOMAN (2010-2012) wraps, THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU to every single listener to the show - and to Madonna herself for keeping Mark and Kenny on their toes. “This is a song about LOVE!”

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 “Hunter”, and we phone a friend and reach mega-listener Vernon to discuss his special connections with this song, and who was ultimately Madonna's most successful relationship. Plus, Kenny blows his Madonna narrative up into epic proportions, a tribute to the long-suffering significant others of Madonna fans, and an extra special announcement to share at the top of the episode - does it really have to end?

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 at Chi-Chi's and Tina makes a brief (and topless) cameo!!

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 new catch phrase into the conversation, and Mark offers to join Shawn Mendes in performing their break-up song at Madison Square Garden. And who's still sending email?

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 - maybe it's what you've been dreaming about?

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 Affleck, Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton, Ricky Gervais, Larry David, William Orbit's rewriting remixes, and the appeal of a Classic Six on the Upper East Side. Plus, Madonna starts soliciting cash from her audiences - and appears on The Marriage Ref. “Wondering where it all went” indeed!

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, the transformative Orbit remix and Madonna's prayer in front of 10,000 fans in St. Louis - I like it that way!

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!

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!

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 farm hands, the NY Giants and the New England Patriots, Kelly Clarkson, LMFAO, CeeLo Green and the ultimate version of “Like a Prayer”, slack lining, the brilliant Moment Factory collaboration, and setting up a stage in under eight minutes. Plus, an appreciation of the star power of Nicki Minaj and Kenny deep dives into the fascinating and complicated M.I.A. Special thanks to the fabulous staff at Francis Kite Club, our Special Guest Sadonna, and all of the beautiful listeners, friends, and family who came out on a rainy night to celebrate the show with us. See you in two weeks!

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 Autograph, and whether this song should have been the opening of the entire MDNA Tour. Plus, a deep dive into travel time management at airports - and exactly who would get to join Madonna on a road trip when she swings by the studio. La festa è finita, adesso allacciati la cintura stronzetta!Special thank you to Mr. Joe Hazan for his assistance - both technical and emotional - with this episode.

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, drugs and the meaning of MDNA, Jay Leno, fanny packs, the Dead Mouse controversy, immutable wake-up times, the vibes while dancing, the commodification and gate-keeping in the EDM world, illegal raves, potential future Record Store releases, and the soundcheck footage from the MDNA tour. Okay, we need to dance! Find Rich on IG at @richjuz, @potpsychology. Special thank you to Mr. Joe Hazan for his assistance - both technical and emotional - with this episode.

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 (and lyrical) obsession with guns. Plus, Kenny and Mark figure out who wound up with all of THEIR jack and also rescue a lost unofficial Tracy Young. Now DRIVE, bitch!

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 albums, Madonna as DJ, and Kenny makes a strong case for an official re-release of this banger. Plus, Kenny and Mark phone one of their favorite girls gone wild - mega-fan and loyal listener Charlotte Salmon!!

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 as stylist, the departures of Tracy Anderson and Caresse Henry, co-writing with Alex Keshishian, Wallis Simpson as played by Andrea Riseborough, Oscar Isaac, the aloofness of Abbie Cornish, David Harbour, the silent songwriting team of Julie Frost and Jimmy Harry, the Stephen Sondheim auction, the matchmaking prowess of William Orbit, Abel Korzeniowski, Henry Mancini, Dimitry from Paris, Hagen Bogdanski, HYDRANGEAS!, the spat at the Golden Globes with David Furnish and Sir Elton John, it's all so reductive… We are thrilled to be back and to be hanging in the Louvre - totes mcgotes!

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 DeLillo & Don Henley, Joni's plug into the pulse of the culture, Joan Didion and Play It As It Lays, Roberta Flack, Miles Davis, Art Nouveau and Don Juan's Reckless Daughter, Joni's evolving obsession with rhythm (and percussionists), Los Lobos, Chaka Khan, Prince's song for Joni, the Jazz Fusion scene of the mid-1970s, Jaco Pastorius, Brandi Carlisle and the Joni Jams, Taylor Swift and a celebration of the studio nerd, the underrated Larry Klein, Joni's relationship with the press, Joni's live performances, Michelle Mercer, and what moment in music Ann would travel in a time machine. Plus, a passionate reappraisal of Joni's four 1980s albums on Geffen Records and the value of meeting (and not!) your musical heroes. Special thank you to Dey Street Books and Mr. Brian Ulicky for his assistance with this conversation.Order Ann's book at your local independent bookstore here!

Mark and Kenny spend a long-awaited late 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, and a renewed search in the American Dream. This episode is part of a two-part celebration of Joni Mitchell … Part Two arrives on Friday, June 14th! “No regrets, Coyote.”

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 Luz and his song “Running Man”, Kenny's fan fiction starring Steven Klein, David Letterman and the “Madge” debate, hockey sticks, Jimmy Fallon, SNL, Lady Gaga, Lourdes, Akon, and the scattering of remixes. Plus, unearthing “Broken” and its brutal poetic truths, and the Mirwais/Monte Pittman collaboration “It's So Cool.” THANK YOU 4 LISTENING to Season Five: GODDESS (nothing lasts forever). “We need love, love, LOVE!"

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 a 5PM curtain time, Kenny goes rifle shooting upstate, incriminating evidence, Snow White, and Mark plays Chester Fletcher - the beloved grandson of JB Fletcher - in a reboot of Murder She Wrote. “I don't know Page Corbin!”

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 a 5PM curtain time, Kenny goes rifle shooting upstate, incriminating evidence, Snow White, and Mark plays Chester Fletcher - the beloved grandson of JB Fletcher - in a reboot of Murder She Wrote. “I don't know Page Corbin!”

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 Michael Jackson, Little Orphan Annie, destructive rage, subways, Nikki Richards, Monte Pittman, Eurythmics, skirting paneling and skirting camp, the Madonna stance, accordion players, political statements, the glorious echoes of Niki Haris, fan requests, chess metaphors, the challenges of “Frozen”, and proving that we don't have “the luxury of time”. Plus, connecting Sticky&Sweet to the current Celebration Tour, shuffling setlists, Kenny drags Sheldon to another mall in Miami, and Mark tries to skip Kenny's concert grading system! “Before your very eyes!”

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, asking questions without waiting for answers, and the power - and evolving definition - of the queer voice. Plus, Kenny breaks apart and remixes “Voices” and Mark gets down on his hands and knees for the lost song “Animal”. The Sugar's Still Raw!Two Dollar Radio page for Zachary Pace

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!

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 Spanish podcast Santa Madonna) join for a deep discussion on Madonna's long history embracing and celebrating Latin American culture, communal celebration, Parri's and Augustin's favorite HC tracks, Death Becomes Her, Madonna's visits to Argentina, especially during the filming of Evita, extra special moments that were cut from the Sticky and Sweet tour film, their personal singalong with Madonna when the electricity went out, and forging friendships through Madonna fandom. Plus, some spanish lesson corrections and re-discovering the lost and haunting “Latte.” Baby, I'm on to your game! IG: @santamadonnapodcast

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, and who's exactly taking WHO to the club. Plus a discussion on the shift in focus from classic songwriting structure to production that epitomizes the sound (and culture) of the late 2000s. Do you wanna take it further?

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 hidden remix. Plus, Kenny's mind-blowing dream campaign for the Hard Candy singles, and everyone swears off chewing. Stand in the back - or BE a STAR!

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, Alexis Arquette, Gwenyth Paltrow and Tracy Anderson, a nod to the 1999 MTV Video Music Awards, Lady Gaga, and the DILF that IS Robbie Williams and his song (and video!) “She's Madonna.” Plus, Mark confesses to an addiction and Kenny teases his own singles campaign for Hard Candy. This one's for the ladies!

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 confessional ballad, and the power (and pain) of long distance relationships. Plus, Mark and Kenny audibly digest lemon drops, recover the lost JT/T session track “Across the Sky” and discuss the paragons of virtue. No more candy!

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, Emma Thompson, Jamie Lloyd's revival of SUNSET BOULEVARD, reality game shows, Grizabella, Paula Abdul, and the bootie breakdown. Plus, Kenny and Mark bust out some hot tamales and discuss the lost track “Ring My Bell” (not a cover of Anita Ward's classic). A little lower baby!

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. Special Thanks to ALL who shared their confessions and ALL of our dear listeners who continue to join the conversation. Happy Holidays - SEASON FIVE: GODDESS (Nothing Lasts Forever) continues on in 2024!

Mark and Kenny fly off the rails discussing the hard-charging (and second single) track from HARD CANDY. Cow bells, mantras, vacuum cleaners, photo shoots as videos, organized jewelry, the gloves, armless Madonna, Infinity, early mash-ups, and overcoming queer body-shame. Plus, a friend is phoned - Special Guest Marquitos from the Marquitos Podcast joins the conversation to take a breath and access HARD CANDY's larger legacy. Get Stupid!

Kenny and Mark break down the troublesome first single from HARD CANDY and the larger campaign to launch the album into the world. Topics include Timbaland & Timberlake, lyrical translations and burdening horns, an empty home office, teenagers making out in videos, Reese Witherspoon, picking up “stroll”, and why the kids still never forgot it. Plus Peter Rauhofer takes us around the world and Madonna is inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame!

Mark and Kenny unwrap a new album, a new song, and new collaborators as Madonna swerves again. Topics include Pharrell Williams, Timbaland, Justin Timberlake, packed interview days, H&M campaigns, mid tempo grooves, promo tours, boxing gloves, a strange cape cushion, and favorite candies sticky, crunchy and sweet. It's your one-stop Madonna shoppe. Lick away, baby!Hard Candy Promo Tour - Live on the BBC (May 2008)

Kenny and Mark celebrate the first solo-penned song by Madonna since 1985 as well as one of THE masterful live performances of her career - Live Earth 2007! Topics include the beauty and the challenge of a charity single, the arrival of Pharrell Williams, the return of Mirwais, children's choirs, jealous aunts, Gogol Bordello, Filth & Wisdom, David Banda, the vibe of a Madonna “hat”, being part of a band, and the pleasures of a full company bow (we'll miss you most of all, Donna). Over to YOU, New York!Madonna - Live Earth Performance at Wembley Stadium (2007)OMG - and in the video, the commentators call Madonna the original MILF :)

Mark and Kenny embark on the cool and calm conversation about Madonna's (lucky) seventh concert tour on this Uber-long episode. Topics include the end of nostalgia, Kenny's continuing aversion to the musical interludes, the return of transformed classics, Mark's imagined wedding, a new Nikki (with two k's), Monte's commuting schedule, Madonna's true arrival as a punk rocker, Isaac's vocal prowess, upstaging Donna DeLory, a polarizing jacket collar, Mark's distain for hotel buffets, and what might be the ultimate live Madonna song. It's all here and more - are you ready to ride with me?

Kenny and Mark celebrate the final song from Confessions on a Dance Floor with Special Guest - the writer/director/editor and STAR of the film Chrissy Judy - Todd Flaherty. Topics include the return of the guitar, Bloodshy & Avant, personal credos, and how self-acceptance and empowerment might just be the greatest aphrodisiac. Then, Mark and Kenny geek out over Todd's amazing film, discussing the origins, the impact and discovery of drag, the importance of non-romantic queer friendships, and the healing powers of Provincetown. Plus, Todd joins Kenny and Mark in some ultimate confessions - and a bonus track discussion of the lost B-Side “Super Pop”! Are you in our gang?Chrissy Judy Trailer directed by Todd Flaherty (2022)Chrissy Judy Streaming Options

Mark and Kenny welcome Special Guest (and long time listener!) Gia Zampella for a frank and candid discussion about influence, restless songwriting, grappling with ambition and perfectionism, Madonna action figures, secret tattoos, and the many ways that the trusted ones push us into better versions of ourselves. It was a total treat to have Gia join this conversation Gia Zampella is a lifelong resident of Jersey City, NJ and beauty product developer by trade. She's also a life long pop culture evangelist who particularly loves female pop and rock stars, most of all Madonna.

Kenny and Mark wrestle with the cluttered emotional climax of Confessions on a Dance Floor. Plus, Madonna schools Stuart and side-steps controversy, Kenny leads a celebration of the “Madonna of the East”, and Mark stalks locked churches. The wordless Madonna chants are back and nobody could be happier - will it ever be the same?