S5E3 – 'Tea Leaves'

S5E3 – 'Tea Leaves'

From Mad Men Men by InBetweenDrafts

September 16, 2025 · 44 min · Season 5 · Episode 3

About this episode

The episode discusses Jon Hamm's directorial debut in Mad Men Season 5, Episode 3, 'Tea Leaves', focusing on character developments and thematic explorations.

Jon Hamm steps behind the camera for Mad Men Season 5, Episode 3, “Tea Leaves” and the results are…complicated! On this episode of Mad Men Men , Jon Negroni, Will Ashton, and Mike Overhulse react to Betty’s triumphant return. They also talk Peggy’s new hire Michael Ginsberg and Harry Crane continuing to be the worst man alive. We break down the real-life inspiration behind Betty’s storyline (and January Jones’ pregnancy), debate the effectiveness of Jon Hamm’s directorial debut, and explore how the show tackles themes of youth culture, generational anxiety, and desperate rebranding (looking at you, Roger). 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. Jon Hamm directed “Tea Leaves” and Erin Levy and Matthew Weiner co-wrote the script. The show stars Jon Hamm, January Jones, Elisabeth Moss, Vincent Kartheiser…

People in this episode

Hosts: Jon Negroni, Will Ashton, Mike Overhulse

Topics covered

  • directorial debut
  • youth culture
  • generational anxiety
  • Betty's storyline
  • Peggy's new hire
  • rebranding

Keywords

  • Mad Men
  • Jon Hamm
  • Tea Leaves
  • Betty
  • Peggy
  • Michael Ginsberg
  • Harry Crane
  • generational anxiety
  • rebranding

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Mad Men, AMC

Books & works: Mad Men Men, A Beautiful Mine

More episodes of Mad Men Men

Explore listener stats, chart rankings, contacts and more on the Mad Men Men podcast page.