Banging It Out with Elke Thoms

After finding out the guy she was dating in college hooked up with her sorority sister, Sex Educator and Host of Rat Girls Podcast Abigail Jensen wanted to get her hair dyed with purple tips à la Kylie Jenner's 2014 green hair look. Unfortunately, her hairstylist said this would be a challenge for her and she was correct because she dyed it half gray. For the 2025 season finale of Banging It Out, Elke and Abigail discuss Abigail's plight of going gray as a senior (in college), and how it launched her full-force into throwing caution to the wind, one nipple piercing at a time.FOLLOW ABIGAIL JENSENInstagram: @vibeslutTikTok and YouTube: @abigailjensen_Abigail Jensen is the host of Rat Girls Podcast and a Sex Educator who can be found sharing tips and tricks on her Instagram @vibeslut.FOLLOW BANGING IT OUT + ELKE THOMSInstagram: @bangingitoutpod + @elkethomsTikTok: @elkethomsBANGING IT OUT CREDITSCreated and Produced by Elke ThomsMusic by Chloe Grace Kinnon and Austin LutherArt by Nat JeanArt Photography by Stephanie Girard

Comedian and filmmaker Josh Edelman fought back against losing his hair by shaving his head at the end of his upcoming comedy special, but is now letting what's left grow back. Despite acknowledging that he looks cooler with a shaved head, he's still hanging on. Elke and Josh debate the virtues of hair that grows like vines versus sheds glitter, and Josh recalls the time a girl he wanted to impress was a little too excited to shave his back hair.FOLLOW JOSH EDELMANInstagram: @joshedelmancomedyTikTok and X: @theedelmeisterJosh Edelman is a comedian and filmmaker. He directed the New York Times "Best Comedy Doc of 2021 "Mentally Al" about cult comedy legend Al Lubel. He runs the LA Comedy Underground that produces a number of the best comedy shows in Los Angeles including Well Dressed at The Hollywood Roosevelt & Undiscovered Genius at the Hollywood Improv. His new comedy special "The Jew Rogaine Experience" with 800lb Gorilla is available to stream on YouTube.FOLLOW BANGING IT OUT + ELKE THOMSInstagram: @bangingitoutpod + @elkethomsTikTok: @elkethomsBANGING IT OUT CREDITSCreated and Produced by Elke ThomsMusic by Chloe Grace Kinnon and Austin LutherArt by Nat JeanArt Photography by Stephanie Girard

Comedian, actor, and writer Rachel Mathieu dyed her hair blonde at 18 after a break-up that sent her into crisis. In part two of this two-part episode, Elke and Rachel dive into amicable breakups vs. not-amicable breakups, Elke's post-breakup actions that were not giving the main character energy she thought they were, and whether they'd rath-HAIR have hair that allows them to fly or turn invisible.FOLLOW RACHEL MATHIEUInstagram: @rachel__mathieuTikTok: @rmathieu1Rachel Mathieu is a comedian, actor, and writer, you've seen her creating shorts and producing sketch comedy with Elephant Department, and her latest short film L’intemporelle will be premiering this October at Naples Film Festival.FOLLOW BANGING IT OUT + ELKE THOMSInstagram: @bangingitoutpod + @elkethomsTikTok: @elkethomsBANGING IT OUT CREDITSCreated and Produced by Elke ThomsMusic by Chloe Grace Kinnon and Austin LutherArt by Nat JeanArt Photography by Stephanie Girard

Comedian, actor, and writer Rachel Mathieu dyed her hair blonde at 18 after a break-up that sent her into crisis. In part one of this two-part episode, Elke and Rachel discuss their long-distance relationships, finding yourself in college (or at least finding your hair dye), and the rebrand from "dirty blonde" to "old money blonde."FOLLOW RACHEL MATHIEUInstagram: @rachel__mathieuTikTok: @rmathieu1Rachel Mathieu is a comedian, actor, and writer, you've seen her creating shorts and producing sketch comedy with Elephant Department, and her latest short film L’intemporelle will be premiering this October at Naples Film Festival.FOLLOW BANGING IT OUT + ELKE THOMSInstagram: @bangingitoutpod + @elkethomsTikTok: @elkethomsBANGING IT OUT CREDITSCreated and Produced by Elke ThomsMusic by Chloe Grace Kinnon and Austin LutherArt by Nat JeanArt Photography by Stephanie Girard

Some women are born with great hair, some achieve great hair, and some have great hair thrust upon them. Actor JJ Obee had a hair makeover done initially against her will, but now it might be… growing on her. On today's episode, JJ and Elke pull back the layers on JJ's bang piece, discuss their feelings around hair and makeup in their personal and professional lives, and finally answer that age-old question, would you rath-HAIR have hair that glows in the dark or tells time?FOLLOW JJ OBEEEInstagram & TikTok: @jj_obeeJJ Obee is an actor as well as a writer, comedian, and singer. You’ve seen her on TikTok or performing sketch and musical comedy around Los Angeles. You can see her latest play, Trauma Bondage, later this year in LA.FOLLOW BANGING IT OUT + ELKE THOMSInstagram: @bangingitoutpod + @elkethomsTikTok: @elkethomsBANGING IT OUT CREDITSCreated and Produced by Elke ThomsMusic by Chloe Grace Kinnon and Austin LutherArt by Nat JeanArt Photography by Stephanie Girard

Comic, actor and cartoonist Mary Gallagher got a bad perm and then decided to trim the sides because her grandfather said she should always show her ears. She then reached her final form of the 1980’s—The Mary Mullet Perm. Elke and Mary chat about Mary's new empty nest, finding your voice in comedy, and one of Mary's most infamous high school nicknames (which involves The Beatles and a very curious monkey).FOLLOW MARY GALLAGHERFacebook: mary.gallagher.myfriendmaryInstagram/TikTok: @myfriendmaryYouTube: @MaryGallaghercomedianMary Gallagher is a comic, actor, and cartoonist. She made her national late-night television debut on "The Late Show with Stephen Colbert" and has starred in hit TV shows like "Friends" and "Grey's Anatomy." She's co-starring in a new independent feature, "In Spite of Ourselves" and is currently touring. You can find her upcoming dates on her website, Myfriendmary.com.FOLLOW BANGING IT OUT + ELKE THOMSInstagram: @bangingitoutpod + @elkethomsTikTok: @elkethomsBANGING IT OUT CREDITSCreated and Produced by Elke ThomsMusic by Chloe Grace Kinnon and Austin LutherArt by Nat JeanArt Photography by Stephanie Girard

Singer-songwriter and actress Kara Connolly dyed her hair bold, copper red to take back her power after years of entertainment industry mistreatment and feeling typecast and misunderstood. In part two of their two-part episode, Elke and Kara discuss Kara's love of love of cultivating a new vibe for each album, being vulnerable on stage (but not too soon), and the hairstyle Kara's therapist was not a fan of.FOLLOW KARA CONNOLLYInstagram: @karaconnollyTikTok: @karaconnollymusicYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/karaconnollyKara Connolly is an award-nominated actress and singer-songwriter found on the 2020 and 2025 Grammy ballots with music featured in Lionsgate films, IKEA commercials, ABC ads, Showtime, Netflix, and HBO shows, as well as tastemaker publications such as SPIN Magazine, Billboard Argentina, Rolling Stone India, Wonderland Magazine, and more. She's been nominated for three Hollywood Music in Media Awards, was one of Music Connection Magazine's Top Unsigned Artists of the Year, and was just invited to join the prestigious Recording Academy as member of their "Class of 2025." Most recently, you can check out K-Pop sensation ILLIT's (pronounced eye-lit) new mini-album, "bomb," in which Kara co-wrote the playful track "oops!" and you can catch Kara acting in the kid's series, "Hedgehog Land," which was nominated for a 2025 Children's and Family Emmy Award. Kara's latest album "California Queen" is a cathartic alt-pop record centered around self-discovery and when she's not selling out iconic venues like the Hotel Cafe, Peppermint Club, and Troubadour, she is a passionate storyteller, lifelong animal advocate, and undercover hippie.FOLLOW BANGING IT OUT + ELKE THOMSInstagram: @bangingitoutpod + @elkethomsTikTok: @elkethomsBANGING IT OUT CREDITSCreated and Produced by Elke ThomsMusic by Chloe Grace Kinnon and Austin LutherArt by Nat JeanArt Photography by Stephanie Girard

Singer-songwriter and actress Kara Connolly dyed her hair bold, copper red to take back her power after years of entertainment industry mistreatment and feeling typecast and misunderstood. In part one of their two-part episode, Elke and Kara discuss stepping outside of stereotypes (with the help of some hair dye), going through the audition ringer, and the behind-the-scenes of being creatives.FOLLOW KARA CONNOLLYInstagram: @karaconnollyTikTok: @karaconnollymusicYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/karaconnollyKara Connolly is an award-nominated actress and singer-songwriter found on the 2020 and 2025 Grammy ballots with music featured in Lionsgate films, IKEA commercials, ABC ads, Showtime, Netflix, and HBO shows, as well as tastemaker publications such as SPIN Magazine, Billboard Argentina, Rolling Stone India, Wonderland Magazine, and more. She's been nominated for three Hollywood Music in Media Awards, was one of Music Connection Magazine's Top Unsigned Artists of the Year, and was just invited to join the prestigious Recording Academy as member of their "Class of 2025." Most recently, you can check out K-Pop sensation ILLIT's (pronounced eye-lit) new mini-album, "bomb," in which Kara co-wrote the playful track "oops!" and you can catch Kara acting in the kid's series, "Hedgehog Land," which was nominated for a 2025 Children's and Family Emmy Award. Kara's latest album "California Queen" is a cathartic alt-pop record centered around self-discovery and when she's not selling out iconic venues like the Hotel Cafe, Peppermint Club, and Troubadour, she is a passionate storyteller, lifelong animal advocate, and undercover hippie.FOLLOW BANGING IT OUT + ELKE THOMSInstagram: @bangingitoutpod + @elkethomsTikTok: @elkethomsBANGING IT OUT CREDITSCreated and Produced by Elke ThomsMusic by Chloe Grace Kinnon and Austin LutherArt by Nat JeanArt Photography by Stephanie Girard

Actor, writer, director, and entrepreneur Jesse Arrow grew a villainous handlebar mustache in his 20's after he discovered he was finally capable of growing facial hair. Long before Elke and Jesse were together, Jesse sought to rebel against hitting puberty late and his days as a valet, and boy did he ever. Elke and Jesse sit down to uncover this specific phase in Jesse's life and how grateful they both are that they weren't dating during Jesse's Mr. Monopoly man era.FOLLOW JESSE ARROWInstagram: @jessearrowJesse Arrow is an actor, writer, director, and entrepreneur. You’ve seen him on Criminal Minds, and his scripts have been in the semi-finals at Austin Film Festival and on The Black List Labs short list.FOLLOW BANGING IT OUT + ELKE THOMSInstagram: @bangingitoutpod + @elkethomsTikTok: @elkethomsBANGING IT OUT CREDITSCreated and Produced by Elke ThomsMusic by Chloe Grace Kinnon and Austin LutherArt by Nat JeanArt Photography by Stephanie Girard

Actor Marissa Madsen announced that she was a cool, mysterious, IDGAF adult in college by getting an emo-chic haircut, despite its impact on her aerodynamics while running varsity cross-country. Elke and Marissa discuss how her dramatic hair change did more than just win the disapproval of her mom--it helped her move to her real heart's desire, acting. They also chat cats in birthday hats, because of course.FOLLOW MARISSA MADSENIG: @marissamadsenMarissa Madsen is an actor and sketch comedian. She can be seen in the mockumentary short "Hazel and Louis: Animal Agents," in commercials, and in her comedy sketches on social media.FOLLOW BANGING IT OUT + ELKE THOMSInstagram: @bangingitoutpod + @elkethomsTikTok: @elkethomsBANGING IT OUT CREDITSCreated and Produced by Elke ThomsMusic by Chloe Grace Kinnon and Austin LutherArt by Nat JeanArt Photography by Stephanie Girard

The tables turn as host Elke Thoms takes a spin in the guest chair. Elke reveals the origin story of her bangs, which involves stand-up, a breakup, and Prince. Our previous episode's guest, comedian Renée Percy, sticks around to uncover how this podcast all started with a haircut in 2016. FOLLOW RENÉE PERCYInstagram: @reneepercycomedianTikTok: @reneepercyRenée is a comedian, actor, and writer. You've seen her on shows like Jimmy Kimmel, The Goldbergs, Workaholics, and on stage performing with people like Jay Leno, Craig Robinson, and Arsenio Hall to name a few. Catch her special "The Komic Sutra" on Amazon Prime and Apple TV, or live on her Upside Down and Dirty Tour.FOLLOW BANGING IT OUT + ELKE THOMSInstagram: @bangingitoutpod + @elkethomsTikTok: @elkethomsBANGING IT OUT CREDITSCreated and Produced by Elke ThomsMusic by Chloe Grace Kinnon and Austin LutherArt by Nat JeanArt Photography by Stephanie Girard

Comedian Renée Percy was sent to summer camp at age 9 with all her hair chopped off (thanks mom) and hasn't cut it short since. As always, what starts as a lighthearted podcast episode quickly devolves to deep-rooted trauma like "do I even like my face?" Elke and Renée discuss their camp coming-of-age experiences, how they dress on stage, and whether their current or childhood bedroom wall color would make for a better hairstyle. FOLLOW RENÉE PERCYInstagram: @reneepercycomedianTikTok: @reneepercyRenée is a comedian, actor, and writer. You've seen her on shows like Jimmy Kimmel, The Goldbergs, Workaholics, and on stage performing with people like Jay Leno, Craig Robinson, and Arsenio Hall to name a few. Catch her special "The Komic Sutra" on Amazon Prime and Apple TV, or live on her Upside Down and Dirty Tour.FOLLOW BANGING IT OUT + ELKE THOMSInstagram: @bangingitoutpod + @elkethomsTikTok: @elkethomsBANGING IT OUT CREDITSCreated and Produced by Elke ThomsMusic by Chloe Grace Kinnon and Austin LutherArt by Nat JeanArt Photography by Stephanie Girard

Comedian, Writer, and co-host of The Dating Detectives podcast Hanna Anderson dyed her hair red last December, and she can't tell if she did it to feel independent from her mother or because it looked hot on Dua Lipa. Maybe both? Elke and Hanna delve into the naunces of these equally reasonable motives, as well as the perils of dying hair at home, workshopping stand-up material in front of friends, and flirting as a lifestyle. FOLLOW HANNA ANDERSONInstagram: @hannaandergram, @datingdetectivespodcastTikTok: @hannaandertok, @datingdetectivespodcastHanna Anderson is a writer, comedian, and co-host of The Dating Detectives podcast, a show that dives into the liars and scammers ravaging our dating apps, which you can listen to wherever you get podcasts.FOLLOW BANGING IT OUT + ELKE THOMSInstagram: @bangingitoutpod + @elkethomsTikTok: @elkethomsBANGING IT OUT CREDITSCreated and Produced by Elke ThomsMusic by Chloe Grace Kinnon and Austin LutherArt by Nat JeanArt Photography by Stephanie Girard

Comedian Seth Lawrence is a stay-at-home dad by day, raising four kids and (briefly) a ponytail. When the going got tough and he had toddlers at home, it came down to time for a haircut or time for stand-up. Seth chose stand-up. Seth and Elke discuss the ideal work/life balance and their current lack thereofs, Elke's first Catholic confession, and Seth's wife's breaking point when it came to him growing his hair out.FOLLOW SETH LAWRENCEInstagram: @sethtlawrenceSeth Lawrence is a comedian who you’ve heard on Sirius XM and can see on Dry Bar Comedy. Seth also has his own podcast reviewing self-help books called Self Help Yourself.FOLLOW BANGING IT OUT + ELKE THOMSInstagram: @bangingitoutpod + @elkethomsTikTok: @elkethomsBANGING IT OUT CREDITSCreated and Produced by Elke ThomsMusic by Chloe Grace Kinnon and Austin LutherArt by Nat JeanArt Photography by Stephanie Girard

Actress/Comedian Emma Smith Watts is the stereotype that catapulted this podcast into existence: she got bangs after a breakup. Emma and Elke discuss blondes vs. redheads, childhood fringe cuts, and how they both went through a long-distance breakup the exact same year. One of them copied their mom's bangs, the other's mom copied hers (keep up, please). Somehow, they've both been told they look like Taylor Swift.FOLLOW EMMA SMITH WATTSInstagram and TikTok: @emmawattsgoodEmma Smith Watts is an Actress and Comedian, she performs all over LA, and you've seen her on FBI: Most Wanted as well as commercials for Apple and Dunkin'.FOLLOW BANGING IT OUT + ELKE THOMSInstagram: @bangingitoutpod + @elkethomsTikTok: @elkethomsBANGING IT OUT CREDITSCreated and Produced by Elke ThomsMusic by Chloe Grace Kinnon and Austin LutherArt by Nat JeanArt Photography by Stephanie Girard

Actor Grant Terzakis cut his long shaggy hair at 13, fueled by wanting to fit in with his classmates. Now, at 31, he's growing it out again. After a comment in middle school led to the death of Grant's footballer mop, Grant kept things short and tidy until 31, when he found himself in a role playing a 13-year-old boy. Now he's shed his lifelong anxiety and regrown his original look. Elke and Grant debate whether Medusa hair (live snakes on your head) or Hades hair (hair that bursts into flames) is better for Los Angeles living.FOLLOW GRANT TERZAKISInstagram: @grantterzakisGrant Terzakis is an actor, you've seen him in the film Stupid Games or on stage in his recent play Gruesome Playground Injuries at Playhouse West.FOLLOW BANGING IT OUT + ELKE THOMSInstagram: @bangingitoutpod + @elkethomsTikTok: @elkethomsBANGING IT OUT CREDITSCreated and Produced by Elke ThomsMusic by Chloe Grace Kinnon and Austin LutherArt by Nat JeanArt Photography by Stephanie Girard

Comedian Genesis Sol cut herself bangs in the pandemic, and let's just say it's a good thing she didn't have to see too many people. A lot of folks made questionable DIY hair choices during this uncertain time, but Genesis's was so bad, she got featured on the Tamron Hall Show. In an interview with celebrity hairstylist Brad Mondo, they attempted CPR on Genesis's bangs. Meanwhile, Elke worries she accidentally manifested the pandemic. In the end, it took a village to fix Genesis's hair. Good thing she's already ready to change it again.FOLLOW GENESIS SOLInstagram: @thegenesissol, @wittytittiescomedyTikTok: @thegenesissolWebsites: thegenesissol.com, wittytittiescomedy.comGenesis Sol is a comedian and the founder of Witty Titties, a comedy variety show and weekly open mic that only features female performers.FOLLOW BANGING IT OUT + ELKE THOMSInstagram: @bangingitoutpod + @elkethomsTikTok: @elkethomsBANGING IT OUT CREDITSCreated and Produced by Elke ThomsMusic by Chloe Grace Kinnon and Austin LutherArt by Nat JeanArt Photography by Stephanie Girard

Model Nemesis Ruiz had adventurous hair in her childhood, but today keeps it anything but adventurous. After a run-in with a pair of scissors at age 5 followed by occasional barbaring from her family, Nemesis challenges whether the theme of this pod is relevant to everyone as she enjoys not changing her hair ever. Well, she did part it on the side once. Elke did that too (to look like Conan O'Brien, of course). Today, Nemesis loses her podcast virginity, keeps her hair virginity, and celebrates the anniversary of another virginity.FOLLOW NEMESIS RUIZInstagram and TikTok: @nemesisemrNemesis Ruiz is a model, you’ve seen her on your Instagram explore page and you can find her on Instagram.FOLLOW BANGING IT OUT + ELKE THOMSInstagram: @bangingitoutpod + @elkethomsTikTok: @elkethomsBANGING IT OUT CREDITSCreated and Produced by Elke ThomsMusic by Chloe Grace Kinnon and Austin LutherArt by Nat JeanArt Photography by Stephanie Girard

Musician Leo Forest bleached his hair platinum after a less-than-ideal breakup. Artist, producer, and songwriter Leo realized that if you're going to change the way your mind thinks, maybe you should attempt to change your brain by shooting chemicals into your head. Can your long-distance breakup woes be cured by bleach? Elke finds out. The tables turn as Leo has his own "Would You Rath-HAIR?" question for Elke.FOLLOW LEO FORESTInstagram and TikTok: @leoxforestLeo Forest is an artist, producer, and songwriter. His new single, "When I’m Down" just came out and you can hear it now on all platforms.FOLLOW BANGING IT OUT + ELKE THOMSInstagram: @bangingitoutpod + @elkethomsTikTok: @elkethomsBANGING IT OUT CREDITSCreated and Produced by Elke ThomsMusic by Chloe Grace Kinnon and Austin LutherArt by Nat JeanArt Photography by Stephanie Girard

Welcome to the very first episode of BANGING IT OUT! Your host, comedian Elke Thoms, uncovers how our first guest, comedian Katie K, dyed her hair pink and purple when she was in fact depressed and anxious. This prompted her friends to reach out and ask if she was okay. She was not. Thank goodness for therapists that don't create abandonment issues. Also, introducing our first installment of BANGING IT OUT's favorite game, "WOULD YOU RATH-HAIR?" (It's just "Would You Rather?" with hair-related questions. Try to keep up).FOLLOW KATIE KX, Instagram, and TikTok: @katiekcomedyKatie K is a comedian you can hear on Sirius XM, on her comedy album "I Am The Trash" or on her recent Dry Bar Comedy special called "Surviving Not Thriving" available on YouTube or on the Dry Bar + app.FOLLOW BANGING IT OUT + ELKE THOMSInstagram: @bangingitoutpod + @elkethomsTikTok: @elkethomsBANGING IT OUT CREDITSCreated and Produced by Elke ThomsMusic by Chloe Grace Kinnon and Austin LutherArt by Nat JeanArt Photography by Stephanie Girard