What It's Like to Write a Madonna Biogra...

The editors at The New York Times Book Review spend almost the entire year discussing, debating and sometimes arguing about the year’s best books. We’re halfway through 2026, which means it’s time for the host Gilbert Cruz and the Book Review editors Joumana Khatib and MJ Frankli ... Show More

Today, we want to bring back an episode from our archives. It’s about a book that has real beach read vibes. There’s a lot of water. It’s a relationship drama. And it’s also a daring story of survival. “Marriage at Sea: A True Story of Love, Obsession and Shipwreck" made it onto ... Show More

If you can’t tell your Eurylochus from your Telemachus, fear not: Your primer on “The Odyssey” is here, just in time for Christopher Nolan’s new film adaptation of the 3,000-year-old epic. Madeline Miller, who reinvented “The Odyssey” in her best-selling novel “Circe,” explains w ... Show More

MLVC speaks with Mary Gabriel, author of the new biography "Madonna: A Rebel Life." We have a great discussion about Madonna and her ascent to becoming the pop icon and artist she is today, and a bit about the Celebration Tour. Mary's book is available for purchase from publisher ... Show More

In 1984, a relatively unknown 26-year old Madonna appeared at the first MTV Video Music Awards. Dressed like a rock and roll bride, Madonna sang “Like a Virgin.” The performance was considered so risque, so scandalous that many – including her own manager – predicted it would end ... Show More

How does a simple Catholic girl from Michigan become a New York star? For the one and only Madonna, the answer is simple: by any means necessary. Listen ad free with Wondery+. Join Wondery+ for exclusives, binges, early access, and ad free listening. Available in the Wondery App ... Show More

Madonna’s just secured a record deal. It’s a start. But when your end goal is becoming “more famous than God,” there’s still a long way to go.Listen ad free with Wondery+. Join Wondery+ for exclusives, binges, early access, and ad free listening. Available in the Wondery App http ... Show More

Madonna is an icon, a hitmaker, and a Rock and Roll Hall of Famer. But despite her incredible achievements, she’s never been cozy with feminism. This week, we chat with author and podcast host Roxane Gay about Madonna’s legacy, and how feminism can fail women who dare to be trail ... Show More

Younger singers like Britney and Christina are taking over the pop charts. But Madonna refuses to be replaced or put out to pasture. She still knows how to stir up controversy to get the spotlight right where she wants it: on her. Listen ad free with Wondery+. Join Wondery+ for e ... Show More

Madonna doesn’t just want to become famous. She wants to be “more famous than God.” But when she meets a man who hates fame as much as she loves it, all her best laid plans begin to fall apart.Listen ad free with Wondery+. Join Wondery+ for exclusives, binges, early access, and a ... Show More

In the early 90s, Madonna was the biggest pop star in the world, and she used – and in the minds of some, squandered – her star capital to launch a multi-media exploration of sexuality: the album Erotica and its companion book Sex, followed by her starring role in the much-malign ... Show More

Pushing boundaries has always gotten Madonna exactly what she wants.. But when she pushes things too far, her career takes a turn she might not be able to come back from.Listen ad free with Wondery+. Join Wondery+ for exclusives, binges, early access, and ad free listening. Avail ... Show More