The Cutting Up: A Kiki with Connie & Lina

Pride House Media
  • 5.0 (19)
  • FASHION & BEAUTY

Welcome to The Cutting Up: A Kiki with Connie and Lina, a new weekly podcast hosted by DJ/activist Lina Bradford and fashion legend Connie Fleming, the show offers unprecedented access to the icons, secrets, and untold stories that shaped queer culture. Lina and Connie are both trailblazing women of transgender experience, with deep backgrounds hosting and performing in NYC’s most storied clubs—and pioneering on fashion runways. They bring their knowledge, stories, and relationships to “The Cutting Up,” offering audiences a backstage pass to authentic conversations that can only happen between true friends and industry legends. “The Cutting Up” goes deep on fashion, music, activism, and identity.

Episodes

  1. 2D AGO

    Connie & Lina's Christmas Pajama Party

    What’s the first thing a girl’s to do on a jubilant Christmas morning? Call a sistrix, of course! Sugar, this is unfiltered Christmas energy because if anyone is going to tolerate me before caffeine, it’s a sistrix. Your girl Lina woke up like this and your girl Connie Girl answered the call, sounding exactly as you’d expect: just risen from the coffin, half asleep, half delighted, and fully confused. What starts as a “Merry Christmas and a Happy Nude Rear!” turns into a full‑blown recap of 2025, complete with laughter, mild emotional whiplash, as we do, we kinda go off the rails.  We kiki about our wins, the struggles we survived, the moments that built character, and how our friendship somehow keeps getting stronger despite the chaos. And we gently roast each other like chestnuts on an open fire. No matter how wild the year gets, we know we can always talk it out together. It’s truly a gift to have someone who knows your whole story and still picks up the phone. It’s not deep because we planned it. It’s deep because it’s us. In pajamas. On Christmas morning. Bold choice, honestly.  ⏰ Episode Breakdown 00:00 – Christmas Morning Chaos  I wake up and immediately choose Connie. Zero regrets. 01:11 – Sleepy Voices & Questionable Life Choices  “Merry Christmas!” but make it groggy, giggly, and slightly unhinged. 03:37 – This Year Was A Lot (Plus Funny Stories)  Highs, lows, and memories that prove we really did survive this year. 15:15 – Gratitude, Growth & Accidental Wisdom  Faith, lessons learned, and realizing we grew… even when we resisted. 21:10 – Holiday Wishes & Hanging Up Eventually  Warm goodbyes, Christmas blessings, and promises to talk later (we will). Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-cutting-up-a-kiki-with-connie-lina/id1849020008 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/200MOk48TaLRPLQvzx2UK0?si=6499dd094f704a10 iHeart: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/1333-the-cutting-up-a-kiki-wit-303161901  You can write to us at Kiki@TheCuttingUp.com And follow us on instagram: @TheLinaBradford @TheRealConnieGirl @PrideHouseMedia The Cutting Up: A Kiki with Connie & Lina is a Pride House Media production. Producers: Josh Rosenzweig & Matthew Breen. Graphic Design by Daryl Raymond. Original Music by 808 BEACH (John “J-C” Carr & Bill Coleman), courtesy of Peace Bisquit.   Production Design by Darryl Dickens.  Our very special thanks to Jason Kanner for all your support.

    24 min

  2. DEC 18

    Pirate Boots & Punk Roots: Connie & Lina’s Tribute to the Iconic Vivienne Westwood

    Okay Sugar, buckle up—because this episode was basically mine and Connie’s Olympics. From the moment we hit record, the energy was high, the accessories were rattling, and Vivienne Westwood was in the house hovering over the conversation like the patron saint of chaotic glam. We kicked things off with a little accessory talk (because of course we did), and before long,we were deep in our feelings about our Westwood babies—yes, the squiggles, the pirate boots, and those corsets. Con and I traded stories - spiraling into memories of punk’s electric surge in the late 70s and 80s, back when fashion wasn’t just fashion—it was a full‑blown cultural riot. And then came the icons. Pat Cleveland strutting through my imagination. Yoko Ono being...Yoko Ono. Grace Jones, obviously slaying from every angle. It felt like flipping through the coolest scrapbook ever made. Just when you think we can’t get more ‘unserious’, we dive into fishbowl questions—fashion trends we’d banish, knockoff drama, and the teen fashion choices we wish we could time‑travel to fix. Chaos, laughter, and maybe a little too much honesty. If you want the play‑by‑play, here’s your stylish timestamp menu: • 00:00 — Hellos, hugs, and general fabulousness  • 00:18 — Accessories we’re unreasonably attached to  • 00:57 — Nostalgia hour: fashion shows we still dream about  • 01:16 — The Vivienne Westwood fangirl spiral begins  • 04:54 — Punk, politics, and platform everything  • 08:51 — Why color theory should come with a warning label  • 14:00 — Personal fashion lore (yes, the corset story is here)  • 17:11 — Iconic outfits and the Case of the Missing Corsets  • 18:02 — Fishbowl chaos: trends, tips, tea  • 21:05 — “Sun’s out, buns out” but make it fashion  • 23:41 — Teen fashion memories we survived  • 25:14 — Designer jeans and the era that shaped us  • 29:17 — Voting matters (and so does what you wear to the polls)  • 29:55 — Final thoughts and fabulous farewells Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-cutting-up-a-kiki-with-connie-lina/id1849020008 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/200MOk48TaLRPLQvzx2UK0?si=6499dd094f704a10 iHeart: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/1333-the-cutting-up-a-kiki-wit-303161901  You can write to us at Kiki@TheCuttingUp.com And follow us on instagram: @TheLinaBradford @TheRealConnieGirl @PrideHouseMedia The Cutting Up: A Kiki with Connie & Lina is a Pride House Media production. Producers: Josh Rosenzweig & Matthew Breen. Graphic Design Daryl Raymond. Original Music by 808 BEACH (John “J-C” Carr & Bill Coleman), courtesy of Peace Bisquit.   Production Design by Darryl Dickens.  Our very special thanks to Jason Kanner for all your support.

    32 min

  3. DEC 11

    Joy Reid Unfiltered: Black Identity, Bold Truths, Fashion, and a Little Paranormal Tea

    Buckle up, because this episode goes off the rails the way only our show can. Today we have Joy Reid! Yes, Joy freakin’ Reid, the first Black woman primetime news anchor, New York Times bestselling author, and the woman who tells it like it is. We jump right into the deep end with, what else, dolls! It’s an obsession in this house, as you all know. We talk Mr. and Ms. Potatohead, Baby That–a-Way, custom dolls, and then we go thataway talking about Joy’s ascendance to make primetime news history, and how her Jamaican godmother won’t let it go. The tea is hot! Joy's own independent media platform is flourishing—and baby, the freedom? She said she can finally tell the truth without anyone in a suit whispering, “Um, maybe we don’t say that.” And honestly, I felt that in my spirit. We dip into the fish pond and come up with some ghost stories. The whole episode is a celebration of authenticity—and we can promise you’ve never seen Joy like this! Enjoy honeysuckles. Check out Joy's YouTube channel at https://www.youtube.com/@TheJoyReidShow Episode Breakdown:  00:00 Welcome Blaque  00:55 Where is the trustworthy news at?!  03:20 Fashion Talk (Joy understood the assignment)  07:11 Welcoming Joy Reid like the queen she is  10:16 Doll Collections & Childhood Memories  22:24 Gender Roles and Expectations  24:51 The Trad Wife Trend (girl…)  28:16 Joy’s Media Journey Begins  30:12 Launching a Show During a Pandemic  32:10 Jumping into Independent Media  33:07 Social Media, Truth‑Telling, and Being Real  41:04 Paranormal Moments & Ouija Shenanigans  46:07 Thank‑yous, Hugs, and Goodbyes Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-cutting-up-a-kiki-with-connie-lina/id1849020008 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/200MOk48TaLRPLQvzx2UK0?si=6499dd094f704a10 iHeart: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/1333-the-cutting-up-a-kiki-wit-303161901  You can write to us at Kiki@TheCuttingUp.com And follow us on instagram: @TheLinaBradford @TheRealConnieGirl @PrideHouseMedia The Cutting Up: A Kiki with Connie & Lina is a Pride House Media production. Producers: Josh Rosenzweig & Matthew Breen. Graphic Design Daryl Raymond. Original Music by 808 BEACH (John “J-C” Carr & Bill Coleman), courtesy of Peace Bisquit.   Production Design by Darryl Dickens.  Our very special thanks to Jason Kanner for all your support.

    47 min

  4. DEC 4

    The Insanity Redux! A Wild, Candid Conversation with Susan Powter

    Connie and Lina get to sit down for an incredible, off-the-freaking-chain chat with the legendary Susan Powter. And trust, she holds nothing back, sharing her wild origin story, rise, and fall—and now her return to the stage. We’ve got exclusives! Powter went from being a broke single mom who stripped at the Million Dollar Saloon in conservative Dallas, Texas, and rose to completely shake up the fitness world. They get real about what it means to be a powerful woman, bouncing back from tough times, and why it's so important to just be yourself. Susan gives the inside scoop on her new documentary, “Stop the Insanity,” and how it captures all her biggest fights, wins, and losses. With her super honest stories and amazing energy, Susan is someone you will never forget. This conversation is a must-listen. Check out the highlights: 00:00 - Kicking things off  00:13 - Just chatting & talking movies  01:11 - All about Susan Powter & empowerment  02:56 - How she changed the game  05:56 - Getting personal: The tough times  20:02 - Behind the scenes of her new doc  24:43 - Keeping it real in the fitness world  25:17 - Why she had to get out  26:24 - Getting screwed over & fighting back  27:03 - The comeback story  28:43 - Finding happiness & being true to yourself  31:29 - Dealing with ageism & career hurdles  34:37 - The power of being honest  36:04 - Why you gotta keep working  36:48 - Being thankful & starting fresh  47:33 - Wrapping it up Pre-Order “Stop the Insanity”: https://obscuredreleasing.com/films/stop-the-insanity  Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-cutting-up-a-kiki-with-connie-lina/id1849020008 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/200MOk48TaLRPLQvzx2UK0?si=6499dd094f704a10 iHeart: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/1333-the-cutting-up-a-kiki-wit-303161901  You can write to us at Kiki@TheCuttingUp.com And follow us on instagram: @TheLinaBradford @TheRealConnieGirl @PrideHouseMedia The Cutting Up: A Kiki with Connie & Lina is a Pride House Media production. Producers: Josh Rosenzweig & Matthew Breen. Graphic Design Daryl Raymond. Original Music by 808 BEACH (John “J-C” Carr & Bill Coleman), courtesy of Peace Bisquit.   Production Design by Darryl Dickens.  Our very special thanks to Jason Kanner for all your support.

    49 min

  5. NOV 27

    We're Serving You Stuffing, Quaaludes & Paper Airplanes This Thanksgiving

    Gobble gobble, everyone! Connie and Lina welcome producer Matt for their special Thanksgiving episode — which, as usual, goes completely off the rails.  From cocktail conversations to family traditions, sharing their favorite traditions, questionable recipes, and chaotic holiday stories — it is a holiday treat that can ONLY come from Connie and Lina!  So join them for this slightly unhinged holiday escape. As discussed in this episode Movies: Home For the Holidays How to Make an Airplane Cocktail The original recipe calls for 3/4 ounce of each ingredient, shaken and served in a chilled coupe glass.  ¾ oz Bourbon (a mid-shelf, 90-proof spirit like Bulleit or Woodford Reserve is recommended)¾ oz Aperol (an Italian bitter aperitif)¾ oz Amaro Nonino Quintessentia (a specific Italian herbal liqueur that is key to the drink's flavor profile; substitutions will change the taste)¾ oz Freshly squeezed lemon juice Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-cutting-up-a-kiki-with-connie-lina/id1849020008 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/200MOk48TaLRPLQvzx2UK0?si=6499dd094f704a10 iHeart: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/1333-the-cutting-up-a-kiki-wit-303161901  You can write to us at Kiki@TheCuttingUp.com And follow us on instagram: @TheLinaBradford @TheRealConnieGirl @PrideHouseMedia The Cutting Up: A Kiki with Connie & Lina is a Pride House Media production. Producers: Josh Rosenzweig & Matthew Breen Graphic Design Daryl Raymond Original Music by 808 BEACH (John “J-C” Carr & Bill Coleman), courtesy of Peace Bisquit   Production Design by Darryl Dickens.  Hair by Mariah Molina Our very special thanks to Jason Kanner for all your support.

    22 min

  6. NOV 20

    Fashion, Friendship & a Little Bit of Chaos: A Cutting Up with Kelly Bensimon

    Get ready to laugh, strut and pick your jaw up off the floor — because this week’s episode of The Cutting Up is giving full runway meets “girl chat” . Hosts Connie and Lina are in the house, joined by none other than the fabulous Kelly Bensimon — author, fashion icon, reality legend, and all-around powerhouse.  From epic fashion throwbacks to must-have travel pieces, these women serve insider tea and killer advice for owning your look (and your life). Expect laughs, nostalgia, and several “did she really just say that?” moments. Kelly also dishes on her journey — from modeling to magazines to posing for Playboy and also giving back through her work with the Food Bank — proving style and substance can totally coexist. ✨ So join these ladies for a good cackle, some iconic memories, and some seriously good girl talk.  🕒 Timestamps  00:00 — Kicking things off with major banter  00:39 — Fashion talk: Norma Kamal & Wet Looks  02:08 — Shoe trends: Mules and more!  02:40 — Travel fashion must-haves  05:44 — Throwback looks & beauty secrets  15:02 — Meet Kiki: How it all began  23:21 — Iconic fashion memories  23:53 — Public perception vs. reality  25:16 — How to balance (all the things!)  27:13 — Legendary magazine moments  30:29 — Owning your “imperfections”  32:34 — The ultimate girls trip  36:25 — Why giving back never goes out of style  38:49 — Travel hacks + fashion wrap-up  47:20 — Farewell, fabulous ones 💖 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-cutting-up-a-kiki-with-connie-lina/id1849020008 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/200MOk48TaLRPLQvzx2UK0?si=6499dd094f704a10 iHeart: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/1333-the-cutting-up-a-kiki-wit-303161901  You can write to us at Kiki@TheCuttingUp.com And follow us on instagram: @TheLinaBradford @TheRealConnieGirl @PrideHouseMedia The Cutting Up: A Kiki with Connie & Lina is a Pride House Media production. Producers: Josh Rosenzweig & Matthew Breen Graphic Design Daryl Raymond Original Music by 808 BEACH (John “J-C” Carr & Bill Coleman), courtesy of Peace Bisquit   Production Design by Darryl Dickens.  Hair by Mariah Molina Our very special thanks to Jason Kanner for all your support.

    49 min

  7. NOV 13

    First Jobs: We Work Hard for the Money, Honey!

    This week ladies are delivering fashion highs, hair flips, and hilarious flashbacks, and they are joined by their adorable and ever‑patient producer, Matthew Breen.  From jaw‑dropping outfits to legendary first gigs, Connie Girl and DJ Lina compare their first gigs, unforgettable club nights, and the art of the outfit. Connie is looking very Studio 54, very DVF—while Lina is doing her best Cindy Crawford.  These two never forget a look! Plus music‑video mayhem, backstage chaos, legendary Boy Bar Beauties competitions, and the heartbreak of a shoe haunting.  And we go fishin’! This one is not rated G.   00:00 Introduction and Welcoming 00:24 Fashion Highlights and Iconic Looks 01:31 Hair and Makeup Extravaganza 02:04 Memorable Moments and Inside Jokes 08:30 First Jobs and Early Careers 13:02 Nightlife and Clubbing Stories 16:37 Boy Bar Beauties and Competitions Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-cutting-up-a-kiki-with-connie-lina/id1849020008 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/200MOk48TaLRPLQvzx2UK0?si=6499dd094f704a10 iHeart: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/1333-the-cutting-up-a-kiki-wit-303161901  You can write to us at Kiki@TheCuttingUp.com And follow us on instagram: @TheLinaBradford @TheRealConnieGirl @PrideHouseMedia The Cutting Up: A Kiki with Connie & Lina is a Pride House Media production. Producers: Josh Rosenzweig & Matthew Breen Graphic Design Daryl Raymond Original Music by 808 BEACH (John “J-C” Carr & Bill Coleman), courtesy of Peace Bisquit   Production Design by Darryl Dickens.  Hair by Mariah Molina Our very special thanks to Jason Kanner for all your support.

    43 min

  8. NOV 6

    Dolls, DJs, and Zooted Yorkie: A Kiki with Kerri Colby

    Before we turn to our regularly scheduled kiki, Lina has some household safety advice: Keep your houseguests’ THC cookies away from nosey little Yorkies. Bashert got zooted, honey!  And we’re back! Drag Race double-alum and blonde goddess Kerri Colby must have heard the super doll signal because she descended from the heavens to talk about her new DJ career and a new single! Connie offers sage advice on being a show pony and keeping the door open for the trans women who follow you.  https://www.kerricolby.com/  You can write to us at Kiki@TheCuttingUp.com And follow us on instagram: @TheLinaBradford @TheRealConnieGirl @PrideHouseMedia The Cutting Up: A Kiki with Connie & Lina is a Pride House Media production. Producers: Josh Rosenzweig & Matthew Breen Graphic Design Daryl Raymond Original Music by 808 BEACH (John “J-C” Carr & Bill Coleman), courtesy of Peace Bisquit   Production Design by Darryl Dickens.  Hair by Mariah Molina A very special thanks to Jason Kanner for all your support.

    27 min

  9. OCT 30

    Silk and Soul Food: A Kiki with Nicole Ari Parker

    OK honey, we get right into it, with just a little side swerve into what the girls are fighting over, grammar lessons, The Eyes of Laura Mars, the commercial for DiAnes hair extensions, our “Labiquita” (LGBTQIA) community freedom fighters, and—ding dong!—star of And Just Like That, Nicole Ari Parker! Nicole pays us a visit to dish on her character’s unforgettable fashion moments, her swoonworthy hubby Boris Kodjoe, school uniforms, and fifteen feet of silk chiffon!  And we go fishin’.  The Eyes of Laura Mars https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f_-4L-mssnQDiAnes https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B7gmZYa4Dsk And Just Like That https://www.hbomax.com/shows/and-just-like-that/b9c27771-247a-459d-b751-85460d3fd5a2 Nicole Ari Parker https://www.instagram.com/nicoleariparker/ Tracey Norman https://www.instagram.com/tracey_africa_norman/   You can write to us at Kiki@TheCuttingUp.com And follow us on instagram: @TheLinaBradford @TheRealConnieGirl @PrideHouseMedia The Cutting Up: A Kiki with Connie & Lina is a Pride House Media production. Producers: Josh Rosenzweig & Matthew Breen Graphic Design Daryl Raymond Original Music by 808 BEACH (John “J-C” Carr & Bill Coleman) ; Courtesy of Peace Bisquit   Production Design  Darryl Dickens.  Hair by Mariah Molina A very special thanks to Jason Kanner for all your wonderful support.

    41 min

  10. OCT 30

    Warhol, Ryan Murphy, and Falling off the Catwalk: A Kiki with Dianne Brill

    We jump right into the wars—the fashion wars! Connie and Lina break down the rivalry between big NYC fashion designers—which models could walk for whom? And who were you disrespecting if you sat with whom? Child, the anxiety lingers! And then—ding dong!—enter the fabulous fashion designer, model, author, O.G. club kid, and the forever “It” Girl, Dianne Brill! Dianne dishes on her pal Andy Warhol, the myth and the reality (and his endowment), the problem with Ry*n M*rphy (we don’t need to get sued, honey), and what it takes to be a Mugler muse and head judge on Drag Race Germany. And we go fishin’.  https://www.jeanpaulgaultier.com/https://www.mugler.com/ https://www.instagram.com/patcleveland/https://www.karllagerfeldparis.com/https://www.ysl.com/https://www.alexandermcqueen.com/ https://www.instagram.com/diannebrill/ www.youtube.com/@DianneBrill https://www.wowpresentsplus.com/drag-race-germanyhttps://www.instagram.com/bettylago  The Cutting Up: A Kiki with Connie & Lina is a Pride House Media production. The Cutting Up: A Kiki with Connie & Lina is a Pride House Media production. Producers: Josh Rosenzweig & Matthew Breen Graphic Design Daryl Raymond Original Music by 808 BEACH (John “J-C” Carr & Bill Coleman) ; Courtesy of Peace Bisquit   Production Design  Darryl Dickens.  Hair by Mariah Molina A very special thanks to Jason Kanner for all your wonderful support.

    39 min
  11. The Kiki Kick Off: Connie & Lina Have Something to Say

    OCT 27

    The Kiki Kick Off: Connie & Lina Have Something to Say

    What happens when two women who’ve seen everything in NYC nightlife—from the Club Kid era to the 2025 Met Gala—finally get to tell their stories? Get ready to laugh, learn, and love with The Cutting Up: A Kiki with Connie & Lina. In this glittering debut episode, your fabulous hosts, NYC nightlife legends Lina Bradford and Connie Fleming, invite you into their world—a delightful mix of pop culture, real-life tea, and personal triumphs, served with a heaping spoonful of humor, sass, and sisterhood. Lina and Connie kick things off by spilling the tea on what inspired this podcast and their vision for creating a space that's all about learning, unity, and, of course, a good ol’ kiki. They’re here to bring visibility to stories that matter, share their lived experiences in the LGBTQ+ community, and remind us all of the power of love, support, and a perfectly timed read. From heartfelt reflections to hilarious anecdotes, this episode is as vibrant and dynamic as the duo themselves. So, grab your favorite drink, sit back, and join the fun—your Thursdays just got a whole lot better! ✨ Episode Highlights: 00:00 – A warm welcome to Cutting Up a Kiki.01:25 – The birth of the podcast: How two icons came together to create magic.02:54 – Community, visibility, and why representation matters more than ever.08:05 – Tackling today’s issues with humor and heart.13:13 – Connie and Lena’s personal stories: Drag, resilience, and love.21:24 – Wrapping up with laughs, love, and a promise for more fabulousness You can write to us at Kiki@TheCuttingUp.com And follow us on instagram: @TheLinaBradford @TheRealConnieGirl @PrideHouseMedia The Cutting Up: A Kiki with Connie & Lina is a Pride House Media production. Producers: Josh Rosenzweig & Matthew Breen Graphic Design Daryl Raymond Original Music produced and Written and performed by 8 0 8 Beach John “JC” Carr and Bill Coleman, courtesy of Peace Biscuit.   Production Design  Darryl Dickens.  Hair by Mariah Molina A very special thanks to Jason Kanner for all your wonderful support.

    23 min
  • 11 Episodes

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
19 Ratings

About

Welcome to The Cutting Up: A Kiki with Connie and Lina, a new weekly podcast hosted by DJ/activist Lina Bradford and fashion legend Connie Fleming, the show offers unprecedented access to the icons, secrets, and untold stories that shaped queer culture. Lina and Connie are both trailblazing women of transgender experience, with deep backgrounds hosting and performing in NYC’s most storied clubs—and pioneering on fashion runways. They bring their knowledge, stories, and relationships to “The Cutting Up,” offering audiences a backstage pass to authentic conversations that can only happen between true friends and industry legends. “The Cutting Up” goes deep on fashion, music, activism, and identity.

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