Actress Janine Evans had a birthday wish - a great celebration of transgender people and the allies who love them. With the backing of Laura Bishop at the theatrical artist collective the 418 Project, and Topher Steele of Center for Spiritual Living, that wish became a vision, and became an event. That event is now a happening: The Emerald Ball in Santa Cruz California with music, fashion, and everything OZ. The team is on the podcast today with all the details!

A great conversation with Smashby, the fearless gender-blending artist who has thrilled Euro and Pride audiences for the past few years. We talk about his new music, and song, FIRST RODEO, which departs into infectious country music territory.

A rising star in the LGBTQ+ music scene, Smashby has always been unapologetically himself. Growing up, he endured relentless teasing from classmates who mocked his looks, voice, and mannerisms. From our conversation today, you can se that whether on the dance floor, at a honkytonk, or in the hearts of his fans, Smashby is proving that his journey is just getting started.

Trans author Rainie Oet (she/her), here with me today, is the author of the picture books Robin’s Worlds and Monster Seek (Astra). She has been awarded the Shirley Jackson Prize in Fiction.

We talk about her fantastic new book GLITCH GIRL! Poetic and lyrical, the book takes the reader through the adventures of a 5th- 7th grader and their internal self-discovery and reactions to challenges. Her journey of self-discovery is further challenged as she begins to question whether her name and assigned gender fit. With the help of a growing friendship with Sam, a nonbinary classmate, she begins to realize that it’s okay to defy conventional norms and expectations.

Singer/songwriter Mike Maimone's music and life story are defined by resilience, passion, and authenticity.

Since launching his label, 8eat8 Records, in 2008, he has released 56 projects and contributed to numerous others, including playing keyboards on Company of Thieves’ Running From a Gamble, produced by Rob Schnapf, and Jon Walker of Panic! At the Disco’s Crazy Dream EP.

On top of being a prolific recording artist, Mike has averaged over 100 tour dates per year since 2005.

His latest release, "On My Way," reflects a poignant love story with his late husband. He tells us that story and how love has informed his musical journey.

Long time former Mayor and City Council Member Jeff Comerchero and his co-author E.J. Radford have written a new dual memoir detailing not only their lives, but the unique circumstances that led to a friendship that never should have happened. We talked to them and heard their story!

Comerchero is a 77-year-old staunch Republican, far to the right on most political, cultural, and social issues. In stark contrast, Radford is a 25-year-old barber with tattoos over most of their body, including a huge moth covering their neck, body piercings everywhere, and nose rings. They are now best of friends and co-authors of The Old Man and the Queer.

Kristine W, named the 8th Greatest Dance Artist of All Time by Billboard Magazine, is lighting up dance floors once again with her reimagining of the Sade classic, “Smooth Operator”. We talk about her incredible catalogue, new album and upcoming shows!

Award-winning Canadian filmmaker Catherine Legault (“Sisters: Dream & Variations”), chronicles the world of young non-binary trans photographer Laurence Philomène as they put together their first book, Puberty, a series of self-portraits documenting their transition during hormone therapy. “Larry (They/Them)” debuts in LA at SlamDance Film Festival- but not before we talk to this director, and this star first!