Ep. 31 - "Growing Up Gay" w/Denny Patterson

On this week's episode, I welcome 19 year old Irish Internet Sensation, Connie Whelan. She discusses how Drag Race Lip-Syncs led to recognition for her and is now inspiring her to push it further. Connie dishes about the creation of her new YouTube channel and her love for Trixie Mattel. Connie is willing to do anything for a good laugh and because of her popular videos that have expanded to included Real Housewives and even X Factor recreations, she's gone from 600 followers to 16k since the start of lockdown. Hear about her other inspirations like Gemma Collins, Tiffany Haddish, and the Irish drag queen, Victoria Secret. In the second of half of the show, Connie and I play a game called "What's That Mean?" together.  Insta, TikTok: @Connie_Whelan_ & If you want more 'Eye 2 I' follow our page on FB: @Eye2IPodcast or Patreon.com/eye2ipodcast Rate, Subscribe, & Share your favorite episode today. Follow us on Instagram @EyeLightHue for official podcast merchandise.

On today's bonus episode, I am joined by self-taught makeup artist & actor Zachary Flu. Zach shares their story into the makeup world starting with the first time he put on lipstick with their father, to leading their first Masterclass for the next generation. We discuss inspirations like David Bowie, Lady Gaga, Miss Fame, Ellis Atlantis, & even Zach's own friend Laurel Charleston. Zachary discusses working bridal parties, their favorite looks, and encourages each of you, "if you feel beautiful, go out and do it!" Follow on all their social media accounts --- Insta, FB, TikTok: @ZachFlu / Website: zachflu.com & If you want more 'Eye 2 I' follow our page on FB: @Eye2IPodcast or Patreon.com/eye2ipodcast Rate, Subscribe, & Share your favorite episode today. Follow us on Instagram @EyeLightHue for official podcast merchandise.

We are so excited to have as our guest for a special Halloqueen episode of Eye 2 I, The Maddelynn Hatter from Dragula Season 3. In this interview, you will hear all about Maddelynn's first passion for illustrating, why the move from Massachusetts to New York was pivotal for them, and how bartending in a strip club shaped the creation their drag persona. A decade of drag and some change later, the Boulet Brother's enter with an opportunity that will change Maddelynn's life forever. Tune in to learn more about what made them say yes to Dragula, hear about what family looks like and means to them, and what the future holds for this fierce all-around entertainer. Follow on all their social media accounts --- Insta, Twitter, FB: @TheOnlyMadd Twitch.tv/theonlymadd & If you want more 'Eye 2 I' follow our page on FB: @Eye2IPodcast or Patreon.com/eye2ipodcast Rate, Subscribe, & Share your favorite episode today. Follow us on Instagram @EyeLightHue for official podcast merchandise.

This week, we are switching things up with a guest host! You heard me right, Arron has today off. You may remember her from episode 29 or you more likely you had her give you your latest tattoo. Toronto-based artist, Lizzie Renaud is back and stepping into the host chair of Eye 2 I. Lizzie interviews the incredibly talented talker & drag sweetheart, Allysin Chaynes. Allysin shares her beginnings in visual art, which lead to attending OCAD, and now has developed into finding their authentic voice and moving into the digital drag realm. They share some advice direct from Coco Peru & even dive into some fascinating dream collabs. Follow on all their social media accounts --- Insta, FB, Twitter: @allysinchaynes | @speakeasytattoo | @lizzietattoo / Website: twitch.tv/speakeasytattoo & If you want more 'Eye 2 I' follow our page on FB: @Eye2IPodcast or Patreon.com/eye2ipodcast Subscribe & Share your favorite episode today. Follow us on Instagram @EyeLightHue for official podcast merchandise.

This week, we are welcomed by a very special guest all the way in Puerto Vallarta, Brian Peters, more commonly known as The Mama Tits! We start by discussing their operatic vocal background, what took them from Idaho to Seattle, and Brian even recounts how they meet their husband! Listen in to hear Mama tell about delivering their world famous speech at Seattle Pride 2014 & how their "Care Bare Stare" directly led to Putin banning Mama from traveling in Russia. Make sure you are registered to vote and to get those ballots in early. Your voice matters & thank you for joining us for this special episode. Follow on all their social media accounts --- Insta, FB, Twitter: @themamatits / Website: themamatits.com & If you want more 'Eye 2 I' follow our page on FB: @Eye2IPodcast or Patreon.com/eye2ipodcast Subscribe & Share your favorite episode today. Follow us on Instagram @EyeLightHue for official podcast merchandise.

This week, we are welcomed by a very special guest from the Netherlands, Peter Van Vught, more affectionately known as Darling Peter! We start by hearing Peter's tale of growing up a farmer boy and how a chance meeting to score some Beth Heart tickets landed him a job with Paradiso, where their passion for PR & party planning took off. Peter then shares stories about Milkshake Festival, Superball, and even what it took to plan an official George Michael tribute concert when he passed. Peter even organized the Premiere Viewing Party for Drag Race Holland. Come hear about all of his favorite events & learn about those who inspire him. (Lookin at you the two of Billy Porter & Michaela Coel!) Thank each of you for joining us for this special episode. Follow on all their social media accounts --- Insta, FB, Twitter: @itsdarlingpeter @sweetiedarlingparty @prideamsterdam & If you want more 'Eye 2 I' follow our page on FB: @Eye2IPodcast or Patreon.com/eye2ipodcast Subscribe & Share your favorite episode today. Follow us on Instagram @EyeLightHue for official podcast merchandise.

On today's bonus episode, I am joined by Paul Flanagan, champion for LOVE, cabaret performer/producer, & most recently Paul has stepped into their identity as an astrology & tarot reader. Paul shares his journey into performance, he shares how he strives for process, and we touch on the importance of just being yourself. This episode covers reverence for nature & plenty of energy talk. Paul even previews his cross country #HeteroHomoAdventure he and designated straight man, Andrew Garrett have planned. Join us as we tread into the unknown. Follow on all their social media accounts --- Insta: @sensiblepaul / FB: @Paulflanagan / Website: Paulflanagan.com & If you want more 'Eye 2 I' follow our page on FB: @Eye2IPodcast or Patreon.com/eye2ipodcast Rate, Subscribe, & Share your favorite episode today. Follow us on Instagram @EyeLightHue for official podcast merchandise.

Dr. Ashley Wellman has been a scholar specializing in homicide, victimology, and trauma since 2008. As a widow and single mother, she had to rebuild and redefine her life. Now, as author of the My Friend Fresno children's book series, she is creating a life full of magic for her family while spreading a message of love, acceptance and friendship to all those who interact with her business. Please join us today for a wonderful and insightful interview into how creativity can not only shape, but save one's life.  Follow on all their social media accounts --- FB, TikTok, Insta & Twitter: @MyFriendFresno @DrAshleyWellman | Website: www.myfriendfresno.com | www.ashleywellman.com & If you want more 'Eye 2 I' follow our page on FB: @Eye2IPodcast or Patreon.com/eye2ipodcast Rate, Subscribe, & Share your favorite episode today. Follow us on Instagram @EyeLightHue for official podcast merchandise.

Listen in to the first half of my interview with the talented singer & drag performer @Ada Vox! Ada discusses what it was like auditioning for @AmericanIdol 13 times & why it meant so much to them to make the top ten after being eliminated at the Top 50 mark on Season 12.  We discuss their childhood in San Antonio & Ada credits their first performance opportunities to a youth organization called Network for Young Artists (NYA) in Texas. Come learn more about their journey with drag & get a tease of what is still to come for Ada. If you'd like to hear the FULL LENGTH version of Ada's episode, you can head over to Patreon.com and for as low of a cost as one cup of coffee ($5), you will gain access to unabridged bonus episodes, access to polls that influence the show, and even have a chance to record an episode highlighting your own journey. It's with your continued support that we can create more content for you. Pledge your support at Patreon.com/eye2ipodcast  Follow them on all their social media accounts --- Insta: @AdaVox TikTok: @Adavox | Patreon.com/adavox

On today's episode i am joined by Denny Patterson, celebrity interviewer for @OutFrontMagazine & digitalization specialist extraordinaire. Denny shares his journey into writing, dives into his passion for theatre, & even recounts how he came to interview Dennis & Judy Shepard (Parents to Mathew Shepard) themselves. Hear about his passion for preserving history through his work with @Ancestry & stay tuned to hear about Denny's personal favorite celebrity interviews he has landed. Follow on all their social media accounts --- Insta: @dennyp777 / FB: @DennyPatterson / Website: OutFrontMagazine.com & If you want more 'Eye 2 I' follow our page on FB: @Eye2IPodcast or Patreon.com/eye2ipodcast Rate, Subscribe, & Share your favorite episode today. Follow us on Instagram @EyeLightHue for official podcast merchandise.