Rated LGBT Radio

Special show with my good friend Garrett Miller (AKA Blond Jesus). His brand-new album, I Hear You, launches tomorrow.  With a diverse catalog that ranges from rock to pop, from honkytonk to inspirational, Garrett's unique music has won numerous awards and topped multiple independent music charts.  He is a singer, songwriter, and author who shares his messages of hope and inspiration with the world. In 2013, Garrett recorded his first EP, "Eyes Wide," featuring the holiday classic, "Guess What It's Christmastime." He released the follow-up full-length album, "Blond Jesus," in 2015, with radio-friendly hits including "Gay Wedding," "Sweat & Testify," "Witch Sisters Halloween," and the title track, which have been #1 hits on the indie music charts worldwide.  Today we talk about the new album's themes, including personal growth, relationships, and empowerment, with Garrett sharing the stories behind several tracks such as "Hope Is All I Have," inspired by a friend's real-life struggle, and "Closer to You," a romantic ballad.   

My guest today is the uber talented Frankie Campisano, non-binary writer, director, and producer. Frankie has a reputation for crafting dark comedy and horror stories about deeply flawed folks struggling to reinvent themselves. A non-binary punk-rocker with a style a studio exec once favorably compared to "Aaron Sorkin on acid," they are the co-founder and lead producer behind the award-winning creative collective Nice Hog! Productions. We discuss Frankie's new films that are currently wowing film festival audiences, Breakfast at Berghain , a camp Alice in Wonderland-like adventure comedy, and My Name is John, an impeccably crafted suspense horror film.

I talk to filmmakers Brett and Jason Butler  about their new film STARSUCKERS that is premiering at London's FrightFest. A darkly satirical thriller filled with shocking twists and biting social commentary, STARSUCKERS examines the dangerous intersection of celebrity culture, ambition, and identity, asking just how far ordinary people are willing to go in pursuit of fame and fortune. At the center of the film are celebrity power couple Bjorg Everglow and Sasha Nightshade, enigmatic icons whose glamorous public personas conceal far darker intentions. When ordinary couple Chuck and Eileen win a contest promising an exclusive weekend retreat with their idols, they quickly discover that behind the luxury lies murder, manipulation, and a series of increasingly bizarre and dangerous revelations. Over the past decade, Brett and Jason Butler have directed, written, and produced ten feature films while producing or executive producing an additional five projects. Their work has screened internationally and reached audiences worldwide through platforms including Amazon Prime, Tubi, Apple TV, Roku Channel, Plex, Hollywood Suite, Fawesome, Revry, and Xumo.  

My guest is the acclaimed author SM Hallow! We discuss the brand-new thriller THE HALLS OF THE DEAD and her previous work, HOW TO SURVIVE THIS FAIRYTALE. SM shares the very personal inspirations behind each of the edge-of-your-seat reads. The Halls of the Dead is a queer Gothic horror novel set in 1849 London, that follows Irene Shallcross Haley as she attempts the first true resurrection in two thousand years after her lover Agnes is executed for witchcraft. The revived Agnes returns changed—haunted, hungry, and bound to a malignant ghost—forcing Irene and her undead husband St. John to navigate love, death, magic, and vengeance while evading the man who condemned Agnes. How to Survive This Fairytale is a dark, queer, second‑person fairy‑tale remix following Hansel, trapped inside a story controlled by a cruel narrator. After years of being forced into horrific acts by the Evil Queen and repeatedly denied a happy ending, Hansel decides to rewrite his fate—challenging narrative determinism, trauma, and the morality of fairy‑tale archetypes  

My guest today is Jamison Firestone, author of RULE OF LIES: My Wild Ride Through Chaos, Corruption, and Murder in Putin’s Russia (Harper; June 23, 2026). The book is a true story that reads like a spy thriller—darkly comic, violent, and unnervingly real. Rather than explaining Russia’s destruction of rule of law and democracy through politicians or oligarchs, the book tells it from the inside out: how an American lawyer walked straight into chaos and managed to live long enough to expose it. We discuss Jamison's unusual childhood growing up in Beverly Hills with a father involved in fraudulent activities and later running a brothel, which provided unexpected protection from bullying for being gay during his teenage years. He later ended up in Russia, a country that drew his fascination, and we discuss living in the maelstrom of post-Soviet Russia, defending himself and his clients against mafia attacks, corrupt police, and armed commandos who raided his office. He shares how he was threatened, surveilled, extorted—and at one point forced to raid his own offices with a SWAT team and bug the offices of the Russian police just to stay alive. In a system where the law was a weapon, survival meant learning how to fight back. Jamison established the first independent foreign law firm in Russia where he lived for eighteen years. He was also a member of the board of Directors of the American Chamber of Commerce in Russia. He is a co-founder along with Sir William Browder of the Global Magnitsky Justice Campaign which created the Magnitsky human rights and anti-corruption sanctions regimes. He also ran the Navalny 35 campaign promoting the sanctioning of corrupt oligarchs and officials identified by Alexei Navalny. He currently works on seizing 300 billion dollars of Russian state assets for the benefit of Ukraine. He has been featured on the BBC, Bloomberg, CBC, and in several documentaries.   

Retired Col. Bree Fram is an astronautical engineer, public policy expert, author, speaker, former Congressional candidate, and retired U.S. Space Force colonel. She was forced to retire from the military in 2025 due to Trump administration policy regarding transgender people. She turned that moment into a 2026 run for Congress in Virginia, putting service and character at the center of her campaign.  We discuss the impact of the Trump administration's ban on transgender military service, describing the cruelty and indignities faced during Bree's discharge process. She shares insights into the current state of the military under the Trump administration, including issues of morale, readiness, and the war in Iran. Bree also reflects on her recent congressional campaign in Virginia, the challenges of fundraising, and the importance of visibility and representation for transgender individuals. 

Known for her monster dance hit HIDEAWAY, KIESZA is live with me today to talk about her new album Dancing and Crying vol. 3.  Assertive and meaningful, the new album is a dance floor joy. Our conversation covers her unexpected rise to fame with "Hideaway," the challenges of branding in the music industry, and the impact of a serious car accident and brain injury on her life and career. She reflects on her recovery, the importance of living in the present, and how these experiences shaped her music and outlook. We also cover themes of authenticity, the pressures faced by women and trans individuals in the industry, and the inspiration behind specific songs like the powerful "Good Morning America."

My guest is interdisciplinary poet and multidisciplinary artist Laurier Tiernan!  We talk about their work and life experiences. Laurier shares their journey as a genderqueer and non-binary person growing up in conservative Edmonton, Alberta, where they were bullied in school and faced discrimination, including being chased and called slurs as recently as 2024. We cover Laurier's recent poetry book "Fifty-Five Ways to Survive," which follows a theme of darkness-to-light, and their 15th-anniversary album "Peace on Earth," which contains songs like "End of the World" that prophesied Donald Trump's rise to power. We discuss how the poetry of FIFTY-FIVE WAYS resonates with the experiences of young LGBTQ+ people and how the music supports profound lyrical content.

Great conversation with Dr. Joel A. Davis Brown, author of "Souls of Queer Folk: How Understanding LGBTQ+ Cultural Values Can Transform Your Leadership Practice." Dr. Brown, an attorney with a doctorate in educational leadership and founder of the management consulting firm Pneumos, discussed his journey of understanding his LGBTQ+ identity and how queer culture embodies leadership values that can benefit society as a whole. We explore topics including the debate over the term "queer" following Michael Vines' New York Times article, the nine meta-themes from Dr. Brown's book (somatic awareness, interconnectedness, authenticity, perceptiveness, non-binary thinking, creativity, justice, agency, and verve), and how LGBTQ+ people demonstrate leadership through resilience and cultural contributions despite facing prejudice. 

My guest is the LGBTQ treasure, Margaret Cho. We discussed her ever-present presence throughout fabulous LGBTQ culture as well as her new song "YER DIHH" (a gay version of "WAP") featuring Jane Wiedlin and a music video with many LGBTQ comedians., We discussed her upcoming comedy special "Choligarchy" to be filmed in Palm Springs.  We spoke at length about current controversies over labeling, Margaret's unique experience and perspective, and why trans people are heroes.

My guest today is acclaimed author and tribal leader Greg Sarris . We discuss his latest book "The Last Human Bear." Greg shares his personal background as a mixed-race individual who was adopted and later discovered his birth mother's identity, as well as his journey of coming to terms with his gay identity while growing up as an outsider. He discusses how his relationship with Mabel McKay, a medicine woman, inspired the book's central character Mary Hatcher, who possesses bear power and navigates complex relationships across racial and cultural lines, and how the book challenges stereotypes about Indigenous people in California.

We Are Pat is a new feature-length documentary exploring the evolution of gender identity and comedy from the 90s to now through the lens of the iconic SNL sketch, It’s Pat. Featuring the now classic character by Julia Sweeney, the film examines Pat’s origins as a joke rooted in cultural anxiety of the 90s around gender while drawing striking parallels to today’s culture wars around transness and queerness. My guest, director Rowan Haber is an aesthetically-minded Writer/Director. An MFA graduate of NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts, they have directed numerous documentaries and narrative films, winning numerous awards. They were a shadowing director on FX’s Pose and featured on The Alice Initiative’s 2018 list of directors ready to helm studio films and Indiewire’s 8 Best Trans Directors Working Today,

 Today on Rated LGBT Radio, we’re stepping into a bold, funny, and beautifully crafted piece of LGBTQ storytelling on television. My guests are Rex Glensy and Asad Moghal, the creative forces behind the acclaimed UK series PATTERNS, now premiering its second season. Across eight episodes per season of PATTERNS, each episode offers a self-contained story within a shared universe where characters reappear. Today we focus on a particular episode in the new and unreleased second season, Kevin’s Series of Unfortunate Events, which is making its World Premiere this week at Tribeca’s Indie TV Narrative Showcase. The response has already been electric, with multiple sold-out screenings and another sold-out showing set for the 14th. Kevin’s Series of Unfortunate Events is a sharp, witty, and wildly charming piece of comedy. Actor Jake Watkins, known for his work in the horror genre, brings Kevin to life with a disarming mix of uninhibited sexuality, innocence, vulnerability, and romantic longing. Working from Asad Moghal’s brilliantly funny script, Watkins turns Kevin’s chaotic search for connection into something both hilarious and unexpectedly sweet. Under the direction and production of Rex Glensy, Asad’s real-life romantic partner, the episode walks a perfect comedic tightrope—taking situations that could easily become dark drama and transforming them into a dating-world adventure that feels outrageous, heartfelt, and all too relatable.

I welcome back to the show David Archuleta!  When David was last here, he was merely a multi-award-winning and bravely out singer…. Making his mark on his journey with hits like UP and HELL TOGETHER—and we were celebrating his version of George Michaels FREEDOM. That was then—this is now.  He is now David Archuleta, NYT bestselling author—of the hugely important and significant memoir, DEVOUT. With that work, which has been embraced by not only LGBTQ folks and Mormons seeking truth, but the broader public as well – for its life-changing perspectives.  We will talk about that—plus, David, the consummate singer-songwriter, released DEVOUT inspired music with the book—and will be releasing even more music in just a few weeks—new music with a new sound and the heartbeat of romance….

My guest today is the uber talented BJ Minor who stars in Scared to Death (in theaters now). B.J. is a multi-talented artist who acts, writes, directs and sings…and is best known for portraying teen Mike Tyson in Hulu’s Mike (2022), a breakout role that showcased their physical transformation, dramatic range, and commitment to representation. They have since had impactful roles in several dozen major TV dramas and genre films, including Bel‑Air on Peacock, Grey’s Anatomy, and the current movie, our focus today, the horror‑comedy Scared to Death.

My guest today is Aidan Langford, who plays a pivotal LGBTQ character in the Happy Madison film Roommates for Netflix. We discuss working with Adam Sandler as well as Dolly Parton, when he was featured in Netflix's "Dolly Parton's Heartstrings." You may have also seen  in Amazon's "Bosch", and the SXSW independent feature 1985, as well as Breaking Them Up and "NCIS: New Orleans".  Along with acting, he’s passionate about LGBTQ rights and is a musician/singer songwriter with 3 singles out currently and an EP that is being made and leans into the indie rock genre of the early 2000s.A visual artist and painter and he is currently receiving his BFA in painting. 

How is your work-life in the Trump2 era?  Today, we get an insightful look thanks to the new Shine the Light Study report. My guests are Evan Linett, the lead researcher, and Veronica Comings, a Be the Transformational Change Fund board member.  The study found that 74% of LGBTQ employees experienced workplace support, though 49% witnessed discrimination, with notable differences across generations and identity groups. We discuss issues from dress expectations to restroom comfort, and everything in between.  

My guest today is DJ Bright Light Bright Light, who is fresh from his Cosmic Light North American Tour,with Queen of the Universe winner, Grag Queen. The tour brought queer joy to 17 cities across the U.S., celebrating the community that he is so proud to be part of and continues to uplift. His music is infectious, exciting, and in many cases, deeply romantic. He is a talent that the uber-talented appreciate and seek out. As an award-winning independent artist from Wales, UK living in New York City he has collaborated with Sir Elton John, Erasure, Scissor Sisters, Justin Vivian Bond, Alan Cumming and Madonna's iconic backing vocalists Niki & Donna . He has also toured with, and opened for Cher, performed at Prides and festivals across Europe & the U.S. He is known for his energetic live shows full of joy, humor and hope. His most recent album Enjoy Youth  was a Top 10 selling album in the United Kingdom. He’s remixed tracks by Sylvester, Bananarama, Erasure, Dannii Minogue, and Caveboy and Lent, with music Bible NME calling him “The boy Robyn in all but name”. When not on tour, he can be found spinning the decks at Alan Cumming’s East Village nightlife haven, Club Cumming, with his weekly Time Out New York-endorsed Romy & Michele’s Saturday Afternoon Tea Dance To quote his song BOYS ETC. I’m not like the other boys—I'm giving you music, they're giving you noise…

My guest today is the multi-talented Ru Marshall. They discuss their new book "American Trickster: The Hidden Lives of Carlos Castaneda." Ru, an award-winning non-binary writer and visual artist, explores how Carlos Castaneda, a faux anthropologist who created the fictional character Don Juan, pulled off one of the greatest literary hoaxes in modern history. Our conversation delves into Castaneda's background, including his family's controversial past in Peru, his academic connections at UCLA, and how he built a cult following around his teachings. Ru also discusses the parallels between Castaneda's methods and modern cult leadership, particularly comparing them to current political figures. The book, published by OR Books, is available for order and Ru will be conducting readings in New York and California in the coming weeks.

Sharp and thrilling, the new film Long Time Listener tells the story of a true-crime podcaster who becomes the target of a mysterious “long time listener,” and fame quickly turns deadly. Pulled into a web of secrets that grow darker by the minute, she faces long-buried truths that blur the line between storyteller and victim … and raises one terrifying question: Who’s really in control of the story? My guests today are director/star Danielle Nicolet and star Cleo Berry. Pulse-pounding from its opening scene, this noir-esque thriller marks Danielle's(The Flash, Central Intelligence), directorial debut. Balancing stylish tension with character-driven suspense, Nicolet proves as confident behind the camera as she is in front of it. Cleo shines as Max, a prominent queer character trying to make sense of the deadly threats around him. Both my guests are accomplished actors, writers, and directors.  

This episode of Rated LGBTQ Radio focused on long-term planning for LGBTQ couples, featuring guest Steve Shapiro, a long-term care specialist. He emphasized that the ideal time to begin planning is in one's 50s rather than waiting until retirement age, as many insurance options become unavailable due to health issues by age 65-70. Steve also addressed specific concerns for LGBTQ individuals, noting that while same-sex marriage provides financial benefits, many LGBTQ people face challenges with family support systems and may need to consider long-term care planning regardless of marital status.

My guest is the award-winning filmmaker Anthony Bawn! We discuss his mission to give LGBTQ POC a platform and a filmic presence with the free streaming platform www.watchvim.com and the premiere of  his new film ABOUT US. Almost Us sparks with a fiery one-night stand between Darren, a closeted and politically connected real estate developer, and Jason, an openly queer and charismatic community organizer. What begins as passion and escape quickly spirals into a collision of worlds when Darren’s luxury redevelopment project sets its sights on the Baldwin Cultural Center—Jason’s beloved sanctuary and a vital organizing hub for the city’s LGBTQ community.

My guest is the uber-talented Claybourne Elder, recently known as John Adams on the hit The Gilded Age. Claybourne has received nominations from award bodies including the Grammys, Screen Actors Guild, Drama Desk, and Lucille Lortel. Recently, he did a turn on Broadway in the Tony Award-winning revival of Company. His extensive stage career includes Bonnie and Clyde, Sunday in the Park with George, Torch Song, Wild Party , and Sondheim on Sondheim, among many others. He is about to drop his debut solo album, If the Stars Were Mine. The album is defined by its inventive arrangements and range of material. Familiar songs are reimagined in ways that are often surprising—sometimes intimate, sometimes daring—inviting listeners to hear well-known material through a fresh lens. The track list moves effortlessly from Whitney Houston to Sondheim and the Great American Songbook, unified by Elder’s singular ability to blend storytelling, humor, and emotional candor with a voice critics consistently praise for its warmth, clarity, and expressive power.

My guest is Honey Lauren, the multi-award-winning writer, director and actress, with over 100  film and TV credits and dozens of commercial appearances. Today we talk about her debut feature film, MISTAKE, which is astounding film festival attendees across the globe.  Just in the last few weeks, it won the Director's Choice for Most Inspirational Feature at the Sedona Film Festival, and Best Feature Film at the REEL Equals Film Festival. The film is set in 1941, somewhere in the American South, a child is born between the sexes.  The parents must choose, boy or girl. Thirty years later, with hormone treatment, Larry is raised a man. The Deep South is anything but an understanding environment in which to realize that a mistake has been made.  

My guest is the multi-talented Fia Perera the passionate LGBTQ+ advocate who is focused on making films that can move the needle for marginalized communities.  Her recent feature documentary Paul and Trisha: The Art of Fluidity (2024) garnered critical acclaim for its intimate portrait of two 77-year-old British artists living in one gender-fluid body. Today we talk about her new film currently hitting the film festival circuit, MERMAID. which is an unexpected story of friendship between a trans-feminine child (a naturalistic star-making performance from 11 year old non-binary wunderkind actor Devyn McDowel) who longs to be a mermaid, and an emotionally wrecked and jaded drag performer. Their improbable relationship blossoms into a richly emotional bond, and coalesces into a new kind of family — loud, imperfect, and radically affirming.

My guests today are two thirds of the activist power trio Parker Woodland, Keri and Erin. We talk about the thrilling anthems in their catalogue of songs, including songs directly supporting queer youth. Parker Woodland is known for high-energy live shows featuring melodic-psych guitar from Andrew Solin, pounding drums from Keri Cinquina, powerhouse vocals from Erin Walter, and cinematic visuals from lighting designer Starr Long. "Police On My Back" and "Get Me to the Show” have become staples of their live shows, with Erin jumping into the crowd to decry the presence of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in cities across the U.S. Fresh off a Midwest/Southeast tour, Parker Woodland will be featured in French author Benoit Cohen's upcoming documentary on U.S. artists resisting fascism.

  Note- there may be some tech difficulties on this recording and the show starts at the 9 minute mark. Mike is back! We talked to him last year about his amazing music catalogue and the release of his song ONY MY WAY.  That song today has met with huge success including 3 million TikTok views. Today we pivot to his new memoir GUESS WHAT? ILOVE YOU. It tells the tale of when he meets legendary publicist Howard Bragman,  and neither expects a once-in-a-lifetime love story to unfold. Despite their perceived differences, they quickly build a world together based on music, humor, hard-won wisdom, and the unexpected tenderness that comes from finding your forever person just when you’d given up looking. But when Howard is diagnosed with cancer on the eve of Mike’s proposal, the life they had been envisioning together changes overnight. What follows is both devastating and luminous—a final chapter marked by brutal honesty, fierce devotion, and moments of grace that arrive exactly when they’re needed most.    

My guest today is Wayne Bethanis, the celebrated New Age artist whose music has touched listeners around the world. His latest album, “Sonic Bloom”, has produced six Top 10 singles globally, including his newest hit, “You Know I Will Remember You”, which is currently in the Top 10. We discuss his work and the inspiring stories each song represents.  His latest song, "You Know I Will Remember You" is particularly poignant and reflects his time playing piano for AIDS patients and their pleas to be remembered after he becomes famous.   Now he is, and he does.

Jack Tracy joins me again-- this time to talk about the hit Dekkoo show DANNY WILL DIE ALONE and its new, and final season. The show has cultivated a devoted following for its unfiltered portrayal of gay dating, eschewing glossy romantic fantasies in favor of messy, funny, and painfully relatable truth. What began as 10-minute webisodes on Jack Tracy’s OnlyFans page has evolved into a fully realized half-hour series and one of Dekkoo’s most successful originals, embodying the platform’s commitment to creator-driven, authentic queer storytelling. We talk about Jack's multi-talent portfolio --In addition to writing, directing, and starring in the series, Jack once again provides original music. Tracks from his upcoming album Glorify are featured throughout Season Three of Danny will Die Alone, with the album releasing alongside the season.

The new LGBTQ feature Cutaways tells the story of a once-celebrated indie filmmaker whose career implodes after a social media backlash turns him into an industry pariah. As bills pile up and opportunities disappear, he reluctantly accepts a job directing an adult film—what begins as a survival tactic soon becomes an existential reckoning.  Today I talk to Mark Schwab, the acclaimed independent, and Silas Kade, CUTAWAY's star.  A Bay Area–based filmmaker, Schwab’s recent work includes Shadows in Mind, Brotherly Lies (2021) and its sequel Exteriors, which won Best LGBTQ Feature at the 2024 Poppy Jasper Film Festival.

Returning to the show, rocker and trans artist Jordan Maye shares her new single "The Puppeteer." I catch up with Jordan on her new life in LA, the story behind her current music, and her live performance schedule.  “The Puppeteer” feat. Rebecca Soul (out Dec. 11) takes classic rock and symphonic elements and builds on a modern indie singer-songwriter foundation, with Maye’s powerful and raw vocals at the forefront.“The Puppeteer” itself is a personified metaphor for anxiety, tackling feelings of self-doubt as an artist. It’s a song for anyone who isn’t overly confident with themselves, or feels like maybe they aren’t enough. It’s a song that reminds us that we’re not alone when questioning our own confidence.

Never the Last Love Letter is the previously untold story of a relatively small community's reaction to the AIDS crisis of the 1980s and 90s. There are many books, movies, and documentaries telling the perspective of NYC, LA and San Francisco. Santa Cruz stood up in unique ways and laid the groundwork not only for an enormous force during the crisis but also for a vibrant queer community today. My guests are the film's co-directors, Taylor Boone and Terez Kilpatrick, and its lead narrator, Nic Lafin.

The world-renowned Children's Theatre Company's current hit is Dr. Seuss's The Grinch Who Stole Christmas!  Playing a key role is Janely Rodriguez, the company's first Latin actor, and a proud non-binary artist.  In the classic tale, a miserly and miserable, ever-so-cantankerous Grinch has observed the despicable Christmas joy of the Whos with disdain, from a distance, for decades. In response, he plots the greatest heist imaginable. Janely openly discusses being an activist, an out artist, children's reactions, and the great potential theater has in creating depth of understanding.

Beloved singer and Judy Garland "impersonator" Debbie Wileman talks to me today about ringing in the holiday season with A Christmas Garland. This sparkling new album imagines the Christmas record Judy herself never got to make. Mixing nostalgia, warmth, and Debbie’s uncanny embodiment of Garland’s voice and heart, the album blends classic and contemporary Christmas songs with glamorous orchestral arrangements; all delivered through the unmistakable lens of one of Hollywood’s most enduring icons.

Here with me today, androgynous and non-binary black artist Jourdan Frost discusses the release of their new single, “Can We Pretend”, a mid-tempo pop ballad that blends the lush sonics of Top 40 pop with the sweeping nostalgia of classic rock! DJs and promoters discovered Jourdan singing in Jacksonville’s LGBT clubs and last year they signed with Velvet Code’s So Fierce Music Label.   At its heart, “Can We Pretend” carries a message everyone can relate with. It reminds listeners that hopeless romance still has a place in a modern world that often feels jaded.

Stewart Taylor’s funk and R&B inspired debut single Mess Your Hair Up dropped worldwide in 2019. Following its release, the song was featured on Logo’s NewNowNext and Queerty.com’s Top 10 songs of the Summer.  In addition to writing for himself, Stewart Taylor has penned songs for Romanian pop star Antonia, SB19’s Josh Cullen, rising US pop artist Ceranda, and JuJu Bee, Mo Heart, and Manila Luzon of Rupaul’s Drag Race. Today we talk about his new single, and video, EMILIO, a bilingual pop anthem that blends irresistible ‘80s grooves, Latin flair, and raw emotional storytelling.

Jason Mitchell Kahn, the expert on spectacular LGBTQ weddings is live with me today to talk about his new book ”We Do: An Inclusive Guide When a Traditional Wedding Won’t Cut It”. Jason is acclaimed wedding planner featured in Vogue, New York Times, and PEOPLE. Kahn has been listed as one of the Best Wedding Planners of the Year in Brides magazine hailed as “Broadway’s Wedding Planner” by Playbill, and even planned a wedding for Mariah Carey’s nephew.    While we had a few technical difficulties at the show's start, it is a great conversation for those who want a special day, or have loved ones headed for the altar.

Bobby Newberry, the acclaimed choreographer-turned-singer, makes a heartfelt return with his most intimate release yet-Feelin’. The radiant new single is a tribute to his late husband, TJ, who passed away following a battle with cancer.   Today I talk to Bobby about his work with the industry's superstars, his music and his beautiful love story.

The film  Mama Gloria by Luchina Fisher, the Emmy-award winning director, is on its way to becoming an LGBTQ Classic. The GLAAD-nominated documentary offers an intimate portrait of the late Gloria “Mama” Allen (1945–2022), a trailblazing Black transgender elder from Chicago. This heartfelt and hopeful film follows Gloria as she reflects on a life lived authentically — from her coming-of-age in Chicago’s pre–Stonewall drag ball culture to founding a self-funded “charm school” for young transgender people experiencing homelessness. More than a celebration of survival, it’s a testament to joy, grace, acceptance and intergenerational love. Mama Gloria is also available to stream as part of AfroPoP. Today I talk to Luchina about the film, and the heart and soul she projected into its making. Luchina's other work includes the Emmy Award-winning short documentary The Dads (Netflix), executive produced by Dwyane Wade; Team Dream (BET), winner of multiple film festival awards, executive produced by Queen Latifah; and Locked Out, the Best Documentary Feature at the American Black Film Festival. Her latest project, celebrating Black queer contributions to music, won the 2023 PitchBLACK Film Forum.

Following sold-out performances and rave reviews across the country in 2025, The Golden Girls are back and better than ever with a stage show that’s more exciting than a trip to the Rusty Anchor. Golden Girls: The Laughs Continue is headed on a US Fall Tour in 2025. Today, I have a rousing conversation with Vince Kelley, one of the show's originators and the show's Blanche.  We talk about the enormous love that propels the show forward, the humor, and the creativity. Vince has over 30 years of performing experience under his belt, has starred in productions of Hedwig and the Angry Inch and The Boys in the Band, among others. He's not only a talented triple-threat who acts, sings, and dances, but he also designs costumes for the stage.  Plus, we do some Golden Girls trivia along the way!

Spencer Cohen's award-winning comedy THE COMPATRIOTS is now available on all major platforms in the US and Canada. A nuanced portrayal of immigration, friendship, and LGBTQIA+ experiences, THE COMPATRIOTS follows Javi (Rafael Silva), an undocumented immigrant facing deportation, who unexpectedly reunites with his estranged best friend Hunter (Denis Shepherd), a vivacious bachelor seeking deeper connections. Together, they embark on a heartfelt journey to prevent Javi's expulsion from the only country he has ever called home.      Today I had an in-depth conversation with Spencer and Rafael about the heart and soul that went into making this acclaimed film (it is 8.6 out of 10 stars on IMDB). 

Bear World Magazine, the world’s leading lifestyle publication for the global bear community, recently launched Bear World TV: a vibrant new video platform delivering weekly doses of news, entertainment, and culture created specifically for and by the bear community. Today I get to chat with two of its talented stars and content creators, Marquis The Honey Bear and Ravi Roth.   Marquis The Honey Bear is an LA based Stand Up Comedian, Northwest Emmy nominated producer, actor/model, podcast host and known for his iconic reign as Mr. Bear Los Angeles 2023. Ravi Roth is a travel expert and award-winning content creator having explored Queer culture in 44 countries with their brand Ravi Round The World while hosting 24 Hour GAYover, Ravi’s Road To Pride, and The Gaycation Travel Show,

Jordan Maye has followed up her debut album, CREATION OF JORDAN MAYE, with an infectious rock anthem, TEAR IT DOWN. I talk to Jordan today about her gender identity journey and musical achievements.  Her path to songwriting wasn’t some overnight revelation. It was a slow-burn devotion, bouncing between piano, guitar, and voice lessons, quietly sharpening the tools she’d later use to craft her own sound.  The result is a new talent with a gorgeous and commanding voice that not only has a personal story to tell, but onw that will resonate in the hearts of her LGBTQ+ fanbase.

Widely named as the "Actress to Watch". Emiliana Jasper, is my guest today. Her performance in the new psychological thriller film MIA has garnered rave reviews. Today we talk about her film and theater accomplishments, the nuances of the film MIA and navigating the show business world as a young talented lesbian actor. MIA follows Aaron, a man unraveling as he becomes convinced that a young woman named Emma (Emiliana Jasper) is his long-missing daughter, Mia. Emma, however, insists she’s never met him. What begins as a mystery spirals into a tense psychological showdown that forces both characters - and the audience - to question what’s real and what’s imagined.

Luca Evans, Producer of QUEERING PRECEDENT, is my guest!  The podcast series looks at the legal and political landscape through the eyes of LGBTQ+ elders.  Its episodes feature California’s first transgender judge Victoria Kolakowski, the “Beyoncé of Bottom Surgery” Dr. Marci Bowers, transgender and two-spirit activist Marcus Arana, intersex advocates Anne and Suegee Tamar-Mattis, TransLatin@ President and CEO Bamby Salcedo, and Stonewall veteran Christy Henderson-Jenkins. Episode topics include the history of trans law in the U.S., gender-affirming healthcare, two-spirit liberation, intersex legislation, the intersection of immigration and trans rights, and lived experience of the legal system.

Director/producer Mikaela Shwer and film star Cadilina join me for an in-depth discussion of the new documentary THE KIDS ARE NOT ALRIGHT- including new exclusive details of Cadilina’s experience beyond what is seen in the film.  The film centers on rampant abuse in the Troubled Teen Industry, an unregulated network of for-profit institutions claiming to fix wayward teenagers. Decades later, the kids are fighting back. Filmed over nine years, ”The Kids Are Not Alright” is an intimate portrait of trauma following three families’ journeys as whistle blowers.

Blond Jesus (aka Garrett Miller) is back on the new music trail with his ventures in the rock and pop world, and we had him live in house to talk about the new FRINGE OF FAME album that is lighting up Spotify on 83 playlists. We also talk about his hit single WHITE KNIGHT and the short film it inspired. That film is blazing across film festivals and we discuss not only its major wins, but what if felt like to be in the audience greeted by standing ovations.

Bill Hulseman is a writer, ritual designer, and former educator who is challenging what it means to belong. In his debut book, “six to carry the casket and one to say the mass,” Bill explores queer identity, Catholicism, family, and personal agency with unflinching honesty.   Today we discuss birth order trauma, Pride, or how “nerding out to Madonna” led to him making the pop icon an academic subject!

As the new film "T" has its premiere on June 20th, I sat down with filmmaker Lane Michael Stanley and film star, Mel Glickman.  Filmed over lead actor Mel Glickman’s real-life first year taking testosterone, T is a fictionalized, never-before-seen journey of transmasculine discovery, authentically portraying the moving struggles and joys encountered in friendships, family, and romantic relationships. Lane Michael Stanley (he/they) is an award winning, transgender writer and director making community- embedded work around queerness, healing, grief, recovery, restorative justice, and housing insecurity. Mel Glickman is a non-binary transmasculine actor, writer, and fight director based in Los Angeles. Their acting and choreography have been seen on multiple LA and NYC productions as well as on TV.

Today’s conversation is about a bold new chapter in queer cinema! We talk to the new CinePride Film Festival's Arisce Wanzer. CinePride, debuts in September in Los Angeles. The four-day event promises to be a transformative celebration of authentic and diverse queer narratives, highlighting stories that challenge, inspire, and showcase the profound impact of LGBTQIA+ voices in cinema. Filmmaker, or film lover, Arisce is here with all the details today!   We also talk about Arisce's own amazing journey from trailblazing transgender model to being on CinePride's board of directors. Arisce starred in the groundbreaking Oxygen reality series Strut, which followed the lives and careers of transgender models. Her historic Spiegel campaign was featured on the show’s season finale. She also appeared in a variety of comedic shorts, web series, and independent films, and brought her trademark confidence and humor to MTV’s Ex on the Beach. Beyond modeling and acting, Arisce uses her voice as an advocate, speaking candidly about issues facing the trans community, particularly around dating, disclosure, and the challenges of being a public figure.