All I want to do is talk about Madonna

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

Chrissy Judy Trailer directed by Todd Flaherty (2022)

Chrissy Judy Streaming Options

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

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

Mark and Kenny get deeply philosophical about the road to fame and which mountain you choose when you’ve climbed to the top of one.  Plus, a discussion of the Swedes, Britany Spears’ classic song “Toxic”, and count how many times Mark says “saloon.”  Does this get ANY better, folks?

Mark and Kenny celebrate the publication of Madonna: A Rebel Life, a major new 800+ biography (in bookstores today!) with a frisky and fascinating conversation with its masterful author Mary Gabriel.  Topics include justice for Miami, Bedtime Stories, and the University of Michigan, a sneak peek into the Hard Candy era and the Guy Ritchie of it all, an intriguing new theory about the song “I Love New York”, the evils of Live Nation, Madonna’s ultimate greatest collaborator, Mary’s personal favorite Madonna song, and why the culture is so resistant to a woman artist telling her own story.  Get out your favorite bookmark and dive into this essential new book and order the book here or at any of your favorite independent bookstores.  THANK YOU to the team at Little, Brown and Mr. Justin Ravitz for their assistance with this conversation. 

Kenny and Mark rejoice in the return of brother-in-law Joe Henry and the 80s Madonna on the joyous and self-motivating fourth single from Confessions on a Dance Floor.  Kenny thinks outside of the box with alternate single roll-out scenarios, multi-lingual versions, and covert songwriting sessions in London; Mark confesses to being the victim of a theft and gets fired from a corporate job!  Plus, a grappling with a disastrous wig, discovering obscure acoustic versions - AND a warm revisit of one of the ultimate b-sides: HISTORY!!!  Are you ready?

Mark and Kenny go full-on music nerd dissecting the haunting “second” ode to forbidden love by discussing the nuances and beauty of the song, the poetry of its lyrics, the romanticism of its environment, and their own personal brushes with forbidden desire, lust, and intimacy.  

Kenny and Mark pull out their fine-toothed combs to translate and interpret the many messages Madonna is trying to impart while she burns.  Plus, Mark grapples with the word “fame” and Kenny makes a strong case for the sleazy live version of the song.  Plus, a twirl through one of the lesser, other Mirwais collaborations that didn’t quite make the record and a return of the birds!

Mark and Kenny - long time New Yorkers - trade city origin stories, adventures, and favorite love (and lust) songs about New York while celebrating Madonna’s ultimate ode to her creative home.  Topics include Liza Minnelli, Oberlin College, Salt ’n’ Pepa, St. Vincent, Frank Sinatra, Edward Albee, Chita Rivera, Harry Nilsson, Andrew WK, Rufus Wainwight, Debbie Harry, Moby, and the beloved bitches of Miami.  Let’s hit those streets and start strutting!

Kenny and Mark flip over the first side of the album with the glorious  return of Mirwais for this adventurous track.  Topics include Donna Summer and Giorgio Moroder, Madonna as teacher, letting go of illusions and dreams, and the stunning (okay iconic) live performance.  Will Tina call us back?