Liberty Diner Dish | A Queer As Folk Podcast
123 episodes - English - Latest episode: 3 months ago -Nearly two decades later, the thumpa thumpa continues and we’ve still got thoughts and feelings. We will recap each episode of the ground-breaking classic, Queer As Folk, and share our opinions and explanations of the themes and pivotal moments. Grab a seat in the booth and join us for the Liberty Diner Dish.
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Episodes
Queer As Folk – Ron Cowen and Daniel Lipman Interview
January 08, 2024 00:18 - 48 minutes - 44.5 MBHello Diners! We are so excited to share part of E'Shel's interview with Ron Cowen and Daniel Lipman, the showrunners behind Queer As Folk. The conversation touches a bit on character backstories, found-family dynamics, and the social and political setting of the time.
Back In Our Queer As Folk Bag
July 01, 2023 04:15 - 36 minutes - 33.4 MBHey Diners! We are back with a few questions we pulled from the mailbag. We will definitely have to revisit a few of these after a refresher course. Keep sending us your questions and keep the PRIDE energy going all year long!
Off the Rails – Queer As Folk US to UK and Back
April 18, 2023 03:14 - 29 minutes - 26.8 MBThis episode ain't for everybody!! And before we get into it, we want to be clear, the issue is with our expectations NOT the material! We finally saw the first episode of the original Queer As Folk (aka the UK version). It was cute. We had some questions. We'll try again.
Queer As Folk: Girl Code
April 03, 2023 06:29 - 21 minutes - 19.9 MBIn a departure from our usual programming, E'Shel is celebrating the women of Queer As Folk! This episode briefly covers some lessons learned from the women, some baseless backstories and some fun questions at the end. These actresses were incredible and we wanted to take a minute to dish about the characters they brought to life.
Interview with Michelle Clunie
March 27, 2023 04:25 - 57 minutes - 52.4 MBWe had such a great time dishing with Michelle Clunie! We wanted to give her all the flowers she deserves for her portrayal of the iconic and historic Melanie Marcus on Queer As Folk. This is less of an interview, and more of Ken and E'Shel soaking up her stories and her wisdom. Be on the lookout for Distance, Michelle's short film. Send us your interview questions at [email protected] Find us on Patreon at http://www.patreon.com/libertydinerdish
Queer As Folk FAQs
March 13, 2023 06:01 - 22 minutes - 20.9 MBWe received a flood of Queer As Folk questions from our listeners so we grabbed a handful of the FAQs for this episode. At the end, we have one for our Diners. Email us at: [email protected] Find us on Patreon at: http://www.patreon.com/libertydinerdish
Queer As Folk Mailbag 2.0
March 06, 2023 04:06 - 28 minutes - 25.8 MBWe've got mail! Ken and E'Shel are answering some of your Queer As Folk questions. We need to reload our bag so send more our way! Email: [email protected] Patreon: http://www.patreon.com/libertydinerdish
Cocktails & Cock-Tales: The Redux
February 27, 2023 03:55 - 31 minutes - 29.2 MBKen and E'Shel are back at the Diner with another Cocktails and Cock Tales installment! Catch up with what's been happening in their worlds and their plans for continuing to dish on all all things Queer As Folk. Find us on Patreon at: http://www.patreon.com/libertydinerdish Check out our sister podcast, The Pink Plate Special! New episodes are coming soon!
Queer As Folk 1×01 – Come Again (The Redux)
December 05, 2022 05:09 - 44 minutes - 41 MBIn celebration of the 22nd Anniversary of the premier of Queer As Folk, we are revisiting the pilot episode. THIS IS NOT A DEEP DIVE. It's more like a leisurely walk on familiar shores. We relive our initial thoughts, and share some life and podcast lessons learned since then. We still love this show. We are still grateful that HE came along.
Queer As Folk – Post Canon Talk
November 14, 2022 04:46 - 54 minutes - 49.8 MBWe are sharing very brief summaries of what we think our Queer As Folk gang has been up to since 5x13. Which couples stay together? Which couples fall apart?? Who gets blocked from the family group chat??? Ken and E'Shel have got opinions galore!
Pop-In Episode
November 07, 2022 06:24 - 3 minutes - 3.5 MBHey guys! Liberty Diner is serving you a Pink Plate Special episode this week. You can listen here to get more details, then head on over to our sister podcast channel. Search Pink Plate Special and grab a seat in our favorite booth!
Queer As Folk Writer Interview – Del Shores
October 24, 2022 04:01 - 55 minutes - 50.9 MBE'Shel is joined by Del Shores, director, writer, producer, stand-up comedian, gay and human activist, and all around sh*t stirrer! They discuss the Queer As Folk writers' room, character motivations, story arcs, and the most important and epic I LOVE YOU ever spoken. This conversation is sure to get them both in trouble!
Queer As Folk – Good Grief Session
October 18, 2022 01:53 - 33 minutes - 30.8 MBBEWARE! We spend a LOT of this episode talking about grief. But in true Liberty Diner Dish fashion, we end it on a high note! We love taking questions from listeners and sharing our opinions. If you've got something for us to discuss, don't be shy! Send it!!! Find us on Patreon at http://www.patreon.com/libertydinerdish Email us at [email protected]
Queer As Folk – Thought Experiments
October 04, 2022 02:38 - 31 minutes - 28.5 MBKen and E'Shel shake up the Queer As Folk universe and explore some what-if scenarios and couples that were submitted by a lovely listener. We basically played a game of 'alternate universe' and learned that canon is pretty much the way to go. Although, we were surprised by our thoughts about one possible couple. Share your answers with us!! Find us on Patreon: http://www.patreon.com/libertydinerdish Email us at: [email protected]
Brian Kinney 5.0 featuring Erin
September 26, 2022 04:15 - 1 hour - 72.9 MBErin stops by the diner to dish about Brian Kinney in Season 5 of Queer As Folk. Even though we are two roads diverging in a yellow wood on some things, we had a lot of fun (and a lot of tech issues) talking about one of our favorite television characters. You can find Erin and all her links at http://www.itsafandomthingpod.com
Queer As Folk Dance Break
September 19, 2022 05:08 - 11 minutes - 10.4 MBWe did it! We did it, Joe!! Gold stars for those who get that reference! After covering 83 episodes of Queer As Folk, Ken and E'Shel pause for a deep breath and a dance break (over a phone call). Season and series finale episodes are in the works, but it seems only right to have a moment to stand under the raining glitter while the thumpa thumpa pulses. This is just a little tease and a little reassurance that the diner is still open! Send us your questions and episode suggestions at ...
Queer As Folk 5×13 Part Two – It’s Only Time
September 12, 2022 08:28 - 1 hour - 62.3 MBWe are tackling Part Two of the Queer As Folk series finale in this episode. Ted gets his birthday wish. Emmett finds love on the slopes. Hunter gets a new name. Beautiful things are happening here!! Bittersweet things are happening too. As the gang moves forward, Ken and E'Shel start unpacking the last few scenes. A Part 3 is definitely possible. WE ARE NOT DONE YET!!!! Email your questions: [email protected] Support us on Patreon: http://www.patreon.com/libertydinerdish
5×13 Part One – Sex is Out
September 03, 2022 07:38 - 1 hour - 56.6 MBWe are tackling the Series Finale of Queer As Folk in bite-sized pieces. In this episode, Michael gets to be the face of everything he has championed, but no longer seems onboard with the mantra of the Land of The Clones. Ted gets a closeup on a different side of Tad. Melanie and Lindsay are packing boxes and leaving some (unsolicited) advice for their friends. Justin, Michael, Lindsay, Ken, and E'Shel are getting a little worried about Brian. The thumpa thumpa continues on the next epis...
Ken’s Queer As Folk Finale Feelings
August 22, 2022 03:51 - 27 minutes - 25.1 MBIt was only fair to make Ken watch the finale on his own, and then to immediately force him to verbalize his thoughts and emotions into a microphone. We felt like it was important for him to unload and record his initial response before we did a deep dive into 5x13. So here's Ken - uncensored! E'Shel tried her best to be quiet. The official episode(s) for 5x13 are coming soon!
Interview with Harris Allan
August 15, 2022 04:48 - 1 hour - 59.6 MBThere's a VERY IMPORTANT announcement at the beginning of this episode! After that, E'Shel shares her conversation with Harris Allan aka Hunter. They talk about his introduction to the set and the cast, some behind the scenes details, and what's currently going on in Harris' world. There are 15 missing minutes where they just trade music recommendations. Follow Harris Allan on all the socials and check out his music on your favorite streaming platform!
5×12 He Must’ve Knocked Up Sunshine
August 13, 2022 00:59 - 1 hour - 95.9 MBThe Taylor-Kinney nuptials are a go! Brian and Justin send out their official announcements and the gang has opinions. Emmett and Drew have to sort out their age difference. Ted thinks he's found Mr. Right, and Melanie and Lindsay are planning a big move. You can find us on Patreon at http://www.patreon.com/libertydinerdish
Season 5 Stall Tactics
August 01, 2022 04:23 - 50 minutes - 46 MBThis is NOT a recap episode. The truth is, we are just stalling so we can sit with the beautiful parts of 5x10 and 5x11 a little longer. In this episode, we both get VERY distracted, a little defensive about our faves, and a tad shady about a certain character. Whoops! Anyway, enjoy these stall tactics. No need to rush to the finale!
5×11 It’s For My Prince
July 26, 2022 03:18 - 1 hour - 92.4 MBThis episode brings us the aftermath of the bombing and shows us its far reaching effects. We check in on Michael's status at the hospital and see Emmett struggle with his shock. Ted buries himself in guilt and work. Zen Ben is forced to contradict his own stance on responding to violence and hatred. Melanie and Lindsay realize what they could have lost in the bombing, and consider what they could still lose to politics. BRIAN DOES THE MOST!!! IN THE BEST WAY POSSIBLE!!! Ken and E'Shel ...
5×10 I Was So F’ing Scared
July 18, 2022 04:12 - 2 hours - 112 MBWe don't even know where to start. This episode was heartbreaking and heartfelt and sobering and beautiful. There are really not enough words to cover it all. Everyone is dealing with the decisions they've made over the last few episodes, but convictions and priorities are shifted in an instant. Don't worry, this episode isn't JUST tears and heavy sighing - it wouldn't be LDD without some laughter and nonsense! Expect the emotions and commentary to be all over the place. Also, we feel c...
5×09 Very Meaningful Conversation
July 14, 2022 06:42 - 1 hour - 90 MBIf you can get past the technical issues with this one (SORRY!!!!), you will hear us talking about the start of Ted's hubby hunt, Jennifer's new boo, and Drew's big announcement. Proposition 14 looms large over the Avenue and it's supporters have started to show up in the gayborhood. Justin is a hit at the art show and his work is "exquisite"! A tuna macaroni counseling session sends Brian on a mission to make amends with Michael. Lindsay and Melanie have a discussion about their in-house ...
5×08 Redefined Promiscuity
July 04, 2022 03:37 - 1 hour - 83.6 MBBrian and Brandon battle it out for the top spot at Babylon. Ben and Michael have very different approaches to dealing with Hunter's departure. Melanie and Lindsay try an in-house separation. Ken could never!! Justin deals with a ghost from our past, and Emmett has his own version of a stalker. We share a coming out story that gets a little intense. Please skip 48:00 to 49:45 if you need to. Other than that, E'Shel rants, Ken screams and faints, and we roll merrily along! Email us at ...
LDD Bonus Round
June 27, 2022 05:52 - 30 minutes - 27.8 MBWe are stalling. But we also have some news to share! In this bonus episode, we continue to work our way through your head canon questions, then spill some good tea at the end. We should be back to our regularly scheduled programming next week! You can find and support all things Liberty Diner Dish and The Pink Plate Special on Patreon http://www.patreon.com/libertydinerdish
QAF Head Canons – Part 1 of Many
June 20, 2022 04:47 - 24 minutes - 22.2 MBWe are switching things up at the Diner this week. Ken and E'Shel take a break to answer a few of your head canon questions. There are plenty more where these came from! Also, E'Shel thinks that Brian's other guilty pleasure is watching Sunshine sleep. But not in a creepy way! We are only mid-way through Season 5 so answers are limited to that time frame. Keep sending your questions! Find us on Patreon at http://www.patreon.com/libertydinerdish
5×07 Homo-Ineffectual
June 14, 2022 06:10 - 1 hour - 97.1 MBNews of a homophobic law, known as Proposition 14, arrives on Liberty Avenue. Ted seems to have forgotten how revenge works. Lindsay has a chance to reconcile with her parents. Justin makes some decisions about what he wants to do with his life. Michael and Brian finally reach the boiling point. E'Shel is somewhere in a corner crying. Ken is busy spreading scandalous rumors about Ron and Nancy at the Country Club.
5×06 A Real Couple
June 07, 2022 03:22 - 1 hour - 86.8 MBTed has a chance to get some revenge with a side of a little something!! Emmett pushes the boundaries and finds out just how queer the “Queer Guy” can be. Debbie finally finds her place – it looks kinda familiar! Ben and Michael face new parenting challenges as recent, and not so recent, events finally catch up to Hunter. A new face at Babylon threatens Brian’s reign. E’Shel decided to ignore the last five minutes of the episode. Ken is getting a new gym membership. Find us on Patreon!...
5×05 You Can’t Be Peter Pan Forever
May 30, 2022 03:31 - 1 hour - 102 MBThe custody circus continues with Melanie, Michael, and Lindsay. A newly minted Theodore (eventually) comes out of the sewers and back to the social scene. Brian has a situation that causes Justin to do an evaluation. We tried not to talk about it! Now that everyone at school knows Hunter's PRIVATE business, he's left to deal with the fallout. It was a drama filled one, but don't worry! There are lots of laughs here! This is one of our more self-indulgent podcast episodes, but we hope y...
5×04 It’s Complicated (but also Mon Amour!!)
May 24, 2022 01:21 - 1 hour - 109 MBSo, emotionally, this episode felt like five episodes. We were up, down, and ready to throw down! The diner isn't missing Debbie the way she hoped, but she still proves to be quite useful. Ted goes off to find happiness on an operating table. Hunter has to deal with the awfulness of high school and very immature parents. We're just gonna pass on the Novotny-Bruckners. Heavy. Sigh. Brian extends an olive branch, but also digs in his heels. There's a lot of drama and real life happenin...
5×03 Homogenized and De-Homo-ized
May 17, 2022 01:21 - 1 hour - 94.2 MBGet your popcorn bowl and your Liberty Diner Dish mug ready because this episode is serving! Debbie considers a different path, and a woman in need shows up at the diner. Emmett starts, loses, then secures his new gig as a very important queer person. Our favorite dynamic duo teams up to bring the boys back to Babylon. Michael, Lindsay, and Melanie engage in a game of limbo and we see just how low one of them can go. We'll say here that it's messy and a little sad, but it sure was entert...
5×02 The Queer Perspective
May 09, 2022 08:33 - 1 hour - 107 MBWe should probably start by saying there were bubbles and there was attitude. You can blame the champagne for the tangents, and a certain someone for the go-offs. Emmett dazzles his clients and gets a chance to step in front of the camera again. Fully clothed this time! Tired of the same old, same old, Ted starts working on a new look. Brian rebuilds Babylon, but the boys do not come. Michael challenges the custody arrangement he has with Melanie and Lindsay. Ken and E'Shel threaten vi...
5×01 The Ever-changing Kaleidoscope of Life
May 02, 2022 05:10 - 1 hour - 110 MBWe're tackling the first episode of Season Five of Queer As Folk and we can already see they are not going to go easy on us. Melanie and Lindsay have an announcement to make at their unsanctioned surprise 10th Anniversary party. Ben and Michael make new friends and then do some stuff that we have LOTS of words about. Ted's pastry habit helps him draw the eyes of a new suitor. Over at Debbie's, Carl is moving in and Emmett is moving out. Justin and RAGE are conquering Hollywood, but how w...
So… About Season Five
April 25, 2022 04:10 - 11 minutes - 10.3 MBWe here at Liberty Diner Dish have decided that we are not emotionally prepared to handle Season Five of Queer As Folk yet, so we're just going to hang out in the in-between for another week. Here's a short snippet from our Patreon vault to help you ease into Monday. Don't forget to send your headcanon questions to us at [email protected]! Find us on Patreon at http://www.patreon.com/libertydinerdish
Brian Kinney 4.0 with Erin
April 18, 2022 04:16 - 1 hour - 78.3 MBIn a season that exposed a lot of Brian's insecurities and fears, we also got to see his incredible capacity for growth and change. E'Shel and Erin chat about the continuing evolution of Brian 'Sex on Legs' Kinney. TRIGGER WARNING!!!! This episode contains a brief discussion about suicide (24:00-27:00ish). Skip a few minutes if you need to. There's still lots of good conversation that you won't miss out on! Erin's Podcast is It's A Fandom Thing, give it a listen!
Recap of Season Four of Queer As Folk
April 11, 2022 03:56 - 1 hour - 74.8 MBSeason Four was a ride! Ken and E'Shel sat down to try to relive it, but quickly realized it's near impossible to fit this season into one episode. All the growth! All the beauty of healing!! All the beef!!! Yeah, not enough words or time. Instead, here are some impromptu thoughts about some of the characters' journeys over the season, and a little bit about what Ken expects to see in the final season of Queer as Folk. One more note, Ken knows the Pink Posse is fictional, he's talking abo...
4×14 The Right Road All Along
April 04, 2022 03:29 - 2 hours - 114 MBIt's a wrap on Season Four and what a journey it has been! As the Liberty Riders make their way to the finish line, the newlyweds, Michael and Ben, have a bit of trouble at the border, which prompts Debbie to take a stand. Emmett and Ted lose their way, but eventually find the road that leads them home. How symbolic?! Brian has another setback, but determination, motivation, and a faithful friend see him through. Out in Hollywood, Rage the Movie gets a greenlight, and a new door is opene...
4×13 I Now Pronounce You
March 28, 2022 04:14 - 1 hour - 85.8 MBCarl wants to make an honest woman out of Debbie and it's so sweet! Melanie and Lindsay also make a decision about their future, but it's not so sweet. Emmett is serving fashion and friendship, joining Ted on the Liberty Ride as his support system. Justin flies to Hollywood and gets an introduction to the lifestyle of the young, rich, and famous. Michael and Ben rewrite Michael's fairytale. We are so happy for them!! The Liberty Ride begins and there's a surprise rider who happens to ha...
4×12 “The Talk”
March 21, 2022 03:52 - 1 hour - 82 MBKen and E'Shel are referring to this episode as The One With The Pulp. It'll make sense when you listen. We can all agree that it's been A LOT lately on Liberty Avenue. This 'slight pause' of an episode finds our characters in conversations regarding recent events. Melanie is winning all the awards for passive aggression. Hunter's future in-laws stop by for a parent to parent chat. Debbie gives Brian some words of wisdom from Vic. Emmett and Drew try to define their entanglement in their...
4×11 A Hard Spot
March 14, 2022 04:11 - 1 hour - 97.1 MBOf all the things this episode is giving, mixed-emotions are definitely at the top of the list! Brian has a few questions for a threat-throwing fund-raiser. Hunter is up to something, but it's not as taboo as Michael thinks. Or is it?? Debbie gets to work on operation 'I'll Take Your Man'. After shaking some paintings with Sam, Lindsay has to face the mirror and her partner. Emmett attends Drew's game, but the victory celebration doesn't go to plan. Ken is still waiting in a cheap motel...
4×10 Because I Wanted To
March 07, 2022 04:52 - 1 hour - 92.7 MBBrian is having a bit of a performance issue, but an unexpected office meeting helps get a rise out of Rage! Emmett is living Ken's best life! He also helps Ted continue to rack up the victories at work by putting a certain football player on Ted's radar. Lindsay and Ben are the co-captains of Team Too Much! E'Shel is trying to organize her thoughts about a certain storyline and Ken is filing a lawsuit against Emmett for identity theft. We chat briefly about bug-chasing, but please note ...
4×09 Eat Some F’king Chicken Soup
February 28, 2022 04:29 - 1 hour - 81.3 MBThe 'Big C' has Brian on the struggle bus, and his absence forces Ted to channel his inner Brian Kinney (as we all should from time to time). Emmett finds a new business partner and sets a football player straight (we stand by this word choice). Flattery is getting some people very far! We're looking at you Lindsay/Sam and Ben/Anthony. Justin 'Sunshine' Taylor serves up some chicken soup and some REALNESS!!!! Both are very satisfying! Ken is still glued to the screen watching a certain s...
4×08 My Boyfriend Has Cancer
February 21, 2022 04:15 - 1 hour - 102 MBLindsay finds inspiration in a mad man. A familiar face returns to help Debbie with her grief. Ben is tripping, Ted is counseling, and Emmett is orchestrating. Brian is back from his trip and putting up a good front. Justin overhears an informative message and a bunch of stuff happens. Ken and E'Shel do a bunch of heavy sighing and side-eyeing as a result.
4×07 Sometimes You Feel Like A Nut
February 14, 2022 05:22 - 1 hour - 91 MBEveryone is pretty much doing the most in this episode and not caring at all about our emotional capacity! The family attends Uncle Vic's funeral and we are not even hiding the fact that we are crying. Emmett goes to Ted to make amends. Debbie is preparing for the most perfect Christmas ever. In February. Hunter is acting out, Michael is doing Michael things, and Ted is not listening to us yelling at the screen. Brian gets some news about his health and has to make a big decision. But ...
4×06 Blood Is Thicker Than Marinara Sauce
February 07, 2022 04:17 - 1 hour - 91.1 MBMichael and Justin get some exciting news about RAGE. Ted continues working the steps of his program, but Emmett isn't here for it. Lindsay, taking Melanie's advice, attempts to use her powers of persuasion on a famous artist. Brian and Justin enter a wager and the results are not what we expected. Also, Ken and E'Shel talk about a million other things to avoid talking about a very big thing that happens in this one. Denial is bliss!!!
4×05 Gratuitous Man Sex
January 31, 2022 05:47 - 1 hour - 82.5 MBMelanie finds the serenity to accept the things she cannot change. Emmett and Debbie bond over loneliness and mint-chocolate chip ice cream. We still want that spinoff!! Cody takes Justin out for target practice, in more ways than one. There's some tough stuff to navigate in this episode and a million ways to look at things. Let's promise to still be friends afterward!
4×04 It’ll Heat Up
January 24, 2022 14:08 - 1 hour - 73.3 MBMichael and Ben brace for a home visit from Hunter's social worker. Meanwhile, Debbie is doing a little too much home visiting. Emmett is back in business, but can't seem to find a place to do his business. After a very Kinney pep-talk and an 80th birthday party, Ted finds his true calling. Melanie has a hard time seeing the bigger picture when a big change is made in her case. Justin and Cody are turning up the heat with Posse Business. E'Shel proposes a fix to this Pink Posse situatio...
4×03 A Pack of Trouble
January 17, 2022 04:13 - 1 hour - 70.7 MBSeason 4 is stressing us all the way out!!!! Vic decides it's time to leave Debbie's nest. Emmett feels a way about the gang's support for Ted. Brian finds a home for Kinnetik. Ted is building a new normal, but it's lacking the presence of familiar faces. Justin's involvement with Cody and the Pink Posse gets deeper (and kinda darker).