Set Lusting Bruce: The Bruce Springsteen Fan Podcast

Alonso Duralde joins the podcast to discuss his upbringing in an immigrant Spanish family in Atlanta, early influences from radio, classical music, and repertory cinema, and how Siskel & Ebert inspired him to pursue criticism. Duralde shares insights from his book Hollywood Pride, covering LGBTQ+ representation and creators from silent film to Everything Everywhere All at Once, plus surprises from his research. They talk Hallmark movies and how Duralde became part of the Deck the Hallmark team, his Christmas movie books, and “music biopic fatigue,” including thoughts on Deliver Me From Nowhere. Duralde reflects on queer identity and the impact of artists like Jimmy Somerville.

http://www.patreon.com/LinoleumKnife

http://www.patreon.com/bfastallday

https://maximumfun.org/podcasts/maximum-film/

In Stores Now: HAVE YOURSELF A MOVIE LITTLE CHRISTMAS, Revised and Updated Second Edition (Bloomsbury)

https://www.bloomsbury.com/us/have-yourself-a-movie-little-christmas-9781493087440

In Stores Now: HOLLYWOOD PRIDE (TCM/Running Press)

https://www.hachettebookgroup.com/titles/alonso-duralde/hollywood-pride/9780762485895/
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As we continue Pride in Bruce, here is a re-releases a favorite 2017 conversation, edited to focus on guest Bella Pori’s joyful song discussion Jesse Jackson and Bella briefly discuss political engagement and gun reform before diving into Bella’s “Bruce Springsteen, gay as heck” lens on interpreting queer subtext in art. Bella shares her picks—“Streets of Philadelphia,” “Backstreets,” “This Hard Land,” “Bobby Jean,” “Frankie Fell in Love,” “Pink Cadillac,” and an honorable mention for “Rosalita”—and they reflect on representation, differing perspectives, and listener feedback.

00:00 Pride in Bruce Launch

01:48 Revisiting Bella Episode

03:13 Meet the Host and Guest

03:46 Politics and Civic Action

05:46 Gun Reform Conversation

09:09 Summer Updates and AIDS Curriculum

10:19 Why These Songs Feel Queer

14:17 Queer Subtext in Media

20:31 Debating Interpretations Online

22:04 Song One Streets of Philadelphia

24:34 Backstreets as Queer Love

26:06 This Hard Land Reading

27:46 Outlander and Gay Portrayals

29:29 Bobby Jean as Lesbian

33:52 Frankie Meets Pink Cadillac

34:59 Rosalita and Gender Flips

37:27 Feedback and Representation

40:09 Heroes and Doctor Who

41:42 Wrap Up and Call to Action

43:04 Pride Month Closing
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🎤 "This train carries saints and sinners, losers and winners..." To celebrate my birthday, Lou and Karen from the JKL Media Podcast joined me to talk about #SpringsteenOnBroadway in our newest #podcast episode! With insights, personal stories, and a love for the Boss, don't miss out on this special discussion! #SetLustingBruce #BruceSpringsteen Did they love it, like it or break my heart?

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Host Jesse Jackson interviews Jason Bisogni, a Westchester, New York marketing professional and lifelong music fan, about his path into classic rock, his early concert experiences, and the moment he became a dedicated Springsteen fan after seeing the 1999 E Street Band reunion tour. Jason shares that he came out later in life (to two people at 39, more fully at 41 in 2021) and explains how Bruce’s lyrics took on new meaning afterward, citing songs like “Darkness on the Edge of Town,” “Trapped,” “Living Proof,” and “Two Hearts.” He credits Bob Dylan’s “It’s All Over Now, Baby Blue” line “He not busy being born is busy dying” as pivotal, discusses chasing songs live, recounts meeting Bruce several times, and answers the “Mary” question.

00:00 Pride in Bruce Intro

01:48 Meet Jesse and Jason

02:21 Jason’s Music Roots

03:18 Family Soundtrack Growing Up

06:43 Wrestling Detour and WWE

11:45 Concerts That Sparked It

14:59 Finding Bruce Springsteen

17:29 First E Street Show Magic

19:34 Counting Shows and Fandom

20:48 Static Setlist Debate

24:25 Health, Travel, and Missing Shows

26:27 Bruce and Coming Out Journey

27:01 Coming Out With The Boss

29:32 Lyrics Hit Different Now

32:07 Gay Icon Podcast Picks

34:23 Forever Favorites Playlist

38:18 Born Or Busy Dying

41:04 Songs Still Chasing Live

43:24 Meeting Bruce Stories

48:25 Thunder Road Mary Debate

50:39 Gratitude Pride Month Wrap
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We're bringing back one of our favorite conversations as part of Pride 2026. Co-host Bella joins Jesse to talk with Jesse — radio producer, drag performer, and co-host of The Boss Belongs to Us — about her podcast, her love of Bruce Springsteen's music, and the question at the heart of it all: Is Bruce a queer icon? If you haven't heard it, you're in for a treat. If you have, it's absolutely worth another listen.

https://open.spotify.com/show/33BxEoWfbSJ22NWap9pxhU?si=0bad4f80e3364f20

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