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Tails and Tassels Podcast
Hello, kitty cats! Welcome to Tails and Tassels. I'm your host, Gemma Smith and I'm passionate about growing a com-mew-nity of cat-loving creatives. By day, I work in animal welfare, and by night, I host the Catbaret, NYC's cat-themed variety show!
In this podcast, you'll explore the world of burlesque and nightlife performers—their craft, their cats, and how these two worlds collide. Plus, enjoy bonus episodes featuring feline experts answering your burning questions.
Brand "mew" episodes drop every other Thursday. Subscribe, rate, and review the podcast, and connect with us on Instagram @tailsandtasselspod.
Thank you for listening! I'm paws-itively delighted you're here.
🎙️ Episode 27: The Ultimate Holiday Gift Guide for Creatives & Their Cats
This curated list of holiday gifts for creatives and their cats includes everything from performance essentials to enrichment toys my own cats can’t get enough of. In this week’s solo episode of Tails & Tassels , I’m sharing my newly refreshed Holiday Gift Guide for Creatives and Their Cats — a roundup of the products I actually use and love in my daily life, backstage at Catbaret , and at home with Lion-o and Luna. If you're looking for thoughtful gifts for performers, prod
Dec 7, 20253 min read
🎙️ Episode 16: Galentine’s Day & Why Cats Make the Best Friends!
Still catching up on past Tails and Tassels blogs from Season 1 🐾✨ — this one is a special Galentine’s Day episode , all about celebrating friendship in its many forms, especially the ones we share with our cats. 💖🐱 Whether you’re spending the day with your besties, your partner, or just your feline BFF, this episode dives into five heartwarming reasons ccats make the best friends . From their emotional support to their silly, lovable quirks, you’ll see why life is better
Sep 20, 20251 min read
🎙️ Episode 15: Amber Lyoness on Burlesque, Choreography & Her New Show, Purr!
Still catching up on past Tails and Tassels blogs from Season 1 🐾✨ — this one features the powerhouse Amber Lyoness , founder of...
Sep 20, 20251 min read
🎙️ Episode 14: How Community, Cats, and Creativity Collide at Catbaret
Catching up on past Tails and Tassels blogs 🐾✨ — this one takes us back to Episode 14 , where I dove into the story of Catbaret , NYC’s...
Aug 30, 20251 min read
Behind the Act: Lady Mabuhay’s “Little Stinky Kitty” Burlesque Brings Cat Zoomies to the Stage
Ever wondered what inspires a burlesque performer to create an act about cats? On Tails and Tassels , I sat down with the dazzling Lady...
May 16, 20251 min read
🎙️ Episode 13: Bitsy Brûlée: How to Stay Inspired, Keep Pursuing Your Art, and Let Your Cat Be Your Muse
In this week’s episode of Tails and Tassels , Gemma welcomes the multi-talented Bitsy Brûlée, an actor and burlesque artist known for her...
Jan 26, 20251 min read
🎙️ Episode 12: Stress Management for Performers: Simple Tips to Stay Grounded with a Little Help from Cats
In this special solo episode of Tails and Tassels , Gemma dives into stress management tips tailored for performers. As a busy burlesque...
Jan 26, 20251 min read
🎙️ Episode 11: Dan Trachtenberg: Tips for Creating Cat-Themed Content
In this special expert episode of Tails and Tassels, Gemma welcomes Dan Trachtenberg , producer and host of the Shelter Cats Podcast ,...
Jan 8, 20251 min read
🎙️ Episode 10: Happy Mew Year! How to Set Intentions for a Creative 2025
Kick off 2025 with the latest Tails and Tassels mini-episode! Host Gemma Smith reflects on the highs and challenges of 2024, sharing her les
Jan 1, 20252 min read
🎙️ Episode 9: Amanda B: Amplifying Voices Through Community, Creativity, and Cats (Host of 6 Degrees of Cats Podcast)
In this episode of Tails and Tassels, Gemma sits down with Amanda B., a musician, podcaster, and creator of 6 Degrees of Cats.
Jan 1, 20251 min read
Purr-fect Picks for Cat Lovers 🛍️🐾
Happy Holidays, Kitty Cats! The season of giving is here, and I’ve rounded up some of my favorite gift ideas for the cat lovers in your...
Dec 17, 20241 min read
🎙️ Episode 8: Jennifer Yadav on Balancing a Creative Career & Cat Care Tips
In this episode, Gemma chats with Jennifer Yadav , a multi-talented performer and proud cat mom to three senior kitties. Jennifer shares...
Dec 10, 20241 min read
🎙️ Episode 7: Lady Mabuhay - Burlesque Storytelling + Stage Kitten Tips
In this episode, Gemma chats with Lady Mabuhay , a versatile "Jane of all trades" and a dynamic storyteller lighting up the NYC burlesque...
Nov 30, 20241 min read
🎙️ Episode 6: Fey Tality - Aerialist, Storyteller, and Cat Mom
In this episode, Gemma sits down with Fey Tality , an aerialist and multifaceted performer with a theatrical flair for storytelling....
Nov 14, 20241 min read
🎙️ Special Bonus Episode: Stephen Quandt – Do You Need Cat Behavior Help?
In this episode, Gemma sits down with Stephen Quandt , a Feline Training and Behavior Specialist and the expert behind Cat Behavior Help...
Oct 30, 20241 min read
🎙️ Episode 4 Tabby Twitch: Purr-forming in her Prime
In this episode, Gemma chats with Tabby Twitch, the friskiest feline in burlesque. Tabby shares her journey of finding burlesque in the...
Oct 17, 20241 min read
🎙️ Episode 3 Gatita Negra: Slinking Across Stages Coast to Coast
In this episode of Tails and Tassels , I had the pleasure of chatting with the fascinating Gatita Negra , a dynamic burlesque performer...
Oct 3, 20242 min read
🎙️ Episode 2: Maria Bartolotta on Crafting a Solo Show and Life with Patches
In this episode of Tails and Tassels , I had the joy of chatting with my friend and fellow creative Maria Bartolotta , a regular...
Oct 3, 20241 min read
🎙️ Episode 1: Purrlesque with Pussy Leigh
In this episode of Tails and Tassels , I had the pleasure of chatting with burlesque purr-former and devoted cat mom, Pussy Leigh ! As a...
Oct 3, 20242 min read
Tails & Tassels Picks for Creatives, Their Craft, and Their Cats
Hi Kitty Cats! Gemma here, the host of Tails & Tassels . I’ve curated a list of favorite products for performers and cat lovers alike....
Sep 23, 20242 min read
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