Mayor Chelsea Byers: The Power of Showing Up as Your Full Self

Today’s guest is Chelsea Byers — Mayor of West Hollywood, community organizer, and an openly queer leader redefining what inclusive leadership looks like. Elected to City Council in 2022 and becoming Mayor in 2025, Chelsea has spent nearly two decades building stronger communities through expanding social services, supporting renters, advancing climate action, and creating public spaces that truly serve people.In this episode, we talk about:Her journey from community organizing to becoming Mayor of West HollywoodWhat it means to lead as an openly LGBTQ+ woman in politicsHow young people can get involved and create real changeLeading with optimism, resilience, and authenticityBuilding inclusive communities that actually reflect the people in them🎧 Listen on Spotify, Apple & all major platforms✨ New episodes launch every Thursday across all audio players and YouTube

Today’s guest is Kyle Kleiboeker an international model, Broadway performer, and one of Los Angeles’ most in-demand instructors at Barry’s. From starring in productions like Hairspray, The Wedding Singer, and RENT to walking runways in New York, Milan, and Paris, Kyle has built a career rooted in discipline, creativity, and undeniable presence. But the spotlight is only part of the story.In this episode, we talk about:The transition from Broadway stages to the fitness world:✨The discipline behind success in multiple industries✨How performance translates into leadership and energy✨Showing up with authenticity in competitive spaces✨Why passion is the through line in everything he does✨ How every rejection brings you closer to your dream🎧 Listen on Spotify, Apple & all major platforms New episodes launch every Thursday across all audio players and YouTube

Today’s guest is Deison Afualo, a proud queer Samoan woman using her voice to expand representation, challenge internalized homophobia, and encourage others to step fully into who they are. Through honesty and vulnerability, Deison is redefining what visibility and cultural identity can look like within the LGBTQ+ community.In this episode, we talk about:Representation as a queer Samoan womanBreaking through internalized homophobiaNavigating heartbreak and emotional growthCultural identity and queernessLearning to step more fully into self-love🎧 Listen on Spotify, Apple & all major platforms✨ New episodes launch every Thursday across all audio players and YouTube

Today’s guest is Marita Prodger, known to many from The Ultimatum: Queer Love Season 2. What started as a journey to save a relationship became something much deeper — a powerful reckoning with self-worth, boundaries, and emotional truth. Marita’s experience resonated across the LGBTQ+ community, opening conversations about love, healing, and what it really means to choose yourself.In this episode, we talk about:What really unfolded behind the scenes of The Ultimatum: Queer LoveHow heartbreak can become a catalyst for growth and clarityReclaiming your energy, worth, and emotional boundariesHealing after public relationships and reality TV exposureWhy authentic queer representation in reality television mattersHow Marita's music career is kicking off with her new debut single 🎧 Listen on Spotify, Apple & all major platforms✨ New episodes launch every Thursday across all audio players and YouTube

Today’s guest is Jeffrey Marsh, an international bestselling author, spiritual teacher, and nonbinary advocate whose work has reached billions around the world. Jeffrey made history as the first out nonbinary person to appear on national television and is the author of How To Be You (endorsed by Oprah) and Take Your Own Advice, an Apple Books Best Book winner. With over 25 years of Zen practice, Jeffrey’s teachings center self-worth, compassion, and liberation beyond rigid identity boxes.In this episode, we talk about:Choosing self-love in a world that tells you you’re not enoughWhat it means to live visibly as a nonbinary personLetting go of comparison, perfection, and external validationSpirituality as a tool for healing, grounding, and self-trustHow embracing authenticity can change the way we show up for ourselves and others🎧 Listen on Spotify, Apple & all major platforms✨ New episodes launch every Thursday across all audio players and YouTube

PJ Brescia is the founder of  ⁨@BabyGayTV⁩   a media platform and nonprofit amplifying LGBTQ+ voices through storytelling. PJ is also the host of The BabyGay™ Podcast, serves as President of the LA Queer Coalition, and played a key role in making National Coming Out Day an official holiday in Los Angeles.In this episode, we talk about:• Stepping away from rigid labels and embracing fluidity in sexuality and gender expression• Living beyond boxes in a world that often demands them• Building BabyGay™ and the power of queer storytelling• Community-centered leadership and expanding LGBTQ+ visibility🎧 Listen on Spotify, Apple & all major platforms✨ New episodes launch every Thursday across all audio players and YouTube

Today’s guest is CeCé Telfer, the first out trans woman to win an NCAA title, an author, model, and advocate, and a proud member of the Unique Woman’s Coalition, a Black trans-led organization supporting transgender lives. CeCé lives by the principle of being the change she wishes to see in the world and is currently training as an Olympic hopeful for the LA 2028 U.S. Track & Field Open Trials.In this episode, we talk about:Her journey as a trans athlete breaking barriers in sportsThe realities and challenges of being a transgender woman in athleticsAdvocacy, visibility, and supporting the trans communityWhat it means to pursue your dreams with purpose and resilience🎧 Listen on Spotify, Apple & all major platforms ✨ New episodes launch every Thursday across all audio players and YouTubeFollow Cece Telfer:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cecetelfer/ 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 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