HIGHKEY! With Yvie Oddly and Ryan Mitchell

An episode unlike any previous– Ryan and Yvie are live in the studio hosting Alaska Thunderfuck! She philosophizes about the art of getting shit done, expressing mental illness on reality tv, and how Willam choosing chaos and Alaska choosing “middle child” make their dynamic work. She doesn’t care about making art for places where drag queens are deprioritized and misunderstood. “That makes me feel like shit. What makes me feel good is doing a drag show.” Alaska and Yvie wonder about Tyra and Rupaul, and Alaska reveals who she stole her drag name from. The modern TSA experience and injustices of the Beyoncé-level concert industrial complex are also discussed.  Ryan says recent drag race stars have learned the art of breaking the fourth wall, but Alaska says the best reality stars are too delusional to notice the cameras. Do you have a different theory of great reality tv personality? Let’s discuss, talk amongst yourselves.  If you’re HIGHKEY! vibing with us, come hang on Patreon! We’re dropping early ad-free episodes on fridays and who knows what else? www.patreon.com/HIGHKE Watch HIGHKEY! on YouTube at youtube.com/@highkeyhere Follow along on socials @highkeyhere HIGHKEY! is a production of iHeartPodcasts, as part of the Outspoken network. The show is created and executive produced by Ryan Mitchell, Yvie Oddly, and Spoke Media.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Heyyy, HIGHEKY! listeners! Check out this very special trailer for Tell Me Something Messy—the raw, hilarious, and heartfelt podcast hosted by actor, writer, and activist Brandon Kyle Goodman.   ✨ Tell Me Something Messy is the podcast where vulnerability meets humor, hosted by Brandon Kyle Goodman (Big Mouth, Human Resources). Each week, Brandon and guests unpack the beautiful contradictions of being human—sex, spirituality, friendship, forgiveness, and all the glorious mess in between.    Listen and watch full episodes on YouTube @BrandonKGood and wherever you get your podcasts.   Follow and join the messy community on Substack.   Instagram: @TellMeSomethingMessy TikTok: @TellMeSomethingMessySee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Is it hot in here, or is it just King Molasses? The first King of Drag talks about why they almost didn’t audition in the first place and the kind of pressure they felt to make sure the first season of a new kind of reality drag show was the best it could be. Yvie and Molasses compare and contrast their experiences with reality tv, the performance industry, and how misogyny still shapes the way culture understands both drag kings and queens. Molasses also talks about how a broader art-making practice informs their approach to drag, and why dreaming matters so much right now.  Plus, Ryan’s excited for Zohran Mamdani’s win and wondering: what happens next? Listen up girls, we’re getting inspirational today. If you’re HIGHKEY! vibing with us, come hang on Patreon! We’re dropping early ad-free episodes on fridays, and who knows what else? www.patreon.com/HIGHKEY Watch HIGHKEY! on YouTube at youtube.com/@highkeyhere Follow along on socials @highkeyhere  HIGHKEY! is a production of iHeartPodcasts, as part of the Outspoken network. The show is created and executive produced by Ryan Mitchell, Yvie Oddly, and Spoke Media.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ryan’s coming out (as that gamer) and Yvie’s an internationally wanted criminal (okay, maybe just kicked out of Australia). Plus, what’s it like when the whole world has an opinion on your family business? The Queen of Chicago who’s name is in everybody’s mouth lately, Shea Couleé graces the pod with her side of the story. The Marvel cinematic universe star makes a serious case for being a misunderstood Aquarius (resting bitch face or just daydreaming about shoes?).  Yes, we do get the tea on what Shea’s been thinking about since parting ways with her drag daughters, and why learning to flex the empathy muscle means a greater compassion for yourself as much as others. Find out why the public messiness ultimately felt like a gift… and why nobody’s getting gifts from Shea Couleé this holiday season. If you’re HIGHKEY! vibing with us, come hang on Patreon! We’re dropping early ad-free episodes, bonus content, behind-the-scenes tea, exclusive group hangs — basically, the HighKiKi. www.patreon.com/HIGHKEY Watch HIGHKEY! on YouTube at youtube.com/@highkeyhere Follow along on socials @highkeyhere  HIGHKEY! is a production of iHeartPodcasts, as part of the Outspoken network. The show is created and executive produced by Ryan Mitchell, Yvie Oddly, and Spoke Media.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It’s Hovember, girls. How are we dealing? We chat with God’s favorite transsexual, Bosco, to get the inside scoop on what it’s like to be insanely hot and newly engaged. Now that the Drag Race and All Stars legend has a fiancé, how long until she’s a suburban mom of four? And just who is this mysterious Mr. Bitches? We hear about what keeps her open relationship healthy, the personal growth of a great boob job, and the need for keeping Bosco the drag performer and Blair, the real person separate. This isn’t The Substance, after all. There isn’t going to be a Bosco the Trad Wife any time soon. The soon-to-be Mrs. Bitches has some rather unusual hobbies (one of which might even be Magic Cards).   If you’re HIGHKEY! vibing with us, come hang on Patreon! We’re dropping early ad-free episodes, bonus content, behind-the-scenes tea, exclusive group hangs — basically, the HighKiKi. www.patreon.com/HIGHKEY Watch HIGHKEY! on YouTube at youtube.com/@highkeyhere Follow along on socials @highkeyhere  HIGHKEY! is a production of iHeartPodcasts, as part of the Outspoken network. The show is created and executive produced by Ryan Mitchell, Yvie Oddly, and Spoke Media.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Emmy-winning legend Niecy Nash joins hosts Ryan and Yvie for a spooky season Halloween special that’s HighKey! hilarious. Our favorite “Reno 911” police woman and “Dahmer” diva opens up about her new Ryan Murphy show “All’s Fair,” marriage to Jessica Betts, what it means to love out loud, and whether or not she’s a scream queen. You won’t want to miss Niecy’s wedding dress horror story, what work opportunities make her say “no”, and why she’s always found power in being comfortable in her own skin. Plus, Yvie’s a ghost with a cold (is it giving diet Klan?!), Ryan’s getting ready for a Halloween party and has a little story about Khalid… Boo! We’ve got tricks AND treats (and would never make you choose). If you’re HIGHKEY! vibing with us, come hang on Patreon! We’re dropping early ad-free episodes, bonus content, behind-the-scenes tea, exclusive group hangs — basically, the HighKiKi. www.patreon.com/HIGHKEY Watch HIGHKEY! on YouTube at youtube.com/@highkeyhere Follow along on socials @highkeyhere  HIGHKEY! is a production of iHeartPodcasts, as part of the Outspoken network. The show is created and executive produced by Ryan Mitchell, Yvie Oddly, and Spoke Media.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jussie Smollett joins Ryan and Yvie for a raw, emotional, and hilarious conversation about art, love, and redemption. Fresh off the release of his new album Break Out, Jussie opens up about how authenticity and healing have reshaped his artistry — and how he’s learned to “go where the love is.” The trio dives deep into identity, fame, and chosen family, reflecting on how community shifts when you’re constantly under the microscope. Between laughter, honesty and a few wild Hollywood stories, this episode shows a more grounded, reflective Jussie — one focused on love, purpose, and growth.  Yvie and Ryan also get into Paul Thomas Anderson’s latest film One Battle After Another, unpacking race, representation, and why cinema still matters.  If you’re HIGHKEY! vibing with us, come hang on Patreon! We’re dropping early ad-free episodes, bonus content, behind-the-scenes tea, exclusive group hangs — basically, the HighKiKi. www.patreon.com/HIGHKEY Watch HIGHKEY! on YouTube at youtube.com/@highkeyhere Follow along on socials @highkeyhere  HIGHKEY! is a production of iHeartPodcasts, as part of the Outspoken network. The show is created and executive produced by Ryan Mitchell, Yvie Oddly, and Spoke Media.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It’s officially spooky season, and Ryan and Yvie are summoning the queens of darkness themselves — The Boulet Brothers! The masterminds behind Dragula join Highkey! for a chilling, hilarious, and deeply queer dive into the magic of horror, the art of drag, and how embracing your inner monster can set you free. The Boulets reveal the origins of their horror obsession, how they built a global cult following, and why queer fear has always been revolutionary. Expect talk of Halloween nostalgia, LA’s haunted nightlife, and the creative grind behind their Emmy-nominated phenomenon. Whether you’re into black-and-white classics, punk drag, or just love chaos and camp, this episode slays from start to finish. Fear, fantasy, and fabulousness — it’s all Dragula, darling.   If you’re HIGHKEY! vibing with us, come hang on Patreon! We’re dropping early ad-free episodes, bonus content, behind-the-scenes tea, exclusive group hangs — basically, the HighKiKi. www.patreon.com/HIGHKEY   Watch HIGHKEY! on YouTube at youtube.com/@highkeyhere Follow along on socials @highkeyhere    HIGHKEY! is a production of iHeartPodcasts, as part of the Outspoken network. The show is created and executive produced by Ryan Mitchell, Yvie Oddly, and Spoke Media.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ryan and Yvie welcome the iconic Kim Chi — Drag Race legend, fashion queen, and beauty mogul. Kim opens up about her whirlwind tour life, the balance between artistry and survival, and why she thinks modern Drag Race has lost some originality. She spills on launching KimChi Chic Beauty, writing a cookbook, and navigating the toxic mix of body image and online hate while still pursuing her passions. Expect plenty of shade and laughs too: Yvie recalls a chaotic tour disaster, Kim confesses her biggest drag pet peeves, and the queens debate what really makes a great performance. Plus, Kim’s foodie adventures, juicy pageant drama, and hot takes on Big Brother and Gen V. This episode is equal parts inspiring, hilarious, and raw, showcasing Kim Chi’s wit, resilience, and undeniable drag legacy. If you’re HIGHKEY! vibing with us, come hang on Patreon! We’re dropping early ad-free episodes, bonus content, behind-the-scenes tea, exclusive group hangs — basically, the HighKiKi. www.patreon.com/HIGHKEY Watch HIGHKEY! on YouTube at youtube.com/@highkeyhere Follow along on socials @highkeyhere  HIGHKEY! is a production of iHeartPodcasts, as part of the Outspoken network. The show is created and executive produced by Ryan Mitchell, Yvie Oddly, and Spoke Media.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week on HighKey! we bow down to the Queen of the North herself — Brooke Lynn Hytes! From ballerina to Drag Race royalty, Brooke spills on rivalries, evolution, and running her own franchise. She gets real about navigating the in-between spaces of her own gender and sexuality, learning to live with fan opinions, and why finishing second to Yvie in Season 11 still felt like a win. Plus, the ladies spill tea on the Emmys, Yvie at fashion week, and Ryan's hang with a glowed up Demi Lovato. If you’re HIGHKEY! vibing with us, come hang on Patreon! We’re dropping early ad-free episodes, bonus content, behind-the-scenes tea, exclusive group hangs — basically, the HighKiKi. www.patreon.com/HIGHKEY Watch HIGHKEY! on YouTube at youtube.com/@highkeyhere Follow along on socials @highkeyhere  HIGHKEY! is a production of iHeartPodcasts, as part of the Outspoken network. The show is created and executive produced by Ryan Mitchell, Yvie Oddly, and Spoke Media.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Taylor Hale joins Yvie and Ryan on HIGHKEY! for a no-holds-barred dive into her journey from pageants to Big Brother history to The Amazing Race. She opens up about setting boundaries with fellow contestants in reality TV, why stan culture can get toxic, and what it means to be labeled a “girl’s girl.” Taylor also shares stories about pageant life, growing up surrounded by queer family, and navigating fame while keeping her humanity intact. Along the way, Yvie and Ryan bring their signature chaos — from VMAs nostalgia to jazz tangents and messy confessions. If you’re HIGHKEY! vibing with us, come hang on Patreon! We’re dropping early ad-free episodes, bonus content, behind-the-scenes tea, exclusive group hangs — basically, the HighKiKi. www.patreon.com/HIGHKEY Watch HIGHKEY! on YouTube at youtube.com/@highkeyhere Follow along on socials @highkeyhere  HIGHKEY! is a production of iHeartPodcasts, as part of the Outspoken network. The show is created and executive produced by Ryan Mitchell, Yvie Oddly, and Spoke Media.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Yvie and Ryan ditch the guests and share their own origin stories. From Yvie’s original Drag Race audition tape to Ryan’s early hosting cringe, they revisit the moments that shaped their paths. They spill on slutty massages, self-care routines, awkward exes, and what it means to grow up queer in Denver and Nashville. They dig into fandom drama, fashion fails (fake gauges included), and even why WALL·E might have predicted our future. If you’re HIGHKEY! vibing with us, come hang on Patreon! We’re dropping early ad-free episodes, bonus content, behind-the-scenes tea, exclusive group hangs — basically, the HighKiKi. www.patreon.com/HIGHKEY Watch HIGHKEY! on YouTube at youtube.com/@highkeyhere Follow along on socials @highkeyhere  HIGHKEY! is a production of iHeartPodcasts, as part of the Outspoken network. The show is created and executive produced by Ryan Mitchell, Yvie Oddly, and Spoke Media.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week on HIGHKEY, Ryan Mitchell and Yvie Oddly welcome the brilliant writer and activist George M Johnson (All Boys Aren’t Blue, Fighting Words). Together, they dive into internet discourse, the rise of banned books, and why Bugs Bunny in a dress still has conservatives clutching pearls. George opens up about the realities of being at the center of cultural battles, the absurdity of censorship, and how community shows up (or doesn’t) when queer voices are targeted. Plus, the crew unpacks Lil Nas X’s latest headlines, grief on the internet, and what it really means to shut up—or speak out—online. If you’re HIGHKEY! vibing with us, come hang on Patreon! We’re dropping bonus content, behind-the-scenes tea, exclusive group hangs — basically, the HighKiKi. www.patreon.com/HIGHKEY Watch HIGHKEY! on YouTube at youtube.com/@highkeyhere Follow along on socials @highkeyhere  HIGHKEY! is a production of iHeartPodcasts, as part of the Outspoken network. The show is created and executive produced by Ryan Mitchell, Yvie Oddly, and Spoke Media.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Utica is more than just a Drag Race alum — she’s rewriting the rules of fashion, spirituality, and queerness. On this week’s HIGHKEY!, hosts Ryan Mitchell and Yvie Oddly sit down with Utica (aka Ethan from Project Runway) for a conversation that’s equal parts hilarious and heartfelt. From growing up religious in the Midwest to becoming a “slutty little party girl” in Chicago, Utica opens up about her journey to self-expression and how drag inspires mainstream fashion. The trio get real about Law Roach’s critiques, the politics of drag, the wild crossover between Drag Race and Project Runway, and why queerness is both natural and revolutionary. Plus: the ladies get HighKey! about music, fashion, and shutting the f*** up. If you’re HIGHKEY! vibing with us, come hang on Patreon! We’re dropping bonus content, behind-the-scenes tea, exclusive group hangs — basically, the HighKiKi. www.patreon.com/HIGHKEY Watch HIGHKEY! on YouTube at youtube.com/@highkeyhere Follow along on socials @highkeyhere  HIGHKEY! is a production of iHeartPodcasts, as part of the Outspoken network. The show is created and executive produced by Ryan Mitchell, Yvie Oddly, and Spoke Media.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Emmy-winning writer, producer, and actor Lena Waithe (The Chi, Queen & Slim) joins Yvie and Ryan for a bold, hilarious, and heartfelt conversation about the myths of success, the pursuit of happiness, and creating without fear. From judging RuPaul’s Drag Race to building Legacy Talk, Lena shares how she balances ambition with meditation, why she makes art for herself—not the crowd—and what it means to tell Black queer stories on her own terms. The conversation dives into Hollywood realities, the power of critique, and why horror might be the most exciting genre right now. If you’re HIGHKEY! vibing with us, come hang on Patreon! We’re dropping bonus content, behind-the-scenes tea, exclusive group hangs — basically, the HighKiKi. www.patreon.com/HIGHKEY Watch HIGHKEY! on YouTube at youtube.com/@highkeyhere Follow along on socials @highkeyhere  HIGHKEY! is a production of iHeartPodcasts, as part of the Outspoken network. The show is created and executive produced by Ryan Mitchell, Yvie Oddly, and Spoke Media.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Bob the Drag Queen crashes the HIGHKEY! party for a hilarious and candid convo with Yvie and Ryan. The trio dives into everything from Drag Race crowns and All Stars shade to The Traitors drama and podcast partner tension. Bob gets real about nearly quitting Sibling Rivalry, being misunderstood by fans, and why she’ll never care about being “nice.” Plus: inside stories from Harriet Tubman: Live in Concert, her plans for Purse First Studios, and Bob’s favorite little violent game that everyone should know about. If you’re HIGHKEY! vibing with us, come hang on Patreon! We’re dropping bonus content, behind-the-scenes tea, exclusive group hangs — basically, the HighKiKi. www.patreon.com/HIGHKEY Watch HIGHKEY! on YouTube at youtube.com/@highkeyhere Follow along on socials @highkeyhere  HIGHKEY! is a production of iHeartPodcasts, as part of the Outspoken network. The show is created and executive produced by Ryan Mitchell, Yvie Oddly, and Spoke Media.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jake Wesley Rogers joins Ben, Ryan, and Yvie for a heartfelt conversation about music, identity, and faith. He opens up about his Crohn’s diagnosis, nearly quitting music, and the emotional journey behind his new album In the Key of Love. Ryan and Jake dive deep into reclaiming religion, queer visibility in pop, and why straight men in dresses still get all the credit. Plus, Yvie recounts a nearly explosive PR gift from MrBeast, and the hosts reflect on how queerness, art, and community collide.  If you’re HIGHKEY! vibing with us, come hang with us on Patreon! We’re dropping bonus content, behind-the-scenes tea, exclusive group hangs — basically, the HighKiKi. www.patreon.com/HIGHKEY Watch HIGHKEY! on YouTube at youtube.com/@highkeyhere Follow along on socials @highkeyhere  HIGHKEY! is a production of iHeartPodcasts, as part of the Outspoken network. The show is created and executive produced by Ben O’Keefe, Ryan Mitchell, Yvie Oddly, and Spoke Media.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What happens when weddings don’t feel like they’re for you? This week on HIGHKEY! Ben, Ryan, and Yvie get real about the complicated relationship queer folks can have with weddings—from family estrangement and cultural expectations to chosen family and fantasy ceremony dreams. They share personal stories of being the only Black or queer person in the room, the cost of proving legitimacy through marriage, and whether they even want to be married at all. Plus: Lizzo’s rap era, Drag Kings finally getting their shine, and a very nerdy love letter to James Baldwin.  If you’re HIGHKEY! vibing with us, come hang with us on Patreon! We’re dropping bonus content, behind-the-scenes tea, exclusive group hangs — basically, the HighKiKi: patreon.com/HIGHKEY Watch HIGHKEY! on YouTube at youtube.com/@highkeyhere Follow along on socials @highkeyhere  HIGHKEY! is a production of iHeartPodcasts, as part of the Outspoken network. The show is created and executive produced by Ben O’Keefe, Ryan Mitchell, Yvie Oddly, and Spoke Media.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Can a bad b*tch be soft too? This week on HIGHKEY!, Yvie Oddly sits down with genre-bending rapper and alt-icon Rico Nasty for a raw and riotous conversation about self-love, survival, and the power of staying niche. They talk about rage, queerness, and letting yourself rot when you need to recharge. Rico opens up about her new album, Lethal, her soft girl era, and why being “too weird” can be your superpower.   Plus: the power of crafting, why she might get a BBL, and what it means to be culturally queer in a world that still doesn’t know where to place you. Come for the baddie wisdom, stay for the hiking, glitter gloss, and fast food confessions.   If you’re HIGHKEY! vibing with us, come hang with us on Patreon! We’re dropping bonus content, behind-the-scenes tea, exclusive group hangs — basically, the HighKiKi: patreon.com/HIGHKEY   Watch HIGHKEY! on YouTube at youtube.com/@highkeyhere Follow along on socials @highkeyhere    HIGHKEY! is a production of iHeartPodcasts, as part of the Outspoken network. The show is created and executive produced by Ben O’Keefe, Ryan Mitchell, Yvie Oddly, and Spoke Media.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What does it mean to celebrate freedom in a country where so many are still fighting for it? This July 4th, HIGHKEY! welcomes legendary activist, filmmaker, and author Tourmaline for a conversation that reclaims joy, protest, and the radical legacy of Marsha P. Johnson. The hosts unpack Black queer history, trans resistance, and the messy truth about who gets remembered—and who gets erased. Tourmaline shares what she’s learned from elders like Miss Major and Marsha, and why dreaming big is not a luxury, but a survival strategy. Come for the queer history lesson, stay for the nail art, revenge fantasies, and glitter-fueled joy that fuels our fight.   If you’re HIGHKEY! vibing with us, come hang with us on Patreon! We’re dropping bonus content, behind-the-scenes tea, exclusive group hangs — basically, the HighKiKi. www.patreon.com/HIGHKEY   Watch HIGHKEY! on YouTube at youtube.com/@highkeyhere Follow along on socials @highkeyhere    HIGHKEY! is a production of iHeartPodcasts, as part of the Outspoken network. The show is created and executive produced by Ben O’Keefe, Ryan Mitchell, Yvie Oddly, and Spoke Media.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.