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PRIDE

PRIDE
Author: Straw Hut Media
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On Pride, host Caitlynn McDaniel deep dives into the LGBTQ+ stories lighting up our screens — and the people who bring them to life.
Each week, she sits down with the stars we love, the creators behind the scenes, and the voices changing the way stories are told. From on-screen firsts to behind-the-scenes breakthroughs, Pride is where iconic characters, coded moments, and groundbreaking storytelling all come together.
Whether it’s a rom-com kiss that made you feel seen, a coming-out arc that hit too close to home, or a soundtrack that screamed queer joy — we’re celebrating it all, and the people making it happen.
Because representation isn’t extra — it’s everything.
Each week, she sits down with the stars we love, the creators behind the scenes, and the voices changing the way stories are told. From on-screen firsts to behind-the-scenes breakthroughs, Pride is where iconic characters, coded moments, and groundbreaking storytelling all come together.
Whether it’s a rom-com kiss that made you feel seen, a coming-out arc that hit too close to home, or a soundtrack that screamed queer joy — we’re celebrating it all, and the people making it happen.
Because representation isn’t extra — it’s everything.
218 Episodes
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Terry Hu is taking the stage—and taking up space. In this episode, they join host Caitlynn McDaniel to talk about starring in Trophy Boys, the sharp, surprising, and queer-as-hell new play running at MCC Theater during Pride Month.They dive into it all:🎭 The unexpected callback that landed them the role🌈 Why Trophy Boys feels like the gayest thing they’ve ever done😴 Coming out as a napper (and a Tumblr user)🔥 What makes Meg from Hercules a bi icon💤 Sleeping, surviving, and celebrating Pride—whatever that looks like this yearPlus, Terry shares what they’re manifesting next: a bi-coastal life, an animated Disney role, and maybe even some curtains for that one very gay sublet.Catch Terry in Trophy Boys at MCC Theater in New York City—now extended through July 27.
Country’s got a new groove—and it’s queer. This week, host Caitlynn McDaniel sits down with country artist Brooke Eden to talk about her latest single Giddy Up, motherhood, WeHo Pride, and why line dancing might be the most joyful form of protest.Brooke opens up about coming out while signed to a major country label, the joy of hearing queer stories in country music, and how she’s turning every performance into a dance party—with choreography anyone can learn. (Yes, Caitlynn gives it a go.)They also get into:Growing up on a line-dancing floorTeaching her record label the Giddy Up choreographyWhat makes someone “country” (spoiler: not barbed wire)Performing at World Pride in D.C.Queer joy, bold love, and starting a family on her own termsFollow @brookeedenmusic for tour dates and tutorials. Giddy Up is streaming everywhere now.
If you’re not already obsessed with Alex Newell, this episode might do the trick. From lighting up the screen in Another Simple Favor to making Tony Awards history, Alex is booked, brilliant, and bringing the chaos—in the best way.Caitlynn McDaniel chats with Alex about their wild career ride, turning down Glastonbury (yep), and why some “simple favors” are anything but. They dive into what it means to be a queer Black disruptor in Hollywood, the pressure to do it all, and how Alex stays grounded (spoiler: not by meditating).Also on the menu: martinis, private boats, and a murder mystery that still has no clear answers.In this episode, Alex and Caitlynn get into:Bringing fabulous chaos to Another Simple FavorSaying no to Glastonbury—and why it was the right callWhat real queer Black representation looks likeDream roles, from Nell Carter to DreamgirlsWhy doing everything can actually make you better“Simple favors” that are anything butAnd Alex’s go-to drink (Hendrick’s, tonic, no garnish)Another Simple Favor is now streaming on Prime Video.
Most pop stars don’t drop their debut album at 42. Then again, most pop stars aren’t Frankie Grande.After years in the spotlight—on Broadway, on Big Brother, and all over social media—Frankie Grande is finally introducing us to who he really is. This week on Pride, Caitlynn McDaniel sits down with Frankie to talk about Hotel Rock Bottom, a bold, unfiltered debut album that weaves together decades of heartbreak, addiction, love, joy, and queer self-discovery.He shares the very gay inspiration behind his new single Boys (spoiler: it involves a steam room at Equinox), opens up about the mental toll of reality TV, and explains how sobriety gave him the clarity to step into his full, authentic self. This is Frankie, no filter, no character—just the real thing, and he’s never sounded better.Here’s what we get into:Why Hotel Rock Bottom tells the story he’s never shared beforeThe unexpectedly raw, hilarious, and sexy inspiration for BoysWhat reality TV got wrong about queer representation (and how to fix it)His journey through addiction, recovery, and finding loveAnd the pop wedding anthem he’s been waiting his whole life to writeFollow Frankie:Instagram: @frankiejgrande Listen to Boys and Hotel Rock Bottom wherever you stream music.
David Archuleta is done holding back. In this episode, he joins host Caitlynn McDaniel for a candid conversation about stepping into his full self—from navigating public life as a queer former child star to finding joy and confidence through music, raves, and (surprisingly) the Evil Queen at Disneyland.They unpack everything:His accidental viral “short king” momentWhat’s hiding in the new single “Can I Call You”The queer roots of EDM and why rave culture feels like homeLetting go of internalized shame (and writing a book about it!)How being vulnerable in public has become a form of healingPlus, David opens up about his Mormon upbringing, his early American Idol experience, and how music has become both his therapy and his way of reclaiming joy.
Bobo Le’s breakout role in The Wedding Banquet proves that being your authentic self can change everything.Host Caitlynn McDaniel welcomes Bobo to Pride to talk about her expanded role in the newly reimagined The Wedding Banquet (which premiered April 18), where she plays Kendall, the cousin to Bowen Yang’s character.Bobo shares how it felt to help shape her character, what it was like working with an award-winning ensemble, and why telling stories about queer joy and chosen family matters. Plus, there’s plenty of love for Spy Kids, spicy food obsessions, deep-sea creatures, and future Marvel dreams.Highlights from this episode:🌟 How Bobo’s audition freestyle changed the course of her character🌟 Behind the scenes with Bowen Yang, Lily Gladstone, and Kelly Marie Tran🌟 Why “None of us are good enough alone” became the heart of the film🌟 Spy Kids fandom, spicy food obsessions, and anglerfish appreciation🌟 What it means to finally see lived-in queer and Asian American characters on screenThe Wedding Banquet is now playing in theaters.
Cornelius Versa grew up loving country music — but it took years (and a few sparkly cowboy hats) to finally claim his place in it. This week on Pride, he joins host Caitlynn McDaniel for a conversation about finding identity, building community, and stepping into the spotlight on his own terms.Cornelius — also known as the Crystal Cowboy — opens up about his experience on The Voice, the personal story behind his new single Pull the Trigger, and how TikTok (including a viral Wicked country cover!) helped him connect with LA’s queer country scene. He also shares the story of meeting his husband in college, why taking risks changed his career, and gives Caitlynn a hilarious (and slightly chaotic) lesson in yodeling.Cornelius’s new single Pull the Trigger is available now on all streaming platforms.🎶 Follow Cornelius Versa everywhere @CorneliusVersa.
She’s smart, sharp, and stylish—and in The Recruit, Kaylah Xander Nuñez keeps Noah Centineo from totally unraveling.On this episode of Pride, host Caitlynn McDaniel sits down with Kaylah to talk about her role as CIA lawyer Amelia Salazar in the hit Netflix series The Recruit. They chat about chosen family on set, Latine representation in Hollywood, and the kind of roles Kaylah’s ready to say “no” to now.Plus, she shares details about her upcoming passion projects—including a short film about estranged sisters, and her very first solo film about Vancouver’s beloved last video store, Black Dog Video.Whether you're here for CIA drama, Shania Twain dreams, or just missing the days of picking out VHS tapes with your family—this one’s for you.What do you think season three of The Recruit should look like—and should Kaylah play Shania Twain next? Let us know by tagging @pride on social.
What do you get when you combine a teen on a mission, a sweet robot named Cosmo, and a smuggler with a heart of gold? Netflix’s The Electric State. On this episode of Pride, host Caitlynn sits down with the star-studded cast—including Millie Bobby Brown, Chris Pratt, Giancarlo Esposito, and directors Joe and Anthony Russo—to talk robots, relationships, and the unexpected emotional gut punches in this futuristic action-adventure.Caitlynn also gets personal—revealing her phobia of underwater robots—and winds up in what might be the most unexpected therapy session ever... with Millie and Chris offering some exposure therapy advice of their own.🎙️ In this episode:Millie Bobby Brown and Chris Pratt bond with their robotic co-stars—and CaitlynnGiancarlo Esposito drops wisdom on love, loss, and the hero’s journeyThe Russo brothers reveal how they crafted a heartfelt ensemble story (and made robots feel real)A surprise dive into submechanophobia (yes, it's a thing)Plus: What grounds the cast when they’re not facing cinematic chaosAnd while the bots might steal the show, this cast also includes LGBTQ+ icon Coleman Domingo—reminding us that queer representation lives even in the most unexpected of sci-fi worlds. Add in themes of chosen family, emotional connection, and embracing your weird little fears? It’s giving Pride, honestly.📺 The Electric State is streaming now on Netflix.🎧 Subscribe to Pride wherever you get your podcasts, and follow us @pride on socials for all the latest.
Michelle Buteau and Peppermint join us this week to talk about Survival of the Thickest Season 2 — a show filled with queer joy, chosen family, body positivity, and… a surprise wedding!Michelle is a comedian, writer, and star of the series. She shares how her essays became a Netflix series and why every detail, from the fashion to the background actors, is intentional. Peppermint is a performer, activist, and trailblazer in trans visibility. And she opens up about bringing authenticity to her character and the power of trans representation onscreen.Plus: the love language of letting someone else carry your dresser.Survival of the Thickest season 2 is now streaming on Netflix!
Netflix’s La Dolce Villa is serving up romance, pasta, and small-town Italian charm—with actor and model Giuseppe Futia at the heart of it all.In this episode of Pride, Caitlynn McDaniel sits down with Giuseppe to talk about filming in his home country, why queer visibility still matters, and what it was like working with Mean Girls director Mark Waters. Plus, one simple trick to win someone over—Italian style.🍝 Also in this episode:Embracing queer joy on screen and offThe magic of Italian rom-coms, and how this one stands outFlirting 101: It’s all in the eyes 👀La Dolce Villa is now streaming on Netflix.
Yellowjackets Season 3 is well underway now, and if you’ve been watching, you know things have only gotten darker, messier, and more intense. Host Caitlynn McDaniel sat down with the cast to talk about the show’s incredible queer representation, the emotional weight of their performances, and the wildest on-set moments. 🖤 The Cast Talks Season 3:Sammi Hanratty (Misty) on how Yellowjackets helped her come out and how she brings Misty’s unsettling energy to life.Kevin Alves (Travis) & Alexa Barajas (Mari) on the show’s inclusive storytelling and tackling emotionally intense scenes.Jasmine Savoy Brown (Teen Taissa) on Yellowjackets’ fearless portrayal of messy, flawed female characters—and her queer-focused podcast Today in Gay.Melanie Lynskey (Adult Shauna) on the shocking moments that even surprised her this season.Tawny Cypress (Adult Taissa) on why older queer couples deserve more screen time and what’s next for Tai and Van.Liv Hewson (Teen Van) on cast bonding, their joie de vivre mindset for 2025, and how Yellowjackets continues pushing boundaries.Courtney Eaton, Kevin Alves, Jasmine Savoy Brown & Liv Hewson on the most chaotic, unhinged moments on set—including that late-night scene they can’t stop thinking about.Now that we’ve reached the second half of the season, we want to hear from you!💬 What’s been your biggest WTF moment so far? What do you think is coming next? Drop your theories in the comments!
What happens when you mix high school drama, unsolved mysteries, and a ghostly love triangle (or two)? You get School Spirits—and Season 2 is taking everything to the next level. More secrets. More hauntings. More romance. And yes, it’s even gayer.This season, Maddie’s journey in the afterlife gets more complicated as new truths unravel, old spirits reveal hidden pasts, and relationships—both spectral and human—get even messier. Caitlynn McDaniel sat down with the cast to unpack it all:Nick Pugliese, Sarah Yarkin & Josh Zuckerman on ghostly perks (and major downsides), the most ridiculous fan theories they’ve heard, and the hilarious lies they’ve made up about the show themselves.Spencer MacPherson, Rainbow Wedell, Kiara Pichardo & Kristian Ventura on real-life ghost encounters, the ultimate haunted high school wardrobe, and whether naming a ghost makes them friendlier (or just creepier).Season 2 is bringing the drama, the laughs, and plenty of surprises. If you’re watching along, you know things are getting weird—in the best way.Got a favorite fan theory? A ghost ship you’re rooting for? Let us know!
Netflix’s XO, Kitty is back, and if you haven’t caught up on Season 2 yet—consider this your sign! The To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before spin-off returned in January, bringing more romance, chaos, and LGBTQ+ representation to KISS Academy. Now, with a third season officially confirmed, it’s the perfect time to dive in.Created by Jenny Han, XO, Kitty made history as Netflix’s first TV spin-off of an original film. This season, fans got even deeper love triangles, major queer storylines, and some truly iconic fashion moments. One of the biggest highlights? The sapphic romance between Yuri (Gia Kim) and Juliana (Regan Aliyah), alongside Kitty’s journey of self-discovery as she embraces her bisexuality.Caitlin McDaniel sat down with the cast to break it all down:Gia Kim & Regan Aliyah on Yuri and Juliana’s fan-favorite love story, filming at a real gay club in Korea, and the show’s standout fashion.Anna Cathcart & Anthony Keyvan on Kitty’s evolving identity, Q’s confidence as an out-and-proud queer character, and their real-life bestie bond.Minyeong Choi & Sang Heon Lee on their characters’ intense friendship, Season 2’s biggest conflicts, and that dramatic airport scene.If you’ve already binged Season 2, this is the perfect chance to relive the drama with the cast. And if you haven’t? What are you waiting for?
Emilia Pérez is Netflix's bold new film that made waves with its powerful narrative, stunning performances, and… well, some serious controversy. Directed by Jacques Audiard, Emilia Pérez tells the story of a Mexican cartel leader’s journey of transformation, tackling themes of identity, love, and redemption.While the film has been praised for its ambition and unique storytelling, it has also faced controversy due to resurfaced social media posts from its star, Karla Sofía Gascón, containing racist and Islamophobic remarks. Netflix responded by distancing itself from Gascón, pulling her from promotional efforts. The film has also been criticized for its portrayal of Mexican culture and the transgender experience, with some arguing it leans on problematic stereotypes. Despite this, Emilia Pérez leads the Oscars with 13 nominations, making it the most-nominated film of the year.Caitlynn McDaniel sat down with the cast to discuss their experiences and creative journeys:Zoe Saldaña on portraying Rita, a lawyer entangled in emotional complexities.Selena Gomez on finding vulnerability and strength in her role as Jesse.Adriana Paz on the power of tenderness and love through her character, Epifanía.Karla Sofía Gascón on the transformative narrative of Emilia and celebrating LGBTQ+ love.Our interviews focus on the film’s themes, performances, and the impact the cast hopes it will have. Did you see it? What did you think? Let us know!
Entertainment is better when it’s a little bit queer.Join host Caitlynn McDaniel as she chats with the stars, creators, and voices behind the shows, movies, and music we love.Whether unapologetically queer or delightfully queer-coded, Pride celebrates the stories that speak to us.Subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts and follow us across socials at @pride.Because representation matters.
How do you grapple with being in love with the rodeo and rural spaces when you’re also in love with other men? In this episode of Pride, Levi sits down with Scott Terry, a true legend in the world of cowboys and rodeo stars. Despite Scott appearing to be the stereotypical masculine legend from the Old West, his sexuality and abusive upbringing led him to believe he was the only gay cowboy in the world. But he wasn’t. What we talk about: Scott’s journey from rural Montana to gay rodeo star Growing up with Jehovah’s WitnessesGrappling with his sexuality and finding a space in the queer community His new book The Gift coming out in February of 2025Get Scott Terry’s book Cowboys, Armageddon, and The Truth here: https://torchflamebooks.com/authors/scott-terry/Keep up with Scott on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ScottMTerryAuthor/
This week, we reflect on the results of the recent election and what they mean for the LGBTQ+ community. Our guest, Dr. Perry Halkitis, Dean of the Rutgers School of Public Health, shares his expertise on health disparities, mental health, and the challenges and opportunities ahead for LGBTQ+ rights and healthcare.Dr. Halkitis discusses the potential impact of policies like Project 2025, the importance of mental health support for LGBTQ+ youth, and the future of inclusive healthcare. He offers a message of resilience, reminding us that even in uncertain times, there are ways to take action and find hope.Learn more about Dr. Perry Halkitis and his work thru his website: https://perrynhalkitis.com/Resources Mentioned:The Trevor Project: Crisis support for LGBTQ+ youth – visit thetrevorproject.org or text START to 678-678.Trans Lifeline: Peer support for trans individuals – call 877-565-8860.Crisis Text Line: Immediate support – text HOME to 741-741.Q Chat Space: Online peer support for LGBTQ+ teens – visit qchatspace.org.
Join guest host Caitlynn McDaniels on Pride as she sits down with Denzel Washington to discuss his role in the highly anticipated Gladiator II, including the buzz around his deleted same-sex kiss scene. Plus, hear from co-stars Paul Mescal, Connie Nielsen, and Fred Hechinger as they share behind-the-scenes insights into Ridley Scott's epic sequel.
Heartstopper fans, rejoice! Today’s episode is a special treat as we sit down with Joe Locke and Kit Connor, the dynamic duo bringing Charlie and Nick to life in Netflix's beloved series, Heartstopper. With Season 3 out now, Joe and Kit share heartfelt insights and hilarious behind-the-scenes stories that you won't hear anywhere else.Together, we'll explore which seasons their characters most embody (spoiler: Charlie might just be an autumn kind of guy 🍂), the joy and awkwardness of filming their first intimate scene, and the delightful chaos brought on by their new furry co-star, Doug the pug. Plus, Kit opens up about working with Hayley Atwell and how the show continues to tackle serious topics with authenticity and care.Don't miss this candid conversation that's as heartwarming as the show itself. And remember to catch Heartstopper Season 3 on Netflix!
Thank you for this! 💖💜💙
I could find the ig. Do u have it