In this episode, Gemma chats with Fey Tality, a dynamic aerialist and performer with a background in theater. Fey shares her love for storytelling through her aerial acts, focusing on building characters and weaving narratives into her performances. She also talks about Cat's Eye Cabaret, her monthly variety show that features a new theme each time, ranging from Buffy the Vampire Slayer and What We Do in the Shadows to Marvel and beyond. Plus, Fey gives us a glimpse into life with her two beloved cats, Dodger and Mr. Albus, and unravels the dynamic of their relationships.

Links:

• Follow Fey on IG: @rebecca.fey
• Follow Cats Eye Cabaret on IG: @catseyecabaret
• Tickets to 11/19 Cat's Eye Cabaret: Get tickets here!
• Plastic Reusable Wine Goblet

Get in Touch:

• Instagram: @tailsandtasselspod, @gemmasmithnyc
• Email us at TailsandTasselsPod@gmail.com
• Leave a comment below

Support the show

Logo by Logan Laveau

In this special bonus episode, we’re joined by Stephen Quandt, a Feline Training and Behavior Specialist and the expert behind Cat Behavior Help, to unravel the mysteries of feline behavior. Stephen offers a wealth of knowledge that every cat lover will find invaluable. Whether you’re dealing with a feisty feline or just curious about what makes your cat tick, this episode is packed with insights that will help you create a happier and healthier environment for your furry friend.

Stephen is a Feline Training and Behavior Specialist certified through the Animal Behavior Institute (ABI). He is a professional cat behaviorist with over 20 years of experience working with cats in private consultations, animal shelters such as Southampton Animal Shelter Foundation, Ready For Rescue, City Critters, the Wisconsin Humane Society, and the Animal Care Centers of NYC and in the field. He's also the author of the children's book "Happy Comes Home."

Links:

• Stephen's Website
• Follow Stephen on IG: @catbehaviorhelp
• Cat Amazing Puzzle (Email Stephen at support@catbehaviorhelp.com for the 15% discount code for any of their products)
• Get Stephen's Book: "Happy Comes Home"

Get in Touch:

• Instagram: @tailsandtasselspod, @gemmasmithnyc
• Come to the Catbaret on 10/31 in NYC!
• Email us at TailsandTasselsPod@gmail.com
• Leave a comment below

Support the show

Logo by Logan Laveau

In this episode, Gemma chats with Tabby Twitch, the friskiest feline in burlesque. She shares her journey of finding burlesque in the prime of her life and creating Prime, a show that celebrates performers at the height of their powers. With a background in both performing and producing, Tabby talks about her creative process, the empowerment of performing in your prime, and how she’s redefining what it means to own the stage at any age.

Links:

• More about Tabby Twitch: Website
• Follow Tabby on IG: @tabbytwitch
• Follow Kitten Coven on IG: @kitten.coven
• Get tickets to Prime on 11/6

Get in Touch:

• Instagram: @tailsandtasselspod, @gemmasmithnyc
• Come to the Catbaret on 10/31 in NYC!
• Email us at TailsandTasselsPod@gmail.com
• Leave a comment below

Support the show

Logo by Logan Laveau

In this episode, Gemma chats with Gatita Negra, a dynamic burlesque performer who began her journey in California, has performed internationally, and has now moved back to NYC. They dive into Gatita’s inspiration, creative process, and stage persona, which is deeply rooted in her Puerto Rican heritage. Gatita also shares how she’s renovating her new home, Moonset Maison, with her own black cat, Mafalda, and how the house aims to become a community space. Tune in to explore Gatita’s artistic evolution and her exciting new chapter in NYC with Mafalda by her side.

Links:

• Follow Gatita on IG: @_gatitanegra_ , @moonsetmaison
• Follow Gatita on TikTok: @gatita.negra, @moonsetmaison
• Cooling Mat for Kitties

Catsbury Park Cat Convention

• Saturday 10/5 11am-7pm at Bell Works in Holmdel New Jersey
• Get tickets here.

Get in Touch:

• Instagram: @tailsandtasselspod, @gemmasmithnyc
• Come to the Catbaret on 10/31 in NYC!
• Email us at TailsandTasselsPod@gmail.com
• Leave a comment below

Support the show

Logo by Logan Laveau

In this episode, Gemma chats with Pussy Leigh, a talented burlesque purr-former who is a regular at the Catbaret, Gemma's cat-themed variety show in NYC. They explore Pussy's journey in burlesque and developing cat-themed acts both as a solo performer and as part of her duo, Kitten Coven, with Tabby Twitch. Alongside her artistic journey, Pussy shares heartwarming stories about her two adorable cats, Conan and Gordon. She talks about her special rituals with her beloved kitties, including playtime, giving lots of love, and embracing the cat lady life. Tune in to hear about Pussy’s creative process and her very "cute life."

Links:

• More about Pussy Leigh: DLS Fitness
• Follow Kitten Coven on IG: @kitten.coven
• Follow Catbaret on IG: @catbaretshow
• Buy a cat tunnel!

Get in Touch:

• Instagram: @tailsandtasselspod, @gemmasmithnyc
• Come to the Catbaret on 10/31 in NYC!
• Email us at TailsandTasselsPod@gmail.com
• Leave a comment below

Support the show

Logo by Logan Laveau

In this episode, Gemma chats with Maria Bartolotta, a talented purr-former who is a regular at the Catbaret, a cat-themed variety show. They explore Maria’s journey in creating her solo show, I've Grown Plenty, Thanks, which recently premiered at the Hollywood Fringe Festival. With over a decade of versatile performance experience, Maria discusses how her art reflects real-life experiences and connects with audiences. Alongside her artistic journey, Maria shares stories about her beloved rescue kitty, Patches. Tune in to hear about Maria’s creative process and her life with her emotionally available feline friend.

Links:

• Follow Maria on IG: @maria_bartolotta_1
• Follow Maria on TikTok: @avemaria869
• What is a Korat Cat?
• Automatic Feeder with Cooler

Get in Touch:

• Instagram: @tailsandtasselspod, @gemmasmithnyc
• Come to the Catbaret on 10/31 in NYC!
• Email us at TailsandTasselsPod@gmail.com
• Leave a comment below

Support the show

Logo by Logan Laveau

Hello, kitty cats! Welcome to Tails and Tassels! I'm your host, Gemma Smith—manager at a Kitten Nursery by day and host of the Catbaret, a cat-themed variety show in NYC by night! In this introductory episode, I share a bit about my ins-purr-ration in creating this podcast, creative and burlesque journey and what YOU can expect as a listener.

Get ready to dive into the world of burlesque and nightlife performers, exploring their craft, their cats, and how these worlds intertwine. Expect tips for purr-formers and cat parents, plus bonus episodes with feline experts!

We’re launching with three episodes on October 3, with new episodes every other Thursday. Subscribe, rate, and review, and connect with us on Instagram @tailsandtasselspod.

Thank you for listening! I’m paws-itively delighted you’re here!

Links:

• Follow me on Instagram: @gemmasmithnyc, @tailsandtasselspod
• Follow Catbaret on Instagram: @catbareshow
• Come to the Catbaret on 10/31: Tickets
• Check out my link tree: Linktree/GemmaSmithNYC

Get in Touch:

I’d love to hear from you! What are you most excited to learn about on Tails and Tassels? Connect with me on Instagram, e-mail me at tailsandtasselspod@gmai..com or leave a comment!

Support the show

Logo by Logan Laveau

Hello, kitty cats! Welcome to Tails and Tassels! I'm your host, Gemma Smith—manager at a Kitten Nursery by day and host of the Catbaret by night!

In this podcast, we’ll dive into the world of burlesque and nightlife performers, exploring their craft, their cats, and how these worlds collide. Expect tips for purr-formers and cat parents, plus bonus episodes with feline experts!

We’re launching with three episodes on October 3, with new episodes every other Thursday. Subscribe, rate, and review, and connect with us on Instagram @tailsandtasselspod.

Thank you for listening! I’m paws-itively delighted you’re here!

Links:

• Follow me on Instagram: @gemmasmithnyc
• Follow Catbaret on Instagram: @catbareshow
• Come to the Catbaret on 10/31: Tickets
• Check out my link tree: Linktree/GemmaSmithNYC

Get in Touch:

I’d love to hear from you! What are you most excited to learn about on Tails and Tassels? Connect with me on Instagram or leave a comment!

Support the show

Logo by Logan Laveau