Why Won't You Date Me? with Nicole Byer - My Career Ruined my Relationships (w/ June Jambalaya)

Episode Date: July 10, 2026

Drag queen June Jambalaya (Drag Race S14) joins Nicole to discuss hiding her drag career from her dates, being engaged twice, and leaving her fiancé to compete on Drag Race. Plus, Nicole and June discuss the best city to be depressed in, reveal the wildest things they've done to impress a man, and June shares her amazing date after being set up by Kerri Colby.Watch this episode on our YouTube channel at https://www.youtube.com/@WhyWontYouDateMePodcastSupport this podcast by checking out our sponsors:• Warby Parker: Our listeners can buy one prescription pair and get 20% off any additional pairs at WarbyParker.com/DATEME — and using our link helps support the show. #WarbyParker #ad• Squarespace: Head to squarespace.com/DATEME to save 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain using code DATEME.• Audible: Listen to Heads Will Roll: Heir Apparent, available now on Audible. Go to Audible.com/headswillrollseries to start listening today.• Planned Parenthood: Donate to support Planned Parenthood now at PlannedParenthood.org/defendCheck out all of our sponsors and discount codes at wwydm.notion.site/sponsors.Follow:All Links: linktr.ee/whywontyoudatemeTour Dates: linktr.ee/nicolebyerwastakenYouTube: @WhyWontYouDateMePodcastTikTok: @whywontyoudatemepod Instagram: @nicolebyerX: @nicolebyerThis is a Headgum podcast. Advertise on Why Won't You Date Me? via Gumball.fm.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Want to watch this episode? Catch the full video on YouTube. Just hit the link in the episode description. This is a Headgum podcast. The nice man in my life once planned a surprise trip for us to add a while. And it was unbelievable. He booked a stay on Airbnb and found this absolute dream of an A-frame cabin tucked right into the snowy mountains.

It was gorgeous and sat on this massive private property, which meant my dog Clyde also had a fun vacation roaming the woods all by himself. Then we finally went into town and discover Isle while is literally the greatest place on earth. Do you know who their mayor is? A golden retriever named Mayor, Max the third. I'm not joking. You can go downtown on the weekends and actually meet the mayor and his staff of deputy golden retrievers. And when we got back to the cabin, we had this private hot tub all to ourselves under the pine trees and enjoyed a private sunset view of the mountains. It was so romantic and cozy. It felt like our own private sanctuary, and it made the trip just so special. I'm glad

he found that cabin. When you book a stay on Airbnb, you find these absolute gems that are so much more spacious and have so much more personality. It really elevates any trip into a memorable one. Give it a try yourself. The next time you travel, try booking your next day on Airbnb. Another episode of Why Won't You Date Me? A podcast, or me Nicole Byer was trying to figure out why I was so single, even though you could come on a keychain ring and say, that's a lobooboo. My guest today is a drag queen who competed on RuPaul's Drag Race Season 14. I saw her backstage at Fat Slut,

a fun party where people dance sexy and eat food. And I say, bitch, come on my podcast, because I was very drunk. But I'm so happy she's here and I follow through with booking her. It's just, hi, hi, hi. This is a dating podcast. Mm-hmm. So let me ask you. Are you single?

I am. You are? Are you dating? Are you looking for anybody? I think I'm always actively looking. Okay. Even when I say I'm not. Uh-huh.

I am and I'm not. One, you have great teeth. Thank you. Two, you did? Yeah. Wait, smile hard. Wait, you got some good one. Thank you.

They look really natural. I had to do a second round. The first ones I got were not it. Like, when I say bad, I woke up one morning and one was in my pillow. Like, bad. One was on way to, okay. So are these?

These are porcelain veneers. So you got baby sharks under? No. Okay. I didn't file my teeth down. Okay. They look very natural. They're like a great color.

They look good. Because I feel like people go too bright. Yes. And when I looked at the chart, I don't want one. I don't want to blind people and, like, you know, have highlighter teeth. Then I didn't want the really big buckwheeler. Then I didn't want the really big buckwheat. Like, you know, like, I didn't want those.

So I went two colors down. Smart. Smart. They look really good. So, okay, what is your, who's your perfect partner? Describe it to me? Oh, Dan Levy. I don't know you're going to give me a name.

Oh, yeah. I don't care. I don't care. I mean, send it out into the universe. Maybe he's in him. Maybe he's looking. Yeah. I've seen him on Raya.

Oh, good. Don't tell his business. Or do, who cares? Yeah. So you're looking for a Dan Levy type. Yeah, I love someone. I'm a bit serious. Okay.

So I love someone that has, that's serious, but also has really good comedic timing. Okay. Because I really do love to laugh. Because I'm a dork outside of this. Okay. And when you say dork, what do you mean? Like, I'm really goofy, like, outside of my serious, like, June exterior. The June drama is here, but then out of drag yours.

Yeah, I'm silly. Having a nice time. Yeah. Okay. And I like someone that's a little silly that can make, that can bring it out of me. Okay. I don't naturally. Like, it won't.

I have to trust the space and trust you to let it out. Okay. Definitely someone confident. Someone woke. Okay. Good credit doesn't hurt. Good credit. Okay.

Established definitely doesn't hurt. Because I've, I, be honest, back in the day, I used to only seek after, you know, well off men. Sure. And I, you know, my upbringing from the South was told, you know, that's how you, you know, you progress and move along. But then, you know, now that I'm older, I'm like, no, I could be that well-off man myself. Like, I don't need a man to do that for me. But it, don't come over here without it. Okay, okay. Because I was going to say, I'm like, you don't need a dude who's got, like, it all figured out in all of the money, but you need somebody who is bringing something. to the table.

Yeah. You know what I mean? Yeah. Also, you got to say you want someone who's kind. Unless you don't care. I'm like, you have to say that you want somebody kind. Yes. I've dated really kind men.

Uh-huh. And I'm a kind person, but that's not always my default. So sometimes I feel like, you know, too kind. Too kind is a little too much of a pushover. Yeah. Okay. I feel you. I get that.

So I retract my statement. After you got drag race, were people in your DMs trying to get at you? No. No? Not like, I will say I've had moments where, you know, I've chatted here and there. But I will say it progressed when I started traveling. Okay. Like the go-go dancers.

Yes. That was different. Like guys that I wouldn't normally think would approach me. I always had to approach them and, you know, and put on. the fantasy for them. Yes. That was... So it just became a little easier.

Yeah. Okay. That happened. Nobody ever hit on you being like, I have chocolate to show you. No. Okay. No. Well, okay.

How many long-term relationships have you been in? Well, I've been engaged twice. Ooh. So... Wow. Lucky gal. I've never been engaged. Like three.

Three. Technically four, but like, I don't really count it. But so three. Well, how long was the one that you don't really count? Two years. That was the one Carrie introduced me to. I hope he's listening right now and he's like, two years? It was very complicated.

Oh, okay. Yeah. He had, you know, some religious. Ah, okay. All right. Truly, say no more. When religion comes into, like, relationship stuff, it's just like, I don't know, dude. You got to kind of like leave it at the door or find someone who matches you with that.

Yeah. Right? Yeah. And it's like I was very open to learning. And but I think that created a lot of internalized homophobia. Like, and I'm a preacher's kids. Like, I get it. But like I had never had that extreme.

Yes. Yeah. That sounds wild to be like, so we're like in this relationship and you feel some type of way about the relationship you entered into. Yeah. Because of X, Y, and Z that happened, you know. in church before you? And it was crazy because I had broken off my engagement for a drag race. And so I had just come to terms with being single.

And then after filming and like right the week before we were announced, Carrie introduced us at the Abbey. And it's just like I wasn't mentally prepared for it. And I definitely wasn't mentally prepared to deal with that. With all that bullshit. Yeah. Wait, you broke off your engagement for, can I ask? Was this person jealous that you had gotten to?

No. So the issue was he did not think my hobby was ever going to be a career. Well, damn. And he, and I quote, he was like, well, you know, you work as a stylist and that's already not, you know, a real job. And I did not sign up to be engaged to a professional clown. I don't like that. That's mean. That person wanted to hurt your feelings.

I'm very glad y'all broke up. That sucks. Sometimes I wonder, I'm not going to lie, like if I did get married. He would have made your life miserable. Yeah. Anything that you found joy- I was very bored in the relationship, but he was like, everything on paper just, like, lined up. And it was really good.

I was really comfortable. I felt safe, you know, and he had a good job. And it was just like, huh, okay. No, that person was going to make you feel bad over and over and over again. If it wasn't this, it would be something else. Because that's not nice. Yeah, but he found me exciting from his board life. Sure.

Because, you know, he was an engineer. And, you know, I was exciting. I worked in fashion. I liked the dance. I love, you know, I had a membership at the Pantages to go to shows. He was just like, oh, you're so excited. I was like, no, I'm normal. I'm a normal gay man.

But he's so excited. He's got a membership of the Pantages. Yeah. Oh, my God. I'm obsessed. I love the Pantages. Same. Oh, I love old theaters.

They're just so beautiful. I think that's one reason why I won't leave L.A. Because I get the weather. I get the theater like a little bit of New York. I get a little, then go to Big Bear, get a little winter. Yeah, you can just like drive a little bit and you're in a fully different climate. There's no other city I'd rather be depressed.

That is very funny. I also identify with that. Because whenever I'm like, I'm sad. If I just go outside of the sun's out, I'm like, I go to the growth. I love the grove. Oh my God. I love the little farmer's market because they have soft serve, so I get a little cone and I look around.

I go to some of a little pasta place in the farmer's market, a cheesecake factory. I love the cheesecake factory. Did you know that they are a, what is it, a cook-to-order kitchen? So I watched a business insider video. And it was too long and I watched the whole fucking thing. So a lot of restaurants, like, I don't want to name them because I love them all, will like put slop on a plate and then put it in the microwave. The Cheesecake Factory, they get there at 5 a.m. And they're cutting up everything and prepping it all for the day.

And then there's a man who stands at the window and he goes, not enough mashed potatoes on that. And then somebody has to put more mashed potatoes on your plate because there's quality, what? Control. I thought everything came frozen. No. Everything is fresh. Wow. And the reason they can have 250 items on the menu, that's how many they have, that's the max, and then they swap out things.

Yes. The longest video. Because my pork belly sliders were not there. Yes. And last time I went. They'll switch it out. But things have the same ingredients. So it's not like a crazy amount of stuff they have to prep.

So they're able to just have everything, just sprinkle a little this, a little that. Uh-huh. Okay. I love the cheesecake factory. Same. wherever I have a taste for When I don't know what to eat I just go there

Yes they have this It's like an apple strudel something And they got crunchums on top And every time I say it to a server They're like ma'am, are you okay? And I'm like, sure am I don't know what they're called But they're crunchy, it's a crunchy topping

I'll get just the crunchy topping With ice cream And it is so sweet and so good And I have diabetes And it makes me so sick I leave feeling terrible with a big old smile on my face. Everyone in my family has diabetes. Really?

It's tough. I'm like a little shocked that I don't have it because my mom, my dad, my sister, grandma and grandpa. Oh. Yeah. So it like skipped me. God, kissed you on the cheek. Like right now.

I believe in you. But here's the thing. Really keep up on it because it's not fun. Yeah. Because I love eating garbage and I'll eat garbage. Like, okay. But I love Ozempic. So like if I.

If I do get it, then just get right upon it. Get right upon it. Love a Mangaro. I'm on Mangaro, and it does help with my diabetic symptoms. But they're, okay, I love Welch's fruit snacks. Same. Those activate my bea. I can have a snack pack and then be sick for two days.

That's my pick-me-up when I'm like, when I don't eat in drag or I'm tired, like it's literally like, just give me a little. I miss them so much. I would eat them with them. Get the fruit ones. They have, like, you know, the sugar-free ones. It's not as good. Yeah.

It's not as good, but they're... You're not selling this. It's satisfying. You're not selling it. You said it's not as good. It's not as good. It's sugar-free. I know.

I know. It's sugar-free. I know. But then I'll eat too many and then I'll be shitting because the sugar-free shit makes you shit. Yeah. I used to love. Skinny. I don't care about that.

But wrist bits. Well, here's the thing. I miss my bigger butt. My butt was when I was fatter, my butt was so big that sometimes when I turned, I would just knock things over because I didn't realize how big it was. And I miss that. I now turn and nothing falls. You have to do this stair master. I've lost about 48 pounds now.

And I still have my butt. You do still have a butt. Because I'm not padded right now. Oh. Yeah. Yes. The stairmaster. It sucks.

Here's the thing. I don't go to the gym. It sucks. I work out in my house. We'll just incline. Do you have a walking pad? No. I have weights.

Do the squats. I do do a lot of squats. Yeah, but the stairmaster will get you there. Oh. Maybe I'll just walk up and down. the stairs. Yeah, like, do a, I don't hike. I will hike, you know, to impress a boy because I want a hike date. But like, I don't hike, but I will do it. You've gone on a hike date? See, here's the thing. I could never because then somebody would have to hear me

heavy breathing. No, I let him walk up a little bit and I have asthma. So I took my later before. See, that's so nice. No, it's not nice that you have asthma, but it's nice that you have like an excuse to be like, one sec, and then you can like, you don't even have to press it. If you just need extra breast, you can be like, okay, I'm ready. Like, it's a good performance. Yeah. Oh, God. Yeah, I would never go on.

I would never do anything physical. I will do a lot to impress a man. Really? What's the wildest thing you've done to impress a man? I have flown to see a man perform in a show while we were still in the talking stage. Ooh, damn. Was he good? Yes.

Oh, okay. Well, at least there's that. I mean, I haven't, I don't think I've spent money on a man like that, but I did go see, what's anime? What's anime? Japanese animation. Yeah. Name a popular one.

Pokemon, Naruto, bleach. With a ball. Dragon Ball Z? I went and saw Dragon Ball Z in theaters. Thank you. You're welcome. That's one of the wildest things I've done to impress them. man. My ex, we were in college, and to get him, I went to every show he was in. He was the lead in once on this island. I went every night.

Really? He did an open mic night. I went every night. He, I went to everything. And then I went, mind you, I don't eat, like, gas station food. Okay. Drag me, because I do. Even in, well, I just like, the meat. We're not even, like fried chicken? Not, I don't eat the meat. I don't eat. Don't the gas stations have good fried chicken? I don't know.

Simply wouldn't know. I, so I went to this party and this is, and I saw him and he was drinking. And I was like, okay, this is my moment. Okay. So we started talking. He was drinking a beer. I don't drink beer. And I just picked one up and just, you know, start drinking a beer.

I was like, oh, this is bad. But June, what do you do after you get these men do? things that you don't like doing. And I just, you know, slowly peel the onion. That's really funny and very toxic, and I'm obsessed with it. We walked after the party to 7-Eleven, and he got pizza and the wings, and he was like, you want to go back to my dorm? And I was like, obviously.

And he was like, do you want some wings? It's like, yeah. And we were still drinking beer. And I was like, I need a digestive enzyme. That is so funny. Honestly, very bold of you. I simply don't think I could do seven. It's funny that I'm like, I'll eat from a gas station, but I don't think I could do 7-Eleven wings.

That's what I'm saying. I don't like, I'll don't eat. I'll get like chips and stuff, but eating from like that revolving hot dog. He was eating from there. Oof. When we were in college, we didn't have any money. Fair. Yeah.

But that stomach is a stomach of steel. Yeah. People who eat shit like that, I'm like, you're not, you're not well. No. Real quick, June. We got to take a break. Check it out. Comedy royalty, Kate McKinnon returns as Queen Mortruana in heads will roll, air apparent, the highly anticipated sequel to Audible's fan favorite original

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Meanwhile, Jojo's botched wing enhancement surgery turns her into a tote leading to an unexpected interspecies romance with a choice between royal duty and normal life. With her throne on the line, Mo and Jojo embark on increasingly unhinged schemes to secure succession. It's part medieval mayhem, part razor sharp social commentary. Don't miss a moment of Kate McKinnon and a killer cast in Heads Will Roll, Air Apparent. Seed a Child or Seed the Throne. Listen to Heads Will Rour Aparent, available now on Audible. Go to Audible.com slash Headswellroll series to start listening today. You guys know that I have ADHD. Because of that, my attention span for running errands is virtually zero. I needed new glasses, but the idea of scheduling an eye doctor appointment at a clinic

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You can set up appointment scheduling, send professional invoices, and accept online payments without needing to connect a bunch of different apps. It's all right there. Head to Squarespace.com slash Date me for a free trial. And when you're ready to launch, use offer code Date Me to see. save 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain. So tell me, like, one of the worst dates you've ever been on. Okay, so I went with this guy who I had known for years, and he had finally asked me out. Okay.

And I was like, cool. I rule a thumb, whoever asks who out, you need to pay. Yes. The check comes, and he says, do you want to? split it. And I was like, I don't mind. But, you know, I just thought, you know, you asked me out. And if I asked you out, I would have paid. So I split the check. And then, but I'm still in it because I'm like, I know him. I like him. Whatever. We then begin to make out outside, I get a whiff of like bad breath entering the kiss. Like, you know, like, okay, maybe you ate something. That wasn't that. It was like, you.

Like something molar is bad. Like, and I, my eyes start to water. And then he thinks that, like, you know, I'm like having a moment. He's like, ooh, I'm blowing it down. Yeah, he thinks, oh, I'm about to go. My place now is just like, yeah, I got to go. And I think that still rains in my brain. Did you tell him?

No. There was something afoot? No. You just unleashed him into the world. And I feel like I should have said something. But me saying something or offering a mint was not going to fix that problem. Like that was not like, oh, you know, you had a steak or you had something a little garlic-y during the... No, you need...

This man was sick. Yeah. You need something removed. Oh, that's tough. You need something removed. Yeah. You need dental surgery immediately. It was really bad.

Oh, my God. How wild. I can't. That's upsetting. I'm so sorry. God bless. Thank you. Now, what's one of the best dates you've been on?

Carrie Kobe set me up with someone. Mm-hmm. The last, technically last boyfriend I've had. He was like, oh, do you want to hang out for the day and have dinner? I was like, hang out for the day and have dinner. And I was like, what do you mean? So we hung out. We, he took me shopping, like, we were shopping.

But, like, he was shopping for himself. And, like, I was just laying back. He said, oh, do you like this? He's like, yeah, I like. He said, you should try it on. Got me this jacket. Then we went and had matcha. And we were just, like, talking.

And he's like, oh, so do you want to go home and get ready for dinner? And I was like, oh, sure. Send to Uber. Went home. Oh, my. Got ready. He's like, text me when you're ready. Then we went to this suit, Yamashiro.

We went to this sushi restaurant. And I had never been there. I've never been there. Yeah. Sounds fancy. Yeah, it's like up in the hills. It was overlooked. It was very pretty.

And then, like, we were having sushi. And he took, as soon as we sat down, he took his phone. And, you know, I know when you flip the phone down. But, no, he just put it on silent and set it to the side. Okay. And, like, just stayed very present. And, like, just kept looking in my eyes. I love this.

Kept talking. And I just, it was the first time, like, you know, having that. And then the constant and the, because we had already spent all day together. Yes. And then after that, we went to San. and Monica, you know, we just watched the Ferris wheel because everything was close and we were just walking on the beach. And I just really was like, wow, like I could really do some really R-rated things to this man right now if he gives me the go. Yeah. I love that. That's so

nice. I've been on very few dates where the person I'm on the date with is fully present and like fully into me and puts their phone down. Intentional. Yes, intentional and showing you that they're all and they're here and they want to talk to you. I've been on so many dates where men just like, talk at me. I went on a date with this woman who talked at me. And I was like, we're not a couple days with women who talked at me. And people are like, women, listen.

I'm like, they don't. They're just as fucking bad. Okay? Everyone's bad. Everyone's their own main character. Yeah. It was just weird. I mean, not weird.

It was refreshing because, like, I didn't have someone that, as you said, that was just like asking me a question, listening. Like, we were playing ping pong, and I really, really enjoyed that. I love that you got to experience that because it kind of sets the bar for everybody else. It's like, well, if you're not going to, you know, at the very bare minimum, pay attention to me for the two, three hours we're all at this dinner. It's very simple. Come on. Like, just have a conversation.

Yes. Yeah. And I've been on dates where I feel like I'm interviewing them where, like, I'll say something about. myself and ask if they like what I've said, you know, like, oh, do you like doing X, Y, and Z? And they're like, yes. And I'm like, cool, cool. I hate when gay dating, when I just feel like we're asking trivial questions to get to the hookup. Oh, yes. That's, that's always the, like, okay. I remember years and years and years and years ago, I met this man on Tinder, and I drove very, very far, I think deep into North Hollywood. And then he was,

was like, get in my hot tub. It was cold. And then we, like, talked for so long. And I was like, we both know why I'm here. We said what we were going to do before I arrived here. I don't want to get wet and be cold. Well, you want to get wet. You wouldn't be wet.

You don't want to be cold. I would be warm in your home. Bring me inside. What the fuck? And then he would just say things. And I was like, okay, okay. I don't want this. We're not dating.

We're not doing that. Shut up. I'm a little weird with it. Oh, are you? I'm down for the hookup. Yes. But like, I have to know it's very greenlit for me to make the move. Yes.

Or I won't. Because the last thing I need is for you to say, like, you know, I made you uncomfortable. And then, you know, it, yeah. I, in my days as a slut, I remember, like, on the app, I'd be like, so just to be clear, we're like hooking up, right? Yeah. Just so I'm like, we're all on the same page. This is why you're coming to my house or this is why I'm going to your house. But then it's just like the whole like performance beforehand.

I'm like, this is tuckering me out. Lay me down. Eat me out. Send me home. Now it's a little for an our world. You know, there's certain apps for just that. Sniffies. I don't use sniffies.

You don't use sniffies? So I used Grindr. I got on sniffies once. Because I thought it was an app. This is how out of time. touch I am. I got on sniffies and it was a bit much for me. It's a lot. There's no face. It's just a lot of holes in it. Yeah, it's holes and doors and like and then holes on doors. It's just like, okay. And I think because I'm a lover boy at heart, I can hook up, but if it's good, I'm going to fall for you.

Oh. In my sluttiest of slut phases, I kept hooking up with people where I was like, oh, you've made it impossible for me to fall for you. Like I hooked up with one man who kept sending me the purple devil emoji and he was also a DJ. And I was like, well, those two things cancel out love. I can't have this. And his name was something stupid. I cannot remember. And then I was hooking up with this other guy.

He was Australian. And that, the accent is a little, it's a little much for me. No offense to the Australians. Yeah. But all day, every day, it's a little much. And I know I sound annoying to, like, you know, other people. I know my voice is very high pitch. Like, in drag it works, but, like, sometimes out of drag, I'm like, ma'am.

So, like, yeah, I get it. I'm not oblivious to it. You grew up in the South, yeah? Where? Florida. Jackson. My parents are from Tennessee. Okay.

And then I went from Georgia and Florida back and forth. You know what's really funny? I was like, you grew up in the South. And you said Florida. like, that's not the South. Then you said Tennessee and I was like, Florida is below Tennessee. So yes, Florida is the fucking South. It started parents from Tennessee, then Atlanta, then Florida. I love Atlanta. Yeah. I was just in Atlanta. I love it so much. I'm a peach. You are a peach. I'm a peach too. I'm a peach. I should get your name, June Jambalaya.

I got it in dance class. Oh, really? Yeah. So we were, I was in a jazz class and my teacher was like, you know, you just move so naturally fish. And I was just like, oh, he said, yeah. He said, I don't really get, you know, boy backup dancer. He said, but who's your, like, favorite? I said, Beyonce. And he's like, oh, he said, I see that. And he was like, you know, you would be a fierce drag queen. And my mom was like, my dad would kill me. I could never be a drag queen. And he was like, when's your birthday? I was like, June, he's like, what's the last thing you ate? And I was like, Jambalaya was on the special in the cafe that day. I was like Jambalaya. He's like June Jambalaya, that's going to be your drag name if you ever become a queen. I love that. I would be awesome.

August chip. Oh, you're Leo? No, I'm a Virgo. You're Virgo? Oh, in August what? 29. Okay, my dad was the 26. My sister's a Virgo.

My mom's a Leo. Oh. Wait, you're a Leo? June? Gemini. Gemini. June what? June 10.

Ooh. I don't know why I said, ooh. Ooh. Gemini. Well, I'm a Gemini. No, I'm a Virgo rising, Gemini falling? I don't know. I just did it.

It was Gemini Virgo Taurus. So you have a hard time committing, but you work really hard and you're very grounded. Yeah. I don't know. I just made up some shit. I'm no. I don't have a hard time committing. I'm very grounded.

I have a hard time letting go. That's what it said. Oh, okay. Like, relinquishing control. Oh, same. because there is a right way to do things and a wrong way to do things. Mm-hmm. And I really don't understand when people don't get that.

Yeah. Like loading a dishwasher. There's a correct way to do that. Stocking the fridge. There's a correct way to do it. There absolutely is. Mm-hmm. And I live with a straight man, which is June, the nice man in my life, my partner moved in with me.

I'm sorry. Hey, thank you. Thank you. I really appreciate those condolences. Yeah. He's very nice. But like, the way he puts things in the refrigerator, I'm like, whoa. Why?

No. The drinks go on the top. And then, like, if you have leftovers, they go down here. And then the drawer, the drinks go. They don't go. My ex and I lived together for four years. He was from Long Island, New York. God bless.

I am from Florida. Parents are from the South. We were raised very differently. Yes. Terrence, sorry, Terrence used to put after we would cook the whole pot in the refrigerator

and I would then have to take said pot out go get the lovely Tupper where I got from Amazon put everything in and then show him and then I would leave the pot there for him to wash out pot would be there for days

like sometimes I would have like try to teach him a lesson. And then like my silence and looking at it doesn't do anything. So then I just have to go clean it and then slam everything so you know. Yes. I have learned. There are no lessons to be learned. You just have to, you have to say it out loud.

Why? Why? Why? Why? Why? Why? Why? Why is a sentence.

Why? Yes. And then that nice man sometimes will be like, well, I don't know the rules in your head. And I said, you know what, fair. But there is a right way to do it. Let's take another break. The best summer pieces are the ones you wear on repeat, comfortable, versatile, and somehow right for almost every occasion.

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That's Q-U-I-N-C-E.com slash date-me for free shipping and 365-day returns. Quince.com slash date me. We're back with June Jambalaya. Do other people say your name like that or just me? Just you. I love the way Rupal says it. June Jambalaya.

Rupal has fun with names. Yes. Can I ask about your hair? Yeah. Is it human? No. And I always wear human hair. It looks human.

Thank you. You look so pretty. Thank you. Like, truly, you're serving it. You're serving fish. Wait, am I allowed to say that? I feel like somebody got mad one day. That's fine, because I am.

I am the catch of the day. It's okay. When did you start doing drag? 2019. Okay. And then you were on drag race? I auditioned 2020. That's wild.

So you've been doing drag two years. Well, no. Well, I was always. In 2019, the pen... 19. And then 20. And then we filmed... Oh, wait.

Yeah. I'm good at math. It was less than a year. That's wild. I only auditioned as a joke because, like, it was during the pandemic. And, like, I was like, oh, I don't have anything to do. And, like, it was like, after Simone, I watched Simone season. And I was just like, oh, my friends, we all went to art school.

I was like, oh, let's put a tape together. Let's see what it takes. So, like, once in a few years, when I was, like, ready, I'll know. And then you got it. Yeah. That's wild. Which is crazy because a lot of people do not get it their first try. No.

I think Tina Burner infamously auditions like eight times or something like that. Severe was like nine. Oh my God. And then what's morphine's their mom? She was just on the last. Athena has auditioned most 13 times. Ooh. Lucky 13.

That's wild. So how did that feel for you to be like one and done? In the beginning, I felt like I was hot shit. I was like, oh my God, I'm like, I'm going to win. They love me. But it was just like I got there and realized, oh, no, this is to show you that you have something, but you have a long way to go. Just a journey to go on.

How did you prepare? You took a sewing class and acting class? Three. Well, I have a degree in BFAC as every other gay man. Okay. I took three sewing lessons. Because, mind you, we only had two and a half weeks to prepare. That is the craziest shit to make.

Yeah. Giving somebody two weeks to prepare so many looks? And I had never commissioned anything because I was just a brunch girl. I was in Forever 21 Leotarts and like just having fun. Yeah, two and a half weeks to prepare. I took two sewing lessons and then I filmed my sewing lessons on my iPad. Smart. But when I got there, you have to give up your electronics.

Never mind. Never mind. Never mind. Not smart. Yeah. But I luckily, I had a hand sewer two. So that's why my garment was bad. But like I literally, it was like staple gun to like have something to walk down in.

Yeah. I mean, that's why. I don't even know what a hand sewer is. It's literally like a staple gun. It just goes ch-ch-ch-ch-ch-ch-ch-ch-ch-ch-ch-ch on the side. It's just like to close it up to make something. Maybe I'll invest in that. Yeah.

Because I'm a sewing girly now. Oh. The most I can do is crop something. We'll say that's more than what I can do. It's really easy. I feel like Traity the Tuck She started doing sewing lessons And I was like I feel like I need to take one

I'm probably going to do that I think you could find a cheaper option It's pricey Her classes are pricey It's a little too I think you can find a cheap off Because I found like a Fidham student That did it for like 40 bucks an hour

Yes you can find a cheaper option Thank you You're welcome And that's no shade No It's no shade but But I feel like if you love her and you want the experience.

It's money well spent. But if you're really just trying to learn, there's people who will teach you. Like, you could learn stuff. Like, I learned how to, I couldn't figure out how to re-thread my machine. So I just watched this YouTube video. And I was like, oh, okay. And then I did it. And then I truly watched it like three times.

And then it was like, I got little tweezers out because of the nails. And then I got it. And then I got it. Dacia Sky was the one who re-threaded my machine for me. Oh, that's sisterly love. Yeah. Wait, is Gigli Kalienti your drag mom? Mm-hmm.

How did that? How did you meet Gigali? So I originally didn't meet her. We were announced and people under like, you know, each queen's announced, they was like, oh, she looks like the black jiggly. And she DMs me and she's like, oh, I'm sorry that they're comparing you to me. I'm like, you're not ugly. I'm not offended.

And then she came to showgirls. I did my first showgirls, and I was, you know, still, you know, hot mess express. And she was like, do you have a drag family? Or I said, no, I'm literally just doing this myself and, like, my art friends that are helping me. I said, but I don't have, you know, my reference is not drag. My reference is black women and women in general. And she was like, I would love to, you know, help you. And then that progressed to, you know, her becoming my drag mother.

That is truly so sweet. Julie was such a sweetheart. I knew her from, like, Like, back in the day in New York, she used to do this show with another drag queen who hosted it named Sweetie, who's also no longer with us. And watching both of them perform, it was just so, it was like before I was even acting. I was just like living in New York and I like got to see them perform and I was like, wow. Like, I can't explain it other than I had seen stuff on Broadway. I had seen plays.

I had seen stand up. But I had never seen drag before live. I had seen RuPaul's Drag Race. but I was like there is something so magical about a drag show. A good one. Yes, a good one. Actually, a bad one. No, no, there's something magical about a bad one too.

I love a bad one. Yeah. I'm happy to see it. I am so... I know drag is like changing and progressing, but I am still so in love with just like drag. And I love to watch how queens are just elevating the shows and performances. Like, I try not to perform without a fan. because, like, I want to feel like Beyonce.

And if there's a screen behind me, let's use it. Like, I really want people to be immersed, like, wow, one person is doing all of that. I really like that. And I appreciate the thought that goes into, like, a performance. Do you know what I mean? Like, you know, utilize the screen. Like, if you're doing a reveal, let it make sense to the song you're doing it, too. Intentional splits.

Yes. Gaba the girls. Intentional splits. I'm dying. But I do understand what you mean. When I was in Atlanta, I saw Nicole Page Brooks's daughter. I cannot remember her name, but the last name was Brooks. She did a number to Whitney Houston and looked like Whitney Houston.

And it didn't feel like she was impersonating Whitney Houston, but it just felt like she was like, well, I'm wearing this wig. It just felt like she had made choices. And meaning impersonating, like her makeup wasn't Whitney makeup. But like she was wearing a Whitney wig. She was doing it right. Yes. That's how I feel with Beyonce. I know I don't look like Beyonce.

I know I am not Beyonce. But I know how to deliver the essence of the queen. Of Beyonce. And I know I've studied the steps and I have done the work. But I know I'm not her. But in this dimly lit room with this one spotlight and I'm going to give you Beyonce for the $20 you paid to get in here, probably. The fun to see. Yeah.

June, I have a question. Yeah. So there's single people out there. They're always looking for advice. They're always saying, Nicole, do you have advice? No, nobody's ever said it. But like, do you have any advice for single people out there? I think now, especially what I'm taking, like going in, like now I'm in my 30s.

I think I'm trying to no longer fit the mole of what I think someone wants because I, as I've said, I've done that a lot. And I'm trying to show up 100% authentically myself. And I think if you do that, you kind of weed out the playing the game and trying to find like, okay, do I fit this? Do they like me? Now it's like, okay, I see what you are and who you are. And do I choose to be a part of that. And if you do, great. If not, you're just not my person.

Or you're not my experience or a chapter in my book. And that's kind of where I am right now. Because, like, for the longest, I wouldn't even tell people I do drag. Like, if they didn't know who I was, I didn't mention it. Really? Mm-hmm. So if you invited them over, you just, you're closing doors? I have a whole room.

She is closed. Okay. Yeah. And, like, if I know that they're coming, like, you know, picking this lash up off the counter and, like, scooting. Yeah. For. Huh. I like that.

I like that you recognize that you can't hide who you are to somebody that you want to, like, build a life with. Because it's funny because a lot of gay guys that I've, you know, been entangled with, they don't like the idea of femininity. Sure. And, you know, they don't like the idea of, you know, I remember, oh, my gosh, TMI, but whatever. This one guy after we hooked up, he messaged me on Grindr and he was like, are you June Jambalaya? And I was like, yeah, he's like, I can't believe I let you top me. And then he blocked me. And then he blocked you?

Yeah. June, that is maybe the funniest thing anyone's ever done. I can't. Are you a drag queen that I know? Yes. I can't believe I let you top me. Block. Yeah.

That is so wild. Rude. Yeah. Rude. And then my mind, it made me feel like, oh, crap, I can't like, you know, if they don't know who I am. I can't let them know. they don't want to date a drag queen. Like, you know.

But if they don't want to date a drag queen, they don't want to date you. Yeah. And that's what I had to learn. Yes. God, that's so, that's so interesting to me that, like, in the community, there's men out there who are like, oh, I don't like, that you do feminine things as a job. Yeah. Like, because you, like, I'm, I'll see some guys all the time. I'm attracted.

They'll give me a dollar. They'll hoot and holler. But granted, I do understand, because when I am out, I'm looking like, this and she's puss. Like, if I come up to a guy, like, I don't want to date that. Like, how do you look at a drag? But you should know that there is a boy underneath

all of this. I know it's very hard to see. It is. Thank you. I've been squinting the whole time. Yeah. I'm saying, where do boy? Yeah. But like, there is one under there and I feel like, you know, to separate the two or to try you know. But I, for me, the

wildest part is like, so they meet you as a boy, so they see you're a boy, but then they're, like, upset that you do drag. Do you know what I mean? Where it's like, why is the job? It's like, would they be mad if you worked at the post office? You wear a uniform there. Oh, look at me. And which is why, like, I think some of my hookup culture and experiences I have leaned towards

the go-go dancers and the only fans boys, because, like, I feel like they have the same stigma. Sometimes, like, yeah, they're fantasized, but they don't want to, but no one wants to bring them home to mom. Yes, and date them. So we kind of share trauma bond with that and have those experience. I'm like, oh, okay, this only fans guy will probably want to, you know, go out with me. This Google guy will, you know, yeah.

Well, June, I like that you're stepping into your truth and you're like being your authentic self when you meet people. So I think that that is going to manifest somebody for you. If that's what you want, do you want to be in a relationship? I do. And I don't want to just be in a relationship. I think now I'm like, I know who I am. I know what I do. I know what I bring to the table and I need someone on that same page.

I don't have it all together. I don't. And I don't expect you to have it all together. But know who you are. Know what you bring to the table. And let's see if that's a match. Do you go to therapy? Yes, you said you're in therapy.

Every Monday. What time? Every Monday, 11 a.m. Oh, mine's at one on Monday. Monday, Divas. I did Monday because I was like, if I do Friday, that might ruin my weekend. No, I did Monday for after. the weekend. Yes, for after the weekend, the mistakes I've made or the good choices I've made,

but then I start my week off with, because my therapist will never let me leave a session, like upset. She'll be like, let's take breaths and let's decompressed and let's walk through what we just did or whatever. She'll never let me leave upset. So like, I always leave feeling good or better than I did an hour ago. And I'm like, that's nice to start my week. Yeah. I did Monday after all my shows. After, because I feel like, you know, we're so weak in heaven and we give so much. Like, you know, the night show, the brunch, then this brunch, and then going to Palm Springs. So it's like after giving so much, like, that Monday is for me to rest and get back to myself and then start my week. I like that.

Yeah. June, I like you. I love you. You, this has been really, I don't know, just a nice time. I think you're such a sweetheart. And I think you've good vibes. I get that a lot now because I'm, like, doing the work. My favorite part of that is I get that a lot now.

I can have a lot now. Yeah, you've set like a just a good aura. And because sometimes I'll meet people and I'm like, oh, you're easy to talk to, but I don't know, the vibes. Oh. But no, you're easy to talk to you. You're such lovely vibes. And we said yourself, your spirit is off. Yes.

Ah, your spirit is off. I can't wait to say that to somebody. Your spirit is off. Well, June, your spirit, it's on. Thank you. It was awful. June, do you have anything you want to promote? Well, I'm doing San Diego Pride.

Yes. I'm doing San Diego Pride July 20th with Mayhem Miller. And I'm very excited because I start rehearsal for that number very soon. Yes, I love that. I love Mayhem. Mayhem is so wonderful. Ooh, I should get her on the pocket. She's an L.A. girl, right?

Look at me. I'm like... Like her and Morgan, they live in Ontario, Oxtart. Oh, they do? Oxnard in Ontario, I believe. Yeah. So far away. So far away.

Too far. Oh, my God. I just like, Plasick was like she just moved to Irvine. And I was like, where's that? Too far. Yeah. Irvine is so far away. I don't like, but she's like, she got a house.

I was like, oh, congratulations. There we go. Yeah. I understand. June, I have another query. Would you date me? Absolutely. Yes.

Absolutely. I would love to share wigs with you. I mean, this one's pretty similar to the one you're wearing. I was like, okay, we're on the same color story. Yes. And I had bought a black one with bangs because I have braids underneath this. You know, I've never. never worn bangs.

Really? Besides my promo and I'm like, that's the thing I want to try this summer. Like, I want to wear bangs. I like a bang. I wouldn't try it in the summer, though, because it really like. Sticks. Hets up your forehead. And then you get a little slaying.

Well, then I don't have to do my brows. That's what I was thinking, the cut a corner. Okay. Yeah. I would wait till the fall to debut that. Yeah. Just because it's a little cooler. More like a heavy layer bang.

Yeah. Yeah. But yeah, I put on, it was like, jet. It was a one B wig with bangs. And I put it on and I was like, I got to find someone to highlight that. this. I can't. Oh, my God. I am so glad you said that because I

feel that way about every black wig I put on. I was like she just needs a little honey highlight. It's because you have warm tones in your face so the warm like... I just feel like it feminizes my face. Same! I'm like, because I can do black hair, but I feel like I need to paint a little bit more

to really bring it up, bring it out. Maybe I should have changed, because I'm doing it, it's a light beat today. But maybe if I did something more like I need more makeup when I wear dark. care, but like when I wear the honey highlights and I still do my regular face, I'm like, oh, okay, I see it. Puss. But I'm like the black hair, I'm like, okay, like, where is that contour stick?

Like, I was like, you need a little bit more. Maybe, yeah, maybe that's what I, because I put it on and I was like, I look crazy. I'm just going to have someone highlighted. Yeah. Why won't you date me podcast at gmail.com? I'll read it. This person writes, Nicole, forget the expensive Sephora serums. I want to spread those thick thighs, bury my face in your honeypot, and drink you down until you are completely overflowing.

I want to wear your juices like a wet sheet mask until I look like a freshly glazed crispy cream donut. Once I got that radiant, dewy finish, I'm going to let it dry into my pores, walk straight into a target. and let everyone admire my glowing complex when they ask what my secret is, I'll tell them it's 100% pure buyer nectar. Then I'm coming right back to your house to glaze my face all over again for my nighttime routine from Emma. Emma, I don't, I don't, I'm concerned about your pores. You don't, you can't clog them. Anyway, Emma, I liked it. Thank you. Goodbye. Welcome to a magical place where dice are rolled and stories are told. Welcome to the fantastic castle.

Hi there, I'm Caldwell. You might know me from Nadpod, but now I am teaming up with my friends Kiana, Raj, and Bree. Hi, everybody. Hello, everyone. For an all-new take on Dungeons and Dragons Cooperative Storytelling shows, and this one is for the whole family. Fantastic Castle has all the excitement of D&D without the cussing and filthy jokes that make most other D&D shows Guilty as charged, awkward for kids and parents to listen to together.

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Mandy Moore. Sterling K. Brown. And I'm Chris Sullivan. And we host the podcast, That Was Us, now on Headgum. Each episode, we're going to go into a deep dive from our show, This Is Us. That's right. We're going to go episode by episode. We're also going to pepper in episodes with different guest stars and writers and casting directors.

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