Kings of Joy Podcast

Danica Lani

“What is a Drag King?” “How do I start Drag Kinging?” “Where can I explore gender without toxic masculinity?” “Can I really feel at home in my own skin?” If these are your questions, you’ve just found the podcast you didn’t know you were looking for. Welcome to Kings of Joy, the Drag King podcast hosted by The King Coach, Danica Lani. Each episode is a deep dive into gender expression, queer identity, and the transformational power of performance. You’ll hear real, unfiltered interviews with emerging Drag Kings from the Kings of Joy community—alongside solo episodes where Danica shares tools, stories, and insight to help you explore your own masculinity, express your truth, and step into your power. Whether you’re dreaming of getting on stage or just curious about playing with gender, this podcast is your invitation to feel 100% at home in your own skin. 👑 https://kingsofjoy.com | https://instagram.com/kings.of.joy | Show notes: https://www.danicalani.com/blog?tag=podcast

  1. Trans Mission on Drag Kinging, Joy and Queer Solidarity

    May 10

    Trans Mission on Drag Kinging, Joy and Queer Solidarity

    In this episode of The Kings of Joy Show, I’m joined by Trans Mission, a Naarm-based Drag King whose journey began with a sneaky DM from Malaika Mfalme and unfolded into something far bigger than a first Drag performance. Trans Mission shares how they found their Drag King persona through humour, trans pride, memes, gender euphoria and a very real queer agenda. What began as a playful name became a mission grounded in joy, solidarity and art. We also talk about the Kings of Joy and Queers of Joy journey through online performance during the pandemic, the decision to step away from Midsumma Festival when it no longer aligned with the group’s values, and the unexpected global connection that grew with LGBTQIA+ refugees at Block 13 in Kakuma. At the heart of this episode is Joy, the song Trans Mission wrote for our friends in Kakuma. It is tender, political, hopeful and full of the kind of care that reaches across oceans. In This Episode • How Trans Mission was invited into Drag Kinging through Kings of Joy • Finding a Drag King name through humour, puns, memes and trans pride • What made online performance unexpectedly powerful during the pandemic • The difference between competitive performance spaces and Kings of Joy culture • Why Queers of Joy chose political integrity over staying in a festival that did not align with its values • The connection between Kings of Joy, Queers of Joy and LGBTQIA+ refugees in Kakuma • How Trans Mission created the song Joy as an act of queer solidarity • The power of Drag Kinging as art, community care and resistance Watch the Episode Watch the full episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/qabG7WMUDY0 Notable Quotes “I definitely do have a queer agenda. And I do have a trans mission.” - Trans Mission “I just loved the joke of having some secret mission that I’m on.” - Trans Mission “It was a funny throwback to me being the trans flag, and really exuding that joy and gender euphoria.” - Trans Mission “The culture and the inclusivity that’s embedded straight away, as soon as you start Kings of Joy, you set it up.” - Trans Mission “That stuff does not happen in Kings of Joy. We are not about that.” - Trans Mission “You could have never ever been on a stage before in your life. And we’d be like, you’re amazing. You’re the best. Let’s do this.” - Trans Mission “There’s no point us performing in a festival that doesn’t represent who we are, and our values of social justice.” - Trans Mission “That just shows the power of art.” - Trans Mission “This is the vision, this is the hope, this is the imagining of a world where we’re together, and we’re all safe.” - Trans Mission “We all grow from lifting each other up.” - Danica Lani, The King Coach Start Your Own Drag King Journey If you’re feeling the pull to explore Drag Kinging yourself, begin here: https://www.danicalani.com/dragkingname Kings of Joy is a global Drag King community helping LGBTQIA+ people break free from constraints around gender, sexuality and self-expression, so we can be more at home in our own skin.

    23 min
  2. Kate aka Frank Lee Madir on Asexual Drag King Performance

    Apr 30

    Kate aka Frank Lee Madir on Asexual Drag King Performance

    In this episode of The Kings of Joy Show, I’m joined by Kate aka Frank Lee Madir, an activist, educator, archivist, and community builder whose Drag King journey opened up new possibilities in gender, performance, and self-expression. What makes this conversation especially powerful is that it goes somewhere we do not hear nearly enough about. Kate shares what it has meant to explore being an asexual Drag King, and how that has shaped the way Frank performs, connects, and takes up space on stage. This is a rich conversation about body freedom, costuming, political performance, and what becomes possible when Drag Kinging lets you step outside the limits you did not even realise were there. In This Episode How Kate first found Kings of Joy through Queers of Joy The creation of Frank Lee Madir as a Drag King persona Exploring masculinity through kilts, boots, and body freedom How taping and costuming changed the way Kate moved What it means to be an asexual Drag King on stage Building performance without relying on sexual cues Using Drag Kinging for political commentary and protest Why permanent space matters for a thriving Drag King scene Watch the full episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/MVa82_lXUSw Notable Quotes “I didn’t realise quite how much the way I could play with gender had been restricted by the people around me and their expectations.” Kate aka Frank Lee Madir “Exploring Drag Kinging gave me a completely other set of rules that weren’t really rules and weren’t there.” Kate aka Frank Lee Madir “Taping at the start, and the freedom to move without bits moving, it’s just amazing.” Kate aka Frank Lee Madir “We’ve worked on finding ways to actually be an ace Drag King.” Kate aka Frank Lee Madir “There are many ways into becoming a Drag King.” Kate aka Frank Lee Madir “I wanted to find a stage presence that is powerful and is not leaning on, drawing on, alluding to sex.” Kate aka Frank Lee Madir “We’ve had some good conversations about asexuality and Drag Kinging.” Danica Lani, The King Coach Start Your Own Drag King Journey If you’re feeling the pull to explore Drag Kinging yourself, begin here: https://www.danicalani.com/dragkingname Kings of Joy is a global Drag King community helping LGBTQIA+ people break free from constraints around gender, sexuality and self-expression. This season of The Kings of Joy Show is recorded and produced at Bambuddha Studios in Sydney. Thank you for supporting independent queer creators and community storytelling.

    41 min
  3. From First-Time Drag King to Solo Show with Jim Junkie

    Apr 29

    From First-Time Drag King to Solo Show with Jim Junkie

    In this first episode of The Kings of Joy Show, I’m joined by Jim Junkie, one of the original Kings of Joy performers whose journey began in the very first group and quickly took on a life of its own. Jim brings a bold, hilarious, larger-than-life energy to Drag Kinging. Underneath the comedy, though, is a real story about confidence, self-discovery, and what can happen when someone says yes to trying something new. This conversation looks back at Jim’s debut, the community he found through Kings of Joy, and the path that led him from first-time Drag King to his first solo show. In This Episode How Jim became part of the very first Kings of Joy group Why Drag Kinging became more than just performance What Jim gained in confidence, community, and self-belief The journey from debut at The Red Rattler to solo work Jim’s experience performing at the Butch Fashion Show Winning King of Kings and what that meant The role of mates, support, and accountability in his growth Jim’s next step with his solo show Max Potential Watch the Episode Watch the full episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/a-v1dtZ35jQ Notable Quotes “Drag Kinging is one of the best workouts both for your mind and your body that you can possibly do.” Jim Junkie “I really found who I am through Drag as a workout.” Jim Junkie “I’m hooked.” Jim Junkie “It’s about being your best self.” Jim Junkie “You have been the person who shot out of the gate.” Danica Lani, The King Coach “We can achieve our dreams.” Jim Junkie Start Your Own Drag King Journey If you’re feeling the pull to explore Drag Kinging yourself, begin here: https://www.danicalani.com/dragkingname Kings of Joy is a global Drag King community helping LGBTQIA+ people break free from constraints around gender, sexuality and self-expression. This season of The Kings of Joy Show is recorded and produced at Bambuddha Studios in Sydney. Thank you for supporting independent queer creators and community storytelling.

    12 min
  4. Maggot Banks on Positive Masculinity, Community, and Drag Kinging

    Apr 23

    Maggot Banks on Positive Masculinity, Community, and Drag Kinging

    In this episode of The Kings of Joy Show, I’m joined by Kaitlyn aka Maggot Banks, a Kings of Joy producer and performer whose Drag King journey began with one unforgettable night at Queers of Joy. What starts as an instant spark of recognition becomes something much deeper. Kaitlyn shares how stepping into Drag Kinging opened up community, creativity, body confidence, and a whole new relationship with masculinity. This is a conversation about finding your people, building a persona with heart, and discovering that gender can be something to play with rather than fear. In This Episode The Queers of Joy performance that changed everything How Maggot Banks was born from family history and heritage Kaitlyn’s first group debut and the thrill of being on stage Why group Drag Kinging creates such a powerful bond The community that grew far beyond the first performance The story behind the much-loved duet Eat Randy What playing with positive masculinity has opened up Kaitlyn’s vision for a thriving Drag King scene Watch the Episode Watch the full episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/6NxUOGD5JJY Notable Quotes “Oh, I have to do that.” Kaitlyn aka Maggot Banks “Gender is such a fun thing to play with.” Kaitlyn aka Maggot Banks “I cannot recommend playing with gender enough.” Kaitlyn aka Maggot Banks “I think every single person that I am friends with in Sydney is a Drag King.” Kaitlyn aka Maggot Banks “I felt handsome. I felt hot. I felt sexy.” Kaitlyn aka Maggot Banks “Masculinity belongs to us all. It’s available for us all to explore.” Danica Lani, The King Coach Start Your Own Drag King Journey If you’re feeling the pull to explore Drag Kinging yourself, begin here: https://www.danicalani.com/dragkingname Kings of Joy is a global Drag King community helping LGBTQIA+ people break free from constraints around gender, sexuality and self-expression. This season of The Kings of Joy Show is recorded and produced at Bambuddha Studios in Sydney. Thank you for supporting independent queer creators and community storytelling.

    39 min
  5. From First-Time Drag King to Solo Art Show with Randy Rootrat

    Apr 23

    From First-Time Drag King to Solo Art Show with Randy Rootrat

    In this episode of The Kings of Joy Show, I’m joined by Katie aka Randy Rootrat, a Kings of Joy All Stars performer whose Drag King journey began with one bold yes to something she had never done before. Katie came into Kings of Joy with no background in theatre, dance, or performance. What followed was not only a first time on stage, but a deeper unfolding of confidence, creativity, and community. This conversation moves from the birth of Randy Rootrat to the surprising way Drag Kinging helped Katie reconnect with her artistic voice and step toward a solo art show of her own. In This Episode * How Katie first found Kings of Joy through a Facebook post * Saying yes to Drag Kinging with almost no performance background * The joy and chemistry of the Uptown Funk trio * How Randy Rootrat developed through style, backstory, and solo work * What it meant to go from group performances into All Stars * How Katie’s daughter responded to Randy Rootrat * The link between Drag Kinging and returning to visual art * Why community and creative courage matter so much Watch the Episode Watch the full episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/_npMuGsFSH4 Notable Quotes “I knew that I could do something like that all on my own.” Katie aka Randy Rootrat “Once I did it, I was hooked.” Katie aka Randy Rootrat “It’s like you go through something together.” Katie aka Randy Rootrat “If I had the courage to do a solo Drag King routine, I have the courage to do a solo art show.” Katie aka Randy Rootrat “I couldn’t imagine my life right now without knowing the people that I do after starting this journey.” Katie aka Randy Rootrat “When we gather together powerful things can happen.” Danica Lani, The King Coach Start Your Own Drag King Journey If you’re feeling the pull to explore Drag Kinging yourself, begin here: https://www.danicalani.com/dragkingname Kings of Joy is a global Drag King community helping LGBTQIA+ people break free from constraints around gender, sexuality and self-expression.

    17 min
  6. Bad Boy Cameo on Drag Kinging, Joy, and Positive Masculinity

    Apr 16

    Bad Boy Cameo on Drag Kinging, Joy, and Positive Masculinity

    In this episode of The Kings of Joy Show, I’m joined by Jo aka Bad Boy Cameo, whose Drag King journey began at a time when life had cracked open and nothing felt simple anymore. What starts as a search for joy and queer community becomes something much deeper. Jo shares how Kings of Joy arrived at exactly the right moment, and how stepping into Drag Kinging opened up not only performance, but belonging, self-expression, and a more loving relationship with masculinity. This is a conversation about reinvention, community, and what can happen when you finally find a space where you do not have to shrink parts of yourself to belong. In This Episode How Jo found Kings of Joy during a major life transition The moment Queers of Joy felt like finding “my people” Creating the first persona, the Art Professor Traeverse How Bad Boy Cameo was born through reinvention and play Exploring positive masculinity through Drag Kinging What Kings of Joy opened up around gender and pronouns Why inclusive community matters, especially for bi and queer people Jo’s vision for a thriving Drag King scene Watch the Episode Watch the full episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/uqWh6rMw88o Notable Quotes “I manifested Kings of Joy.” Bad Boy Cameo “The relief that my body went through to be in that room with my people.” Bad Boy Cameo “Being a Drag King has allowed me to kind of really step into that masculine and find the positive masculinity that exists in me.” Bad Boy Cameo “It was just going to be fun, but it’s had all this other transformative experience for me that I didn’t expect at all.” Bad Boy Cameo “Gender is something to not be afraid of. It’s something to play with.” Danica Lani, The King Coach “Masculinity belongs to us all. It’s available for us all to explore.” Danica Lani, The King Coach Start Your Own Drag King Journey If you’re feeling the pull to explore Drag Kinging yourself, begin here: https://www.danicalani.com/dragkingname Kings of Joy is a global Drag King community helping LGBTQIA+ people break free from constraints around gender, sexuality and self-expression. This season of The Kings of Joy Show is recorded and produced at Bambuddha Studios in Sydney. Thank you for supporting independent queer creators and community storytelling.

    34 min
  7. How Toby Found Community and Became a Drag King Wizard

    Apr 14

    How Toby Found Community and Became a Drag King Wizard

    In this episode of The Kings of Joy Show, I’m joined by Toby aka Martin Van Tasmal, a Drag King, illustrator, and deeply creative soul whose journey into Kings of Joy began with searching for queer community in a new city. What unfolds in this conversation is a story about more than getting on stage. It is about finding people who speak the same language of gender exploration, joy, and self-expression, then discovering what becomes possible from there. We also go behind the scenes of the Kings of Joy merchandise artwork Toby created, exploring how queer identity, transformation, iconography, and community values were translated into visual form. In This Episode How Toby found Queers of Joy and Kings of Joy after moving to Sydney What it meant to meet other gender fluid and trans masc people The moment Toby saw Kings of Joy perform and signed up straight away Creating Martin Van Tasmal as a wizard, princely Drag King persona Bringing fantasy and niche artistry into the Kings of Joy space Toby’s work as an illustrator and storyboard artist The creative process behind the Kings of Joy merchandise design How joy, gender affirmation, and inclusivity were turned into artwork Watch the Episode Watch the full episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/FF_Wbioeq9A Notable Quotes “I hadn’t found my community yet.” Toby aka Martin Van Tasmal “We just want to dress up like boys and have a good time.” Toby aka Martin Van Tasmal “I want to be a wizard.” Toby aka Martin Van Tasmal “It was really lovely being part of this community.” Toby aka Martin Van Tasmal “I really loved seeing you come alive on stage and shine.” Danica Lani, The King Coach “The world is a better place because you’re in it and because of your art.” Danica Lani, The King Coach Start Your Own Drag King Journey If you’re feeling the pull to explore Drag Kinging yourself, begin here: https://www.danicalani.com/dragkingname Kings of Joy is a global Drag King community helping LGBTQIA+ people break free from constraints around gender, sexuality and self-expression.

    20 min
  8. Charlie aka Bear Back on Gender Discovery Through Drag Kinging

    Apr 9

    Charlie aka Bear Back on Gender Discovery Through Drag Kinging

    In this episode of The Kings of Joy Show, I’m joined by Charlie aka Bear Back, a Drag King whose journey began with theatre, performance, and a feeling that there had to be something more. What unfolds in this conversation is a story about much more than getting on stage. Charlie shares how Drag Kinging became a pathway into belonging, self-expression, and gender discovery. We talk about creating Bear Back, finding freedom through performance, and what it means to be held by a community that celebrates who you are becoming. This is a heartfelt, funny, and deeply affirming conversation about identity, transformation, and the power of a Drag King space where people do not have to explain themselves to be welcomed. In This Episode • How Charlie first found Kings of Joy and what drew them into Drag Kinging • The creation of Bear Back as a cowboy persona with a rich backstory • Moving through impostor syndrome and saying yes to performing again • How binding became a powerful moment of gender freedom • The role Kings of Joy played in Charlie’s gender journey and transition • Performing in the trans masc version of “Bye Bye Bye” and what that meant • Why Drag Kinging is about more than performance, and includes belonging, support, and care • Charlie’s vision for a more visible, thriving Drag King culture Watch the Episode Watch the full episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/dju74Wh5_es Notable Quotes “I felt free.” Charlie aka Bear Back “It’s not just getting on stage and dressing up and performing. It’s the support. It’s the community. It’s the love.” Charlie aka Bear Back “It changed my life.” Charlie aka Bear Back “You have blossomed so much and it’s been such a joy to witness you on that journey.” Danica Lani, The King Coach “It’s about joy. Anti-racism, non-toxic masculinity, positive masculinity, gender diversity, celebrating that.” Danica Lani, The King Coach Start Your Own Drag King Journey If you’re feeling the pull to explore Drag Kinging yourself, begin here: https://www.danicalani.com/dragkingname Kings of Joy is a global Drag King community helping LGBTQIA+ people break free from constraints around gender, sexuality and self-expression.  This season of The Kings of Joy Show is recorded and produced at Bambuddha Studios in Sydney. Thank you for supporting independent queer creators and community storytelling.

    35 min
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About

“What is a Drag King?” “How do I start Drag Kinging?” “Where can I explore gender without toxic masculinity?” “Can I really feel at home in my own skin?” If these are your questions, you’ve just found the podcast you didn’t know you were looking for. Welcome to Kings of Joy, the Drag King podcast hosted by The King Coach, Danica Lani. Each episode is a deep dive into gender expression, queer identity, and the transformational power of performance. You’ll hear real, unfiltered interviews with emerging Drag Kings from the Kings of Joy community—alongside solo episodes where Danica shares tools, stories, and insight to help you explore your own masculinity, express your truth, and step into your power. Whether you’re dreaming of getting on stage or just curious about playing with gender, this podcast is your invitation to feel 100% at home in your own skin. 👑 https://kingsofjoy.com | https://instagram.com/kings.of.joy | Show notes: https://www.danicalani.com/blog?tag=podcast

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