Gayety

Tag: Mary Beth Barone

  • 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.

  • Mary Beth Barone Relives Viral Milk Moment: ‘I’d Do Anything Drew Asked!’

    Mary Beth Barone Relives Viral Milk Moment: ‘I’d Do Anything Drew Asked!’

    Mary Beth Barone brought her signature charm and candid humor to the red carpet at the premiere of Overcompensating, the new comedy-drama series streaming on Amazon Prime Video. Held on May 14, the event celebrated creator and star Benito Skinner‘s semi-autobiographical journey through college life, identity, and self-discovery.

    The Milk Challenge: A Moment of Triumph

    Barone’s appearance on The Drew Barrymore Show became a viral sensation when she flawlessly chugged a massive glass of milk. Reflecting on the experience, she admitted to feeling nervous but was emboldened by Barrymore’s unwavering confidence in her abilities. “When I tip this glass back, I don’t know what’s going to happen,” Barone recalled, adding with a laugh, “But then with Drew’s confidence in me, I just felt like I could take on the world.” She jokingly added that seeing any glasses of milk on the red carpet would be “triggering” for her.

    @thedrewbarrymoreshow

    “I am dairy-free for attention.” – @Mary Beth Barone 😂 #overcompensating @Benito Skinner @Wally Baram #primevideo

    ♬ original sound – thedrewbarrymoreshow

    Milk, Mayhem, and Too Many Takes

    Stepping into the role of Grace, Benny’s older, endlessly opinionated sister, was no small feat for Mary Beth Barone, who’s actually the youngest of six in real life. To nail the big sister energy, she worked with an acting coach and dove headfirst into sibling psychology. But nothing could prepare her for Episode 4, where chaos, and comedy, took over.

    Barone recalled one scene in particular where her on-screen boyfriend Peter (played by Adam DiMarco) let loose with so much improvisation, she physically couldn’t keep it together. “He was jumping up and down, just so excited, and every take I broke,” she said. “I was like, ‘I think I’ve ruined the scene. I don’t think we have one usable take.’” Luckily, the magic of editing saved the moment—and likely a lot of blooper reel footage too.

     

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    And when the conversation shifted to college, Barone didn’t hold back. She attended Boston College before transferring out and clearly still has a few wild stories tucked away. While she didn’t go into every detail, she hinted that her college years, like her comedy, involved unexpected turns and plenty of laughs.

    The Premiere: A Night to Remember

    The premiere event was a blend of glamour and excitement. After the screening of the first two episodes, attendees enjoyed themed merchandise, delectable snacks, and a surprise DJ set by Haim, turning the evening into an impromptu dance party. Cast members, including Wally Baram, Adam DiMarco, and Rish Shah, joined Barone on the carpet, celebrating the show’s launch.

    (L-R) Rish Shah, Mary Beth Barone, Benito Skinner, Wally Baram and Adam DiMarco attend the "Overcompensating" Screening And After-Party at Hollywood Palladium on May 14, 2025 in Los Angeles, California. Photo: Tommaso Boddi/Getty Images
    (L-R) Rish Shah, Mary Beth Barone, Benito Skinner, Wally Baram and Adam DiMarco attend the “Overcompensating” Screening And After-Party at Hollywood Palladium on May 14, 2025 in Los Angeles, California. Photo: Tommaso Boddi/Getty Images
    Mary Beth Barone attends the 'Overcompensating' Screening And After-Party at Hollywood Palladium on May 14, 2025 in Los Angeles, California. Photo: Tommaso Boddi/Getty Images
    Mary Beth Barone attends the ‘Overcompensating’ Screening And After-Party at Hollywood Palladium on May 14, 2025 in Los Angeles, California. Photo: Tommaso Boddi/Getty Images
    (L-R) Mary Beth Barone, Petra Collins, guests, and Benito Skinner attend the 'Overcompensating' Screening And After-Party at Hollywood Palladium on May 14, 2025 in Los Angeles, California. Photo: Tommaso Boddi/Getty Images
    (L-R) Mary Beth Barone, Petra Collins, guests, and Benito Skinner attend the ‘Overcompensating’ Screening And After-Party at Hollywood Palladium on May 14, 2025 in Los Angeles, California. Photo: Tommaso Boddi/Getty Images
    (L-R) Mary Beth Barone and Kaia Gerber attend the 'Overcompensating' Screening And After-Party at Hollywood Palladium on May 14, 2025 in Los Angeles, California. Photo: Tommaso Boddi/Getty Images
    (L-R) Mary Beth Barone and Kaia Gerber attend the ‘Overcompensating’ Screening And After-Party at Hollywood Palladium on May 14, 2025 in Los Angeles, California. Photo: Tommaso Boddi/Getty Images

    About ‘Overcompensating’

    Overcompensating follows Benny (Benito Skinner), a closeted former football player navigating his freshman year at Yates University. Seeking to fit in, he befriends Carmen (Wally Baram), a high school outsider. The series delves into themes of identity, self-discovery, and the lengths individuals go to in order to belong. The ensemble cast includes Mary Beth Barone as Grace, Adam DiMarco as Peter, and Rish Shah as Miles. The series is executive produced by Charli XCX and produced by A24 and Amazon MGM Studios.

    You can also now stream all episodes of Overcompensating now on Amazon Prime Video.

  • Boman Martinez-Reid on College Life and Finding His People: ‘We Were a Band of Freaks’

    Boman Martinez-Reid on College Life and Finding His People: ‘We Were a Band of Freaks’

    Boman Martinez-Reid brought the charm and candor to Amazon Prime Video’s Overcompensating red carpet premiere on Wednesday, May 14, in Los Angeles—and he didn’t hold back. While the evening was a celebration of creator Benito Skinner’s new comedy-drama series, we caught up with Boman to talk all things college, career, and Made for TV dreams come true.

    A Red Carpet, a Queer Coming-of-Age, and One Haim Surprise

    Held just one night before Overcompensating premiered on Prime Video, the event served as both a stylish kickoff and an emotional moment for the cast and creators. Skinner, who also stars as Benny—a closeted former football player navigating campus life—introduced the crowd to the show’s first two episodes. Cast members including Wally Baram, Mary Beth Barone, Adam DiMarco, and Rish Shah also walked the carpet.

    (L-R) Rish Shah, Ali Goodwin, Mary Beth Barone, Connie Britton, Benito Skinner, Wally Baram, Adam DiMarco, and Matt Dines attend the 'Overcompensating' Screening And After-Party at Hollywood Palladium on May 14, 2025 in Los Angeles, California.
    (L-R) Rish Shah, Ali Goodwin, Mary Beth Barone, Connie Britton, Benito Skinner, Wally Baram, Adam DiMarco, and Matt Dines attend the ‘Overcompensating’ Screening And After-Party at Hollywood Palladium on May 14, 2025 in Los Angeles, California. Photo: Tommaso Boddi/Getty Images

    And when the credits rolled? Guests were treated to photo ops, themed merch, next-level snacks, and a surprise DJ set by none other than Haim, who turned the post-screening reception into an impromptu dance party.

    Amidst the glitz, we grabbed a few moments with Boman, who lit up the carpet in true “that girl” fashion.

    Boman on College: Join the Club (Literally)

    While Overcompensating explores the highs and heartbreaks of campus life, Boman offered his own college survival guide—complete with mistakes and milestones.

    “You have to join a club. You have to meet people,” he said. “I went to college, and I had no friends in my first year because I didn’t do anything. I didn’t join any clubs.”

    It wasn’t until he joined musical theater that everything clicked. “Was everybody in that club a freak? Yes—but in a good way,” he laughed. “We were a band of freaks, and it was so much fun.”

    Boman Martinez-Reid attends the "Overcompensating" Screening And After-Party at Hollywood Palladium on May 14, 2025 in Los Angeles, California.
    Boman Martinez-Reid attends the “Overcompensating” Screening And After-Party at Hollywood Palladium on May 14, 2025 in Los Angeles, California. Photo: Tommaso Boddi/Getty Images

    His biggest out for college life? Overdoing it.

    “Don’t drink too much. Oh, don’t smoke weed. I did that, and that was a problem because you just go a little berserk, and nobody wants that,” he warned with a wink.

    Made for TV: The Dream That Actually Happened

    Of course, Boman’s star turn didn’t start on a red carpet—it started with a dream.

    “When I was 18, I sat around with my family, talking about our dreams,” he shared. “Mine was that I wanted to have my own TV show. And somehow I got there.”

    That dream manifested as Made for TV, a chaotic, clever, mockumentary-style series that’s not only a fan favorite but also Canadian Screen Award-nominated.

    “I think we’re going to win. I actually might know that we’re going to,” he teased. “There’s no way we’re not going to win.”

    While Boman admits he was bummed that some of his scenes were cut, he’s still obsessed with the show’s energy and originality.

    “You have to be that girl, and so I am that girl,” he declared. “So many other shows don’t have that girl on the cast. This is why I might win.”

    And Season 2? It’s coming.

    “When it drops—whenever that is—the world is going to gag.”

    From Campus to the Screen

    Whether reflecting on his “freaky” theater club roots or manifesting red carpet greatness, Boman Martinez-Reid continues to bring heart and humor to every project he touches. From Overcompensating’s college-themed chaos to his own TV show glow-up, one thing is certain: Boman knows how to show up, stand out, and be that girl.

    You can also now stream all episodes of Overcompensating now on Amazon Prime Video.

  • Full Trailer Drops for Benito Skinner’s New College Comedy ‘Overcompensating’ on Prime Video

    Full Trailer Drops for Benito Skinner’s New College Comedy ‘Overcompensating’ on Prime Video

    Get ready to relive the awkward, vodka-soaked chaos of college life—because Benito Skinner, best known online as Benny Drama, is suiting up for a hilarious return to campus in his new comedy series Overcompensating.

    The upcoming series, produced by A24, Strong Baby, and Amazon MGM Studios, premieres May 15 on Prime Video and promises a nostalgic, cringe-filled trip through the highs and lows of freshman year. Skinner stars as Benny, a closeted former high school football star and homecoming king, who’s just trying to figure out who he is—while surviving the social jungle that is college.

    According to a release from Amazon, Overcompensating is “a college-set ensemble comedy about the wild, chaotic journey of Benny… as he becomes fast friends with Carmen (Wally Baram), a high school outsider on a mission to fit in at all costs.” Helping (or maybe hindering) their journey are Benny’s no-nonsense older sister, played by Mary Beth Barone, and her effortlessly cool, campus-legend boyfriend (Adam DiMarco).

    Expect flavored vodka, fake IDs, regrettable hookups, and a cappella groups that no one asked for—all part of what makes Overcompensating equal parts heartwarming and hilariously unhinged.

    The show’s trailer teases a fast-paced, laugh-out-loud romp full of classic college tropes: think frat parties, secret societies, chaotic dorm life, and more than one identity crisis. Anyone who’s ever tried to reinvent themselves—or just survive freshman orientation—will find something to relate to.

    And if the premise wasn’t enticing enough, the series is stacked with a star-studded roster of guest appearances. Comedy duo Bowen Yang and Matt Rogers (Las Culturistas) appear as an outrageously dramatic couple, Charli XCX plays herself (naturally), and Lukas Gage, James Van Der Beek, and even Megan Fox (well, a poster of her) make appearances.

    For Skinner, who rose to fame creating viral characters online, Overcompensating marks a new chapter—one that brings his signature humor to a broader, binge-worthy platform. The series also digs into deeper themes of identity, friendship, and the many ways people try (and fail) to fit in.

    Overcompensating premieres exclusively on Prime Video on May 15. Until then, check out the official trailer and brace yourself for some major secondhand embarrassment—in the best way possible.