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 J...
Nov 06, 2023•1 hr 18 min
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 his...
Oct 30, 2023•49 min
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,...
Oct 09, 2023•1 hr 15 min
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...
Oct 02, 2023•1 hr 6 min
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, mys...
Sep 18, 2023•45 min
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 ...
Sep 11, 2023•54 min
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 ~...
Sep 05, 2023•1 hr 6 min
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 FINDIN...
Aug 28, 2023•1 hr 8 min
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/ Vanderpu...
Aug 08, 2023•56 min
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...
Jul 24, 2023•52 min
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 ...
Jun 12, 2023•1 hr 13 min
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 ...
Jun 05, 2023•1 hr 2 min
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!
May 22, 2023•58 min
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 c...
May 01, 2023•56 min
Jess 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 American ...
Apr 17, 2023•1 hr
Jess 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...
Apr 03, 2023•46 min
Jess 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 ...
Mar 21, 2023•42 min
Jess 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 the ...
Mar 13, 2023•54 min
Jess 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 at Osc...
Feb 27, 2023•52 min
Jess 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. I...
Feb 20, 2023•57 min
Jess 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
Feb 06, 2023•37 min
Jess 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-produc...
Jan 30, 2023•1 hr 3 min
In 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 behind E...
Jan 19, 2023•58 min
Jess 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 ...
Jan 16, 2023•50 min
Jess 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...
Jan 09, 2023•50 min
Jess 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: @jessxnyc...
Jan 02, 2023•52 min
Jess 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 CELIN...
Dec 22, 2022•1 hr 1 min
Jess is joined by The Real World Seattle's IRENE MCGEE, infamous for the season which she battled Lyme disease and was slapped in the face by cast member Stephen Williams. Irene discusses cast member David Burns' relationship with the show's casting director Kira and everything surrounding Stephen chucking her childhood teddy bear in the cold Seattle water, calling him a "homosexual" and Stephen slapping her across the face. Plus, Irene's reaction to Stephen's eventual coming out and arrest, the...
Dec 12, 2022•59 min
Jess is joined by Flipping Out interior designer Megan Weaver! Megan chats about her fateful meet-cute with Jeff Lewis in a restaurant bathroom which led to filming 7 seasons of Bravo's Flipping Out and her current gig as co-host on RadioAndy SiriusXM’s Jeff Lewis Live. We discuss her experience on Teddi Mellencamp’s "All In" weight loss program, working on Lala Kent & Randall Emmett’s house and Jeff’s falling out with Jenni Poulos. Megan also discusses her former career as a production assi...
Dec 05, 2022•46 min
Wow Bethenny, Wow. Jess is joined by Ryan Bailey, (So Bad It’s Good), for an epic deep dive on Bethenny Ever After (avail on Peacock). We review episodes including Bethenny’s 40th Birthday Breakdown, Lost at Sea with Dr. Amador and the series finale. Plus, observations of her #2 Julie, food blogger Nick & try to psychoanalyze what exactly was going on with Jason Hoppy behind the scenes. [39:00] THEN, Jess welcomes Dr. Amador, Bethenny Frankel’s therapist on her spinoffs + RHONY season 7. We ...
Nov 21, 2022•1 hr 11 min
