Best Michael Fortune Project Podcasts (2024)

1
John Arthur Hill on Addiction, Teeth, PTown vs. Fire Island & Countess Luann’s Renaissance 1:03:19

2d ago1:03:19

1:03:19

Jess is joined by SiriusXM RadioAndy co-host, singer & comedian JOHN ARTHUR HILL. Topics: John’s dental and sobriety journeys, the rehab to SoulCycle pipeline, secret Bravo smokers, Barry’s Bootcamp, the Underwear Party on Fire Island, preferring Provincetown, nearly getting fired as Andy Cohen’s co-host, why Countess Luann is huge at festivals, ma…

1
Judge Andrew Brasher 53:36

8d ago53:36

53:36

Judge Andrew Brasher joins David Oscar Markus to discuss all things Eleventh Circuit. Judge Brasher joined the 11th Circuit Court of Appeals when he was 39 years old. Having clerked for Judge William Pryor and worked as the Alabama Solicitor General, he is part of the well-known Judge Pryor “judging tree,” along with Judge Kevin Newsom and others. …

1
Review of Liza Minnelli, Ani DiFranco, Linda Perry & Indigo Girls Docs (w/ Mark Snyder) 1:23:18

16d ago1:23:18

1:23:18

Jess is joined by writer and “All I Want To Do Is Talk About Madonna” co-host Mark Snyder to review the TriBeCa Film Festival premieres of brand new documentaries centered around LIZA MINNELLI, ANI DIFRANCO, LINDA PERRY and a bonus review of the recent INDIGO GIRLS doc. Topics — the live performances from Linda Perry & Ani DiFranco following their …

1
CNN's Kaitlan Collins 1:01:50

22d ago1:01:50

1:01:50

CNN’s Kaitlan Collins joins David Oscar Markus and his University of Miami class to discuss everything from covering high profile trials to how to examine a difficult witness. As criminal defense lawyers know, cross examining witnesses is one of the hardest things to do. There's a lot to be learned from journalists who do it live on the air with di…

1
Michael Musto on Village Voice, Gossip, Psychology of Blind Items 44:03

23d ago44:03

44:03

Jess is joined by legendary Village Voice gossip columnist Michael Musto! Musto discusses the origin of outing, psychology of blind items, how an unknown Madonna prevented him from sound-checking with his band in 1982, Gaga's Oscar campaigns and the trouble he got into after Andy Warhol's funeral. He also dishes on Malcolm Forbes, camp John Waters,…

1
Lindsay Hubbard on Sex, Love & Carl Radke Origin Story 50:53

1M ago50:53

50:53

Jess is joined by the one true queen of Summer House — LINDSAY HUBBARD! Topics: a listening tour of the Hamptons, the business of being a PR guru, having sex on camera and the origins of “Hubbhouse." Plus — Lindsay’s Sun / Moon / Rising signs, a quick astrological reading from Andy Bellatti (@astrologywithandy), an off-camera crazy dating story, fa…

1
Todd Blanche for former President Donald Trump 57:45

1M ago57:45

57:45

Todd Blanche, counsel to former President Donald Trump, joins David Oscar Markus to discuss the New York trial of People v. Trump. Todd Blanche, the first guest to appear twice on For the Defense with David Oscar Markus, discusses everything from the war room to Melania Trump not appearing at trial to getting into it with Michael Cohen and everythi…

1
The Felicity, Dawson’s Creek & 90210 Music Restoration Project 47:04

1M ago47:04

47:04

Jess is joined by the creator of @felicityrestorationproject to chat about one of the greatest issues of our time - the replacement of music on our beloved nineties TV shows - FELICITY, DAWSON’S CREEK & 90210. We discuss legalities of the music licensing issue, painstakingly digitizing scenes with correct music from VHS tapes and Paula Cole strikin…

1
IT Girls of NYC ‘90s Lesbian Chic (w/ Elizabeth Ziff & Maggie Moore) 58:08

2M ago58:08

58:08

Jess is joined by exes & best friends ELIZABETH ZIFF (The L Word writer; BETTY rocker) and MAGGIE MOORE (chanteuse; real estate broker) to reflect on ‘90s queer girl culture in NYC. Topics: their meet-cute love story, creating the Industria Super Studios girl parties, Café Tabac, Meow Mix, Alan Cumming. Plus — Laurel Holloman / Nicole Ari Parker fi…

1
Judge Kevin Newsom 1:05:46

2M ago1:05:46

1:05:46

In this bonus episode, Judge Kevin Newsom joins David Oscar Markus for an open and wide-ranging discussion about being a judge on the 11th Circuit, legal writing, and even a recent health scare. This bonus episode of For the Defense with the affable Judge Kevin Newsom and David Oscar Markus (they were law school classmates) continues to explore wha…

1
Catherine Cohen on Seek Treatment, Edinburgh Fringe & more 46:26

2M ago46:26

46:26

Jess is joined by singer, comedian and “Seek Treatment” co-host — CATHERINE COHEN! Topics: audio only vs. video podcasts, boutique fitness, her West Village apartment, self-financing Netflix specials, the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, Taylor Swift vs. Sarah McLachlan | Ani Difranco | Fiona Apple, Baby Reindeer, Cafe Cluny, Kate Mara, open relationship…

1
Tabatha Coffey — Tabatha Takes Over, Shear Genius, Reddit 44:48

3M ago44:48

44:48

Jess is joined by TABATHA COFFEY, Australian hairstylist, salon owner and star of TABATHA TAKES OVER & SHEAR GENIUS. Topics: Losing Shear Genius yet scoring her own spin-off, living in New Jersey, Reddit threads, wanting a reboot, Jackie Warner & her reputation of being a “b*tch.” Plus — Tabatha’s upbringing in Australia where she was thrown into t…

1
The L Word Writer/Director Rose Troche — Guinevere Turner, Go Fish, Jennifer Beals 1:01:04

3M ago1:01:04

1:01:04

Jess is joined by ROSE TROCHE — co-writer & director of the seminal indie film GO FISH — as well as writer, director & exec. producer of THE L WORD. L WORD topics: directing the Pilot, Dinah Shore & Pride episodes, sex scenes, writing for Bette Porter (Jennifer Beals) and Jenny Schecter (Mia Kirshner) + the truth behind Dana’s (Erin Daniels) death.…

1
T. KYLE — Behind the Scenes of WWHL, Wendy Williams, Jimmy Fallon 1:17:57

3M ago1:17:57

1:17:57

Jess is joined by digital producer, remixer and co-host of Legends Only | It’s Britney, Bitch! — T. KYLE! Topics include T. Kyle’s work on DRAG RACE, his career at WWHL and the difficult environment at THE TONIGHT SHOW. Plus, his Countess Luann “Keep on Serving C*nt” remix, being hand-picked to produce the scrapped WENDY WILLIAMS podcast, Crazy Hor…

1
Queer as Folk w/ Peter Paige (Emmett) & Scott Lowell (Ted)! 1:04:48

3M ago1:04:48

1:04:48

Jess welcomes TWO of the stars of the groundbreaking Showtime series QUEER AS FOLK -- PETER PAIGE (Emmett Honeycutt) & SCOTT LOWELL (Ted Schmidt)! Topics include: the infamous Larry King interview, how QAF changed the way sex & sexuality was depicted on cable, why THE L WORD was able to break into the mainstream zeitgeist in a way QAF was unable to…

1
Kim Stolz — America’s Next Top Model, NYC Gay Bar Owner & MTV VJ 45:39

4M ago45:39

45:39

Jess catches up with the first openly gay contestant on AMERICA'S NEXT TOP MODEL, fellow New Yorker KIM STOLZ. Kim Stolz was one of the most recognizable faces in the NYC gay scene in the mid-‘00s after starring in Cycle 5 of the Tyra Banks series. Kim then became an MTV News host alongside JOHN NORRIS & KURT LODER where she interviewed an unknown …

1
Madonna Truth or Dare w/ Reality Producers Chris DeRosa & Dominick Pupa 1:19:44

4M ago1:19:44

1:19:44

Jess is joined by reality TV producers and co-hosts of “Fixing Famous People” — Chris DeRosa and Dominick Pupa! Together, we analyze the seminal documentary MADONNA: TRUTH OR DARE through the lens of our three generations and reality TV production. Topics: The follow-up film feat. the Blond Ambition dancers STRIKE A POSE, 1998 VH1 special MADONNA R…

1
Ryan Raftery IS Anna Wintour, Martha Stewart, Andy Cohen, Kris Jenner & more 49:50

5M ago49:50

49:50

Jess is joined by the “Shakespeare of pop culture satire” per the New York Times - RYAN RAFTERY! We discuss his upcoming run at Joe’s Pub in which he does his one-man twisted musical embodiments of MARTHA STEWART, ANNA WINTOUR & KRIS JENNER. We discuss the psychological through-line between all three women (relevancy) as well as his darker material…

1
Judge Nancy G. Abudu 42:46

5M ago42:46

42:46

In this bonus episode, Judge Nancy G. Abudu – the newest judge on the Eleventh Circuit Court of Appeals – joins David Oscar Markus for an open discussion about her career, the confirmation process, and the Court itself. Almost all appellate judges served as lower court judges and bring that experience with them to the appellate bench. But Judge Nan…

1
Drag Race’s Peppermint — Traitors Reunion, NYC 90s Nightlife 1:01:05

5M ago1:01:05

1:01:05

Jess is joined by DRAG RACE & TRAITORS star PEPPERMINT! Peppermint discusses fond memories of THE REAL WORLD (which don’t include Vegas or Trishelle), the production behind The Traitors and what she’s planning for The Reunion. Plus, Alan Cumming’s comment that “gays” are loving Phaedra while “queer” ppl are loving Parvati. Peppermint also discusses…

1
Bianca Del Rio on Fire Island, Madonna, Joan Rivers & more 48:28

5M ago48:28

48:28

Jess is joined by drag legend BIANCA DEL RIO! Bianca discuss her early days of drag in New Orleans, New York City, Provincetown and on Fire Island prior to winning season 6 of DRAG RACE. Topics include: Going on tour with Madonna, joining The Traitors, Joan Rivers, Kathy Griffin, Chita Rivera, a “Golden Drag Race” feat. Lady Bunny & Varla Jean Merm…

1
Golden Girls, Gilmore Girls, Roseanne & Brady Bunch Movie Writer — Stan Zimmerman 56:56

5M ago56:56

56:56

Jess is joined by TV & film screenwriter, Stan Zimmerman! Zimmerman chats about his career writing on THE GOLDEN GIRLS, ROSEANNE, GILMORE GIRLS, THE BRADY BUNCH MOVIE (and its Sequel!). Topics: staying closeted while writing The Golden Girls, RuPaul, Estelle Getty, Madonna's voicemails for Sandra Bernhard, Roseanne & Tom Arnold, loving THE L WORD &…

1
The L Word Writer, Theme Song & BETTY Rocker — Elizabeth Ziff 1:05:02

5M ago1:05:02

1:05:02

Jess is joined by ELIZABETH ZIFF — writer, producer and BETTY musician behind THE L WORD theme song. We discuss: dating L Word creator Ilene Chaiken, writing for Bette Porter (Jennifer Beals) and Jenny Schecter (Mia Kirshner) and specific episodes & storylines she wrote. Plus — early BETTY gigs in the 80s/90s, the nexus of “lesbian chic” at East Vi…

1
Casting The Traitors & Inside Real World Edit Bay (w/ Jamie Stein) 1:12:40

6M ago1:12:40

1:12:40

Jess is joined by empath Jamie Stein to critique the cast of THE TRAITORS season two and discuss his career working on four (4) seasons of THE REAL WORLD — VEGAS, PARIS, SAN DIEGO and PHILLY — where he had an unedited look at Trishelle, CT, Karamo etc. Jamie discusses watching endless unedited footage, the San Diego sexual assault scandal and more.…

1
Jackie Warner (Work Out) Returns! Ozempic, Taylor Swift, Kyle Richards, Jeff Lewis 1:13:01

6M ago1:13:01

1:13:01

Jess is joined by Jackie Warner (Work Out, Thintervention) in her fourth appearance! We discuss Jackie’s use of Ozempic, pitches her TV comeback, the fall-out of her TMZ splashed DUI ambien arrest, Kyle Richards and Morgan Wade, the New York Times Op-Ed on Taylor Swift, Jeff Lewis in the Flipping Out / Work Out era, Jared Leto’s God complex and mor…

1
John Cameron Mitchell on Hedwig and the Angry Inch, Shortbus & more 54:32

6M ago54:32

54:32

Jess is joined by writer, actor and director JOHN CAMERON MITCHELL to discuss everything HEDWIG AND THE ANGRY INCH and SHORTBUS. Plus: Julius’ bar, New Orleans, RENT, promoting Hedwig on THE ROSIE O’DONNELL SHOW vs. LETTERMAN and entering his villain era via GIRLS, JOE EXOTIC and SHRILL. IG: @jessxnyc Check out Jess' docu-pod series FINDING FIRE IS…

1
Madonna Culture Debate (w/ Tony Trius, Mark Snyder, Kenny Finkle) 1:17:46

7M ago1:17:46

1:17:46

This concludes our Madonna trilogy with Jess joined by Mark Snyder & Kenny Finkle (All I Want To Do Is Talk About Madonna) and Tony Trius (MLVC) for a culture debate/roundtable — MADONNA EDITION! Topics include: our unpopular opinions, best live performance, best Truth or Dare moment, Tears of a Clown, how to fix Madonna, is longtime collab Mirwais…

1
Review of Madonna Celebration Tour - Brooklyn (w/ Ben Rimalower) 50:11

7M ago50:11

50:11

Jess is joined by Ben Rimalower to review Madonna's Celebration Tour in Brooklyn, NY. We discuss our thrills, Madonna's "strategy" behind late start times, the set list and provide constructive critique. Later, Ben recalls how Madonna's health scare this summer catapulted him into a revisit of Madonna's entire catalogue and concert history, culmina…

1
Madonna Backup Singers & Dancers — Niki Haris & Donna De Lory 1:14:04

7M ago1:14:04

1:14:04

Jess is joined by “Madonna’s Secret Weapons” (per Rolling Stone) — longtime Madonna back-up singers and dancers, NIKI HARIS & DONNA DE LORY! Niki and Donna performed on four (4) of Madonna’s world tours, including The Who’s That Girl Tour, The Blond Ambition Tour, The Girlie Show and The Drowned World Tour. They also appear on the recordings of “Vo…

1
Michael Schachter and Randall Jackson for Tom Barrack 1:04:30

7M ago1:04:30

1:04:30

In this bonus episode, Michael Schachter and Randall Jackson sit down with David Markus to discuss their amazing acquittal of Tom Barrack in federal court in New York. Tom Barrack, a close friend and advisor to Donald Trump, was charged with being a foreign agent for the UAE. The so-called FARA violation is the new hot charge by DOJ. Enter Michael …

1
Pat Regan on Seek Treatment, Writing "Hacks," Survivor 48:21

7M ago48:21

48:21

Jess is joined by writer, standup and co-host of “Seek Treatment” — PAT REGAN! We discuss: the HACKS writer’s room, DAWSON'S CREEK series finale, FELICITY, why LA should be part of NY, Seek Treatment’s Las Culturistas origin story, bombing at a gay resort, getting sober, fitness goals, SURVIVOR, Parvati Shallow, Madonna TRUTH OR DARE, THE REAL WORL…

1
Inside the Cult of Group Fitness — SoulCycle, Peloton 53:42

8M ago53:42

53:42

Jess is a joined by a career fitness professional to go inside the culture of their former cycling employer, while Jess shares her personal experience with SoulCycle. We go deep on: lack of certifications required to teach spin, the “training programs” at different studios, instructors abusing drugs, sexual accusations from riders and the “God Comp…

1
Julie Goldman & Brandy Howard on Jeff Lewis, Kyle Richards Gay Baiting 1:18:57

8M ago1:18:57

1:18:57

Jess is joined by JULIE GOLDMAN & BRANDY HOWARD (Dumb Gay Podcast, The People’s Couch)! We discuss: Brandy & Julie’s origin story, Jeff Lewis stealing guests from Heather McDonald, Howard Stern, Kate McKinnon, butch lesbian erasure, Logo’s Big Gay Sketch Show, Bethenny and Nene, Kyle Richards gay baiting, the impact of Shane from The L Word on Bran…

1
Justin Vivian Bond on Kiki & Herb, NYC 90s Nightlife 50:27

8M ago50:27

50:27

Jess is joined by downtown performance legend MX. JUSTIN VIVIAN BOND! We discuss their origins of as one half of the subversive musical act Kiki and Herb, 90z gigs at Squeezebox and Cowgirl, officiating Rufus Wainwright’s wedding and performing on Fire Island with Carol Channing. Plus: Marianne Faithfull, Murray Hill, drag kings, the Hudson Valley …

1
RHONY Producer on Vanity Fair Reckoning, Bethenny, The View, A List NY, Joan Rivers (w/ Dominick Pupa) 1:17:58

8M ago1:17:58

1:17:58

Jess is joined by reality producer, comedian and co-host of “Fixing Famous People,” DOMINICK PUPA, for a whirlwind convo about his career producing RHONY Season 2, RHOA Season 4, THE A-LIST NY and his warm up comedian days at THE RICKI LAKE SHOW, THE VIEW, THE TYRA BANKS SHOW and THE JOAN RIVERS SHOW. We discuss how RHONY producers are reacting to …

1
POSE & Ballroom Culture (w/ POSE creator/ writer Steven Canals) 49:11

8M ago49:11

49:11

Jess is joined by the co-creator / writer / director of the FX series POSE — STEVEN CANALS! Canals discusses the series’ inspiration via the landmark documentary PARIS IS BURNING and getting his script into the hands of RYAN MURPHY. We discuss ballroom culture, Houses, MADONNA, “Vogue,” and the song choices used throughout. We also discuss the cast…

1
Culture Debate: Come Thru Queen (w/ Brendan Davis & Dan Calabrese) 1:14:37

9M ago1:14:37

1:14:37

Jess is joined by the boys of COME THRU QUEEN, Brendan Davis & Dan Calabrese, for the official HOT TAKES COME THRU CULTURE DEBATE! We start with local categories including: Best Brooklyn Neighborhood, Best Gay Bar (Brooklyn, Manhattan) before diving into Best City (US, International) and Best Gay Destination. We then move on to the Bravo cinematic …

1
Melissa Etheridge on Sex, Love & Behind the Music 1:06:21

9M ago1:06:21

1:06:21

Jess is joined by bonafide rock icon MELISSA ETHERIDGE! Melissa discusses all the dyke drama in her early Hollywood friendships with ROSIE O'DONNELL, ELLEN, KD LANG and BRAD PITT and nearly being outed when her first record was released. We also go behind the music for “Bring Me Some Water,” “Brave and Crazy," "Similar Features" and more! 34:00 -- …

1
Ira Madison III on Ranking Madonna Albums, Fire Island & Keep It 45:19

10M ago45:19

45:19

Jess is joined by IRA MADISON III to discuss staying “too long” on Fire Island, his definitive ranking of MADONNA albums, interviewing PATTI LUPONE and BETHENNY on his podcast “Keep It,” NENE LEAKES inspiring the title of his upcoming memoir, appearing on YOU and WENDY WILLIAMS, his recent 3x BEYONCÉ Renaissance Tour stint and helping SARAH MICHELL…

1
Margot Moss (and I) for Mayor Andrew Gillum 1:09:29

10M ago1:09:29

1:09:29

In the Season 5 finale, partners Margot Moss and David Oscar Markus discuss their successful representation of Mayor Andrew Gillum. Mayor Gillum was a hairbreadth away from being Florida’s Governor. Had the FBI not started and leaked an unjustified investigation, he would have won. But once they did so, they kept the target on Gillum’s back, eventu…

1
And Just Like That Postmortem w/ Every Outfit on SATC (Chelsea Fairless & Lauren Garroni) 54:18

10M ago54:18

54:18

Jess is joined by the queens of "Every Outfit on Sex and the City" (@everyoutfitonSATC)— Chelsea Fairless and Lauren Garroni. We discuss which show has more severely tarnished its legacy: SATC with AJLT vs. The L Word with Gen Q, The Writer’s Room podcast scabbing during the WGA strike, Sara Ramirez’s response to the hilarious/scathing The Cut prof…

1
Empath Jamie Stein Channels Jenna Lyons, Bethenny's Summer of Chaos, Kim Cattrall 1:06:13

10M ago1:06:13

1:06:13

Empath and intuitive Jamie Stein (@jamiestein) returns to burn through a plethora of hot topics. We discuss: Kim Cattrall’s relationship to Sex and the City, Jenna Lyons’ r-ship to her inner diva and Jamie’s intuitive take on RHONY reboot’s Jessel Tank and Erin Lichy. Plus, the underbelly of Bethenny’s summer of chaos w/ Jill Zarin, Raquel Leviss a…

1
Craig Albee for Mark Jensen (letter from the grave case) 52:46

11M ago52:46

52:46

Was it suicide or was it murder? Craig Albee sits down with David Oscar Markus to discuss whether Mark Jensen murdered his wife with antifreeze or whether she committed suicide. Craig Albee is the federal defender in Wisconsin. And he's tried lots of cases. But nothing like this one, which has led to books, movies, and of course, podcasts. Known as…

1
Provincetown Deep Dive (w/ Brandon Ward) 1:07:56

11M ago1:07:56

1:07:56

Jess is joined by Boston native Brandon Ward (@the.bottoms) for the Provincetown deep dive of our dreams. We break down the theme weeks (Bear Week, July 4th, Girlsplash, Carnival, Spooky Bear, Holly Folly). Plus, Tea at the Boatslip vs. Tea on Fire Island, A-House vs. Paramount (where to go out) and the Dick Dock. Finally, goss about Adam Lambert, …

1
Barry Scheck for the Innocence Project 52:33

11M ago52:33

52:33

Barry Scheck put DNA evidence on the map during the O.J. Simpson trial and now runs the amazing Innocence Project. Barry Scheck, a titan of the criminal defense bar, sits down with David Oscar Markus to discuss high profile cases, exonerating the innocent, and the practice of law. He's one of the best and it shows.…

1
Bethenny & Jill Zarin’s Reunion Producer, Chris DeRosa (RHONY & RHONJ) 56:11

11M ago56:11

56:11

Jess is joined by Chris DeRosa, veteran reality TV producer with credits including five (5) seasons of RHONY, last season’s (and newly in production) RHONJ, The Big Shot with Bethenny, various food competition series (ie: Chopped), Summer House, plus Tony Bennett & Lady Gaga: Cheek to Cheek. He is also the producer behind Bethenny and Jill Zarin’s …

1
John Lauro for Donald J. Trump 47:28

11M ago47:28

47:28

John Lauro is not sitting back in his defense of Donald Trump. Listen to him discuss his defense strategy with David Oscar Markus on this special episode of For the Defense. John Lauro is former President Trump's lawyer in the January 6 case in Washington D.C. In this interview with David Oscar Markus, he goes in depth on how he got involved in the…

1
Matthew Menchel for UBS banker Raoul Weil 1:10:02

11M ago1:10:02

1:10:02

David Oscar Markus interviews Matthew Menchel, one of the best trial lawyers in the country, on his acquittal for UBS banker Raoul Weil. The U.S. had enough with wealthy tax cheats hiding their money in Swiss bank accounts. So it decided to go after the foreign bankers to send a message, including Raoul Weil, one of the top executives at UBS. Enter…

1
DJ Lina Bradford on Barbie, Candis Cayne, Fire Island & more 51:33

12M ago51:33

51:33

Jess is joined by New York icon LINA BRADFORD to discuss her Barbie ~ pop culture doll collection, being raised as a girl since age four, growing up in New York nightlife, best friend CANDIS CAYNE — the Linda Evangelista to her Naomi Campbell. Plus, career evolution from dancer > nightclub host > DJ as performance art, why she feels the “trans” lab…

1
Lisa Wayne for New Orleans DA Jason Williams 50:45

12M ago50:45

50:45

David Oscar Markus interviews Lisa Wayne, the executive director of the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, on her most recent trial win, for New Orleans district attorney Jason Williams. Progressive prosecutors have been pretty controversial around the country. The recently elected district attorney in New Orleans was no exception as…

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