Getting Better with Jonathan Van Ness

Sony Music Entertainment / Jonathan Van Ness
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Oct 1, 2025 • 52min

How to Laugh In Terrifying Times with Mae Martin

Comedian, actor, and writer Mae Martin joins the podcast for a wild ride through their journey — from discovering Ace Ventura as a kid, to cutting their teeth in comedy clubs, to creating the hit Netflix series Wayward. In this episode, Mae opens up about how identity, rejection, and resilience have shaped their comedy and storytelling, and why Wayward feels so personal. We explore the highs and lows of life in comedy, Mae’s creative process, and the joy they find in making art that connects. If you’re obsessed with Wayward or curious about the path that brought Mae here, this conversation is funny, real, and full of heart. Full Getting Better Video Episodes now available on YouTube.  Follow Mae Martin on Instagram @hooraymae Follow us on Instagram @gettingbetterwithjvn  Follow Jonathan on Instagram @jvn Check out the JVN Patreon for exclusive BTS content, extra interviews, and much much more - check it out here: www.patreon.com/jvn  Senior Producer, Chris McClure Producer, Editor & Engineer is Nathanael McClure Production support: Chad Hall Our theme music is also composed by Nathanael McClure. Curious about bringing your brand to life on the show? Email podcastadsales@sonymusic.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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Sep 29, 2025 • 49min

The Non-Rapture, JVN on FOX News, Mariah Carey’s “Here For It All”

We’re talking: JVN’s singing career crossover, the Rapture (or lack thereof), our FOX News feature, Real Housewives of Salt Lake City Season 6 Premiere, razor blade COVID, NDM-CRE bacteria, the dismantling of our Healthcare System, Government Shutdown, Jimmy Kimmel’s return (except Quincy, IL), Mariah Carey’s 16th studio album Here For It All, finding gratitude,  Follow us on Instagram @gettingbetterwithjvn Jonathan on Instagram @jvn and senior producer Chris @amomentlikechris  New video episodes Getting Better on YouTube every Wednesday.  Senior Producer, Chris McClure Producer, Editor & Engineer is Nathanael McClure Production support from Anne Currie, and Chad Hall Check out the JVN Patreon for exclusive BTS content, extra interviews, and much much more - check it out here: www.patreon.com/jvn  Our theme music is also composed by Nathanael McClure.Curious about bringing your brand to life on the show? Email podcastadsales@sonymusic.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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Sep 24, 2025 • 54min

JVN Gets a Lesson in Singing & Finding Confidence with Vocal Coach Cheryl Porter

Vocal coach, and now Broadway star in “& Juliet.”, Cheryl Porter sits down with Jonathan Van Ness for an unforgettable voice lesson that’s about more than just singing. Cheryl doesn’t just teach notes — she teaches confidence, positivity, and how to let go of shame to truly find your voice. They dive into Cheryl’s decades long career in Italy, watching Queer Eye dubbed in Italian, the realities of racism in Italy, and the universal power of finding your authentic voice. From unlearning shame to staying connected to your inner power, Cheryl shares how singing isn’t just for professionals — it’s a life-changing tool for anyone brave enough to open their mouth. Plus— JVN gets some pointers ahead of their Carnegie Hall debut in Breaking The Binary Theatre’s production of “The Drowsy Chaperone.”  Full Getting Better Video Episodes now available on YouTube.  Follow Cheryl Porter on TikTok @cherylporterdiva Follow Cheryl Porter on Instagram @cherylporterdiva  Follow us on Instagram @gettingbetterwithjvn  Follow Jonathan on Instagram @jvn Senior Producer, Chris McClure Producer, Editor & Engineer is Nathanael McClure Production support from Anne Currie and Chad Hall Our theme music is also composed by Nathanael McClure. Check out the JVN Patreon for exclusive BTS content, extra interviews, and much much more - check it out here: www.patreon.com/jvn  Curious about bringing your brand to life on the show? Email podcastadsales@sonymusic.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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Sep 22, 2025 • 24min

LGB Separation, Haircuts & Mental Health, Practical Magic 2

We’re talking: Jeffree Star & the LGB separation, Larry the Cat updates, StyleFix Stick Launch at JVN Hair, rewatching Designing Women, our favorite Britney Spears clips, haircuts & mental health, and Practical Magic 2.  Follow us on Instagram @gettingbetterwithjvn Jonathan on Instagram @jvn and senior producer Chris @amomentlikechris  New video episodes Getting Better on YouTube every Wednesday.  Senior Producer, Chris McClure Producer, Editor & Engineer is Nathanael McClure Production support from Anne Currie, and Chad Hall Check out the JVN Patreon for exclusive BTS content, extra interviews, and much much more - check it out here: www.patreon.com/jvn  Our theme music is also composed by Nathanael McClure. Curious about bringing your brand to life on the show? Email podcastadsales@sonymusic.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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Sep 17, 2025 • 52min

How To Actually Make An Impact with Rep. Jasmine Crockett

What happens when a razor-sharp elected official and a relentlessly curious host sit down to discuss what it takes to make lasting change? This week, JVN is joined by the unstoppable Congresswoman Jasmine Crockett — U.S. Representative from Texas, lawyer, lay it on the line truth-teller, and rising voice in the Democratic Party. Together, they unpack how to maximize our impact by understanding our political systems, tackle the messy reality of party politics, and hypothesize where Democrats are headed next. They also dive into Rep. Crockett's background as a public defender and evaluate the difference between committing a crime and having a criminal mindset, how racism shows up in redistricting battles from Texas to California, and yes — Rep. Crockett breaks down her now-iconic “bleach blonde bad built butch body” clapback.  Full Getting Better Video Episodes now available on YouTube.  Follow Congresswoman Crockett on Instagram @repjasmine  Follow us on Instagram @gettingbetterwithjvn  Follow Jonathan on Instagram @jvn BIO: Congresswoman Jasmine Crockett represents portions of Dallas and Tarrant Counties, with the cities of Dallas, Grand Prairie, DeSoto, Cedar Hill, Lancaster, Duncanville, Glenn Heights, Hutchins, Wilmer, Arlington, Ovilla, and Seagoville. Senior Producer, Chris McClure Producer, Editor & Engineer is Nathanael McClure Production support from Anne Currie and Chad Hall Our theme music is also composed by Nathanael McClure. Check out the JVN Patreon for exclusive BTS content, extra interviews, and much much more - check it out here: www.patreon.com/jvn  Curious about bringing your brand to life on the show? Email podcastadsales@sonymusic.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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Sep 15, 2025 • 23min

JVN talks NYFW, Updates on the Epstein Birthday Book, Mariah Carey in the Amazon

We’re talking: gun violence, New York Fashion Week Hair, Sylvia Browne resurgence, fist fights on the FYP, Epstein’s Birthday Book, pink dolphins, and Mariah Carey in the Amazon.  Follow us on Instagram @gettingbetterwithjvn Jonathan on Instagram @jvn and senior producer Chris @amomentlikechris  New video episodes Getting Better on YouTube every Wednesday.  Senior Producer, Chris McClure Producer, Editor & Engineer is Nathanael McClure Production support from Anne Currie, and Chad Hall Check out the JVN Patreon for exclusive BTS content, extra interviews, and much much more - check it out here: www.patreon.com/jvn  Our theme music is also composed by Nathanael McClure. Curious about bringing your brand to life on the show? Email podcastadsales@sonymusic.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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Sep 10, 2025 • 53min

Make Oversharing Your Superpower with Tefi Pessoa

What happens when two professional oversharers get together? Pure magic... and a little chaos. JVN is joined by the incomparable Tefi Pessoa — culture commentator, internet big sister, and now host of her brand-new podcast Tefi Talks. Come for the tea, stay for the wisdom, and leave with a little extra permission to embrace your inner oversharer.  Together they cover everything from Kirstie Alley’s problematic family lore and Jessica Biel’s legendary arms to the chaos of mixed doubles and how Tefi turned being the “personality hire” into a full-time job. They talk about embracing your inner oversharer, the art of being a good listener (you won't believe the source for this advice), and how she holds space for everyone — yes, even MAGA and GOP supporters — while staying true to herself.  Full Getting Better Video Episodes now available on YouTube.  Follow Tefi Pessoa on Instagram @hellotefi TikTok @hellotefi YouTube @tefitalks  Follow us on Instagram @gettingbetterwithjvn  Follow Jonathan on Instagram @jvn BIO: Tefi Pessoa is a multi-hyphenate media personality, digital content creator, and pop culture commentator from Miami, Florida, now based in Brooklyn, NY, known for her witty humor and honest advice on topics like self-love, relationships, and astrology. She is recognized by millions across TikTok and Instagram for her deep dives into pop culture, red carpet commentary, and relatable content, earning her a place on the TIME100 Creators List for 2025 and being named among TIME's Latino Leaders for 2024. Tefi also has a new monthly column, "Ask Tefi," and podcast “Tefi Talks,” with The Cut and Vox Media.   Senior Producer, Chris McClure Producer, Editor & Engineer is Nathanael McClure Production support from Anne Currie and Chad Hall Our theme music is also composed by Nathanael McClure. Check out the JVN Patreon for exclusive BTS content, extra interviews, and much much more - check it out here: www.patreon.com/jvn  Curious about bringing your brand to life on the show? Email podcastadsales@sonymusic.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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Sep 8, 2025 • 36min

Clearing Up the GOP's Smoke Screen Defense of Women’s Rights + Epstein Victims Speak Out

We’re talking: See You Next Tuesday’s, Creative Arts Emmy Awards 2025, aging out of concerts, the Epstein victims at the capitol building, US Open underdog stories, and answering your listener questions.  Follow us on Instagram @gettingbetterwithjvn Jonathan on Instagram @jvn and senior producer Chris @amomentlikechris  New video episodes Getting Better on YouTube every Wednesday.  Senior Producer, Chris McClure Producer, Editor & Engineer is Nathanael McClure Production support from Anne Currie, and Chad Hall Check out the JVN Patreon for exclusive BTS content, extra interviews, and much much more - check it out here: www.patreon.com/jvn  Our theme music is also composed by Nathanael McClure. Curious about bringing your brand to life on the show? Email podcastadsales@sonymusic.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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Sep 3, 2025 • 52min

Aly & AJ: Gun Reform in America, 20 Years of Music, and a DCOM Sequel?

It took too long, it took too long, it took too long -  for Aly & AJ to come on the pod!  What keeps a band together for 20 years? How do sisters turn harmonies into a creative language all their own? And what does it look like to balance joy, artistry, and activism while living life on the road? This week, JVN sits down with Aly & AJ to celebrate two decades of music-making and sisterhood—spanning from their early Cow Belles days to sold-out tours and their powerful anthem “Sirens.” - This conversation is all about creativity, resilience, and the rituals that keep them grounded. Plus, we get into their songwriting process, advocating for gun control, and debate over the best breakfast in America. And yes—we asked about Cow Belles 2 . Full Getting Better Video Episodes now available on YouTube.  Follow Aly & AJ on Instagram @alyandaj  Follow us on Instagram @gettingbetterwithjvn  Follow Jonathan on Instagram @jvn BIO: Aly & AJ are an American pop duo consisting of sisters Alyson and Amanda Michalka. First rising to fame in the mid-2000s with their platinum-selling debut album Into the Rush and hits like “Potential Breakup Song,” they became known for their sharp harmonies and heartfelt songwriting. After a period of acting, solo projects, and a hiatus from music, they reemerged with a more mature, indie-pop sound, earning critical acclaim for projects like a touch of the beat gets you up on your feet gets you out and then into the sun (2021), with love from (2023), and Silver Deliverer (2025). Blending nostalgia with modern edge, Aly & AJ continue to evolve as artists while staying true to their roots as sisters whose voices—and bond—create their signature sound. Senior Producer, Chris McClure Producer, Editor & Engineer is Nathanael McClure Production support from Anne Currie and Chad Hall Our theme music is also composed by Nathanael McClure. Check out the JVN Patreon for exclusive BTS content, extra interviews, and much much more - check it out here: www.patreon.com/jvn  Curious about bringing your brand to life on the show? Email podcastadsales@sonymusic.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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Sep 1, 2025 • 35min

Cardi B In Court, Benson Boone Sings Adele, Nancy Mace’s Anti-Trans Attacks Explained

This week, we're talking: medical misinformation, Anna Wintour sightings, the US Open, Benson Boone Kelly Clarkson-ing Adele, Nancy Mace’s anti-trans rhetoric, Princess Diana’s time capsule, answering late night texts, “Man’s Best Friend,” and the joy of autumn.   Follow us on Instagram @gettingbetterwithjvn Jonathan on Instagram @jvn and senior producer Chris @amomentlikechris  New video episodes Getting Better on YouTube every Wednesday.  Senior Producer, Chris McClure Producer, Editor & Engineer is Nathanael McClure Production support from Anne Currie, and Chad Hall Check out the JVN Patreon for exclusive BTS content, extra interviews, and much much more - check it out here: www.patreon.com/jvn  Our theme music is also composed by Nathanael McClure. Curious about bringing your brand to life on the show? Email podcastadsales@sonymusic.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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