HIGHKEY! Podcast Debuts Today on iHeartMedia’s Outspoken Network with Drag Race Winner Yvie Oddly, Ben O’Keefe, and Ryan Mitchell
Confirmed Guests and Special Appearances by
Laverne Cox, Sarah Paulson, Lena Waithe, Tess Holliday, Bob the Drag Queen, Amanda Lepore, Bosco, Aloe Blacc, Jaida Essence Hall, Tourmaline, R.K. Russell, + more
Brains, Banter, and a Bit of Drama—New Episodes Weekly
Episode 101: The Meet & Greet HERE
“The latest must-listen” – Queerty
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Quotable Moments from the Hosts (Ep. 1) “I’m a drag queen, professional shit-stirrer, and the weirdest winner of RuPaul’s Drag Race.” - Yvie “To have joy in this time is radical… that is the ultimate kind of fuck you.” - Ben “There’s lots of gay conversations out there — but not enough that sound like us.” - Ryan “I think people who hate queerness are jealous of it.” - Ben “My celebrity gay awakening was the tomcat from The Aristocats.” - Yvie “I use style as a vehicle to get away from the norms of what my mom was trying to put on me.” - Ryan “I’m a he, I’m a she, I’m an it, they/them — I am the problem.” - Yvie |
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COMING UP ON HIGHKEY! The season’s first slate of standout conversations will feature:
● A powerful, unfiltered interview between Laverne Cox and Ryan Mitchell, where the Emmy-nominated actress opens up about legacy, heartbreak, Hollywood’s shifting interest in trans stories, and why she’s done being “nice” in the face of political cruelty. ● Sit-downs and appearances with Sarah Paulson, Lena Waithe, Tess Holliday, Bob the Drag Queen, Amanda Lepore, Bosco, R.K. Russel, Jaida Essence Hall, Aloe Blacc, Tourmaline and more – all bringing their unique selves for big laughs, big ideas, and unexpected truths. |
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About The Hosts: Ben O’Keefe Ben O’Keefe is a Forbes 30 Under 30 honoree, award-winning writer, activist, and Oscar- shortlisted producer whose influence spans entertainment, politics, and culture. From crafting campaigns for folks like Alicia Keys and Amazon Studios to advising leaders like Senator Elizabeth Warren, Ben’s work drives national conversations and cultural change. Ben was also the writer and a guest co-host of MTV Decoded, the pioneering digital series that used humor and storytelling to break down issues of race, identity, and inequality for a new generation. He brings fearless honesty, cultural fluency, and a passion for moving conversations - and culture - forward.
Ryan Mitchell Ryan Mitchell is an entertainment host, culture critic, and strategist known for sharp takes and bold conversations. They’ve hosted Logo Live, led live award show coverage and interviewed influential voices for MTV and their nationally syndicated radio show Let’s Go There. Ryan also made history as the NFL’s first LGBTQ+ brand ambassador, always championing inclusion at the intersection of entertainment, media, and identity. Whether behind the mic or in front of the camera, Ryan brings heart, humor, and a deep commitment to shifting culture — not just covering it.
Yvie Oddly Yvie Oddly is a drag icon, rapper, and visual artist who won RuPaul’s Drag Race Season 11 and made waves as a finalist on All Stars: All Winners. Known for her avant-garde style and unfiltered point of view, Yvie uses her art to challenge convention, provoke thought, and celebrate radical self-expression. With a background in music, design, and performance, she brings creative fearlessness, sharp humor, and a deep belief in authenticity — always encouraging guests to show up fully and speak their truths.
Production Crew Travis LeMont Ballenger & Alia Tavakolian - Executive Producers, Spoke Media Ali Perry & Jessica Krainchich - Executive Producers, iHeartPodcasts Tyler Greene - Showrunner Beau Delmore - Video Lead Jenna Burnett - Senior Producer Tess Ryan - Coordinating Producer Sammy Syrett - Audio Engineer Monserrat (Monse) Rodriguez - Production Assistant Khiyon Hursey - Music Scott Newman, Ray Marrero and Kathleen Ottinger of work x work - Branding Erik Carter - Photography
About Spoke Media Spoke Media is a multi-award-winning creative studio dedicated to crafting meaningful, character-driven content. Their portfolio spans podcasts, live stage and film and television. Notable works include Tony Award Nominated Real Women Have Curves the Musical and the acclaimed podcasts Under Cover of Knight (Apple), The Grand Scheme: Snatching Sinatra (Wondery), and The Godfather: A Film We Can’t Refuse (Paramount).For more information, visit www.spokemedia.io
About iHeartMedia iHeartMedia, Inc. [Nasdaq: IHRT] is the leading audio media company in America, with 90% of Americans listening to iHeart broadcast radio in every month. iHeart’s broadcast radio assets alone have a larger audience in the U.S. than any other media outlet; twice the size of the next largest broadcast radio company; and over four times the ad-enabled audience of the largest digital only audio service. iHeart is the largest podcast publisher according to Podtrac, with more downloads than the next two podcast publishers combined, has the most recognizable live events across all genres of music, has the number one social footprint among audio players, with seven times more followers than the next audio media brand, and is the only fully integrated audio ad tech solution across broadcast, streaming and podcasts. The company continues to leverage its strong audience connection and unparalleled consumer reach to build new platforms, products and services. Visit iHeartMedia.com for more company information.
For interview requests, press inquiries, or additional information, please contact: Matt Hanks | mhanks@shorefire.com Jerome Ware | jware@shorefire.com |