WEBurlesque Podcast Network

"Our world is pretty terrifying right now. It just makes the need for performers like us even more [necessary.] We need to be even more loud, even more there... The more they want to silence us, they're trying to silence us because they're trying to get rid of us."

Self-proclaimed "circus generalist" Jadynn Starr has been a multi-talented performer for several years, from Jacksonville to Pasadena (and all over the world!) He and Viktor Devonne talk flamboyance, community theatre, music theory, drag, being sexy while ridiculous, undercutting, pup persona Chip, hard but necessary decisions, kink at Pride, Florida, monkeys, and more! (this conversation was recorded June 28, 2023)

• Instagram: @starrboy89
• https://www.facebook.com/Starr.jadynn

SUPPORT THE PODCAST: - patreon.com/weburlesque - venmo: @viktor-devonne - paypal: [email protected] - cashapp: $weburlesque All donations at $25 or above will get a signed 8x10 of Viktor Devonne, covered in flour.

— WEBurlesque Podcast Network is the creation of Viktor Devonne. Episode 194 call hook by Ben Franklin. Podcast artwork by Logan Laveau, WEBurlesque the Podcast cover art photography by Atticus Stevenson. Theme song, "On a 45" by This Way to the Egress, used with permission. Incidental music via pixabay.com under fair use. Visit weburlesquepodcast.com for notes on this and every episode. Follow @weburlesque and @viktordevonne on just about every platform, and support the podcast via patreon.com/weburlesque or via Venmo @Viktor-Devonne. Don't got the cash? Please follow, subscribe, and give 5 stars on every platform you can get your hands on. It really does help. All original material is owned by Viktor Devonne and White Elephant Burlesque Corporation; all other materials property of their respective copyright. No infringement, while likely, is intended.

"It's nice having people inspire you on different levels, on stage, off stage; see how they support the burlesque community and each other, and we become each others' family. And especially when you don't have a family or a good support system, theatre becomes your support system; the stage becomes sometimes your therapy, costuming becomes your therapy."

Dancer, instructor, clown, and person of so many trades Harley Foxx (Albany, NY) sits with Viktor Devonne to talk about all kinds of things, from the lindyhop, gatekeeping, neurodivergence, accessibility, the scary possibility of fame, and joyfully homaging Josephine Baker. (this conversation was recorded June 27, 2023)

• Instagram: @harleyfoxxburlesque
• https://www.facebook.com/HarleyFoxxOfficial/
• https://twitter.com/FoxxyHarley

SUPPORT THE PODCAST: - patreon.com/weburlesque - venmo: @viktor-devonne - paypal: [email protected] - cashapp: $weburlesque All donations at $25 or above will get a signed 8x10 of Viktor Devonne, covered in flour.

— WEBurlesque Podcast Network is the creation of Viktor Devonne. Episode 193 call hook by Joshua Dean. Podcast artwork by Logan Laveau, WEBurlesque the Podcast cover art photography by Atticus Stevenson. Theme song, "On a 45" by This Way to the Egress, used with permission. Incidental music via pixabay.com under fair use. Visit weburlesquepodcast.com for notes on this and every episode. Follow @weburlesque and @viktordevonne on just about every platform, and support the podcast via patreon.com/weburlesque or via Venmo @Viktor-Devonne. Don't got the cash? Please follow, subscribe, and give 5 stars on every platform you can get your hands on. It really does help. All original material is owned by Viktor Devonne and White Elephant Burlesque Corporation; all other materials property of their respective copyright. No infringement, while likely, is intended.

"I initially launched into the world of performance art becuase I like us all to question what we're doing here."

Luminous Pariah is a stunning portrayal of stage athleticism and charismatic beauty. Both a solo performer and a member of Seattle's glorious Mod Carousel, Luminous and Viktor talk about dance, makeup, signature style, gig grind, fresh faces in the scene, and shocking (scandalous!) backstage secrets behind the bunny masks. Oh and how DOES he keep those lashes on!? (this conversation was recorded June 21, 2023)

• Instagram: @luminouspariah @modcarousel
• more Mod: https://www.modcarousel.com/
• The "Blurred Lines" parody: https://www.huffpost.com/entry/gender-reversed-blurred-lines-parody-music-video_n_3639406

SUPPORT THE PODCAST: - patreon.com/weburlesque - venmo: @viktor-devonne - paypal: [email protected] - cashapp: $weburlesque All donations at $25 or above will get a signed 8x10 of Viktor Devonne, covered in flour.

— WEBurlesque Podcast Network is the creation of Viktor Devonne. Episode 192 call hook by Lakota Shekar. Podcast artwork by Logan Laveau, WEBurlesque the Podcast cover art photography by Atticus Stevenson. Theme song, "On a 45" by This Way to the Egress, used with permission. Incidental music via pixabay.com under fair use. Visit weburlesquepodcast.com for notes on this and every episode. Follow @weburlesque and @viktordevonne on just about every platform, and support the podcast via patreon.com/weburlesque or via Venmo @Viktor-Devonne. Don't got the cash? Please follow, subscribe, and give 5 stars on every platform you can get your hands on. It really does help. All original material is owned by Viktor Devonne and White Elephant Burlesque Corporation; all other materials property of their respective copyright. No infringement, while likely, is intended.

"[As a child], I had this specific image in my head being the mobster's lounge singing girlfriend at his nightclub, of being a chorus girl who gets discovered and becoming the touring guidette of some sort of circus or variety show... I remember being super excited to get into musical theatre, and getting there and realizing, 'What is... This is not at all like in old Hollywood movies."

Gorgeous and talented Coco LaMarr sits with Viktor Devonne during a rare break from the singing showgirl grind. Known as "The Champagne Chanteuse," she and Viktor talk "the lonely road" whilst splitting tme between Sacramento, Los Angeles, and Las Vegas; moms, gay roots, complicated feelings about vintage and Old Hollywood, celebrity, favorite song selections, and the TRUTH about THAT Marilyn Monroe/Ella Fitzgerald story. (this conversation was recorded June 20, 2023)

• Instagram: @xococolamarr
• more Coco: https://www.xococolamarr.com/
• The "To Guido with Love" music video: https://youtu.be/H9uDkV--yAY

SUPPORT THE PODCAST: - patreon.com/weburlesque - venmo: @viktor-devonne - paypal: [email protected] - cashapp: $weburlesque All donations at $25 or above will get a signed 8x10 of Viktor Devonne, covered in flour.

— WEBurlesque Podcast Network is the creation of Viktor Devonne. Episode 191 call hook by Marie La'Pearl. Podcast artwork by Logan Laveau, WEBurlesque the Podcast cover art photography by Atticus Stevenson. Theme song, "On a 45" by This Way to the Egress, used with permission. Incidental music via pixabay.com under fair use. Visit weburlesquepodcast.com for notes on this and every episode. Follow @weburlesque and @viktordevonne on just about every platform, and support the podcast via patreon.com/weburlesque or via Venmo @Viktor-Devonne. Don't got the cash? Please follow, subscribe, and give 5 stars on every platform you can get your hands on. It really does help. All original material is owned by Viktor Devonne and White Elephant Burlesque Corporation; all other materials property of their respective copyright. No infringement, while likely, is intended.

"Sexuality and sensuality isn't always defined by the physical. What people find sexy is you being comfortable in your body and your own spirit, and how you move throughout the world. I don't care if that's you embracing being the hugest nerd on the planet or you being a sexpot, or however that changes in any moment. For me, most recently, I am deeply examining and enjoying the concept of being a joyous person because I've spent a lot of years, not. What does it mean to be someone who is happy, and how can you be sexy and happy at the same time? I'm just really in my body."

Shimmy LaRoux is one of the most charming, engaging performers in Chicago. She and Viktor talk about technology, marketing, pinup, the definition of "classic burlesque," 90s fashion, taking compliments, and just coming off the Mover, Shaker, and Innovator showcase during "the messy middle"of burlesque. Shimmy is noted for appearing for FHM and an International Playboy Playmate and Cover Girl, and we go into the process of posing professionally naked for such a giant cultural enterprise. (this conversation was recorded June 18, 2023)

• Instagram: @playmate_shimmylaroux
• more Shimmy: https://www.shimmylaroux.com
• Shimmy's Slow Burn memoir podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/18NT98eMpSlwohZL8MboC4?si=fcc428b71f884a42

SUPPORT THE PODCAST: - patreon.com/weburlesque - venmo: @viktor-devonne - paypal: [email protected] - cashapp: $weburlesque All donations at $25 or above will get a signed 8x10 of Viktor Devonne, covered in flour.

— WEBurlesque Podcast Network is the creation of Viktor Devonne. Episode 190 call hook by Red Velvet. Podcast artwork by Logan Laveau, WEBurlesque the Podcast cover art photography by Atticus Stevenson. Theme song, "On a 45" by This Way to the Egress, used with permission. Incidental music via pixabay.com under fair use. Visit weburlesquepodcast.com for notes on this and every episode. Follow @weburlesque and @viktordevonne on just about every platform, and support the podcast via patreon.com/weburlesque or via Venmo @Viktor-Devonne. Don't got the cash? Please follow, subscribe, and give 5 stars on every platform you can get your hands on. It really does help. All original material is owned by Viktor Devonne and White Elephant Burlesque Corporation; all other materials property of their respective copyright. No infringement, while likely, is intended.

"If you can find your way outside of the cog of creating theatre, or whatever it is that is the one thing that's all yours; that freedom... ooh, that's a powerful thing and I'm grateful for it." -- Ben Franklin

"I don't pass as straight, I never did... I've lost out on work... I went into what made sense to me. I always express my queer identity [on stage]; I think all my acts have very much a queer sensibility, either by the music choice or te costuming or what I'm showing on stage... the movement... I don't think i set out to do it... [It just] naturally evolved with the way I want to share my art with the audience." -- Joshua Dean

Happy Pride! We're closing out June with a threesome: Viktor gets to chat with the delightful duo 2 To Fly, Joshua Dean (aka Jojo the Clown) and Ben Franklin-- circus boylesque extravagants who work solo, together and as part of Boys Night (which features regularly Mr Gorgeous, Jason Mejias, and Phil VonAwesome). Ben and Josh also happen to be in fantastical love with teach other, having started in musical theatre together and now can be seen spinning around from the ceiling in jockstraps; or cracking whips and hula-hooping as Jack Skellington. We get in deep with the Cats movie (no really), circuslesque in one's 40s, queer identity on stage, international culture divides, and dichotomy of all-adult sexy shows and all-ages family-friendly shows. (this conversation was recorded June 18, 2023)

• Instagram: @iambenfranklin @aerialjosh @2toflyburlesque @boysnightrevue
• more 2 to Fly: https://linktr.ee/2tofly and 2toflyburlesque.com

SUPPORT THE PODCAST: - patreon.com/weburlesque - venmo: @viktor-devonne - paypal: [email protected] - cashapp: $weburlesque All donations at $25 or above will get a signed 8x10 of Viktor Devonne, covered in flour.

— WEBurlesque Podcast Network is the creation of Viktor Devonne. Episode 189 call hook by Chris Harder. Podcast artwork by Logan Laveau, WEBurlesque the Podcast cover art photography by Atticus Stevenson. Theme song, "On a 45" by This Way to the Egress, used with permission. Incidental music via pixabay.com under fair use. Visit weburlesquepodcast.com for notes on this and every episode. Follow @weburlesque and @viktordevonne on just about every platform, and support the podcast via patreon.com/weburlesque or via Venmo @Viktor-Devonne. Don't got the cash? Please follow, subscribe, and give 5 stars on every platform you can get your hands on. It really does help. All original material is owned by Viktor Devonne and White Elephant Burlesque Corporation; all other materials property of their respective copyright. No infringement, while likely, is intended.

"Your audience sees you. I don't care if you're a performer, a producer, a kitten, or a vendor. They are watching you. They determine who to patronize, who to be involved with, who to give their dollars to."

Lakota Shekar holds court in Cleveland, OH. Just coming off her visit to the Burlesque Hall of Fame Weekender, where she was part of the Miss Exotic World judging panel and part of the accessibility crew. We talk about the apparent shock at the winners' circle by some folks, and how she feels about all that, plus how BHOF held space for disabled audience members and perforners. Conversation includes thoughts on production, judging, burly parents and children, cancer, reading the comments, drag, redlining, and that age-old "you're so brave" kudos. (this conversation was recorded June 15, 2023)

• Instagram: @lakota_shekhar @blackwater_cabaret @disabiliteaseacademy
• https://www.facebook.com/lakota.shekhar.5
• https://www.tiktok.com/@lakota_shekhar

SUPPORT THE PODCAST: - patreon.com/weburlesque - venmo: @viktor-devonne - paypal: [email protected] - cashapp: $weburlesque All donations at $25 or above will get a signed 8x10 of Viktor Devonne, covered in flour.

— WEBurlesque Podcast Network is the creation of Viktor Devonne. Episode 188 call hook by Faggedy Randy. Podcast artwork by Logan Laveau, WEBurlesque the Podcast cover art photography by Atticus Stevenson. Theme song, "On a 45" by This Way to the Egress, used with permission. Incidental music via pixabay.com under fair use. Visit weburlesquepodcast.com for notes on this and every episode. Follow @weburlesque and @viktordevonne on just about every platform, and support the podcast via patreon.com/weburlesque or via Venmo @Viktor-Devonne. Don't got the cash? Please follow, subscribe, and give 5 stars on every platform you can get your hands on. It really does help. All original material is owned by Viktor Devonne and White Elephant Burlesque Corporation; all other materials property of their respective copyright. No infringement, while likely, is intended.

"I am at a point where I want to create acts that mean a lot to me... I think we should be representing where we're from, and not being afraid of showing our history and our culture, and I would love to see more of that."

Marie La'Pearl hails from Puerto Rico and moved to Virginia Beach, where she now bumps and grinds. We talk about Marie's development in the field of burlesque, her connection to the island of enchantment, pin-up, cultural pride, conservatism, blue laws, and good cocina criolla! (this conversation was recorded May 23, 2023)

• Instagram: @marie_lapearl @burlyvillethrill
• more Marie: https://linktr.ee/marielapearl

SUPPORT THE PODCAST: - patreon.com/weburlesque - venmo: @viktor-devonne - paypal: [email protected] - cashapp: $weburlesque All donations at $25 or above will get a signed 8x10 of Viktor Devonne, covered in flour.

— WEBurlesque Podcast Network is the creation of Viktor Devonne. Episode 187 call hook by Stella Nova. Podcast artwork by Logan Laveau, WEBurlesque the Podcast cover art photography by Atticus Stevenson. Theme song, "On a 45" by This Way to the Egress, used with permission. Incidental music via pixabay.com under fair use. Visit weburlesquepodcast.com for notes on this and every episode. Follow @weburlesque and @viktordevonne on just about every platform, and support the podcast via patreon.com/weburlesque or via Venmo @Viktor-Devonne. Don't got the cash? Please follow, subscribe, and give 5 stars on every platform you can get your hands on. It really does help. All original material is owned by Viktor Devonne and White Elephant Burlesque Corporation; all other materials property of their respective copyright. No infringement, while likely, is intended.

"When I hit 30, I was redfinding dance and refinding home, and finding other areas of my sexuality, and just experimenting in new and fun ways. That was a gateway drug to burlesque, but if I hadn't had those experiences first, it would have been harder to be myself on stage in front of other people, while I was taking my clothes off... I don't think I would have had the joy in it."

Red Velvet is a trained dancer who has become a versatile, frequently provocative and disarming. A San Francisco wonder, Red Velvet chats about pets, beginnings, motivation, the film Burlesque and its effect on the scene, creating one's own opportunities, tiny dollhouses, ageism, and problematic elements within the scene. And yes, we do talk about that, uh, other thing. (this conversation was recorded May 24, 2023)

• • Instagram: @redvelvetburlesque
  • more Red Velvet: https://www.redvelvetburlesque.com
  • more Red Velvet: https://linktr.ee/redvelvetburlesque

SUPPORT THE PODCAST: - patreon.com/weburlesque - venmo: @viktor-devonne - paypal: [email protected] - cashapp: $weburlesque All donations at $25 or above will get a signed 8x10 of Viktor Devonne, covered in flour.

— WEBurlesque Podcast Network is the creation of Viktor Devonne. Episode 186 call hook by Miss AuroraBoobRealis. Podcast artwork by Logan Laveau, WEBurlesque the Podcast cover art photography by Atticus Stevenson. Theme song, "On a 45" by This Way to the Egress, used with permission. Incidental music via pixabay.com under fair use. Visit weburlesquepodcast.com for notes on this and every episode. Follow @weburlesque and @viktordevonne on just about every platform, and support the podcast via patreon.com/weburlesque or via Venmo @Viktor-Devonne. Don't got the cash? Please follow, subscribe, and give 5 stars on every platform you can get your hands on. It really does help. All original material is owned by Viktor Devonne and White Elephant Burlesque Corporation; all other materials property of their respective copyright. No infringement, while likely, is intended.

"It's not about being the best dancer; it's about finding a way to engage with the audience in a way that feel authentic to you and also also is entertaining. We're there to entertain, to create this fantasy for people, but that fantasy can be so many different things."

The handsome charmer Chris Harder sits with Viktor to tell tales as a North Dakota export to NYC, who would thrill audiences as a silly, sexy boylesque star. His latest enterprise is SHOW BOYS, a behind-the-scenes and historically influenced podcast on men in burlesque, striptease, and beyond. (this conversation was recorded May 15, 2023)

• Instagram: @thechrisharder @showboyspod
• more Harder: https://www.harderchris.com https://linktr.ee/hardercandyinc

SUPPORT THE PODCAST: - patreon.com/weburlesque - venmo: @viktor-devonne - paypal: [email protected] - cashapp: $weburlesque All donations at $25 or above will get a signed 8x10 of Viktor Devonne, covered in flour.

— WEBurlesque Podcast Network is the creation of Viktor Devonne. Episode 184 call hook by Rain Supreme. Podcast artwork by Logan Laveau, WEBurlesque the Podcast cover art photography by Atticus Stevenson. Theme song, "On a 45" by This Way to the Egress, used with permission. Incidental music via pixabay.com under fair use. Visit weburlesquepodcast.com for notes on this and every episode. Follow @weburlesque and @viktordevonne on just about every platform, and support the podcast via patreon.com/weburlesque or via Venmo @Viktor-Devonne. Don't got the cash? Please follow, subscribe, and give 5 stars on every platform you can get your hands on. It really does help. All original material is owned by Viktor Devonne and White Elephant Burlesque Corporation; all other materials property of their respective copyright. No infringement, while likely, is intended.