Since her launch in 2024, Shannon Beveridge has made huge strides with her podcast Exes and O’s. Striving to give a space for queer sex and relationship talk, her podcast has attracted marquee guests such as Tegan and Sara, Margaret Cho and Hayley Kiyoko. When she heads to her hometown of Dallas this week for the Hard Launch Tour of her podcast, she’s ready to give a safe sapphic space for fans and friends, 

“I want people who desire to be in a room with sapphic and queer folks to meet new people and escape from reality,” she said by phone.

Beveridge is in the early part of her tour but with some dates already under her belt, she has a better idea of what the show is. In the beginning, she and her team were figuring it out. She figures, by Dallas, it’ll all be in order. 

“I think we’re working it out every night, but it’s a lot of talking and interviewing. It’s like the podcast only live,” she said .”We have games, we incorporate the crowd and just hang out and talk about queer stuff.”

Her audience learns lesbian but the conversations and topics are open to all queer folks. 

You might know Beveridge even if you don’t think you do. She kinda broke lesbian internet through a very public breakup. Google it. 

But in some ways, that all led to this current era of podcasting which in some ways sounds like a catharsis for her that also expands queer conversations about sex and love – especially geared toward her female/femme audience. 

“So many people are gay now and they are talking about their relationships. But also, it’s been less about the struggle, although that is a big part of it, but there’s this queer joy in people talking about it,” she said. 

Beveridge added that her adult audience has found Exes and O’s to be about self-discovery and acceptance. 

“It’s been exciting to talk about these – especially for women – where there aren’t that many safe spaces,” she said. 

Although she is talking about relationships, Beveridge is quick to say she is no expert. 

“I am definitely not trying to lead by example,” she laughed. “It’s really a conversation and less advice. The show changes every week and it’s different with every guest. They tell their story and sometimes it comes with a bit of advice we all need.”

The show is at 8 p.m. on Tuesday at The Kessler in Oak Cliff. For tickets, visit ShannonBeveridge.co.

–Rich Lopez

CAROLINE SAVOIE | Contributing Writer
CaroSavoWrites@gmail.com

Prism Health North Texas, a local STI clinic in Dallas, is kicking off the third season of its podcast with a three-part series and two new hosts.

Two Prism Health community engagement staff, Natassia Radford and Marquesse Banks, are the new host and producer of Beneath the Briefs, a sexual health podcast recorded in PHNTX’s health center in Old East Dallas aimed at answering the community’s burning questions.

Season 3 of Beneath the Briefs will launch with three episodes. The first premiered on Jan. 31, serving as an introduction to the show’s hosts, current events and PHNTX services.

On Valentine’s Day (and National Condom Day), Beneath the Briefs, will focus on safe sex tips and Nice Package, the organization’s free statewide condom delivery service.

Episode 3, set to release on Feb. 28, HIV Criminalization Awareness Day, will focus on HIV education. The hosts will share the latest HIV infection statistics, address stigma, and share resources PHNTX offers. Because HIV care is one of PHNTX’s main services, it will be one of the main focuses of the pod as well.

Future episodes will focus on HIV awareness education and prevention while incorporating other services the organization offers. Later in season three, experts on PHNTX’s staff will appear on the show to discuss topics like health insurance, oral health, and health tips.

“Sexual health is always a hot topic, and we want the show to take down some of the stigma around talking about these topics that may have only been discussed in textbooks or with elders or parents,” Banks said. “We aren’t afraid of answering the questions people really have whether or not they are embarrassing or seem like something you should already know.”
Radford said she hopes to become a part of listeners’ daily routines.

“Podcasts are a great way to reach audiences locally and globally, as not only is there probably a podcast for every interest, but the shows are also accessible and entertaining,” Radford said. “We want Beneath the Briefsto continue to reach communities that may not have adequate access to health information and education, that may not have a primary care physician they can easily ask questions, or that may live in a more remote area without the tools to access either.”

Banks said he wants the show to help people navigate conversations with people in their lives.

“We hope the show will be a catalyst for productive and healthy conversations with our listeners and their partners, friends, and families,” he said.

Beneath the Briefs, is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and most popular podcast platforms in addition to streaming on the PHNTX website at www.phntx.org/beneath-the-briefs-podcast. Episodes of season 3 will be uploaded to the PHNTX website in Spanish following the English episode release.

PHNTX’s Community Engagement Team is looking for sponsors and guests for future episodes. Anyone interested in learning more about sponsorship or appearance opportunities or submitting questions to be discussed on episodes should contact the team at PACE@prismntx.org.

Kerry Day is a Dallas comedian who found stand-up comedy at the age of 68. Now, 72 years old  Kerry Day tells his story of meeting the love of his life and the risk of being in out in the military in the 1970s. In a culture that continues to assault LGBTQ rights, Kerry shares his insight on how we face these new challenges.

This week, I sit down with owner/publisher of the Dallas Voice Leo Cusimano to discuss the impact that LGBTQ journalism has on culture and how we continue to fight for equality as we move forward.

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It’s easy to wear a mask, but under the surface, Shane Allen was hiding a struggle with mental health that almost ended his life. Brian and Colman sit down with the 2-time Emmy Award-winning television producer to talk about knowing when to get help and facing the stigma that plagues our community.