Ep 50: Mikey Connor said

Ep 53: Naya Thorn said

🎙️ What’s This Episode About? To mark the start of Pride Month, John sits down with Liverpool drag artist Naya Thorn [https://www.instagram.com/nayathorn/] for a conversation that feels honest, grounded, and very real about where she’s at. Naya talks about how drag first came into her world, being around the Liverpool scene, the performers she looked up to, and slowly figuring out what her own version of drag looks like - which takes time, experience, and working it out as you go. They chat about balancing drag with everyday life, the reality of money, gigs, and what it actually takes to keep going creatively when it’s not always glamorous. Naya’s really open about not rushing things, not forcing a version of success, and allowing herself to grow into it properly. There’s also a lot of humour in this one, from side tangents to very blunt takes on the scene, performance, and the fact that… not everyone needs to be doing drag. It’s a conversation about finding your pace, backing yourself, and figuring it out without pretending you’ve got it all sorted. 🗣️ Why Listen? If you’re seeking genuine conversations that reflect the diverse experiences within the LGBTQ+ community, Proudly Said offers a platform for those narratives. 📣 Connect with Us – ProudlySaid.co.uk [ProudlySaid.co.uk] Subscribe: Stay updated with new episodes. Share: If this resonates with you, share it with others who might find it meaningful. Feedback: We value your thoughts. Reach out with comments or suggestions. Support: Join The Front Row [https://proudly-said.captivate.fm/support] for less than £3 a month, supporting a local queer creator, or buy us a bespoke coffee or three! :)

Ep 52: Mario Kyriacou said

🎙️ What’s This Episode About? Mario Kyriacou, the man behind the iconic Cheer Up pop party, joins John for a conversation that goes far beyond the dancefloor. We get into the story behind one of the UK’s most recognisable LGBTQ+ club nights, from its roots in pure pop nostalgia to becoming a full-scale celebration of queer joy, community, and connection. Mario shares how Cheer Up grew into a space where people can escape, express themselves, and feel part of something bigger, whether that’s through a Kylie anthem or a packed-out Pride crowd. But there’s another side to Mario’s story. Before the parties, there was the work. Mario reflects on his time connected to organisations like Liverpool’s Armistead Centre and Sahir House, and the role those spaces have played in supporting LGBTQ+ people through some of the most challenging moments in the community’s history. It’s a reminder that behind the glitter and pop perfection, there’s a deep-rooted understanding of care, responsibility, and showing up for others. The conversation moves between past and present, from the realities of LGBTQ+ support services to the evolution of queer nightlife, and what it means to create spaces that are both fun and meaningful. There’s laughter, nostalgia, and a real appreciation for how far things have come, alongside an honest look at what still needs to change. It’s a conversation about joy, legacy, and the people who build the spaces we often take for granted. 🗣️ Why Listen? If you’re seeking genuine conversations that reflect the diverse experiences within the LGBTQ+ community, Proudly Said offers a platform for those narratives. 📣 Connect with Us – ProudlySaid.co.uk [ProudlySaid.co.uk] Subscribe: Stay updated with new episodes. Share: If this resonates with you, share it with others who might find it meaningful. Feedback: We value your thoughts. Reach out with comments or suggestions. Support: Join The Front Row [https://proudly-said.captivate.fm/support] for less than £3 a month, supporting a local queer creator, or buy us a bespoke coffee or three! :)

Ep 51: Alena (The Pole Loft) said

🎙️ What’s This Episode About? Alena is the owner of The Pole Loft, a Liverpool-based studio built on inclusivity, confidence and creating space for people to move, express and reconnect with themselves. Alena joins John to talk about her journey from the Czech Republic to Liverpool, and how her path into pole fitness began. What started as a personal exploration soon grew into something much bigger: a passion for creating a space where people feel safe, supported and empowered, no matter their experience or background. They chat about the realities of building a business from the ground up, the misconceptions around pole, and why creating an environment that is built on trust and community is just as important as the physical side of the work. Alena also reflects on the responsibility that comes with holding space for others, and how The Pole Loft has become more than just a studio, but a place where people can grow in confidence, find connection, and challenge themselves in new ways. Looking ahead, the conversation turns to what’s next: expanding the space, reaching more people, and continuing to evolve a community that puts wellbeing, inclusivity and joy at its centre. It’s thoughtful, grounding and quietly powerful — a conversation about movement, identity, and building something that truly makes people feel at home. Follow The Pole Loft on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/thepoleloft.liverpool/], and check out their website [https://www.thepoleloft.com]! 🗣️ Why Listen? If you’re seeking genuine conversations that reflect the diverse experiences within the LGBTQ+ community, Proudly Said offers a platform for those narratives. 📣 Connect with Us – ProudlySaid.co.uk [ProudlySaid.co.uk] Subscribe: Stay updated with new episodes. Share: If this resonates with you, share it with others who might find it meaningful. Feedback: We value your thoughts. Reach out with comments or suggestions. Support: Join The Front Row [https://proudly-said.captivate.fm/support] for less than £3 a month, supporting a local queer creator, or buy us a bespoke coffee or three! :)

Ep 50: Mikey Connor said

🎙️ What’s This Episode About? For the 50th episode of Proudly Said, John sits down with reality TV personality, football referee and digital creator Mikey Connor. Best known to many from BBC Three’s I Kissed A Boy, Mikey joins John for a candid catch-up about life since the show, what it’s like navigating public attention, and why he’s still terrible at replying to messages. They talk about Mikey’s role as an openly gay figure in the world of football, challenging stereotypes that still exist within the sport, and why visibility matters for young LGBTQ+ people growing up around football culture. The conversation also touches on how Mikey’s life has changed since reality TV, the opportunities and pressures that come with a growing online following, and how he’s continued to use his platform to speak openly about identity, confidence and community. Alongside the laughs and tangents, Mikey reflects on a far more personal chapter too: his cancer diagnosis and treatment, and how that journey has reshaped his outlook on life, health and what really matters. If Mikey’s story raises questions about testicular cancer or checking yourself, organisations like Movember [https://uk.movember.com] and The OddBalls Foundation [https://theoddballsfoundation.com] provide clear information, advice and support. It’s honest, funny and reflective in equal measure — a conversation about resilience, visibility, and finding your voice in unexpected places. 🗣️ Why Listen? If you’re seeking genuine conversations that reflect the diverse experiences within the LGBTQ+ community, Proudly Said offers a platform for those narratives. 📣 Connect with Us – ProudlySaid.co.uk [ProudlySaid.co.uk] Subscribe: Stay updated with new episodes. Share: If this resonates with you, share it with others who might find it meaningful. Feedback: We value your thoughts. Reach out with comments or suggestions. Support: Join The Front Row [https://proudly-said.captivate.fm/support] for less than £3 a month, supporting a local queer creator, or buy us a bespoke coffee or three! :)

Ep 49: Debbie Darling said

🎙️ What’s This Episode About? Debbie Darling is a Liverpool drag queen known for her polished performances, big personality, and a strong commitment to giving back to the community. Debbie joins John to talk about her journey into drag, from early days doing photoshoots with established queens and learning the ropes behind the scenes, to performing in holiday parks and building the confidence to take drag seriously as her own creative path. As the conversation unfolds, Debbie reflects on how those early experiences shaped her approach to performance, identity and finding her place within Liverpool’s drag scene. Rather than simply following a traditional route, she’s worked to carve out her own lane, combining entertainment with community-driven work. A big part of Debbie’s drag journey has been charity fundraising, including being part of bold and memorable events like the infamous “Drag & Drop” abseil from Liverpool Cathedral, which brought performers together to raise money while quite literally stepping off the edge for a good cause. It’s a conversation about ambition, creativity, and using drag not just to entertain, but to bring people together and make a difference. 🗣️ Why Listen? If you’re seeking genuine conversations that reflect the diverse experiences within the LGBTQ+ community, Proudly Said offers a platform for those narratives. 📣 Connect with Us – ProudlySaid.co.uk [ProudlySaid.co.uk] Subscribe: Stay updated with new episodes. Share: If this resonates with you, share it with others who might find it meaningful. Feedback: We value your thoughts. Reach out with comments or suggestions. Support: Join The Front Row [https://proudly-said.captivate.fm/support] for less than £3 a month, supporting a local queer creator, or buy us a bespoke coffee or three! :)