My Dad Stole My Limelight

Connect with MDSML:

-Join the FREE mailing list for queer joy! hilaurendeborah.substack.com

-Email the pod to say hi or share a limelight-stealing story! [email protected]

-2SLGBTQIA+ resources

Cass Furman (she/her) brings a beautiful balance of laughs and ‘things I am going to write in my diary later’ in this episode! Cass is a comedian and actor and shares so many lovely gems in this conversation.

In this episode:

-Cass played a lesbian character in a play and from there was able to own up to some feelings she hadn’t acknowledged fully at that point!

-Attraction means so much more than what we are taught!

-Cass experienced being the Janis Ian to Regina George and it hurt like it “was a little bit true”!

-When we come out there can be a lot of pressure to change, but Cass reminds us that there are parts we want to keep and that they’re amazing!

-Thank you to the expansive and large queer community who have helped us discover and love more about ourselves!

-All of the things Cass shared brought me back to the “why” of starting this podcast!

-Imagine if we loved ourselves the way we loved others! Or as Cass puts “The more we look for things to love about each other, the more we find to love”!

-WE ARE RETIRING JOURNALS! We are bringing back our diaries!

-The number of us who are scared to come out as we feel we do not have the “right” to it is a pattern in these conversations! You belong, and your dating history does not define you!

-Being honest will get you where you want to go a whole lot quicker!

Connect with my guest:

-Follow Cass on Instagram: @cassfurman

Behind the scenes:

-Podcast production and editing made possible by: Alexi Johnson and the team at @604podnetwork

-Theme Music: Shawn Kangro

-Logo Art: @raphe.ca

-This episode of My Dad Stole My Limelight was recorded with @SquadCast

Connect with MDSML:

-Join the FREE mailing list for queer joy! hilaurendeborah.substack.com

-Email the pod to say hi or share a limelight-stealing story! [email protected]

-2SLGBTQIA+ resources

Niki Mohrdar (she/her) is a stand-up comedian and podcaster (she’s ⅓ of the podcast Soft For Us, amazing!). In this episode, Niki shares her perspective as a Middle Eastern woman on queerness and coming out.

In this episode:

-Bisexuals? Us? We are attracted to a vibe!

-Look, Montreal is a place so many of us have gone to and then been like OH DAMN THIS IS WHO I AM!

-I want to talk about being queer ALL THE TIME and also, please recognise I am more than that!

-Niki and I never had an “official” coming out and mayyyyyybe we hold a little jealousy about that towards those who did!

-Choosing not to be open about who we are in certain spaces can be hard and it can also be a way to protect ourselves!

-Comedy is such a freeing space to have a “one-sided conversation” and express who we are, how we feel, what we believe and in the process make you laugh!

-Niki and I have struggled in an ongoing way with imposter syndrome and code-switching, feeling like there is something we need to prove!

-Sex and intimacy are so much more than being physical, and demisexuality can empower us to feel safe and secure exploring that!

-Niki wants there to be more openness and less suppression of our sexuality — being free to explore who we are and not shut ourselves off!

-Coffee is not needed if you have a wonderful queer conversation to have instead!

Connect with my guest:

-Follow Niki on Instagram: @niki.mohrdar

-Listen to Niki’s podcast, Soft For Us: @softforus

Behind the scenes:

-Podcast production and editing made possible by: Alexi Johnson and the team at @604podnetwork

-Theme Music: Shawn Kangro

-Logo Art: @raphe.ca

-This episode of My Dad Stole My Limelight was recorded with @SquadCast

Connect with MDSML:

-Join the FREE mailing list for queer joy! hilaurendeborah.substack.com

-Email the pod to say hi or share a limelight-stealing story! [email protected]

-2SLGBTQIA+ resources

This week I got to chat with the hilarious Joanne Tsung (she/her), who I now want to be my BFF and share demisexual memes with all day every day. Joanne is a comedian and writer who has been featured on CBC Vancouver, CBC Pride, Killjoy Comedy with OutTV and YVR Funny Season 2 with Storyhive.

In this episode:

-I smiled this entire episode and my hands moved between cupping my face adoringly listening to Joanne and cupping my mouth to stop my laughing drown out Joanne’s voice!

-Joanne has the most wonderful explanation of the beauty of being demisexual!

-We need “horny in your own time” on a throw pillow!

-Joanne describes her take on internalised bi-erasure!

-The voices in our head can give us so much imposter syndrome, over and over and over again!

-The alternative title for this episode was “Joanne Tsung on unfortunately participating in society”!

-There is a cameo from Karla, Joanne’s girlfriend and it is amazing!

-Being queer takes up a huge part of our brain, and it is the best!

-Joanne shares the disappointment in the microaggressions experienced after coming out, and I am so grateful for her voicing things so many folks face!

-Joanne and I entered queer spaces for the first time assuming everyone was going to hit on us when they clearly would not, and to hear her say that? Validating!

Connect with my guest:

-Follow Joanne on Instagram: @jtsung

-Visit Joanne’s website: joannetsung.com

Resources:

-Watch Killjoy Comedy on OutTV!

-Watch Joanne on YVR Funny Season 2!

-The Lesbian Master Doc!

Behind the scenes:

-Podcast production and editing made possible by: Alexi Johnson and the team at @604podnetwork

-Theme Music: Shawn Kangro

-Logo Art: @raphe.ca

-This episode of My Dad Stole My Limelight was recorded with @SquadCast

Connect with MDSML:

-Join the FREE mailing list for queer joy! hilaurendeborah.substack.com

-Email the pod to say hi or share a limelight-stealing story! [email protected]

-2SLGBTQIA+ resources

Cassidy Anhorn (she/her) is a comedian, writer and producer. You may have seen her on stages around Vancouver and Canada, heard her on her JFL Originals tracks in their 2023 Album (which was named after her joke!) or on YVR Funny Season 2. Most recently, you can hear her right here with more queer joy and representation!

In this episode:

-We are secretly okay when plans get cancelled!

-I need to go to more queer events, period!

-The youth have inspired Cassidy to own being a lesbian and this is wonderful!

-Things have changed so much, and yet… so often there is still only one woman (OR NO WOMEN!?) on a comedy show. Ugh!

-Thank GOD for Linda Cardellini!

-This story involves a queer awakening in the middle of English class!

-I have no regrets about leaving social media, but thank goodness for Cassidy for filling me in with cool, queer celebrity gossip!

-There is no party like an LGBTQIA+ party!

-Which Spice Girl made you gay?

-SPOILER! This limelight-stealing story is flipped and Cassidy steals someone else’s. ICONIC!

Connect with my guest:

-Follow Cassidy on Instagram: @cassidya

Resources:

-Go to Big Queer Party Mix! @bigqueerpartymix

-Cassidy on YVR Funny!

-Album link for Cassidy on Stand-Up BC!

-Check out QueerProv! @queerprov

Behind the scenes:

-Podcast production and editing made possible by: Alexi Johnson and the team at @604podnetwork

-Theme Music: Shawn Kangro

-Logo Art: @raphe.ca

-This episode of My Dad Stole My Limelight was recorded with @SquadCast

Connect with MDSML:

-Join the FREE mailing list for queer joy! hilaurendeborah.substack.com

-Email the pod to say hi or share a limelight-stealing story! [email protected]

-2SLGBTQIA+ resources

Patti Savard (she/her) is a comedian who likes to not take herself too seriously. She has found that comedy has been a way to “find the lightness in the dark”. Being a comedian, Patti hopes to offer a perspective that may help someone on their own journey. I think this conversation can serve the same purpose too and I am so thankful for this chat with Patti!

In this convo, Patti mentions her show on the 19th, and if you’re listening, you missed it! I got delayed in releases because of being on vacay and timezone confusion on my part… when will I learn? Please go and follow Patti on socials (linked below) to see where you can catch her performing next!

In this episode:

-Patti grew up surrounded by strong women who have inspired her to be a strong badass, Kirstie Alley in Look Who’s Talking inspired legend!

-Patti hitchhiked to Mexico and along the way discovered more about herself than she had imagined for that trip!

-Growing up, Patti had the best-dressed G.I. Joes in the neighbourhood!

-Bless adult stores and sex shops that see us and respect us and encourage us to be us!

-Patti and I are basic bitches and envy our kinky friends!

-Patti was able to discover more about herself via podcasts and listening to other folks’ stories. Representation matters y’all!

-Sometimes, as we figure out who we are, we continue to seek the “next thing that will make us happy”!

-Heck yeah to Life Coaching! Patti was able to identify a fear vs a thought and what comes from elsewhere and what comes from her!

-Patti has a mission statement for her writing and her stand up and I LOVE THAT!

-Make your mantra list! Patti has many! And she shares some with us! Amazingly blessed!

Connect with my guest:

-Follow Patti on IG: @pattisavard18

-Like Patti’s FB: facebook.com/patatoui69

Behind the scenes:

-Podcast production and editing made possible by: Alexi Johnson and the team at @604podnetwork

-Theme Music: Shawn Kangro

-Logo Art: @raphe.ca

-This episode of My Dad Stole My Limelight was recorded with @SquadCast

Connect with MDSML:

-Join the FREE mailing list for queer joy! hilaurendeborah.substack.com

-Email the pod to say hi or share a limelight-stealing story! [email protected]

-2SLGBTQIA+ resources

Rogue (they/them) is an iconic Sagittarius and is Vancouver’s premier non-binary Jewish drag artist and event producer. Rogue started their drag journey “with a synthetic Amazon blonde wig and a dream” and now they are a host of many a show, travelling around the city and the country spreading their joy and talent with everyone who is lucky enough to witness it AND they founded drag supergroup ENBY 6!

In this episode:

-Rogue’s eyes were opened up to drag in a way I could never have guessed — by insisting they hated RPDR! Listen to find out how that (thankfully and magically panned out)!

-If someone trusts you with the honour of coming out to you, please, please, do not respond with “I knew/I know” etc! Because what did you “know”? Really?

-We love a story where someone is spending all of their spare time doing something, a true sign of it being their passion and their vocation!

-Listeners have your pens ready for this episode! Rogue has a go-to list for diving into queer culture for the first time!

-If you can’t poke fun at yourself, who can you poke fun at?

-Oh to be young, drunk and abroad confessing to your closest pals your sexuality! It’s a recipe for coming out and I love it (because I too, have lived it)!

-Rogue is very honest in sharing their journey of unlearning and then passing it on, which I am very grateful for!

-This conversation is just a reminder (at least for me) of how important it is to be in queer spaces as much as we can!

-Allison is kickass! We love you! Canada’s Drag Race — hire her!

Connect with my guest:

-Follow Rogue on Instagram: @itsjustrogue

-Follow Rogue on Twitter: @itsjustrogue

-Follow Rogue on TikTok: @itsjustrogue

-Book Rogue via their website: itsjustrogue.com

Resources:

-Canada’s Drag Race! Hire Allison! @mama.rogue

Behind the scenes:

-Podcast production and editing made possible by: Alexi Johnson and the team at @604podnetwork

-Theme Music: Shawn Kangro

-Logo Art: @raphe.ca

-This episode of My Dad Stole My Limelight was recorded with @SquadCast

Connect with MDSML:

-Join the FREE mailing list for queer joy! hilaurendeborah.substack.com

-Email the pod to say hi or share a limelight-stealing story! [email protected]

-2SLGBTQIA+ resources

Karlie Hart (they/them) was one of my fabulous guests for my first-ever live show and it was beautiful, wonderful, chaotic and a total blur! Also, spoiler, the recording didn’t work so we have no proof of any of this, BUT before that knowledge came to us we had already decided that the short time we had on that stage was not enough. To get to sit with them with time to chat, and without 500 people staring at us was a treat.

In this episode:

-A lot of people misunderstand Karlie’s transness because of their drag!

-This chat serves as a place for people to be able to have more than just a few reference points of transmasc but more “femme” leaning drag artists!

-Just because it wasn’t correct, doesn’t mean that it was a phase!

-Lauren says “For want of a better phrase/word” a lot in this ep and we are going with it!

-Sometimes you don’t realise that something is possible until you see it! That can be magical, but also hopefully that will change!

-Yay to emotional connections to book characters that help us figure things out about ourselves!

-Shoutout to badass Mums and badass therapists!

-This story involves slam poetry! I love it!

-Sometimes there is a really sh*tty vehicle for really beautiful conversations!

-We love a Pinterest board coming out story!

-The goal is not to get to the other side, it is to get into the driver’s seat!

Connect with my guest:

-Follow Karlie on Instagram: @karliehartbreaker

-See more of their work: @kamillareedschuyler

Resources:

-T4 T: https://do604.com/events/2023/8/1/t4-t-tickets (September 5th AKA the day of release is Karlie’s all-transmasc lineup!)

Behind the scenes:

-Podcast production and editing made possible by: Alexi Johnson and the team at @604podnetwork

-Theme Music: Shawn Kangro

-Logo Art: @raphe.ca

-This episode of My Dad Stole My Limelight was recorded with @SquadCast

Connect with MDSML:

-Join the FREE mailing list for queer joy! hilaurendeborah.substack.com

-Email the pod to say hi or share a limelight-stealing story! [email protected]

-2SLGBTQIA+ resources

In true queer fashion, even if I say so myself, this episode has been a long time coming and well worth the wait. This week I get to chat with Neut King (they/them) who I met through the magic of an internet workshop – YAY to the internet being a nice place at times!

Neut is an Indigequeer artist, creative and visionary who identifies as a trans, non-binary tomboy. Their views on the world that we touch on in this conversation are so refreshing and I am so grateful they share them with us.

In this episode:

-Straight up, we were strapped for time and I could have spoken to Neut for an entire day so there *will* be another episode with them!

-This conversation starts with us both complimenting things the other is wearing, of course!

-Friendly reminder — virginity is a myth!

-Is “queers move house three times in a year” a thing?

-I love a good chunky ring and would love to be a person who could pull this off!

-Witches have always been the queerest people in the village!

-You never know how anything from fleeting interactions to deep friendships might have an effect on people, it’s beautiful!

-Being the only out queer in their community, gave Neut the concept of ‘celebrity’ and not in the ways people often wish for!

-We love an ally!

-If every homophobe was secretly gay, we could take over the world! (More than we already are!)

-You cannot please everybody!

-Being queer is our favourite thing!

Connect with my guest:

-Explore all of the cool things Neut creates! tap.bio/@neut

-Follow Neut on Instagram: @therealneut

-Visit Neut’s website: neut.space

-Check out Neut’s Bandcamp: neutwho.bandcamp.com

-Spotify link! https://tinyurl.com/pkg93

-Neut’s webcomic: neut.space/visitbostonor

-Neut’s tarot deck project: neut.space/#/fools-journey

Behind the scenes:

-Podcast production and editing made possible by: Alexi Johnson and the team at @604podnetwork

-Theme Music: Shawn Kangro

-Logo Art: @raphe.ca

Connect with MDSML:

-Join the FREE mailing list for queer joy! hilaurendeborah.substack.com 

-Email the pod to say hi or share a limelight-stealing story! [email protected]

-2SLGBTQIA+ resources

My guest this week is talented with words, wool, paint and more. Tracy O’Brien (she/her) is the silver lining we all need in our days and comes to share that with us in this week’s episode.

Tracy is an ‘artist and maker’ and brings her positive energy and words of wisdom to this conversation. Have your post-its ready for your new affirmations!

In this episode:

-This is the most warm-hug-positive-affirmation episode I think I have recorded yet!

-Tracy is living her best life!

-Being supported at home and in our relationships can give us the space to truly be ourselves in every aspect of our lives!

-The process of unlearning the expectations life puts on us can be ongoing, but Tracy has some wonderful wisdom to help the process!

-In true lesbian fashion, this story involves moving in together within 6 months of dating and I AM HERE FOR IT!

-Babysitting and sleepovers with gal pals were always allowed and were fantastic for us young women exploring our sexuality!

-Just because you might escape trying to fit into one box, doesn’t mean you won’t feel forced to fit into another!

-Society might presume things and refer to “your husband” but Tracy and her wife have found a hack that means you can use this to your advantage!

-There is always a need for more queer spaces, but we need queer spaces that cater to everyone!

-Spoiler folks! If you want something, just go and bloody do it!

-Tracy shares how she accomplished stepping away from trying to fit in and living her life on other’s expectations of her!

-I had to pull back from the mic after hearing Tracy’s limelight story because I laughed so much!

Connect with my guest:

-Follow Tracy on Instagram: @YarnsmithArtStudio

-Follow Tracy on Instagram: @tracyoknits 

-Get your custom-made Isle of Wight gansey: @isleofwightganseys 

-Read Guided by Angels, Tracy’s wonderful substack: tracyobrien.substack.com 

Resources:

-The Nearness: thenearness.coop 

-The London Writers’ Salon: londonwriterssalon.com 

Behind the scenes:

-Podcast production and editing made possible by: Alexi Johnson and the team at @604podnetwork

-Theme Music: Shawn Kangro

-Logo Art: @raphe.ca

-This episode of My Dad Stole My Limelight was recorded with @SquadCast

Connect with MDSML:

-Join the FREE mailing list for queer joy! hilaurendeborah.substack.com 

-Email the pod to say hi or share a limelight-stealing story! [email protected]

-2SLGBTQIA+ resources

Am I delighted about this episode? Yes indeedy! This week I got to sit and chat with the wonderfully kind and talented Trevor Campbell, who is a writer and the host of the (very awesome) podcast You Made Me Queer.

In this episode:

-Trevor and I reflect on the beauty that is hosting these kinds of conversations to better discover ourselves!

-I was in no way intimidated to be in the host seat with one of the best podcast hosts in the game in the guest seat. Nope. Not at all.

-Yay to recontextualising the queer experience from one of trauma, pain or shame to one of joy and humour!

-Trevor and I would both like this episode to go viral so we both get book deals, please and thanks!

-Air quotes or bunny ears? You tell us!

-We have both felt the need to, as Trevor so perfectly put it “move into something that has already been packaged” before we figure out where we go from there and continue to grow!

-‘Gender Fatigue’ is a term Trevor introduces me to in this episode and it is enlightening, to say the least!

-“Does this light me up? Yes or no?” and life can be that simple.

-Get your journals ready! We have prompts!

-Toxic masculinity ruins everything! Including being gay and coming out!

-We are two wonderful queers that got through Catholic school education to be the fabulous selves that we are today!

-We pour a glass out for every person who dated someone who was secretly queer, we have been on both sides of this! We love you!

-Ja’mie intimidated me as a teenage girl and not for the reasons you might think!

-This conversation is just a huge warm hug, enjoy!

-Rhea Perlman is the best!

Connect with my guest:

-Follow YMMQ on Instagram! @youmademequeer 

-Listen to YMMQ!

-Visit Trevor’s website! trevorcampbell.ca 

Behind the scenes:

-Podcast production and editing made possible by: Alexi Johnson and the team at @604podnetwork

-Theme Music: Shawn Kangro

-Logo Art: @raphe.ca

-This episode of My Dad Stole My Limelight was recorded with @SquadCast