Dishing with Buff Faye

Winner of Feedspot’s Top 20 National Drag Queen Podcasts and Queen City Nerve Best in the Nest Best Local Podcast, Dishing with Buff Faye is your favorite drag queen podcast!  Buff serves up raw conversations, fierce storytelling, and glittery truths straight from the heart of the LGBTQ+ community. From coming out journeys to hot topics and hilarious tea, Buff brings bold voices, icons and legends, and real talk to the mic. It’s queer, it’s candid, and always overflowing with joy and heart. Whether you're here for the laughs, the feels, or some fierce inspiration — honey, you’re in the right place. Let’s Dish!

  1. APR 9

    New Drag Artistry: Rising Stars

    Lights up, dolls — because Buff Faye and Giovonni D. Diamond are BACK, and this episode is serving chaos, comedy, and a whole lot of JUICE.  Buff and Gio kick things off with their signature nonsense, and baby… it escalates quickly. Gio is still on the market (applications now open), and the conversation spirals into the wild world of chasers, twinks, bears, and way too much oversharing. From “educational” moments that absolutely no one asked for to Gio’s conspiracy theory that fashion designers might secretly be chasers, the duo proves once again that nothing is off-limits. Is it too much? Yes. Are we still listening? Also yes. But beneath the mess, there’s magic. The spotlight turns to rising talent as special guest Venus Wyre joins the conversation — a true new drag artistry powerhouse making waves in Charlotte and beyond. From creating drag in her bedroom in Memphis, Tennessee to stepping into her own as a booked and buzzworthy performer, Venus shares how her passion evolved into purpose after moving to Charlotte to attend Queens University. Buff and Venus dive into her journey of self-discovery through drag, the influence of ballroom culture, dancing, and duck walking, and how fashion and upcycling have become central to her creative expression. Venus opens up about the importance of originality, pushing beyond your comfort zone, and building something that is uniquely yours. Their conversation also revisits how they first connected, reflects on the ball scene (including Buff’s first ball win), and celebrates what it means to be a rising star while staying grounded in authenticity and artistry. And of course, the episode wraps with a fierce round of YASSSS QUEEN or NOT TODAY SATAN — because judgment is part of the fantasy. From messy dating talk to meaningful mentorship, rising stars to ridiculous stories, this episode is hilarious, inspiring, and unapologetically unfiltered. Hit play, get into the fantasy, and start Dishing with Buff Faye. Eat it up!

    46 min
  2. MAR 25

    Lights. Camera. Action. Independent Filmmaking

    Lights up, dolls — because Buff Faye is serving drama, tea, and a whole lot of Hollywood realness. In this episode, Buff is joined in studio by her baby boy and mischievous sidekick Giovonni D. Diamond as they catch up on life, drag, and Gio’s return to the wild world of gay sex dating apps (Lord help us all). Buff also shares her powerful comeback story after a recent hospital stay — reminding listeners that legends don’t quit… and you definitely can’t kill evil. The tea keeps flowing as Buff dishes on her starring role in the upcoming Amazon Prime series Pageant Queens premiering April 20 — plus exciting behind-the-scenes stories from her expanding entertainment empire. Then the spotlight shifts to the magic of independent film when special guest de’Angelo Dia, Director of Education & Community Engagement at Charlotte’s hidden gem Independent Picture House (IPH), joins the conversation. Together, Buff and Dia talk about how they first connected through the indie project Queens of the Dead, explore the vibrant programming and community impact of IPH, and celebrate the rising indie film scene right here in the Queen City. And yes… Buff spills exclusive tea on her upcoming cameo in the new Charlotte-shot indie film DATA DUMP, set tentatively for 2026/27. From drag to dating disasters, streaming premieres to indie filmmaking dreams — this episode is funny, heartfelt, inspiring, and fabulously unfiltered. Hit play, get into the fantasy, and start Dishing with Buff Faye. Eat it Up!

    51 min
  3. MAR 4

    Let Me Entertain You

    Gio is back with Buff Faye and bringing the dating drama. In this episode, titled “Let Me Entertain You,” Gio shares why “Backpack” is better off as a friend and opens up about navigating life as a 35-year-old gay man who loves his “sissy nerdy” types. From Tinder to Hinge to OkayCupid, Gio calls himself an “older soul” — the kind who wants to fix and keep what’s worth it. He and Buff also dish on the current season of RuPaul’s Drag Race, debate what makes a “seasoned entertainer,” and yes, Gio event spills it on Godiva the dog and her wall licking, chaotic karaoke barking. Then the spotlight turns to special guest Reann Ballslee, a powerhouse entertainer with over two decades of experience in theme parks, cruise ships, and live production. From growing up in Richmond, VA and learning drag at Godfrey’s, to winning Homecoming Queen in drag at George Mason University in 2009, Reann’s journey blends performance, pageantry, and fabulousness. After moving to Orlando and working with the Walt Disney Company and alongside entertainers like Roxxxy Andrews at Pulse, her drag became rooted in spectacle, storytelling, and technical excellence. Reann shares how teaching and performing as Disney princesses shaped her movement and stage presence — those “princess hands” live in her body to this day. She talks about investing in your craft, knowing what defines you as an entertainer, and producing shows that move audiences. Inspired by icons like Dolly Parton and Kylie Minogue’s Aphrodite Tour, Reann believes “larger than life is just the right size.” Buff and Reann also discuss producing strong drag shows, community connection, and the importance of honing your skills in an evolving drag landscape. The episode wraps with the fan-favorite game “YASSSS QUEEN.” Entertainment that educates and celebrates — this episode is all about what it truly means to entertain.  Eat it Up!

    41 min
  4. FEB 18

    Beauty Queens & Drag Makeup

    She’s glossy. She’s glamorous. She’s got contour for the gawds. This one is all about artistry, authenticity, and owning your beauty. In Episode 17 of Dishing with Buff Faye, Buff Faye spotlights the art of beauty, pageantry, and drag makeup with featured guest Beverly Iman Johnson, owner of Queen B Beauty. After a quick catch-up with Giovanni D. Diamond on Valentine’s Day antics and modern dating (yes, Shady Cupid made an appearance), Buff pivots to the glam. Beverly takes us back to her early drag days in 1997 house pageants and legendary nights at Oleen’s — the drag version of Cheers — where community and artistry thrived. She shares how drag helped her discover and refine her aesthetic prior to transitioning, and how that creative journey shaped her confidence and identity. Buff and Beverly reflect on how they met at a Scorpio talent show, how Beverly encouraged Buff’s interpretive drag style, and how she helped plant the seed that led Buff toward Entertainer of the Year. Beverly has even beat Buff’s face for pageants — and yes, Buff swears by her blush and contour palettes. From film and weddings to pageants, fashion shows, and reality TV, Beverly does it all. Queen B Beauty offers lashes, contact lenses, makeup supplies, and lessons — supporting queens and beauty lovers alike. Support Black queer entrepreneurship year-round and beyond Black History Month. The episode wraps with a quick round of YASSS QUEEN and a beauty tip you’ll want to remember. Eat It Up.

    57 min
  5. FEB 13

    Lifting Up Voices: Charlotte Black Pride

    February is serving purpose, power, and pride, henny. In this powerful Black History Month episode of Dishing with Buff Faye, Buff spotlights Charlotte Black Pride (CBP), now celebrating 21 years of leading culture for and by the Black queer community. Buff is joined by her baby boy Giovanni D. Diamond—fresh off a January reset—catching up on New Year’s resolutions, dating apps, and Gio’s very specific Valentine’s wish list (yes, dolls… all his exes are drag queens). Buff also shares her commitment to expanding opportunities for artists through the Buff Faye Drag Brunch House Cast. Explore the cast at AllBuff.com. The heart of this episode centers on a meaningful conversation with longtime friend Quan Rutledge-Wade, alongside Myles Perry and Kourntnee Pope Collins, discussing the history, impact, and future of Charlotte Black Pride. Myles speaks about the upcoming CBP events and making CBP more of a destination pride festival and celebration. Kourntnee speaks candidly about being a Black drag artist, serving in the military, and navigating today’s climate. Quan reflects on legacy spaces like Oleen’s and Club Myxx, the importance of dedicated Black queer spaces, and what bold, unapologetic Black queerness looks like today. Following the heartbreaking passing of Quan Rutledge-Wade before this episode could air, Dishing with Buff Faye made the decision to pause its podcast release. We now share this conversation in his honor—surrounding his family, our community, and his many friends with love. Quan’s voice, vision, and spirit will forever uplift and inspire us. From the Kiki Ball to the Festival, Charlotte Black Pride’s 21st year promises to be powerful. Follow, support, and donate at CharlotteBlackPride.org to uplift Black queer artists and programs year-round. As Quan said, “The more you immerse yourself in other cultures, the more you learn… learn something you never knew.” This episode is bold. It’s affirming. It’s real. It’s about lifting voices, honoring legacy, and building a future where Black queerness thrives out loud. Listen at AllBuffPodcast.com. Tune in. Lean in. Be bold, baby. Eat It Up.

    41 min
  6. 12/24/2025

    Hos, Drag Kids & Holidays Christmas Eve Special

    Ho ho ho, henny!  It’s Christmas Eve, and Dishing with Buff Faye is serving a warm, glitter-filled holiday special celebrating chosen drag family, traditions, and togetherness!   Buff Faye is joined by her beloved drag kids and chosen family—Beverly Iman Johnson, Reann Ballslee, and Giovanni D. Diamond—for a cozy, joyful, laugh-out-loud holiday kiki straight from the heart.  Together, they dish on what the holidays mean to them, how traditions evolve, and why chosen family matters so deeply—especially this time of year. Beverly shares a beautiful, yet odd, family tradition centered on cracking nuts, storytelling, and connection. Reann celebrates her first holiday season without working nonstop, soaking in the magic in a whole new way. Giovanni shows up in full Santa fantasy, bringing Ho-Ho-Ho energy and holiday ham to the moment. And Buff spreads her signature joy, hope, and cheer, reflecting on the love, laughter, and resilience that chosen drag families create—on Christmas and every day. And yes, dolls—we even taste SugarWood’s Naughty Cookies live on the mic. Some soft, cozy ASMR-style holiday munching. Get 15% OFF your own naughty holiday treats with code EATITUP at SugarWood.co.Plus, Buff spills the tea on booking her fabulous Drag Queen Naughty Cookie Decorating Parties, available coast to coast via HireDragQueens.com—because nothing says holidays like drag, cookies, and a whole lot of naughty cookies! Heartfelt, campy, cozy, and slightly naughty—this Christmas Eve episode is a love letter to drag kids, chosen family, and celebrating the holidays your way. Tune in, snuggle up, and from Buff Faye and the entire drag family. Eat It Up, baby! Happy Holidays and a safe, joyful Happy New Year!

    50 min
  7. 12/10/2025

    Let’s Dish – Fatherhood, Gay Parenting & Faith

    This week on Dishing with Buff Faye, Buff is in full holiday sparkle mode, serving up a heartfelt and timely conversation about fatherhood, gay parenting, and faith with special guest Rev. Bruce Baker-Rooks, Pastor of SouthPark Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). Rev. Bruce opens up about raising a child with his husband, the lived intersections of queerness and spirituality in the South, and how love, intention, and community guide their family’s journey. But before diving in, Buff has plenty of holiday-season Tea to Spill! She recaps the fabulous success of the First Annual Santa Speedo Run, where Charlotte showed UP and raised over $60,000 for the Twirl to the World Foundation. Honey, there were candy canes, speedos, and yes—Buff galloping through Southend dressed as a reindeer, spreading joy and queer holiday cheer! Buff also dishes on the spirit of gift-giving, reminding listeners that while we all adore the glitter, the true gifts come from the heart. She encourages everyone to give with intention, support local holiday spots (special love to gay-owned Tom Underwood’s Store in South Charlotte!), and enjoy the magic of Christmas lights from McAdenville to every twinkling neighborhood in the Queen City. Because at the end of the day, this season is all about FAMILY—the chosen, the created, and the cherished. Listen now as Buff and Rev. Bruce dish on love, parenting, community, and the power of faith during the holidays. Let’s Dish, y’all.

    43 min
  8. 11/26/2025

    Let’s Dish – Autism, Living on the Spectrum & Intersections with the Queer Community

    This week on Dishing with Buff Faye, Buff is serving up a powerful and heartfelt conversation for the holiday season about Autism and the Neurodiversity Movement with special guest Rebecca Tarrant, founder of Autism Kids and a proud volunteer with FREE MOM HUGS.  Rebecca is a Neurodivergent mother of a minimally-speaking Autistic child and shares her inspiring journey and the mission behind Autism Kids, an organization led by Neurodivergent, Neurotypical, and Autistic board members.But before diving in, Buff has some Thanksgiving-season Tea to Spill! She reflects on gratitude, acknowledging that not everyone feels supported or celebrated this time of year. Buff encourages listeners to embrace Friendsgiving, chosen family, and the power of reaching out, inviting others in, and offering kindness where it’s needed most. She also shares some Buff-approved tips for navigating holiday stress, tricky family dynamics, and emotionally heavy moments with heart and humor. And then… it’s time for a very special celebration! Buff gives a HUGE birthday shout-out to her husband of 30 years, the one and only Tommy Feldman- who, fun fact, was born on Thanksgiving Day right after his Mom enjoyed turkey and stuffing! A true holiday miracle, honey! Listen now as Buff and Rebecca dish on community, compassion, Neurodiversity, and how we can show up for one another during the holidays. Let’s Dish, y’all.

    32 min

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
9 Ratings

About

Winner of Feedspot’s Top 20 National Drag Queen Podcasts and Queen City Nerve Best in the Nest Best Local Podcast, Dishing with Buff Faye is your favorite drag queen podcast!  Buff serves up raw conversations, fierce storytelling, and glittery truths straight from the heart of the LGBTQ+ community. From coming out journeys to hot topics and hilarious tea, Buff brings bold voices, icons and legends, and real talk to the mic. It’s queer, it’s candid, and always overflowing with joy and heart. Whether you're here for the laughs, the feels, or some fierce inspiration — honey, you’re in the right place. Let’s Dish!

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