This week, we wrap up our St. Pete Pride 2026 coverage riding out the final stretch of the parade with our amazing driver Abi (returning Skittle Squad guest and part of the band SWANIX) before catching up with her on everything she's got coming up.

Abi gives us the scoop on SWANIX's summer tour across Florida, including an upcoming show opening for the Soap Girls, and shares the exciting details on their East Coast tour heading to Salem, Massachusetts for its 400 year anniversary. We also get the inside track on the return of her Emo Cabaret, a two and a half hour showcase of jazz renditions of pop punk and emo hits complete with drag queens, burlesque dancers, and cohosts, plus a first look at her upcoming album, As Above So Below, dropping this fall.

Plus, David and Paul close out their wild day at St. Pete Pride with plenty of laughs and a few questions Abi wasn't quite ready for.

In This Episode:

- Closing out the St. Pete Pride 2026 parade
- Catching up with driver, DJ & previous guest Abi
- SWANIX's summer Florida tour & East Coast run to Salem
- The return of the Emo Cabaret this October
- A first look at Abi's new album, As Above So Below
- Drag queens, burlesque & jazz renditions of emo classics
- Abby dishes on her dating life (sort of)
- David & Paul's final laughs from a very hot Pride day

Whether you're here for the Pride recap, the music scoop, or just David & Paul's signature banter, this episode is a fun, heartfelt send-off to a big day of celebration, community, and chosen family.

This week, we're coming to you live from the St. Pete Pride Parade as we sit down with Jason, President of the Krewe of Cavaliers, to talk about one of Tampa Bay's longest-running LGBTQ+ organizations, the importance of giving back, and how community involvement helps create a more inclusive future.

Jason shares the history of the Crew of Cavaliers, their mission of diversity, camaraderie, and philanthropy, and why Pride is about so much more than a parade. From supporting local charities to organizing community events and creating safe spaces for everyone, this episode highlights the incredible impact volunteers and community organizations have throughout the Tampa Bay area.

Plus, we're recording right from the Krewe of Cavaliers' brand-new Pride float before the parade begins! We chat about last-minute parade chaos, finding a convertible just in time, celebrating their newest sponsorship of the Skittle Squad Podcast, and what it takes to put together an unforgettable Pride experience.

In This Episode:
- Live from the St. Pete Pride Parade
- Meet Jason, President of the Krewe of Cavaliers
- A behind-the-scenes look at the Crew's brand-new Pride float
- The 42-year history of the Krewe of Cavaliers
- Why diversity, camaraderie, and philanthropy are at the heart of the organization
- What Pride means and why visibility matters
- How the Crew supports local charities and community organizations
- The parades, events, and volunteer opportunities happening all year long
- Beach cleanups, fundraising, and giving back to the community
- Creating safe, welcoming spaces for LGBTQ+ people and allies
- How you can join the Krewe of Cavaliers and get involved
- Behind-the-scenes parade moments, laughs, and plenty of Pride excitement

Whether you're a longtime Pride attendee, looking to get more involved in your local LGBTQ+ community, or simply want to learn about the incredible volunteers helping make Tampa Bay a more welcoming place, this episode is a celebration of community, service, and the power of showing up for one another.

This week, we're at the Krewe of the Cavaliers float at St. Pete Pride 2026, as the parade gets underway and chatting with some of the incredible members who make this crew what it is.

We talk with Drake, decked out in a custom parade look, about what Pride means to him (equality, freedom, and love), followed by Skip Cramer, who shares his journey of finding a true sense of community and family within the crew after struggling to find that same connection elsewhere. We also sit down with Christy Hattersly, who walks us through the crew's coronation traditions, their quarterly philanthropy efforts giving back to Tampa Bay organizations, and a heartfelt tribute to founding member Andy Johnson.

Plus, David and Paul talk about what it means to be an ally, why visibility and showing up matters more than ever, and get a few laughs in along the way (including Paul's questionable knees and a very memorable convertible rescue).

In This Episode:
- With the Crew of the Cavaliers float at St. Pete Pride
- What Pride means to Drake, Skip & Christy
- Finding chosen family and community within the crew
- The importance of showing up as an ally
- Crew of the Cavaliers' quarterly philanthropy initiatives
- Honoring founding member Andy Johnson's legacy
- Behind the scenes of the crew's Coronation traditions
- Skip saves the day with a last-minute convertible
- David & Paul's parade-day banter and antics

Whether you're already part of the LGBTQ+ community, an ally looking to get more involved, or just here for the parade energy and good company, this episode is a celebration of chosen family, giving back, and showing up for one another.

This week, we're live at St. Pete Pride 2026, kicking off with David & Paul catching up on hydration mishaps, sunburn confessions, and Paul's very memorable trip to Hawaii before heading into the parade festivities.

We sit down with Trent Brock, Vice President of St. Pete Pride, to talk about the state of Pride funding this year, the community's response to a $200K sponsorship deficit, and why individual donations matter more than ever. Trent gives us the inside scoop on this year's record-breaking lineup of events, how St. Pete Pride partners with other Tampa Bay pride organizations, and what's ahead as they gear up for their milestone 25th anniversary in 2027.

Plus, David and Paul talk vacation dreams, the importance of staying visible in the community no matter your age, and get a firsthand look at the parade with 120+ organizations marching through the streets of Saint Petersburg, all while Paul battles the Florida heat one bead toss at a time.

In This Episode:
- Live from St. Pete Pride 2026
- David & Paul's hydration (and heat survival) tips
- Paul's tropical getaway to Oahu, Hawaii
- Sitting down with Trent Brock, VP of St. Pete Pride
- The real talk on Pride funding and community support
- A record-breaking year of Pride events
- How Tampa Bay's Pride organizations collaborate
- Why visibility matters for every generation
- 120+ organizations marching in the parade
-  Looking ahead to St. Pete Pride's 25th anniversary in 2027

Whether you're a Pride veteran, a first-time festival-goer, or just here for David & Paul's banter, this episode captures the heat, heart, and hustle behind one of Florida's biggest Pride celebrations, and why showing up (and chipping in) still matters.

This week, we sit down with Rene Cantu, President & CEO of the Tampa Bay LGBT Chamber, to discuss how the Chamber is helping LGBTQ+ businesses thrive, why community connections matter more than ever, and how local organizations are creating opportunities for businesses, professionals, and allies across the Tampa Bay area.

Renee shares how the Chamber supports LGBTQ+ entrepreneurs through networking, education, advocacy, and community events while also discussing the importance of allyship, business partnerships, and staying engaged during challenging times. We also talk about the impact of corporate support, the value of belonging, and why building strong relationships is essential for creating a more inclusive future.

Plus, we kick off the episode from the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino with plenty of laughs about casino games, workplace Zoom etiquette, awkward virtual meetings, out-of-office messages, and those embarrassing work-from-home moments we've all experienced.

In This Episode:
- Slots, blackjack & casino stories
- Zoom meetings, work-from-home etiquette & awkward video call moments
- Embarrassing workplace stories and virtual meeting mishaps
- Meet Rene Cantu, President & CEO of the Tampa Bay LGBT Chamber
- How the Chamber supports LGBTQ+ businesses and professionals
- Why networking and community connections are so important
- The role of allies and corporate partnerships in creating change
- Inside the Chamber's networking events and Belonging in Business Breakfasts
- Resources available for LGBTQ+ entrepreneurs and business owners
- The importance of supporting local LGBTQ+ organizations and businesses
- How you can get involved with the Tampa Bay LGBT Chamber

Whether you're a business owner, entrepreneur, ally, or simply looking to connect with your local LGBTQ+ community, this episode offers valuable insight into the power of networking, advocacy, and building meaningful relationships that strengthen our community.

This week, we sit down with Mark Myrick, Medical Peer Navigator at CAN Community Health, to discuss HIV awareness, breaking stigma, and how education, support, and compassion are changing lives in the LGBTQ+ community.

Mark shares his own journey of living with HIV for nearly 30 years and explains how he now helps individuals who are newly diagnosed navigate their diagnosis with hope, education, and real-life experience. We also dive into the importance of HIV prevention, safe sex, U=U (Undetectable = Untransmittable), and the life-changing work being done by CAN Community Health.

Plus, we kick off the episode with plenty of laughs as David & Paul swap stories about Disney, roller coasters, airboat adventures in the Everglades, boat mishaps, and the infamous "regular people" comment that got David into trouble at Disney!

In This Episode:
- Disney adventures, roller coasters & theme park debates
- David's terrifying Everglades alligator encounter
- Boat rescues, charcuterie boards & summer adventures
- The hilarious Disney "regular people" story
- Meet Mark Myrick from CAN Community Health
- What a Medical Peer Navigator does for newly diagnosed patients
- Living with HIV for nearly 30 years and helping others thrive
- Understanding U=U (Undetectable = Untransmittable)
- Why HIV education and reducing stigma still matter
- The importance of regular testing, prevention & practicing safe sex
- How peer support helps people navigate an HIV diagnosis
- Why hope, compassion, and community can change lives

Whether you're looking to learn more about HIV prevention, understand the meaning behind U=U, or hear an inspiring story of resilience and service, this episode is an honest and informative conversation that reminds us how education, empathy, and community support continue to make a lasting impact.

This week, we sit down with Jon Harris Maurer, Public Policy Director at Equality Florida, to discuss the fight for LGBTQ+ rights in Florida, the challenges facing the community, and how advocacy, visibility, and collective action can create meaningful change.

Jon shares insights into Florida’s current legislative landscape, how Equality Florida works to protect LGBTQ+ rights, and why community engagement, storytelling, and economic impact are powerful tools in the fight for equality. From Pride celebrations to public policy battles, this conversation highlights the importance of showing up and supporting one another.

Plus, we kick off the episode with David & Paul discussing current hot topics, new fitness segment, personal updates, and the conversations happening within the community before diving into a powerful discussion on activism and resilience.

In This Episode:
- David & Paul discuss hot topics and what's happening in the community
- The current state of LGBTQ+ legislation in Florida
- How Equality Florida advocates for LGBTQ+ rights
- Why getting involved can make a real difference
- The role businesses play in supporting diversity, equity & inclusion
- How Pride events positively impact local economies
- Using personal stories and advocacy to drive social change
- Finding strength and resilience during challenging times
- John’s advice on staying engaged and continuing the fight for equality

Whether you’re looking to become more involved in advocacy, understand the challenges facing the LGBTQ+ community, or learn how allies and businesses can help create change, this episode is an inspiring reminder that progress happens when communities come together and refuse to be silent.

This week, we sit down with Michael Tomor, a retired art museum director, LGBTQ+ advocate, and longtime community leader, to reflect on his journey through decades of LGBTQ+ history—from the challenges and activism of the 1970s and 1980s to the progress, visibility, and new challenges facing the community today.

Michael shares powerful stories of resilience, the importance of finding and building community, and why events like Pride continue to play a vital role in creating acceptance, connection, and change. We also discuss the current political climate, the work being done by organizations like the LGBT Chamber, and why staying visible and engaged is more important than ever.

Plus, we kick off the episode with conversations about the Skittle Squad Podcast, the importance of representation, networking with community leaders, and the inspiring individuals working to make a difference every day.

In This Episode:
- David & Paul talk everything from plastic surgery, reality TV & getting older
- What life was like for the LGBTQ+ community in the 70s and 80s
- From leading art museums to becoming a community advocate
- The power of visibility, connection, and chosen family
- Why Pride events are still essential for social change
- The role of the LGBT Chamber and inclusive workplaces
- How current political challenges impact LGBTQ+ rights
- Personal stories of resilience, authenticity, and growth
- Michael’s advice for living your truth and embracing your journey

Whether you’ve experienced the history of the LGBTQ+ movement firsthand or are learning about the struggles and victories that shaped the community today, this conversation is a powerful reminder that progress happens when people show up, support one another, and continue to live authentically.

This week, we sit down with Saint Petersburg activist, drag artist, and producer Lilith Black to discuss the power of visibility, community resilience, and why staying engaged is more important than ever for the LGBTQ+ community.

Lilith shares insights into their activism work, the projects and events they're currently producing, and how local communities can come together to create lasting support systems during challenging times. From The Fool's Cabaret to conversations about hope, spirituality, and advocacy, this episode explores the importance of showing up, staying visible, and building stronger communities together.

Plus, we kick off the episode with discussions about Disney, horror movies, jump scares, and plenty of laughs before diving into a meaningful conversation about activism, art, and community impact.

In This Episode:
- Disney adventures and theme park discussions
- Horror movies, jump scares & spooky favorites
- Meet activist, drag artist & producer Lilith Black
- Why visibility matters in the LGBTQ+ community
- Building resilience through community support
- Behind the scenes of The Fool's Cabaret
- Spirituality, intuition & personal growth
- The importance of activism and advocacy
- Finding hope during challenging times
- How local communities can support LGBTQ+ organizations
- Lilith's message for staying visible and making a difference

Whether you're passionate about activism, interested in drag and performance art, or looking for ways to support your local LGBTQ+ community, this conversation is packed with inspiration, insight, and practical ways to get involved.

This week, we sit down with Tampa Bay DJ icon Mike Sklarz to talk about his incredible journey from the corporate world to becoming one of the most recognizable DJs in the LGBTQ+ community.

Mike shares how he got started DJing at just 16 years old, why he took the leap to pursue his passion full-time, and what it's really like performing at clubs, festivals, cruises, weddings, and major events across Tampa Bay and beyond.

Plus, we kick off the episode with stories about their upcoming one-year anniversary celebration, the infamous crown debate, dishwasher drama, thermostats, laundry wars, and more!

 In This Episode:

- The ongoing battle for Paul's promised crown

- Skittle Squad's 1-Year Anniversary celebration plans
- Laundry, dishwashers & relationship debates
- The thermostat war continues
- How Mike got his start DJing at 16 years old
- Why a corporate layoff changed everything
- DJing Tampa Bay's biggest LGBTQ+ events
- Behind-the-scenes at Hollows Ball and Hide Night
- Life as a DJ on gay cruises
- The difference between weddings, clubs & festivals
- How DJs read a crowd and build a set live
- Mike's advice on following your passion