ThotLight

Freddie's last ep! His and Jim's final opening convo covers Valentines Day, the Usher halftime show, Super Bowl commercials and Beyonce's country moment.Then it's time to chat with New York's iconic musical theater queen and Drag Race & Dragnificent alum Alexis Michelle, fresh off a gig with the American Pops Orchestra! Ms. Michelle discusses the latest Broadway news & gossip, her New York drag origins (So You Think You Can Drag! Boots & Saddle!),  the changing realms of drag and nightlife, the possible redux of her hit track "C.L.A.T." and her upcoming cabaret at Joe's Pub!In the news: a recent TikTok squabble re: a night at the Cubbyhole raises questions on who is welcome in a queer space; Kandy Muse shows her bruises from a recent assault; the lawsuit against Shangela is dropped; Jasmine Rice joins an off-Broadway musical while dealing with an upsetting medical condition; Jinkx Monsoon returns to Chicago; RIP Continental Baths founder Steve Ostrow.Thotlight is taking a little break after this... follow Thotyssey on Instagram & Facebook for updated info on it's return! Also, email us!

Our hosts reunite to discuss the major topics of this past week's news cycle: Drake's flaccid serpent and Taylor's assault of Celine.Then it's time to play with one NYC's most treasured comedy queens, Tammy Spanx! She discusses her rise in the local drag scene, her long residencies in Fire Island and Hawaii, the tons of gigs she's gotten since her return to the City and what her future holds, and of course her own take on the Celine / Taylor incident!Listen to the end for a Very Special Announcement re: the fate of the Thotlight podcast!In the news: Seattle gay bar raids raise concerns; outdoor dining sheds in NYC get chopped; Dromedary in Brooklyn reopens as a staff owned, 18+ queer space; details of a tragic death on a recent Atlantis cruise; a pool poop in Puerto Vallarta wins Twitter; RIP trans activist, actress, author and legendary nightlife alum Cecilia Gentili. Like, subscribe, email

Former guest and current Best Scene Queen Zeraiya returns to Thotlight, this time as a guest co-host, to tell us about her GLAM win (she's still carrying the trophy!) and all the "afties" she had to attend to win it, then keeps us abreast of all she's been up to since her last visit! Then it's time to welcome first time guest, Best Dance Performer Dev Doee, who has much to share about her drag journey that began in quarantine, the state of nightlife, mastering her physicality, Drag Race goals (and concerns), an exciting new stage show she's premiering, and... golf camp!In the news: there's a bill that might eliminate the long-standing tip credit system from hospitality; the Blue Store in Chelsea is moving; current RuGirl Amanda Tori Meating comes out as trans; RIP Broadway legend Chita Rivera.Like, subscribe, email!

Jim, Freddie and Red Eye boss Daniel Nardicio spill all the tea regarding every GLAM winner, including all the fights and fashions! Then they're joined by the absolutely delightful Angel, who just won his second GLAM in a row for Best Gogo Boy and shares his history with classical dance and raunchy bar moves, some tales from the gogo box and his head-turning, fully ass out GLAM look that he made himself!Like, subscribe, email.

Whoops, sh*t happens and Jim & Freddie had to Zoom a min-ep instead of a full studio one! That's fine though, cuz they need time to get their GLAM lewks together...And there's still news: a newer BK lesbian bar closes; MAL Weekend in DC promoted DoxyPEP; Drag Race wins another Emmy, and Princess Poppy is suddenly the cast member that the whole world is meme-ing about; Marcia Marcia Marcia is Broadway bound; the Jan Sport / JanSport collab we've all been waiting for; the New Fire Island initiative is happening sometime somewhere in Europe; congrats to new drag competition winners in NYC!Like, Subscribe, Email!

A favorite early ep guest, DJ Boyyyish, is back to fill in the co-ho seat today with Thotyssey's Jim! Then it's time to chat with this week's guests, the divinely dynamic duo Vena Cava & Victoria Holiday who are tearing up Brooklyn with events like The Rosemont's Glam-winning party ByLatinQueers! Lots of fun stuff to dish on including Boyyyish's funny memories of the girls' early brunch, performing at Horrorchata's wedding, Bushwigs Past, Puerto Rican power in Brooklyn nightlife, and the changing scene of NYC drag!In the news: The Hangar Bar has shuttered;  Jackie Cox has a new off-Broadway role; Susanne Bartsch's book is coming our way; the New Year's Eve gay kissing couple on CNN's ball drop show come forward.Like, subscribe, email!

Jim & Freddie reunite to catch up on their New Years, Saltburn, The Color Purple & more!Then it's Nick Laughlin in the Thot Seat, a recent GLAM nominee, and the co-creator (with Alaska Thunderfuck) of Divatronic, an uber-popular Brooklyn drag diva worshipfest! Nick tells us about his musical theater origins, learning to write and direct and produce, become a 3 Dollar Bill nightlife fashionista and how he navigates Divatronic's success there, working with all the RuGirls, heading a new brand of bear party and an astrology musical in the works!In the news: Times Square NYE antics include a dangerous car crash that injured a Color Purple cast member, a gay kiss caught on camera that sent the world into a sadly predictable rage, and "Pass Around Party Bottom" Anderson Cooper losing his shit at John Mayer and some cats;  a controversial NYPD initiative re: nightclub raids has finally come to an end; life-saving anti-overdose meds are allegedly being confiscated by bar security in some places;  the mysterious stink bomber continues their HK reign  of terror;  some topical discussion on Nicki Minaj, Christina Aguilera, Mar-a-Lago and the "twice ghosted" Twitterer; RIP Drag Race Thailand's Bandit.Like, subscribe, email!

It's a holiday revue /  69th episode situation at Thotlight with Jim and guest host Svetlana Stoli, who is suddenly working everywhere!After some proper shit talk, delightful and dramatic drag diva Jasmine Rice LaBeija joins the chat with tales of opera and nightlife, cosmetic surgery gone awry, putting aside social media drama, standing out in the crowd with talent and grace, Drag Race, the state of local nightlife, politics, design, beauty, the GLAMs & so much more!In the news: A fire issue closed 9th Ave Saloon temporarily; is the Russian military really closing queer bars?; the HK community board has thoughts on pending casino plans; Madonna was “late” for BK concerts & called out Andy Cohen onstage; a US Senate gay porn scandal; Taylor Swift at The Box?; a $500 Tinder package.Like, subscribe, email!

Jim & Shane Cherry have thots for the holiday season and predictions for the New Queer!

Legends of Nat 1 pod host Shane Cherry is back to fill Freddie's co-host seat for this week's ep of the now award-winning Thotlight! And what an ep it is, as the team behind the GLAM-nominated drag competition "Polish the Queen" are the in-studio guests: producer Phil Chanel and hostesses Octavia Anyae & Jolina Jasmine! The three Jersey gworls talk about how the drag and nightlife of their native land compares to the NYC hustle (is it "just okay" per Luxx Noir London?); the Jersey pageant tradition and the interesting trend of Drag Race snatching up Miss Paradise winners that continues this year with Sapphira Cristal;  and the evolution of "Polish" (yes, they know how some people want to pronounce it that other way) from Stonewall to Playhouse to its newest incarnation at Red Eye.In the news: the site of the former club Limelight gets a new life; a brand new RuGirl has already faced a cancelation campaign for a prior interaction with an audience member; Lady Bunny's Christmas show run was abruptly cancelled; the endurance of Renaissance; what's the queerest U.S. state?Like, Subscribe, Email!

Live from Red Eye's Cockpit, Freddie & Jim go right into the Drag Race Season 16 cast reveal... what are their thoughts on this very young, New York-heavy roster?Then, the very talented actor (and soon-to-be neuroscientist!) Wade McCollum is in the studio to tell us about the one man off-Broadway hit that Jim & Freddie just saw him in: Make Me Gorgeous! Wade plays a fascinating real life queer person who hustled through the WWII era in a way that feels very contemporary.  He also has an interesting life story of his own that he revisits while discussing the realities of being a theater actor in NYC (and beyond)  today.In the news: World AIDS Day is observed in New York, and current infection statistics are reviewed; stink bombs and trans slurs disrupt VERS; new local venues from The White Lotus actor Michael Imperioli & DJ Eli Escobar; George Santos is a Cameo Queen; Jackie Cox is back on Days of Our Lives; RIP Cock Destroyer Sophie Anderson; a new Pantheon queen is crowned; GLAM nominees for Best Gogo Dancer & Best Club Party are dissected.Like, Subscribe, Email, Patreon!

Freddie & Jim catch up after their short break; will Freddie spend his retirement as a Raleigh bottom? Also, some notes on the sad closing closing of Frankie's Pub.Then it's time to meet the special guest: Brooklyn drag diva Devo Monique! She's seen a lot and done a lot, and has much to say about how she got into the scene and how it's changed since she arrived. Devo's facing some major life challenges now, and she tells us how art will be her voice through it all.In the news: New York finally  has a new "Nightlife Mayor," and he's quite different from his predecessor; Gen Z still aren't doing nightlife and they're nostalgic for scenes they didn't live through; a new doc explores NYC's old trans-led red light district; London's G-A-Y Late to close; RuGirl Stacy Layne Matthews quits drag; the new Miss NY Latina World and Mx. Rockbar are crowned.Then, it's time to start discussing the GLAM categories! Freddie and Jim break down Best Bar Party and Best Podcast, and... Freddie's got some things to say about how Thotlight was recognized here.Like, Subscribe, email thotyssey@gmail.com! 

A cute little minisode with Jim, Freddie and special-sometimes-guest co-host Shane Cherry (of the Legends of Nat podcast), where Thanksgiving plans are shared and future nightlife headlines are predicted. Full episodes return next week!

While welcoming Freddie Cosmo back to the co-host chair, Jim talks about the end of one of his weekly events while hinting at maybe the death of all nightlife (and birth of Freddie's "content!")Then it's time to talk to the stars of "Showtunes Sundays" on the Pines and "Showtunes in the City" at Playhouse... queen Bubbles D'Boob & DJ Mike Borowski! The pair discuss their origin stories (fun fact, Thotyssey caused a fall-out between Bubbles and her original DJ), how they work so well together, some tea re: Broadway & recent Pines drama, the state of drag & Drag Race, strange Connecticut connections, Real Housewives shenanigans, revisiting the Chicken Fingers Kid; the magic of Busted & Bootsie, and the new HK oasis that is Balcon!In the news: Frankie's Pub is closing (in HK); businesses in the Pines are up for sale, while beach erosion there has suddenly become a huge problem; a new list of top and bottom queer-friendly US cities (NY has a surprising placement); more GLAM Awards info.Like, subscribe , email!

An alum of Broadway's Hairspray and the hostess of HK's most star-studded open mics, Friend of the Pod Michelle Dowdy fills in as Jim's co-ho this week!  And WHAT a week... Jeanna de Waal is here, who's got a number of major musical credits herself: Wicked, Waitress, American Idiot, Sweeney Todd, KinkyBoots, and most famously the titular lead of Diana: The Musical! Jeanna is an absolute, humble delight as she talks to us about all the ups and downs and real stuff that goes on behind the scenes of a bona fide Broadway career. the fabulosity of her Diana wigs and wardrobe and the legacy of its infamous Netflix screening, and the hype behind her upcoming Red Eye cabaret with Maria Bilbao!In the news: November honors trans people in NYC: the Bear World Magazine Awards winners; the return of the Get Out Magazine Awards; an elder diner's  "unimpressed" reaction to a local drag brunch goes viral; the new Miss Big Adams Apple Comedy Queen is crowned.Like, Subscribe, Email!

Svetlana Stoli returns to the podcast, this time to fill in for Freddie as co-ho! If you remember our Svetlana ep or know her in any way (she's got a new show at a new venue, Balcon, btw),  then you know she will be pouring all the Russian Tea in this Room! Then Drag Race star Jackie Cox comes to share her Halloween hangover with us. She shares her thoughts on the goings on and the fallout of the riveting pandemic television that was Season 12, as well as her surreal chapter as a soap star and the strange and challenging place she finds herself in as a Westerner with Iranian heritage with a platform in 2023. In the news: Club Q in Colorado Springs,  site of a hate crime shooting, to reopen under a familiar name; Halloween looks / numbers from a Bartshland It-girl and a local Drag Race alum come under scrutiny; a beloved Coney Island venue shutters.Email us, like us, subscribe to us!

Freddie & Jim reflect on the weirdness of their lives and the seasonal Sanderson Sisters fever of it all, as well as their first impressions of new venue Balcon and who they saw on the soft opening.Then it's time to meet our lady of the hour-and-a-half, Balcon door queen and rising star of NYC drag, SKYE WALKER! She talks about her funny stage persona, and native New Yorker origins, being pro weed-and-video games and somewhat anti-Broadway, watching the success of her sis Lemon, nearly being the First Drag Queen of Twitch, the notorious queen who said the MEANEST thing when she won Miss Barracuda, the power of having a good time and all her exciting gigs old and new!In the news: a "Roofiegate" detainee changes his plea; Balcon opens to the public; an important march / rally passed through NYC; updates on Drag Race stars Anetra, Kamron Michaels and Farida Kant (Drag Race Italia); an official new "Partying Handbook" for you.Like, Subscribe, Email!

Jim and Freddie remind us that our "hot takes" about current events are all wrong! Jim recounts behaving foolishly at Michelle Dowdy's special open mic, and running into fun people at 9th Ave Saloon. Then, Thotlight's Guest Du Jour is nightlife producer / queen / hot person RIFY ROYALTY! The talk covers Rify's long journey from the gogo box to producing a GLAM winning party, his Jersey & Escuelita roots, Pam Anderson's makeup (and lack thereof),  taking part in the evolution of Brooklyn nightlife, why is hit party Straight Acting became Earrings Plaza, his horror movie death scene and slaying some Halloween shows this season.In the news: DeSantis continues to fail at drag banning; a local nightlifer makes the Out100;  Madonna & Bob the Drag Queen deserve all the love; Kim Petras shouts out Brooklyn queer nightlife; Interview Magazine covers The Cock; a new Miss Hell's Kitchen is crowned.Like, subscribe, email!

 Freddie discusses his Red Eye DJ Weekend debut, and Jim reviews Witch Perfect starring Tina Burner, Alexis Michelle & Scarlet Envy as well as Busted's Red Eye debut.Then it's time to chat with two actual drag legends: Panzi, who co-led the very first Pines Invasion on Fire Island (and she's got all the deets on that) and every Invasion since; and Brini Maxwell, who hosted the popular cable access-turned basic cable campfest The Brini Maxwell Show that originally co-starred Panzi. They talk all about their fascinating careers, the state of drag today and an upcoming show they're co-starring in!Next up: Liam Yung, Thotyssey's co-producer for their new event THOT MESS at Boxers HK (Thurs. Oct 26) comes in to chat about the event with Jim.In the news: The ACLU sues a TN city for their recent anti-LGBTQ policies; groundsbreaking out tennis champ Martina Navratilova goes TERF on the socials; new TV gigs for Symone, Gigi Goode & Priyanka; the new Mr. Eagle and Miss Universo Latina USA are sashed; some brunch spots are pushing a "vomit fine."Like, subscribe, email!

Freddie performed at the iconic OTA ballroom party in Brooklyn last weekend... how did it go?Then it's time to meet the unique recording artist / actor / model / sexy scenester Boy Radio, who's famously tall, chiseled, masterful physique can be seen on... multiple bar bathroom walls? The discussion covers Radio appearing on every episode of Hulu's Drag me to Dinner where he spills tea on all the loveable chaos (including smooching NPH) behind the scenes, as well as his unique time on the AHS set; his SoCal and music writing roots; doing Crunchy Drag; and several important gigs and milestones this month including his final Rocky Horror shadowcast and his new single "HIMBO!"In the news: another nightlife performer is attacked; another crazy rando caused a ruckus in a Jersey City gay bar; the woman who murdered a beloved local vocal coach was finally sentenced with more time then originally thought; locked boys celebrate Locktober; Boomer Banks stars in an OnlyFans scripted show and a new season of his porn reality show; a local queen is announced as being part of the new Dragula cast. Plus, exciting news from Thotyssey Events!Like us, subscribe to us, email us!

Freddie & Jim discuss the wall-to-wall legends at the Red Eye premiere party, Jim's Mx. Rockbar judging experience and Freddie's ailments.Then it's time to chat with drag pageant winner, podcast hostess and comedy queen Adriana Trenta! Topics range from: a recent "de-wigging" incident; the glory days of trash reality TV; the challenges of balancing family obligations with nightlife, and a pageant win that nearly destroyed that balance; Adriana's gogo boy years; her namesake's strange dating choices; Britney's knife dance; becoming a drag DJ; and more!In the news: a bomb threat disrupts a Brooklyn Drag Story Hour; a drag queen and a DJ are assaulted in separate incidents on the same night in NYC; a local drag Azealia Banks tribute sparks a conversation about her relationship to the queer community; the enduring popularity of the vodka soda, aka "gay water";  Peppermint is cast in a new season of a reality competition; a new Miss Coney Island is crowned.Email us @ Thotyssey@gmail.com. Like, subscribe! Patrion TBA!

Freddie & Jim are excited for the looooong awaited opening week of Red Eye (the bar where they've been recording Thotlight for over a year), and they share the excitement with their guests today: a pair of the venue's co-owners, Sam Benedict & Taylor Shubert! They boys first chat about the joys, challenges and controversies behind their first summer running sister venue The Ice Palace on Fire Island before delving into some behind the scenes tea re: all the  creativity, sweat equity and near endless bureaucratic red tape navigation they put into Red Eye. They also tell us what the programming is gonna be like... and perhaps more importantly, the food!In the news: more Brooklyn Mirage drama as the truth about another on-premises death emerges along with their connection to the Electric Zoo disaster;  Yelp reviews slam the hateful congresswoman Lauren Boebert's Beetlejuice sidepiece's gay-friendly bar;  PAPER & Dragula return;  the NewFest queer film festival will highlight an important local queen; an artist displays 68 pairs of his hookups' underwear, which is also for sale.Please like, subscribe & email! 

Jim judged the Get Schooled finale at VERS and unfairly takes credit for the success of a Phoenix Bar party, Freddie had Riis Beach adventures. Also, Red Eye opens for real on Sept 23!!!Then, it's time to speak to someone who is changing the face of NYC nightlife with giant production shows that celebrate heart and give back to the community: the newly crowned Miss Bushwig, JULIE J! Julie spills on: her Bushwig moments and the challenging of hosting three massive benefit showcases in a year; the (un-)changing drag booking fees in NYC; her roots in theater, writing and Texas; working with NY icons like Kevin Aviance; backstage tea at the Lady Liberty pageant and a Christina Aguilera Pride show; the importance of the meet & greet; and leaving a certain Julie Era behind while embracing the stage!In the news: Kandy Muse left the VMAs to poop; Jake Resnicow's team broke a runway record during NYFW; the new Miss'd America & Miss Yellow Rose Comedy Queen are crowned; the Pieces, Hardware & Playhouse guys announce a fourth venue underway this fall; Honey Davenport attended a recent musical reading; an  Oklahoma school principal gets flack for moonlighting as a drag queen.Please like, subscribe & 5 star us! Check out mother site thotyssey.com, email us at thotyssey@gmail.com. Come see us tape live on Wednesdays in October!

Freddie's back again, and he & Jim have more Red Eye updates as well as plans for a podcast feud.Then, it's time to welcome their amazing Broadway comedy queen guest, Kiki Ball-Chains... whoops, Kiki Ball-Change! She discusses her Florida roots, her iconic on screen moments on Wendy Williams, Real Housewives & Drag Me to Dinner; her Florida roots; anecdotes re: Lea Michele,  Coco Peru, Thorgy Thor, Alyssa Edwards, Lagoona Bloo  & others; a recent PTown excursion; the evolving world of drag; the return of her hit cabaret Funny Gworl (9.21 @ Green Room 42) and more!In the news: utter disasters at the Burning Man & Electric Zoo festivals; Miss Continental & Miss Fire Island are crowned, with respective controversies; Ted Arenas' wine bar opens; a surprising shakeup in the new cast of We're Here; a Stonewall Park flag vandalizer is arrested; RIP adult content creator and bear event host Bryan Knight.Email: thotyssey@gmail.com.  Like, subscribe & rate please, thank you!!!!

Jim is back, this time with new guest co-host Ell McCullars! Ell hosts a podcast of his own while working as Boxers' social media manager and being a sexy thot about town. We talk about his favorite places to go, and his favorite folks to go there with.Then it's finally time to catch up with our Station Boss, aka Red Eye & Ice Palace's own Daniel Nardicio! Daniel is fresh off producing one of his all time greatest shows at Fire Island, and explains the infinite joys and desperate sorrows of suddenly buying and running two major venues simultaneously. He runs through the last few Ice Palace highlights of the season... and gives us an actual opening date for Red Eye.Then at last, it's our lady of the hour... fierce pageant girl on the rise Freeda Kulo! Freeda explains her Mexi-Cali roots and the origins of her drag, how she blossomed as originally as a Covid Queen and eventually won a major NYC competition with a very memorable performance, while also becoming an Astoria star. She additionally discusses the success Drag Race México and her own prospects with franchise, as well her upcoming  run at the Atlantic City pageant Miss'd America!In the news: more drama & troubles for The Brooklyn Mirage; the woman who randomly and fatally shoved a beloved local voice teacher into the street last year has pled guilty; Titanique welcomes two new celebrity drag cast members; Tan Mom is running for office; The Dept of Nightlife issues an interesting warning about poppers; is New York the coolest city in America?Like & Subscribe please, thank you! Email: thotyssey@gmail.com

HAPPY FIRST ANNIVERSARY, THOTLIGHT! Jim & Freddie reflect on a year of shows, the State of the Red Eye Union, and their weeks.Then, it's Jim's exclusive interview with amazing vocalist and new Vegas resident Ada Vox, known to the masses for her turns on American Idol & Queen of the Universe! Ada talks about the evolution of her career and the backstage tea from both of those shows, why she will probably never be a bar queen, recently winning a major pageant title, why we probably won't see her on Drag Race or American Idol, why QotU got cancelled, being part of a drag marriage and more!In the news: a series of strange deaths and crimes near The Brooklyn Mirage; Elon Musk's goal to remove the "Block" option from "X" puts a target on queer users; The Vivienne's attacker is arrested; Drag Race gets several Emmy noms and an important renewal; people are actually buying tickets to Fyre Fest 2; Mark Ronson makes a BK nightlife appearance; a Rise Bar show gets surprise celebrity visitors as well; Madonna's new NYC tour dates announced; NYC is named the Rudest City in America.Please Like & Subscribe! Email: thotyssey@gmail.com

Freddie & Jim recall this past weekend's wonderful “Night of 1000 Thots” with our special guest this week from that lineup: sexy NYC recording artist and show producer Jayse Vegas!Then it's time to deep dive into their good sis Jayse's story: writing, recording and producing music as a teen that led to a nightlife presence; convincing his family of his excellence; Help, I'm In a Secret Relationship MTV fame; the importance of Steve Sidewalk & Honey Davenport to his career; acting gigs and representation: songs and gigs and opportunities; etc!In the news: New York's 24-hour reputation is under fire; Eric Adams responds to his "party mayor" reputation; new lesbian bars are seeking the right labels; queer representation is here for hip hop's 50th anniversary.Like, subscribe and email thotyssey@gmail.com

Freddie's back! He and Jim recount their recent & weird MAGA encounter, Barbie , And Just Like That and the Alabama folding chair brawl!Then it's time to talk to a young fashionable queen who's is definitely carving out her own scene: Yasmeen! Kennedy, that is... although she's gone through a recent name change, and whole lot of other changes besides! Ms. Kennedy walks us through her Texas upbringing, coming to NYC at the start of quarantine, her highs and lows with a shuttered nightclub in town that you may have heard of, the reason she's scaled back from modeling, and how she started one of Hell's Kitchen's most successful new weekly drag competitions! In the news: O'Shae Sibley's alleged murderer turned himself in, and he's not what early accounts claimed he was; outdoor dining is here to stay, for now; a southern drag queen tops Billboard's Christian music charts; RIP ballroom legend Carmen Xtravaganza, Bushwig co-founder Babes Trust & Cruising director William Friedkin.Loke & subscribe! Email us at thotyssey@gmail.com.

Happy 50th episode... but where's Freddie? Well, guest co-ho is Shane Cherry back in the house, and he brought wife / husband FiFi DuBois and wig-eating child Sirius Black with him! FiFi tells us about her recent go at the Entertainer of the Year pageant featuring an onstage motorcycle, and her whole experience as a national pageant queen while Shane chimes in about the life of a pageant husband. Also discussed: FiFi's Tampa upbringing SUNY purchase drag life, touring Japan with a drag ballet company and being a cruise queen, Boots & Saddle memories, the changing face of nightlife and NYC drag, Disney vs. Star Wars, and more!In the news: a gay man is murdered for dancing at a Brooklyn gas station in an apparent hate crime (update: the suspect has since turned himself in); Texas teachers are fired for attending a drag show; Kandy Muse was mysteriously bumped from an Australian tour; drag kinds want in on Drag Race; Grindr wants to unionize due to their asshole CEO; RIP Paul Reubens aka Pee-Wee Herman.Email us on thotyssey@gmail.com

Jim & Freddie are feeling goofy today as they discuss handjobs, eggs benedict and Glamorous. Then, Islaya is back in the studio... and this time she's with her Haus of Official sis Zeraiya! It's time to hear about how they met, where Islaya's been (she left NY!) and what's in store for her, and Zeraiya's fierce come-up. Also discussed: drag delusion; the difference between, NY, NJ & Southern drag; the glory of "cul-de-sac" gigs; being the Supreme Gay in HS; fashion; magic foxes; premature Hauses; guilty tippers; and more!In the news: behind the scenes tea of the Drag Race All-Stars finale; the Boiler Room's new home has been revealed; a new Miss & Mr. Entertainer of the Year and crowned, and some local girls in the pageant did well; a recent article about the "gentrification" of nightlife due to VIP sections is savagely scrutinized; "Gay Water" is a new drink for da queers; RIP Sinead O'Connor.Email us: thotyssey@gmail.com

Freddie & Jim are barely recovering from their birthdays; Jim met a FAN, and Freddie experienced what will now and forever be known as the Dunkin Donuts Bitch Moment. Also, some notes on the SAG & WGA strike, and "why do things float?"And in the thot seat today: gorgeous drag star, actress and genuine light of life, Mariyea! She's an eternal optimist despite having a rough year, and has just taken part in some major goings-on recently including an Adam Lambert release party, a massive Brooklyn benefit showcase and an appearance on MSNBC! She tells us about her NYU virtual graduation, an upcoming film project, starting drag and transitioning at around the same time, slaying at Lady Liberty and her rapid rise to success on the stage, a gig she once did with Marcia 3X at a strange venue and more!In the news: a major Brooklyn party cancels in a bizarre way; local queens appear on a new Netflix show; The Abbey is WeHo is up for sale.Email: thotyssey@gmail.com

Freddie's catches up with Jim on a recent trip and his increasing DJ presence in NYC. Also, Threads is taking over our lives.And then it's time to speak to an amazing singer, cosmetics mogul, nightlife host and reality TV Star Robert Garcia! She tells us about her origins in music and nightlife, meeting bestie and collaborator Jayse Vegas, standing out as a non-drag / non-binary performer in the scene, evolving from a Sephora all-star to an indie cosmetics business owner, finding true love with a budding queen after surviving a toxic relationship, a long-running straight bar gig, all the queer bars she works in now and behind the scenes tea from Help, I'm In a Secret Relationship!In the news: a local bar owner is accused of sexual harassment by an ex-employee;  HBO premieres a docuseries exploing a serial killer's reign of terror in early 90s gay NY, and also recasts the drag hosts of We're Here; SNL stars are turning a Staten Island Ferry into a new venue; the East Village's historic Pyramid Club gets a new life; a major Hollywood star buys and repurposes a vital Warhol / Basquiat location; a new Voss billboard in Times Square has turned some heads.Email: thotyssey@gmail.com

Red Eye & Ice Palace boss bitch Adam Klesh joins Thotyssey's Jim as this week's co-ho, and catches us up with the insanity that was Pride and Invasion Weekends on Fire Island.Then, our current reigning Miss Stonewall 2023 Misty Mountains Davenport graces us all! She chats about her own Invasion experiences and her recent pageant win, drag comedy, brunch bitchery, being a Davenport and the state of NYC drag today!In the news: more fuckery from the Supreme Court; Google abandons a Peaches Christ Pride party; Danity Kane's Aubrey O'Day revealed that she first fucked Donald Trump Jr. in a NYC gay bar; a stolen chicken tender and a Canteen slapfest stood out among Invasion shenanigans in the Pines; reviewing Max's The Stroll and Taylor Mac's concert doc.Like & subscribe, and email thotyssey@gmail.com

Freddie and Jim catch us up on their Pride gigs, and the things that thots will say to get out of paying a door cover.Then one of NYC most gorge and sexy queens ZETA JONES swings by the studio to recount her own Pride and her origin story... while discussing the dark powers of her namesake's vagina, Madonna's illness, The Spot's recent Whitney Rose "scandal," her sex positivity and brainy pursuits pre-drag, her gigs, her hook-ups and her new (YouTube) gig The Hook-Up!In the news: NYC Pride went off pretty free of drama and lots of celebrity and politico cameos, although conservative media predictably nitpicked a handful of problems; the governor declares NY a trans safe haven; Andy Cohen touches a nipple; VP Harris visits Stonewall; Hamburger Mary's defeats the anti-drag bill in FL; lesbians bars have a sudden resurgence in NY; Queen of the Universe is cancelled; Drag Race alums guest star on Kim Cattrall's new show; RIP Long Island pageant Monica Storm; Shequida's gone for the summer; congrats to our new Empire State Entertainer of the Year!Like! Subscribe! Email us at thotyssey@gmail.com

No news today... the boyz are saving it for a Post-Pride breakdown! But that just leaves Jim & Freddie with more time for their very special guests: Lyra Vega, WorshipHer & Wesley, aka The Bad Judies! They're New York's premiere drag band, and they're incredible! The girls tell us about their individual lives and accomplishments, and spill all the tea. It's a super fun Pride-tastic convo!

Freddie and Jim are reunited and it feels so good! And they get a surprise studio guest appearance from CHER! (Also in the house: comedian / impersonator Nadya Ginsberg)  We also catch up with where Miss Freddie has been, and Jim's trivia hosting debut this past weekend.Then at long last, nightlife producer / DJ / soon to be venue owner FRANKIE SHARP is in the house! Times are absolutely bonkers in Sharpsville now as he prepares to open Frankie's Pub in Manhattan plus a new party at Rebar, all while dealing with the ongoing and highly publicized trauma surrounding his exit from shuttered club Q. He talks about his San Fran roots which inspired his first big venture Westgay, the first NYC venue that denied him entry as a Baby Thot; how he became an early prophet about the danger of Covid; the importance of a diverse nightlife; the dark aftermath and bitter tea of The Q debacle and the joy of new projects on the horizon. In the news: a quartet of NYC drag royalty appear on MSNBC; developments in the roofie robbery crime ring case; Flex opens in the old Posh space; Friends Tavern gets historic accolades; Boiler Room is closing / relocating; local queer folks win Tonys; the Right is predictably pissed that Garth Brooks will serve Bud Lite at his new bar.Follow comedian Nadya Ginsberg on InstagramFollow Frankie Sharp on InstagramEmail us at thotyssey@gmail.comLIKE & SUBSCRIBE!

Shane Cherry rejoins Jim as a special guest co-ho, and they discuss the apocalyptic  ashen skies above NYC due to the Canadian fires, their weird ep last week doing the pod with a sleeping queen, a review of Drag Me to Dinner and other stuff!Then in the Thot Seat: Jim & Shane's old Boots & Saddle gurl, Lola Michele-Kiki! She's got the tea on her recent turns on Good Morning America and Miss Stonewall, her drag origin story and gigs through the years, Lin Manuel Miranda love, Drag Race dirt, Stonewall developments, Pride gigs and more!In the news: the Tennessee Drag Ban is axed; the former Tunnel nightclub is for sale; police raids happening in some local clubs seem sketchy; NY Pride's first asexual grand marshal is profiled; A celeb recounts which real NY bar was the setting for an underwear party scene in a classic Sex & the City. Email us at @thotyssey@gmail.com; LIKE & SUBSCRIBE!

Freddie's out, so Gaymer Geek God Shane Cherry joins Jim in the Thotlight host chairs this week! They get nerdy about Smash Bros for a minute before Shane announces the deets of huge queer geek nerd event this Pride month.Then it's time to chat with a true drag fashionista on the rise: makeup artist, performer, DJ and closet geek BaeJing! She tells us about family life with inspirational drag mom Digna and her Haus of Gorge, balancing  the stage with the DJ booth, how Manila Luzon helped launch her drag while Hilary Duff helped pay her rent, Jersey living, the recent history Asian-NYC drag and the queen's doctorate that Shane edited, her experience with the much-maligned Q venue, who'd she impersonate on Snatch Game, and her all new and upcoming gigs including Warped Whore and Night of 1000 Britneys!In the news: the Texas drag ban bill passed; Target succumbs to right wing threats and pulls Pride merch from stores; a Brooklynite is on trial for making threats of her own post-Q Club shooting; the sexually liberated cities in the world are listed by LUST Magazine; congrats to new Cherry Grove's newly crowned Homecoming Queen!Follow Thotyssey.com, email thotyssey@gmail.com, like & subscribe!

Jim and Freddie give some important updates re: Red Eye & The Ice Palace, and hail the Gay Start of Summer. They also catch us up on a recent Lavinia Draper show and Bob the Drag Queen's stealthy return to NYC. Then, al-star DJ & producer Ty Sunderland is in the Thot Seat! Ty dishes on his roots as a Florida Man, his black and white fashionz, partying with Natasha Bedingfield, giving Aquaria DJ tips, dealing with "demon twink" energy, the challenges of post-lockdown nightlife, high seas hyjinx , being the official remixer of a pop icon, "bartending" on Watch What Happens Live with Kylie, upcoming gigs including Pride and two cities in one night, and more!In the news: another NYC "roofie" victim has come forward; the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence are honored, then dishonored, then re-honored by the L.A. Dodgers; the Grand Marshals of NYC Pride are announced; Google shares the most closeted U.S. state; RIP the legendary Tina Turner and beloved local gogo star and photographer Vinny Vega.Like & subscribe please! Email thotyssey@gmail.com

Freddie's been DJ'ing (ho-ing) all over town, while Jim saw Once Upon a One More Time and a Drag Race viewing party in Brooklyn.In the Thot Seat: drag star, TV personality and political activist Marti Cummings! They talk about recent experiences with GLAAD and the Drag Isn't Dangerous telethon; the hazardous political climate and "anti-drag" movement; Tucker Carlson's personal attacks on Marti  and their reaction to what just happened to him; starting a political party in NYC that ultimately did the impossible; growing up in a rural town and their unique drag origins; going viral with a kid's song and conservative backlash from that; the drag reality show they created & starred in; how the pain of losing an election led to an amazing TV opportunity;  new gigs and a new podcast; dealing with anxiety; and their most personal show yet coming up this week at Joe's Pub.In the news: a TX lesbian bar is denied insurance after they hosted drag shows; Drag Race All-Stars 8 premiered; Idina Menzel drops into a BK queer bar; results of the GLAAD Awards and Eurovision; DJ Magazine Awards nominees;  social media is highlighting a local ballroom star's performances on Beyoncé's Renaissance tour.LIKE & SUBSCRIBE!Email: thotyssey@gmail.com

Freddie & Jim return to Red Eye Studios chatting about VERS' "Get Schooled" finale, the writers' strike and... Bros?Then  the delightful queen on the scene Chicky Gorgina is in the Thot Seat! She talks about her rising success in NYC drag; her life as a prospective child performer in Venezuela and the joys and problems of that upbringing; getting "cancelled" from standup comedy in Ecuador; her resurgence as a drag star after the pandemic derailed her early gains;  being part of a nightlife supercouple with husband DJ Senobyte; the hijinks of being the door queen at a "consenting adults" party; her gigs including new ones at Fire Island & Red Eye; and more!In the news: a mogul of NYC's superclub era gets a surprising apology for getting run out of town by Giuliani; Chicago queer bars boycott Bud Light after the Dylan Mulvaney collab "scandal" takes a turn; Drag Race / We're Here star Shangela is accused of sexual assault; the Drag Isn't Dangerous telethon raised tons for charity; some new rumors about Madonna's shelved (?) biopic; RIP Gerry Visco, a particularly unique actress and academic who became a clubkid in her 60s. Email: thotyssey@gmail.com

Freddie updates us on why he had to take last week off, and then there's a little chat about last week's viral Polish the Queen moment and Freddie recent jumping into a Destiny's Child situation. Then it's time to talk to Alotta McGriddles, a Brooklyn drag trailblazer and current digital thirst trap! She tells us about her new gigs involving trolleys & Crotch Shots; curating Brooklyn's longest running drag & vintage fashion show; studying opera at college where she was introduced to Thorgy Thor, leading to the birth of Alotta; surviving Covid drag; reviewing McDonalds, the late Kellogg's Diner & Met Gala looks; how her ass is more popular than Parker Posey; the fine of fisting; and more!In the news: Jackson Heights' Music Box Bar closed; new queer bar The Alibi in Ozone Park opens; The Q debacle's central figure Alan Picus finally speaks out; Paige Turner appeared on Law & Order; Graham Norton drops a surprising local queen's name on a recent talk show appearance; Hulu's upcoming Drag Me to Dinner will feature lots of NYC queens; J Harrison Ghee aka Crystal Demure is now a Tony nominee; local queen Thee Suburbia needs our help.PLEASE LIKE & SUBSCRIBE!  Email: thotyssey@gmail.com

Freddie's ho-ing around, so Jim's guest co-host today is one of our station bosses, Daniel Nardicio's bro & "the trade of Red Eye" Adam Klesh! He gives us new updates Red Eye's imminent (no, really) opening, as well as the status of her sister venue The Ice Palace, and the adventures of venue ownership in both New York and Berlin. Then Jim & Adam speak to their guest of the week: queer indie recording artist and social media sensation Mel 4Ever! She tells us about a recent cathartic family reunion in the south and surviving a religious upbringing and fratboy abuse, overcoming vocal dysphoria and her developing her theatric and therapeutic stage presence, the influence of artists like Kim Petras and Slayyyter on her own work, and some exciting gigs and releases coming our way! They also discuss "how to fuck a toilet."In the news: Paper Magazine just fired everyone; a Florida Pride parade cancelled in fear of anti-drag legislation; despite Tennessee's own pending anti-drag bill, Lizzo brought RuGirls on stage for her concert there; the Drag Race All-Stars 8 cast was announced; RIP Dame Edna Everage. Email us at thotyssey@gmail.com

Jim reviews Robert Garcia and Jayse Vegas' Help, I'm In a Secret Relationship episode and recounts how he harassed Freddie during his DJ gig at VERS on Saturday.Then it's Brooklyn institution DJ Ickarus in the Thot Seat! We discuss their recent departure from the long-running show Dragnet, becoming equally iconic in Manhattan, Bushwigs past & future, their Jersey roots and how they broke into DJing & the ever-expanding  BK nightlife; DJ etiquette, the Q drama, the Brooklyn Nightlife Awards versus the Glams and this Saturday's epic  Selena Fest!In the news:  the last alleged "roofie murder" gang member has been arrested; Thirst closed; Ted Arenas' wine bar is one step closer to opening; Florida technically "bans" The Rocky Horror Show; Sasha Colby wins Drag Race.Plus this week's Top 10 events! Email us: thotyssey@gmail.com

Jim reviews "The Vibe" at the Copa, and then he and Freddie give a little primer on this week's special guest (as if y'all needed one).In the Thot Seat: Drag Race star Jan Sport! We chat all about her recent delightful CMT Awards performance, and she how and the other RuGirls were received by everyone there; the success of "Let Loose"; starting out as a Kris Jenner impersonator; her meteoric rise to fame;  securing the return of her full name; reflecting on her time on Drag Race and how it affects her viewing experience today;  her dream musical role; and her brand new Red Eye Radio podcast Unpacked! In the news: Manhattan Community Board 4 has been busy making dramatic  rulings on The Dickens, The Q and The Mega-Club That Never Was, Magnitude;  the end of Bronx queer nightlife is finally addressed; local nightlife stars Robert Garcia & Jayse Vegas are having an MTV moment this week; elderly billionaire David Geffen is (probably) engaged to a gorgeous ex-model with a "murky" gogo past; Madonna was at OTA.Email thotyssey@gmail.com

Damn, lots for Freddie and Jim to talk about today in Nightlife Land: Freddie re-downloads Grindr, Jim gets threats and attends Night of 1000 Gowns, and Marjorie Taylor Green gets run out of town by and angry mob!Then, in the Thot Seat: a NYC Entertainer of the Year and ringleader of phenom drag guild The Assassins: rockstar hooker witch Boudoir LeFleur! She's a workaholic and favorite of Cherry Grove (especially the lesbians) who is preparing for a new, crazy season. Boudoir discusses her drag and style origins; founding The Assassins with Kimmi Moore, celebrating Kimmi's return after her recent sabbatical, stunts and shenanigans, Drag Race, CATS and CHOLA!Then, the news: more on the "roofie killer" arrest and The Q closing; the Tennessee anti drag bill is blocked; RIP Heklina & Tommy Playboy; Ginger's to open new sister bar Mary's; Jinks Monsoon joins Doctor Who; some Drag Race girls perform at the CMT Awards;  a new Miss Liberty Continental is crowned!Email: thotyssey@gmail.com

Jim and Freddie catch us up on their week, but are so excited to share this week's nightlife news and chat up their guest this week!First up,  that guest: Chris "Cadet" Kelley aka Mr. Eagle 2023. He spills the tea on his fun name origin, the iconic status and current re-popularity of The Eagle, how the kink and community of the leather scene helped him overcome trauma and find family,  discovering the joy of the competition scene, how the expense of leather does not have to exclude anyone from the scene, the events he hosts at The Eagle, being a set decorator Ryan Murphy & AHS... and of course, Paella Lady! In the news: indictments made in the "roofie murder" cases; THE Q CLOSED;  Trappy Hour's "Next" also shutters; Frankie Sharp shares new details on his upcoming venue; an owner of Rise & The Spot may open a new venture of his own;  Texas joins Tennessee in drag banning; Bob the Drag Queen is joining Madonna onstage in Tennessee despite the legal climate; a traffic court judge gets a Moment when his adult content surfaces after his firing; the world's oldest drag queen has left us.Email us thotyssey@gmail.com

Freddie & Jim chat Red Eye business, cats & dogs, Dragnet and slutiness. Then, let's meet Cherry Poppins! Discussed: her drag journey, name similarities with other queens, gigs old and new, music projects, pageantry, that crazy drag ban, and... Cherry's Bar & Grill??In the news: the queer-friendly "Crawl for All" trumped St. Patrick's Day in Staten Island; the Proud Boys tried it at a local Drag Story Hour; a Long Island influencer gives props to Androgyny's popular LI drag brunch despite some local anti-drag sentiment; a "fisting exhibition" at Club Lambda causes shock & awe; Frankie Sharp hints at a new venue; a rehabbed Wendy Williams is seen at Townhouse.Email: thotyssey@gmail.comVisit: thotyssey.com

 A little Oscar talk and some weekly nightlife recounting from Jim and Freddie!  Then it's time to converse with one of NYC nightlife's biggest crossover stars: from Drag Race Season 9, Broadway's Head Over Heels, POSE and more: the amazing Peppermint! We talk about the weird political drag landscape and who should be speaking up at this moment, changing trends in drag and Drag Race, music and touring and her new YouTube show, Janet Jackson love, Los Angeles hate, her legacy, very important advice to new queens and so much more!In the news: a new venue in Asbury Park came in hard and closed before it opened; The Advocate discusses the nuance of queer consent while name dropping the Eagle; RIP Eugene Edo.   Email: thotyssey@gmail.com

Another wild night at Red Eye Radio as Freddie & Jim discuss Adam Lambert's album release party, Dallas DuBois' return and Playthingz's new groove & St. Patrick's Day rumination.Then it's time for our Glam winning guest DJ P_A_T in the Thot Seat! We discuss his how things have changed for DJs since Covid, the state of music today, his sis Kim Petras, his Jersey & DJ origins, where the "Fake Nudes" hosts the Sterling sisters went, Q drama, fashion and more!In the news:  the two high profile fentanyl deaths in recent NYC gay bars have officially been rules as murders; NYC nightlife legend Kevin Aviance has been signed to Voss Management;  is the modern high end cocktail movement ignoring queer spaces?; new TV spots for Viki Villainess & Robert Garcia; RIP Fie Island's Bruce Michael.Email us: thotyssey@gmail.com

Jim & Freddie recount their Chaotic Tuesday and other adventures of the week, including a visit to Bartschland!Then, in the Thot Seat: iconic Brooklyn dancing queen, MIZ JADE!  She discusses her thot connections with Jim, Brooklyn drag versus Manhattan  drag, her own history with drag and dance, coming up as a Purchase queen, some real T re: bar politics and the current state of drag, the politicizing  of Drag Story Hour, the loss of her longtime DJ collaborator, and an exciting new stage show she's producing this month!In the news: Tennessee bans "public drag"; the Q Club shooter had been there a number of times before the attack; Meatball does George Santos drag at Nightgowns; is Pieces-loving Sam Smith a bad tipper?; a girl scout makes mad coin with Gay WeHo cookie sales.Email: thotyssey@gmail.com