The Tea: Lauri hates Dakota Johnson and refuses to leave her house

Joe and Nathan are back with a voicemail-heavy edition of The Rumor Mill. Listeners from around the world check in — from Cleveland to Kentucky, from Australia to Finland — to share feedback, stories, and a few zingers. Along the way, Joe reflects on the show’s evolution from its spoiler-days roots, teases the possibility of a hiatus when Nathan heads off on his world trip, and even slips into character as a “Chinese spy” mid-call. Highlights include: Anonymous callers asking for more “planned bits” and reminding Joe of long-forgotten show gags. A deep dive into listener Brendan’s hot-take on Sasha vs. Shea, sparking debate about queens who’ve aged well — or not. Matt from Michigan explaining how Afterthought Media helped him through a rough tinnitus flare, and throwing some unexpected shade Nathan’s way. Sean, Chloe, Halle, Allie, and James all chiming in with appreciation, questions, and stories — including a shoutout to classic Afterthought shows like Fat Camp, Hallmark Homo’s, Fighting Prince Charming, and Murder House Flip. A quick look at RuPaul’s DJ set with fracking imagery in the background — not exactly headline news, but worth a mention. A sneak peek at possible new theme songs for the “news” segment, complete with AI-generated lyrics that sound more Hunger Games opening ceremony than drag gossip. It’s an episode that blends community, comedy, and camp — a reminder that The Rumor Mill thrives as much on listener voices as it does on Joe and Nathan’s banter. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

16 Sep 20251h 2min

In this episode of RuPaul's Drag Race Recap, hosts Joe Betance and Nathan Patrick Brown discuss the latest episode, including the challenges faced by the contestants, the controversial comments made by Mr. Blackstone, and the implications of the lip sync battles. They also analyze the performances of the queens in the latest maxi challenge. In this episode, the hosts discuss various aspects of the latest Drag Race episode, including the joy of live viewing parties, the communal experience of laughter, and the challenges faced by contestants. They delve into the significance of table visits, the complexities of poverty and connections, and the dynamics of conflict resolution in the workroom. The conversation culminates in reflections on elimination day and the overall impact of the episode. Patreon: patreon.com/afterthoughtmedia Voicemail: speakpipe.com/afterthoughtmedia Email: dragracerecap@afterthought.media Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

11 Sep 20251h 17min

This week on The Rumor Mill, Joe and Nathan dive into the latest tea from the world of Drag Race and beyond. Patreon & Apple Podcasts Updates: Joe lifts the “embargo” on voicemails and breaks down all the ways you can get exclusive Afterthought Media content, including Slaysian Royale and the return of Dragula. Cultural Misunderstandings: A discussion on Slaysian Royale sparks listener feedback about Filipino humor, translation quirks, and the use of words like “auspicious.” Joe and Nathan unpack the comments, reflect on cultural nuance, and talk about why covering international seasons can be tricky. Listener Voicemail: Laura from the Sutherland Shire shares how the podcasts have been with her through major life milestones—from earning a nursing degree to starting a family. She’s even moving closer to Nathan’s hometown, leading to talk of theatre productions, beaches, and life in Wollongong. Shea Couleé Drama: The big news of the week—Shea’s drag daughters have all dropped the Couleé name. Joe and Nathan cover the story, explore the daughters’ cryptic statements, and question what’s really going on behind the vague-booking. Joe even makes a bold pitch inviting them to spill the tea on The Rumor Mill. Theme Song Fun: Nathan reacts to a new, very “Australian” variation of his theme song and Joe revisits the AI-generated Rumor Mill jingle. Pop Culture Tangents: From Australian Survivor to Disneyland’s Gay Days, the hosts mix in stories of cousins, concerts, and cultural quirks that only Joe and Nathan could deliver. It’s a lively mix of hot tea, cultural commentary, listener love, and sharp Drag Race gossip. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

9 Sep 202551min

In this episode of RuPaul's Drag Race Recap, hosts Joe Betance and Nathan Patrick Brown discuss the latest episode titled 'RDR Live.' They delve into the technical issues faced during the recording, the ongoing drama within the drag community, and provide a detailed overview of the episode's events, including the lip sync battle and the controversial badonkadonk twist. The hosts also share their takeaways from the episode, highlighting the delusions of some contestants and the need for better writing in the challenges. In this episode, Nathan and Joe delve into the dynamics of the workroom, discussing the contestants' strategies, character choices, and the challenges they face in sketch performances. They critique the writing quality of the sketches, particularly focusing on the caveman sketch and the Golden Girls parody, while also analyzing RuPaul's humor and cultural references. The conversation highlights the importance of character consistency and the impact of writing on performance quality. In this episode of the Drag Race Recap, Nathan and Joe discuss the latest elimination day, the behind-the-scenes drama among contestants, and the runway looks that wowed and disappointed. They critique the performances and fashion choices of the queens, highlighting the dynamics of competition and personal opinions on the contestants' journeys. The conversation flows through various themes, including celebrity crushes, fashion critiques, and the overall impact of the episode on the competition. Patreon: patreon.com/afterthoughtmedia Voicemail: speakpipe.com/afterthoughtmedia Email: dragracerecap@afterthought.media Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

4 Sep 20251h 23min

It’s a slow drama week, but Joe and Nathan still deliver plenty of chaos, laughs, and a packed voicemail bag. From Latrice Royale wig-snatching clips to a flood of SpeakPipe messages, the fans keep the conversation going. This week’s highlights include: Joe begging for voicemails… and getting more than he bargained for. Listener April sharing a wild personal backstory that once made headlines. Tim from Atlanta, David from Texas, and Shawn the Kentucky chiropractor all check in with love, tea, and shade. A thoughtful dive into whether Drag Race has a bias against Latin queens. Evan calling in hot from the bars with a Slaysian Royale recap of his own. Plus: awkward break mishaps, favorite drag queens, and Lauri's infamous run-ins with Kevin Bacon and Kyra Sedgwick. It’s messy, funny, heartfelt, and very Rumor Mill. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

3 Sep 20251h 7min

In this episode of RuPaul's Drag Race Recap, hosts Joe and Nathan discuss Season 17 Episode 4, titled 'Bitch I'm a Drag Queen.' They delve into the controversial opinions surrounding Mr. Blackstone, analyze the recent lip sync battle, and emphasize the significance of the Snatch Game in the competition. The conversation also touches on the emotional reactions of the queens post-elimination and the dynamics of the maxi challenge. In this episode, Joe and Nathan delve into the latest happenings in Drag Race, discussing bizarre moments, team dynamics, and personal stories shared by the contestants. They analyze the studio day performances, the peculiar tumbleweed scene, and the overall quality of the episode compared to previous ones. The conversation also touches on the elimination day reflections, highlighting the contestants' backgrounds and the authenticity of their stories. In this episode of Drag Race Recap, Joe and Nathan delve into the latest episode of RuPaul's Drag Race Season 17, discussing cringe-worthy moments, fashion critiques, and the elimination of Joella. They explore the cultural implications of the contestants' performances and the judges' comments, while also reflecting on the overall quality of the runway looks and performances. The conversation culminates in a discussion about the final moments of the episode and the implications of the critiques given to the contestants. Patreon: patreon.com/afterthoughtmedia Voicemail: speakpipe.com/afterthoughtmedia Email: dragracerecap@afterthought.media Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

28 Aug 20251h 8min

The Rumor Mill — August 25, 2025 Joe and Nathan are back with a lighter week of Drag Race gossip—but plenty of laughs and tangents to keep things lively. Joe shares how ChatGPT has completely changed the way he preps the show, leading to a deep dive on AI, transcripts, and editing tricks. Listener voicemails spark heartwarming moments and shady commentary, from Sophia’s long history with the podcast to Evan’s sultry recap of Slaysian Royale. Then it’s on to the big story: Drag Race finalist Lexi Love facing a trademark battle over her stage name. Joe and Nathan unpack the messy legal drama, the fan reactions, and whether either side really has the stronger case. Along the way, expect sharp takes on Mistress Isabel Brooks, Gia Gunn, and even a detour into copyright law quirks with Del Taco and Naugles. It’s a short week on rumors, but a full episode of tangents, laughs, and trademark tea. 🔗 Leave us a voicemail: speakpipe.com/afterthoughtmedia 💖 Support us on Patreon: patreon.com/afterthoughtmedia Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

26 Aug 202551min

In this episode of RuPaul's Drag Race Recap, Joe and Nathan discuss Season 17 Episode 3 titled 'Monopulence.' They delve into the mini challenge, the main challenge, and the dynamics between the contestants, highlighting the drama and controversies that arise. The hosts express their opinions on the performances, the contestants' personalities, and the overall production of the episode, comparing it to earlier seasons of the show. In this episode recap of RuPaul's Drag Race Season 17, hosts Nathan and Joe delve into the latest table visits, queen ratings, and the drama that unfolds on elimination day. They discuss the runway looks, offering critiques and insights into the contestants' performances, culminating in a lip sync battle that determines who stays and who goes home. The conversation is filled with humor, sharp observations, and a deep dive into the dynamics of the competition. Patreon: patreon.com/afterthoughtmedia Voicemail: speakpipe.com/afterthoughtmedia Email: dragracerecap@afterthought.media Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

21 Aug 20251h 7min