Smash Hit

Season 1, Episode 9 "Hell on Earth" with Cathy and Dave from The Cinemile

Margaret is joined by Cathy & Dave from The Cinemile to break down one of Smash’s most chaotic episodes. From Ivy’s pill-fueled spiral to Karen’s Times Square Rihanna duet (why?!), we dive into what worked, what flopped, and why we’re still somehow obsessed. Plus: Frank finds out, Ellis stirs the pot, and the musical finally gets its name—Bombshell.
🎧 Undiscovered Picks:
Dave recommends Scavengers Reign (Netflix) — a gorgeously imagined animated sci-fi series that desperately needs a second season.
Cathy gives a shoutout to Bachelor in Retrospect, a podcast that rewatches classic Bachelor seasons through a feminist and historical lens.
🗣️ Follow Cathy & DaveCheck out The Cinemile on all podcast platforms, or visit thecinemile.com.For bonus TV content (and yes, they might just talk Smash again), join their Patreon at patreon.com/thecinemile.

Season 1, Episode 8 "The Coup" with Jolenta Greenberg and Kristen Meinzer of How to Be Fine Podcast (formerly: By The Book)

Smash Hit: Season 1, Episode 8 — “The Coup”Margaret is joined by podcast icons Jolenta Greenberg and Kristen Meinzer (By the Book, How to Be Fine) to unpack the chaos of Smash Season 1, Episode 8. From Derek’s sleazy power plays to Ivy vs. Karen, trust funds to creative coups, this episode has it all—including a prison-bed musical number and some unfiltered thoughts on nepotism casting.
✨ Undiscovered Picks🎧 Jolenta: That’s a Gay Ass Podcast by Eric Williams🎧 Kristen: Conspiracy, She Wrote by Kristin Conger
Hit subscribe, leave a review, and stay tuned—because things are only getting messier from here.
Follow Jolenta
Follow Kristen

Season 1, Episode 7 "The Workshop" with Kelly from Significant Lovers

In this episode of Smash Hit, we delve into the pivotal seventh episode of NBC's Smash, titled "The Workshop." Joining us is Kelly Anderson from the Significant Lovers podcast, bringing her insights into the intricate relationships portrayed in the series.
Significant Lovers explores famous couples throughout history and pop culture. Follow the podcast on Instagram @significantlovers. 

Season 1, Episode 6 "Chemistry" with Chris DeRosa of Fixing Famous People

In this episode, Margaret and Chris DeRosa (Fixing Famous People) dive headfirst into Smash Season 1, Episode 6—serving up hot takes on the chaotic glamor of 2012. From questionable fashion choices to messy love triangles, they break down the drama between Julia, Ivy, and the ever-problematic Derek. They don’t hold back on the show’s clunky handling of big themes like infidelity and power plays, but there’s plenty of love for the nostalgia, the camp, and, of course, Angelica Huston being an absolute icon.
 
Want more Chris? Listen to him on Fixing Famous People and follow him on Instagram @thechrisderosa for more pop culture chaos and impeccable side-eye. And if you’re dreaming of starting your own podcast, Chris also offers podcast consulting, send him a DM! 

Season 1, Episode 5 "Let's Be Bad" with Roberta Blevins from the Life After MLM podcast

This week, we dive into Smash Season 1, Episode 5, "Let's Be Bad"—an episode that brings us some of the show's most iconic musical numbers and plenty of behind-the-scenes Broadway drama.
Joining us is Roberta Blevins, host of the Life After MLM podcast and featured in the LulaRich miniseries, to break down all the high-stakes energy of this episode. From Ivy’s big Marilyn moment to Julia’s personal life spiraling, we discuss how Smash blends ambition, betrayal, and show-stopping performances. Plus, Roberta shares her insights on power dynamics in the entertainment world, drawing from her own experiences exposing the realities of MLMs (multi-level marketing). Episode recap begins around the 10-minute mark.
Follow Roberta on Instagram @therealrobertablevins and check out Life After MLM wherever you get your podcasts!

Season 1, Episode 4 "The Cost of Art" with Amye Archer from Little Miss Recap

This week, we’re diving into Smash Season 1, Episode 4, "The Cost of Art," where tensions rise, egos clash, and we get our first taste of Karen's initiation into the Broadway scene. From Ivy’s growing insecurities to Derek’s ongoing sketchy behavior, and the arrival of Lyle West (played by Nick Jonas!), there’s plenty of drama to dissect with Little Miss Recap host Amye Archer.
 
The English major and writer gives her solution to fix the wearisome adoption storyline. Plus, Margaret learns about the short-lived cult classic Cop Rock.
 
Learn more about Amye, Little Miss Recap, and the Back Door Friends here. 
 
Note: this episode was recorded in Fall 2024. 
 
 

Season 1, Episode 3 "Enter Mr. DiMaggio" with Keisha from The Libra Lounge

This week, Margaret is joined by Keisha from The Libra Lounge to break down Smash Season 1, Episode 3, "Enter Mr. DiMaggio." The search for the perfect Joe DiMaggio is on, and tensions are running high both on and off the stage. Michael Swift enters the chat (and Julia’s personal life), Ivy and Karen continue their subtle—and not-so-subtle—rivalry, and we ask the important question: is anyone in this show making good life choices?
AND MOST IMPORTANT........Keisha gives us her official "Wig Court" ruling on all the platinum Marilyn wigs. 
Keep up with Keisha on The Libra Lounge FB page. 
Listen to Keisha recap Love is Blind with Mary Payne Gilbert on Pink Shade. 

Season 1, Episode 2 "The Callback" with Kelli Williams from Beyond the Blinds

This week, Margaret is joined by Kelli Williams from the Beyond the Blinds podcast to dive into Smash Season 1, Episode 2, "The Callback." The tension is high as Karen and Ivy go head-to-head for the coveted role of Marilyn, and we break down every juicy moment—from audition room drama to Tom and Derek’s creative clashes.
Join us as we unpack the show's Broadway authenticity, behind-the-scenes power plays, and the sheer chaos of early-2010s TV musical storytelling. Plus, Kelli shares her thoughts on why Hayden Panettiere is the perfect Marilyn. She’s got the look, the voice (hello, Nashville), and the right mix of charm and confidence. Would she have changed the whole vibe of Smash? Probably. And we’re here for it.
Kelli can be found on Instagram @laguna_biotch
Listen to the Beyond the Blinds Podcast. 

The Pilot with Meredith Constant

On this episode of Smash Hit, host Margaret is joined by media literacy expert and former theater kid Meredith Constant to dissect what might just be the greatest pilot of all time—at least for one of TV’s most gloriously chaotic shows, Smash. From that iconic “Let Me Be Your Star” moment to the sheer audacity of introducing both Marilyn and baseball in the same breath, Margaret and Meredith break down what makes this first episode so compelling, ridiculous, and, dare we say, perfect television.
Was Smash always destined for messiness, or was the pilot a trick of Broadway magic? Tune in as they revisit the show's dazzling highs, discuss the pilot’s place in TV history, and debate which Smash character had the most unhinged energy right from the start.
🎭✨ Don’t forget to subscribe and leave a review—because in Smash Hit, the show must go on! 🎶 Follow along on Instagram @SmashHitPodcast.
About Our Guest: Meredith Constant
Meredith Constant is a media literacy expert, pop culture analyst, and former theater kid who pulled on a thread about the British media and the monarchy—and never stopped. Through her sharp, engaging breakdowns, she unpacks the intersection of media, power, and culture, covering everything from the royals to Hollywood, politics, and beyond. With a signature mix of deep research and deliciously fun commentary, Meredith makes media literacy accessible (and addictive).
Subscribe to her Substack for insightful deep dives: Meredith Constant | SubstackListen to her podcast for more media breakdowns: Off With Their Headlines Podcast - Apple Podcasts