World of Wonder this week announced the expansion of WOW Podcast Network, with the acquisition of actor Daniel Franzese’s hit podcast Yass, Jesus! and the launch and renewal of a slate of new shows including returning favourites Homophilia, Night Fever and And Just Like Matt, and the launch of highly anticipated podcast I Feel Love Connie hosted by drag icon Love Connie.
“We are thrilled to expand our podcast network with new shows, and new episodes of our hit shows! It means the world to us to support artists that we share a long history with like Daniel Franzese, Love Connie, James St. James, Matt McConkey and Dave Holmes. We cannot wait for audiences to laugh and learn from their unique perspectives,” – WOW co-founders Fenton Bailey and Randy Barbato.
Yass, Jesus! kicks off the fall slate of WOW Podcast Network programming. The GLAAD-nominated podcast is hosted by actor and comedian Daniel Franzese and his former televangelist bestie, Azariah Southworth.
Each week, Franzese and Southworth meet to ‘Yassify’ your faith and, through a comedic lens, affirm that you don’t have to pick between gay and God. Yass, Jesus! moving to the WOW Podcast Network marks the latest in a long history of collaboration between World of Wonder and Franzese, beginning with the actor’s 2003 appearance in the film “Party Monster.” Yass, Jesus! premieres in Winter 2023 and, like church, drops new episodes every Sunday.
Daniel Franzese and Azariah Southworth:
“We are thrilled that Yass, Jesus! will be joining the World of Wonder Podcast Network! World of Wonder is synonymous with incredible content that reaches the LGBT community and beyond, and we are excited about all the things we’ll be able to do now that we are part of WOW. Our listeners can look forward to more great guests and an expanded Yass, Jesus! family as we welcome World of Wonder viewers and listeners. Yass, Jesus! is honoured to continue the legacy of Tammy Faye and Steve Pieters, letting every person know they are loved just as they are. Amen, y’all!”
The full slate of new and returning podcasts is below, including the return of buzzy James St. James, Fenton Bailey, and Randy Barbato-hosted series “Night Fever” season three set for early 2024.
Original series from the WOW Podcast Network Slate include:
- Yass, Jesus! – Premieres December 17, 2023
Yass, Jesus! is a faith and sexuality-affirming comedy podcast that believes you don’t have to pick between gay and God. Each week, Actor and comedian Daniel Franzese (“Mean Girls,” “Looking”) and his former televangelist bestie, Azariah Southworth (“The Remix” on TBN) meet to Yassify your faith.
- I Feel Love Connie – Premieres November 20, 2023
Drag legend Love Connie (“RuPaul’s Drag Race,” “Legally Blonde,” “Connie-Wood”) shares her pop culture obsessions of the past. Influences from all over: from Xanadu, to Showgirls, to Blondie, Warhol and everything in between – Connie reflects on the pop culture that shaped her into the queen she is today! She is joined by co-host Blake Jacobs, who adds a millennial balance to her hilarious Gen X perspective and stories.
Host Dave Holmes and Matt McConkey grill your favourite LGBTQ+ celebrities on what they’re loving, and who they’re loving. These queer-centric conversations spotlight our guests’ pop culture obsessions and personal experiences with dating, sex, and love. Airing since 2022, the series has 300 episodes and counting! Past guests have included Andy Cohen, Matteo Lane, Sam Jay, Alan Cumming, Jonathan van Ness, Matt Bomer, Dan Savage, Sandra Bernhard, and more.
Join James St James and co-hosts Fenton Bailey and Randy Barbato as they talk to the leading New York nightlife figures of the 1970s, ’80s, ’90s, and beyond. Season 3 featured guests include Martha Wash (“You Make Me Feel”, “It’s Raining Men”), Eric Goode (Producer/Director, “Tiger King”) Pat Field (Emmy award-winning Costume Designer, “Sex and the City”), and many more. It’s campy, it’s gossipy, it’s jaw-droppingly funny – it’s must-hear podcasting.
- And Just Like Matt – Season 3 premiered November 9th, 2023
From World of Wonder and writer/performer Matt McConkey, “And Just Like Matt” is a podcast/love letter to all things Sex and the City. Every week, Matt sits down with his very own Charlottes and Mirandas to chat about a classic episode of SATC. Recent guests include Michael Patrick King, Ana Ortiz, Casey Wilson, June Diane Raphael, Danny Pellegrino, Michelle Collins, and more.
All these series and more can be found on the WOW Podcast Network and anywhere else you get your podcasts.
