Janessa After Dark

We've been gone for a hot minute, but Miss Jaye is back with the next installment of The Renovation - she's reached the halfway point in her project, but is she wiser...or just older? PART ONE: So What Happened? Miss Jaye talks about what this project was supposed to be at the beginning and how it started to change. Self reflection is never easy - but this trip has been bananas! PART TWO: The Story So Far To understand where you're going, you've got to understand where you've been! Miss Jaye gives a rundown of the 7 books in #TheSquad that she's read do far, with some of her thoughts - the good, the bad, and the extremely ugly! Plus, she loves any excuse to make a SEX & THE CITY reference! PART THREE: You're Doing Great Sweetie! Are you though? Are you really? In this section Miss Jaye talks through some of the feelings that were coming up as she worked through the early episodes of THE RENOVATION and how the project continued to change and morph the deeper in she got! PART FOUR: The Shit Hits The Fan! Personal growth is hard enough without a global pandemic throwing a wrench into the works! In this section, Miss Jaye talks about how the arrival - and very long stay! - of Mean Miss 'Rona intensified her feelings of loneliness and isolation - but also helped her gain perspective in rather surprising ways! PART FIVE: Let's Marie Kondo This Shit! She's got a new focus, and she's ready to go! Miss Jaye sets up what she wants to achieve in the second half of this series and talks about the next book in #TheSquad - we're not exactly sure what it's about, but we know that she's already halfway there! PART SIX: The World Turned Upside Down Once again, we are so fortunate to have this episode's Brene Brown quote read by none other than Ash from The Upside Down Podcast! Find out more about where you can hear the show - they helped get Miss Jaye through lockdown, and they keep coming out with great content while we all wait patiently for season 4! While we're going to be serving up some humor and plenty of snark, mental health is no laughing matter. Nothing in this series is meant to constitute medical advice, and is presented for entertainment purposes only. If you or someone you love is struggling with suicidal thoughts, contact the Suicide Prevention Hotline at 1-800-273-8255 or visit SuicidePreventionHotline.org. We love you.

Miss Jaye is back with yet another episode of Janessa After Dark's spine-tingling horror-themed Series 2 - and the interview for this episode is absolutely iconic! First though, Miss Jaye talks a little bit about the "first girl." Not to be confused with the final girl, a well-known slasher trope that was initially defined by Carol Clover in her book MEN, WOMEN, AND CHAINSAWS, the first girl is the first big on-screen kill by a killer in a slasher franchise, and really helps set the tone for how the killer operates and what the film is going to be about - things that impact the series through subsequent sequels. In addition to discussing the first girls form the "big three" slasher franchises (HALLOWEEN, FRIDAY THE 13TH, and NIGHTMARE ON ELM STREET), Miss Jaye also connects them back to the first iteration of the slasher motif, Hitchcock's PSYCHO, as well as the British film PEEPING TOM that came out the same year. And Miss Jaye's very special guest for this episode is the "first girl" from the HALLOWEEN franchise: Sandy Johnson, who played Judith Myers in John Carpenter's HALLOWEEN! They talk about her role in that film as well as her appearance in Playboy, her new love of conventions, and her other film work! It's a great conversation between two fabulous broads, so don't miss a moment!

Miss Jaye is back with the next step on her journey for healing, wholeness, and hot-mess-reduction: Lysa TerKeurst's UNIVITED: LIVING LOVED WHEN YOU FEEL LESS THAN, LEFT OUT, & LONELY. The first book in #TheSquad presented from a Christian perspective, Miss Jaye needed to unpack a few troubled memories from her past to get through this one! Part One: The First Cut Is The Deepest Miss Jaye opens up about some of her feelings about organized religion, and Chirstianity specifically. Like many queer people, Miss Jaye's experiences with the church have been at time...troubled. But a lot of that trouble can be traced back to one person: Pastor Ken. Part Two: The Ick Factor As she's reading the book, there is something about the language that doesn't sit quite right with her - and it starts to bring up other less wholesome references! Part Three: Being Right Vs. Ending Right Miss Jaye starts to "drink the Koolaid" (I know, I know, not exactly a great reference when it comes to trusting religions, but here we are) and gets drawn in to a section about bitterness, and choosing grace instead. Part Four: The Power of Positive Delusion Well, that ended quickly! In this section, Miss Jaye comes back down to earth as she contemplates the difference between humility and humiliation, and how certain religious teachings always seem to work out better for those with a certain amount of privilege. Part Five: All Good Girls Go To Heaven Further questioning the balance between privilege and oppression the author represents, Miss Jaye wonders why this is so clearly targeted at women...and what that says about the role of women in religious life. Part Six: Never Saw That Coming She thought she had this book figured out - until it through her a real curveball! Maybe this perspective has more in common with Miss Jaye's "woo woo" beliefs than she first thought...but that may not be a good thing. Part Seven: Everything Was Beautiful & Nothing Hurt A beautiful lie is still a lie. Miss Jaye ponders faith and compliance, and tries to explain her view of the world, creation, and religion...through a beach ball? Part Eight: The Porn Star Next Door Never one to turn down a juicy juxtaposition, Miss Jaye asked none other than fellow UND alum, boylesque dancer, and adult film performer Chris Harder to read the opening Brene Brown quote for this episode! He's sweet and sexy, smart and spicy - he's just the porn star next door! While we're going to be serving up some humor and plenty of snark, mental health is no laughing matter. Nothing in this series is meant to constitute medical advice, and is presented for entertainment purposes only. If you or someone you love is struggling with suicidal thoughts, contact the Suicide Prevention Hotline at 1-800-273-8255 or visit SuicidePreventionHotline.org. We love you.

It's been a hot minute, but Miss Jaye is back with yet another attempt at fast-tracked self improvement. This time she's reading ME MY BIGGEST SOLUTION by Dakon Green - a book that made its way into #TheSquad in a very unusual way! Part One: When Self Published Authors Attack Miss Jaye talks a little bit about how she came to find this book and include it in the squad...for better or for worse! Part Two: Mr. Green's Wild Ride From the very beginning, things aren't right: Miss Jaye's first WTF moment happens on page 3 - and things only escalate from there! What has she gotten herself into? Part Three: And So It Begins This section covers chapters 1-3 and goes into some depth of the material covered in those chapters. In fact, there may be more depth in the commentary than the actual book! Part Four: Testing My Patience Miss Jaye's reaction to the book continues to mount with chapters 4-6...but is it possible that her rising anger is just a symptom of her wrong thinking? And when, we wonder, will the bass drop? Part Five: Maybe You Shoulda Kept That Secret Chapters 7-9 start to get into THE SECRET and the Law of Attraction. Miss Jaye can't help but wonder how she happened to manifest herself into this mess! Part Six: Eat, Pray, Love...For F@#$-Wits The last three chapters in the book really put our intrepid heroine through it. Maybe she's missing the point...but then again, maybe YOU should have just shut up and picked your grandma up at the airport like a decent person! Part Seven: I Don't Think I'll Be Getting A Christmas Card As she reaches the conlusions of both the book and her patience, Miss Jaye takes a moment to reflect - is she just being a Regina George, stopping Dakon Green from making "fetch" happen? Isn't wanting to contribute to others' improvement a noble thing, even if the attempt is a little haphazard? Part Eight: Howdy Strangers! The opening quote was once again contributed by Miss Jaye's friends over at the Upside Down Podcast, Ash and Tori! Miss Jaye once again gushes about these amazing women and their show, tells you her favorite episode, and gives you their socials. #FriendsForever! While we're going to be serving up some humor and plenty of snark, mental health is no laughing matter. Nothing in this series is meant to constitute medical advice, and is presented for entertainment purposes only. If you or someone you love is struggling with suicidal thoughts, contact the Suicide Prevention Hotline at 1-800-273-8255 or visit SuicidePreventionHotline.org. We love you.

Miss Jaye is back with another fabulous episode of Janessa After Dark! To get things started, Miss Jaye talks a little bit about the importance of representation in media - seeing yourself can be instrumental for being yourself! Universal stories aren't even universal, they just reflect those in power...and that needs to change! After the commentary, Miss Jaye takes a moment to thank some of our wonderful sponsors for a special "Queer Fear" edition of Miss Jaye's Friday Night Frights, and then jumps into the interview. For this episode, Miss Jaye is taking on the horrors of the page with self-published horror author Crystal Connor! They talk about how Crystal got started, some of her inspirations, as well as some of the real horrors that people of color and queer folks encounter every day! Learn about Crystal's horror stories for children, why short story writing is like cardio, and find out what this amazing author is up to next!

Miss Jaye is back with another creepy, kooky installment of Janessa After Dark! This time she's combining Gore with Glam to bring you some thoughts on body positivity and burlesque! Miss Jaye starts the episode by talking a little bit about her experiences as a fat person, and what it can be like to inhabit different kinds of spaces as a fat person and as a queer person. She tells a story about experiencing fatphobia while in the hospital with a pretty serious infection and how most of the staff were more interested in talking about and trying to "correct" her fat body than they were with treating the thing that put her in the hospital in the first place. It's an exploration of experience and privilege that will hopefully give you something to consider on your own journey toward self love...or help you be a better ally to the fat people in your life! Then Miss Jaye dives into her interview with fat model, cosplayer, and burlesque performer, Katie Kadaver! They talk about Katie's love for the horror community, especially her "golden age" of horror, how she got started in burlesque and developed her signature spooky style of performance, how she learned to think of herself as sexy and how she got involved in Fat Acceptance communities online, and of course, her experiences as one of the infamous Tromettes! They also share some of their favorite celebrity encounters...and some that didn't go according to plan! Check out this latest episode of Janessa After Dark. Like Katie Kadaver? Don't forget to come back when we post Sloppy Seconds #04 when we have more juicy bits from Miss Jaye's interview!

Miss Jaye is back with another episode filled with self-care and her search for enlightenment! This time she's got a book that was gifted to her by a very special someone and takes a walk on the "woo woo" side! Part One: Mama Said There'd Be Days Like This This book is the first of three that were gifted by none other than Miss Jaye's mother, Mama Champagne! We take a few moments to interview Mama and ask her a couple of questions and talk about why this book seemed like a good addition to the #Squad. Part Two: Getting Energized Miss Jaye was excited to see a self help book that engaged with her more spiritual side! Published by Llewellyn, perhaps the largest source for metaphysical books and materials, the book is all about energy work! Miss Jaye talks a little about spirituality and how energy work has been a part of her life for over two decades. Part Three: Here's the Rub As exciting as this project seems, Miss Jaye can't help but feel a little bit unsettled by how the book portrays negativity - and how we might be willing (if unconscious) participants in our own suffering. Part Four: Graceful Begging This section is all about prayer, and what it means to reach out for guidance and support in a way that doesn't tie you down to restrictive traditions or specific practices. Part Four: You Blockhead! Just like Charlie Brown, Miss Jaye has some blocks in her head! And try as she might, she's having trouble conjuring up the sort of unconditional love of self that's required to fully seek healing and wholeness. And it's never a wrong time for some shameless self-promotion, with a little plug for one of her recent blog posts, "Swimming," available on JanessaJaye.com! Part Six: Living on Fear Street Miss Jaye has to come to terms with the fact that she's been living in fear - and not the good kind like creepy movies or young adult novels by R. L. Stine! Miss Jaye contemplates the meaning of fear - and how it may have infiltrated her life in insidious and unexpected ways. Part Seven: The Practical Queer's Guide To Wellness Miss Jaye discusses the main appeal of this book compared to others from this series: more than any other book in the #Squad so far, this book gives her something to DO! Plus there's a little nod to a another kind of connection Miss Jaye feels with the author beyond their energetic practices. Part Eight: The Good Kind Of Fear! Miss Jaye may be trying to conquer her fear in how she lives her life, but when it comes to entertainment, keep the thrills and chills coming! And know does indie horror better than Wretched Productions' own, Heidi Moore! Not only did Moore provide the intro quote for this episode, but she was also the featured interview on Season 2, Episode 1 of Janessa After Dark! The director of indie cult hit DOLLY DEADLY, Moore recently launched the streaming service TruIndie, a source for amazing independent entertainment in a wide variety of genres! While we're going to be serving up some humor and plenty of snark, mental health is no laughing matter. Nothing in this series is meant to constitute medical advice, and is presented for entertainment purposes only. If you or someone you love is struggling with suicidal thoughts, contact the Suicide Prevention Hotline at 1-800-273-8255 or visit SuicidePreventionHotline.org. We love you. Promo image by Miranda Roen, Roen Photography.

Stay tuned for a very special episode of Janessa After Dark... How special? Miss Jaye herself rounded up 10 fabulous people who are now or who have in the past been a part of consensual, ethically non-monogamous relationships to talk about some of the misconceptions and challenges that being in a non-monogamous relationship presents! While certainly not an exhaustive sample, she found 10 people of various genders, racial and ethnic backgrounds, and perspectives to share their their stories: what terms do they use to describe or discuss their relationships, what challenges have they faced, what are the biggest misconceptions about non-monogamy, and what have they learned about relationships in general because of their non-monogamous experiences. The 10 interviewees, in order of appearance, are: 1. Nicole 2. Sibre 3. Lyndzi 4. Barry 5. Marissa 6. Dana 7. Lisa 8. Kevin 9. Katie 10. April Whether you can't tell the difference between polyamory and a poly-cotton blend, or you've been in consensually non-monogamous relationships for decades, we think you'll find something to connect with in these diverse and yet ultimately universal stories about just trying to find love in this crazy world.

Miss Jaye is finally back with another episode of The Renovation - this time featuring the book LITTLE VICTORIES by Jason Gay. Part advice book, part memoir, part "we're not sure exactly what to call it!," this book actually turned out to be the perfect thing at the perfect moment. Part One: The Elephant in the Room Miss Jaye talks about what took so long between episodes 4 and 5 - it's not what you think. Well, maybe not exactly what you think. Miss Jaye gets into what her original plan for the series was and how those plans have changed early on in the 17-episode series. Part Two: Self Care On A Budget Miss Jaye interviews her friend Angela, of Beautiful Eccentric. Angela is the friend who picked out this particular book, and they talk about where she found it and why she decided to pick it up for Miss Jaye's self-transformation project. Part Three: The Bait & Switch Miss Jaye dives into the book...and it's not what it first appears to be! Is this going to be a bait & switch? Is this going to be like the workbook from episode 2? Will Miss Jaye even get to the epilogue?! Part Four: Under This Umbrella...ella...ella In this section, our intrepid heroine ventures further into the book and dissects one of her favorite stories, all about a high-flying interview with pop star Rihanna! The story is surprising and funny, and Miss Jaye ruminates on what it has to say about the nature of "cool." Part Five: Enter The English Major Once an English major, always an English major! Self-improvement aside, Miss Jaye isn't afraid to roll up her sleeves and get petty! She talks about one of Gay's writing quirks that drives her absolutely bonkers, compares it to one of her favorite authors, and relates it all back to one of Gay's salient observations about manners and internet trolling! She even takes a moment to troll herself... Part Six: What I Didn't Know I Needed All kidding aside, Miss Jaye takes a few moments to reflect on how this book, originally meant to be a funny break between more serious episodes, actually ended up touching on some rather touchy areas in her personal history. It wasn't what she planned, but it was exactly what she needed... Part Seven: The King & I Miss Jaye quickly talks about the special guest who kicked off the episode...and did so at a moment's notice! Drag King BJ Armani is a drag performer and show director that Miss Jaye has known for more than a decade, and is always ready when needed...even at the last minute! While we're going to be serving up some humor and plenty of snark, mental health is no laughing matter. Nothing in this series is meant to constitute medical advice, and is presented for entertainment purposes only. If you or someone you love is struggling with suicidal thoughts, contact the Suicide Prevention Hotline at 1-800-273-8255 or visit SuicidePreventionHotline.org. We love you. Promo image by Miranda Roen, Roen Photography.

Miss Jaye is back and ready to dive back into the Renovation, this time focused on her tortured history with the males of the species. Opening up with a story about a Tinder match gone right...and then really, really wrong, Miss Jaye working with Jennifer L. Taitz's book, HOW TO BE SINGLE AND HAPPY. Is such a thing possible? Grab a seat and see how Miss Jaye does with this newest volume. Part One: Who's Afraid of the Crazy Cat Lady? Before she gets into either the book or her tumultuous love life, Miss Jaye spends a little time asking the question, "What so bad about being single anyway?" She explores the stereotype of the "crazy cat lady" and gets ready to dive in and found out if her future is filled with hearts and flowers...or bulk orders of Meow Mix. Part Two: Opening the Ex File Here we get a little bit of perspective from Miss Jaye about her 7-year relationship with her ex-husband, what it taught her, and why she never should have gotten married in the first place. Part Three: The Pilot & The Puppy Miss Jaye breaks down the two primary relationships she's been in since her divorce and explores the boundaries of non-monogamous relationships, and how polyamory might fit into her future...and how it relates to her inability to be both single, and happy. Part Four: So...We're Just F@#$%ed?! Finally getting to the book, Miss Jaye learns what science has to say about being single...and finds out that she's probably doing everything wrong in her search for love. Part Five: The Magic 8 Ball In the second half of the book, finally some hope - practical exercises and things you can do if you're single and not happy about it, or if you're in a bad relationship but are too scared of dating to leave. Is this practical advice enough to keep Miss Jaye from running off to join the nunnery?! Part Six: Song For The Lonely Miss Jaye gives her final thoughts and wrap up of the book, including how it might be useful for everyone regardless of their relationship status. You'll find out why she can barely say "emotional intelligence without spitting" and who really IS afraid of the crazy cat lady. Plus, this episode gets a very special dedication. Part Seven: If God Is A DJ Find out more about the special guest who read the opening quote for this episode. He's Miss Jaye's "heterosexual, non-sexual life partner," and he's pretty great. While we're going to be serving up some humor and plenty of snark, mental health is no laughing matter. Nothing in this series is meant to constitute medical advice, and is presented for entertainment purposes only. If you or someone you love is struggling with suicidal thoughts, contact the Suicide Prevention Hotline at 1-800-273-8255 or visit SuicidePreventionHotline.org. We love you. Promo image by Miranda Roen, Roen Photography.

In the latest installment of THE RENOVATION, Miss Jaye finally gets all the way to the end of a book! But will this sense of completion lead to any sort of lasting change? What will she learn on the roller coaster ride this book took her on? Part One: A Little Help From My Friends Miss Jaye interviews photographer Jenny Brezinski who recommended this book for inclusion in "the squad." They talk about when and how self books are useful (as well as when they aren't), and Jenny shares what she most wishes Miss Jaye gets out of this book. Part Two: The Secret For Dummies Miss Jaye's first reaction to the book is skeptical, as there is more than a little similarity to another famous self help phenom from a decade or so ago. Part Three: I'm Just Not That Into You Despite finding a few nuggets of wisdom, Miss Jaye just hasn't been won over by Sincero's tome. Is there hope for this relationship? Part Four: Starting To Drink The Kool Aid Miss Jaye is finally giving in to what this book has to offer. But will it be enough to harness her inner badass?! Part Five: Little Critter, Big Lesson Halfway through the book, Miss Jaye stops to share an observation that she had on Christmas Day, away from home, as she interacted with a very small creature...that taught her a big lesson. Part Six: It All Comes Crashing Down Just when she though she was on the fast lane to personal transformation, Miss Jaye hits a fork in the road...and has a minor breakdown in the process. Part Seven: Mo' Money, Mo' Problems Miss Jaye powers through the end of the book, and percolates the book's messages as well as what it might mean to apply the information found within to less physical, financial situations. Part Eight: Ready to Kick Ass & Chew Bubblegum...Maybe?! Miss Jaye ends with another short clip from her interview with Jenny Brezinski and talks about the importance of having a mentor or a guide...but the bigger importance of know how to properly fit that mentor or guide into your life. Part Nine: A Picture Is Worth 1000 Words Find out a little bit more about the wonderful woman who contributed to this episode, Jenny Brezinski, and her work as an actress and photographer. Portions of this episode were recorded on location in a hotel in Chandler, Arizona. While Audacity does a great job of cleaning up and enhancing audio, please know that there may be some minor inconsistencies from segment to segment. While we're going to be serving up some humor and plenty of snark, mental health is no laughing matter. Nothing in this series is meant to constitute medical advice, and is presented for entertainment purposes only. If you or someone you love is struggling with suicidal thoughts, contact the Suicide Prevention Hotline at 1-800-273-8255 or visit SuicidePreventionHotline.org. We love you.

Miss Jaye is back, and her road to self discovery is off to a rocky start! For this episode, she's reading Lee Crutchley's HOW TO BE HAPPY (OR AT LEAST LESS SAD)...and things are not going well. Is it just that Miss Jaye is a little too *ahem* mature for the book's intended audience, or is this just not the right fit for her? Find out all of her thoughts on this creative workbook for growth and self-discovery! Part One: Can You Judge A Book By It's Title? Miss Jaye talks about her reaction to this book's title, why she decided to include it in the Squad, and considers whether it might be saying more than she first thought. Part Two: Grab Your Crayons & Get To Work! Miss Jaye presents us with her reactions to the book itself, how it's structured, as well as some of the exercises. Part Three: The Gap, or, Transformation for Millennials Is Miss Jaye too old and bitter for this book to reach her? Are millennials ruining self help (I mean, we already blame them for ruining everything else, right?!)? Miss Jaye explores her reactions to the book, and what it says about her as a candidate for personal rehabilitation. Part Four: Throwing In The Towel Is Miss Jaye abandoning her project already?! There are 15 more episodes yet to come, so we sure hope not! Find out exactly what Miss Jaye is giving up...and what she hopes to gain. Part Five: Strangers & Friends The opening Brene Brown quote this time was provided by Ash from The Upside Down Podcast! Miss Jaye gives Ash and her sister Tori a shout out, and talks about their "almost meeting" at Days of the Dead in Atlanta 2017. Find out more about their show in this section! This episode was recorded "on location" in a hotel in Chandler, Arizona. We definitely pushes Audacity to its limits to clean up and refine the audio, but please know that there are some inconsistencies and some noise issues. The next couple of episodes will also be recorded, in whole or in part, this way, so please bear with us as we work to improve the audio as much as we can. While we're going to be serving up some humor and plenty of snark, mental health is no laughing matter. Nothing in this series is meant to constitute medical advice, and is presented for entertainment purposes only. If you or someone you love is struggling with suicidal thoughts, contact the Suicide Prevention Hotline at 1-800-273-8255 or visit SuicidePreventionHotline.org. We love you.

Miss Jaye hasn't been living her best life. So what's a sassy, snarky, been there done that drag diva supposed to do? Turn to the Self Help aisle, of course! In this new 17 episode limited series, Miss Jaye has gathered a collection of 14 books (her "Squad") to help her fast track some positive change and personal growth! This first episode presents the layout of the project and introduces you to the books that will be a part of the journey. Part One: Please Excuse Our Mess During Construction What is "The Renovation" anyway? Miss Jaye explains the project and a little bit about how it came about. She's ready for a change...as long as she doesn't have to work too hard! Part Two: What's Your Deal? What is Miss Jaye's deal with Self Help books? She talks a little bit about her history with the genre and explores her skepticism, as well as why she's willing to set that aside and give this project a shot. Part Three: But...Why Though? If she's not a fan, why put all of this effort into reading 14 different self-help books? Miss Jaye gives us a little insight into why this project makes sense for her, and begins to explore the vulnerability necessary for the project to work. Part Four: Introducing The Squad! Miss Jaye gives you a full list of all 14 books that are set to be a part of the project. This gives you a chance to look them up and see what's coming down the line...anyone wanna start a book club?! Part Five: #SquadGoals So what's the point? Miss Jaye talks about what she hopes to get out of this experiment...and what she hopes you the listener gets out of this as well! Through storytelling, we all can come closer together and foster connection. Please note: segments of this podcast were recorded on different computers, using different equipment, sometimes weeks or even months apart. Miss Jaye has been percolating this intro episode for a while, and it shows in some minor audio inconsistencies in this episode only. While it shouldn't impact your ability to listen and enjoy the episode, we wanted you to be prepared for some of the audio segments to be quieter than others. Ahh, technology! While we're going to be serving up some humor and plenty of snark, mental health is no laughing matter. Nothing in this series is meant to constitute medical advice, and is presented for entertainment purposes only. If you or someone you love is struggling with suicidal thoughts, contact the Suicide Prevention Hotline at 1-800-273-8255 or visit SuicidePreventionHotline.org. We love you.

Miss Jaye is back with more outtakes, and things are going to get extra sloppy! Here are some great outtakes from the first three episodes of Janessa After Dark's Second Season! Featuring guests Tommy Faircloth of Horse Creek Productions, Heidi Moore of Wretched Productions, and iconic scream queen Felissa Rose, these outtakes expand on some of the conversations from the full length episode and also provide all new insights and topics for discussion that were good...but just didn't fit in the original episode! Miss Jaye also previews her newest project: a limited series podcast called Miss Jaye: The Renovation! Come check out some brand new material from our season 2 guests, either for the first time or because you just can't get enough!

Miss Jaye is back at it with her biggest, boldest episode yet! She starts off by talking a little bit about the relaunch of the World of Champagne as well as the upcoming "sister site," LifeStyle By Janessa, which will include all of the great makeup content you expected in the Makeup Forum and dialing it up to 10! Then she sets up the interview by tackling the problem of transphobia in horror, specifically looking at the 3 horror movies most commonly cited as being transphobic: PSYCHO, SILENCE OF THE LAMBS, and SLEEPAWAY CAMP. Miss Jaye acknowledges that queer theory can sometimes forget about the real human beings that exist beneath the theory, and offers her commentary in the spirit of finding alternative - and potentially liberating - readings of the texts rather than to refute or minimize the voices of trans people who feel hurt by these portrayals. She goes deep into what SLEEPAWAY CAMP is presenting, and after engaging with a piece for Horror Society written by trans author Emma Alice Johnson she offers up a surprising reading of the film that posits a different worldview...and questions who might be the true villain of the piece. After the film analysis, Miss Jaye jumps into her supersized interview with icon and legendary scream queen Felissa Rose! Felissa originated the role of Angela Baker that was later played by Pamela Springsteen in two sequels (that are much more explicitly transphobic in tone) before returning for an unexpected role in RETURN TO SLEEPAWAY CAMP. The two discuss the film in depth: how Felissa got the part, what it was like working with director Robert Hiltzik, and how she feels that Angela came to do the things she did. They also talk about some of Felissa's other iconic roles in indie treasures like VICTOR CROWLEY and Tommy Faircloth's FAMILY POSSESSIONS (and his upcoming feature, A NUN'S CURSE). They also talk about fan culture and Felissa's favorite thing about traveling to conventions. After the interview, Miss Jaye shares the story of how she first met Felissa at Days of the Dead Indianapolis in 2016! This is Miss Jaye biggest - and we think best! - episode to date!

Miss Jaye is back with another gore-geous episode of JANESSA AFTER DARK with a special treat for you horror fans! First off, Miss Jaye discusses the importance of horror films in her own identity development and ponders why so many queer folks seem drawn to the horror genre, both as fans and as creators. Looking briefly at three films - PROM NIGHT 2, NIGHTMARE ON ELM STREET 3: DREAM WARRIORS, and SLEEPAWAY CAMP - she traces some specific influences from these films that helped her better understand her own deliciously dangerous queerness. After the commentary, Miss Jaye interviews indie filmmaker Tommy Faircloth (Horse Creek Productions) about his films including DOLLFACE, FAMILY POSSESSIONS, and the forthcoming NUN'S CURSE, as well as what it's like to work with horror icons Mark Patton and Felissa Rose! They talk about why queer representation is important, who Tommy's favorite drag performers are, and what it's like for him to work with his husband as a production partner. They also talk a little about the business side of making movies - if you've ever wanted to make a movie or run your own fund-raising campaign, Tommy has some words of wisdom for you!

Miss Jaye is back for another season of JANESSA AFTER DARK, and this time around she's got some special treats in store for those indie horror fans out there! She starts the episode by talking a little bit about the three pillars that define Champagne Dreams Productions: Glam, Geek, and Gore! She then gives a short commentary on the importance of representation for women, queer folks, and people of color in the media we create and consume. She discusses a wide range of cultural properties from the ELLEN show of the 90s to STAR WARS to CRAZY RICH ASIANS to indie horror and genre cinema. Following that is Miss Jaye's interview subject for the episode: indie filmmaker Heidi Moore of Wretched Productions! The two talk about a wide array of topics including Moore's film DOLLY DEADLY and the forthcoming sequel KILL DOLLY KILL (being made in partnership with Troma Pictures!), their favorite horror films and guilty pleasures, what movies they can't stop watching if they happen across them on cable, and the joys and challenges of being on independent creator. They also discuss Moore's upcoming projects, including the Medusa Underground Film Festival (coming January 2019 to Las Vegas) and a new docuseries all about the gory joys of fandom! Finally, Miss Jaye closes out the episode talking about the importance of supporting independent content creators (whether that's with your money, your time, or just sharing and liking their stuff on social media) and shares some of her favorite content creators!

In her first ever "Very Special Episode," Miss Jaye sits down with 11 fantastic performers to talk about their gender identities and how performing in drag may have influenced or interacted with their gender identities over the years. The 11 performers interviewed represent a variety of different identities and designations as well as a wide rage of experience levels, some having done drag for a couple of years to some who have been performing for a couple of decades! The 11 performers featured (in order of appearance) are: 1. Kelly Coxsyn (Fargo, ND) 2. Sparkle Leigh (Seattle, WA) 3. Kara Fiyera (Minot, ND) 4. Brandonna Dupri LaReese (Minneapolis, MN) 5. Gimme Pillsen-Licher (Minot, ND) 6. Azalia Iman (Minneapolis, MN) 7. Prada Dior (Grand Forks, ND) 8. Claire Storm (Augusta, GA) 9. Brooke Lane (Grand Forks, ND) 10. Victoria Gotti (Minneapolis, MN) 11. Tequila Mockingbird (Fargo, ND) Miss Jaye also shares some of her own gender journey, learning to let go of the shame she grew up with embrace the full expression of her gender identity in an authentic way.

Did episodes 4-6 of Janessa After Dark leave you thirsty...for more of our fabulous guests? Then check out this fun and frisky collection of outtakes from Miss Jaye's interviews with Atomic Cotton owner and tshirt goddess Erica Kauffman, horror movie creep (but sweetheart in real life!)Jerry Larew, and dynamic speaker and performer Marissa Alexa McCool. Find out why Marissa doesn't like horror films - and what she doesn't like about a lot of portrayals of trans folk in the media! Listen as Jerry and Miss Jaye swap celeb meet and greet stories and discuss being respectful to the fans of the content you create! And finally, in brand new material recorded just for this episode, listen as Miss Jaye and Erica discuss all of their favorite Ps: pets, poppers, porn, and Pacino!

In the latest episode of Janessa After Dark, Miss Jaye starts off by talking about a word that makes people feel all kinds of ways: cisgender. In her commentary, Miss Jaye explores her growing discomfort with that word, how it's actually very useful in certain contexts to equalize different gender identities and expressions, but how it's often used in ways to discredit people and win arguments. It's a wide ranging exploration that mixes queer theory luminaries like Judith Butler with pop culture figures like Caitlyn Jenner. Miss Jaye also discusses her own personal gender identity - both on and off stage. After the commentary, Miss Jaye sits down with podcaster, author, and activist Marissa Alexa McCool. McCool is the host of two weekly podcasts, THE INCITING INCIDENT and THE CIS ARE GETTING OUT OF HAND, and produces four others. She is the author of 5 books (with a sixth forthcoming later this year)including THE PC LIE, PASSING CARS, and A VOICE IN THE DARK. They discuss a wide variety of topics from podcasting to pronouns, the dumpster fire that is the Trump presidency, and why fanboys get so butthurt when a tiny fraction of mainstream media isn't perfectly tailored to them and their perspectives. You can find out more about Marissa McCool at her website RisMcCool.com. This episode includes royalty free tracks from BenSound.com including "Actionable," "Sunny," and "Sexy."

In this newest episode, Miss Jaye starts the episode with a brief life update before jumping into some controversy that emerge after a panel at the HorrorHound convention in Cincinnati, Ohio. Jumping off from that issue, she discusses the line between content creators and the works that they create - how do we separate reality from fantasy, especially in a genre like horror that is known for its dark imagery? Then she sits down with actor and musician Jerry Larew to talk about his role as Alfie in SHE WAS SO PRETTY and the sequel, SHE WAS SO PRETTY: BE GOOD FOR GOODNESS SAKE, his new band Rattail, and some upcoming projects and cameos. They also discuss his thoughts on the HorrorHound panel and other convention shenanigans including some favorite celebrity encounters...and the celeb who lost out on a sale because he didn't try to make out with Miss Jaye. Finally, Miss Jaye ends the episode by sharing two of her favorite celebrity stories and gives a little unsolicited promotion to her favorite horror and pop culture event, Days of the Dead. Janessa After Dark is written and directed by Chris M. Stoner, and is a Champagne Dreams Production.

Miss Jaye is back with another great episode, and this time she's letting her freak flag fly! She starts the episode with some heartfelt commentary about growing up as an outsider in small town North Dakota, how she was bullied and would sometimes strike out at those bullies...until she found a place where she could be herself. She explores the importance of being authentic and genuine in your interactions and finding your own place in the world. This commentary was inspired by her special guest: Erica Kauffman, co-owner of Atomic Cotton and all around badass babe! Erica talks about her love of horror and horror conventions, who some of her favorite celebrity guests are, how she got into making some of the most fun and fabulous wardrobe pieces you'll ever own, and even shares a Hallmark moment with Miss Jaye when talking about her own feelings of being an outcast and how she learned to love and appreciate who she was. They also discuss their shared love of drag...and of Fear Street! After the interview, Miss Jaye ends the episode with some thoughts about the vendors who take part in horror conventions and gives you her thoughts on why you should support them! Enjoy! This episode features royalty free music from BenSound.com including the tracks Actionable, Badass, and Buddy. For these great tracks and more, visit their site!

Didn't get enough of the interviews in episodes 1-3 of Janessa After Dark? Then have we got something special for you: this first edition of Sloppy Seconds includes additional interview audio from #BigBrightStar performer Chris Harder, House of Champagne member Kelly Coxsyn (who was recently named Best Drag Performer by the High Plains Reader!), and indie horror director Brooklyn Ewing! While these outtakes didn't make it into the final episode, you can enjoy them here! Find out who Brooklyn Ewing thinks Miss Jaye should cosplay as and what she really thinks about porn stores! Chris Harder tells us what gay lit classic he's actually never read, and how it relates to his one-man show! And Miss Jaye and Kelly Coxsyn talk about the process of planning and producing a drag show, why it's important to create a whole character for your drag persona, and why neither of them will probably ever be invited to join a lesbian softball team!

In this episode of Janessa After Dark, our intrepid hostess talks about her career and how she worked to make opportunities when she didn't see the type of entertainment in her community that she wanted to see. She encourages anyone looking for a creative outlet to make things happen and find their audience - and don't be afraid to ask for help! After the commentary, Janessa sits down for a conversation with indie filmmaker Brooklyn Ewing of Dirt Candy Productions. Her film SHE WAS SO PRETTY has been making the rounds of the Days of the Dead Film Festival for the past year; it was also shown at the Nightmares Film Festival where Brooklyn received the award for Best Director. She talks about creating the film, indie horror on a budget (or no budget), her love of horror as well as some of her favorite films, and her adventures as a quirky and take-no-shit female director. She also confesses one of her secret pop culture obsessions, and gives us a spoiler-free rundown of the SHE WAS SO PRETTY sequel, a holiday horror subtitled "Be Good For Goodness Sake." After the interview, Miss Jaye reflects on how she developed her love of horror and dedicates the episode to two very special people.

In our second episode of the season, Miss Jaye starts off by sharing some thoughts on drag pageants and RuPaul's Drag Race, and what happens to performers and the communities they are a part of when drag becomes nothing more than a competition. After spilling that T, she sits down for a conversation with her very own drag daughter, Kelly Coxsyn, to talk more about drag competition, about what it's been like building up and working in the drag scene in North Dakota, and her plans for the future. They also talk about the influences that helped shape her persona, dish on dream projects, and share some memories from the now defunct I-Beam Nightclub. (NOTE: Due to me being a complete tech newb and this being the first interview I recorded through Skype, there may be some problems with the audio if you listen with headphones - I don't notice it when I just listen on my computer, but people have reported it to me. Sorry - I promise the audio is better on the other episodes!)

In the first full episode of Janessa After Dark, Miss Jaye talks a little bit about adult bookstores and the role they've played in the communities they serve as well as in her own life. A former porn store employee herself, she has some thoughts about how porn stores relate to the available expressions of gay and bisexual male sexuality. Then she spends some quality time with North Dakota native Chris Harder who has made a name for himself in the New York City nightlife scene as a boylesque performer, porn star, and now writer of the one-man show, Big Bright Star. Harder talks about life in dirty pictures, how he got started, how Barbie inspired him, his favorite adult film actor to get "down to business" with, and what it was like working with Big Bright Star's director, the iconic David Drake. Fans of Janessa favorite Rafael Alencar will also discover his surprising pre-porn career, as well as Harder's favorite drag queens to work with in his cabaret shows, the Nasty Drew & That Harder Boy series. Finally, Miss Jaye concludes with her own inspirational Barbie story, remembering a Christmas from her childhood that didn't go exactly as she had hoped.

Before we get into Season One of Janessa After Dark, Miss Jaye sits down to talk a little bit about the genesis of the podcast, her inspirations, and what people can expect from the first season. Find out more about her website, The World of Champagne, and how deciding to add a new content section to that site has launched her into all new realms of content creation. (Intro music: "Actionable" from BenSound.com - check them out for AHH-mazing Royalty Free Music!)