The Thumpa Thumpa | Queer as Folk Podcast

It’s the episode where Rage was born!  This week, we welcome longtime fandom member, Jen (@jagnikjen​) to the podcast.  In 2x15, some characters shine and others flounder - Emmett deals with the aftermath of George’s death and Ted steps in to comfort him, Mel and Linds take on some sitcom style loft renovations, and Brian lets his jealousy get the better of him.

Sometimes Queer as Folk is as hilarious as it is dramatic.  This week, Rachel (@racheloddment) joins us once again for one of The Thumpa Thumpa’s most supersized episodes!  There is hilarity stemming from Ted and Brian’s unforgettable drunken interactions, yet there is sadness as friction forms between Debbie and Michael, and Emmett experiences a tragic loss. It’s an episode you don’t want to miss!

This week, Sy (@syrenhug) joins us to discuss all things 2x13! Brian steps in to help Lindsay and Melanie secure a spot for Gus in a top-notch pre-school, and Justin makes some risky moves to pay for his own school. Meanwhile, Michael meets his dad for the very first time.  It’s an episode that explores absentee fathers, heterophobia, platonic kissing, and one where Brian Kinney provides a legendary answer to the question: “What kind of homosexual are you?”

We begin this week with a very special Pride-themed message from our friend @racheloddment, as she shares her personal pride story, along with the stories of some of our lovely listeners.  Then, you listeners are in for a real treat as we welcome the wonderful Matt to chat about 2x12 - an episode where Debbie Novotny saves Pittsburgh!  There are many cringe-worthy moments abound, but many important ones too, including Michael finally letting go of his romantic feelings for Brian.

The Thumpa Thumpa is back and we’re super excited to bring you the second half of season 2!  To kick things off, we welcome first-time guest Soni (@britinbritin) to discuss one of Queer as Folk’s most hilarious and touching episodes.  Join us to relive memorable moments like Emmett going butt shopping, Ted making a regrettable purchase (OFF A BLANKET!), and Lindsay and Melanie’s friends coming together to turn a series of mishaps into a beautiful wedding ceremony

We’ve officially reached the midpoint of season two!  This week, we welcome Pace (@mailroomorder), a wonderful new voice to the podcast, as we delve into episode 2x10 - where Michael mourns the loss of Captain Astro, Emmett and George connect on a deeper level, cracks begin to show in Brian and Justin’s relationship, and the body of Jason Kemp is discovered in a dumpster, prompting an enraged Debbie to take action.  Throw in a little Justin and Emmett appreciation, and you’ve got an episode that shouldn’t be missed!

Ted gets himself into a fare share of embarrassing situations and this one is a real pickle.  This week, we’re happy to have Hilary (@lindsaypetersons) return to discuss 2x09 - an episode where Ted has a very “hard” time, Debbie has some less than shining moments, Michael tries to win Ben back, and Brian does his best to deal with his abusive and deeply religious mother.

Everyone loves Emmett Honeycutt, including his secret admirer.  This week, we’re fortunate to have Emily (@deep-fried-cheesecake) join us for a look at episode 2x08.  After breaking up with Ben, Michael starts dating again, Justin goes to a party and meets someone his own age; Mel and Linds enjoy traumatizing Michael with tales of their epic sex life, and Emmett meets his mysterious secret admirer - George Schickel, of Schickel’s Pickles - the pickles people prefer.

We want you safe...and we want you around for a long time. It's a common theme in this episode, where we explore the gang's varied reactions to learning Michael is dating HIV+ Ben. We're so lucky to have Spencer (@busydayofcrazy), a grad student studying queer media with a focus on the rhetoric surrounding HIV join us for this episode to offer some thoughtful insight on a tough subject.  And of course, we can't forget Emmett... erm, Fetch Dixon's growing fame or Lindsay's struggle to gain the approval of her parents, culminating in one of the wildest parties Pittsburgh has ever seen. 

Queer as Folk reminds us that, sometimes, beneath a mild mannered appearance beats the heart of a superhero.  This week, Sarah (@celebrate-the-victories) returns to chat with Emy about an episode with series-long impact. After following his dreams, Michael meets the man of his dreams in the form of Ben Bruckner, Brian and Justin set rules for the relationship which stay with them for years to come, and Lindsay learns intimate details about Melanie’s past, Finally, we answer the age old question – why in the world does Brian need Crisco?  

If your dream is to one day know what your dream is, then you’re not alone. This week, Chelsee (@xchelspaige) joins us for an episode about following your dreams - Ted starts a porn company, Michael buys a comic book store, and Justin begins to draw again. Special note: We experienced some audio difficulties while recording, so you may notice a bit of extra background noise as you listen in.  Many apologies!

What have you done today to make you feel proud?  It’s PRIDE and to celebrate, the Thumpa Thumpa gets a little bit French as we welcome Brune (@oliversmoaked), our very first international guest of the season. Join us for a discussion about one of Queer as Folk’s most memorable episodes, featuring Michael in drag, Ted’s tiny rainbow flag, Motorcycle Mamas, and Brian and Justin’s dance to remember.

Queer as Folk -- it’s a show that’s gay as blazes! Also, we talk about Gay as Blazes! We’re back with @cynically-optimistic to discuss Brian receiving some bad press as well as an award, Emmett’s enticing new career, Michael and Brian navigating their friendship, and, of course, the most memorable walk down the street we’ve ever seen on television.

We’re back to chat about the episode that ended with Sigur Ros and tears, many tears.  This week, Chynna (@fight-s0ciety) joins us to discuss all things 2x02 – including Justin’s struggles to get close to Brian, Ted losing his job as Michael and Emmett begin a new one, (naked waiters, anyone?), and Mel and Linds giving us one of the most beautiful proposal scenes in recent memory…and let’s not forget, Debbie’s ability to mother just about anyone.  

The Thumpa Thumpa returns for its second season and we couldn’t be more excited!  We kick things off by welcoming back Kim (@sisygambis) for a delightful and insightful discussion about all things 2x01, where Justin struggles to remember and Brian struggles to forget, Lindsay pops the question, and Michael returns to Pittsburgh.  Having viewed the episode when it originally aired, Kim brings a unique perspective on the relief that came with revisiting the lives the characters we’ve all come to know and love like family.  It’s a very special episode and we hope you’ll listen in!

The Thumpa Thumpa continues with a very special thematic episode.  Rachel (@racheloddment) joins us once again, this time for an in-depth discussion of the Kinney family.   We work our way from Brian’s past to his future as we consider the ways his family has damaged and shaped the man so many Queer as Folk fans have come to love.  You’ll laugh, you’ll cry, you’ll walk away with new head canons, you’ll cry, you’ll want to throw things, and then you’ll cry some more…You don’t want to miss it!

Well, the time has come!  It’s the end.of season one and we can’t quite believe it.  This week, we welcome back Sarah (@orangeisthenewblue) to chat about all things finale (and when we say “chat”, what we really mean is "make excessive whale noises about prom")  It’s an episode where happiness is almost within reach, but ultimately fleeting.  Michael and David are ready to start their lives together it Portland, Ted is ready to support Blake on the difficult road to recovery, and Brian is ready to join Justin for a ridiculously romantic evening...but just when things are looking up, everything comes crashing down.

It’s the second last episode of the season!  This week, Maud (@surteslevres) joins Emy to chat about Brian exploring a new job opportunity in New York City, Vic getting his day in court, Ted helping Blake find a job, and David returning home to Portland.  The episode may be the calm before the storm, but rest assured that this chat is full of excitement!

Can you believe we’re here already? It’s the King of Babylon contest, and the gang is out for a memorable night. Holly (@crossroadscastiel) joins us to chat about seeing a sexy new side of Dr. David, Emmett meeting the love of his life (or, perhaps, of just that night), Vic being arrested, and, of course, Justin making sure Brian learns to never take him for granted…and Brian’s realization that he might care just a little bit more than he lets on. Also, as a special treat, Holly and Emy chat about their experience seeing Randy Harrison star as the Emcee in Cabaret. If you still haven’t seen the show and don’t want to be spoiled, skip ahead to the 14:30 mark! 

This week, guest host Sarah (@celebrate-the-victories of @fuckyeahqaf) returns for an episode about home and family.  In 1x19, Brian deals with the loss of his father and with grief as Michael steps in to help.  Meanwhile, Blake finds a much needed father figure in Ted.  It’s an episode filled with iconic imagery, and one which challenges traditional notions of family. Join us as we do our best to discuss all this and more without devolving into whale noises.