Rated LGBT Radio

Episoder

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  Renown Queer Poet Laurier Tiernan and FIFTY-FIVE WAYS to SURVIVE 23.07.2026 52min

  My guest is interdisciplinary poet and multidisciplinary artist Laurier Tiernan!  We talk about their work and life experiences. Laurier shares their journey as a genderqueer and non-binary person growing up in conservative Edmonton, Alberta, where they were bullied in school and faced discrimination, including being chased and called slurs as recently as 2024. We cover Laurier's recent poetry book "Fifty-Five Ways to Survive," which follows a theme of darkness-to-light, and their 15th-anniversary album "Peace on Earth," which contains songs like "End of the World" that prophesied Donald Trump's rise to power. We discuss how the poetry of FIFTY-FIVE WAYS resonates with the experiences of young LGBTQ+ people and how the music supports profound lyrical content.
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  The Power of Queer Culture to Create Transformational Leaders - Dr. Joel Brown 09.07.2026 55min

  Great conversation with Dr. Joel A. Davis Brown, author of "Souls of Queer Folk: How Understanding LGBTQ+ Cultural Values Can Transform Your Leadership Practice." Dr. Brown, an attorney with a doctorate in educational leadership and founder of the management consulting firm Pneumos, discussed his journey of understanding his LGBTQ+ identity and how queer culture embodies leadership values that can benefit society as a whole. We explore topics including the debate over the term "queer" following Michael Vines' New York Times article, the nine meta-themes from Dr. Brown's book (somatic awareness, interconnectedness, authenticity, perceptiveness, non-binary thinking, creativity, justice, agency, and verve), and how LGBTQ+ people demonstrate leadership through resilience and cultural contributions despite facing prejudice. 
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  The Iconic Margaret Cho !! And the New Dance Anthem "YER DIHH" 06.07.2026 49min

  My guest is the LGBTQ treasure, Margaret Cho. We discussed her ever-present presence throughout fabulous LGBTQ culture as well as her new song "YER DIHH" (a gay version of "WAP") featuring Jane Wiedlin and a music video with many LGBTQ comedians., We discussed her upcoming comedy special "Choligarchy" to be filmed in Palm Springs.  We spoke at length about current controversies over labeling, Margaret's unique experience and perspective, and why trans people are heroes.
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  Acclaimed Author Greg Sarris and His New Book THE LAST HUMAN BEAR 25.06.2026 57min

  My guest today is acclaimed author and tribal leader Greg Sarris . We discuss his latest book "The Last Human Bear." Greg shares his personal background as a mixed-race individual who was adopted and later discovered his birth mother's identity, as well as his journey of coming to terms with his gay identity while growing up as an outsider. He discusses how his relationship with Mabel McKay, a medicine woman, inspired the book's central character Mary Hatcher, who possesses bear power and navigates complex relationships across racial and cultural lines, and how the book challenges stereotypes about Indigenous people in California.
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  Film Director Rowan Haber of WE ARE PAT Celebrating the Iconic SNL Character 18.06.2026 59min

  We Are Pat is a new feature-length documentary exploring the evolution of gender identity and comedy from the 90s to now through the lens of the iconic SNL sketch, It’s Pat. Featuring the now classic character by Julia Sweeney, the film examines Pat’s origins as a joke rooted in cultural anxiety of the 90s around gender while drawing striking parallels to today’s culture wars around transness and queerness. My guest, director Rowan Haber is an aesthetically-minded Writer/Director. An MFA graduate of NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts, they have directed numerous documentaries and narrative films, winning numerous awards. They were a shadowing director on FX’s Pose and featured on The Alice Initiative’s 2018 list of directors ready to helm studio films and Indiewire’s 8 Best Trans Directors Working Today,
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  Rex Glensy and Asad Moghal of KEVIN'S SERIES OF UNFORNUNATE EVENTS 11.06.2026 56min

   Today on Rated LGBT Radio, we’re stepping into a bold, funny, and beautifully crafted piece of LGBTQ storytelling on television. My guests are Rex Glensy and Asad Moghal, the creative forces behind the acclaimed UK series PATTERNS, now premiering its second season. Across eight episodes per season of PATTERNS, each episode offers a self-contained story within a shared universe where characters reappear. Today we focus on a particular episode in the new and unreleased second season, Kevin’s Series of Unfortunate Events, which is making its World Premiere this week at Tribeca’s Indie TV Narrative Showcase. The response has already been electric, with multiple sold-out screenings and another sold-out showing set for the 14th. Kevin’s Series of Unfortunate Events is a sharp, witty, and wildly charming piece of comedy. Actor Jake Watkins, known for his work in the horror genre, brings Kevin to life with a disarming mix of uninhibited sexuality, innocence, vulnerability, and romantic longing. Working from Asad Moghal’s brilliantly funny script, Watkins turns Kevin’s chaotic search for connection into something both hilarious and unexpectedly sweet. Under the direction and production of Rex Glensy, Asad’s real-life romantic partner, the episode walks a perfect comedic tightrope—taking situations that could easily become dark drama and transforming them into a dating-world adventure that feels outrageous, heartfelt, and all too relatable.
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  David Archuleta! The book, the songs, and brand new music coming next week! 04.06.2026 42min

  I welcome back to the show David Archuleta!  When David was last here, he was merely a multi-award-winning and bravely out singer…. Making his mark on his journey with hits like UP and HELL TOGETHER—and we were celebrating his version of George Michaels FREEDOM. That was then—this is now.  He is now David Archuleta, NYT bestselling author—of the hugely important and significant memoir, DEVOUT. With that work, which has been embraced by not only LGBTQ folks and Mormons seeking truth, but the broader public as well – for its life-changing perspectives.  We will talk about that—plus, David, the consummate singer-songwriter, released DEVOUT inspired music with the book—and will be releasing even more music in just a few weeks—new music with a new sound and the heartbeat of romance….
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  BJ Minor, Star of the New Horror/Comedy SCARED TO DEATH 28.05.2026 56min

  My guest today is the uber talented BJ Minor who stars in Scared to Death (in theaters now). B.J. is a multi-talented artist who acts, writes, directs and sings…and is best known for portraying teen Mike Tyson in Hulu’s Mike (2022), a breakout role that showcased their physical transformation, dramatic range, and commitment to representation. They have since had impactful roles in several dozen major TV dramas and genre films, including Bel‑Air on Peacock, Grey’s Anatomy, and the current movie, our focus today, the horror‑comedy Scared to Death.
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  Aidan Langford, Star of Netflix's ROOMATES on Being Seen 21.05.2026 58min

  My guest today is Aidan Langford, who plays a pivotal LGBTQ character in the Happy Madison film Roommates for Netflix. We discuss working with Adam Sandler as well as Dolly Parton, when he was featured in Netflix's "Dolly Parton's Heartstrings." You may have also seen  in Amazon's "Bosch", and the SXSW independent feature 1985, as well as Breaking Them Up and "NCIS: New Orleans".  Along with acting, he’s passionate about LGBTQ rights and is a musician/singer songwriter with 3 singles out currently and an EP that is being made and leans into the indie rock genre of the early 2000s.A visual artist and painter and he is currently receiving his BFA in painting. 
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  Today's LGBTQ Workplace Experience: the Shine the Light Study is Here 14.05.2026 56min

  How is your work-life in the Trump2 era?  Today, we get an insightful look thanks to the new Shine the Light Study report. My guests are Evan Linett, the lead researcher, and Veronica Comings, a Be the Transformational Change Fund board member.  The study found that 74% of LGBTQ employees experienced workplace support, though 49% witnessed discrimination, with notable differences across generations and identity groups. We discuss issues from dress expectations to restroom comfort, and everything in between.  
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  The Sensational DJ and EDM Songster BRIGHT LIGHT BRIGHT LIGHT 07.05.2026 56min

  My guest today is DJ Bright Light Bright Light, who is fresh from his Cosmic Light North American Tour,with Queen of the Universe winner, Grag Queen. The tour brought queer joy to 17 cities across the U.S., celebrating the community that he is so proud to be part of and continues to uplift. His music is infectious, exciting, and in many cases, deeply romantic. He is a talent that the uber-talented appreciate and seek out. As an award-winning independent artist from Wales, UK living in New York City he has collaborated with Sir Elton John, Erasure, Scissor Sisters, Justin Vivian Bond, Alan Cumming and Madonna's iconic backing vocalists Niki & Donna . He has also toured with, and opened for Cher, performed at Prides and festivals across Europe & the U.S. He is known for his energetic live shows full of joy, humor and hope. His most recent album Enjoy Youth  was a Top 10 selling album in the United Kingdom. He’s remixed tracks by Sylvester, Bananarama, Erasure, Dannii Minogue, and Caveboy and Lent, with music Bible NME calling him “The boy Robyn in all but name”. When not on tour, he can be found spinning the decks at Alan Cumming’s East Village nightlife haven, Club Cumming, with his weekly Time Out New York-endorsed Romy & Michele’s Saturday Afternoon Tea Dance To quote his song BOYS ETC. I’m not like the other boys—I'm giving you music, they're giving you noise…
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  AMERICAN TRICKSTER, a Brilliant Expose of Faux Anthropologist Carlos Castaneda by Ru Marshall 30.04.2026 54min

  My guest today is the multi-talented Ru Marshall. They discuss their new book "American Trickster: The Hidden Lives of Carlos Castaneda." Ru, an award-winning non-binary writer and visual artist, explores how Carlos Castaneda, a faux anthropologist who created the fictional character Don Juan, pulled off one of the greatest literary hoaxes in modern history. Our conversation delves into Castaneda's background, including his family's controversial past in Peru, his academic connections at UCLA, and how he built a cult following around his teachings. Ru also discusses the parallels between Castaneda's methods and modern cult leadership, particularly comparing them to current political figures. The book, published by OR Books, is available for order and Ru will be conducting readings in New York and California in the coming weeks.
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  The New Hitchcock-esque Crime Drama Film LONG TIME LISTENER -Danielle Nicolet and Cleo Berry 23.04.2026 58min

  Sharp and thrilling, the new film Long Time Listener tells the story of a true-crime podcaster who becomes the target of a mysterious “long time listener,” and fame quickly turns deadly. Pulled into a web of secrets that grow darker by the minute, she faces long-buried truths that blur the line between storyteller and victim … and raises one terrifying question: Who’s really in control of the story? My guests today are director/star Danielle Nicolet and star Cleo Berry. Pulse-pounding from its opening scene, this noir-esque thriller marks Danielle's(The Flash, Central Intelligence), directorial debut. Balancing stylish tension with character-driven suspense, Nicolet proves as confident behind the camera as she is in front of it. Cleo shines as Max, a prominent queer character trying to make sense of the deadly threats around him. Both my guests are accomplished actors, writers, and directors.  
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  Long-term Care for LGBTQ Seniors 16.04.2026 50min

  This episode of Rated LGBTQ Radio focused on long-term planning for LGBTQ couples, featuring guest Steve Shapiro, a long-term care specialist. He emphasized that the ideal time to begin planning is in one's 50s rather than waiting until retirement age, as many insurance options become unavailable due to health issues by age 65-70. Steve also addressed specific concerns for LGBTQ individuals, noting that while same-sex marriage provides financial benefits, many LGBTQ people face challenges with family support systems and may need to consider long-term care planning regardless of marital status.
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  Anthony Bawn, prolific filmmaker, the ALMOST US premiere and LGBTQ POC Films 09.04.2026 57min

  My guest is the award-winning filmmaker Anthony Bawn! We discuss his mission to give LGBTQ POC a platform and a filmic presence with the free streaming platform www.watchvim.com and the premiere of  his new film ABOUT US. Almost Us sparks with a fiery one-night stand between Darren, a closeted and politically connected real estate developer, and Jason, an openly queer and charismatic community organizer. What begins as passion and escape quickly spirals into a collision of worlds when Darren’s luxury redevelopment project sets its sights on the Baldwin Cultural Center—Jason’s beloved sanctuary and a vital organizing hub for the city’s LGBTQ community.
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  Gilded Age's Claybourne Elder and His New Album IF THE STARS WERE MINE 26.03.2026 57min

  My guest is the uber-talented Claybourne Elder, recently known as John Adams on the hit The Gilded Age. Claybourne has received nominations from award bodies including the Grammys, Screen Actors Guild, Drama Desk, and Lucille Lortel. Recently, he did a turn on Broadway in the Tony Award-winning revival of Company. His extensive stage career includes Bonnie and Clyde, Sunday in the Park with George, Torch Song, Wild Party , and Sondheim on Sondheim, among many others. He is about to drop his debut solo album, If the Stars Were Mine. The album is defined by its inventive arrangements and range of material. Familiar songs are reimagined in ways that are often surprising—sometimes intimate, sometimes daring—inviting listeners to hear well-known material through a fresh lens. The track list moves effortlessly from Whitney Houston to Sondheim and the Great American Songbook, unified by Elder’s singular ability to blend storytelling, humor, and emotional candor with a voice critics consistently praise for its warmth, clarity, and expressive power.
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  Director and Writer Honey Lauren and the film MISTAKE currently wowing film festivals worldwide 12.03.2026 57min

  My guest is Honey Lauren, the multi-award-winning writer, director and actress, with over 100 film and TV credits and dozens of commercial appearances. Today we talk about her debut feature film, MISTAKE, which is astounding film festival attendees across the globe.  Just in the last few weeks, it won the Director's Choice for Most Inspirational Feature at the Sedona Film Festival, and Best Feature Film at the REEL Equals Film Festival. The film is set in 1941, somewhere in the American South, a child is born between the sexes.  The parents must choose, boy or girl. Thirty years later, with hormone treatment, Larry is raised a man. The Deep South is anything but an understanding environment in which to realize that a mistake has been made.  
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  Acclaimed Film and Theater Director Fia Perera and the new film MERMAID 06.03.2026 58min

  My guest is the multi-talented Fia Perera the passionate LGBTQ+ advocate who is focused on making films that can move the needle for marginalized communities.  Her recent feature documentary Paul and Trisha: The Art of Fluidity (2024) garnered critical acclaim for its intimate portrait of two 77-year-old British artists living in one gender-fluid body. Today we talk about her new film currently hitting the film festival circuit, MERMAID. which is an unexpected story of friendship between a trans-feminine child (a naturalistic star-making performance from 11 year old non-binary wunderkind actor Devyn McDowel) who longs to be a mermaid, and an emotionally wrecked and jaded drag performer. Their improbable relationship blossoms into a richly emotional bond, and coalesces into a new kind of family — loud, imperfect, and radically affirming.
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  Power Pop Band PARKER WOODLAND's Hot New Anthem: POLICE ON MY BACK 19.02.2026 59min

  My guests today are two thirds of the activist power trio Parker Woodland, Keri and Erin. We talk about the thrilling anthems in their catalogue of songs, including songs directly supporting queer youth. Parker Woodland is known for high-energy live shows featuring melodic-psych guitar from Andrew Solin, pounding drums from Keri Cinquina, powerhouse vocals from Erin Walter, and cinematic visuals from lighting designer Starr Long. "Police On My Back" and "Get Me to the Show” have become staples of their live shows, with Erin jumping into the crowd to decry the presence of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in cities across the U.S. Fresh off a Midwest/Southeast tour, Parker Woodland will be featured in French author Benoit Cohen's upcoming documentary on U.S. artists resisting fascism.
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  Singer Mike Maimone and his deeply effective memoir GUESS WHAT? I LOVE YOU 12.02.2026 1t 1min

    Note- there may be some tech difficulties on this recording and the show starts at the 9 minute mark. Mike is back! We talked to him last year about his amazing music catalogue and the release of his song ONY MY WAY.  That song today has met with huge success including 3 million TikTok views. Today we pivot to his new memoir GUESS WHAT? ILOVE YOU. It tells the tale of when he meets legendary publicist Howard Bragman,  and neither expects a once-in-a-lifetime love story to unfold. Despite their perceived differences, they quickly build a world together based on music, humor, hard-won wisdom, and the unexpected tenderness that comes from finding your forever person just when you’d given up looking.But when Howard is diagnosed with cancer on the eve of Mike’s proposal, the life they had been envisioning together changes overnight. What follows is both devastating and luminous—a final chapter marked by brutal honesty, fierce devotion, and moments of grace that arrive exactly when they’re needed most.