Don’s got shaving cream in the mirror, Megan’s got a mop and a plan, and Lane Pryce is one wallet away from going full American Psycho. It’s A Little Kiss Part 2! And on this episode of Mad Men Men, Jon Negroni, Will Ashton, and Mike Overhulse are breaking down the second half of Mad Men’s bold, chaotic, and deeply handsy Season 5 premiere. This episode also covers the real-world 1960s context behind the show’s uneasy depiction of civil rights “progress.” Plus some surprising behind-the-scenes t...
Apr 10, 2025•52 min•Season 5Ep. 2
It’s season five, baby! And we’re back with A Little Kiss Part 1 , the two-part premiere that gave us a Zubi Zubi Zoom into Don Draper’s new life. And all the weird vibes that come with it. On this episode of Mad Men Men , Jon Negroni, Will Ashton, and Mike Overhulse reunite to talk about Megan’s infamous birthday serenade, why Pete Campbell continues to be the show’s most interesting character, and what Joan’s mom and a certain baby’s butt have in common. Oh, and the introduction of the most le...
Mar 18, 2025•54 min•Season 5Ep. 1
Why put off today when we can podcast about Tomorrowland? That's right, in the Season 4 finale of Mad Men (titled "Tomorrowland"), Don Draper faces a turning point both personally and professionally. Big surprise. As Sterling Cooper Draper Pryce struggles to secure its future, Don takes a bold step by taking his secretary Megan to a family trip to California. Meanwhile, Peggy tries to land a much-needed account, Joan grapples with unexpected news about her personal situation, and the Mad Men Men...
Dec 03, 2024•1 hr•Season 4Ep. 13
We're not known for blowing smoke on Mad Men Men, but I guess we can make an exception for this penultimate episode of the season! That's right, we're back to discuss Season 4, Episode 12, titled "Blowing Smoke." Which finds the old gang at Sterling Cooper Draper Pryce scrambling in the fog of losing Lucky Strike. As usual, we recap the episode, give our analysis, and reference the director/writer/actors’ commentaries as well as Mad Men Carousel by Matt Zoller Seitz. In case this is your first t...
Oct 09, 2024•59 min•Season 4Ep. 12
The Chinese Walls are coming down for Sterling Cooper Draper Pryce this week as we dig into Season 4, Episode 11. That's right, Mad Men Men is back for another dive into how Don Draper is the absolute worst at balancing professional and personal relationships, plus how desperation truly drives all of us. As usual, we recap the episode, give our analysis, and reference the director/writer/actors’ commentaries as well as Mad Men Carousel by Matt Zoller Seitz. In case this is your first time diggin...
Sep 03, 2024•52 min•Season 4Ep. 11
Fittingly enough, we're on our hands and knees begging you to give Mad Men Men a chance. Just don't hit us over the head for it. That's right, this week we're talking about Season 4 Episode 10 of Mad Men , titled "Hands and Knees." As usual, we recap the episode, give our analysis, and reference the director/writer/actors' commentaries as well as Mad Men Carousel by Matt Zoller Seitz. In case this is your first time digging into our podcast, we recap Mad Men from the perspective of a first-time ...
Aug 27, 2024•1 hr•Season 4Ep. 10
We're podcasters, not astronauts, so give us some slack if we don't shoot for new heights with "The Beautiful Girls." A Mad Men episode with ample hijinks and comedy mixed with dramatic workplace sexism and Don Draper constantly disappointing the women in his life. Because, well, this is Mad Men . And the Mad Men "Men" never know what's going on... In case this is your first time digging into our podcast, we recap Mad Men from the perspective of a first-time watcher, someone who only watched the...
Aug 13, 2024•58 min•Season 4Ep. 9
A thing like that, we managed to get to "The Summer Man" before the end of the summer. That's right, this week we dig into the eight episode of the fourth season of Mad Men , in which Peggy is on "fire" and Don faces his toughest nemesis yet: sobriety. In case this is your first time digging into our podcast, we recap Mad Men from the perspective of a first-time watcher, someone who only watched the show once while it was airing, and a superfan who watches excessively instead of having a functio...
Aug 06, 2024•54 min•Season 4Ep. 8
Want us to talk about "The Suitcase," widely considered one of the greatest episodes of any television show ever? Well, that's what the podcast is for! That's right, this week we dig into the seventh episode of the fourth season of Mad Men . And listeners, it's a knockout. In case this is your first time digging into our podcast, we recap Mad Men from the perspective of a first-time watcher, someone who only watched the show once while it was airing, and a superfan who watches excessively instea...
Jul 25, 2024•1 hr 1 min•Season 4Ep. 7
Many have said that Mad Men Men is the cure for the common podcast. That's right, this week we discuss and analyze 'Waldorf Stories,' the sixth episode of the fourth season of Mad Men . And we're planning on going on a bender even if we don't win an award for this. In case this is your first time digging into our podcast, we recap Mad Men from the perspective of a first-time watcher, someone who only watched the show once while it was airing, and a superfan who watches excessively instead of hav...
Jul 15, 2024•57 min•Season 4Ep. 6
It's ok Don, Mad Men Men doesn't have a budget for a commercial, either. That's right, this week we're getting into 'The Chrysanthemum and the Sword,' the fifth episode of Season 4. And we don't need a "gift" from you the listeners, as you just being our listeners is plenty gift enough. Just don't invite us to any sleepovers anytime soon. In case this is your first time digging into our podcast, we recap Mad Men from the perspective of a first-time watcher, someone who only watched the show once...
Jul 08, 2024•1 hr 4 min•Season 4Ep. 5
We at Mad Men Men know a little something about being the rejected podcast. That's right, we're talking about Season 4 Episode 4 this week, directed by the one and only John Slattery A.K.A. Roger Sterling! If you have any criticisms, be sure to write half a sentence on your typewriter and then throw the paper out. In case this is your first time digging into our podcast, we recap Mad Men from the perspective of a first-time watcher, someone who only watched the show once while it was airing, and...
Jul 01, 2024•51 min•Season 4Ep. 4
This week on Mad Men Men , we venture back out to sunny Los Angeles to visit our old friend Anna Draper and get some decidedly NOT good news to ring in the new year. But at least Don gets to stay in his Lane. In case this is your first time digging into our podcast, we recap Mad Men from the perspective of a first-time watcher, someone who only watched the show once while it was airing, and a superfan who watches excessively instead of having a functional social life. Discussion Points: Why do s...
Jun 24, 2024•57 min•Season 4Ep. 3
This week on Mad Men Men , it’s Christmas in June as we discuss “Christmas Comes But Once a Year,” the second episode of Season 4. In case this is your first time digging into our podcast, we recap Mad Men from the perspective of a first-time watcher, someone who only watched the show once while it was airing, and a superfan who watches excessively instead of having a functional social life. Discussion Points: What makes this an uncomfortable holiday episode? What do the Draper kids really think...
Jun 17, 2024•1 hr 5 min•Season 4Ep. 2
This week on Mad Men Men , we kick off Season 4 with “Public Relations,” which is pretty much a pilot type of episode smack dab in the middle of the whole series. In case this is your first time digging into our podcast, we recap Mad Men from the perspective of a first-time watcher, someone who only watched the show once while it was airing, and a superfan who watches excessively instead of having a functional social life. Discussion Points: How is “Public Relations” like a pilot of its own? Doe...
Jun 10, 2024•1 hr 13 min•Season 4Ep. 1
Special guest Jeff Swystun, an actual Madison Avenue advertising veteran, joins us to discuss the Season 3 finale of Mad Men ! Often praised as one of the best episodes of the entire series, we're far from closing the door on new tidbits, trivia, and ideas to unpack in this exciting season closer. Discussion Points: How characters in Mad Men balance their personal and professional challenges, particularly in this episode. Why do Don and Roger choose Pete over Ken? The role of father and mother f...
Jun 03, 2024•1 hr 22 min•Season 3Ep. 13
Turn off the TV and listen up! We're back for another episode of Mad Men , this time unpacking "The Grown-Ups," the penultimate episode of Season 3. SHOW NOTES 00:00 – Introduction 03:27 – The JFK Assassination 08:59 – The Grown-Ups as a title 11:00 – Characters Regressing and Pete's anxiety 17:46 – The Loss of Innocence 22:23 – Peggy's Roommate 24:41 – TV and the JFK Assassination 30:02 – Editing and Dreamlike Quality 32:14 – Darkly Funny Moments 35:31 – The Arc of Don and Betty and the State o...
Jan 23, 2024•1 hr 2 min•Season 3Ep. 12
Hey there, we haven't seen you in a while! Our fault for running off to take over our father's dog food company. Oh? You want to show us something in our office? You sure look pretty serious. Well, hopefully it's to talk about Season 3 Episode 11 of Mad Men , titled "The Gypsy and the Hobo." We can explain. Just wait in the car, we'll be right back. Promise. In case this is your first time digging into Mad Men Men, our humble little baby podcast recaps Mad Men from the perspective of someone who...
Jan 15, 2024•46 min•Season 3Ep. 11
Goodness, we're starting to take this podcast so personally. That's right, it's time for another episode of the Mad Men Men podcast, and this week we're folding laundry and uncovering some secrets behind Don Draper's talent for leaving a room. And you know what they say. You can't frame a podcast. In case this is your first time digging into Mad Men Men, our humble little baby podcast recaps Mad Men from the perspective of someone who hasn’t really watched the show, someone who went through it o...
Nov 28, 2023•51 min•Season 3Ep. 10
Last week, we paid tribute to Sal Romano's final appearance on Mad Men , so this week we had on Bryan Batt, the actor who plays Sal to talk about all things Mad Men ! The best part might be the fact that Will had no idea Bryan was going to be on the show going in, so you get to hear his actual reaction to suddenly seeing Sal himself in the recording studio. Bryan answered all of our questions, even the silly ones, including his head canon for what Sal might've done in the universe of the show af...
Nov 21, 2023•52 min•Season 3Ep. 9
When we say we want to watch Mad Men on the moon, we mean it. That's right, it's time for another episode of the Mad Men Men podcast and this week we're saying goodbye to our good friend Salvatore Romano (Bryan Batt) and saying good early morning to the new jogger in Don's life. Here's hoping she has some endurance. In case this is your first time digging into Mad Men Men, our humble little baby podcast recaps Mad Men from the perspective of someone who hasn’t watched the show before, someone wh...
Nov 13, 2023•51 min•Season 3Ep. 9
And people say podcasts aren't friendly! We're back this week but just for one night as we discuss yet another episode of Mad Men , this time recapping "Souvenir." That's right, we're already at Episode 8 of Season 3, and by golly, we are an indecently lucky podcast. In case this is your first time digging into Mad Men Men, our humble little baby podcast recaps Mad Men from the perspective of someone who hasn’t really watched the show, someone who went through it once a long time ago, and a supe...
Nov 07, 2023•1 hr 1 min•Season 3Ep. 8
We had some wandering eyes this week, which brings us to yet another recap of a Mad Men episode, this time covering "Seven Twenty Three." We're now at Episode 7 of Season 3, and you might want to Duck for cover. Peggy sure did! In case this is your first time digging into Mad Men Men, our humble little baby podcast recaps Mad Men from the perspective of someone who hasn’t really watched the show, someone who went through it once a long time ago, and a superfan who watches excessively it instead ...
Oct 31, 2023•51 min•Season 3Ep. 7
We're just three guys walking into an advertising show, all of us hoping to keep our feet intact. That's right, we're back to discuss and recap Episode 6 of Season 3 of Mad Men , titled "Guy Walks Into an Advertising Agency." Should we plan to mow down the competition when it comes to other Mad Men podcasts? In case this is your first time digging into Mad Men Men, our humble little baby podcast recaps Mad Men from the perspective of someone who hasn’t really watched the show, someone who went t...
Oct 17, 2023•1 hr 2 min•Season 3Ep. 6
This podcast was recorded during the 2023 WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes . Without the labor of the writers and actors currently on strike, the TV show being covered here wouldn’t exist. We're in the waiting room with a special guest this week! That's right, we invited Mad Men aficionado Ben Crew to talk with us about Episode 5 of Season 3 of Mad Men , titled "The Fog." Put another way, what if...this is our time? (To podcast). In case this is your first time digging into Mad Men Men, our humble litt...
Aug 29, 2023•1 hr 4 min•Season 3Ep. 5
Sorry we're late with this episode, we were out picking up peaches and smelling the oranges. That's right, this week we're discussing Episode 4 of Season 3 of Mad Men , titled "The Arrangements." As we point out, this is a big episode for characters with "Sal" in their name, and if you happen to coincidentally be a massive Jai Alai fan. Actually, you might not be too happy about how this episode plays out in that case. We also do a big send-up for one Gene Hofstadt, portrayed by Ryan Cutrona. We...
Aug 01, 2023•49 min•Season 3Ep. 4
We'll give you five dollars if you listen to the latest episode of the Mad Men Men podcast. The only catch, though, is we're going to immediately steal it back. That's right, this week we're discussing Episode 3 of Season 3 of Mad Men , titled "My Old Kentucky Home." An episode so spicy, it gets a disclaimer at the beginning if you're watching the digital version. The workers of Sterling Cooper are attending a garden party with some questionable entertainment choices. Young Sally's crime spree c...
Jul 11, 2023•54 min•Season 3Ep. 3
We don't like what we've been saying lately, so we're changing the conversation. That's right, we're back this week to discuss Episode 2 of Season 3 of Mad Men , titled "Love Among the Ruins." This is an episode all about replacing the old with the new, whether it's the sound of Ann Margaret's voice selling you Diet Pepsi or Peggy doing something new. Having sex! Well, almost. Elsewhere in the Mad Men universe, we see Don going toe-to-toe with one of his oldest rivals, Betty's father Gene. But h...
Jun 27, 2023•59 min•Season 3Ep. 2
Hurry up and finish heating up your milk and processing your daddy issues like you're in a play, it's time to talk about Mad Men again! That's right, we're back this week to kick of Season 3 of Mad Men with "Out of Town," and boy do we get to see a couple old boys hanging out, out of town. It's a big Sal and Don episode is what we're saying, but wait, there's more. Pete Campbell and Ken Cosgrove butt heads over becoming head of accounts. Sally takes up a new profession that has her pregnant moth...
Jun 13, 2023•1 hr 4 min•Season 3Ep. 1
The world didn't end on Monday, so we can talk! That's right, we're back this week to discuss the return of the Draper. We're recapping Episode 13 of Season 2 of Mad Men , titled "Meditations in an Emergency," though the real emergency is our recording schedule. This is the season finale, of course, so we have plenty of reflections upon Mad Men 's sophomore chunk of episodes, which takes plenty of bold swings, but how does it truly stack up to Season 1? We're meeting with the people who bought u...
May 30, 2023•57 min•Season 2Ep. 13
