Alaska (on Drag Race, Joan Rivers, Margaret Cho, & New Comedy Special)

Alaska steps Behind The Rope. Yes, Alaska Thunderf**k in all her glory. We start with a brief chat with Alaska about how and why she started doing drag, her fashion inspirations for Alaska’s unique style and makeup and the origins of her infamous name. Alaska opens up about being rejected from Drag Race seasons one through four before finally being given a coveted spot by Ru in season five. Alaska discussed what she feels was different with her drag by season five in order to be chosen as one of Ru’s gals, the reality of the show versus what we all see on TV each week and her runner up status - damn you Jinkx Monsoon. All worked out with Alaska’s runner up status because she returned a few years later for All Stars 2 and this time she won. We delve into the public criticism Alaska received after her win and time on All Stars, the effects of social media on anyone in the public eye and how she moved on from there. One of the ways she moved on was comedy and that comedy included her All Stars Reunion leg toss based on the original iconic leg toss by our very own RHONY’s Queen Aviva Dresher. Of course, we need all the details about the decision to recreate this brilliantly classic moment! Speaking of Bravo, Alaska discusses her appearance on Watch What Happens Live with former Rope guests Peppermint and Trinity, Andy Cohen and the other “guests” that night. Now Alaska has first ever comedy special she is here to chat about called “The Alaska Thudnerf**k Extra Special Comedy Special”. Alaska discussed her comedic inspirations - Joan Rivers, Phyllis Diller and Margaret Cho (who is also part of the special), her decision to put this out in a social climate different than when it was originally committed to, the good and bad of cancel culture, what a comedic legend like Joan Rivers would say if she were alive today about cancel culture, and just what is up next for this Comedy Queen, no pun intended, herself. One thing we know for sure, she is busy with her “day job” hosting the hilarious “Race Chaser” podcast with Willam. Bonus Episodes Available at - https://www.patreon.com/behindthevelvetrope This episode is brought to you by https://www.storyworth.com/velvet ($10 off First Purchase) This Episode is brought to you by Apostrophe https://www.apostrophe.com/pod/VELVET/ ($15 off First Visit) Merch Available at - https://www.teepublic.com/stores/behind-the-velvet-rope?ref_id=13198 See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices