DISGRACELAND: Bonus Episode – Conspiracies, Kanye, and Contrition

Date: January 29, 2026
Host: Zeth Lundy (on behalf of Double Elvis Productions)

Episode Overview

This bonus "Afterparty" episode of DISGRACELAND dives into the wild world of music conspiracies and public apologies. The focus is split between legendary pop culture oddities—like conspiracy theories surrounding Lady Gaga and Kanye West—and a real-time reaction to Kanye West's (aka Ye) public apology for his recent history of erratic, harmful behavior. The episode pivots between listener engagement (via voicemails/texts) and the show's trademark irreverent approach to the stranger side of music history.

Main Themes & Discussion Points

1. The Allure of Music Conspiracies

• Highlights how conspiracy theories thrive around enigmatic artists like Lady Gaga and Kanye West.
• Segues into the philosophy that “the best conspiracy theories are fueled by bizarre truths.”

Quote:
"[T]he Gaga conspiracy theories are compelling compared to, say, the conspiracy theories about Kanye West. The theory that Kanye is a clone... the theory that Kanye is Taylor Swift's protector, that Kanye is David Bowie's starman. This theory... is bat shit crazy..."
— Zeth Lundy (03:25)

• The episode promises an exclusive, deep dive into the Kanye/David Bowie "Starman" conspiracy in the member-only segment.

2. Kanye West’s Wall Street Journal Apology: A Close Reading

(Begins ~04:15)

Background:
Kanye West purchased a full-page ad in The Wall Street Journal to publicly address his actions, placing blame in part on his long-undiagnosed bipolar disorder and a traumatic brain injury.

Key Points from Ye's Letter:

• Recounts a 25-year-old car accident and undiagnosed frontal lobe injury.
• Links subsequent behavior and mental health struggles to bipolar disorder.
• Admits to destructive, offensive behavior: "I gravitated toward the most destructive symbol I could find, that the swastika, and even sold T-shirts bearing it."
• Explicitly states: "I am not a Nazi or an anti-Semite, I love Jewish people."
• Addresses the Black community: "To the black community which held me down... I am so sorry to have let you down. I love us."
• Acknowledges accountability and promises ongoing treatment; asks for "patience and understanding."
• Notably, never says “I’m sorry” or “I apologize.”

Quote:
"I regret and am deeply mortified by my actions in that state and am committed to accountability, treatment and meaningful change. It does not excuse what I did. Though I am not a Nazi or an anti-Semite, I love Jewish people."
— Kanye West’s letter, read by Zeth Lundy (05:45–07:20)

3. Host’s Real-Time Reactions to Kanye’s Apology

• Zeth Lundy processes the letter in real time, noting the absence of the phrases "I'm sorry" or "I apologize."
• Reflects on Kanye's status as a musical genius with a legacy tainted by recent behavior.
• Weighs the challenge of separating an artist's work from their actions.

Quote:
"I think Kanye west is one of the greatest musical artists from pop music that we've ever had... And I think what, what has happened to him is, to use a word, intentionally disgraceful."
— Zeth Lundy (09:32)

• Asks listeners for their take: Is Kanye's remorse sincere? Can you still listen to his music?
  (Direct call for feedback: 11:42)

4. Listener Feedback, Community Vibes, and Artist Suggestions

(Begins ~19:32)

• Listener Voicemails: Feature passionate feedback on topics like the Grammys and suggestions for future DISGRACELAND subjects (Patti Smith, Cher, Beyoncé, Carole King, the Fugees).

  • Standout moments include comparisons of Grammy controversies across decades, and the perennial debate of artistic merit versus industry recognition.
  • Quote (on the Grammys):
    "We hate the Grammys until the band that you love wins one, and then you feel like you're validated. I don't understand it, but that's part of the fun of being a music fan."
    — Listener Mr. Taylor, 916 (20:55)

• Rapid-Fire Suggestions & Shout-outs:

  • Calls for episodes on Kim Deal, Bjork, and further stories from the punk era.
  • Tangents into music fandom, regional snow reports, and DISGRACELAND’s growing community.

5. The Cult of Joan Jett & Mini Episodes

• Listener email recounts an actual Joan Jett "cult" in San Francisco in the ’90s, aligning with a recent DISGRACELAND mini-episode.

Quote:
"I can assure you without any doubt that there was some tiny cult to worship Joan Jett and the Haight in San Francisco in the 1990s."
— Listener Knox Bronson (29:04)

• Host reflects on the value of these short, bizarre music history tidbits, likening them to “shots” for the listener.

6. DISGRACELAND and Community Announcements

(Begins ~31:49)

• Explanation of episode formats for new listeners (main episodes, afterparties, rewinds).
• Details on how to engage (text/call, leave reviews, win merch).
• Quote:
  "It's a whole community surrounding this Disgraceland podcast.... If you like the show, leave a review. Reviews power discovery of the show.”
  — Zeth Lundy (32:32)

7. Preview: The Kanye–David Bowie Conspiracy (Members Only)

• Reiterates the upcoming deep dive on the “Kanye is the new Starman” internet theory for All Access members.
• Teases archived episodes on Bowie and Bjork.

Quote:
"As promised, Zeth Lundy and I discussing Kanye west and David Bowie and the conspiracy theories that surround the two. Their connection, what David Bowie predicted about Kanye west before he died. Pretty fascinating stuff."
— Zeth Lundy (36:58)

8. Closing & Upcoming Episodes

• Recap of available and upcoming DISGRACELAND content: Lady Gaga, Kendrick Lamar (rewind), Jane’s Addiction.
• More plugs for the video podcast “This Film Should Be Played Loud” and other Double Elvis shows.
• Encouragement to remain part of the community: “No one cares about books, records and the crime and grime that ties them all together like you do and well, that’s a disgrace.”

Notable Quotes & Moments with Timestamps

• On Conspiracy Theories:
  "This theory, by the way, is bat shit crazy, and Zeth and I are unpacking it..." (03:25 – Zeth Lundy)
• On Kanye’s Apology (Reading):
  "I regret and am deeply mortified by my actions in that state..." (05:45)
• Host Analysis on Kanye’s Letter:
  "Noticeably the phrase 'I'm sorry' or 'I apologize' is missing from that entire statement..." (09:00 – Zeth)
• Listener's Grammy Hot Take:
  "We hate the Grammys until the band that you love wins one..." (20:55 – Mr. Taylor)
• Listener on Joan Jett Cult:
  "There was some tiny cult to worship Joan Jett and the Haight in San Francisco in the 1990s." (29:04 – Knox Bronson)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• [02:06] – Start of episode & main topics introduction
• [03:25] – Lady Gaga & Kanye conspiracy theories overview
• [04:15] – Introduction to Kanye West’s Wall Street Journal apology
• [05:45–10:00] – Full reading of Ye’s apology, initial reactions
• [11:40] – Host appeals for listener reactions
• [19:32–24:00+] – Listener voicemails/texts (Grammys, Patti Smith, artist suggestions)
• [29:04] – Listener story on Joan Jett cult
• [31:49] – New listeners’ guide, reviews/merch info
• [36:58] – Preview and pitch for All Access member segment (Kanye-Bowie conspiracy)

In Short: Why Listen?

This afterparty episode exemplifies why DISGRACELAND has built a cult following: it’s equal parts wild stories, real-time cultural processing, and an ongoing, two-way conversation with a community of obsessive music fans. Whether dissecting the legitimacy of Kanye West’s grand apology or exploring bizarre pop culture myths, the show brings humor, empathy, and deep music nerd knowledge to the darkest, strangest corners of the music world.

For more conversations like this, check out the DISGRACELAND archive at disgracelandpod.com.