Best Iris Jay Podcasts (2024)

1
27: The Last Hero 1:06:48

28d ago1:06:48

1:06:48

DISC COVERERS is back, and it's time we took this podcast to the last place in Discworld untouched by capitalism... SPACE! On this episode we cover THE LAST HERO, a short novella about elderly barbarians and wizard hijinks that mostly exists as an excuse for Paul Kidby to paint some really phenomenal illustrations. If you were a kind of swamp drago…

1
“Closing Time”—Semisonic 1:31:05

2M ago1:31:05

1:31:05

It’s last call for '90s songs and Rob’s memories as the show draws to a close. So there couldn’t be a more fitting moment for Semisonic’s “Closing Time” to be chosen as the episode’s focus. Listen as Rob grapples with his feelings of discomfort with the word goodbye, and stay for a final sendoff to the greatest '60 Songs' guest of all time, Yasi Sa…

1
“Friends in Low Places”—Garth Brooks 1:40:27

2M ago1:40:27

1:40:27

In the penultimate episode of 60 Songs, Rob takes it way back. Listen as he recalls the first song he remembers consciously hearing as a baby before diving into the world of Garth Brooks and 90’s country music. Later, Tyler Parker joins the show to discuss what Garth Brooks means to Oklahoma and much more. Host: Rob Harvilla Guest: Tyler Parker Pro…

1
“Give Me One Reason”—Tracy Chapman 1:32:03

3M ago1:32:03

1:32:03

Rob ranks the books he was forced to read in high school before turning his focus on the greatness of Tracy Chapman’s “Give Me One Reason” from her 1995 album ‘New Beginning.’ Later, Rob is joined by fellow Ohio native and author Hanif Abdurraqib to discuss why Ohio breeds such great writers such as Tracy Chapman. The guys also get into Chapman’s a…

1
The Songs We Didn’t Do (Everyone Yells At Rob) 1:46:31

3M ago1:46:31

1:46:31

Hello friends, and thank you for stopping by for a very special episode of 60 Songs. With just three songs remaining, it felt like a great week to have some of Rob’s favorite guests as well as producers stop by and yell at him over songs that he missed. Enjoy! Host: Rob Harvilla Guests: Andrew Savage, Yasi Salek, Elamin Adelmahmoud, Alex Steed, Les…

1
“Hard Knock Life”—JAY-Z 1:33:45

3M ago1:33:45

1:33:45

Rob looks at JAY-Z’s career backwards this week before reaching the rap legend’s 90’s pop crossover hit, “Hard Knock Life.” Along the way, Rob highlights the masterclass that is Funkmaster Flex premiering Kanye West and JAY-Z’a “Otis” on Hot 97 and much more. Later, the Ringer’s Wosny Lambre joins the show to discuss what JAY-Z’s rise to power in N…

1
26: Thief of Time 1:07:16

3M ago1:07:16

1:07:16

TICK TOCK, DISCERATI... It's DISC COVERERS time again, and on this episode we're covering 2001's THIEF OF TIME! The Auditors are back on their bullshit again. They want to shatter time itself, and one of their number walks among the humans of the disc in mortal form. Only veteran History Monk sweeper Lu-Tze and his peculiarly gifted sidekick Lobsan…

1
“Black or White”—Michael Jackson 1:50:40

3M ago1:50:40

1:50:40

Rob reminisces on his time witnessing Janelle Monae perform at South By Southwest in the year of Michael Jackson’s passing, before looking back at the King of Pop’s televised funeral. Along the way, Rob looks back at the height of Jackson’s powers in the '80s as well as a bit more tumultuous era in the '90s. Later, Wesley Morris joins the show to a…

1
“Iris”—Goo Goo Dolls 1:29:44

4M ago1:29:44

1:29:44

Rob looks back at the movie ‘High Fidelity’ and observes the similarities between himself and one of the characters, who is also named Rob. Somewhere along the way, our Rob focuses in on Matthew Sweet, the Knack, Material Issue, and other artists singing power-pop songs about women they usually don’t get in the end. Finally, Rob gives attention to …

1
“Freedom! ’90”—George Michael 1:32:28

4M ago1:32:28

1:32:28

Rob looks back at the top five songs that make him still feel like a 6-year-old, before turning his attention to the great George Michael. Along the way, Rob highlights a letter written to Michael from Frank Sinatra with his best dramatic reading. Later, Rob is joined by Rob Tannenbaum to discuss whether George Michael is on the MTV Mount Rushmore,…

1
"Believe"—Cher 1:33:32

4M ago1:33:32

1:33:32

Rob takes a trip down memory lane and once again back to his days of watching ‘Beavis and Butt-Head’ before stopping at his memory of the time Beavis and Butt-Head met a woman. That woman was Cher. Cher’s influence in the world of auto-tune is also discussed along the way. Later, Rob is joined by DJ Louie XIV to discuss the impact of Cher’s “Believ…

1
“Are You Gonna Go My Way”—Lenny Kravitz 1:36:36

4M ago1:36:36

1:36:36

Rob looks back at his MTV watching days as a child in the late 80s before turning his attention to Lenny Kravitz. Along the way in his monologue, Rob highlights Kravitz’s appearance on ‘The Arsenio Hall Show’ in 1991 and the perceived disconnect between black radio/publications and Kravitz’s music. Later, Rob is joined by writer Elamin Abdelmahmoud…

1
25: The Truth 1:36:33

4M ago1:36:33

1:36:33

Extra, extra! Read all about it! DISC COVERERS returns for another enthralling episode, and this time we're covering THE TRUTH, Sir T of P's jaunt through journalism. In a world where free speech is an urban legend and accountability for the aristocracy is a joke, what drives someone to start reporting news? Who, exactly, are news publications for,…

1
“What’s Up”—4 Non Blondes 1:32:29

5M ago1:32:29

1:32:29

Rob indulges in outright negativity when focusing on some of the worst songs of the '90s before turning his attention 4 Non Blondes’ “What’s Up,” voted one of the worst songs of the '90s by Rolling Stone. Later, Rob is joined by journalist and host of ‘Fine Beats and Cheeses’ Leslie Gray Streeter to discuss how '90s music criticism discredited the …

1
“Santeria”—Sublime 1:33:07

5M ago1:33:07

1:33:07

Listen as Rob reminisces on some of the funniest songs he heard from the back seat of the car as a child, before turning his focus to Sublime, the band’s frontman Bradley Nowell, and the jarring storytelling on the Sublime song “Date Rape.” Somewhere along the way, Rob is able to regain focus on the song at hand, “Santeria.” Later, Rob is joined by…

1
‘60 Songs’ x ‘Bandsplain’ Live at the Teragram 1:44:34

6M ago1:44:34

1:44:34

Listen as Rob and Yasi Salek are joined by Chris Ryan to hold the ultimate '60 Songs' draft! But before we get to that fantastic main event, Yasi roasts Robs for some of his worst mispronunciations across the history of the '60 Songs That Explain the 90s' pod, and there’s even a very special guest to kick off this special episode. This episode was …

1
“I’ll Be Missing You”—Puff Daddy and the Family 1:34:13

6M ago1:34:13

1:34:13

Rob looks back at the “SADNESS” mixtape that he put together in 1996 before turning to the tragic passing of the Notorious B.I.G., and mogul Puff Daddy’s transition from executive producer in the background to full-blown artist honoring Biggie (01:48). Stay tuned to hear guest Sowmya Krishnamurthy share her experience as Puff Daddy’s assistant and …

1
“Glory Box”—Portishead 1:34:14

6M ago1:34:14

1:34:14

Listen as Rob confesses about that time where he sorta…kinda…maybe…beat up a guy at a Portishead concert in 1997. Stay as he dives into the world of trip-hop while celebrating Portishead’s “Glory Box” as well as other bands such as Massive Attack. Host: Rob Harvilla Guest: Simon Reynolds Producers: Jonathan Kermah and Justin Sayles Additional Produ…

1
“Lovefool”—The Cardigans 1:23:44

7M ago1:23:44

1:23:44

Listen as Rob lets us in on his dream of being the guy that plays piano at a party and serenades all the ladies. And if that isn’t enough for you, stay as he looks back at the 1996 film ‘Romeo + Juliet’ and the Swedish rock band the Cardigans while celebrating their hit “Lovefool.” SIGNED BOOKPLATE COPIES are available for preorder via Premiere Col…

1
“My Name Is”—Eminem 1:28:24

7M ago1:28:24

1:28:24

Rob reflects on the times when he was a child in the car with his mother and inappropriate songs played on the radio, as well as his times as a parent driving his kids and explicit songs played in the car. This all leads to a deep dive on the ever-so-controversial rap icon, Eminem, and what his hit “My Name Is” meant to the '90s. Later, Rob’s edito…

1
“Black Hole Sun”—Soundgarden 1:32:45

7M ago1:32:45

1:32:45

Rob is back for the final stretch of '60 Songs That Explain the ’90s,' and this week, it’s all about guitar tone! Listen as Rob peruses Smash Mouth’s wild discography before turning to Soundgarden and their hit “Black Hole Sun.” Rob also somehow finds the time to share his top five favorite made-up band names. Later, author Mark Yarm joins the show…

1
24: The Fifth Elephant 2:20:27

7M ago2:20:27

2:20:27

Ghoulish greetings, discerati! DISC COVERERS is back in time for spooky season, and this time we're covering THE FIFTH ELEPHANT! Special guest host and werewolf expert KEL MCDONALD joins us to talk about this dark, thrill-packed political potboiler that also, coincidentally, just happens to be a Discworld novel. Why is this the only werewolf-centri…

1
4a: Season of Mists, pt. 1 1:19:08

8M ago1:19:08

1:19:08

SANDJOB, EPISODE 4A: In Which Nero, Jessie and Iris Return From Hiatus With New Discussions Of "The Sandman" Comic Book Series; A Long Philosophical Tangent On The Nature Of Hell Within Modern Christianity Is Embarked Upon; The Issue-By-Issue Weird Little Guy Quota Returns; And Our Credibility Within The Furry Community Is Called Into Question. SAN…

1
23: Carpe Jugulum 1:56:29

9M ago1:56:29

1:56:29

Ahhh, the creatures of the night... what beautiful pods they cast... DISC COVERERS is back, and this episode we're sucking harder than ever! CARPE JUGULUM is the finale of the Witches novel series (...sort of), and holy smokes, there's SO much going on with this book that just calling it "the one about the yuppie vampire family" feels like selling …

1
“One”—U2 1:27:02

9M ago1:27:02

1:27:02

Rob ranks the top five funniest moments in the film ‘This Is Spinal Tap’ to kick things off for this very special U2 edition of '60 Songs.' Later, Rob focuses in on what Bono and U2 meant to music in the ’90s versus their ’80s impact. Writer Annie Zaleski later joins Rob to dive into all things U2. Host: Rob Harvilla Guest: Annie Zaleski Producers:…

1
“Merchandise”—Fugazi 1:32:51

9M ago1:32:51

1:32:51

Rob blends his memories of watching Pee-wee Herman with flash backs of his punk rock era while praising Fugazi and their 1990 alternative rock head banger, “Merchandise.” Later he is joined by Touché Amoré singer and host of ‘The First Ever Podcast’ Jeremy Bolm to discuss how intimating Fugazi was as a post hardcore band and much more. Preorder Rob…

1
“Say My Name”—Destiny’s Child 1:30:53

10M ago1:30:53

1:30:53

Rob looks back at the many times ‘Star Search’ failed to select musical stars who went on to be music icons. Don’t worry, he still finds plenty of time to give both Destiny’s Child and a young, pre-megastardom Beyoncé their flowers. Later, Rob is joined by the host of ‘Making Beyoncé,’ Jill Hopkins, to further discuss Destiny’s Child as both a buzz…

1
“Fade into You”—Mazzy Star 1:34:39

10M ago1:34:39

1:34:39

Before highlighting Mazzy Star and their moody hit “Fade into You,” Rob shares his new favorite song with us and dives into all things slowcore. Later Rob is joined by cultural columnist at De Los, the new Latino vertical at the Los Angeles Times, Suzy Exposito to discuss all things Mazzy Star, her goth yeehaw playlist, and more (1:06:00). Host: Ro…

1
“Birdhouse in Your Soul”—They Might Be Giants 1:28:16

10M ago1:28:16

1:28:16

In a very special 100th episode, Rob looks back at the records his parents played downstairs when he was supposed to be sleeping. Oh, and of course he dedicates a significant amount of time praising the band that unlocked 90 percent of his then-12-year-old identity, They Might Be Giants. Later, rapper and host of ‘What Had Happened Was,’ Open Mike …

1
“Around the World”—Daft Punk 1:26:39

10M ago1:26:39

1:26:39

Rob shares a list of the 10 most repetitive songs of the '90s, before diving into Daft Punk and their electronic hit “Around the World.” Later, Rob is joined by Pitchfork features editor Ryan Dombal to discuss meeting Daft Punk without their helmets on, Daft Punk as Dombal’s entrance to electronic music, and much more (56:00). Host: Rob Harvilla Gu…

1
“Regulate”—Warren G & Nate Dogg 1:23:00

11M ago1:23:00

1:23:00

Rob looks back at some of his most embarrassing song lyric snafus caused by radio edits while deep diving on Long Beach legends Warren G and Nate Dogg. Later, Rob is joined by Logan Murdock to discuss west coast rap, Warren G’s orgin story, and more. Host: Rob Harvilla Guest: Logan Murdock Producers: Jonathan Kermah and Justin Sayles Additional Pro…

1
22: The Last Continent 1:32:40

11M ago1:32:40

1:32:40

G'DAY, MATES! Disc Coverers is BACK, and on today's episode we're reviewing the last (sort of) and best (technically) Rincewind novel, THE LAST CONTINENT! This book is aggressively just fine-- it's not blindingly offensive like the last Rincewind book, but it also doesn't have a ton of Incredible Sociopolitical Commentary or anything in it, so we s…

1
“Down by the Water”—PJ Harvey 1:28:56

11M ago1:28:56

1:28:56

Listen as Rob highlights why ‘Loaded Weapon 1’ is the single greatest movie he's ever seen in theaters before he eventually dives into PJ Harvey’s “Down by the Water” and plenty of other ’90s songs from the singer-songwriter. Later, Rob is joined by Yasi Salek of ‘Bandsplain’ to discuss their celebrity twins, PJ Harvey’s music catalog, and much mor…

1
"Tubthumping"—Chumbawamba 1:21:43

11M ago1:21:43

1:21:43

Don't call them one-hit wonders. And don't you dare try to knock them down. This week, Rob's covering the career of the British anaracho-punks Chumbawamba, including their massive hit "Tubthumping," which took over the world for a spell in 1997. Later, Rob's joined by journalist and critic Dorian Lynskey to try to contextualize the hard-to-contextu…

1
“Gett Off”—Prince and the New Power Generation 1:24:36

11M ago1:24:36

1:24:36

Rob reminisces over the first rock concert he attended, where Weird Al Yankovic opened for the Monkees before turning to the iconic force that is Prince and the hypersexual “Gett Off.” Later, Rob is joined by author Daphne A. Brooks to discuss Prince’s 1991 VMAs performance, his relationship with hip-hop, the Jehovah’s Witness era, and much more (1…

1
“If It Makes You Happy”—Sheryl Crow 1:27:02

12M ago1:27:02

1:27:02

Rob is back to share the 10 worst songs he performed during his college open-mic-night phase, as he dives into Sheryl Crow’s “If It Makes You Happy.” Later, Rob is joined by 'Baltimore Banner' columnist Leslie Gray Streeter to discuss Sheryl Crow’s career and the mistreatment of women music stars by the media (53:00). Host: Rob Harvilla Guest: Lesl…

1
“Loser”—Beck 1:30:55

12M ago1:30:55

1:30:55

Rob looks back at his journalism origin story while diving into the artistry of Beck and the absurdity of “Loser.” Later, Rob is joined by author Alex Pappademas, who may or may not have come prepared to recite both “Loser” and “The Humpty Dance” (55:00). Host: Rob Harvilla Guest: Alex Pappademas Producers: Jonathan Kermah and Justin Sayles Additio…

1
21: Jingo 1:30:15

12M ago1:30:15

1:30:15

Well, Discettes and Discinos, here we are at the exact midpoint of our journey through Discworld. I wish we had a better book to celebrate the occasion. If Terry had just released this one before Hogfather, or if the "Science Of" books and short stories were included in the Official Discworld Reading List, maybe we could've avoided this. Unfortunat…

1
“Shoop”—Salt-N-Pepa 1:18:34

12M ago1:18:34

1:18:34

Join Rob as he dives into his deepest darkest memories of clinging to gymnasium walls as all the other brave middle schoolers got their groove on to some ’90s R&B. Oh and, somewhere along the way, listen and learn about Salt-N-Pepa and their sexually charged song “Shoop.” Later, Pitchfork’s Julianne Escobedo Shepherd joins the mix to answer some of…

1
“Smells Like Teen Spirit”—Nirvana with Courtney Love 2:43:19

1y ago2:43:19

2:43:19

Rob is back and ready to share his inner-most thoughts on Batman movies, hearing Nirvana for the first time, and more as he looks back at quite possibly the most inescapable song of the '90s, “Smells Like Teen Spirit.” (4:00) Later he is joined by rockstar, lead singer of Hole, and wife of Kurt Cobain, Courtney Love to discuss her relationship with…

1
'60 Songs' Returns May 17! 0:30

1y ago0:30

0:30

Join Rob as he explores more iconic songs from the ’90s with even more special guests starting May 17. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoicesBy The Ringer

1
3: Dream Country 1:20:41

1y ago1:20:41

1:20:41

[CONTENT WARNING: Contains discussion of sexual assault in our "Calliope" segment from 03:25 to 20:15, as well as severe depression and suicide in our "Façade" segment from 43:35 to 1:04:25. Please take care when listening.] GOOD EVENING, DREAMERS! It's been a little while, but we're excited to be back! We were... somewhat less excited to be talkin…

1
20: Hogfather 1:34:16

1y ago1:34:16

1:34:16

HAPPY (slightly belated) HOLIDAYS, DISCITES! 2023 has been off to a bit of a hectic start, but we're BACK with the Discworld series' most (unfortunately for us) time-sensitive installment, HOGFATHER. Someone has killed the spirit of Hogswatch, and it's up to Death to fill in-- and up to his granddaughter Susan to figure out what the hell is going o…

1
"A Roller Skating Jam Named ‘Saturdays'"—De La Soul 1:33:50

1y ago1:33:50

1:33:50

Rob dives into De La Soul’s least favorite song to perform, the impact of the rap group, Trugoy the Dove’s passing, and more when looking back at “A Roller Skating Jam Named ‘Saturdays’” with some assistance from Open Mike Eagle on the back end. Host: Rob Harvilla Guest: Open Mike Eagle Producers: Jonathan Kermah and Justin Sayles Learn more about …

1
“Torn”—Natalie Imbruglia 1:19:49

1+ y ago1:19:49

1:19:49

Rob looks back at his days in a band while diving into cover songs and Natalie Imbruglia’s “Torn.” Later, he is joined by Sophie B. Hawkins to discuss her hit “Damn I Wish I Was Your Lover” as well as “Torn.” Host: Rob Harvilla Guest: Sophie B. Hawkins Producers: Justin Sayles and Jonathan Kermah Additional Production Support: Chloe Clark Learn mor…

1
“Macarena”—Los del Rio 1:15:38

1+ y ago1:15:38

1:15:38

Rob looks back at the meteoric rise of “Macarena” and the song’s ability to get politicians to make a fool of themselves. Host: Rob Harvilla Guest: Leila Cobo Producers: Justin Sayles and Jonathan Kermah Additional Production Support: Chloe Clark Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices…

1
“Basket Case”—Green Day 1:24:12

1+ y ago1:24:12

1:24:12

Rob looks back at the first band he ever interviewed in his hometown while diving into Green Day’s rise to stardom.Host: Rob Harvilla Guest: Hanif Abdurraqib Producer: Justin Sayles Associate Producer: Jonathan Kermah Additional Production Support: Abou Kamara Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices…

1
“Enjoy the Silence”—Depeche Mode 1:15:31

1+ y ago1:15:31

1:15:31

Rob looks back at his college radio DJ days while diving into Depeche Mode’s “Enjoy the Silence.” Host: Rob Harvilla Guest: Craig Jenkins Producer: Justin Sayles Associate Producer: Jonathan Kermah Additional Production Support: Abou Kamara Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices…

1
“F--k and Run”—Liz Phair 1:15:45

1+ y ago1:15:45

1:15:45

Rob looks back at ‘Ferris Bueller's Day Off’ when diving into Liz Phair’s “F--k and Run” and the rest of her career. Host: Rob Harvilla Guest: Sam Lipsyte Producer: Justin Sayles Associate Producer: Jonathan Kermah Additional Production Support: Abou Kamara Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices…

1
"Only Wanna Be with You”—Hootie & The Blowfish 1:27:48

1+ y ago1:27:48

1:27:48

Rob spills on his love/hate relationship with LeBron James over the years while deep diving on how Hootie & The Blowfish got their name, the difference between primarily fun music and totally disposable music, and the imprint left by band. Host: Rob Harvilla Guest: Leslie Streeter Producer: Justin Sayles Associate Producer: Jonathan Kermah Addition…

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