The Iconic DJ Behind Tampa’s Biggest LGBTQ+ Events & Parties

The Iconic DJ Behind Tampa’s Biggest LGBTQ+ Events & Parties

This week, we sit down with Tampa Bay DJ icon Mike Sklarz to talk about his incredible journey from the corporate world to becoming one of the most recognizable DJs in the LGBTQ+ community. Mike shares how he got started DJing at just 16 years old, why he took the leap to pursue his passion full-time, and what it's really like performing at clubs, festivals, cruises, weddings, and major events across Tampa Bay and beyond. Plus, we kick off the episode with stories about their upcoming one-year anniversary celebration, the infamous crown debate, dishwasher drama, thermostats, laundry wars, and more!  In This Episode: - The ongoing battle for Paul's promised crown - Skittle Squad's 1-Year Anniversary celebration plans - Laundry, dishwashers & relationship debates - The thermostat war continues - How Mike got his start DJing at 16 years old - Why a corporate layoff changed everything - DJing Tampa Bay's biggest LGBTQ+ events - Behind-the-scenes at Hollows Ball and Hide Night - Life as a DJ on gay cruises - The difference between weddings, clubs & festivals - How DJs read a crowd and build a set live - Mike's advice on following your passion

Exploring Ybor City with an Emmy Winner: Crazy Tampa Nightlife

Come spend the night with us in Ybor City!  In this episode, we take you through one of Tampa’s most iconic nightlife spots with our amazing friend and 2x Emmy Award-winning producer, Sarah Funkhouser! From karaoke chaos at Utopia to celebrity stories, stress tests, nightlife laughs, and behind-the-scenes moments in Ybor… this episode truly has EVERYTHING.   In this episode: •  Exploring Ybor City nightlife •  Karaoke at Utopia •  Sarah’s Emmy-winning TV career •  Celebrity & Hollywood stories from LA •  Bradley’s on 7th & Tampa LGBTQ+ nightlife •  Hilarious late-night chaos with the Skittle Squad •  Paul takes a stress test live on camera •  Our favorite Ybor food & nightlife spots If you love Tampa nightlife, LGBTQ+ culture, karaoke nights, entertainment stories, and complete unfiltered fun… this episode is for you. Filmed in Ybor City, Tampa, Florida Make sure to LIKE, COMMENT, and SUBSCRIBE to the Skittle Squad Podcast on YouTube, Spotify, TikTok, Instagram & Facebook for more episodes, interviews, nightlife adventures, and behind-the-scenes fun!

The Untold Story of Queens: Inside Tampa’s Drag Scene Through the Eyes of a Legend

Drag legend. Talk show icon. Tampa Bay entertainer.  In this episode of the Skittle Squad Podcast, we sit down with the incredible Amy Demilo live from Bradley’s on 7th in Ybor City during the Wonder Watermark Awards! Amy opens up about:  - Growing up and discovering drag  - Performing for over 30 years in Tampa Bay  - Appearing on Jerry Springer, Sally Jessy Raphael & more  - Winning major drag titles including Miss Florida  - The evolution of LGBTQ+ acceptance over the decades  - Why visibility and education matter for the queer community  - Life as show director at Bradley’s on 7th  - Tampa Pride, community, and creating safe spaces Amy also shares emotional reflections on being applauded for the first time as a performer after being shamed as a child — and how drag became both survival and purpose. This conversation is funny, heartfelt, inspiring, and packed with LGBTQ+ history from one of Tampa’s true icons.

Inside America's First Queer Asian Museum: Preserving Stories the World Almost Lost

In this episode of the Skittle Squad Podcast, we sit down with Leo Anderson, founder of the Queer Asian Museum in St. Petersburg, Florida, to discuss the powerful mission behind preserving queer Asian history, culture, and activism. What began as a personal effort to safeguard LGBTQ+ artifacts from organizations being shut down across Asia has become an internationally recognized museum preserving thousands of irreplaceable pieces of queer history. Leo shares how this incredible project came to life, why preserving these stories matters now more than ever, and what visitors can expect when stepping inside this one-of-a-kind space.  This conversation explores identity, activism, cultural preservation, resilience, and the urgent importance of visibility. In This Episode   - The origin story behind the Queer Asian Museum - How over 2,000 artifacts and 900+ books were collected - LGBTQ+ advocacy challenges happening across parts of Asia - Why St. Pete became home to this historic museum - Rare artifacts, pride memorabilia, and preserved queer history - The museum’s virtual reality preservation experience - Leo’s international work protecting endangered LGBTQ+ cultural spaces - How technology is helping preserve queer history for future generations - Why cultural preservation is an act of resistance PLUS:  Paul and David debate dating struggles, relationship confusion, and recruiting go-go boys for St. Pete Pride This is an emotional, eye-opening, and inspiring conversation you won’t want to miss.  Visit the Queer Asian Museum: 1006 Central Ave St. Petersburg, Florida  Learn more / support: QAM.org

Inside Equality Florida: The Fight to Stop Anti-LGBTQ+ Laws in Florida

What starts as a hilarious childhood story about performing Rum Tum Tugger in a fifth grade production of Cats quickly turns into a full-circle moment about identity, community, and showing up  In this episode of the Skittle Squad Podcast, we’re coming to you from the Queer Asian Museum with special guest Preston Scott from Equality Florida—and yes… we get the full story of that iconic (and slightly chaotic) cat costume performance  But beyond the laughs, this episode dives into:  LGBTQ+ advocacy and the real work happening behind the scenes  How Equality Florida is fighting for rights across the state  Why storytelling and visibility matter now more than ever  And how community support can make a real impact In This Episode:  Fifth grade Cats performance (and the tight costume story )  Theater memories + chaotic musical opinions (Into the Woods, Cats)  Inside Equality Florida & LGBTQ+ advocacy work  How real change happens (and how you can be part of it)  Upcoming gala + ways to support the community  Random but important: elite coffee opinions