The movie Screams from the Tower premieres this weekend at the Dances With Films NYC festival. It is described as "a delightful Hughes homage broadly based on Grant’s teenage years, growing up in the 1990s in the Chicago suburbs in the style of the late great John Hughes who was so very instrumental in highlighting the growing pains of the nerds, weirdos, and outliers.  Focusing on the absurd, painful, and often laughable journey of self-discovery and identity exploration every teen goes through before graduating and leaving the lives they know." Today we talk with Cory Wexler Grant about the film and the impact he hopes it will have.  Cory started a production company in 2001, and began writing, directing, and producing original theatrical works: 3 plays and 2 musicals. Cory wrote and directed his first feature film, PAINTER, in 2018, which was an Official Selection at Los Angeles Indie Film Festival 2020, and was awarded Grand Prize, Best Feature Film at Rhode Island International Film Festival 2020. The film we are discussing today, his second feature film, SCREAMS FROM THE TOWER, is currently on the film festival circuit garnering "Best Feature Film" at the LGBTQ+ Toronto Film Festival, the Audience Award at REELING: The Chicago LGBTQ+ International Film Festival, and Best Screenplay at the Midwest Film Festival. Cory lives in Greenwich Village with his husband and their two children. He has several other screenplays in development, with his third feature film due to start production in Fall 2025. With Co-Host Brody Levesque

Popular country music star Brian Falduto has the new Christmas song you did not know you needed, especially if you are single. Christmas movies abound with themes of finding that "magic lover." Mariah Carey has dubbed herself as queen of Christmas by advocating for "all I want for Christmas is you." Brian, who has a career of up-ending the status quo is giving another take. It is Merry Christmas for the contentedly single people, aptly called "Christmas Solo" and we will be premiering it on the show today!  In 2023, Brian released his first country music song, "Same Old Country Love Song.” It was greeted with a flood of positive encouragement and excitement and would become an LGBTQ+ country music anthem.  Subsequent releases followed including “Hottest Guy Here” and “Big Boys Club, and Brian Falduto’s first full-length album, Gay Country (Deluxe Edition) Brian first gained fame playing the role of Fancy Pants in the Jack Black cult classic film School of Rock.  That instant fame was both a blessing and a curse for him as a child actor. While the public adored the boldly flamboyant style of the character he played so well, the kids in his real life bullied him mercilessly as he struggled to find his gay identity.

Donald Trump is back. In January, he will asend to office again after running a very anti-"woke" campaign often scapegoating transgender Americans.  Hundreds of horrible homophobic and transphobic bills passed in state houses may work their way to the federal level. And then there is Project 2025. Today we talk to two of our friends who have their fingers on the pulse of LGBTQ activism to find out the path forward for very concerned queer citizens: Brandon Wolf and Christopher Kane. Brandon is the National Press Secretary and Senior Director of Political Communications for the Human Rights Campaign. He is a nationally-recognized gun safety and LGBTQ civil rights advocate, author and dynamic public speaker. He has served as the Press Secretary for Equality Florida, the state’s LGBTQ civil rights organization. Brandon also  co-founded the Dru Project, a nonprofit organization that works to empower youth and provide future leaders in the LGBTQ community funding for higher education.  Christopher is the White House correspondent for The Washington Blade.  Also having reported for the LA Blade, Chris is a longtime Washington DC-based reporter covering the White House, having previously covered the Justice Department and Federal Trade Commission's investigations of major mergers and acquisitions - along with antitrust policy development by federal agencies and US Congress, high stakes "bet-the-company" litigation, and certain activities by the FDA and US Patent and Trademark Office.

1660 Vine, is a new muciacl about a group of influencers who  live in a famed Hollywood apartment building to pursue their dreams of social media stardom. The residents of 1660 Vine confront questions of fame, influence, identity, and mental health. All the while, the residents update their followers through vlogs, gaming streams, makeup tutorials, TikTok dances, songs and pranks, as they navigate their search for identity, discovering the difference between who they present themselves to be, and who they really are. Our guest today is prolific writer/showrunner Jonathan Prince, whose recent accomplishments include Four Weddings and a Funeral for MGM/Hulu, and American Soul, which ran for two seasons on BET. Many of Prince’s productions are inspired directly or indirectly by strong musical themes, hailing back to his first creation, the Emmy Award-winning NBC series, American Dreams.    

The streaming show Danny Will Die Alone Season 2 is now available on Dekko.  Dekko is a streaming service specifically targetting gay men and has over 400 titles available.  Newest up is their exclusive series Danny Will Die Alone.  The series is both engaging and wickedly funny as we venture on a journey through one gay man’s disastrous dating life. Danny, the lead character, explores openness, polyamory, sex drive compatibility, gender norms, fisting, and more! The audience is constantly challenged to ponder: will Danny finally find love? Based on his track record, fat chance.   Think of the series as if Jack from Will and Grace and Sex in the City had a baby, raised by Miranda Priestly as a nanny.... Today we talk to the star, writer and creator Jack Tracy, and co-star Jordan Bell. Jack Tracy is a New York based writer, actor, producer, editor, recording artist, and audio engineer.  Following his web series “History”, “Big Law” and “Millennial Memoir” and feature film “Snowflake”, “Danny Will Die Alone” is his first Dekkoo original series.  As a recording artist, he released three LPs and numerous EPs, performing in various Pride festivals and throughout New York City nightlife.   He is also a "dog dad".  Jordan is an actor, singer, and proud Canadian. Trained at the Randolph Academy of the Performing Arts in Toronto, he has performed the classics from Ontario's Stratford Festival to stages across America. His work includes performances in Dear Evan Hansen (Toronto) and Andrew Lloyd Webber's The Wizard of Oz. A key passion: with community-based organizations to empower immigrants and Dreamers. He is a cat dad with a partner.

Kicking off the Halloween season, we talk to director, writer, and producer Jane Clark.  Jane is a storyteller. Through her company, FilmMcQueen, she has brought numerous shorts and 3 feature films to life, winning 18 awards and another 8 nominations by envisioning strong characters in visceral environments. Her new film is hitting the film festival circuit. Witchy Ways. The film centers around a young woman named Eve. Eve quits the rat race and heads to a remote country cottage to rediscover herself, and once there, begins falling for dynamic property owner, Danni. As they grow close, Danni confesses she is a witch, which is hard enough for Eve to accept until she learns Danni has a second, ghostly secret hidden in the house that threatens to destroy their magical relationship.   With co-host Brody Levesque

A true legend and icon, Marla Gibbs blazed trails for representation and diversity across the American consciousness. The beloved celebrity, five-time Emmy-nominated actress, is famous for her memorable portrayal of the maid, Florence, on the CBS hit comedy, “The Jeffersons.” She went on to create another hit sitcom, the NBC series, “227.” which she developed from the original stage play of the same title,  as Executive Producer on the show. Artistic to her core, she is a jazz singer, jazz club owner, actress, businesswoman, and maverick. Today, we also welcome director Kim Callaway and discuss the duo's new film Mildred 4 a Million, written and directed by Kim and starring Marla. The film is a sweet and empowering film about a gregarious grandmother who desperately wants to connect with her tablet-obsessed great-granddaughter. To do so, grandma Mildred embarks on an adventure to get one million followers on TikTok. Marla's acting and musical resume is substantial. She is an eight-time NAACP Image Award winner, and has received numerous prestigious honors over the years, including Essence Magazine’s Woman of the Year. Kim is a 4x Telly-winning director, Emmy-winning producer, and 2023 Screencraft Screenplay Fellowship Finalist. She has created original series, comedy sketches, music videos, commercials and custom content for major networks and brands for nearly 2 decades, including FOX, Amazon, Discovery, MTV, AOL, HuffPost Comedy, and Verizon Media Group. With co-host Brody Levesque

Show and fan favorite Paul Richmond joins us today to discuss his new book Star Gazing. Paul is an internationally recognized visual artist and activist whose career has included exhibitions in galleries and museums throughout the United States as well as publication in numerous art journals and anthologies. His work is collected by individuals around the globe. As an illustrator, he has created over four hundred novel cover illustrations. He co-founded the You Will Rise Project, an organization that empowers those who have experienced bullying to speak out creatively through art. He is the Executive Director of Art Makes Us, a virtual creative space dedicated to providing opportunities for each individual to discover and nurture the artist within.  Star Gazing takes its readers through Paul's artistic, emotional, and life journey. Filled with Richmond creativity and art, he invites us to "come along with me and let's gaze at the stars together.. I hope that we collect some stardust along the way that adds color and sparkle to your world too..." Today we collect stardust with him directly!   With co-host Brody Levesque

MRS. DOUBTFIRE has left Broadway and is on its national tour. Handsome actor, writer, dancer, and director Alex Ringler is taking on the role of Stuart (the role played by Pierce Bronson in the film version). Today we talk to Alex about taking on that role as well as his television series project Seeking. The 1993 film “Mrs. Doubtfire” told a heartwarming tale about a father and actor who disguised himself as a female housekeeper named Mrs. Doubtfire to be able to spend time with his children following a divorce. Robin Williams gave an iconic performance in the lead role. The series Seeking… stars Alex, DeMarius Copes (Tony-Winning Broadway “Some Like it Hot,” and films “Dear Evan Hansen,” and “Thirty Candles”), and Darius Rose (Jackie Cox from “RuPaul’s Drag Race” Season 12, and “Days of Our Lives”), Centered on three roommates in NYC, the comedy highlights the heart of forming and finding our chosen families. Alex has been with the national tour of “Mrs. Doubtfire” for the last year, since it started. The actor, choreographer and writer has also been in “West Side Story” on Broadway and national tours of “Priscilla Queen of the Desert,” “A Chorus Line,” “West Side Story” and “Cats.” His film and television work includes “Bros,” “Harlem,” “FBI,” “Deadbeat” and “Run the World.” With co-host Brody Levesque

Steve Balderson's new film Love, Venezia seeks to redefine the cinematic portrayal of sexuality and human connection by presenting these themes through its sensory and emotional lens. Written and directed by Steve, the film is based on his own life experience that he wrote about in his erotic memoir Year of the Whore (Punk Hostage Press), the film delves into the themes of intimacy, love, and self-discovery in the protagonist's world which has been dominated by superficiality and fleeting encounters. It depicts a fictional version of his real life trip to Venice to overcome a painful breakup. Steve is a prolific filmmaker, best known for Pep Squad (a film that premiered in Cannes) and Firecracker, a film that starred Karen Black and rock star Mike Patton and was recognized by Roger Ebert as one of the year’s best. Love, Venezia is his 20th film. It will have its worldwide premiere on Sunday, September 29 at Cinema Divers: the Palm Springs Film Festival.   Besides being a filmmaker, Steve is an author and a coach.   With co-host Brody Levesque                                                

One of our favorite power couples is back! The AP first dubbed them the Transgender Power Couple. Journalist Erin Reed was formerly the digital director of The American Independent. She currently writes for the Los Angeles Blade and Harpers Bazaar.. She is a researcher who tracks anti-LGBTQ+ legislation around the world and helps people become better advocates for their queer family, friends, colleagues, and community. Reed also is a social media consultant and public speaker. Her fiance is Zooey Zephyr, member of the Montana House of Representatives from the 100th district.  Zephyr was a vocal opponent of multiple anti-LGBT bills introduced during the 2023 legislative session. During a floor debate on April 18, 2023, Zephyr admonished those who supported Senate Bill 99, which prohibits gender-affirming medical and surgical care for minors. She first commented, "If you are forcing a trans child to go through puberty when they are trans, that is tantamount to torture, and this body should be ashamed."  When this remark triggered an objection from Republican majority leader Sue Vinton, Zephyr replied, "The only thing I will say is if you vote 'yes' on this bill and 'yes' on these amendments, I hope the next time there's an invocation when you bow your heads in prayer, you see the blood on your hands." This led to a massive attempt by the state Republicans to censure her and silence her. Months ago we enjoyed a rigorous conversation with these two about the state of transgender rights, and today we get their insights on that subject from the purview of the DNC, plus discussion on current issues.