The Irreverent U2 Podcast: Kissing Lips and Breaking Hearts with the Garden Tarts

The Garden Tarts revisit U2’s “Please” from Pop, share listener reactions, and unpack the song’s political urgency, lyrical power, and unforgettable live performances.

In this mini episode of Kissing Lips and Breaking Hearts with the Garden Tarts, the hosts return to U2’s “Please,” the standout track from Pop that continues to inspire strong reactions from fans. They revisit their earlier discussion of the song, then read listener comments that praise its soaring vocals, Larry Mullen Jr.’s drum beat, and its powerful live arrangements.

The conversation explores “Please” as a song about conflict, ple...

In this episode of Kissing Lips and Breaking Hearts, the Garden Tarts wrap up their Songs of Innocence era with tour memories from Toronto, Boston, Chicago, and Madison Square Garden, plus a look back at the Innocence and Experience tour and the unforgettable ways U2 made each show feel personal. They also share standout moments involving Bono, Edge, surprise guests, rail stories, and the fan-community energy that made this tour so special.

What They Cover

Bono was in New York for a weekend packed with U2-adjacent moments, from presenting Bruce Springsteen with the Harry Belafonte Social Justice Award to attending the premiere screening of Guggi’s documentary at the Tribeca Film Festival. The Garden Tarts break down the big moments, the fan frenzy around Bono, and the reminder that keeping artists safe matters.

Plus, we hear firsthand voice memos from PJ of Achtoon Baby and Kristen, who were both there and share vivid details from the room.

This mini-episode also celebrates the ongoing friendship between Bo...

U2 nerds unite: the Garden Tarts dig into the deluxe edition of Songs of Innocence, praise Bono’s vocal surprises, argue about punk cred, reveal listener poll winners, and deliver acoustic hot takes with fireworks-level enthusiasm. And of course, Questions for Bono over Whiskey and Cake™️

This episode, the Garden Tarts review the deluxe edition of U2’s Songs of Innocence — deep dives on Lucifer’s Hands, Crystal Ballroom, and Invisible, plus a Side B rundown of the acoustic mixes and alternate versions. We read listener poll results (Every Breaking Wave wins!), trade live-show anecdotes, and serve af...

Jenny and Hillary continue their Tart Talk on U2’s Songs of Innocence with Side B, covering “Volcano,” “Raised by Wolves,” “Cedarwood Road,” “Sleep Like a Baby Tonight,” “This Is Where You Can Reach Me Now,” and “The Troubles”. They dig into grief, rage, domestic violence, Catholic abuse, friendship, and the band’s personal memories behind the songs. Along the way, they talk about live performances, Bono, Edge, Larry Mullen Jr., Guggi, Joe Strummer, and how U2 turns pain into music.

And of course, Questions for Bono over Whiskey and Cake™️

LEAVE US A 5-STAR REVIEW! It helps...

The Garden Tarts kick off their 2026 Tart Talk with part one of a two-part discussion of U2’s Songs of Innocence. In this episode, Hillary and Jenny dig into the album’s release controversy, the Apple/iPhone backlash, the cover art, and the first five tracks, “The Miracle of Joey Ramone,” “Every Breaking Wave,” "California (There is No End to Love)," "Song For Someone" and "Iris (Hold Me Close)." And of course, Questions for Bono over Whiskey and Cake™️.

This side A conversation goes song by song through the first half of the album, with music analysis, U...

In this mini episode of Kissing Lips and Breaking Hearts, the Garden Tarts dig into U2’s whirlwind time in Mexico City, including the Street of Dreams video shoot, fan reports from the set, and the growing excitement around new music tied to the FIFA World Cup. Jenny and Hillary also talk about Bono dancing and drinking in public, Larry’s welcome return to the spotlight, and what it all says about this joyful new U2 era.

Plus, the Random Song of the Week is “Shadows and Tall Trees,” which leads to a thoughtful conversation about loss of innoc...

In this episode of Kissing Lips and Breaking Hearts, the Garden Tarts play a fun and thoughtful round of “20 Questions” about U2 shows, ranking favorite concerts, toughest nights, most emotional songs, and the eras they’d time-travel back to in U2 history. They also dig into listener reactions to “Miami,” from its summer vibe and live energy to its place as one of U2’s more polarizing tracks, and reveal the next song up for discussion. If you love U2 concert memories, deep-cut song talk, and fan-favorite debate, this episode is for you. And of course, Questions for Bono over Whiskey...

It’s Bono’s birthday week and we're celebrating with a round of favorite Bono stories, listener questions, and poll results from the show’s desert island album question. And of course, Questions for Bono over Whiskey and Cake™️

In this episode, Jenny and Hillary revisit unforgettable encounters with Bono from the 1990s and 2000s, including the first time they saw him in Dublin, a ride in his car, and a memorable backstage conversation in Miami. They also share on-stage moments from tours in Pittsburgh, Detroit, and Dublin, including one particularly funny glasses mishap that had them b...

Welcome, fellow U2 fans and lovers of ridiculous adventures! Today, the Garden Tarts spill the secrets behind their decades-long friendship, their wild concert memories, and the surprising results of a poll about ditching one U2 album. If you've ever wondered how a chance meeting at a U2 conference or Bono's car phone could lead to this podcast, you're in for a treat.

Grab your whiskey because we're diving into some nostalgic adventures—29 years ago, U2 rocked Vegas for the first PopMart show, and we were there, living the crazy bits of the fan experience we still cherish today. From ticket tales to band mishaps, and where the internet fit into our fandom evolution, this episode is packed with our cheeky remembrance and wild thoughts.

In this episode:

- Celebrating the 29th anniversary of U2's iconic PopMart Vegas debut

- Ticket hunting in the 90s and the chaos of Propaganda's seat assignments

...

Hold on tight, because Jenny and Hillary are back with another chaotic, hilarious, and deeply passionate chat about U2.

IN THIS EPISODE:

RESOURCES & LINKS:

Grab your whiskey and your best friend — because Jenny and Hillary are back to dish on the latest U2 release, with all the irreverent winks, cheeky insights, and wild stories from their three decades of friendship. No need for stats or scholarly takes — just two fans bringing passion and humor to the seriously fun side of U2 fandom.

A SPECIAL EPISODE WITH THE GARDEN TARTS.

At 12 am on Good Friday, U2 surprised the world with a SECOND surprise EP! 40 days after the release of Days of Ash on Ash Wednesday. This one is called Easter Lily, and here is our first.. quick.. listen.

Stay tuned to next week's ep when we dive a bit deeper into each song.

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This week on the Garden Tarts:

Side A: Fun facts about U2's original Joshua Tour, with Hillary!

INTERMISSION: Your thoughts on U2's Gloria

Side B: Fun facts about U2's ZooTV Tour, with Jenny!

And of course, Questions for Bono over Whiskey and Cake™️

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This week on the U2 Podcast with the Garden Tarts...

Side A: A deeper(ish) dive into Adam Clayton's Ballroom Boom and BP Fallon's Rock n Roll Wizard, Vol. 1

Intermission: Don't tease us, U2! New music and a tour coming in the next year? Yes, please!

Side B: Random U2 Song of the Week: Sunday Bloody Sunday.

And of course, Questions for Bono over Whiskey and Cake™️

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This week on the Garden Tarts...

This is not a regular episode, and there is 0% Adam Clayton in this episode. We went to see the world premiere of his movie, Ballroom Boom, at CraicFest in New York City. This annual Irish FilmFest is a blast! We also had a chance to see a documentary about BP Fallon. IYKYK!

No Questions for Bono over Whiskey and Cake™️ this week.

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We’re talking U2’s new short film for “Yours Eternally,” fan reactions to “Seconds,” and a deep nerd dive into the history of Propaganda, the official U2 fan‑club magazine.​

Side A – “Yours Eternally”: New short documentary for “Yours Eternally” from Days of Ash

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Intermission – “Seconds” (Random Song of the Week)

Listener thoughts on “Seconds” from War​​

Side B – Propaganda History

Remembering old‑school ticket and merch ordering by mail, pen‑pal ads and Jenny’s own zine turning up ​

And of course, Quest...

This week on the U2 podcast with the Garden Tarts:

U2's new EP, Days of Ash, has been with us for four days, and we're ready to explore the songs for the first time with a mini Tart Talk. Think of it as a heartfelt yet irreverent album review.

We have thoughts and personal insights about each song, and we asked you about your favorites! Here from us and from the U2 fans.

And of course, Questions for Bono over Whiskey and Cake™️

NE...

WE'VE GOT A VERY SPECIAL EPISODE TODAY! Yes, our second ep of the day but, we weren't planning on U2 RELEASING NEW MUSIC.

We did a first listen of the 6 new songs and these are our initial reactions. Stay tuned to next week for more discussion!

And of course, Questions for Bono over Whiskey and Cake™️

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This week on the U2 Podcast with the Garden Tarts...

Side A: It's the anniversary of the time U2 announced their PopMart world tour at a New York City K-Mart. Let's talk about it, shall we?

Side B: Last week, we drew A Day Without Me from the box. Here are your thoughts, and ours!

And of course, Questions for Bono over Whiskey and Cake™️

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This week on the U2 Podcast with the Garden Tarts:

Side A: New interviews on U2Xradio! Adam with Este Haim and Edge with Lenny Kravitz. Hear our takes.

Side B: We asked about your favorite song on October, and you answered! And we have feelings.

And of course, Questions for Bono over Whiskey and Cake™️

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something happened with the audio on the original file. this one is fixed! sorry about that.

This week on the Garden Tarts, the U2 Podcast:

SIDE A: (RED) turns 20 and, as ambassadors, we are here to celebrate! What has (RED) been up to for the last 20 years, and how have we participated?

SIDE B: For an Irish band, U2 has quite the history with the NFL. They've played the Super Bowl AND Monday Night Football! An American dream! (Is it, though?)

And of course, Questions for Bono...

This week on the Garden Tarts, the U2 Podcast:

SIDE A: (RED) turns 20 and, as ambassadors, we are here to celebrate! What has (RED) been up to for the last 20 years, and how have we participated?

SIDE B: For an Irish band, U2 has quite the history with the NFL. They've played the Super Bowl AND Monday Night Football! An American dream! (Is it, though?)

And of course, Questions for Bono over Whiskey and Cake™️

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This week on the Garden Tarts:

Side A: Hillary goes to a U2 laser show! How very 90's of her.

Side B: A review of the book I Go There With You: The U2 Sites of Southern California, from Significant to Sacred, by Brook W. Flagg (affiliate link)

And of course, Questions for Bono over Whiskey and Cake™️

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This week on the Garden Tarts...

We get called PODCAST ROYALTY, AGAIN! We are more unsufferable than ever.

Side A: We asked about your favorite track on U2's BOY, and boy did you answer!

Side B: Someone on the internet posted Bono's isolated vocals from With or Without You. Come swoon with us!

And of course, Questions for Bono over Whiskey and Cake™️

SOURCES:

With or Without You Isolated Vocals

Create Music and Sound on Instagram

This week on the Garden Tarts...

Side A: WE WERE CALLED PODCAST ROYALTY! And you're never going to hear the end of it.

Side B: Bono in Across the Universe, the 2007 Beatles-music inspired movie. It had been a while, so we revisited it.

And of course, Questions for Bono over Whiskey and Cake™️

If God Will Send His Angels video shoot

apple / spotify

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This week on the Garden Tarts...

Jenny and Hillary are TOGETHER! In the same room and on the same camera!

Side A: Why Hillary is in town and all about Jenny's surprise 50th birthday party, featuring the U2 tribute band, One.

Side B: What do you want us to talk about in 2026? Besides Adam's mustache?

And of course, Questions for Bono over Whiskey and Cake™️

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This week on the Garden Tarts:

Side A: Our hopes and dreams for 2026 (in general)

Side B: Our hopes and dreams for the pod... let's U2 it up even more! (come on, Bono!) An album? A tour?

And questions for Bono over whiskey and cake.

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This week on the Garden Tarts:

Side A: Showing off the card we got from other U2 fans around the world! Was one of them from you?

Side B: Subscriber updates on U2.com. What did you miss?

And always, questions for Bono over whiskey and cake.

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This week on the Garden Tarts:

Side A: Our favorite moments from the 2025 podcast season.

Side B: We share memorable U2 concert experiences from December shows, and discuss plans for the podcast.

And as always, questions for Bono over whiskey and cake.

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In this episode, Jenny and Hillary share their Apple Music replays for 2025, discussing their top artists, songs, and albums. They reflect on their listening habits, concert experiences, and invite their audience to share their own music insights.

SIDE A: Jenny's Replay

SIDE B: Hillary's Replay

And a question for Bono over whiskey and cake.

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This week on the Garden Tarts:

By now, it is no secret that we don't "get" No Line on the Horizon as an album. It is only fair to bring a fan to the album's defense.

Side A: Kip Mullin (Jr.) in defense of No Line on the Horizon

Side B: The 360 tour, our adventures and how the band didn't stand by the album.

And of course, questions for Bono over whiskey and cake!

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Welcome to part 2 of our first (and only) TART TALK of the year, where we dive deep into U2's No Line on the Horizon. Side B, this time! If you want to play along, grab a shot glass for our Good Enough shooter. Whether you are a fan of this album or not, we think you'll enjoy this listen. If you missed Side A, just look at last week's episode!

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Welcome to our first (and only) TART TALK of the year, where we dive deep into No Line on the Horizon, Side A. We have some conflicting views, which make for great conversation. If you want to play along, grab a shot glass for our Good Enough shooter.

Whether you are a fan of this album or not, we think you'll enjoy this listen.

Stay tuned to next week when we finish up with Side B.

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This week on The Garden Tarts:

Side A: U2 news and new books!

Side B: Hillary shares the story of an unexpected U2-fan encounter

And questions for Bono over whiskey and cake!

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LEAVE US A 5...

On this week's episode of the Garden Tarts:

A catch-up on some brief band-member-related news.

Side A: Spanish Eyes

Side B: The Sweetest Thing

Lots of questions for Bono over whiskey and cake!

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LEA...

The Garden Tarts went to Tulsa, Oklahoma, to see Bono & Edge accept the Woody Guthrie Prize on behalf of U2.

Side A: All about us

Side B: All about them

And questions for Bono over whiskey and cake.

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This week on the Garden Tarts, we celebrate our 300th episode!

Side A: We hear from you, our listeners, about why you listen to the Garden Tarts.

Side B: We hear from the Garden Tarts about their own favorite parts of creating this podcast.

And questions for Bono over whiskey and cake, as always!

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This week on the Garden Tarts:

Side A: What one song from each U2 album would you play for a muggle (Harry Potter translation: every day person)? The only rule is it can't be a single.

Side B: Finish this sentence, "If U2 knew..."

And questions for Bono over whiskey and cake!

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