The Skittle Squad Podcast

This week, we're diving into some real talk about the state of HIV services today with Joy Winheim, President of Epic Empath Partners in Care, and Tom Manning, longtime producer of The Joy Ride cycling fundraiser. Joy and Tom break down what Epic does across four Florida counties, from medical case management to housing support and HIV outreach, and how The Joy Ride, now in its modern iteratio...

This week, we sit down with Nick Buchanan and Raylene Poland from the Tampa Museum of Art to celebrate the 20th anniversary of Pride and Passion, Tampa Bay's longest-running LGBTQ+ fundraising event, and to dig into the museum's groundbreaking work in art therapy and community connection. Nick and Raylene share the origin story of Pride and Passion, born from an event that broke the law wh...

This week, we wrap up our St. Pete Pride 2026 coverage riding out the final stretch of the parade with our amazing driver Abi (returning Skittle Squad guest and part of the band SWANIX) before catching up with her on everything she's got coming up. Abi gives us the scoop on SWANIX's summer tour across Florida, including an upcoming show opening for the Soap Girls, and shares the exciting d...

This week, we're coming to you live from the St. Pete Pride Parade as we sit down with Jason, President of the Krewe of Cavaliers, to talk about one of Tampa Bay's longest-running LGBTQ+ organizations, the importance of giving back, and how community involvement helps create a more inclusive future. Jason shares the history of the Crew of Cavaliers, their mission of diversity, camaraderie,...

This week, we're at the Krewe of the Cavaliers float at St. Pete Pride 2026, as the parade gets underway and chatting with some of the incredible members who make this crew what it is. We talk with Drake, decked out in a custom parade look, about what Pride means to him (equality, freedom, and love), followed by Skip Cramer, who shares his journey of finding a true sense of community and famil...

This week, we're live at St. Pete Pride 2026, kicking off with David & Paul catching up on hydration mishaps, sunburn confessions, and Paul's very memorable trip to Hawaii before heading into the parade festivities. We sit down with Trent Brock, Vice President of St. Pete Pride, to talk about the state of Pride funding this year, the community's response to a $200K sponsorship defi...

This week, we sit down with Rene Cantu, President & CEO of the Tampa Bay LGBT Chamber, to discuss how the Chamber is helping LGBTQ+ businesses thrive, why community connections matter more than ever, and how local organizations are creating opportunities for businesses, professionals, and allies across the Tampa Bay area. Renee shares how the Chamber supports LGBTQ+ entrepreneurs through netwo...

This week, we sit down with Mark Myrick, Medical Peer Navigator at CAN Community Health, to discuss HIV awareness, breaking stigma, and how education, support, and compassion are changing lives in the LGBTQ+ community. Mark shares his own journey of living with HIV for nearly 30 years and explains how he now helps individuals who are newly diagnosed navigate their diagnosis with hope, education, a...

This week, we sit down with Jon Harris Maurer, Public Policy Director at Equality Florida, to discuss the fight for LGBTQ+ rights in Florida, the challenges facing the community, and how advocacy, visibility, and collective action can create meaningful change. Jon shares insights into Florida’s current legislative landscape, how Equality Florida works to protect LGBTQ+ rights, and why community en...

This week, we sit down with Michael Tomor, a retired art museum director, LGBTQ+ advocate, and longtime community leader, to reflect on his journey through decades of LGBTQ+ history—from the challenges and activism of the 1970s and 1980s to the progress, visibility, and new challenges facing the community today. Michael shares powerful stories of resilience, the importance of finding and building...

This week, we sit down with Saint Petersburg activist, drag artist, and producer Lilith Black to discuss the power of visibility, community resilience, and why staying engaged is more important than ever for the LGBTQ+ community. Lilith shares insights into their activism work, the projects and events they're currently producing, and how local communities can come together to create lasting su...

This week, we sit down with Tampa Bay DJ icon  Mike Sklarz  to talk about his incredible journey from the corporate world to becoming one of the most recognizable DJs in the LGBTQ+ community. Mike shares how he got started DJing at just 16 years old, why he took the leap to pursue his passion full-time, and what it's really like performing at clubs, festivals, cruises, weddings, and major even...

Come spend the night with us in Ybor City!  In this episode, we take you through one of Tampa’s most iconic nightlife spots with our amazing friend and 2x Emmy Award-winning producer, Sarah Funkhouser! From karaoke chaos at Utopia to celebrity stories, stress tests, nightlife laughs, and behind-the-scenes moments in Ybor… this episode truly has EVERYTHING.   In this episode: •  Exploring Ybor City...

Drag legend. Talk show icon. Tampa Bay entertainer.  In this episode of the Skittle Squad Podcast, we sit down with the incredible Amy Demilo live from Bradley’s on 7th in Ybor City during the Wonder Watermark Awards! Amy opens up about:  - Growing up and discovering drag  - Performing for over 30 years in Tampa Bay  - Appearing on Jerry Springer, Sally Jessy Raphael & more  - Winning major dr...

In this episode of the  Skittle Squad Podcast , we sit down with  Leo Anderson , founder of the  Queer Asian Museum in St. Petersburg, Florida , to discuss the powerful mission behind preserving queer Asian history, culture, and activism. What began as a personal effort to safeguard LGBTQ+ artifacts from organizations being shut down across Asia has become an internationally recognized museum pres...

What starts as a hilarious childhood story about performing  Rum Tum Tugger  in a fifth grade production of  Cats  quickly turns into a full-circle moment about identity, community, and showing up  In this episode of the  Skittle Squad Podcast , we’re coming to you from the  Queer Asian Museum  with special guest  Preston Scott from Equality Florida —and yes… we get the full story of that iconic (...

Welcome back to the  Skittle Squad Podcast   — and this episode is one you  don’t  want to miss. We’re LIVE from Tampa Bay at Bradley’s during the Wonder Awards, sitting down with the iconic  Esme Russell  — a true legend with decades of experience, stories, and perspective. From hilarious chaos to powerful truths, this episode brings everything: humor, heart, and real conversation about what it m...

We’re reporting LIVE from Tampa Bay  inside one of the most iconic LGBTQ+ spaces in the community. In this episode of the Skittle Squad Podcast, we sit down with  Bradley Nelson , owner of  Bradley’s on 7th , to talk about what it really takes to run a gay bar in today’s world and why keeping these spaces alive matters more than ever. From wild opening day chaos to navigating rising costs, communi...

What happens when you put the Skittle Squad in heels… add pouring rain… and throw them into a drag race obstacle course? 🌈Chaos. Absolute chaos. 😂In this episode, we take you behind the scenes of the Winter Pride Drag Race from rain delays and last-minute choreography to pushing our cart through the streets and performing in front of RuPaul Drag Race Queens. You’ll see it all:✨ Getting into ful...

What does Pride really mean in today’s world? 🌈In this episode of the Skittle Squad Podcast, we take you inside Winter Pride 2026 capturing the energy, emotion, and powerful voices that make this community so special. Throughout the festival, we spoke with incredible guests including:✨ Dr. Bob Wallace (Love the Golden Rule) on advocacy, visibility & giving back✨ David Fischer (event organiz...

 We took the podcast OUTSIDE and straight into the chaos of Winter Pride… and let’s just say, anything could happen  From wild booth interviews to unexpected throwbacks (yes… the muffin top conversation made a comeback ), this episode is full of laughs, love, and real moments with the community. We talked to local vendors, past guests, performers, and some unforgettable personalities. All about wh...

Yvette Mattern Laser Lightshow

Join us at the  Winter Pride Street Festival in St. Petersburg, Florida  as we connect with community members, local businesses, and LGBTQ+ organizations working to create inclusive spaces across Tampa Bay. In this episode of the  Skittle Squad Podcast , we explore how Pride events go beyond celebration. They help build community, support LGBTQ+ entrepreneurs, and create safe spaces where people c...

We’re LIVE from  Winter Pride in St. Petersburg, Florida  and let’s just say… it started with chaos. From wrestling an 8-foot step-and-repeat in the wind to launching interviews with local changemakers, this episode captures the real, unfiltered energy of Pride in action. We bring the Skittle Squad booth to life with bubbles, laughter, and candid conversations with incredible members of the commun...

In this empowering episode of  The Skittle Squad Podcast , we sit down with  Samara Di’Angelo and Kendall Di’Angelo , the creative forces behind  Coven of D’Angelo Entertainment , to talk about what it really takes to build independent drag spaces from the ground up. From early online streaming days using OBS to producing full-scale in-person shows, Samara and Kendall share how resilience, reinven...