The Original Doll with James Rodriguez: Iconography Britney Spears

Rewinding back to honor Madonna's first top 5 hit in the US, diving into why this single needs more attention and helped build a foundation from club kid to global pop star. Host: James Rodriguez

Taylor Swift has done it again but this time she's taking center stage in her most cinematic self aware and emotionally fearless album yet the life of a showgirl this isn't just another pop record it's a confession A spectacle and a love letter to the highs and heart breaks of fame from glitter covered heart breaks to songs that might just be very real people in her orbit Taylor invites us behind the curtain and nothing here feels accidental in this episode we're going to track by track diving to the stories behind each song the hidden meetings the rumors and what Taylor herself has revealed about its inspiration. So whether you're a diehard Swiftie or just curious how she keeps reinventing herself 19 years into her career stay tuned this is the life of a showgirl and this time the spotlight tells the truth. Host James Rodriguez You can find more Taylor Swift honors at The Iconography of Taylor Swift.

Karan Ashley has had a career as an Actress, Singer, TV host, Radio DJ, Podcaster, Writer as well as a TV and Film Producer.Karan Ashley starred in the #1 children's television show in the world as Aisha the Yellow Ranger in Mighty Morphin Power Rangers. She was in two seasons of Power Rangers and the blockbuster 20th Century Fox produced movie, "Power Rangers the Movie." Karan has reprised her role as Aisha in the 30th Anniversary Special for Mighty Morphin Power Rangers, "Once and Always" on Netflix.Before Power Rangers, Karan began her entertainment career as a singer in the girl group KRUSH. They were signed to A&M Records and had their first single, “Let’s Get Together” on the Mo Money soundtrack. They worked under award winning producers, Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis. She earned a platinum record. 

After 7 years the wait is finally over! Mariah Carey just dropped her 16th studio album HERE FOR IT ALL and we are breaking it all down on The Original Doll with James Rodriguez. Hit play and take the journey with us into this brand new era of the icon herself. #mariahcarey #hereforitall

Think a pop icon can’t reinvent herself? Meet Bedtime Stories the album that whispered its way into legend....Honoring and discussing the impact of Madonna's 1994 album.Host: James Rodrigez

Guest: Dizzy BankoThe music producer gives insight into his career and the creation of the song Principal from Cardi B's long awaited sophomore album. Host: James Rodriguez www.instagram.com/the.original.doll

“Touch of My Hand” arrived in November 2003 on Britney’s fourth album, In the Zone, a project that deliberately pivoted from teen-pop image to adult autonomy. Songwriters and producers, Jimmy Harry and Shep Solomon unpackaged this fan favorite track. www.instagram.com/the.original.doll

Happy Anniversary to Madonna’s 1986 song which happened to be the title track from her 3rd studio album True Blue. Per the Recording Industry Association of America, Madonna’s throwback sounding hit was released Sept 10, 1986. Now let me guide you through the making, meaning, and enduring charm of “True Blue.” Host: James Rodriguez

✨ Step back to 2001: Britney Spears dropped “I’m a Slave 4 U” and changed the game. 🚨 From bubblegum pop princess ➝ bold, R&B-driven icon. On today’s pod, we unpack the making of this track + what Pharrell & Britney had to say about it...raw, fearless, iconic. 🔥Shoutout to Grammy Winner Dave Aude & A&R Steve Lunt. 🎧 #BritneySpears #Podcast

Ever wonder how one of Madonna’s most underrated tracks came to life? In this episode, we’re diving into the making of “Rescue Me”…a song tucked inside her legendary 1990 greatest hits album The Immaculate Collection, yet powerful enough to carve out its own legacy.This isn’t just another dance track. Rescue Me was born from bold collaboration, studio innovation, and some of Madonna’s most heartfelt lyrics. We’ll break down how it was created, the impact it had on U.S. radio, and why it still resonates decades later.If you grew up with Madonna as the soundtrack to your youth…or you’re just now rediscovering the gems in her catalog…this is one story you don’t want to miss.Host: James Rodriguez

Janet Jackson's compilation only featured one song from her Virgin Records' contract? The reasons behind the track listing and songs featured on Janet's 1995 Design of a Decade. Celebrating Runaway and Twenty Foreplay. www.instagram.com/the.original.doll

For nearly 50 years, entertainment attorney Bob Donnelly Senior Counsel at Fox Rothschild, has been at the forefront of the music business, representing artists, managers, record labels, publishers, producers, promoters, and tech companies. His clients have collectively sold more than 250 million albums, earned Grammy® Awards, Pulitzer Prizes, and MacArthur “Genius” grants, and been inducted into the Rock and Roll and Jazz Halls of Fame.Donnelly’s landmark work includes securing a major royalty judgment for Ronnie Spector, helping repeal anti-artist provisions in U.S. copyright law, and playing a key role in a $55 million settlement for unpaid artist royalties. He has been behind iconic events like Central Park’s free concert series featuring Elton John, James Taylor, and the record-breaking Simon & Garfunkel reunion.A co-founder of Modern Works Music Publishing, Bob Donnelly has helped manage thousands of hit compositions and has guided artists through groundbreaking endorsement deals. Recognized by Billboard as one of the “50 Attorneys of Note in the Music Biz,” he has received the Lifetime Achievement Award from St. John’s Law School and special honors from Volunteer Lawyers for the Arts. theoriginaldoll.com

For the first time ever, we’re diving into how Madonna’s Ray of Light album kicks off! Starting with that epic opening track. We’ll break down the lyrics, look at how it did on the charts, its legacy over the years, and even where it landed on U.S. radio. Come join the community if you want more of this kind of deep-dive nostalgia and music talk! www.theoriginaldoll.com

Honoring Janet Jackson's second studio album Dream Street with composer, arranger and keyboards John Philip Shenale. JPS on his upbringing and time collaborating in the studio.www.TheOriginalDoll.com

Catching up and letting you know what is in store for August! What artist's discography are you excited for me to honor?LMK, TheOriginalDoll.Com

“Everybody” wasn’t a global smash hit right out the gate, but it served as a crucial launching point. Its strong performance in dance clubs and strategic underground marketing convinced Sire to invest more in Madonna — ultimately paving her way to superstardom. Decades later, its 40th-anniversary reissue found renewed success on vinyl and digital charts, reinforcing its status as the origin story of a global icon. Here is the making of EVERYBODY by Madonna. #madonna

From fronting Neon Trees to going solo, Tyler Glenn is pulling no punches. He’s raw, unapologetically queer, and more honest than ever — giving us an unfiltered look into what it means to be a gay rock icon in today’s world.If you grew up blasting “Animal” and “Everybody Talks,” this is your reminder that Neon Trees is BACK on tour this fall — and it’s going to hit differently this time.🎟️ Use code ANIMAL to snag tickets before they’re gone.

So here’s the BIG news—We’re celebrating 25 YEARS of Oops!...I Did It Again 😱 (Yes. Twenty. Five. Years. Let that sink in.)We’re doing a full-on track-by-track breakdown of Britney’s iconic sophomore album and I’ve got some amazing guests lined up—Steve Lunt (he was her A&R at Jive Records), plus the songwriters and producers who helped craft this pop masterpiece. It’s gonna be packed with stories you’ve never heard before.We’re also talking about the cultural impact of these songs back in the 2000s AND giving you updated stats—like where they’re charting in 2025, what’s happening on iTunes now, and how often they’re still spinning on U.S. radio.If you’re a Britney stan, or you were blasting these songs on your Discman in high school—you do not wanna miss this. New episodes drop every other day in May. Make sure your notifications are ON.And do me a favor: after you listen, send me a ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠DM⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠—✨ "What did you think about the song in today’s episode? Any memories tied to it?" ✨I wanna hear everything.Let’s relive the magic, learn some new behind-the-scenes tea, and celebrate the legacy of this iconic era together.Alright—press play, let’s goooo ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠🔥

So here’s the BIG news—We’re celebrating 25 YEARS of Oops!...I Did It Again 😱 (Yes. Twenty. Five. Years. Let that sink in.)We’re doing a full-on track-by-track breakdown of Britney’s iconic sophomore album and I’ve got some amazing guests lined up—Steve Lunt (he was her A&R at Jive Records), plus the songwriters and producers who helped craft this pop masterpiece. It’s gonna be packed with stories you’ve never heard before.We’re also talking about the cultural impact of these songs back in the 2000s AND giving you updated stats—like where they’re charting in 2025, what’s happening on iTunes now, and how often they’re still spinning on U.S. radio.If you’re a Britney stan, or you were blasting these songs on your Discman in high school—you do not wanna miss this. New episodes drop every other day in May. Make sure your notifications are ON.And do me a favor: after you listen, send me a ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠DM⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠—✨ "What did you think about the song in today’s episode? Any memories tied to it?" ✨I wanna hear everything.Let’s relive the magic, learn some new behind-the-scenes tea, and celebrate the legacy of this iconic era together.Alright—press play, let’s goooo ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠🔥

So here’s the BIG news—We’re celebrating 25 YEARS of Oops!...I Did It Again 😱 (Yes. Twenty. Five. Years. Let that sink in.)We’re doing a full-on track-by-track breakdown of Britney’s iconic sophomore album and I’ve got some amazing guests lined up—Steve Lunt (he was her A&R at Jive Records), plus the songwriters and producers who helped craft this pop masterpiece. It’s gonna be packed with stories you’ve never heard before.We’re also talking about the cultural impact of these songs back in the 2000s AND giving you updated stats—like where they’re charting in 2025, what’s happening on iTunes now, and how often they’re still spinning on U.S. radio.If you’re a Britney stan, or you were blasting these songs on your Discman in high school—you do not wanna miss this. New episodes drop every other day in May. Make sure your notifications are ON.And do me a favor: after you listen, send me a ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠DM⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠—✨ "What did you think about the song in today’s episode? Any memories tied to it?" ✨I wanna hear everything.Let’s relive the magic, learn some new behind-the-scenes tea, and celebrate the legacy of this iconic era together.Alright—press play, let’s goooo ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠🔥