Mad Men Men

“Far Away Places” is one of those Mad Men episodes where the show quietly changes shape. This week on Mad Men Men, we dig into that Season 5 standout. First, the episode fractures a single day into three interlocking stories. Then, it follows Peggy, Roger, and Don as each tries to escape a life that feels unbearable. Meanwhile, Peggy chases professional authority and confronts how lonely ambition can feel. Roger drops acid and stumbles into one of the series’ clearest emotional revelations. At the same time, Don takes a spontaneous trip with Megan. Yet again, he learns that fantasy is easy to build and nearly impossible to inhabit. Along the way, we explore why this might be Mad Men at its most novelistic. We also talk about why the experimentation never feels gimmicky. Instead, it deepens everything. And likewise, the episode’s mirrors, doubling, and displacement turn three plots into variations on one theme. There’s also room for what our show does best. Yes, we riff on orange sherbet, bad intros, and Howard Johnson’s as a site of psychic collapse. And then we talk about the strange relief of realizing your life has become untenable. If you’re new here, Mad Men Men recaps Mad Men through three perspectives. First, we have our first-time viewer. Then there’s our first-time rewatcher. Finally, there’s the guy who has to podcast about everything instead of going to therapy. EXTRA CREDITS Matthew Weiner created Mad Men, which aired on AMC from 2007 to 2015. The show stars Jon Hamm, January Jones, Elisabeth Moss, Vincent Kartheiser, Christina Hendricks, John Slattery, Robert Morse, and many more. Our intro music is “Mad Men Men” by Tom Davidson, which is an original remix of the show’s opening theme “A Beautiful Mine” by RJD2. Podcast illustration is by Jon Negroni. Our podcast hosts include Jon Negroni (Podcast Editor of InBetweenDrafts), Will Ashton (cohost of the Cinemaholics podcast), and Michael Overhulse (a guy who’s addicted to working at startups). We’ll be back soon to discuss Season 5 Episode 7, titled “At the Codfish Ball.” Subscribe to Mad Men Men on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, or wherever else podcasts are, ahem, advertised.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Don’s fever breaks, but not before Mad Men delivers one of its most surreal and polarizing hours to date. On this episode of Mad Men Men, Jon Negroni, Will Ashton, and Mike Overhulse react to Season 5, Episode 4, “Mystery Date,” directed by Matt Shakman (WandaVision and Fantastic Four: First Steps) and co-written by Victor Levin and Matthew Weiner. We break down the episode’s Lynchian detour into Don’s subconscious, the true-crime parallels to the Richard Speck murders, and whether the Joan and Greg subplot belongs in this episode at all. Plus, we dive into Peggy’s fraught night with Dawn and Sally’s loss of innocence. In case you’re new here, Mad Men Men recaps Mad Men through the perspectives of three different types of viewers: a first-timer, a first-time rewatcher, and someone who thought the best way to deal with their feelings about Don Draper was to start a podcast. EXTRA CREDITS Matthew Weiner created Mad Men, which aired on AMC from 2007 to 2015. The show stars Jon Hamm, January Jones, Elisabeth Moss, Vincent Kartheiser, Christina Hendricks, John Slattery, Robert Morse, and many more. Our intro music is “Mad Men Men” by Tom Davidson, which is an original remix of the show’s opening theme “A Beautiful Mine” by RJD2. Podcast illustration is by Jon Negroni. Our podcast hosts include Jon Negroni (Podcast Editor of InBetweenDrafts), Will Ashton (cohost of the Cinemaholics podcast), and Michael Overhulse (a guy who’s addicted to working at startups). We’ll be back soon to discuss Season 5 Episode 5, titled “Signal 30.” Subscribe to Mad Men Men on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, or wherever else podcasts are, ahem, advertised.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Don’s got shaving cream in the mirror, Megan’s got a mop and a plan, and Lane Pryce is one wallet away from going full American Psycho. It’s A Little Kiss Part 2! And on this episode of Mad Men Men, Jon Negroni, Will Ashton, and Mike Overhulse are breaking down the second half of Mad Men’s bold, chaotic, and deeply handsy Season 5 premiere. This episode also covers the real-world 1960s context behind the show’s uneasy depiction of civil rights “progress.” Plus some surprising behind-the-scenes trivia, including how production on this episode had to jump around thanks to January Jones’s real-life pregnancy. And yes, we finally address that Reddit theory about Masters of Sex. In case you’re new here, Mad Men Men recaps Mad Men through the perspectives of three different types of viewers: a first-timer, a first-time rewatcher, and someone who thought the best way to deal with their feelings about Don Draper was to start a podcast. EXTRA CREDITS Matthew Weiner created Mad Men, which aired on AMC from 2007 to 2015. Matthew Weiner directed “A Little Kiss (Part 2)” and Jennifer Getzinger wrote the script. The show stars Jon Hamm, January Jones, Elisabeth Moss, Vincent Kartheiser, Christina Hendricks, John Slattery, Robert Morse, and many more. Our intro music is “Mad Men Men” by Tom Davidson, which is an original remix of the show’s opening theme “A Beautiful Mine” by RJD2. Podcast illustration is by Jon Negroni. Our podcast hosts include Jon Negroni (Podcast Editor of InBetweenDrafts), Will Ashton (cohost of the Cinemaholics podcast), and Michael Overhulse (a guy who’s addicted to working at startups). We’ll be back soon to discuss Season 5 Episode 3, titled “Tea Leaves.” Subscribe to Mad Men Men on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, or wherever else podcasts are, ahem, advertised.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Why put off today when we can podcast about Tomorrowland? That's right, in the Season 4 finale of Mad Men (titled "Tomorrowland"), Don Draper faces a turning point both personally and professionally. Big surprise. As Sterling Cooper Draper Pryce struggles to secure its future, Don takes a bold step by taking his secretary Megan to a family trip to California. Meanwhile, Peggy tries to land a much-needed account, Joan grapples with unexpected news about her personal situation, and the Mad Men Men podcast faces our biggest struggle yet. Releasing a podcast episode on time! In case this is your first time digging into our podcast, we recap Mad Men from the perspective of a first-time watcher, someone who only watched the show once while it was airing, and a superfan who watches excessively instead of having a functional social life. Extra Credits: Matthew Weiner created Mad Men, which aired on AMC from 2007 to 2015. Matthew Weiner directed “Tomorrowland” and co-wrote the script with Jonathan Igla. The show stars Jon Hamm, January Jones, Elisabeth Moss, Vincent Kartheiser, Christina Hendricks, John Slattery, Robert Morse, and many more. Our intro music is “Mad Men Men” by Tom Davidson, which is an original remix of the show’s opening theme “A Beautiful Mine” by RJD2. Podcast illustration is by Jon Negroni. Our podcast hosts include Jon Negroni (Podcast Editor of InBetweenDrafts), Will Ashton (cohost of the Cinemaholics podcast), and Michael Overhulse (a guy who’s addicted to working at startups). We’ll be back soon to discuss Season 5 Episode 1, titled “A Little Kiss Part 1.” Subscribe to Mad Men Men on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, or wherever else podcasts are, ahem, advertised.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Chinese Walls are coming down for Sterling Cooper Draper Pryce this week as we dig into Season 4, Episode 11. That's right, Mad Men Men is back for another dive into how Don Draper is the absolute worst at balancing professional and personal relationships, plus how desperation truly drives all of us. As usual, we recap the episode, give our analysis, and reference the director/writer/actors’ commentaries as well as Mad Men Carousel by Matt Zoller Seitz. In case this is your first time digging into our podcast, we recap Mad Men from the perspective of a first-time watcher, someone who only watched the show once while it was airing, and a superfan who watches excessively instead of having a functional social life. Discussion Points: What IS a Chinese Wall in the workplace? Should we read Sterling's Gold? Does the episode still work even when it's this on the nose? How does SCDP come back from this major shakeup? Can you relate to a workplace crisis like this? What does Peggy's pitch remind you of? How has Peggy grown as a character since Season 1? What is really going on between Don and Megan? Is this it for Joan and Roger? Extra credits: Matthew Weiner created Mad Men, which aired on AMC from 2007 to 2015. Phil Abraham directed “Chinese Wall” and Erin Levy wrote the script. The show stars Jon Hamm, January Jones, Elisabeth Moss, Vincent Kartheiser, Christina Hendricks, John Slattery, Robert Morse, and many more. Our intro music is “Mad Men Men” by Tom Davidson, which is an original remix of the show’s opening theme “A Beautiful Mine” by RJD2. Podcast illustration is by Jon Negroni. Our podcast hosts include Jon Negroni (Podcast Editor of InBetweenDrafts), Will Ashton (cohost of the Cinemaholics podcast), and Michael Overhulse (a guy who’s addicted to working at startups).See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We're podcasters, not astronauts, so give us some slack if we don't shoot for new heights with "The Beautiful Girls." A Mad Men episode with ample hijinks and comedy mixed with dramatic workplace sexism and Don Draper constantly disappointing the women in his life. Because, well, this is Mad Men. And the Mad Men "Men" never know what's going on... In case this is your first time digging into our podcast, we recap Mad Men from the perspective of a first-time watcher, someone who only watched the show once while it was airing, and a superfan who watches excessively instead of having a functional social life. Discussion Points: What is "The Beautiful Girls" truly saying about sexism underneath it all? Does this episode feel too much like a redux of previous Mad Men episodes? What drives Joan and Roger and to do what they do after getting mugged? Can we give it up for Ms. Blankenship, Queen of Perversions, first of her name and protecter of the realm, an astronaut if there ever was one? Is Sally really Don's weak spot? Speaking of spots, why did Don put Faye on one? Why does Faye struggle to connect with Sally? Is this the springtime of Peggy's youth? Extra credits: Matthew Weiner created Mad Men, which aired on AMC from 2007 to 2015. Michael Uppendahl directed “The Beautiful Girls” and Matthew Weiner co-wrote the script with Dahvi Waller. The show stars Jon Hamm, January Jones, Elisabeth Moss, Vincent Kartheiser, Christina Hendricks, John Slattery, Robert Morse, and many more. Our intro music is “Mad Men Men” by Tom Davidson, which is an original remix of the show’s opening theme “A Beautiful Mine” by RJD2. Podcast illustration is by Jon Negroni. Our podcast hosts include Jon Negroni (Podcast Editor of InBetweenDrafts), Will Ashton (cohost of the Cinemaholics podcast), and Michael Overhulse (a guy who’s addicted to working at startups).See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Want us to talk about "The Suitcase," widely considered one of the greatest episodes of any television show ever? Well, that's what the podcast is for! That's right, this week we dig into the seventh episode of the fourth season of Mad Men. And listeners, it's a knockout. In case this is your first time digging into our podcast, we recap Mad Men from the perspective of a first-time watcher, someone who only watched the show once while it was airing, and a superfan who watches excessively instead of having a functional social life. Discussion Points: Why is "The Suitcase" such a widely regarded episode and what went into its writing? Does this episode live up to the hype? Does this qualify as a bottle episode? Or at least bottle episode-adjacent? Does this episode better resolve the tension between Don and Peggy compared to the Season 3 finale? What does Peggy truly mean to Don personally and professionally? Is this really the halfway point of the series? What goes into the ownership of a creative idea? How well does the episode balance emotion and comedy? What's your stance on Ghost Anna? Does anyone truly know Don? Extra credits: Matthew Weiner created Mad Men, which aired on AMC from 2007 to 2015. Jennifer Getzinger directed “The Suitcase” and Matthew Weiner wrote the script. The show stars Jon Hamm, January Jones, Elisabeth Moss, Vincent Kartheiser, Christina Hendricks, John Slattery, Robert Morse, and many more. Our intro music is “Mad Men Men” by Tom Davidson, which is an original remix of the show’s opening theme “A Beautiful Mine” by RJD2. Podcast illustration is by Jon Negroni. Our podcast hosts include Jon Negroni (Podcast Editor of InBetweenDrafts), Will Ashton (cohost of the Cinemaholics podcast), and Michael Overhulse (a guy who’s addicted to working at startups).See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's ok Don, Mad Men Men doesn't have a budget for a commercial, either. That's right, this week we're getting into 'The Chrysanthemum and the Sword,' the fifth episode of Season 4. And we don't need a "gift" from you the listeners, as you just being our listeners is plenty gift enough. Just don't invite us to any sleepovers anytime soon. In case this is your first time digging into our podcast, we recap Mad Men from the perspective of a first-time watcher, someone who only watched the show once while it was airing, and a superfan who watches excessively instead of having a functional social life. Extra credits: Our intro music is “Mad Men Men” by Tom Davidson, which is an original remix of the show’s opening theme “A Beautiful Mine” by RJD2. Podcast illustration is by Jon Negroni. Our podcast hosts include Jon Negroni (Podcast Editor of InBetweenDrafts), Will Ashton (cohost of the Cinemaholics podcast), and Michael Overhulse (a guy who’s addicted to working at startups).See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week on Mad Men Men, we venture back out to sunny Los Angeles to visit our old friend Anna Draper and get some decidedly NOT good news to ring in the new year. But at least Don gets to stay in his Lane. In case this is your first time digging into our podcast, we recap Mad Men from the perspective of a first-time watcher, someone who only watched the show once while it was airing, and a superfan who watches excessively instead of having a functional social life. Discussion Points: Why do some people dislike the California portion of this episode? Why are we so surprised to see Greg being somewhat competent? What's the real dynamic between Don and Anna? Does Anna know she's dying? Why does this episode switch to the Lane night out? Why is this episode called "The Good News?" Extra credits: Matthew Weiner created Mad Men, which aired on AMC from 2007 to 2015. Jennifer Getzinger directed “The Good News” and Matthew Weiner co-wrote the script with Jonathan Abrahams. The show stars Jon Hamm, January Jones, Elisabeth Moss, Vincent Kartheiser, Christina Hendricks, John Slattery, Robert Morse, and many more. Our intro music is “Mad Men Men” by Tom Davidson, which is an original remix of the show’s opening theme “A Beautiful Mine” by RJD2. Podcast illustration is by Jon Negroni. Our podcast hosts include Jon Negroni (Podcast Editor of InBetweenDrafts), Will Ashton (cohost of the Cinemaholics podcast), and Michael Overhulse (a guy who’s addicted to working at startups).See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week on Mad Men Men, we kick off Season 4 with “Public Relations,” which is pretty much a pilot type of episode smack dab in the middle of the whole series. In case this is your first time digging into our podcast, we recap Mad Men from the perspective of a first-time watcher, someone who only watched the show once while it was airing, and a superfan who watches excessively instead of having a functional social life. Discussion Points: How is “Public Relations” like a pilot of its own? Does Matthew Weiner prefer writing pilots over season arcs? Why is Don so resistant to dating after his divorce? Why is Don, a character pretty used to reinventing himself, so resistant to change in this episode, like with the reporter? Is Peggy now the Season 1 Don? What do we make of Joey in his first appearance? Why didn’t the new agency hire Paul and Ken? Why doesn’t Betty want to move to a new house with Henry? Should we compare Peggy and Pete to Sally and Bobby when it comes to the effects of Don’s divorce? How did the 60s change after JFK’s assassination? Is the Jantzen ad good or not? Modern or not? Extra credits Matthew Weiner created Mad Men, which aired on AMC from 2007 to 2015. Phil Abraham directed this episode — “Public Relations” — and Matthew Weiner wrote the script. The show stars Jon Hamm, January Jones, Elisabeth Moss, Vincent Kartheiser, Christina Hendricks, John Slattery, Robert Morse, and many more. Our intro music is “Mad Men Men” by Tom Davidson, which is an original remix of the show’s opening theme “A Beautiful Mine” by RJD2. Podcast illustration is by Jon Negroni. Our podcast hosts include Jon Negroni (Podcast Editor of InBetweenDrafts), Will Ashton (cohost of the Cinemaholics podcast), and Michael Overhulse (a guy who’s addicted to working at startups). We’ll be back soon to discuss Season 4 Episode 2, titled “Christmas Comes But Once a Year.” Subscribe to Mad Men Men on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, or wherever else podcasts are, ahem, advertised. You can find our conversations about the first season on our podcast feed, as we are now on a new website.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Turn off the TV and listen up! We're back for another episode of Mad Men, this time unpacking "The Grown-Ups," the penultimate episode of Season 3. SHOW NOTES 00:00 – Introduction 03:27 – The JFK Assassination 08:59 – The Grown-Ups as a title 11:00 – Characters Regressing and Pete's anxiety 17:46 – The Loss of Innocence 22:23 – Peggy's Roommate 24:41 – TV and the JFK Assassination 30:02 – Editing and Dreamlike Quality 32:14 – Darkly Funny Moments 35:31 – The Arc of Don and Betty and the State of Television 38:56 – Personal Experiences of 9/11 42:36 – Don and Betty's Coping Mechanisms 44:06 – Mixed Feelings about Henry Francis 49:39 – The Wedding and Roger's Speech 53:36 – Betty's Performance in the Episode 57:28 – Nihilism After JFK 01:01:44 – The Song Choice and Debate over Storylines In case this is your first time digging into Mad Men Men, our humble little baby podcast recaps Mad Men from the perspective of someone who hasn’t really watched the show, someone who went through it once a long time ago, and a superfan who watches excessively it instead of having a functional social life. EXTRA CREDITS Matthew Weiner created Mad Men, which aired on AMC from 2007 to 2015. Barbet Schroeder directed this episode, “The Grown-Ups,” and Brett Johnson and Matthew Weiner wrote the script. The show stars Jon Hamm, January Jones, Elisabeth Moss, Vincent Kartheiser, Christina Hendricks, John Slattery, Robert Morse, and many more. The opening instrumental theme heard at the beginning of this podcast is “A Beautiful Mine” by RJD2. Podcast illustration is by Jon Negroni. Our podcast hosts include Jon Negroni (Film Editor of InBetweenDrafts), Will Ashton (cohost of the Cinemaholics podcast), and Michael Overhulse (The Original “Negroupie” and inventor of dogs interrupting podcast conversations).See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Goodness, we're starting to take this podcast so personally. That's right, it's time for another episode of the Mad Men Men podcast, and this week we're folding laundry and uncovering some secrets behind Don Draper's talent for leaving a room. And you know what they say. You can't frame a podcast. In case this is your first time digging into Mad Men Men, our humble little baby podcast recaps Mad Men from the perspective of someone who hasn’t really watched the show, someone who went through it once a long time ago, and a superfan who watches excessively it instead of having a functional social life. EXTRA CREDITS Matthew Weiner created Mad Men, which aired on AMC from 2007 to 2015. Michael Uppendahl directed this episode, “The Color Blue,” and Kater Gordon and Matthew Weiner wrote the script. The show stars Jon Hamm, January Jones, Elisabeth Moss, Vincent Kartheiser, Christina Hendricks, John Slattery, Robert Morse, and many more. The opening instrumental theme heard at the beginning of this podcast is “A Beautiful Mine” by RJD2. Podcast illustration is by Jon Negroni. Our podcast hosts include Jon Negroni (Film Editor of InBetweenDrafts), Will Ashton (cohost of the Cinemaholics podcast), and Michael Overhulse (The Original “Negroupie” and inventor of dogs interrupting podcast conversations).See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.