Hot Takes & Deep Dives (Jess Rothschild)
Explorez tous les épisodes de Hot Takes & Deep Dives
| Date | Titre | Durée | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 14 May 2020 | Reaction to Vanderpump Editor Bri Dellinger / Scheana Shay Scandal | 00:39:44 | |
Jess summons Emerson Collins (The People’s Couch) back to the pod for a kiki regarding the Scheana Shay vs. VPR editor Bri Dellinger scandal. Bri is an editor who has worked on Project Runway, Top Chef and currently Vanderpump Rules. She went on a since-deleted podcast (don't worry, we saved it & transcribed it for you) claiming she "tries to embarrass Scheana as often as possible" and a lot more. We react to the on-going situation in this ep. | |||
| 20 Feb 2023 | Jill Kargman on Cult of SoulCycle, UES Mom Scene, Drew Barrymore | 00:57:24 | |
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. IG: @jessxnyc | @jillkargman | |||
| 12 Nov 2020 | Interview w/ Drag Race’s Peppermint: First Openly Trans Woman on Drag Race, Broadway | 00:51:06 | |
Jess is joined by performer, activist and runner-up of Season 9 of RuPaul’s Drag Race, Miss Peppermint! Peppermint shares her story as a theatre kid in Delaware who moved to NYC in 1998, where she worked in the clubs as a drag performer for 10+ years. We chat about the NYC nightlife scene through the ‘90s and how it changed once Drag Race hit the air. We also discuss the impact of RuPaul’s recent statement that they would not cast an openly transgender contestant on the show, Peppermint’s debut as the first trans actress on Broadway and more.
| |||
| 25 Nov 2024 | Danny Pellegrino on Wicked Press Tour, Fixing RHONY, Hallmark Christmas & more! | 00:54:50 | |
Jess is joined by author & screenwriter DANNY PELLEGRINO! Topics: Ariana Grande & Cynthia Erivo musical theater-ing the WICKED press tour, how to fix RHONY, “two different gay men” calling BETHENNY re: RHONY, what should ROSIE O’DONNELL do next?, deep cut MARIAH & NSYNC Christmas songs, Danny documenting his journey eating re-called Tastykakes, Jeff Lewis is a Housewife, Dorinda & Margaret Joseph’s canceling their tour, QUEER AS FOLK, Danny writing & starring in his Hallmark Christmas movie & more!
| |||
| 18 Oct 2021 | Real World Boston’s Genesis Moss on a Reunion, Montana, Sean Duffy & more! | 00:50:23 | |
Dream guest alert! We are FINALLY joined by Genesis Moss, your host’s “gay root” (aka most formative lesbian) and star of The Real World: Boston! Genesis chats about coming out in high school in Mississippi, her roommates Montana, Syrus, Elka & Sean Duffy, drama at the after-school center, bringing drag and trans awareness to MTV in 1997, her connection to Britney and already being contacted for a Reunion. We also discuss The L Word, Queer as Folk, RHOBH/Erika Jayne and a lot more! | |||
| 22 Apr 2024 | Tabatha Coffey — Tabatha Takes Over, Shear Genius, Reddit | 00:44:48 | |
Jess is joined by TABATHA COFFEY, Australian hairstylist, salon owner and star of TABATHA TAKES OVER & SHEAR GENIUS. Topics: Losing Shear Genius yet scoring her own spin-off, living in New Jersey, Reddit threads, wanting a reboot, Jackie Warner & her reputation of being a “b*tch.” Plus — Tabatha’s upbringing in Australia where she was thrown into the gay & trans scene via nightclubs owned by her parents & more! | |||
| 04 Oct 2021 | Candis Cayne on Legacy as #1 Trans Nightlife Performer, Caitlyn Jenner & more | 00:38:06 | |
Jess is joined by trailblazing New York City dancer~actress~performer Candis Cayne! Candis chats about her journey from initially coming out as gay, to building a career as a drag performer to eventually making her transition part of her act at Barracuda. She reminisces about performing in the streets - literal NYC traffic - cementing her legacy as one of the greatest performers in nightlife. She then discusses her move to mainstream acting, becoming the first trans actress in a leading role on a primetime TV show. Later, she discusses her experience filming Caitlyn Jenner’s reality show “I Am Cait." * victoriaemerson.com/deepdives code deepdives * | |||
| 10 Jun 2020 | Bravo & Lea Michelle (BLM) + RHONY, RHOBH & Pump Rules Predictions (w/ Ryan Bailey) | 01:07:15 | |
Jess has an epic kiki with Ryan Bailey (So Bad It’s Good) to break down Bravo’s responsibility within the Black Lives Matter movement, as well as the long-coming backlash against Lea Michelle. We go deep on how to course-correct Vanderpump Rules, Garcelle’s performance on RHOBH, debate the entertainment value of the alcoholism ravaging RHONY, Denise & Aaron, and forecast the return of LVP to Housewives. [ Stassi, Kristen, Faith discussion: 27:00 ]
| |||
| 19 Jul 2021 | Interview w/ Mikey Minden: The Man Behind Erika Jayne | 00:48:04 | |
Jess is joined by the man, the myth, the DSLs: Mikey Minden. As Erika Jayne’s creative director & choreographer Mikey Minden is responsible for the looks, moves, lighting, makeup & general artistry in her music videos, photoshoots & appearances on RHOBH. We chat about Mikey’s career as a child dance prodigy and his work with The Pussycat Dolls, Usher, Kim Kardashian & Pink. We go deep on his artistic influences (Bob Fosse, Madonna, Paula Abdul), friendship w/ Wade Robson, the Erika/Christina Aguilera connection, Paris Is Burning, fave Bravo shows & a lot more!
| |||
| 04 Nov 2024 | Jamie Babbit on Directing But I'm A Cheerleader, Natasha Lyonne, Clea DuVall, The L Word | 01:02:11 | |
Jess is joined by prolific TV & film director JAMIE BABBIT! Jamie is best known for writing/directing the cult classic BUT I'M A CHEERLEADER w/ Natasha Lyonne & 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. Topics: shooting around different actors' nudity clauses, how to fix bad acting & bad dialogue in post-production and more! IG: @jessxnyc
| |||
| 13 Dec 2021 | Working for WWHL, SNL & Kardashian Kontinuity (w/ Mariah Smith) | 00:52:15 | |
Jess is joined by writer/comedian and star of SiriusXM’s Smith Sisters Live, Mariah Smith! Mariah Smith rose to internet prominence with her insanely popular blog Keeping Up with the (Kardashian) Kontinuity Errors and worked as a producer for Watch What Happens Live. We discuss highlights of her WWHL era, interning at SNL, Bethenny’s failed Bravo negotiations, James Kennedy & Raquel, and of course, Kim Kardashian & Pete Davidson. Follow @jessxnyc, @mariahmariahmariah, @hottakesdeepdives | |||
| 15 Oct 2024 | Showgirls, Midnight Movies & Camp Classics (w/ Peaches Christ) | 00:42:51 | |
Jess is joined by legendary drag performer PEACHES CHRIST to analyze the legacy of the cult classic SHOWGIRLS and to answer the questions of why and how did this “masterpiece of sh*t” get made. Topics: Peaches Christ's Showgirls drag theatrical extravaganzas in San Francisco, Elizabeth Berkley’s personal Showgirls journey, DEATH BECOMES HER, HOCUS POCUS, Hollywood Forever cemetary screenings, YOU DON'T NOMI doc & more!
| |||
| 17 Dec 2019 | Deep Dives on RHOA, RHONJ in the Hamptons, Pump Rules & The L Word (w/ Damian Bellino) | 01:17:17 | |
Jess sits down with VH1 Senior Digital Producer & Bravo super-fan Damian Bellino to go DEEP about the current seasons of Atlanta, Jersey & Vanderpump Rules. Damian shares stories about competing against Kandi Burruss on Good Morning America and also filming a VH1 show with Sonja Morgan that landed him in the Townhouse. We also touch on LeeAnne Locken’s downfall, Dorinda joining OnlyFans & the Brandi Glanville/Denise Richards rumors. Finally, we go down an extensive L Word: Gen Q rabbit hole [ 56:00 ] for our own enjoyment... and hopefully yours! Follow @damianbellino, @jessxnyc, @hottakesdeepdives | |||
| 14 Nov 2022 | Lesbian Bar Project & Celesbian Hot Goss (w/ Erica Rose & Elina Street) | 00:50:10 | |
Jess is joined by the filmmakers behind The Lesbian Bar Project (Erica Rose & Elina Street), a new TV docu-series inspired by the decline in women's queer spaces in the US (from 200 in the 1980s to under 25 today). The Lesbian Bar Project has evolved from a short film into a full-fledged TV series exec. produced by Lea DeLaria -- now airing on the Roku channel! -- showcasing the stories of queer bar owners and the spaces they have created. We go deep on how "gay bars" aren't just "bars" - but performance spaces and restaurants, discuss iconic NYC establishments (Cubbyhole, Henrietta Hudson & Stonewall), as well as gay bar culture of the '70s & '80s. We then move on to fave celesbian sightings around town, including some L Word gossip, Sarah Paulson, Cherry Jones and...Ricki Lake? Find The Lesbian Bar Project series on the Roku Channel! IG: @jessxnyc | @lesbianbarproject | |||
| 12 Jun 2020 | Reaction to Firings of Stassi Schroeder & Kristen Doute (w/ Sexy Unique Podcast’s Lara Marie Schoenhals) | 00:50:17 | |
Jess has an emergency kiki with Lara Marie Schoenhals (Sexy Unique Podcast) to process their thoughts & feelings around the sudden firings of Stassi Schroeder & Kristen Doute this week. We discuss their blatant racist aggressions targeted at former VPR cast member Faith Stowers, Stassi & Beau’s relationship, the financial implications, why "cancel culture" is idiotic, predict Stassi's eventual comeback and where Vanderpump Rules goes from here. | |||
| 20 Sep 2021 | John Arthur Hill on Andy Cohen, Producing WWHL, Kathy Griffin D-List & more! | 00:37:19 | |
Jess is joined by John Arthur Hill, Andy Cohen’s SiriusXM co-host, go-to producer and noted ex-boyfriend. We discuss their meet-cute origin story while John was starring in Hairspray on Broadway and how they've maintained such a good relationship nearly 15 years later. John discusses his experience as a writer/producer on Watch What Happens Live and Kathy Griffin’s My Life on the D-List and talks about the epic fall-out between Andy, Kathy Griffin & Anderson Cooper. We also discuss Jillian Michaels’ ban from WWHL, John Mayer, Carole Radziwill, producing Tori & Dean Inn Love and more! IG: @jessxnyc, @hottakesdeepdives, @johnarthurhill | |||
| 18 Nov 2019 | Review of Erika Jayne in Chicago, Bitch Sesh Live, Jessica Simpson's Memoir & more | 00:48:08 | |
Jess is joined by friend of the show Sumi Vatsa (@team.mouse.nyc) and wife of the show HH (@hiladoesinsta) to kiki about the JLo/Shakira Halftime Show and decide how it stacks up against the recent Gaga & Beyonce shows. Jess & HH also review Erika Jayne's opening night on Broadway in Chicago, grading her in categories of acting, dancing and singing. We also discuss Taylor Swift's Netflix documentary and Bitch Sesh Live this past weekend with guests Andy Cohen & Jerry O'Connell. Finally, Jess is knee deep in Jessica Simpson's tell-all memoir which heavily details her romance with John Mayer and shares her findings. [ Erika Jayne/Chicago & Bitch Sesh Live: 22:30 ] [ Jessica Simpson's memoir: 36:00 ] | |||
| 09 Nov 2020 | Inside MTV’s The Real World Edit Bay w/ Assoc. Editor Jamie Stein | 01:00:28 | |
We all know Jamie Stein as the Housewives empath / intuitive, but back in his early Hollywood days he had the unique job of working as an Associate Editor on FOUR seasons of The Real World! Jamie worked on Real World: Vegas, Paris, San Diego and Philly where he had an unedited look at Trishelle, Steven, CT, Ace and first impressions of Karamo Brown and Cameran Eubanks who would go on to Queer Eye and Southern Charm. Jamie takes us inside watching endless unedited footage, the San Diego sexual assault scandal and who editing favored the most. Finally, we touch on the fourth-wall breaking on Housewives. Follow @jamiestein, @jessxnyc, @hottakesdeepdives * wine.com/hottakes for $50 off your first order * | |||
| 15 Dec 2023 | Review of Madonna Celebration Tour - Brooklyn (w/ Ben Rimalower) | 00:50:11 | |
Jess is joined by Ben Rimalower to review Madonna's Celebration Tour in Brooklyn, NY. We discuss our thrills, Madonna's "strategy" behind late start times, the set list and provide constructive critique. Later, Ben recalls how Madonna's health scare this summer catapulted him into a revisit of Madonna's entire catalogue and concert history, culminating in his attendance mere hours ago.
| |||
| 20 Nov 2023 | Julie Goldman & Brandy Howard on Jeff Lewis, Kyle Richards Gay Baiting | 01:18:57 | |
Jess is joined by JULIE GOLDMAN & BRANDY HOWARD (Dumb Gay Podcast, The People’s Couch)! We discuss: Brandy & Julie’s origin story, Jeff Lewis stealing guests from Heather McDonald, Howard Stern, Kate McKinnon, butch lesbian erasure, Logo’s Big Gay Sketch Show, Bethenny and Nene, Kyle Richards gay baiting, the impact of Shane from The L Word on Brandy & more!
| |||
| 11 Jul 2022 | Dissecting How Madonna’s Songs Were Written & Recorded (w/ Edward Russell) | 00:52:09 | |
Jess is joined by Edward Russell, host of “Inside the Groove,” to dissect the stories behind a plethora of Madonna songs via the use of multi-tracks, demos, isolated vocals and interviews. We reveal the stories behind “Erotica,” “Deeper & Deeper,” “Vogue,” “Music,” “Don’t Tell Me,” “Hung Up” and "Live to Tell." Plus, discussion around unreleased songs, the Erotica album artwork, "Rain," “American Life,” and the polarizing “Bitch I’m Madonna.” IG: @jessxnyc | @hottakesdeepdives * feals.com/deepdives * Filter Off app on iTunes or Google Play | |||
| 28 Dec 2020 | Erika Jayne & Tom Girardi Legal Deep Dive (w/ Emily D. Baker, Esq) | 00:57:17 | |
Jess is joined by Emily D. Baker, Esq, former LA prosecutor and current Housewives fan to help us understand the specifics of the federal lawsuit and criminal investigation currently underway regarding Erika Jayne and Tom Girardi. We dig into: the frozen assets, Judge Tricia Bigalow, the lien and judgments on the law firm building Tom owns, the forced bankruptcy and a lot more. Emily also compares the crimes here to Teresa/Joe Giudice and gives a best vs. worse case scenario for Tom and Erika. Follow @TheEmilyDBaker, @jessxnyc, @hottakesdeepdives * hellofresh.com/hottakes10 code HOTTAKES10 * | |||
| 12 Jul 2021 | Sandra Bernhard Showbiz Glamour Hour (w/ Tony Trius) | 01:02:08 | |
Jess is joined by Madonna MLVC pod co-host Tony Trius in his third appearance, this time for our official Sandra Bernhard Showbiz Glamour Power Hour. We share our Sandy origin stories, New York City run-ins, nights at Joe’s Pub, discuss Without You I’m Nothing, appearances on Howard Stern, Letterman and Roseanne + relive the late-80s clique of Madonna, Sandy, Debi Mazar and Jennifer Grey. Plus, Jess reads important excerpts from her interview with Sandy and tells the story of befriending a Madonna fan she met in an AOL chat room who would later become Sandra’s manager. * talkspace.com code DEEPDIVES for $100 off * IG @jessxnyc, @hottakesdeepdives, @mlvcpodcast, @tonytrius | |||
| 22 Nov 2021 | RHOSLC, Jen Shah, Ultimate Girls Trip & Taylor Swift (w/ Melody Kamali) | 00:53:38 | |
Jess is joined by writer/comedian Melody Kamali to recover from the whiplash of the Jen Shah arrest spectacular on Salt Lake City and the Ultimate Girls Trip binge on Peacock. We also discuss Taylor Swift’s “All Too Well,” Melody’s experience interviewing for a producer job on Love & Hip Hop, Love Life on HBO Max, the new lesbian reality show Tampa Baes and Miranda’s basically confirmed queerness in the new Sex and the City. [ 10:00 - RHOSLC, Jen Shah ] [ 22:15 - Ultimate Girls Trip ] [ 33:30 - Taylor Swift ] [ 43:00 - Miranda SATC, Tampa Baes ] IG: @jessxnyc & @melodykamali | |||
| 29 Apr 2024 | Catherine Cohen on Seek Treatment, Edinburgh Fringe & more | 00:46:26 | |
Jess is joined by singer, comedian and “Seek Treatment” co-host — CATHERINE COHEN! Topics: audio only vs. video podcasts, boutique fitness, her West Village apartment, self-financing Netflix specials, the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, Taylor Swift vs. Sarah McLachlan | Ani Difranco | Fiona Apple, Baby Reindeer, Cafe Cluny, Kate Mara, open relationships, J.Lo at The Duplex & more! | |||
| 31 Mar 2020 | Interview w/ Perez Hilton on Gaga’s New Era, Britney, Madonna & Building his Gossip Empire | 00:33:42 | |
Jess sits down with celebrity gossip columnist extraordinaire PEREZ HILTON for a wild ride of an interview. Perez is the original celebrity social media influencer dating back to his infamous blog which he founded in 2004 under the name “PageSixSixSix.com.” We talk about the lawsuit filed by the New York Post which forced him to rename his brand and site PerezHilton.com freeing him to become a household name able to move beyond his site into a full blown celebrity pundit/influencer. Jess also gets his hot takes/predictions for the new Lady Gaga era, as well as Britney, Madonna & Justin Timberlake, Jessica Simpson & John Mayer. We then chat about Housewives in general, dating back to when he outed Bethenny’s pregnancy during season 3 of RHONY and became a storyline himself on the show. Follow @hottakesdeepdives & @theperezhilton | |||
| 28 Jun 2022 | Top 5 Formative Queer Movies (w/ Damian Bellino & Anne Rodeman) | 01:09:02 | |
Jess is joined by Damian Bellino & Anne Rodeman (You Might Know Her From), to discourse on the films that defined our young gay cultural experience. Movies discussed include: The Broken Hearts Club, Gia, Fame, American Psycho, Set It Off, The Talented Mr. Ripley, But I'm A Cheerleader, Carol, Fried Green Tomatoes and a LOT more. Plus a major deep dive into Chasing Amy and Kissing Jessica Stein. Finally, we play rounds of Star or Actress with Angelina Jolie, Jennifer Beals, Matt Damon, Ben Affleck, etc. IG: @jessxnyc, @damianbellino, @rodemanne * Find Filter Off in the App Store or Google Play * | |||
| 28 Aug 2023 | Provincetown Deep Dive (w/ Brandon Ward) | 01:07:56 | |
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.
| |||
| 13 Nov 2023 | Justin Vivian Bond on Kiki & Herb, NYC 90s Nightlife | 00:50:27 | |
Jess is joined by downtown performance legend MX. JUSTIN VIVIAN BOND! We discuss their origins of as one half of the subversive musical act Kiki and Herb, 90z gigs at Squeezebox and Cowgirl, officiating Rufus Wainwright’s wedding and performing on Fire Island with Carol Channing. Plus: Marianne Faithfull, Murray Hill, drag kings, the Hudson Valley and more!
| |||
| 17 Oct 2022 | Bruce Bozzi on RHOBH, Andy Cohen, Madonna, Bethenny, Carrie Fisher & more | 00:50:17 | |
Jess is joined by Bruce Bozzi to answer the age-old question of who is Bruce Bozzi, and how does he fit into the Bravo zeitgeist? We chat about why he and best friend Andy Cohen never dated, his friendships with Madonna and Bethenny Frankel, Madonna's instagram and his wish to become the first gay Househusband / Housewife of Beverly Hills. We also discuss being the step-father to actress Billie Lourd, daughter of Carrie Fisher and his husband, Bryan Lourd - managing director & co-chairman of CAA and lot more! IG: @jessxnyc | @brucebozzi | |||
| 28 Mar 2022 | Reaction to A Tale of Two RHONY's (w/ Melody Kamali & Carolyn Bergier) | 00:46:28 | |
Wow, RHONY, Wow. Jess is joined by writer/comedians (and co-hosts of the pod Dyking Out), Melody Kamali & Carolyn Bergier, to react to the breaking news of RHONY being split into two shows. We discuss why the new RHONY should be built around style icon Jenna Lyons, plus the Carole Radziwill / Samantha Ronson connection. We also discuss Carolyn & Melody's foiled attempt to get Sara Ramirez to appear as Che Diaz at their Stonewall stand-up show, news of And Just Like That's season two renewal, and comparisons to The L Word Gen Q. | |||
| 30 Jul 2020 | Working for the Housewives + RHOBH + RHONY Analysis (w/ Anthony Lario) | 01:03:42 | |
Jess is joined by social media brander & Housewives Whisperer Anthony Lario to chat about his experience working on set during the filming of RHONY this year. We also discuss his HOT take on the Denise & Brandi showmance, franchises currently in production (OC, NJ), the absence of Elyse & Brandi from their respective reunions, and the inevitable Lisa Rinna takedown. **Announcing Bonus eps on Patreon!** patreon.com/hottakesdeepdives | |||
| 20 May 2020 | Pump Rules’ Peter Madrigal on His SUR Origin Story, Reaction to Editor Scandal, Racist Tweets & more | 00:44:51 | |
Jess welcomes Vanderpump Rules OG Peter Madrigal to chat about the trials & tribulations of perhaps the only man truly working at SUR. Peter reminisces about dating Stassi, watching the RHOBH crew film at SUR, and the fateful day when the employees were approached about a Housewives spinoff that would become VPR. We discuss the recent editor/Scheana scandal as well as his reaction to the racist tweets that surfaced from Max & Brett. We also chat about the increased frequency of scenes that feel fake or heavily produced and Peter has a lot to say! Follow @jessxnyc, @hottakesdeepdives & @petermadrigal | |||
| 15 Jul 2020 | Work Out’s Jackie Warner on Dating Jillian Michaels, Early Days of Bravo, Leaving LA & more! | 01:09:27 | |
Jess catches up with Work Out queen JACKIE WARNER to learn how she opened her high profile gym Sky Sport & Spa in Beverly Hills that served as the backdrop for drama on Bravo’s Work Out. Jackie chats about dating in West Hollywood, her long-term relationship with Jillian Michaels, the heavy production/soft scripting on the reality show, and why she left LA for good to move back to her home state of Ohio earlier this year.
patreon.com/hottakesdeepdives for bonus episodes! Train 1:1 w/ Jackie Warner by texting: 323-301-3522 Follow @jackiewarner10, @jessxnyc, @hottakesdeepdives | |||
| 09 Sep 2024 | Countess Luann de Lesseps & Assistant Roger Dawley | 00:45:27 | |
Jess is joined by COUNTESS LUANN and her right-hand man, Roger Dawley! Topics: Spending 2 nights on Fire Island over Labor Day Weekend, her summer run-in with Bethenny, tales from Luann’s time as a geriatric nurse, loving cigarettes, brief thoughts on RHONY reboot, latest with Sonja Morgan, prepping to film the Housewives Bachelor show and her plan for cabaret world domination.
Tix avail: countessluann.com
| |||
| 17 May 2021 | Saving Sex and the City (w/ Lara Marie Schoenhals) + Gay Generation Gap (w/ Semajh Bludson) | 01:05:36 | |
Jess is joined by Sexy Unique Podcast’s Lara Marie Schoenhals (@larzmarie) to unpack our feelings re: the forthcoming Sex and the City revival titled “And Just Like That.” Lara Marie Schoenhals also hosts the podcast “Saving SATC 3,” in which she improvs a final installment of the franchise in each episode. Together, Jess and Lara share their SATC origin stories, process Kim Cattrall, compare to RHONY & brainstorm storylines for the new show and more! Jess is later joined by friend of the show, Semajh Bludson (@semajwithanh). Jess (born 1982) and Semajh (born 1995) were raised by different pop cultural touchstones due to their generation gap and they are here to ~educate~ each other with their Top 5 recs (BoJack Horseman, Hedwig, Pose, etc). [ 0:10 - Lara Marie Schoenhals ]
* talkspace.com code DEEPDIVES * | |||
| 06 Jul 2021 | RuPaul’s Drag Race: A How-To Binge Guide (w/ Andy Bellatti) | 01:02:11 | |
Jess is joined by Andy Bellatti (aka Astrology with Andy), who in addition to our astrologer to the Housewives and pop queens, is also our resident Drag Race expert. Andy provides guidance on how to begin one’s Drag Race Journey before going deep with trivia and history surrounding the show’s evolution, behind the scenes tea, Untucked, RuPaul controversy, Michelle Visage, why the tide turned in season 7, All Stars, Reddit and a lot more! * cheapcaribbean.com/hot-takes-deep-dives for $100 off *
Follow @jessxnyc & @astrologywithandy | |||
| 03 May 2021 | Isaac Mizrahi on NYC Real Estate, Madonna, Sandra Bernhard, Housewives Hot Takes & more! | 01:00:37 | |
Jess is joined by fashion designer, performer and quintessential New Yorker — Isaac Mizrahi! Jess and Isaac break the sh*t down, including: Isaac’s wild nights with Madonna and Sandra Bernhard, his talk show which featured Rosie O’Donnell getting that infamous haircut, how fashion shows and red carpets have changed, how he secured his West Village combination apartment without going broke, ‘90s dial-a-date phone sex lines, Housewives fashion, the Sex and the City revival, Drag Race + a hot take on Bethenny’s evolving face. | |||
| 06 Jul 2020 | Kiki w/ Carson Kressley on '90s NYC Nightlife, Housewives Hot Takes, Drag Race & more! | 00:55:01 | |
Jess has a glorious kiki with Queer Eye OG Carson Kressley where we go deep on his relationship to the Housewives (including filming WWHL w/ Alex McCord) & his fave franchises. We chat about his days & nights in NYC in the early 1990s which led to his first career as a fashion show producer & advertiser for Ralph Lauren. Carson reflects on the sparse Bravo landscape back when Queer Eye debuted in 2003, and how the show led the way for Top Chef, Project Runway, Sheer Genius, Work Out etc. We also touch the Wendy Williams and Dolce & Gabbana controversies, judging Drag Race, NY vs. LA fashion, how to elevate your wardrobe & apartment on a budget & much more! Follow @hottakesdeepdives & @jessxnyc | |||
| 26 Jul 2021 | Erika Jayne’s Performance + RHONY Intervention (w/ Jacques Peterson & Zack Peter) | 01:07:45 | |
Jess is joined by two of the most unfiltered and knowledgable Bravo pundits in the game, returning friends Zack Peter (No Filter) & Jacques Peterson (Unpopular). Together, we analyze Erika Jayne’s ~performance~ on RHOBH, Zack’s latest discoveries in the Girardi scandal and our take on Housewivesian lawyer Ronald Richards. We then move on to RHONY — primarily the Eboni elephant In the room — plus, Jess working out with Ramona over the weekend, predictions for the future and how we would cast the show ourselves. [ 3:00 - Erika Jayne Review ] [ 12:15 - Girardi Case, Ronald Richards ] [ 35:00 - RHONY's Eboni Issue ] [ 54:00 - Predictions + Bethenny ] | |||
| 26 Feb 2024 | Ryan Raftery IS Anna Wintour, Martha Stewart, Andy Cohen, Kris Jenner & more | 00:49:50 | |
Jess is joined by the “Shakespeare of pop culture satire” per the New York Times - RYAN RAFTERY! We discuss his upcoming run at Joe’s Pub in which he does his one-man twisted musical embodiments of MARTHA STEWART, ANNA WINTOUR & KRIS JENNER. We discuss the psychological through-line between all three women (relevancy) as well as his darker material focused on men - ANDY COHEN, CALVIN KLEIN and ANDY WARHOL. Plus, musings on SANDRA BERNHARD, FEUD: TRUMAN CAPOTE / THE SWANS and more! | |||
| 21 Mar 2022 | Margaret Cho on Joan Rivers, Fire Island, Provincetown, '90s Diet Pills | 00:51:00 | |
Jess is joined by queer comedy icon MARGARET CHO! We chat about Margaret’s incredibly prolific career, including her stand-up specials and iconic TV appearances (30 Rock, Sex and the City). Margaret goes deep about her experience starring in a sitcom based on her life where the network (ABC) fed her diet pills and zero-fat cookies in an effort to compete against the casts of Friends and My So-Called Life. We also discuss growing up in the San Francisco gay bookstore owned by her parents, becoming Ellen’s opening act in the ‘90s, why she is still afraid of Ellen, Joan Rivers' advice, loving gay summer on Fire Island / Provincetown and more! | |||
| 08 Aug 2022 | Queer as Folk (Peacock vs. OG) vs. L Word Gen Q (w/ Damian Bellino & Anne Rodeman) | 00:58:26 | |
Jess is joined by your fave Queer as Folk & L Word Historians, Damian Bellino & Anne Rodeman (You Might Know Her From), for a truly unhinged episode centered on the new Queer as Folk (Peacock). We review the QAF reimagining and discuss Kim Cattrall living out Miranda's storyline on And Just Like That, singing "Maybe This Time" from Cabaret and QAF filming at The Real World New Orleans' Belfort Mansion. Plus, Damian's take on Brian Kinney as a toxic villain, Melanie & Lindsay, The L Word Gen Q's acting, Jess's obsession with Jesse James Keitel (Ruthie) & more! | |||
| 10 Feb 2025 | Jonathan Larson Project, RENT, Untold Broadway Stories (w/ Jennifer Tepper) | 00:46:11 | |
Jess is joined by theater historian and conceiver of THE JONATHAN LARSON PROJECT Jennifer Tepper to discuss unearthing 20+ unheard songs of the RENT & TICK, TICK... BOOM! composer. Topics: getting access to hundreds of cassette tapes, scripts, music files and journals from The Larson Estate, hidden underground passageways connecting Broadway theater houses and how the WICKED rush/lotto line inadvertently helped other shows. Plus — Jennifer’s role as creative director of programming for 54 Below, a RENT revival and more! | |||
| 25 Apr 2022 | Real World New Orleans Melissa Beck — MTV Contracts, Homecoming & more | 01:00:06 | |
Jess is joined by Real World: New Orleans' breakout fave, Melissa Beck! Melissa chats about her journey through the MTV machine from auditioning, filming for five months (OG show), paid just $5,000 total. Post-MTV, Melissa discusses trying to make it in comedy and getting cast on Girls Behaving Badly alongside an unknown Chelsea Handler. Plus, the impact of “Come On Be My Baby Tonight,” how Mariah Carey informed Melissa's biracial identity (Black & Filipino), converting to Judaism and nearly NOT going back for RW Homecoming, now airing on Paramount Plus! IG: @jessxnyc | @melissabeckrwno | |||
| 29 Mar 2021 | Inside Britney + Tom Girardi’s Conservatorships & Court Docs (w/ Emily D. Baker, Esq) | 01:05:23 | |
Jess welcomes back former LA prosecutor Emily D. Baker, Esq to understand the parallels between the Britney Spears and Tom Girardi conservatorships. We dig into: recent Britney court hearings & documents, risks of ending her conservatorship and a lot more. We then explore updates in the Tom Girardi / Erika Jayne forced bankruptcy/criminal investigation, specifically a close look at Tom Girardi’s recent Alzheimer’s + dementia diagnosis medical records. Finally, we dip our toe into why Bethenny & Jason Hoppy’s divorce has taken eight years to finalize. [ 11:40 - Britney court documents ]
Follow @emilydbaker, @jessxnyc, @hottakesdeepdives | |||
| 21 Feb 2022 | Bevy Smith — Harlem Fashion Queen & Bevelations | 00:45:09 | |
Jess is joined by the star of SiriusXM's BEVELATIONS and Fashion Queens, BEVY SMITH! Bevy Smith is a quintessential Harlem girl and life-long New Yorker. Bevy discusses how she reinvented her successful corporate career to TV host at age 38, how ANDY COHEN changed her life, turning down Bravo’s TIM GUNN’S Guide to Style, her fashion pilot w/ BETHENNY and how Louboutin became the “it shoe” after Manolo Blahnik. Plus, profiling a new RIHANNA for Paper magazine, growing a following by live-Tweeting THE VIEW, hustle vs. strategy mentality + best & worst advice. | |||
| 15 Apr 2024 | The L Word Writer/Director Rose Troche — Guinevere Turner, Go Fish, Jennifer Beals | 01:01:04 | |
Jess is joined by ROSE TROCHE — co-writer & director of the seminal indie film GO FISH — as well as writer, director & exec. producer of THE L WORD. L WORD topics: directing the Pilot, Dinah Shore & Pride episodes, sex scenes, writing for Bette Porter (Jennifer Beals) and Jenny Schecter (Mia Kirshner) + the truth behind Dana’s (Erin Daniels) death. Plus: Rose’s 30-year friendship with GO FISH & L WORD writer/actress GUINEVERE TURNER, directing SIX FEET UNDER, KRISTEN STEWART’s film debut, GEN Q & more! | |||
| 13 Oct 2020 | Mariah Carey Book Review + Top 10 Songs (w/ Andy Bellatti) | 01:12:08 | |
Jess is back with Andy Bellatti, the #1 Lamb in this fam! Jess and Andy hunkered down over the last week and consumed both the audiobook and written word in order to properly review The Meaning of Mariah Carey. We also spent weeks pouring over our Top 10 Mariah song lists which we reveal after the book review. We are prepared with trivia, deep cuts and moments! Finally, Andy shares his story of writing a four page fan letter to Mimi and attempting to give it to her on the set of Glitter. [ Intro/Andy's Glitter story: 1:00 ] [ Book review: 14:00 ] [ Top 10 songs: 35:00 ] Follow @astrologywithandy, @jessxnyc, @hottakesdeepdives | |||
| 14 Mar 2022 | SNL’s Cheri Oteri on Barbara Walters, Lorne Michaels, Larry David & more | 00:51:42 | |
Jess is joined by SATURDAY NIGHT LIVE character queen CHERI OTERI! Cheri recounts being discovered at The Groundlings, alongside Lisa Kudrow, Kathy Griffin and fellow SNL hopefuls Will Ferrell, Chris Kattan and (gasp) Jennifer Coolidge. Highlights include — origins of her Barbara Walters impression and the cutthroat pressure between cast & writers for airtime. Plus — Jim Carrey’s iconic episode, working w/ Betty White (Hot in Cleveland) & Larry David (Curb Your Enthusiasm). IG: @jessxnyc | @hottakesdeepdives * prose.com/hottakes * | |||
| 30 Sep 2024 | Makeup Artist Kristofer Buckle on Madonna, Mariah, Bethenny, Cher & more | 01:01:53 | |
Jess is joined by celebrity makeup artist KRISTOFER BUCKLE! Topics: discovery as a punk/goth in Penn Station, working MADONNA’s SEX book party, transforming MARIAH into her post-“Butterfly” image, CHER poaching him while working XTINA for “Burlesque,” BETHENNY filming him do her (drug store) face and an airline losing his makeup kit hours before doing JENNIFER LOPEZ. Plus, real talk on hair transplants, eyebrows, lashes, the "Kristofer Buckle" name origin story & more!
| |||
| 10 Dec 2019 | Melissa & Joe Gorga at Envy, Teresa Giudice at Luann’s Xmas Show, RHOD Reunion & more | 00:57:19 | |
Jess is joined by pop culture fiend & NYC real estate broker Sumi Vatsa (@team.mouse.nyc) to recap their Christmas/New Years in the city. Jess attends Mariah Carey’s Christmas concert as well as Sandra Bernhard’s annual show at Joe’s Pub. Jess also recaps an eventful evening in Montclair, New Jersey in which Melissa Gorga reveals some very interesting tea, immediately followed by Luann’s Christmas show in which none other than Teresa Giudice was in attendance. We also react to Tre & Caroline Manzo filming a Super Bowl commercial and discuss which NYC restaurants offer the best holiday ambience and which Oscar/Golden Globes buzz films we’ve seen. Follow @jessxnyc & @hottakesdeepdives | |||
| 01 May 2023 | Rachel Dratch on SNL, 30 Rock, Countess Luann Cabaret & more | 00:56:18 | |
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 cabaret show.
| |||
| 03 Oct 2022 | Inside the Rise & Fall of Gawker (w/ Rich Juzwiak) | 01:03:03 | |
Jess is joined by Rich Juzwiak, senior writer at Jezebel, Slate advice columnist and co-host of Pot Psychology. Rich takes us inside the culture at GAWKER, the epicenter for Manhattan media news and gossip where he was a senior writer from 2012-2016. Gawker began as small blog founded in 2002, which grew into a full-fledged media company, before going bankrupt due to a $140 million legal judgement. We go deep on: Gawker Stalker, outings, dealing with nightmare publicists, Gawker's landmark articles, Peter Theil funding the Hulk Hogan case and the site's shutdown. We also cover two of Juzwiak’s fave topics: The Drew Barrymore Show and Mariah Carey. IG: @jessxnyc | @hottakesdeepdives | |||
| 31 May 2022 | Fran Drescher - The Flashy Nanny From Flushing! | 00:37:39 | |
Jess is joined by the flashy girl from Flushing... FRAN DRESCHER! Fran chats about her best friendship with Rosie O'Donnell, Rosie using The Nanny's opening credit animation for her talk show, The Nanny's campy gay sensibility, working with Trump on his guest role and why Barbra Streisand never appeared. Plus, Fran's relationship with her gay ex-husband Peter Marc Jacobson and a lot more! IG: @jessxnyc | @hottakesdeepdives * dipseastories.com * code deepdives | |||
| 10 May 2021 | Ben Rimalower (Luann's Cabaret Director) on RHONY Nights w/ Bethenny, Producing Teresa Giudice’s Audiobook & more! | 00:56:49 | |
Jess is joined by Ben Rimalower, career theatre writer/director known to RHONY fans as Countess Luann’s long-suffering cabaret director. Ben shares stories of producing audiobooks for both Bethenny AND Teresa Giudice, filming RHONJ/RHONY, Halloween afterparties with Bethenny & Luann and his reaction to Bethenny’s “Life is Not a Cabaret” monologue. Ben also discusses his one man shows: “Patti Issues” (about his obsession with Patti LuPone) and “Bad With Money” (about his spending addiction). | |||
| 13 Aug 2020 | Top 10 RHOP (Potomac) Episodes feat. Mixing with Mani | 01:14:05 | |
Jess hangs with "Mixing with Mani" host (and DC/Potomac area native) Mani to present the Top 10 Episodes of Real Housewives of Potomac you must watch to get up to speed. We cover Monique & Candiace’s entrances, the Grande Dame’s finances press conference, Gizelle’s hazy past with her ex slash future pastor husband + the Michael Darby hot mic heard 'round the world. Jess & Mani then recap Bravo’s “Race in America” special airing this week starring Kandi, Porsha, Gizelle, Garcelle, Dr. Britten Cole, Leah & Braunwyn. Bonus eps on patreon.com/hottakesdeepdives! Follow @mixingwithmani, @jessxnyc, @hottakesdeepdives | |||
| 04 Jan 2021 | Jackie Warner (Work Out) Returns! Sex, Love & SoulCycle | 01:03:14 | |
Bravo's "Work Out" star Jackie Warner returns to the pod! In her second appearance, Jackie chats about training A-listers including Alanis Morissette and Pink at her iconic Beverly Hills gym “Sky Sport & Spa.” Jackie shares her life-long passion for Stevie Nicks as her #1 influence and we go deep on the female-centric ‘90s music scene that shaped us (Ani DiFranco, Sarah McLachlan, etc). We also discuss Jackie’s encounters with The L Word’s Kate Moennig (Shane), how SoulCycle was built on housewives projecting their fantasies onto instructors + Jackie’s wild NYC nights while doing press for “Work Out.” Train 1:1 w/ Jackie Warner by texting: 323-301-3522 | |||
| 05 Apr 2021 | Real World San Fran’s Mohammed Bilal on Pedro’s Legacy, MTV Contracts & Racial Inclusion | 00:55:23 | |
Jess welcomes Mohammed Bilal — the musician, poet and voice of reason on the groundbreaking third season of The Real World: San Francisco. Back in 1994, while Friends and Reality Bites were depicting Gen X as lazy slackers, The Real World: San Francisco cast its most racially diverse group of housemates who were trying to change the world (well, except Puck). Mohammed describes the cultural impact of Pedro Zamora, Pam Ling, Judd Winick and Rachel Campos, and chats about his friendship with Real World: New York’s Kevin Powell. Mohammed also discusses Pedro putting a face to HIV, successfully changing his MTV contract, his current work leading workshops on diversity and inclusion and a lot more! Follow @jessxnyc & @hottakesdeepdives | |||
| 18 Feb 2025 | SNL’s Cheri Oteri on The View, Barbara Walters, Jennifer Coolidge & more | 00:49:26 | |
Jess is joined by SATURDAY NIGHT LIVE character queen CHERI OTERI! Cheri recounts being discovered at The Groundlings alongside Lisa Kudrow, Kathy Griffin and fellow SNL hopefuls Will Ferrell, Chris Kattan and Jennifer Coolidge. Topics: origins of her Barbara Walters impression, the cutthroat pressure between cast & writers for airtime, Jim Carrey’s iconic episode and working w/ Betty White (Hot in Cleveland) & Larry David (Curb Your Enthusiasm).
| |||
| 12 Feb 2024 | Bianca Del Rio on Fire Island, Madonna, Joan Rivers & more | 00:48:28 | |
Jess is joined by drag legend BIANCA DEL RIO! Bianca discuss her early days of drag in New Orleans, New York City, Provincetown and on Fire Island prior to winning season 6 of DRAG RACE. Topics include: Going on tour with Madonna, joining The Traitors, Joan Rivers, Kathy Griffin, Chita Rivera, a “Golden Drag Race” feat. Lady Bunny & Varla Jean Merman and more! | |||
| 18 Jul 2022 | Roxane Gay on The L Word, Queer as Folk, Che Diaz | 00:50:34 | |
Jess is joined by ROXANE GAY, best selling author (Bad Feminist & Hunger) and cultural commentator for a wild culture catchup. We discuss Roxane's desire to write for THE L WORD GEN Q, how she would have handled the Miranda/Che Diaz storyline on AND JUST LIKE THAT and her work as a writer/producer on the new QUEER AS FOLK. Plus, how Roxane’s wife chased (and won) her over, Shonda Rhimes vs. Aaron Sorkin's TV writing Masterclass, the Dorinda Medley “She’s Startin’” meme on QAF, Wanda Sykes on Fire Island and more! IG: @jessxnyc | @hottakesdeepdives * prose.com/hottakes * * apostrophe.com/hottakes * | |||
| 07 Dec 2020 | Bravo Retrospective Power Hour (w/ Ryan Bailey) | 01:38:00 | |
Jess welcomes back the host of So Bad It’s Good - Ryan Bailey! Jess & Ryan hunker down for a good ole Bravo retrospective where we revisit the Bravo shows of yore. We trace the history of Bravo, from Andy Cohen joining the network as VP of Original Programming to the 2nd tier shows we loved (NYC Prep, Being Bobby Brown, Princesses Long Island, Blow Out, Work Out, Shear Genius, etc). Remember “Hey Paula?” with Paula Abdul? We do. Plus a few tangents on Drag Race + our shared love of Howard Stern & David Letterman. * wine.com/hottakes for $50 off your first order * * lerevebeaute.com/deepdives code deepdives *
| |||
| 13 Jun 2022 | Matt Rogers on Fire Island, Las Culturistas & Housewives | 01:02:55 | |
Jess is joined by Fire Island scene stealer and leading man of Las Culturistas, Long Island's own Matt Rogers! Jess and Matt discuss growing up on LI, the death-trap amusement park Action Park and Cherry Grove vs The Pines. Matt gives behind the scenes tea on Fire Island, ie: improv’d scenes, filming on/off island and alternate titles for the film. Plus, Joel Kim Booster advising Las Culturistas to lay off the Housewives talk, Matt auditioning for (and nearly getting) SNL, attending a Countess Luann show with Molly Shannon and Jess delivers her very own "I Don't Think So, Honey!" IG: @jessxnyc | @mattrogerstho * getfilteroff.com * code dives5 | |||
| 19 Feb 2024 | Drag Race’s Peppermint — Traitors Reunion, NYC 90s Nightlife | 01:01:05 | |
Jess is joined by DRAG RACE & TRAITORS star PEPPERMINT! Peppermint discusses fond memories of THE REAL WORLD (which don’t include Vegas or Trishelle), the production behind The Traitors and what she’s planning for The Reunion. Plus, Alan Cumming’s comment that “gays” are loving Phaedra while “queer” ppl are loving Parvati. Peppermint also discusses working the NYC clubs before launching onto Drag Race, Janet Jackson deep cuts & more!
| |||
| 24 Mar 2025 | Bruce Vilanch on Bette Midler, Writing The Oscars & more! | 00:51:54 | |
Jess is joined by beloved go-to comedy writer BRUCE VILANCH! Topics: Bette Midler at the Continental Baths, Barbra Streisand being too cheap to pay him, writing punch-ups for Cher in "Burlesque," writing The Oscars (Ellen difficulty, Anne Hathaway & James Franco hosting, Billy Crystal’s opening medleys), starring in "Hairspray" on Broadway & more! | |||
| 23 Jun 2020 | Real World New Orleans’ Danny Roberts on Being an MTV Gay Icon, Living with HIV & more | 01:01:50 | |
Jess chats with Danny Roberts, the breakout star of one of the greatest seasons of MTV’s The Real World — New Orleans. Back in 2000, Danny became the face of the war against Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell, due to his relationship with his military boyfriend Paul, whose identity had to be blurred out on TV, or else he would lose his career. Danny chats about the audition & filming process, and how he suffered PTSD in the years that followed the airing. We also touch on the Stephen/Irene "slap" from RW Seattle and his experience filming The Challenge for MTV. Finally, Danny opens up about now living with HIV and raising his daughter in NYC. Follow @jdannyroberts, @jessxnyc, @hottakesdeepdives | |||
| 26 Aug 2020 | Reaction to Dorinda Leaving RHONY (w/ Anthony Lario) | 00:44:36 | |
Jess summons Anthony Lario back to the pod to react to the breaking news that Dorinda Medley is leaving RHONY after 6 seasons. We discuss firing vs. quitting and muse on why this announcement came before the season's end. We also discuss Garcelle’s casting on “The Real” and how this will impact her RHOBH future. Finally, Anthony chats about his incredible 100 pound weight loss over the last two years.
Bonus eps on patreon.com/hottakesdeepdives | |||
| 05 Dec 2022 | Flipping Out's Megan Weaver on Jeff Lewis, Teddi Mellencamp's All In, Interior Design Advice | 00:46:08 | |
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 assistant for Steven Spielberg, working on ‘90s classics Twister & Forces of Nature and gives her interior design style advice. IG: @jessxnyc | @hottakesdeepdives * uncommongoods.com code hottakes * | |||
| 27 Nov 2023 | Inside the Cult of Group Fitness — SoulCycle, Peloton | 00:53:42 | |
Jess is a joined by a career fitness professional to go inside the culture of their former cycling employer, while Jess shares her personal experience with SoulCycle. We go deep on: lack of certifications required to teach spin, the “training programs” at different studios, instructors abusing drugs, sexual accusations from riders and the “God Complex” cult of personality these studios cultivate. Plus, stories from Equinox/Soul corporate, the Peloton fall-out and more.
| |||
| 04 Apr 2022 | RHONY's Leah McSweeney on Britney, Bethenny, Club Kids & Psych Wards | 00:47:21 | |
Jess is joined by RHONY's Leah McSweeney (aka LeahMob)!! Leah chats about everything including growing up in Chelsea club-kid culture, sex with girls in high school, her love (and concern) for Britney, Madonna & Courtney Love at the VMAs, experiences in rehab, psych wards and dating a married couple. We also discuss Bethenny quitting RHONY right before Leah started, friendship with Kelly Cutrone and her reaction to cast-mates' comments in Not All Diamonds and Rosé. | |||
| 10 Aug 2020 | Vulture’s Brian Moylan on RHOP, RHOBH, RHONY, Fire Island, Ellen & more! | 01:02:11 | |
Jess hangs with Brian Moylan — King of the Housewives Recaps, Erika Jayne co-author, Vulture writer & Gawker alum — for his State of Bravo Address 2020. We dissect the current moments in which we’re living: Bravo exposing Denise’s private affair to their benefit, why it’s hard to support Ramona “All Lives Matter” Singer, the Leah McSweeney version of New York City that RHONY should pursue & marvel how the unconventional relationships on RHOP enable the show to break new story in their 5th season. We also chat about the Ellen DeGeneres scandal & why there should be a version of Summer House set on Fire Island. Bonus eps on patreon.com/hottakesdeepdives.com Follow @brianjmoylan, @jessxnyc, @hottakesdeepdives | |||
| 20 Jun 2022 | Michael Musto on Village Voice, Gossip, Andy Warhol | 00:50:13 | |
Jess is joined by legendary Village Voice gossip columnist Michael Musto! Musto discusses the origin of outing, psychology of blind items, how an unknown Madonna prevented him from sound-checking with his band in 1982, Gaga's Oscar campaign for House of Gucci and the trouble he got into after Andy Warhol's funeral. He also dishes on Malcolm Forbes, camp John Waters, Fran Lebowitz, getting banned from Twitter and the annoying parts of being a conduit to people becoming fabulous. IG: @jessxnyc | @hottakesdeepdives * getfilteroff.com * code dives5 | |||
| 18 Mar 2020 | RHOBH Trailer Reaction (w/ Emerson Collins of The People’s Couch) | 00:44:36 | |
Jess hunkers down in quarantine w/ Emerson Collins (The People’s Couch) to go deep on the big drop of the week - the Real Housewives of Beverly Hills trailer! We break down everything including: the Allison DuBois-wannabe astrologer, Garcelle & Sutton, a full cast scene inside the Girardi household, and Rinna & Denise's Daytime Emmy-worthy soap opera work. We also theorize on why the season was delayed and the idea of production possilby scrapping whatever was filmed in September to jump to the Brandi Glanville/Denise Richards juice earlier in the season. Jess also shares some interesting tidbits re: Adrienne Maloof & RHONY’s Jules Wainstein related to this very podcast. Follow @emersoncollins, @hottakesdeepdives & @jessxnyc | |||
| 24 Sep 2020 | Madonna Tell-All by Brother Christopher Ciccone: A Deep Dive (w/ Tony Trius) | 01:20:19 | |
Jess is joined by Madonna podcast “MLVC” producer/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 and a lot more! | |||
| 07 Sep 2020 | Behind the Scenes of RHONY: Leah’s Mob Party & Luann’s Rehearsal | 00:37:03 | |
Jess attended two RHONY tapings that aired in this season’s penultimate & final episodes: Leah’s 15th anniversary of Married to the Mob party + Luann’s F Marry Kill rehearsal. She hangs with her friend Dale Saylor, interior designer and Housewives historian, who pumps her with questions about the production & filming process. Follow @jessxnyc & @hottakesdeepdives | |||
| 06 Dec 2021 | Countess Luann DeLesseps on LGBT RHONY, Housewives Crimes & more | 00:35:07 | |
We are joined by a RHONY OG and cabaret royalty — Countess Luann! We get into everything, including how production on Ultimate Girls Trip differed from a typical season, Eboni leaking info about the Ramona investigation to the press and fans still clamoring for Alex McCord. Luann also entertains the idea casting a lesbian or trans housewife for RHONY, relives the Boat Ride From Hell and gives her take on Erika Jayne/Tom Girardi and Jen Shah’s alleged crimes. IG: @jessxnyc & @hottakesdeepdives * tentree.com code deepdives * * audible.com/vedder * | |||
| 16 Sep 2024 | L Word Rockers BETTY - Behind the Music, Sondheim & more | 00:53:53 | |
Jess is joined by pop/rock trio BETTY (known for THE L WORD theme song) as they release their 11th album “EAT.” Topics: how an indie bon vivant band (composed of sisters Elizabeth Ziff & Amy Ziff, best friend Alyson Palmer) lasts for 40 years, living together in the late 80s East Village, their performance at Sondheim: A Celebration at Carnegie Hall, HBO’s ENCYCLOPEDIA, Aly’s college daughter watching THE L WORD, starring in their own Off-Broadway show “BETTY Rules” directed by RENT’s Michael Greif & more! | |||
| 19 Oct 2020 | Below Deck Med Colin Macy O’Toole’s Hot Takes on This Season | 00:45:20 | |
Jess catches up with our favorite yachtie — Below Deck Med's Colin Macy O’Toole — to get his hot takes on this hot mess of a season. We mention it all, including Captain Sandy’s “cameo” where she speculates that Malia is gay, deckhand Rob Westergaard making his way through the Bravo world trying to date Jess, Madison (Below Deck Sailing Yacht) and lying about “talking to” Hannah Berner (Summer House). We also discuss Captain Lee’s contradiction of Captain Sandy’s statement that according to Maritime Law there cannot be any drugs on board, Colin’s friendships with Carl Radke & Kyle Cooke + the Pump Rules firings. Follow @jessxnyc & @hottakesdeepdives | |||
| 23 Jul 2020 | Orange is the New Black’s Vicci Martinez & Emily Tarver on Falling in Love, The Voice & more | 00:47:48 | |
Jess sits down with actors / musicians / co-stars & couple Vicci Martinez & Emily Tarver from Orange is the New Black! Vicci Martinez is best known for playing Daddy on OITNB as well as her big break on Season 1 of The Voice. Emily Tarver played guard CO McCullough for four seasons, and shined in the final season opposite Laura Prepon/Alex Vause. We chat about their auditions/experiences on The Voice, OITNB, Ruby Rose’s influence, falling in love on set, musical influences & performing live. | |||
| 24 Aug 2021 | Dorinda Medley on Blue Stone Manor, Real Estate, SoulCycle, Money & more! | 00:40:10 | |
Jess is joined by RHONY fave Dorinda Medley! Dorinda goes deep about renovating Blue Stone Manor to be “Frankenstein meets Marilyn Monroe,” working as both a real estate agent (where she met Richard Medley) and an aerobics instructor in New York City, SoulCycle, Barry's Bootcamp, plus her relationship to money, astrology (Sun in Sagittarius, Moon in Aries) and healing herbs. Dorinda also describes why filming Housewives is all-consuming, how fame is a mistress, her cameo on Big Shot with Bethenny and yelling “not well b*tch” at Sex and the City writer Candace Bushnell. Follow @jessxnyc & @hottakesdeepdives | |||
| 19 Sep 2022 | Guinevere Turner on Writing The L Word & American Psycho, Chasing Amy, Taxicab Confessions | 01:12:19 | |
Jess is joined by queer indie cinema queen, Guinevere Turner! Guinevere Turner wrote and starred in the breakout '90s film GO FISH which launched her career at the Sundance Film Festival. While at Sundance, she met CLERKS filmmaker Kevin Smith who based his film CHASING AMY on his friendship with Guinevere. She later went on to write the iconic Christian Bale film AMERICAN PSYCHO and launch THE L WORD where she wrote on several seasons, titled the show, created The Chart and played Alice's ex Gabby Deveaux. Did we mention that she was also caught on surveillance camera in HBO's TAXICAB CONFESSIONS, dated Portia de Rossi, Tracy Chapman and Kd Lang? Get into this! | |||
| 03 Apr 2023 | Lady Bunny on ‘Drag Race’ vs Drag, RuPaul, Wigstock | 00:46:08 | |
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 | |||
| 31 Oct 2022 | Showgirls, Midnight Movies & Camp Classics (w/ Peaches Christ) | 00:45:35 | |
Jess is joined by legendary drag performer Peaches Christ to analyze the legacy of the cult classic SHOWGIRLS and to answer the questions of why and how did this “masterpiece of sh*t” get made. Peaches Christ has been producing full-blown Showgirls drag theatrical extravaganzas in San Francisco for 20 years. Peaches also sheds insider light on Elizabeth Berkley’s Showgirls journey herself and also discusses camp classics DEATH BECOMES HER & HOCUS POCUS. IG @jessxnyc | @peacheschrist * uncommongoods.com/hottakes * | |||
| 15 Dec 2020 | Housewives Empath Jamie Stein Channels RHOP, RHOSLC, Erika Jayne Divorce, Braunwyn | 01:15:11 | |
Jess welcomes Housewives Empath Jamie Stein back to the pod for a deep dive into the subconscious psychology surrounding the Erika Jayne / Tom Girardi divorce and RHOC Baunwyn’s alcoholism & coming out. We then move on to the star shows of the hour: Real Housewives of Potomac & Salt Lake City. Jamie channels Ashley & Michael Darby, Monique & Candiase, T’Challa, Meredith Marks and of course, Mary Cosby. PS: Jamie is watching Bethenny Ever After for the first time (!) so we dip into Bethenny / Jason Hoppy at the top of the show.
[ 2:10 - Bethenny/Jason Hoppy ] [ 10:45 - Erika Jayne Divorce ] [ 22:00 - Baunwyn’s Journey ] [ 30:45 - Jax & Brittany firing ] [ 34:00 - Potomac ] [ 56:10 - Salt Lake City ] Follow @jamiestein & @jessxnyc | |||
| 23 Dec 2019 | Brian Moylan is the King of Housewives Recaps (Interview w/ Vulture’s Brian Moylan) | 00:57:28 | |
Jess sits down with renowned Housewives recap writer, Brian Moylan from Gawker & NY Mag’s Vulture in this delicious convo. We dig into his tenure at Gawker (RIP) and pay proper homage to 'Gawker Stalker.' We go over his top 3 favorite 'wives, his picks for best & worst franchise, discuss how he got the dream gig co-writing Erika Jayne’s memoir Pretty Mess, going on vacation to Mexico w/ Vicki Gunvalson, what Jill Zarin thinks of his RHONY recap punchline, state of the union Pump Rules & Bev Hills, whether or not he wants a gay male housewife, his dreams for BravoCon and a lot more! Follow @BrianJMoylan and @HotTakesDeepDives & @jessxnyc | |||
| 17 Apr 2023 | Kara DioGuardi (American Idol): Songwriter - Kelly Clarkson, XTina, Pink, Britney & Ashlee | 01:00:24 | |
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 Idol, and her experience on Bravo’s songwriting competition show Platinum Hit. IG: @jessxnyc | |||
| 06 Apr 2020 | Interview w/ Pump Rules’ Ariana Madix on her Road to SUR, the Sprawling Cast, Denise Richards/Brandi Glanville & more | 00:58:20 | |
Jess chats with Ariana Madix about her life in NYC before moving to LA, how her friendship with Tom Sandoval evolved into a long-term relationship and how she managed to become friends w/ Kristen Doute behind the scenes over the years. Ariana also reacts to the show pitting Stassi’s book success against Fancy AF Cocktails, the overflowing cast in the Valley & at SUR and Jax Taylor’s accusations that she and Tom are “glorified roommates.” We also kiki about which Pump Rules girl is most primed to graduate to RHOBH, the Denise Richards/Brandi Glanville rumors, the fallout after new cast members’ racist tweets, why DJ James Kennedy is vital to VPR, the concept of splitting VPR into two shows and the details of buying her & Tom's first home last year. Follow @hottakesdeepdives & @jessxnyc | |||
| 19 Jan 2023 | Inside The L Word Scripts, Set Visits, Contracts, Behind the Scenes | 00:58:13 | |
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 Erin Daniels (Dana) exiting the show, where are Rachel Shelley (Helena) and Sarah Shahi (Carmen)... and more behind the scenes sapphic chaos than you asked for. | |||
| 05 Sep 2023 | Empath Jamie Stein Channels Jenna Lyons, Bethenny's Summer of Chaos, Kim Cattrall | 01:06:13 | |
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.
| |||
| 11 Dec 2023 | Madonna Backup Singers & Dancers — Niki Haris & Donna De Lory | 01:14:04 | |
Jess is joined by “Madonna’s Secret Weapons” (per Rolling Stone) — longtime Madonna back-up singers and dancers, NIKI HARIS & DONNA DE LORY! Niki and Donna performed on four (4) of Madonna’s world tours, including The Who’s That Girl Tour, The Blond Ambition Tour, The Girlie Show and The Drowned World Tour. They also appear on the recordings of “Vogue,” “Like a Prayer” “Deeper and Deeper,” “Nothing Really Matters” and more. We discuss filming TRUTH OR DARE, filming the “Vogue” and “Music” videos, currently performing as a duo on tour and more! | |||
| 22 Mar 2021 | ROSIE O'DONNELL (!!!) on Britney, Madonna, The Rosie Show, The View & more! | 01:03:57 | |
Jess is joined by fellow Long Islander ROSIE O’DONNELL for the kiki of our dreams. Rosie discusses the inception of The Rosie O’Donnell Show, the infamous episode where Whitney Houston no-showed, her experiences with Britney and reaction to the Framing Britney documentary, being in the studio as Madonna recorded “This Used to Be My Playground” for A League of Their Own, why Barbara Walters disappointed her on The View, Kathy Griffin and Roseanne not taking her advice, Woody Allen offering her a movie role despite her public disdain for him, her upcoming role on the The L Word re-boot and a lot more! Watch video of the Rosie interview @jessxnyc & hottakesdeepdives! | |||
| 15 May 2020 | Empath & Intuitive Jamie Stein Channels the Housewives & Pump Rules Cast | 01:00:45 | |
Jamie Stein is a therapeutically trained empath & intuitive with an ability to channel (feel, see and hear) what is going on inside of an individual on an unconscious level. He is also a Bravo superfan and loves using his gift to help us more deeply understand these people beyond what we see in an edited episode of TV. Today, Jamie sits with Jess and combines Deep Intuitive Magic with Therapeutic Training and Real-World Pragmatism on the following subjects: Stassi & Beau, Jax & Brittany, Tom Sandoval & Jax, Tom & Ariana, The Witches of WeHo dynamic (Kristen, Stassi, Katie), plus Margaret Josephs & Denise Richards. Follow @hottakesdeepdives, @jessxnyc & @jamiestein | |||
| 13 Jul 2020 | Behind the Scenes of WWHL & The Tonight Show w/ T.KYLE (feat. Britney, Gaga, XTina) | 01:01:52 | |
Jess hangs with T.Kyle, co-host of Legends Only & It’s Britney, Bitch! We kiki about his career in digital media at MTV, Watch What Happens Live and currently The Tonight Show. We also discuss how both reality & awards shows (VMAs) have changed since the early 2000s. Finally, T.Kyle reveals his Top 3 Britney, XTina & Gaga songs and a lot more!
* Announcing Patreon! * patreon.com/hottakesdeepdives for bonus episodes! | |||
| 20 May 2024 | IT Girls of NYC ‘90s Lesbian Chic (w/ Elizabeth Ziff & Maggie Moore) | 00:58:08 | |
Jess is joined by exes & best friends ELIZABETH ZIFF (The L Word writer; BETTY rocker) and MAGGIE MOORE (chanteuse; real estate broker) to reflect on ‘90s queer girl culture in NYC. Topics: their meet-cute love story, creating the Industria Super Studios girl parties, Café Tabac, Meow Mix, Alan Cumming. Plus — Laurel Holloman / Nicole Ari Parker film ‘Incredibly True Adventures of 2 Girls in Love,’ Maggie on HGTV’s Selling New York, why all roads lead to BETTY and THE L WORD & more!
| |||
| 04 Mar 2021 | Housewives All Stars, Real World Nostalgia & Clubhouse App (w/ Kate Casey) | 00:31:39 | |
Jess is joined by friend of the show Kate Casey for some predictions on Housewives All Stars (aka Mash-Up) and what to watch this week (Real World New York) + (It's a Sin, HBOMax). Kate also shares a story about the Housewife interview she never aired and why she no longer cares to interview Bethenny or Andy Cohen. Finally, Kate explains why we should get into the new Clubhouse app.
| |||
| 05 Jun 2023 | Survivor’s Jerri Manthey: OG Villainess of Reality TV | 01:01:30 | |
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 evolution + her picks for best (and most overrated) players. Finally, Jerri makes her pitch for Real Housewives of Napa Valley. | |||
| 08 Feb 2021 | H'wives Unpopular Opinions + Wendy Williams (w/ PetShopBoy) | 00:45:27 | |
Jess welcomes back PetShopBoy, aka “B,” to review the four-hour Wendy Williams extravaganza on Lifetime. We also discuss Ramona Singer’s jaunts to St. Barth and Mar-a-lago while Sonja Morgan is home recovering from COVID. Finally, we put PetShopBoy to the test with “But Now We Said It: Unpopular Opinions” where he gives his unpopular takes on each Housewives franchise. | |||
| 18 Apr 2022 | Bethenny Talk Show Deep Dive (w/ Zack Peter) | 00:54:50 | |
Jess is joined by Zack Peter for a deep dive into the waters of Bethenny’s one season talk show. We review her episodes with Kim Richards, Ramona stealing the dress, Luann, Tracy Anderson, Andy Cohen as well as bizarre yet fascinating segments with audience members. We also discuss B's manic podcast, the time Jess called into Bethenny's SiriusXM show, Jason & Bryn Hoppy and do a tight 5 on good eyebrows. Zack also recaps his “Spilling Tea Live” shows in LA and Nashville feat. Tom Sandoval, Tom Schwartz, Scheana, Brock and Emily D. Baker. | |||
| 20 Jan 2025 | Art of Hollywood & Reality Scandal Monetizing on TikTok & YouTube (w/ Zack Peter) | 01:03:24 | |
Jess is joined by full-time YouTuber/Podcaster Zack Peter (No Filter w/ Zack Peter)! Topics: How much money Zack personally made off Scandoval and now the Blake Lively / Justin Baldoni lawsuit, how many views = how much money across TikTok + YouTube, warning against making Bravo your entire brand, projecting Bethenny’s TikTok income, Spencer Pratt & Heidi Montag’s strategy with streaming “Superficial” post-LA fires & a lot more!
| |||