Liberty Diner Dish | A Queer As Folk Podcast

Meet your hosts, E’Shel and Kenneth. In this episode we tell you how we each discovered Queer As Folk and about our personal connection to the stories told throughout this series. We give you a glimpse of what you can expect from each coming episode, where we will be diving deep into the major themes and moments from the show. Then we spend the next ten minutes shouting about our undying love and devotion for these people! Hop in a booth and join us here at the Liberty Diner Dish.

Our Coffee and Conversation episodes will feature interviews with other fans of Queer As Folk.  In this podcast, E'Shel is joined by QAF fan-fic writer and professional author, Nichelle Wellesly.  They chat about first impressions, love triangles, and Brian Kinney's issues with the "L" word.  FYI: from about minute 40:00, Nichelle is commenting on the handling of the characters in QAF fan-fiction, not as written by CowLip.  Enjoy!

It's more fun when you do it with friends!  Jayde, our friend and listener, joins E'Shel to talk about her love for Queer as Folk, and the joys of dissecting the episodes with a mate.

We revisit some of the highs and lows of the first eleven episodes of Season 1.  Has Ken's opinion changed on any of the characters?  Who will win the first major on-air battle between Ken and E'Shel?  Who is the most complicated character so far?  All answers will be revealed by the end of this extended podcast!

Ken and E'Shel are joined by a national treasure, commonly referred to as Scott Lowell!  Scott talks about his time as Ted and shares some insider information on the cast and crew of Queer As Folk.  SPOILERS AHEAD!! During the interview, Scott makes a few references that are listed here so you can check them out!  FYI, those 'Poor Ted' shirts are in the works! *BOOK: The Gay Metropolis by Charles Kaiser *MOVIES: The Thing About Harry (featuring Peter Paige!!); Steel Rain (on Netflix, Scott will be in Steel Rain 2) *TV SHOWS: Adoptable (on Star Baby Network); I May Destroy You (on HBO Max) *ORGANIZATIONS: CenterLink - LGBT Community Centers; Tyler Clementi Foundation *OTHER: ScoLo (Scott's YouTube Channel)

In this episode, E'Shel sits down with the wonderful human, Peter Paige!  We talk about his time as 'Emmett', and the things that are keeping him booked and busy lately.  After this conversation, we can say that sometimes it's okay to meet your heroes. *Stream The Fosters *Watch Good Trouble *Purchase The Thing About Harry on iTunes (in the TV Section) And keep supporting queer media.  Representation Matters!

E'Shel sits down with Erin, host of the podcast called It's A Fandom Thing, to take a closer look at Season 1 Brian Kinney.  They share their opinions and observations on the man, the myth, the legend, and the looker!  It's a fun and insightful conversation between friends, during which they try to unveil the humanity and vulnerability behind the ego and enigma.

Michael MacLennan stops by the diner to dish about Queer As Folk from the writers' perspecitve.  Our conversation begins with a technical discussion about how the episodes came together, and goes on to cover a few key moments and arcs from Season 2 through Season 4.  This episode does contain SPOILERS so beware! Check out Michael's recent project, Tiny Pretty Things on Netflix!!

Before we jump into Season 3, we are taking some time to check our mail.  In this episode, we're answering your questions and arguing over Brokeback Mountain.  We also talk about some of our firsts, intrusive small-town thinking, and share our individual quirks.  Listen if you dare to hear more than you ever cared to know about Ken and E'Shel.

E'Shel is joined by fellow Britin shipper and Brian Kinney apologist, Erin, from It's a Fandom Thing.  In this episode, E'Shel and Erin revisit and deep dive into some of the major moments from Season 2.  Emphasis is on Brian, but expect to hear some thoughts about all of the gang and lots of praise for Gale Harold's talent.  Side note, E'Shel is boycotting the Emmy Awards until they do right by Gale.  Actually, make that all of the actors and actresses on this show.  Find Erin by searching for It's A Fandom Thing on your favorite podcast streaming platform!  

In the premier, it's a regular night out for the guys. That's until HE comes along! By the end of the episode, members of the Liberty Avenue Gang have had a baby, a stalker and a sex-ed course from Brian Kinney himself. E'Shel and Kenneth are here to dish on all the details and to invite you to come and stay!

In the second half of the premier, we see our characters in the light of day. Justin goes to school, Brian goes to work, and Michael stays in the closet. This episode gives us a closer look at our characters and we get some BACKSTORY!!! We also met everyone's favorite waitress (Debbie) and visit everyone's favorite hangout (Liberty Diner). Grab a seat with E'Shel and Kenneth, there's a lot to dish about!

Ken and E'Shel discuss best-friends, parenting triangles, and the game of Chess.  The plot lines are aplenty in this episode!  Brian interrupts a very important brunch at Melanie and Lindsay's house; Michael is forced to acknowledge a new reality; Emmett falls in, and quickly out of love;  Ted takes home a hottie with surprising results; and the award for the Most Improved Player goes to Justin Taylor!  By the end of the episode, you'll be joining us in our booth as we do our best karaoke rendition of 'Let's Hear It For The Boy'.

The one where Ken and E'Shel get into a fight about Ken's jealousy issues!  This episodes dives deep into what it means to know and be known by your friends, your family, and yourself.  Michael and Emmett discover and share a few secrets, Brian has to make a BIG decision, Justin goes for (and gets) what he wants, and Jennifer struggles to connect with her son.  We also get a closer look at three mother/son relationships.  SHOUT-OUT MOMS!!!

In this episode, members of the gang begin to think about what comes next for them.  Michael fumbles a first date with a handsome doctor, while Ted reconsiders his nightlife.  A business proposition forces Brian to look at himself in the mirror.  Jennifer and Justin FINALLY have a breakthrough!  Join Ken and E'Shel as they grab a booth to dish on all the details.

Ted takes an 'appropriate' leap in dating.  Michael asks Dr. David for a second chance, and Brian inserts himself into their budding relationship. Justin finds favor with "Brian's lesbians" Melanie and Lindsay.  Debbie spills the tea on God's Gift to Gay PA to Jennifer.    A 2-D image reveals more about Brian than any of his friends have so far.  Ken and E'Shel manage to discuss all of this, and more, in under five hours!  

In this episode, Justin Taylor makes us PROUD!! Michael takes Dr. David to meet Debbie before the two head off for a weekend at the doc's country cabin.  We take a closer look at Brian and Michael's codependency issues and shine a light on Emmett's more subtle side.  Plus, WTF Craig Taylor??!!

In this emotional episode, Justin continues to deal with the challenges of coming out.  Debbie's health takes a turn and as a result, Michael finds himself stuck between a rock and a hard place at the Big Q.  Brian takes in a stray.  Or should that be a stalker??!  Ken and E'Shel discuss the difference and a whole lot more!

Ken and E'Shel tackle this very heavy episode that introduces us to Jack Kinney, and gives us some insight on Brian's childhood.  Luckily, Emmett's flame is burning brightly to lighten things up.  We see three of our main characters dealing with their own self-contradictions and seeking to find resolutions.  Plus, a snarky and sassy Justin shows up to play in this one! You love to see it!!

Justin runs away, and Brian and the gang head to New York on a rescue mission.  Michael does his own version of running, but eventually gives Dr. David an answer to his question.  Melanie makes it possible for Lindsay to stay home with Gus.  Ken and E'Shel dive deep into this one and the gloves come off.