On this episode of Snack Size, Lala sits down with Rae, a renowned Twin Cities seamstress, costume designer, and creative force behind some of Minnesota’s most memorable drag costumes and custom stage looks. With decades of experience in fashion design, sewing, and drag performance costuming, Rae shares how her passion for creativity evolved from learning to sew at a young age into a career dedicated to helping performers express confidence, individuality, and authenticity.

Rae reflects on her impact on the Minneapolis and St. Paul drag community, collaborating with local drag queens, entertainers, and artists to create one-of-a-kind costumes that celebrate self-expression and artistry. She also opens up about her personal journey after being diagnosed with breast cancer, discussing her treatment, recovery, and gratitude that the disease was detected early.

Inspired by her experience, Rae transformed a challenging chapter into a mission of advocacy and support by launching Cancer Is a Drag, a community-driven breast cancer fundraiser benefiting the Park Nicollet Foundation. The event brings together drag performers, local businesses, and supporters to raise awareness and funding for breast health, women’s health services, and cancer care programs throughout Minnesota.

Join Lala and Rae for an inspiring conversation about creativity, resilience, community, drag culture, cancer awareness, and the power of turning personal challenges into meaningful action. Rae also shares her vision for growing Cancer Is a Drag into an annual fundraising event that honors survivors, remembers loved ones, and supports future generations through compassionate care and giving.

00:00 Sponsor Message

00:24 Welcome to Snack Size

01:12 Meet Raye

02:54 Learning to Sew

04:22 From Bridal to Costumes

05:31 Breaking Into Drag

07:55 Designing for Queens

08:44 Pride Dress Highlight

10:46 Passion Advice

11:39 Breast Cancer Journey

12:34 Fundraiser Origins

15:54 Event Details

18:31 Wall of Messages

19:35 Final Questions

22:30 Closing and Outro

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Still hungry? Check out https://www.snacksizepodcast.com/ for all the episodes!

Intro music for this podcast is by Dayfox, called "Your Love"

Bessie Snow on Burlesque, Community, and Owning Volstead’s EmporiumHost Lala welcomes burlesque performer, producer, and new Volstead’s Emporium owner Bessie Snow to Snack Size to discuss art, reinvention, and building spaces where people feel seen.

00:00 Sponsor Message

00:24 Welcome to Snack Size

01:05 Meet Bessie Snow

02:42 Finding Burlesque

03:25 Wearing Many Hats

04:26 Feeling Seen After Divorce

05:32 Receiving Praise and Feedback

07:02 Burlesque as Play

08:02 Misconceptions and Harm

09:14 Building Real Community

09:51 Van Life Leap

11:26 Lessons From the Road

12:46 Creating Appetite Show

13:46 Curating With Standards

14:21 Who Gets Platformed

15:13 Defining Real Talent

16:15 Buying The Venue

17:41 Mystery Vs Marketing

19:08 Immersive Vaudeville Plans

19:58 Fire Round Favorites

20:29 Name And Ritual Origins

21:26 Joy Beyond Nightlife

21:59 Secrets To Fulfillment

23:02 Where To Follow And Shows

23:24 Podcast Farewell

Host Lala talks with award-winning burlesque performer and producer Tré Da Marc about how burlesque helped him build confidence and express himself through movement and storytelling. Tré shares the artistry behind creating acts, navigating masculinity and femininity as a Black performer, and producing Juneteenth Jubilee, his annual showcase celebrating Black liberation, joy, and equitable opportunities for Black entertainers.

00:00 Sponsor Message

00:24 Welcome to Snack Size

01:19 Meet Tre Demarc

02:50 Lunch and Catch Up

04:15 Burlesque as Voice

05:00 Building Confidence Persona

06:53 How He Builds Acts

08:36 Food Arrives Mid Chat

09:50 Burlesque Craft Misconceptions

12:02 Black Male Performer Journey

14:53 Juneteenth Jubilee Origins

17:25 Joy as Resistance

18:53 Pride and Funding the Jubilee

21:48 Rapid Fire Fun

23:34 Onstage Mishap Story

25:01 Whats Next and Life Advice

26:54 Where to Follow Support

28:10 Sign Off and Credits

28:50 Bold Lip Promo

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Still hungry? Check out the Snack Size Podcast website for all the episodes!

Intro music for this podcast is by Dayfox, called "Your Love"