RuPaul's Drag Race Recap

This week on The Rumor Mill, Joe and Nathan are left to fend for themselves with no voicemails and no real drag news to report—so naturally, chaos ensues. Joe unveils his brand-new “Sad Rumor Mill” theme song (AI lyrics included), while Nathan pretends not to be emotionally scarred by a listener email dredging up that infamous Wigloose rant. The two spiral into everything from tinnitus hacks to Starbucks prank videos before landing on a top five “least favorite queens” list that’s equal parts petty and cathartic. Joe even breaks out his mixer to attempt a Queen Kong impression, with… mixed results. Later, Joe comes clean about some rough outtakes from Slaysian Royale, playing clips of himself being a total diva toward poor Evan Markson. Will Evan quit the network? Justice for Evan! It’s a short-turned-long episode that proves what happens when you don’t send in your voicemails—Joe and Nathan go rogue. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Joe and Nathan are back with a voicemail-heavy edition of The Rumor Mill. Listeners from around the world check in — from Cleveland to Kentucky, from Australia to Finland — to share feedback, stories, and a few zingers. Along the way, Joe reflects on the show’s evolution from its spoiler-days roots, teases the possibility of a hiatus when Nathan heads off on his world trip, and even slips into character as a “Chinese spy” mid-call. Highlights include: Anonymous callers asking for more “planned bits” and reminding Joe of long-forgotten show gags. A deep dive into listener Brendan’s hot-take on Sasha vs. Shea, sparking debate about queens who’ve aged well — or not. Matt from Michigan explaining how Afterthought Media helped him through a rough tinnitus flare, and throwing some unexpected shade Nathan’s way. Sean, Chloe, Halle, Allie, and James all chiming in with appreciation, questions, and stories — including a shoutout to classic Afterthought shows like Fat Camp, Hallmark Homo’s, Fighting Prince Charming, and Murder House Flip. A quick look at RuPaul’s DJ set with fracking imagery in the background — not exactly headline news, but worth a mention. A sneak peek at possible new theme songs for the “news” segment, complete with AI-generated lyrics that sound more Hunger Games opening ceremony than drag gossip. It’s an episode that blends community, comedy, and camp — a reminder that The Rumor Mill thrives as much on listener voices as it does on Joe and Nathan’s banter. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this episode of RuPaul's Drag Race Recap, hosts Joe Betance and Nathan Patrick Brown discuss the latest episode, including the challenges faced by the contestants, the controversial comments made by Mr. Blackstone, and the implications of the lip sync battles. They also analyze the performances of the queens in the latest maxi challenge. In this episode, the hosts discuss various aspects of the latest Drag Race episode, including the joy of live viewing parties, the communal experience of laughter, and the challenges faced by contestants. They delve into the significance of table visits, the complexities of poverty and connections, and the dynamics of conflict resolution in the workroom. The conversation culminates in reflections on elimination day and the overall impact of the episode. Patreon: patreon.com/afterthoughtmedia Voicemail: speakpipe.com/afterthoughtmedia Email: dragracerecap@afterthought.media Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week on The Rumor Mill, Joe and Nathan dive into the latest tea from the world of Drag Race and beyond. Patreon & Apple Podcasts Updates: Joe lifts the “embargo” on voicemails and breaks down all the ways you can get exclusive Afterthought Media content, including Slaysian Royale and the return of Dragula. Cultural Misunderstandings: A discussion on Slaysian Royale sparks listener feedback about Filipino humor, translation quirks, and the use of words like “auspicious.” Joe and Nathan unpack the comments, reflect on cultural nuance, and talk about why covering international seasons can be tricky. Listener Voicemail: Laura from the Sutherland Shire shares how the podcasts have been with her through major life milestones—from earning a nursing degree to starting a family. She’s even moving closer to Nathan’s hometown, leading to talk of theatre productions, beaches, and life in Wollongong. Shea Couleé Drama: The big news of the week—Shea’s drag daughters have all dropped the Couleé name. Joe and Nathan cover the story, explore the daughters’ cryptic statements, and question what’s really going on behind the vague-booking. Joe even makes a bold pitch inviting them to spill the tea on The Rumor Mill. Theme Song Fun: Nathan reacts to a new, very “Australian” variation of his theme song and Joe revisits the AI-generated Rumor Mill jingle. Pop Culture Tangents: From Australian Survivor to Disneyland’s Gay Days, the hosts mix in stories of cousins, concerts, and cultural quirks that only Joe and Nathan could deliver. It’s a lively mix of hot tea, cultural commentary, listener love, and sharp Drag Race gossip. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this episode of RuPaul's Drag Race Recap, hosts Joe Betance and Nathan Patrick Brown discuss the latest episode titled 'RDR Live.' They delve into the technical issues faced during the recording, the ongoing drama within the drag community, and provide a detailed overview of the episode's events, including the lip sync battle and the controversial badonkadonk twist. The hosts also share their takeaways from the episode, highlighting the delusions of some contestants and the need for better writing in the challenges. In this episode, Nathan and Joe delve into the dynamics of the workroom, discussing the contestants' strategies, character choices, and the challenges they face in sketch performances. They critique the writing quality of the sketches, particularly focusing on the caveman sketch and the Golden Girls parody, while also analyzing RuPaul's humor and cultural references. The conversation highlights the importance of character consistency and the impact of writing on performance quality. In this episode of the Drag Race Recap, Nathan and Joe discuss the latest elimination day, the behind-the-scenes drama among contestants, and the runway looks that wowed and disappointed. They critique the performances and fashion choices of the queens, highlighting the dynamics of competition and personal opinions on the contestants' journeys. The conversation flows through various themes, including celebrity crushes, fashion critiques, and the overall impact of the episode on the competition. Patreon: patreon.com/afterthoughtmedia Voicemail: speakpipe.com/afterthoughtmedia Email: dragracerecap@afterthought.media Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

It’s a slow drama week, but Joe and Nathan still deliver plenty of chaos, laughs, and a packed voicemail bag. From Latrice Royale wig-snatching clips to a flood of SpeakPipe messages, the fans keep the conversation going. This week’s highlights include: Joe begging for voicemails… and getting more than he bargained for. Listener April sharing a wild personal backstory that once made headlines. Tim from Atlanta, David from Texas, and Shawn the Kentucky chiropractor all check in with love, tea, and shade. A thoughtful dive into whether Drag Race has a bias against Latin queens. Evan calling in hot from the bars with a Slaysian Royale recap of his own. Plus: awkward break mishaps, favorite drag queens, and Lauri's infamous run-ins with Kevin Bacon and Kyra Sedgwick. It’s messy, funny, heartfelt, and very Rumor Mill. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this episode of RuPaul's Drag Race Recap, hosts Joe and Nathan discuss Season 17 Episode 4, titled 'Bitch I'm a Drag Queen.' They delve into the controversial opinions surrounding Mr. Blackstone, analyze the recent lip sync battle, and emphasize the significance of the Snatch Game in the competition. The conversation also touches on the emotional reactions of the queens post-elimination and the dynamics of the maxi challenge. In this episode, Joe and Nathan delve into the latest happenings in Drag Race, discussing bizarre moments, team dynamics, and personal stories shared by the contestants. They analyze the studio day performances, the peculiar tumbleweed scene, and the overall quality of the episode compared to previous ones. The conversation also touches on the elimination day reflections, highlighting the contestants' backgrounds and the authenticity of their stories. In this episode of Drag Race Recap, Joe and Nathan delve into the latest episode of RuPaul's Drag Race Season 17, discussing cringe-worthy moments, fashion critiques, and the elimination of Joella. They explore the cultural implications of the contestants' performances and the judges' comments, while also reflecting on the overall quality of the runway looks and performances. The conversation culminates in a discussion about the final moments of the episode and the implications of the critiques given to the contestants. Patreon: patreon.com/afterthoughtmedia Voicemail: speakpipe.com/afterthoughtmedia Email: dragracerecap@afterthought.media Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Rumor Mill — August 25, 2025 Joe and Nathan are back with a lighter week of Drag Race gossip—but plenty of laughs and tangents to keep things lively. Joe shares how ChatGPT has completely changed the way he preps the show, leading to a deep dive on AI, transcripts, and editing tricks. Listener voicemails spark heartwarming moments and shady commentary, from Sophia’s long history with the podcast to Evan’s sultry recap of Slaysian Royale. Then it’s on to the big story: Drag Race finalist Lexi Love facing a trademark battle over her stage name. Joe and Nathan unpack the messy legal drama, the fan reactions, and whether either side really has the stronger case. Along the way, expect sharp takes on Mistress Isabel Brooks, Gia Gunn, and even a detour into copyright law quirks with Del Taco and Naugles. It’s a short week on rumors, but a full episode of tangents, laughs, and trademark tea. 🔗 Leave us a voicemail: speakpipe.com/afterthoughtmedia 💖 Support us on Patreon: patreon.com/afterthoughtmedia Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this episode of RuPaul's Drag Race Recap, Joe and Nathan discuss Season 17 Episode 3 titled 'Monopulence.' They delve into the mini challenge, the main challenge, and the dynamics between the contestants, highlighting the drama and controversies that arise. The hosts express their opinions on the performances, the contestants' personalities, and the overall production of the episode, comparing it to earlier seasons of the show. In this episode recap of RuPaul's Drag Race Season 17, hosts Nathan and Joe delve into the latest table visits, queen ratings, and the drama that unfolds on elimination day. They discuss the runway looks, offering critiques and insights into the contestants' performances, culminating in a lip sync battle that determines who stays and who goes home. The conversation is filled with humor, sharp observations, and a deep dive into the dynamics of the competition. Patreon: patreon.com/afterthoughtmedia Voicemail: speakpipe.com/afterthoughtmedia Email: dragracerecap@afterthought.media Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Rumor Mill — August 18, 2025 Joe and Nathan are back with another week of drag world news, listener messages, and plenty of shade. This week, they: Compare U.S., U.K., and Australian TV standards, leading to a hilarious detour about Big Brother Uncut and Nathan’s first glimpses of nudity on TV. Break down the disappointing finale of And Just Like That and debate whether Johnny Cakes was secretly hot. Debut a brand-new SpeakPipe jingle and share their first-ever listener voicemails. Trevon calls in to weigh in on Bob and Monet’s race play controversy, while Evan delivers a detailed (and adorable) recap of Slayzian Royale. Cover the headlines: Heidi N Closet’s involvement in ELF Cosmetics’ controversial ad with comedian Matt Rife, and the messy $80 wig drama between Orion Story and Britney Blackout. Talk behind-the-scenes tea on editing, timing, and why listener engagement means so much. Plus, Nathan plugs his Breaking Down Bad Books podcast (now on Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone) and his new Disneyland vlogs on YouTube, while Joe admits he’s already crushing on Evan’s voice. Send your own SpeakPipe messages at speakpipe.com/afterthoughtmedia and join the conversation! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this episode of RuPaul's Drag Race Recap, hosts Joe and Nathan discuss Season 17 Episode 2, titled 'Drag Talent Show.' They delve into the performances of the queens, the dynamics of the competition, and viewer feedback regarding the podcast's format. The conversation also touches on the runway category and the guest appearance of Lawrence Chaney, exploring the contestants' performances and the overall reception of the episode. In this episode, the hosts delve into various aspects of the latest Drag Race episode, discussing production choices, contestant dynamics, and the authenticity of moments on the show. They explore budding romances among contestants, the confusion surrounding the 'Is It Cake?' challenge, and the character of Hormona Lisa. The conversation also touches on fashion critiques and the contestants' strategies, all while maintaining a humorous and critical tone. In this episode, the hosts delve into various topics ranging from nostalgic advertising to the performances in the latest talent show of RuPaul's Drag Race. They discuss the Coppertone ad featuring Jodie Foster, analyze Lexi Love's fashion choices, critique Hormonalisa's stand-up performance, and explore the dynamics of the competition, including a surprising twist involving a tank of water and a lever. Patreon: patreon.com/afterthoughtmedia Voicemail: speakpipe.com/afterthoughtmedia Email: dragracerecap@afterthought.media Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Rumor Mill – August 11, 2025 Joe and Nathan are back with more gossip, banter, and biting commentary. Joe kicks things off with an oddly passionate ode to his collection of back scratchers, before teasing exciting Patreon news: Season 2 coverage of Drag Race is on the way — plus possible Project Runway recaps available free to all Patreon supporters. The pair dive into two big Drag Race–adjacent stories: Bob the Drag Queen “Race Play” Clip Controversy – A seven-year-old podcast joke resurfaces (minus key context), sparking online outrage. Joe and Nathan unpack what was actually said, how the clip has been weaponized in the past, and why context matters. Plain Jane vs. Dawn Feud – After declining a collaboration with Plain Jane’s producer friend, Dawn is later seen lip-syncing to one of his songs. Plain Jane calls it hypocrisy, but Joe and Nathan question whether this is even drama worth caring about. As always, the hosts mix sharp takes with personal anecdotes, weaving in thoughts on internet pile-ons, the perils of oversharing, and why some feuds feel more like reheated leftovers than fresh tea. Patreon: patreon.com/afterthoughtmedia Voicemail: speakpipe.com/afterthoughtmedia Email: dragracerecap@afterthought.media Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Drag Drama, Legal Shade & Viral Moments This week on The Rumor Mill, Joe Betance and Nathan Patrick Brown return to break down the biggest controversies shaking the drag world. From a viral Jesus Christ Superstar performance at the Hollywood Bowl to messy podcast feuds and legal retractions, it's another chaotic news cycle in the world of drag and reality TV. 💥 Highlights from this episode include: Joe's firsthand account of Jesus Christ Superstar at the Bowl and how the TikTok girlies made it a viral moment. Voicemails from listeners (yes, we found the lost SpeakPipe messages). The explosive drama between Acid Betty, designer Chokra, and podcast hosts Alaska & Willam over unpaid garment fees, destroyed dresses, and a one-sided podcast appearance. A deep dive into Shea Couleé’s surprising public apology and retraction of past allegations against Chicago-based Neverland Events—plus the mysterious yellow dress post that had Reddit ablaze with theories. Joe’s unfiltered thoughts on Race Chaser, drag queen behavior online, and who’s really out here doing the most for clout. 👀 Plus: Nathan shares updates on his Breaking Down Bad Books podcast and new travel vlog series. 🗣️ Want to sound off? Leave us a voicemail at SpeakPipe.com/AfterthoughtMedia 📺 Subscribe on Patreon for more exclusive content: Patreon.com/AfterthoughtMedia 💬 Follow Nathan on YouTube: @NathanPatrickBrown Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this episode, Joe Betance and Nathan Patrick Brown celebrate the 10-year anniversary of their RuPaul's Drag Race recap podcast. They discuss the challenges of podcasting in the current climate, including changes to their Patreon model and personal struggles. The conversation shifts to a recent incident involving a Real Housewife at an airport, followed by a detailed recap of the season premiere of Drag Race, which featured a Squid Game-inspired challenge. The hosts share their thoughts on the performances and the overall direction of the show, reflecting on the evolution of reality TV and its impact on their lives. In this episode, Nathan and Joe delve into the latest season of Drag Race, discussing the humor and absurdity of reality TV, the contestants' entrances, and their initial impressions. They analyze the cultural references and aesthetics presented by the queens, particularly in relation to the talent show dynamics. The conversation also touches on Katy Perry's guest appearance and the contestants' reactions to her presence. As they explore the performances and backstories of the queens, they provide cultural commentary on community spending and the impact of fireworks in their neighborhoods. In this episode, Joe and Nathan discuss the dangers of fireworks and personal responsibility, celebrity recognition in fan culture, their opinions on Katy Perry and cringe culture, and critique the performances from the latest talent show on RuPaul's Drag Race. They explore the implications of personal choices, the nature of celebrity interactions, and the expectations of performance art in the drag community. Patreon: patreon.com/afterthoughtmedia Voicemail: speakpipe.com/afterthoughtmedia Email: dragracerecap@afterthought.media Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this episode of The Rumor Mill, Joe and Nathan discuss the reboot of the podcast, acknowledge past co-hosts, and dive into the latest drama in the drag world, particularly focusing on the conflict between Mistress Isabelle Brooks and Willam. They explore the implications of playing a villainous role in reality TV and the dynamics of public perception. In this conversation, Joe and Nathan delve into the complexities of online drama within the drag community, particularly focusing on the interactions between prominent figures like Mistress Isabelle Brooks, Willam, and Eureka O'Hara. They discuss the implications of playing the villain, the nature of public responses, and the evolving narrative of drag race culture, likening it to professional wrestling. The conversation highlights the blurred lines between reality and performance in the drag scene, as well as the personal struggles and public personas of the queens involved. Patreon: patreon.com/afterthoughtmedia Voicemail: speakpipe.com/afterthoughtmedia Email: dragracerecap@afterthought.media Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this episode of RulaskaThoughts, Joe and Robert dive into the latest developments in the Drag Race universe, particularly focusing on the outcomes of All Stars 10 and the implications of representation within the competition. They discuss Roxxxy's points on the treatment of Latina contestants, the controversial wins of previous seasons, and the fan reactions to Ginger Minj's victory. The conversation explores themes of race, privilege, and the subjective nature of competition, culminating in a reflection on the broader implications of these discussions in the context of the show. In this episode, Joe and Robert delve into the controversial finale of Drag Race All Stars, discussing the perceived unfairness of the results and the editing choices that led to viewer frustration. They analyze specific lip sync performances, particularly focusing on Kerri and Ginger, and the standout moments from Bosco. The conversation shifts to a broader critique of celebrity culture and the emotional investment viewers place in public figures. Finally, they reflect on the season as a whole, acknowledging its highs and lows while expressing a desire for improvement in future seasons. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this episode, Joe and Taylor reflect on the finale of RuPaul's Drag Race All-Stars 10, discussing their thoughts on the season, the winner, and the implications of production decisions. They delve into the controversy surrounding Ginger Minj's win, the fairness of the competition, and the deserving queens for the Hall of Fame. The conversation also touches on their experiences at Disneyland and the merchandise culture surrounding it, culminating in their final takeaways from the season. In this episode, Joe and Taylor discuss the evolution of drag queens in 'RuPaul's Drag Race,' particularly focusing on Season Seven and its impact on the show's culture. They delve into the Rate-a-Queen challenge, analyzing its purpose and execution, and critique the lip sync performances, highlighting the strengths and weaknesses of various contestants. The conversation culminates in a debate over the nature of burlesque performances versus traditional lip syncing, emphasizing the importance of song choice and performance style. In this episode, Joe and Taylor dissect the performances and lip syncs from the latest season of RuPaul's Drag Race, analyzing the effectiveness of song choices and the queens' performances. They discuss the dynamics of the competition, the impact of production decisions, and the overall reception of the season. The conversation culminates in reflections on the future of the show and the potential for changes in the upcoming season. Patreon: patreon.com/afterthoughtmedia Voicemail: speakpipe.com/afterthoughtmedia Email: dragracerecap@afterthought.media Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this episode of RulaskaThoughts, Joe Betance and Robert Mata discuss the latest episode of All Stars 10, touching on various themes including food experiences, the influence of producers in reality TV, the dynamics of viewer expectations, and the concept of punk rock within drag culture. They also delve into humor and cultural references, particularly focusing on the role of figures like Jimmy Fallon in contemporary comedy. In this conversation, Robert and Joe delve into various aspects of performance art, particularly focusing on Drag Race. They discuss the nuances of artistic expression, the dynamics of humor and character portrayal, and the expectations surrounding recap shows. The dialogue also touches on personal anecdotes and future plans, creating a rich tapestry of insights into the world of entertainment and personal connections. Patreon: patreon.com/afterthoughtmedia Voicemail: speakpipe.com/afterthoughtmedia Email: dragracerecap@afterthought.media Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this episode of Drag Race Recap, hosts Joe and Taylor discuss the latest developments in All-Stars 10, including the reading challenge and the talent show. They analyze the performances of the queens, particularly Bosco's win and the bottom two contestants, Mistress Isabelle Brooks and Lydia B Collins. The conversation delves into the dynamics among the contestants post-elimination, with a focus on Mistress's behavior and the implications of calling the competition a talent show. The hosts share their takeaways and reflections on the episode, highlighting the evolving nature of drag performance and the emotional journeys of the queens. In this episode, the hosts discuss the dynamics of conflict and growth among the contestants, particularly focusing on Aja's development. They critique the reading challenge, suggesting it may need a revamp, and highlight the importance of trans visibility in the current political climate. The talent show performances are reviewed, with both praise and criticism for various acts. Fashion on the main stage is also analyzed, leading to discussions about elimination and the potential return of contestants. Patreon: patreon.com/afterthoughtmedia Voicemail: speakpipe.com/afterthoughtmedia Email: dragracerecap@afterthought.media Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this episode, Joe and Robert engage in a candid discussion about various themes surrounding body image, weight loss, and attraction, particularly in the context of reality television. They explore the implications of production choices on viewer perception, the dynamics within the workroom of a popular drag competition, and the societal pressures related to body image. The conversation also touches on personal preferences in attraction and the cultural narratives that shape our understanding of beauty and self-worth. In this conversation, Joe and Robert explore various themes surrounding competition in drag culture, particularly focusing on the Snatch Game and the evolving expectations of contestants. They discuss the implications of body image changes on performance, the role of judges, and the significance of past winners like Raven. The conversation culminates in reflections on the upcoming talent show and the desire for a return to high-caliber performances. Patreon: patreon.com/afterthoughtmedia Voicemail: speakpipe.com/afterthoughtmedia Email: dragracerecap@afterthought.media Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices