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Explore every episode of the podcast The Cutting Up: A Kiki with Connie & Lina

Dive into the complete episode list for The Cutting Up: A Kiki with Connie & Lina. Each episode is cataloged with detailed descriptions, making it easy to find and explore specific topics. Keep track of all episodes from your favorite podcast and never miss a moment of insightful content.

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1–35 of 35

TitlePub. DateDuration
Dolls, DJs, and Zooted Yorkie: A Kiki with Kerri Colby06 Nov 202500:27:06

Before we turn to our regularly scheduled kiki, Lina has some household safety advice: Keep your houseguests’ THC cookies away from nosey little Yorkies. Bashert got zooted, honey! 

And we’re back! Drag Race double-alum and blonde goddess Kerri Colby must have heard the super doll signal because she descended from the heavens to talk about her new DJ career and a new single! Connie offers sage advice on being a show pony and keeping the door open for the trans women who follow you. 

https://www.kerricolby.com/ 

You can write to us at Kiki@TheCuttingUp.com


And follow us on instagram:

@TheLinaBradford

@TheRealConnieGirl

@PrideHouseMedia


The Cutting Up: A Kiki with Connie & Lina is a Pride House Media production.

Producers: Josh Rosenzweig & Matthew Breen

Graphic Design Daryl Raymond

Original Music by 808 BEACH (John “J-C” Carr & Bill Coleman), courtesy of Peace Bisquit 

 Production Design by Darryl Dickens. 

Hair by Mariah Molina

A very special thanks to Jason Kanner for all your support.


Warhol, Ryan Murphy, and Falling off the Catwalk: A Kiki with Dianne Brill30 Oct 202500:38:51

We jump right into the wars—the fashion wars! Connie and Lina break down the rivalry between big NYC fashion designers—which models could walk for whom? And who were you disrespecting if you sat with whom? Child, the anxiety lingers! And then—ding dong!—enter the fabulous fashion designer, model, author, O.G. club kid, and the forever “It” Girl, Dianne Brill! Dianne dishes on her pal Andy Warhol, the myth and the reality (and his endowment), the problem with Ry*n M*rphy (we don’t need to get sued, honey), and what it takes to be a Mugler muse and head judge on Drag Race Germany. And we go fishin’. 





The Cutting Up: A Kiki with Connie & Lina is a Pride House Media production.

The Cutting Up: A Kiki with Connie & Lina is a Pride House Media production.

Producers: Josh Rosenzweig & Matthew Breen

Graphic Design Daryl Raymond

Original Music by 808 BEACH (John “J-C” Carr & Bill Coleman) ; Courtesy of Peace Bisquit 

 Production Design  Darryl Dickens. 

Hair by Mariah Molina

A very special thanks to Jason Kanner for all your wonderful support.


Silk and Soul Food: A Kiki with Nicole Ari Parker30 Oct 202500:40:44

OK honey, we get right into it, with just a little side swerve into what the girls are fighting over, grammar lessons, The Eyes of Laura Mars, the commercial for DiAnes hair extensions, our “Labiquita” (LGBTQIA) community freedom fighters, and—ding dong!—star of And Just Like That, Nicole Ari Parker! Nicole pays us a visit to dish on her character’s unforgettable fashion moments, her swoonworthy hubby Boris Kodjoe, school uniforms, and fifteen feet of silk chiffon!  And we go fishin’. 


 

You can write to us at Kiki@TheCuttingUp.com


And follow us on instagram:

@TheLinaBradford

@TheRealConnieGirl

@PrideHouseMedia


The Cutting Up: A Kiki with Connie & Lina is a Pride House Media production.

Producers: Josh Rosenzweig & Matthew Breen

Graphic Design Daryl Raymond

Original Music by 808 BEACH (John “J-C” Carr & Bill Coleman) ; Courtesy of Peace Bisquit 

 Production Design  Darryl Dickens. 

Hair by Mariah Molina

A very special thanks to Jason Kanner for all your wonderful support.


The Kiki Kick Off: Connie & Lina Have Something to Say27 Oct 202500:22:44

What happens when two women who’ve seen everything in NYC nightlife—from the Club Kid era to the 2025 Met Gala—finally get to tell their stories? Get ready to laugh, learn, and love with The Cutting Up: A Kiki with Connie & Lina. In this glittering debut episode, your fabulous hosts, NYC nightlife legends Lina Bradford and Connie Fleming, invite you into their world—a delightful mix of pop culture, real-life tea, and personal triumphs, served with a heaping spoonful of humor, sass, and sisterhood.

Lina and Connie kick things off by spilling the tea on what inspired this podcast and their vision for creating a space that's all about learning, unity, and, of course, a good ol’ kiki. They’re here to bring visibility to stories that matter, share their lived experiences in the LGBTQ+ community, and remind us all of the power of love, support, and a perfectly timed read.

From heartfelt reflections to hilarious anecdotes, this episode is as vibrant and dynamic as the duo themselves. So, grab your favorite drink, sit back, and join the fun—your Thursdays just got a whole lot better!

✨ Episode Highlights:

  • 00:00 – A warm welcome to Cutting Up a Kiki.
  • 01:25 – The birth of the podcast: How two icons came together to create magic.
  • 02:54 – Community, visibility, and why representation matters more than ever.
  • 08:05 – Tackling today’s issues with humor and heart.
  • 13:13 – Connie and Lena’s personal stories: Drag, resilience, and love.
  • 21:24 – Wrapping up with laughs, love, and a promise for more fabulousness


You can write to us at Kiki@TheCuttingUp.com

And follow us on instagram:

@TheLinaBradford

@TheRealConnieGirl

@PrideHouseMedia


The Cutting Up: A Kiki with Connie & Lina is a Pride House Media production.

Producers: Josh Rosenzweig & Matthew Breen

Graphic Design Daryl Raymond

Original Music produced and Written and performed by 8 0 8 Beach John “JC” Carr and Bill Coleman, courtesy of Peace Biscuit. 

 Production Design  Darryl Dickens. 

Hair by Mariah Molina

A very special thanks to Jason Kanner for all your wonderful support.



First Jobs: We Work Hard for the Money, Honey!13 Nov 202500:43:28

This week ladies are delivering fashion highs, hair flips, and hilarious flashbacks, and they are joined by their adorable and ever‑patient producer, Matthew Breen. 

From jaw‑dropping outfits to legendary first gigs, Connie Girl and DJ Lina compare their first gigs, unforgettable club nights, and the art of the outfit. Connie is looking very Studio 54, very DVF—while Lina is doing her best Cindy Crawford. 

These two never forget a look! Plus music‑video mayhem, backstage chaos, legendary Boy Bar Beauties competitions, and the heartbreak of a shoe haunting. 

And we go fishin’! This one is not rated G.  

00:00 Introduction and Welcoming

00:24 Fashion Highlights and Iconic Looks

01:31 Hair and Makeup Extravaganza

02:04 Memorable Moments and Inside Jokes

08:30 First Jobs and Early Careers

13:02 Nightlife and Clubbing Stories

16:37 Boy Bar Beauties and Competitions


Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-cutting-up-a-kiki-with-connie-lina/id1849020008

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/200MOk48TaLRPLQvzx2UK0?si=6499dd094f704a10

iHeart: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/1333-the-cutting-up-a-kiki-wit-303161901 


You can write to us at Kiki@TheCuttingUp.com


And follow us on instagram:

@TheLinaBradford

@TheRealConnieGirl

@PrideHouseMedia


The Cutting Up: A Kiki with Connie & Lina is a Pride House Media production.

Producers: Josh Rosenzweig & Matthew Breen

Graphic Design Daryl Raymond

Original Music by 808 BEACH (John “J-C” Carr & Bill Coleman), courtesy of Peace Bisquit 

 Production Design by Darryl Dickens. 

Hair by Mariah Molina

Our very special thanks to Jason Kanner for all your support.



Fashion, Friendship & a Little Bit of Chaos: A Cutting Up with Kelly Bensimon20 Nov 202500:48:31

Get ready to laugh, strut and pick your jaw up off the floor — because this week’s episode of The Cutting Up is giving full runway meets “girl chat” . Hosts Connie and Lina are in the house, joined by none other than the fabulous Kelly Bensimon — author, fashion icon, reality legend, and all-around powerhouse. 

From epic fashion throwbacks to must-have travel pieces, these women serve insider tea and killer advice for owning your look (and your life). Expect laughs, nostalgia, and several “did she really just say that?” moments. Kelly also dishes on her journey — from modeling to magazines to posing for Playboy and also giving back through her work with the Food Bank — proving style and substance can totally coexist. ✨

So join these ladies for a good cackle, some iconic memories, and some seriously good girl talk. 

🕒 Timestamps
 00:00 — Kicking things off with major banter
 00:39 — Fashion talk: Norma Kamal & Wet Looks
 02:08 — Shoe trends: Mules and more!
 02:40 — Travel fashion must-haves
 05:44 — Throwback looks & beauty secrets
 15:02 — Meet Kiki: How it all began
 23:21 — Iconic fashion memories
 23:53 — Public perception vs. reality
 25:16 — How to balance (all the things!)
 27:13 — Legendary magazine moments
 30:29 — Owning your “imperfections”
 32:34 — The ultimate girls trip
 36:25 — Why giving back never goes out of style
 38:49 — Travel hacks + fashion wrap-up
 47:20 — Farewell, fabulous ones 💖



Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-cutting-up-a-kiki-with-connie-lina/id1849020008

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/200MOk48TaLRPLQvzx2UK0?si=6499dd094f704a10

iHeart: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/1333-the-cutting-up-a-kiki-wit-303161901 


You can write to us at Kiki@TheCuttingUp.com


And follow us on instagram:

@TheLinaBradford

@TheRealConnieGirl

@PrideHouseMedia


The Cutting Up: A Kiki with Connie & Lina is a Pride House Media production.

Producers: Josh Rosenzweig & Matthew Breen

Graphic Design Daryl Raymond

Original Music by 808 BEACH (John “J-C” Carr & Bill Coleman), courtesy of Peace Bisquit 

 Production Design by Darryl Dickens. 

Hair by Mariah Molina

Our very special thanks to Jason Kanner for all your support.


The Insanity Redux! A Wild, Candid Conversation with Susan Powter04 Dec 202500:49:06

Connie and Lina get to sit down for an incredible, off-the-freaking-chain chat with the legendary Susan Powter. And trust, she holds nothing back, sharing her wild origin story, rise, and fall—and now her return to the stage. We’ve got exclusives! Powter went from being a broke single mom who stripped at the Million Dollar Saloon in conservative Dallas, Texas, and rose to completely shake up the fitness world. They get real about what it means to be a powerful woman, bouncing back from tough times, and why it's so important to just be yourself. Susan gives the inside scoop on her new documentary, “Stop the Insanity,” and how it captures all her biggest fights, wins, and losses. With her super honest stories and amazing energy, Susan is someone you will never forget. This conversation is a must-listen.

Check out the highlights:

00:00 - Kicking things off
 00:13 - Just chatting & talking movies
 01:11 - All about Susan Powter & empowerment
 02:56 - How she changed the game
 05:56 - Getting personal: The tough times
 20:02 - Behind the scenes of her new doc
 24:43 - Keeping it real in the fitness world
 25:17 - Why she had to get out
 26:24 - Getting screwed over & fighting back
 27:03 - The comeback story
 28:43 - Finding happiness & being true to yourself
 31:29 - Dealing with ageism & career hurdles
 34:37 - The power of being honest
 36:04 - Why you gotta keep working
 36:48 - Being thankful & starting fresh
 47:33 - Wrapping it up

Pre-Order “Stop the Insanity”: https://obscuredreleasing.com/films/stop-the-insanity 

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-cutting-up-a-kiki-with-connie-lina/id1849020008

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/200MOk48TaLRPLQvzx2UK0?si=6499dd094f704a10

iHeart: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/1333-the-cutting-up-a-kiki-wit-303161901 


You can write to us at Kiki@TheCuttingUp.com


And follow us on instagram:

@TheLinaBradford

@TheRealConnieGirl

@PrideHouseMedia


The Cutting Up: A Kiki with Connie & Lina is a Pride House Media production.

Producers: Josh Rosenzweig & Matthew Breen.

Graphic Design Daryl Raymond.

Original Music by 808 BEACH (John “J-C” Carr & Bill Coleman), courtesy of Peace Bisquit. 

 Production Design by Darryl Dickens. 

Our very special thanks to Jason Kanner for all your support.


We're Serving You Stuffing, Quaaludes & Paper Airplanes This Thanksgiving27 Nov 202500:21:58

Gobble gobble, everyone! Connie and Lina welcome producer Matt for their special Thanksgiving episode — which, as usual, goes completely off the rails.  From cocktail conversations to family traditions, sharing their favorite traditions, questionable recipes, and chaotic holiday stories — it is a holiday treat that can ONLY come from Connie and Lina! 

So join them for this slightly unhinged holiday escape.

As discussed in this episode

Movies:

Home For the Holidays

How to Make an Airplane Cocktail

The original recipe calls for 3/4 ounce of each ingredient, shaken and served in a chilled coupe glass. 

  • ¾ oz Bourbon (a mid-shelf, 90-proof spirit like Bulleit or Woodford Reserve is recommended)
  • ¾ oz Aperol (an Italian bitter aperitif)
  • ¾ oz Amaro Nonino Quintessentia (a specific Italian herbal liqueur that is key to the drink's flavor profile; substitutions will change the taste)
  • ¾ oz Freshly squeezed lemon juice 

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-cutting-up-a-kiki-with-connie-lina/id1849020008

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/200MOk48TaLRPLQvzx2UK0?si=6499dd094f704a10

iHeart: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/1333-the-cutting-up-a-kiki-wit-303161901 


You can write to us at Kiki@TheCuttingUp.com


And follow us on instagram:

@TheLinaBradford

@TheRealConnieGirl

@PrideHouseMedia


The Cutting Up: A Kiki with Connie & Lina is a Pride House Media production.

Producers: Josh Rosenzweig & Matthew Breen

Graphic Design Daryl Raymond

Original Music by 808 BEACH (John “J-C” Carr & Bill Coleman), courtesy of Peace Bisquit 

 Production Design by Darryl Dickens. 

Hair by Mariah Molina

Our very special thanks to Jason Kanner for all your support.


Joy Reid Unfiltered: Black Identity, Bold Truths, Fashion, and a Little Paranormal Tea11 Dec 202500:47:24

Buckle up, because this episode goes off the rails the way only our show can. Today we have Joy Reid! Yes, Joy freakin’ Reid, the first Black woman primetime news anchor, New York Times bestselling author, and the woman who tells it like it is. We jump right into the deep end with, what else, dolls! It’s an obsession in this house, as you all know. We talk Mr. and Ms. Potatohead, Baby That–a-Way, custom dolls, and then we go thataway talking about Joy’s ascendance to make primetime news history, and how her Jamaican godmother won’t let it go. The tea is hot! Joy's own independent media platform is flourishing—and baby, the freedom? She said she can finally tell the truth without anyone in a suit whispering, “Um, maybe we don’t say that.” And honestly, I felt that in my spirit. We dip into the fish pond and come up with some ghost stories. The whole episode is a celebration of authenticity—and we can promise you’ve never seen Joy like this!

Enjoy honeysuckles.

Check out Joy's YouTube channel at https://www.youtube.com/@TheJoyReidShow

Episode Breakdown:
 00:00 Welcome Blaque
 00:55 Where is the trustworthy news at?!
 03:20 Fashion Talk (Joy understood the assignment)
 07:11 Welcoming Joy Reid like the queen she is
 10:16 Doll Collections & Childhood Memories
 22:24 Gender Roles and Expectations
 24:51 The Trad Wife Trend (girl…)
 28:16 Joy’s Media Journey Begins
 30:12 Launching a Show During a Pandemic
 32:10 Jumping into Independent Media
 33:07 Social Media, Truth‑Telling, and Being Real
 41:04 Paranormal Moments & Ouija Shenanigans
 46:07 Thank‑yous, Hugs, and Goodbyes


Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-cutting-up-a-kiki-with-connie-lina/id1849020008

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/200MOk48TaLRPLQvzx2UK0?si=6499dd094f704a10

iHeart: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/1333-the-cutting-up-a-kiki-wit-303161901 


You can write to us at Kiki@TheCuttingUp.com


And follow us on instagram:

@TheLinaBradford

@TheRealConnieGirl

@PrideHouseMedia


The Cutting Up: A Kiki with Connie & Lina is a Pride House Media production.

Producers: Josh Rosenzweig & Matthew Breen.

Graphic Design Daryl Raymond.

Original Music by 808 BEACH (John “J-C” Carr & Bill Coleman), courtesy of Peace Bisquit. 

 Production Design by Darryl Dickens. 

Our very special thanks to Jason Kanner for all your support.



Pirate Boots & Punk Roots: Connie & Lina’s Tribute to the Iconic Vivienne Westwood18 Dec 202500:31:48

Okay Sugar, buckle up—because this episode was basically mine and Connie’s Olympics. From the moment we hit record, the energy was high, the accessories were rattling, and Vivienne Westwood was in the house hovering over the conversation like the patron saint of chaotic glam.

We kicked things off with a little accessory talk (because of course we did), and before long,we were deep in our feelings about our Westwood babies—yes, the squiggles, the pirate boots, and those corsets. Con and I traded stories - spiraling into memories of punk’s electric surge in the late 70s and 80s, back when fashion wasn’t just fashion—it was a full‑blown cultural riot.

And then came the icons. Pat Cleveland strutting through my imagination. Yoko Ono being...Yoko Ono. Grace Jones, obviously slaying from every angle. It felt like flipping through the coolest scrapbook ever made.

Just when you think we can’t get more ‘unserious’, we dive into fishbowl questions—fashion trends we’d banish, knockoff drama, and the teen fashion choices we wish we could time‑travel to fix. Chaos, laughter, and maybe a little too much honesty.

If you want the play‑by‑play, here’s your stylish timestamp menu:

• 00:00 — Hellos, hugs, and general fabulousness
 • 00:18 — Accessories we’re unreasonably attached to
 • 00:57 — Nostalgia hour: fashion shows we still dream about
 • 01:16 — The Vivienne Westwood fangirl spiral begins
 • 04:54 — Punk, politics, and platform everything
 • 08:51 — Why color theory should come with a warning label
 • 14:00 — Personal fashion lore (yes, the corset story is here)
 • 17:11 — Iconic outfits and the Case of the Missing Corsets
 • 18:02 — Fishbowl chaos: trends, tips, tea
 • 21:05 — “Sun’s out, buns out” but make it fashion
 • 23:41 — Teen fashion memories we survived
 • 25:14 — Designer jeans and the era that shaped us
 • 29:17 — Voting matters (and so does what you wear to the polls)
 • 29:55 — Final thoughts and fabulous farewells



Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-cutting-up-a-kiki-with-connie-lina/id1849020008

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/200MOk48TaLRPLQvzx2UK0?si=6499dd094f704a10

iHeart: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/1333-the-cutting-up-a-kiki-wit-303161901 


You can write to us at Kiki@TheCuttingUp.com


And follow us on instagram:

@TheLinaBradford

@TheRealConnieGirl

@PrideHouseMedia


The Cutting Up: A Kiki with Connie & Lina is a Pride House Media production.

Producers: Josh Rosenzweig & Matthew Breen.

Graphic Design Daryl Raymond.

Original Music by 808 BEACH (John “J-C” Carr & Bill Coleman), courtesy of Peace Bisquit. 

 Production Design by Darryl Dickens. 

Our very special thanks to Jason Kanner for all your support.


Connie & Lina’s Holiday Hot Takes01 Jan 202600:22:02

This week, our brother and producer Matt joins us to ring in the new year! 

We share some of my favorite holiday memories from childhood gifts to traditions that still bring the vibes. We talk about how we actually like to spend the holidays, debate overplayed Christmas songs, and give Mariah Carey her flowers. The diva is THE DIVA after all.

We also touch on holiday shopping chaos, festive cocktails, squeezing in that New Year’s jump off, and what drama we are all happily leaving behind as the clock strikes midnight. Tune in for the last cackle of 2025! 

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-cutting-up-a-kiki-with-connie-lina/id1849020008

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/200MOk48TaLRPLQvzx2UK0?si=6499dd094f704a10

iHeart: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/1333-the-cutting-up-a-kiki-wit-303161901 


You can write to us at Kiki@TheCuttingUp.com


And follow us on instagram:

@TheLinaBradford

@TheRealConnieGirl

@PrideHouseMedia


The Cutting Up: A Kiki with Connie & Lina is a Pride House Media production.

Producers: Josh Rosenzweig & Matthew Breen.

Graphic Design by Daryl Raymond.

Original Music by 808 BEACH (John “J-C” Carr & Bill Coleman), courtesy of Peace Bisquit. 

 Production Design by Darryl Dickens. 

Our very special thanks to Jason Kanner for all your support.


Connie & Lina's Christmas Pajama Party25 Dec 202500:24:00

What’s the first thing a girl’s to do on a jubilant Christmas morning? Call a sistrix, of course! Sugar, this is unfiltered Christmas energy because if anyone is going to tolerate me before caffeine, it’s a sistrix.

Your girl Lina woke up like this and your girl Connie Girl answered the call, sounding exactly as you’d expect: just risen from the coffin, half asleep, half delighted, and fully confused. What starts as a “Merry Christmas and a Happy Nude Rear!” turns into a full‑blown recap of 2025, complete with laughter, mild emotional whiplash, as we do, we kinda go off the rails. 

We kiki about our wins, the struggles we survived, the moments that built character, and how our friendship somehow keeps getting stronger despite the chaos. And we gently roast each other like chestnuts on an open fire. No matter how wild the year gets, we know we can always talk it out together. It’s truly a gift to have someone who knows your whole story and still picks up the phone. It’s not deep because we planned it. It’s deep because it’s us. In pajamas. On Christmas morning. Bold choice, honestly. 


⏰ Episode Breakdown

00:00 – Christmas Morning Chaos
 I wake up and immediately choose Connie. Zero regrets.

01:11 – Sleepy Voices & Questionable Life Choices
 “Merry Christmas!” but make it groggy, giggly, and slightly unhinged.

03:37 – This Year Was A Lot (Plus Funny Stories)
 Highs, lows, and memories that prove we really did survive this year.

15:15 – Gratitude, Growth & Accidental Wisdom
 Faith, lessons learned, and realizing we grew… even when we resisted.

21:10 – Holiday Wishes & Hanging Up Eventually
 Warm goodbyes, Christmas blessings, and promises to talk later (we will).



Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-cutting-up-a-kiki-with-connie-lina/id1849020008

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/200MOk48TaLRPLQvzx2UK0?si=6499dd094f704a10

iHeart: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/1333-the-cutting-up-a-kiki-wit-303161901 


You can write to us at Kiki@TheCuttingUp.com


And follow us on instagram:

@TheLinaBradford

@TheRealConnieGirl

@PrideHouseMedia


The Cutting Up: A Kiki with Connie & Lina is a Pride House Media production.

Producers: Josh Rosenzweig & Matthew Breen.

Graphic Design by Daryl Raymond.

Original Music by 808 BEACH (John “J-C” Carr & Bill Coleman), courtesy of Peace Bisquit. 

 Production Design by Darryl Dickens. 

Our very special thanks to Jason Kanner for all your support.




Carson Kressley: Style with Heart08 Jan 202600:33:11

Slip on your favorite heels and settle in, because this episode is everything. We are spilling fashion tea from the early 2000s—the era that gave us questionable shoes, plaid overload, and confidence we maybe didn’t earn. And just when you think it can’t get better, Carson Kressley struts into the conversation like the gorgeous gay icon he is.

Carson dishes on everything from his Queer Eye for the Straight Guy days (life-changing, culture-shifting, no big deal) to his time twirling through RuPaul’s Drag Race, and sneaking around secret super-celeb green rooms backstage at the Emmys. We laugh about fashion disasters we definitely thought were working at the time, swoon over nostalgic designer moments, and lovingly roast trends that should’ve stayed in the archives.

Between personal closet confessions, starstruck encounters, and retail war stories, Carson reminds us why kindness, humor, and a little fabulousness can actually change the world. 

Basically? It’s fashion history, but we make it fun. 💅


✨ Episode Breakdown (aka: When the Chaos Happens)

00:00 – Introductions, tangents, and immediate derailment
00:26 – Shoe designers of the early 2000s (RIP our arches)
01:17 – The oldest shoes in the closet… and why they’re still emotionally important
04:29 – Spa culture, plaid overload, and vibes we can’t explain
05:24 – Fashion crimes of the 2000s (no one is innocent)
08:03 – Carson’s Drag Race journey and behind-the-scenes magic
10:16 – Emmy nights: glamour, chaos, and good lighting
13:24 – Starstruck moments and celebrity encounters we’re still not over
16:55 – Why kindness is the real makeover secret
17:24 – Queer representation on TV: sneaky, powerful, and iconic
17:45 – Personal stories and public reactions (some sweet, some wild)
19:41 – Fashion, retail, and “you had to be there” moments
22:08 – The legacy of Queer Eye (still changing lives, BTW)
22:40 – Fan interactions and love from all directions
27:02 – DJ culture, nightlife now vs. then, and evolving cool
29:54 – Bye-bye, Honey! 


Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-cutting-up-a-kiki-with-connie-lina/id1849020008

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/200MOk48TaLRPLQvzx2UK0?si=6499dd094f704a10

iHeart: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/1333-the-cutting-up-a-kiki-wit-303161901 


Write to us at Kiki@TheCuttingUp.com


And follow us on instagram:

@TheLinaBradford

@TheRealConnieGirl

@PrideHouseMedia


The Cutting Up: A Kiki with Connie & Lina is a Pride House Media production.

Producers: Josh Rosenzweig & Matthew Breen.

Graphic Design by Daryl Raymond.

Original Music by 808 BEACH (John “J-C” Carr & Bill Coleman), courtesy of Peace Bisquit. 

 Production Design by Darryl Dickens. 

Hair by Mariah Molina.

Our very special thanks to Jason Kanner for all your support.


Training the Body, Feeding the Soul: A Kiki with Celebrity Trainer Kacy Duke15 Jan 202600:47:06

We were already in full kiki mode, but once fitness icon Kacy Duke stepped into the chat? Baby. It became a juicy, feel-good, soul-stirring conversation about fitness, confidence, and loving the skin you’re in, no matter the season.

We talked about how our bodies survived the pandemic, laughed about our favorite throwback ’80s workout queens, and confessed what fitness really looks like for us these days. It's not always cute, but it’s got to be honest.

Kacy has trained legends like Denzel Washington, Bruce Willis, and Lenny Kravitz, and she spills a little celeb training tea, serving up a Gwen Stefani moment. 

Between the laughs, the real talk, and some very necessary reminders about sensuality, energy, and moving your body with intention, this episode felt like a permission slip to show up fully. Strong, soft, sexy, and unapologetic. If you’ve ever needed motivation with a side of sass and soul, this one’s for you.




Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-cutting-up-a-kiki-with-connie-lina/id1849020008

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/200MOk48TaLRPLQvzx2UK0?si=6499dd094f704a10

iHeart: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/1333-the-cutting-up-a-kiki-wit-303161901 


Write to us at Kiki@TheCuttingUp.com


And follow us on instagram:

@TheLinaBradford

@TheRealConnieGirl

@PrideHouseMedia


The Cutting Up: A Kiki with Connie & Lina is a Pride House Media production.

Producers: Josh Rosenzweig & Matthew Breen.

Graphic Design by Daryl Raymond.

Original Music by 808 BEACH (John “J-C” Carr & Bill Coleman), courtesy of Peace Bisquit. 

 Production Design by Darryl Dickens. 

Hair by Mariah Molina.

Our very special thanks to Jason Kanner for all your support.



Hollywood, Casting & Life as a Trans Actress29 Jan 202600:49:41

This week on the pod, Connie and I are doing what we do best: talking fashion, reliving auditions we absolutely should have booked, and unpacking the absolute circus that is today’s news cycle. We get into door‑knocker earrings (obviously), guilty pleasures, iconic roles, and the very real gymnastics trans actors have to do just to exist in Hollywood.

We’re joined by the fabulous Matthew Breen, who helps us connect fashion, media, and those unforgettable NYC nightlife moments (yes, Jackie’s 60, we see you). From MTV memories to club chaos, TikTok trends, bottle service nonsense, and why House of Style still deserves a comeback — it’s all here.

Think: fashion talk, career flashbacks, nightlife lore, and unfiltered banter — aka a backstage pass to our brains.

Press play, grab a snack, and don’t forget your accessories, Sugar.





Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-cutting-up-a-kiki-with-connie-lina/id1849020008

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/200MOk48TaLRPLQvzx2UK0?si=6499dd094f704a10

iHeart: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/1333-the-cutting-up-a-kiki-wit-303161901 


Write to us at Kiki@TheCuttingUp.com


And follow us on instagram:

@TheLinaBradford

@TheRealConnieGirl

@PrideHouseMedia


The Cutting Up: A Kiki with Connie & Lina is a Pride House Media production.

Producers: Josh Rosenzweig & Matthew Breen.

Graphic Design by Daryl Raymond.

Original Music by 808 BEACH (John “J-C” Carr & Bill Coleman), courtesy of Peace Bisquit. 

 Production Design by Darryl Dickens. 

Hair by Mariah Molina.

Our very special thanks to Jason Kanner for all your support.


More Than Makeup: Beauty as Trans Power22 Jan 202600:34:42

Okay Sugar, strap in! This episode of The Cutting Up is serving beauty, history, and a whole lot of truth.

This week, when the gong rashes, guess who it is… the iconic Bradley Miller—makeup artist, educator, and all‑around force—and she sits down for a kiki that starts with nostalgic movie obsessions and legendary lipstick moments, and quickly turns into something deeper, but no less fabulous.

Bradley spills on her journey through the cosmetics industry, what it really means to be visible as a trans person in corporate spaces, and why advocacy is not optional. It’s essential. We get into how makeup has literally saved lives for trans women, the power of being seen, and the importance of showing up for one another when the world isn’t exactly rolling out the red carpet.

There are laughs, there are tender moments, there’s a little dating tea too. Oh, and yes, there’s plenty of glam. From healthcare access and inclusivity to the everyday challenges trans women still face, this episode is about living authentically, loving loudly, and lifting each other up.

Grab your favorite lip gloss and join us cuz we are serving it up this week.




Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-cutting-up-a-kiki-with-connie-lina/id1849020008

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/200MOk48TaLRPLQvzx2UK0?si=6499dd094f704a10

iHeart: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/1333-the-cutting-up-a-kiki-wit-303161901 


Write to us at Kiki@TheCuttingUp.com


And follow us on instagram:

@TheLinaBradford

@TheRealConnieGirl

@PrideHouseMedia


The Cutting Up: A Kiki with Connie & Lina is a Pride House Media production.

Producers: Josh Rosenzweig & Matthew Breen.

Graphic Design by Daryl Raymond.

Original Music by 808 BEACH (John “J-C” Carr & Bill Coleman), courtesy of Peace Bisquit. 

 Production Design by Darryl Dickens. 

Hair by Mariah Molina.

Our very special thanks to Jason Kanner for all your support.


Kiki, Chaos & Crisco (Yes, THAT Crisco): Backstage with Connie & Lena05 Mar 202600:18:32

Oooh Sugar, we are back and bring you a peek “backstage” - it’s  unfiltered, off-the-rails and spiritually protected, okay?? Because why did we start the episode spraying “Go Away Evil” like we were cleansing demons… and almost took ourselves out in the process. I nearly gagged. Connie was no help. Pure chaos from the jump.

Then we get into these MEN…

Listen, we are not here to be fetishized. We are not here to be gaslit. And we are definitely not here for “so… what surgeries have you had?” over appetizers.

I said what I said.

We talk full disclosure, safety, comfort, and whether someone is actually OUT and emotionally available — or just curious and confused. There’s a difference.

And somehow — because it’s us — the conversation spirals into:

  • Toe pic preferences (don’t ask)
  • Proper dick pic etiquette (there are rules, gentlemen)
  • Late-night text delusion
  • Wild club memories
  • Fake sponsors like Grindr, PornHub, and Crisco (Crisco, if you’re listening… call us)

There’s even a Crisco slip‑n‑slide story that probably shouldn’t have made the final cut. But here we are.

By the end, we’re talking Q-tips, tickle bottles, veggie alternatives, zodiac animals, spirit animals… and drawing sharks for absolutely no reason.

It’s messy.
 It’s loud.
 It’s inappropriate.
 It’s even a bit educational.

But it is 100% pure cutting up!

So, buckle up, Sugar and prepared for the cackle!

Like, subscribe, comment and review- xoxo 💫✨





Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-cutting-up-a-kiki-with-connie-lina/id1849020008

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/200MOk48TaLRPLQvzx2UK0?si=6499dd094f704a10

iHeart: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/1333-the-cutting-up-a-kiki-wit-303161901 


Write to us at Kiki@TheCuttingUp.com


And follow us on instagram:

@TheLinaBradford

@TheRealConnieGirl

@PrideHouseMedia


The Cutting Up: A Kiki with Connie & Lina is a Pride House Media production.

Producers: Josh Rosenzweig & Matthew Breen.

Graphic Design by Daryl Raymond.

Original Music by 808 BEACH (John “J-C” Carr & Bill Coleman), courtesy of Peace Bisquit. 

 Production Design by Darryl Dickens. 

Our very special thanks to Jason Kanner for all your support.


Psychic Tea & Protection Spells26 Feb 202600:52:55

Hey Sugar, we’re back! 💋

This week on The Cutting Up, Connie and I start with a cute little backstage kiki — you know, just casually spiraling from Diane Freis dresses and YSL fantasy to vintage perfume memories and our retro TV crushes. As one does.

But then… the energy shifts.

I start talking about listening to that inner voice (because mine does not whisper, she announces), grounding in nature, and this magical fog-meets-sunlight moment I had on a mountain that felt like the earth itself was texting me back. Add in a visit to Gina (aka Chicklet) and her new farm, and suddenly we are fully in our psychic era.

Connie also opens up about how cleansing rituals, visualization, sage, sea salt, and spiritual tools helped carry her through breast cancer treatment — which is powerful and beautiful and very real.

And then… the fishbowl.

Which means chaos.

We debate curses vs. mantras, freezer binding spells (protection only, relax), past lives, twins being telepathic, premonitions that actually came true… and yes, I make Connie confess to the love potions that WORKED.

There is also an absolutely unhinged detour involving crabs. I will not be elaborating here.

Basically: fashion nostalgia, psychic downloads, spiritual protection, a little chaos, and a lot of laughter.

Like, subscribe, cleanse your doorway, and come back next week 💫✨





Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-cutting-up-a-kiki-with-connie-lina/id1849020008

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/200MOk48TaLRPLQvzx2UK0?si=6499dd094f704a10

iHeart: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/1333-the-cutting-up-a-kiki-wit-303161901 


Write to us at Kiki@TheCuttingUp.com


And follow us on instagram:

@TheLinaBradford

@TheRealConnieGirl

@PrideHouseMedia


The Cutting Up: A Kiki with Connie & Lina is a Pride House Media production.

Producers: Josh Rosenzweig & Matthew Breen.

Graphic Design by Daryl Raymond.

Original Music by 808 BEACH (John “J-C” Carr & Bill Coleman), courtesy of Peace Bisquit. 

 Production Design by Darryl Dickens. 

Our very special thanks to Jason Kanner for all your support.


Love Bombs & Trash‑Bag Exits: The Dating Red Flags We Missed19 Feb 202600:49:50

🚩 If he says “I don’t really give compliments…” baby, that’s your cue. 🚩


This week on The Cutting Up, we’ve got outfit breakdowns, supermodel nostalgia, and mental Versace campaigns. But then we unpack our prophetic dreams and talk about men who should’ve been sent packing.


We get into red flags we ignored, love bombing, men who order for you at dinner like we’re on Mad Men, and that very specific “you owe me” hint after they pick up the check. And what about the man who wasn’t over his ex? Intuition turned into receipts, confrontation, and a trash‑bag exit with dignity intact.


We also talk about transparency, being upfront, protecting your peace, and why full disclosure saves everyone time. Especially when it comes to dating as a woman of transgender experience. No confusion. No surprises. No nonsense.


Plus a really beautiful full‑circle moment with Connie and her mom that honestly made us emotional.


Stop romanticizing red flags. Girl! They are red for a reason.




Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-cutting-up-a-kiki-with-connie-lina/id1849020008

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/200MOk48TaLRPLQvzx2UK0?si=6499dd094f704a10

iHeart: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/1333-the-cutting-up-a-kiki-wit-303161901 


Write to us at Kiki@TheCuttingUp.com


And follow us on instagram:

@TheLinaBradford

@TheRealConnieGirl

@PrideHouseMedia


The Cutting Up: A Kiki with Connie & Lina is a Pride House Media production.

Producers: Josh Rosenzweig & Matthew Breen.

Graphic Design by Daryl Raymond.

Original Music by 808 BEACH (John “J-C” Carr & Bill Coleman), courtesy of Peace Bisquit. 

 Production Design by Darryl Dickens. 

Our very special thanks to Jason Kanner for all your support.


Connie & Lina’s Valentine’s Day Survival Guide12 Feb 202600:29:19

Okay Sugar, it’s Valentine’s Day and we are serving opinions and giggles. This episode is basically a heart‑shaped box of chaos.

First up, dating apps that test my patience, then subway crushes that live rent‑free in our minds. What are the romantic gestures that actually matter? And why honesty in relationships is non‑negotiable , even when it’s awkward. We answer your questions, overshare a bit (#toetrix), and sprinkle in sisterly banter like it’s our love language.

Whether you’re coupled up, single by choice or circumstance, or in a full‑blown situationship, this one’s for you. Light a candle, pour a drink, and let’s romanticize ourselves for once. 💅💖

Check out the “Heavenly Bodies” podcast! https://www.youtube.com/@TheHeavenlyBodiesShow 

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-cutting-up-a-kiki-with-connie-lina/id1849020008

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/200MOk48TaLRPLQvzx2UK0?si=6499dd094f704a10

iHeart: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/1333-the-cutting-up-a-kiki-wit-303161901 


Write to us at Kiki@TheCuttingUp.com


And follow us on instagram:

@TheLinaBradford

@TheRealConnieGirl

@PrideHouseMedia


The Cutting Up: A Kiki with Connie & Lina is a Pride House Media production.

Producers: Josh Rosenzweig & Matthew Breen.

Graphic Design by Daryl Raymond.

Original Music by 808 BEACH (John “J-C” Carr & Bill Coleman), courtesy of Peace Bisquit. 

 Production Design by Darryl Dickens. 

Hair by Mariah Molina.

Our very special thanks to Jason Kanner for all your support.


Cutting Up with the Cosmos: David Odyssey Reads Lina & Connie05 Feb 202601:01:19

On this episode of The Cutting Up, we went full cosmic with David Odyssey from Heavenly Bodies. Honey, that’s a crossover! And it felt magical, grounding, and just plain fun.

We started out reminiscing (yes, The B‑52s DID come up 💃) before diving into what was really in the air: astrology, tarot, and the energetic shifts happening both collectively and personally right now. David led us through powerful tarot readings that opened up conversations about authenticity, transformation, love, and self‑discovery, and honestly… the cards did not hold back, Sugar.

We pulled cards that sparked some real talk around connection, boundaries, self‑worth, and what it means to show up fully for ourselves and each other. From The Two of Cups to The Wheel of Fortune, the messages felt timely, affirming, and full of possibility. We also looked ahead at the astrological energy of the year, talked about Aries season strength, and how to stay grounded while embracing new beginnings.

We loved how open, affirming, and hopeful it all felt. It’s a reminder that growth doesn’t have to be heavy. Spirituality can be playful, and community really is where the magic happens.

Check out the “Heavenly Bodies” podcast! https://www.youtube.com/@TheHeavenlyBodiesShow 

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-cutting-up-a-kiki-with-connie-lina/id1849020008

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/200MOk48TaLRPLQvzx2UK0?si=6499dd094f704a10

iHeart: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/1333-the-cutting-up-a-kiki-wit-303161901 


Write to us at Kiki@TheCuttingUp.com


And follow us on instagram:

@TheLinaBradford

@TheRealConnieGirl

@PrideHouseMedia


The Cutting Up: A Kiki with Connie & Lina is a Pride House Media production.

Producers: Josh Rosenzweig & Matthew Breen.

Graphic Design by Daryl Raymond.

Original Music by 808 BEACH (John “J-C” Carr & Bill Coleman), courtesy of Peace Bisquit. 

 Production Design by Darryl Dickens. 

Hair by Mariah Molina.

Our very special thanks to Jason Kanner for all your support.


Joey Arias Unfiltered: Nightlife, Mugler & a Legendary Downtown Life26 Mar 202600:50:19

This week on The Cutting Up, Connie and I are kiki‑ing in Washington Heights like it’s a downtown séance — and our guest? Only a living, breathing piece of NYC nightlife history: the one and only Joey Arias.

Yes. That Joey Arias.

Performance art legend. Mugler muse. Warhol era mischief-maker. Billie Holiday channeler. Downtown royalty.

We kick off doing what we do best: manifesting peace on earth, success, spiritual elevation… and obviously a hot man. Priorities.

From there? Chaos. Glamour. History.

Joey and I reminisce about decades of friendship, fashion, and the golden age of New York City nightlife — when the clubs were dangerous, the looks were illegal, and everyone was either famous or about to be. We talk Mugler, Montreal nights, downtown club kid origins, and the kind of stories you cannot Google.

And then — because icons don’t retire — Joey drops updates:

  • A book  coming
  • A documentary is in progress
  • And his album “Past Present Future” is on Spotify, born from intense studio sessions that were equal parts magic and madness

We also get real.

Joey opens up about his sobriety journey after an intervention and detox — and how recovery reshaped his body, mind, and art. We talk reinvention, weight loss, body procedures, maturity, dating standards (they’re high, darling), and what it means to survive yourself.

And because this is Joey Arias, the conversation floats effortlessly into:

  • Higher consciousness
  • Politics and energy
  • Past lives and ghosts
  • Curses (yes, curses)
  • Spiritual awakenings
  • Channeling Billie Holiday
  • Stories about Andy Warhol, Paul Mooney, Keith Haring
  • And an unearthed Basquiat found in a closet like it’s casual

This episode is part New York nightlife documentary, part spiritual fishbowl, part fast-food-fueled kiki, and fully unfiltered.

If you love:

  • Joey Arias
  • Downtown NYC legends
  • Fashion history and Mugler
  • LGBTQ nightlife culture
  • Sobriety and reinvention stories
  • Art world icons like Basquiat and Warhol
  • Billie Holiday energy
  • Or just wildly glamorous storytelling

Welcome to the coven.

Light a candle. Manifest something reckless. And press play.


Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-cutting-up-a-kiki-with-connie-lina/id1849020008

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/200MOk48TaLRPLQvzx2UK0?si=6499dd094f704a10

iHeart: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/1333-the-cutting-up-a-kiki-wit-303161901 


Write to us at Kiki@TheCuttingUp.com


And follow us on instagram:

@TheLinaBradford

@TheRealConnieGirl

@PrideHouseMedia


The Cutting Up: A Kiki with Connie & Lina is a Pride House Media production.

Producers: Josh Rosenzweig & Matthew Breen.

Graphic Design by Daryl Raymond.

Original Music by 808 BEACH (John “J-C” Carr & Bill Coleman), courtesy of Peace Bisquit. 

 Production Design by Darryl Dickens. 

Our very special thanks to Jason Kanner for all your support.


Glam, Grit & Glisten: Our Convo with Wilson Cruz 19 Mar 202600:53:11

Baby… this episode? A whole mood.

Wilson Cruz dropped into The Cutting Up and we started where all important conversations start: backstage glam. Because if we’re going to talk about surviving late-stage capitalism and political chaos, we’re at least doing it moisturized.

But don’t get it twisted — the kiki got real.

We talked about what it means to trust timing in a career that’s feast‑or‑famine. Wilson’s been in this game for decades, and instead of spiraling when the phone isn’t ringing, he’s cocooning. Nurturing his artistry. Sharpening his activism. Staying ready so he doesn’t have to get ready.

And yes, we got into the work.

From campaigning in the tri-state area to his role as board chair of GLSEN (now Glisten — hello rebrand), we talked strategy, chapters, and the upcoming National Student Climate Survey. Because protecting queer kids is not a side quest. It’s the mission.

We unpacked voter regret. Misinformation. Immigration fear tactics. Political distraction. The way they keep trying to divide and conquer like it’s 1992 and we haven’t read a book.

But here’s the thing — we are not despairing. We are organizing. Locally. Intentionally. In community.

Wilson also gave us tea on new indie projects, theater work, and a play about radicalization (timely much?). We talked about what it means to be a working artist when the industry feels morally… wobbly. How do you build when diversity is backsliding? You build by us. For us.

And through it all? Protect your peace. Escape the algorithm. Touch grass. Fortify your local LGBTQ center. Stay curious. Stay dangerous. Stay moisturized.

This episode is glam and grit. Fishbowl chaos and acceptance speech gratitude.

We laughed. We vented. We plotted.

And as always — we’re cutting up, but we’re not playing.



Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-cutting-up-a-kiki-with-connie-lina/id1849020008

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/200MOk48TaLRPLQvzx2UK0?si=6499dd094f704a10

iHeart: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/1333-the-cutting-up-a-kiki-wit-303161901 


Write to us at Kiki@TheCuttingUp.com


And follow us on instagram:

@TheLinaBradford

@TheRealConnieGirl

@PrideHouseMedia


The Cutting Up: A Kiki with Connie & Lina is a Pride House Media production.

Producers: Josh Rosenzweig & Matthew Breen.

Graphic Design by Daryl Raymond.

Original Music by 808 BEACH (John “J-C” Carr & Bill Coleman), courtesy of Peace Bisquit. 

 Production Design by Darryl Dickens. 

Our very special thanks to Jason Kanner for all your support.


Our First Times: Crushes, Chaos & A Married Man12 Mar 202600:34:46

This week’s kiki starts creamy… but quickly turns into a full-blown “the first time I…” chaos! .

Yes, we open with creamsicles, Charlie perfume, and a head-to-toe cream moment (because aesthetics matter). But the real meat of this episode? Our firsts. We play a rapid-fire game of:

  • First crush
  • First best friend
  • First heartbreak
  • First album that changed our personality
  • First celebrity crush (problematic? nah!)
  • First concert
  • First time getting in trouble
  • First fight (and why Webster Hall still owes us emotional damages)

Some of it is sweet. Some of it is savory. Some of it explains a lot about who we are today. We talk about cursive handwriting pressure, Barbie manifestation energy, therapy jokes, parody songs that ruined our lives, and the very specific personality trait of always being the one who “does it.” 

And yes, a neighborhood meet-cute with a hot bearded man… who turned out to be married with a situation. 

This episode is nostalgic, chaotic and emotional. Because once you unpack your firsts, you realize they shaped everything.

Like, subscribe, comment and review- xoxo 💫✨


Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-cutting-up-a-kiki-with-connie-lina/id1849020008

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/200MOk48TaLRPLQvzx2UK0?si=6499dd094f704a10

iHeart: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/1333-the-cutting-up-a-kiki-wit-303161901 


Write to us at Kiki@TheCuttingUp.com


And follow us on instagram:

@TheLinaBradford

@TheRealConnieGirl

@PrideHouseMedia


The Cutting Up: A Kiki with Connie & Lina is a Pride House Media production.

Producers: Josh Rosenzweig & Matthew Breen.

Graphic Design by Daryl Raymond.

Original Music by 808 BEACH (John “J-C” Carr & Bill Coleman), courtesy of Peace Bisquit. 

 Production Design by Darryl Dickens. 

Our very special thanks to Jason Kanner for all your support.



Kevin Aviance on Black Queer Legacy, Beyoncé, and Club Kid History02 Apr 202600:50:35

It’s a birthday episode and we are celebrating all month, Sugar and we’re setting intentions.

Connie and Lena kick things off with a mystical little “circle of three” blessing before summoning the icon, the legend, the voice you definitely know — Kevin Aviance — for the ultimate backstage Kiki.

We get into why our work is political (yes, even the glam), how assimilation has dulled parts of LGBTQ+ culture, and why movements that centered white gay men too often erased Black and trans pioneers like Sylvia Rivera and Marsha P. Johnson. We talk about how Black Lives Matter shifted the coalition model — and what real solidarity actually looks like.

Then? We time‑travel to peak NYC nightlife chaos.
✨ Limelight
 ✨ Sound Factory
 ✨ Tunnel
 ✨ Pat Fields fashion madness
 ✨ Swirl at Crowbar
 ✨ DC & Miami party circuits

And yes… the legendary wheelbarrow moment makes an appearance.

Kevin serves nostalgia, wisdom, and unfiltered truth about old‑school club culture — when creativity was currency and looks were lethal.

Then we get into the Beyoncé of it all.Kevin shares how Queen Bey kept his original vocal sample, made sure he was properly credited under his real name, and paid correctly. (As she should.) We talk about ownership, credits, and why Black artists deserve their flowers — loudly and on time.

This episode is queer nightlife history, cultural commentary, music industry tea, and community realness all rolled into one.
Icons only.

For more about Kevin:
@KevinAvianceOfficial
Click here for his new album HIPPOPOTAMUS!
You Can find us on:
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-cutting-up-a-kiki-with-connie-lina/id1849020008
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/200MOk48TaLRPLQvzx2UK0?si=6499dd094f704a10
iHeart: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/1333-the-cutting-up-a-kiki-wit-303161901 

Write to us at Kiki@TheCuttingUp.com

And follow us on instagram:
@TheLinaBradford
@TheRealConnieGirl
@PrideHouseMedia

The Cutting Up: A Kiki with Connie & Lina is a Pride House Media production.
Producers: Josh Rosenzweig & Matthew Breen.
Graphic Design by Daryl Raymond.
Original Music by 808 BEACH (John “J-C” Carr & Bill Coleman), courtesy of Peace Bisquit. 
 Production Design by Darryl Dickens. 
Our very special thanks to Jason Kanner for all your support.

The Cutting Up: A Kiki with Connie and Lina,” a new weekly podcast hosted by DJ/activist Lina Bradford and fashion legend Connie Fleming, the show offers unprecedented access to the icons, secrets, and untold stories that shaped queer culture. Lina and Connie are both trailblazing women of transgender experience, with deep backgrounds hosting and performing in NYC’s most storied clubs—and pioneering on fashion runways. They bring their knowledge, stories, and relationships to “The Cutting Up,” offering audiences a backstage pass to authentic conversations that can only happen between true friends and industry legends. “The Cutting Up” goes deep on fashion, music, activism, and identity.


Cleansing Curses, Taking Leaps & Owning Your Power30 Apr 202600:37:49

This week on The Cutting Up, Connie and Lina are welcoming our brother-in-chaos and Pride royalty himself, David Correa. Shall we start with outfits and an I Love Lucy tangent? Yes, we shall.

David and Lina go way back—all the way to 2016, when he booked her as the resident DJ for NYC Pride’s Pride Island, a year that honestly shifted everything in terms of diversity, visibility, and who gets to take up space. From WorldPride to Hudson Yards to the moment he told Lina (to her face!) that the community elected her as a Pride Grand Marshal!

Then we talk about the real leap.

David opens up about leaving NYC Pride, freelancing with his husband’s support, and stepping into his next chapter as a pop-culture entertainment correspondent and executive producer/co-host of the ABC Pride broadcast.

And we get into the concept that changed everything:

Unshrinking.

Why do we make ourselves smaller?
How do bullying and trauma follow us into adulthood?
What does it actually mean to take up space — especially in media and within the LGBTQ community?

We talk representation, diversity in media, career pivots, and turning trauma into strength.

It’s heartfelt. It’s chaotic. It’s empowering. And always a cackle.

So, Sugar, if you’ve ever felt like you were “too much” or “not enough,” this one’s for you.


Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-cutting-up-a-kiki-with-connie-lina/id1849020008

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/200MOk48TaLRPLQvzx2UK0?si=6499dd094f704a10

iHeart: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/1333-the-cutting-up-a-kiki-wit-303161901 


Write to us at Kiki@TheCuttingUp.com


And follow us on instagram:

@TheCuttingUp

@TheRealConnieGirl

@TheLinaBradford

@PrideHouseMedia


“The Cutting Up: A Kiki with Connie & Lina” is a Pride House Media production.

Producers: Josh Rosenzweig & Matthew Breen.

Graphic Design by Daryl Raymond.

Original Music by 808 BEACH (John “J-C” Carr & Bill Coleman), courtesy of Peace Bisquit. 

 Production Design by Darryl Dickens. 

Our very special thanks to Jason Kanner for all your support.


Alvaro Takes Us Inside 80s NYC Art & Fashion: Antonio Lopez, Naomi & The Golden Club Era23 Apr 202600:47:50

Okay, first of all… yes. The camera betrayed us last time. But like true legends, we came back hotter. On this episode, we welcome back the incomparable Alvaro, an artist, fashion insider, South Bronx original. And this time the cameras stayed ON. Not only is his art all over our “studio,” but he literally presented Connie with a gorgeous original portrait. Because we keep company with icons only.

We get into…

✨ Growing up in the South Bronx with big dreams and bigger manifestations
✨ How he engineered, nay, seduced (his word) his way into a meeting with legendary illustrator Antonio Lopez at an FIT seminar
✨ Assisting Antonio for years—posing, learning, grinding, absorbing genius
🔥 Discovering models before they were THE models
🔥 Forming a close bond with Naomi Campbell
🔥 Meeting the iconic Oribe
👻and ghosts! 

Because in New York City, one connection changes everything. 


It gets cosmic. And it’s very, very us.

You can find us on:

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-cutting-up-a-kiki-with-connie-lina/id1849020008

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/200MOk48TaLRPLQvzx2UK0?si=6499dd094f704a10

iHeart: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/1333-the-cutting-up-a-kiki-wit-303161901 


Write to us at Kiki@TheCuttingUp.com


And follow us on instagram:

@TheCuttingUp

@TheRealConnieGirl

@TheLinaBradford

@PrideHouseMedia


“The Cutting Up: A Kiki with Connie & Lina” is a Pride House Media production.

Producers: Josh Rosenzweig & Matthew Breen.

Graphic Design by Daryl Raymond.

Original Music by 808 BEACH (John “J-C” Carr & Bill Coleman), courtesy of Peace Bisquit. 

 Production Design by Darryl Dickens. 

Our very special thanks to Jason Kanner for all your support.


Music to Kiki By: Disco, House & the Albums That Raised Us09 Apr 202600:43:20

This week we are joined by producer Matthew Breen (who also doubles as HR, Sugar). We all spiral from the iconic Justin-Britney denim lewk into a full jukebox of memories.

It’s all about MUSIC. The albums that raised us, the songs that cracked us open, the disco divas who built community, the house tracks that baptized us on dance floors, and the very specific art of a “seal the deal” sexy playlist.

Because music is memory, identity, resistance, heartbreak, healing… and foreplay.

We talk about the childhood albums that shaped us—Michael Jackson’s Ben, Barbra Streisand’s Guilty, Bob Marley, Midnight Oil, Sinéad O’Connor, Kate Bush (obsessed), and the B‑52’s. These weren’t just records. They were bedroom sanctuaries, Sunday cleaning rituals, and emotional education.

Then we get into disco. It’s resistance music! And it’s pure queer joy. We time‑travel to late‑’80s/early‑’90s House and early club days at the Limelight, Area, Sound Factory and all the dance floors that felt like church. 

We swap songs for heartbreak, empowerment anthems, and the artists whose voices still stop us in our tracks. And yes, we absolutely discuss sexy listening picks—Sade, Maxwell, Afro‑Cuban rhythms—because vibes.

If you’ve ever cleaned your house to Barbra, cried to Sinéad, found religion on a dance floor, or curated a very intentional late‑night soundtrack, this one’s for you

You Can find us on:

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-cutting-up-a-kiki-with-connie-lina/id1849020008

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/200MOk48TaLRPLQvzx2UK0?si=6499dd094f704a10

iHeart: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/1333-the-cutting-up-a-kiki-wit-303161901 


Write to us at Kiki@TheCuttingUp.com


And follow us on instagram:

@TheLinaBradford

@TheRealConnieGirl

@PrideHouseMedia


The Cutting Up: A Kiki with Connie & Lina is a Pride House Media production.

Producers: Josh Rosenzweig & Matthew Breen.

Graphic Design by Daryl Raymond.

Original Music by 808 BEACH (John “J-C” Carr & Bill Coleman), courtesy of Peace Bisquit. 

 Production Design by Darryl Dickens. 

Our very special thanks to Jason Kanner for all your support.



Peppermint on Survival of the Thickest, Trans Rights, and Celebrity Traitors 07 May 202600:46:04

Peppermint joins The Cutting Up, and the gloves are OFF.

The icon, activist, and 2026 NYC Pride Grand Marshal comes through for what starts as a springtime kiki, and ends up being one of our most honest, most necessary conversations yet. From shouting out Sinners to going all the way in on Caitlyn Jenner's cheerleading for Trump, travel bans hitting the community, celebrity non-apologies, the TLC/Chilli tour mess, and the very specific double standards Black queer people have to navigate. Peppermint says what she says. ☕🔥

We talk about her return to Netflix’s Survival of the Thickest, and she introduces us to something we didn't know we needed: Transcendence Tea, her caffeine-free vanilla-mint blend made in collaboration with Chicago’s queer Black-owned Moody Teas. And it’s blue! A portion of proceeds goes to Advocates for Trans Equality, the organization that helps Peppermint through her own name and document changes.

She celebrates:
 ✨ Being named NYC Pride Grand Marshal
 🎬 Her return to Netflix’s Survival of the Thickest
 🌈 Why representation in Harlem still matters

Messy. Meaningful. Unfiltered.
No mercy for hypocrisy. Full love for the community.
Press play. 💅🏽🔥

For more about Peppermint you can follow here at @Peppermint247

Click HERE to order Pep’s tea Transcendence. And remember a portion of each purchase goes to support Advocate For Trans Equality.

Click HERE for more information on Advocates For Trans Equality. 

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-cutting-up-a-kiki-with-connie-lina/id1849020008

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/200MOk48TaLRPLQvzx2UK0?si=6499dd094f704a10

iHeart: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/1333-the-cutting-up-a-kiki-wit-303161901 


Write to us at Kiki@TheCuttingUp.com


And follow us on instagram:

@TheCuttingUp

@TheRealConnieGirl

@TheLinaBradford

@PrideHouseMedia


“The Cutting Up: A Kiki with Connie & Lina” is a Pride House Media production.

Producers: Josh Rosenzweig & Matthew Breen.

Graphic Design by Daryl Raymond.

Original Music by 808 BEACH (John “J-C” Carr & Bill Coleman), courtesy of Peace Bisquit. 

 Production Design by Darryl Dickens. 

Our very special thanks to Jason Kanner for all your support.


What NYC Nightlife Was Like in the 90s (Before Social Media)14 May 202600:46:18

What was New York nightlife really like before phones, influencers, and bottle service?

This week on The Cutting Up, we sit down with East Village legend DJ Gant Johnson to relive the chaos, glamour, and dance-floor magic of 80s and 90s NYC club culture.

We’re talking:

🔥 Crowbar Tuesdays
 🔥 Boy Bar
 🔥 Salon Wednesdays (1993–1999)
 🔥 Pat Fields era fashion
 🔥 Sugar Babies, the legendary Monday night party.

And yes — the time Lina was electrocuted on stage… and the crowd thought it was part of the show.

We get into how nightlife changed when:

📱 Phones hit the dance floor
 📸 Social media killed mystery
 💸 Pay-for-position replaced organic scenes
 🔐 Privacy disappeared

Was the energy better back then — or just different?

For Gant and Lina DJing isn’t just music — it’s spiritual. It’s community. It’s bringing people together.

This episode is a true love letter to the East Village that raised us.

Click here to support his ride for Housing Works- to End Homelessness and AIDS
https://pro.gofundme.com/fundraiser/7212007

Click here to support him on the Empire State Ride. NYC --> Niagra where he will be raising money for  cancer research at Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center
https://give.roswellpark.org/site/TR/SpecialEvents/General?pg=personal&px=1730543&fr_id=2130

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-cutting-up-a-kiki-with-connie-lina/id1849020008

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/200MOk48TaLRPLQvzx2UK0?si=6499dd094f704a10

iHeart: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/1333-the-cutting-up-a-kiki-wit-303161901 


Write to us at Kiki@TheCuttingUp.com


And follow us on instagram:

@TheCuttingUp

@TheRealConnieGirl

@TheLinaBradford

@PrideHouseMedia


“The Cutting Up: A Kiki with Connie & Lina” is a Pride House Media production.

Producers: Josh Rosenzweig & Matthew Breen.

Graphic Design by Daryl Raymond.

Original Music by 808 BEACH (John “J-C” Carr & Bill Coleman), courtesy of Peace Bisquit. 

 Production Design by Darryl Dickens. 

Our very special thanks to Jason Kanner for all your support.


Why Real Conversations Still Matter (NYC Edition)21 May 202600:34:10

This week, Connie and Lina welcome Zach Miller, host of the podcast Before We Cheers, and the vibes are very New York, very cultured, and just a little chaotic (in the best way).

Zach describes Before We Cheers as “the emotional truths we tell before the toast.” The show was inspired by writing his best friend’s wedding speech, that vulnerable, unfiltered moment before everyone raises their glass. 

We talk:

  • The origin of Before We Cheers
  • Building community in New York’s creative scene
  • Growing up born-and-raised NYC with culture and travel
  • Dating apps in 2026 and avoiding catfishers
  • The right way to do a first date
  • Slow dinners, Italian-style 
  • And the scent of a perfect night out (dirty martinis, pizza, Byredo’s Alto Astral, and a Sunday at The Eagle)

Zach also shares how he started his podcast to spotlight his peers in the New York creative community—not celebrities, but the people shaping culture in real time.

Follow Zach’s show @BeforeWeCheers and also @iamzcm


Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-cutting-up-a-kiki-with-connie-lina/id1849020008

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/200MOk48TaLRPLQvzx2UK0?si=6499dd094f704a10

iHeart: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/1333-the-cutting-up-a-kiki-wit-303161901 


Write to us at Kiki@TheCuttingUp.com


And follow us on instagram:

@TheCuttingUp

@TheRealConnieGirl

@TheLinaBradford

@PrideHouseMedia


“The Cutting Up: A Kiki with Connie & Lina” is a Pride House Media production.

Producers: Josh Rosenzweig & Matthew Breen.

Graphic Design by Daryl Raymond.

Original Music by 808 BEACH (John “J-C” Carr & Bill Coleman), courtesy of Peace Bisquit. 

 Production Design by Darryl Dickens. 

Our very special thanks to Jason Kanner for all your support.


Laverne Cox on Trauma, Trans Youth & Legacy04 Jun 202600:40:57

Connie and Lina are back with Part 2 of their conversation with Laverne Cox, and from the jump we are talking about whether trauma is necessary for strength, the political fight over trans youth and puberty blockers, and the real harm of taking kids off medication. Laverne shares how she uses her lived experience in her acting, reflects on a cut monologue in a Keanu Reeves/Cameron Diaz film, and opens up about her Amazon Prime series Clean Slate.

The conversation expands into father wounds, therapy, reparenting the inner child, Black intergenerational trauma, post-traumatic slave syndrome, DEI debates, Black maternal mortality, and the ongoing attacks on trans communities.

They also honor friends and icons lost during COVID, talk legacy, sisterhood, dream careers, opera training, vintage fashion collecting, and hidden talents—ending with their reminder: Stay in the love.

Plus a stupid cackle. Ha! 


Click here to order Laverne’s book Transcendent: A Memoir

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-cutting-up-a-kiki-with-connie-lina/id1849020008

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/200MOk48TaLRPLQvzx2UK0?si=6499dd094f704a10

iHeart: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/1333-the-cutting-up-a-kiki-wit-303161901 


Write to us at Kiki@TheCuttingUp.com


And follow us on instagram:

@TheCuttingUp

@TheRealConnieGirl

@TheLinaBradford

@PrideHouseMedia


“The Cutting Up: A Kiki with Connie & Lina” is a Pride House Media production.

Producers: Josh Rosenzweig & Matthew Breen.

Graphic Design by Daryl Raymond.

Original Music by 808 BEACH (John “J-C” Carr & Bill Coleman), courtesy of Peace Bisquit. 

 Production Design by Darryl Dickens. 

Our very special thanks to Jason Kanner for all your support.



Laverne Cox, Part 1: ’90s NYC Nightlife & Her Memoir28 May 202600:45:57

Laverne Cox is here, and she's giving us two full episodes.

This is the conversation we've been waiting for! Laverne sits down to talk about 1990s New York nightlife, trans visibility, and her new memoir, Transcendent (out June 9, available for presale now). 

Before the Emmy nominations and the global recognition, Laverne was on the downtown dance floors during one of the most electric eras in New York City club culture. The stories do not disappoint. We talk about what it actually felt like to navigate that world as a Black trans woman in the '90s—the joy, the complicated politics of race and access, the relationship between downtown club culture and the ballroom communities uptown, and the messy shift that happened when bottle service moved in and something essential moved out.

There's also some serious sparkle in here: Laverne on the dance floor at Beyoncé and Jay-Z's Oscar party. Lina DJing Laverne's 50th birthday celebration which was perfectly timed to the release of her Barbie doll. The whole conversation about chosen family and community-building in a world before social media.

Laverne’s memoir opens up about trauma, shame, dissociation, family secrets, and healing. 

Part 1 is Laverne at her most reflective, funny, vulnerable, and expansive. And part 2 picks up right where we left off.

Click here to order Laverne’s book Transcendent: A Memoir

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-cutting-up-a-kiki-with-connie-lina/id1849020008

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/200MOk48TaLRPLQvzx2UK0?si=6499dd094f704a10

iHeart: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/1333-the-cutting-up-a-kiki-wit-303161901 


Write to us at Kiki@TheCuttingUp.com


And follow us on instagram:

@TheCuttingUp

@TheRealConnieGirl

@TheLinaBradford

@PrideHouseMedia


“The Cutting Up: A Kiki with Connie & Lina” is a Pride House Media production.

Producers: Josh Rosenzweig & Matthew Breen.

Graphic Design by Daryl Raymond.

Original Music by 808 BEACH (John “J-C” Carr & Bill Coleman), courtesy of Peace Bisquit. 

 Production Design by Darryl Dickens. 

Our very special thanks to Jason Kanner for all your support.


Inside the Movement Defending Trans Equality Nationwide11 Jun 202600:36:41

What does it actually take to defend trans rights in 2026?

This week, Connie and Lina sit down with Victoria Foster James of Advocates for Trans Equality (A4TE) to talk about the legal, political, and cultural fight shaping transgender equality in America. 

Formed from the merger of the National Center for Transgender Equality (NCTE) and the Transgender Legal Defense & Education Fund (TLDEF), A4TE combines federal lobbying, direct legal services, name-change support, and impact litigation into one powerhouse organization.

More than 700 anti‑LGBTQ bills were introduced in 2025. This conversation breaks down what’s happening, why it matters, and how advocacy organizations are responding in real time. 

Plus: fashion banter, Barbie name lore, astrology detours, and a chaotic fishbowl to close it out.

Learn more: transequality.org
Follow: @transequalitynow

If you value conversations that connect policy, culture, and real impact, make sure to follow, rate, and share the show. It helps more people find these stories.

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-cutting-up-a-kiki-with-connie-lina/id1849020008

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/200MOk48TaLRPLQvzx2UK0?si=6499dd094f704a10

iHeart: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/1333-the-cutting-up-a-kiki-wit-303161901 


Write to us at Kiki@TheCuttingUp.com


And follow us on instagram:

@TheCuttingUp

@TheRealConnieGirl

@TheLinaBradford

@PrideHouseMedia


“The Cutting Up: A Kiki with Connie & Lina” is a Pride House Media production.

Producers: Josh Rosenzweig & Matthew Breen.

Graphic Design by Daryl Raymond.

Original Music by 808 BEACH (John “J-C” Carr & Bill Coleman), courtesy of Peace Bisquit. 

 Production Design by Darryl Dickens. 

Our very special thanks to Jason Kanner for all your support.


Drag Legend Shequida, The Roxy & Boy Bar: ’90s NYC Nightlife Tea18 Jun 202601:05:47

This week on Cutting Up:
 Roxy. Boy Bar. Mars. Absolute chaos.

The legendary Shequida joins us to spill iconic ’90s NYC nightlife tea — from first seeing Lady Bunny at Mars to getting into The Roxy on opening night and navigating the East Village vs. big‑club wars.

We get into:
 ✨ Boy Bar boyfriend drama that sparked a full confrontation
 ✨ Connie’s extreme corset era (and the trauma that followed)
 ✨ The ongoing Fluevog shoe saga (broken… then stolen)
 ✨ Being the first drag queen in a recurring national TV role on One Life to Live

Plus gatekeeping, attitude accusations, shoe wars, shared men tea, and why holding the door open for others to enter matters the most.

It’s New York drag history. It’s ’90s nightlife warfare. It’s glamorous survival.

Write to us at Kiki@TheCuttingUp.com

And follow us on instagram:

@TheCuttingUp

@TheRealConnieGirl

@TheLinaBradford

@PrideHouseMedia


“The Cutting Up: A Kiki with Connie & Lina” is a Pride House Media production.

Producers: Josh Rosenzweig & Matthew Breen.

Graphic Design by Daryl Raymond.

Original Music by 808 BEACH (John “J-C” Carr & Bill Coleman), courtesy of Peace Bisquit. 

 Production Design by Darryl Dickens. 

Our very special thanks to Jason Kanner for all your support.


© My Podcast Data