Manda Malina: The Dark Side of the Music Industry & Reclaiming Her Power

Today’s guest is Robbie Simpson — an actor, director, producer, and educator based in New York City. Robbie serves as the Director of Creative Development at Midnight Theatricals and the Director of Musical Theater at the Stella Adler Studio of Acting. You may recognize him from his role as Chad on General Hospital or as one of the first LGBTQ+ contestants on Hallmark’s Finding Mr. Christmas.In this episode, we talk about:Continuing LGBTQ+ history on Hallmark and why representation mattersNavigating the entertainment industry as a queer performerHis journey from stage to screenTeaching and mentoring the next generation of artists🎧 Listen on Spotify, Apple & all major platforms ✨ New episodes launch every Thursday across all audio players and YouTube

Today’s guest is Tony Morrison — a three-time Emmy Award-winning journalist, media strategist, and founder of Morrison Media Group, a venture helping brands and changemakers activate through storytelling and cultural influence. Tony has spent over a decade at the intersection of media and social change, leading campaigns that shape public perception and move culture forward. From producing live at Good Morning America to serving as Senior Director of Communications at GLAAD, his work has earned recognition from Out100 and Logo30 for advancing LGBTQ visibility and inclusive media.In this episode, Tony opens up about:✅ His journey in media and advocacy✅ The power of storytelling to shift culture and perception✅ Using your voice to create social impact✅ Leading campaigns that amplify underrepresented communities🎧 Listen on Spotify, Apple & all major platforms ✨ New episodes launch every Thursday across all audio players and YouTubeFollow Tony Morrison:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thetonymorrison/ Morrison Media Group: https://www.instagram.com/morrisonmediagroup/Follow 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 Kinley Clark — a proud queer creative who once taught in the South, where she faced more homophobia than anyone should have to. After leaving the classroom, she turned her energy toward her passion project, her podcast Lez Be Honest, a space where she shares authentic queer stories, mixes in humor, and builds community through representation. Now she’s fully committed to creating the unapologetically queer content she wished she had growing up.In this episode, Kinley opens up about:✅  Her journey from teaching to podcasting✅  Navigating backlash and homophobia✅  Building community through storytelling and queer visibility🎧 Listen on Spotify, Apple & all major platforms ✨ New episodes launch every Thursday across all audio players and YouTubeFollow Kinley Clark:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lezbehonestpodcastt/Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lezbehonestpodcast Follow 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 Manda Malina—a Swedish singer, songwriter, and queer artist based in Los Angeles. Her hit song Her Ocean took off on TikTok in 2023, leading to headlining solo shows including EDC Las Vegas and performances at the 80s Live residency in Lake Tahoe. Through her artistry, Manda explores what it means to show up authentically as a femme lesbian while navigating the darker realities of the entertainment industry.In this episode, Manda opens up about:Navigating comphet and embracing her queer identityThe dark side of the music industry Recognizing and healing from abusive relationshipsReclaiming her story through music and creative expression🎧 Listen on Spotify, Apple & all major platforms ✨ New episodes launch every Thursday across all audio players and YouTubeFollow Manda Malina:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mandaamalina/Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mandaamalinaFollow 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 Victor Ramos — a vibrant creator whose mix of beauty, pop culture, and comedy has earned him a loyal following on Instagram and TikTok. Beyond his viral makeup tutorials and hilarious skits, he’s also a host on The Q Agenda, where he brings visibility and representation to the queer Latinx community.In this episode, Victor opens up about:✅  Breaking down societal norms and expectations✅  The journey to living authentically and unapologetically✅  Using humor, beauty, and storytelling to empower others✅ Deconstructing organized religion and finding spiritual freedomFollow Victor Ramos:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vicmram/ Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@vicmramFollow 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 Hrebenar — a femme lesbian content creator based in Los Angeles. Kelly shares stories about life after coming out, mental health, and the ups and downs of figuring it all out—while breaking down lesbian stereotypes and opening conversations around femininity through community building. Her work is rooted in making sure others feel seen, celebrated, and never alone.In this episode, Kelly opens up about:✅  Redefining femininity and breaking lesbian stereotypes✅  Finding identity and confidence after coming out✅  Representation and visibility for queer women✅  How community can transform the way we see ourselvesFollow Kelly Hrebenar:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kellyhrebenar/ Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@kellyhrebenarFollow 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 Rose Montoya — a trans Latina creator, model, actor, and advocate for LGBTQ+ rights. Known for her captivating presence and her fearless advocacy, Rose uses her platform to champion equity, mental health, and bodily autonomy. Through fashion, beauty, and storytelling, she celebrates self-expression as a tool for empowerment and lasting change.In this episode, Rose opens up about reclaiming her childhood, mending family relationships, and rediscovering joy through authenticity. She shares how her foundation for activism was born from her lived experience — and how embracing trans joy has become an act of resistance and self-love.So get comfy, stay open, and let’s get into it. 💛What You’ll Hear:✅  Reclaiming her childhood and reconnecting with family✅  The power of trans joy and self-expression✅  Healing from the past and stepping into authenticity✅  How her activism became rooted in compassion and visibility🎧 Listen on Spotify, Apple & all major platforms✨ New episodes launch every Thursday across all audio players and YouTube.Follow Rose Montoya:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/therosemontoya Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@rosemontoya Follow 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 Maartje Hensen (they/she) — an Amsterdam-based queer traveler, photographer, and author of The Pride Atlas. Soon-to-be coach and full-time storyteller, Maartje is known for their vibrant, fairytale-like imagery that captures the magic of queer joy and exploration. They’re embracing a new era, retiring the “girl boss” and leaning into “girl moss” — because, at the end of the day, we’re BEings, not doings.In this episode, Maartje opens up about:✅ Nonbinary identity and queerness beyond the binary✅ Queer fluidity and resisting societal constructs✅ Exploring kink culture and destigmatizing BDSM✅ Self-expression, joy, and living authentically as a queer creator🎧 Listen on Spotify, Apple & all major platforms ✨ New episodes launch every Thursday across all audio players and YouTubeFollow Maartje Hensen:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/maartjehensen/Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@maartje.hensen Follow 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 Madison Werner — a self-proclaimed “trans glam girl,” beauty content creator, and human rights activist. She made history as the first transgender face of a Covergirl campaign, and as a born-and-raised Jewish valley girl, she brings both sparkle and substance to everything she does.In this episode, Madison opens up about:✅ Living out loud in a world that hasn’t always made space for trans joy✅ Becoming the first transgender face of a Covergirl campaign✅ Navigating visibility, activism, and beauty✅ Finding empowerment through self-expression and communityFollow Madison WernerInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/madisonwerner/Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@madisonwern Follow 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 Brooke Ventre — a multifaceted creator with a deep passion for animals and the ocean. Beyond her creative pursuits, Brooke has acting credits in productions like “Girl Lost” (2016) and “Drib” (2017). On TikTok, she’s built a following of over 128,000 and 1.5 million likes, sharing content that reflects her authentic, fun-loving personality.In this episode, Brooke opens up about:Growing up and coming outLiving vegan and aligning lifestyle with valuesThe harmful effects of animal tourismBuilding community through creativity and authenticityFollow Brooke VentreInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/veganbeautyguru/Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@brookeventreFollow She Comes With Baggage Podcast: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shecomeswithbaggage__Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@shecomeswithbaggage__Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@KirstiePike