Toni, also known as Hennessy, is a queer pole dancer, dance instructor, and performer who has turned movement into both power and protest.

Toni joins John for an open conversation about her journey into pole, from first stepping into a studio to becoming Xpert qualified in Pole Fitness Levels 1 & 2, and performing under the name Hennessy. She talks about the discipline behind the glamour, the bruises behind the confidence, and the work it takes to build strength in a world that constantly critiques bodies.

They unpack the stigma that still surrounds pole dancing, especially for queer women - from fitness to performance pieces, she reflects on how pole has allowed her to explore sensuality, queerness, control and vulnerability on her own terms.

There’s also honest discussion about teaching: what it means to hold space for beginners, to help others feel safe in their bodies, and to create an environment where strength and softness can co-exist. Toni speaks about community, self-belief, and how pole gave her not just confidence... but ownership.

It’s thoughtful, empowering and refreshingly real, a reminder that movement can be healing, and that taking up space isn’t something you have to earn.

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Shania Pain is a Manchester-based drag queen with Scouse, theatre-kid roots, big pop energy, and a healthy sense of humour about the expectations placed on her.

Shania joins John to talk about her early ambitions of being a full-on musical theatre boy... followed by the realisation that drag let her do all of that… and more. They chat about finding her feet on the Liverpool scene, the running joke of being “The Vivienne’s replacement” when she moved to Gran Canaria, and what it actually means to carve out your own lane in a city that loves its legends.

From relocating to Manchester to thinking about what’s next, this is a conversation about ambition, identity, and allowing yourself to evolve without losing your sparkle.

It’s funny, reflective, and full of future-facing energy, just like Shania.

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Dr Rory McGill is the Director of Public Health for Sefton Council, as well as a lifelong horror nerd who grew up in Derry idolising Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Resident Evil's Jill Valentine, and Kitana from Mortal Kombat.

Rory joins John to talk about the journey from small-city childhood (an actual Derry Girl) to senior leadership in public health, and how queerness, resilience, and a love of powerful women shaped the man he became. They chat about navigating identity in Northern Ireland, finding your tribe (or his own Scooby gang!), and building a career dedicated to improving people’s lives, very often behind the scenes.

Rory reflects on the path that led to him being recognised with a Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2025 LGBTQ+ FLOWERS Awards, and what it means to lead with empathy in a world that doesn’t always make that easy.

It’s thoughtful, funny, and occasionally geeky; a reminder that the kids who grew up obsessed with slaying monsters sometimes end up tackling the real ones.

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Divina De Campo is a singer, Drag Race UK legend, producer, activist, and all-round powerhouse.

John and Divina sit down for a brilliantly chaotic chat that veers between heartfelt and hilarious, from their shared history on the queer scene to what it’s like balancing visibility, creativity, and exhaustion in a career that doesn’t slow down. Divina opens up about her current vocal concerns and what it means when your voice, quite literally, starts to feel fragile. They also dive into her role as producer for the upcoming Drag Race UK Series 7 tour, and the realities of making queer work happen on a big scale (spoiler: it’s not all rhinestones and rapture).

Of course, this wouldn’t be a Divina conversation without tangents: from opera and northern drag politics to burnout, biscuits, and backstaging a wig line.

It’s honest, messy, smart, and deeply human, exactly like the queen at the centre of it all.

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Jayy Dring is a young Scouse lad with a big personality, a sharp (sometimes dark... lol) sense of humour, and a story that deserves to be heard.

Jayy joins John to talk about life behind the bar at Superstar Boudoir, navigating Liverpool’s queer nightlife scene, and some of the unexpected turns along the way... including a brief foray into adult work.

Most importantly, Jayy speaks openly about living with HIV: from diagnosis and stigma to self-worth, community, and learning to live with pride again.

It’s a conversation full of honesty, laughter, and strength, about the realities queer people still face, and the importance of speaking up so others don’t feel alone.

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Kiki Pain is a fierce AFAB drag queen, singer and content creator making waves both on stage and online - and she’s not afraid to speak up for herself, or others.

Kiki joins John to talk about growing up surrounded by music, finding her way into drag, and the reality of being a woman in a world that still questions who “should” be doing drag. They chat about the joy of performing, the hate she’s faced (especially online), and how her drag has become a way of taking up space, loudly and proudly.

From gigging across the North West to going viral on TikTok, Kiki proves that talent and tenacity always speak louder than trolls.

Expect humour, heart, a few diva notes… and an unfiltered reminder that drag is for everyone.

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Thomas Hartley is known to many from Married at First Sight UK, but these days, you’re just as likely to find him onstage as his drag alter ego, Pam Sandwich.

Tom joins John to talk about his early days on the gay scene, what life was really like after the cameras stopped rolling on MAFSUK, and how drag became a way to reconnect with who he really is. They chat about confidence, identity, starting over, and the birth of Pam; a performer who’s as bold, brash and brilliant as the person behind her.

From reality TV to real-life reinvention, it’s a conversation about making space for yourself, one platform (and one performance) at a time.

Funny, open and full of heart.

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David Watson is a creative producer, cultural curator and one of the key figures behind some of Liverpool’s boldest, most visible moments in recent years; including making Eurovision 2023 extra special..

David joins John to talk about his creative journey, how he found himself in Liverpool, and why collaboration and community are at the heart of everything he does. They chat about his background in the arts, the scale (and stress) of supporting the city's delivery of Eurovision, and his recent work with photographer Magnus Hastings - spotlighting Liverpool’s drag scene in a stunning public exhibition that brought queer art right into the centre of the city.

It’s thoughtful, inspiring and full of insight into what happens when creativity, queerness and pride collide.

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Ste Hulme, known to some as Weavin' Steven, known to others as Tanya Cope, joins John for one of the most open and important conversations on Proudly Said to date.

Ste speaks honestly about his journey through ketamine addiction, what that period of his life looked like, and how finding support through the newly formed House of The Vivienne charity helped him begin to rebuild. He reflects on how addiction crept in, the impact it had, and the realities of recovery.

Alongside this, Ste shares stories from his early days on Liverpool’s gay scene, meeting James Lee Williams (The Vivienne), and how their friendship grew into a bond that shaped his life in ways he’s still unpacking. We also talked about Ste’s professional work, creativity, and what moving forward looks like now.

It’s raw and reflective,, a conversation about friendship, grief, accountability, and choosing to keep going.

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Shuv Barbital, the self-proclaimed Goth Mom of Liverpool, is a drag artist, host, costumer and chaos curator, known for bringing dark glamour, camp filth and fierce intelligence to every stage she haunts.

Shuv joins John for a gloriously unfiltered chat about alternative drag, the politics of performance, and why drag should never be confined to sequins and safe choices. They dive into feminism, visibility, creative autonomy, and take a few ADHD-fuelled tangents along the way.

Whether she’s lip-syncing in latex or building a space for queer outsiders, Shuv is as sharp as she is spooky... and not afraid to say exactly what she means.

It’s layered, loud, and perfectly off-track in all the right ways.

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Violet Pain is a staple drag queen in Liverpool, and a seasoned performer with a quick wit, sharp mug, and a deep love for the stage; whether that’s at Superstar Boudoir, Masquerade, Sparkles in Gran Canaria, or anywhere a mic and a moment are available.

Violet joins John to talk about the journey behind the glamour: from early days navigating queer spaces to becoming a familiar face (and voice) across Liverpool’s drag scene. They chat about what it means to build a drag persona, the wider drag community, and how Violet uses drag to hold space for joy, silliness and honesty.

There’s also talk of friendship, community, and why sometimes the most profound thing you can do… is make someone laugh.

It’s smart, sassy, and full of heart - just like Violet.

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Nana Funk is a cabaret queen, burlesque bombshell, and musical mischief-maker; and she’s made it her mission to challenge ageism, celebrate bodies of all kinds, and bring joy wherever she goes.

Nana joins John for a funny, warm and wildly honest conversation about creativity, clowning, and carving out space on her own terms. They chat about how the character of Nana came to life, what it’s like to be a woman in entertainment past the age the industry often tries to ignore, and why ageing doesn’t mean fading into the background.

From improvisation to song to glitter-covered stage antics, Nana Funk proves that fabulous has no expiry date — and neither does fighting for visibility.

It’s full of sparkle, sass, and a proper good cackle. Just how Nana likes it.

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Hannah Riley is a full-on powerhouse - working behind the scenes in TV by day, and lighting up stages and arenas as a presenter and host by night.

Hannah joins John to chat about her journey through the world of media, learning the ropes in costume departments and production teams, and how she’s carving out a path in front of the camera, and on stage too. They talk about confidence, hustle, and that surreal moment when she found out she’d been chosen as the roaming reporter for BBC Radio 1’s Big Weekend in Liverpool.

From local theatre stages to national coverage, Hannah brings energy, humour, and a real love for people into everything she does - and she’s just getting started.

It’s fast-paced, full of laughs, and a reminder that when preparation meets opportunity, anything can happen.

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To welcome in the new year, John reflects on the last 6 months since starting Proudly Said, with 30 episodes posted, and plenty more scheduled.

We want to say a huge thank you to everyone who has supported the podcast since we started, and we really appreciate all the likes, shares, reviews, and wider support.

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Tracy Wilder, better known to the dancefloors as DJ Silk Tray, is a Liverpool legend, who’s been spinning tunes, turning looks, and shaping queer nightlife in the city for over 30 years.

Tracy joins John to reflect on her incredible journey, from the heyday of Garlands, to being behind the decks the night Superstar Boudoir first opened its doors, to her current residency at Sonic Yootha, the monthly queer dance party keeping Liverpool funky and fearless.

They talk about how the scene has changed over the decades, how Tracy’s own transition unfolded alongside her career, and how creativity, whether through DJing, acting or storytelling, has always been her anchor.

It’s a story of resilience, rhythm, and real community history; told by someone who helped shape it.

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Robyn Renée is an AFAB drag queen based in Liverpool, part party animal, part comedy performer, and full-time advocate for giving it a go (even if you’re terrified).

Robyn joins John to talk about what it’s like stepping into drag as a woman, navigating a scene that has so many different kinds of queen, and how she’s found her rhythm through DJing, performing, and just saying “yes” more often than “no.”

They talk about the power of putting yourself out there, building meaningful relationships in the drag community, and why getting out of your comfort zone can be exactly where the magic happens, even if it starts with a shaky wig and a borrowed pair of heels.

It’s fun, honest, and a reminder that drag is for anyone with the guts to try.

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Mahito Thee Cosplayer is best known for their jaw-dropping horror looks and viral cosplay content - but behind the masks is a story just as powerful.

Mahito joins John to share their journey as a queer, Black, Nigerian creative navigating identity across continents. From growing up between cultures, to living in the US during the Trump era, to arriving in the UK and unpacking what it means to be “British”; Mahito speaks candidly about displacement, poverty, survival, and resilience.

They talk about finding themselves through queerness, navigating race and gender in an often hostile world, and learning how to carve out joy in the shadows.

It’s vulnerable, global, and deeply human - a reminder that behind every strong voice is a story that took strength to tell.

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Noel Hughes is a third-year Veterinary Science student and the president of the University of Liverpool’s Queer Vet Society, proudly flying the flag for queer visibility in a field that’s not always known for it.

Noel joins John to talk about what it’s like moving to a big city as a young queer person, navigating uni life, and finding community in unexpected places (like the vet school corridors). They chat about queerness in science, the power of student societies, and why representation matters, even in wellies and a lab coat.

Plus, there’s a quiz you didn’t know you needed: is it a parasite… or a dinosaur? Noel puts John’s scientific knowledge (and ability to annunciate) to the test.

It’s smart, sincere, and full of student survival energy - proof that queerness belongs in every room, lecture hall, and species classification.

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Niall O’Callaghan is a content creator, entertainer, and all-round online personality who’s made a name for himself by making people laugh, and making it look effortless.

Niall joins John to talk about the real story behind the reels, from first nights out at Liverpool’s iconic Superstar Boudoir, to building a following on TikTok and Instagram by simply being himself (and about ten different characters).

They chat about finding confidence as a queer man, the thrill of making people laugh, and the reality of putting yourself out there online; including how he handles the negativity that comes with visibility. Niall shares why he truly believes he was born to entertain, and how humour became a bridge between confidence and community.

It’s warm, witty, and just the right amount of chaotic.

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Alabama Whirley is a fat-positive burlesque dancer, cabaret producer, and walking middle finger to society’s obsession with shrinking.

Alabama joins John to talk about performing with power, living visibly in a body-conscious world, and challenging stigma, both on stage and off. They explore the language we use around bodies, how it shapes our confidence (or chips away at it), and what it means to be both fat and fearless in spaces that often try to make you feel like you don’t belong.

They also dig into the politics of performance, the rise of fat cabaret, and why representation isn’t enough if it’s not real.

It’s bold, body-literate, and set in joy, not just defiance.

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Natasha Von Spirit is a drag artist, DJ, comedian, and all-round scene staple, known for her quick wit, bold looks, and ability to keep it chaotic and caring.

Natasha joins John to talk about her route into drag, training in technical theatre in Wales, and how performance became both a creative outlet and a form of survival. She speaks candidly about her experiences with alcoholism, recovery, and learning to sit with herself outside of the spotlight.

Of course, there are tangents... lots of them... but also deep reflections on queer joy, camp resilience, and finding your voice (sometimes through a mic, sometimes through a mess).

It’s warm, raw, funny, and full of heart. Just like Natasha.

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Precious is a Liverpool-based storyteller, creative, and the founder of Koko Kollective: an Afro-inclusive community platform centring BIPOC and queer joy through art, conversation and celebration.

Precious joins John to talk about living out loud, building spaces that feel like home, and the intention behind everything she creates, from content to community events. They chat about growing up, identity, softness, and the need for spaces where Black and brown queer people can gather without needing to explain, shrink, or translate themselves.

Through Koko Kollective, Precious is nurturing a community grounded in creativity, healing, and unapologetic joy, and in this conversation, we get to hear the heart behind it.

It’s soft, powerful, and rooted in the belief that joy is resistance.

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Keri Stanistreet is the founder of Sapphic Socials - a Liverpool-based group creating space for women and femme-identifying people to connect, laugh, and just be themselves.

Keri joins John to talk about building community from the ground up, and why queer women need spaces that aren’t centred around nightlife, dating apps, or needing to explain yourself. She shares the story behind Sapphic Socials, the challenges of carving out something new, and the joy that comes from watching strangers become chosen family.

They also talk about Keri’s own experiences as a lesbian - from growing up and coming out, to navigating the awkward, funny, and sometimes frustrating parts of queer life that don’t make it into the rom-coms.

It’s down to earth, full of heart, and a celebration of queer women showing up for each other.

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Lianne Terry is a Liverpool-based psychotherapist, writer, and wellbeing advocate whose practice is rooted in empathy, honesty, and the power of personal growth.

Lianne joins John to talk about her work as a counsellor, her own journey through healing, and what it really means to support others in finding happiness. They explore the impact of childhood wounds, the complexity of relationships, and how tools like CBT and person-centred therapy can help people move forward, without pretending it’s easy.

They also chat about Lianne’s wellbeing magazine, her creative approach to care, and the reality of holding space for others while still navigating your own life with intention.

It’s thoughtful, affirming, and full of heart - a reminder that healing isn’t linear, and that being gentle with yourself is often the most radical thing you can do.

Find out more through Lianne's link tree: https://linktr.ee/lianne.terry

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Darren Suarez is the founder of House of Suarez and the force behind Liverpool’s annual Vogue Ball - an icon and trailblazer who’s been shaping queer dance culture in the North for over two decades.

Darren joins John to reflect on growing up gay in 80s and 90s Liverpool, discovering the world of dance, and falling in love with the art of vogue. They trace the journey from underground club nights to sold-out theatre stages, and how the Vogue Ball became one of the most iconic events on the UK’s queer calendar.

Darren speaks candidly about legacy, leadership, and what it means to build something that lasts - not just in name, but in impact. They also chat about the future of ballroom, the next generation of performers, and how House of Suarez continues to create space for self-expression, excellence, and joy.

It’s fierce, heartfelt, and full of movement - onstage and off.

Find out more at houseofsuarez.co.uk

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Athena Barbital is a Liverpool-based alternative drag queen with a look that could kill — and a voice that just might heal you first.

Athena joins John to talk about their journey from PhD researcher to spiked-out, sci-fi drag siren, and how creating their own looks became a form of self-expression and survival. They chat about the origin of the name ‘Athena Barbital’ (yes, it’s pharmaceutical), their place in the alt-drag and club kid scene, and why singing torch ballads in full head-to-toe latex feels perfectly natural.

It’s a deep dive into aesthetic evolution, camp with a chemical twist, and the beautiful tension between visual chaos and emotional clarity.

Expect spikes, stories, a few surprises — and a reminder that not all queens lip sync.

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Anthony Proctor is the General Manager of Liverpool’s iconic Epstein Theatre - and a lifelong lover of all things theatrical.

Anthony joins John to talk about his journey from student, wanting to be a vet, to panto regular, to running one of the city’s most beloved stages. They chat about the magic (and madness) of live theatre, his time working on Farmaggedon and fringe shows, and the importance of keeping spaces like the Epstein alive - not just for performers, but for the communities that fill the seats.

It’s a love letter to local theatre, backstage gossip, and the joy of watching something come to life under the lights - glitter, gaffs and all.

Expect laughs, ghost stories, panto chaos… and a proper Scouse appreciation for the show always going on.

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Eddie Fortune is a Scouse comedian, writer, and actor with a gift for making people laugh... often about the things we’re not supposed to.

Eddie joins John for a conversation that’s full of sharp wit (kind of), big heart (er...), and a healthy amount of camp chaos (absolutely). They talk about being gay in Liverpool, finding humour in dark places (usually Basement Sauna in Manchester), and how comedy can be both a coping mechanism and a form of entertainment.

From stage shows to panto scripts, Eddie shares his experience navigating the entertainment industry as a working-class queer voice - and why being funny isn’t the same as being taken seriously.

🧼 Content Warning (sort of): This episode contains stories that may cause side-eye, snorts, and possibly mild nausea. Listener discretion advised — especially if you’re eating.

It’s smart, cheeky, and painfully honest. Just like Eddie..

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Carmen Sutra is a Liverpool drag queen known for her fierce stage presence, sharp aesthetic, and love of bringing people together through performance.

Carmen sits down with John to talk about the evolution of her drag - from picking a name that turns heads to building a persona that gives her life. They talk about how drag brings her joy, the freedom it offers, and the community she’s helped shape by producing shows that centre creativity, fun, and fairness.

Whether she’s hosting a cabaret, supporting emerging talent, or sharing her take on Drag Race, Carmen brings intention, warmth, and a lot of sparkle to everything she does.

It’s a chat about craft, care, and why there’s nothing more powerful than making space for others while still shining in your own right.

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TylerdaClaire is a non-binary Scouse content creator, fashion icon, and online disruptor - known for bold looks, louder opinions, and a fierce commitment to showing up exactly as they are.

Tyler joins John to talk about carving out space in a digital world that doesn’t always know what to do with unapologetic queerness - especially when it’s coming from a Scouse accent in a full beat. They chat about identity, influence, and how being visibly non-binary online is both a blessing and a battle.

Tyler shares what it’s like being different in Liverpool, building a platform without diluting their character, and why authenticity will always matter more than algorithms.

It’s bold, brilliant, and beautifully unfiltered - just like Tyler.

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Genevieve Renée is a Liverpool drag queen, community organiser, and certified fundraising powerhouse - known not just for turning looks, but for turning the city’s drag scene into a force for good.

Genevieve sits down with John to talk about using drag to do more than entertain - from the chaos of Snatch Game and Eurovision AllStars to the cutting brilliance of the Pride Roast. She shares her journey from hosting cabaret nights in ICON to becoming a Tuesday night staple at OMG Liverpool, and how she’s built a reputation not just for her talent, but for her heart.

They chat about community, chosen family, and what it takes to get a room full of drag performers working together for a shared cause - without losing the fun. It’s about glamour with guts, and making space for joy that gives back.

This one’s generous, glamorous, and grounded in pure love for the scene.

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Iwan Steffan is a Welsh content creator and storyteller best known for his spine-tingling paranormal videos - mixing folklore, personal experience, and a healthy dose of dry humour.

Iwan joins John to talk about his experience with social media, his interest in all things spooky, and growing up in Wales where the line between myth and memory was always a bit blurry. They explore how storytelling - whether about haunted houses or hidden identities - can be a way of making sense of the world, claiming space, and passing on something that lasts.

They also talk about language, trauma, and why queer people often end up telling stories that don’t fit neat categories - because we don’t either.

It’s eerie, honest, and full of unexpected warmth. Just like Iwan’s content.

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Ripley is nothing short of a powerhouse in recent times within Liverpol's queer community. They are a founding member of the now well over subscribed Board Gaymes group, which is now expanding to have monthly groups over on the Wirral; and has recently launched Queer Agenda Merseyside.

Queer Agenda acts as a directory of what's going on within Liverpool's queer community - events, groups and outings - which Ripley puts together manually themselves! It's not an easy task, but they explain how and why they do it, with the potential plans to grow!

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John Bridson, aka TheButchQween, is part queer meme lord, part cultural critic, and 100% done with your tired binary takes.

Talking social media, looking out from behind the curtain, as well as their own mental health challenges, John brings a real sense of authenticity to this episode of Proudly Said - highlighting where his humour comes from, and how he uses the creative process to centre himself.

There’s sass, sincerity and a few tangents that somehow loop back to serious truths - about community, control, and carving space online that’s both ridiculous and real.

It’s razor-sharp, meme-level funny, and joyfully unapologetic. Just like The Butch Qween.

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Adam Brown is a Liverpool-born dancer, choreographer, and founder of Adam Brown Dance Company - known for turning movement into storytelling, and making dance accessible, powerful, and unapologetically personal.

Adam joins John to talk about growing up as someone who always wanted to dance, and what it means to build his own dance company that reflects the world as he sees it - not just how it looks on paper. They talk growth, process, and the politics of being a working-class creative in an industry still obsessed with polish over authenticity.

From training to creating bold, raw work focused in the community around him, Adam opens up about his journey, the barriers he’s broken, and the spaces he’s still trying to create - for himself, and for others.

It’s movement. It’s memory. It’s full-body honesty.

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Raf Dias - aka @musicbyrafaela — is a queer creative who brings heart, humour and a whole lot of honesty to this week’s episode.

We chat about queer love and ends… well, all over the place (in the best way). From navigating the world as a lesbian to challenging the straight-coded expectations still clinging to relationships, labels and language - this one’s about living loudly, loving honestly, and laughing through it all.

We unpack identity and what it means to be soft and strong in the same breath. There’s talk of culture, connection, and resisting the pressure to fit a script - especially when your life was never written in the margins to begin with.

It’s candid, warm, occasionally chaotic - and absolutely full of queer joy.

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Joey is the frontman of Liverpool queer party band Joey & The Hot Tub Boys — bringing glitter, chaos and genuine heart to every stage they hit.

Joey joins John to talk about making music that’s unapologetically queer, fun, and loud in all the right ways. From more intimate gigs to sold-out sweaty nights, they dive into what it means to hold space for silliness, softness, and self-expression - especially in a world that often asks queer people to shrink.

They talk about chosen family, DIY gig culture, and why camp, comedy and community are more punk than most bands claiming the title. There’s chat about neurodiversity, finding your tribe, and not taking yourself too seriously - unless you’re talking about the power of queer joy, in which case: deadly serious.

It’s loud, heartfelt and brilliantly chaotic. Just like Joey & The Hot Tub Boys.

Listen to their new single, 'Totally Over You', from 18th July here: https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/joeyandthehottubboys/totally-over-you

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Regina McQueen is a Wirral-born drag queen with a big personality, a sharp wit, and a soft spot for repainting dolls - literally.

Regina joins John for a chat that’s as full of heart as it is humour. They talk about growing up queer in Birkenhead, building a name for herself on the Liverpool drag scene, and how painting dolls in her spare time helps her stay grounded when the spotlight fades.

Known for her bold personality, Regina reflects on the pressures of reputation, the importance of staying kind, and the difference between being seen and being understood.

Honest, hilarious, and full of love - this is Regina McQueen, beyond the lashes.

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Braidy Maloney is a proud queer woman, business owner, and quiet force (sometimes not so quiet) - running both Five Café and Solomon’s Tap Room in Garston.

Braidy sits down with John to talk about building community from the ground up. Not with big speeches or rainbow branding, but by creating real, local spaces where all people feel seen and safe. She shares her journey from customer to café owner, how being different shaped her approach to business, and the power of showing up without needing to shout.

They chat authenticity, allyship, visibility outside the city centre - and why being part of the community means more than just putting a flag in the window.

It’s warm, honest, and quietly radical. Just like Braidy.

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Franz Genau is a drag king, host and chaos-stirrer - better known to some as Queer Artisan.

Franz joins John to talk about what it means to perform masculinity not just for laughs, but to shake things up. As Queer Artisan, Franz has carved out space in Liverpool’s cabaret and DIY drag scene — running events, creating platforms, and making room for other queer artists to get weird, loud, and unapologetically themselves.

They talk gender performance, creativity, community care, and why some of the most important work happens off-stage. Expect sharp insight, scrappy joy, and a healthy disregard for anything that smells like respectability.

This one’s for the artists, the outsiders, and the ones doing the work - with sequins, sweat, and absolutely no apologies.

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Gary Harper is a contemporary artist whose work hits harder than most – abstract, emotional, and unapologetically honest. Known for his landscapes and visual storytelling, Gary brings mental health, queerness and working-class identity into all he does.

In this episode, Gary joins John for a conversation that’s equal parts art school, therapy session and Scouse defiance. They talk about turning trauma into texture, the limits of representation, and why he refuses to make art that’s just ‘nice’. Gary shares how painting became a survival tool - and why vulnerability, especially as a queer person, can be the most radical thing of all.

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Sarah Lovelock is one of the ultimate LGBTQ+ allies in Liverpool. Owner of Lovelocks Coffee Shop, she has, without intention, created the only daytime queer safe space for the community; with the vast majority of her regulars being from the community.

Sarah talks about the origins of Lovelocks, why it's important to 'not be d*ck', and demonstrating why she's so fabulous.

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Connie Frankish is a transgender woman and proud activist for the last 18, no 12, wait actually 9 months - and has quickly become a powerhouse within the community of Liverpool. She reflected on her time as a teacher, and how her being openly trans had an impact on both the young people she taught, and the adults around her.

Please note: this episode was filmed prior to the UK Supreme Court's ruling on the definition of 'sex'.

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Ketona Madrave is Liverpool's DJ Drag Queen, hitting the decks across multiple LGBTQ+ venues in the city. John and Ketona sat down and talked about how she came into drag, her musical background, and also the potential issues around misunderstanding her namesake in light of recent events within the local community.

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In this short introduction, host John Hyland shares the motivation behind launching Proudly Said - a podcast that amplifies LGBTQ+ voices, especially those often unheard. John discusses the importance of creating spaces where queer individuals can share their stories authentically, without filters or apologies.

🔑 Episode Highlights

00:00 – Welcome and purpose of the podcast

01:15 – The significance of platforming marginalized voices

02:30 – What listeners can expect in upcoming episodes

🗣️ Why Listen?

If you’re seeking genuine conversations that reflect the diverse experiences within the LGBTQ+ community, Proudly Said offers a platform for those narratives. This episode sets the stage for the stories to come, emphasising the podcast’s commitment to authenticity and inclusivity.

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