Out Loud & Laughing

Pumpkin spice at the wrong time, giga yachts, Ozempic, and Christmas trees in October - this one is pure chaotic gay energy in the best possible way. Ben McDonnell joins Bryan and Jon for a brutally funny catch-up that starts with The Traitors and somehow ends with elite-level holiday planning, reality TV fantasies, and a conversation about what we’re actually putting in our bodies.

Ben, who’s currently on The Traitors, opens up about life as a faithful, what he’d do on the show, and why he’s absolutely here for strategy, drama, and the wardrobe. The trio also gets candid about GLP-1 shots, body image, trainer culture, and the very gay math of time vs. money when it comes to fitness.

You'll also hear about Ben’s summer on a “giga yacht” with a helicopter, Bryan and Jon’s 10-year anniversary in Spain, their glamorous villa in the hills of Barcelona, and the not-so-glamorous reality of keeping kids believing in Santa. Along the way, they get into fake meat, chicken trauma, reality competition shows, and why Vanna White may have the easiest job in America.

This episode is equal parts hilarious, unfiltered, and weirdly wholesome. If you love pop culture, queer banter, reality TV, and conversations that bounce from nonsense to sincerity without warning, this is your sign to hit play.

Ben McDonnell is the host of It's Been a Week and a contestant on The Traitors, known for his sharp humor and effortlessly chaotic energy.

Bryan and Jon are the hosts of Out Loud and Laughing, bringing the quick wit, relationship banter, and community-centered perspective that makes this episode feel like catching up with your funniest friends.Perfect for listeners who love messy group chat energy, gay pop culture commentary, and the kind of episode that makes a Friday feel like a vacation.

YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@OutLoudAndLaughing?sub_confirmation=1

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome

01:18 Ben's Reality TV Experience and Show Involvement

02:39 Favorite Shows and Watching Strategies

04:00 Ozempic and Weight Loss Stories

05:12 Medical Trends and Body Image

06:55 Farm Life and Ethical Eating

09:01 Travel Adventures in Greece and Europe

12:40 Summer Vacation and Greek Islands

14:59 Luxury Yacht Experiences and Family Connections

16:58 Wedding Anniversary and Celebrations

22:01 Upcoming Projects and Industry Events

23:30 Voting for Podcast Competition and Community Engagement

25:00 Holiday Preparations and Family Traditions

28:01 Elf on the Shelf and Holiday Magic

29:58 Favorite Game Shows and Celebrity Hosts

33:00 Legacy Hosts and TV Careers

36:00 Closing Remarks and Future Plans

Out Loud and Laughing, Ben McDonnell, The Traitors, The Traitors contestant, LGBTQ podcast, gay podcast, queer pop culture, LGBTQ conversation, reality TV, reality competition shows, celebrity podcast interview, gay friends podcast, Ozempic conversation, GLP-1 weight loss, body image, fitness culture, giga yacht, luxury yacht vacation, Greece and Italy travel, Spain anniversary trip, holiday traditions, Elf on the Shelf, pumpkin spice season, funny podcast conversation

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Visit us at www.OutLoudAndLaughing.com

Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7obVHRF8knOr0WUMOZLJnM

Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLvTk63DP29cMR3QjT_xkkHygIX2MZi1c9

Hollywood producer Dan Jinks joins us to share how he built an Oscar-winning career by championing original stories—and why he never saw being gay as a limitation in an industry full of gatekeepers.From a theater-obsessed kid dreaming of show business to producing films that made a lasting cultural impact, Dan reflects on the experiences that shaped his career and his creative instincts. He takes us behind the scenes of Milk, including the challenges of getting the film made, why Sean Penn was pivotal to the project, and how the cast came together.Dan also shares a memorable moment from the set of American Beauty, what he looks for in a script today, and why originality and characters that move him still matter. We talk about the challenges facing LGBTQ+ stories in Hollywood, the audience response to Heated Rivalry, and the movie musical Dan still hopes to bring to life.Plus, Dan joins us for a playful round of “This or That: The Producer’s Cut.”

In this episode:

• Dan’s path from theater kid to Oscar-winning producer
• The story behind making Milk
• LGBTQ+ visibility and belonging in Hollywood
• What makes a script stand out
• A behind-the-scenes moment from American Beauty
• Dan’s dream of producing a big-screen musical

If you love filmmaking, queer representation, and the stories behind iconic movies, this conversation is for you. Dan also recommends checking out Down with Love.

Dan Jinks Instagram: @danjinks

YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@OutLoudAndLaughing?sub_confirmation=1

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to Dan Jinks and his career

01:55 Dan's early passion for theater and show business

03:51 Hiding and discovering his sexuality through acting

05:37 Making Milk and the challenges of bringing LGBTQ+ stories to the screen

09:00 Navigating Hollywood as an out gay producer

11:10 Representation and casting in Hollywood

13:57 The artistry behind American Beauty and memorable scenes

16:59 What drives Dan to choose projects

19:03 Obstacles for LGBTQ+ stories in mainstream cinema

22:09 Future projects and the desire for original storytelling

23:30 Fun rapid-fire questions: preferences and personal insights

28:04 Closing thoughts and where to follow Dan Jinks

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Visit us at www.OutLoudAndLaughing.com

Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7obVHRF8knOr0WUMOZLJnM

Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLvTk63DP29cMR3QjT_xkkHygIX2MZi1c9

What does it take to build a life, a relationship, and a creative empire together? On and Dave join us for a candid conversation about queer love, entrepreneurship, and staying unapologetically themselves.The couple shares how they balance working and living together, what they’ve learned from building their apparel brand, and why patience matters when growing a business. They also talk about turning real-life experiences into music, their podcast Boys Bear Talk, and the story of how they first met.In this episode, we get into:

• How On and Dave keep their relationship strong while collaborating on multiple projects
• The evolution of their apparel brand and the customer feedback shaping its designs
• Why building a business takes patience, persistence, and confidence
• How Dave’s songwriting helps On bring personal, lived experiences to his music
• The conversations about queer masculinity, body image, and relationships behind Boys Bear Talk
• Why they hope to be remembered first for their love story

From business lessons to playful “This or That” questions, On and Dave bring honesty, humor, and plenty of chemistry to the conversation.

Boys Bare Talk: https://open.spotify.com/show/7L5aN0YxdTxz0ySjbUj5LV

David Mekahel Instagram: @davemekahel

On Mekahel Instagram:@iamonmekahel

YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@OutLoudAndLaughing?sub_confirmation=1

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to On and Dave's Creative Partnership

01:11 Getting Personal: Off-Clock Life and Routines

03:11 On Growing Up Independent and Building Grit

04:30 The Secret to Working Together and Maintaining Love

05:42 Launching Mounderware and Evolving the Brand

08:12 Surprising Discoveries in Apparel Design

11:14 Vulnerability and Authenticity in Podcasting

15:21 How They Met and Their Love Story

17:44 Overcoming Boundaries as Queer Entrepreneurs

22:25 Future Plans: Fashion Shoots and Brand Vision

23:21 Legacy: Love Story or Empire?

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Visit us at www.OutLoudAndLaughing.com

Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7obVHRF8knOr0WUMOZLJnM

Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLvTk63DP29cMR3QjT_xkkHygIX2MZi1c9

Jake Graf had to write his own role in life—and then turned that same determination into films, activism, and a family story the world rarely gets to see. From growing up under Section 28 in Britain to becoming a trans filmmaker, actor, and advocate, this conversation explores visibility, survival, and the courage to live authentically.

Jake joins Bryan and Jon Ruiz to talk about knowing he was a boy from an early age, searching for representation, and finding hope after meeting another trans man. He reflects on transitioning at 28, building a life and family with his wife Hannah, and why it’s never too late to start living as yourself.

Jake also shares how he made his short film XY on a tiny budget—and how hearing from trans viewers around the world showed him the power of seeing yourself represented on screen. He discusses acting in Colette alongside Keira Knightley, the ongoing need for trans male representation in film and television, and what fatherhood has taught him.The conversation balances difficult realities with joy, honesty, and laughter, including a quickfire round to close.

Jake Graf is a British director, actor, and activist. Find him on YouTube at youtube.com/user/Jakerson55 and on Instagram at @jake_graf5

YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@OutLoudAndLaughing?sub_confirmation=1

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and guest overview

01:02 Jake's childhood in London and early signs of creativity

02:06 Growing up under Section 28 and its effects on LGBTQ+ youth

03:04 Jake's realization of being a boy and early self-expression

04:57 Reflecting on the last decade: joy, love, and challenges

07:52 The rise and regression of trans visibility in media

08:39 Advice for trans people starting their journey later in life

13:14 Creating the short film XY and its significance

19:10 Authentic trans representation in film: working on Colette

23:30 The current state of trans representation in media

23:53 Parenthood and lessons learned from raising children

31:49 Finding joy in quiet victories and hope for the future

Jake Graf, Jake Graf interview, trans visibility, transgender representation, trans filmmaker, trans director, queer cinema, LGBTQ stories, LGBTQ podcast, queer family, trans fatherhood, trans activism, trans stories, XY short film, Colette film, chosen family, Out Loud and Laughing, LGBTQ representation

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Visit us at www.OutLoudAndLaughing.com

Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7obVHRF8knOr0WUMOZLJnM

Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLvTk63DP29cMR3QjT_xkkHygIX2MZi1c9

Ginger Minj has upcoming appearances to put on your calendar: she’ll perform a Winifred Sanderson cabaret at Anthem in Orlando, and celebrate her Broadway EP, The Broads Way, at New York City’s 54 Below on November 10. Ginger says the 54 Below show will feature live singing, live music, and special guests, with tickets already going fast.

Join Jon and Bryan for a conversation with the drag superstar that’s as heartfelt as it is hilarious. Ginger looks back on growing up in Leesburg, Florida, and finding a home onstage from the time she was a baby. She talks about her lifelong connection to musical theater, the creative path behind The Broads Way, and why she’s embracing her inner theater kid more fully than ever.

Ginger also shares what makes her friendship with Jujubee so meaningful: their willingness to be honest with each other, hold each other accountable, and show up when it matters. With warmth and candor, she reflects on sobriety, self-discovery, and learning to appreciate all the different parts of herself.From Broadway standards and cabaret plans to the meaning behind her “Glamour Toad” spirit, Ginger brings plenty of wit, wisdom, and heart. It’s an episode about finding your place, owning your story, and making room for others to belong, too.

Website: gingerminj.com

54 Below Tickets: 54below.org/artists/ginger-minj

Hokus Pokus Live: www.hokuspokuslive.com/

Big Gay Cabaret: eventbrite.com/e/the-big-gay-halloween-cabaret-starring-ginger-minj-tickets-2000082113442

Ginger Minj's new EP, The Broad's Way, arriving November 6.

YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@OutLoudAndLaughing?sub_confirmation=1

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to Ginger Minj and her career

02:00 Ginger Minj’s childhood in Leesburg, Florida

03:54 Growing up on stage and early influences

07:01 Her journey through sobriety and mental health

10:01 Creating her Broadway EP and musical inspirations

12:00 The importance of authenticity and self-love

14:57 Friendship with Juju B and the drag community

18:00 Reflections on drag persona and self-acceptance

21:00 Her experiences on RuPaul's Drag Race and All Stars 10

24:01 Upcoming projects and performances

28:10 This or That: The Glamour Toad Edition

34:00 Closing remarks and upcoming events

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Visit us at www.OutLoudAndLaughing.com

Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7obVHRF8knOr0WUMOZLJnM

Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLvTk63DP29cMR3QjT_xkkHygIX2MZi1c9

The Drill Master: One Night in Los AngelesComedians and co-writers Caleb Zarang, Jenny Zigrino, and Jeffrey Jay join Out Loud and Laughing to talk about The Drillmaster—their funny, irreverent take on the story of Baron Friedrich von Steuben, the queer Prussian military leader who helped shape the American army. The conversation covers the show’s mix of historical detail and theatrical chaos, how the trio’s different creative strengths come together, and why they want queer people and other overlooked figures included in the story of America. Along the way, the guests share how the project began, what they had to cut from the script, and why this is a timely moment to bring the history to the stage.

Event details:

The Drillmaster returns to Los Angeles for one night on Tuesday, October 13 at 7:30 p.m. at The Elysian. Book tickets @ https://www.thedrillmaster.gay/

Website: https://www.thedrillmaster.gay/

Caleb Zeringue: https://www.instagram.com/calebczeringue/

Jenny Zigrino: https://www.instagram.com/jennyzigrino/

Jeffrey Jay: https://www.instagram.com/heyjeffreyjay/

YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@OutLoudAndLaughing?sub_confirmation=1

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to The Drill Master and its creators

02:02 The origin story of Caleb, Jenny, and Jeffrey

04:09 The importance of LGBTQ history in America

07:54 Balancing historical accuracy with comedy

12:07 Creative process and collaboration

16:00 Why now is the right time for this story

20:00 Audience reactions and future plans

24:00 The role of humor in activism

28:01 Final thoughts and upcoming performances

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Visit us at www.OutLoudAndLaughing.com

Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7obVHRF8knOr0WUMOZLJnM

Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLvTk63DP29cMR3QjT_xkkHygIX2MZi1c9

Paul Wagner turns the glossy fantasy of adult entertainment into a candid look at what it takes to build a brand, stay grounded, and make it all work. From a sheltered religious upbringing to international modeling campaigns, he shares how he went from feeling overlooked to taking control of his image, career, and income.Jon and Bryan get into the reality behind the scenes: grueling 11-hour shoot days, how studio porn has changed, why OnlyFans gives Paul more freedom, and what it means to build a business when your body is also your brand. Paul opens up about the pressure of being sexualized, the mental toll of internet criticism, and why separating his personal life from work helps protect his peace.In this episode, Paul talks about:

• How attention became an opportunity
• How his upbringing shaped his confidence and self-image
• The differences between studio work and creating on OnlyFans
• Why he now values connection over random hookups
• Fitness, body image, and staying grounded
• Misconceptions about sex work and content creation

Plus, Paul takes on a rapid-fire round covering everything from midnight workouts and scruff to weighted blankets and shower-only energy. It’s candid, funny, and unexpectedly thoughtful.If you’ve wondered what life looks like behind the curated posts and physique shots, this episode offers an unfiltered look at adult content creation, creator independence, and staying human in an industry built on attention.Paul Wagner is a high fashion and fitness model, adult content creator, and digital entrepreneur known for his personal brand across OnlyFans, Instagram, and X. His film work includes Naked Sword’s Eat the Rich and the non-porn short Holt Two.

YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@OutLoudAndLaughing?sub_confirmation=1

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and guest background

01:58 Paul's fitness routine and motivation

03:47 Growing up religious and reserved

06:08 Realization of career potential in modeling and adult industry

08:00 Behind the scenes of high-pressure shoots

11:04 Impact of industry work on personal sexuality and relationships

14:04 Transition from studio work to independent platforms

18:01 Misconceptions about the adult industry

21:02 Managing boundaries and personal life

22:56 The importance of mental health and self-care

25:56 Preferences in physical appearance and self-image

29:00 Hobbies, interests, and personal passions

30:06 Final thoughts and social media links

Paul Wagner, Episode 173, Magic podcast, podcast interview, adult content creator, OnlyFans creator, creator economy, sex work, adult entertainment, fitness model, high fashion model, personal branding, creator independence, mental health, body image, LGBTQ podcast, gay podcast

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Visit us at www.OutLoudAndLaughing.com

Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7obVHRF8knOr0WUMOZLJnM

Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLvTk63DP29cMR3QjT_xkkHygIX2MZi1c9

A queer apocalypse movie gets personal fast when Chris Salvatore and Brandon Shipkowski reveal how they brought the dark, toxic, end-of-the-world thriller Scorch Marks to life. If you love messy relationships, intense character work, and horror with real emotional stakes, this conversation is for you.The chemistry between these two was not an accident. Brandon shares how the pair rehearsed for two months, built trust scene by scene, and found the emotional truth inside a story where one character is manipulative, broken, and still weirdly magnetic. Chris opens up about stepping far outside his rom-com comfort zone, playing a villainous role, and why having space to focus only on acting made this project so different from the work that built his career.In this episode.

They also get candid about the emotional residue of playing damaged people, the challenge of switching off after intense scenes, and why some performances call for a decompression period after filming. Then the conversation widens: what hope looks like right now, why community matters, and why queer stories on the fringe deserve center stage.Brandon Shipkowski is an actor and filmmaker who brings depth and precision to his breakout turn in Scorch Marks. Chris Salvatore is an actor, author, and singer known for romantic leads, now showing a completely different side in a darker, more psychologically complex role.Essential listening for fans of queer cinema, behind-the-scenes acting process, and conversations that move from playful to deeply personal.

YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@OutLoudAndLaughing?sub_confirmation=1

Time Stamps:

00:00 Introduction to Brandon and Chris and their new film, Scorch Marks

01:52 Creative roots and journey into acting and filmmaking

04:11 Rehearsal process and building on-screen chemistry

06:54 Exploring dark roles and character empathy

11:06 Transforming physically and emotionally for intense roles

14:54 The emotional toll of portraying dark characters

19:54 Finding hope and community in challenging times

23:53 Fun and light-hearted rapid-fire questions

27:54 Closing thoughts and where to follow Brandon and Chris

acting, filmmaking, LGBTQ+ stories, character development, mental health, community, hope, horror film, queer cinema, creative process, Chris Salvatore, Brandon Shipkowski, Scorch Marks, queer cinema, queer film, LGBTQ+ film, horror movie, apocalypse movie, independent film, indie filmmaking, acting, acting process, character development, actor interview, film interview, behind the scenes, toxic relationships, psychological thriller, queer stories, queer representation, filmmaking, movie podcast, podcast interview

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Visit us at www.OutLoudAndLaughing.com

Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7obVHRF8knOr0WUMOZLJnM

Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLvTk63DP29cMR3QjT_xkkHygIX2MZi1c9

Queer rights are under attack in too many places, but Maria Sjödin shows why the future is still being built right now. The Executive Director of Outright International shares how global change actually happens, why you can’t “parachute rights” into another country, and what it takes to turn visibility, joy, and local activism into lasting impact. Bryan and Jon sit down with Maria for a conversation that moves from her unexpected path from Stockholm to New York to the front lines of LGBTIQ human rights at the United Nations. She opens up about becoming an “accidental leader" and the power of platforming activists to speak for themselves.

Maria also shares the mindset she wants every queer person to hear: you are not alone, queer people exist everywhere, and connection is more possible now than ever before. If you care about global LGBTQIA+ rights, grassroots activism, or the power of community to outlast backlash, this episode is essential listening.Follow Outright International at OutrightInternational.org and join the movement for the future we claim.

Learn more and donate to Outright International here.

#LGBTQIA #QueerRights #HumanRights #LGBTQActivism #QueerAdvocacy #OutrightInternational #LGBTQPodcast #QueerResilience #OutLoudAndLaughing

YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@OutLoudAndLaughing?sub_confirmation=1

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Maria Shudin and Outright International

01:13 Maria's journey from Sweden to New York

02:07 A lazy Sunday morning with coffee and music

03:49 The light bulb moment for Maria's activism

06:08 The global scope of Outright's mission

08:30 Celebrating resilience and joy in activism

10:30 Memorable moments at the United Nations

13:40 Getting involved locally in LGBTQ+ activism

15:12 Upcoming Out Summit and future strategies

17:47 The international community at Out Summit

19:44 Reassurance for young queer people worldwide

21:43 Rapid fire: Maria's preferences and personality

23:48 Favorite candy and personal passions

25:48 Legacy: advocacy or heart?

26:34 Closing remarks and how to support Outright

Maria Sjödin, Outright International, LGBTQ rights, LGBTQIA+ rights, queer rights, human rights, LGBTQ activism, global LGBTQ community, queer advocacy, LGBTQ leadership, United Nations LGBTQ rights, international activism, queer resilience, LGBTQ visibility, grassroots activism, Out Summit, LGBTQ nonprofit, LGBTQ podcast, Out Loud and Laughing

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Visit us at www.OutLoudAndLaughing.com

Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7obVHRF8knOr0WUMOZLJnM

Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLvTk63DP29cMR3QjT_xkkHygIX2MZi1c9

Ricky Cornish knows how to get celebrities to drop the PR script—and in this conversation, he flips the microphone and reveals the real story behind his own rise, his red carpet secrets, and the queer joy that keeps him going.

From Harry Styles saying his name at the Grammys to interviewing Meryl Streep and Anne Hathaway, Ricky opens up about the years of hustle, the journalism grind, and the exact approach that gets stars to relax fast. If you love pop culture, celebrity interviews, or the behind-the-scenes art of making authentic connections in high-pressure moments, this one is for you.

Ricky Cornish is a pop culture journalist and red carpet interviewer for Out Magazine and The Advocate, known for viral celebrity moments and effortless on-camera charisma. He shares how a journalism program, theater-kid energy, and a deeply personal coming-out journey shaped the voice audiences now recognize online.

In this episode, Ricky shares:

• Why his secret weapon on the red carpet is making people feel safe, seen, and genuinely understood
• How he turns a quick celebrity soundbite into a real conversation instead of a canned answer
• What actually happened when Harry Styles called him by name at the Grammys
• Why his interview with Meryl Streep and Anne Hathaway felt like “magic”
• The hard work behind the viral clips—years of school, internships, practice, and relationship-building
• How growing up in a religious environment shaped his coming-out journey
• Why queer joy, authenticity, and chosen family matter more than ever

Follow Ricky Cornish on TikTok, Instagram, and X: @RickyCornish

YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@OutLoudAndLaughing?sub_confirmation=1

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Ricky Cornish and his career

01:23 Ricky’s background and journey into celebrity journalism

03:40 Growing up religious and embracing his identity

05:40 How Ricky got into journalism and media

07:25 Secrets to successful celebrity interviews

09:22 Memorable moments with Harry Styles and others

11:01 The hard work behind the glamour

12:07 Making genuine connections on the red carpet

13:02 Memorable interviews with legends like Meryl Streep

14:06 Ricky’s personal life and dating outlook

15:50 His approach to authenticity and connection

18:23 Hypothetical: Celebrity dream team in an elevator

20:55 Quick fire: Ricky’s red carpet preferences

25:42 Favorite beauty routines and fashion choices

28:00 Sports and leisure: Ricky’s fun side

29:05 The importance of passion and heart in his work

30:16 Final thoughts: Making others feel seen and loved

Ricky Cornish, queer podcast, LGBTQ podcast, LGBTQ interviews, queer joy, chosen family, pop culture journalist, celebrity interviewer, red carpet interviews, celebrity interviews, Harry Styles, Grammys, Meryl Streep, Anne Hathaway, Out Magazine

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Visit us at www.OutLoudAndLaughing.com

Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7obVHRF8knOr0WUMOZLJnM

Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLvTk63DP29cMR3QjT_xkkHygIX2MZi1c9