Slumber Party Podcast

For the very first time on the last episode of the season, I record the podcast from home and zoom in Daniel Martin from his place in NYC! We talk about our similar paths to finding our creative outlets - starting at MAC, loving the Pacific Northwest, and finally creating our homes in cities surrounded by our chosen families. Daniel shares some deep personal experiences like his 9/11 story and doing a client’s makeup for the last time for their memorial. We discuss how Daniel sets professional and personal boundaries - including turning down a potential client who happened to be a member of the Trump family. I am so grateful to have a friend like Daniel, and I think you’ll understand why by listening to this week’s episode!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Lavern Rushin is so much more than Matthew Rushin’s mom—she’s a veteran, a government worker, an advocate, and leader in her community, locally and now also online. Lavern never thought that being a mother would mean becoming an advocate for her wrongfully incarcerated son, but that’s what happened. Her son, Matthew, is Black and Autistic, and after a seizure-induced car accident was tried and wrongly incarcerated. This week, we talk about getting justice for Matthew, which is an ongoing process, and what true justice for all could look like with significant reforms to our policing and legal systems. We talk about the problems in policing as it stands today, and what defunding the police really means to people like Matthew, Lavern, and now to me, as well. Lavern’s tireless advocacy and legislative work will mean that fewer mothers are in her place in the future, and that - together - we are able to make reforms that keep our Black men and neuro-divergent family safe from police brutality and mass incarceration. This week’s episode hits home, and I hope you listen so that you can learn about Lavern’s work and what you can do to help—not to mention where Matthew is today and what his bright future has in store for him!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

I cannot believe I finally met Crystal Anderson IRL after following each other on social media forever! She is the co-founder of an event production & creative company called A Very Good Job, along with her talented and kind partner, Kiesh. They have been killing it during the pandemic by elevating Black voices and working with Black creatives to develop gorgeous, uniquely creative campaigns on social media and beyond. Crystal is truly inspiring to me—I am so impressed by her work ethic, attitude, and of course, what drew me to her originally, her fashion sense! Tune in as Crystal shares her story (including a crazy ride over to the recording studio) and how she plans on working towards her goals today, and in the days, weeks, and months to come. Want your game question to be featured on the next episode? Write in your best Truth/Dare, Never Have I Ever, or Would You Rather Question, to Tess@kastmedia.com for your chance at a shout out!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week, editor in Chief of Elle UK, Farrah Storr, joins me from London! Farrah and I talk about her experience as a journalist in the fashion world, where she finds compelling and transformative stories and tells them beautifully using the UK’s top fashion magazines—like when she put me on the cover of Cosmopolitan UK! We spoke about how Farrah’s editorial work grew out of her background as a writer, and why she believes that using fashion to tell stories is a powerful tool for creating social change. Farrah doesn’t aim to be controversial, but she definitely doesn’t shy away from the difficult conversations happening on social media and beyond—learn about her perspective and how to broaden your own with me in this episode! Want your game question to be featured on the next episode? Write in your best Truth/Dare, Never Have I Ever, or Would You Rather Question, to Tess@kastmedia.com for your chance at a shout out!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week I got the chance to hang out with fellow queer femme, Kirsten Vangsness, who you might recognize as Penelope Garcia from Criminal Minds! We got to hang out in-studio to talk about friendships new and old, following your passion, and how to use our privilege to amplify the voices of people who belong to marginalized communities. We go deep about being part of the LGTBQ+ community, dating, being plus-sized in Hollywood, and how to multitask within the industry and build an empire - including Kirsten’s incredible distillery!Put on your sexiest PJs with us and join me for an episode where I literally cannot stop laughing!   Want your game question to be featured on the next episode? Write in your best Truth/Dare, Never Have I Ever, or Would You Rather Question, to Tess@kastmedia.com for your chance at a shout out!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

You might know this week's guest as Alex Vause from Orange is the New Black or Donna Pinciotti from That 70s Show, but I got to know Laura Prepon as the multi-talented mama and home chef behind PrepOn Kitchen! Laura joined us from NYC to talk about how she got started in the industry, what it's like to negotiate your boundaries on social media and beyond when you're in the public eye, and how being prepared actually makes your life MUCH easier. She also dishes on the details of her brand new line for the home chef in all of us, PrepOn Kitchen! This week, Laura inspired me to take moments for myself and invest in planning ahead to be more centered in my everyday life - I hope she does the same for you!   Want your game question to be featured on the next episode? Write in your best Truth/Dare, Never Have I Ever, or Would You Rather Question, to Tess@kastmedia.com for your chance at a shout out!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Isaac Mizrahi, top fashion designer, stage performer, and talk show host, joins me via zoom from his home in New York. It was an honor to talk with him about his career trajectory from childhood puppet theater to runway fashion icon and now top-selling QVC mogul. I still own one of his original Target collection blazers and have been a huge fan ever since that teenage purchase! We talked about everything from growing up in, and breaking out of, conservative households and communities, to finding ourselves through the arts and now having an impact through social media. It’s not everyday that you get to meet someone who literally made your career possible and I was so grateful for the opportunity to talk about our shared experiences with Isaac. I hope you tune in for this special episode!   Want your game question to be featured on the next episode? Write in your best Truth/Dare, Never Have I Ever, or Would You Rather Question, to Tess@kastmedia.com for your chance at a shout out!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today, my dear friends and classroom heroes, Erin Gruwell and Debbie Fernandez, talk about restorative justice through education, how individual attention can transform lives, and doing the right thing when you're in a position to be helpful. You may know Erin because Hilary Swank portrayed her in the Freedom Writers movie in 2007, but her work goes well beyond the confines of the classroom. Debbie is also a real life Freedom Writer, who during the pandemic worked directly with students to make sure their needs were met in the classroom and well beyond its limits. Erin and Debbie talk about why they are called to do this work, how they change lives through the power of education, and the many ways that we each and all can do the same in our everyday lives. I hope this episode inspires you to reach out to your community the way these women have inspired me! Want your game question to be featured on the next episode? Write in your best Truth/Dare, Never Have I Ever, or Would You Rather Question, to Tess@kastmedia.com for your chance at a shout out!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jo Frost, AKA Supernanny, joins me in-studio to dish about some behind the scenes info from her show, discuss what it's like being plus size in Hollywood, and share some secret parenting tips. I also had a special co-host, my son, Bowie, who got to show off his pajamas and help welcome Jo to the episode! I’ve always admired Nanny Jo, but I had no idea how much we truly had in common and how clearly she’d see me in such a short time. This was a very special episode for me—thank you for tuning in and sharing this surreal experience with me! Want your game question to be featured on the next episode? Write in your best Truth/Dare, Never Have I Ever, or Would You Rather Question, to Tess@kastmedia.com for your chance at a shout out!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Maddox is a sex positive, body positive sex worker who is joining me from their poly family home in NYC! You may recognize them from their role in Netflix's “Bonding.” They talk about transitioning to their dream job of BDSM sex work after their pregnancy, and their past life as a badass bike messenger. Learn how they found acceptance from within through many forms of intimate connections in work, family, and play. And don’t forget to play along with our slumber party game at the end!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

My good friend, Julee Wilson, Beauty Director at Cosmopolitan Magazine, joins me from New York! She talks to us about navigating the high intensity fashion industry as a Black woman, how she landed her dream job, and how she uses it to create change and opportunity for others. Julee talks about how she manages motherhood, having her second kiddo during quarantine, while starting a new job. We also talk about why and how to buy from Black-owned and Black-led brands, and ways in which we can all do more by buying intentionally. I have learned so much from her, and I hope that you do too!   Want your game question to be featured on the next episode? Write in your best Truth/Dare, Never Have I Ever, or Would You Rather Question, to Tess@kastmedia.com for your chance at a shout out!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Digital Campaigner Saraya Hamidi, joins me remotely from the East Coast! Saraya is the activist behind some social media campaigns for justice - including Elijah McClean and Matthew Rushin. She left her job at Google to help make an impact in wrongful deaths and incarcerations, and is truly doing her part to make the world a better place. She is very inspiring, and I loved chatting with her about being an activist, learning what we all can do to make a difference, and of course tried to keep it light with some dating advice and a slumber party game!   Want your game question to be featured on the next episode? Write in your best Truth/Dare, Never Have I Ever, or Would You Rather Question, to Tess@kastmedia.com for your chance at a shout out!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Benton Ray, comedian and Good For You Podcast co-host, joins me in the studio to talk about his journey to becoming a comic, and being comfortable in his own skin. He learns that internet trolls are just "taste challenged" and that you have to control your own narrative when you're putting yourself out there to the world. He works hard every day to be that person he wants to see in the world, and makes me people laugh along the way! A true Southern Belle, he is living his life as unapologetically himself, and we love!   Want your game question to be featured on the next episode? Write in your best Truth/Dare, Never Have I Ever, or Would You Rather Question, to Tess@kastmedia.com for your chance at a shout out!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The people who say, “don’t meet your heroes” probably never met this week’s guest—I got to have a Slumber Party with my Teen Idol and now good friend, Ricki Lake. We talk about how Ricki met and learned from her own heroes, why she continues to be my idol, and the documentaries that Ricki is working on now to empower people to make more informed choices about birth, their bodies, and more. Not to mention how to age gracefully—spoiler alert, it has to do with not giving a f**k what other people think!   Want your game question to be featured on the next episode? Write in your best Truth/Dare, Never Have I Ever, or Would You Rather Question, to Tess@kastmedia.com for your chance at a shout out!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Come on over this week as I chat with my good friend and world renowned tattooing legend, Nikko Hurtado! You've probably seen him on TV, or know him as the artist behind my Dolly & Miss Piggy tattoos! We've been friends for almost a decade and on this episode, we sit down in our pajamas, & sip on energy drinks *pinky up!* while he opens up about what it was like opening his own tattoo shop, dominating in a cut throat industry, & leading by example. Want your game question, or even a general fan question, to be featured on the next episode? Write in your best Truth/Dare, Never Have I Ever, or Would You Rather Question, to Tess@kastmedia.com for your chance at a shout out!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today I cozy up with my good friend and celebrity waxer, Ashley Melter. Ashley is a badass business owner who uses waxing as a tool for empowerment and self-love. Whether you choose to remove your body hair or not--do you!--Ashley offers us tips for asking for what you want, helping our listeners advocate for themselves and their body hair choices regardless of their weight, gender, or presentation preferences. She is helping clients every day achieve self-confidence and see not only their outer beauty, but inner beauty, as well.   Want your game question to be featured on the next episode? Write in your best Truth/Dare, Never Have I Ever, or Would You Rather Question, to Tess@kastmedia.com for your chance at a shout out!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to the first episode of my podcast! On this episode, I sit down with model, designer & creative director, Nadia Aboulhosn, about what it takes to have longevity on social media and how to really ask for what you want. We love a boundary setting queen!! Want your game question to be featured on the next episode? Write in your best Truth/Dare, Never Have I Ever, or Would You Rather Question, to Tess@kastmedia.com for your chance at a shout out!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tess Holliday, plus-size icon and cultural change-maker brings to you the kind of heart-to-heart conversations that transpire at a Slumber Party. This podcast invokes sleepovers of our youth where we played silly games until we squealed and whispered our deepest secrets in the dark, from the latest crush to the challenges that were crushing us. Centered around our journeys to self-love, we dive deep with extraordinary folks doing their part to actively make the world a better place. Put on your fanciest pajamas armed with your favorite snacks and join us every week!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.