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Artwork for Bandsplain

Bandsplain

The Ringer
Britpop
Nirvana
Grunge
Pearl Jam
Music
Oasis
Grunge Music
Grief
Blur
Alternative Rock
Soundgarden
Punk Rock
Suede
Kurt Cobain
Dinosaur Jr.
Los Angeles
Seattle
Seattle Music Scene
Pulp
Alice In Chains

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

PublishesWeeklyEpisodes227Founded3 years ago
Number of ListenersCategory
Music

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Artwork for Bandsplain

Latest Episodes

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 'Hard Candy,' the spectacle and ... more

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 career-elevating work of Ray of Light, the ... more

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 controversy into one of the most fas... more

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 h... more

Key Facts

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Number of Listeners
Find out how many people listen to this podcast per episode and each month.

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Recent Guests

Sabrina Teitelbaum
Musician (Blondshell) and guest on the episode
Blondshell
Episode: Life Without Buildings with Blondshell
Patrik Sandberg
Guest, author of The Paraphernalia and contributor to Bandsplain
The Paraphernalia
Episode: PERFECT SONG: ‘Boys On the Radio’ with Patrik Sandberg, Plus An Interview With Hole Bassist and Author Melissa Auf der Maur
Melissa Auf der Maur
Hole bassist and author
Hole, Even the Good Girls Will Cry
Episode: PERFECT SONG: ‘Boys On the Radio’ with Patrik Sandberg, Plus An Interview With Hole Bassist and Author Melissa Auf der Maur
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.
Arielle Gordon
Esteemed music journalist and emo expert
Music journalism
Episode: The Get Up Kids with Arielle Gordon
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
  • Babe

    I love the guests she has on. I hate bringing up peoples vocal tics but I had to stop listening because of the amount of times she said “babe” on the first Madonna episode.

    Apple Podcasts
    3
    Ellaphant12
    United States15 days ago
  • Patty Schemel is a Good Listener

    It’s a lot of one voice. The episode on The Runaways was disappointing. Some of the episode could have been cut down to give Schemel more space to add her perspective. Who’s the “expert”?

    Apple Podcasts
    3
    KatMc&Mack
    United States17 days ago
  • Best Podcast Ever!

    Love this podcast so much! I love the length and the detail, and all the interesting side notes. When I listen to music pods around the 1hr mark, I feel like it’s all just stuff I’ve heard before. A+ 🙌🏼

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Alex626263
    Australiaa month ago
  • <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 States2 months 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 Kingdom2 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
#23
United States/Music
Apple Podcasts
#18
United States/Music
Spotify
#24
United Kingdom/Music
Apple Podcasts
#11
Canada/Music
Apple Podcasts
#14
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. Indiecast
3. The Big Picture
4. The Watch
5. Kreative Kontrol

How many episodes of Bandsplain are there?

Bandsplain launched 3 years ago and published 227 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. Sabrina Teitelbaum
2. Patrik Sandberg
3. Melissa Auf der Maur
4. Patty Schemel
5. Justice Tripp
6. Arielle Gordon
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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