Mad Men

Mad Men

Author: Aaron Giovannone March 15, 2025 Duration: 35:49

In this episode of Sweater Weather, we chat about the iconic TV series Mad Men, exploring its themes, characters, and why it might just be the "Great American Novel" of television.

We kick things off with some personal writing updates—Naomi is deep into ghostwriting and editing, while Aaron has written about 20,000 words of a novel he hopes will end up being very short. 

But the real focus is on Mad Men, which Naomi recently rewatched and Aaron experienced for the first time. From Don Draper's enigmatic charm to Peggy Olson's groundbreaking journey, we dissect the show's portrayal of the 1960s, touching on gender roles, workplace dynamics, and the cultural shifts of the era. We also discuss how Mad Men masterfully weaves historical events—like the moon landing and the Civil Rights Movement—into its narrative, making it a rich portryal of American life during a transformative decade.

We debate the complexities of Don Draper as an anti-hero and how the show balances his anti-heroic flaws with his undeniable charisma. And of course, we can't resist talking about that finale—Don's journey to self-discovery and the creation of one of the most famous ads ever. Somehow, it's both a moment of redemption AND the perfect ad campaign.

So pour yourself a whisky from your office liquor cart, light up a Lucky Strike, and join us for a fun chat about one the best T.V. shows of all time.  

Sweater Weather podcast (Video): https://www.youtube.com/@aarongiovannone
Sweater Weather podcast (Audio): https://pod.link/1547081850

Naomi's website: https://www.naomiklewis.com/
Naomi on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/na.oh.mee
Naomi on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/naomiklewis

Aaron's website: https://www.aarongiovannone.com
Aaron on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aaron.giovannone
Aaron on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@aarongiovannone
Aaron on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AaronGiovannoneAuthor/
Aaron on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@aarongiovannone
Aaron on X: https://x.com/SincerityCity


There's a particular warmth to the conversations on Sweater Weather, hosted by Canadian writers Aaron Giovannone and Naomi K. Lewis. Think of it as the audio equivalent of a long, thoughtful chat on a comfortable couch, where the topic just happens to be the shows, films, and books that shape a national identity. This husband-and-wife duo moves beyond simple reviews, weaving personal reflection with cultural analysis to explore both the iconic and the overlooked in Canadian storytelling. Their discussions are smart and often very funny, finding the cozy heart in everything from beloved CBC classics to under-the-radar indie films and literary gems. Listening feels like being included in a great conversation between two people who genuinely love this stuff, dissecting what makes Canadian pop culture distinct without taking it all too seriously. Whether you have a deep nostalgia for CanCon or are just curious about the stories from north of the 49th parallel, this podcast offers a welcoming, insightful space to reconsider what we watch and read. You'll find yourself noticing new layers in familiar favorites and discovering hidden treasures, all through the lens of two writers who know how to talk about art with both expertise and affection. It’s that specific blend of casual and clever that makes Sweater Weather such a consistent listen.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 61

Sweater Weather
Podcast Episodes
#23—Alanis Morissette [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:07:32
Isn't it ironic that we finally decided to cover this essential Canadian artist? Alanis Morissette was one of the most successful musicians of the 1990s, selling 33 million copies of her album Jagged Little Pill. We trac…
#22—Danger Bay [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 30:49
Naomi and Aaron speedboat through the CBC family adventure show Danger Bay (1984-1990). We discuss the show's infinite animal menagerie, its 1980s environmentalism, and the protagonist, Dr. Grant Roberts, who is both a P…
#21—The Kids in the Hall [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 33:09
Inspired by the recently released sixth season of The Kids in the Hall, Naomi and Aaron talk about this legendary sketch comedy show (1988-1995). We discuss the Kids' paths to becoming comic actors, and how the show was…
#20—Degrassi Junior High [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 46:33
Aaron and Naomi talk about the classic teen drama Degrassi Junior High (1987-1989) and its immediate sequel, Degrassi High (1989-1991). We discuss the show's fascinating production history, our vivid memories of watching…
Leonard Cohen & the Cold War [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 31:37
How Leonard Cohen's life and art was shaped by the Cold War-- and the political uses of his most famous song, "Hallelujah." This episode is based on an article I wrote for The Breach titled "Leonard Cohen, Cold War Troub…
Cottages, Cabins & Class, feat. Tonya Davidson [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 41:39
Support this podcast. Cabins and cottages have come to represent summer in Canada-- even though most Canadians spend the summer in hot cities. What does the fascination with cabins and cottages reveal about class, inequa…
FUBAR II & FUBAR: Age of Computer, feat. the Alberta Advantage [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 51:49
Support Sweater Weather! I'm joined once again by my friends from the Alberta Advantage podcast: Clinton, Karen and Joel. We conclude our epic discussion of FUBAR, the classic Canadian and Calgarian comedy franchise, by…
FUBAR, feat. The Alberta Advantage [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 48:42
Support the show. This week I'm joined by my podcast comrades from the Alberta Advantage: Clinton, Joël and Karen, for a deep dive into the classic Canadian and Calgarian comedy franchise FUBAR. It's been nearly 20 years…
The Secret Lives of Drivers, feat. Marcello Di Cintio [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 48:00
I talk to author and journalist Marcello Di Cintio about the lives of people who drive taxis for a living. He tells their stories in his fascinating new book, Driven: The Secret Lives of Drivers. This is episode 15 of Sw…
The Communist's Daughter, ft. Leah Cameron [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 30:02
On today's episode, I talk to ​Leah Cameron, a television writer in Toronto. She is creator, director and co-writer of The Communist's Daughter, a comedy series loosely based on her left-wing family in Toronto in 1989, n…