Listen Up Girl

By Zach Randles-Friedman

Hosted by Zach Randles-Friedman, a seasoned podcaster and communications professional, Listen Up Girl delivers trusted coverage of the stories shaping LGBTQ+ lives today. From breaking political news ... more

4.8

1616 ratings

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FAQs about Listen Up Girl:

How many episodes does Listen Up Girl have?

The podcast currently has 274 episodes available.

Listen Up Girl episodes:

April 28, 2026Ep. 241: LGBTQ+ Rights Under Attack, Trans Crisis, Book Bans & Global Crackdowns
In this episode:
New research highlights disproportionate suicide rates among trans youth and systemic gaps in care

New Zealand updates blood donation rules to focus on behavior, not identity

Hungary’s LGBTQ+ law faces a major challenge in the European Union

A far-right U.S. figure is banned from entering the UK over inflammatory rhetoric

Russia intensifies its crackdown by labeling LGBTQ+ organizations “extremist”

Texas Tech introduces restrictions on LGBTQ+ discussions in core courses

Book bans in the U.S. hit an all-time high, with LGBTQ+ stories heavily targeted

Ongoing political divisions still show consistent opposition to LGBTQ+ rights

Hosted by Zach Randles-Friedman
https://www.listenupgirl.com/
Follow me at https://www.instagram.com/therealzachre/
Podcast music: https://dillonderosa.com/ Thank you Dillion!!!

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
...more
9min
April 25, 2026Ep. 240: Trans Sports Ban Lawsuit, Florida Pride Ban, Eurovision Boycott & Infowars Twist
Trans sports ban initiative faces lawsuit over invalid signatures

Senate Democrats block anti-trans voting bill amid internal divisions

Florida bans public funding for Pride and DEI programs

Eurovision boycott expands across Europe

The Onion could take over Infowars in surprising twist

Caitlyn Jenner opens up about delayed transition

GLAAD responds to proposed crackdown on trans representation

UK court convicts man in major HIV transmission case
Hosted by Zach Randles-Friedman
https://www.listenupgirl.com/
Follow me at https://www.instagram.com/therealzachre/
Podcast music: https://dillonderosa.com/ Thank you Dillion!!!

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
...more
10min
April 24, 2026Ep. 239: LGBTQ Backlash Rising: Trans Rights, Fake CNN Incident, Laverne Cox Speaks Out | LGBTQ+ News
In this episode:
Same-sex couple targeted in alleged fake CNN incident

Federal ruling impacts trans women in prisons

Oregon settlement highlights abuse in custody

Laverne Cox speaks out on trans rights and dehumanization

Andy Cohen responds to anti-trans rhetoric

FBI involved in trans custody dispute

Trans woman killed in San Francisco hit-and-run

Religious backlash at Baylor University

Pastor pleads guilty to sexual offenses

Suspect charged in Sam Altman attack
This episode explores the real-world impact of policy, rhetoric, and visibility on the LGBTQ+ community.
Hosted by Zach Randles-Friedman
https://www.listenupgirl.com/
Follow me at https://www.instagram.com/therealzachre/
Podcast music: https://dillonderosa.com/ Thank you Dillion!!!

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
...more
12min
April 23, 2026Ep. 238: Queer Culture Runs Everything? Meryl Streep, Kylie, Madonna & Pride Debate | LGBTQ+ News
In this episode:
Meryl Streep credits queer culture for shaping fashion and media

Netflix announces Kylie Minogue documentary

New queer photo series inspired by Madonna’s SEX era

Heartstopper Forever finale set for July 17

NYC appoints Black lesbian archivist Shawn Smith-Cruz

Former drag performer calls for Pride funding cuts

John Waters appears on The View with viral Trump comment
This episode explores how LGBTQ+ people continue to shape culture — while also navigating internal debates and evolving identities.
Hosted by Zach Randles-Friedman
https://www.listenupgirl.com/
Follow me at https://www.instagram.com/therealzachre/
Podcast music: https://dillonderosa.com/ Thank you Dillion!!!

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
...more
7min
April 22, 2026 Ep. 237: Trans Rights WIN, EU Strikes Down Anti-LGBTQ Law, Tim Cook Steps Down | LGBTQ News
Major LGBTQ+ news updates you need to know right now.
In today’s episode of Listen Up Girl, we break down a HUGE legal win for trans rights as the Montana Supreme Court rules that denying accurate IDs is unconstitutional. We also cover a historic decision from the European Union striking down Hungary’s anti-LGBTQ+ law, and a surprising moment in Nebraska where multiple anti-trans bills failed to pass.
Plus — Apple CEO Tim Cook announces a major leadership transition, a powerful coming out story from Australian billionaire Hamish Douglass, growing global boycotts in the music industry, and key U.S. Supreme Court cases that could impact LGBTQ+ rights.
This episode dives into the wins, the setbacks, and everything in between.
💬 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe to support LGBTQ+ independent media.
Hosted by Zach Randles-Friedman
https://www.listenupgirl.com/
Follow me at https://www.instagram.com/therealzachre/
Podcast music: https://dillonderosa.com/ Thank you Dillion!!!

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
...more
12min
April 21, 2026Ep. 236 - LGBTQ+ News: Heartstopper Film Drama, & Supreme Court Showdown
In this episode of Listen Up Girl, Zach covers:
Heated Rivalry season 2 shifting from romance to real-life relationship struggles

Heartstopper Forever casting changes and what it means for the final chapter

Australia ending discriminatory blood donation restrictions for LGBTQ+ people

Trans & Intersex Pride Dublin returning as a major protest movement

Gay teachers in France facing ongoing anti-LGBTQ+ harassment

Concerns over Google search results leading users to conversion therapy sites

U.S. Supreme Court taking on a major LGBTQ+ vs religious rights case

A new gay bar opening in Champaign, Illinois

Boston LGBTQ+ funding controversy explained

Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear honored for LGBTQ+ allyship
Hosted by Zach Randles-Friedman
https://www.listenupgirl.com/
Follow me at https://www.instagram.com/therealzachre/
Podcast music: https://dillonderosa.com/ Thank you Dillion!!!

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
...more
12min
April 20, 2026Ep: 235 - LGBTQ+ Rights Under Attack? Trans Laws, Viral Confrontation & Hidden Policies Explained
In today’s Listen Up Girl episode, we break down the biggest LGBTQ+ news stories happening right now — and what they really mean.
From a shocking claim about overturning trans healthcare access, to a viral confrontation in West Hollywood that’s sparking debate across social media, to quiet policy changes in states like Wyoming that could impact transgender rights — this episode covers it all.
We also dive into:
The politics behind Coachella and where your money goes

A powerful new neuroinclusive production of RENT

Trump’s latest budget proposal and its impact on LGBTQ+ communities

A trans teacher leaving Florida over restrictive laws

Global LGBTQ+ crackdowns, including a major case in Senegal
This is more than headlines — it’s context, analysis, and real conversation.
🎧 Subscribe for weekly LGBTQ+ news, commentary, and stories that matter.
Hosted by Zach Randles-Friedman
https://www.listenupgirl.com/
Follow me at https://www.instagram.com/therealzachre/
Podcast music: https://dillonderosa.com/ Thank you Dillion!!!

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
...more
11min
April 19, 2026Ep. 234: April 19, 2026- LGBTQ+ News: Trans Rights Wins, RFK Jr Scandal, Madonna Coachella Moment & TIME100 Icons
Madonna stuns at Coachella with Sabrina Carpenter

RFK Jr. controversy sparks backlash

Wisconsin governor vetoes 5 anti-trans bills

10 anti-LGBTQ+ bills fail in Kentucky

Trans athletes win major court case in Minnesota

UK nurse settles NHS pronoun dispute case

Church in Wales approves permanent same-sex blessings

LGBTQ+ leaders recognized on TIME100
Hosted by Zach Randles-Friedman
https://www.listenupgirl.com/
Follow me at https://www.instagram.com/therealzachre/
Podcast music: https://dillonderosa.com/ Thank you Dillion!!!

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
...more
10min
April 18, 2026 Ep. 233: April 18, 2026 - Trans Rights Victory, Anti-Trans Laws & Political Drama You Can’t Ignore | LGBTQ News
This week on Listen Up Girl, we’re breaking down one of the biggest transgender rights rulings in the U.S., as the Montana Supreme Court declares that discrimination against trans people is a form of sex discrimination.
But while that’s a major win, the fight is far from over.
We cover a controversial court case in Australia that could impact trans inclusion in LGBTQ+ spaces, a shocking $800,000 political push targeting just two trans athletes in Maine, and a heartbreaking story of a family leaving Idaho after new anti-trans laws made daily life unsafe.
Plus, we get into the unexpected public feud between Dave Chappelle and Lauren Boebert, global LGBTQ+ crackdowns in Belarus, and a powerful HIV story that’s helping break stigma and shift the conversation around living openly and authentically.
This episode is about progress, pushback, and the real lives behind the headlines.
🎧 New episodes of Listen Up Girl drop regularly — make sure to follow, rate, and share to stay informed on LGBTQ+ news that matters.
Podcast music: https://dillonderosa.com/
Hosted by Zach Randles-Friedman
https://www.listenupgirl.com/
Follow me at https://www.instagram.com/therealzachre/
Podcast music: https://dillonderosa.com/ Thank you Dillion!!!

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
...more
10min
April 17, 2026 Ep. 232- April 17, 2026 - LGBTQ+ News: Trans Laws, Katy Perry Allegations & Miss America Controversy
In today’s LGBTQ+ news, we break down major stories impacting the community right now—from a controversial Idaho law forcing schools to out trans youth, to shocking allegations involving Katy Perry and Ruby Rose. We also cover Miss America’s new policy banning trans women, the tragic murder of a Black transgender woman in Chicago, and global developments including anti-LGBTQ+ laws in Senegal. Plus, legal battles over LGBTQ+ healthcare rights and new legislation in Tennessee raising concerns about free speech and discrimination.
Stay informed with the latest LGBTQ+ news, politics, and culture—only on Listen Up Girl.
Hosted by Zach Randles-Friedman
https://www.listenupgirl.com/
Follow me at https://www.instagram.com/therealzachre/
Podcast music: https://dillonderosa.com/ Thank you Dillion!!!

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
...more
10min

FAQs about Listen Up Girl:

How many episodes does Listen Up Girl have?

The podcast currently has 274 episodes available.

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