The Desert Scene

Singer/Author Jason Hull talks about his literary career, and newest book with Bonnie Gilgallon and Brayan Mendoza. Keyboardist/Artist/Author Andy Cahan comes on to discuss his extensive music career. 

News Topics: The Buffy Cast speak out against Joss Whedon, and updates on the #FreeBritney movement.

Chuck Yates of Coyote Stageworks visits Bonnie Gilgallon and Brayan Mendoza, and talks about his struggles (and inspirations) during the ongoing Pandemic. 

News Topics: The Weekend's strange Super Bowl halftime show, Gina Carano's firing from Disney, and Michelle Obama has a new TV show!

Hosts Bonnie Gilgallon and Brayan Mendoza chat with Keynote Speaker/Author/Life Coach Carolyn Gross on dealing with a crisis, and how to manage one's trauma during a difficult time. Then the conversation turns to updates to your favorite shows, including Sex and the City reboot, and Law and Order: SVU hiring unemployed Broadway performers. Singer/Entertainer/Foreign Language Dub Supervisor Charles Herrera talks about his latest event, Brighter Day, a benefit for the Desert Ensemble Theatre Company's Internship and Scholarship Program. And, Bonnie and Brayan pay special tribute to two inspiring women, Cloris Leachman and Cicely Tyson, who sadly left us this past week.

Hosts Bonnie Gilgallon and Brayan Mendoza are thrilled to have new leadership in America and talk about a political cultural event: the Inauguration. Focusing on the inspiring poem by Amanda Gorman, and Lady Gaga's patriotic rendition of the National Anthem. Then, they talk with Michael Shaw of Dezart Performs about Mental Amusements, a "virtual carnival for the mind", and the state of theatre during this stage of the COVID-19 Pandemic. They also talk about a decline of LGBT representation on television. Then, pay tribute to Siegfried Firschbacher and Larry King. 

Hosts Bonnie Gigallon and Brayan Mendoza talk with jazz vocalist Hope Diamond about her work as a singer, her inspirations, her newest album and Frankie's Backroom. David Perry comes on to the show to talk about Upon This Rock, a book that has been praised by the likes of Armistead Maupin as "The Gay Da Vinci Code". The news discussed in this segment include the recent recastings of various black cartoon characters with actual black voice artists, and Lulu Wang's issues with Ron Howard directing a biopic focused on Chinese people.

Hosts Bonnie Gigallon and Brayan Mendoza talk with filmmakers Alexandra Kotcheff, and Hannah Leder on their latest film The Planters. A wonderful and eccentric motion picture. Dori and Rupert Smith of Script 2 Screen 2 Stage come by to discuss their latest virtual performances on Zoom. There are also news discussions as always, with a focus on the Emmys, a "tone deaf" apology from Ellen DeGenres to her crew, along with Disney delaying films due to COVID 19. 

Bonnie and Brayan bring on Hayley Stubbert, local #SaveOurChildren activist, and mother of three to discuss the Cuties controversy. Is it a misguided masterpiece or is it pedophile bait? Drag Queen Anita Rose comes by to talk about her online events "The Bitchiest Bunch", "Truth or Shot", and one raising funds for C4 Communications. Bonnie and Brayan come up with ideas to have drive-in concerts, and how to make them work in a COVID world. On the news end, The Batman is back in production, but there's concern over safety. Mulan makes money digitally than the theatrically released Tenet, proving that people don't feel safe going back to the cinemas. The Emmys are going virtual. In a rare ray of hope, The Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade is still happening, but with modifications. 

Bonnie and Brayan pay tribute to the life and legacy of Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg and contemplate the unfortunate political implications of her passing. Local singer Thom McMorris discusses his musical style, work habits, inspirations and his upcoming live stream at Frankie's Old World Italian Bakery and Supper. Annie Houchenauer, from the Transgender Health and Wellness Center, gives her insight on the JK Rowling transphobia controversy. She also brings up the wonderful opportunities and resources that the center has to provide. On the lighter side of the news, Punkie Johnson is the first out black lesbian to join the cast of SNL. However, on the goofier side of news, Carole Baskin dances for Dancing With The Stars. 

Bonnie and Brayan talk with Shawn Ambramowitz, Executive Director at the Desert Ensemble Theatre Company. He shares plans about the upcoming season for the company, including their socially distanced video projects along with the $10,000 grant they recently received. A new sexual assault lawsuit against Kevin Spacey is making news and Bonnie and Brayan talk about that. And, justice may possibly be sin the cards for three transgender women who were victims of a vicious hate crime in Hollywood. Family therapist Michelle Ogle joins the show and helps with information on how to cope with political strife, emotional turmoil, and finding middle ground during a difficult time. Finally, the two B's discuss the meltdown at the Ellen Degeneres Show. 

Bonnie G. and Brayan take a look at the new set of diversity focused requirements set forth by The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, specifically for Best Picture consideration. Deborah McGarrey talks about the annual charity event Paint El Paseo Pink. This year's event is a socially distanced walk that raises money for breast cancer awareness and takes on a virtual involvement like many other non-profit activities. Shann Carr, a local comedian who talks the various events hosted by the Gay Desert Guide, will also join us in this hour. Finally, Brayan and Bonnie talk about the gender reveal party that set portions of Southern California on fire, and Disney World is allegedly forcing COVID-19-positive employees to return to work.