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. Jun 17

    Pride, Podcasts & Pansexual Vampires

    Featured Guest: Raegan Kirkpatrick, Marketing & Promotions Specialist, Blumenthal Arts Lights up, dolls — because Dishing with Buff Faye is BACK after a brief hiatus, and honey, we've got BIG NEWS!Buff Faye and Giovonni D. Diamond return to the studio to celebrate a major milestone: Dishing with Buff Faye has once again been named one of the Top Drag Queen Podcasts in the Nation by Feedspot for the third year in a row! This year, the podcast landed in the Top 30 alongside some of the biggest names in drag entertainment, including RuPaul's Drag Race queens. That's right, baby—we're famous!Of course, Gio can't let a celebration happen without bringing some romantic confusion to the table. He dishes all about a new man named Miles that he's "kind of" dating, while Buff remains highly skeptical that Miles actually exists. The tea is hot, the stories are questionable.The duo also dives into Pride Month celebrations happening across the Carolinas and beyond. Buff reflects on the history and importance of Pride, the legacy of Stonewall, and why visibility and community matter now more than ever. They chat about the recent release of Buff on the Streets, upcoming Pride celebrations including Rock Hill Pride, and the growing number of small-town Pride festivals popping up throughout the region. From Greensboro Pride to Pineville Pride to Huntersville Pride, Buff celebrates the incredible progress being made in communities of every size and with the big Charlotte Pride later this summer. Somewhere along the way, Gio delivers his best Dracula impersonation and then abruptly rushes off to his date.Then it's time for the main event.  Special guest Raegan Kirkpatrick from Blumenthal Arts joins the conversation to discuss the exciting collaboration between Buff Faye and Blumenthal Arts for the upcoming production of Dracula: A Comedy of Terrors. Buff shares stories from the wildly successful and completely sold-out Dracula Drag Brunch of Terrors, where lucky audience members won tickets to opening night on July 7. Tickets available online at BlumenthalArts.org/DraculaRaegan shares more about Dracula: A Comedy of Terrors, a fast-paced, campy, pansexual comedy that puts a fresh spin on the classic vampire tale. The conversation expands into Blumenthal Arts' longstanding commitment to ensuring the arts are accessible, welcoming, and representative of all communities. Listeners also learn about Out on the Town, the organization's LGBTQ+ social group open to everyone, and the many events, gatherings, and opportunities that help build community through the arts. Together, Buff and Raegan discuss the importance of telling everyone's stories on stage and highlight the many LGBTQ+ initiatives, partnerships, and community programs supported by Blumenthal Arts.  Before wrapping up, Buff and Raegan preview the incredible season ahead at Blumenthal Arts, including Dracula: A Comedy of Terrors, Oh, Mary!, Dirty Dancing, The Wiz, Phantom of the Opera, Beauty and the Beast, Harry Potter, Heathers, and more.   From Pride celebrations and podcast rankings to vampires, theater, and community building, this episode is funny, informative and fabulously unfiltered. Hit play, get into the fantasy, and start Dishing with Buff Faye. Eat it Up!

    30 min
  2. May 15

    Pageant Queens

    Let’s Dish! Because this week’s episode of Dishing with Buff Faye is EXTRA special! For the first time ever, Buff Faye takes center stage as both host and featured guest, spilling the tea on the breakout reality docuseries Pageant Queens: Our Story Behind the Crown. And officially joining the podcast as Buff Faye’s crowned new sidekick? None other than the BIG JUICEY Giovonni D. Diamond! Gio steps fully into his royal role beside the Queen of the Queen City with more stories about his dating life, learning self-worth, and proudly declaring that “Gio is enough and EVERYTHING!” Of course, the episode quickly spirals into camp chaos as Gio discusses his longtime crush on Tinky Winky from the Teletubbies while serving fashion “flagging” moments live in the studio. Then after the break, the crown gets heavy. Buff Faye opens up about starring in Pageant Queens, the new reality series bringing a national spotlight to 10 legendary drag entertainers competing in the ultimate “Queen of Drag” competition for a $50,000 grand prize. Buff Faye the Queen of the Queen City proudly represents Charlotte and the Carolinas on a national stage. Buff dishes on her unforgettable Snow White-inspired competition talent, being underestimated by fellow contestants, facing criticism and body shaming, and proudly embracing her larger-than-life “South Beach type” energy. She also spills a little tea on the other queens competing in the series and shares how every obstacle became another opportunity to shine. Tune in, dolls- this episode delivers everything fans love about Buff Faye: camp, charisma, comedy, chaos, and heart. While Dishing with Buff Faye takes a brief hiatus for the start of summer, the podcast returns BIGGER, LOUDER, and GAYER this June with a brand-new Pride Month celebration episode dropping at the end of the month. Until then, catch Buff Faye live in Charlotte and beyond — and now streaming, don’t miss "Pageant Queens: Our Story Behind the Crown." Watch, cheer, and experience Buff Faye... ALL YOU CAN EAT!

    35 min
  3. Apr 29

    Drag Costuming & Design

    Buff Faye and Giovonni D. Diamond are BACK and serving it HOT! This week, the duo spills all the tea on the Charlotte’s Star Search Talent Contest, where Venus Vixen snatched the crown as Charlotte’s Next Drag Superstar—complete with an over-the-top 18-inch trophy and a cash prize. They break down how the competition came together, what it means to spotlight rising drag talent, and why this contest is already setting a new standard. But don’t get too comfortable—because Gio’s dating life? Baby… it’s on pause. It’s officially a “me, myself, and I” era, and you already know Buff has thoughts.  From there, the conversation shifts into the drama, shade, and spotlight of Pageant Queens—now streaming—where Buff Faye is making waves as the favorite topic of the season. Expect unfiltered takes, a little shade, and a reminder: never underestimate Buff Faye in competition for the Queen of Drag. And Gio reminds us, there’s a reason the name is Buff Faye… you eat them up.  Buff keeps it honest: the haters aren’t hating because they love themselves—they’re hurting. And through it all, the message is clear: be Big, Bold, and Beautiful… and move forward anyway. Then, get ready for a fierce fabulous interview with special guest Troy C. Ford—aka the “Airbrush King”—joins the kiki. Known for designing iconic looks seen on RuPaul's Drag Race, Troy dishes on costuming, creativity, and crafting drag excellence for every body. From Buff Faye’s own lewks to behind-the-scenes insights from the industry, plus advice every queen needs to hear—this is a masterclass in drag artistry & costuming tips you don’t want to miss.It’s all you can eat and it’s fierce—only on Dishing with Buff Faye. Eat it up!

    38 min
  4. 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
  5. 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
  6. 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
  7. 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
  8. 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

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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