Dishing with Buff Faye

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!

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!

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!

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!

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

This week on Dishing with Buff Faye, we’re honoring Trans Day of Remembrance (Nov. 20) with a heartfelt conversation about dating and relationships in the trans community. Buff is joined by her drag daughter and trans advocate Lilli Frost for a real and honest discussion about love, identity, representation, and finding love without compromise. But before we get into it—Buff has some major tea to spill! She dishes on her starring role in the new reality TV series Pageant Queens: Our Story Behind the Crown, premiering this November. Buff talks about what it means to represent national drag artistry on screen and invites fans to join a local viewing party or stream online. Buff also takes a moment to say thank you to all the loyal listeners and supporters who voted her 2025 Best Charlotte Drag Performer in Queen City Nerve’s Best in the Nest – Readers’ Pick! She shares her heartfelt appreciation and reflects on what this honor means after years of building community and creating safe, joyful drag spaces in the Queen City. Listen now to Buff and Lilli as they dive into the challenges and joys of dating as a trans person. This episode is both a tribute to the trans community and a celebration of trans joy, resilience, and love. Let’s Dish, y’all.

With the US Supreme Court deciding if they will take up Gay Marriage... again... Buff Faye has a message to the LGBTQIA+ community and their allies.

Get ready, ghouls and glamazons -this Halloween episode of Dishing with Buff Faye is serving spooky realness! We kick things off with Buff’s dear friend and fashion mastermind Shane Kindley of KINDLY Designs. Shane stops by the studio to spill the cauldron on queer fashion, costume couture, and the creative magic behind his signature looks. From designing show-stopping drag wear to making everyday fabulous, Shane dishes on inspiration, imagination, and why Halloween is the runway holiday we all deserve. Then, for a very special treat, Buff is joined by her husband Tommy Feldman, who just might love Halloween even more than she does! They chat about costumes, candy, couple looks, and why this time of year brings out the best (and weirdest) in all of us. Tommy brings the laughs, the love, and even a few Halloween jokes - or not?! Whether you're sewing sequins on your werewolf leotard or just here for the tricks and treats, this episode is packed with Halloween spirit, fashion fun, and sweet moments that remind us: love is the real magic. Let’s Dish, y’all.

In this soulful episode of Dishing with Buff Faye, we explore the divine fabulosity at the intersection of faith and queerness. Buff kicks things off with a surprise studio drop-in from her sidekick Funsize, who brings Halloween laughs and drag herstory, including a nod to Craig Russell, the drag legend who hit TV long before RuPaul. Then Buff welcomes special guest Rev. Leo Jones-Morton, Senior Pastor of Unifour Church in Newton, NC. With over 15 years in ministry and a message of radical inclusion, Pastor Leo shares his journey of healing, affirmation, and faith without judgment. His powerful message? God’s love belongs to everyone. The episode also spotlights his book, Glitter Psalms—a radiant, queer-affirming collection of spiritual reflections, written for those who’ve ever been told they don’t belong. Spoiler Alert: you do. This is an episode for anyone searching for sacred space, chosen family, and healing that shimmers. Let’s Dish, y’all. #DishingWithBuffFaye #FaithAndFabulous #GlitterPsalms #QueerHealing #BuffFayePodcast #DragWithPurpose #RevLeoJonesMorton #AllBuffTV

In this moving episode of Dishing with Buff Faye, Buff opens the studio doors to a powerful conversation with Riss, a brave trans teen, and his loving mom, Julie Hester Hill. Together, they share their journey of growing up—and parenting—trans in the South, offering listeners an intimate look at the power of visibility, affirmation, and unconditional love. Before the interview, Buff gets a surprise visit from her sidekick Funsize, who brings her funny wit and joy back to the mic. The two dish on Charlotte Pride, Halloween drag looks, Funny Bus tours, and Funsize’s exciting new home shopping with her wife Julia. After a few laughs (and some tea about Bitesize, the puppet stand-in that didn’t quite make the cut), Buff transitions into the heart of the episode. Riss opens up about knowing who he was from a young age and the moment he found the courage to tell his mom, describing it as “God pushing the wrong button.” Julie shares what it was like hearing those words and how her unconditional love helped Riss grow into the confident young man he is today. The episode highlights the importance of safe spaces for trans youth, the joy of chosen community, and the incredible strength it takes to live authentically in a world that is harsh to trans people and doesn’t make it easy. It’s a reminder that parents have the power to change lives by simply choosing love. They close out with a fun round of “YASSS QUEEN or GIRL BYE,” bringing laughter and light to a deeply heartfelt episode supporting our trans families out there. Let’s Dish, y’all. #DishingWithBuffFaye #TransYouth #QueerJoy #BuffFayePodcast #LGBTQFamily #CharlotteDrag #AllBuffTV #YasssQueen

This week on Dishing with Buff Faye, Buff gets personal and powerful in honor of National Recovery & Addiction Month—a time to celebrate those in recovery and lift up the stories that matter. Buff opens with a heartfelt reflection on friendship and forgiveness: “A real friend is someone who walks in when the rest of the world walks out.” She shares what it means to have people who stick by you—not just for the rainbows, but through the storms too. Then, Buff welcomes longtime sister and special guest Valarie Rockwell, a Charlotte drag queen with a story of fierce transformation. Together they reminisce about their 15+ year friendship—North Carolina drag pageants, the first Buff Faye Drag Brunch in 2009, and their reign as Miss Charlotte Pride queens and North Carolina Entertainer of the Year. But this episode goes deeper. Valarie opens up about her battle with addiction, her moment of clarity, and what it means to be over a year sober. She talks openly about the pain, the healing, and the beauty of rebuilding her life—and even rebuilding her friendship with Buff Faye—through the 12-step journey. It’s a raw and real conversation about recovery, community, and drag family—with plenty of laughs, love, and joy along the way. Let’s Dish, y’all. #DishingWithBuffFaye #Let’sDish #RecoveryMonth #ValarieRockwell #DragQueenRecovery #BuffFayePodcast #ChosenFamily #SoberIsFierce

This week on Dishing with Buff Faye, Buff spills the tea on the Brandy Alexander drag queen mural that was “accidentally” erased in Plaza Midwood. During Charlotte Pride weekend, Brandy’s face reappeared on the wall—this time squeezed between Anthony Hamilton and Romare Bearden. But as Buff points out, the new mural strips away the bold colors, symbolism, and queer protest that once made it powerful. What’s left is a muted, “safe” version of Brandy—visibility without meaning. Read Buff’s full article, Mural Replaced, But Not Restored: Brandy Alexander Deserved More, at BuffFaye.com. Then, Buff welcomes Jason McCraw and Zuni Johnson, founders of the Twirl to the World Foundation. Together they share how love, legacy, and philanthropy fuel their iconic events, raise thousands for LGBTQ+ causes, and bring joy to Charlotte—including this fall’s cheeky Santa Speedo Run/Walk. It’s an episode about queer resilience, chosen family, and living your best life - glam, giving back, and demanding dignity. Let’s Dish, y’all.

In this episode of Dishing with Buff Faye, Buff reflects on the power of queer joy—especially in today’s world where joy is a revolutionary act. Coming off a fabulous Charlotte Pride celebration, Buff celebrates how far the city has come, from its first Pride picnic in 1981 to now hosting the largest parade in Charlotte, PERIOD! Joining Buff is her drag sister and special guest, Devida—a licensed counselor, addiction specialist, professor, and former Miss Gay North Carolina America. The two dive deep into what it really means to embrace joy as LGBTQ+ people. From Cheetos dresses and pageant memories to the importance of rest, authenticity, and connection, the conversation blends drag, mental health, and healing. Devida shares her journey in both drag and counseling, highlighting how acknowledging burnout, setting boundaries, and embracing your full self are key steps toward finding joy. For queer folks, it’s not just about celebration—it’s about survival, self-acceptance, and reclaiming our wholeness. They also get real about the darker sides of social media, cancel culture, and how online outrage affects our mental health and relationships. In a world where people often perform to be seen, finding joy is about being truly yourself—no filter needed. The episode wraps with a playful round of “Yuck or Yum: Pride Edition” that will leave you laughing and lifted. It’s heartfelt, healing, and a reminder that queer joy is not just possible—it’s powerful. Let’s Dish, y’all. #DishingWithBuffFaye #FindingQueerJoy #CharlottePride #MentalHealthMatters #DragWithPurpose #AllBuffTV #PodcastDrop #BuffFaye #YuckOrYum #QueerHealing

It’s Buff Faye’s birthday, and she’s spilling the Royal Tea! In this heartfelt episode, Buff reflects on life’s biggest lessons—owning your truth, embracing change, practicing self-love, and investing in people who love you back. From emotional tucks to the healing power of drag, Buff reminds us that joy, growth, and authenticity are the real gifts worth unwrapping. (Oh, and she also drops hints about what to buy her). Buff is joined by this year’s reigning Miss Charlotte Pride, the dancing queen Erica Chanel, as they sip the royal tea together. Erica shares how she first got started in drag (surprise: it wasn’t with Beyoncé), how Buff discover her by hiring her as a hostess at a drag restaurant, and what it means to carry the crown during the 25th anniversary of Miss Charlotte Pride. The two talk about drag family, their shared history, what to expect at this year’s Charlotte Pride celebration this upcoming week—including a new festival location at Fourth Ward Park—and, of course, they close out with a juicy round of “Yuck or Yum.” It’s heartfelt, hilarious, and packed with Pride. Let’s Dish, y’all.

Buff is serving up glam, grit, and gorgeous truth in this bold new episode of Dishing with Buff Faye. We’re diving into what it really means to live beautifully—inside and out—and why bigger is always better when it comes to self-love, drag, and unapologetic confidence. Buff explores some fierce forgotten moments in queer herstory, including the dazzling Pansy Craze of the 1920s and the little-known drag diva Madam Pattirini, the falsetto-singing alter ego of Brigham Young’s son. It's a powerful reminder that our drag lineage runs deep—and that history has always had a little more drag than it gets credit for. Joining Buff is Charlotte’s own Charlton Alicea Tapp—professional beauty guru, drag artist, and former Mr. Entertainer of the Year and Mr. Renaissance. Charlton spills the tea on his journey through drag, beauty, and performance—and how true beauty is about passion, purpose, and feeling fabulous in your own skin. Whether you’re contouring your way to confidence or just learning to see the beauty in your own reflection, this episode is here to uplift, inspire, and remind you: beauty is power, darling—and it belongs to you. So powder that nose, fluff that wig! Let’s Dish, y’all!

Buff is serving real talk and inspiration on how to be fresh, be new, and boldly create your own FAME. In this fierce and fearless new episode of Dishing with Buff Faye, we’re talking all about what it means to define your path as a drag artist and carve out your own version of success. Because darling—there’s no blueprint for fabulous. Joining Buff for this fabulous convo is her drag baby and rising male lead star, Giovanni D. Diamond, as they spill the tea on what it’s like being a male lead in the world of drag, the unique journey of a drag baby finding their shine, and the joy, love, and pure magic that drag brings to both performers and fans alike. Whether you’re a seasoned diva or a baby just stepping into those heels (or boots!), this episode will remind you to own your truth, live out loud, and never stop creating your sparkle. So buckle up, glam up, and Let’s Dish, y’all!