Feedback with Ira Madison III

This week, Ira sits down with Chris and Ian to ask why Hollywood suddenly feels like an op against Black people. They unpack the post-peak-TV contraction, the endless pipeline of “new white geniuses,” the rise of micro-dramas, the swirl industrial complex, and why Black characters on white shows so rarely get an inner life of their own. Plus: Tyler Perry, the A24 Blacks, and the one thing a Black TV character would never do — put a suitcase on the bed. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, Ira is joined by Jackson Howard, Executive Editor at Farrar, Straus and Giroux, to dive into the wild world of publishing. They discuss everything from Jackson’s gay awakening—the animated Hercules—to who is writing the best sex, gay and otherwise. Tune in to learn what it takes to get published, and what editors like Jackson are looking for... and for all the gay literary gossip and Substack hot takes you’ve ever wanted.03:01 — Queer awakenings and gay tropes11:46 — How an editor chooses books15:59 — Reading, writing, and the publishing industry18:00 — The "gay lit boom"20:09 — BookTok and the purpose of reading22:24 — Toni Morrison and literary influence25:06 — Queer stories and identity in publishing27:31 — Solidarity in queer communities29:00 — The "gay moment" we're in35:45 — The history of the big, fat, wet kiss37:39 — Music, criticism, and creativity42:49 — Taste, book reviews, and literary culture56:43 — Discovering and editing great fiction01:00:50 — Sex writing and the next generation of writers Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Debut authors Bobuq Sayed (No God But Us) and Kyle Carrero Lopez (Party Line) sit down with Ira to talk about the myth of "queer utopia," nightlife as never just escapism, and a shared disinterest in writing books about the obvious villain. Kyle and Bobuq also discuss refusing to leave their politics, their work, and everything else consuming their minds at the entrance of the club. Because for Bobuq and Kyle, the dance floor was never a break from reality… but where they go to feel it most intensely, among strangers and familiar faces. Turns out the club was never just for dancing.00:12 Alix Earle & the Literacy Crisis03:36 Structuring Poetry Collections 07:19 Gatekeeping in the Publishing World 12:58 Writer Burnout and Self-Care14:33 Writing Before the Pregame25:20 Unpacking the Queer Utopia 32:53 Literary Inspirations 37:38 Dream Parties41:19 Encounter with Assata Shakur 45:03 Book Launches & Nightlife Friendships 51:40 Advice for Debut Authors Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jessel Taank is here, and she has some things to clear up! She joins Ira to discuss the fan reaction to her on the latest season of The Real Housewives of New York City. They get into her feud with Carole Radziwill, the Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy drama, her infamous Dorinda Medley fashion showdown, and her complicated relationship with Erin Lichy. Plus, Jessel reveals her plans to play matchmaker for Ira. 00:00 — Intro01:43 — Jessel Taank Joins06:18 — RHONY Fan Backlash07:40 — Erin & Setting Boundaries14:17 — Race & RHONY15:05 — Carole Radziwill & Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy19:47 — Dorinda & the Bubble Dress24:03 — RHONY Friendships & the New Cast33:36 — Fashion PR & Personal Style41:04 — Matchmaking44:27 — RHONY Zingers & Confessionals Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Chris Black is everywhere and doing everything — co-hosting the podcast How Long Gone, building his American essentials clothing line Hanover, writing a memoir, and hanging in the DJ booth with Charli XCX's husband. He joins Ira to talk about his taste and how he developed it, from the 90s Atlanta hardcore scene that exposed him to life beyond a white, middle-class, suburban childhood, to the current "say yes" era he's living in — all while juggling sobriety, marriage, and still wanting to be in bed by ten.00:00 Taylor Swift Released New Music03:40 Chris Black joins Ira06:46 Writing Retreats & Isolation10:45 Books, Memoirs & Reading15:48 Manhattan vs. Brooklyn Living20:46 90s Hardcore Punk Roots24:48 The Value of Gatekeeping27:58 Managing a Band, TRL & MTV Nostalgia30:45 Video Podcasts vs. Audio34:37 His GQ Column & Bravo's Southern Charm36:42 Developing Taste via Magazines38:31 Launching Hanover Apparel40:16 Curation & Photography43:48 Ultimate Pop Diva Mount Rushmore53:29 Fantasy of Living Abroad Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.