Today’s guest is Maartje Hensen (they/she) — an Amsterdam-based queer traveler, photographer, and author of The Pride Atlas. Soon-to-be coach and full-time storyteller, Maartje is known for their vibrant, fairytale-like imagery that captures the magic of queer joy and exploration. They’re embracing a new era, retiring the “girl boss” and leaning into “girl moss” — because, at the end of the day, we’re BEings, not doings.In this episode, Maartje opens up about:✅ Nonbinary identity and queerness beyond the binary✅ Queer fluidity and resisting societal constructs✅ Exploring kink culture and destigmatizing BDSM✅ Self-expression, joy, and living authentically as a queer creator🎧 Listen on Spotify, Apple & all major platforms ✨ New episodes launch every Thursday across all audio players and YouTubeFollow Maartje Hensen:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/maartjehensen/Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@maartje.hensen Follow She Comes With Baggage Podcast:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shecomeswithbaggage__Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@shecomeswithbaggage__Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@KirstiePike
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1:16:58
Madison Werner: Breaking Barriers in Beauty & Redefining Trans Visibility
Today’s guest is Madison Werner — a self-proclaimed “trans glam girl,” beauty content creator, and human rights activist. She made history as the first transgender face of a Covergirl campaign, and as a born-and-raised Jewish valley girl, she brings both sparkle and substance to everything she does.In this episode, Madison opens up about:✅ Living out loud in a world that hasn’t always made space for trans joy✅ Becoming the first transgender face of a Covergirl campaign✅ Navigating visibility, activism, and beauty✅ Finding empowerment through self-expression and communityFollow Madison WernerInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/madisonwerner/Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@madisonwern Follow She Comes With Baggage Podcast: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shecomeswithbaggage__Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@shecomeswithbaggage__Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@KirstiePike
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1:10:55
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1:10:55
Brooke Ventre - Pursuing Creativity and Community
Today’s guest is Brooke Ventre — a multifaceted creator with a deep passion for animals and the ocean. Beyond her creative pursuits, Brooke has acting credits in productions like “Girl Lost” (2016) and “Drib” (2017). On TikTok, she’s built a following of over 128,000 and 1.5 million likes, sharing content that reflects her authentic, fun-loving personality.In this episode, Brooke opens up about:Growing up and coming outLiving vegan and aligning lifestyle with valuesThe harmful effects of animal tourismBuilding community through creativity and authenticityFollow Brooke VentreInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/veganbeautyguru/Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@brookeventreFollow She Comes With Baggage Podcast: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shecomeswithbaggage__Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@shecomeswithbaggage__Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@KirstiePike
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45:44
Scott Frenzel: Redefining Pop, Mental Health & Breaking Gender Norms
Today’s guest is Scott Frenzel - a rising pop artist who first gained traction on TikTok and YouTube Shorts with his debut single “Sugar High”, which went viral as the number one song on YouTube Shorts with over a million fan-created videos. Since then, Scott has continued to captivate audiences with tracks like “Key Lime Pie” and “Streetlights”, blending catchy hooks, witty lyrics, and heartfelt storytelling. With a background in comedy and a passion for connection, he’s carving out a lane in pop that’s unapologetically inclusive, bold, and real.In this episode, Scott opens up about:✅ Pushing back against gender norms and being told he’s “too much”✅ His creative process and the stories behind his inclusive songs✅ Navigating mental health, anxiety, and depression while building a career✅ His journey from comedy content to becoming a pop star on the rise✅ Finding confidence in his voice, both on and off stageFollow Scott FrenzelInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/scott.frenzel/Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@scott.frenzelYoutube: https://www.youtube.com/@scottfrenzelFollow She Comes With Baggage Podcast: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shecomeswithbaggage__Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@shecomeswithbaggage__Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@KirstiePike
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1:03:30
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1:03:30
Blair Imani: Intersectionality of Bisexuality, Islam & Fearlessly Herself
Today’s guest is Blair Imani - a historian, educator, and the brilliant mind behind the viral web series Smarter In Seconds. She’s also an LA Times bestselling author of Read This to Get Smarter, and if you’ve ever seen her content, you know she has a one-of-a-kind way of breaking down big, complex ideas with clarity, color, and compassion. The New York Times called her delivery “perky” and “quirky,” but her scholarship runs deep, covering everything from race and gender studies to intersectionality and U.S. history.In this episode, Blair opens up about:Embracing her bisexual identity and the beauty of self-discoveryNavigating faith as a proud Muslim womanHow intersectionality shapes the way we live, learn, and connectReshaping education and activism through storytellingLiving with purpose and impact while staying true to who you areFollow Blair Imani:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/blairimani/Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@blairimani Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@blairimani Follow She Comes With Baggage Podcast: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shecomeswithbaggage__Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@shecomeswithbaggage__Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@KirstiePike
Kirstie Pike is your host of the original podcast, "She Comes With Baggage!" This season, she is not just unpacking her own stories - she is opening up the mic to feature incredible guests from all different backgrounds. From heartfelt moments to unfiltered truths, these guests will share their own experiences, and how they have leveraged their hardship with identity to create the success they have today. Tune in as we explore the raw and relatable sides of love, friendships, family dynamics, self-discovery, and the real, messy, beautiful parts of life & the baggage we all carry—this time with more voices, more stories, and more ways to connect. Each episode is designed to create connection and remind listeners they are never alone in their experiences. Through candid storytelling and heartfelt discussions, this season builds a stronger sense of community and empowers listeners to embrace their authentic selves.Get ready to unzip those emotional suitcases with Kirstie Pike, as the first episode is launching June 5th. Subscribe and follow She Comes with Baggage anywhere you listen or watch your podcasts, so you don’t miss out on the weekly episodes every Thursday. "This is your reminder: we’re more alike than we might realize. So get comfy, stay curious, and let’s get into it."
UK