Bandsplain

The Ringer

Bandsplain is a show where host Yasi Salek invites experts to explain cult bands and iconic artists—and why people love them.

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26 episodes
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Avg 2 hr 33 min
English

Episodes 26

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Thursday · 3 hr 4 min
Yeah Yeah Yeahs with Jenny Eliscu
Journalist Jenny Eliscu joins Yasi to talk all things Yeah Yeah Yeahs, from their wild early days in New York to their place as one of the most important bands of the 2000s. They discuss the term indie sleaze, debate whether the Yeah Yeah Yeahs deserve the crown as the era’s best band, break down why “Maps” remains an all-time classic, and explore the tensions that have shaped the band throughout its career. Plus, growing up in the spotlight, surviving the hype, and where the Yeah Yeah Yeahs fit in today’s music landscape. Episode Playlist Listen to the Yeah Yeah Yeahs Playlist here. Subscribe on YouTube. Host: Yasi Salek @yasisalek Guest: Jenny Eliscu @jennylsq Producer: Rob Sundermann Editor: Adrian Bridges Additional Production Supervision: Justin Sayles Theme Song: Bethany Cosentino Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
September 10 · 2 hr 21 min
Best New U.K. Music with Shaad D’Souza, Plus An Interview with Mary in the Junkyard
Music journalist and EIC of Shaad Magazine Shaad D’Souza joins Yasi to talk about the best new music coming out of the U.K. right now. They discuss how they find new artists, gimmicks vs. authenticity, the Windmill scene, and the importance of going to shows in the algorithm era. Next, one of our favorite new U.K. bands, Mary in the Junkyard, sits down with Yasi to talk about coming up in south London, the not-very-secret identity of the old man on their album cover, and the benefits of tumbling. Plus, a reenactment of the very important phone call that brought the band together. Episode Playlist Listen to the Best New U.K. Music Playlist here Subscribe on YouTube CREDITS: Host: Yasi Salek @yasisalek Guests: Shaad D’Souza @shaad, Mary in the Junkyard @maryinthejunkyrd Producer: Rob Sundermann Editor: Adrian Bridges Additional Production Supervision: Justin Sayles Theme Song: Bethany Cosentino Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
September 3 · 1 hr 12 min
Perfect Song: "Iris" by the Goo Goo Dolls With Whitmer Thomas
Whitmer Thomas ('Terminal Crew of Dudes,' 'Weapons') joins Yasi to break down "Iris," the Goo Goo Dolls hit that became one of the defining songs of the late ’90s. They discuss the song’s origins on the 'City of Angels' soundtrack, the band’s punk beginnings, John Rzeznik’s singular and deeply inspiring (to Whitmer) hairstyle, and that iconic, rain-drenched performance of "Iris" in their hometown of Buffalo that somehow made a perfect song even more perfect. Subscribe on YouTube CREDITS: Host: Yasi Salek @yasisalek Guest: Whitmer Thomas @whitmerthomas Producer: Rob Sundermann Editor: Adrian Bridges Additional Production Supervision: Justin Sayles Theme Song: Bethany Cosentino Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
August 20 · 2 hr 9 min
Solo Mailbag with Yasi. Plus, an interview with Elias Bender Rønnenfelt and Johan Suurballe of Iceage.
It's time for a loaded mailbag, and Yasi is handling this one solo. She’s tackling questions on skin-care routines, the importance of physical media, and the best venues for seeing a show. Plus: Learn whether 24 is too old. (Spoiler: It’s not.) Next, Iceage’s Elias Bender Ronnenfelt and Johan Suurballe Wieth join Yasi to discuss their new album, 'For Love of Grace & the Hereafter.' They talk about the Copenhagen music scene, the epiphany of direction, scoring films, and befriending crows. Check out Iceage’s ‘For Love of Grace & the Hereafter’ here Subscribe on YouTube CREDITS: Host: Yasi Salek @yasisalek Guest: Elias Bender Rønnenfelt and Johan Suurballe Wieth @iceage Producer: Rob Sundermann Editor: Adrien Bridges Additional Production Supervision: Justin Sayles Theme Song: Bethany Cosentino Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
August 13 · 2 hr 38 min
The Music Biopic Hall of Fame With Sean Fennessey
Sean Fennessey joins Yasi to build the Music Biopic Hall of Fame, from the 1940s to today. Along the way, they consider what makes a great music biopic, why rock and roll lends itself so well to the genre, and why a great central performance doesn’t always mean a great movie. Plus: Yasi’s cocurated Criterion Channel collection, the movies that belong in the trash, and the TV movie that ‘Odyssey’ star Matt Damon really deserved an Oscar for. Check out the curated Criterion Channel collection here. Plus: Yasi and Sean on 24 Hour Party People And the Top 20 on Letterboxd Subscribe on YouTube CREDITS: Host: Yasi Salek @yasisalek Guest: Sean Fennessey @seanfennessey Producer: Rob Sundermann Editor: Jon Jones Additional Production Supervision: Justin Sayles Theme Song: Bethany Cosentino Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
August 6 · 1 hr 58 min
SOUNDTRACK: ‘Times Square’ with Patrik Sandberg
Yasi is joined by returning guest Patrik Sandberg to revisit the soundtrack to 1980 cult film ‘Times Square.’ They cover the scrapped love story between its two leads, the producer’s efforts to turn the project into the next ‘Saturday Night Fever,’ and the decision to market its sprawling punk and new wave soundtrack ahead of the movie itself. Plus: Patrik’s mini deep dive on legendary producer Robert Stigwood and why the greatest influence 'Times Square’ had might be on the generation that followed it. CREDITS: Host: Yasi Salek @yasisalek Guest: Patrik Sandberg @patriksandberg Producer: Rob Sundermann Editor: Adrian Bridges Additional Production Supervision: Justin Sayles Theme Song: Bethany Cosentino Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
July 30 · 1 hr 41 min
SOUNDTRACK: ‘Pretty in Pink’ With Rob Harvilla
Rob Harvilla joins Yasi to revisit the music of the John Hughes coming-of-age classic ‘Pretty in Pink.’ They discuss the film’s defining mix of new wave and college rock, the eponymous Psychedelic Furs song and its misinterpretation, the ’80s classics that were written specifically for the movie, and why ‘Pretty in Pink’ remains one of the decade’s essential soundtracks. CREDITS: Host: Yasi Salek @yasisalek Guest: Rob Harvilla @harvilla Producer: Rob Sundermann Editor: Adrian Bridges Additional Production Supervision: Justin Sayles Theme Song: Bethany Cosentino Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
July 23 · 1 hr 26 min
SOUNDTRACK: 'Working Girl' With Amanda Dobbins
Amanda Dobbins joins Yasi to take on the Oscar-, Grammy-, and Golden Globe-winning soundtrack to 'Working Girl.' They trace Carly Simon’s path to penning “Let the River Run,” how the Eagles nearly provided the movie’s defining song instead, and the iconic sneakers-to-heels commuter transition. Plus: Who almost played the lead, how much did that apartment really cost, and gifts from Kansas. CREDITS: Host: Yasi Salek @yasisalek Guest: Amanda Dobbins @akdobbins Producer: Rob Sundermann Editor: Adrian Bridges Additional Production Supervision: Justin Sayles Theme Song: Bethany Cosentino Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
July 16 · 1 hr 44 min
SOUNDTRACK: 'Dirty Dancing' With Joanna Robinson
Joanna Robinson joins Yasi to break down one of the defining soundtracks of the ’80s: 'Dirty Dancing.' They get into the real-life tension between Jennifer Grey and Patrick Swayze that became undeniable on-screen chemistry, the soundtrack’s seamless blend of ’60s nostalgia and ’80s pop hits, Swayze’s surprise turn as a recording artist with the hit song ‘She’s Like the Wind,’ and how the music helped transform a modestly budgeted film into a full-blown cultural phenomenon. CREDITS: Host: Yasi Salek @yasisalek Guest: Joanna Robinson @jowrotethis Producer: Rob Sundermann Editor: Adrian Bridges Additional Production Supervision: Justin Sayles Theme Song: Bethany Cosentino Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
July 9 · 2 hr 49 min
MADONNA: 'Confessions II' with Patrik Sandberg
Madonna Month icon Patrik Sandberg is back to help Yasi break down 'Confessions II,' Madonna’s return to the dance floor. They break down the album’s callbacks to New York nightlife, the name-checks from Debi Mazar and Mark Kamins to Basquiat and Keith Haring, and why Madonna is revisiting one of her most beloved eras. Plus, our review (we love it)! CREDITS: Host: Yasi Salek @yasisalek Guests: Patrik Sandberg @patriksandberg Producer: Rob Sundermann Editor: Jamie Yukich Additional Production Supervision: Justin Sayles Theme Song: Bethany Cosentino Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
June 25 · 2 hr 34 min
The Best New Music of Spring 2026 With Bre Morell. Plus, An Interview With Domenic Palermo of Nothing.
Yasi and returning guest Bre Morell discuss their favorite new albums that came out this spring. Plus, the new singles from their most anticipated albums of the summer! Next, Yasi talks with Domenic “Nicky” Palermo of Nothing about their latest album, ‘a short history of decay’, his Slide Away Music Festival and so, so much more. Episode Playlist Listen to the Best New Music of Spring 2026 here And in case you missed it, listen to the Best New Music of Winter 2026 episode with Chris Ryan here CREDITS: Host: Yasi Salek @yasisalek Guests: Bre Morell @bremorell, Domenic “Nicky” Palermo @bandofnothing Producer: Rob Sundermann Editor: Adrian Bridges Additional Production Supervision: Justin Sayles Theme Song: Bethany Cosentino Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
June 18 · 3 hr 13 min
SOUNDTRACK: 'Purple Rain' With Anthony Anzaldo
Yasi is joined by musician and producer Anthony Anzaldo (Ceremony, Anthony Family) to unpack 'Purple Rain,' the soundtrack that took Prince from rising pop star to household name. They discuss the making of the film, the role of The Revolution, the live recording that became the title track, Morris Day and The Time (and of course, Jerome), and how Prince blended rock, funk, and pop to create a wholly new sound, turning a soundtrack into a blockbuster event and the biggest album of his career. CREDITS: Host: Yasi Salek @yasisalek Guest: Anthony Anzaldo @anthonyxfamily Producer: Rob Sundermann Editor: Adrian Bridges Additional Production Supervision: Justin Sayles Theme Song: Bethany Cosentino Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
June 11 · 2 hr 46 min
Madonna Mailbag With Fattaneh Salek and Patrik Sandberg
Madonna Month (OK, six weeks) is coming to a close, and it’s going out with a bang! First, Yasi is joined by the original Madonna influence, her mom, Fattaneh Salek! It all started here, from picking Madonna favorites while still in a stroller to transcribing lyrics for future sing-alongs. Then, Patrik Sandberg is back to help Yasi answer all your burning Madonna questions. What was Madonna’s best hair era? Who would the dream Madonna alt-rock collab be? And most importantly, why isn’t Gen Z properly celebrating Madonna?! Plus, they rank their top five Madonna songs (but we still don’t agree with rankings)! Host: Yasi Salek @yasisalek Guests: Fattaneh Salek and Patrik Sandberg @patriksandberg Producer: Rob Sundermann Editor: Adrian Bridges Additional Production Supervision: Justin Sayles Theme Song: Bethany Cosentino Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
June 4 · 2 hr 21 min
Madonna: The Movies With Amanda Dobbins and Sean Fennessey
Yasi is joined by Amanda Dobbins and Sean Fennessey of The Big Picture to reconsider Madonna’s life on film, including her breakout role in Desperately Seeking Susan, box office hits like Dick Tracy and A League of Their Own, polarizing works like Body of Evidence, and of course her most critically acclaimed film work, Evita. They discuss Madonna the cinephile, the vulnerability required to be a great artist, the unfair criticism that followed Madonna the actress, and what they think her best film is. CREDITS: Host: Yasi Salek @yasisalek Guests: Amanda Dobbins @akdobbins and Sean Fennessey @seanfennessey Producer: Rob Sundermann Editor: Adrian Bridges Additional Production Supervision: Justin Sayles Theme Song: Bethany Cosentino Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
May 28 · 3 hr 45 min
Madonna: Part 4 With Caryn Ganz
Yasi is joined by journalist and critic Caryn Ganz as the Madonna series enters the modern era. They discuss the glittering revival of 'Confessions on a Dance Floor,' the superstar collaborations and pop maximalism of 'Hard Candy,' the spectacle and chaos of 'MDNA,' the leaks, vulnerability, and often misunderstood ambition of 'Rebel Heart,' and the globetrotting experimentation of 'Madame X.' Plus: The Super Bowl, the ageism, the collaborators, and the globe-spanning Celebration Tour that celebrated 40 years of Madonna, along with what they feel is coming next as 'Confessions 2' looms on the horizon. Episode Playlist Listen to the Madonna: Part 4 playlist here. CREDITS: Host: Yasi Salek @yasisalek Guests: Caryn Ganz @mehpatrol Producer: Rob Sundermann Editor: Adrian Bridges Additional Production Supervision: Justin Sayles Theme Song: Bethany Cosentino Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
May 21 · 4 hr 1 min
Madonna: Part 3 With Paul Hamann
Yasi is joined by creative director Paul Hamann as they continue the Bandsplain Madonna deep dive. They discuss Madonna’s celebrated acting role in Evita and the lasting vocal changes that came with it, her career-elevating work of Ray of Light, the ahead-of-its-time Music, and how the increasingly fraught political situation in America impacted one of her most misunderstood works, American Life. Plus: motherhood, mysticism, the perfect pop single that landed on the Austin Powers soundtrack, and how Madonna kept finding new ways to bend pop stardom around her own evolution. Episode Playlist Listen to the Madonna: Part 3 playlist here. CREDITS: Host: Yasi Salek @yasisalek Guests: Paul Hamann @hamann.co Producer: Rob Sundermann Editor: Adrian Bridges Additional Production Supervision: Justin Sayles Theme Song: Bethany Cosentino Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
May 14 · 4 hr 36 min
Madonna: Part 2 with Patrik Sandberg
Yasi is joined by writer and Bandsplain MVP Patrik Sandberg for Part 2 of the Madonna epic. This chapter follows Madonna from 'Like a Prayer' through 'Bedtime Stories' as she alchemizes religion, sex, fashion, and controversy into one of the most fascinating and powerful runs in pop music history. They talk about the history of “Vogue,” the groundbreaking Pepsi commercial, her major leap with 'Erotica,' the much-discussed 'Sex' book, and, of course, the backlash and what it meant for her creativity. Plus: the reinventions, the Cher beef, her acting career, all the incredible music and imagery of this period, and so, so much more. Episode Playlist Listen to the Madonna: Part 2 playlist here. CREDITS: Host: Yasi Salek @yasisalek Guest: Patrik Sandberg @patriksandberg Producer: Rob Sundermann Editor: Adrian Bridges Additional Production Supervision: Justin Sayles Theme Song: Bethany Cosentino Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
May 7 · 3 hr 33 min
Madonna: Part 1 With Mel Ottenberg
Yasi kicks off Bandsplain’s multipart Madonna epic with returning guest and fashion icon Mel Ottenberg. They discuss Madonna’s childhood and upbringing in Michigan, her dance career and the formative relationships that led her to New York City, her history playing in bands, her immersion in the club scene, the breakthrough singles that made her impossible to ignore, her first three albums, and all the major collaborators, major looks, and major breakthroughs along the way. Episode Playlist Listen to the Madonna: Part 1 playlist here. CREDITS: Host: Yasi Salek @yasisalek Guest: Mel Ottenberg @melzy917 Producer: Rob Sundermann Editor: Adrian Bridges Additional Production Supervision: Justin Sayles Theme Song: Bethany Cosentino Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
April 23 · 1 hr 22 min
Life Without Buildings with Blondshell
Recorded live at the Treefort Music Fest in Boise, Yasi is joined by Sabrina Teitelbaum (a.k.a. Blondshell) to dig into Life Without Buildings, the Scottish cult band whose single and singular 2001 album, 'Any Other City,' is still worth talking about today. They discuss the band’s jagged sound, their art school roots, and the second life they found when “The Leanover” went viral on TikTok two decades after it was released. CREDITS: Host: Yasi Salek @yasisalek Guest: Sabrina Teitelbaum @blondshell Producer: Rob Sundermann Editor: Adrian Bridges Additional Production Supervision: Justin Sayles Theme Song: Bethany Cosentino Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
April 16 · 2 hr 27 min
PERFECT SONG: ‘Boys On the Radio’ with Patrik Sandberg, Plus An Interview With Hole Bassist and Author Melissa Auf der Maur
Yasi is joined by writer Patrik Sandberg to break down one of Hole’s (many) perfect songs “Boys on the Radio.” They talk Courtney Love’s evolution, her relationship with critics, and the inspirations, intentions, and alternative culture of the 90’s that influenced it all. Then, Melissa Auf der Maur stops by to discuss her new book, Even the Good Girls Will Cry. She discusses her time in Hole, her friendship with Courtney Love, and her wide-ranging life as an artist. CREDITS: Host: Yasi Salek @yasisalek Guests: Patrik Sandberg @patriksandberg, Melissa Auf der Maur @xmadmx Producer: Rob Sundermann Editor: Adrian Bridges Additional Production Supervision: Justin Sayles Theme Song: Bethany Cosentino Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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