Podcast dedicated to quick hits & deep cuts on Housewives, gay pop iconography & NYC culture. Host Jess Rothschild invites fellow culture vultures to go deep on topics including Real Housewives & Bravolebrities, The Real World, Madonna, Britney, Mariah, The L Word, Gawker Stalker & the Fire Island Pines. Guests include Margaret Cho, Judy Gold, Dave Holmes, Carson Kressley, Jai Rodriguez, Matt Rogers, Bruce Bozzi, Jackie Warner, Jonathan Antin, Ariana Madix, Mikey Minden, Brian Moylan and cast members from Bravo shows and The Real World.
Listeners of Hot Takes & Deep Dives that love the show mention: rosie o donnell, jess is a great, jess asks, jess is an amazing, margaret cho, job jess, gawker, stellar work, ramona singer, finger on the pulse, fan of jess, isaac mizrahi, talented host, never interrupts, great interviews and great, hubbard, madonna, 00s, love jess, pop culture history.
The Hot Takes & Deep Dives podcast is an absolute delight for fans of pop culture and reality TV. Hosted by Jess Rothschild, this podcast offers a unique and intelligent take on Bravo shows and beyond. Despite living far away in Derry, Ireland, I never miss an episode because Jess's extensive knowledge and research make each episode informative and engaging. Her academic approach to her work sets her apart from other podcasters in the genre.
One of the best aspects of this podcast is Jess's ability to select fantastic guests. From pop culture historians to astrology experts, she brings a wide range of perspectives that add depth and insight to every conversation. Whether it's dissecting birth charts or discussing the sociocultural impact of reality TV, Jess's interviews are always thought-provoking and entertaining. Additionally, her episodes featuring returning favorites like Astrology with Andy and Jamie Stein are a true treat for listeners.
Another standout feature of The Hot Takes & Deep Dives podcast is Jess's exceptional interviewing skills. She asks all the right questions and allows her guests to shine while also offering great insight herself. Her enthusiasm for pop culture is infectious, making each episode an enjoyable experience for listeners. Moreover, Jess's authentic interest in her guests creates a comfortable atmosphere, leading to engaging conversations that delve into their lives and experiences.
While it's challenging to find any faults with this podcast, one potential drawback could be the limited appeal for those who are not fans of reality TV or Bravo shows. Although Jess does cover non-Bravo content as well and conducts interviews with diverse guests like Rosie O'Donnell and Walter Afanasieff, the core focus remains on reality television. However, even if you're not a fan of these shows, you can still appreciate the intelligent analysis and lively discussions brought forth by Jess.
In conclusion, The Hot Takes & Deep Dives podcast stands out among other pop culture podcasts due to its smart and empathetic approach to reality TV and beyond. Jess Rothschild's extensive knowledge and excellent interviewing skills create a highly enjoyable listening experience. Whether you're a Bravo fanatic or simply love engaging conversations about pop culture, this podcast is a must-listen. Get ready to be entertained, informed, and feel like you're having a conversation with your best friend about all things pop culture.
Jess is joined by the queens of "Every Outfit on Sex and the City" (@everyoutfitonSATC)— Chelsea Fairless and Lauren Garroni. We discuss which show has more severely tarnished its legacy: SATC via AJLT OR The L Word via Gen Q. Plus -- The Writer's Room podcast, Sara Ramirez's response to the hilarious/scathing The Cut profile, the SJP-ification of Carrie, Candace Bushnell's original column & more! IG: @jessxnyc | @everyoutfitonsatc
A quickie 1:1 to talk about CULT OF BODY & SOUL - my brand new docu-series which premieres Tuesday May 27 on all podcast platforms & YouTube. The 7-episode series explores how SOULCYCLE transcended fitness as it captured the New York City zeitgeist with ritual, candlelight and cult of personality. Cast info & production notes: cultbodysoul.com
Jess is joined by writer/performer Justin Elizabeth Sayre on the eve of the 13th Annual Night of a Thousand Judys, celebrating JUDY GARLAND at Joe's Pub! Topics — what is the best Judy entry point, working for MICHAEL PATRICK KING, Radical Faeries gatherings, learning the NYC subway via hookups, John Waters and the live immersive experience of JOHN CAMERON MITCHELL's film Shortbus. IG: @jessxnyc Night of A Thousand Judys — June 2nd @ Joe's Pub
Jess is joined by 4x Tony Award winning Broadway producer JEFFREY SELLER, best known for “Hamilton,” “Rent,” “In the Heights” & “Avenue Q.” Topics — his review of “Sunset Blvd,” being the creative nurturer and critic to Jonathan Larson & Lin Manuel Miranda, inventing the Broadway lotto system, crippling anxiety of opening night reviews, renovating his dream Upper West Side townhouse & more! Jeffrey Seller's memoir THEATER KID is available now! Jess' docu-series on the history, mystique & lore of Fire Island: Finding Fire Island IG: @jessxnyc
Jess is joined by friend of the pod Dan Allegretto! Topics: why do bald men wear hats, becoming friends w/ Lena Dunham, boots on the ground w/ Bethenny, how to fix Bravo & Summer House, Carl Radke, Lindsay Hubbard, how The Real L Word & Vanderpump Rules lift the veneer off Los Angeles, the off-Broadway play “Becoming Eve,” Quentin Crisp, the camera work on Queer as Folk, Janeane Garofalo, Daria, the Hudson Valley & more! IG: @jessxnyc | @dan_allegretto | #DialDan Finding Fire Island — Jess' docu-series on the history, mystique & lore of Fire Island
Jess is joined by legendary director & choreographer VINCENT PATERSON — the man behind MICHAEL JACKSON & MADONNA's most iconic movements. Topics — videos for “Beat It,” “Thriller,” “Smooth Criminal” and defining the Superbowl Halftime Show w/ MJ's 1993 performance. Plus — choreographing The Blond Ambition Tour, “Express Yourself" video, Madonna's 1990 MTV VMA Marie Antoinette “Vogue” performance, EVITA, BJORK's DANCER IN THE DARK & more! IG: @jessxnyc Vincent Paterson's memoir: Icons and Instincts
Jess is joined by New York icon DJ LINA BRADFORD! Topics: living in same building as Olivia Newton-John, soulmate Candis Cayne... the Linda Evangelista to her Naomi Campbell and how the trans label is limiting. Plus — evolution from dancer > nightclub host > DJ as performance art, 10-year reign on Fire Island, finding her sexual revolution on FI + a lot more! Jess' docu-series on the history, mystique & lore of Fire Island: Finding Fire Island IG: @jessxnyc | @thelinabradford
Jess is joined by actor/comedian JEFF HILLER, best known for HBO's SOMEBODY SOMEWHERE opposite BRIDGET EVERETT! Topics: missing the Fire Island ferry, lesbian Hollywood gossip, Rosie's memoir “Find Me,” his impression of Daphne Rubin-Vega, forgetting his transcendental meditation mantra, Excel spreadsheet nightmares, Queer as Folk, Rocky Horror, his upcoming memoir AN ACTRESS OF A CERTAIN AGE & a lot more! IG: @jessxnyc | @boomboomhiller Jess' docu-series on the history, mystique & lore of Fire Island: Finding Fire Island
Jess is joined by beloved go-to comedy writer BRUCE VILANCH! Topics: Bette Midler at the Continental Baths, Barbra Streisand being too cheap to pay him, writing punch-ups for Cher in "Burlesque," writing The Oscars (Ellen difficulty, Anne Hathaway & James Franco hosting, Billy Crystal's opening medleys), starring in "Hairspray" on Broadway & more! IG: @jessxnyc Jess' docu-series on the history, mystique & lore of Fire Island: Finding Fire Island
Jess is joined by THREE of the iconic dancers from Madonna's Blond Ambition Tour: Luis Xtravaganza, Carlton Wilborn + Kevin Stea! Topics: TRUTH OR DARE follow-up doc STRIKE A POSE, Luis attending high school with Jose Xtravaganza, Christopher Ciccone's impact on “The Girlie Show,” Kevin's work with LADY GAGA, the 1990 MTV “Rock the Vote” campaign, NIKI HARIS & DONNA DE LORY, Carlton as the "pillar of strength," Luis & Kevin appearing in “The Birdcage,” Kevin's “Showgirls” experience and a lot more!
Jess is joined by LIZ FELDMAN — writer/creator of Netflix's DEAD TO ME & NO GOOD DEED! Topics: Liz's seminal lezzie YouTube show “This Just Out,” becoming friends with THE L WORD cast, harassment from TV mega producer Dan Schneider while writing Nickelodeon's ALL THAT, manifesting writing for ELLEN, working for MICHAEL PATRICK KING, auditioning for SNL, the DEAD TO ME & NO GOOD DEAD origin stories, briefly “not-dating” KATE MOENNIG & more! IG: @jessxnyc | @thelizfeldman Jess' docu-series on the history, mystique & lore of Fire Island: Finding Fire Island
Jess is joined by DIFFICULT PEOPLE creator/star & BILLY ON THE STREET producer JULIE KLAUSNER! Topics: Madonna x Sondheim “I'm Breathless” collab, Death Becomes Her vs. She-Devil, John Waters Quote Tournament, the Liza documentary, writing for Joan Rivers, preceding Brian Moylan as Vulture Housewives recapper, first WNBA game, the return of her podcast HOW WAS YOUR WEEK & more! IG: @jessxnyc | @julieklausner Jess' docu-series on the history, mystique & lore of Fire Island: Finding Fire Island
Jess is joined by SATURDAY NIGHT LIVE character queen CHERI OTERI! Cheri recounts being discovered at The Groundlings alongside Lisa Kudrow, Kathy Griffin and fellow SNL hopefuls Will Ferrell, Chris Kattan and Jennifer Coolidge. Topics: origins of her Barbara Walters impression, the cutthroat pressure between cast & writers for airtime, Jim Carrey's iconic episode and working w/ Betty White (Hot in Cleveland) & Larry David (Curb Your Enthusiasm). IG: @jessxnyc Watch this interview on YouTube
Jess is joined by theater historian and conceiver of THE JONATHAN LARSON PROJECT Jennifer Tepper to discuss unearthing 20+ unheard songs of the RENT & TIK TIK BOOM composer. Topics: getting access to hundreds of cassette tapes, scripts, music files and journals from The Larson Estate, hidden underground passageways connecting Broadway theater houses and how the WICKED rush/lotto line inadvertently helped other shows. Plus — Jennifer's role as creative director of programming for 54 Below, a RENT revival and more! Tix to The Jonathan Larson Project: thejonathanlarsonproject.com IG: @jessxnyc | @jenashtep
Jess is joined by Jamie Stein for a deep dive on HOUSE OF HILTON, the 2006 tell-all about the Hilton dynasty, heavily featuring the backstories of Kathy Hilton, Kyle Richards, Kim Richards and their mother, Big Kathy. We explore Big Kathy's mission for men, money and Hollywood and and how she projected those dreams onto her three daughters. We also discuss Paris Hilton and Kathy Hilton's performance in the documentary This Is Paris vs. Housewives. IG: @jessxnyc, @jamiestein
Jess is joined by seasoned YouTuber/Podcaster Zack Peter (No Filter w/ Zack Peter) to discuss strategies behind creating content that translate into enough views to pay his bills, full-time. Topics: How much money Zack personally made off Scandoval and now the Blake Lively / Justin Baldoni lawsuit, how many views = how much money across TikTok + YouTube, warning against making Bravo your entire brand, projecting Bethenny's TikTok income, Spencer Pratt & Heidi Montag's strategy with streaming “Superficial” post-LA fires & a lot more! IG: @jessxnyc | @nofilterwithzack
Jess is joined by JACKIE WARNER (Work Out, Thintervention) in her fifth appearance! Topics: The Los Angeles fires, RIP Moonshadows & The Reel Inn, update on her TV comeback, her 6 year relationship with Jillian Michaels, run-ins with The L Word's Kate Moennig, wild NYC nights doing press for "Work Out," Stevie Nicks, Mulholland Drive, Laurel Canyon & a lot more! WE LOVE YOU LA. Text or call 323-301-3522 to train / life coach with Jackie over FaceTime! IG: @jessxnyc | @jackiewarner10
Jess is joined by Katharine Quinn, owner of the Broadway media and marketing agency And That's Showbiz, currently representing The Great Gatsby, Maybe Happy Ending, The Roommate and more. Topics: the business (financials) of Broadway: how productions are funded, why 8 out of 10 shows never recoup their investment, Oh Mary, do traditional reviews matter, vanity projects, Rosie O'Donnell's “Taboo” flop, how to predict the "health" of a show, digital rush & lotto, upcoming in 2025 and more! IG: @jessxnyc | @itskatharinequinn
Jess is joined by “All I Want to Do Is Talk About Madonna” co-host Mark Snyder for a 2024 revue of our fave theater, films, concerts and cabaret. Topics: Broadway vs. Off / fringe, film adaptations of Wicked vs. Chicago, Cats: The Jellicle Ball, Sunset Blvd, Joni Mitchell, Justin Vivian Bond, Jill Sobule, London / West End, Natalie Joy Johnson, Gavin Creel, Fire Island, Tracy Bonham, Jonathan Larson RENT doc “No Day But Today” & more! Plus — most enticing happenings in 2025. IG: @jessxnyc | @marksnyder2024 Jess' docu-series on the history, mystique & lore of Fire Island: Finding Fire Island
Jess is joined by author & screenwriter DANNY PELLEGRINO! Topics: Ariana Grande & Cynthia Erivo musical theater-ing the WICKED press tour, how to fix RHONY, “two different gay men” calling BETHENNY re: RHONY, what should ROSIE O'DONNELL do next?, deep cut MARIAH & NSYNC Christmas songs, Danny documenting his journey eating re-called Tastykakes, Jeff Lewis is a Housewife, Dorinda & Margaret Joseph's canceling their tour, QUEER AS FOLK, Danny writing & starring in his Hallmark Christmas movie & more! IG: @jessxnyc | @dannypellegrino Jess' docu-series on the history, mystique & lore of Fire Island: Finding Fire Island
Jess is joined by prolific TV & film director JAMIE BABBIT! Jamie is best known for writing/directing the cult classic BUT I'M A CHEERLEADER w/ Natasha Lyonne & Clea DuVall. Over the past two decades she has directed HBO's GIRLS, THE MARVELOUS MRS. MAISEL, GILMORE GIRLS, THE L WORD, A LEAGUE OF THEIR OWN, ONLY MURDERS IN THE BUILDING and more. Topics: shooting around different actors' nudity clauses, how to fix bad acting & bad dialogue in post-production and more! IG: @jessxnyc Jess' docu-series on the history, mystique & lore of Fire Island: Finding Fire Island Read More
Jess is joined by legendary drag performer PEACHES CHRIST to analyze the legacy of the cult classic SHOWGIRLS and to answer the questions of why and how did this “masterpiece of sh*t” get made. Topics: Peaches Christ's Showgirls drag theatrical extravaganzas in San Francisco, Elizabeth Berkley's personal Showgirls journey, DEATH BECOMES HER, HOCUS POCUS, Hollywood Forever cemetary screenings & more! IG @jessxnyc | @thepeacheschrist Jess' docu-series on the history, mystique & lore of Fire Island: Finding Fire Island
Jess is joined by celebrity makeup artist KRISTOFER BUCKLE! Topics: discovery as a punk/goth in Penn Station, working MADONNA's SEX book party, transforming MARIAH into her post-“Butterfly” image, CHER poaching him while working XTINA for “Burlesque,” BETHENNY filming him do her (drug store) face and an airline losing his makeup kit hours before doing JENNIFER LOPEZ. Plus, real talk on hair transplants, eyebrows, lashes, the "Kristofer Buckle" name origin story & more! IG: @jessxnyc | @kristoferbuckle
Jess is joined by the pop/rock trio BETTY (perhaps best known for THE L WORD theme song) as they release their 11th album “EAT.” Topics: how an indie bon vivant band (composed of sisters Elizabeth Ziff & Amy Ziff, best friend Alyson Palmer) lasts for 40 years, living together in the late 80s East Village, their performance at Sondheim: A Celebration at Carnegie Hall, HBO's ENCYCLOPEDIA, Aly's college daughter watching THE L WORD, starring in their own Off-Broadway show “BETTY Rules” directed by RENT's Michael Greif & more! BETTY live in NYC @ The Cutting Room - Sept 22 hellobetty.com for tour dates IG: @jessxnyc | @bettyrules
Jess is joined by COUNTESS LUANN and her right-hand man, Roger Dawley! Topics: Spending 2 nights on Fire Island over Labor Day Weekend, her summer run-in with Bethenny, tales from Luann's time as a geriatric nurse, loving cigarettes, brief thoughts on RHONY reboot, latest with Sonja Morgan, prepping to film the Housewives Bachelor show and her plan for cabaret world domination. IG: @jessxnyc | @countessluann | @rogerdawley Tix avail: countessluann.com
Jess is joined by comedian JUDY GOLD! Topics: gay divorce, loving Ozempic, meeting her partner via a Time Out New York dating ad, buying her Provincetown house in 1994, not living with a partner, separate bedrooms, writing/producing The Rosie O'Donnell Show, filming her 1995 HBO standup special with Janeane Garofalo, creating a new TV series w/ Sandra Bernhard, bonding over being very tall | petite women & more! IG: @jessxnyc | @jewdygold Check out Jess' docu-series on the history, mystique & lore of Fire Island: Finding Fire Island
Jess is joined by comedian JAKE CORNELL for a deep dive into NYC restaurant culture. Topics: asking waiters what to order, restaurant temperature and sound/music levels, tips for people on dates, best celebrity tipper, oddest celebrity group sighting, best / worst bathrooms and more. Plus, Jake's summer of Provincetown 4x, Edinburgh Fringe Fest tales + Jake's AND JUST LIKE THAT debut opposite Che Diaz. IG: @jessxnyc | @jakewcornell Check out Jess' docu-series on the history, mystique & lore of Fire Island: Finding Fire Island
Jess is joined by the king of Provincetown fringe performance — playwright and drag theater impresario, RYAN LANDRY! Topics: bringing JENNIFER COOLIDGE and PARKER POSEY to P-Town, setting fire to The Pyramid Club, working as a hooker, appearing in the Roy Cohn documentary, his cemetery plot with MARGARET CHO, the Cape Cod Serial Killer, hosting the long-running weekly Provincetown show, SHOWGIRLS… and more! IG: @jessxnyc | @captryanlandry Check out Jess' docu-series on the history, mystique & lore of Fire Island: Finding Fire Island
ISAAC MIZRAHI returns! Topics include: securing his West Village combination apartment, his friendship w/ RUPAUL, the truth behind the MADONNA - SANDRA BERNHARD - INGRID CASARES love triangle, his seminal documentary UNZIPPED and SEX AND THE CITY + AND JUST LIKE THAT musings. Plus, his cabaret version of “Borderline,” '90s dial-a-date lines, meeting his husband while walking the dog and pivoting his career from fashion to a live performer. IG: @jessxnyc | @imisaacmizrahi
Jess is joined by TV producer and director PAGE HURWITZ (Netflix's Outstanding: A Comedy Revolution). Topics: exec. producing ROSIE O'DONNELL's Oprah OWN talk show, producing TABATHA TAKES OVER, Trump's mythical character on THE APPRENTICE & the parallels of the 2016 election to Paddy Chayefsky's film NETWORK. Plus: discovering Fortune Feimster and Michelle Buteau on Last Comic Standing, NYC vs. San Fran ‘90s comedy scenes, Page's next documentary about a lesbian cruise with Kate McKinnon, Meredith Baxter and more! Don't miss the last 10 unhinged easter egg minutes. IG: @jessxnyc Check out Jess' docu-pod series FINDING FIRE ISLAND about the history, mystique and lore of Cherry Grove & The Pines
Jess is joined by SiriusXM RadioAndy co-host, singer & comedian JOHN ARTHUR HILL. Topics: John's dental and sobriety journeys, the rehab to SoulCycle pipeline, secret Bravo smokers, Barry's Bootcamp, the Underwear Party on Fire Island, preferring Provincetown, nearly getting fired as Andy Cohen's co-host, why Countess Luann is huge at festivals, making $ in touring, John's fave lesbian music, our Sarah McLachlan live reviews & more! IG: @jessxnyc | @johnarthurhill Check out Jess' docu-series on the history, mystique & lore of Fire Island: Finding Fire Island
Jess is joined by writer and “All I Want To Do Is Talk About Madonna” co-host Mark Snyder to review the TriBeCa Film Festival premieres of brand new documentaries centered around LIZA MINNELLI, ANI DIFRANCO, LINDA PERRY and a bonus review of the recent INDIGO GIRLS doc. Topics — the live performances from Linda Perry & Ani DiFranco following their films, Sarah McLachlan, Aimee Mann, Melissa Etheridge, Ani's song “Napoleon,” Righteous Babe, Gina Gershon, “Prey for Rock & Roll,” & more! IG: @jessxnyc | @markbsnyder2024 | @alliwant2doistalkaboutmadonna Check out Jess' docu-series on the history, mystique & lore of Fire Island: Finding Fire Island
Jess is joined by legendary Village Voice gossip columnist Michael Musto! Musto discusses the origin of outing, psychology of blind items, how an unknown Madonna prevented him from sound-checking with his band in 1982, Gaga's Oscar campaigns and the trouble he got into after Andy Warhol's funeral. He also dishes on Malcolm Forbes, camp John Waters, Rosie O'Donnell, Fran Lebowitz, getting banned from Twitter and the annoying parts of being a conduit to people becoming fabulous. IG: @jessxnyc Check out Jess' docu-pod series FINDING FIRE ISLAND about the history, mystique and lore of Cherry Grove & The Pines
Jess welcomes the one true queen of Summer House — LINDSAY HUBBARD! Topics: a listening tour of the Hamptons, the business of being a PR guru, Lindsay's family history, having sex on camera and the origins of “Hubbhouse”. Plus — Lindsay's Sun / Moon / Rising signs, a quick astrological reading from Andy Bellatti (@astrologywithandy), an off-camera crazy dating story, fans ‘shipping' Lindsay & CARL RADKE and the "psychic” who started the Luke/Linds rumor. original air date: aug 2021 IG: @jessxnyc | @lindshubbs Check out Jess' docu-series on the history, mystique & lore of Fire Island: Finding Fire Island
Jess is joined by the creator of @felicityrestorationproject to chat about one of the greatest issues of our time - the replacement of music on our beloved nineties TV shows - FELICITY, DAWSON'S CREEK & 90210. We discuss legalities of the music licensing issue, painstakingly digitizing scenes with correct music from VHS tapes and Paula Cole striking a new deal for “I Don't Wanna Wait.” Plus: the lore of Felicity writer Riley Weston, legacy of the Keri Russell / Felicity haircut, Sarah McLachlan, Peter Gabriel, Roxy, Mazzy Star, Aimee Mann & more! IG: @jessxnyc | @felicityrestorationproject | @dawsonscreekrestored | @bh90210restored Check out Jess' docu-series on the history, mystique & lore of Fire Island: Finding Fire Island
Jess is joined by exes & best friends ELIZABETH ZIFF (The L Word writer; BETTY rocker) and MAGGIE MOORE (chanteuse; real estate broker) to reflect on ‘90s queer girl culture in NYC. Topics: their meet-cute love story, creating the Industria Super Studios girl parties, Café Tabac, Meow Mix, Alan Cumming. Plus — Laurel Holloman / Nicole Ari Parker film ‘Incredibly True Adventures of 2 Girls in Love,' Maggie on HGTV's Selling New York, why all roads lead to BETTY and THE L WORD & more! IG: @jessxnyc | @bettyrules — Tour dates: hellobetty.com — Jess' docu-series on the history, mystique & lore of Fire Island: Finding Fire Island
Jess is joined by singer, comedian and “Seek Treatment” co-host — CATHERINE COHEN! Topics: audio only vs. video podcasts, boutique fitness, her West Village apartment, self-financing Netflix specials, the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, Taylor Swift vs. Sarah McLachlan | Ani Difranco | Fiona Apple, Baby Reindeer, Cafe Cluny, Kate Mara, open relationships, J.Lo at The Duplex & more! IG @jessxnyc | @catccohen Check out Jess' docu-pod series FINDING FIRE ISLAND about the history, mystique and lore of Cherry Grove & The Pines
Jess is joined by TABATHA COFFEY, Australian hairstylist, salon owner and star of TABATHA TAKES OVER & SHEAR GENIUS. Topics: Losing Shear Genius yet scoring her own spin-off, living in New Jersey, Reddit threads, wanting a reboot, Jackie Warner & her reputation of being a “b*tch.” Plus — Tabatha's upbringing in Australia where she was thrown into the gay & trans scene via nightclubs owned by her parents & more! IG @jessxnyc Check out Jess' docu-pod series FINDING FIRE ISLAND about the history, mystique and lore of Cherry Grove & The Pines
Jess is joined by ROSE TROCHE — co-writer & director of the seminal indie film GO FISH — as well as writer, director & exec. producer of THE L WORD. L WORD topics: directing the Pilot, Dinah Shore & Pride episodes, sex scenes, writing for Bette Porter (Jennifer Beals) and Jenny Schecter (Mia Kirshner) + the truth behind Dana's (Erin Daniels) death. Plus: Rose's 30-year friendship with GO FISH & L WORD writer/actress GUINEVERE TURNER, directing SIX FEET UNDER, KRISTEN STEWART's film debut, GEN Q & more! IG: @jessxnyc HOT TAKES L WORD CANON: Guinevere Turner Ilene Chaiken Elizabeth Ziff Marja Lewis Ryan Scripts, Set Visits, Behind the Scenes
Jess is joined by digital producer, remixer and co-host of Legends Only | It's Britney, Bitch! — T.KYLE! Topics include T.Kyle's work on DRAG RACE, his career at WWHL and the difficult environment at THE TONIGHT SHOW. Plus, his Countess Luann “Keep on Serving C*nt” remix, being hand-picked to produce the scrapped WENDY WILLIAMS podcast, Crazy Horse Paris, Fire Island tales, VMAs making artists miserable and more! IG @jessxnyc | @t.kyle Check out Jess' docu-pod series FINDING FIRE ISLAND about the history, mystique and lore of Cherry Grove & The Pines
Jess welcomes TWO of the stars of the groundbreaking Showtime series QUEER AS FOLK -- PETER PAIGE (Emmett Honeycutt) & SCOTT LOWELL (Ted Schmidt)! We discuss the infamous Larry King interview where they were grilled on their sexuality, how QAF changed the way sex & sexuality was depicted on cable, why The L Word was able to break into the mainstream zeitgeist in a way QAF was unable to, the Brian Kinney/Gale Harold enigma, lack of diversity on the show, BILLY PORTER up for the role of Emmett, Peter Paige nearly cast as Jack on WILL & GRACE and more! IG: @jessxnyc
Jess catches up with the first openly gay contestant on AMERICA'S NEXT TOP MODEL, fellow New Yorker KIM STOLZ. Kim Stolz was one of the most recognizable faces in the NYC gay scene in the mid-‘00s after starring in Cycle 5 of the Tyra Banks series. Kim then became an MTV News host alongside JOHN NORRIS & KURT LODER where she interviewed an unknown TAYLOR SWIFT. Kim Stolz later opened the lesbian bar "The Dalloway" w/ reality star Amanda Leigh Dunn (THE REAL L WORD, HIGH SOCIETY) and shares some Vanderpump Rules-esque stories about running The Dalloway. IG @jessxnyc | @kimmystolz Check out Jess' docu-pod series FINDING FIRE ISLAND about the history, mystique and lore of Cherry Grove & The Pines
Jess is joined by reality TV producers and co-hosts of “Fixing Famous People” — Chris DeRosa and Dominick Pupa! Together, we analyze the seminal documentary MADONNA: TRUTH OR DARE through the lens of our three generations and reality TV production. Topics: The follow-up film feat. the Blond Ambition dancers STRIKE A POSE, 1998 VH1 special MADONNA RISING, BRITNEY “Me Against the Music” and the return of the Like a Virgin red bed. Plus, Chris & Dominick take on Madonna as a Fixing Famous People client and more! IG: @jessxnyc | @thechrisderosa | @dominickpupa Check out Jess' docu-pod series FINDING FIRE ISLAND about the history, mystique and lore of Cherry Grove & The Pines
Jess is joined by the “Shakespeare of pop culture satire” per the New York Times - RYAN RAFTERY! We discuss his upcoming run at Joe's Pub in which he does his one-man twisted musical embodiments of MARTHA STEWART, ANNA WINTOUR & KRIS JENNER. We discuss the psychological through-line between all three women (relevancy) as well as his darker material focused on men - ANDY COHEN, CALVIN KLEIN and ANDY WARHOL. Plus, musings on SANDRA BERNHARD, FEUD: TRUMAN CAPOTE / THE SWANS and more! Tix to Ryan Raftery: Titans of Media Trilogy IG: @jessxnyc | @ryanraftery Check out Jess' docu-pod series FINDING FIRE ISLAND about the history, mystique and lore of Cherry Grove & The Pines
Jess is joined by DRAG RACE & TRAITORS star PEPPERMINT! Peppermint discusses fond memories of THE REAL WORLD (which don't include Vegas or Trishelle), the production behind The Traitors and what she's planning for The Reunion. Plus, Alan Cumming's comment that “gays” are loving Phaedra while “queer” ppl are loving Parvati. Peppermint also discusses working the NYC clubs before launching onto Drag Race, Janet Jackson deep cuts & more! IG: @jessxnyc | @peppermint247 Check out Jess' docu-pod series FINDING FIRE ISLAND about the history, mystique and lore of Cherry Grove & The Pines
Jess is joined by drag legend BIANCA DEL RIO! Bianca discuss her early days of drag in New Orleans, New York City, Provincetown and on Fire Island prior to winning season 6 of DRAG RACE. Topics include: Going on tour with Madonna, joining The Traitors, Joan Rivers, Kathy Griffin, Chita Rivera, a “Golden Drag Race” feat. Lady Bunny & Varla Jean Merman and more! IG: @jessxnyc | @thebiancadelrio Check out Jess' docu-pod series FINDING FIRE ISLAND about the history, mystique and lore of Cherry Grove & The Pines
Jess is joined by TV & film screenwriter, Stan Zimmerman! Zimmerman chats about his career writing on THE GOLDEN GIRLS, ROSEANNE, GILMORE GIRLS, THE BRADY BUNCH MOVIE (and its Sequel!). Topics: staying closeted while writing The Golden Girls, RuPaul, Estelle Getty, Madonna's voicemails for Sandra Bernhard, Roseanne & Tom Arnold, loving THE L WORD & more! Stan's book: The Girls: From Golden to Gilmore IG: @jessxnyc
Jess is joined by ELIZABETH ZIFF — writer, producer and BETTY musician behind THE L WORD theme song. We discuss: dating L Word creator Ilene Chaiken, writing for Bette Porter (Jennifer Beals) and Jenny Schecter (Mia Kirshner) and specific episodes & storylines she wrote. Plus — early BETTY gigs in the 80s/90s, the nexus of “lesbian chic” at East Village's Café Tabac, why Beyoncé songs have 10 writers and more! IG: @jessxnyc | @bettyrules Check out Jess' docu-pod series FINDING FIRE ISLAND about the history, mystique and lore of Cherry Grove & The Pines
Jess is joined by empath Jamie Stein to critique the cast of THE TRAITORS season two and discuss his career working on four (4) seasons of THE REAL WORLD — VEGAS, PARIS, SAN DIEGO and PHILLY — where he had an unedited look at Trishelle, CT, Karamo etc. Jamie discusses watching endless unedited footage, the San Diego sexual assault scandal and more. Finally, we discuss if Housewives Girls Trip is a collective pass or failed experiment and where the genre goes post-Reality von Tease. IG: @jessxnyc & @jamiestein Check out Jess' docu-pod series FINDING FIRE ISLAND about the history, mystique and lore of Cherry Grove & The Pines.
Jess is joined by Jackie Warner (Work Out, Thintervention) in her fourth appearance! We discuss Jackie's use of Ozempic, the fall-out of her TMZ splashed DUI ambien arrest, planning her return to TV, Kyle Richards and Morgan Wade, the New York Times Op-Ed on Taylor Swift, Jeff Lewis in the Flipping Out / Work Out era, Jared Leto's God complex and more! Text or call 323-301-3522 to train with Jackie over FaceTime and get a free consult! IG: @jessxnyc | @jackiewarner10
Jess is joined by writer, actor and director JOHN CAMERON MITCHELL to discuss everything HEDWIG AND THE ANGRY INCH and SHORTBUS. Plus: Julius' bar, New Orleans, RENT, promoting Hedwig on THE ROSIE O'DONNELL SHOW vs. LETTERMAN and entering his villain era via GIRLS, JOE EXOTIC and SHRILL. IG: @jessxnyc Check out Jess' docu-pod series FINDING FIRE ISLAND about the history, mystique and lore of Cherry Grove & The Pines
© 2020-2025 Ivy Podcast Discovery LLC
