Season one of Tails And Tassels was a smashing success. Consider the elements of the show — a lively, captivating host, a peek inside the world of burlesque, a journey to all things cats, and a passion for podcasting.
Tails And Tassels is a superb independent podcast that would never be made by a large podcast network. Why? First, because podcast networks are linear thinkers who study Excel spreadsheets to determine programming. Second, podcast networks often copy content and think only in genre categories.
Tails And Tassels barges into multiple genres and merges two of the unlikeliest topics, almost like a liverwurst and Nutella sandwich.
Listen to Tails And Tassels creator/host Gemma Smith: “Hello, kitty cats! Welcome to Tails and Tassels. I’m your host, Gemma Smith. By day, I’m a manager at a Kitten Nursery in NYC, and by night, I host the Catbaret!, a cat-themed variety show! In this podcast, you’ll dive into 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. New episodes drop every Thursday. If you like what you hear, please subscribe, rate, and review the podcast, and connect with us on Instagram. Thank you for listening! I’m paws-itively delighted you’re here.”
It’s usually superheroes who have that dual identity — mild-mannered reporter during the day and Superman at night. That’s Gemma Smith, although her cape is likely to be part of a burlesque routine.
Gemma tells us about season two, which began in mid-October: “This season, I’m widening the circle a bit. I’m starting to interview people I don’t necessarily know personally, like Sterling TrapKing Davis, who’s this incredible TNR advocate and rapper, and Luna Lovelee, who runs a cat-themed cabaret on the West Coast. I’ll still be featuring folks who perform at Catbaret, but I’m excited to bring in more voices from both the cat and creative communities.”
Gemma continues: “I think what I’ve learned most from season one is that I’m always learning. Every interview, and even the editing process, teaches me something new about how to ask more interesting questions and stay authentic. There will still be a mix of some solo episodes here and there, but mainly Season two will be interview-based with episodes every other week.”
Further, Gemma notes the time crunch that plagues all indie podcasters. “I’m also balancing this work with my full-time day job in animal welfare and producing variety shows — so I’m learning to let go of perfectionist tendencies so I can continue to create.”
So to summarize, 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.
I assume you are asking at this point: Why would someone combine these oil-and-water topics?
Again, I will let Gemma Smith respond: “Since 2018, I’ve curated the Catbaret!, a cat-themed variety show featuring comedy, music, and purr-lesque. Check me out in Time Out New York. And, under my stage name, Gemma Stone, I host Reali-Tease Burlesque!”
Gemma continues: “Connecting with audiences is my specialty. As an On-Air Spokesperson for the ASPCA Kitten Nursery, I make regular live broadcast appearances — with kittens! *Appearances include: Cheddar News, Sherri, Amazon Live, Pix 11 New York Living, Fox Weather, and New York Live.”
Gemma is not done yet: “In Tails and Tassels, I interview burlesque and nightlife performers about their craft, their cats, and how the two worlds collide.”
What’s the podcast about? In the episodes, Gemma interviews burlesque performers from the Catbaret, asking about their profession and their cats. In addition, Gemma interviews cat experts.
What makes these episodes so fascinating is Gemma Smith. She’s not a newbie. She’s an established voice-over actor and on-camera host and spokesperson. Furthermore, she knows her way around a mic and public speaking. In season two, she’s gotten even better.
Gemma forecasts season two for listeners: “In season two, you’ll hear guest interviews with performers and feline experts, solo episodes with creative tips and behind-the-scenes reflections, and a bigger, bolder focus on building our com-mew-nity of cat-loving creatives.”
In the October 30th episode, Gemma sits down with Luna Lovelee — a Long Beach–based burlesque performer, costumer, and producer of Show Me Your Kitties Cabaret.
Luna shares how rescuing a kitten trapped inside a car led her to connect with the Little Lion Foundation and inspired her to create a feline-themed burlesque fundraiser that’s helping cats across Southern California. She also talks about her creative journey into burlesque, finding her authentic performance style, and how her background in historical costuming influences her showgirl looks.
Plus, Luna introduces us to her four cats, and shares her experience fostering kittens, giving heartfelt advice to anyone looking to combine passion and purpose in their own creative life.
As a podcast interviewer, Gemma Smith is first-rate. She’s enthusiastic without being cloying; funny without trying too hard; and if she dances half as well as she conducts guest interviews, I’d say she’s another Martha Graham, Anna Pavlova, or Misty Copeland.
Smith’s voice acts like a comfy blanket, relaxing you and preparing your mind for new experiences. She’s having fun. That’s obvious and infectious.
Tails And Tassels is yet another example of the power of independent podcasting. Is Tails And Tassels for everybody? No, of course not. But it should attract an enthusiastic audience of cat lovers, dance fans, and lovers of live entertainment.
Even if you do not like cats, have never watched Dancing With The Stars, and do not know about burlesque, this podcast is still ear-worthy for one reason. Gemma Smith, the host, is an uncut gem. She’s terrific squared.
Gemma shared some exciting career news: “Starting Monday, I’ll officially be joining the Philanthropy Team at the ASPCA. I’m excited to learn more about all of our programs, share the impact of donor support, and be a thoughtful point of contact for the people who make so much of our work paws-ible.”
Tails And Tassels models the possibilities of indie podcasts. It’s creative, unique, entertaining, and boasts a superb host whose smile can melt grumpy old men.
If you’re in New York City, check out Catbaret on West 53rd Street in Midtown.
