Feedback with Ira Madison III

Ira Madison III

Feedback with Ira Madison III is a weekly pop culture digest with a fried, fast-moving tone. Known for his cultural criticism, sharp insights on mic, and his viral tweets, host Ira Madison III isn't afraid to tell you what he thinks– or to ask the same of his guests. Like an issue of your favorite magazine, each episode of Feedback features curated conversations between Ira and cultural tastemakers, discussing everything from pop culture to books to how the internet has fully rewired our relationship to fame, taste, and relevance. Ira is also regularly joined by a rotating cast of his friends to discuss the viral moments they can't stop thinking about and the topics that have been lighting up their group chats. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episodes

  1. 2 days ago ·  Video

    Is Fan Culture Breaking Bravo? with Gibson Johns

    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 Review 8:50 Gibson Johns Joins the Show 10:45 How Gibson Went From Bravo fan to Bravo Journalist 15:29 Critic or Interviewer? Where Gibson Fits In 21:50 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 Discourse 38:50 Franchise Identity & When a Show Becomes "About the Show" 44:41 Hulu's New Reality Shows 47:53 Threads Discourse Has Gone Feral 50:12 Ira's Apartment Fire Cameo on RHONY: In the City 52:27 Gibson's Coverage of the Osefo Drama 55:43 Caller: Kelly Bensimon & the Carl Radke Question 59:47 Ex-Housewives Spinoffs & Social Capital 1:04:39 The Men of Southern Charm 1:08:34 Caller: Who Is Rhode Island's Villain? 1:12:05 Rapid Fire: Bravo Superlatives 1:14:35 Lindsay Hubbard on Threads, Jules & Closing Bits Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Is Fan Culture Breaking Bravo? with Gibson Johns

  2. 6 Aug ·  Video

    Ciao Amore! You Are Not On the List with Connie Fleming and Lina Bradford

    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 – Intro 6:04 – Madonna's Club Confessions NYC 10:05 – Connie Fleming: Working NYC's Legendary Club Doors 14:21 – The Art of Curating the Perfect Nightlife Crowd 17:32 – Drug Culture in the Clubs 21:05 – Boy Bar, Drag, Fashion & NYC Performance Art 26:13 – Before TikTok: The Lost History of Club Documentarians 29:20 – Fighting for LGBTQ Rights Then—and Now 32:21 – When Queer Life Moved From the Dark to the Light 39:46 – Fire Island, Inclusion & Finding Community 47:42 – Listener Call: Biggest Misconceptions about Connie and Lina 53:52 – The Music That Still Moves Them 58:11 – Connie's First Night at Basement 1:00:54 – Are Phones Ruining the Club? 1:04:20 – Connie and Lina's Friendship Story 1:06:32 – 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.

    Ciao Amore! You Are Not On the List with Connie Fleming and Lina Bradford

  3. 30 Jul ·  Video

    Don’t Call Me Mar with Deidre Hall

    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 III 01:02 Becoming Marlena Evans and 50 Years on Days of Our Lives 05:17 Life as a Soap Actor 06:36 Working with Writers and Creating Iconic Storylines 09:11 Her Twin Sister's Unexpected Soap Opera Career 12:04 Soap Deaths, Fan Outrage and Bringing Characters Back 15:16 Favorite Storylines: Possession and The Salem Stalker 25:13 How Budget Cuts Changed Days of Our Lives 27:39 Celebrity Fans and Connecting with Viewers 31:18 Daytime TV's Legacy 34:16 Ensemble Storytelling, Favorite Castmates, and John and Marlena 40:12 Rivalries, Friendships, and Playing Marlena Today 43:09 Acting Advice and Guest Starring on Hacks 45:45 Future Crossovers, Dream Roles, and What's Next 47:11 Why Marlena Will Always Be "Doc" Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Don’t Call Me Mar with Deidre Hall

  4. 23 Jul ·  Video

    We Miss Magazines with Chrissy Rutherford & John Villa

    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 Hits 04:47 Summer Time Do's and Don'ts with Chrissy and John 10:07 Shein, 7 Jeans, and Every Brand in Between 16:57 Magazines vs. Influencers 22:25 Magazine Editors & Iconic Covers 31:44 Queer Fashion & Heated Rivalry 37:01 Press Tours, Timothée Chalamet & Celebrity Fashion 47:01 The Reality of Celebrity Styling 50:15 Influencer Culture vs. The Fashion Industry 59:04 FWD JOY, Newsletters & Building a Brand 01:02:46 Knicks Jerseys... It's Still That Deep 01:06:48 Carrie Bradshaw & Knowing Your References Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    We Miss Magazines with Chrissy Rutherford & John Villa

  5. 16 Jul ·  Video

    Natan Last: Who Has Time for Crosswords? (Not Joyce Carol Oates)

    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 Intro 04:39 Discovering Crossword Construction with Natan Last 06:52 Publishing a New York Times Crossword at Sixteen 12:20 How Crosswords Changed With Pop Culture 17:10 Editors, Constructors & Finding Your Voice 21:11 Ira Becoming a Crossword Clue 27:16 Writing for The New York Times vs. The New Yorker 30:04 Editorial Choices and the Politics of Clues 35:35 The Surprising History of the Crossword Craze 42:01 Building the Next Generation of Crossword Solvers 44:29 Learning From Will Shortz 48:24 AI, Authorship & the Future of Crosswords 53:21 Writing Longhand, Toni Morrison & Creative Process 58:42 Rap, Poetry & the Joy of Wordplay 1:02:21 Favorite Crossword Clues Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Natan Last: Who Has Time for Crosswords? (Not Joyce Carol Oates)

  6. 9 Jul ·  Video

    Anna Peele: Can You Make Love Island Without Destroying Lives?

    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 III 04:50 From Vanity Fair Feature to Writing 'Enter the Villa' 06:51 Ariana Madix, Producer Manipulation, and Islanders' Well-being 07:49 The Psychological Impact of Love Island 09:22 Racial Diversity Across Bravo's Reality Shows 12:20 Auditioning and Diverse Casting in the Villa 14:49 Love Island Fandom Backlash, Subreddits, and Online Discourse 17:54 Which Love Islander Would Anna Cast in 'Cats'? 21:11 PPG's Response to Anna’s Book 23:36 Dissecting Rob’s Gameplay on Love Island and Traitors 26:08 Real Housewives of Beverly Hills and the Future of Dorit Kemsley 30:16 Ira Was Blindsided on Fox’s Reality Competition, 'The Floor' 35:10 Reality Show Set Rules and Misconduct 40:48 The Changing Stakes of the Contemporary Celebrity Profile 41:47 Revisiting the Infamous 2015 Miles Teller Esquire Interview 44:02 Profiling Charli XCX and the Brat Era 51:11 Securing the Elusive Bianca Censori Interview 55:21 The Nostalgia and Identity of Classic Men's Magazines 01:02:22 Nancy Jo Sales’ Legendary Leonardo DiCaprio Profile 01:10:03 The Real Housewives Ultimate Girls Trip: Roaring 20th Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Anna Peele: Can You Make Love Island Without Destroying Lives?

  7. 2 Jul ·  Video

    Henrik Ibsen was a Gaggy Queen with Soraya McDonald and Juan Ramírez

    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 III 02:17 Critics Soraya McDonald and Juan Ramírez on Theater 03:38 Award Seasons, Broadway Revivals, and Artistic Merits 09:21 The Evolving Conversation Around Colorblind Casting 14:49 Identity, Representation, and the Commercial Stage 25:46 Stage-to-Screen Adaptations and Modern Audiences 28:42 Artistic Risks, Budget Constraints, and Regional Ecosystems 33:16 Classic Playwrights, Tennessee Williams, and Henrik Ibsen 37:57 The Public Theater’s Romeo and Juliet as Border-Crossed Lovers 44:48 Pink, Live Hosting and The Tony Awards  47:30 Jukebox Musicals, Missy Elliot, and Pop Music Icons 49:40 Vocal Mastery, Carmen Hip-hopera, and Historic Opera 53:41 Closing Reflections on Dream Revivals and Nightmare Revivals Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Henrik Ibsen was a Gaggy Queen with Soraya McDonald and Juan Ramírez

  8. 25 Jun ·  Video

    Audie Cornish: Is It a Good Interview or a Good Edit?

    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 III 03:53 Audie Cornish on Interviewing and Meaningful Conversations 08:12 What Makes a Great Culture Podcast? 15:36 Navigating Reddit, Bluesky, Threads, and Today’s Internet 21:08 Reality Television’s Influence on Modern Communication 28:42 Online Identity and the Rise of “Main Character” Culture 35:15 Journalism, Trust, and the Value of Thoughtful Reporting 44:18 Reading Habits, Books, and Discovering New Writers 50:27 Longform Writing, Attention Spans, and Media Consumption 56:17 The Social Reckoning, Tech Culture, and Modern Storytelling 01:02:45 Public Figures, Power, and Our Fascination with Tech Leaders 01:08:30 Closing Reflections on Curiosity, Media, and Better Conversations Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Audie Cornish: Is It a Good Interview or a Good Edit?

  9. 18 Jun ·  Video

    I Don't Idolize Greta Gerwig with Hunter Harris and Peyton Dix

    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 Bravo 07:31 Hunter Harris and Peyton Dix join the conversation 08:34 Summer House Discussion 14:55 Bandwagon Culture 20:36 Dissecting The Artist's Way 24:41 The New York Liberty Experience 28:22 West Wilson, Beta Blockers, and the appreciation for Kyle Cooke 40:05 Their podcast partnership with Higher Ground 45:31 Food in movie theaters and the smashburger agenda 48:12 Love Island USA Season 8 Discussion 55:45 July Leos vs August Leos Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    I Don't Idolize Greta Gerwig with Hunter Harris and Peyton Dix

  10. 18 Jun ·  Video

    Bring Back Gatekeeping with Jay Jurden

    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 III 01:18 Ira’s Summer Reading Recommendations 09:40 Jay Jurden Joins the Conversation 13:00 Discussing One Battle After Another and Movie Culture 20:32 Theo Von, Road Rules, and the Evolution of Reality TV 23:07 Internet Culture and the Incentives Behind Viral Opinions 24:41 Expertise, Commentary, and the Rise of Online Hot Takes 32:00 Comedy, Accountability, and Public Criticism 35:50 Audience Responsibility, the Role of the Comedian, and Dave Chappelle 40:15 Homophobia & Transphobia in Stand-Up Comedy 49:27 Comedy in the Age of YouTube and Podcasts 53:42 Conspiracy Culture, Modern Comedy, and Jack Harlow 57:23 Miley Cyrus and the Art of Reinvention 58:54 Podcasting Today: Theo Von, Andrew Schulz, and Media Influence 01:03:50 Closing Thoughts Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Bring Back Gatekeeping with Jay Jurden

  11. Season 1 Trailer ·  Video

    Introducing: Feedback with Ira Madison III

    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.

Trailer

About

Feedback with Ira Madison III is a weekly pop culture digest with a fried, fast-moving tone. Known for his cultural criticism, sharp insights on mic, and his viral tweets, host Ira Madison III isn't afraid to tell you what he thinks– or to ask the same of his guests. Like an issue of your favorite magazine, each episode of Feedback features curated conversations between Ira and cultural tastemakers, discussing everything from pop culture to books to how the internet has fully rewired our relationship to fame, taste, and relevance. Ira is also regularly joined by a rotating cast of his friends to discuss the viral moments they can't stop thinking about and the topics that have been lighting up their group chats. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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