Two major releases and one huge announcement define this episode of HOMOPHONIC. First up, we finally dive into Chappell Roan’s highly anticipated single and music video, “The Subway.” Next, we break down Demi Lovato’s high-energy comeback single, “Fast.” And last but definitely not least, we explore everything we know (so far) about Taylor Swift’s upcoming project, “The Life of a Showgirl,” produced by Max Martin and Shellback.

Demi, Chappell & TS12 (with DJ John Michael)

What do Kylie Minogue, Mariah Carey, Madonna, Carly Rae Jepsen, Katy Perry, Jewel, Hanson, Meredith Brooks, Tyrese, George Michael, Alphabeat, Deborah Cox, Gina G, Cher, Backstreet Boys and Stacie Orrico have in common!?  They are all a part of our POOLSIDE POP PLAYLIST!  As we start nearing the end of summer, John Michael and I discuss some of our favorite songs to play in the summertime.  From tea dance classics to 90's pop nostalgia to Y2K R&B deep cuts, we cover it all.

Poolside Pop Playlist (with DJ John Michael)

Summer’s buzzing, and so are we! DJ John Michael and I are back with a brand new episode of HOMOPHONIC, catching up on all things summer and music. He fills me in on his epic Rufus Du Sol concert experience, and I share the story of how I managed to fracture my finger (oops!). We then dive into the power of Britney’s “Lucky” and how it entrances the gays before sharing our thoughts on new releases from Madonna, Mariah Carey, Celine Dion, Kesha, Kiesza, J.Lo, Jade, FKA Twigs, Jessica Simpson, Sophie Ellis-Bextor, and Sam Smith. And of course, we gush over our excitement for Chappell Roan’s upcoming single, “The Subway.” 

New Music Catch-Up (with DJ John Michael)

We're back from a quick hiatus (I turned 40—milestone unlocked!) and covering a lot of pop culture ground with DJ John Michael. This episode, we spotlight an underrated Michael Jackson deep cut, give Traci Lords' "Control" its overdue flowers, and shout out Bradley Stern. We unpack the drama around William Orbit and Madonna's "Veronica Electronica," talk DJ John Michael’s Pride Ride with Cody Rigsby, and dig into some standout tracks in his mix, including Chris Lake’s remix of Kylie Minogue’s “In Your Arms” and Barry Harris & Pepper Mashay’s “Dive in the Pool.” Plus, I open up about his DJ days, we get nostalgic over Wild Orchid’s unreleased Fire album, and show some love to the HQ2 Club Mix of Toni Braxton’s “Spanish Guitar.”

More Pride & Dance Divas (with DJ John Michael)

In this special Pride episode, we're turning the volume all the way up to celebrate the incredible talent, legacy, and joy of LGBTQ+ artists we love and admire. From trailblazing icons like Sylvester, George Michael, Kevin Aviance, and Boy George, to modern-day powerhouses like Darren Hayes, Olly Alexander, Troye Sivan, MNEK, and Vincint—we're giving them all their flowers.

We also show big love to HOMOPHONIC favorites and friends of the pod ZEE MACHINE and Bentley Robles, and bow down to fierce forces like Rina Sawayama, Shygirl, Betty Who, Chappell Roan, and Michaela Jaé—plus so many more.

Whether you're dancing, crying, or just vibing, this playlist is a Pride-filled love letter to queer music and the artists who keep our spirits high.

LGBTQ Artist Spotlight (with DJ John Michael)

We open this episode on a more serious note, taking a moment to acknowledge the intensity and heartbreak of what’s happening in the world right now. While HOMOPHONIC has always been a place of joy, celebration, and escape, we felt it was important to pause and share how we’re processing the injustice around us.

Once we’ve cleared the air, we pivot into full-on Pride mode. John Michael recaps an unforgettable weekend DJing with Jess King at World Pride, experiencing their block parties, and catching performances by Betty Who, Rita Ora, Kevin Aviance, and Kristine W. Meanwhile, I share my own weekend in Detroit with family—ending in a moment three years in the making: finally meeting our incredibly talented friends of the pod, ZEE MACHINE and Bentley Robles! I talk about the electric energy of seeing ZEE perform live, dancing next to Bentley, and falling in love with the music of Madison Rose.

We also get into some big pop moments, including Madonna’s surprise announcement of the long-awaited Veronica Electronica remix album and Mariah Carey’s brand-new single, “Type Dangerous.”

World Pride, Detroit & Veronica Electronica (with DJ John Michael)

After a brief lull, the music world came roaring to life.  John Michael dishes on seeing Beyoncé’s Cowboy Carter tour in the flesh, we break down the chaos of this year’s American Music Awards, and dive into the bombshell news of Taylor Swift finally owning her original masters. We celebrate 20 years of Mariah’s The Emancipation of Mimi, give our takes on Miley’s latest album, react to the newest drop from Tears & Gearz, and even have time to discuss - you guessed it - Paris Hilton's remix album.

Pop Music Catch-Up (with DJ John Michael)

Friend of the pod and Jesse’s Girls host, Jesse Chambliss, is back—this time for a different kind of episode.

We dive into the unspoken (and often messy) lore of gay dating in small-town America. Drawing from our own experiences, we unpack how rumors take root, how reputations start to snowball, and what it means when your dating history gets there before you do.

Of course, we still make room for our beloved segment, “Songs We Don’t Talk About Enough.”  Brace yourselves to get weird, crazy and HORNY with us!

Weird-Crazy-Horny (with Jesse Chambliss)

This episode of HOMOPHONIC is all about celebrating the legend herself—Ms. Janet Jackson. We're joined once again by DJ John Michael to revisit some of our favorite Janet moments, from her unforgettable MTV Icon tribute to the long-rumored unreleased duet with Mariah Carey.

Before diving into all things Janet, we share our reactions to Rihanna’s brand-new single “Friend of Mine” from the upcoming Smurfs movie and chat about the highly anticipated 25th anniversary edition of The Emancipation of Mimi.

And of course, it wouldn’t be HOMOPHONIC without digging into some of Janet's most underrated deep cuts.

Happy Birthday Janet! (with DJ John Michael)

HOMOPHONIC is back — and we’re coming in hot! After a mini break, DJ John Michael returns for a wild ride of an episode you won’t want to miss. We’re talking everything from Pride DJ sets and Rihanna’s third pregnancy to white gays comparing Addison Rae’s music to Ray of Light. We dish on the never-ending Katy Perry hate-train, celebrate Madonna and Pamela Anderson aging like icons, and react to Beyoncé’s epic Cowboy Carter tour kickoff. Zach even discusses his sexual awakening with Enrique Iglesias. And yes…we declare justice for Iggy Azalea. Buckle up — it’s a pop music whirlwind.

Justice for ... Iggy Azalea!?!? (with DJ John Michael)

HOMOPHONIC is the brand new pop music, pop culture focused podcast by pop music meme creator, Zach Rickel, the creator behind all your favorite memes on @afunctioninggay on Instagram.  This weekly show will highlight the best of pop music both in the current pop zeitgeist as well as the past.  From favorite deep cuts and bonus tracks to obscure remixes and unreleased material to the biggest hits and the worst flops, we are covering it all here.  But just like my voice ... it's not that deep!

HOMOPHONIC

Join your host Zach Rickel, the man behind EVERYONE'S favorite pop music meme page @afunctioninggay, to discuss ALL things pop music.

Zach Rickel

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