Award-Winning Spoke Media and iHeartPodcasts Launch New Podcast HIGHKEY! with Drag Race Winner Yvie Oddly, Ben O’Keefe, and Ryan Mitchell
Premieres May 30 on iHeartMedia’s Outspoken Podcast Network
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“I’m excited about having the conversations I love with people — with two pretty remarkable human beings — and getting to talk to interesting folks about whatever the hell we feel like,” said Oddly. “And people think they know me from TV, but it’s my turn. My turn to really introduce you to where I’m at now — so you can kill any old ideas you had.”
“My superpower has always been showing up — and shining — in spaces that were never built with me in mind, while creating platforms for others who’ve felt the same,” said Mitchell. “HIGHKEY! is the show we’ve always wanted. It’s bold, it’s honest, and it’s ours."
"I was tired of not feeling like there were spaces to have the conversations that me and my friends were already having,” O’Keefe says, reflecting on why he co-created the show with Mitchell, Oddly, iHeart and Spoke. “What if we had a microphone there to really capture that?” He adds, “I’m a truth-teller. I have hot takes, and sometimes they burn — but that’s what I’ve built my reputation on and that’s what listeners can expect.”
The show is co-produced and distributed by iHeartPodcasts as part of the Outspoken Podcast Network, which aims to amplify, elevate, and reflect the diversity, richness, and humanity of voices throughout the LGBTQ+ community.
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In addition to regular weekly episodes, the hosts will be offering a private community chat, exclusive bonus content, behind-the-scenes moments, and deeper dives into the most talked-about episodes via a new Patreon launching alongside the show.
“Spoke believes in telling stories and platforming voices that speak to the moment. That is why we recently co-produced Broadway’s Tony nominated Real Women Have Curves and produced the hit audio series Aftermath: The Hunt for the Anthrax Killer”, said Spoke Media’s President Alia Tavakolian. “HIGHKEY! is at the center of that mission and we are proud to partner with three brilliant hosts to create a space where everyone can belong”, followed up Spoke Media Partner, Travis LeMont Ballenger.
“This show is about legacy, visibility, and joy — and creating space for unapologetically queer voices to lead the conversation. Working with Yvie, Ryan, and Ben — three fearless, brilliant talents — has been a gift. As Showrunner, it’s an honor to help bring something this alive into the world.” - Tyler Greene, Showrunner (The Sam Sanders Show, Pushkin's A Slight Change of Plans, The Moth)
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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 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