All I want to do is talk about Madonna

This is Part Two of a Two Part Finale. After nearly 250 episodes, Mark and Kenny conclude their conversations with a mega-episode about the 2023-2024 Celebration Tour.  Topics include a return to interludes and the 1990s, AOL, Dita Parlo, Jeremy Atherton Lin, boxing rings, blonde wigs, Kenny’s crow calls, memes, back to bed, cracking the code of “Justify My Love”, flip phones, blindfolds, Tokischa, veils & Mercy James, impulsive badness, “Up Down Suite”, DJ Estere, Big Frida, energy & legacy, the roll call of judges, random arrests, slow dancing with doppelgängers, Larry Moss, recycling fornicators, the “lost” act, 1283 steps, box seat viewing, live guitars, more clowns, deep cuts, Kylie Minogue, Sinead O’Connor, FRAGMENTS, metaverses & Donatella Versace, NFTs, harnesses & hydro flasks, volumizing dancers, Michael Jackson, lima beans, Martin Solveig, and how it’s always been about survival.  Plus, Kenny wants to leave early, Mark pinpoints the three punk rock moments of the tour, and Madonna takes back the fan and breaks all the rules again.  Finally, Tina reunites with Madonna and some final thoughts on the past, the present, and the future.  Life is a circle, indeed. Be sure to listen until the very very end.

This is Part One of a Two Part Final. After nearly 250 episodes, Mark and Kenny conclude their conversations with a mega-episode about the 2023-2024 Celebration Tour.  Topics include sides, the Promo Video (Lil Wayne! Jack Black!  Kate Berlant!), ranking greatest hits, rumors on Reddit, post-COVID nostalgia, a return to the  catalogue, Stuart Price, cashmere throws, Lewis Black, fragments, Ricardo Gomes, Stufish, Bob the Drag Queen, the logo, the merch, “Justify My Ticket Price”, the Beacon Theater, (LA)HORDE, referential trench coats, guardian angels, healthcare for DJs, Kara Swisher, fucking turntables, opening song butterflies, Niki & Donna, the return of Kenny’s grading system, time travel, flashlights, kilts, the NYC subway, scene work, multiple selves, masks & money, Madonna’s vocal production(s), Monte Pittman’s tongue, androgynous orgies, the Paradise Garage, “You need to learn read!”, Chic, park benches, Martin Burgoyne, Christopher Flynn, the true legacy  and the warriors of the AIDS epidemic, the Return of the Clown, a new tribute to Prince, and the dangers of a religious carousel.  Plus Mark (finally) makes his way into Madonna’s inner circle and Kenny shares  the powerful lessons he’s learned from thirty years living with HIV.  “When did YOU fall in love with Madonna?”

The All I Want To Do Is Talk About Madonna community take the mic to share their experiences at the 2023-2024 Celebration Tour … and beyond.  Special Thank You to Abraham Fields, Alan Chenowith, Alex Cunha, Bart De Beer, Benn Garner, Mr. Brian Mullin,C Goard Egerton, Charlotte Salmon, Chopin Gard, Dante DiDomenico, Dante Prestigo, David Minarro, Dylan from Toronto, Einsorf, Ivan Chernaykov, Mr. Jason Moss, Mr. Jeff Vicente, Mr. Joel Stair, John Raymond Barker, Mr. Jonny Larkin, Mr. Kevin Smith, Louis Marzella, Luke Hensley, DJ KingBee, Matias Kuoppala, MISSFACE, Todd Werkhoven, Mr. Vernon Renegar, Mr. Wayne Parker, Yan Fort, and everyone who contributed to this episode.  Dedicated to Kevin O’Connor and his family of Madonna fans.We love you William Orbit.  RIP.

Kenny and Mark re-shuffle the timeline and head back to 2021 when Madonna announced that she re-signed with WB Music, bringing her entire catalogue under the WBM … tent.  Topics include charity tributes, Sickick, Fireboy DML, 070 Shake, Saucy Santana, Casio keyboards, Pride at Terminal 5, Tokischa, Rosalia, grillz and sunglasses, Debbie Harry’s solo career, Psyiconic, poppers, #Justice4Gambler, Veronica Electronica, Bedtime Stories: The Untold Chapters, the “Everybody” RSD reissue, the Erotica picture disc, MTV, the Cabaret at Red Rooster, the Sound Exploder episode, Stuart Price, Sassy AI, golf carts, and the Finally Enough Love remix compilation album.  Plus, Madonna meets Terri  Joe on Tick-Tock and continues lifting her leg over her head. “That’s my deli!”

Mark and Kenny tidy up the proverbial Estate of all things Ciccone, starting with a big picture conversation about the new album, the current critical discourse, and the end of Season Eight - followed by a deep dive into one of the most problematic eras in Madonna history - COVID and the Trash Era.  Topics include Instagram wipes, rental van photo shoots, the “Erotica” trash can, the Quarantine Diaries, rose petals, white-out and hand sanitizer, gummy bears, jazz scatting and voice memos, Dua Lipa & Future Nostalgia, The Idol and toxicity, Tick-Tock, Christine & the Queens, gods and goddesses, Sam Smith and the Grammy Awards, BEYONCE and Grace Jones, and the secrets to keeping Madonna entertained during lockdown.  Plus, Tina is spotted at the FIFA World Cup, Kenny makes naked art videos, Mark plays dominoes in his bubble, and Madonna meets the biggest diva of them all. “I’ll split your banana!” 

Exhausted from the never-ending (and stunning) CONFESSIONS II rollout, Mark and Kenny have a short lie-down and make a special request to the listeners of ALL I WANT TO DO IS TALK ABOUT MADONNA ahead of Season Eight’s final episodes.  Please email your contributions to [email protected] or to @AllIWant2DoisTalkAboutMadonna on Instagram. 

Kenny and Mark travel back to June 2020 and revisit their original immediate and intimate conversation about the Madame X tour - recorded a few days after experiencing the show at the Brooklyn Academy of Music in September 2019.  At the time, it was the longest episode of AIWTDITAM - oh, how times have changed!

Mark and Kenny wrap up the Madame X album with this gorgeous and vibe-y final track.  Topics include: Kimi Djabate, witchcraft, “Bella Ciao”, Ben Gibbard, history lessons, deep research & references, and the courage of admitting the unknown.  Plus, a lost documentary idea, Madonna’s cell phone number, and following the clues and hopes for the future.  “Let me know that it’s cool, Madonna

Kenny and Mark fly off the rails looking for the fun in this bonus track from Madame X.  Topics include: Cape Verde archipelago, Dino D’Santiago, autotune, Mac Miller, toilets, 1987, Madonna’s toes, Judy Garland and Estelle Getty.  “Let’s go dancing!”

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.”

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 protest music.  “Look it up on your own!”

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 Gold!”

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!!

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).  

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 Portuguese singing, Antartica, and the power of the 19th year.  Plus, Mark finally considers a Madonna trance playlist and Kenny discovers a multitude of connections over a twenty-year time period.  “Gotta get back to my journey!”

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?

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 the thrillingly influential songwriting of Starrah.  Plus, Kenny breaks down his experience with the “On Being” podcast w/ Jay Shetty and Mark shares what he thinks Confessions II will ultimately be all about.  

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 Gauthreaux & Leanh, and the idiosyncrasies that make this song so special.  Plus, Mark has a crush (and a kiss) with a fellow subway rider and Kenny splices and dices with a stalker named Madonna.  “Rush Rush Rush on You!”

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 joy, Queen Mabel, and Eva Peron returns!  This episode is dedicated to Robert (Bob) Snyder (1948-2026).  

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, Solange, Aretha Franklin & Curtis Mayfield’s Sparkle, the weirdness of promotional singles, Natalie Merchant and revisiting old songs, and how recording new songs after performing them on a world tour might transform a new album by Madonna.  Plus, Kenny finds a new stage name, Mark leads a “Future” singalong in the NYC subway, and a potential new conversation about a very party-ful song in the Madonna canon.

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, Patti Smith, trash cans, Party Girl Vera, sparkly nail polish and dangerous lace gloves, confusing time stamps, the illusions of nostalgia, Madame X’s short story, and the numbing (and ongoing) conversation about Madonna’s gun imagery and gun control.  Plus, Mark climbs down a fire escape and Kenny holds out for the VIP section on Pride Island.  “WAKE UP!”

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 friend Joan of Arc.  “It’s a beautiful life …”

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 of fado, Amalia & Celeste Rodrigues, the return of Mirwais, the fable of Martha Graham, The World of Madame X documentary, the yellow scarf, the risk of narratives in pop music, Kate Langbroek, MALUMA, Shakira, Edgar Barrera, Alice in Wonderland, flirting in different languages, the Billboard Music Awards, Diana Kunst and May Morgo, the abundance of accessories, an interrupted wedding, lost remixes, the Year of the Clavicle, and the overall schizophrenic quality of Madame X.  “Can we just get to the 1, 2, cha cha?”

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 here: www.patreon.com/alliwant2doistalkaboutmadonna

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, union rope pullers, distancing vocals, Shogun, the Monte mullet, postulants and prophets, the power of red, leather caps and chiseled abs, pretzels, ukuleles, reuniting with Sean Penn, One Battle After Another, John Mulaney, the delight (and danger) in revisiting the hits, spiral staircases and subway escalators, casseroles, Cirque du Soleil and ABBA, cape nods, cafeteria politics, the MEDLEY, boxing in Detroit, David Bowie, Let’s Dance, Labyrinth, Mick Jagger, Annie Lennox, detours, Paris, clowns, cast albums, Jerry Lewis, Grace Jones, deep cuts, cosmopolitans, Charlie Chaplin, thinking about Mirwais, raising money in Miami, covering Britney Spears, disrespectful fans, sandwiches, Valencia Gamble, flappers and scene work, slides, Edith Piaf, suffeRING, special guest bitches, flags, a special visit to Minneapolis, and how Madonna uses her speech at the Billboard Women in Music awards to begin to define her future.  PLUS – the grading system returns, Kenny has a brand-new podcast idea, Mark brings back the Tribal Talking Stick, and Madonna takes to the streets with her guitar.  “Joan of Arc said I could do it ALL!” Special Thank You to Simon Delaney for his Tears of a Clown memories. Dedicated to the memory of the brilliant and life-changing David Bowie.Rebel Heart Tour video directed by Semtex Films (2016)Rebel Heart Tour video directed by Billy “BigasBilly” Riegelmann

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 Mtume, and a celebration of songwriter and producer Reggie Lucas.  Plus, Kenny explores the deliciousness of pheromones and Mark delivers musical justice for one of the oft-debated Madonna tracks!  Special Thank You to Jeff Vicente, DJ Chauncey, and Christine Holt for their essential assistance with this episode.

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 album.  Plus, Kenny finds a gift card, Mark takes some advice from Judge Judy, and some lost diaries are uncovered.  

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

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 only here to love."

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 Season!

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 conversation about Madonna’s stand-up sets, the darkness and rage in comedy, crowd work, the value of a tight ten, and what makes for a brilliant comedian.  

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, narcissists, hot takes, Tom Ford, Joanna Gleason, the sitcom Bette, Hard Candy fandom, middle school rebels at the Blonde Ambition tour, finding your tribe, Julia Roberts, West Hollywood, campfire counselors, the Avicii demo, the ultimate tribute to fandom, the most memorable Madonna television performances, Melanie Griffith and Mike Nichols, Leigh Bowery at the Tate Museum, tuna casserole, and the musical milestones that define a decade.  Plus Kenny spring another pop quiz and Mark proposes using Rebel Heart for commercials.  Get your tissues out!“Rebel Heart” Live on the REBEL HEART TOUR (2016)

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 sorcerer, higher conscious study, managing heartbreak, coming out for a second time, and the clarifying narrative of the entire album.  Plus, Mark unearths cut lyrics, Kenny digs back into the Kabbalah principles, and Tony discusses “Demons at Dawn” (written and directed by Julian Hernandez) and the special nods to Madonna in the film.  AND making a case for Something to Remember … Volume 2. Demons at Dawn film trailer (2024)Demons at Dawn on Apple TV+

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. 

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 “bad attitude”.  Mark makes a nostalgic pilgrimage back to the Upper West Side and Kenny makes a case for getting out the meat.  Whatcha know about sex?

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, the importance of playing the game well, cherries, The Witches of Eastwick, Recess Therapy, The Color Purple, Heather Headley, and how showing up to our live show at Iron | Feather on August 14th (which is sold out!) would reignite the Revolution of Love.  Plus, the two divas who play the game better than Madonna.

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 conversation to discuss the Nas/Jay-Z feud, fulfilling your potential, taking the assignment, atheism, Kendrick Lamar, campy earworms, Janelle Monae, chill pop, and following in the footsteps of other black queer artists to meet the musical moment.  Mark allows “journey” to return and Kenny makes a case for the song in The Celebration Tour - and the importance of getting the facts rights.  SupercaliSWAGalistic!Afro Sensei on SpotifyAfro Sensei on Bandcamp“The Joy Fantastique” video by Afro Sensei (2019)“Love Takeover” video by Afro Sensei (2021)

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.  Plus an inevitable conversation about Mark and Kenny’s personal best nights (with a cameo from Broadway legend Betty Buckley).  Pay with love. 

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 beach and the Tower of Babylon, community spaces, jean shorts, the Aidan Shaw haters, and the power (and mystery) of Madonna’s breath.  “Did we run out of music?”PLUS, Kenny, Mark, and Jeff share a special announcement - PHYSICAL ATTRACTION: THE LIVE SHOW on August 14, 2025 at IronFeather in downtown NYC - including music from DJ Chauncey, a performance by Jessica Rose, and lots of special surprises!  Get your tickets here:  https://partiful.com/e/Gdk0gQ89r6YdHXe5zbGc.

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-embracing the belt.  Take off your mask!

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 Mark tells tales out of altar boy school (while sharing a sapphic confession), Kenny defends the big swings on Rebel Heart, and Madonna finally vanquishes her Catholic shame. 

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 Sue Trott, Rolls Royces, Austin Powers’ SHAGuar, mechanics, trollies, and does Madonna still go to the DMV?  Plus, Kenny spring a pop quiz, Wayne performs a Madonna tribute in Virginia (and plays kickball), and Mark floats a theory about Sam Smith’s “Unholy”. 

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 Jess shares the moment her fitness world collides with Madonna, her personal understanding of heartbreak, and her just-dropped Cult of Body and Soul documentary podcast series.  “More to follow!”

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 Mike Tyson.  Plus, Madonna goes to see Big Top Pee Wee!  “Good morning Ironic."

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.