What's the Tease: Recent Episodes
Kerry Joshua
A podcast hosted by South African Burlesque producer Pillow Talk.
I interview influential personalities and contributors in the wonderful world of Burlesque, from local legends to global superstars.
Please subscribe and/or follow to keep updated when new episodes will be released.
Follow us on Instagram: @oh_babyproductions
Host: @plw_tlk
Season 5, Episode 09 of What's the Tease features guest, Lilly SnatchDragon.
It's common knowledge that Lilly loves long walks on the beach and British passports ;). So I rang her up to find out how the 2015 "Best Newcomer" at the London Cabaret Awards came to be and where she's going.
Season 5, Episode 08 of What's the Tease features guest, Joy Rider.
Joy Rider is an interdisciplinary artist whose art explores themes of identity, queerness, struggle and of course, joy. Listen in as we chat how this double Pisces uses Burlesque to connect with the aforementioned subject matter.
Season 5, Episode 07 of What's the Tease features guest, Samson Night.
In this episode, I catch up with the reigning 2023, M-Exotic World winner, Samson Night. Tune in as we chat about the many facets to this multi hyphenated artist and his experiences in his 25 years as a performing artist to now, earning one of the most coveted awards in Burlesque.
Season 5, Episode 06 of What's the Tease features guest, World Famous BOB.
World Famous BOB uses the pronouns she/him/they. They are a cultural icon in the landscape of the burlesque revival. They serve in many roles, as a Host, Confidence Coach, Activist for 2SpiritLGBTQIA+ Elders and is the Mother of The House of Famous. Tune in as we touch on just a few references from this incredible artist's career thus far.
[p.s Please forgive my crunchy voice in this episode, I was not feeling 100% the day of the recording]
Season 5, Episode 05 of What's the Tease features guest, Raquel Reed.
My guest has been nominated amongst the top 10 Burlesque performers in the world. Tune in as we chat her multi faceted career as a make up artist, model, nightlife entertainer and of late, producer.
[This episode has been amended to include clarification from Raquel regarding Burlesque in Las Vegas].
Season 5, Episode 04 of What's the Tease features guest, Jazida.
My guest for this episode is recognized as one of Australia's premiere burlesque performers. Tune in as we dive in to just a fraction of Jazida's incredible resume. We chat about her career from creating her solo shows to the opening of her alternate performing arts hub to her role as a member of the ACT Minister of Arts Creative Council. Thank you for listening and continuing to support this wonderful art form and the people who make it great.
Season 5, Episode 03 of What's the Tease features guest, Goddess Briq House.
She is a Burlesque Goddess, producer, teacher and a consultant and agitator in the sex education industry. Listen up to learn more about this Goddess' mission to liberate the masses and create more opportunities for black femmes.
Season 5, Episode 02 of What's the Tease features guest, Mika Romantic.
If you're feeling the heatwave, it's because this episode of What's the Tease brings you the Duchess of Tease, Mika Romantic. We chat about what inspires her immaculate vintage look and Mika let's us in on a more vulnerable side to this passionate Burlesque artiste.
Season 5, Episode 01 of What's the Tease features guest, Immodesty Blaize.
A true Queen of Burlesque and figurehead of the 21st century burlesque renaissance in Europe. Let's add to their glamorous resume, best-selling author, public speaker and mind-body eating coach. Join me as I attempt to cover a few sparkling moments from the illustrious career, the past, present and future of Immodesty Blaize.
Season 4, Episode 20 of What's the Tease features guest, Elle Dorado.
Known for her scarlet lips, harlot hips and whisky sips. We converse about her background in competitive figure skating and achieving notoriety as a burlesque performer, taking home the title of New Orleans Queen of Burlesque in 2014 and placing as a runner up at the 2018 Miss Exotic World. Elle Dorado is also the founder and producer of one of the most exciting festivals on the burlesque calendar, Teaser Festival.
Please subscribe or follow so you get the notification when Season 5 is ready to be aired. Much Love. Pillow x
Season 4, Episode 19 of What's the Tease features guest, Miss Maple Rose.
A Burlesque artist, producer of student events at Maison Burlesque in Melbourne and instructor, whose classes focus on burlesque history, mindful movement and fan dance technique.
Tune in to get to know more from the 2018 recipient of the Australian industry award, The Busties. Miss Maple Rose was voted Best Solo Artist and Most Classic.
Season 4, Episode 18 of What's the Tease features guest, Bella Sin.
They are a Burlesque performer, producer, historian, costume maker and community leader. Bella Sin sure is a powerhouse of the burlesque industry, a proud non-binary, plus size, immigrant, doing the most for their community and beyond.
p.s For a new twist in your podcast listening experience, (according to Bella Sin, this is an actual game) ... you have to take a shot every time they mention that they're Mexican. Enjoy.
Season 4, Episode 17 of What's the Tease features guest, Shimmy LaRoux.
Burlesque performer, producer, teacher, model and diversity, equity and inclusion consultant, Shimmy LaRoux rings in the new year for What's the Tease.
Voted #21 in 21st Century Burlesque Magazine Top 50. Tune in to get to know more from this mover and shaker in Burlesque.
Season 4, Episode 16 of What's the Tease features guest, Marcy Richardson.
You can find this opera singing aerialist/pole dancer/burlesquer on social media under the handle, @operagaga. Based in NYC, tune in to discover how Marcy came to fuse her talents to form a unique offering in the world of performing arts.
p.s If you have enjoyed the contributions of myself, Pillow Talk, and the What's the Tease podcast, do consider voting for us in the 21st Century Burlesque magazine Top 50( non-performer). Thank you. xox
Season 4, Episode 15 of What's the Tease features guest, Mia, The MVP.
Artist and performer Mia, "The MVP", captivates her audiences on every stage she graces.
We discuss her escapades in the performing arts as well as taking on the role of CEO in pursuing her lifelong dream to own her own business fusing her passions.
Season 4, Episode 14 of What's the Tease features guest, Neil Kendall.
UK based, world renowned producer photographer, Neil Nez Kendall, is a frequent flyer in any Best of ... list, most recently ranked #2 in 21st Century Burlesque Magazine's top Non-performers list.
Listen in to find out more where their flair for the vintage aesthetic stems from and how they have honed their craft over a career spanning two decades now.
Season 4, Episode 13 of What's the Tease features guest, Mx. Pucks A'Plenty.
In 2021, they were voted #17 in 21st Century Burlesque Magazine Top 50, 2021 Seattle Pride Fall influencer and 2019, Mx. Congeniality at Savannah Burlesque Festival. Tune in to find out more from this mover and shaker and their work as a leader in their local burlesque industry as well as their contribution to the global community.
Season 4, Episode 12 of What's the Tease features guest, Moscato Sky.
They/Them/She/Her - Moscato Sky is The Them Fatale of Burlesque, earning crowns across the board, from Princess at Burlesque Hall of Fame (2022) to Duchess at The Noire Pageant (2020).
Get to know more about this non-binary trailblazer of Burlesque.
Side Note: Despite our best efforts to trouble shoot, I was unable to locate the gremlin causing a slight audio issue on this episode. It certainly does not detract from the delightful content and thoughtful conversation of this interview. Please do enjoy.
Season 4, Episode 11 of What's the Tease features guest, Kitty KaPowww.
Kitty is a Burlesque artist out of San Fransisco. We chat about their exploration of self through Burlesque, Drag and general "Queer Deviance", performance opportunities as a larger bodied person and producing their regular show, Hex.
Season 4, Episode 10 of What's the Tease features guest, Vera Valentinaa.
Vera is all about Burlesque, beauty and that famous booty. She is one of the most successful performers to present Burlesque on the YouTube stage. Subscribe to her channel and become one her "Sparkly People".
Season 4, Episode 09 of What's the Tease features guest, Cleo Darling.
Cleo is a rising star in South African burlesque and a truly passionate performer. Winner of Nudie Nubies November 2020.
"Let her take you to the depths of desire in all the ways she chooses to express herself."
Season 4, Episode 08 of What's the Tease features guest, Sapphira.
From the land down under, residing in the U.K, tune in as we chat her Bass & Tease brand of burlesque, her autobiography and the World Burlesque Day anthem (out 18th April).
Remember to share the episodes of What's the Tease you're loving on and tag @oh_babyproductions and @plw_tlk. xox
Season 4, Episode 07 of What's the Tease features guest, Miss Frankie Eleanor.
My guest is entertainer and producer, Miss Coney Island 2022 ...(drum roll please), The Nuyorican Bombshell, Miss Frankie Eleanor.
It took her a hot minute, but when she finally made it to a burlesque show in NYC, it struck all the right chords and she went on to inject the burlesque industry with her Butter Pecan flavor.
Season 4, Episode 06 of What's the Tease features guest, Jezebel Express.
My guest is a phenomenal performer, instructor and super inspiring human being, Jezebel Express. We talk about her bold introduction into Burlesque, a life changing personal event in 2013 and bus life, taking the Jezebel Express show on the road.
Season 4, Episode 05 of What's the Tease features guest, Joyen.
It's about time we got this show back on the road. My first guest for 2022 is #HerInfernalMajesty, from Manila in the Philippines, Joyen. Remember to follow @oh_babyproductions on Intagram to keep up to date for when this seasons' episodes will be released.
xox, Pillow
Season 4, Episode 04 of What's the Tease features guest, GiGi Holliday.
Find out What's the Tease with Golden Pastie award winner for The Hottest Freshman at the NYBF 2021, Washington DC native, GiGi Holliday. We chat discovering her own eroticism and her passion for preserving the history of black burlesque.
Season 4, Episode 03 of What's the Tease features guest, Cheeky Lane.
Burlesque, performance artist and puppeteer Cheeky Lane levels up her burly game by bringing to the main stage her sculptural costumes and ever so naughty stage presence.
Season 4, Episode 02 of What's the Tease features guest, Coco Framboise.
Toronto based burlesque performer Coco Framboise, is revered by her peers for her contribution to and within the Canadian burlesque industry. As well as being an educator, she is a multidisciplinary artist whose creative use of burlesque fundamentals in her work outside of the art form is truly inspired.
Season 4, Episode 01 of What's the Tease features guest, Ferri Maya.
We're opening up this season by finding out What's the Tease with one of Australia's most innovative performers' and verified Wild Child, (according to her very own NYBF Golden Pastie), Ferri Maya.
Episode 20 of What's the Tease features guest, Margo Mayhem.
Actor, singer, dancer, to name but a few of her talents. Based out of New York City, Margo Mayhem is all that and the bag of chips. Tune in to find out more from this exceptional artist whose zest for life certainly manifests itself on the burlesque stage.
Episode 19 of What's the Tease features guest, Lady Magnolia.
Lady Magnolia is the headmistress at the Rouge Revue Burlesque Company, where her focus is on embodying the divine feminine, promoting self-empowerment, self-respect and body positivity across all ages. Tune in to find out why this is one of the longest standing and largest studios in South Africa.
Episode 18 of What's the Tease features guest, Mara de Nudee.
Known as the French vintage showgirl, actress and singer, Mara de Nudee has featured in 21st Century Burlesque Magazine Top 50 since 2017 as well as the European top 10 most influential Burlesque artists. Listen in to find out more from this extraordinarily talented performer.
Episode 17 of What's the Tease features guest, Cleopantha.
In her own words, "I do burlesque. Ferociously!" Listen up as we uncover where this dynamic energy in her performances stems from and how channeling her authentic self offers a unique perspective in this art form.
Episode 16 of What's the Tease features guest, Mz Juno.
She is known as booked and busy for good reason. Find her on Instagram @thejunoproject and tune in to find out why this Burlesque performer and producer is a legend in the making.
Episode 15 of What's the Tease features guest, Bessie Snow.
Fairly new in the burlesque industry, Bessie Snow's star is definitely on the rise. Listen in to find out more about her adventures traveling and living in a converted van and what lies ahead for this mover and shaker on her continued journey with burlesque.
Episode 14 of What's the Tease features guest, Pearls Daily.
Actress. Showgirl. Filmmaker. Be charmed by this immensely talented individual who remains humble of her success both Off-Broadway and on the silver screen. We talk kittening, sobriety and working with some of the best in the business.
Episode 13 of What's the Tease features guest, Cherry Lesque.
Listen in as Cherry Lesque dishes on where it all began and how it's going. We chat props, her favorite Burly finds on her travels and what it takes to be a Baby Grand Burlesque Festival Queen.
Episode 12 of What's the Tease features guests, Kitten N' Lou.
Kitten LaRue and Lou Henry Hoover put the dynamic into duo. As entertainers their acts are iconic statement pieces in every show they partake in. Tune in to hear more from their brilliantly rainbow colored minds.
Episode 11 of What's the Tease features guest, Porcelain Alice.
Burlesque artist, an in-demand showgirl and producer and pageant queen are but a few of the roles that Porcelain Alice fulfills in the entertainment industry. Tune in as she shares her journey with an effervescence like no other. Personally, I think she might have a career in stand up comedy too.
Episode 10 of What's the Tease features guest, Holli Mae Johnson.
Many of you may know her as the founder and editor in chief of the online publication, 21st Century Burlesque Magazine. She has spent a large portion of her adult life dedicated to documenting Burlesque across the globe and bringing us bold and insightful articles on the subject. Listen up as we look back, look forward and look within on her journey with this nuanced art form.
Episode 9 of What's the Tease features guest, Nox Falls.
Performer, costumer, producer and teacher. Nox Falls is notorious for her slow-burn performances explored from her much celebrated, darker side. Tune in to learn more about the salty and juicy nature of her art.
Episode 8 of What's the Tease features guest, Scar-lit Hearts.
Full time performer and teacher. Scar-lit Hearts is one of Cape Town's premier burlesque gems. Listen in to find out more on how she unites her two major artistic loves.
Season 3,
Episode 7 of What's the Tease features guest, Frankie Fictitious.
One of the most influential Burlesque figures worldwide and current reigning Miss Exotic World (2019). Frankie displays blistering energy, talent and beauty on and off stage. A fierce Queen and humble to her core.
Season 3,
Episode 6 of What's the Tease features guest, Misty Lotus.
Voted in the top 10 performers of mainland Europe in 2020 by a 21st Century Burlesque Magazine poll. Listen up as Misty Lotus pulls back the curtain on her mystical approach to the art of Burlesque.
Season 3,
Episode 5 of What's the Tease features guest, Miss Poison Ivory.
Tune in to hear more of Poison Ivory's serendipitous journey with Burlesque, the personal trials experienced during highlights in her career and how gaining confidence in her art continues to be a voyage rather than a destination.
Season 3,
Episode 4 of What's the Tease features guest, Chrys Columbine.
The only burlesquer in the world who combines her skills as a concert pianist with the art of striptease and has been described as Britain’s answer to Dita Von Teese...with a twist, of course.
Season 3,
Episode 3 of What's the Tease features guest, Ruby Champagne.
Multi-award winning traveling Burlesque performer and pin-up model, Ruby Champagne is as vibrant in conversation as she is on stage. At the time of this interview, we touched on her idols, one of whom being (as of recently), the late, great Tempest Storm. Tune in to listen to this tender moment.
Season 3,
Episode 2 of What's the Tease features guest, Nicole Melrose.
Whilst everyone's journey to the art of Burlesque may share some similarities, they are all different. Our conversation is a vulnerable insight in the life of this glamorous showgirl.
Season 3,
Episode 1 of What's the Tease features guest, Siomai Moore.
Welcome back to all the listeners out there. We kick off season 3 of What's the Tease with Chicago-based multi talented, multi faceted burlesque performer, fellow podcaster and all round fat babe, Siomai Moore (pronounced show-my more).
Episode 20 of What's the Tease features guest, Lola van Ella.
Lola van Ella is a pioneer of the modern day burlesque industry in her hometown of St. Louis. She entertains as a singer, femmecee and professional hussy.
Episode 19 of What's the Tease features guest, Jessabelle Thunder.
First comes lightning, then comes Thunder. Listen in as we discuss pushing past comport zones and realizing your inner most self on stage and off, through the art of burlesque.
Episode 18 of What's the Tease features guest, Jolie Papillon.
A highly skilled showgirl with the reputation of being Burlesque royalty. As a staple headliner for London's best cabaret shows, take a listen as to why she is one the most influential performers in the U.K burlesque industry.
Episode 17 of What's the Tease features guest, Diva Disastar.
Diva Disastar is one of the pioneers of the Burlesque revival here in South Africa. Find out where it all began for her and how it's going.
Episode 16 of What's the Tease features guest, Perle Noire.
World renowned Burlesque artist, creative director, house mother, intuitive healer and transformative coach. Perle Noire encompasses all these roles and then some. Tune in to to hear more of her incredible journey in life and the performing arts.
Episode 15 of What's the Tease features guest, Jen Gapay.
She is the ringmaster behind a plethora of renowned variety shows, music and cultural festivals from coast to coast and The go-to producer in the Burlesque industry.
Episode 14 of What's the Tease features guest, Donna Hood.
A highly sort after performer, choreographer and successful producer. Donna Hood puts her heart and soul into everything she does.
Episode 13 of What's the Tease features guest, Pansy St Battie.
"Professional model, part time show babe and aspiring patron saint of glitter". Get to know this rising starlette and what makes her tik...tok.
Episode 12 of What's the Tease features guest, Zyra Lee Vanity.
One of Canada's most popular Burlesque artists'. Zyra Lee Vanity serves up high energy performances showcasing the glamour of classic burlesque yet rooted in her Afro-Caribbean culture.
Season 2,
Episode 11 of What's the Tease features guest, Demi Noire.
Dy-Na-Mi-Tee is the way I would describe London based Burelsque artist, Demi Noire. Voted No 25, Top 50 influential burlesque artist world wide 2018 poll, held by 21st Century Burlesque Magazine. Listen up to hear why it's political every time she gets on a stage.
Season 2,
Episode 10 of What's the Tease features guest, Sina King.
Voted Australia's 'Most Glamorous' Showgirl, Sina King embodies the feminine supreme in every aspect of her life. Listen in to find out how she has harnessed this energy in her work as a performer, producer, designer and mentor.
Season 2,
Episode 9 of What's the Tease features guest, Darlinda Just Darlinda.
New York City burlesque performance artist and producer. The Village Voice called Darlinda Just Darlinda a "mastermind of the bizarre extravaganza". I'm certainly intrigued. Tune in to find out more about this ground breaking artist.
Season 2,
Episode 8 of What's the Tease features guest, Flowerbomb.
Performer, producer and house mother. Flowerbomb is the bootyfull blossom of the Korean burlesque scene.
Season 2,
Episode 7 of What's the Tease features guest, Tigz Rice.
The renowned and kick-ass burlesque, boudoir and brand photographer. Empowering fearless women and non-binary folks to take up space through her lens.
Season 2,
Episode 6 of What's the Tease features guest, Sgt. Die Wies.
A.k.a, The "Rainbow in the Dark". Get in formation and listen in on this animated conversation with the Sargent on her burlesque journey.
Season 2,
Episode 5 of What's the Tease features guest, Sweetpea.
All hail Queen Pea. Voted #9 in the Burlesque Top 50 2019, 21st Century Magazine (recognized in the Top 50 2016-2019), Sweetpea conducts a vibrant energy both on and off the stage. Tune in to find out more about this multifaceted artist.
Season 2,
Episode 4 of What's the Tease features guest, Ginger Valentine.
GV is an award winning, hard working, adventurous and successful performer. You can take the girl out of the show, but you can't take the show out of the girl. These days, you can catch her spreading the gospel of burlesque through her online Strip School.
Season 2,
Episode 3 of What's the Tease features guest, Bon Bon.
Known for being shy and quiet by day ... but on the stage, it's lights, camera, action. Listen in to learn more about this local (South African) beauty and what inspires those vivacious moves.
Season 2,
Episode 2 of What's the Tease features guest, Lady Josephine.
A statuesque figure serving up high end drama, face and couture with every performance. Lady Josephine has graced the BHoF stage for the Movers, Shakers and Innovators showcase and clearly embodies all these qualities.
Season 2,
Episode 1 of What's the Tease features extra special guest, Angie Pontani.
Kicking off with the award-winning burlesque artist, choreographer, producer, blogger and all round go-getter ... Angie Pontani. Queen of Burlesque, Miss Exotic World 2008 and named Best International Touring Artist by the Naked City/Alternative Media Group of Australia.
Episode 20 of What's the Tease features guest, Calamity Chang.
The "Asian Sexsation" has made her mark in the Burlesque world, fusing her love for food and her Chinese heritage in playful and sexy striptease performances.
Episode 19 of What's the Tease features guest, Jo Boobs Weldon.
Jo Weldon has an illustrious and expansive career as an ecdysiast, (among her many talents). It is a true honor to have her share some of her thoughts on feminism, writing, fashion and her experiences of the multi faceted performance art that is striptease.
Episode 18 of What's the Tease features guest, Miss Tosh.
A multi talented artist inspired by old world glamour, Miss Tosh represents an inclusive and diverse expression of beauty.
Episode 17 of What's the Tease features guest, Jeez Loueez.
One of the most innovative and memorable personalities of modern burlesque, serving up "Stank Face", glamour and comedy both on stage and in conversation.
Episode 16 of What's the Tease features guest, RedBone.
Believe the hype.
RedBone has been breakin' it up and down the Burlesque scene, so tune in to discover more of her cyclogenesis.
Episode 15 of What's the Tease features guest, Evelyn Vinyl.
Burlesque performer, costume designer, Drag artiste...the list goes on. Join us as we discuss redefining gender norms both on and off the stage.
Episode 14 of What's the Tease features extra special guest, Baby Ray.
Baby Ray, a true national treasure on the South African burlesque scene, taking on the international stage with her charisma, uniqueness, nerve and an abundance of talent.
Episode 13 of What's the Tease features guest, Bettie Bombshell.
Her personality as dynamic as her performances. Miss Bettie Bombshell sure is blowing up on the burlesque world stage.
Episode 12 of What's the Tease features guest, Dirty Martini.
One of the most celebrated personalities and a pioneer of the new burlesque, Dirty Martini converses with me from a park bench in the East Village (NYC) to share some insights on the world of burlesque.
Episode 11 of What's the Tease features guest, Foxy Lexxi Brown.
A renowned artist, she is the first Canadian to be crowned Miss Viva Las Vegas in 2018. In 2019 she was crowned Miss Starlet Hollywood and Best Burlesque Arizona and 1st runner up at the Teaser festival in New Orleans 2020.
Foxy emanates the “je ne sais quoi” of an artist at the highest level of her art.
Episode 10 of What's the Tease features guest, Dustin Wax from Burlesque Hall of Fame Museum.
The only museum dedicated to the history and art of burlesque. BHoF is a testament to the power and social impact of the art of the tease.
Episode 9 of What's the Tease features guest, Lou Lou la Duchesse de Riere.
The stripping sensation from the Mohawk nation tells us more about her satyrical, sexual, pageantry brand of burlesque.
Episode 8 of What's the Tease features guest, Missa Blue.
A passionate entertainer, Missa Blue has taken the side show to the main stage.
Episode 7 of What's the Tease features guest, Egypt Blaque Knyle.
Listen with care. This is the story of Egypt Blaque Knyle. This is her legacy.
Episode 6 of What's the Tease features guest, Tansy.
Her talent and beauty as abundant as her vintage wardrobe.
Episode 5 of What's the Tease features guest, Vita Nova.
'Gangsta rap made her do it'. A Powerhouse on the South African burlesque scene, Vita Nova.
Take a listen.
Episode 4 of What's the Tease features guest, Michelle L'amour.
Listen in as I uncover the driving force behind this multi talented artist/producer, The Most Naked Woman.
Episode 3 of What's the Tease features guest, Nasty Canasta.
What's on the mind of the girl with 44DD brain? Take a listen.
Episode 2 of What's the Tease features guest, Peekaboo Pointe.
I talk with this master of the tease about the finer art of her craft.
Episode 1,
I find out What's the Tease with my guest, Chicago based performance artist and all round extraordinary humxn, Po' Chop.