On the heels of announcing it is creating a new LGBTQ+ content vertical, iHeartMedia is partnering with MTV Entertainment Studios and World of Wonder to launch a new podcast that will be the official companion to the VH1 series “RuPaul’s Drag Race.” Hosted by comedian and author Loni Love and actor and comedian Alec Mapa, the show titled Squirrel Friends will recap each week’s episode.
The show will launch May 23 as “Drag Race All Stars” season seven debuts on Paramount+. Both Love and Mapa are familiar with the show having served as guest judges. On the podcast they will recap the episode and chat with drag queens from the TV series along with celebrities. New episodes will be released every Monday, covering the season and other key franchise moments in real time.
“Being a super fan of Drag Race, this podcast is a dream come true,” said Love in the announcement.
During last week’s IAB Podcast Upfront presentation, iHeartMedia executives announced that they planned to launch an LGBTQ+ content vertical this summer along the lines of its African American-focused Black Effect Podcast Network and the Hispanic-focused My Cultura.
“It’s a slate of incredible creators and we’re going to support and launch into podcasts in a much bigger way,” said Conal Byrne, CEO of iHeartMedia Digital Audio Group.