Marita Prodger: “Choosing Yourself Is the Hardest Kind of Love"

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

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