
Hot Takes & Deep Dives
266 episodes — Page 2 of 6
Makeup Artist Kristofer Buckle on Madonna, Mariah, Bethenny, Cher & more
Jess is joined by celebrity makeup artist KRISTOFER BUCKLE! Topics: discovery as a punk/goth in Penn Station, working MADONNA's SEX book party, transforming MARIAH into her post-"Butterfly" image, CHER poaching him while working XTINA for "Burlesque," BETHENNY filming him do her (drug store) face and an airline losing his makeup kit hours before doing JENNIFER LOPEZ. Plus, real talk on hair transplants, eyebrows, lashes, the "Kristofer Buckle" name origin story & more! IG: @jessxnyc | @kristoferbuckle
L Word Rockers BETTY - Behind the Music, Sondheim & more
Jess is joined by pop/rock trio BETTY (known for THE L WORD theme song) as they release their 11th album "EAT." Topics: how an indie bon vivant band (composed of sisters Elizabeth Ziff & Amy Ziff, best friend Alyson Palmer) lasts for 40 years, living together in the late 80s East Village, their performance at Sondheim: A Celebration at Carnegie Hall, HBO's ENCYCLOPEDIA, Aly's college daughter watching THE L WORD, starring in their own Off-Broadway show "BETTY Rules" directed by RENT's Michael Greif & more! BETTY live in NYC @ The Cutting Room - Sept 22 hellobetty.com for tour dates IG: @jessxnyc | @bettyrules
Countess Luann de Lesseps & Assistant Roger Dawley
Jess is joined by COUNTESS LUANN and her right-hand man, Roger Dawley! Topics: Spending 2 nights on Fire Island over Labor Day Weekend, her summer run-in with Bethenny, tales from Luann's time as a geriatric nurse, loving cigarettes, brief thoughts on RHONY reboot, latest with Sonja Morgan, prepping to film the Housewives Bachelor show and her plan for cabaret world domination. IG: @jessxnyc | @countessluann | @rogerdawley Jess' docu-series on the history, mystique & lore of Fire Island: Finding Fire Island Tix avail: countessluann.com
Judy Gold Returns! Gay Divorce, Writing Rosie's Talk Show, Janeane Garofalo & more
Jess is joined by comedian JUDY GOLD! Topics: gay divorce, loving Ozempic, meeting her partner via a Time Out New York dating ad, buying her Provincetown house in 1994, not living with a partner, separate bedrooms, writing/producing The Rosie O'Donnell Show, filming her 1995 HBO standup special with Janeane Garofalo, creating a new TV series w/ Sandra Bernhard, bonding over being very tall | petite women & more! IG: @jessxnyc | @jewdygold Check out Jess' docu-series on the history, mystique & lore of Fire Island: Finding Fire Island
NYC Restaurant Culture Deep Dive (w/ Jake Cornell)
Jess is joined by comedian JAKE CORNELL for a deep dive into NYC restaurant culture. Topics: asking waiters what to order, restaurant temperature and sound/music levels, tips for people on dates, best celebrity tipper, oddest celebrity group sighting, best / worst bathrooms and more. Plus, Jake's summer of Provincetown 4x, Edinburgh Fringe Fest tales + Jake's AND JUST LIKE THAT debut opposite Che Diaz. IG: @jessxnyc | @jakewcornell Check out Jess' docu-series on the history, mystique & lore of Fire Island: Finding Fire Island
Provincetown Fringe, Cape Cod Serial Killer & Hooking (w/ Ryan Landry)
Jess is joined by the king of Provincetown fringe performance — playwright and drag theater impresario, RYAN LANDRY! Topics: bringing JENNIFER COOLIDGE and PARKER POSEY to P-Town, setting fire to The Pyramid Club, working as a hooker, appearing in the Roy Cohn documentary, his cemetery plot with MARGARET CHO, the Cape Cod Serial Killer, hosting the long-running weekly Provincetown show, SHOWGIRLS… and more! IG: @jessxnyc | @captryanlandry Check out Jess' docu-series on the history, mystique & lore of Fire Island: Finding Fire Island
Isaac Mizrahi Returns! NYC Real Estate, Unzipped, Madonna, Sandra Bernhard
ISAAC MIZRAHI returns! Topics include: securing his West Village combination apartment, his friendship w/ RUPAUL, the truth behind the MADONNA - SANDRA BERNHARD - INGRID CASARES love triangle, his seminal documentary UNZIPPED and SEX AND THE CITY + AND JUST LIKE THAT musings. Plus, his cabaret version of "Borderline," '90s dial-a-date lines, meeting his husband while walking the dog and pivoting his career from fashion to a live performer. IG: @jessxnyc | @imisaacmizrahi
Inside Rosie O'Donnell's Oprah OWN Show, Election as Reality TV (w/ Page Hurwitz)
Jess is joined by TV producer and director PAGE HURWITZ (Netflix's Outstanding: A Comedy Revolution). Topics: exec. producing ROSIE O'DONNELL's Oprah OWN talk show, producing TABATHA TAKES OVER, Trump's mythical character on THE APPRENTICE & the parallels of the 2016 election to Paddy Chayefsky's film NETWORK. Plus: discovering Fortune Feimster and Michelle Buteau on Last Comic Standing, NYC vs. San Fran '90s comedy scenes, Page's next documentary about a lesbian cruise with Kate McKinnon, Meredith Baxter and more! Don't miss the last 10 unhinged easter egg minutes. IG: @jessxnyc Check out Jess' docu-pod series FINDING FIRE ISLAND about the history, mystique and lore of Cherry Grove & The Pines
John Arthur Hill on Addiction, Teeth, PTown vs. Fire Island & Countess Luann's Renaissance
Jess is joined by SiriusXM RadioAndy co-host, singer & comedian JOHN ARTHUR HILL. Topics: John's dental and sobriety journeys, the rehab to SoulCycle pipeline, secret Bravo smokers, Barry's Bootcamp, the Underwear Party on Fire Island, preferring Provincetown, nearly getting fired as Andy Cohen's co-host, why Countess Luann is huge at festivals, making $ in touring, John's fave lesbian music, our Sarah McLachlan live reviews & more! IG: @jessxnyc | @johnarthurhill Check out Jess' docu-series on the history, mystique & lore of Fire Island: Finding Fire Island
Review of Liza Minnelli, Ani DiFranco, Linda Perry & Indigo Girls Docs (w/ Mark Snyder)
Jess is joined by writer and "All I Want To Do Is Talk About Madonna" co-host Mark Snyder to review the TriBeCa Film Festival premieres of brand new documentaries centered around LIZA MINNELLI, ANI DIFRANCO, LINDA PERRY and a bonus review of the recent INDIGO GIRLS doc. Topics — the live performances from Linda Perry & Ani DiFranco following their films, Sarah McLachlan, Aimee Mann, Melissa Etheridge, Ani's song "Napoleon," Righteous Babe, Gina Gershon, "Prey for Rock & Roll," & more! IG: @jessxnyc | @markbsnyder2024 | @alliwant2doistalkaboutmadonna Check out Jess' docu-series on the history, mystique & lore of Fire Island: Finding Fire Island
Michael Musto on Village Voice, Gossip, Psychology of Blind Items
Jess is joined by legendary Village Voice gossip columnist Michael Musto! Musto discusses the origin of outing, psychology of blind items, how an unknown Madonna prevented him from sound-checking with his band in 1982, Gaga's Oscar campaigns and the trouble he got into after Andy Warhol's funeral. He also dishes on Malcolm Forbes, camp John Waters, Rosie O'Donnell, Fran Lebowitz, getting banned from Twitter and the annoying parts of being a conduit to people becoming fabulous. IG: @jessxnyc Check out Jess' docu-pod series FINDING FIRE ISLAND about the history, mystique and lore of Cherry Grove & The Pines
Lindsay Hubbard on Sex, Love & Carl Radke Origin Story
Jess is joined by the one true queen of Summer House — LINDSAY HUBBARD! Topics: a listening tour of the Hamptons, the business of being a PR guru, having sex on camera and the origins of "Hubbhouse." Plus — Lindsay's Sun / Moon / Rising signs, a quick astrological reading from Andy Bellatti (@astrologywithandy), an off-camera crazy dating story, fans 'shipping' Lindsay & CARL RADKE and the "psychic" who started the Luke/Linds rumor. original air date: aug 2021 IG: @jessxnyc | @lindshubbs Check out Jess' docu-series on the history, mystique & lore of Fire Island: Finding Fire Island
The Felicity, Dawson's Creek & 90210 Music Restoration Project
Jess is joined by the creator of @felicityrestorationproject to chat about one of the greatest issues of our time - the replacement of music on our beloved nineties TV shows - FELICITY, DAWSON'S CREEK & 90210. We discuss legalities of the music licensing issue, painstakingly digitizing scenes with correct music from VHS tapes and Paula Cole striking a new deal for "I Don't Wanna Wait." Plus: the lore of Felicity writer Riley Weston, legacy of the Keri Russell / Felicity haircut, Sarah McLachlan, Peter Gabriel, Roxy, Mazzy Star, Aimee Mann & more! IG: @jessxnyc | @felicityrestorationproject | @dawsonscreekrestored | @bh90210restored Check out Jess' docu-series on the history, mystique & lore of Fire Island: Finding Fire Island
IT Girls of NYC '90s Lesbian Chic (w/ Elizabeth Ziff & Maggie Moore)
Jess is joined by exes & best friends ELIZABETH ZIFF (The L Word writer; BETTY rocker) and MAGGIE MOORE (chanteuse; real estate broker) to reflect on '90s queer girl culture in NYC. Topics: their meet-cute love story, creating the Industria Super Studios girl parties, Café Tabac, Meow Mix, Alan Cumming. Plus — Laurel Holloman / Nicole Ari Parker film 'Incredibly True Adventures of 2 Girls in Love,' Maggie on HGTV's Selling New York, why all roads lead to BETTY and THE L WORD & more! IG: @jessxnyc | @bettyrules — Tour dates: hellobetty.com — Jess' docu-series on the history, mystique & lore of Fire Island: Finding Fire Island
Catherine Cohen on Seek Treatment, Edinburgh Fringe & more
Jess is joined by singer, comedian and "Seek Treatment" co-host — CATHERINE COHEN! Topics: audio only vs. video podcasts, boutique fitness, her West Village apartment, self-financing Netflix specials, the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, Taylor Swift vs. Sarah McLachlan | Ani Difranco | Fiona Apple, Baby Reindeer, Cafe Cluny, Kate Mara, open relationships, J.Lo at The Duplex & more! IG @jessxnyc | @catccohen Check out Jess' docu-pod series FINDING FIRE ISLAND about the history, mystique and lore of Cherry Grove & The Pines
Tabatha Coffey — Tabatha Takes Over, Shear Genius, Reddit
Jess is joined by TABATHA COFFEY, Australian hairstylist, salon owner and star of TABATHA TAKES OVER & SHEAR GENIUS. Topics: Losing Shear Genius yet scoring her own spin-off, living in New Jersey, Reddit threads, wanting a reboot, Jackie Warner & her reputation of being a "b*tch." Plus — Tabatha's upbringing in Australia where she was thrown into the gay & trans scene via nightclubs owned by her parents & more! IG @jessxnyc Check out Jess' docu-pod series FINDING FIRE ISLAND about the history, mystique and lore of Cherry Grove & The Pines
The L Word Writer/Director Rose Troche — Guinevere Turner, Go Fish, Jennifer Beals
Jess is joined by ROSE TROCHE — co-writer & director of the seminal indie film GO FISH — as well as writer, director & exec. producer of THE L WORD. L WORD topics: directing the Pilot, Dinah Shore & Pride episodes, sex scenes, writing for Bette Porter (Jennifer Beals) and Jenny Schecter (Mia Kirshner) + the truth behind Dana's (Erin Daniels) death. Plus: Rose's 30-year friendship with GO FISH & L WORD writer/actress GUINEVERE TURNER, directing SIX FEET UNDER, KRISTEN STEWART's film debut, GEN Q & more! IG: @jessxnyc HOT TAKES L WORD CANON: Guinevere Turner Ilene Chaiken Elizabeth Ziff Marja Lewis Ryan Scripts, Set Visits, Behind the Scenes
T. KYLE — Behind the Scenes of WWHL, Wendy Williams, Jimmy Fallon
Jess is joined by digital producer, remixer and co-host of Legends Only | It's Britney, Bitch! — T. KYLE! Topics include T. Kyle's work on DRAG RACE, his career at WWHL and the difficult environment at THE TONIGHT SHOW. Plus, his Countess Luann "Keep on Serving C*nt" remix, being hand-picked to produce the scrapped WENDY WILLIAMS podcast, Crazy Horse Paris, Fire Island tales, VMAs making artists miserable and more! IG @jessxnyc | @t.kyle Check out Jess' docu-pod series FINDING FIRE ISLAND about the history, mystique and lore of Cherry Grove & The Pines
Queer as Folk w/ Peter Paige (Emmett) & Scott Lowell (Ted)!
Jess welcomes TWO of the stars of the groundbreaking Showtime series QUEER AS FOLK -- PETER PAIGE (Emmett Honeycutt) & SCOTT LOWELL (Ted Schmidt)! Topics include: the infamous Larry King interview, how QAF changed the way sex & sexuality was depicted on cable, why THE L WORD was able to break into the mainstream zeitgeist in a way QAF was unable to, the BRIAN KINNEY / GALE HAROLD enigma, BILLY PORTER up for the role of Emmett, Peter Paige nearly cast as Jack on WILL & GRACE and more! IG: @jessxnyc Check out Jess' docu-pod series FINDING FIRE ISLAND about the history, mystique and lore of Cherry Grove & The Pines
Kim Stolz — America's Next Top Model, NYC Gay Bar Owner & MTV VJ
Jess catches up with the first openly gay contestant on AMERICA'S NEXT TOP MODEL, fellow New Yorker KIM STOLZ. Kim Stolz was one of the most recognizable faces in the NYC gay scene in the mid-'00s after starring in Cycle 5 of the Tyra Banks series. Kim then became an MTV News host alongside JOHN NORRIS & KURT LODER where she interviewed an unknown TAYLOR SWIFT. Kim Stolz later opened the lesbian bar "The Dalloway" w/ reality star Amanda Leigh Dunn (THE REAL L WORD, HIGH SOCIETY) and shares some Vanderpump Rules-esque stories about running The Dalloway. IG @jessxnyc | @kimmystolz Check out Jess' docu-pod series FINDING FIRE ISLAND about the history, mystique and lore of Cherry Grove & The Pines
Madonna Truth or Dare w/ Reality Producers Chris DeRosa & Dominick Pupa
Jess is joined by reality TV producers and co-hosts of "Fixing Famous People" — Chris DeRosa and Dominick Pupa! Together, we analyze the seminal documentary MADONNA: TRUTH OR DARE through the lens of our three generations and reality TV production. Topics: The follow-up film feat. the Blond Ambition dancers STRIKE A POSE, 1998 VH1 special MADONNA RISING, BRITNEY "Me Against the Music" and the return of the Like a Virgin red bed. Plus, Chris & Dominick take on Madonna as a Fixing Famous People client and more! IG: @jessxnyc | @thechrisderosa | @dominickpupa Check out Jess' docu-pod series FINDING FIRE ISLAND about the history, mystique and lore of Cherry Grove & The Pines
Ryan Raftery IS Anna Wintour, Martha Stewart, Andy Cohen, Kris Jenner & more
Jess is joined by the "Shakespeare of pop culture satire" per the New York Times - RYAN RAFTERY! We discuss his upcoming run at Joe's Pub in which he does his one-man twisted musical embodiments of MARTHA STEWART, ANNA WINTOUR & KRIS JENNER. We discuss the psychological through-line between all three women (relevancy) as well as his darker material focused on men - ANDY COHEN, CALVIN KLEIN and ANDY WARHOL. Plus, musings on SANDRA BERNHARD, FEUD: TRUMAN CAPOTE / THE SWANS and more! IG: @jessxnyc | @ryanraftery Check out Jess' docu-pod series FINDING FIRE ISLAND about the history, mystique and lore of Cherry Grove & The Pines
Drag Race's Peppermint — Traitors Reunion, NYC 90s Nightlife
Jess is joined by DRAG RACE & TRAITORS star PEPPERMINT! Peppermint discusses fond memories of THE REAL WORLD (which don't include Vegas or Trishelle), the production behind The Traitors and what she's planning for The Reunion. Plus, Alan Cumming's comment that "gays" are loving Phaedra while "queer" ppl are loving Parvati. Peppermint also discusses working the NYC clubs before launching onto Drag Race, Janet Jackson deep cuts & more! IG: @jessxnyc | @peppermint247 Check out Jess' docu-pod series FINDING FIRE ISLAND about the history, mystique and lore of Cherry Grove & The Pines
Bianca Del Rio on Fire Island, Madonna, Joan Rivers & more
Jess is joined by drag legend BIANCA DEL RIO! Bianca discuss her early days of drag in New Orleans, New York City, Provincetown and on Fire Island prior to winning season 6 of DRAG RACE. Topics include: Going on tour with Madonna, joining The Traitors, Joan Rivers, Kathy Griffin, Chita Rivera, a "Golden Drag Race" feat. Lady Bunny & Varla Jean Merman and more! IG: @jessxnyc | @thebiancadelrio Check out Jess' docu-pod series FINDING FIRE ISLAND about the history, mystique and lore of Cherry Grove & The Pines
Golden Girls, Gilmore Girls, Roseanne & Brady Bunch Movie Writer — Stan Zimmerman
Jess is joined by TV & film screenwriter, Stan Zimmerman! Zimmerman chats about his career writing on THE GOLDEN GIRLS, ROSEANNE, GILMORE GIRLS, THE BRADY BUNCH MOVIE (and its Sequel!). Topics: staying closeted while writing The Golden Girls, RuPaul, Estelle Getty, Madonna's voicemails for Sandra Bernhard, Roseanne & Tom Arnold, loving THE L WORD & more! Stan's book: The Girls: From Golden to Gilmore IG: @jessxnyc
The L Word Writer, Theme Song & BETTY Rocker — Elizabeth Ziff
Jess is joined by ELIZABETH ZIFF — writer, producer and BETTY musician behind THE L WORD theme song. We discuss: dating L Word creator Ilene Chaiken, writing for Bette Porter (Jennifer Beals) and Jenny Schecter (Mia Kirshner) and specific episodes & storylines she wrote. Plus — early BETTY gigs in the 80s/90s, the nexus of "lesbian chic" at East Village's Café Tabac, why Beyoncé songs have 10 writers and more! IG: @jessxnyc | @bettyrules Check out Jess' docu-pod series FINDING FIRE ISLAND about the history, mystique and lore of Cherry Grove & The Pines
Casting The Traitors & Inside Real World Edit Bay (w/ Jamie Stein)
Jess is joined by empath Jamie Stein to critique the cast of THE TRAITORS season two and discuss his career working on four (4) seasons of THE REAL WORLD — VEGAS, PARIS, SAN DIEGO and PHILLY — where he had an unedited look at Trishelle, CT, Karamo etc. Jamie discusses watching endless unedited footage, the San Diego sexual assault scandal and more. Finally, we discuss if Housewives Girls Trip is a collective pass or failed experiment and where the genre goes post-Reality von Tease. IG: @jessxnyc & @jamiestein Check out Jess' docu-pod series FINDING FIRE ISLAND about the history, mystique and lore of Cherry Grove & The Pines.
Jackie Warner (Work Out) Returns! Ozempic, Taylor Swift, Kyle Richards, Jeff Lewis
Jess 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' docu-pod series FINDING FIRE ISLAND about the history, mystique and lore of Cherry Grove & The Pines
John Cameron Mitchell on Hedwig and the Angry Inch, Shortbus & more
Jess is joined by writer, actor and director JOHN CAMERON MITCHELL to discuss everything HEDWIG AND THE ANGRY INCH and SHORTBUS. Plus: Julius' bar, New Orleans, RENT, promoting Hedwig on THE ROSIE O'DONNELL SHOW vs. LETTERMAN and entering his villain era via GIRLS, JOE EXOTIC and SHRILL. IG: @jessxnyc Check out Jess' docu-pod series FINDING FIRE ISLAND about the history, mystique and lore of Cherry Grove & The Pines
Madonna Culture Debate (w/ Tony Trius, Mark Snyder, Kenny Finkle)
This 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 FIRE ISLAND about the history, mystique and lore of Cherry Grove & The Pines.
Review of Madonna Celebration Tour - Brooklyn (w/ Ben Rimalower)
Jess 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 behind Into the Woods Check out Jess' docu-pod series FINDING FIRE ISLAND about the history, mystique and lore of Cherry Grove & The Pines
Madonna Backup Singers & Dancers — Niki Haris & Donna De Lory
Jess 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" videos, currently performing as a duo on tour and more! IG: @jessxnyc Check out Jess' docu-pod series FINDING FIRE ISLAND about the history, mystique and lore of Cherry Grove & The Pines.
Pat Regan on Seek Treatment, Writing "Hacks," Survivor
Jess 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 history, mystique and lore of Cherry Grove & The Pines.
Inside the Cult of Group Fitness — SoulCycle, Peloton
Jess 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 Check out Jess' docu-pod series FINDING FIRE ISLAND about the history, mystique and lore of Cherry Grove & The Pines.
Julie Goldman & Brandy Howard on Jeff Lewis, Kyle Richards Gay Baiting
Jess 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 and lore of Cherry Grove & The Pines.
Justin Vivian Bond on Kiki & Herb, NYC 90s Nightlife
Jess 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 & The Pines.
RHONY Producer on Vanity Fair Reckoning, Bethenny, The View, A List NY, Joan Rivers (w/ Dominick Pupa)
Jess 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! Check out Jess' docu-pod series FINDING FIRE ISLAND about the history, mystique and lore of Cherry Grove & The Pines. IG: @jessxnyc | @dominickpupa
POSE & Ballroom Culture (w/ POSE creator/ writer Steven Canals)
Jess 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 about the history, mystique and lore of Cherry Grove & The Pines.
Culture Debate: Come Thru Queen (w/ Brendan Davis & Dan Calabrese)
Jess 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 wonder, on-going) and most iconic Christina Aguilera / Housewife duo. IG: @jessxnyc | @brendandavis | @dancalabrese Check out Jess' docu-pod series FINDING FIRE ISLAND about the history, mystique and lore of Cherry Grove & The Pines.
Melissa Etheridge on Sex, Love & Behind the Music
Jess 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 Fair era. We discuss Sarah McLachlan, Ani Difranco, Fiona Apple, Tegan & Sara, Tracy Chapman, Aimee Mann, The Murmurs (and many more!) IG: @jessxnyc Check out Jess' docu-pod series FINDING FIRE ISLAND about the history, mystique and lore of Cherry Grove & The Pines.
Ira Madison III on Ranking Madonna Albums, Fire Island & Keep It
Jess 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 history, mystique and lore of Cherry Grove & The Pines.
And Just Like That Postmortem w/ Every Outfit on SATC (Chelsea Fairless & Lauren Garroni)
Jess is joined by the queens of "Every Outfit on Sex and the City" (@everyoutfitonSATC)— Chelsea Fairless and Lauren Garroni. We discuss which show has more severely tarnished its legacy: SATC 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 series FINDING FIRE ISLAND about the history, mystique and lore of Cherry Grove & The Pines.
Empath Jamie Stein Channels Jenna Lyons, Bethenny's Summer of Chaos, Kim Cattrall
Empath 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 - Jenna Lyons ~ RHONY ] [ 34:30 - Bethenny ~ Raquel ] [ 57:00 - Vanderpump Rules ] [ 60:00 - Summer House ~ Lindsay, Carl, Danielle ] IG: @jessxnyc | @jamiestein Check out Jess' docu-pod series FINDING FIRE ISLAND about the history, mystique and lore of Cherry Grove & The Pines.
Provincetown Deep Dive (w/ Brandon Ward)
Jess 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 series FINDING FIRE ISLAND about the history, mystique and lore of Cherry Grove & The Pines.
Bethenny & Jill Zarin's Reunion Producer, Chris DeRosa (RHONY & RHONJ)
Jess 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/ Vanderpump Rules and a lot more! IG: @jessxnyc | @thechrisderosa Check out Jess' docu-pod series FINDING FIRE ISLAND about the history, mystique and lore of Cherry Grove & The Pines.
DJ Lina Bradford on Barbie, Candis Cayne, Fire Island & more
Jess 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
Madonna Tell-All by Brother Christopher Ciccone (w/ Tony Trius)
Jess 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 and more! IG: @jessxnyc | @mlvcpodcast Check out Jess' docu-pod series FINDING FIRE ISLAND about the history, mystique and lore of Cherry Grove & The Pines.
Survivor's Jerri Manthey: OG Villainess of Reality TV
Jess 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, Survivor's evolution + her picks for best (and most overrated) players. Finally, Jerri makes her pitch for Real Housewives of Napa Valley. IG: @jessxnyc | @jerrimanthey
MTV's Dave Holmes on Britney, The Real World, TRL, Jesse Camp
Jess 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
Jess 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's cabaret show. IG: @jessxnyc | @raedratch