Today’s guest is nothing short of iconic—Nicole Maines, the first-ever trans superhero on TV. She made history playing Dreamer on Supergirl, and she’s been a trailblazer ever since. Nicole’s also a fierce advocate, author of Better Except When It Gets Worse, and a comic book nerd in the best way possible. We dive into her groundbreaking role, the highs and lows of being a visible trans advocate, and the chaos of diving into fandoms like D&D and manga. With her sharp wit, huge heart, and some truly unhinged D&D character ideas, we get deep on representation, resilience, and cutting through toxic positivity. Basically, Nicole is a superhero both on and off the screen.

Connect with Nicole:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nicoleamaines/ 

Check out her book: https://www.amazon.com/Gets-Better-Except-When-Worse/dp/0593243129 

Connect with Liz:

Website: https://www.listentoliz.com/  

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@listentoliz415

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/listentoliz/ , https://www.instagram.com/coolcoolcool/   

For exclusive content, support Liz on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/listentoliz    

Jordan is back on the pod this week! For those who don’t know her, she's a writer, comedian, and content producer who’s been working with the legendary Rhett and Link at Mythical Entertainment. We get into some funny stories, like how she accidentally ended up in the Mythical world, and we also talk about the weirdness of social media feedback—everything from unsolicited body comments to how tiring it is dealing with everyone’s opinions. We also dive into her new cooking competition show, Gastronauts, where comedians get to create the most bizarre food challenges for chefs, plus ‘a wedding summit for influencers’ (Jordan’s words, not mine), and of course—you’ve been asking for it... Ravioli makes her podcast debut (and let’s be real, she’s the real star).

Connect with Jordan:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jordanmyr1ck/ , https://www.instagram.com/gastronautsshow/ , https://www.instagram.com/hwhlpodcast/ 

Check out her new show: https://www.dropout.tv/gastronauts 

Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/happy-wife-happy-life/id1721222550 , https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLKbuRMN4IY7aO6atBNnwV8FfG3q4d9WjN 

Connect with Liz:

Website: https://www.listentoliz.com/  

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@listentoliz415

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/listentoliz/ , https://www.instagram.com/coolcoolcool/   

For exclusive content, support Liz on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/listentoliz    

I’m excited to finally sit down with Raymond Padilla for a fun and honest chat. Ray shared his journey from struggling actor to thriving comedian and Internet personality, including how moving to New York during the pandemic helped him find a sense of belonging in the vibrant queer community there—something he felt was missing in L.A. We talked about his time at SoulCycle, the wild culture of trendy gyms, and how he found his comedic voice opening for Heather McMahan. Ray also reflected on how being a visible queer person is inherently political, the strides made in LGBTQ+ representation, and the challenges of dealing with online trolls.

Connect with Raymond:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/itsmeraypadilla/ 

Connect with Liz:

Website: https://www.listentoliz.com/  

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@listentoliz415

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/listentoliz/ , https://www.instagram.com/coolcoolcool/   

For exclusive content, support Liz on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/listentoliz    

A girl after my own heart when it comes to gossip, model, podcast host, and content creator Ali Weiss joins me to talk wild, anonymous confessions, beauty standards, and hand modeling—turns out, it's a super lucrative niche! Ali shares her top skincare tips and why she’s passed on Botox and fillers. And if you’re into conspiracy theories, you’ll love Ali’s take on the whole Melania and Trump dynamic. It’s a ride!

Connect with Ali:

Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/tales-of-taboo/id1457365096 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aliweissworld/ 

Connect with Liz:

Website: https://www.listentoliz.com/  

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@listentoliz415

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/listentoliz/ , https://www.instagram.com/coolcoolcool/   

For exclusive content, support Liz on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/listentoliz    

I'm super excited to chat with the amazing Senator Toni Atkins, the first woman and openly LGBTQ+ person to serve as President pro Tempore of the California State Senate. We dive into her 40-plus years of advocacy in women's healthcare, her role in shaping progressive policies like Proposition 1 for abortion rights, the need to enshrine marriage equality in the state constitution, and more!

Connect with Senator:

Bio: https://sd39.senate.ca.gov/about-senator-toni-g-atkins 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SDToni/ 

Twitter: https://x.com/sentoniatkins

Connect with Liz:

Website: https://www.listentoliz.com/  

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@listentoliz415

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/listentoliz/ , https://www.instagram.com/coolcoolcool/   

For exclusive content, support Liz on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/listentoliz    

This week, I sit down with the amazing Jenny Yang, a multi-talented creator, comedian, and fierce advocate for the AAPI community who stars in the hit Netflix show The Brothers' Son. We chat about her journey through Hollywood, the importance of nurturing our creative voices, and the ups and downs of the industry—no gatekeeping here! Jenny opens up about her experience with IVF and the wild complexities of the healthcare system. We also dive into her comedy show Self Help Me, where she takes a comedic look at wellness while keeping it real.

Connect with Jenny:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jennyyangtv/ , https://www.instagram.com/selfhelpmeshow/ 

Website: https://jennyyang.tv/ 

Connect with Liz:

Website: https://www.listentoliz.com/  

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@listentoliz415

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/listentoliz/ , https://www.instagram.com/coolcoolcool/   

For exclusive content, support Liz on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/listentoliz    

I had the opportunity to sit down with Shaun Peterson, the director of Lover of Men, as he pulls back the curtain on Abraham Lincoln’s intimate life. From Lincoln’s rumored romantic relationships with men to exploring how fluid sexuality was back in the 19th century—a time when terms like “homosexual” and “heterosexual” didn’t exist—the film also tackles the pressing issue of queer erasure throughout history. Shaun talks about his experience creating the documentary and the crazy discoveries from Lincoln's handwritten letters. 

Connect with Shaun:

Watch the Film: Lover Of Men: The Untold History of Abraham Lincoln is now available to rent or buy on Amazon Prime Video, AppleTV and Vimeo" 

More Information: ww.loverofmen.com

Follow the Film's IG: @Loverofmenfilm

Website: https://www.shaunpeterson.tv/ 

Connect with Liz:

Website: https://www.listentoliz.com/  

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@listentoliz415

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/listentoliz/ , https://www.instagram.com/coolcoolcool/   

For exclusive content, support Liz on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/listentoliz   

This week, I’m super excited to chat with Tisha Alyn—a pro golfer, social media influencer, and fierce advocate for the LGBTQ+ community. Tisha is doing amazing work, using her platform to change the perception of golf, challenge stereotypes, and pave the way for the next generation of athletes. We dive into her journey of self-discovery and the challenges she faced while coming out as a gay Filipina woman in a traditionally conservative sport. 

Connect with Tisha:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tishaalyn/ 

Website: https://tisha-alyn.com/ 

Connect with Liz:

Website: https://www.listentoliz.com/  

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@listentoliz415

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/listentoliz/ , https://www.instagram.com/coolcoolcool/   

For exclusive content, support Liz on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/listentoliz    

In the latest episode of my series 'I’m Scared to Have a Baby,' I sit down with Caroline Baudino—lifestyle influencer, speaker, podcast host, and all-around badass mom of two. Caroline lays it all out, sharing the raw and real details of pregnancy and birth that no one talks about. She tells her uncensored birthing story and really gives me an unfiltered view of what’s ahead—trauma and all. We cover everything from the complexities of mom friendships and why play dates are a no-go, to the impact kids have on your relationship. It’s a wild ride!!

Connect with Caroline:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shop.with.caroline/ 

Podcast: dearmedia.com/shows/coming-in-hot 

Connect with Liz:

Website: https://www.listentoliz.com/  

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@listentoliz415

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/listentoliz/ , https://www.instagram.com/coolcoolcool/   

For exclusive content, support Liz on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/listentoliz    

This week, I sit down with the amazing Alex Hedison, who’s got a hand in photography, directing, and acting. We dive into her creative journey and chat about her latest short film, ALOK, which made it to Sundance Film Festival! Alex opens up about the challenges and rewards of making the film, working with Alok Vaid-Menon, and exploring the film’s message about breaking free from societal norms and transforming into your truest self. Plus, we reminisce about her time on The L Word and more!

Connect with Alex:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alexhedisonstudio/ 

Alok Short Film:https://www.sundance.org/festivals/short-film/ , https://www.instagram.com/alokshortfilm/ 

Resources Mentioned:

Chani Nicholas: https://chaninicholas.com/ 

Check out Episode 1: Who is Liz?

Connect with Liz:

Website: https://www.listentoliz.com/  

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@listentoliz415

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/listentoliz/ , https://www.instagram.com/coolcoolcool/   

For exclusive content, support Liz on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/listentoliz