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The Irreverent U2 Podcast: Kissing Lips and Breaking Hearts with the Garden Tarts

U2 Fans Hillary and Jenny, aka The Garden Tarts
  • 5.0 (27)
  • Music Commentary
  • Updated Weekly

If you love U2's music but want a fun, irreverent take beyond the stats and collectables, this podcast is for you. A podcast for U2 fans, casual and die-hard alike, we are two best friends discussing what we love the most: U2 and the ridiculous adventures we've had together over three decades of friendship. In a fan world full of collectibles, statistics and academia, Jenny and Hillary bring irreverence to the otherwise serious fandom. Come hang out with the cheeky but astute Garden Tarts. Subscribe now and join Hillary and Jenny every Wednesday for your dose of U2 news, stories and laughs. SIGN UP FOR OUR NEWSLETTER.

  1. 1d ago

    U2 Songs of Innocence, Digging Into the Deluxe Edition

    U2 nerds unite: the Garden Tarts dig into the deluxe edition of Songs of Innocence, praise Bono’s vocal surprises, argue about punk cred, reveal listener poll winners, and deliver acoustic hot takes with fireworks-level enthusiasm. And of course, Questions for Bono over Whiskey and Cake™️ This episode, the Garden Tarts review the deluxe edition of U2’s Songs of Innocence — deep dives on Lucifer’s Hands, Crystal Ballroom, and Invisible, plus a Side B rundown of the acoustic mixes and alternate versions. We read listener poll results (Every Breaking Wave wins!), trade live-show anecdotes, and serve affectionate, goofy U2 analysis for superfans and casual listeners alike. Show notes — what we cover: Lucifer’s Hands deep dive: origins, 1984 Unforgettable Fire roots, punk energy, and lyric questions about “Lucifer” Crystal Ballroom obsession: the building backstory, dancing beats, family memories, and why this track shoulda been a main-album favorite (four thumbs up, fireworks). Invisible origin story: 2014 Super Bowl debut, iTunes fundraiser tie-in (Bank of America + (RED)), hidden-track status on the deluxe edition, and touring stats (played 82 times). Intermission listener poll: top picks — Every Breaking Wave (winner), Iris and Raised by Wolves tied for second; every album track received at least one vote (fan engagement!). Side B acoustic & alternate takes: Every Breaking Wave (stunning acoustic vocal), California (album vs acoustic tie), Raised by Wolves & Cedarwood Road takeaways, Song for Someone acoustic, The Miracle of Joey Ramone (Busker vs album), and The Troubles alternate mix (female vocal lift). Live show thoughts: why mistakes are charming, why live ≠ studio, and how Bono’s voice surprised us on acoustic versions. Listener love: funniest poll replies, emotional fan stories, and weird office anecdotes (U2 cameo video scoop). U2 Songs of Innocence deluxe, Lucifer’s Hands analysis, Crystal Ballroom meaning, Invisible U2 hidden track, U2 acoustic versions, Every Breaking Wave winner, Garden Tarts U2 podcast, Kissing Lips and Breaking Hearts, U2 fan poll results, Bono vocal review. Quotes to highlight: “I can change the world, but I can’t change the world in me” — lyric moment we can’t stop thinking about. “This song made my grandparents look cool — old people are secretly legendary dancers” — Crystal Ballroom reaction. “Invisible: punk-city arrival anthem — sleeping in the station, screaming to be seen” — origin take. “Every Breaking Wave acoustic: Bono’s voice, naked and refined” — Side B mic drop moment WHERE TO FIND US: ➡️ http://www.thegardentarts.com ➡️ wearethegardentarts@gmail.com ➡️ facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thegardentarts ➡️ instagram: https://instagram.com/the_gardentarts ➡️ http://buymeacoffee.com/thegardentarts KISSING LIPS & BREAKING HEARTS: AN IRREVERENT U2 PODCAST is produced by us, The Garden Tarts.  Production by: Jenny Steadman Graphic design by: Hillary Frank All music is by December

    41 min

  2. Jun 3

    U2 Songs of Innocence Side B Deep Dive

    Jenny and Hillary continue their Tart Talk on U2’s Songs of Innocence with Side B, covering “Volcano,” “Raised by Wolves,” “Cedarwood Road,” “Sleep Like a Baby Tonight,” “This Is Where You Can Reach Me Now,” and “The Troubles”. They dig into grief, rage, domestic violence, Catholic abuse, friendship, and the band’s personal memories behind the songs. Along the way, they talk about live performances, Bono, Edge, Larry Mullen Jr., Guggi, Joe Strummer, and how U2 turns pain into music. And of course, Questions for Bono over Whiskey and Cake™️ LEAVE US A 5-STAR REVIEW! It helps people find the show. • ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5 stars only, please) on SPOTIFY ➡️ https://open.spotify.com/show/2zSuKUbHaQgsKFjEmyG8jo?si=8244b36bcc734ca8 • ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5 stars only, please) on APPLE ➡️ https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/kissing-lips-and-breaking-hearts-the-irreverent/id1478584991 WHERE TO FIND US: ➡️ http://www.thegardentarts.com ➡️ wearethegardentarts@gmail.com ➡️ facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thegardentarts ➡️ instagram: https://instagram.com/the_gardentarts ➡️ threads: https://www.threads.com/@the_gardentarts_u2podcast ➡️ https://thegardentarts.com/#subscribe to our newsletter ➡️ http://www.patreon.com/thegardentarts ➡️ http://buymeacoffee.com/thegardentarts KISSING LIPS & BREAKING HEARTS: AN IRREVERENT U2 PODCAST is produced by us, The Garden Tarts.  Production by: Jenny Steadman Graphic design by: Hillary Frank All music is by December

    57 min

  3. May 27

    U2 Songs of Innocence Side A Deep Dive

    The Garden Tarts kick off their 2026 Tart Talk with part one of a two-part discussion of U2’s Songs of Innocence. In this episode, Hillary and Jenny dig into the album’s release controversy, the Apple/iPhone backlash, the cover art, and the first five tracks, “The Miracle of Joey Ramone,” “Every Breaking Wave,” "California (There is No End to Love)," "Song For Someone" and "Iris (Hold Me Close)." And of course, Questions for Bono over Whiskey and Cake™️. This side A conversation goes song by song through the first half of the album, with music analysis, U2 lore, live show memories, and plenty of shots along the way. Stay tuned for part two next week. TAGS: U2, Songs of Innocence, U2 Songs of Innocence, The Garden Tarts, Tart Talk, U2 podcast, U2 album review, Miracle of Joey Ramone, Every Breaking Wave, Songs of Innocence Side A, U2 deep dive, music podcast, Bono, The Edge, Larry Mullen Jr, Apple U2 album LEAVE US A 5-STAR REVIEW! It helps people find the show. • ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5 stars only, please) on SPOTIFY ➡️ https://open.spotify.com/show/2zSuKUbHaQgsKFjEmyG8jo?si=8244b36bcc734ca8 • ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5 stars only, please) on APPLE ➡️ https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/kissing-lips-and-breaking-hearts-the-irreverent/id1478584991 WHERE TO FIND US: ➡️ http://www.thegardentarts.com ➡️ wearethegardentarts@gmail.com ➡️ facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thegardentarts ➡️ instagram: https://instagram.com/the_gardentarts ➡️ threads: https://www.threads.com/@the_gardentarts_u2podcast ➡️ https://thegardentarts.com/#subscribe to our newsletter ➡️ http://www.patreon.com/thegardentarts ➡️ http://buymeacoffee.com/thegardentarts KISSING LIPS & BREAKING HEARTS: AN IRREVERENT U2 PODCAST is produced by us, The Garden Tarts.  Production by: Jenny Steadman Graphic design by: Hillary Frank All music is by December

    1h 9m

  4. May 20

    Please, Sir: U2 in Mexico, Street of Dreams, and Bono on the Dance Floor

    In this mini episode of Kissing Lips and Breaking Hearts, the Garden Tarts dig into U2’s whirlwind time in Mexico City, including the Street of Dreams video shoot, fan reports from the set, and the growing excitement around new music tied to the FIFA World Cup. Jenny and Hillary also talk about Bono dancing and drinking in public, Larry’s welcome return to the spotlight, and what it all says about this joyful new U2 era. Plus, the Random Song of the Week is “Shadows and Tall Trees,” which leads to a thoughtful conversation about loss of innocence, atmosphere, and the emotional world of Boy. And of course, there’s one very important question for Bono over whiskey and cake: could he throw us a bone, please, sir? And of course, Questions for Bono over Whiskey and Cake™️ LEAVE US A 5-STAR REVIEW! It helps people find the show. • ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5 stars only, please) on SPOTIFY ➡️ https://open.spotify.com/show/2zSuKUbHaQgsKFjEmyG8jo?si=8244b36bcc734ca8 • ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5 stars only, please) on APPLE ➡️ https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/kissing-lips-and-breaking-hearts-the-irreverent/id1478584991 WHERE TO FIND US: ➡️ http://www.thegardentarts.com ➡️ wearethegardentarts@gmail.com ➡️ facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thegardentarts ➡️ instagram: https://instagram.com/the_gardentarts ➡️ threads: https://www.threads.com/@the_gardentarts_u2podcast ➡️ https://thegardentarts.com/#subscribe to our newsletter ➡️ http://www.patreon.com/thegardentarts ➡️ http://buymeacoffee.com/thegardentarts KISSING LIPS & BREAKING HEARTS: AN IRREVERENT U2 PODCAST is produced by us, The Garden Tarts.  Production by: Jenny Steadman Graphic design by: Hillary Frank All music is by December

    22 min

  5. May 13

    20 Questions About U2 Shows: Favorites, Flops & Fan Takes

    In this episode of Kissing Lips and Breaking Hearts, the Garden Tarts play a fun and thoughtful round of “20 Questions” about U2 shows, ranking favorite concerts, toughest nights, most emotional songs, and the eras they’d time-travel back to in U2 history. They also dig into listener reactions to “Miami,” from its summer vibe and live energy to its place as one of U2’s more polarizing tracks, and reveal the next song up for discussion. If you love U2 concert memories, deep-cut song talk, and fan-favorite debate, this episode is for you. And of course, Questions for Bono over Whiskey and Cake™️ LEAVE US A 5-STAR REVIEW! It helps people find the show. • ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5 stars only, please) on SPOTIFY ➡️ https://open.spotify.com/show/2zSuKUbHaQgsKFjEmyG8jo?si=8244b36bcc734ca8 • ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5 stars only, please) on APPLE ➡️ https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/kissing-lips-and-breaking-hearts-the-irreverent/id1478584991 WHERE TO FIND US: ➡️ http://www.thegardentarts.com ➡️ wearethegardentarts@gmail.com ➡️ facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thegardentarts ➡️ instagram: https://instagram.com/the_gardentarts ➡️ threads: https://www.threads.com/@the_gardentarts_u2podcast ➡️ https://thegardentarts.com/#subscribe to our newsletter ➡️ http://www.patreon.com/thegardentarts ➡️ http://buymeacoffee.com/thegardentarts KISSING LIPS & BREAKING HEARTS: AN IRREVERENT U2 PODCAST is produced by us, The Garden Tarts LLC.  Production by: Jenny Steadman Graphic design by: Hillary Frank All music is by December

    25 min
  6. 20 Questions About U2 Shows: Favorites, Flops & Fan Takes

    May 13 • Subscribers Only

    20 Questions About U2 Shows: Favorites, Flops & Fan Takes

    In this episode of Kissing Lips and Breaking Hearts, the Garden Tarts play a fun and thoughtful round of “20 Questions” about U2 shows, ranking favorite concerts, toughest nights, most emotional songs, and the eras they’d time-travel back to in U2 history. They also dig into listener reactions to “Miami,” from its summer vibe and live energy to its place as one of U2’s more polarizing tracks, and reveal the next song up for discussion. If you love U2 concert memories, deep-cut song talk, and fan-favorite debate, this episode is for you. And of course, Questions for Bono over Whiskey and Cake™️ NEVER LISTENED TO US BEFORE? CHECK OUT THIS STARTER KIT! * Who are the Garden Tarts, anyway? Listen to PLEASED TO MEET YOU ➡️ https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/kissing-lips-breaking-hearts-u2-ish-podcast-garden/id1478584991?i=1000669935640" * What are these Questions for Bono over Whiskey & Cake™️ all about? LEARN MORE ➡️ https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/kissing-lips-and-breaking-hearts-the-irreverent/id1478584991?i=1000649013901 * Wait, there’s a third Garden Tart? MEET AMANDA ➡️ https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/kissing-lips-breaking-hearts-u2-ish-podcast-garden/id1478584991?i=1000553405570 * Sample our signature series, TART TALKS ➡️ https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/kissing-lips-breaking-hearts-u2-ish-podcast-garden/id1478584991?i=1000552662464 LEAVE US A 5-STAR REVIEW! It helps people find the show. • ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5 stars only, please) on SPOTIFY ➡️ https://open.spotify.com/show/2zSuKUbHaQgsKFjEmyG8jo?si=8244b36bcc734ca8 • ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5 stars only, please) on APPLE ➡️ https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/kissing-lips-and-breaking-hearts-the-irreverent/id1478584991 WHERE TO FIND US: ➡️ http://www.thegardentarts.com ➡️ wearethegardentarts@gmail.com ➡️ facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thegardentarts ➡️ instagram: https://instagram.com/the_gardentarts ➡️ threads: https://www.threads.com/@the_gardentarts_u2podcast ➡️ https://thegardentarts.com/#subscribe to our newsletter ➡️ http://www.patreon.com/thegardentarts ➡️ http://buymeacoffee.com/thegardentarts KISSING LIPS & BREAKING HEARTS: AN IRREVERENT U2 PODCAST is produced by us, The Garden Tarts LLC.  Production by: Jenny Steadman Graphic design by: Hillary Frank All music is by December

    25 min

  7. May 7

    It's Bono Birthday Week!

    It’s Bono’s birthday week and we're celebrating with a round of favorite Bono stories, listener questions, and poll results from the show’s desert island album question. And of course, Questions for Bono over Whiskey and Cake™️ In this episode, Jenny and Hillary revisit unforgettable encounters with Bono from the 1990s and 2000s, including the first time they saw him in Dublin, a ride in his car, and a memorable backstage conversation in Miami. They also share on-stage moments from tours in Pittsburgh, Detroit, and Dublin, including one particularly funny glasses mishap that had them both cracking up mid-show. LEAVE US A 5-STAR REVIEW! It helps people find the show. • ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5 stars only, please) on SPOTIFY ➡️ https://open.spotify.com/show/2zSuKUbHaQgsKFjEmyG8jo?si=8244b36bcc734ca8 • ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5 stars only, please) on APPLE ➡️ https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/kissing-lips-and-breaking-hearts-the-irreverent/id1478584991 WHERE TO FIND US: ➡️ http://www.thegardentarts.com ➡️ wearethegardentarts@gmail.com ➡️ facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thegardentarts ➡️ instagram: https://instagram.com/the_gardentarts ➡️ threads: https://www.threads.com/@the_gardentarts_u2podcast ➡️ https://thegardentarts.com/#subscribe to our newsletter ➡️ http://www.patreon.com/thegardentarts ➡️ http://buymeacoffee.com/thegardentarts KISSING LIPS & BREAKING HEARTS: AN IRREVERENT U2 PODCAST is produced by us, The Garden Tarts.  Production by: Jenny Steadman Graphic design by: Hillary Frank All music is by December

    54 min

  8. Apr 29

    U2 Fan Podcast: Our Origin Story PLUS, What U2 Album Would You Ditch?

    Welcome, fellow U2 fans and lovers of ridiculous adventures! Today, the Garden Tarts spill the secrets behind their decades-long friendship, their wild concert memories, and the surprising results of a poll about ditching one U2 album. If you've ever wondered how a chance meeting at a U2 conference or Bono's car phone could lead to this podcast, you're in for a treat. How Jenny and Hillary's friendship started on a Prodigy board amidst antisemitic comments, evolving into a legendary concert friendshipCrazy early U2 meetups, including an unforgettable table encounter and the first time they met Bono together in DCMemorable U2 tour moments: from the Elevation shows' chaos to Salt Lake City’s unique vibe and multiple Sphere concertsTheir non-tour U2 adventures: Bono book tours, Bono's speeches, and mutual visits to the Rock HallThe epic fan poll: which U2 albums are on the chopping block, and how musical preferences turn into passionate debatesThe surprising unpopularity of "Songs of Experience" and the wide range of album favoritesAnd of course, Questions for Bono over Whiskey and Cake™️ LEAVE US A 5-STAR REVIEW! It helps people find the show. • ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5 stars only, please) on SPOTIFY ➡️ https://open.spotify.com/show/2zSuKUbHaQgsKFjEmyG8jo?si=8244b36bcc734ca8 • ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5 stars only, please) on APPLE ➡️ https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/kissing-lips-and-breaking-hearts-the-irreverent/id1478584991 WHERE TO FIND US: ➡️ http://www.thegardentarts.com ➡️ wearethegardentarts@gmail.com ➡️ facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thegardentarts ➡️ instagram: https://instagram.com/the_gardentarts ➡️ bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/thegardentarts.bsky.social ➡️ https://thegardentarts.com/#subscribe to our newsletter ➡️ http://www.patreon.com/thegardentarts ➡️ http://buymeacoffee.com/thegardentarts KISSING LIPS & BREAKING HEARTS: AN IRREVERENT U2 PODCAST is produced by us, The Garden Tarts.  Production by: Jenny Steadman Graphic design by: Hillary Frank All music is by December

    40 min
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About

If you love U2's music but want a fun, irreverent take beyond the stats and collectables, this podcast is for you. A podcast for U2 fans, casual and die-hard alike, we are two best friends discussing what we love the most: U2 and the ridiculous adventures we've had together over three decades of friendship. In a fan world full of collectibles, statistics and academia, Jenny and Hillary bring irreverence to the otherwise serious fandom. Come hang out with the cheeky but astute Garden Tarts. Subscribe now and join Hillary and Jenny every Wednesday for your dose of U2 news, stories and laughs. SIGN UP FOR OUR NEWSLETTER.

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