May 7, 2026 · 3 hr 34 min · 43 segments
Yasi kicks off Bandsplain’s multipart Madonna epic with returning guest and fashion icon Mel Ottenberg. They discuss Madonna’s childhood and upbringing in Michigan, her dance career and the formative relationships that led her to New York City, her history playing in bands, her immersion in the club scene, the breakthrough singles that made her impossible to ignore, her first three albums, and all the major collaborators, major looks, and major breakthroughs along the way. Episode PlaylistListen to the Madonna: Part 1 playlist here. CREDITS:Host: Yasi Salek @yasisalekGuest: Mel Ottenberg @melzy917Producer: Rob SundermannEditor: Adrian BridgesAdditional Production Supervision: Justin SaylesTheme Song: Bethany Cosentino Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Yasi SalekHostAvailable on Business plans.
Sign up to unlock“The moment that made TV awards matter”
“She educated fans before officials did”
“How grief shaped Madonna’s unstoppable drive”
“She puts outcomes first, friendships second”
“When she ditched bangles for power lines”
“Not politics—her choice, her narrative”
“A fearless landing in a rough city”
“A mother-daughter bond soundtracked forever”
“Setting the record straight on authorship”
“From sameness to singular selfhood”