Feast of Fun: Gay Talk Show

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.

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

Category is: get your freak on! We’re huge fans of sex expert, comedian and educator David Brandyn. Hailing from NYC’s ballroom scene, David got his start writing for television as a Sesame Street fellow and then got his big break starring in the comedy web series “No Shade” where a trio of queer Black men get their groove back with hilarious results. David now goes to festivals to record his series “Butch Queen Advice” where he invites folks to ask burning questions or share their wildest adventures looking for love. Today David Brandyn joins us to explore the fun side of sexuality as we take a look at all the hot topics and more–– FOLLOW DAVID BRANDYN ON INSTAGRAM: ★ instagram.com/davidbrandyn • Should I give my lover a piece of candy after sex? • Why do guys get tired after they nut? • The differences between Gooning and Looning. • The Wicked Movie poster controversy explained. FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM: ★ instagram.com/faustofernos ★ instagram.com/marcfelion

The 2024 US Presidential election is a real nail biter. It’s now a choice between maintaining our democracy or turning the government over to a dictator, so it’s no wonder this election is causing a lot of anxiety, even pop stars and baby hippos are shooketh. Project 2025, the well funded political scheme by the right wing hate group The Heritage Foundation hopes to replace all Federal leaders and judges with ultraconservatives loyal to Trump. The plan also calls for concentration camps for LGBTQ+ folks, immigrants and women who’ve had abortions. Thankfully our friend, family therapist and PrEP activist Damon L. Jacobs has his own Project for 2025, calling it “PROTECT 2025” where he invites undecided voters living in one of the 7 swing states to have a conversation about the election with him. If they do, he will give them $20 and 25¢ for twenty minutes of their time. Ka ching! What does Damon hope to accomplish? Today Damon L. Jacobs joins us to look at the 2024 US Presidential Election between Trump and Harris, and why, like George Takei says, it’s urgent for all LGBTQ+ folks to take a stand and speak out. LET'S PROTECT 2025: https://letsprotect2025.com Plus-- • Bowen Yang and the writers at SNL compared Roan to Thailand’s zoological sensation Moo Deng, a baby hippo who, like the queer pop star, has captivated the world’s attention. • Who is influencing Janet Jackson’s MAGA political views?

One of the most jaw dropping news stories to come our way in a while is the arrest of music producer and performer Sean "P. Diddy" Combs on charges of sex trafficking, racketeering and transportation to engage in prostitution. Meanwhile, Janet Jackson’s manager is in damage control, apologizing on her behalf for saying that Presidential candidate Kamala Harris’s father was not black. Although Ellen said she was quitting showbiz, the queer comedy icon is back in a whole new Netflix special, saying she was canceled for being an opinionated woman. Rosie O’Donell criticizes Ryan Murphy’s new series about the Menedez Brothers murders. And Justin Timberlake pleads guilty to his DUI, will pay $500 and do community service. Today we take a look at the slew of terrible celebrities doing terrible things, plus-- • A dubious new study reveals that people who have sex with women are more likely to commit crimes. • Another study reveals that bisexual men are more likely to have kids and take risks than anyone else. • Same sex marriage comes to Thailand.

Long before folks enjoyed watching oddball viral videos on the Internet, the only way to see these outrageous movies was to share physical video cassette tapes from person to person. One of the stars of this tape sharing phenomenon was musician Jan Terri, whose wonderfully weird music videos got the attention of a lot of people, including celebrities Marilyn Manson and his girlfriend at the time Rose McGowan. Manson even had Jan open for him in concert. After taking some time off for personal reasons, Jan made a spectacular comeback in the early days of YouTube when the video for her song “Losing You” became a hit as the “Worst Music Video Ever.” It still ranks as the top video for the term, with 5.9 million views to date. Today counterculture legend Jan Terri joins us to look at her roller coaster life in music, putting out a children’s book and a cookbook for folks living in dorms and life as an accidental internet superstar, long before there was an Internet. CHECK OUT JAN TERRI: https://janterri.com

We’re enthralled with comedian Devon Poole’s hilarious videos where he dresses up in drag and pays tribute to the wild women of the internet, from the ladies of Cougar International to the endless assortment of shopping addicts on QVC. How did this lovable bear turn into a comedy queen who lip syncs some of the iconic moments in television that have gone viral on the internet? Today comedian Devon Poole joins us to talk about his journey to Instagram and TikTok success with his parody videos featuring women who have something to say. DEVON POOLE: https://www.instagram.com/itsdevonpoole/ Plus-- • Sylvia Browne, Montel Williams’ favorite psychic guest. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PtoDZJoUCVY • Zsa Zsa Gabor and Estelle Getty’s exercise videos. Zsa Zsa Gabor: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PckcewAJIsg Estelle Getty: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nH73Yhdj3eM • Our favorite instant coffee enthusiast, Lauren Bacall. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cu66EDMxAbI

For all the heroic triumphs that took place at the 2024 Olympics in Paris, one of the most talked about moments has been pole vaulter Anthony Ammirati's spectacular loss. Even though he wasn’t going to make the pole vault, his massive baguette got in the way, knocking the bar off the poles as he tumbled into our hearts. Anthony, you may have lost at the Olympics, but your dong won the gold. Today we take a look at all the top news stories happening around the 2024 Olympics in Paris, two cisgendered women accused for being trans, Tom Daley retiring from diving, RayGun going viral for her hilariously awkward break dancing and Simon Biles loving her black job: winning gold medals. Plus-- • The Democratic National Convention kicks off in Chicago. • Our reviews of Deadpool & Wolverine and Alien: Romulus. • Trans Chicago viral sensation Jools LeBron thanks her fans for her success helping to fund her transition. • Farewell to talk show pioneer Phil Donahue, who helped introduce LGBTQ folks to American households with his genre defining daytime talk show, he was 88.

It’s hard to quantify the importance comedian Ellen DeGeneres has had on LGBTQ+ visibility. Coming out on her own sitcom in 1997 was initially rough for her and her career but opened doors for many queer people and led her to dominate daytime talk shows as the new “queen of nice” a title formerly given to another closeted daytime talk show host, Rosie O’Donnell. Then after years of rumors that real life Ellen was the queen of mean, Ellen’s talk show got canceled and we saw a new side we all originally loved either way, snarky Ellen. Now Ellen says this next stand up comedy special on Netflix will be her last, saying she’s quitting showbiz forever. (OK Cher.) While we say goodbye to Ellen’s career it’s a thrill to say hello to Vice President Kamala Harris who in two days has snatched up the nomination for President of the United States, and broke records by raising 100 million dollars in small donations. Plus-- ➤ A new study of Gen Z reveals that half of them don't identify as straight. ➤ Elon Musk backs down from $45 million a month pledge to Trump ➤ Coming to theaters: Alien: Romulus and Deadpool & Wolverine.

When we first heard the shocking news that a disgruntled Republican tried to shoot former President Trump at a campaign rally in Pennsylvania, all kinds of thoughts went racing through our heads: was this staged? Is this a lone gunman? Are we disappointed they missed? Who knew Melania would be such a bad shot? Despite President Biden’s call to unify the country by rejecting violence and expressing sympathy for the victims including former President Trump, Trump himself wasted no time raising funds over the shooting with various leading Republicans blaming the violence on Democrats. Violence is contagious, and it’s tempting to want to hurt others as a quick fix.But the problem is that people want quick solutions to issues that take time, energy and thoughtfulness to resolve. Today Chicago comedian and comedy writer Dan Cass joins us to look at the political turmoil surrounding the 2024 US Presidential Election, the Supreme Court’s recent rulings granting themselves supreme power and the recent assassination attempt on former President Trump. WATCH Dan Cass' Comedy Special "Drama Boy" YouTube: https://youtu.be/9rilbCPtr7I?si=nzF9WJJ972bB5GII FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM: ★ instagram.com/dankkass ★ instagram.com/faustofernos ★ instagram.com/marcfelion Plus– Remembering the lives of beloved entertainers and media personalities: Shelley Duval, Dr. Ruth Westheimer, Richard Simmons and Shannen Doherty. They all passed away this past week.

Being a musician is tough- streaming services keep all the money, crappy diss tracks go viral on TikTok, and now AI is muscling in on the action. It's no wonder so much bad music today is being cranked out by corporations instead of singer songwriters. But, despite all these obstacles Tom Goss makes it work. Now after millions of views, his hit song Bears, a playful tribute to Gay Bears, is now a decade later being rediscovered by straight butch radio jockeys on 98.5 The Sports Hub from Boston. SPORTS HUB ON TOM GOSS' BEARS: https://open.spotify.com/episode/1baOlgJM5Q8ygkYXCDHeNH?si=9advrzqDQtS7z7oWKfnSHQ&context=spotify%3Ashow%3A36M5VoR8w7E6YpCzW1pMy7 It’s moments like this that can propel an artist into the big leagues, when people who don’t normally listen to their music get excited to enjoy something new. Today former college wrestler, Catholic priest in training, bear enthusiast Tom Goss joins us to reflect on the impact of being “rediscovered” by straight sports jocks on the radio program Toucher and Hardy. Feast of Fun is made possible because of listeners like you, thank you! Check out Shameless Care: shamelesscare.com/feasts FEATURED MUSIC: 🎵 Tom Goss https://apple.co/3zgfo5w Plus-- • Writing songs about your gangster ex who’s now serving time in the big house. • A song about all those people who want you to audition for American Idol.

When God closes a Madonna Celebration Tour, she opens up an all new podcast with Nadya Ginsburg! Nadya Ginsburg is so well known for her satirical portrayal of pop divas like Madonna, Cher and Britney Spears that it sometimes overshadows her prowess as a comedian and performer. In the new web series Raw & Real now streaming on OutTV, Nadya gives viewers an intimate look as she battles it out against her own portrayals of Madonna and Cher. Today Nadya Ginsburg joins us to look at life beyond Madonna, Cher and Britney as she takes on the challenge to embrace the ultimate diva: herself. NADYA GINSBURG: ★ https://www.instagram.com/nadyaginsburg Plus-- • UFC fighter Bryce Mitchell says he’s home-schooling his son so he doesn’t “end up turning gay.” • Google’s AI goes wild telling people the reason why cockroaches are named that is because they are likely to crawl up the hole in your dong. • Cashing in on your 401 GAY retirement plan.

For those struggling with fitness and building muscle, coaches can sometimes do more harm than good by not meeting clients where they are at. This can lead to people feeling overwhelmed, giving up on their goals and not living their best life. Let’s Grow Big Together! The podcast that tells you: Don’t just stand there, lets get to it, strike a double biceps pose, there’s nothing to it. Pose. In this series, we’re taking a look at the passion for muscle, adventures in bodybuilding, muscle gods, muscle worship and practical advice to put on the gains. Today self described thique goddess, mobility coach and plus size supermodel Roy Belzer joins us to look at fitness for big folks, loving yourself unconditionally and working to have the best body possible with what you got. ROY BELZER FITNESS: ★ instagram.com/roybelzerfitness FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM: ★ instagram.com/faustofernos ★ instagram.com/marcfelion Plus-- • Overcoming the deadly impact of sitting behind a desk all day long. • Water as the most underrated fitness supplement.