The Skittle Squad Podcast

In this powerful episode of The Skittle Squad Podcast, we sit down with Pastor Andy for a heartfelt and eye-opening conversation about faith, justice, and what it truly means to build inclusive community. From breaking down silos between advocacy groups to opening church doors as free meeting space for justice-driven organizations, Pastor Andy shares how collaboration—not competition—is the key to...

In this magical season finale of  The Skittle Squad Podcast , we sit down with  Chris and Ryan Zubrick , the creative minds behind the beloved  Zubrick Magic Theater , for an unforgettable conversation about wonder, storytelling, and the power of live performance. The Zubricks share how two independent magic journeys collided when they were double-booked for the same event, sparking a partnership...

In this powerful episode of  The Skittle Squad Podcast , we take listeners on a journey that begins with nostalgic memories of MTV’s golden age and ends in one of the most meaningful conversations of the season about healthcare, HIV, and the life-changing impact of compassion. As we reflect on early jobs, pop culture, and how those experiences shaped our work ethic, the conversation shifts toward...

In this heartfelt and hilarious episode of The Skittle Squad Podcast, we are joined by author and writing coach Jillian Abby, whose memoir Perfectly Queer has been helping people find the courage to tell their stories. Together, they dive into the messy, funny, and deeply human world of social media, personal identity, and what it really means to live authentically. From poking fun at vague-bookin...

In this thoughtful and inspiring episode of  The Skittle Squad Podcast , we sit down with  Shane McCabe , a storyteller, hospitality veteran, and creator of the podcast  Necessary Pursuit . Together, they explore how creativity, community, and curiosity can shape an unexpected and deeply meaningful career. Shane takes listeners through his journey from writing about influential women during quaran...

 In this bold, emotional, and unforgettable episode of  The Skittle Squad Podcast , David brings listeners inside  You’ll Be Gagged , a high-energy drag fundraiser celebrating community, creativity, and courage — and marking the  first-ever drag performance of Holly Day . The episode kicks off with chaotic color commentary, playful banter, and mounting anticipation as Paul Piper transforms into  H...

 In this festive and fierce episode of  The Skittle Squad Podcast , David takes listeners behind the scenes at the  Drag Queen  event at Cocktail in St. Petersburg, where rain, glitter, and drag collide in an unforgettable spectacle. The episode opens with Holly Day (Paul Pfeiffer) preparing for the stage, giving listeners an intimate look at the nerves, excitement, and sheer determination that go...

In this special behind-the-scenes episode of  The Skittle Squad Podcast , David takes listeners inside one of St. Petersburg’s most vibrant LGBTQ+ events   “Yule Be Gagged” at Cocktail   for a festive, fast-paced look at drag, community, and holiday magic. The episode kicks off outside the dressing room with  Holly Day  (Paul Fifer’s drag debut  ), as nerves, excitement, and rhinestones collide ah...

In this high-energy episode of  The Skittle Squad Podcast , we sit down with the unstoppable Dioscar DeMilo,  Mr. St. Pete 2025 , creative powerhouse, and proof that sometimes a one-way ticket is all it takes to change your life. Dioscar shares the raw, real, and often hilarious story of moving to NYC with  $1,000, one suitcase, and zero plan , and how that leap of faith launched him into a journe...

In this honest, heartfelt episode of  The Skittle Squad Podcast , we sit down with  Vernon Vaden , general manager of  Mister D’s , Creative Loafing “Best Bartender” winner, and one of the youngest leaders in Tampa’s nightlife scene. Vernon walks us through his wild, inspiring journey, from military life to go-go dancing, overcoming addiction, and rising through the ranks to lead one of Tampa Bay’...

In this vibrant episode of The Skittle Squad Podcast, we sit down with  Dave Borman , the visionary behind  TampaBayGay.com , a platform built to  inform, connect, and celebrate  queer life across the Tampa Bay region. Dave shares the origin story of the site and how it grew from a simple resource into a cornerstone for LGBTQ+  connection.    This episode explores:  - Why a consistent email list i...

In this powerful Season 4 kickoff of  The Skittle Squad Podcast , we sit down for a deeply personal and vulnerable conversation about faith, identity, and the struggle to belong. The episode follows the guest’s emotional journey through  church music ,  Christian college life , and an unforgettable moment performing with  Dolly Parton . But beneath the achievements lies a complicated story of expe...

That’s a wrap on Season 3!  From deep talks and laugh-out-loud moments to powerful stories of community, growth, and creativity  this finale brings it all together.  Thank you for riding with us through another season of unfiltered conversations, unexpected confessions, and big-hearted laughter.  Here’s to the moments that made us think, cry, and cackle and to  you , our amazing listeners.   Watch...

In this uplifting episode of  The Skittle Squad Podcast , we sit down with  Byron Simon , an 18-year-old entrepreneur, author, and creative force behind  Suddenly Simon Apparel  and  Edward by Simon Cosmetics . The trio dives into Byron’s powerful  coming out story , his early start in business, and how personal trauma and resilience shaped his path. From surviving a house fire to launching two br...

In this compelling episode of the  Skittle Squad  podcast, we sit down with Tampa Bay drag legend  Daphne Ferraro  for a fabulous and heartfelt conversation about costumes, creativity, and community. Daphne shares her 26-year journey in drag, from designing for Vera Wang to becoming one of Florida’s most celebrated performers and wig designers. The trio dives into the evolution of drag, the influe...

In this spirited episode of  The Skittle Squad Podcast , we embrace all things spooky, camp, and community with special guest  Fondi Anne Carrington,  a drag performer, activist, and advocate for inclusivity in the LGBTQ+ scene. The trio dives into their favorite horror films (and the ones that traumatized them for life), the evolution of the genre, and how horror has mirrored queer resilience thr...

In this lively episode of  The Skittle Squad Podcast , we are joined by Tony and Jordan from  Atlas Body + Home  for a fun, fashion-forward conversation about community, style, and the changing ways we connect. The group dives into everything from the decline of social skills in younger generations to the rise of remote work and how both have reshaped how we interact and show up in the world. The...

In this heartfelt episode of  The Skittle Squad Podcast , we sit down with Anthony Marinelli from  The Dude Pack  to talk all things pets, rescue, and the powerful bond between humans and animals. From the evolution of “pet pampering” to the serious challenges facing shelters today, Anthony shares his journey in animal rescue and why community activism is so vital for creating safer, healthier env...

In this thought-provoking episode of  The Skittle Squad Podcast , we welcome Daddy Lance, a sex worker, activist, and advocate for authentic connection and for an unfiltered conversation about Pride, politics, and the fight for LGBTQ+ visibility. The trio takes a hard look at the recent removal of Pride murals and what it reveals about today’s political climate, making a passionate case for why vo...

In this vibrant episode of  The Skittle Squad Podcast , we take listeners on a whirlwind journey that moves from roller coaster fears and luxury travel hacks to deeper reflections on advocacy and community. They open up about uncomfortable airplane rides, their goals for mastering new languages and financial literacy, and how meaningful travel experiences can be more accessible than you think. The...

In this magical and entertaining episode, we dive into the world of reality TV, intuition, and tarot with our fabulous guest, drag queen and tarot reader Stella Boheme. From hilarious reality show banter to heartfelt reflections, the conversation unpacks the power of spirituality and self-discovery. Stella shares her unique journey as a performer and psychic, opening up about the blessings and cha...

In this laugh-out-loud episode of  The Skittle Squad Podcast , we welcome comedian Jeff Klein, the sharp wit behind the Amazon special  Fatty Gay . With equal parts humor and honesty, Jeff shares stories from his comedy journey, spanning awkward near-death experiences, the chaos of wedding fashion debates, and the art (and struggle) of silencing hecklers mid-set. Along the way, the conversation di...

In the  season two finale  of  The Skittle Squad Podcast , we look back on a season filled with growth, laughter, and unforgettable conversations with inspiring guests. This week, they’re joined by a very special guest:  Jim Verraros , a trailblazing contestant from the very first season of  American Idol . Jim opens up about his journey in the music industry, what it meant to be an openly gay art...

In this episode of  The Skittle Squad Podcast , we sit down with  Jason Fields,  2025 Voice for Equality Award Winner, President of the Krewe of Cavaliers, triathlete, and longtime community leader. From cycling with Tampa Bay Area Cyclists to leading  Kick Up Your Heels  for 12 years, Jason has built a life centered on giving back, connecting, and fighting for equality. The conversation dives int...

In this episode of  The Skittle Squad Podcast , we mix laughs, life lessons, and LGBTQ+ advocacy in a conversation that moves from kitchen disputes to community change. We are joined by  Callen Jones,  the first LGBTQ+ coordinator at USF and a driving force behind the Trans Network, who opens up about the unique challenges LGBTQ+ individuals face in real estate, the power of allyship, and the ment...