Just Press Play with Ell and Trey

This episode of Just Press Play is dedicated to the one and only Aoki Lee Terrell, the founding mother of the House of Donyale Luna, and a legend in the NYC ballroom scene for runway. Aoki is also known for starring in Season 3 of "Legendary" on HBO Max. Our conversation touches on Black excellence, the power of storytelling, and the importance of preserving cultural history. And...you can put you...

In this episode of Just Press Play with Ell and Trey, we’re joined by the multitalented Ryan Gosling—a poet, educator, and vibrant presence in New York’s ballroom scene. Together, we dive into the heart of ballroom culture, exploring the true meaning of realness and how it intersects with masculinity, identity, and self-expression. Ryan opens up about the inspiration behind his powerful poetry boo...

This week on Just Press Play with Ell and Trey, we welcome a very special guest—Trey’s double house brother, Kingston Donyale Luna. Kingston walks realness in ballroom, and we’re breaking down what that really means, how he and Trey became house siblings twice over, and what’s going on with the boys in Kingston’s life Plus, we put Kingston to the test in a round of “Name That Gospel Tune." This is...

And we're back! Season 3 of Just Press Play with Ell and Trey kicks off with a bang—and a brand-new hit single dedicated to bottoms everywhere. 😏 We also give some takes on aging, the dangers and joys of fast fashion, and introduce a new game called "One gotta go."

In this episode, we continue our Season 3 launch with a deep dive into our latest creative ventures. Trey shares his experiences in ballroom, while Ell talks about the thrill of competition and pushing artistic boundaries (on a budget, of course). We also take a moment to honor a heroic figure in Black history with a special skit. And of course, we get into a heartfelt conversation about chasing d...

Ariah Lynn is a professional dancer and model in the ball culture scene; she is affiliated with the houses of Gorgeous Gucci and Marciano. In this conversation, we explore how family structures exist everywhere in the world, including in the ballroom, and in the gay community at large.

The holidays are for fun, laughter, and joy. But what would this time of year be without family? On this very special episode of Just Press Play, we welcome a member of our chosen family to do all of our favorite things at Christmas time. By the end, if you don’t know what family means…watch it again. It’ll help our metrics so we can get those sponsors. Enjoy!

Mirror, mirror, on the wall, who's c*ntiest of them all? Naomi Campbell and Tyra Banks, Phaedra Parks and Tiffany Pollard--all of our beloved queens are also known for acting bad. But who's the best at being the baddest? Tune in

It’s playtime! Ell and Trey test their chemistry in a game of Mind Meld. Trey is in the hot seat during a game called “Name That 90’s Sitcom Mom,” and Ell & Trey introduce the main topic—counting down their favorite queens of controversy. Tune in, press play.

The meat and potatoes of our conversation with Michael Snipe, a licensed therapist who shares insights about how to safely navigate non-monagamous relationships, common challenges his patients face and ways to navigate the challenges of modern-day dating. Michael Snipe: / instagram.com/msjr11 Trey Sherman: / instagram.com/treymous Ell McCullars: / instagram.com/ell.mccullars

Cuffing season is upon us and we've got the perfect guest to help you through. Michael Snipe is a professional dancer, turned instructor turned therapist, joining us for a kiki on the couch. In this episode, we revisit perspectives on NYC nightlife and discuss our least favorite traits in a romantic partner. Then we play a game of Marry, F***, Kill, and "Name That Rom-Com." How many can you name?...

We're back with Edwin Pabon and Jorge Cortez, owners of Good Head Barbershop. In this episode, we learn more about how the duo got into cutting heads, the origin of Good Head (including the name), haircut horror stories and much more! Support us: 👍 Like it (even if you didn't) 💬 Talk sh*t in the comments (respectfully) 🔔 Subscribe and hit the bell icon for updates. Follow Us: Instagram: https:/...

On this episode of Just Press Play with Ell & Trey, we're exploring the story behind Good Head, a trailblazing queer-owned barbershop in NYC offering more than just haircuts. It's a haven for self-expression, where inclusivity meets artistry. It's also spooky season, so for part one, we're talking about our fears (both rational and irrational), and putting our guests' scary movie knowledge to...

Dey is back for part two of our conversation! We're delving into his work as President of the NYC Chapter of Impulse, the world's largest HIV and wellness group for gay men, his life and career as an exotic dancer, and the significance of finding your tribe. LINKS Brat v. Demure Summer: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/v94By7dyePs Support us: 👍 Like it (even if you didn't) 💬 Talk sh*t in the comme...

On this episode of Just Press Play, Ell and Trey welcome Dey Phoenix, a nightlife performer who serves as President of the New York chapter of Impulse, the world's largest HIV and wellness group for gay men. For starters, we're talking about about trash TV, bad spending habits and putting Dey's memory (and rapping skills) to the test. Watch and stay tuned for part two, where we delve into Dey's ro...

This summer was defined by two words -- Brat and demure. On this episode of Just Press Play with Ell and Trey, we're out at Sheep Meadow to even the score once and for all. Was this year's summer a time of mindfulness or chaos? We'll also discuss gay bars in Hell's Kitchen and our vastly different experiences at the Fire Island Pines. Between Ell and Trey, who had a brat summer and whose was more...

It's season 2 baby! And we're kicking off this season with a summer wrap up to commemorate the enad of our favorite season. We're watching the sunset at the pier and catching up on all of our out-of-state Adventures and shenanigans in the city. In this episode, you’ll hear about the songs that made us feel alive, Trey’s warm welcome into the world of ballroom and how Less almost became a Bar Mitzv...

It's part 2 of our conversation wrapping up the presidential debate on ABC News. We're pulling tweets from the internet that made us laugh, adding our own insights and commentary, and we might be jumping the gun, but what does the first Black woman president wear to the Inauguration? Come laugh with us. Don't forget to like, comment and subscribe!

On this episode of "Just Press Play with Ell and Trey" CBS News Correspondent Jarred Hill helps us break down some of the highlights (and lowlights) from the debate which, at times, felt more remedial than presidential. In this recap we discuss the performance of both candidates, exploring some of the weird and wacky moments from Trump and moments of dominance from Harris, pushback from the Republ...

We continue our conversation with Tiana Maxim and dive into her pitfalls, her triumphs, and what it means to be mother. Also, you cannot miss a very special game of "Name That Tune: Queer Pop Icon Edition!"

On this very special edition of Just Press Play with Ell and Trey, we read the community for filth (with love, of course) in our first-ever monologue, and later, revisit the story of The Stonewall uprising. Tyla Bryant, the mastermind behind the drag performer Tiana Maxim, joins us for a kiki on the couch—as we explore her experience as a Black trans woman during Pride and in broader society. Fina...

Ell and Trey continue their conversation on DL men with our newly crowned "professor of DL-ology," Caleb Smith! Just press play and hear about a hot and DL-adjacent encounter Caleb once had, the unique stigma bisexual men face on the daily, and the various harms that come with chasing DL men.

Caleb Smith is a public servant and figure model, and on this episode he joins Ell and Trey to discuss all things DL! Get up and listen as Ell, Trey, and Caleb play a revealing game of “Put a Finger Down," unveiling personal experiences with DL men, the cultural and historical context of the term DL, and the potential harm of DL behavior. Play along and learn a little as we dive into part one with...

We continue our conversation with adult film actor Ricky Roman, exploring his personal experiences within the industry. Ricky discusses the challenges of dating as an adult film actor, the importance of self-care, and the impact of platforms like OnlyFans. Ricky also gives his own unique perspective on how he has experienced othering and racism within the adult film industry. Also, Ricky shares a...

In this episode, we continue our exploration of the ever-evolving adult film industry with a performer who has nearly 15 years of experience -- Ricky Roman. We delve into his career from inception to present day, the impact of the pandemic, and parts of the industry that are often overlooked--from exploitative hiring practices to the artistic value of adult film. And just for fun, we put our guest...