All I want to do is talk about Madonna

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. 

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?

Mark and Kenny wrap up the standard album version of MDNA with a deep and vulnerable discussion about heartbreak, relationships, mortality, and freedom.  William Orbit collaborates with Torch Song bandmate Laurie Mayer and Joe Henry’s back to assist his sister-in-law.  Plus, Special Guest Miguel Gutierrez performs a cover version of the ballad as “Sadonna” from the August 2024 live show.  We love you, Jack.  

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!

Kenny and Mark bust out their To-Do lists and revisit this autobiographic and confessional track from MDNA.  Topics include a return to rap, operatic escalations, time management lessons from Trixie Mattel and Joan Rivers, meeting the new tech guy, the musical variety of collaborator Julien Jabre, and whether or not Madonna truly ever yearns to hop off that never-ending treadmill.  Plus, the supreme Nikki Minaj helps this non-single chart South Korea, and favorite assistant Tina gets an award in Wisconsin!

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!