The Skittle Squad Podcast

TheSkittleSquadPodcast
  • 5.0 (7)
  • Society & Culture
  • Updated Weekly

Welcome to The Skittle Squad Podcast – Your Go-To Source for LGBTQ+ News, Events, and Laughter in Tampa Bay! The Skittle Squad Podcast, is a bold and vibrant new voice in the Tampa Bay LGBTQ+ community! Hosted by David Smith and Paul Fifer, in their show this dynamic duo covers the hottest topics, must go to local events, incredible nonprofit organizations, and promotion of LGBTQ+ safe spaces and businesses, all while serving up humor, insight and uncensored conversation. Subscribe to The Skittle Squad Podcast and get ready to laugh, learn and celebrate all things LGBTQ+ in Tampa Bay!🌈🎙️

  1. 3d ago

    Epic Empath & The Joy Ride: 30 Years Of Fighting for HIV Services

    This week, we're diving into some real talk about the state of HIV services today with Joy Winheim, President of Epic Empath Partners in Care, and Tom Manning, longtime producer of The Joy Ride cycling fundraiser. Joy and Tom break down what Epic does across four Florida counties, from medical case management to housing support and HIV outreach, and how The Joy Ride, now in its modern iteration after 34 years, continues a legacy that began with helping people through the height of the AIDS crisis. We talk about the challenges of fundraising in today's political and economic climate, the reality of major funding cuts hitting HIV services nationwide, and why keeping younger generations engaged and aware of this history matters more than ever. Plus, Joy shares the story behind her boldest (and most rejected) fundraiser t-shirt ideas, and we get the details on The Joy Ride's exciting expansion to California and beyond. Of course, we kick things off with David & Paul catching up on road trip dealbreakers, career confessions (yes, the hemorrhoid cream story makes a comeback), and a shoutout to a local pay-what-you-can café doing good in the community. In This Episode:- Meet Joy Winheim & Tom Manning of The Joy Ride- What Epic does to support HIV services across Tampa Bay- The real impact of funding cuts on nonprofit organizations- The evolution of The Joy Ride from the AIDS crisis to today- Why keeping younger generations engaged matters- Joy's boldest (and most rejected) fundraiser t-shirt ideas- The Joy Ride's exciting expansion to California and beyond- How $282,000 was raised with just 100 riders last year- David & Paul's road trip confessions and career throwbacks Whether you're passionate about HIV advocacy, love a good cycling event for a cause, or just want the laughs and honesty David & Paul bring every episode, this conversation is a powerful reminder that the fight for community care is far from over, and that joy and purpose can go hand in hand.

  2. Sep 9

    20 Years of Pride & Passion: Inside Tampa's Most Iconic LGBTQ+ Fundraiser

    This week, we sit down with Nick Buchanan and Raylene Poland from the Tampa Museum of Art to celebrate the 20th anniversary of Pride and Passion, Tampa Bay's longest-running LGBTQ+ fundraising event, and to dig into the museum's groundbreaking work in art therapy and community connection. Nick and Raylene share the origin story of Pride and Passion, born from an event that broke the law when the museum first brought the community together two decades ago, and how it's grown into a can't-miss celebration featuring live entertainment, local performers, and this year's Greek and Roman theme. We also explore the museum's Artful Connections program, where art therapy is offered completely free to people facing anxiety, depression, PTSD, and other challenges, and the incredible 85% of participants who report feeling better after just one visit. Plus, we kick off the episode with plenty of laughs as David & Paul talk office etiquette, awkward text mishaps, and the never-ending battle of the inbox before diving into an inspiring conversation about art, advocacy, and community. In This Episode:- Meet Nick Buchanan and Raylene Poland from the Tampa Museum of Art- Celebrating the 20th anniversary of Pride and Passion- The illegal gathering that started it all- Inside the museum's free Artful Connections art therapy program- Why 85% of participants report feeling better immediately- What to expect: open bar, live band, and incredible local food- This year's Greek and Roman costume theme- How to grab tickets before they sell out- The power of community partnerships across Tampa Bay- David & Paul's latest stories, laughs, and podcast banter Whether you're passionate about the arts, invested in LGBTQ+ community events, or simply enjoy hearing inspiring conversations about giving back, this episode is a powerful reminder of what's possible when a community comes together to support one another.

  3. Aug 5

    St. Pete Pride 2026 Wrap-Up: SWANIX's Abi Ken on Tour, New Album & More

    This week, we wrap up our St. Pete Pride 2026 coverage riding out the final stretch of the parade with our amazing driver Abi (returning Skittle Squad guest and part of the band SWANIX) before catching up with her on everything she's got coming up. Abi gives us the scoop on SWANIX's summer tour across Florida, including an upcoming show opening for the Soap Girls, and shares the exciting details on their East Coast tour heading to Salem, Massachusetts for its 400 year anniversary. We also get the inside track on the return of her Emo Cabaret, a two and a half hour showcase of jazz renditions of pop punk and emo hits complete with drag queens, burlesque dancers, and cohosts, plus a first look at her upcoming album, As Above So Below, dropping this fall. Plus, David and Paul close out their wild day at St. Pete Pride with plenty of laughs and a few questions Abi wasn't quite ready for. In This Episode: - Closing out the St. Pete Pride 2026 parade- Catching up with driver, DJ & previous guest Abi- SWANIX's summer Florida tour & East Coast run to Salem- The return of the Emo Cabaret this October- A first look at Abi's new album, As Above So Below- Drag queens, burlesque & jazz renditions of emo classics- Abby dishes on her dating life (sort of)- David & Paul's final laughs from a very hot Pride day Whether you're here for the Pride recap, the music scoop, or just David & Paul's signature banter, this episode is a fun, heartfelt send-off to a big day of celebration, community, and chosen family.

  4. Jul 29

    St. Pete Pride with the Krewe of Cavaliers: A LGBTQ+ Organization Making a Big Difference

    This week, we're coming to you live from the St. Pete Pride Parade as we sit down with Jason, President of the Krewe of Cavaliers, to talk about one of Tampa Bay's longest-running LGBTQ+ organizations, the importance of giving back, and how community involvement helps create a more inclusive future. Jason shares the history of the Crew of Cavaliers, their mission of diversity, camaraderie, and philanthropy, and why Pride is about so much more than a parade. From supporting local charities to organizing community events and creating safe spaces for everyone, this episode highlights the incredible impact volunteers and community organizations have throughout the Tampa Bay area. Plus, we're recording right from the Krewe of Cavaliers' brand-new Pride float before the parade begins! We chat about last-minute parade chaos, finding a convertible just in time, celebrating their newest sponsorship of the Skittle Squad Podcast, and what it takes to put together an unforgettable Pride experience. In This Episode:- Live from the St. Pete Pride Parade- Meet Jason, President of the Krewe of Cavaliers- A behind-the-scenes look at the Crew's brand-new Pride float- The 42-year history of the Krewe of Cavaliers- Why diversity, camaraderie, and philanthropy are at the heart of the organization- What Pride means and why visibility matters- How the Crew supports local charities and community organizations- The parades, events, and volunteer opportunities happening all year long- Beach cleanups, fundraising, and giving back to the community- Creating safe, welcoming spaces for LGBTQ+ people and allies- How you can join the Krewe of Cavaliers and get involved - Behind-the-scenes parade moments, laughs, and plenty of Pride excitement Whether you're a longtime Pride attendee, looking to get more involved in your local LGBTQ+ community, or simply want to learn about the incredible volunteers helping make Tampa Bay a more welcoming place, this episode is a celebration of community, service, and the power of showing up for one another.

  5. Jul 22

    St. Pete Pride 2026: Krewe of the Cavaliers, Community, Allies & Chosen Family

    This week, we're at the Krewe of the Cavaliers float at St. Pete Pride 2026, as the parade gets underway and chatting with some of the incredible members who make this crew what it is. We talk with Drake, decked out in a custom parade look, about what Pride means to him (equality, freedom, and love), followed by Skip Cramer, who shares his journey of finding a true sense of community and family within the crew after struggling to find that same connection elsewhere. We also sit down with Christy Hattersly, who walks us through the crew's coronation traditions, their quarterly philanthropy efforts giving back to Tampa Bay organizations, and a heartfelt tribute to founding member Andy Johnson. Plus, David and Paul talk about what it means to be an ally, why visibility and showing up matters more than ever, and get a few laughs in along the way (including Paul's questionable knees and a very memorable convertible rescue). In This Episode:- With the Crew of the Cavaliers float at St. Pete Pride- What Pride means to Drake, Skip & Christy- Finding chosen family and community within the crew- The importance of showing up as an ally- Crew of the Cavaliers' quarterly philanthropy initiatives- Honoring founding member Andy Johnson's legacy- Behind the scenes of the crew's Coronation traditions- Skip saves the day with a last-minute convertible- David & Paul's parade-day banter and antics Whether you're already part of the LGBTQ+ community, an ally looking to get more involved, or just here for the parade energy and good company, this episode is a celebration of chosen family, giving back, and showing up for one another.

  6. Jul 15

    St. Pete Pride 2026: Inside the Parade with VP Trent Brock

    This week, we're live at St. Pete Pride 2026, kicking off with David & Paul catching up on hydration mishaps, sunburn confessions, and Paul's very memorable trip to Hawaii before heading into the parade festivities. We sit down with Trent Brock, Vice President of St. Pete Pride, to talk about the state of Pride funding this year, the community's response to a $200K sponsorship deficit, and why individual donations matter more than ever. Trent gives us the inside scoop on this year's record-breaking lineup of events, how St. Pete Pride partners with other Tampa Bay pride organizations, and what's ahead as they gear up for their milestone 25th anniversary in 2027. Plus, David and Paul talk vacation dreams, the importance of staying visible in the community no matter your age, and get a firsthand look at the parade with 120+ organizations marching through the streets of Saint Petersburg, all while Paul battles the Florida heat one bead toss at a time. In This Episode:- Live from St. Pete Pride 2026- David & Paul's hydration (and heat survival) tips- Paul's tropical getaway to Oahu, Hawaii- Sitting down with Trent Brock, VP of St. Pete Pride- The real talk on Pride funding and community support- A record-breaking year of Pride events- How Tampa Bay's Pride organizations collaborate- Why visibility matters for every generation- 120+ organizations marching in the parade-  Looking ahead to St. Pete Pride's 25th anniversary in 2027 Whether you're a Pride veteran, a first-time festival-goer, or just here for David & Paul's banter, this episode captures the heat, heart, and hustle behind one of Florida's biggest Pride celebrations, and why showing up (and chipping in) still matters.

  7. Jul 8

    How the Tampa Bay Chamber Is Building Stronger LGBTQ+ Communities & Businesses in Flordia

    This week, we sit down with Rene Cantu, President & CEO of the Tampa Bay LGBT Chamber, to discuss how the Chamber is helping LGBTQ+ businesses thrive, why community connections matter more than ever, and how local organizations are creating opportunities for businesses, professionals, and allies across the Tampa Bay area. Renee shares how the Chamber supports LGBTQ+ entrepreneurs through networking, education, advocacy, and community events while also discussing the importance of allyship, business partnerships, and staying engaged during challenging times. We also talk about the impact of corporate support, the value of belonging, and why building strong relationships is essential for creating a more inclusive future. Plus, we kick off the episode from the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino with plenty of laughs about casino games, workplace Zoom etiquette, awkward virtual meetings, out-of-office messages, and those embarrassing work-from-home moments we've all experienced. In This Episode:- Slots, blackjack & casino stories- Zoom meetings, work-from-home etiquette & awkward video call moments- Embarrassing workplace stories and virtual meeting mishaps- Meet Rene Cantu, President & CEO of the Tampa Bay LGBT Chamber- How the Chamber supports LGBTQ+ businesses and professionals- Why networking and community connections are so important- The role of allies and corporate partnerships in creating change- Inside the Chamber's networking events and Belonging in Business Breakfasts- Resources available for LGBTQ+ entrepreneurs and business owners- The importance of supporting local LGBTQ+ organizations and businesses- How you can get involved with the Tampa Bay LGBT Chamber Whether you're a business owner, entrepreneur, ally, or simply looking to connect with your local LGBTQ+ community, this episode offers valuable insight into the power of networking, advocacy, and building meaningful relationships that strengthen our community.

  8. Jul 1

    From Patient to Advocate: Supporting the LGBTQ+ Community Through HIV Care

    This week, we sit down with Mark Myrick, Medical Peer Navigator at CAN Community Health, to discuss HIV awareness, breaking stigma, and how education, support, and compassion are changing lives in the LGBTQ+ community. Mark shares his own journey of living with HIV for nearly 30 years and explains how he now helps individuals who are newly diagnosed navigate their diagnosis with hope, education, and real-life experience. We also dive into the importance of HIV prevention, safe sex, U=U (Undetectable = Untransmittable), and the life-changing work being done by CAN Community Health. Plus, we kick off the episode with plenty of laughs as David & Paul swap stories about Disney, roller coasters, airboat adventures in the Everglades, boat mishaps, and the infamous "regular people" comment that got David into trouble at Disney! In This Episode:- Disney adventures, roller coasters & theme park debates- David's terrifying Everglades alligator encounter- Boat rescues, charcuterie boards & summer adventures- The hilarious Disney "regular people" story- Meet Mark Myrick from CAN Community Health- What a Medical Peer Navigator does for newly diagnosed patients- Living with HIV for nearly 30 years and helping others thrive- Understanding U=U (Undetectable = Untransmittable)- Why HIV education and reducing stigma still matter- The importance of regular testing, prevention & practicing safe sex- How peer support helps people navigate an HIV diagnosis- Why hope, compassion, and community can change lives Whether you're looking to learn more about HIV prevention, understand the meaning behind U=U, or hear an inspiring story of resilience and service, this episode is an honest and informative conversation that reminds us how education, empathy, and community support continue to make a lasting impact.

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5
out of 5
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About

Welcome to The Skittle Squad Podcast – Your Go-To Source for LGBTQ+ News, Events, and Laughter in Tampa Bay! The Skittle Squad Podcast, is a bold and vibrant new voice in the Tampa Bay LGBTQ+ community! Hosted by David Smith and Paul Fifer, in their show this dynamic duo covers the hottest topics, must go to local events, incredible nonprofit organizations, and promotion of LGBTQ+ safe spaces and businesses, all while serving up humor, insight and uncensored conversation. Subscribe to The Skittle Squad Podcast and get ready to laugh, learn and celebrate all things LGBTQ+ in Tampa Bay!🌈🎙️

Information

  • Creator
    TheSkittleSquadPodcast
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    70
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © TheSkittleSquadPodcast
  • Show Website
    The Skittle Squad Podcast

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