The Celebration Celebration: A Tour Through the Tours of Madonna & more!

"The one thing you can count on is that I will never stay the same." – Madonna

It's our 50th episode, and we're pulling out all the stops! We discuss CONFESSIONS II, break down Madonna's FIFA Halftime Show performance, and luxuriate in the glorious bath that is the newest era from the Queen.

Then finally, the moment this whole project has been building towards: The Celebration Celebration celebrates THE CELEBRATION TOUR! We discuss all of the numbers, the outfits, and and every iconic moment from Madonna's greatest retrospective on stage.

Finally, we bring Ma'Deathmatch to its epic conclusion, deciding once and for all which performance of each of Madonna's iconic songs reigns supreme. (For now!) And we've got several past guests helping us deciding the definitive tour performance of Holiday!

Let's strike up the band one last time, because this is a celebration, b*tches!

Email us: [email protected]

Follow us on Instagram: @TheCelebrationCelebration

Pick up a copy of Eric’s book: The Dancer

https://a.co/d/0gAi3be

Pick up a copy of John's book: Baked! Sex, Drugs, and Alternative Comedy:

https://amzn.to/3tUbvOM

For autographed copies:

https://www.johnflynncomedian.com/baked

Edited by: John Flynn

Artwork by Dyna Moe:

https://www.nobodyssweetheart.com/

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

"I'm used to getting a good rumping from the critics. So what?" – Madonna

In our final chapter on Madonna's film career, we're taking one last trip to the multiplex for three of her most infamous films: SHANGHAI SURPRISE, THE NEXT BEST THING, and SWEPT AWAY. We revisit the performances, the Razzie infamy, and the disappointing box office. Were her relationships with Sean Penn, Rupert Everett, or Guy Ritchie partially to blame?

Then we shift gears as we prepare for our milestone 50th episode! Thanks to a listener's suggestion (that's Kevin!) we rank every closing number from Madonna's concert tours, starting with Material Girl, then Holiday, then Keep It Together and so on and so on!

One last look back before we take our final bow, because THAT'S A WRAP ON MADONNA! (her film career, at least)

Email us: [email protected]

Follow us on Instagram: @TheCelebrationCelebration

Pick up a copy of Eric’s book: The Dancer

https://a.co/d/0gAi3be

Pick up a copy of John's book: Baked! Sex, Drugs, and Alternative Comedy:

https://amzn.to/3tUbvOM

For autographed copies:

https://www.johnflynncomedian.com/baked

Edited by: John Flynn

Artwork by Dyna Moe:

https://www.nobodyssweetheart.com/

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

"To say that I have great marketing savvy is ultimately an insult, because it undermines my power as an artist." — Madonna

In this episode, we take a look at Madonna's long and fascinating history in commercials. Whether she's selling Pepsi, promoting luxury fashion, or simply selling the idea of Madonna herself, one thing is certain: nobody knows branding quite like the Material Girl.

We're joined by Madonna fan, podcaster and copywriter TODD WERKHOVEN (Portland at the Movies & Mark and Toddcast) to break down the ads, the campaigns, and the moments when Madonna turned marketing into an art form.

We also discuss her new song, the Times Square appearance, and CONFESSIONS II - THE FILM. Mother is feeding us!

Follow Todd on Instagram and Facebook: @toddwerkhoven

Email us: [email protected]

Follow us on Instagram: @TheCelebrationCelebration

Pick up a copy of Eric’s book: The Dancer

https://a.co/d/0gAi3be

Pick up a copy of John's book: Baked! Sex, Drugs, and Alternative Comedy:

https://amzn.to/3tUbvOM

For autographed copies:

https://www.johnflynncomedian.com/baked

Edited by: John Flynn

Artwork by Dyna Moe:

https://www.nobodyssweetheart.com/

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

“Making movies is really hard. It's the hardest thing I've ever done.” – Madonna

In this episode, we dive into Madonna’s bold stint behind the camera with her two feature films: FILTH AND WISDOM and W.E. From the chaotic bohemian dreamers of London to the doomed romance of Wallis Simpson and Edward VIII, the Queen of Pop takes herself, and the rest of us, to film school. We discuss the influence of Christopher Flynn, the shadow of her divorce from Guy Ritchie, and why these films might deserve a second look.

Grab your fishnets, Criterion Collection, and a bucket of popcorn because the previews are starting!

Email us: [email protected]

Follow us on Instagram: @TheCelebrationCelebration

Pick up a copy of Eric’s book: The Dancer

https://a.co/d/0gAi3be

Pick up a copy of John's book: Baked! Sex, Drugs, and Alternative Comedy:

https://amzn.to/3tUbvOM

For autographed copies:

https://www.johnflynncomedian.com/baked

Edited by: John Flynn

Artwork by Dyna Moe:

https://www.nobodyssweetheart.com/

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

“A revolution of love is needed now more than ever.” – Madonna

Grab your berets (French or otherwise) roll some clove cigarettes and get ready to start a revolution because in this episode we’re looking at Madonna in the context that suits her best: the art film.

From whispered manifestos to high-fashion martyrdom, we dive into Madonna’s visual projects: Madonna x Steven Klein - X-STaTIC Pro=CeSS, SecretProjectRevolution, The Hire: Star. Her-Story, Madonna X Vanity Fair, and Funeral Rites. 

It’s Madonna, so we know it’s high fashion. But is it art? Is it deep? Is it camp? Is it all those things? Is it more? We discuss.

Joining us is visual artist and professor NEIL GOLDBERG, who helps us unpack the imagery, the intention, and the meaning (or lack thereof) behind these striking, divisive works.

Check out Neil’s website

https://neilgoldberg.com

Links to the videos we discuss

Madonna x Steven Klein - X-STaTIC Pro=CeSS 

01 – Bed 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V6Z5tLV4BJQ

02 – Coyote

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=COcmAsuELGY

03 – Pulse

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VaOTTZJa5g4

04 – The Beast

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h-UQ2pcTcc8

05 - Queen

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iO7WX1lKcWw

06 – Disposition 4

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8JgRALF8BwE

07 – Disposition 9

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lykDTMxqWAI

SecretProjectRevolution

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uXfXrl4K2D4

The Hire: Star (9:04)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nK87YLmagt4&list=PLsO2HF8sdQ9QMF-bOz_-qfw4dbeCBW6e7&index=4

Her-Story (12:47)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qr9_sweOdMQ

Madonna X Vanity Fair: The Enlightenment (6:19)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KtnRbQ4Amoo

Funeral Rites (2:34)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H42m_LC3TDk

Email us: [email protected]

Follow us on

Instagram: @TheCelebrationCelebration

Pick up a copy

of Eric’s book: The Dancer

https://a.co/d/0gAi3be

Pick up a copy

of John's book: Baked! Sex, Drugs, and Alternative Comedy:

https://amzn.to/3tUbvOM

For autographed

copies:

https://www.johnflynncomedian.com/baked

Edited by: John

Flynn

Artwork by Dyna

Moe:

https://www.nobodyssweetheart.com/

Photo of Neil Goldberg by Greg Kramer

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

“Some people need to be shocked.” - Madonna

In this episode we look at Madonna in the context that suits her best: the coffee table.

First we carefully open S.E.X., Madonna’s infamous 1992 coffee table book created with photographer Steven Meisel and a whole team of stylists, performers, and collaborators. Part art project, part provocation, the book pushed boundaries with its explicit imagery, elaborate role play, and basic construction problems.

Then we flip to The Girlie Show, the lavish behind-the-scenes photography book documenting Madonna’s 1993 world tour.

Joining us for the third time is someone who’s always boots: it’s MIKE JENSEN! 

And who's that girl? Why it’s Mike's long time co-host: VONIA ARSLANIAN! She has graciously volunteered to speak for all women.

Follow Mike on Twitter & IG: @mikejensen77

Listen to their podcast!

Mike and Vonia Can't Not: linktr.ee/mikeandvonia

We Couldn't Help But Wonder (A Sex & the City podcast with a twist!): wecouldnthelpbutwonder.com

Email us: [email protected]

Follow us on Instagram: @TheCelebrationCelebration

Pick up a copy of Eric’s book: The Dancer

https://a.co/d/0gAi3be

Pick up a copy of John's book: Baked! Sex, Drugs, and Alternative Comedy:

https://amzn.to/3tUbvOM

For autographed copies:

https://www.johnflynncomedian.com/baked

Edited by: John Flynn

Artwork by Dyna Moe:

https://www.nobodyssweetheart.com/

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

“I like to be a team player. All the projects I do are collaborations. And I want to solicit the opinions and help of other people.” — Madonna

In this episode we explore Madonna’s work as part of an ensemble, where her screen presence shifts from center stage to something looser, sharper, and often more playful.

First we visit Bloodhounds of Broadway, a strange, stylish Prohibition-era anthology packed with eccentrics, jazz, and theatrical energy. Madonna appears as Hortense Hathaway, drifting through smoky nightclubs and overlapping storylines in a film that feels less like a traditional movie and more like a late-night fever dream.

Then we head to A League of Their Own, where Madonna’s Mae Mordabito steals scenes with confidence, comedy, and unforgettable locker-room energy. We talk about why this role works so well for her, how the film balances multiple storylines, and what it reveals about Madonna as a character actor inside a beloved ensemble classic.

To help us unpack the film’s tone, performances, and where Madonna fits inside its chaos, we’re joined once again by friend of the pod (check her out in our episode on Dick Tracey), MERRY GRISSOM! Merry helps us look at each film’s legacy, their cultural impact, and the raw star power of Madonna.

Email us: [email protected]

Follow us on Instagram: @TheCelebrationCelebration

Pick up a copy of Eric’s book: The Dancer

https://a.co/d/0gAi3be

Pick up a copy of John's book: Baked! Sex, Drugs, and Alternative Comedy:

https://amzn.to/3tUbvOM

For autographed copies:

https://www.johnflynncomedian.com/baked

Edited by: John Flynn

Artwork by Dyna Moe:

https://www.nobodyssweetheart.com/

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

“I wanted to write stories that would help children talk about feelings they don’t always know how to express.” — Madonna

In this episode we explore Madonna’s surprising foray into children’s storytelling and family-friendly media during the early 2000s.

First we visit Arthur and the Invisibles, where Madonna lends her voice to Princess Selenia in a tiny CGI world full of bugs, treasure, and big lessons in what turned out to be her last on-screen acting role (for now). To help us assess this film (and some of Madonna's music videos) we've got John's seven year old niece: Emily!

Then we dig deep into Madonna’s children’s books, starting with The English Roses, unpacking the jealousy, kindness, gossip, and very serious feelings hiding beneath the pastel illustrations and storybook dresses. To give these books their proper context, we're joined by two more of John's nieces: Kathryn and Emma!!

Together, these projects show a Madonna who wasn’t interested in shocking kids. She wanted them to talk about their feelings, learn a lesson, and maybe pick up a beautifully illustrated hardcover while they were at it.

Email us: [email protected]

Follow us on Instagram: @TheCelebrationCelebration

Pick up a copy of Eric’s book: The Dancer

https://a.co/d/0gAi3be

Pick up a copy of John's book: Baked! Sex, Drugs, and Alternative Comedy:

https://amzn.to/3tUbvOM

For autographed copies:

https://www.johnflynncomedian.com/baked

Edited by: John Flynn

Artwork by Dyna Moe:

https://www.nobodyssweetheart.com/

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

“I’m not interested in being Wonder Woman in the gym. I want to be stronger than Wonder Woman.” – Madonna

In this episode, we look at the business venture that was Madonna's Hard Candy Fitness, including the workout DVDs, ADDICTED TO SWEAT.

We also take a look at what turned out to be her last appearance acting on screen (for now), playing Liz on the iconic sitcom WILL & GRACE!

We're joined by actor, personal trainer, and (most importantly) huge Madonna fan, CHASE McCOWN! You're going to want to get into his groove because he's got the connections and he's got the tea!

Follow Chase on Instagram: @mchasemccown

Email us: [email protected]

Follow us on Instagram: @TheCelebrationCelebration

Pick up a copy of Eric’s book: The Dancer

https://a.co/d/0gAi3be

Pick up a copy of John's book: Baked! Sex, Drugs, and Alternative Comedy:

https://amzn.to/3tUbvOM

For autographed copies:

https://www.johnflynncomedian.com/baked

Edited by: John Flynn

Artwork by Dyna Moe:

https://www.nobodyssweetheart.com/

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

“I live a highly scheduled life. There’s absolutely no time wasted. I’m very focused. And I have a great assistant.” – Madonna

In this episode, we sit down with one of Madonna’s former assistants, Amanda Tate Beir, for a rare, behind-the-scenes look at what it's like to be the assistant to the most influential pop artist of our time. From her beginnings as an intern at Maverick Records, to becoming Madonna's personal assistant, Amanda shares with us what Madonna is like when the cameras aren't on, what people get wrong about her, and shares stuff that only the inner circle knows!

It's the tuberose fantasy you always dreamed of!

Email us: [email protected]

Follow us on Instagram: @TheCelebrationCelebration

Pick up a copy of Eric’s book: The Dancer

https://a.co/d/0gAi3be

Pick up a copy of John's book: Baked! Sex, Drugs, and Alternative Comedy:

https://amzn.to/3tUbvOM

For autographed copies:

https://www.johnflynncomedian.com/baked

Edited by: John Flynn

Artwork by Dyna Moe:

https://www.nobodyssweetheart.com/

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.