Tag: Katya Zamolodchikova

  • Queer Voices in Your Ears: The Must-Listen LGBTQ+ Podcasts for Pride Month

    Queer Voices in Your Ears: The Must-Listen LGBTQ+ Podcasts for Pride Month

    Pride Month is a celebration of queer joy, resilience, creativity, and let’s be honest, really good content. From hilarious hot takes to raw, revealing interviews, queer-led podcasts have become essential listening for anyone craving perspectives that live beyond the binary. Whether you’re looking for political realness, pop culture deep dives, or conversations that feel like your group chat on a good day, we’ve rounded up the queer podcasts you need in your rotation right now.

    HIGHKEY!:  Unfiltered, Unapologetic, and Unmissable

    Hosts: Ben O’Keefe, Ryan Mitchell, Yvie Oddly

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    This brand-new show is the chaotic-good group chat we’ve always wanted to crash. HIGHKEY! brings together political strategist Ben O’Keefe, cultural critic Ryan Mitchell, and Drag Race icon Yvie Oddly for weekly episodes that swing between pop culture critique and soul-baring storytelling. The trio doesn’t shy away from the spicy stuff, expect candid convos, bold opinions, and a weekly dose of joyful rebellion. HIGHKEY! is proof that queer voices aren’t just influencing culture; they’re defining it.

    Pride: Queer Storytelling, Center Stage

    Host: Caitlynn McDaniel

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    Pride feels like a love letter to the moments that made us feel seen. Host Caitlynn McDaniel explores iconic queer characters, behind-the-scenes firsts, and the media milestones that changed the game. From sweet rom-com smooches to TV breakthroughs, this podcast is for anyone who’s screamed “FINALLY!” at their screen. Equal parts celebratory and critical, it’s a weekly reminder that representation isn’t a luxury, it’s essential.

    Las Culturistas: The Gay Gospel According to Matt and Bowen

    Hosts: Matt Rogers & Bowen Yang

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    This long-running comedy-meets-culture pod is a masterclass in millennial wit and Gen Z absurdity. Hosts Matt and Bowen gleefully unpack everything from Taylor Swift’s album lore to Real Housewives breakdowns, plus the occasional “I Don’t Think So, Honey” rant that’ll leave you howling. With celeb guests and a thriving listener community (shout out to the Kayteighs), Las Culturistas is a living, breathing reminder that “culture is for me.”

    Outlaws with TS Madison: Icons, Rebels & Truth-Tellers

    Host: TS Madison

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    TS Madison isn’t here to play nice, she’s here to play real. Her podcast is a platform for queer icons and trailblazers to speak their truth without a filter. With guests like Tina Knowles and Laverne Cox, Outlaws is part masterclass in authenticity, part celebration of Black, trans, and queer excellence. Come for the legendary guests, stay for the unshakable realness.

    The Bald and the Beautiful:  Drag Royalty Gets Deep(ish)

    Hosts: Trixie Mattel & Katya Zamolodchikova

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    Trixie and Katya aren’t just drag legends—they’re also philosopher-clowns in wigs. The Bald and the Beautiful blends their absurdist humor with musings on fame, love, mental health, and their favorite brands of deodorant. It’s chaotic, insightful, and wildly entertaining. Basically, if you like your wisdom with a lash of mascara and a side of madness, this is your vibe.

    The Pop Report: Headlines with a Sparkle

    Hosts: Zack Peter, Andy Lalwani

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    The Pop Report is your mid-week gossip fix with a queer twist. Hosts Zack and Andy tackle trending topics, viral drama, and celebrity tea with charm and cheek. Think “E! News,” but make it slay. New episodes drop every Wednesday and Friday.

    Keep It!: Cultural Commentary with a Queer Edge

    Hosts: Ira Madison III, Louis Virtel

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    Ira and Louis are the snarky, brilliant pop culture analysts you didn’t know you needed. Keep It! is what happens when shade meets substance, and their guests are just as iconic, from Gabrielle Union to Michelle Yeoh. They unpack the week’s biggest headlines with wit, rage, and a flair for dramatics. It’s part think piece, part tea spill, and all queer perspective.

    Vibe Check: News, Feels, and Fabulous Takes

    Hosts: Sam Sanders, Saeed Jones, Zach Stafford

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    Imagine your favorite group chat suddenly got a podcast deal. That’s Vibe Check. With discussions that span politics, pop culture, and queer identity, this trio brings warmth, smarts, and soul to topics that matter. Whether they’re laughing through chaos or holding space for hard truths, every episode feels like a hug from your smartest, sassiest friends.

    Wide Open with Ashlyn Harris: Vulnerability Is the New Superpower

    Host: Ashlyn Harris

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    Former soccer star Ashlyn Harris ditches the playbook and gets real with her guests about life off the field. The show explores the power of being open, about love, mental health, identity, and growth. Whether you’re queer, questioning, or just craving a podcast that goes beyond the highlight reel, Wide Open invites you into the game of self-discovery.

    Very Delta: Commentary That’s As Sharp As Her Contour

    Host: Delta Work

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    Delta Work is beauty, brains, and biting commentary wrapped in a perfectly teased wig. Very Delta covers everything from bad fast food etiquette to drag politics, all with the poise of a diva who’s seen it all. It’s camp, it’s classy, and it’s a must-listen.

    Ride: The Queer Bimbo Brain You’ve Been Craving

    Hosts: Benito Skinner & Mary Beth Barone

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    Equal parts silly and cerebral, Ride is a chaotic journey through the pop culture multiverse. From Schrödinger’s cat to Sephora hauls, it’s everything you talk about at 2 a.m. with your weirdest (and smartest) friends.

    Whether You’re Into Laughs, Tea, or Tears, There’s a Queer Podcast For That

    Pride is about visibility and celebration, but it’s also about amplifying the voices shaping the culture from the inside out. These podcasts don’t just entertain—they connect, challenge, and affirm. So plug in, press play, and let queer brilliance flood your ears.

  • Joel Kim Booster Opens Up About Engagement to John-Michael Sudsina: We Were Very Much ‘Let’s Just be Boyfriends for 40 Years’

    Joel Kim Booster Opens Up About Engagement to John-Michael Sudsina: We Were Very Much ‘Let’s Just be Boyfriends for 40 Years’

    Comedian Joel Kim Booster, fresh off a successful stand-up tour, sat down with drag icon Katya Zamolodchikova for a candid conversation that spanned the complexities of modern relationships, the nuances of friendship, and the ever-evolving landscape of personal boundaries. Their discussion, peppered with humor and sharp observations, offered a glimpse into their perspectives on love, marriage, and the often-murky waters of social etiquette.

    Speaking on Grindr’s Who’s The A**hole podcast, Booster, reflecting on his recent tour, noted the shifting political climate and its impact on his comedy. “I remember after 2016, me and a lot of comics were like, ‘I’m going to get up there and speak truth to power, and boy, am I going to drag him to hell and all these things,’” he said. “And this time around I’m like, I’ve said everything I have to say about this man. And I find that the audience appetite to hear a Cheeto joke has so diminished at this point.”

    The conversation then turned to the rigors of touring life. “It is a grind,” Booster admitted. “I mean, I’m gone five days out of the week probably, and then it’s usually a new city for five days in a row, and then I’m back for a couple of days and I get to reset. But it still feels like a grind because when you’re only back for two days, it’s like, what can you do?”

    “Laundry basically,” Katya quipped.

    The actor, 36, recently got engaged to his partner John-Michael Sudsina while vacationing in Jeju Island, South Korea and opened up about where they stand in life.

    “We were very much ‘let’s just be boyfriends for 40 years,’” he explained. “But then, what do you call your 40-year-old boyfriend? ‘Partner’ felt too business-like, and ‘fiancé’ was just too much French.”

    They brainstormed alternatives: “Future property,” Booster suggested. “Or ‘your sex,’” Katya quipped. The timeline for the wedding, Booster revealed, was flexible, likely a year or two out. “The main reason we decided to get engaged was that I want to throw a party, a production,” he said. “And I’m lucky enough to be in a place where I can make it happen.”

    Joel Kim Booster and  Katya ZamolodchikovaAmerican drag queen
for the Grindr 'Who's The A**hole' podcast
    Joel Kim Booster and Katya Zamolodchikova
    American drag queen
    for the Grindr ‘Who’s The A**hole’ podcast

    The wedding, he revealed, would be a “gay guys” affair, featuring disco house music and a focus on creating an unforgettable experience. “I don’t want it to feel like a sacrifice,” he said. “I want it to be the best f—– weekend of your life.”

    When asked about the timeline for the wedding, Booster revealed, “I think it’s probably going to be one or two years, probably only because of the nature of my work. It’s very hard to plan in advance for something.” He clarified that the decision to get engaged stemmed from a desire to celebrate their relationship with a grand party. “I want to throw a party. And yes, I could throw any kind of party I want, and it doesn’t have to be connected to the wedding, but I do want it to be a production,” he said.

    Booster shared a poignant moment that solidified his decision to propose. “We talked one night and we realized that in the three years that we’ve been together, both of us have changed in a lot of different ways,” he said. “And what I realized and what both of us realized is that I’m so excited to fall in love with the next iteration of him as well, and I’m convinced and I’m confident that I will be. And then the iteration after that.”

    “I think once we realized that it wasn’t about stasis, it was about making a commitment to grow together and putting into work to make sure that we maintain that, I think it was like, well, why not just pull the trigger and make these promises in front of our friends,” Booster added.

    The discussion between Booster and Katya offered a humorous and insightful exploration of modern relationships and the complexities of human interaction. Their candid exchanges and shared perspectives provided a refreshing take on love, commitment, and the ever-evolving social landscape.

  • Gus Kenworthy Opens Up About His Sex Life And Reveals He’s Had More Threesomes Than One-on-One Sex

    Gus Kenworthy Opens Up About His Sex Life And Reveals He’s Had More Threesomes Than One-on-One Sex

    Actor and former Olympic skier Gus Kenworthy spoke openly about his sexual preferences nearly 10 years after publicly coming out as gay.

    Kenworthy, a gold medalist who retired from competitive skiing in 2022, discussed his experiences with threesomes, monogamy, and public sex during an appearance on Grindr’s Who’s The A**hole? podcast, hosted by RuPaul’s Drag Race favorite Katya Zamolodchikova.

    Kenworthy revealed that, despite being in relationships for most of his adult life, he has had “more threesomes than… sex one-on-one with people.”

    “I do like threesomes. I’m a serial monogamist. They haven’t always been monogamous, but I’ve always been in a relationship, literally my entire life. I’m always in a relationship, which is why I’ve had a lot of threesomes,” Kenworthy said.

    He added that “most” of the queer people he knows are in open relationships.

     

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    “I’m not saying that all relationships should be open, but I think one of the things that’s beautiful about queer relationships is that we are, by nature, non-traditional, so we don’t have to conform to heteronormative traditions,” Kenworthy said.

    He added, “The key and the baseline is trust, honesty, and communication, and then you can set your own parameters.”

    The 80 for Brady star confirmed he is currently in a relationship after seemingly debuting his romance on Instagram last week.

    In a post, he shared several photos, including one of him lying shirtless on a beach in Sydney, Australia, kissing a man identified as Andrew Rigby.

    Rigby posted a topless photo with Kenworthy in January, captioned with a heart emoji.

    In addition to plenty of threesomes, the athlete shared that he’s attended a few group sessions or two, enjoys being watched in the shower, and is a fan of sex in public – as long as it’s away from people who wouldn’t want to see it.

    “I went to Madrid Pride this last year and went to an afters that was basically a sex party in a hotel room. It was hot because there were so many people, but it was kind of like, I wouldn’t pick anyone in this room for a one-on-one thing so it’s sort of like forgoing that because it’s this big group thing,” he explained of his recent group experience.

    “It was fine, but I didn’t stay very long and wasn’t really into it,” Kenworthy said of the experience. “I’ve been to a couple of bathhouses. I wasn’t into it the first time I went, but then I had fun.”

     

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    He also revealed that he has attended the Burning Man festival in Nevada, known for its various sex events, including an orgy dome, calling it “one of [his] favorite things [he’s] ever experienced.”

    Kenworthy went on to tell Katya that he is “pretty into” having sex in public, as long as there is no one around who wouldn’t want to see it.

    “I think that’s disrespectful,” he explained. “If there could be kids around, I’m not into that at all. But a dark room at a club? I think it’s hot to have sex somewhere in a dark room. Or doing it in nature, but not necessarily with people around—I think that’s hot.”

  • Lisa Rinna Wants Selena Gomez, Chloë Sevigny and Jenna Ortega to Star as Her in a Biopic

    Lisa Rinna Wants Selena Gomez, Chloë Sevigny and Jenna Ortega to Star as Her in a Biopic

    Lisa Rinna, television personality, actress, and entrepreneur, recently sat down for a playful and revealing conversation with Katya Zamolodchikova, a popular drag queen and RuPaul’s Drag Race alum for Grindr’s Am I The A**hole podcast. The two discussed a wide range of topics, from Rinna’s ideal cast for a biopic about her life, to relationship dynamics, and advice for those navigating the world of online dating.

    Casting Her Biopic: Rinna’s Dream Picks

    The iconic drag queen asked Rinna who she would choose to play her in a biopic, suggesting three different actresses for various stages of her life—young, middle-aged, and older. Lisa Rinna was quick to offer her picks, starting with Selena Gomez for a younger version of herself, a choice Katya enthusiastically endorsed. “Oh, hell yeah,” Katya responded with a smile.

    Rinna then considered Chloë Sevigny for her middle-aged years, admitting that Sevigny’s distinct style would suit the role perfectly. Katya agreed, saying “Sevigny” in approval. For an even younger version, Rinna opted for Jenna Ortega, best known for her portrayal of Wednesday Addams. “Yeah, I think she’d be great,” Rinna said with a nod.

    Katya then offered her own picks for a potential biopic. She suggested Amanda Seyfried as a middle-aged version, noting that while Seyfried is typically seen as a blonde, she would make an interesting choice for the role. Rinna seemed intrigued by the idea, saying, “I like it.” Katya also threw in Chloë Grace Moretz, and for the older version, she chose none other than Angelina Jolie.

    Rinna was impressed by Katya’s choices, replying, “Well, that’s lovely. I wouldn’t even touch that,” before adding an amusing twist to the scenario. Katya suggested that the movie could include a scene where both Rinna and Jolie, playing versions of Rinna, engage in a dramatic fight with chainsaws. “Bejeweled naked. I agree,” Rinna quipped, embracing the fun and chaos of the idea. Katya elaborated, suggesting that both heads would be chopped off at the end in a dramatic flourish. “That’s so cunt. That’s cunt,” Rinna laughed.

    Relationship Realities: Advice for Dating and Marriage

    The two also delved into more serious territory when Katya asked Rinna about her thoughts on relationships and marriage, particularly regarding men on dating apps like Grindr. Rinna began by questioning whether people on Grindr were actually seeking marriage or simply casual encounters. “I don’t know how you look for marriage material,” she admitted, suggesting that the traditional playbook for finding a life partner may not exist.

    Katya agreed, saying it’s tough to gauge whether someone is “the one” right away. Rinna echoed this sentiment, pointing out that many people rush into marriage without truly knowing one another. “I think a lot of people rush into it,” Rinna said, adding that it often takes a lot of time to truly understand your partner.

    “How many dates do you think it takes to tell if someone is the one?” Katya asked. Rinna responded that she thinks it takes at least two years to truly understand someone. “You have to live with somebody,” she continued, explaining that it’s crucial to see a person’s habits and how they adapt to different situations. “When things are nice, they’re nice. But what happens when things are really bad? You want to see how they react.”

    Katya agreed, quipping that living in separate houses on separate streets might be the secret to maintaining a healthy relationship. Rinna laughed, noting the difficulty of keeping a long-term relationship intact. “I think what we’ve done and been together for 32 years has been… it’s remarkable. We didn’t kill each other, first of all,” Rinna reflected, sharing her appreciation for her long-standing marriage.

    Rinna also acknowledged the challenge of keeping the spark alive in a relationship. “We still like each other,” she said, before adding, “We’re still attracted to each other. Sometimes we’re like, ‘What? How?’ It’s a miracle.”

    Katya agreed, noting that lasting relationships are rare, and Rinna’s 32-year marriage is nothing short of extraordinary. “It’s amazing,” Katya remarked.

    Navigating Marriage: Keeping Things Fresh

    Rinna shared her thoughts on the secret to keeping her marriage alive and thriving, joking that good “porn” can sometimes help maintain a healthy dynamic. She emphasized the importance of maintaining attraction and mutual respect in long-term relationships, acknowledging the challenge of making it work despite external pressures.

    As the conversation continued, Rinna revealed that she has observed a troubling trend among couples who post excessively about their relationships on social media. “I see it every day—people posting all these lovey-dovey photos,” she said. She noted that the public display of perfection often signals trouble ahead. “I think it’s a setup for failure,” she added, cautioning against oversharing on social media. Katya agreed, suggesting that keeping some parts of your life private is the best approach.

    Rinna also advised against renewing vows, a practice that some couples do after a significant milestone. “Never renew your vows,” she insisted. “It’s a kiss of death, honey.” Katya quickly added, “Don’t renew your vows or you’ll get divorced,” emphasizing Rinna’s point.

  • Lisa Rinna Says Gay People Truly Saved Her After ‘Real Housewives of Beverly Hills’ Final Season

    Lisa Rinna Says Gay People Truly Saved Her After ‘Real Housewives of Beverly Hills’ Final Season

    In a lively and candid conversation with drag queen Katya Zamolodchikova, television personality Lisa Rinna for Grindr’s Am I The A**hole podcast.

    The two shared humorous insights into everything from personal relationships to the highs and lows of life in the public eye, with Rinna acknowledging the pivotal role the LGBTQ+ community has played in her career.

    Becoming a Gay Icon: Rinna Reflects on Her Journey

    During their exchange, Katya asked Rinna when she became aware of her status as one of the top gay icons. “I’m aware now because I’ve been told,” Rinna responded. “The gays, they helped me through my really rough year, my really rough last year on The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills.

    Rinna explained how, during difficult moments on the reality show, the LGBTQ+ community was instrumental in supporting her. “They were there for me, and they pushed me through,” she said, a sentiment that resonated with many of her fans. The actress, who is known for her candidness on the show, has cultivated a strong fan base among the LGBTQ+ community, something she doesn’t take for granted.

    Katya responded by reflecting on the unique role gay fans often play in reality TV culture. “I don’t watch the show, but I see how people—it’s almost like a… a moral morality courtroom in a way,” she said. Rinna, laughing, agreed, adding that it’s “so bizarre” how the show can evolve into something that feels more like a societal trial than simple entertainment.

    “It’s just a show,” Rinna added. “I look at it like sports. It’s gay sports.” Her comparison of reality TV to sports is particularly apt, as both have loyal followings and are often subject to intense scrutiny from fans. While reality TV can sometimes feel overly dramatic, Rinna seemed to suggest that it’s best enjoyed with the same enthusiasm and detachment that people often reserve for sports.

    Katya, ever the insightful interviewer, took a moment to reference an often-quoted sentiment from icons like Judy Garland or Liza Minnelli, who have long embraced the LGBTQ+ community. “The gays have taste,” she said, referencing the deep appreciation and connection that the LGBTQ+ community has with art, culture, and pop icons. Rinna wholeheartedly agreed, acknowledging that the LGBTQ+ community is known for its discerning taste. “They sure do,” she said. “It’s true.”

    Reality TV: A Glimpse Behind the Curtain

    The discussion then shifted toward the nature of reality television itself, with both Katya and Rinna sharing their perspectives on the genre. Katya, reflecting on her time competing on RuPaul’s Drag Race, recalled how she and her fellow drag queens entered the competition with no formal training or experience in front of cameras.

    “It’s amazing what you guys do,” Rinna said, genuinely impressed. “You’ve never been in front of a camera? Just performing?” Katya explained how the drag queens had no expectations going into the show, which made the experience even more challenging. Despite their lack of experience, Katya and the others quickly adapted and became stars in their own right, demonstrating the power of performance and the importance of the LGBTQ+ community in shaping mainstream culture.

    Katya, known for her quick wit, noted the odd nature of reality competitions, commenting on how, despite having no formal training, the drag queens were expected to perform under the public’s scrutiny. “It’s so… it’s so cunty,” Katya said, using her signature humor to highlight the tension and high stakes involved in reality TV. Rinna agreed, noting the oddity of shows where individuals are thrust into the spotlight with little preparation.

    A Unique Bond with Fans: The Gays’ Unwavering Support

    Rinna reflected further on her connection with her LGBTQ+ fans, expressing gratitude for the support they’ve shown her over the years. “The gays supported me and were there for me, and I will never forget that,” she said with sincerity. This bond has helped Rinna navigate the ups and downs of her career, including the challenges of being on a reality show that often pits contestants and cast members against each other in public forums.

    For many, Rinna’s authenticity and willingness to embrace her own flaws have endeared her to the LGBTQ+ community. The fans who supported her during tough times on The Real Housewives made it clear that they saw something genuine in Rinna, beyond the drama and the television ratings.

    Reality TV: A Love-Hate Relationship with the Public Eye

    As Rinna continued to reflect on her career in reality TV, Katya asked her to expand on her thoughts about social media and its role in shaping relationships today. The two discussed the trend of posting personal milestones, such as romantic photos, online. While both agreed that it can be nice to share happy moments occasionally, Rinna was quick to caution against over-sharing.

    “It’s like, what are you trying to prove?” Rinna asked, echoing her earlier sentiments about keeping parts of one’s life private. This was a theme that ran through much of their conversation, as both Katya and Rinna agreed that social media can sometimes put undue pressure on relationships, turning them into public spectacles rather than private connections. Rinna also echoed her earlier advice about vow renewals, adding that too many public displays of affection can actually harm relationships.

    From her experiences on The Real Housewives to her deep connection with the LGBTQ+ community, Lisa Rinna’s journey has been anything but conventional. Yet, through it all, she remains one of the most beloved figures in reality television, supported by fans who appreciate her openness, humor, and authenticity.