Free Spirits with Sparkle Sid
Vicurious Media
5.0from 3 ratings
- 17
- Episodes
- 3
- Ratings
- 2020
- First episode
About Free Spirits with Sparkle Sid
Can a campy personality with ideals from the 1970s expose today’s changing cultural landscape full of the Silent Celebs of today’s world that go unnoticed? Sparkle Sid is here to draw back the curtain on the Free Spirits and Humble Heroes of our future! ‘Free Spirits with Sparkle Sid’ is the first-ever documentary/variety style podcast that draws inspiration from shows like “Rowan and Martin’s Laugh-In,” “The $1.98 Beauty Show” and the “Sonny and Cher Comedy Hour,” promising an inspiring and uplifting award show designed to shine a light on those who will FINALLY receive the recognition they deserve. In every episode, there are SIDcom skits, batty banter and awards… Plus many other special surprises! Stay tuned, darlings and galpals!
- Publisher
- Vicurious Media
- Category
- arts · comedy · society & culture
- Language
- en
- Explicit
- No
- First episode
- 20 Aug 2020
- Latest episode
- 24 Dec 2020
Latest episodes
17 episodes in the feed.
24 Dec 2020
SEASON 2 PREVIEW: Full Version! ("Free Spirits with Sparkle Sid")
The complete, and FULL VERSION of our season 2 preview! See you January 21st, 2021 for Season 2 of “Free Spirits with Sparkle Sid”! (What’s next in the meantime? The thumbnail reveal on January 2nd, 2021!)
24 Dec 2020
SEASON 2 PREVIEW Part 2 (More "SIDcoms" and DEBUT Humble Hero Award presentation!)
We are BACK with the rest of our 2-part season 2 preview of “Free Spirits with Sparkle Sid”! Listen as we dive deeper into Sid’s amazing show business career, and when we present the VERY FIRST Humble Hero Award to the first recipient! Who could it be? Listen to find out! Miss our first part where we unveiled our NEW INTRO?! CLICK HERE for the full version of the preview, posted alongside this episode!
17 Dec 2020
SEASON 2 PREVIEW: Part 1 (“The SIDcom” and Intro Reveal!)
Hiya dear listeners! The final episode of “Super Funk-in Serious with Sparkle Sid” will be posted on Thursday, December 17th…But don’t you worry darlings and galpals! The podcast will be revived in a fresh new format and a new name… Stay tuned for the official announcement very soon!As we prepare some exciting things for season 2, I want to give you a little sneak preview of a regular segment we will introduce called “The SIDcom,” a condensed history, sketch-based introduction to a person or piece of media that inspires Sparkle Sid. It also captures the spirit of variety shows from the 70s and the sitcoms that he grew up with… hence the name! Just call me a Carol Burnett/Gary Colman mélange….One day, I will become the next Cher as I climb the podcast social ladder and find my Sonny Bono! I hope you enjoy this new segment as we incorporate it into a fully formed and fresh season that begins January 21st, 2021! I am “Super Funk-in” excited that you have joined me this season and hope you stick with us as we turn the focus onto the guest! And now… On to today's SIDcom!
10 Dec 2020
Season 2 SURPRISE PREVIEW- 'The Dossier'
SURPRISE! Please enjoy a little HOLIDAY SAMPLER tidbit from a recurring segment we will be introducing for season 2… The Dossier! Recently I had the privilege to virtually sit down with Patrick Joseph Boston (aka TRISSSH bish) to cheeky chat. We also taped a time-sensitive holiday-themed version of “The Dossier” where I show and tell photos of my favourite celebrities who have inspired Sid, but with a holiday slant! The Dossier will be a video-based bonus feature only accessed by Patreon subscribers… COMING SOON! INTERACT WITH SPARKLE SID CLOSET CONCERTS: A new episode of “Closet Concerts” debuts every Wednesday, the day before a new podcast episode! ABOUT THE PODCAST Links to Amazon products are associated with the Amazon Affiliate Program. Your purchase helps support the podcast!
26 Nov 2020
EPISODE 12: Books... Literally! with Dave Karp
Grab a Turkey leg and a good book… It’s time to get literary!On today’s episode of “Super Funk-in Serious,” Sparkle Sid talks to Dave Karp, a writer living in New York City. We met each other in 2008 here in Chicago as students at Columbia College Chicago, and our friendship lives in history as one of the most life-changing friendships in my life!As students, we fell in love with the books that made us the people who we are and wanted to share those with YOU, dear listeners! On today’s episode, we cheeky chat about our top 3 books, favorite authors and spent a good amount of time reminiscing about our friendship, sharing stories from our time living together! It gets a bit raunchy, so look out…Dave is another free spirit that I am glad to have as a friend, and I hope you enjoy this episode!
5 Nov 2020
EPISODE 11: Musicals with R Marshall
Dust off your Playbill collection! Today I am tackling the “Great White Way”… musical theater that is!Talking all things musical (from Broadway and beyond) is R Marshall, a Chicago-based writer, singer, actor, activist, storyteller, and co-pastor of Sanctuary, a virtual spiritual community committed to justice and intersectionality. Additionally, they are co-owner of Six Points Letterpress, a letterpress printing company, and the Lifestyle Editor for MTM Chicago. You may also recognize them as one of the many regulars at Musical Mondays at Sidetrack in Chicago, Illinois as the “loveable” Idina Menzel in “Let It Go” from Frozen! On today’s episode we dive into our top favourite musicals, the Broadway divas we wouldn’t mind spending time with on a desert island and much more! Now come along and listen to that “Lullaby of Broadway,” darlings!
29 Oct 2020
‘The Paul Lynde Halloween Special,’ A Celebration
“Boy George Without Makeup” will not be shown this evening to bring you something even more frightening…” “Hiya darlings and galpals! It’s Sparkle Sid… Well, someone had to be.As we approach Halloween in a year where events are uncertain as they started, one thing can be for certain: the media we get inspiration from as adolescents. One piece of important media to me growing up were those comedy specials in the 1970s. Think the Sonny and Cher Comedy Hour, the Brady Bunch Hour and the multitude of programs produced by Sid and Marty Kroft. If you have never seen these, I have provided links in the show notes to indulge while overcoming your seasonal depression as the snow begins to fall... I have one more suggestion for you today on the 44th anniversary of one particular special that comes to mind this season… ‘The Paul Lynde Halloween Special’!The Paul Lynde Halloween Special arose after a few failed attempts by ABC to highlight Paul Lynde’s grating sense of humour for a network television audience that were watching these types of shows at the time. Because he was always considered a secondary character rather than a leading man, you can tell in this special that he was recovering from the fragments of a fractured soul that he developed as a larger child growing up. He even emphasizes this fact in the opening monologue of the special about being “FAAAAAAAT.” Growing up as a queer kid in the 90s I felt I stood out a different way; attracted to the plastic set pieces and the flashing lightbulbs of game show sets, rather than the dramatic reality shows that played on channels like MTV that my peers were watching. I empathized with Paul’s woes as he navigated mainstream show business as a personality that was ‘just a little bit SPESHULLLL’. The audience knew he was gay. The people who worked with knew he was gay, but there was something kept hush hush about it in those times… Back to the special. It’s not the best, I have to admit. The special touts a very random all-star cast featuring actresses Margaret Hamilton as the Wicked Witch of the West, and Billie Hayes as Witchiepoo from H.R. Pufnstuf. Cameos include Donny and Marie Osmond, Florence Henderson, Betty White, and the television debut of KISS? The special is a confusing mix of writing (led by comedy newcomer Bruce Villanche) that attempted to relaunch the career of someone who was a minority to society at the time, and the special fails to gain momentum for this endeavor. In one of the special’s most confusing moments, he tries to be a truck driver AND a disco party host at the same time. Regardless of this, he is still obligated by the network to perform the song that highlighted his career: the cynical “Kids” from the musical Bye Bye Birdie set to a backdrop of flashing pumpkins and a plethora of gyrating dancers. The entire special was an irreverent feature of Paul Lynde’s capabilities as a leading man, and thus did not do as well as it should. That and, do you know anyone else who received the tail end of holidays to celebrate for a variety special? The special culminates into a stiff rendition of the song “Disco Baby” before Lynde closes the show with one of the most genuine words I have ever heard in a TV special… As times change and queer people are more visible in TV, we must not forget those who attempted to break down barriers in show business before us. We must appreciate and celebrate the failed attempts of our predecessors. The smaller players that helped build our communities up need a light shined on their achievements. Consider the Paul Lynde Halloween Special as a lesson about living with a vengeance; meaning, learning from the mistakes of those before us to propel ourselves in order to maximize the Star Power that we all have inside of us to succeed! And sometimes, we just need the encouragement from those around us to motivate us and carry on… With that being said, after our episode about musicals next week with the fabulous R Marshall, the podcast will be changing a bit. As someone who has been interviewing people he admires in his life, Sparkle Sid wants to turn the tables. That’s right… I am be inviting YOU, dear listeners, to be a part of the show! Do you admire someone you know and want the world to know who they are? Or do you just want to gush about a celebrity crush on our show? Sparkle Sid is here to help! Think of our show as a mix between the shows This is Your Life, Queen for a Day, and the $1.98 Beauty Show where your “quiet heroes” will finally get the credit they deserve! Who are the people in media that have inspired YOU? I want to know! Send me an email at sparklesid@vicuriousmedia.com to have your hero and yourself as a guest on the show! With that being said, dear listeners, I wish you a happy and safe Halloween, and want you at your very best self. As for the show, I hope we have been a ‘howling’ success so far!See you next week, darlings and galpals, bye!
22 Oct 2020
EPISODE 10: Fred Rogers with Pam Dyson
It’s a beautiful day in the neighborhood… But what is that guy doing in the alleyway?!Fred Rogers seemed to be born with a single mission: To educate, motivate and uplift the children of his era to become better citizens through the power of television. His show “Mister Rogers Neighborhood” was one of the earliest programs to withstand the loud, active children’s shows of the 1960s, with his slow show pacing and gentle teachings using the Land of Make Believe. His values and beliefs remain more pertinent than ever in an uncertain time prior to an election, and I feel we should all learn about the kindness, mindfulness and empathy that is badly needed in these times. Sadly he passed away in 2003 just one month shy of his 75th birthday, leading the way for those inspired by his message. What would Fred say about the main players of the year 2020 if he were alive? Here to talk about the legacy of Fred Rogers is Pam Dyson, a retired play therapist currently living in Nashville, Tennessee. She used some of Fred’s findings in her practice and still continues to be a fan to this day by sharing his philosophies with her grandchildren. She also used them in her parenting as she raised her daughter Emilie and her son… yours truly! On today’s episode, we cheeky chat about our favourite Fred Rogers philosophies, our reactions to the documentary ‘Won’t You Be My Neighbor?,” what Mr. McFeeley is up to these days, and so much more!A “Speedy Delivery!” of an episode begins right now dear darlings and galpals. Now won’t you be my neighbor?! FURTHER READINGARTICLE: What We Can Continue to Learn from Fred Rogers: Nurturing KindnessWon’t You Be My Neighbor (DVD)Mister Rogers' Neighborhood (60 Episode Collection) INTERACT WITH PAM Pam Dyson Play Therapy (Website with social links) OCTOBER INSTAGRAM GIVEAWAY INFO INTERACT WITH SPARKLE SID CLOSET CONCERTS: A new episode of “Closet Concerts” debuts every Wednesday, the day before a new podcast episode! DOWNLOAD THE THEME SONG Ted Gärdestad- Jag ska fånga en ängel SHOW CREDITS Links to Amazon products are associated with the Amazon Affiliate Program. Your purchase helps support the podcast!
15 Oct 2020
EPISODE 9: Art Deco with Jonathan Alexander
Um, I’m addicted to glamour. Luxury. Exuberance. Glamour. What design style comes to mind? Art Deco, of course! Art Deco is a style of design that emerged in Paris, France in the early 1920s that sought to idealize good design that was influenced by the industrial age that came before it. The style permeated interiors, print design, architecture and so much more of American culture that it has influenced artists to this day and original works are sought after by collectors.
8 Oct 2020
EPISODE 8: That Thing You Do with Bruce Dyson
Hiya darlings and galpals! Today we are celebrating a film anniversary this week! What happens when you put four high schoolers together from Erie, Pennsylvania to start a band but they’re nowhere near ready for the star status they become? There’s a movie just like this with lots of comedic moments that culminates into lots of one-liners, sarcastic humor and a band that just can’t quite write another song. Oh and did I mention this is set in the 1960s, at the height of the Beatles craze and the band is managed by a younger Tom Hanks in his directorial debut?! Yes, I am talking about the film “That Thing You Do!” which debuted October 4th, 1996! Here to talk to me celebrate is the man who introduced me to the film: my own father, Bruce Dyson! Bruce is currently enjoying retirement in the Nashville, Tennessee area to be near his grandkids, my sister and hubby. His love of comedy shows like Saturday Night Live permeated my childhood and am grateful to have been exposed to such genius at a younger age that I couldn’t ask for a better guest to cheeky chat with me! On this episode we talk about our favourite lines and characters from the movie, moments from the extended director’s cut, and trickle in the trivia throughout the show! That and so much more! And for you? Semper fi.
1 Oct 2020
EPISODE 7- ABBA:Gold with Elizabeth Vincentelli
“There’s not a soul out there… NO ONE TO HEAR MY PRAYER.”Or is there…? Darlings and galpals: Today is the day we finally talk about the group Sid is ALWAYS talking about! On today’s episode, I celebrate the album that got me hooked on the Honorary Swedish Royal Family. Let’s see if you can figure out who I am talking about before I say their name… When Agnetha, Benny, Bjorn and Anni-Frid began a pop group more than 50 years ago, little did they know their legacy would spawn a musical, movies and an upcoming “outta this world” avatar reunion tour in 2021. But what happened between the time the “little pop group that could” broke up to the present day, where it’s easier than ever to admit their love for their music? A greatest hits album came out that started a revival of the group, and as a result started a revolution that continues to this day! YES, I am talking about THOSE Suedes… A, B, B, A.ABBA! The album? “ABBA:Gold”! Talking to me about that very greatest hits album is Elizabeth Vincentelli, author of the album companion book released as part of the 33 1/3 book series. She is currently a freelance author and journalist living in Brooklyn, New York. On this episode, we talk about the fan community before and after “ABBA: Gold” came out, our favourite ABBA songs from the album, and gab about SO MUCH more! ABBA has been an influential group during my adolescence, and I hope this episode convinces to become the Dancing Queen I see inside of you! :) SONGS FEATURED IN EPISODE (Alphabetical)ChiquititaGimme! Gimme! Gimme! (A Man After Midnight)Knowing Me, Knowing YouS.O.S.Super TrouperWaterloo INTERACT WITH ELIZABETH VINCENTELLI WEBSITETWITTERINTERACT WITH SPARKLE SID CLOSET CONCERTS: A new episode of “Closet Concerts” debuts every Wednesday, the day before a new podcast episode! OCTOBER INSTAGRAM GIVEAWAY INFO DOWNLOAD THE THEME SONG Ted Gärdestad- Jag ska fånga en ängel
24 Sept 2020
EPISODE 6: RuPaul's Drag Race with Sarah Jamieson
Hey Kitty Girls! Welcome to another episode of “Super Funk-in Serious with Sparkle Sid”… THAT’S ME! Today we dive into ALL THINGS DRAG: But most notably the reality TV competition show RuPaul’s Drag Race, currently on VH1. The show has grown in popularity since its season 1 filter hasn’t it? The show is EVERYWHERE! It has commanded various spinoffs, live shows and a community of superfans that religiously watch the show and attend meet-and-greets with their favourite contestants at local establishments. Recently the show has received backlash about its approach to gender identity and transgender expression on the show. Despite all those problems, I still watch the show religiously with friends to this very day! Joining me in this love/hate journey is Sarah Jamieson, a drag performer living in St. Louis, Missouri. Locals know her as the ‘Skinniest bitch in the biz”: Helena Handbag! As someone who has seen how far they have come, I cannot be excited for the changes that are currently happening in her life! Follow along with her journey on her YouTube channel, listed in the show notes. WATCH HER VIDEO ON RUPAUL’S DRAG RACE:”RuPaul’s Frack Race” On this episode we talk about our favourite moments from the show, controversies surrounding the show after its mainstream success, the importance of supporting your local drag communities, and much more! Enjoy, darlings and galpals! And in the words of RuPaul… “YOU BETTA WORK!” This episode is dedicated to the memory of Chi Chi DeVayne. INTERACT WITH OUR GUEST Helena Handbag on Instagram: @helena__handbagHelena Handbag on Twitter: @Helena__HandbagSarah Rose Jamieson on YouTubeNot Ready for Quarantine Players- MOVIE SCRIPT READINGS INTERACT WITH SPARKLE SID: CLICK HERECLOSET CONCERTS: A new episode of “Closet Concerts” debuts every Wednesday, the day before a new podcast episode!
17 Sept 2020
EPISODE 5: A Birthday XanaTWOfer: Xanadu with Don Fields and Derek Bishop
A double interview episode about my favourite movie of all time... XANADU!
10 Sept 2020
Episode 4: Disney Afternoon with Daniel Bahner
“Step right up and come on in… Here’s where the fun begins! Today’s episode celebrates the 30th anniversary of The Disney Afternoon, a chunk of high-quality cartoons produced by Disney for syndication on local channels from 1990-1997. Shows like “Duck Tales,” “The Adventures of the Gummi Bears,” and “Tale Spin” gained a cult-like following that has led to spin-offs, films and even revivals! My own personal memories include the Disney Afternoon Soundtrack and playing dress-up to songs like “Friends for Life,” “Monkey in Your Tank” and many AMAZING theme songs like the title track for the lineup… Something I still do to this day! My guest this week is Daniel Bahner (https://www.instagram.com/jediprincess519/), a Disney fan and jedi princess living in Chicago, Illinois. We talk in depth about our favourite songs from the soundtrack and dive into reacting to the Disney Afternoon live show that played at various Disney Parks. Darlings and gal pals… Sparkle Sid has been busy (just a little busy) bringing you another episode of “Super Funk-In Serious”! ENJOY!” MEDIA MENTIONED IN THE SHOW Disney Afternoon Soundtrack (https://open.spotify.com/playlist/2USIzN9CcLO6TPxZUkY4r0?si=9K-HvjfEQ4GIUgyPFFd3kQ) Disney Afternoon Show at Mickey's Starland 1991 - Disney World 20th (with Roger Rabbit) (https://youtu.be/gM4I4axcDfs) INTERACT WITH OUR GUEST Daniel on Instagram: @jediprincess519 (https://www.instagram.com/jediprincess519/) INTERACT WITH SPARKLE SID: CLICK HERE (https://youtu.be/gM4I4axcDfs)CLOSET CONCERTS (https://www.youtube.com/watch?list=PL8PymniGbz5Om-khFV-xIU6WoJTJrC85K&v=LgPoXRK2Vck): A new episode of “Closet Concerts” debuts every Wednesday, the day before a new podcast episode!
3 Sept 2020
Episode 3: Eurovision 101 with Samantha Ross
Today we kick-start our regular series of episodes about the Eurovision Song Contest! For those unfamiliar, consider this your “Eurovision 101” lesson to get you caught up on the SIXTY+ history of ‘Europe’s Favourite TV Show’!
27 Aug 2020
Episode 2: Growing up Game Shows with Adam Wurtzel
Game show video collections, Match Game/Hollywood Squares Hour, Bob Eubanks and more!
20 Aug 2020
EPISODE 1: Is Sparkle Sid Left-Handed?!
In anticipation of next week’s debut of “Super Funk-In Serious with Sparkle Sid,” Sid reveals his motivation and intention for creating the podcast. “Super Funk-In Serious with Sparkle Sid” launches August 27th, 2020! Subscribe via iTunes, Spotify and where ever you catch your pods!Welcome, darlings and galpals! :)
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