- RR
#2July 10 · 53 minQueer Country Forever: July 2026
Hey there, cowpokes. It's been a while since we've had a podcast episode! I just took a break to see what I wanted to do with the podcast, which parts I really liked doing, which parts I don't. I put together an audition tape for an internet radio service, and I had a lot of fun doing it. So I'm thinking this is what I wanna keep doing with the podcast. I will keep doing artist interviews when the scheduling works out, but trying to find the time to do that every month wasn't working for me. So, moving forward, it's gonna be like this: one set of artists I've covered from the past 15 years of blogging, maybe people who didn't get the shine they should have when the album came out one set of my personal favorites from the previous month one set of music I'm excited about that's coming out in the future Artists in This Episode Lavender Country Coyote Grace Karen and the Sorrows Chris Houseman She Returns From War Reba McEntire ft. Lafemmebear Melanie Walker and Mercy Bell Fancy Hagood Paisley Fields Andrew Sa Jessye DeSilva Subscribe to Rainbow Rodeo Official Site and Newsletter Shop Linktree
- RR#2Oct 31, 2025 · 58 min
Episode 33: Weakened Friends
Indie rock band Weakened Friends join us to discuss their powerful album Feels Like Hell. The band is tighter than ever, and that's due in large part to lead singer Sonia Sturino coming out as non-binary and feeling more confident in their voice. Sturino and bassist(and partner) Annie Hand check in to talk about what an indie rock band is doing on a country podcast, approaches to songwriting and recording, and our millennial skin care routines. Subscribe or sign up to hear more about the pair's approach to astrology, bad habits, and touring. (Check Weakened Friends' tour dates here.) Songs 4:08 – "Bargain Bin" (excerpt) – Weakened Friends 5:03 – "Tough Luck (Bleed Me Out)" – Weakened Friends 24:27 – "Not For Nothing" – Weakened Friends 28:20 – "Torn" – Weakened Friends 46:26 – "Pancho and Lefty" – Paisley Fields ft. Laura Stevenson 50:17 – "Kind of Girl" – MUNA 54:44 – "Weightless" – Weakened Friends
- RR#2Aug 29, 2025 · 36 min
Episode 33: Issue 6 Preview with Allison Russell, Vandoliers, Willi Carlisle and More!
Want to buy a copy of Rainbow Rodeo Issue 6 but too scared to pull the trigger? Don't worry! Rachel is here to guide you through the zine. You'll hear from Allison Russell about Hadestown, Josh Friedberg talks us through his essay about Beyonce winning the Best Country Album Grammy, Vandoliers, Glen Meadmore's glory hole, and more! Subscribe for $5 or more today and you'll also got nyan cats, lavender coasts, and boisterous stage banter! Plus – a reminder about your FREE zine codes! Purchase your copy of the zine here. Sign up for our newsletter and more here! Song List Willi Carlisle -- Cryin' These Cocksucking Tears (2:25) Low Cut Connie -- I Can't Shake the Stranger Out of You (6:54) Luisa Lopez -- Tired (11:02) Vandoliers -- Life Behind Bars (14:50) Hayden Stern, Elise Snoey, and Ezra Jane Landsman -- "Jig to Reel With Twin Fiddles and DADGAD Guitar" (20:42) Allison Rusell and Hadestown Cast -- "Livin' It Up" (24:11) Jeremy Dion -- "Bend in the Middle" (28:20) Glenmeadmore -- "Glory Hole" (30:39) Jake Blount and Mali Obamsawin -- "What's Ya Gonna Do When the World is on Fire?" Riggings -- "Big Box Black Dress" (38:56)
- RR#2Jul 25, 2025 · 1 hr 8 min
Episode 31: Vandoliers
Due to circumstances beyond anyone's control, this episode was delayed a bit -- but we're so happy for you all to hear my interview with Jenni Rose and Corey Graves of the Vandoliers. You can read excerpts of the interview in Good Country. Our discussion weaves from the Vandoliers' many influences to Jenni's newfound sobriety -- and how her extremely public coming out has energized her and the rest of the band. Never miss out on queer country music -- subscribe to our free newsletter or become a paid subscriber at RainbowRodeoMag.com! Songs in This Episode 1:44 -- "Life Behind Bars" (Vandoliers) 25:22 -- "Dead Canary" (Vandoliers) 57:46 -- "Bible Belt" (Vandoliers) 1:02:02 -- "Broken Horses" (Brandi Carlile)
- RR#2May 2, 2025 · 33 min
Episode 30: Girls on Grass
Girls on Grass is a scrappy garage/country/cowpunk/whatever band from New York City that fearlessly follows their own arrow. Barbara Endes guides us through the creative process of the band's upcoming EP Stages, playing with a B-bender guitar (and what that is), and why writing about politics an her friends is her happy place. Track Listing Girls on Grass – Goth Punk Hillbilly Angel (1:19) Kim Deal – Nobody Loves You More (11:45) Girls on Grass – Don't Buy It (29:13) Subscribe to Rainbow Rodeo for your free weekly queer country newsletter, or support us with a paid subscription for extra goodies!
- RR#2Mar 28, 2025 · 1 hr
Episode 29: Angie K
Angie K and I scooch up to our mics to discuss her new self-titled EP. (Sorry for the horrendous audio quality on my end – I went out and got a better mic right after this interview.) We talk about Angie's incredible year: she got engaged, she's played the Grand Ole Opry twice, and Angie K was absolutely released on her terms. There's also stories of awkward teenage dating and talent shows – and she taught me about this freaky zodiac thing called Human Design. Song List Angie K – "Red Dirt on Mars" (1:24) Angie K – "You And I" (14:47) Angie K – "I'm Going Under" (17:26) Angie K – "Games" (37:57) Fancy Hagood – "American Spirit" (51:34) Angie K – "Stay" (54:36) Say up-to-date with Rainbow Rodeo as a free or paid subscriber right here!
- RR#2Feb 28, 2025 · 21 min
Episode 28: Girl In a Hurry - The Shelly Bush Story
We're 58% of the way to our fundraising goal! Join us over at Rainbow Rodeo for exclusive podcasts, art, zines -- and a mixtape of new and unreleased queer country music! Ellen Angelico is one of my favorite people in Nashville – hands-down. They own the stage when they're absolutely shredding on guitar for artists like Brandy Clark and Cam. But everyone gets their start somewhere, and for Ellen that was on Nashville's Broadway in their legendary honky-tonks, led by a singer who was equally legendary: Shelly Bush. In Ellen's six-part series Girl in a Hurry, we learn more about Shelly, but also about the ecosystem that makes country music run: for every star headlining a stadium tour, there are hundreds of working-class musicians putting in the hours and the miles in the dreams of getting there. This is Shelly Bush's story. Search for Girl in a Hurry to listen to the of the series! To learn more about how the podcast was made, you can read my interview with Ellen.
- RR#2Jan 24, 2025 · 39 min
Episode 27: Voices of Trans Strength -- Mya Byrne, Paisley Fields, Abigail Lucas, Flamy Grant, Adrian Blake Enscoe, She Returns From War
Howdy, cowpokes. I hope you're hanging in there. This episode is a little bit different. Instead of interviewing one artist, I included excerpts from interviews for an article coming up in No Depression's Spring 2025 issue: how trans artists are drawing strength and preparing for the Trump administration. We hear from Mya Byrne, Paisley Fields, Abigail Lucas, Flamy Grant, Adrian Blake Enscoe, She Returns From War. Subscribe to No Depression to read the full article in the Spring 2025 issue. Subscribe to Rainbow Rodeo -- paid or free - to stay up-to-date on the latest queer country news and music! This episode was sponsored by Post Transition media company -- you, too, can sponsor Rainbow Rodeo by clicking here! Music Mya Byrne and Paisley Fields -- "Burn This Statehouse Down" (04:31) Flamy Grant -- "Revenge" (11:49) Abigail Lucas -- "Black Me Out" (19:37) Bandits on the Run -- "Back Home" (28:46) She Returns From War -- "Ruthless" (33:29)
- RR#2Nov 22, 2024 · 37 min
Episode 26: Rett Madison
A Note on Audio: Sorry that I sound so weird; I sat way too far away from my mic for this one. But Rett really does talk that fast -- faster than me! So much for the stereotype about fast-talking New Yorkers! It's hard enough to be in your 20s, but Rett Madison had to do it all without her mom. One More For Jackie is the deluxe re-issue of Madison's debut album last year, this time with a few extra songs but the same core of love, grief, and dedication to her mother, who died by suicide in 2019. In our interview, we discuss making the album, the making-of documentary that came with it, Madison's musical roots, and taking a stand in the upcoming Trump regime. 3:09 -- "One For Jackie" (Rett Madison) 18:52 -- "Skydiving" (Rett Madison) 29:53 -- "Deep Feeler" (Liv Greene) 33:32 -- "Apocalyptic Folk Song" (Rett Madison) Pre-order Rainbow Rodeo issue 5 here! Subscribe to our free newsletter -- or get more stuff on the paid tiers -- on the NEW Rainbow Rodeo site!
- RR#2Oct 25, 2024 · 48 min
Episode 25: Flamy Grant
** This month's episode is sponsored by Damon Beirne of Post-Transition Media Management Company. Damon can clean up your media files for $300 per terrabyte -- mention Rainbow Rodeo for a 75% discount! ** Flamy Grant is a Christian drag queen. Now, at Rainbow Rodeo, we know to revel in the contradiction of gloriously queer life and traditional expectations, and Flamy certainly embodies that. Her first album Bible Belt Baby hit #1 on the iTunes Christian chart and her new album, CHURCH, which we'll be talking about today, is currently in the top 10 of the iTunes country chart. This is a big deal because iTunes charts are based on purchases, not passive streams — so there are real people propelling these songs up the charts! You can read my album review on No Depression. Subscribe to Rainbow Rodeo on Patreon! Don't miss a queer country beat when you subscribe to our weekly newsletter! Songs Flamy Grant -- "Last Days" (01:59) Flamy Grant -- "SPRKL" (23:06) Flamy Grant -- "Revenge" (39:21) Crys Matthews -- "Waking Up the Dead" (42:51) Click here to advertise in Rainbow Rodeo!
- RR#2Sep 27, 2024 · 45 min
Episode 24: Liv Greene
Liv Greene checks in about her album Deep Feeler, out on October 18th. We also discuss how her coming out process has reinforced her artistry, moving past imposter syndrome, and putting down roots in Nashville. For Patreon subscribers, we also get into a little astrology and a secret that's about a confession. Pre-save or preorder Deep Feeler here. Subscribe to our free weekly newsletter here! Music Liv Greene -- "Katie" (2:25) Liv Greene -- "Deep Feeler" (14:23) Liv Greene -- "Flowers" (25:30) Brittany Ann Tranbaugh -- "We Could Be Comets" (36:16) Liv Greene -- "Wild Geese" (41:10)
- RR#2Aug 2, 2024 · 38 min
Episode 23: Leah Song of Rising Appalachia
Rising Appalachia has always been a mission-driven, social justice-focused band. On their recent album Folk and Anchor, however, the band decided to take on a more light-hearted project. The sister duo of Leah Song and Chloe Smith went back to their roots and picked out a collection of songs that influenced them -- including some that might surprise you. Leah and I spoke about how the band settled on this project, the songs they chose, and what it means to finally take a break. Music Rising Appalchia -- "On And On (Erykah Badu)" (2:05) Rising Appalachia -- "Texas Hold 'Em (Beyonce)" (15:55) Amythyst Kiah -- "Love Will Tear Us About" (29:34) Rising Appalchia -- "I Shall Be Released (Bob Dylan)" (32:24) Stay up-to-date with all the queer country news fit to print with the Rainbow Rodeo newsletter, and support us on Patreon!
- RR#2Jun 28, 2024 · 46 min
Episode 22: Chris Housman
Hey, there cowpokes -- remember when I did podcasts? Me, too. So...I'm thrilled that I get to interview Chris Housman for episode 22! Chris's new album Blueneck is a raucously fun and aggressively queer pop country album. Chris has been in Nashville for 16 years, and we talk about how it's been to be a queer artist in the mainstream country machine, as well as how Chris got his start and why he loves making the catchy music he does. Song Timestamps 2:51 -- "Drag Queen" -- Chris Housman 21:59 -- "Bible Belt" -- Chris Housman 35:33 -- "Backwoods Proclamation" -- Jett Holden 39:08 -- "Dust Off Your Boots" -- Adam Mac 42:05 -- "Life Behind Bars" -- Chris Housman Support us on Patreon! Never miss out on queer country news with our free weekly newsletter!
- RR#2Mar 29, 2024 · 43 min
Episode 21: River Shook of Sarah Shook & The Disarmers
Hey there, cowpokes! This time around I interview River Shook about their new album with Sarah Shook and the Disarmers, Revelations. What's that now? Well, we get into River coming out as nonbinary, changing their name…and still touring under their given name. We'll also talk about their growing confidence as they continue into sobriety, taking the helm as a producer for their own projects as well as Izzy Rider's, and why their latest album Revelations kicks so much ass. Thanks to the Nashville Scene for printing an excerpt of our conversation. Check out John Rodney's Deers, Queers, and Carolina Twang playlist I mentioned at the end of the show. Follow Rainbow Rodeo for news of our fundraiser (starts Monday) and support us by subscribing to our Patreon!
- RR#2Mar 9, 2024 · 45 min
Episode 20: Queer Country Weekend Extravaganza!
Howdy, cowpokes! This is a special bonus episode of Rainbow Rodeo to celebrate two different queer country shows next week. The online festival Country Soul Songbook, which is pay-what-you-can. It's a great weekend of conversations and concerts that celebrate radical intersectionality in country music. On Friday March 15th from 12 PM - 5 PM IN AUSTIN, Meanwhile in Music presents a queer country showcase featuring Creekbed Carter Hogan, Secret Emchy Society, Ever More Nest, Paisley Fields, Jared Deck, and Austin Lucas. Please note I misread the poster and said it was from 5 PM to midnight!!! Then, on Sunday March 17th IN NEW YORK CITY, join me at Penny Jo's at 163rd and Broadway for the very first Rainbow Rodeo Live! The show will feature The Locksmiths, Cactus Rose/Kandia Crazyhorse, Brian Falduto, and Jackfruit You can read more about what I've been up to on the Rainbow Rodeo newsletter Support Rainbow Rodeo by subscribing to Patreon!
- RR#2Dec 1, 2023 · 1 hr 6 min
Episode 19 -- Cidny Bullens
Cidny Bullens is not just a rock'n'roll lifer -- he's a survivor. He toured with Elton John and Bob Dylan and was nominated for two Grammys for his own solo work. If you've listened to the Grease soundtrack, you've probably heard him -- but this is all before he transitioned. Cid's been through quite a bit as well, and not just a rock and roll lifer, but also a survivor. And his recent memoir, TransElectric, Cidny talks about his journey from growing up in rural Massachusetts to New York to LA back to New York... and eventually Portland, Maine, and all the obstacles along the way: flying high In the music scene to his lows with struggling with addiction and losing his daughter and being in the closet as a trans person in the sixties and seventies without even really knowing what that meant or what the possibilities could be. Cidny complemented the memoir with Little Pieces and put it out in 2020. So you can guess what happened there. That's why Kill Rock Stars signed Cidny and reissued the album earlier this month. In this interview, Cindy and I talk about his life, intergenerational LGBTQ+ work, recording Little Pieces, and what's next for him. Purchase your copy of Rainbow Rodeo right here! Don't forget to support us on Patreon and subscribe to our weekly newsletter! Track Listing Cidny Bullens, "Little Pieces" (3:50) Cidny Bullens, "Purgatory Road" (12:07) Cidny Bullens, "The Gender Line" (25:36) Mya Byrne, "Please Call Me Darling" (55:52) Cidny Bullens, "Call Me By My Name" (1:00:00)
- RR#2Nov 10, 2023 · 46 min
Episode 18 -- Jessye DeSilva
This isn't Jessye DeSilva's first Rainbow Rodeo! The non-binary singer-songwriter was the very first guest on this podcast, and we're thrilled to have them back. In this episode, we talk about how DeSilva is setting intentions and seeing them through, their album Renovations as a document of coming into their own, and what's next as they tackle being an artist in a post-lockdown world. As I mention in the intro, I interviewed Jessye and others about the transphobic events at this year's Americanafest -- and how music festivals could become safer spaces for artists in the future -- in the Nashville Scene. Remember to subscribe to the e-mail newsletter to get a weekly update on what's been going on down at the Rodeo! Catch us on Twitter, Instagram, Threads, and Mastodon under @rainbowrodeomag, and at @rainbowrodeo on Bluesky. Song List 1:48 -- Jessye DeSilva -- "Let It Burn" (Renovations) 14:23 -- Jessye DeSilva -- "Queen of the Backyard" (Hover) 19:11 -- Jessye DeSilva -- "Dysphoria" (Renovations) 36:57 -- Allison Russell -- "Demons" (The Returner) 41:28 -- Jessye DeSilva -- "What I Know To Be True" (Renovations)
- RR#2Sep 29, 2023 · 48 min
Episode 17: Jenny Owen Youngs
Howdy, cowpokes, and welcome back to Rainbow Rodeo! This month, I interview artist and podcaster extraordinaire, Jenny Owen Youngs. I think you can hear in the interview that I'm a little bit starstruck, but of course Jenny was a pro. (We're on a first-name basis now.) We talk about her return to solo music with her new album, Avalanche, and how it's been to work in the co-writing and music licensing space in LA for so long. We also get a little silly with fandoms, but also get down to business to discuss queer artists and the anxiety around pigeonholing, and idea that's been on my mind a lot lately. Read my review of Avalanche on No Depression. Subscribe to the Rainbow Rodeo Patreon here and subscribe to our weekly newsletter here! Music Time Stamps: Jenny Owen Youngs -- "Everglades" (1:58) Jenny Owen Youngs -- "Knife Went In" (11:49) Jenny Owen Youngs -- "Set It On Fire" (38:17) Trixie Mattel (ft. Orville Peck) -- "Jackson" (42:08) Jobi Riccio -- "Whiplash" (44:45)
- RR#2Sep 1, 2023 · 48 min
Episode 16: Maia Sharp
Hey there, cowpokes, and welcome back to Rainbow Rodeo! This month, I speak with veteran Maia Sharp about her album Reckless Thoughts, which came out in August. I also interviewed her for the Nashville Scene. In that interview, we discussed the divorce that caused her to move to Nashville and how she brought together a trusted band to create Reckless Thoughts and her previous album, Mercy Rising. The part of the conversation you'll hear is from when we were already 30 minutes in and switching gears for podcast mode. Maia had mentioned joining a softball league in Nashville, so we had to kick things off by discussing it, naturally. Follow us on all the apps and subscribe to our newsletter. Subscribe to our Patreon for access to the Rainbow Rodeo zine, extra podcast content, and more!