This summer, we’re getting a bold, new podcast. HIGHKEY!, the latest offering from Spoke Media and iHeartPodcasts is not just a podcast, it’s a cultural reset. Launching today, May 30 on iHeartMedia’s Outspoken Podcast Network, HIGHKEY! brings together three unapologetic, culture-shaping voices: political strategist and producer Ben O’Keefe, entertainment host and critic Ryan Mitchell, and drag icon Yvie Oddly. Together, they promise a weekly dose of unfiltered conversation where nothing’s off-limits and everything’s on the table.
The show brings in a whole lot of energy, diving headfirst into the intersections of pop culture, politics, identity, and internet chaos. But more than that, it’s a home for honesty. The kind of raw, hilarious, sometimes provocative conversations these three were already having behind the scenes, but now amplified and broadcasted for a community hungry for representation, realness, and joy.
Ben O’Keefe is no stranger to shifting the narrative. A Forbes 30 Under 30 honoree and Oscar-shortlisted producer, his resume includes writing for MTV’s Decoded, crafting campaigns for icons like Alicia Keys and Amazon Studios, and advising political leaders like Senator Elizabeth Warren. His work lives at the intersection of culture and change — and HIGHKEY! is the latest stage for his hot takes and hard truths.
Ryan Mitchell, a history-maker in their own right, became the NFL’s first LGBTQ+ brand ambassador. Known for their sharp wit and cultural fluency, Mitchell has led award show coverage for MTV, hosted Logo Live, and brought bold conversations to airwaves through their nationally syndicated radio show Let’s Go There. Whether critiquing pop culture or navigating identity politics, Mitchell is all heart — and all heat.
And Yvie Oddly, the avant-garde drag superstar who turned heads and snatched the crown on RuPaul’s Drag Race Season 11. With her rebellious fashion, pointed humor, and deep roots in music and visual art, Yvie’s no stranger to challenging the status quo. Now, with HIGHKEY!, she’s flipping the script on what fans think they know — bringing listeners into a deeper, more personal evolution of her voice.
The podcast isn’t just another roundtable of hot takes — it’s a space rooted in legacy, visibility, and joy. As Spoke Media’s Alia Tavakolian puts it, HIGHKEY! is “a space where everyone can belong.” With exclusive behind-the-scenes content, a private community chat, and the kind of chemistry you can’t fake, this trio is ready to disrupt the airwaves.
GLAAD chatted with Ben, Ryan, and Yvie to talk about everything from creative evolution to the group dynamic and why now, more than ever, HIGHKEY! is the show they’ve always wanted to make.
GLAAD: Let’s start at the beginning: How did HIGHKEY! come to life? What sparked the collaboration between the three of you?
Ben: HIGHKEY! has an interesting origin story. The show started as a conversation a couple years ago between me and our executive producer, Alia Tavakolian, about what we felt was missing from the podcast landscape at the time—Black queer voices and perspectives. We decided to make a show that changed that. A show I would host with the realness of a tipsy conversation at a party with my closest friends. We recorded a banger pilot about Karens with New York Times Bestseller Fred Joesph and TV writers Christy DeGallerie and Alex O’Keefe (also my twin brother). It was very cute, but when we went to shop it around, it became clear that the market was really looking for a fresh take on the talk show format.
Which is naturally why Ryan came into the equation shortly after. We needed a culture god—someone who knew everyone and knew it all when it came to culture and its impact. That was Ryan. I had admired Ryan’s work—and voice—for years, but we had never met. When we finally did, it was an instant “falling in love” moment. The chemistry was magic, and just like that, I had a partner in this thing.
But as we started developing the new show format together, we all felt the dynamic would be stronger with a third host. We did countless chemistry tests with so many incredible people—we’re talking reality stars like Mal Wright (who we love and is part of the family—you’ll see her on the show in the future!), other RuPaul’s Drag Race winners, and internet-famous names that would leave you gagged.
Then production said they wanted us to meet with Yvie Oddly. I remember saying, “I don’t see it.” I sure as hell see it now. She’s the little dose of chaos we didn’t know we needed—but I’m also really excited for everyone to see the beautiful brain and heart of Yvie. RuPaul’s Drag Race was just the very surface.
So, the tea is—we didn’t start as friends. We started as colleagues. And we became sisters. You’ll see and hear it in the show: you can’t fake this chemistry, and you can’t miss this love.
Also, we’re funny as hell. So there’s that too.
Ryan: Everything about this project felt cosmic. I met Travis Ballenger, a partner at Spoke, through a mutual friend, and we immediately connected on what we felt was missing in the audio space: candid conversations that challenge the way we think and center queer people of color. Once I met Ben and we thought of Yvie, it all just clicked right away, and I knew this was the project for me. I’ve worked in radio for years, and I was craving being back behind the mic, doing what I love. So when the synergy was right and I was brought on as co-creator, executive producer, and co-host, I couldn’t say no. And let me tell you, our energy together is electric.
Yvie: This whole podcast is Ben’s four-year-old brainchild, so he’s the best person to share the nitty-gritty origin story — including how he and Ryan first crossed paths. But I will say: when they came to me looking for a third co-parent in this increasingly complicated metaphor, I knew we were going to raise it right. We’re all radical, outspoken, and compassionate queers.
GLAAD: What makes HIGHKEY! different from other culture podcasts out right now?
Ryan: The beautiful thing about Black queer people is that we’re not a monolith. Each of us thinks about the world in our own way, and that’s what makes this podcast work. We each bring our own expertise and perspective to the table. HIGHKEY! isn’t about disrupting the conversation, it’s about leading it or adding to it in a meaningful way.
Ben: Ryan, Yvie, and I have a lived experience that is not often represented in mainstream media with major distributors like iHeart and Time Square billboards sponsored by Patreon. And I’m not only talking about being Black and queer.
We bring us to the show. And I think when folks watch or listen they will understand exactly what that means.
Yvie: There are plenty of great culture podcasts out there, but what makes HIGHKEY! truly special is how different Ben, Ryan, and I are from each other. Often our perspectives couldn’t be more at odds— and we definitely lean into that. We’re not afraid to end a conversation in disagreement, because we always start the next one with love.
GLAAD: Which host brings what to the table, and who stirs the pot the most?
Ryan: My superpower has always been saying what everyone’s thinking and making it accessible through smart, playful banter. Ben brings the heart — he’s not afraid to go deep and get emotional. And Yvie? Yvie is the reminder to embrace the chaos and keep it fun.
Ben: Yvie will definitely bring a healthy dose of chaos. She once showed up to an editorial meeting from the bathtub. EXPECT THE UNEXPECTED!
Ryan, brings a rigor and experience to this that makes the show work. The girl can host, you know what I’m saying? But Ryan also listens and you can always expect them to find the moment and highlight it in a way that makes you go, “Oh YEAH!”
And me, I think in way that surprised both my co-hosts I actually stir the pot a bit more than they expected. I call it good trouble. But I also bring a lot of feelings. I’m a Cancer sun, Aries moon (chile watch out if she comes out), and Cancer moon. I’m gonna get the girls trauma dumping if I have something to say about it.
Yvie: Ben is a nerd, Ryan is a diva, and I’m a sweet baby angel…
GLAAD: What episode topics or moments are you most excited (or nervous) for the world to hear?
Ryan: I’m really excited for people to get to know me in a new way. My online presence has always been a bit curated, and HIGHKEY! gives me the chance to be a little more raw and unfiltered. I’m especially excited for everyone to hear our guest interviews. I had the chance to do the first one, and I can’t wait for you all to fall in love with this icon all over again the way I did. I won’t give too much away, but she’s been a leader and champion for our community, and it was such a gift to sit down with her at this stage in her life.
Ben: The thing about our show is that we go deep. Don’t get me wrong—the show is called HIGHKEY! for a reason. It’s fun, it’s funny, and it’s all the things. But there are also moments where we get incredibly vulnerable and personal.
I always say: if you can make someone feel, you can inspire them to do just about anything. This show will make you feel—and that matters.
Because whether it’s culture, politics, or anything in between, it’s impossible to separate our identities and lived experiences from how we see the world around us.
And with that in mind, it also means we’re exposing ourselves to a lot of pushback, criticism, and judgment. I’m no stranger to that, given the work I’ve done as an activist, political voice, and public storyteller—but that doesn’t always make it easy. Still, I’d do it any day of the week.
I mean, I get to have an opinion for a living. What a gift.
Yvie: We talk about everything, but I feel like our best conversations come from some of the most challenging topics: Identity, Religion, Taylor Swift, etc.
GLAAD: All three of you exist at powerful intersections of race, queerness, and culture. How does that influence how you approach conversations on the podcast?
Ryan: I’ll never forget our pilot. We hadn’t even met in person yet, but the way we connected so quickly showed the power of what it means to exist at these intersections. We were able to get vulnerable with each other, challenge each other when needed, and create space for real talk. That’s what you can expect from us: a lot of oversharing and some honest, kitchen-table conversations.
Ben: I think the on-camera chemistry has always been undeniable, but at the end of the day, none of us are strangers to being on TV and in audio. That doesn’t mean the connection as humans was strong from day one—how could it be?
Ryan and I had developed a relationship on FaceTime and in chemistry tests and contract negotiations, and I had grown to feel like they were a soul friend. He’s someone who would always tell me like it is—even if I didn’t like the answer—but who would also always lift me up and make sure I celebrated myself. I would do anything for them.
But Yvie is a jetsetter and very unattached to her phone. We didn’t get a chance to connect instantly.
The turning point in that regard really came when we got to meet in person for the first time. We all came to LA to do the promotional shoot for the show. We shot with Erik Carter (who is AMAZING). Yvie and I came in from out of town, so we were staying at the same hotel and ended up taking a bunch of cab rides together. We had beautiful conversations. We shared a very similar upbringing. We shared other similarities (that are off-brand for me, but totally on-brand for Yvie) that surprised her. She surprised me. We surprised each other. We became friends.
We’ve shot a bunch of unreleased episodes to practice together, and every time we do it, I learn more about them. I look forward to years of getting to know more each week.
Yvie: We’re all Black and queer, so we innately understand what it means to feel like the “other.” And as public figures, we also recognize the responsibility that comes with visibility — to build something for those who’ve been othered, to speak honestly, and to meet people in their full humanity. Also we’re fun lol
GLAAD: How has your relationship with each other evolved during the production of this show?
Ryan: Oh honey, we’re still in it! We all work so differently, but the beautiful thing is we share the same why. We’re intentional about creating this space — not just for ourselves, but for the listeners. It’s always been about community, and that hasn’t changed.
Ben: I mean my dream guest is Oprah. She has inspired me since I was a young kid. She’s the reason a show like this is a dream come true to me. She was the dream. So to interview her would be indescribable.
Yvie: It’s been so interesting. We spent months in Zoom meetings — and let’s be real, no one is at their most charming while talking logistics online. But when I finally met Ben and Ryan in person, it all clicked. I genuinely love these weirdos, and I’m grateful for the time we’ve spent getting to know each other.
GLAAD: Who’s your dream guest to have on the pod?
Ryan: The queen of my heart and of daytime television: Whoopi Goldberg. She’s meant so much to me, and honestly, I want to be her when I grow up. The way she’s always carved out space for herself and created her own lane is endlessly inspiring. Plus, people only ever want to talk about Sister Act, when Call Me Claus is right there! Like, can we talk about her being the first Black woman Santa?!
Ben: I mean my dream guest is Oprah. She has inspired me since I was a young kid. She’s the reason a show like this is a dream come true to me. She was the dream. So to interview her would be indescribable.
Yvie: Honestly my dream guest is Ian McKellen. Unfortunately it probably wouldn’t make for a very entertaining episode, unless you’re into the sounds of jaws dropping, squeals, and cardiac arrest.
GLAAD: Ben, as someone who’s worked in both politics and entertainment spaces in media, how do those worlds collide, and sometimes clash, in the conversations you’re having?
Ben: Well, first of all, I’ll tell you this: everyone in Hollywood thinks political people are the coolest, and political folks wish they worked in Hollywood. For me, those two worlds have always been intertwined—because they are. That’s just how my work has always shown up.
That said, this isn’t a politics show—it’s a culture show. But culture is… inherently political.
I think Ryan and Yvie would both tell you that I have a special talent for turning a conversation about Real Housewives into a political commentary—or turning a sex joke into a moment of unexpected reflection.
What excites me most is having surprising conversations with the celebrities and public figures we interview. Yes, I’ll plug your movie. Yes, I’ll ask about the bill you sponsored. But I’m also going to go deeper. I want to have the conversation you wish you could have publicly—the one that really says something about who you are.
GLAAD: Yvie, you’ve always brought such a distinct, boundary-pushing style to drag and performance — how does stepping into the podcast space allow you to express yourself in ways that might surprise your fans?
Yvie: It’s funny — I don’t think anyone who knows me will be surprised that I’m joining this pod. I argued my way to the end of a whole reality TV competition (I won). Honestly, if anything, my fans can expect even more of the usual shenanigans — raw and unfiltered.
GLAAD: Ryan, you’ve been a consistent voice at the intersection of identity and entertainment. What are the gaps in visibility you still want to close through HIGHKEY!?
Ryan: Honestly, there’s still so much room to grow. For me, it’s about making sure the next generation, especially non-binary and trans voices of color, feel seen, heard, and valued. I want HIGHKEY! to be a reminder that you can exist in spaces that weren’t built for you, and you don’t have to change who you are to be part of the conversation. This platform isn’t just for me to share my perspective. It’s for all of us. It’s about creating a space where we can laugh, learn, and just be, and hopefully remind folks that it’s okay to take up space exactly as you are.
x
In addition to regular weekly episodes, there will be private community chats, exclusive bonus content, behind-the-scenes moments, and deeper dives into the most talked-about episodes through a new Patreon launching with the show. Be sure to check it out on iHeartPodcasts as it premieres Friday, May 30th, 2025!
