S2EP03 - Dragula Titans: A Gothic Wedding

🎃 Just Between Us Ghouls — Season 2, Episode 3 “Laundry, Languages, and the Lost Episode” This week, Joe and Lauri are running on fumes but still manage to cackle their way through chaos, coffee, and controversy. Between packing boxes, dodging scam calls, and fighting L.A. traffic, the ghouls catch up on everything from union meetings to moving day madness. But don’t let the domestic chores fool you—things get deep. The pair revisit the aftermath of the “Evan situation,” unpacking how a simple podcast bit spiraled into a moral debate about context, comedy, and accountability. It’s a raw, unfiltered conversation that’s equal parts thoughtful and exasperated. Along the way, Joe confesses to attending a sensory-friendly screening of Bride of Frankenstein, where the crowd’s etiquette was more terrifying than the monster. Lauri brings classroom insights about teaching sign language to nonverbal students, and the two go off on a hilariously tense tangent about language, culture, and what counts as “dangerous territory.” By the end, the episode becomes part confession, part catharsis, and all ghoulishly real. Joe’s long trek home turns into a full-on rant about L.A. traffic. A quick “Diego, mark this” becomes a full laundry saga. The long-awaited follow-up to the “Evan text.” Philosophical detours into irony, intent, and why some jokes don’t land. Lauri’s hot takes on group therapy, teaching, and her new apartment. Joe’s screening of Bride of Frankenstein… at a sensory-friendly event. An impromptu debate about sign language, dialects, and “universal” communication. Lauri’s breaking point: “He spelled my name with an E at the end—I’m done!” Between editing confessions, emotional reckonings, and tales from the moving trenches, this episode proves that sometimes the scariest monsters are human miscommunications. Joe and Lauri balance self-reflection with their trademark banter, delivering a candid, funny, and surprisingly vulnerable hour of podcasting. Follow us on Instagram and Threads @AfterthoughtMedia Join the conversation and support the show at patreon.com/afterthoughtmedia 💀 Highlights🦇 Final Thoughts📞 Stay Connected Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this episode of RuPaul's Drag Race Recap, hosts Joe and Nathan discuss Season 17 Episode 12, titled 'The Charisma, Uniqueness, Nerve, and Talent Monologues.' They delve into the lip sync battle, contestant eliminations, and the dynamics of the mini and maxi challenges, highlighting the queens' performances and the inconsistencies in judging. The conversation also touches on the storytelling themes presented in the challenges and the interactions between the contestants. In this segment, the conversation delves into the dynamics of the competition, focusing on Lexi's controversial moments, the mini challenge, and the strategies employed by the queens in the workroom. The discussion also covers elimination day observations and critiques of the maxi challenge performances, highlighting the strengths and weaknesses of each contestant. In this episode, the hosts delve into various topics, including the medicinal benefits of cannabis, the ugliest dress challenge from a popular drag race show, and the cultural implications of fashion choices. They analyze the contestants' performances, critique their outfits, and share personal anecdotes, all while maintaining a humorous and engaging tone. The conversation wraps up with reflections on the episode and expectations for future discussions. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Hello Uglies – Titans Season 2, Episode 2: “The Monsters of Rock: Cyberpussy” In this episode of Hello Uglies, Joe Betance and Lauri Roggenkamp take on the electrifying—and chaotic—second episode of Dragula: Titans Season 2, “The Monsters of Rock: Cyberpussy.” The monsters are bussed into the desert for a mysterious cyberpunk music challenge that promises rock, rebellion, and a touch of confusion. Joe and Lauri unpack one of the strangest Dragula challenges yet, where the Boulet Brothers send the monsters to an outdoor festival without ever explaining what’s actually happening. Lauri notices the production cracks early—missing context, endless setup scenes, and a suspicious amount of time watching people walk around in the desert. Joe questions the Boulet Brothers’ editing choices, calling this episode “a masterclass in bad reality-show producing.” The hosts debate whether Jaharia truly earned her win, with Joe arguing the competition logic was murky at best. Lauri surprises herself by becoming a full-fledged JK fan, citing the queen’s sharp humor and standout moments in the cauldron. The duo relives the chaos of the cauldron: Loris’s self-doubt, La Zavaleta’s unpredictable detours, and the infamous “ketamine prescription” confrontation. Joe and Lauri both clock the return of Dragula’s classic inconsistency—wild concepts, shaky execution, and some genuinely funny moments that keep them watching anyway. Email: [email protected]: speakpipe.com/afterthoughtmediaSupport the show: patreon.com/afterthoughtmedia for early, ad-free access and bonus content. Hello Uglies is an Afterthought Media podcast. Produced by Denis Escolero. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this episode of RuPaul's Drag Race Recap , hosts Joe and Nathan discuss Season 17, Episode 11, titled 'Ross Matthews versus the Ducks.' They delve into the episode's highlights, including the lip sync battle, contestant dynamics, and the controversial farewell message from Arriety. The conversation also touches on the maxi challenge and the performances of the contestants, with a focus on the drama and entertainment value of the episode. In this episode, the hosts delve into the intricacies of performance challenges on Drag Race, discussing the dynamics of competition, directing styles, and the impact of expectations on contestants. They analyze specific moments from the show, including role selection, memorable performances, and the overall quality of the script. The conversation highlights the tension between contestants and critiques the editing choices made by the producers, ultimately questioning the fairness of the competition. In this episode, the hosts engage in a lively discussion about the latest runway looks from Drag Race, sharing their critiques and opinions on the contestants' performances. They delve into the dynamics of competition, the significance of runway themes, and the impact of personal biases on their judgments. The conversation culminates in reflections on the episode's outcomes and the contestants' fates, highlighting the blend of humor and critique that characterizes their commentary. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

🕸️ Hello Uglies: Titans Season 2, Episode 1 — “Halloween House Party 2” The monsters are back from the grave, and so are Joe and Lauri! In this premiere of Dragula: Titans Season 2, the Boulet Brothers resurrect fourteen ghouls for another round of filth, horror, and glamour. The fright feat? Pulling pins from a voodoo doll. The main challenge? A Halloween House Party sequel and lip-sync battle to the Boulets’ own song. And the extermination? Let’s just say it’s a literal cliffhanger. Joe opens up about juggling podcasting and jury duty while Lauri reminds him she’s heard it all before. The duo unpack the Meet Our Monsters drama, discuss returning contestants, and debate whether this season feels more like Who Said Yes? than Titans. Joe rants about the Boulets’ beard-contouring disaster, over-edited floor shows, and their forgotten sense of imagination. Lauri insists Sigourney’s self-confidence is earned while Joe brands her “too safe.” The two dissect early alliances, fake rivalries, and how Dragula sometimes sabotages its own queens. Evah Destruction’s endless talking, Cynthia Doll’s volume, and Disasterina’s accent chaos all come under fire. The new Ghost Host makes his grand return, serving graveyard glamour with haunting narration for each selected look. Joe and Lauri critique Evah’s winning Grim Reaper look, La Zavaleta’s “bedsheet ghost,” Priscilla’s disco werewolf, and Sigourney’s slightly under-contoured devil. They tackle the new voting twist, Dollya's strategic power move, and whether Dragula’s “anti-Drag Race” roots are slowly fading away. 📧 Email: [email protected] 🎙️ Leave a voicemail: speakpipe.com/afterthoughtmedia 💸 Support exclusive content: patreon.com/afterthoughtmedia Produced by Denis Escolero Special Thanks to our Expensive Tier Patreon Supporters Hello Uglies is an Afterthought Media Podcast. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this episode of RuPaul's Drag Race Recap, hosts Joe and Nathan dive into Season 17 Episode 10, titled 'The Villains Roast.' They express their excitement about the episode, discussing the lip sync battle, character dynamics, and personal struggles of the contestants. The conversation highlights the complexities of competition, the impact of personal insecurities, and the evolving relationships among the queens. Joe and Nathan analyze the performances and the emotional undercurrents that drive the contestants' actions, providing insights into the show's themes of resilience and vulnerability. In this conversation, the speakers delve into the complexities of performance in competitive environments, exploring how personal experiences and emotional vulnerabilities shape individuals' actions and reactions. They discuss the importance of communication and teamwork, the dynamics of blame and personal responsibility, and the influence of past experiences on current behavior. The conversation also touches on the role of mentorship in creative processes and the impact of self-image on performance. In this episode of Drag Race Recap, Nathan and Joe delve into the complexities of friendship and betrayal during the roast challenge, analyze the performances of the contestants, and explore conspiracy theories surrounding the writing of jokes. They also critique the fashion choices on the runway and reflect on the overall episode, highlighting key moments and insights. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Season Finale: “He’s Playing the Long Game” Joe and Nathan close out the 2025 season of The Rumor Mill with a chaotic blend of heartfelt listener love, Eurotrip plans, and Blackstone-fueled madness. Nathan’s packing his bags (and possibly his Grindr grid) for Europe, while Joe swears he’s “totally straight now” and absolutely not talking about Jeremy or Carlo—except, of course, he is. From ghosted text threads to imaginary girlfriends, Joe gives a full report on his German heartbreak saga as Nathan tries (and fails) to keep the show on track. The duo takes listener voicemails covering everything from Drag Race Season 2 nostalgia to Real Housewives rankings, with shoutouts to Travon, Kevin, Katie, and the beloved “Elder Gay from Kentucky.” Joe even summons the long-dormant Mites for an update that veers into horror-movie territory before unveiling the return of the one and only Mr. Blackstone, who tears into a new listener’s fashion sense with trademark venom (and suspiciously German admiration). Between fake news of Jane Goodall’s demise, spontaneous voicemails, and a failed live call to Evan, the episode spirals in the best possible Rumor Mill way—equal parts chaos, camp, and catharsis. Before signing off, Joe and Nathan reflect on their chemistry, their listeners, and their growing legend as the internet’s favorite duo to dish about everything except actual drag rumors. Joe’s “I’m straight now” era—complete with girlfriend Aiden and denial. Nathan’s European adventures (and the hunt for Eurocock). Listener voicemails from Trevon, Kevin, Katie, and Sean. The return of the Mites (with unexpected tragedy). Mr. Blackstone reviews listener Brendan’s looks—and maybe civilization itself. Fake news of Jane Goodall’s “death” and Joe’s wild theory about podcast espionage. Talk of the Rulaska Thoughts future and potential format changes. A sweet farewell from Nathan before his trip—and a teaser that Rumor Mill will return. “I only express my emotions on shows. I never say how I really feel… which is probably why everyone’s mad at me.” Got thoughts, theories, or voicemails for next season? Leave a SpeakPipe or DM @joebetance. 🔥 Highlights🧃 Best Quote💌 Follow-Up Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this episode of RuPaul's Drag Race Recap, Joe and Nathan discuss Season 17 Episode 9, titled 'Heavens to Betsey.' They delve into personal anecdotes, health updates, and listener feedback before analyzing the lip sync battle and design challenge inspired by Betsey Johnson. The hosts reflect on the quality of the show, the dynamics of showmances, and the mini challenge where queens read each other for filth. They conclude with thoughts on the contestants' performances and strategies in the competition. In this episode of the Drag Race Recap, Joe and Nathan delve into the emotional struggles of the contestants, particularly focusing on Lexi's lack of inspiration and the dynamics within the workroom. They discuss the impact of guest judge Betsey Johnson and the various design challenges faced by the queens. As elimination day approaches, the conversation shifts to personal transformations and runway looks, culminating in critiques of the outfits presented on stage. The episode wraps up with reflections on the competition and the contestants' journeys. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In the penultimate episode of The Rumor Mill, Joe and Nathan dive headfirst into one of the season’s most unexpected storylines: when the host himself becomes the news. What starts as a recap of a listener’s feedback spirals into a candid discussion about paraphrasing, cultural nuance, and the perils of being quoted back to yourself. The conversation covers: A fair-and-balanced “news report” about Joe’s back-and-forth with a listener from Berlin. Audio receipts, transcripts, and the hazards of context (or the lack thereof). The return of familiar voices on the voicemail line—including a Scottish tongue-twister, Brendan’s zombie cameo, and a passionate plea for the comeback of Mr. Blackstone. Tom from Ireland pitches a brand-new Afterthought Media spinoff idea, sparking a debate about psychology, drag queens, and how deep is too deep. With just one week left before the finale, Joe and Nathan reflect on spats with listeners, conspiracies involving Blackstone, and whether Stefan himself might be orchestrating it all from behind the scenes. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this episode of RuPaul's Drag Race Recap, Joe and Nathan discuss Season 17 Episode 8, titled 'The Wicked Wiz of Oz: the Ruzical.' They delve into the performances of the contestants during the lip sync battle, the dynamics of the musical challenge, and the reactions of the queens post-elimination. The conversation highlights the strengths and weaknesses of the performances, the relationships between contestants, and the overall impact of the episode's themes. In this conversation, Joe and Nathan delve into various themes surrounding a reality TV show, focusing on political commentary, contestant dynamics, and performance critiques. They discuss the implications of personal opinions on political figures, the appearance and behavior of contestants, and the challenges faced during performances. The conversation also touches on the emotional struggles of contestants and the competitive nature of the show, highlighting the complexities of character interactions and the impact of personal histories on performance. In this episode of Drag Race Recap, hosts Joe and Nathan dive into the rusical challenge, analyzing the performances of various contestants and their interpretations of iconic characters from The Wizard of Oz. They discuss the strengths and weaknesses of each performance, the dynamics of the roles assigned, and the overall impact of the musical numbers. The conversation shifts to the runway category of parasols and shady ladies, where they critique the looks presented by the contestants and the commentary provided by guest judge Helen Schaefer-Gray. The episode concludes with reflections on the lip sync battle and the overall performance of the contestants, highlighting the winners and those in the bottom two. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices