Feast of Fun: Gay Talk Show

Conservatives are always forcing their outdated vision onto culture, education, and policy because deep down, they know they’re losing the long game. A leaked Kennedy Center board meeting reveals Trump is pushing to make the nation’s cultural hub more conservative by stacking its lineup with right-wing musicals. So, what’s next? MAGA: The Musical? Today, comedian Dan Cass joins us to break down how fascists try to seize power—and, more importantly, how to fight back. FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM: ★ instagram.com/dankkass ★ instagram.com/faustofernos ★ instagram.com/marcfelion Plus, we’re diving into all the hot news:

As the United States slides deeper into fascism, Republicans are ramping up attacks on trans people, immigrants, and pretty much anyone who stands in their way. One thing is clear—most Americans don’t personally know any trans people so it is easy for Republicans to scapegoat them. But here’s the thing: LGBTQ+ people are everywhere. And with polls showing that more people than ever identify as LGBTQ+, we hold real power, if people actually see and know us. One trans pioneer making that visibility impossible to ignore is comedian Jeffrey Jay. Today, Jeffrey Jay joins us to talk about his bold new comedy project—performing in right-wing comedy clubs in red states as an openly trans man. A trailblazer in stand-up, Jeffrey was the first trans comedian to appear on our show back in 2012, and he’s back with stories, insights, and a whole lot of laughs. FOLLOW JEFFREY JAY: ★ https://jeffreyjaycomedy.com Plus— • Navigating the choppy waters when your friends and family come out as MAGA Republicans. FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM: ★ instagram.com/heyjeffreyjay ★ instagram.com/faustofernos ★ instagram.com/marcfelion

Chicago’s very own Kyle Smolinski is a rising star in the Open Bodybuilding scene, dominating some of the top NPC heavyweight contests—including a gold-medal win in the heavyweight division at the NPC Jay Cutler Classic in Virginia. But beyond his impressive size and stage presence, Kyle is also openly gay and known for his signature rainbow-colored hair. Let’s Grow Big Together! The podcast that builds muscle with all the colors of the rainbow, including biceps, bronzer, and big queer energy.” In this series, we take a look at the passion for muscle, adventures in bodybuilding, muscle gods, muscle worship and practical advice to put on the gains. Today, the rainbow-colored beast Kyle Smolinski, joins us to talk about his rise to fame as an openly gay Open Bodybuilding champion. From his technicolor mane to his heavyweight victories, Kyle shares his journey in the sport and what it takes to stand out—both on stage and beyond. FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM: ★ instagram.com/ksmo92 ★ instagram.com/faustofernos ★ instagram.com/marcfelion Plus all your questions! • Getting the body of your dreams means making sure your sleep is deep. • What’s the skinny on low glycemic natural sugars, artificial sweeteners & sugar alcohols? • Are cold plunges a scam? • How much does sexuality play a role in bodybuilding?

One of our all-time favorite wacky and wild films is RuPaul’s Starrbooty. Created during a lull in her career, the film revives one of Ru’s early cable-access TV characters- Starbooty—a private detective turned sex worker who lands herself in increasingly ridiculous situations. The film celebrates RuPaul’s love for sexploitation, melodrama, gratuitous nudity, and her circle of kooky friends. Many consider Starrbooty the launchpad for RuPaul’s resurgence as host of RuPaul’s Drag Race, a show that mainstreamed drag so successfully it has overshadowed many other styles and interpretations of the art form. Today, Starrbooty producer and acclaimed filmmaker André Robert Lee joins us to revisit this wonderfully twisted film and discuss the challenges and triumphs of being a queer Black creative. We also dive into his other fantastic projects, including Dirty Laundry (starring Jenifer Lewis and Loretta Devine) and The Prep School Negro, a documentary which follows young Black students adventures on their way to college. FOLLOW ANDRÉ ROBERT LEE: https://andrerobertlee.com FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM: ★ instagram.com/faustofernos ★ instagram.com/marcfelion ★ instagram.com/andrerobertlee89 Plus— • George Washington Carver and our favorite queer Black luminaries. • Is Lady Bunny on Putin’s payroll? • Right wing media is spreading rumors about alleged CEO shooter Luigi Maginone having 20 sex tapes. (Put up or shut up, Rupert Murdoch.)

America is under attack by the wolves in the federal government who are chewing it apart. As the nation spirals into confusion and despair, we are left wondering—why does it feel like no one is fighting back? As Harvey Milk said, “Get out of the bars and into the streets!” Now more than ever, we need to step away from our screens, show up in public spaces, and organize. In the absence of leadership, it’s up to all of us to lead. As a protégé of Harvey Milk, Cleve Jones became a key figure in the gay rights movement in the ‘70s and he became the creator of the AIDS Memorial Quilt, one of history’s most powerful public memorials. Cleve’s activism spans decades, from fighting the Reagan administration’s neglect of the AIDS crisis to today’s labor rights battles. Listen as we take a look at: • AIDS denialist Robert Kennedy Jr. as Trump’s Secretary of Health. • Why language matters, let’s stop calling Democrats "Dems." • Why grassroots movements need to come out of the closet to organize effectively.

Americans are now queerer than ever! A new Gallup poll shows 9.3% of folks now identify as something other than straight—up from 7.6% in 2023. And Gen Z? A whopping 23%! Party! While it seems like the country’s getting more conservative, people's sexuality and gender identity says otherwise. Joining us today is the self-proclaimed ‘lesbian on the weekends’-- the West Side comedy queen of raunch, Tiny Thickemz, along with her comedy partner in life and onstage, OhJay Lamont. Together they host ‘Love is Blind’ at Chicago’s Laugh Factory, where real couples do joint stand-up sets about their relationships—LIVE on stage, TONIGHT FEB 27! FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM: ★ instagram.com/thickemztiny ★ instagram.com/ohjay_lamont ★ instagram.com/faustofernos ★ instagram.com/marcfelion Plus-- • What’s the best place in Chicago to buy loose items? • A big fat beaver on Chicago’s Southside becomes an overnight celebrity. • Pope Francis is in the hospital in critical condition. • Republicans are upset with the Super Bowl winners, the Philadelphia Eagles, for skipping a fast food meal with the President at the White House." • We look back at the lives of Roberta Flack, best known for her hit song ‘Killing Me Softly,’ and Lynne Marie Stewart, beloved as Miss Yvonne—the Most Beautiful Woman in All of Puppetland on Pee-Wee’s Playhouse—both of whom passed away this week.

In The Wizard of Oz, Glinda asks, “Are you a good witch or a bad witch?” As it turns out, most witches are good—because the bad ones end up cursing themselves into oblivion. Today, we’re chatting with one of our favorite wicked but wonderful witches, musician Caleb De Casper. A fierce advocate for queer rights, Caleb is known for his electrifying performances and signature blend of dark synth-pop, glam punk rock, and horror cabaret. Honored with his own day in Austin, Texas, Caleb joins us to celebrate 20 years of Feast of Fun and give us a sneak peek at his new single, Chemical Blue. CHECK OUT CALEB DE CASPER: https://www.calebdecasper.com FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM: ★ instagram.com/faustofernos ★ instagram.com/marcfelion ★ instagram.com/calebdecasper Plus, we’re serving up a cauldron of hot topics: • Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande will kick off the Oscars with a Wicked medley. • Emilia Pérez star Karla Sofía Gascón will skip the Oscars amid controversy. • Emperor Trump storms out of the Super Bowl after getting booed and witnessing Kendrick Lamar’s unapologetically Black Halftime Show. • Taylor Swift enters the friendship bracelet and jewelry business. All that and more—so grab your wands and let’s dive in! SAVE FEAST OF FUN, HELP US GET A NEW COMPUTER: • feastoffun.com/donate

Netflix’s Emilia Perez is a hot mess of a movie. This musical crime drama, written and directed by French filmmaker Jacques Audiard, follows a de-greenified Zoë Saldaña working as a lawyer for a Mexican drug lord who transitions. Saldaña’s character later goes on to support the former Mexican drug lord as she attempts to atone for her criminal past by founding a nonprofit to rescue the victims of the country’s drug cartels, including her own. What could have been a powerful exploration of the struggles faced by trans people and all women in Latin America instead turns everyone into cartoons. Emilia Perez reduces the harsh realities of cartel violence and trans struggles into a gaudy spectacle, making one wonder if it was slapped together just to throw a wrench in Wicked’s awards season dominance. Adding to the controversy, new reports have surfaced about the film’s lead, transgender actress Karla Sofía Gascón, and her troubling history of racist and anti-Muslim remarks. Today we take a look at Emilia Peréz and other terrible, campy films the world would rather forget ever existed. Plus-- Paul Reubens, best known as Pee-Wee Herman, comes out of the coffin as gay in a new documentary about his not-so-private life. Woman pleads guilty to sendng fart vdeos to her boyfriends ex. Chappell Roan celebrates her Grammy win for best new artist by calling out record labels, demanding they give their employees a livable wage and healthcare. A mysterious nationwide network against Trump called the 50501 Movement plans protests in all of the nation’s capitols on Feb 5. Happy 20 year anniversary to Feast of Fun, one of the first 50 podcasts in history, still going strong 3133 shows later. SAVE FEAST OF FUN, HELP US GET A NEW COMPUTER: • feastoffun.com/donate

The LA fires impacted thousands of lives, with entire neighborhoods and landmarks reduced to ash. In moments like these, it’s easy to feel a sense of dread and despair, but that’s when comedy is at the most vital. Laughter doesn’t fix the chaos, but it reminds us to breathe, connect, and find light even in the darkest moments. Today comedian and Feast of Fun legend Amanda Cohen joins us to talk about her experience surviving the Greater Los Angeles Wildfires of 2025. Amanda was a big part of our live show and the early days of the podcast. She’s since moved to LA to pursue a comedy career. Listen as we take a look at how comedy can be a lifeline in times of crisis and why laughter is sometimes the greatest act of resilience. FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM: ★ instagram.com/amandacohen27 ★ instagram.com/faustofernos ★ instagram.com/marcfelion Plus-- • For couples dying to celebrate Valentine’s Day, the 'Silence of the Lambs' Murder House is now a charming Bed and Breakfast, a visit to the torture well is optional. • Elon Musk does a “well known WWII hate group salute,” distracting people from Trump accidentally admitting he stole the election. • A look back at our visit to the worst tv show in history, the Jerry Springer Show.

The world feels like it’s teetering on the edge of an apocalypse, or maybe just a really dramatic season finale. Lately, we've witnessed a wave of significant deaths, or things barely clinging to life: TikTok, filmmaker David Lynch, anti-gay crusader Anita Bryant, bodybuilder Chris O’Donnell, PrEP, Marriage Equality, democracy, the U.S. dollar, the Golden Globes, The Village People and yes, even Snoop Dogg’s career. But, as Florence + The Machine wisely reminds us, it’s always darkest before the dawn. Change often comes with chaos, upheaval, and a little bit of existential dread. So, take a deep breath, focus on the solutions, and remember: together we can overcome anything, especially when everything feels like it’s falling apart. Today, we celebrate 20 years of podcasting as we launch of our 21st season with a special guest: Chicago comedian Dan Cass, known for his razor-sharp takes on relationships. SAVE FEAST OF FUN, HELP US GET A NEW COMPUTER: • feastoffun.com/donate FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM: ★ instagram.com/dankkass ★ instagram.com/faustofernos ★ instagram.com/marcfelion Join us as we dive into the deaths of icons, institutions, and ideals shaping the future, including: The rise and fall of TikTok and the rise of… whatever comes next. • The passing of filmmaker David Lynch. • The Republican-controlled Supreme Court’s looming attacks on marriage equality and our ability to stop HIV. • Trump’s latest cash grab with not one, but two cryptocurrency scams. • The Village People’s Victor Willis insists “YMCA” was never a gay anthem, as he cashes in on all that sweet MAGA money.

It’s not easy being green—especially when your heart is three sizes too big. No, we’re not talking about someone abusing anabolic steroids; we’re talking about everyone’s favorite green Christmas curmudgeon: The Grinch. Created by Dr. Seuss and brought to life in the iconic animated Christmas special by Chuck Jones—of Tom & Jerry fame—The Grinch was voiced by two legends: Boris “The Mummy” Karloff and Thurl “Tony the Tiger” Ravenscroft. As two beloved queer cultural figures, both are integral to this beloved holiday tradition. And yet, despite the popularity of the book, the animated TV special, and the live-action movie, you seldom see people dressing up as The Grinch, until recently. Today, actor, mime, and drag queen Gregg Steigmeyer joins us to talk about his unique gig playing The Grinch at holiday parties. Gregg shares how he strikes the delicate balance between staying in character as the grouchy Grinch while still spreading that essential holiday cheer. Why is Gregg so good at playing The Grinch? Maybe it’s his background in physical comedy, or maybe it’s because he’s Vikki Spykke, one of Chicago’s drag legends going back to the 80s when drag queens excelled at bringing in the sass and the spunk. Plus–– An original Christmas classic: The Grinch Who Stole Cher. FOLLOW US: ★ linkedin.com/in/gregg-steigmeyer-7ba9641a/ ★ instagram.com/faustofernos ★ instagram.com/marcfelion

The TV sitcom The Golden Girls went off the air 32 years ago, but thanks to reruns, Dorothy Zbornak and her gal pals live on in the hearts of many, especially queer folks who delight in the comedic hijinks of four senior women living together in Miami. Although he was a toddler when the Golden Girls was first broadcast, voice over and musical theater actor Luke McQuillan’s viral covers in the voice of Bea Arthur is helping to keep the show’s legacy alive and it got him cast on Cartoon Network and Netflix shows. Is Luke so good at challenging Bea Arthur that he runs the risk of being overshadowed by the Broadway legend? Today Luke McQuilan joins us to celebrate the life and career of our favorite WWII Marine sergeant Bea Arthur, from her gigs in gay bars here in Chicago, to singing about drugs with Rock Hudson on her CBS TV special, from her quirky TV appearances like the Star Wars Holiday Special to her unforgettable portrayals as Maude and Dororthy on The Golden Girls. FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM: ★ instagram.com/luke.mcquillan ★ instagram.com/faustofernos ★ instagram.com/marcfelion

As Americans watched Nazis march in Columbus, Ohio, we are left wondering: why is fascism on the rise? More young people in the US are voting for MAGA Republicans than ever before, with a notable increase among young white men. Why is this happening, and how can we make kindness and compassion great again? Today, the Rev. Quincy Danger Worthington—better known to us as the Rev. Danger—joins us to share his experience in confronting right-wing extremism within his own church. Quincy came of age in the Punk and Hardcore scene in Erie Pennsylvania, and his journey through recovery led him to become a Presbyterian minister. His work focuses on harnessing the transformative power of community building to create meaningful social change. Listen in as we discuss the troubling rise of fascism and violence in youth culture, and how we can begin to reverse it. FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM: ★ instagram.com/myphotojourneybegins ★ instagram.com/faustofernos ★ instagram.com/marcfelion Plus-- • Boxing legend Mike Tyson loses to right wing MAGA influencer and former Disney channel star Jake Paul. • RFK Jr. says he was forced to eat McDonalds by Trump. • A new virtual AI Santa promises to haunt your children’s nightmares this Christmas.

Wicked is popular! The film adaptation of the musical adaptation of the literary reimagining of the Wicked Witch of the West is surpassing all box office expectations. Composer Stephen Schwartz already announced a 3rd and 4th film in the works. The Wickedverse is expanding. But why does this story resonate so deeply right now? As the world faces a resurgence of fascism, audiences yearn for a trip over the rainbow and they find inspiration in Elphaba's fight against the oppression of the talking animals in Oz which feels eerily timely, reminding us all of the importance to speak out, act up and fight back. Today we hold space and each other's well manicured hands for Wicked with theater kid and pop culture expert Robyn Pennacchia, a writer for the news magazine Wonkette. Join us as we look at all the intoxicating green elixirs surrounding Wicked, The Wiz, Return to Oz and the 1939 film The Wizard of Oz, and the exciting rise of Cynthia Erivo as a once in a lifetime vocalist. FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM: ★ instagram.com/robynelyse ★ instagram.com/faustofernos ★ instagram.com/marcfelion Plus-- • One of the most infamous pairs of the ruby slippers worn by Judy Garland in the 'The Wizard of Oz' sells for $32.5 million at auction. • Village People’s lead singer Victor Willis says YMCA is not a gay anthem and threatens to sue anyone who says so. • Mariah Carey responds to claims her fan video was made with AI. • Nobody mourns the Wicked: the assassination of United Health CEO reveals a lot of Americans really, really hate our healthcare system.

We’re living in a new golden age of bodybuilding, thanks in part to the Internet, which provides endless resources for building muscle, and to medical advancements over the past few decades in fighting HIV, AIDS, and cancer. Let’s Grow Big Together! The podcast that tests positive for F.U.N. (and lots of performance enhancing drugs.) In this series, hosts Fausto Fernós and Marc Felion take a look at the passion for muscle, adventures in bodybuilding, muscle gods, muscle worship and practical advice to put on the gains. Today Canadian bodybuilder and immigration attorney Brian Yuen joins us for an inspiring conversation about bodybuilding and living with HIV, and how the AIDS crisis from the 90s and bodybuilding helped each other survive and thrive. Brian has been living with HIV for over 16 years and has achieved incredible success in the bodybuilding world, having competed in seven shows, including winning 1st place in Masters Open Bodybuilding at the 2021 Vancouver Island Showdown and securing 2nd place in Men’s Masters at the 2023 Vancouver Open. Tune in as we dive into essential supplements to keep your immune system thriving and why lifting weights can be a transformative journey for anyone living with HIV. If you’ve been waiting for the right time to start, the time is now. FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM: ★ instagram.com/brian604yvr ★ instagram.com/faustofernos ★ instagram.com/marcfelion Plus-- • The wild history of testosterone replacement therapy. • Why switching from alcohol to edibles is a game changer for building muscle.

Our guest today is very well known to listeners of the show, or so you think. For the past six years, we’ve been delighted to get to know comedian Matt Brown, for their snark, sass and being unconventional when it came to gender expression as Ms Brown Comic. This past fall, Matt has been going through a lot of changes, for one they are changing their social media handle from Ms. Brown comic to just Matt Brown. And on top of that, Matt is now currently dating a woman. Bisexual folks are real after all, and belong in our community, but sometimes they raise a few eyebrows when they find themselves in love. Today the artist formerly known as Ms Brown Comic joins us to talk about lifting the veil on their onstage persona and finding their authentic self yet once again. On November 30 at the Lincoln Lodge in Chicago, Matt is putting the fun in funeral as he lays to rest his past persona and gives birth to his new self. And no, it’s too far along for a late term abortion- the theater has already been booked. FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM: ★ instagram.com/msbrowncomedy ★ instagram.com/faustofernos ★ instagram.com/marcfelion Plus– • Ellen says farewell, cruel America as she and her wife permanently move to the UK. • Hallmark Channel inspired holiday films are getting queer for the holiday season. • The long-awaited film adaptation of Wicked defies both gravity and box office expectations in its opening weekend, reaching a massive global debut of $164 million.

Folks are shocked at the results of the 2024 US Presidential Election. Despite insulting everyone they could and promising to end free elections, Trump and MAGA republicans are set to control our federal government, now with no judicial restraints. For all purposes, Trump is about to be the United States’ first dictator. Everyone is blaming everybody, everything everywhere, all at once: • Election Interference. • Democrats. • Gen Z. • Corporate owned news media. • Tik Tok, Facebook, Twitter. • Kamala, Bernie, Hillary, Joe. • Putin, Netanyahu, Kim Jon Un, Winnie the Pooh. • Jill Stein, election hipsters. • Chappell Roan. • The Taco Bell Chihuahua. Everyone, except Republicans. Although most Americans agree on progressive issues like Universal Healthcare, billionaires paying normal taxes, LGBTQ equality, abortion access and wishing the price of eggs would go down, Republicans got practically the same number of votes the last election, while Democratic voters stayed home watching Grey’s Anatomy. Today comedian and comedy writer Dan Cass joins us to look at what happened during the 2024 U.S. Presidential Election. FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM: ★ instagram.com/dankkass ★ instagram.com/faustofernos ★ instagram.com/marcfelion Plus-- • Sex magic: what is it and does it work? • Why are more women looking for ways to poison their husbands? • Mattel gets Wicked. • RayGun, the controversial Olympic break dancer announces she was retiring from Break Dancing, but then said she’s “never going to stop.” Just like us.

Bodybuilding isn’t cheap- food, gear, training, and coaching can make the road to becoming a legend super expensive. Now that’s where the generous benefactors come in handy! Famous bodybuilders like Arnold Schwartzenegger, Sylvester Stallone and Kai Greene made money as muscle for hire and it wasn’t always as security detail. Muscle worship and muscle posing can sometimes bring in the bucks if you find the right audience. Let’s Grow Big Together! The podcast that invites you to come to the muscle worship party, even if you’re not jacked yet. In this series, we take a look at the passion for muscle, adventures in bodybuilding, muscle gods, muscle worship and practical advice to put on the gains. Today long term listener, go-go boy and musical theater enthusiast Shaw Knight takes us behind the scenes of lavish muscle worship parties you’ve always heard about but seemed too wild to be true. Listen to Feast of Fun without any ads: ★ feastoffun.com/plus ★ patreon.com/feastoffun FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM: ★ instagram.com/faustofernos ★ instagram.com/marcfelion Plus- • How to develop arms like a gymnast. • Why so many Instagram fitness influencers get asked for pictures of their feet.

Democratic candidate Kamala Harris made an appearance for two and a half minutes on Saturday Night Live’s opening sketch to address people’s anxiety over the election. Harris said the best we can do is use our power to vote, and hold on tight to the promise that America will get through this. FCC commissioner and author of Project 2025 Brendan Carr filed a complaint against NBC television, stating the broadcast network violated “equal time” rules, which wasn’t the case since the network did reach out to Trump with their campaign declining. Today we make the case for voting for Kamala Harris, even if you have grave misgivings. FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM: ★ instagram.com/faustofernos ★ instagram.com/marcfelion Listen to Feast of Fun without any ads: ★ feastoffun.com/plus ★ patreon.com/feastoffun Plus-- • Trump gives a malfunctioning microphone head, but at least we are spared seeing him take his dentures out before giving it a gum job. • Why are Republicans interested in the death of P’Nut the Squirrel? • Puerto Rican Archbishop Roberto Octavio González Nieves demands Trump apologize for the racist rally act. • Music legend, pop music producer Quincy Jones dies at the age of 91. • Gay rights activist Ron Ehemann, Chicago’s first out gay attorney, died after a long battle with blood cancer. He was 74.

It seems fitting that in the U.S., Election Day is so close to Halloween. Despite promising to be a dictator on day one, despite doing every horrific thing possible to hurt voters, Donald Trump is neck and neck with Kamala Harris. Today we take a look at the election to end all elections and this year’s Halloween costumes with comedian Dan Cass, one of Chicago's top comedy writers and performers, who spent time in Russia studying experimental theater. FOLLOW DAN CASS: ★ instagram.com/dankkass FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM: ★ instagram.com/faustofernos ★ instagram.com/marcfelion Dan almost became a ghost after a bad accident on a Divvy bike, but thankfully what didn’t kill him just pissed him off. Listen as we take a look at the 2024 US Presidential election and Halloween costumes so scary, kids are dressing up as undecided voters wearing MAGA rainbow hats. Plus-- • Insult comic Tony Hinchcliffe with approval from the GOP calls Puerto Rico a “floating island of garbage.” • The U.S. Mint announces Celia Cruz will be on a special edition US quarter, making her the first Afro Caribbean woman on our currency. ¡Azucar! • Musician Chappell Roan continues her battle against paparazzi. • Also, costume ideas too good to pass up: -- Ray Gun the Australian Breakdancer. -- Moo Deng made out of grey garbage bags. -- Trump as the Hamburglar. Listen to Feast of Fun without any ads: ★ feastoffun.com/plus ★ patreon.com/feastoffun