Pete Campbell takes the wheel and crashes straight into an existential pileup in one of Mad Men’s sharpest, saddest hours. On this episode of Mad Men Men, Jon Negroni, Will Ashton, and Mike Overhulse unpack Season 5, Episode 5, “Signal 30,” directed by John Slattery and co-written by Matthew Weiner and Frank Pierson (Dog Day Afternoon). We break down Pete’s slow-motion unraveling, the infamous office fight, and what Ken’s sci-fi side hustle really says about corporate life.

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 6, titled “Far Away Places.” 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.

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, 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 4, titled “Mystery Date.” 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.

It’s season five, baby! And we’re back with A Little Kiss Part 1, the two-part premiere that gave us a Zubi Zubi Zoom into Don Draper’s new life. And all the weird vibes that come with it. On this episode of Mad Men Men, Jon Negroni, Will Ashton, and Mike Overhulse reunite to talk about Megan’s infamous birthday serenade, why Pete Campbell continues to be the show’s most interesting character, and what Joan’s mom and a certain baby’s butt have in common. Oh, and the introduction of the most legendary character in the entire series...that's right, BOBBY 5.

We dive into the real-life inspiration behind the shocking protest scene, AMC’s behind-the-scenes budget drama, and how this premiere marks a turning point in the show’s tone, aesthetic, and yes, hairlines. Also: the debut of Mike’s new microphone. It’s a whole event.

In case this is your first time tuning in, Mad Men Men recaps Mad Men through the lens of three different viewers: a first-timer, a rewatcher, and someone who watches the show instead of forming healthy adult friendships. You know who you are.

So whether you’re Team Peggy, Team Megan, or just here for Bert Cooper’s party game energy, pour a stiff drink and join us. We may not be ready for part two, but at least we showed up with a gift.

Extra Credits:

Matthew Weiner created Mad Men, which aired on AMC from 2007 to 2015. Matthew Weiner directed “A Little Kiss (Part 1)” 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 2, titled “A Little Kiss Part 2.” 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.

We're not known for blowing smoke on Mad Men Men, but I guess we can make an exception for this penultimate episode of the season! That's right, we're back to discuss Season 4, Episode 12, titled "Blowing Smoke." Which finds the old gang at Sterling Cooper Draper Pryce scrambling in the fog of losing Lucky Strike. 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.

“Blowing Smoke” Discussion Points: 

• What can we make of the dynamic between Sally and Glen in this episode?
• How can we connect Don's American Cancer pitch to the "kids" in "Blowing Smoke"?
• Does this really feel like a penultimate episode?
• Is the Midge subplot all that believable?
• What is the current state of Don and Faye's relationship?

Extra credits:

Matthew Weiner created Mad Men, which aired on AMC from 2007 to 2015. John Slattery directed “Blowing Smoke” and Andre Jacquemetton and Maria Jacquemetton 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.

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.

Fittingly enough, we're on our hands and knees begging you to give Mad Men Men a chance. Just don't hit us over the head for it. That's right, this week we're talking about Season 4 Episode 10 of Mad Men, titled "Hands and Knees." 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: 

• Thematically, is "Hands and Knees" a little clunky?
• How does the late/great Lynn Shelton do as director with this episode?
• What do you make of Don and Pete's changing dynamic since Season 1?
• Why do you think Betty bails Don out with the government guys?
• What can we glean about Lane after such a strained storyline concerning his father and estranged family?
• If this episode is all about secrets, then how can we relay that to each storyline?
• What is Joan's perspective on Roger at this point, and what might be going through her mind in the clinic scene?
• What makes this episode so bold in terms of the actors' performances?

Extra credits:

Matthew Weiner created Mad Men, which aired on AMC from 2007 to 2015. Lynn Shelton directed “Hands and Knees” 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.

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.

A thing like that, we managed to get to "The Summer Man" before the end of the summer. That's right, this week we dig into the eight episode of the fourth season of Mad Men, in which Peggy is on "fire" and Don faces his toughest nemesis yet: sobriety.

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: 

• Is it fair to compare "The Summer Man" to Season 1 episodes of the show?
• What is the point of all the voiceover narration?
• How well does Jon Hamm handle Don's journey to sobriety?
• What is the true nuance of Peggy and Joan's complicated work relationship?
• Does this episode work as a follow-up to the well-regarded "The Suitcase" in the previous episode?

Extra credits:

Matthew Weiner created Mad Men, which aired on AMC from 2007 to 2015. Phil Abraham directed “The Summer Man” and Matthew Weiner co-wrote the script with Lisa Albert and Janet Leahy. 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.