AS11EP09 - That's What She Said

This week on Rumor Mill, Joe and Nathan dive into the latest controversy surrounding Mistress Isabelle Brooks after a viral street interview sparks debate over consent, accountability, and whether the video should have ever been posted. They also explain why they skipped the latest Raven vs. Willam drama and what actually makes a story worth covering. Elsewhere, Nathan shares stories from a spectacular U.S. Embassy Fourth of July celebration in Australia, complete with Route 66 décor, fireworks, free food, and enough patriotic merch to fill a suitcase. The conversation expands into American culture, international perceptions of the U.S., and why visitors often come away with a very different impression than expected. Plus, Joe reviews the Australian LGBTQ+ horror film Leviticus, the hosts discuss their very different approaches to rating movies, laugh about an unforgettable high school production of Aladdin, introduce a brand-new recurring segment, and close the show with a heartfelt listener voicemail about how the Afterthought Media podcasts have helped through life's toughest moments. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The road to the semifinals gets messy as the queens take on a lip sync acting challenge inspired by RuPaul's classic 1990s talk show! We break down the best (and worst) celebrity impressions, debate whether the judges got the placements right, and gush over a fantastic David Bowie-inspired runway. Then it's time for the point drama to reach its boiling point. We unpack shifting alliances, strategic gameplay, emotional confrontations, and RuPaul's surprising decision that changes the semifinal lineup. Plus, we discuss the mysterious Wild Card twist and share our predictions for which eliminated queen is about to make a dramatic return. Who truly earned a spot in the semifinals? And who do we hope is waiting inside that bingo cage? Tune in as we recap every shady, shocking, and spectacular moment from All Stars 11, Episode 9. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week on Rumor Mill, Joe and Nathan kick things off with a lengthy pre-show tease involving stories that may never make it to the public feed before introducing a brand-new segment-in-development: Dom Top Minute. From there, the conversation expands into the future of the podcast itself, with a major announcement about Rumor Mill’s next evolution. Plus: Joe and Nathan reveal plans to expand Rumor Mill beyond Drag Race into a broader pop culture and entertainment gossip show Discussion of the legal battle between outdoor apparel giant Patagonia and drag environmentalist Patty Gonia Why trademark law often forces companies to protect their brands—even when it makes them look like the villain The ongoing Heated Rivalry discourse continues as listeners weigh in with mixed reviews of the series A new conspiracy theory emerges regarding the mysterious Morgan McMichaels/Jewish drag performer controversy Nathan receives a glowing recommendation for Italy’s population of bald, bearded men Listener reactions to Drag Race France’s AI-generated promotional images spark a larger conversation about artificial intelligence and creativity Joe discusses how AI is currently used behind the scenes in podcast production and where he draws the line First-time callers from around the world share memories, stories, and appreciation for Afterthought Media Lori joins the show to finally clarify the infamous shark-surfing story from her childhood Movie Minute returns with reviews of Toy Story 5 and Stop That Train Patreon shout-outs, audience questions, and the usual Afterthought chaos close out the episode As always, the world’s greatest chat room keeps the conversation moving, listeners contribute theories and trivia, and absolutely no topic remains on track for very long. Support Afterthought Media: Patreon subscribers get bonus content, exclusive shows, live recordings, and all the stories that are just a little too juicy for the public feed. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week on the RuPaul's Drag Race Recap Show, Joe and Taylor break down All Stars 11 Episode 8, "Wrap & Roast Redux!" The queens trade shade in a hilarious mini challenge before taking on a rap-themed roast that leaves the judges divided and the fans debating. The hosts discuss the evolving points strategy, Sam Star's growing workroom tensions, Joey Jay's standout performance, and whether the judges got the Top 2 right. Plus, a deep dive into the controversial lip sync to Stephen Sondheim's "The Ladies Who Lunch" and why it sparked such strong reactions. Follow us on social media and join the conversation! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Joe and Nathan are back together after a brief on-air feud, and they waste no time revisiting their phone call drama, awkward goodbyes, and the strange ways friendships can spiral into podcast content. Nathan shares highlights from his New York trip, including attending the Tony Awards, spotting Broadway celebrities, sneaking into an afterparty, and unexpectedly warming up to a certain Drag Race queen. The pair then dive into the latest Drag Race-adjacent controversy as they break down a viral TikTok accusing Morgan McMichaels of trying to sabotage another performer's gig. Joe and Nathan examine the claims, question the evidence, and offer their own theories about what may have actually happened behind the scenes. Plus, listener voicemails return with updates from Lord Newton, a challenge for Nathan’s hand in marriage, a classic Afterthought Media callback involving a little person and a print shop, and a surprisingly detailed discussion of a very unusual dream featuring J. Thomas Plank and Little Delicious. Also this week: Edinburgh travel plans, Disney cruises, Toy Story 5 anticipation, theater talk, Stop That Train reviews, obsession with Obsession, and plenty of the usual Rumor Mill chaos. This episode contains adult language and mature content. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The final bracket of queens enters the competition and faces a design challenge that puts their creativity to the test. Using athletic gear as their only materials, the queens must transform sportswear into runway-worthy fashion while navigating alliances, point strategies, and growing competition pressure. Joe and Taylor break down the challenge looks, debate the judges' critiques, discuss the strengths and weaknesses of the third bracket, and share their thoughts on the ongoing points system. Plus, they weigh in on the top two performances, the lip sync showdown, and whether the right queen walked away with the extra point. Also in this episode: Taylor returns from Gay Disney The surprising lack of workroom drama Sam Starr vs. Jasmine Kennedie Kennedy Davenport's long-awaited return Joey J's growing fanbase A deep dive into jock straps nobody asked for Marilyn McCoo, Janet DuBois, and several unexpected television detours Join us as we discuss, dissect, and deconstruct another episode of RuPaul's Drag Race All Stars 11. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Get ready for another deep dive into the cast of RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars 11 as Joe and Robert break down the queens of Bracket 3. The duo discusses the Drag Race histories of Hershii LiqCour-Jeté, Jasmine Kennedie, Joey Jay, Kennedy Davenport, Sam Star, and Shuga Cain, sharing their thoughts on each queen’s original run, strengths, weaknesses, and chances of advancing in the competition. Along the way, they debate Kennedy Davenport’s legacy, revisit some controversial Drag Race moments, discuss queens who may have been robbed, and speculate on who could emerge as the surprise standout of the bracket. Plus, there’s plenty of tangents, laughter, and classic Joe-and-Robert banter about movies, fandom, and the ever-evolving Drag Race universe. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Joe and Robert recap the final episode of Bracket 2, and the queens are feeling the pressure as they compete in a makeover challenge featuring a group of gay dads. On the runway, family resemblance is the name of the game, but the real drama happens when the queens start distributing points and long-standing alliances begin to crack. This week, Joe and Robert discuss: The makeover challenge and the gay dads who joined the competition Vivacious finally getting her moment in the spotlight Selena S. Titties’ ambitious alliance strategy Silky Nutmeg Ganache’s controversial point distribution Crystal Methyd’s Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence-inspired runway The emotional final point ceremony that determines who advances to the semifinals The Super Bass lip sync between Selena and Vivacious The Untucked fallout and the end of at least one drag friendship As Bracket 2 comes to a close, only two queens earn spots in the semifinals. Who moves on, who gets left behind, and who leaves with hurt feelings? Joe and Robert break it all down. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week on RuPaul's Drag Race All Stars 11, the queens of Bracket 2 put their instructional skills to the test as they create a series of over-the-top how-to videos. From cooking tutorials to zombie survival guides, the queens attempt to educate the children while fighting for valuable points in the competition. Joe and Taylor break down the challenge, debate the judges' decisions, discuss the increasingly exhausting alliance conversations, and weigh in on a farm-themed runway that delivered everything from hay couture to questionable tractor fashion. Gina Gershon arrives ready to play and earns rave reviews as a guest judge. The hosts discuss whether the challenge format helped or hurt the queens. Alliance talk continues to dominate the workroom conversation. Joe shares strong opinions about washing chicken. April Carrion and Silky Nutmeg Ganache's playful rivalry fizzles before it can become real drama. Aura Mayari's zombie-themed tutorial leaves the hosts unconvinced. Crystal Methyd channels absurdist comedy in one of the episode's strongest performances. Selena EsTitties and Silky's videos spark a conversation about stereotypes and comedy. The hosts break down every look from the "Barned This Way" runway. Debate over whether the judges picked the correct Top 2 queens. Joe and Taylor disagree with the lip sync outcome. An unexpected tangent about banana splits, Wiener Schnitzel, and childhood dessert memories. April Carrion serves high-fashion hay couture. Aura Mayari transforms into a glamorous barn owl. Crystal Methyd delivers another delightfully bizarre presentation. Silky Nutmeg Ganache brings the dairy farm to the runway. Vivacious attempts tractor-inspired club kid couture. With alliances and point distribution continuing to dominate the narrative, Joe and Taylor find themselves wishing for more organic drama and character development. Still, strong guest judging from Gina Gershon, a few memorable challenge performances, and a surprisingly effective lip sync keep the episode moving as the season heads toward its merge. Follow us on social media and join the conversation: Patreon: patreon.com/afterthoughtmedia Discord: Available to Patreon supporters Visit Afterthought Media for all of our podcasts and bonus content If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share the show with a fellow Drag Race fan! In This EpisodeRunway HighlightsFinal Thoughts Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Joe and Taylor are back to break down RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars 11 Episode 4, “It Takes Two,” and this one has everything: butter-themed runway looks, chaotic duet pairings, desperate point politicking, and a legendary lip sync song that sends Joe into full gay-history mode. The duo discusses Crystal Methyd’s stunning runway package, Silky Nutmeg Ganache’s evolution as reality TV chaos incarnate, and why Vivacious remains compelling television even when the competition may no longer fit her strengths. They also debate whether Aura Mayari deserved the lip sync win, unpack Selena’s increasingly frantic gameplay, and question whether strategic alliances in this format actually work. Plus: Michelle Visage tries to coach April Carrion through recording vocals, the queens fight over “Dreaming of Me,” and Joe and Taylor somehow detour into a lengthy discussion about the deeply problematic 1982 Richard Pryor movie The Toy. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices