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)

ZEE MACHINE is back — and this time, he's bringing the sensational Bentley Robles for the debut of their percussively luscious pop duo, Tears & Gearz!

We dive into how these two icons met, what sparked their creative partnership, and the creation of their brand-new single, "Delusional" — out now!

We also chat about what’s next for Tears & Gearz, dish our thoughts on the Katy Perry of it all, and hear Bentley’s love for his favorite pop queen, Camila Cabello.

Introducing Tears & Gearz (with ZEE MACHINE & Bentley Robles)

Pop icon and unofficial Lady Gaga correspondent ZEE MACHINE returns to HOMOPHONIC! Joined together with DJ John Michael, we dive deep into all things Gagachella. ZEE spills the tea on what it was like to experience weekend one firsthand, and we speculate about what Gaga might bring to the upcoming Mayhem Ball. Plus, we take a moment to chat about the rise of Addison Rae’s pop career.  

Gagachella (with ZEE Machine & DJ John Michael)

Katy Perry and Gayle King might have gone to space for 11 minutes but DJ John Michael and I are taking you to Mars for a whole hour as we revisit Britney's "Oops!...I Did It Again" album for it's 25th anniversary!  Join us as we talk about classics like the title track and "Stronjger," deep cuts like "Heart" and "Walk On By" and the remixes joining the reissue in May.  Naturally we go down some tangents including mentions of Madonna, Mariah Carey, Hex Hector, Mac Quayle, Toni Braxton and more.

Britney's "Oops!" Turns 25 (with DJ John Michael)

Get ready for an ALL-KYLIE extravaganza on this episode of HOMOPHONIC!

DJ John Michael and I are back together, still buzzing from Kylie Minogue’s Tension tour—I caught her in Chicago, HE saw her in New York—and we’re spilling all the glittery details. From jaw-dropping video projections to fresh new arrangements and unforgettable fan-request moments, we relive our favorite highlights from the show.

We also give a well-deserved spotlight to the electrifying opening act, Romy, who absolutely owned the stage. Plus, we take a nostalgic detour through our personal Kylie journeys—how we first discovered her, our go-to deep cuts, and the most iconic Kylie concert videos over the years.

Whether you're a longtime Kylie stan or just curious about what makes her a pop legend, this episode is for you!

Keeping It Kylie! (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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