7. Kirstie's Coming Out Story - Hardships Growing Up in the Bible Belt

Today’s guest is Lauren Abedini—aka KITTENS. She’s a powerhouse DJ, music producer, podcast host, creative strategist, and an unapologetic voice for intersectional feminism. With Iranian-American roots and a deep connection to her identity, Lauren has spent the last decade carving out space not just in music, but across fashion, beauty, and advocacy. Her influence is bold, intentional, and always evolving.In this episode, we get into all of it—her rise in the industry, what it means to take up space authentically, and how to empowering untraditional healthy relationships. So get cozy, stay open, and let’s get into it.Follow KITTENS, Lauren Abedini:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iamkittens/Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@iamkittensYoutube: https://www.youtube.com/@iamKITTENSFollow She Comes With Baggage Podcast: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shecomeswithbaggage__Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@shecomeswithbaggage__Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@KirstiePike

Today’s guest is Kelly Balch—a queer, nonbinary artist, filmmaker, and intuitive storyteller whose work feels like both a mirror and a portal. With over 15 years behind the lens as a photographer and director, Kelly’s creates mediums for us to be seen and celebrated. From their mythic fantasy book series Aphrodite’s Sister, to their docuseries Beyond the Norms, Kelly weaves stories that celebrate identity and transformation.In this episode, we talk about their journey as a creator, how they channel emotion and authenticity into art, and what it means to live—and create—from a place of truth. So get comfy, stay open, and let's get into it.Follow Kelly Balch:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kellybalch/Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@kellybalchFollow She Comes With Baggage Podcast: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shecomeswithbaggage__Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@shecomeswithbaggage__Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@KirstiePike

Matt McKenley is a model, actor, and content creator whose bold blend of fashion, beauty, and lifestyle has made waves across TikTok and Instagram. But beyond the aesthetic, Matt shares something much deeper—his journey of growing up gay in a religious household, the process of unlearning shame, and embracing his full, authentic self in both life and online.In this episode, we’re talking about what it really means to find your voice, show up for yourself unapologetically, and create content that empowers others. So get comfy, stay open, and let’s get into it.Follow Matt Mckenley:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mattmckenley/Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mattmckenleyFollow She Comes With Baggage Podcast: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shecomeswithbaggage__Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@shecomeswithbaggage__Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@KirstiePike

Hey everyone, welcome back to She Comes With Baggage! Where we unpack the real, unfiltered experiences that shape who we are. My hope is that through these deep conversations and laughs, we realize we’re all more alike than we are different.Today, I’m joined by two incredible guests, Dominic Pérignon and Carter Nelson—creators, storytellers, and passionate advocates for the trans community. Dominic shares authentic experiences through travel, fashion, and his series T-Time, while Carter, an actor in Grand Army and Dead End: Paranormal Park, uses his platform for photography and celebrating self-expression.In this episode, we’re diving into the power of friendship, navigating life as trans creators, and how Dom and Carter are using their voices to advocate for visibility and change. So, get comfy, stay open, and let’s get into it!Follow Dominic Pérignon:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lolhidominic/Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lolhidominicFollow Carter Nelson:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cnelson/Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@itscnelsonFollow She Comes With Baggage Podcast: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shecomeswithbaggage__Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@shecomeswithbaggage__Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@KirstiePike

Season 2 of She Comes With Baggage is officially here. The season is going to look a little different as I, Kirstie Pike, am opening up the mic to friends and creatives who inspire me. I truly believe in the power of stories to connect us, heal us, and remind us that we are never alone in the baggage we carry. In a time when so many stories are being silenced or overlooked, it's up to us to create new spaces that amplify those stories that matter. My hope is that the conversations inspire more compassion for one another and for ourselves. Thank you for being a part of this journey...so get cozy, stay curious, and let's get into it! New episodes every Thursday! Follow on Instagram, Tiktok, and Youtube! 

Hey everyone, welcome back to She Comes With Baggage! This season is going to look a little different as I am opening the mic up to friends and creatives who inspire me…and where we unpack the real, unfiltered experiences that shape who we are. Whether you’re here for the deep conversations, the laughs, or just to feel a little less alone in the baggage you might be carrying, you’re in the right place.Today, I’m sitting down with the incredible Louis Levanti producer, host, and content creator known for his sharp-witted pop culture breakdowns and exclusive red carpet interviews. But today, we’re going beyond the headlines. On this episode, Louis opens up about his journey—his upbringing, navigating identity within the queer community, and how his personal experiences have shaped the person he is both on and off camera.So, get comfy, stay open, and let’s get into it!Follow Louis Levanti:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/louislevantiTiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@louislevantiFollow She Comes With Baggage Podcast: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shecomeswithbaggage__Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@shecomeswithbaggage__Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@KirstiePike

Throughout this season, we have opened up and shared some of the baggage we carry, so we thought it is only right to end Season 1 on how we protect our peace. In this episode, we are getting vulnerable about deeper conversations from the fear of abandonment and body dysmorphia, to our experiences during COVID. We hope that in sharing some of our methods we use to protect our health mentally, physically, and emotionally, we can help you in some way as well! Thank you SO much for tuning in this season. If you enjoyed this podcast, please give us a follow and a rating! If you have topic ideas or guests you would like for us to bring on throughout season 2 - submit through the link in our bio! Follow the full adventure: Instagram - TikTok - YouTubeshecomeswithbaggagemedia.com@kirstieandchristineAdvertise with us: [email protected]

Join us for a hilarious and revealing episode of She Comes With Baggage, where we put our relationship to the test with "How Well Do You Know Me?" This interactive game isn't just about us; it's an opportunity for you, our valued audience, to get to know us better as we ask each other a series of personal questions. Who knows... you might even know some of these about us already! We can't wait to hear your guesses :) If you are enjoying this podcast, don't forget to subscribe for more engaging content on She Comes With Baggage!Follow the full adventure: Instagram - TikTok - YouTubeshecomeswithbaggagemedia.com@kirstieandchristineAdvertise with us: [email protected]

Nearly 70 countries still criminalize LGBTQ+ identities. Join us in this episode as we discuss the complexities of traveling as a queer couple and how we explore destinations where LGBTQ+ rights are still not fully recognized. We are discussing why boycotting may not always be the most effective solution, and sharing insightful tips on navigating non-progressive destinations such as traveling in the Middle East. Excited for you to join us on this adventurous episode! Follow the full adventure: Instagram - TikTok - YouTubeshecomeswithbaggagemedia.com@kirstieandchristineAdvertise with us: [email protected]

Kirstie was born and raised in Tennessee aka the Bible Belt. The South is known for religious rhetoric which was instilled in a lot of her life growing up. This week, Kirstie shares her experiences coming out to her family and the hardships she went through when she told her friends. Come on this journey to hear how she moved from Tennessee to California and experienced being fully accepted for the first time. Are you enjoying this podcast? Let us know your thoughts!  Leaving 5 star ratings and downloading each episode supports us SO much - thank you for all the love!Follow the full adventure: Instagram - TikTok - YouTubeshecomeswithbaggagemedia.com@kirstieandchristineAdvertise with us:  [email protected]