About this episode
Yasi and Patrik discuss Madonna's evolution from 'Like a Prayer' to 'Bedtime Stories', exploring themes of religion, sex, and controversy in her music.
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 fascinating and powerful runs in pop music history. They talk about the history of “Vogue,” the groundbreaking Pepsi commercial, her major leap with 'Erotica,' the much-discussed 'Sex' book, and, of course, the backlash and what it meant for her creativity. Plus: the reinventions, the Cher beef, her acting career, all the incredible music and imagery of this period, and so, so much more. Episode PlaylistListen to the Madonna: Part 2 playlist here. CREDITS:Host: Yasi Salek @yasisalekGuest: Patrik Sandberg @patriksandbergProducer: Rob SundermannEditor: Adrian BridgesAdditional Production Supervision: Justin SaylesTheme Song: Bethany Cosentino Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
People in this episode
Host: Yasi Salek
Guest: Patrik Sandberg
Topics covered
- Madonna's music career
- pop music history
- religion and sex in music
- controversy in pop culture
- music reinventions
- acting career
Keywords
- Madonna
- Part 2
- music history
- Vogue
- Erotica
- Sex book
- Pepsi commercial
- reinventions
- Cher beef
Mentioned in this episode
Organizations: The Ringer
Books & works: Like a Prayer, Bedtime Stories, Vogue, Erotica, Sex
More episodes of Bandsplain
- Madonna Mailbag With Fattaneh Salek and Patrik Sandberg · June 11, 2026 · 2h 46m
- Madonna: The Movies With Amanda Dobbins and Sean Fennessey · June 4, 2026 · 2h 22m
- Madonna: Part 4 With Caryn Ganz · May 28, 2026 · 3h 46m
- Madonna: Part 3 With Paul Hamann · May 21, 2026 · 4h 2m
- Madonna: Part 1 With Mel Ottenberg · May 7, 2026 · 3h 34m
- Life Without Buildings with Blondshell · April 23, 2026 · 1h 23m
Explore listener stats, chart rankings, contacts and more on the Bandsplain podcast page.