Feedback with Ira Madison III

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  We Had No House Seats Left for Hugh Jackman with Playwright Max Wolf Friedlich 10.09.2026 1t 15min

  This week on Feedback, Ira sits down with playwright Max Wolf Friedlich, whose Broadway hit "Job" went from a scrappy sleeper to a show so in-demand that Hugh Jackman could barely get a ticket. Max opens up about the realities of creating a Broadway banger, what it's been like following up with his new play "The Holes", and the unlikely origin of his theater career — a LARPing summer camp at age nine. Plus, a little on looksmaxxing, slam poetry, and creating social cachet in supporting art.0:00 Rachel Cusk's Life of M & the Natalie Portman Rumors2:52 Introducing Max Friedlich & His New Play The Holes6:16 How Job Became a Viral Broadway Sensation9:10 Max's Early Social Media Career12:24 NYC Celebrity Theater Culture and Writer Anonymity16:59 The Origin of The Holes: LARPing Camp & an 8th-Grade Assignment24:14 Max Relives His Slam Poetry Days28:49 Avoiding a "Job" Sequel: Controversy, Honesty & the Mental Toll of Broadway33:32 Tech Bros and Social Cachet in Supporting the Arts40:24 What Theater Teaches Men46:29 Celebrity Scandal Nostalgia, NYC Food & Comfort Movies52:08 Indie Film & Theater Influences: Jane Schoenbrun, Passing Strange & The Seafarer58:46 Screens on Stage, Fan Encounters & Quitting Social Media1:07:08 Internet Outrage, Dolly Parton & Looksmaxing Culture1:14:18 Robert Pattinson Producing The Holes Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  Why Does Dr. Meredith Grey Have a Podcast? with Phoebe Robinson 03.09.2026 1t 9min

  Phoebe Robinson is here, and she has thoughts! She joins Ira for a conversation about pop culture, comedy, and saying exactly what you think. They get into Phoebe’s viral wig rants, the strange state of celebrity podcasts, and why she wants people to stop treating pop culture commentary like the news. They also discuss Phoebe's return to stand-up, and what it really means to be in your "Rich Auntie" era.Buy tickets to Phoebe's Feral and Fired Up! Tour: https://www.phoeberobinson.com/00:00 Ira Talks About Dolly Parton02:48 Phoebe Robinson’s New Book, “Rich Auntie”05:37 Friendship, Boundaries, and Getting Older06:53 Writing Books and Finding Her Voice13:27 The Evolution of Podcasting Since “2 Dope Queens”18:01 Phoebe’s “Wig Rants” and Sharing Opinions Online24:00 Why She Doesn’t Have an Opinion on Everything28:06 Creating Her Own Opportunities31:44 The Responsibility of Comedy37:49 Creating Tiny Reparations Books41:07 Advice for Becoming a Better Writer46:36 Giving Artists More Time to Create48:30 Pop Culture, “The Valley,” and What She’s Watching52:26 Problematic Celebrity Crushes54:00 The Worst Things She’s Spent Money On55:45 Books, London, and Lady Gaga57:28 Why Men Should Read More Fiction01:01:13 Do People Actually Read the Books They Post Online?01:04:14 Book Covers and “You Can’t Touch My Hair”01:05:19 Phoebe’s Dream Podcast Guest Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  I'm Not Writing Self-Defensive Fiction with Angela Flournoy 27.08.2026 1t 11min

  This week, Ira is joined by bestselling author Angela Flournoy for a conversation about writing, reading, and trusting your audience. Together, they discuss Angela’s writing group back in LA, the joy (and frustration) of Goodreads, why some books teach you how to read them, and the delicate balance between guiding readers and letting them figure things out for themselves. Plus, Angela explains why she's actually pro-feedback — and why every writer should resist the urge to Google themselves.00:00 Intro: Ira’s Reading Habits and Tips from Well-Read New Yorkers02:35 Angela Flournoy and The Wilderness08:15 Writing a Novel Over Ten Years10:57 Life as a Writer18:16 Writing for the Page, Not the Screen23:27 Toni Morrison and Teaching Readers How to Read31:02 Writing Routines and the Pomodoro Method37:50 Books, Prizes, and the Writing Life43:52 Knowing When It's Time for a New Book49:13 The Novel, Short Stories, and The Wilderness52:59 Ghosts, Grief, and Loss54:40 Friendship and Making New Friends59:42 What Fiction Reveals About the Writer1:02:15 Classic Books and Reading in 20261:05:55 Teaching Writing and MFA Programs1:10:00 Goodreads, Reviews, and Feedback Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  The Incel-ification of the Internet with Josh Lora 20.08.2026 1t 10min

  This week, Ira sits down with writer, cultural critic, and TikTok commentator Josh Lora (@tellthebeees) to unpack the cultural forces shaping what we watch, read, and obsess over online. They get into Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey, the internet’s growing fixation on masculinity, and why TikTok has turned beauty, loneliness, and dating into a warped competition. Along the way, they debate the state of BookTok, the death of counterculture, and whether reality TV needs a little more mess. Plus, Josh explains the Harry Jowsey lore and why you absolutely do not need to watch Let’s Marry Harry.00:00 Ira Madison III Introduces the Episode04:21 Josh Lora Joins Ira: Christopher Nolan & The Odyssey07:40 The Odyssey, Identity & Representation12:05 Christopher Nolan’s Fascination With Masculinity20:45 Masculinity, Guilt & the “Great Man”24:29 Interstellar, Spider-Man & Male Loneliness32:29 TikTok, Beauty Standards & Online Culture41:09 Daria, Punk & the Death of Counterculture46:55 Celebrity Fandom & the Rise of Stan Culture52:58 BookTok, Reading Culture & DNFing Books56:06 Why Internet Culture Is Getting Darker01:06:41 Reality TV, Netflix & the Death of the Reality Star Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  Is Fan Culture Breaking Bravo? with Gibson Johns 13.08.2026 1t 17min

  This week, Ira sits down with entertainment journalist and Bravo expert Gibson Johns to unpack how covering The Real Housewives and the broader Bravo world evolved from a guilty pleasure to a full-blown media ecosystem. They get into the blurry line between commentator and fan, the Bravo fan impact, and whether reality stars are performing for podcasts and social media as much as they are for the cameras. Along the way, they revisit unforgettable Housewives moments, recall a silly BravoCon confrontation, and hear why Gibson is all in on Love Thy Naders. 0:00 Nene Leakes Is Back: Ultimate Girls Trip: Roaring 20th Review8:50 Gibson Johns Joins the Show10:45 How Gibson Went From Bravo fan to Bravo Journalist 15:29 Critic or Interviewer? Where Gibson Fits In21:50 Andy Cohen's Soft Spots + Caller on Janet & Jason 28:09 Fan Hypocrisy & Has Feedback Gotten Too Powerful?33:23 Constructive Criticism & Performing for the Discourse38:50 Franchise Identity & When a Show Becomes "About the Show"44:41 Hulu's New Reality Shows47:53 Threads Discourse Has Gone Feral50:12 Ira's Apartment Fire Cameo on RHONY: In the City52:27 Gibson's Coverage of the Osefo Drama55:43 Caller: Kelly Bensimon & the Carl Radke Question59:47 Ex-Housewives Spinoffs & Social Capital1:04:39 The Men of Southern Charm1:08:34 Caller: Who Is Rhode Island's Villain?1:12:05 Rapid Fire: Bravo Superlatives1:14:35 Lindsay Hubbard on Threads, Jules & Closing Bits Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  Ciao Amore! You Are Not On the List with Connie Fleming and Lina Bradford 06.08.2026 1t 21min

  New York nightlife isn't dead—you just haven't talked to Connie Fleming and Lina Bradford. The nightlife legends join Ira to swap stories about Madonna's Club Confessions, the golden age of MTV, drag's evolution into performance art, Fire Island, club etiquette, and the music that keeps the dance floor alive. Plus, they settle some nightlife debates—including the right time to leave the afters.0:00 – Intro6:04 – Madonna's Club Confessions NYC10:05 – Connie Fleming: Working NYC's Legendary Club Doors14:21 – The Art of Curating the Perfect Nightlife Crowd17:32 – Drug Culture in the Clubs21:05 – Boy Bar, Drag, Fashion & NYC Performance Art26:13 – Before TikTok: The Lost History of Club Documentarians29:20 – Fighting for LGBTQ Rights Then—and Now32:21 – When Queer Life Moved From the Dark to the Light39:46 – Fire Island, Inclusion & Finding Community47:42 – Listener Call: Biggest Misconceptions about Connie and Lina53:52 – The Music That Still Moves Them58:11 – Connie's First Night at Basement1:00:54 – Are Phones Ruining the Club?1:04:20 – Connie and Lina's Friendship Story1:06:32 – Social Anxiety & Club Etiquette 1:10:13 – Listener Call: When Should You Leave the Afters? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  Don’t Call Me Mar with Deidre Hall 30.07.2026 50min

  As a birthday treat to himself, Ira lands one of his dream interviews: A conversation with the iconic Deidre Hall, longtime star of Days of Our Lives. In celebration of 50 years since beginning her tenure as Days’ Dr. Marlena Evans, Deidre digs into all things daytime television, from her many on-screen deaths and revivals, her turn on Hacks, to everything you ever needed to know about finding your best lighting in every photo. Plus, Ira stuns Deidre with his seemingly unending recall for Days’ multitude of plot lines.00:00 Welcome to Feedback with Ira Madison III01:02 Becoming Marlena Evans and 50 Years on Days of Our Lives05:17 Life as a Soap Actor06:36 Working with Writers and Creating Iconic Storylines09:11 Her Twin Sister's Unexpected Soap Opera Career12:04 Soap Deaths, Fan Outrage and Bringing Characters Back15:16 Favorite Storylines: Possession and The Salem Stalker25:13 How Budget Cuts Changed Days of Our Lives27:39 Celebrity Fans and Connecting with Viewers31:18 Daytime TV's Legacy34:16 Ensemble Storytelling, Favorite Castmates, and John and Marlena40:12 Rivalries, Friendships, and Playing Marlena Today43:09 Acting Advice and Guest Starring on Hacks45:45 Future Crossovers, Dream Roles, and What's Next47:11 Why Marlena Will Always Be "Doc" Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  We Miss Magazines with Chrissy Rutherford & John Villa 23.07.2026 1t 10min

  This week on Feedback, Ira sits down with former Harper's Bazaar editor Chrissy Rutherford and fashion commentator John Villa to break down what's happening in the fashion streets. From the magazine covers that still make them stop and buy to why celebrity style feels increasingly uninspired, they unpack the trends, tastemakers, and internet personalities shaping fashion today. Plus, they get into Timothée Chalamet, newsletters, Sex and the City, and why, if you want to make it in fashion, you have to go outside.00:00 The Odyssey and Nolan's Greatest Hits04:47 Summer Time Do's and Don'ts with Chrissy and John10:07 Shein, 7 Jeans, and Every Brand in Between16:57 Magazines vs. Influencers22:25 Magazine Editors & Iconic Covers31:44 Queer Fashion & Heated Rivalry37:01 Press Tours, Timothée Chalamet & Celebrity Fashion47:01 The Reality of Celebrity Styling50:15 Influencer Culture vs. The Fashion Industry59:04 FWD JOY, Newsletters & Building a Brand01:02:46 Knicks Jerseys... It's Still That Deep01:06:48 Carrie Bradshaw & Knowing Your References Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  Natan Last: Who Has Time for Crosswords? (Not Joyce Carol Oates) 16.07.2026 1t 6min

  Crossword constructor Natan Last joins Ira for a conversation about taste, culture, and the surprising power of play. They discuss how crossword puzzles shape the cultural canon, why every clue has a point of view, and what it means to create work that reflects your own voice. Natan also revisits the moment he made Ira a clue in The New York Times crossword. Plus, they get into AI, the COVID game boom, and why making a crossword is a lot like creating the perfect mixtape.00:00 Intro04:39 Discovering Crossword Construction with Natan Last06:52 Publishing a New York Times Crossword at Sixteen12:20 How Crosswords Changed With Pop Culture17:10 Editors, Constructors & Finding Your Voice21:11 Ira Becoming a Crossword Clue27:16 Writing for The New York Times vs. The New Yorker30:04 Editorial Choices and the Politics of Clues35:35 The Surprising History of the Crossword Craze42:01 Building the Next Generation of Crossword Solvers44:29 Learning From Will Shortz48:24 AI, Authorship & the Future of Crosswords53:21 Writing Longhand, Toni Morrison & Creative Process58:42 Rap, Poetry & the Joy of Wordplay1:02:21 Favorite Crossword Clues Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  Anna Peele: Can You Make Love Island Without Destroying Lives? 09.07.2026 1t 10min

  This week on Feedback, Ira sits down with Vanity Fair contributing editor and author Anna Peele to unpack her new book, Enter the Villa, and dissect the cultural phenomenon of Love Island. Together, they break down the show's psychological impact and question if a show this consuming can be made without destroying its stars' lives. They also discuss the art of the celebrity profile, including Anna's infamous 2015 Miles Teller interview that terrified a generation of publicists.00:00 Welcome to Feedback with Ira Madison III04:50 From Vanity Fair Feature to Writing 'Enter the Villa'06:51 Ariana Madix, Producer Manipulation, and Islanders' Well-being07:49 The Psychological Impact of Love Island09:22 Racial Diversity Across Bravo's Reality Shows12:20 Auditioning and Diverse Casting in the Villa14:49 Love Island Fandom Backlash, Subreddits, and Online Discourse17:54 Which Love Islander Would Anna Cast in 'Cats'?21:11 PPG's Response to Anna’s Book23:36 Dissecting Rob’s Gameplay on Love Island and Traitors26:08 Real Housewives of Beverly Hills and the Future of Dorit Kemsley30:16 Ira Was Blindsided on Fox’s Reality Competition, 'The Floor'35:10 Reality Show Set Rules and Misconduct40:48 The Changing Stakes of the Contemporary Celebrity Profile41:47 Revisiting the Infamous 2015 Miles Teller Esquire Interview44:02 Profiling Charli XCX and the Brat Era51:11 Securing the Elusive Bianca Censori Interview55:21 The Nostalgia and Identity of Classic Men's Magazines01:02:22 Nancy Jo Sales’ Legendary Leonardo DiCaprio Profile01:10:03 The Real Housewives Ultimate Girls Trip: Roaring 20th Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  Henrik Ibsen was a Gaggy Queen with Soraya McDonald and Juan Ramírez 02.07.2026 56min

  This week, Ira is joined by theatre-obsessed culture critics Soraya McDonald and Juan Ramírez for a post-mortem conversation about the Tonys and the recently concluded theatre season in New York. Juan is the Chief Critic at Theatrely and Soraya was a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize in Criticism. The three share some bourbon and pull back the curtain on everything Broadway and Off-Broadway. They discuss what makes colorblind casting work (and when it falls flat) and why Henrik Ibsen was a gaggy queen. Pour yourself a drink before you watch this recap… and get ready to be gagged a few times.00:00 Welcome to Feedback with Ira Madison III02:17 Critics Soraya McDonald and Juan Ramírez on Theater03:38 Award Seasons, Broadway Revivals, and Artistic Merits09:21 The Evolving Conversation Around Colorblind Casting14:49 Identity, Representation, and the Commercial Stage25:46 Stage-to-Screen Adaptations and Modern Audiences28:42 Artistic Risks, Budget Constraints, and Regional Ecosystems33:16 Classic Playwrights, Tennessee Williams, and Henrik Ibsen37:57 The Public Theater’s Romeo and Juliet as Border-Crossed Lovers44:48 Pink, Live Hosting and The Tony Awards 47:30 Jukebox Musicals, Missy Elliot, and Pop Music Icons49:40 Vocal Mastery, Carmen Hip-hopera, and Historic Opera53:41 Closing Reflections on Dream Revivals and Nightmare Revivals Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  Audie Cornish: Is It a Good Interview or a Good Edit? 25.06.2026 1t 11min

  This week on Feedback, Ira sits down with journalist, Engagement Party co-host, and NPR icon Audie Cornish for a conversation about interviewing, internet culture, and what makes a great conversation actually work. Together, they unpack the ingredients of a successful culture podcast, the ever-changing social media landscape (from Reddit to Bluesky to Threads), the evolution of the Heated Rivalry fandom, and the ways reality TV has reshaped how we communicate. Plus, Audie shares why asking the right questions is an art in and of itself.00:00 Welcome to Feedback with Ira Madison III03:53 Audie Cornish on Interviewing and Meaningful Conversations08:12 What Makes a Great Culture Podcast?15:36 Navigating Reddit, Bluesky, Threads, and Today’s Internet21:08 Reality Television’s Influence on Modern Communication28:42 Online Identity and the Rise of “Main Character” Culture35:15 Journalism, Trust, and the Value of Thoughtful Reporting44:18 Reading Habits, Books, and Discovering New Writers50:27 Longform Writing, Attention Spans, and Media Consumption56:17 The Social Reckoning, Tech Culture, and Modern Storytelling01:02:45 Public Figures, Power, and Our Fascination with Tech Leaders01:08:30 Closing Reflections on Curiosity, Media, and Better Conversations Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  I Don't Idolize Greta Gerwig with Hunter Harris and Peyton Dix 18.06.2026 1t 1min

  Hunter Harris and Peyton Dix join Ira for a conversation straight from their group chat. In just one episode, they cover Summer House, Love Island, bandwagon culture, self-improvement books, movie theater snacks, the surreal experience of moving their podcast to Higher Ground Audio, and, in the process, becoming Michelle Obama's newest nieces. Plus, as always, plenty of extremely online opinions.01:45 The Connection Between The Knicks and Bravo07:31 Hunter Harris and Peyton Dix join the conversation08:34 Summer House Discussion14:55 Bandwagon Culture20:36 Dissecting The Artist's Way24:41 The New York Liberty Experience28:22 West Wilson, Beta Blockers, and the appreciation for Kyle Cooke40:05 Their podcast partnership with Higher Ground45:31 Food in movie theaters and the smashburger agenda48:12 Love Island USA Season 8 Discussion55:45 July Leos vs August Leos Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  Bring Back Gatekeeping with Jay Jurden 18.06.2026 1t 5min

  In the very first episode of Feedback, Ira Madison III is joined by comedian, actor, writer, and friend Jay Jurden. Together, they dig into the current world of comedy, how conspiracy theories spread over the internet, and the surprising reason Jay loves West Village girlies (not including you, West Wilson and Amanda Batula). And of course, they're getting into the Summer House of it all. We're so back!00:00 Welcome to Feedback with Ira Madison III01:18 Ira’s Summer Reading Recommendations09:40 Jay Jurden Joins the Conversation13:00 Discussing One Battle After Another and Movie Culture20:32 Theo Von, Road Rules, and the Evolution of Reality TV23:07 Internet Culture and the Incentives Behind Viral Opinions24:41 Expertise, Commentary, and the Rise of Online Hot Takes32:00 Comedy, Accountability, and Public Criticism35:50 Audience Responsibility, the Role of the Comedian, and Dave Chappelle40:15 Homophobia & Transphobia in Stand-Up Comedy49:27 Comedy in the Age of YouTube and Podcasts53:42 Conspiracy Culture, Modern Comedy, and Jack Harlow57:23 Miley Cyrus and the Art of Reinvention58:54 Podcasting Today: Theo Von, Andrew Schulz, and Media Influence01:03:50 Closing Thoughts Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  Introducing: Feedback with Ira Madison III 04.06.2026

  After a year off, Ira is back on the mic. Feedback with Ira Madison III is a weekly pop culture digest unpacking the stories, internet obsessions, and debates lighting up your group chats. Joined by friends and cultural tastemakers, Ira dives into entertainment, politics, media, and the increasingly online world that's reshaping how we think, argue, and stay relevant. New episodes every Thursday. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.