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Queer Gals Watch the West Wing
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Queer Gals Watch The West Wing is a West Wing podcast with a unique twist, offering an affectionate rewatch of Aaron Sorkin's iconic political drama through the eyes of two funny, LGBT podcast hosts, Leigh and Fi. Combining humour, insight, and curiosity, they dive into the show’s portrayal of American politics, iconic characters, and cultural nuances, all from a British perspective that adds fresh observations and witty critiques.
Each week, Leigh and Fi revisit every memorable scene, bringing thoughtful commentary on everything from CJ Cregg’s legendary moments and quick wit to President Bartlet’s fashion sense and his complex moral choices. This comedy podcast is perfect for West Wing fans, political enthusiasts, and anyone who appreciates a mix of thoughtful reflections and light-hearted banter.
With relatable humour and a distinct perspective, Queer Gals Watch the West Wing makes revisiting the show a fun journey for longtime viewers and new fans alike. Whether you’re here for the nostalgia or the political insights, join Leigh and Fi as they blend engaging conversations with meaningful reflections on American culture, leadership, and the quirks of U.S. politics.
Subscribe for a refreshing, funny, and insightful take on a beloved classic series. After listening, share your favourite West Wing moments in the comments and let us know what you think!
67 Episodes
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It's Thanksgiving in the West Wing again as Leigh and Fi discuss "The Indians in the Lobby." Fi is outraged that Josh Lyman has forgotten what state his mother lives in and Leigh feels deeply for Donna Moss as she tries to book her boss flights the day before Thanksgiving. Meanwhile, it feels only fitting to discuss the first Secretary of the Interior, Deb Haaland. With honourable mention to the concept of Toby Ziegler playing with his nieces and nephews and the concept of Abbey Bartlet schlepping.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Leigh and Fi are stressed out about life on submarines in "Gone Quiet" Fi is thrilled to have Aaron Sorkin recognise that CJ Cregg is, in fact, too sexy and Leigh is mesmerised by another Abbey Bartlet, Oliver Babbish showdown. But there's no way Leigh can let a discussion of a Special Investigation into a charismatic democratic president go without chatting about Monica Lewinsky. With honourable mention to Nancy's continued prowess in the Situation Room and Josh Lyman in full repose on CJ's office sofa.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Leigh and Fi are blown away by The West Wing Series 3, Episode 5 "War Crimes." Fiona is deeply moved by John Spencer's performance as Leo McGarry and Leigh is gagged over the Josh and Donna of it all. What was in that diary??? Even more interestingly, the House Oversight Committee is getting into some good trouble at the moment with its own real life investigation in real time in 2025 into the Epstein Files. This epsiode was recorded before the events of the 10th of September which largely drowned out all discussion of the "birthday book" but we feel it's still worth chatting about and understanding. With honourable mention to a new hottie in the White House Press Corpse in Will Sawyer and Toby Ziegler in his Sunday attire.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Leigh and Fi knee deep in the West Wing Series 3, Episode 4, "On the Day Before" starring a sick Abbey Bartlet in silk pyjamas. Fi is swooning over CJ Cregg in a one-shoulder cocktail dress and keen to highlight Josh Lyman's latest HR nightmares with Donna Moss. Meanwhile, Leigh is scintillated by a showdown with an entertainment reporter in the White House Press Briefing and in awe, as ever, of Nancy's powerful presence in a room. With honourable mention to President Bartlet's swagger in a tux and a big day at work for Donald Dolan. In the study session this week, Leigh chats about why so many British pensioners are being arrested. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Leigh and Fi dive into Season 3, Episode 3 of the West Wing, "Ways and Means." The gals are deeply affected by the breakdown of Donna Moss's filing system. Leigh is jumping for joy at the triumphant return of fan favourite Republican, Ainsley Hayes and Fi is beside herself at Sam Seaborn seamlessly switching to fluent Spanish mid negotiation. Meanwhile, Leigh dives into the ever changing role of the Presidential Veto in American politics. More importantly than anything, Ainsley is setting Donna up on a date. With honorable mention to CJ Gregg getting her groove back and the growing connection between Doug and Toby Ziegler.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Leigh and Fi experience for the first time, The West Wing special episode, Isaac and Ishmael, in response to the 9/11 attacks. Fi is very invested in Josh Lyman as a cool high school teacher and Leigh is for some reason chatting about a Reese Witherspoon film from 2007 that was almost universally panned but she found very impactful (Meryl Streep as CIA agent? Yes please!) With honourable mention to See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Leigh and Fi are all about Manchester Part II. Leigh is thrilled to have further confirmation from none other than Jed Bartlet that all American men want to be astronauts. Fiona is deeply skeptical about Abbey Bartlet's cider making. Joshua Lyman has slid even further into toxic masculinity after screwing up the timing on Big Tobacco. Most importantly we are fully back in the swing of the West Wing and it feels good! With honourable mention to Sam Seaborn's leather jacket and a possible enemies to lovers ship for Toby and Doug.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
This is the moment you've waited for all summer long! Manchester Part I has arrived. Leigh and Fi are thrilled by the arrival of Sex and the City crossover actor, Evan Handler, into the West Wing and Leigh only gets to grips with the time jump element about half way into the episode. With honourable mention to CJ Cregg in peak burnout and Jed Bartlet in blue jeans.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Surprise! By popular demand from our gorgeous listeners, we watched every Wingnut's favourite movie, American President. To say Annette Bening knows how to wear a men's white shirt is an understatement and Adam Shepherd is a dreamboat president. But most importantly, is Aaron Sorkin just a boy, standing in front of the American people, asking to write a rom-com?See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Leigh and Fi are thrilled to be chatting about the 1996 classic, Independence Day, starring Will Smith and Jeff Goldblum with musician, friend of the pod, and Leigh's girlfriend, Elizabeth Hall. Bill Pullman is iconic as POTUS, aliens are hovering over all the biggest US cities, and Jeff Goldblum is hacking the mainframe and looking incredible doing it. It's very easy to be proud to be an american watching this movie and we are on the America hype train. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Leigh and Fi are amazed to discover Chasing Liberty is almost exactly the same film as first daughter just with Europe and inter-railing. We are joined this week by brilliant comedian and radio host, Leah Davis! Mandy Moore is the first daughter this time instead of Katie Holmes and rather than have a normal college experience, she just wants to go to the Berlin Love parade and almost dies 17 times trying. With honourable mention to Miriam Margolyes as an Italian nonna and an extremely unexpected cameo from The Roots.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Leigh and Fi are deep in their queer YA fantasy with friend of the pod, comedian, Ciara O'Connor, watching Red, White and Royal Blue (2023). There is so much to unpack about the movie adaptation of this viral book. Uma Thurman is the President of the United States and also a Texan woman. Stephen Fry is the King of England. And the first son's racy emails are getting leaked to the press.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Leigh and Fi are watching First Daughter (2004) starring Katie Holmes and Michael Keaton with viral comedian and they are joined this week by comedian and viral Private School Mum, Sophie Garrad. There are many questions to unpack with this film. Namely, why is there so much sexual tension between the President of the United States and the First Daughter? What exactly is a normal girl? Why is Katie Holmes wearing business casual to her uni lectures? And most importantly, can we ever trust again after "Lucky Charm secure." Make sure to catch Sophie's debut comedy hour at Edinburgh Fringe this summer, Poor Little Rich Girl, at Pleasance.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
For this week's movie special, Leigh and Fi are joined by friend of the pod, actor, writer and director, Megan Prescott. You might know her as Katie Fitch in Skins or from her one-woman show, Really Good Exposure, as directed by our very own Fiona. The gals are obsessed this week with Amanda Bynes in the 2003 classic What a Girl Wants. Some might think not a very political film, but Leigh and Fi feel otherwise and are here to explain why. With honourable mention to Colin Firth, ribbon belts, Caroline Bingley and CGI butterflies.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Leigh and Fi are joined by comedian and viral backup singer, Christopher Hall, to discuss the 1999 Reese Witherspoon classic, Election, co-starring Mr. Sarah Jessica Parker, Matthew Broderick. Particular highlights include the joy of recording a movie from the TV onto VHS tape, the thrills of 90s mom jeans, and the joy of some proper young lesbian love. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Leigh and Fi dive into the movie magic of Dick (1999) with Becca and Molly of Pod and Prejudice. The year is 1972 (via the late 90s) and Kirsten Dunst and Michelle Williams are Richard Nixon's White House dog walkers and very secret Youth Advisors. Leigh and Fi are baffled to never have heard of this instant favourite before. Watergate but make it girlhood and you've got a very Queer Gals coded movie!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Our first ever movie special! Queer Gals takes a hiatus from Aaron Sorkin land and the West Wing to discuss the Ruth Bader Ginsburg biopic, On the Basis of Sex, with cabaret artist and comedienne extraordinaire, Sarah Hester Ross. With Sarah, Leigh and Fi discuss the life and times of the dead departed Supreme Court Justice, as portrayed in Mimi Leder's 2018 film starring Felicity Jones as the notorious RBG herself. The gals have a mixed response to the portrayal of Martin Ginsburg, applaud a lovely turn from Kathy Bates and most of all are deeply obsessed with Jane Ginsburg.Find Us Online:Instagram: @queergalswatchTwitter: @queergalswatchFacebook: Queer Gals WatchPatreon: https://www.patreon.com/QueerGalsWatchCredits:Our show artwork was created by William Andrews, music by Harry Fenn and our show is edited and mixed by Adam Grigg.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Leigh and Fi wrap up Season Two of the West Wing! This week your favourite queer gals take a look back over Season 2, answer listener questions, make predictions for Season 3, and rank their favourite Season 2 episodes. Where do Josh and Donna go from, “If you were in an accident I wouldn’t stop for red lights?” Who might be Mrs Landingham’s replacement as President Bartlet’s private secretary? And what was the most Let Bartlet Be Bartlet moment of Season 2? Leigh is really hoping for a return of Joey Lucas and Oliver Babbish next season while Fi ponders what might happen between Ainsley Hayes and Sam Seaborn.Find Us Online:Instagram: @queergalswatchTwitter: @queergalswatchFacebook: Queer Gals WatchPatreon: https://www.patreon.com/QueerGalsWatchCredits:Our show artwork was created by William Andrews, music by Harry Fenn and our show is edited and mixed by Multitude.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
There is simply too much to discuss in this season finale to have a study session, so it’s all about Two Cathedrals this ep. It’s unexpected flashbacks galore. We are truly on a journey to the past with a grieving President Bartlet. Fi is extremely moved by a young Mrs Landingham and the drama of a President Bartlet soliloquy in the National Cathedral. Leigh is beside herself at the professionalism and indomitable prowess of CJ Cregg managing a crisis. Josh Lyman has to learn to put away childish things because we can’t Let Bartlet be Bartlet right now. And just when you think you’ve seen it all, the ghost of Mrs. Landingham arrives through a tropical storm. It’s all happening and Leigh and Fi have never seen better television.Find Us Online:Instagram: @queergalswatchTwitter: @queergalswatchFacebook: Queer Gals WatchPatreon: https://www.patreon.com/QueerGalsWatchCredits:Our show artwork was created by William Andrews, music by Harry Fenn and our show is edited and mixed by Multitude.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
The moment has come for the most devastating episode yet, Season 2 Episode 21 “18th and Potomac.” It’s all Leigh and Fi can do to actually recap the whole episode and not jump right to the gut punch at the very end with the death of our dearly departed, the legend, the icon that was Dolores Landingham. Frankly, Fi is very angry with Aaron Sorkin for killing off such a classy dame as Mrs. Landingham. Joey Lucas delivers her polling data on the president’s illness and the news is not good for President Bartlet and Abbey’s professional credibility is put under a spotlight. Fi is deep in the grieving process and Leigh tries to pull her out with an absolute romp, the fascinating life and times of Edith Wilson. With honourable mention to Sagitarius, big tobacco and rogue First Ladies.Find Us Online:Instagram: @queergalswatchTwitter: @queergalswatchFacebook: Queer Gals WatchPatreon: https://www.patreon.com/QueerGalsWatchCredits:Our show artwork was created by William Andrews, music by Harry Fenn and our show is edited and mixed by Multitude.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
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