Podcasts · Music

Bandsplain

The Ringer

246 episodes

Bandsplain is a show where host Yasi Salek invites experts to explain cult bands and iconic artists—and why people love them.

Episodes page 1 of 5

  1. The Best New Music of Summer 2026 With Patrik Sandberg. Plus, an Interview With Jennifer Herrema and Kurt Midness of Black Bananas.

    · 3 h 02 min · Explicit

    Yasi is joined by returning guest and Bandsplain MVP Patrik Sandberg to share their favorite new releases of the summer and the upcoming new music they’re most excited for. Next, Yasi talks with Jennifer Herrema and…

  2. The Strokes With Amanda Dobbins and Chris Ryan

    · 3 h 49 min · Explicit

    Chris Ryan and Amanda Dobbins join Yasi to revisit the Strokes and their influence on the guitar rock that followed in their wake. They discuss the band's meteoric rise, Julian Casablancas’s distinctive songwriting,…

  3. Interpol with Sarah Lewitinn

    · 2 h 49 min · Explicit

    Sarah Lewitinn (music journalist, restaurateur, and the artist formerly known as Ultragrrrl) joins Yasi to revisit Interpol and the early 2000s New York landscape they emerged from. They discuss their international…

  4. The Indie Sleaze Draft with Rob Mahoney and Sean Fennessey

    · 1 h 40 min · Explicit

    It’s draft day, and Yasi is joined by Rob Mahoney and Sean Fennessey for a generational Indie Sleaze Draft. But first, what actually counts as indie sleaze? Are the Strokes so important that they get their own…

  5. Perfect Song: "House of Jealous Lovers" by The Rapture With Jason Stewart

    · 1 h 27 min · Explicit

    Jason Stewart (How Long Gone) joins Yasi to talk about “House of Jealous Lovers,” the Rapture’s cowbell-powered anthem that fused punk and dance and helped define the electroclash era. They discuss the band’s early…

  6. Yeah Yeah Yeahs with Jenny Eliscu

    · 3 h 04 min · Explicit

    Journalist Jenny Eliscu joins Yasi to talk all things Yeah Yeah Yeahs, from their wild early days in New York to their place as one of the most important bands of the 2000s. They discuss the term indie sleaze, debate…

  7. Best New U.K. Music with Shaad D’Souza, Plus An Interview with Mary in the Junkyard

    · 2 h 21 min · Explicit

    Music journalist and EIC of Shaad Magazine Shaad D’Souza joins Yasi to talk about the best new music coming out of the U.K. right now. They discuss how they find new artists, gimmicks vs. authenticity, the Windmill…

  8. Perfect Song: "Iris" by the Goo Goo Dolls With Whitmer Thomas

    · 1 h 12 min · Explicit

    Whitmer Thomas ('Terminal Crew of Dudes,' 'Weapons') joins Yasi to break down "Iris," the Goo Goo Dolls hit that became one of the defining songs of the late ’90s. They discuss the song’s origins on the 'City of…

  9. Solo Mailbag with Yasi. Plus, an interview with Elias Bender Rønnenfelt and Johan Suurballe of Iceage.

    · 2 h 09 min · Explicit

    It's time for a loaded mailbag, and Yasi is handling this one solo. She’s tackling questions on skin-care routines, the importance of physical media, and the best venues for seeing a show. Plus: Learn whether 24 is too…

  10. The Music Biopic Hall of Fame With Sean Fennessey

    · 2 h 38 min · Explicit

    Sean Fennessey joins Yasi to build the Music Biopic Hall of Fame, from the 1940s to today. Along the way, they consider what makes a great music biopic, why rock and roll lends itself so well to the genre, and why a…

  11. SOUNDTRACK: ‘Times Square’ with Patrik Sandberg

    · 1 h 58 min · Explicit

    Yasi is joined by returning guest Patrik Sandberg to revisit the soundtrack to 1980 cult film ‘Times Square.’ They cover the scrapped love story between its two leads, the producer’s efforts to turn the project into…

  12. SOUNDTRACK: ‘Pretty in Pink’ With Rob Harvilla

    · 1 h 41 min · Explicit

    Rob Harvilla joins Yasi to revisit the music of the John Hughes coming-of-age classic ‘Pretty in Pink.’ They discuss the film’s defining mix of new wave and college rock, the eponymous Psychedelic Furs song and its…

  13. SOUNDTRACK: 'Working Girl' With Amanda Dobbins

    · 1 h 26 min · Explicit

    Amanda Dobbins joins Yasi to take on the Oscar-, Grammy-, and Golden Globe-winning soundtrack to 'Working Girl.' They trace Carly Simon’s path to penning “Let the River Run,” how the Eagles nearly provided the movie’s…

  14. SOUNDTRACK: 'Dirty Dancing' With Joanna Robinson

    · 1 h 44 min · Explicit

    Joanna Robinson joins Yasi to break down one of the defining soundtracks of the ’80s: 'Dirty Dancing.' They get into the real-life tension between Jennifer Grey and Patrick Swayze that became undeniable on-screen…

  15. MADONNA: 'Confessions II' with Patrik Sandberg

    · 2 h 49 min · Explicit

    Madonna Month icon Patrik Sandberg is back to help Yasi break down 'Confessions II,' Madonna’s return to the dance floor. They break down the album’s callbacks to New York nightlife, the name-checks from Debi Mazar and…

  16. The Best New Music of Spring 2026 With Bre Morell. Plus, An Interview With Domenic Palermo of Nothing.

    · 2 h 35 min · Explicit

    Yasi and returning guest Bre Morell discuss their favorite new albums that came out this spring. Plus, the new singles from their most anticipated albums of the summer! Next, Yasi talks with Domenic “Nicky” Palermo of…

  17. SOUNDTRACK: 'Purple Rain' With Anthony Anzaldo

    · 3 h 14 min · Explicit

    Yasi is joined by musician and producer Anthony Anzaldo (Ceremony, Anthony Family) to unpack 'Purple Rain,' the soundtrack that took Prince from rising pop star to household name. They discuss the making of the film,…

  18. Madonna Mailbag With Fattaneh Salek and Patrik Sandberg

    · 2 h 46 min · Explicit

    Madonna Month (OK, six weeks) is coming to a close, and it’s going out with a bang! First, Yasi is joined by the original Madonna influence, her mom, Fattaneh Salek! It all started here, from picking Madonna favorites…

  19. Madonna: The Movies With Amanda Dobbins and Sean Fennessey

    · 2 h 22 min · Explicit

    Yasi is joined by Amanda Dobbins and Sean Fennessey of The Big Picture to reconsider Madonna’s life on film, including her breakout role in Desperately Seeking Susan, box office hits like Dick Tracy and A League of…

  20. Madonna: Part 4 With Caryn Ganz

    · 3 h 46 min · Explicit

    Yasi is joined by journalist and critic Caryn Ganz as the Madonna series enters the modern era. They discuss the glittering revival of 'Confessions on a Dance Floor,' the superstar collaborations and pop maximalism of…

  21. Madonna: Part 3 With Paul Hamann

    · 4 h 02 min · Explicit

    Yasi is joined by creative director Paul Hamann as they continue the Bandsplain Madonna deep dive. They discuss Madonna’s celebrated acting role in Evita and the lasting vocal changes that came with it, her…

  22. Madonna: Part 2 with Patrik Sandberg

    · 4 h 37 min · Explicit

    Yasi is joined by writer and Bandsplain MVP Patrik Sandberg for Part 2 of the Madonna epic. This chapter follows Madonna from 'Like a Prayer' through 'Bedtime Stories' as she alchemizes religion, sex, fashion, and…

  23. Madonna: Part 1 With Mel Ottenberg

    · 3 h 34 min · Explicit

    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…

  24. Life Without Buildings with Blondshell

    · 1 h 23 min · Explicit

    Recorded live at the Treefort Music Fest in Boise, Yasi is joined by Sabrina Teitelbaum (a.k.a. Blondshell) to dig into Life Without Buildings, the Scottish cult band whose single and singular 2001 album, 'Any Other…

  25. PERFECT SONG: ‘Boys On the Radio’ with Patrik Sandberg, Plus An Interview With Hole Bassist and Author Melissa Auf der Maur

    · 2 h 28 min · Explicit

    Yasi is joined by writer Patrik Sandberg to break down one of Hole’s (many) perfect songs “Boys on the Radio.” They talk Courtney Love’s evolution, her relationship with critics, and the inspirations, intentions, and…

  26. The Runaways With Patty Schemel

    · 3 h 00 min · Explicit

    Yasi is joined by legendary drummer Patty Schemel (Hole) to tell the story of The Runaways, the all-girl teenage band that changed the course of history. They get into the band’s lasting influence, the surprising…

  27. Our Favorite Music of 2026 So Far, With Chris Ryan. Plus, an Interview With Angel Du$t’s Justice Tripp.

    · 1 h 55 min · Explicit

    Yasi is joined by Chris Ryan for a quick trip into the mailbag before they each reveal their favorite new music from the first three months of 2026. Next, Yasi talks with Justice Tripp of Angel Du$t and Trapped Under…

  28. 80s Soundtrack Hall of Fame with Sean Fennessey and Chris Ryan

    · 1 h 48 min · Explicit

    Yasi is joined by Chris Ryan and Sean Fennessey to discuss what music best represents the 1980s and build the Bandsplain ‘80s Movie Soundtrack Hall of Fame. They set the rules (sorry, no animated features or scores),…

  29. The Get Up Kids with Arielle Gordon

    · 2 h 20 min · Explicit

    Yasi is joined by music writer Arielle Gordon to tell the story of the Get Up Kids, the Kansas City emo band that transformed the genre. They get into the mix of punk energy and big feelings that made the band so…

  30. MOVIE NIGHT: ‘The Decline of Western Civilization’ with Alex Ross Perry, Plus An Interview With Director Penelope Spheeris

    · 3 h 03 min · Explicit

    Yasi and filmmaker Alex Ross Perry (Pavements, Videoheaven) revisit The Decline of Western Civilization films, Penelope Spheeris’s seminal trilogy that began in 1981 with the birth of Los Angeles punk. They discuss the…

  31. The Germs With Pleasant Gehman

    · 2 h 44 min · Explicit

    Yasi is joined by artist, author, and musician Pleasant Gehman to discuss the Germs and the chaotic birth of the Los Angeles punk scene, which she witnessed firsthand. They discuss the myth vs. the reality of Darby…

  32. EMO DRAFT with Patrick Flynn and Chris Ryan

    · 1 h 49 min · Explicit

    A Bandsplain Emo Draft recorded live at Something In The Way Festival with Patrick Flynn (Have Heart, Fiddlehead, How Much Art) and The Ringer’s Chris Ryan. In front of a Boston crowd, they draft their picks for emo…

  33. Valentine’s Day Mailbag With Amanda Dobbins, Plus an Interview With Joyce Manor’s Barry Johnson

    · 2 h 39 min · Explicit

    It’s a special Valentine’s Day mailbag, and The Big Picture’s Amanda Dobbins is here to help Yasi solve all your life problems. Should you avoid your ex at concerts? How do you get over a break up, even if they are a…

  34. American Football with Rob Mahoney

    · 2 h 18 min · Explicit

    Yasi is joined by Ringer renaissance man Rob Mahoney to tell the unlikely story of American Football, whose widespread recognition grew in the decade following their debut (and immediate breakup). They talk through the…

  35. The Music of Skateboard Videos with Jerry Hsu

    · 1 h 38 min · Explicit

    Yasi is joined by skater, photographer, and Sci-Fi Fantasy proprietor Jerry Hsu to break down how music has shaped skate videos, from their DIY, skit-filled ’80s roots to today’s high-budget, cinematic productions.…

  36. Portishead with Rob Fitzpatrick

    · 4 h 23 min · Explicit

    Yasi and writer Rob Fitzpatrick head back to Bristol to tell the story of Portishead. They discuss the band’s unique and highly detail-oriented approach to crafting music, the uneasy relationship with fame that…

  37. Our Most Anticipated Albums of 2026 with Shaad D’Souza, Plus An Interview with Real Lies’ Kevin Lee Kharas

    · 2 h 19 min · Explicit

    Yasi kicks off 2026 with music and culture critic Shaad D’Souza to talk through their most anticipated albums of the year. Find out what’s coming, what they’re trying to wish into existence, and just how many truly…

  38. HOLIDAY SONG DRAFT with Amanda Dobbins and Rob Mahoney

    · 1 h 14 min · Explicit

    It’s the most wonderful time of the year, and Bandsplain has a very special gift for you. Rob Mahoney and Amanda Dobbins join Yasi to draft the dream holiday playlist: Justin Bieber featuring Busta Rhymes? Of course.…

  39. Best Albums of the Year With Chris Ryan

    · 1 h 36 min · Explicit

    That’s (almost) a wrap on 2025, so you know what time it is. Yasi catches up with Chris Ryan to talk about the albums that defined their 2025. No rankings, no drafts, no winners or losers, just two people talking about…

  40. Jeff Buckley With Sean Fennessey

    · 3 h 58 min · Explicit

    Yasi is joined by The Big Picture’s Sean Fennessey to dive into the brief, brilliant career of Jeff Buckley. They cover his rise on New York’s café stages and the making of his only studio album, 'Grace,' and they…

  41. MOVIE NIGHT: 'Dig!' with Joe Coscarelli

    · 1 h 20 min · Explicit

    This week on Bandsplain, Yasi and New York Times culture reporter Joe Coscarelli revisit Dig!, Ondi Timoner’s influential 2004 cult documentary that immortalized The Brian Jonestown Massacre and The Dandy Warhols. They…

  42. Massive Attack with Bre Morell

    · 3 h 05 min · Explicit

    On this week’s episode of Bandsplain, Bre Morell of Crushed joins Yasi to talk about reluctant genre inventing geniuses Massive Attack. We talk through the rich music history of Bristol, their sound system DJ origins,…

  43. Mailbag with Rob Harvilla, Plus An Interview with Militarie Gun’s Ian Shelton

    · 2 h 07 min · Explicit

    It’s mailbag time, and once again Rob Harvilla is here to help Yasi answer your most pressing questions. Is 31 too old to go to shows? What would you recommend to impress a hardcore Swedish punk gamer? Why do all the…

  44. Jimmy Eat World with Chris Ryan

    · 2 h 41 min · Explicit

    Chris Ryan is back to help tell the Jimmy Eat World story. CR and Yasi talk about the power of the split seven inch, Clarity vs Bleed American, and the magically accidental path from playing pop punk in used clothing…

  45. BOOK CLUB: Evan Dando’s Memoir plus the new Lemonheads album with Producer Dylan

    · 1 h 21 min · Explicit

    Evan Dando is back with a long-awaited memoir and a brand-new Lemonheads album, and there’s only one guest who could do them both justice: the artist formerly known as Producer Dylan, aka Dylan Tupper Rupert. In this…

  46. Alanis Morissette with Alicia Bognanno

    · 2 h 28 min · Explicit

    With her 1996 best-selling album Jagged Little Pill, Alanis Morissette bet on herself, turned pain into pop poetry, and gave an entire generation a new emotional vocabulary. She also broke records and made space for an…

  47. Hair Metal Hall of Fame with Molly Lambert

    · 2 h 03 min · Episode 145 · Explicit

    In today’s episode we’re heading back to the Sunset Strip — a leather clad world of teased hair, tight pants, and pure chaos. Guest Molly Lambert helps us remember the golden era of hair metal, when bands like Mötley…

  48. Mötley Crüe with Mel Ottenberg

    · 3 h 50 min · Episode 144 · Explicit

    We love Mötley Crüe. Mötley Crüe loves partying (so so much). In this episode you’ll hear how Nikki, Tommy, Vince, and Mick put on their make-up and pioneered a genre, how they turned their pain, trauma, talent, and…

  49. Remembering Ozzy Osbourne, with Kory Grow and Rob Harvilla

    · 53 min · Episode 143

    Rob Harvilla and Rolling Stone senior writer Kory Grow join Yasi to discuss Ozzy Osbourne’s bodies of work with Black Sabbath as well as solo, his incredible impact on not just music but pop culture at large, and his…

  50. MOVIE NIGHT: ‘Pavements’ With Hua Hsu, Plus an Interview With Director Alex Ross Perry

    · 2 h 09 min

    Yasi chats with New Yorker staff writer, Pulitzer prize–winning author, and known Pavement aficionado Hua Hsu about the 2025 film 'Pavements.' Is it a documentary? Is it a biopic? Is it a secret third thing? Did we…

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