Referential

PART 2!

(slight Act 2 spoilers from 54:15 to 57:11)

Tangent episode #17

REFERENTIAL rings in the new year with a 2 parter on the latest film adaptation of Act 1 of Wicked! 

Welcome back to the ‘Session of The Witch’!

I’m joined by returning guest Miss Sundi to talk about the 20 year history Wicked the musical and its most recent film adaptation! 

Directed by Jon M. Chu,  ‘Wicked: Part 1’ is a film adaptation starring Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande. 

The original musical featured music and lyrics by Stephan Schwartz, book by Winnie Holzman and starred Idina Menzel and Kristin Chenoweth. The musical itself was an adaptation of Gregory Macguire’s 1995 revisionist retelling of L. Frank Baum’s Wicked Witch of the West character (renamed Elphaba in tribute) from 1900’s Wonderful Wizard of Oz children’s novel. 

[Part 1- 'The Music' 

We recap of the story of Act 1 + a music commentary delving into the music of the musical track by track and note by note!]

Part 2 - 'The Movie' 

A conversation about the history of the book, the shows musical origins and more of our thoughts on the recent film adaptation!

+

• A 120 year 'Ozian' history - from book, to musical, to movie)
• Interpretation
• Colour grading
• Vocalists.
• The war on terror
• Avengers level talent - A vocally demanding musical
• A roll call of musical titans who played Glinda and/Or Elphaba including: Idina Menzel, Kristin Chenoweth, Nikki Bentley, Rachel Tucker, Annaliegh Ashford, Brittney Johnson, Louise Dearman, Shoshanna Bean, Megan Hilty, Eden Espinosa, Alice Fern, Kerry Ellis, Jessica Vosk (...)
• Holding space in queer media
• CGI animals and zoology girlies
• Black Elphaba
• Rudity
• Practical effects
• Janet Jackson's turn as Aida
• Lesbians
• The racialisation of Elphaba
• The racialisation of Glinda
• Yuh
• The 'G' slur
• Act 1 vs Act 2 - soft spoilers
• Give us Hadestown the adaptation
• Jill Scott
• BOQ

___ 

This one is for the musical nerds who found themselves awake at 2 am listening to Elphaba and Glinda high note compilations.

___

Hosted and produced by Dr. Khaliden Nas.

Music by PamperedFists & Anzahlung.

All videos edited by Victor Alexander.

Podcast Artwork by Valentine M. Smith. 

Keep up to date with Dr. Khaliden Nas by checking out www.alsopurple.com Follow me @AlsoPurp on all socials.

Find out more about REFERENTIAL’s upcoming episodes on www.alsopurple.com/citations

*'Tangents' are audio-only episodes posted more frequently than Video Episodes because they require less work/research/editing!

Expect quick reviews, edited out content, collabs, mailbags, live audio, and so on.. *

Thank you for listening! Leave the pod a rating to help other people find the show

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

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PART 1!

REFERENTIAL rings in the new year with a 2 parter on the latest film adaptation of Act 1 of Wicked!

Welcome back to the ‘Session of The Witch’!

[an ongoing miniseries of episodes diving into the resurgence of witches in pop culture fiction and their thematic relationship to this moment in feminism, womanhood, queerness, misogynoir (and musicals!]

I’m joined by returning guest Miss Sundi to talk about the 20 year history Wicked the musical and its most recent film adaptation! 

Directed by Jon M. Chu, ‘Wicked: Part 1’ is a film adaptation starring Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba and Ariana Grande as Glinda..

The original musical featured music and lyrics by Stephan Schwartz, book by Winnie Holzman and starred Idina Menzel as Elphaba and Kristin Chenoweth as Glinda. The musical itself was an adaptation of Gregory Macguire’s 1995 revisionist retelling of L. Frank Baum’s Wicked Witch of the West character (renamed Elphaba in tribute) from 1900’s Wonderful Wizard of Oz children’s novel. 

Part 1 - 'The Music'

We recap of the story of Act 1 + a music commentary delving into the music of the musical track by track and note by note!

+

• A recap
• Mother Schwartz
• The Glinda and Elphaba binary
• Motifs
• Glinda's double speak
• Optional notes
• Making Good
• Jonathan Bailey is thriving
• Back phrasing
• High stamina 'I want' songs
• LAR
• Sharon D. Clarke
• Fresher's week at Shiz
• The Mics are on
• Nessa Um Nessa
• Madame Morrible's DBS
• Men singing
• Sopranos and Belters
• BALLGOWN!
• Mindful riffing
• Lesbianism
• Colours('Colors')
• Musical Lesbianism

[Part 2 - 'The Movie'

A conversation about the history of the book, the shows musical origins and more of our thoughts on the recent film adaptation.]

___

This one is for the musical nerds who found themselves awake at 2 am listening to Elphaba and Glinda high note compilations.

___

Hosted and produced by Dr. Khaliden Nas.

Music by PamperedFists & Anzahlung.

All videos edited by Victor Alexander.

Podcast Artwork by Valentine M. Smith. 

Keep up to date with Dr. Khaliden Nas by checking out www.alsopurple.com Follow me @AlsoPurp on all socials.

Find out more about REFERENTIAL’s upcoming episodes on www.alsopurple.com/citations

*'Tangents' are audio-only episodes posted more frequently than Video Episodes because they require less work/research/editing!

Expect quick reviews, edited out content, collabs, mailbags, live audio, and so on.. *

Thank you for listening! Leave the pod a rating to help other people find the show!

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Drop Call #2

Victor and I have been diligently working on the next episode! In the mean time I decided to pull out my recorder to capture what we talk about in between bursts of productivity and share it as a 'Drop Call' episode!

Two queers unite for a first of its kind groundbreaking neverdonebefore conversation about pop stars and pop music.

Listen!

• Lady Gaga
• Sabrina Carpenter
• Katy Perry
• Taylor Swift
• Kelly Rowland
• The ghost of Mary J Blige
• Ashanti
• Jennifer Lopez
• Amy/Adele/Duffy
• City Girls
• Kim Petras
• Dula Peep
• Lil Nas X
• Ariana
• Chase Icon
• Bruno Mars
• Jamie Foxx
• Anastasia
• Rita Ora
• Cheryl Cole
• Gwen Stefani
• Lana Del Rey
• Girls Aloud
• Sugababes
• Brandy
• Dolly Parton
• Jojo (a)
• Jojo (b)
• Poppers music
• Gay songs for straight girls

Let us know if you want more of these kinds of chats with a comment on socials or Spotify!

_____

Find Victor @ugly_knees on insta!

Keep up to date by following @AlsoPurp on all socials.

Music by PamperedFists & Anzahlung.

Original podcast Artwork by Valentine M. Smith. 

Video Production by Victor Alexander (@Ugly_knees on insta and @clevvergirl on Tiktok)

Subscribe to our Youtube Page!

https://youtube.com/@referentialpod

More at www.alsopurple.com

-------

NEXT EP:

Trans Pride Brighton 2025 (Parts 1 & 2) (Featuring Kate Nash, Sarah Savage, and more..)

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Trying something new!

A very lightly edited conversation catching up with my friend Ash Alleyne (host of X of Words!)

• Podding
• Cooking vs burn out
• Easing back in
• Coming up next on X of Words!
• Coming up next on REFERENTIAL!

Let us know if you want more of these kinds of chats with a comment on socials or Spotify!

_____

Find Ash on all socials @Vanthefirst and @xofwords on all socials!

Keep up to date by following @AlsoPurp on all socials.

Music by PamperedFists & Anzahlung.

Original podcast Artwork by Valentine M. Smith. 

Video Production by Victor Alexander (@Ugly_knees on insta and @clevvergirl on Tiktok)

Subscribe to our Youtube Page!

https://youtube.com/@referentialpod

More at www.alsopurple.com

-------

NEXT EP:

Trans Pride Brighton 2025 (Parts 1 & 2) (Featuring Kate Nash, Sarah Savage, and more..)

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

*All profits from this limited merch run will be donated to Trans Pride Brighton*

Pre-Order a VALENTINE SMITH X REFERENTIAL 'LW/RF' T-Shirt or Print!

Limited run, available to order until the 14th of August 2025. Shipping out August 15th.

T-Shirts!

https://everpress.com/profile/alsopurp

Prints!

https://www.inprnt.com/profile/alsopurp/

Valentine's shop:

https://www.inprnt.com/gallery/valentinesmith/

Find more at 

www.alsopurple.com

*All profits from this limited merch run will be donated to Trans Pride Brighton*

_______

This Valentine M. Smith design was commissioned in collaboration with Dr. Khaliden Nas and REFERENTIAL Podcast to raise funds in the lead to Trans Pride Brighton's 12th year and contribute to the continued and necessary existence of this vital event in an increasingly hostile culture in the United Kingdom.

You can find out more about Trans Pride Brighton's activities at the link below:

https://transpridebrighton.org/about/

Donate directly at:

https://transpridebrighton.org/keep-trans-pride-brighton-alive-donate-monthly/

NEXT EP:

Trans Pride Brighton 2025 (Parts 1 & 2) (Featuring Kate Nash, Sarah Savage, and more..)

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Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Tangent Episode #2

*'Tangents' are audio-only episodes posted more frequently than Video Episodes because they require less work/research/editing!

Expect quick reviews, edited out content, collabs, mailbags, live audio, and so on.. *

Happy Holidays!

Commuting? Looking for a reason to escape family for a few minutes? Bored because you don't celebrate anything but everything has shut down for 4 days?

Distract yourself with these 2 minutes minutes of Ash and I almost ending our friendship because of a weather disagreement. Are you Team Ash or Team Khaliden on this one?

If you like homework, or looking for a recommendation list you can find the notes or 'Citation Page' for Episode 1 on my website

https://www.alsopurple.com/referential1

You'll find all the books, shows and pods referenced.

Find Ash @Vanthefirst on all socials and his podcast X of Words everywhere you find your podcasts. 

Keep up to date by following me @AlsoPurp on all socials.

And subscribe on YouTube for each episode's visuals! https://youtube.com/@referentialp?si=SZ7W-OkVwfSMjWNx

Music by PamperedFists & Anzahlung.

Podcast Artwork by Valentine M. Smith. 

More at www.alsopurple.com

If you haven't already, please leave a 5 star rating and review to help more people find this podcast! I'll see you back here for a full episode next month. In the meantime, happy holidays!

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Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Finished the full Lady Gaga v Niamos MIX I started as a jingle in the 1st 'Imperial Session' Ep about 'Andor' & the Star Wars franchise.

I decided to title it "Judas in Jedha" and share as a bonus. Enjoy!

New episode in your feeds next week - see you then!

Check out Project Fulcrum!

https://www.getfreetogether.org/project-fulcrum

Original song credits:

'NIAMOS!' originally composed by Nicholas Britell and later mixed by S2 composer Brandon Roberts and released titled 'Brasso' and later as 'The Chandrilian Club Mix'.

'Judas' was written and produced by Stefani 'Lady Gaga' Germanotta and Nadir 'RedOne' Khyat.

'Government Hooker' was written and produced by Stefani 'Lady Gaga' Germanotta, Paul 'DJ White Shadow' Blair, Fernando Garibay and with additional production by DJ Snake.

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Tangent Episode #21

'The Imperial Sessions'

Conversations on Fascism & Media

New recurring series alert! And to kick off these series of conversations about Fascism in media I'm joined by returning guest (and my X-Men '97 Sessions Co-host) X of Words' Ash Alleyne to cover Lucasfilms' latest instalment to the Star Wars Saga and franchise: 'Andor'.

Created by Tony Gilroy, it is a prequel to the film Rogue One (2016) following thief-turned-rebel spy Cassian Andor during the formative five years that lead to the events of the film. The show stars Diego Luna, Kyle Soller, Adria Arjona, Stellan Skarsgard, Genevieve O'Reilly and Denise Gough.

If you're less familiar with the nuances of the Star Wars saga + haven't watched Andor Season 2 we kept the conversation spoiler free and relatively beginner friendly so don't hesitate to hit play!

+ Find out how we fit the following in

• Fascism in storytelling and fiction
• Revolutionary stories by Corporate entities
• How we discuss stories 'relevant to our times'
• Dissonance
• "Star Wars for Adults"
• The different strains of Star Wars
• The perfect fantasy weapon
• Manufactured catharsis
• The mundanity of fascism
• Rebels, revolutionaries and terrorists
• Imperialism, colonialism & The Empire
• The Acolyte
• Andor
• Mononymous
• Shout out to Rachel Zegler
• Democracy LATER
• Space Miami
• Why I hate sand
• Judas in Jedha
• Luther, Maarva and Mon
• Ash vs Khaliden (continued)
• LIES! DECEPTIONS!
• No but really, why is everyone wearing a kimono?

Check out Project Fulcrum!

https://www.getfreetogether.org/project-fulcrum

Send an email on [email protected] if you want us to come back to cover S2 in depth!

Follow us on YouTube by searching REFERENTIAL Podcast for video episodes!

Hosted and produced by Dr. Khaliden Nas.

Music by PamperedFists & Anzahlung.

All videos edited by Victor Alexander.

Podcast Artwork by Valentine M. Smith. 

Episode podcast cover by Valentine Smith, further visual editing by Victor Alexander.

Keep up to date with Dr. Khaliden Nas by checking out www.alsopurple.com Follow me @AlsoPurp on all socials.

Find out more about REFERENTIAL’s upcoming episodes on www.alsopurple.com/citations

*'Tangents' are audio-only episodes posted more frequently than Video Episodes because they require less work/research/editing!

Expect quick reviews, edited out content, collabs, mailbags, live audio, and so on.. *

Thank you for listening!

Remember to leave the pod a 5* rating to help other people find the show!

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

While I’m in the edit cave prepping the next episode here’s a treat for the feed. Return of friends of the pod Allison and Joe from Queer Cinema Catch Up!

Alison and Joe asked me to come on their podcast to talk about Lady Gaga’s latest album Mayhem! Tune in to hear us dig into this current moment in pop music and diva worship!

Make sure to check back in a few days for REFERENTIAL’s upcoming episode examining the theme of Black Girlhood in media with critic and writer Shannon Miller!

Queer Cinema Catchup is independently produced by Allison Theveny and Joe Murphy.

*'Tangents' are audio-only episodes posted more frequently than Video Episodes because they require less work/research/editing!

Expect quick reviews, edited out content, collabs, mailbags, live audio, and so on.. *

_____________________________

_____________________________

In this episode of Queer Cinema Catchup, Joe and Allison are once again joined by Dr. Khaliden Nas of the Referential podcast to review Lady Gaga's latest album, 'Mayhem.' Together, they discuss Gaga's evolution as an artist; reflect on their personal relationships to her music; and complete a track-by-track analysis.

00:00 Welcome to the Queer Cinema Catchup and Referential Collab

01:10 Personal Histories with Lady Gaga

03:42 Lady Gaga's Evolution and Public Persona

08:31 Reactions to Born This Way

17:40 Theatre Kid Roots and Artistry

20:04 Expectations for the New Album

35:12 Madonna's Influence and Pop Culture Shifts

36:10 Album Review: Mayhem's Chaotic Intentionality

36:57 Fan Feedback and Emotional Themes

37:35 Comparing Albums: Fame Monster vs. Mayhem

39:32 The Pressure of Reinvention in Pop Music

42:10 Success Anxiety and Artistic Authenticity

50:15 Track-by-Track Breakdown: Disease & Abracadabra

53:39 Garden of Eden and Perfect Celebrity

57:50 Vanish into You & Killah

01:01:20 Zombie Boy & Gwen Stefani

01:03:1 Love Drug

01:06:40 Taylor Swift and 80s Influence in How Bad Do U Want Me

01:08:12 Diverse Songwriting Styles

01:10:13 Emotional Ballads (Blade of Grass) and Personal Stories

01:21:11 Final Thoughts and Final Review

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While I’m in the edit cave prepping the next episode here’s a treat for the feed. Return of the podcast cousin Sara Century!

Some time ago I was asked the host of Best Issue Ever Podcast to join her for a discussion and I chose Wonder Woman Vol. 2 #20 (by George Perez, Bob McLeod, Carl Gafford, John Costanza, and edited by Karen Berger) as the comics I wanted to talk about the most #BringBackMyndiMayer

Sara Century also has a new zine now available for preorder! You can get your digital or physical copy of ‘My Heart Bleeds with Yours: Writings on Lesbian Vampires by Sara Century’ at saracentury.gumroad.com! 

And while you’re there make sure to also check out her other work and support at ko-fi.com/saracenturypodcasts or patreon.com/saracenturypodcasts.

REFERENTIAL will be back on your feeds in a week with a brand new episode exploring the theme of ‘Black Girlhood in media’ with Shannon Miller (aka PopDishKitchen). 

Back in your ears soon!

BEST ISSUE EVER is independently produced and hosted by Sara Century. 

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______________________

REFERENTIAL

Hosted and produced by Dr. Khaliden Nas.

Additional editing assistance by Laila. 

Music by PamperedFists & Anzahlung.

All videos edited by Victor Alexander.

Podcast Artwork by Valentine M. Smith. 

Keep up to date with Dr. Khaliden Nas by checking out www.alsopurple.com Follow me @AlsoPurp on all socials.

Find out more about REFERENTIAL’s upcoming episodes on www.alsopurple.com/citations

*'Tangents' are audio-only episodes posted more frequently than Video Episodes because they require less work/research/editing!

Expect quick reviews, edited out content, collabs, mailbags, live audio, and so on.. *

Thank you for listening! Leave the pod a rating to help other people find the show

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy