DISGRACELAND – Bonus Episode: Q1 2026 Preview

Release Date: January 6, 2026 | Host: Jake Brennan & Zeth Lundy

Episode Overview

This special bonus episode offers a behind-the-scenes, quarterly preview of what’s to come on DISGRACELAND in early 2026. Host Jake Brennan, with fellow producer and writer Zeth Lundy, discusses the upcoming slate of true crime–infused music stories, with a special focus on amplifying the narratives of women artists and digging deep into conspiracies, unsolved mysteries, and notorious legends. The episode blends production insight with raw storytelling—offering both sneak peeks into future subjects (like Lady Gaga, the Runaways, Johnny Thunders, and Mia Zapata) and reflections on the research process and ethical storytelling.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Format and Purpose of the Quarterly Preview

• Jake reintroduces the concept of seasons: With DISGRACELAND now on an “always on” release cycle (rather than set seasons), these quarterly behind-the-scenes episodes will act as informal “season launches” and open forums for discussing upcoming subjects and listener feedback.
• Listeners can participate in episode selection, especially through Patreon, reflecting a deepening of community involvement in the creative process.
• Focus on transparency: The team shares challenges, thought processes, and ethical considerations behind subject choice and episode production.

(Timestamp: 01:02–05:30)

2. Preview: The Runaways & Kim Fowley

• Excerpt Reading (Live script preview dramatizing the 1970s glam scene and The Runaways’ formation).

• Key Themes:

  • Exploitation and transformation in the music industry: “This is a story about the transformative power of rock and roll… but also about the flip side of that, the price that you have to pay for that kind of escape—the manipulation and exploitation that is often at the center of the music business.” (Zeth Lundy, 09:38)
  • The Runaways’ legacy as one of the first all-female rock groups and the darkness surrounding their tale.
  • Sensitive subject matter: Jake discusses the difficulty of approaching The Runaways and Kim Fowley’s story ethically due to its real-life darkness, exploitation, and sex crimes.

• Revelatory Moments:

  • Runaways’ notorious UK arrest, with Joan Jett allegedly blaming Robert Plant for their misfortune—a wild, lesser-known connection.
  • Challenge of retelling history: “If I were writing this script for a Hollywood movie…to depict a skeevy rock guy from the 1970s, it would get rejected because it’s too over the top.” (Jake Brennan, 10:08)

(Timestamp: 05:30–14:33)

3. Conspiracy Theories in Music: Lady Gaga & Lena Morgana

• Subject: Exploring the wild conspiracy theory that Lady Gaga stole her persona from her deceased peer Lena Morgana, and salacious claims pushed by Lena’s mother.
• Jake’s critical take: Emphasizes interest not in confirming conspiracies, but in understanding why they arise, their cultural roots, and how they persist online. “What’s more interesting to me is why did these conspiracy theories take root? Is it just for clicks, or is it based in some sort of cultural insecurity or fear?” (Jake Brennan, 18:23)
• A balanced, critical approach—exploring both the fascination and the dangers of shallow internet theorizing.

Notable Quotes:

• “There are people who don't believe that Lina Morgana killed herself. They actually believe that Lady Gaga killed Lena Morgana. And to be clear, I don't think that happened.” (Jake Brennan, 21:49)
• “The theory is rooted in some truths. That does not mean that the theory is true. There are two different things, and I want to objectively look at this and find out why this type of theory could even take root.” (Jake Brennan, 23:37)
• Lady Gaga as “incredibly talented beyond, I mean, as an entertainer…” furthering the show’s appreciation for its subjects, even while investigating dark or bizarre narratives.

(Timestamp: 16:15–25:12)

4. Investigative Approach to Music Myths: Nirvana, Mamas & the Papas, Wu-Tang Clan, Johnny Thunders

• Jake and Zeth reflect on how their research sometimes changes their own opinions—debunking (e.g., the Courtney Love/Kurt Cobain theory) or affirming (e.g., Charles Manson’s CIA connections) long-standing music world rumors.
  Jake: “I don’t believe Courtney Love killed Kurt Cobain. And if I did believe it, I would say it, but the research doesn’t point to that.” (25:45)
• Zeth’s experience writing the Wu-Tang Clan season: Shock at how deeply the FBI classified them as a “major criminal organization” (281F)—more than just standard musician surveillance.
• Announcement: The Johnny Thunders episode will explore the “myth vs. murder” controversy—was his death an overdue case of addiction, or possibly homicide? Zeth promises a surprising, twisty narrative.
• Inside production talk: Challenges of scoring punk/metal subjects and the “Massive Attack” filter for creating the show’s signature tone.

Notable Quotes:

• “Johnny Thunders is just quite literally the most rock and roll guy of all time. And the myth around his death—he should have a myth surrounding his death.” (Jake Brennan, 32:07)

(Timestamp: 25:12–34:31)

5. Mia Zapata & The Gits: Balancing True Crime and Memorial

• Behind-the-scenes writer’s room session—Jake and Zeth work through how to respectfully approach the story of Mia Zapata, murdered lead singer of The Gits.
• Blending music history, social impact, and sensitivity:
  • Zapata’s murder deeply scarred the Seattle music community at the grunge era’s peak.
  • Importance of not sensationalizing the crime and memorializing Mia first as an artist.
  • Influence of Zapata’s background (upper-middle class, New York upbringing, moving to Seattle) on her story.
  • Listener engagement: They invite feedback from fans and those personally touched by the scene.

Key Research Notes & Plans:

• Exploration of the challenges of being a woman in a male-dominated scene.
• The impact of new forensic DNA methods on solving the case a decade later.
• The unique moment when a fan working at the medical examiner’s office helped identify Zapata’s body—potentially an opening scene.
• Innovative audio ideas: Using the “headphone bleed” effect to add tension and immersion during the crime reenactment, without dramatizing violence.

Notable Quotes:

• “We want to make this about her.” (Jake Brennan, 42:01)
• “His [Steve Moriarty’s] primary motivation was that he was sick of hearing about Mia’s murder. He was sick of having the tabloid nature of the crime overshadow the excellence of the group and Mia herself.” (Zeth Lundy, 37:28)

(Timestamp: 34:31–42:14)

6. Other Upcoming Subjects & “Dead Notes” Concept

• In addition to the above, Jake teases upcoming DISGRACELAND stories on:
  • Hunter S. Thompson (last non-music subject),
  • InXS (second episode for un-told storylines),
  • Chrissie Hynde (Pretenders),
  • Pete Doherty (Libertines).
• New “Dead Notes” segment: Each month, the show will look at a murder ballad or song inspired by (or inspiring) true crime—from “Helter Skelter” to “Psycho Killer.” Stories told from the perspective of the song as a new twist.

(Timestamp: 42:14–46:13)

7. Listener Involvement & Call to Action

• Ongoing listener participation is encouraged—suggest episode subjects via:
  • Voicemail / Text: 617-906-6638
  • Social: @DisgracelandPod
  • Email: disgracelandpod@gmail.com
• Patreon supporters at the $10 tier get extra involvement—exclusive roundtable Zooms to help pick episode subjects, plus access to an exclusive video podcast.

(Timestamp: 46:13–End)

Memorable Quotes (w/Timestamps)

• “I feel like this year I made a conscious effort to really focus on female artists as much as we can…there’s always been this gender imbalance in our story episode subjects, because the best stories that we tell are the ones that are…reckoning stories.” (Jake Brennan, 08:26)
• “If I were writing this script for a Hollywood movie and I turned in this quote to depict a skeevy rock guy from the 1970s, it would get rejected because it’s too over the top.” (Jake Brennan, 10:08)
• “It makes it even skeezier that they were all underage.” (Zeth Lundy, 10:50)
• “What’s more interesting to me is why did these conspiracy theories take root? Is it just for clicks, or is it based in some sort of cultural insecurity or fear or whatever?” (Jake Brennan, 18:23)
• “There’s a middle that we don’t explore enough, where we should be able to look at conspiracies objectively and try to pull apart whether or not they’re true—and damn the shit out of them if they’re false.” (Jake Brennan, 18:32)
• “Johnny Thunders was just quite literally the most rock and roll guy of all time. And the myth around his death—he should have a myth surrounding his death.” (Jake Brennan, 32:07)
• “His [Steve Moriarty] primary motivation was that he was sick of hearing about Mia’s murder. He was sick of having the tabloid nature of the crime overshadow the excellence of the group and Mia herself.” (Zeth Lundy, 37:28)
• “We want to make this about her.” (Jake Brennan, 42:01)

Key Timestamps by Segment

• 01:02–05:30: Introduction & format changes, importance of community feedback
• 05:30–14:33: The Runaways & Kim Fowley preview, themes of exploitation and 1970s music scene
• 16:15–25:12: Lady Gaga conspiracy episode preview, reflections on the mentality behind conspiracies
• 25:12–34:31: Myths, counter-narratives, and research-driven storytelling—Nirvana, Wu-Tang, Johnny Thunders
• 34:31–42:14: Development session: Mia Zapata and the Gits, research, themes, and production ideas
• 42:14–46:13: Announcements: Next episode topics, new “Dead Notes” concept
• 46:13–End: Listener call-to-action and involvement opportunities

Tone & Style

Jake and Zeth maintain a candid, irreverent, and thoughtful tone—irreverent about the myths and culture (“I'm not saying this conspiracy theory is true. We're simply looking into the theory...”), sensitive about tragic or criminal material, and unafraid to confront uncomfortable details. They clearly demonstrate a commitment to ethical storytelling and community engagement, reflecting the show’s unique blend of music, history, and true crime.

For Newcomers & Superfans

This bonus episode is a great entry point for both new and longtime listeners—blending inside baseball on show production with teases of upcoming high-drama stories from rock, punk, hip hop, and pop’s shadowy corners. With spotlights on The Runaways, Lady Gaga, Johnny Thunders, and Mia Zapata, plus new formats and a renewed focus on marginalized artists, Q1 2026 on DISGRACELAND promises wild, raw, and revealing music history.