You Alright Babes?

Three seasons, 21 episodes later and the boys bring You Alright Babes to a close, reminiscing and sharing some of their favourite parts of the show and the incredible variety of guests who shared their inspiring stories over the podcast. We started You Alright Babes as a way to talk through queer strength and struggles during the COVID-19 pandemic, and how the creative community always finds a way to channel their creativity into new avenues to keep queer expression alive. A big thank you to all our guests and everyone who listened - we've loved every second. Love, James and Producer Robs x

The boys are joined by KISSTORY ICON and broadcaster Neev Spencer! If you grew up listening to KISS, chances are just hearing Neev say hello will bring back them memories (as they did with James, just a lil fanboy moment...) An array of topics are touched upon in this episode, from Neev's pioneering career as Britain's first female Asian DJ on a mainstream station, to Neev's work in mental health. Mental health has always been a close topic for James and Rob on the podcast, and this episode goes deeper into this topic than ever before - from everyone's individual mental health challenges, to Neev's passion of raising awareness for and supporting mothers' mental health during pregnancy and early years. 

James and Rob chat to THE Cockney Princess and star of RuPaul's Drag Race Series 3 Scarlett Harlett. The boys chat Scarlett's rise to fame as part of the iconic franchise, her difficult time on the show and the impacts all of that had on Scarlett's mental health and her associated journey through depression. There's also chat on Scarlett's drag inspirations, looks for the Season 3 tour, and even a bit or two on the House of Dragon. What do we call that? Variety (or chaos - you decide). 

OH LISTENERS, getting the super babe that is Karen Harding on the show has been a long time coming! As huge fans of dance music, Karen's music has been in James' and Rob's ears for years, and well, the episode is pure chaos! Whatever was in the water that evening... We talk 'Say Something' (of course) and Karen's recording career up to now, the focus on London as a creative hub in the UK, and a chap called Michael Mather who Karen did NOT know, but James thought might cause he was a fellow Geordie... As we said, chaos. 

Those ears best be ready for some French gorgeousness and possibly the sexiest voice on the podcast yet, as Glitterbox Creative Director, non-binary babes and fashion stylist Ru Jean joins James and Rob on the podcast. Ru and the boys talk diversifying of the world's biggest dance labels and brands, Glitterbox, as their creative lead - and honouring Ru's culture in her work in that Honey Dijon video. Ru and James also talk sobriety and some of the hardships - and opportunities - of taking that journey in the LGBTQ+ community.

You best believe series 3 is here with a bang! James and Rob are back back back again, joined by the dangerously talented Ryan Lanji. It's hard to really put a label to Ryan's talents - the man won a flower show on Netflix without having ever touched floristry... - but chances are you'll best know Ryan from pioneering his Bollywood LGBTQ+ club night 'Hungama', or very soon as one of the hosts on BBC3's 'The Big Proud Party Agency'. The boys talk everything from musical and cultural influencers growing up in a South Asian household in Canada, his experience on that Netflix lockdown gem, to creating safe, proud queer spaces for minority LGBTQ+ groups. 

We go back to Season 1 vibes as James flies solo for this episode. He's joined by the gorgeously giant Chris Jammer, co-founder and Head of Partnerships for festivals of 'Strawberries and Cream' and 'Cambridge Club'. James and Chris go way back, and discuss Chris' tenure on the recently rebooted Shipwrecked, his coming out, and being gay as black man in the music scene. 

Star of ITV's 'Peckham's Finest' joined the boys for a lengthy-chat (read: we need Mark back for part 2 STAT) on his journey from parties Dupé's Den to Jungle Kitty, his part in the new ITV2 reality show focused on young, black creatives in Peckham, and a tree called Elvisha. An absolute hun, enjoy this fun-packed episode babes x

We're used to hearing about LGBTQ+ nightclubs shutting in London, so when a new one is due to open - slap bang in Camden of all places - it's something to celebrate. And Zodiac Bar promises to be a more inclusive and friendly LGBTQ+ in London. 'Mother Jade' is the reason why. James and Rob sit down with Jade, and business (and real!) partner David to hear about what makes Zodaic so different, Jade's journey as a Philipino-Chinese trans-woman, and a potential series highlight in Dave's nickname... 

James and Rob were lucky enough to be graced by London's - neigh, THE WORLD's - best drag performers in Brandy X (you might know her as LA Fierce!) The boys talk with Brandy about the London drag scene, Brandy's journey to where she is now as an established, booked and blessed drag performer and get real about family growing up in Los Angeles. It's a powerful episode - tissues at the ready!