Queens of the Round Table

Queenies! It's a special time in the studio. While this season was full of incredible guests, tonight it's just Aaron and Francesco at the table. These two sit down and have a proper Quistmas catch-up, their 30th together. So fire up the yule log, pour yourself a Candy Cane Cosmo, and let’s celebrate the holigays Queens style.

Danielle Schnieder is an actress, writer, improv comedian, and podcaster hailing from the Upright Citizens Brigade Theater. She co-created and starred in the Hulu reality TV parody series The Hotwives and currently co-hosts, along with Casey Wilson, the podcast Bitch Sesh, a part of their ever-expanding Garbage World empire.  Some may say most beloved for her co-writing of the Hollywood classic Beverly Hills Chihuahua 2, we say it’s because she has been a dear friend to both Queens for years and truly one of the funniest people we know.   So take out the garbage, make a batch of apple cider margaritas, and grab an aging friend because we are celebrating Fifty, Friends, and Fabulous!

Tim Murray is one of the funniest people we know.  He’s currently on tour with his show, Tim Murray Is Witches!  And you've seen him on The Other Two on Max and TikTok with his viral sketch comedy videos, including Every Conversation in LA.  He’s a regular on Las Culturistas live podcast episodes. And his own podcast, Slumber Party, is on iHeart. So pour yourself a scalding mug of Witches Brew, Queenies, because we are conjuring with Tim Murray!

As a seasoned wardrobe stylist living and working between New York and LA, Cristina Breslin combines creativity and expertise to curate compelling visual narratives. With over 20 years of experience in the industry, Cristina collaborates with renowned brands, translating trends into personalized, impactful styles. With Cristina is the dashing Craig Honeycutt, a self-taught makeup artist for over 30 years whose work appears on covers of global fashion magazines and for top brands.  So pour a skinny margarita, and get into hair and makeup because, Queenies, we are GIVING FASHION in this episode.

Rosalie Brueren & York Jun are models, social media influencers, founders of a new agency, and are practically family to Aaron.   While they were on holiday in New York, we invited them to the Queens studio to catch up and report on what’s happening out there in the world of being fabulous.   So uncork that Riesling, cause we are getting real with Rosalie and York.

Not only is it June, a time where we proudly wave the Queens Pride flag from our virtual rooftop, we have none other than Renato Poliafito in the studio.  A friend to the Queenies for years, an epic baker, and a cookbook author, Renato has proven time and again that Sweet Guys Finish First.   So let’s slice up that bundt cake because we are about to pour some TEA!

Sam Spector is a men’s Fashion Stylist.  When he’s not helping to make celebrities like Alan Cumming look absolutely traitorous, he’s a dad to an almost one-year-old son, travels with his husband Glenn, and inspires the world with his curated looks.   And he’s with us here today in the studio.  So put on your bowtie and break out the Boiler Makers because we are going TOE UP with Sam Spector.

Mike Schneider is a creative powerhouse.  He’s known to many as blcksmth, the Balloon Guy, on Instagram. He's made waves with some of his political expressions and posts, and gives all of his devoted followers much to think about with his balloon, flower, and neon murals.  And he now has a new book, Putting Balloons on a Wall Is Not a Book. We were lucky enough to have him with us in The Queens Studio to talk all things creation, process, expression, and dating.  So pop open that Balloon-ini and let’s all rise to talk to blksmth!  

Andrew Keenan Bolger is what we would call a Queens’ Quintuple-Threat: A dancer, a singer, an Instagram darling, loving husband, and talented writer. And we’re with him in the studio for the second in our interview series talking about family, auditioning, the new book he's working on, and our beloved club scene.  So pour yourself that Broadway Bellini, and let’s kick up our heels. 

On a balmy, window-opened February night in New York City, we got the great fortune to sit down with Michael Ruhlman and Ann Hood: Dear friends, incredibly accomplished writers, and husband and wife.  And a love story for the ages.  So pour yourself something pink and let’s celebrate Queensentines!

These Queens saw the Queen Mother's Celebration Tour at Madison Square Garden. And how could we deny you all of our thoughts and emotions? So dance and sing, listen up, and let's do this thing!

Happy Winter Holidays, Queenies! We hope this is a time filled with joy, sparkle, family, and US! Pour out what's left of that spiked eggnog, tell your in-laws you have a "work call," and join us for some roars and reflections. We're spilling all the tea about 23.

It's been a MINUTE. And due to public outcry, the Queens sat down with a glass of wine and caught up. And this time, it all happens in an actual recording studio. Big time, baby! Important things are discussed: The Queens' trip to Iceland, being (or not being) a Swifite, Mother Madonna and her phoenix-like rise from almost-death to Celebration. And the various ways to keep a body tight as time marches across it. Sit back and get ready to have your ears dazzled by some smooth sounds.

Hi.  We missed this.  We missed you.  And we just wanted to say hi.  Hi.   And we got a lot to say. 

Oh, Queenies.  Time is marching on, right across our faces.  For Francesco's birthday, he made a special visit out to Sag Harbor to visit with Aaron.  And as the weekend came to a close, we spent some time reflecting on what was truly an incredible weekend.  Pour yourself a Birthday Cake (flavored) Vodka shot and sip with us!  

Everyone is dying.  So many greats. But not us, Queenies!  We’re stayin alive the best we can and dropping podcasts whenever we’re together. In our first of the year, we talk about those we lost, the lovely Amy Schumer, dry January, Wicked, TV, and even intentions.  It's a jam-packed catch-up and we can't wait for you to hear.  Pour a non-alcoholic one (if that's your journey) and join us as we all try to keep kickin in ‘22.

Oh, Queenies!  We've been away from you for far too long.  We sat down in the Green Room to reconnect, to talk Broadway and TV, to wish Aaron a happy birthday, and to catch you up.  In this episode, we're drinking low-alcohol cocktails (by mistake), so pour yourself an O'Douls and come say hi.  We've really missed you.

What would Charlie Brown be without Snoopy?  A lonely little guy who talks to himself a lot.  And your Queens are no different.  In this episode, we celebrate our pets of days past and present, including sweet Alfredo and the arrival of Aaron's new puppy, Sevilla!  Pour something that makes you think of spring and join us as we catch up, talk about everything from Uggs to vaccines to the sweetest pets you'll ever know. That's right, Queenies, we are going full-blown cat and dog lady on you.  

It’s our final episode of 2020! Join us as we celebrate the things that brought joy in this darkness.   Put on your 2020 glasses, pour a big one and listen in, won’t you? We want to celebrate the end of the neatest year with you, dear Queenies, and express our gratitude for you. Also, Jennifer Aniston.    And cookies.

Well, we're back, Queenies! We reunited in NYC for a holiday kick-off and reconnected about all things VITAL: Tablescapes, karaoke, Real Housewives of Salt Lake City, Dolly Parton. and Home Goods.  Kick up your holiday heels, pour a TurkeyTini, and haul out the holly.  It's the holidays and we need to CELEBRATE the end of this glorious year.  You wanna know how we're doing?  As our pal Dorinda Medley once said, "Not well, bitch."   

Surprise!  We're together and recorded a BRAND NEW EPISODE!  After a good catch up and wellness check, we talk about some of our favorite back to school moments, and ooh-weeee, there are many.  From outfit choices to hazing, Walkman soundtracks to heroic parents, we cover it all.  Step on up to the table and have a sip of our fresh batch of martinis.  We're back for a hot minute and damn, we missed you.

QUEENIES! You didn’t think we’d let Pride happen without a secret episode from us, did you!? We‘re together in Sag Harbor and in this long-overdue reunion, we reminisce about Prides past and reveal a couple secrets of our coming out stories Pour yourself an Absolut Pride and Soda, and pull up a chair. We’ve missed you.

That's right Queenies, we made it to the end of another season!  Despite the pandemic and being in different locations, Aaron and Francesco have managed to keep their friendship, the Round Table, and their livers alive.  For the season finale,  Aaron blind interviews Francesco about his time interning for Saturday Night Live's 19th Season in 1993-94.  Francesco had no idea it was coming and delivered details and dish!  So pull up a director's chair, pour yourself a Long Island Iced because they're delivering all the tea about one of America's comedy institutions. And on another note, a huge thank you to all of the listeners who have supported The Queens throughout their journey so far.   We hope everyone emerges form the quarantine unscathed and has a joyous start to the summer. We'll be back soon with a very exciting Season 3! Until then continue to stay connected to the people you love and yourself. 

In this episode, Francesco blind interviews Aaron who has no idea what the topic is until it begins. Spoiler alert: The topic is a voyeuristic show that Aaron performed in during the summer of 1995 called C'est la Vie.  It took place in the windows of the Empire Hotel across from Manhattan's Lincoln Center.  The audience sat in Fountain Plaza with "radio headphones" and binoculars, peeping stories as they unfolded in the windows above them.  So strap on your headphones, Queenies, shake up a French martini, and listen in to the tale of the (in)famous C'est La Vie!

These Queens know that every day during quarantine has its ups and downs.  And Aaron has been holding on for dear life during this roller coaster ride. This week he recorded his solo podcast from his house in Sag Harbor while trying to make sense of the new normal. So put on your mask, pull up a chair (but not too close), and pickle yourself with a bleach-tini because he’s got a lot to say and it’s not clean.

Sometimes, the PLURAL NOUN of the A SHAPE Table need to let off some steam.  Especially in these ADJECTIVE days of the TYPE OF BEER Virus.  So, they took to playing some MAD LIBS about The Great COLOR Way!  Pull up a chair, sharpen your NOUN, pour a very strong NOUN-tail and get ready to use your PART OF THE BODY.

The Queens are coming undone!  On his recent 5 hour visit back to NYC, Aaron caught up with Francesco for a quick wellness check. Things start to fall apart once Alexa gets involved and shows off some her new.... skills.  Grab a Whiteclaw (cause that's all we had) and let's get gassy....

In this very special episode, Aaron puts on his best Terry Gross and interviews Francesco and their very good friend Scott Seraydarian about The Pathfinders Society, a graphic novel written by Scott and Francesco, illustrated by Steve Hamaker!  Hear stories about Scott, Francesco, and Aaron at NYU, how Scott and Francesco came up with the idea for the Pathfinders (yes, it starts with Adam Sandler's CLICK), and a story or two about a long-ago trip to Disney.  So mix up a Path-hattan and listen in.  (And don't forget to buy your very own copy of The Pathfinders Society, available April 21 everywhere!)

Let's face it, dear Queenies.  It's hard in here for a Queen.  Cooped up, too many cookies, wine to the Nth degree, and at-home workouts?  Oh, brother. So, Aaron and Francesco decided to just talk it all out.  From the passing of Nono Gorga-Giudice, the celebration of the return to New York Housewives, Gwyneth Paltrow's celebration of all things on Goop Lab, to a few laughs and sips of rose, we try our best to bring a ray of sunlight into this darkness we are all living through.  So log onto Zoom cause we don't want you near us quite yet, pour some Witch Hazel, and let's lament... and practice self-forgiveness. 

That's right, for this microcast, Francesco is on his own in the Green Room and he's here to give you a quarantine tour of the room that lots of Queens magic happens in.  Of course, there's reflection on  the Housewives, talk of his wedding, Zoom therapy, and a big shoutout to his Penguin people.  Pour a Solo Shot of Sambuca, and join this nutty Italian at the quarantined table. 

It's a really weird moment, Queenies.  We know.  Currently, we are not in the same city, with Francesco sheltering in place in Manhattan and Aaron in Sag Harbor. And so this week, we decided to write a love letter to dear old NYC.  She's going through some hard times.  And we will always love her.  Pour yourself a Big Appletini and grab a  seat at the table... preferably 6-8 feet away.  (And for what it's worth, Aaron wasn't able to take that vacation.)

AAAAAANDDDD, we are back for Season 2.5!  This time around, we're giving you Microcasts.  That's right, Queenies,  short episodes for when you need a Quick Queens Fix.  A Queens Quickie.  Perhaps while you're working out.  Oh wait, no, not possible.  Oh, or shopping? No, that's tough.  You need all your wits about you these days when you're getting pasta and TP.  Wait! Getting a mani/pedi.... nope.  OH, right! You can listen while you're silkwooding your home and your family and the dog?  YES!  That's it!! In our first episode of the new season, we celebrate Francesco's 46th birthday.  To do that, Aaron grills him with some brand new searing Queens' Queries that you won't want to miss.  So pour that Quarantini (no, that's not old yet) and join us for a Very Social Distancing Birthday!   And remember, as you listen to this, Francesco is most likely sitting alone with a party hat on, starting out the window, turning the lamp on and off.  On.  And off. Stay safe out there, Queenies.  We're gonna do our best to bring you new episodes and some laughs during this Bladerunner time.  xo

It’s our very first foursome! The Queens have always been each other’s Galentines.  And In the final episode of Season 2, just in time for V-Day, we have our dear friends Arianne and Kimberly at the table joining the discussion. From guilty pleasures to our origin stories, songs written for one another to being mad at art, tap dancing as children to dancing queens, we spend this time celebrating our love for each other, and for you, our Queenies.  So pour yourself a cognac, slip into something satin, and let’s make some whoopee.

From the far away beaches of Thailand to the autumnal air of Provincetown, Lake Atitlan to the Arno River, these Queens have seen a lot and have the stories to prove it.   In this episode, we share some of our favorite (and scariest) travel moments near and far.  So grab your passport, pour yourself a roadie, and join us at the round table because like our friend Lisa Stansfield said, we've....been around the world and we, we, we , we can’t find our baby.

We know very real disasters happen every day, but in our lives we’ve been fortunate enough to escape the really bad stuff.  Here are some of the disasters--equal parts horrible, hilarious, embarrassing, and frightening--that both define our friendship and who we are in the face of adversity. So shake yourself up a Hurricane and join us at the table because with these Queens, it’s always somethin’.

Jed Bennet might be the # 1 fan of your Queens. So it’s long overdue that he joins us at the round table. Listen as he delights with a compelling round of QueensQueries, professes his love for us, shares stories of his family, reminisces about how Francesco and he became friends at Scholastic, and discusses the state of picture books in the world.  So pour yourself a brown drink, because we are about to turn the page and get all non-fiction with (possibly) our #1 Queenie.

Last season we only scratched the surface of the meaning of fitness and wellness in our lives, separately and together.  And with a brand new year upon us, we're putting on our 2020 glasses and looking inward.... and at ourselves naked in the mirror. Not perfect? That's okay, as long as we can wear a zazzy outfit as we stroll the streets of Paris when we're 80.  Join us as we spike that Whey Protein Smoothie cause we are still up in the gym, workin’ on our fitness.

Happy 2020, Queenies!  Nothing says new year like CLEANING.  It can be a rebirth, a new beginning, a way to exorcise demons, or just quiet the mind.   In this episode, we're talking everything from cleaning habits learned from our mothers to our favorite products, housekeepers past and present, our rituals, and our compulsions.  So put your overalls on, tie your hair back, and be like our friend Kirstie Alley and pour yourself a straight Vodka City vodka, because we're about to clean it up for the next decade.

That’s right, Queenies, this is our very own LEMONADE!  Sit back and relax before the ball drops and hear what we think was the best of 2019.  From The Politician to The Great Believers, Madonna‘s Madame X tour (of course) to Tootsie on Broadway, TAK Room to Lizzo, this is the ultimate guide to what we loved and what we want you to hear and see.   So pour one out for 2019, cause we are here to judge it!

We have been through it all when it comes to style: Blonde hair, platforms, piercings, striped bellbottoms, ruffled tuxedo shirts, you name it.  In this episode, we are joined by the fantastic Cristina Breslin—a dear friend and a personal stylist—to really tailor this talk.  So crimp that hair, pour a glass of bubbles (the drink of choice for the Secretary O'Style herself), and let's talk lewks.

When you come out of the closet, all fresh-faced and horny, you never really think about what it will be like to be 45. And yet, here we are.  Join us as we throw the closet doors open on the mystique of middle-aged gaydom.  Gay bars or long, hot baths?  A hit of Molly or a Celestial Seasoning?   Flat abs or a pizza and sweats?  It can be a tricky landscape to navigate. But when you have your lifelong friend by your side it’s--well, it’s still terrible but at least you can both laugh.  So pull up a comfy chair and pour a couple espresso-tinis, cause these old queens are tired and need a pick-me-up.  

If we took a holiday/Just some time to celebrate/Just one day out of life C'mon! We had to.  What are the holidays without your best friend?  Luckily, we've never really had to know.  From crazy Italian Christmases, to the Annual Styling of the Holiday Barbies, to the wearing of the beloved Star of David glasses, we've done it all.  So spike some nog and throw on another log cause we're getting all kinds of cozy in this holiday episode.  

Oh, musicals.  We've seen many, talked about them all, and often pretend that our lives, together and apart, are one giant tap number.  For this episode, we curved our shoulders, turned in our knees, jazzed our hands, and chatted all the magic that is musical theater.  Pull up an empty chair at this table (see what we did there?) and warm up those pipes with a Spiked Throat Coat because our hills are alive! 

That's right, fans!  November 12 is Aaron's birthday and on that night, we sat down and spent some time doing a deep dive on all things Goldschmidt.   Hear!  Birthday tunes that have not been licensed!   See!  The inner workings of what makes Aaron the man we know and love, including discussions of his bar mitzvah, his move to San Francisco, and his psychic portrait by the incomparable Karen Finley. Smell!  The sweat that made him who he is today, both at the gym and in the workplace! Taste!  The rainbow of gay flavors! Touch! The heart of the man that you love to listen to! Put your birthday suit on, pour yourself a Confetti-Tini and settle into the birthday celebrations. 

At the round table, we celebrate and argue our differences. We also realized early on that we have so much in common. As 19-year-olds, we quickly revealed to one another that we’re both children of families who declared bankruptcy in the mid-1980s. So pour yourself a triple, Mr. IRS, and go deep with us on the power of money and the value of the people with whom we share our lives. 

Welcome back to Queens of the Round Table!  We begin Season 2 the way we began Season 1 (but with a brand new sound setup)--on Shabbat, catching up, and leading right into a discussion of our Queen: Madonna.  This episode, like our friendship, is really about loyalty--about being able to call those that you love dearly on their shit, sticking around even when the times are tough (and the sound is bad), and still coming back for more. 

In 1998, Aaron decided to move from New York City to San Francisco and asked Francesco to be the Bandit to his Smokey.  The move included a 14' Penske truck, a pink Barbie backpack, Bowers Bakery in South Dakota, some chickens, the Great Salt Lake, Anna Qindlen on tape, and a Power Chillini. Spike your Gatorade and let's get this trip started!  And please note, dearest fans, that this is the final episode of Season 1.  The Queens want to thank everyone who has taken this journey with us.  We will see you back here for Season 2 in October!  Until then... happy summer, Queenies!  XO

We are reunited during a heatwave in July after 6 weeks and celebrating all things Hamptons—the beauty, the beach, and the bounty. Pour a glass of rosé and join us as we talk about Aaron’s life here, Francesco’s revelations... and Lizzie Grubman.

The last recording before summer break and we go freestyle. From summer reads to summer TV, to reflections on the East Village, we talk about it all before Aaron heads to the Hamptons for the summer. Come to this round table with your bikini, a cold one, and something to say.

A surprise to both of us: A very special friend arrived in the Hamptons and we brought her directly to the Round Table to be our very special guest. She’s the true definition of a fangirl and we question her about all things Comic Con. So get your furry costume on, pour a Dr. Whotini, and join us for a discussion about unapologetic fandom.