Lesbian Lounge

For episodes 217 with Chris Ab Fab Rhoades, Episode 218 with South Florida Drag Queen Priince Triila and Episode 219 JD's recap of West Palm Beach's Pride On The Block - please use this link to our YouTube Channel and be sure to LIKE and SUBSCRIBE to never miss a video show! 

Denise updates listeners on what's been going on with her, as she suffered a heart attack on May 23rd. Back home after an angioplasty and feeling better every day, she gives some pointers and thanks everyone for reaching out. 

JD talks to Donna Weinberger about the organisation Inspire Recovery of West Palm Beach, Florida about what it does and how it helps LGBTQIA Youth in these trying times. We're also talking to Chris Rhodes of Next Level Talent next week as putting on event soon to benefit Inspire Recovery. To watch this on our YouTube Channel, click this link.

This rewind mix features Lisa Kirkman and Katie Marie, both who chose to end comfortable relationships in pursuit of true self authenticity and happiness. Inspiring, brave journeys by both! Watch on our YouTube Channel, by clicking this link.

JD and Denise welcome Rachel Covello, who wears many hats in the LGBTQIA Community- from women's pop up events around South Florida, to comedy shows, to travel content creating that focuses on the things that are important points often overlooked. Much is discussed about the things Rachel thinks about when creating an event, and the needs of the big diverse community in the South Florida. To watch this conversation on our YouTube Channel, click this link.

Denise and JD catch up with a big ol' chat about relationships past and present, lessons, pitfalls, hindsight and more. It's always a good time when the lesbians get to talkin'! They have some laughs about Denise trying to keep her houseplants alive and JD's panic about not having a building elevator for six weeks.  Watch this on our YouTube Channel by clicking this link. 

JD and Denise welcome Katie Hall, our talented British friend who's new book "To Autumn" is out now on all the platforms you usually get your books (or e-books) from. Katie's first novel from AffinityBooks dot com, centers on young Robyn, who's dealing with big, confusing feelings regarding her Mum, her own sexuality and school. Katie explains the inspiration for the story, the nod to 90's nostalgia, including the popular soap "Neigbours" and good ol' caravan parks.  Great chat about lesbian fiction, publishing, literary agents and more. To watch this on our YouTube Channel, click this link.

With Denise away, JD has complied a great GAY rewind remix with filmmaker Anthony Hand, financial coach David Lester, blogger and author Sean O'Callaghan and Chih and Mike Dorsey of The dumpling Dudes.

JD talks with musician, composer, author and filmmaker Jack Curtis Dubrowsky this week about all the hats he wears in his multi-faceted career. To watch this on our YouTube Channel, click this link.

JD and Denise talk with musician Katie Marie who is back from touring with Paula Cole & Sophia B Hawkins. She tells us about ALL the changes she's been through in the last 10 months- from her divorce to finding love again, she discusses how all of it has effected her life, her music and lets us in on NEW tour info for Canada. To watch this on our YouTube Channel, click this link.

JD and Denise have a fun chat with husbands Mike and Chih, aka: The Dumpling Dudez (on social media). They talk about how the company came about, how Covid actually excelled their business, causing them to streamline and use social media more seriously. That, in turn, made them realise they could give up "corporate" life and pursue the dream of doing what they were passionate about and playing to one another's strengths in the business together. Now, they're making a huge, exclusive announcement about the direction they are heading as they prepare to leave Texas and head to Portland. To watch this on our YouTube Channel, click this link. 

JD and Denise welcome Sean O'Callaghan, aka: The Fat Gay Vegan to the show. He's the author of "Fat Gay Vegan: Live Like You Give a Shit", his blog covers all things vegan, social injustices, awareness, cafes and restaurants that specialise in vegan menus and more. Sean tells us his reasons for changing his lifestyle, what he's learned, and how you can make small changes that help you, the planet and more. To Watch this show on our YouTube Channel, click this link.

Denise and JD talk with Mary Catherine Garrison, one of the stars of "Somebody Somewhere", discussing everything from the heart of the show, the talented cast, the writing and how it's brought people together in such a subtle, relatable way. Plus, we delve into other show's Mary has been in, like "Veep", while we wonder where and what direction the TV and movie industry is headed. To watch on our YouTube Channel, click this link.

Denise and JD talk with Emmalie El Fadi, the writer and director of a new lesbian comedy about a lesbian couple starting a family. We talk about what it takes to get a indie film made, the work, the team, the money. Still in its earliest of stages, Emmalie tells us about how the idea came about and where they are at in the process of getting the movie made. To watch this on our YouTube Channel, click this link.

JD and Denise talk with creator, writer and producer Anthony Hand whose "Maxxie LaWow" Drag Super She-Ro animated feature length is taking the indie and queer film festival circuit by storm. This colourful, music filled family oriented film is Anthony's first, and with his trusty team, he's created something truly amazing and fun about a young barista who finds a magic wig that turns him into the Drag She-Ro we all need right now now. To watch on our YouTube channel, click here.

JD and Denise talk with David Lester, a Money Strategist and author ("I Love Money") from NYC, who shares advice on how to get yourself in a better financial position in 2025. David's positivity is infectious as he encourages people to commit to their values as priorities, believe in yourself, stay focused and keep moving forward in your career- plus much more. To watch this show on our YouTube Channel, click this link.

JD has an insightful chat with Lisa Kirkman of the "My Big Gay Overalls" podcast and blog out of Australia. They discuss starting a podcast, the commitment, the branding, marketing and promotion that goes into it along with tips and helpful info. To watch the chat on our YouTube Channel, click this link.

JD talks with the artistic director for Delray Beach's infamous venue "The Arts Garage" to discuss some of recent shows, how she finds the right things, music, stage, spoken word- for their audiences, how she customises them for the venue and more. To view the conversation on our YouTube Channel, click this link.

JD surprises Denise with a special 200th EPISODE show full of celebrity video messages congratulating them on their milestone, including Scott Lowell & Sharon Gless (Queer As Folk), comedian Amy Tee, musician Katie Marie, and "Somebody Somewhere" stars Murray Hill and Mary C. Garrison! It's a must WATCH, so click this link for the YouTube video of it all!

JD's niece Joanie joins us for a special Holiday Gift Guide- some great gift ideas with sustainability in mind, social awareness and price savvy! We also discuss our family traditions, and favourite holiday films! Fun show ti kick off the holiday season! Watch it on our YouTube Channel by clicking this link.

It's Thanksgiving Week in the U.S. and to celebrate, we've got the funniest, MOST streamed, listened and downloaded show in our podcasting history! It's a classic from 2008. It's foul, irreverent, and it's sheer debauchery. For those of you outside the U.S. that aren't familiar- this was annual tradition that Denise devised- to get wasted on the air and make celebrity prank calls the night before Thanksgiving. Pop this show on while your elbow deep in stuffing turkeys and making pies. Promise, you'll laugh. The Rainbow Remix is back next week. 

JD is at a "Cher" theatre event tonight, so Denise welcomes author, presenter, comedian Frank DeCaro back to the show to discuss his new book, "Disco: Music, Movies and Mania Under the Mirror Ball", which has made it into the New York Post's list of the 'Best Books For Christmas' List already! It's the DEEPEST of dives into disco the way only Frank can do. We talk about the research, the memories, the interviews and more! Buckle in, it's a ride! To watch it on our YouTube Channel, click this link.

JD and Denise welcome South Florida lesbian legends Ronnie Dunayer and Charlie Dilks to the show. An inspiring discussion about life from the 1950's to present time, complete with all the challenges they encountered from being out, what lesbian bars were like, the harassment and the workplace discrimination they overcame. We talk about how far we've come as a community, how important activism is and what inspires their passion for philanthropy also touching on the new show spotlighting Charlie's life at Delray Beach's Art Garage. To watch on our YouTube Channel, click this link.

JD and Denise talk about the effects from being so blindsided by the U.S. election results last week and how they've been feeling since, as well as what they are seeing from our LGBTQIA community on social media. They've gathered resources, phone lines and websites out there to help with mental health, fears and depression. Get a pen handy if you think you may need some help and remember that you are not alone. To watch this talk on our Youtube channel, click this link.

Denise and JD have a long overdue chat with Top Chef Season 2's Chef Josie Malave of Miami and discuss some rough changes she's going through, from a break up and closing her infamous "Bubbles & Pearls" restaurant the day before we talked. Josie, ever optimistic, has big plans for the future as she heads overseas for an exciting, new adventure, unlike anything she's done before! Watch the show on our YouTube Channel by clicking this link.

JD and Denise welcome back Aria Velz (the 'Critical Lesbian' on the socials) who brings us some Halloween film picks for you and your Boo. Some are pretty obscure and others are fan favorites. As always, we barely heard of any of them. Thanks to Aria for keeping us in the loop, as always! To watch on our YouTube Channel, click the link here: https://youtu.be/g90DT7hz1EI

JD and Denise talk with Nashville indie singer and songwriter Sonia Leigh about the hot country music scene, being your authentic self, touring, working with The Zac Brown band and more. To watch the conversation on our YouTube Channel, click this link. 

While Florida recovers from back-to-back Hurricanes, Denise and JD put together a great compilation of part of our chats with Celeste Pechous, from "Work In Progress", Michelle Bonilla who's started on "ER" playing one of the first recurring lesbians on network TV and most recently in "911 Lone Star", and the new show "High Potential" -then of course, Michelle Clunie from the long running, ground-breaking "Queer As Folk". These ladies all have been proud to represent new, different, accurate LGBTQIA parts and we loved chatting with them. To watch it on our YouTube Channel, click this link.

JD and Denise talked with public speaking coach, presenter, writer, comedian and key note speaker Ian Hawkins, from the U.K.  He tells us about his early days writing comedy for the BBC, then doing stand up, and how those skills have helped him become a welcomed figure at business conferences, work shops and company functions as a host, speaker, moderator and the guy that keeps things moving along. He also tells us a funny story about the late Queen Elizabeth. To watch this conversation on our Youtube Channel, click this link.

We've complied some of the best parts of our talks with two fabulous trans guests: comedian Julia Scotti, who transitioned late in life and went to do an Amazon documentary about it. Then we chatted with Kiowa, out musician who tells us about his childhood on the streets and what led him to his transition. To watch this on our YouTube Channel, click this link. 

JD, flies solo this week, talking with the drag actors Adam Kelly and Vince Graber from the "Golden Girls Live" touring stage production that's been going on in South Florida this week after attending the show with her niece. To watch this on our YouTube Channel, click this link.

JD and Denise welcome Libby from the bisexual advocacy group "This Is Biscuit", a group providing resources, events, to promote bisexual awareness. Given the fact that bisexuals seem to get lost, overlooked or even dismissed within our LGBTQ community, this group is expressly aimed at giving them the spotlight, tools, history, resources, education and facts to thrive in our shared community. To watch this chat on our YouTube Channel, click this link. 

JD and Denise talk with Lisa Kirkman in Australia, who has started a new podcast called "Big Gay Overalls" -talking about coming out late in life and adjusting to the new normal that comes with it. We Have some laughs and swap stories about our own paths and what's led us to podcasting about it. To watch the show on our YouTube Channel, click this link. 

Here are some moments from our chats with the awesome authors we've had on The Rainbow Remix- from young Anthony Nerada in Canada putting a gay twist on Avril Levine's Skater Boy narrative, to Dharma Kelleher, out trans woman writing badass women led detective series, to mid-westerner Shannon Ronan, who collected brave, soulful stories from people across the country and their coming out stories. Lastly, we welcome back Clare Lydon, who not only writes successful lesbian fiction series with London backdrops, but also hosts podcasts with other lesbian authors. Watch the show on our YouTube Channel and subscribe by clicking this link.

With JD and Denise on their Summer Break, we've clipped some of our best moments together with Scott Lowell and Sharon Gless ("Queer As Folk") and Laura Leigh and Lisa from TLC's reality show "S' Mothered" for some laughs and gossip! Watch it on our YouTube Channel, also, like, comment and subscribe with this link.

While Denise and JD are their Summer break, we've put together a compilation of Best Of bits with some of our favourite chats with the talented ladies of music. Katie Marie, a Brit living in Texas who plays in Sophie B Hawkin's band, Scottish icon Horse McDonald, Tret Fure a popular singer in lesbian music lover's circles, and the legendary Melissa Ferrick. To watch on our YouTube Channel, click this link.

JD and Denise are on their Summer Holidays so they've mixed a show with some of their best bits from the most talented, funny LGBTQIA comedians around the globe and trust us, its just what you need right about now with all that's going on everywhere. Watch it on our YouTube Channel by clicking this link. Also, like and subscribe so you never miss a show.

JD and Denise are spotlighting some of the best, funniest, brightest, most informative shows over the last few years and talk about the guests and their impact on our LGBTQIA community. They also give you the episode numbers for easy re-watching and listening as well as talking a little about the behind the scenes way they function as a team in getting the Rainbow Remix show up each week. To watch on our YouTube Channel, click this link.

Denise and JD talk with writer, director Nicole de Menses and actor, comic Jackie Monahan about their short film "Fishy", the story of lonely marine biologist who falls for a mermaid. They discuss what it takes to make a short film, how the idea evolved, and a bunch of other things including the script and the cast. It's screening right now, online with The Gilbert Baker Film Fest until August. Watch the chat on our YouTube Channel by clicking this link. 

Denise and JD welcome Kenney Fitzpatrick from Halifax, Canada, a queer radio show and podcast host who curates music from queer artists from around the globe. Kenney's passion for getting these queer artists heard is insatiable, giving them a platform on both the community radio station he works at and his Q Review podcast that's available from a number of places and affiliates. To watch the conversation on our YouTube channel, click this link. 

Denise and JD welcome back filmmaker Christin Baker and her fiancé Stacey who started Lez Go Travel last year, traveling all over the globe to highlight lesbian owned and operated businesses, venues, events and hot spots for women. Talking with owners and locals, they dig into the need for these spaces and how they came about. Following them on Instagram is the only the beginning, now they are airing longer, more in-depth episodes on TelloFilms dot com. To watch this on our YouTube Channel, click this link. 

It's a Best Of moment, with a few of our favourite lady guests: Jill Bennett discussing FairPlay Films, her micro budget production company that could change the Hollywood eco system, and re-shape filmmaking for queer indie industry people. Kelly Perez launched a cool initiative selling koala graphics at Queer Koalas that act like a membership for awesome perks as the money goes to build new queer spaces starting in LA. Last by no means least, we have an in-depth important discussion with Suzi Fox of The Rainbow Stores in the UK to bring our attention to what's at stake in this month's UK election. To watch this on our YouTube Channel, click this link. 

Denise and JD meet up with Suzi Foxx, owner of The Rainbow Stores and very active trans awareness & rights advocate. With the upcoming UK election happening on July 4, she explains what's at stake, reading from the Tories manifesto, she points out that LGBTQ rights, trans healthcare, many programs and services could be taken away among some other important issues like conversion therapy not being addressed. Suzi also explains tactical voting, and shares nine very important questions to have handy when those campaigners and MP's come knocking at your door. To watch the show on our YouTube Channel, click on this link. 

We caught up with Terri "Kiowa" Catlin, a musician with story that will blow you away. Kiowa was given up for adoption, put in abusive foster homes, ran away at 14, lived on the mean streets of Flint, Michigan before finding his way to South Florida, and through it all, the love of music saved him. Self taught on an array of instruments, some lessons at Flint School of Music, Kiowa never stopped playing or believing in himself. He's done a TEDTalk, been featured on national TV, played violin for Itzhtak Perlman at the age of 11, and transitioned in a place where it was extremely unwelcomed. His music is available on Soundcloud (click this link for it) Watch this show on our YouTube Channel by clicking this link.  

We talk about what we're all watching including TV and movies during Pride Month 2024 and why. Aria tells us about some interesting choices and we ask if she actually watches things that her vast fan base recommend. To watch on our YouTube Channel, click this link. 

Denise and JD have Birthday Boy Nic Austin on the show today who explains and introduces some of the featured queer art and artists, creators for ThePrideStore dot com. This is definitely a show to view on our YouTube Channel (click the link), because Nic shares pictures of the prints, clothing and more with us while sharing the stories behind them. 

JD and Denise speak with Kelly Perez, who's created a crowd funding project featuring Queer Koalas, little personalised NFT's that you buy from the Queer Koalas website and act as a key to unlock benefits and more- and the money raised goes directly into making lesbian/queer safe spaces around L.A. To watch this conversation and learn more, click this link for our YouTube Channel. 

While Denise was in South Florida, she and JD caught up with actor, producer, writer Jill Bennett who was just days away from heading to Cannes Film Fest as her and her wife Lauren Neal found out that their film "Under The Influencer" was one of only five films invited to screen at the Queer Mardi Gras fest at Cannes. Jill explains why her production company FairPlay Films is an absolute game changer for micro budget, high quality queer filmmaking. To watch this on our YouTube Channel, click this link.

While JD struggles with technology, Denise talks with KenzyLee, the owner of Take Pride Barber shop from Portland, Oregon that welcomes everyone, celebrates your queerness, specialises in trans men's hair cuts, styles, beards, shaves and facials. We talk about the importance it holds for the community and why. To watch this on our YouTube Channel, click this link.

With JD off at the "Heart" concert, Denise welcomes Christin Baker and her wife Stacey to the show to talk about their newest project called "The Lez Go Travel Show" while they are visiting South Florida. They'll be traveling all over the world and show casing the lesbian communities in places like New Orleans, Barcelona, Florida -to name a few. They'll offer travel trips, they'll talk to the women who've created safe spaces for us, hearing their stories. The teasers will start on Instagram and the longer segments will debut on Tello Film dot com in June. To watch this on our YouTube Channel, click this link. 

JD and Denise have Nic Austin with them as they talk about Nic's work, Queer Art, Queer Film and they gossip about the Queer Eye scandals of late. To watch this show on our YouTube Channel, click this link.