Hot Takes & Deep Dives
239 episodes - English - Latest episode: 5 days ago - ★★★★★ - 694 ratingsPodcast serving quick hits & deep cuts on LGBT pop iconography & NYC culture. Recent guests include Rosie O'Donnell, Sandra Bernhard, Fortune Feimster, Roxane Gay, Fran Drescher, Isaac Mizrahi, Lea DeLaria, Melissa Etheridge, Rachel Dratch, Gina Gershon, Margaret Cho, L Word creator Ilene Chaiken, Jenifer Lewis, Judy Gold, Mario Cantone, Michael Musto & more!
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Episodes
Tabatha Coffey — Tabatha Takes Over, Shear Genius, Reddit
April 22, 2024 09:25 - 44 minutes - 33 MBJess 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 h...
The L Word Writer/Director Rose Troche — Guinevere Turner, Go Fish, Jennifer Beals
April 15, 2024 09:25 - 1 hour - 49.4 MBJess 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, GE...
T. KYLE — Behind the Scenes of WWHL, Wendy Williams, Jimmy Fallon
April 08, 2024 09:25 - 1 hour - 65 MBJess 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 ISLAN...
Kim Stolz — America’s Next Top Model, NYC Gay Bar Owner & MTV VJ
March 21, 2024 09:30 - 45 minutes - 34.2 MBJess 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 s...
Madonna Truth or Dare w/ Reality Producers Chris DeRosa & Dominick Pupa
March 04, 2024 10:15 - 1 hour - 60.7 MBJess 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 Peopl...
Ryan Raftery IS Anna Wintour, Martha Stewart, Andy Cohen, Kris Jenner & more
February 26, 2024 10:15 - 49 minutes - 39.5 MBJess 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! IG: @je...
Drag Race’s Peppermint — Traitors Reunion, NYC 90s Nightlife
February 19, 2024 10:15 - 1 hour - 46.7 MBJess 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...
Bianca Del Rio on Fire Island, Madonna, Joan Rivers & more
February 12, 2024 10:15 - 48 minutes - 37.4 MBJess 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 Che...
Golden Girls, Gilmore Girls, Roseanne & Brady Bunch Movie Writer — Stan Zimmerman
February 06, 2024 10:15 - 56 minutes - 48.1 MBJess 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
The L Word Writer, Theme Song & BETTY Rocker — Elizabeth Ziff
January 29, 2024 10:15 - 1 hour - 49.3 MBJess 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 ISLAN...
Casting The Traitors & Inside Real World Edit Bay (w/ Jamie Stein)
January 22, 2024 10:15 - 1 hour - 50.5 MBJess 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: ...
Jackie Warner (Work Out) Returns! Ozempic, Taylor Swift, Kyle Richards, Jeff Lewis
January 15, 2024 10:15 - 1 hour - 52.8 MBJess is joined by Jackie Warner (Work Out, Thintervention) in her fourth appearance! We discuss Jackie’s use of Ozempic, pitches her TV comeback, the fall-out of her TMZ splashed DUI ambien arrest, 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 Check out Jess' doc...
John Cameron Mitchell on Hedwig and the Angry Inch, Shortbus & more
January 08, 2024 10:15 - 54 minutes - 42.4 MBJess 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
Madonna Culture Debate (w/ Tony Trius, Mark Snyder, Kenny Finkle)
December 26, 2023 10:15 - 1 hour - 62.9 MBThis concludes our Madonna trilogy with Jess joined by Mark Snyder & Kenny Finkle (All I Want To Do Is Talk About Madonna) and Tony Trius (MLVC) for a culture debate/roundtable — MADONNA EDITION! Topics include: our unpopular opinions, best live performance, best Truth or Dare moment, Tears of a Clown, how to fix Madonna, is longtime collab Mirwais trying to sabotage her… and more! IG: @jessxnyc | @tonytrius | @markbsnyder2024 | @mynameisfinkle Check out Jess' docu-pod series FINDING FIR...
Review of Madonna Celebration Tour - Brooklyn (w/ Ben Rimalower)
December 15, 2023 10:10 - 50 minutes - 41.3 MBJess is joined by Ben Rimalower to review Madonna's Celebration Tour in Brooklyn, NY. We discuss our thrills, Madonna's "strategy" behind late start times, the set list and provide constructive critique. Later, Ben recalls how Madonna's health scare this summer catapulted him into a revisit of Madonna's entire catalogue and concert history, culminating in his attendance mere hours ago. IG: @jessxnyc | @benrimalower Listen to Ben's podcast Giants in the Sky with the stars & creatives beh...
Madonna Backup Singers & Dancers — Niki Haris & Donna De Lory
December 11, 2023 10:15 - 1 hour - 54.2 MBJess is joined by “Madonna’s Secret Weapons” (per Rolling Stone) — longtime Madonna back-up singers and dancers, NIKI HARIS & DONNA DE LORY! Niki and Donna performed on four (4) of Madonna’s world tours, including The Who’s That Girl Tour, The Blond Ambition Tour, The Girlie Show and The Drowned World Tour. They also appear on the recordings of “Vogue,” “Like a Prayer” “Deeper and Deeper,” “Nothing Really Matters” and more. We discuss filming TRUTH OR DARE, filming the “Vogue” and “Music” vi...
Pat Regan on Seek Treatment, Writing "Hacks," Survivor
December 04, 2023 10:15 - 48 minutes - 40.2 MBJess is joined by writer, standup and co-host of “Seek Treatment” — PAT REGAN! We discuss: the HACKS writer’s room, DAWSON'S CREEK series finale, FELICITY, why LA should be part of NY, Seek Treatment’s Las Culturistas origin story, bombing at a gay resort, getting sober, fitness goals, SURVIVOR, Parvati Shallow, Madonna TRUTH OR DARE, THE REAL WORLD, SUMMER HOUSE, THE BIG SHOT WITH BETHENNY & more! IG: @jessxnyc | @patreegs Check out Jess' docu-pod series FINDING FIRE ISLAND about the h...
Inside the Cult of Group Fitness — SoulCycle, Peloton
November 27, 2023 10:15 - 53 minutes - 41.5 MBJess is a joined by a career fitness professional to go inside the culture of their former cycling employer, while Jess shares her personal experience with SoulCycle. We go deep on: lack of certifications required to teach spin, the “training programs” at different studios, instructors abusing drugs, sexual accusations from riders and the “God Complex” cult of personality these studios cultivate. Plus, stories from Equinox/Soul corporate, the Peloton fall-out and more. IG: @jessxnyc Che...
Julie Goldman & Brandy Howard on Jeff Lewis, Kyle Richards Gay Baiting
November 20, 2023 10:10 - 1 hour - 55.2 MBJess is joined by JULIE GOLDMAN & BRANDY HOWARD (Dumb Gay Podcast, The People’s Couch)! We discuss: Brandy & Julie’s origin story, Jeff Lewis stealing guests from Heather McDonald, Howard Stern, Kate McKinnon, butch lesbian erasure, Logo’s Big Gay Sketch Show, Bethenny and Nene, Kyle Richards gay baiting, the impact of Shane from The L Word on Brandy & more! IG: @jessxnyc | @mrjuliegoldman | @thebrandyhoward Check out Jess' docu-pod series FINDING FIRE ISLAND about the history, mystique...
Justin Vivian Bond on Kiki & Herb, NYC 90s Nightlife
November 13, 2023 10:05 - 50 minutes - 39.6 MBJess is joined by downtown performance legend MX. JUSTIN VIVIAN BOND! We discuss their origins of as one half of the subversive musical act Kiki and Herb, 90z gigs at Squeezebox and Cowgirl, officiating Rufus Wainwright’s wedding and performing on Fire Island with Carol Channing. Plus: Marianne Faithfull, Murray Hill, drag kings, the Hudson Valley and more! IG: @jessxnyc | @mxviv Check out Jess' docu-pod series FINDING FIRE ISLAND about the history, mystique and lore of Cherry Grove & T...
RHONY Producer on Vanity Fair Reckoning, Bethenny, The View, A List NY, Joan Rivers (w/ Dominick Pupa)
November 06, 2023 10:10 - 1 hour - 57.1 MBJess is joined by reality producer, comedian and co-host of “Fixing Famous People,” DOMINICK PUPA, for a whirlwind convo about his career producing RHONY Season 2, RHOA Season 4, THE A-LIST NY and his warm up comedian days at THE RICKI LAKE SHOW, THE VIEW, THE TYRA BANKS SHOW and THE JOAN RIVERS SHOW. We discuss how RHONY producers are reacting to the Vanity Fair “Reality Reckoning” article right now, his experience producing BETHENNY’s infamous deleted scene on Fire Island and more! Chec...
POSE & Ballroom Culture (w/ POSE creator/ writer Steven Canals)
October 30, 2023 09:05 - 49 minutes - 38.3 MBJess is joined by the co-creator / writer / director of the FX series POSE — STEVEN CANALS! Canals discusses the series’ inspiration via the landmark documentary PARIS IS BURNING and getting his script into the hands of RYAN MURPHY. We discuss ballroom culture, Houses, MADONNA, “Vogue,” and the song choices used throughout. We also discuss the casting of MJ RODRIGUEZ (Blanca), INDYA MOORE (Angel) and SANDRA BERNHARD. IG: @jessxnyc Check out Jess' docu-pod series FINDING FIRE ISLAND abou...
Culture Debate: Come Thru Queen (w/ Brendan Davis & Dan Calabrese)
October 09, 2023 09:30 - 1 hour - 56.1 MBJess is joined by the boys of COME THRU QUEEN, Brendan Davis & Dan Calabrese, for the official HOT TAKES COME THRU CULTURE DEBATE! We start with local categories including: Best Brooklyn Neighborhood, Best Gay Bar (Brooklyn, Manhattan) before diving into Best City (US, International) and Best Gay Destination. We then move on to the Bravo cinematic universe with categories including Best Season of: RHONY, Vanderpump Rules and Summer House. Plus: Best Early Era Bravo Series (one season wonde...
Melissa Etheridge on Sex, Love & Behind the Music
October 02, 2023 09:30 - 1 hour - 49.1 MBJess is joined by bonafide rock icon MELISSA ETHERIDGE! Melissa discusses all the dyke drama in her early Hollywood friendships with ROSIE O'DONNELL, ELLEN, KD LANG and BRAD PITT and nearly being outed when her first record was released. We also go behind the music for “Bring Me Some Water,” “Brave and Crazy," "Similar Features" and more! 34:00 -- Jess is joined by Tony Trius, co-host of MLVC (the Madonna podcast) to go deeper on the female singer-songwriters who defined the ‘90s Lilith...
Ira Madison III on Ranking Madonna Albums, Fire Island & Keep It
September 18, 2023 09:30 - 45 minutes - 49.3 MBJess is joined by IRA MADISON III to discuss staying “too long” on Fire Island, his definitive ranking of MADONNA albums, interviewing PATTI LUPONE and BETHENNY on his podcast “Keep It,” NENE LEAKES inspiring the title of his upcoming memoir, appearing on YOU and WENDY WILLIAMS, his recent 3x BEYONCÉ Renaissance Tour stint and helping SARAH MICHELLE GELLAR with the wifi when he was a barista. IG: @jessxnyc | @irathethird Check out Jess' docu-pod series FINDING FIRE ISLAND about the his...
And Just Like That Postmortem w/ Every Outfit on SATC (Chelsea Fairless & Lauren Garroni)
September 11, 2023 09:30 - 54 minutes - 41.4 MBJess 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 with AJLT vs. The L Word with Gen Q, The Writer’s Room podcast scabbing during the WGA strike, 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 Check out Jess' docu-pod serie...
Empath Jamie Stein Channels Jenna Lyons, Bethenny's Summer of Chaos, Kim Cattrall
September 05, 2023 09:30 - 1 hour - 50.1 MBEmpath and intuitive Jamie Stein (@jamiestein) returns to burn through a plethora of hot topics. We discuss: Kim Cattrall’s relationship to Sex and the City, Jenna Lyons’ r-ship to her inner diva and Jamie’s intuitive take on RHONY reboot’s Jessel Tank and Erin Lichy. Plus, the underbelly of Bethenny’s summer of chaos w/ Jill Zarin, Raquel Leviss and the betrayal of Andy Cohen. Finally, we look ahead toward Vanderpump Rules and Summer House. [ 2:30 - Kim Cattrall ~ SATC ] [ 12:30 - Jenn...
Provincetown Deep Dive (w/ Brandon Ward)
August 28, 2023 09:30 - 1 hour - 61.4 MBJess is joined by Boston native Brandon Ward (@the.bottoms) for the Provincetown deep dive of our dreams. We break down the theme weeks (Bear Week, July 4th, Girlsplash, Carnival, Spooky Bear, Holly Folly). Plus, Tea at the Boatslip vs. Tea on Fire Island, A-House vs. Paramount (where to go out) and the Dick Dock. Finally, goss about Adam Lambert, Billy Eichner and Brandon pitches a Summer House: Provincetown. IG: @jessxnyc | @the.bottoms | @brandon_onbrand Check out Jess' docu-pod serie...
Madonna Birthday: Astrology of Our Leo Queen (w/ Andy Bellatti)
August 16, 2023 09:30 - 1 hour - 59 MBJess is joined by Andy Bellatti (@astrologywithandy) to celebrate Madonna’s 65th birthday — our Leo Queen. Madonna is a Leo Sun, Virgo Moon, Aquarius Rising and we examine her life & career milestones through the lens of her birth chart. We cover: NYC dancer (‘79-‘80), debut album (’82), “Like a Virgin” VMA performance (’84), Sean Penn relationship (’85-'89), Like a Prayer (’89), Vogue - Blond Ambition Tour - Truth or Dare (’90-'91), Erotica - Sex book backlash (’92), Evita - birth of Lourd...
Bethenny & Jill Zarin’s Reunion Producer, Chris DeRosa (RHONY & RHONJ)
August 08, 2023 09:30 - 56 minutes - 43.9 MBJess is joined by Chris DeRosa, veteran reality TV producer with credits including five (5) seasons of RHONY, last season’s (and newly in production) RHONJ, The Big Shot with Bethenny, various food competition series (ie: Chopped), Summer House, plus Tony Bennett & Lady Gaga: Cheek to Cheek. He is also the producer behind Bethenny and Jill Zarin’s reunion and Bethenny’s YouTube series. We mention it all, including production companies vs. The Network (Bravo), Tom Sandoval filming w/ Vanderpu...
DJ Lina Bradford on Barbie, Candis Cayne, Fire Island & more
July 24, 2023 09:30 - 51 minutes - 40.8 MBJess is joined by New York icon LINA BRADFORD to discuss her Barbie ~ pop culture doll collection, being raised as a girl since age four, growing up in New York nightlife, best friend CANDIS CAYNE — the Linda Evangelista to her Naomi Campbell. Plus, career evolution from dancer > nightclub host > DJ as performance art, why she feels the “trans” label limits her, 10-year reign on Fire Island + a lot more! Listen to Finding Fire Island everywhere! IG: @jessxnyc | @thelinabradford
Sex and the City Exec. Producer & Writer — Jenny Bicks
July 10, 2023 09:30 - 1 hour - 46.7 MBJess is joined by Emmy-winning exec. producer and writer on ALL SIX SEASONS of SEX AND THE CITY, Jenny Bicks! Jenny reveals how Samantha’s cancer storyline was based on her own experience beating breast cancer and how Steve is based on her husband. Plus, her own personal contributions to Carrie, Miranda and Charlotte. We discuss specific episodes she wrote, including “Splat” (Lexi Featherston - Kristen Johnston falls out a window), “A Woman’s Right to Shoes,” “Coulda, Woulda, Shoulda” (Miran...
Finding Fire Island TRAILER! Premieres July 6th!
June 14, 2023 14:40 - 4 minutes - 4.35 MBANNOUNCEMENT!!! PREMIERING JULY 6th! “Finding Fire Island” is a docu-podcast series which brings to life how a sleepy, 19th century beach town became a modern day queer mecca for artists and the New York City theater community. Queer history has often been told through the lens of loss and disappearance, but Fire Island has transcended that to survive as a stunning fantasy world and cultural touchstone. We will take you behind the curtain of the mystique, legends and lore of the LGB...
Madonna Tell-All by Brother Christopher Ciccone (w/ Tony Trius)
June 12, 2023 09:30 - 1 hour - 50.5 MBJess is joined by MLVC Madonna podcast co-host Tony Trius to deconstruct the 2008 tell-all “Life With My Sister Madonna,” written by her brother Christopher Ciccone. We go deep on Christopher’s ever-evolving role in M's life and career, including backup dancer, live show dresser, Blond Ambition/Girlie Show stage designer, artistic director & home interior designer. Through his lens, we also explore her relationships with Sean Penn, Sandra Bernhard, Warren Beatty, Ingrid Casares, Guy Ritchie...
Survivor’s Jerri Manthey: OG Villainess of Reality TV
June 05, 2023 09:30 - 1 hour - 42.3 MBJess is joined by iconic Survivor castaway Jerri Manthey, known for her three season arc (spanning 15 years) appearing on The Australian Outback (season 2), All Stars and Heroes vs. Villains. Dubbed “The Black Widow” due to her love-hate relationship with Colby Donaldson, Jerri goes deep about the publicity surrounding The Australian Outback which turned the cast into overnight celebrities (Letterman / Rosie appearances). Jerri discusses fellow season 2 castaway Elisabeth Hasselbeck, Surviv...
MTV’s Dave Holmes on Britney, The Real World, TRL, Jesse Camp
May 22, 2023 09:30 - 58 minutes - 46.1 MBJess is joined by iconic MTV VJ DAVE HOLMES! Dave was the “runner-up” in the infamous Wanna Be a VJ contest who turned his “loss” to Jesse Camp into a 5-year career at MTV. Dave chats about being gay in the TRL days, BRITNEY, N’SYNC, EMINEM, MANDY MOORE, CARSON DALY’s rise, JOHN NORRIS, the MTV Beach House, his favorite seasons of The Real World, transforming his body and more!
Rachel Dratch on SNL, 30 Rock, Countess Luann Cabaret & more
May 01, 2023 09:30 - 56 minutes - 41.3 MBJess is joined by RACHEL DRATCH, known for seven (7) seasons on SNL, beloved for the Boston Teens (w/ Jimmy Fallon) and bringing the name “Debbie Downer” into the cultural lexicon. We go deep on Rachel’s long-standing friendship with TINA FEY, her SNL audition, getting cast and replaced by JANE KRAKOWSKI on 30 ROCK and discovering she was pregnant at 43 years old. We also discuss WINE COUNTRY, the movie based on her real-life 50th birthday trip and her experience performing in Countess Luann...
Kara DioGuardi (American Idol): Songwriter - Kelly Clarkson, XTina, Pink, Britney & Ashlee
April 17, 2023 09:30 - 1 hour - 52.9 MBJess is joined by American Idol judge and prolific songwriter KARA DioGUARDI to reflect on her incredible contributions to pop music throughout the 2000s. We go deep behind the music of her iconic songs, including... KYLIE MINOGUE "Spinning Around," PINK “Sober,” CHRISTINA AGUILERA “Ain’t No Other Man,” KELLY CLARKSON “Walk Away,” BRITNEY's Blackout album, and co-writing the bulk of the ASHLEE SIMPSON and LINDSAY LOHAN albums. Kara also reflects on helping secure ADAM LAMBERT's spot on Ameri...
Lady Bunny on ‘Drag Race’ vs Drag, RuPaul, Wigstock
April 03, 2023 09:30 - 46 minutes - 33.6 MBJess is joined by drag legend LADY BUNNY! Lady Bunny discusses Drag Race's impact on modern day queens vs. experimental avant-garde style, questionable music choices on RPDR, gender & identity politics, organizing Wigstock in Tompkins Square Park & Pier 17, creating culture vs. mimicking reality TV, being held at gunpoint in the East Village and her rise alongside RuPaul at The Pyramid Club. See Lady Bunny at The Green Room 42 in May & June! IG: @jessxnyc
Nightlife Impresario Daniel Nardicio — The Ice Palace, Club Cumming, Liza Minnelli, Bianca del Rio
March 21, 2023 09:30 - 41 minutes - 35.4 MBJess is joined by the king of New York City nightlife, Daniel Nardicio. Throughout his career, Nardicio has produced events for Liza Minnelli, Alan Cumming, Chita Rivera, Carol Channing, Margaret Cho, Sandra Bernhard, Bianca del Rio and more. He chats about creating The Underwear Party on Fire Island, opening Club Cumming and his latest endeavor, now owning The Ice Palace in Cherry Grove. We also discuss Adele & Jennifer Lawrence at Club Cumming and Liza Minnelli's infamous stay in the Fire ...
Ariana Madix on Tom Sandoval Romance, Kristen Doute + Astrology of Tom & Ariana
March 13, 2023 09:30 - 53 minutes - 40.4 MBJess chats with VANDERPUMP RULES' ARIANA MADIX about her pre-SUR life in NYC, her friendship > relationship with TOM SANDOVAL and becoming friends with KRISTEN DOUTE behind the scenes. Ariana also reacts to JAX TAYLOR’s “glorified roommates” claim, her sexuality and buying their home. Original air date: Apr 2020 [ 36:00 ] At 36 minutes in, Jess is joined by Andy Bellatti (@astrologywithandy), astrologer to the Housewives, pop queens and Vanderpump kids for a deep dive on the astrology of t...
Queer Eye’s Jai Rodriguez on RENT, Bros, Fire Island & more
February 27, 2023 10:30 - 51 minutes - 39 MBJess welcomes actor/singer JAI RODRIGUEZ — known as the OG Culture Guy on QUEER EYE. Jess fell in love with Jai as a teen, starring on Broadway as the beloved HIV+ drag queen Angel in RENT. We discuss his reign in NYC nightlife as a cabaret performer and his eventual big break on Queer Eye. We chat about his recent roles in BROS and Netflix's UNCOUPLED, and the irony of Jai relating more to Joel Kim Booster's FIRE ISLAND than the film he appeared in (BROS). * Catch Jai's cabaret show LIVE...
Jill Kargman on Cult of SoulCycle, UES Mom Scene, Drew Barrymore
February 20, 2023 10:30 - 57 minutes - 45.1 MBJess welcomes back writer/actress Jill Kargman! Jill was born and raised on the Upper East Side of Manhattan, creating the perfect setting and inspiration for her novel Momzillas, adapted into the Bravo scripted series “Odd Mom Out" (streaming on Peacock!). We discuss: the cult of SoulCycle, her father’s role as the President of Chanel, attending high school with Gwyneth Paltrow, Andy Cohen’s pivotal role in her career in TV & SiriusXM + her gig on sister-in-law Drew Barrymore’s talk show. ...
Bravo Casting Producer — Below Deck, Tabatha’s Takeover, Millionaire Matchmaker
February 06, 2023 10:30 - 37 minutes - 27.8 MBJess is joined by reality TV casting producer Frank Garrity, who has worked on Below Deck, The People's Couch, Millionaire Matchmaker and Tabatha's Takeover. We discuss how to break into reality TV casting & production, background checks (ie: Jen Shah; unearthing racist tweets), getting yelled at by Patti Stanger on set of Millionaire Matchmaker, MTV's Real Friends of WeHo and a lot more. IG: @jessxnyc
Jamie Babbit on Directing But I'm A Cheerleader, Natasha Lyonne, Clea DuVall, The L Word
January 30, 2023 10:30 - 1 hour - 53.3 MBJess is joined by prolific film & TV director JAMIE BABBIT! Jamie is best known for writing/directing the cult classic BUT I'M A CHEERLEADER w/ Natasha Lyonne and 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. We discuss all of those experiences, plus! shooting around different actors' nudity clauses, how to fix bad acting & bad dialogue in post-production...
Inside The L Word Scripts, Set Visits, Contracts, Behind the Scenes
January 19, 2023 10:30 - 58 minutes - 44.7 MBIn the final installment of our L Word trilogy, Jess is joined by L Word historians Ash Silver (renowned YouTuber) and Chris Lintner (@thelwordonline). Chris shares her story of getting confronted by Ilene Chaiken in Vancouver for putting pieces of the scripts online in 2006 and Ash reveals how she ingratiated herself to Showtime in present day, with an invitation to the Gen Q set several months ago. Together, we discuss actor contracts, why Sepideh Moafi (Gigi) left, the alledged truth behi...
L Word Gen Q Showrunner Marja Lewis Ryan Answers Each Storyline
January 16, 2023 10:30 - 50 minutes - 37.7 MBJess is joined by The L Word Generation Q showrunner, Marja Lewis Ryan! We discuss how Marja got the job, her connection to Abbi Jacobson coming out, if the writers have seen The L Word (OG), Jennifer Beals' influence on Bette Porter and Marja's very first meeting with JB, Leisha Hailey and Kate Moennig. We probe for answers to fan frustrations around the loss of Gigi (Sepideh Moafi), Gigi & Dani's romance and the Jenny vs. Dana of it all. Plus, Marja's thinking around Angie dating her male ...
Ilene Chaiken on Creating The L Word, Bette & Tina, Jennifer Beals, Kate Moennig
January 09, 2023 10:30 - 50 minutes - 35 MBJess is joined by THE L WORD creator and show-runner Ilene Chaiken! Ilene discusses running Aaron Spelling's production company, her real-life version of The Planet, the head of Showtime wanting to cast Leisha Hailey as Shane, Jennifer Beals choosing Laurel Holloman as Tina, and Mia Kirshner's brilliant improv as Jenny. Also discussed: Ilene's original plan for Bette & Tina, contributions to Gen Q, is Gen Q canon, Sepideh Moafi as Gigi, the mistreatment of Daniel Sea (Max) on set, Holland Ta...
Comedian Jared Freid on Late Night Eating, Headshots, Instagram Relationships, Deuxmoi
January 02, 2023 10:30 - 51 minutes - 39 MBJess is joined by comedian Jared Freid (co-host of Betches' modern dating pod U Up?) to discuss relationship "soft launches" and breakups on Instagram, dating app profile makeovers, Jared's journey with late night eating addiction, being heckled over his headshot and being spotted in Deuxmoi. Plus, why fast-moving celebrity r-ships like Pete Davidson / Ariana Grande / Kim Kardashian / Ben Affleck / JLo make sense mathematically, and dating app convos in the hetero vs. gay universe. IG: @jes...
Interview w/ Mariah Carey's "All I Want For Christmas Is You" co-writer Walter Afanasieff — Celine Dion, Beyonce, Titanic
December 22, 2022 13:23 - 1 hour - 45 MBJess is joined by WALTER AFANASIEFF, the Grammy-winning songwriter and producer responsible for co-writing and producing the majority of MARIAH CAREY's ‘90s hits, including “Anytime You Need a Friend,” “My All,” “Hero,” “One Sweet Day,” and of course “All I Want For Christmas Is You.” Afanasieff walks us through the creation of the modern Christmas classic and his professional fall-out with Mariah. We also discuss how the music and songwriting industry has changed since the ‘90s, producing C...