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Artwork for Bandsplain

Bandsplain

The Ringer
Grief
Music
Blondie
Scowl
Debbie Harry
New Wave
Disco
Punk Rock
CBGB
Hardcore Music
90s Music
Chromeo
Love
Dogstar
Studio 54
The Ramones
K-Rock
Iggy Pop
Psychic Dance Routine
Mental Health

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

PublishesWeeklyEpisodes222Founded3 years ago
Number of ListenersCategory
Music

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Artwork for Bandsplain

Latest Episodes

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 alternative culture of the 90’s t... more

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 origin of the song “Cherry Bomb,” the... more

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$t and Trapped Under Ice about Angel Du$t’s latest alb... more

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), decide what truly defines a great... more

Key Facts

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Recent Guests

Patty Schemel
Iconic drummer, author, public figure
Drummer for Hole
Episode: The Runaways With Patty Schemel
Justice Tripp
Guest vocalist from Angel Du$t and Trapped Under Ice
Angel Du$t
Episode: Our Favorite Music of 2026 So Far, With Chris Ryan. Plus, an Interview With Angel Du$t’s Justice Tripp.
Sean Fennessey
Episode: 80s Soundtrack Hall of Fame with Sean Fennessey and Chris Ryan
Chris Ryan
Episode: 80s Soundtrack Hall of Fame with Sean Fennessey and Chris Ryan
Arielle Gordon
Esteemed music journalist and emo expert
Music journalism
Episode: The Get Up Kids with Arielle Gordon
Alex Ross Perry
Filmmaker, guest discussing The Decline of Western Civilization
Episode: MOVIE NIGHT: ‘The Decline of Western Civilization’ with Alex Ross Perry, Plus An Interview With Director Penelope Spheeris
Penelope Spheeris
Director of The Decline of Western Civilization; interviewed in the episode
Episode: MOVIE NIGHT: ‘The Decline of Western Civilization’ with Alex Ross Perry, Plus An Interview With Director Penelope Spheeris
Pleasant Gehman
Author, musician, artist, and cultural figure in the Los Angeles punk scene, known for her ties to The Germs and her influence in underground music.
Episode: The Germs With Pleasant Gehman
Patrick Flynn
The beating heart of Boston Hardcore, member of Have Heart and Fiddlehead.
Have Heart, Fiddlehead
Episode: EMO DRAFT with Patrick Flynn and Chris Ryan

Host

Yasi Salek
Host of Bandsplain

Reviews

4.6 out of 5 stars from 4.8k ratings
  • <3

    Yasi is incredibly funny, knowledgeable, entertaining, and overall the perfect human to be hosting this podcast. Listened to the smiths episodes and learned so much!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Madster_pom9
    United States22 days ago
  • Untouchably brilliant!

    Easily my favourite podcast, and has been for a couple of years or so. Exquisitely researched and so comprehensive in detail that is both informative and amusing. So many of my favourite bands have been included, and I hope a few more will be too - i.e. please can we have a My Bloody Valentine episode Yasi?

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    jinjasaint
    United Kingdoma month ago
  • Music fans, rejoice

    A nice cyber oasis for alt/indie/punk adjacent music geeks. It feels like getting to sit at the dinner table at a family function while you're cool older cousin shares her cool music takes.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    HerbinGardener
    United States2 months ago
  • Vocal Fry

    Her vocal fry is so annoying. She has a normal voice, I’ve heard on other pods. Why be annoying on purpose?

    Apple Podcasts
    1
    Stillers 1234
    United States2 months ago
  • Full disclosure: I have only listen to the first hour of American Football episode and I had turn it off. This podcast wasn't for me. The host had the kind of vocal fry that sounded they downed a bottle of Nyquil before the show and were fighting sleep the entire time. The guest that was brought on seemed to like the band exclusively because people in their social circle liked the band. Together, the two seemed like they only listen to musics ironically. I wouldn't recommend this

    Podcast Addict
    2
    roconyc
    2 months ago

Listeners Say

Key themes from listener reviews, highlighting what works and what could be improved about the show.

The show's interviews with musicians and critics often drive strong, nostalgic engagement from long-time fans.
Guests and topics are broadly praised for their insider perspectives and cultural relevance.
The host's deep research and storytelling are a standout, making episodes feel like a curated music history class.
Intermittent criticisms center on pacing and host interruptions, with listeners wanting more space for guests to speak.

Chart Rankings

How this podcast ranks in the Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube charts.

Spotify
#13
United States/Music
Apple Podcasts
#26
United States/Music
Spotify
#30
United Kingdom/Music
Apple Podcasts
#17
Canada/Music
Apple Podcasts
#33
United Kingdom/Music
Spotify
#21
Australia/Music

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

The Runaways With Patty Schemel
Q: How did The Runaways come together in the mid-1970s and who were the pivotal figures behind their formation?
Patty outlines a network of influencers, including Kim Fowley, who acted as a connector rather than a mastermind, bringing together five teenage girls from suburban LA into a functional band while also shaping the mythos surrounding their image.
Pulp: Part 2 (1994 to Forever?) with Siân Pattenden
Q: What themes are prevalent in Pulp's music and specifically in This Is Hardcore?
Themes of fame, identity, societal expectations, and the harsh realities of life are prevalent, with a focus on the emptiness that can accompany success.
Pulp: Part 2 (1994 to Forever?) with Siân Pattenden
Q: What do you think the title This Is Hardcore signifies?
It signifies facing the harsh realities of life, fame, and one’s own limitations, emphasizing a shift from superficiality to introspection.
24 Question Party People: Evan Dando of the Lemonheads
Q: What's a better kind of party than a pool party?
One where I ask you 24 straight questions!

Audience Metrics

Listeners, social reach, demographics and more for this podcast.

Listeners per Episode
Gender Skew
Location
Interests
Professions
Age Range
Household Income
Social Media Reach

Frequently Asked Questions About Bandsplain

What is Bandsplain about and what kind of topics does it cover?

A deep-dish exploration of niche and influential bands, artists, and scenes, with expert context that helps listeners understand why certain acts captivate fans. Episodes frequently center on emo, punk, indie, and 90s/00s culture, weaving in production choices, scene histories, and personal anecdotes from musicians, journalists, and filmmakers. Noteworthy is the show's penchant for pairing rigorous research with enthusiastic storytelling, often featuring industry insiders and musicians to illuminate how bands navigated DIY beginnings, label moves, and lasting impact. Potential listeners can expect thorough histories, thoughtful interviews, and a mix of nostalgia and critical perspective that makes it appealing to music nerds and culture ent... more

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How many subscribers and views does Bandsplain have?

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Which podcasts are similar to Bandsplain?

These podcasts share a similar audience with Bandsplain:

1. 60 Songs That Explain the '90s
2. The Big Picture
3. The Watch
4. The Rewatchables
5. The Prestige TV Podcast

How many episodes of Bandsplain are there?

Bandsplain launched 3 years ago and published 222 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.

How do I contact Bandsplain?

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Where can I see ratings and reviews for Bandsplain?

Rephonic pulls ratings and reviews for Bandsplain from multiple sources, including Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Castbox, and Podcast Addict.

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How do I access podcast episode transcripts for Bandsplain?

Rephonic provides full transcripts for episodes of Bandsplain. Search within each transcript for your keywords, whether they be topics, brands or people, and figure out if it's worth pitching as a guest or sponsor. You can even set-up alerts to get notified when your keywords are mentioned.

What guests have appeared on Bandsplain?

Recent guests on Bandsplain include:

1. Patty Schemel
2. Justice Tripp
3. Sean Fennessey
4. Chris Ryan
5. Arielle Gordon
6. Alex Ross Perry
7. Penelope Spheeris
8. Pleasant Gehman

To view more recent guests and their details, simply upgrade your Rephonic account. You'll also get access to a typical guest profile to help you decide if the show is worth pitching.

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