The Skittle Squad Podcast

 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...

In this episode of  The Skittle Squad Podcast , we dive into a vulnerable, powerful conversation about what it  really  means to grow into your identity and hold space for others doing the same. We are joined by the inspiring entertainer Mr. Vyn Suazion for an unfiltered dialogue on navigating your twenties, finding your people, and showing up authentically in relationships, activism, and self-car...

In this episode of  The Skittle Squad Podcast , Paul and David kick things off with a chaotic boating story that quickly spirals into laughs.   Spoiler: There’s a sneak peek at “Bad Romance” being performed mid-chaos on deck. Then we dive deep with Scott Simon, the "Mayer" of Bradley's, go-go dancer, and proud member of the LGBTQ community, who opens up about his powerful journey through self-disc...

In this episode of The Skittle Squad Podcast, we’re joined by  Brian Longstreth,  a pioneer of LGBTQ+ visibility in St. Pete and the visionary behind  GayStPete.com ,  Casa Del MerMan , and  Visit Gay Montanita . Brian takes us on a ride through decades of  queer activism ,  community-building , and  pride parades , sharing the story of how a city once lacking LGBTQ+ visibility grew into a thrivin...

 Miss St. Pete Pride is in the house and she’s making history. In this inspiring episode of  The Skittle Squad Podcast , we’re joined by  Seduction D. Dickerson , the first  cisgender woman  to ever win the title of  Miss St. Pete Pride . Performer, mentor, educator, and fierce advocate for representation, Seduction opens up about her journey through pageantry, the power of mentorship, and her mis...

Tampa Bay’s  Drag Brunch Diva  is in the building and she’s spilling tea, sharing truth, and reminding us why drag is so much more than a performance. In this episode of  The Skittle Squad Podcast , we’re joined by the award-winning  Brianna Summers —business owner, entertainer, advocate, and creator of one of Tampa Bay’s most iconic drag brunch entities.  From surviving an abusive relationship to...

In this episode of the  Skittle Squad Podcast , we sit down with  Dee Rose , founder of  FAMLeague Sports & Entertainment , Tampa Bay’s go-to league for inclusive sports, events, and community connection. We talk leadership, laughter, and what it means to build a space where  everyone  feels like they belong. From organizing kickball games and cruises to creating safe spaces for LGBTQ+ folks a...