Looking for a cat-themed event? 🐱🎭
Catbaret is NYC’s cat-themed variety show featuring comedy, music, and burlesque – with in-person and virtual shows throughout the year.
Learn more at CatbaretShow.com

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Burlesque performer, producer, podcaster, and founder of the Silver Tusk Awards, Viktor Devonne joins me for a thoughtful conversation about his creative life in burlesque.

With over two decades as an artist and nearly 300 episodes of his podcast We Burlesque, Viktor has dedicated himself not only to performing, but to documenting, spotlighting, and supporting the ecosystem of burlesque through interviews, festivals, and awards.

We talk about his early Rocky Horror influences, navigating the industry, producing responsibly in a small creative community, and what it means to stay engaged in the work over time.

And of course, we talk about Samuel — his very handsome senior rescue cat — whose story includes a dramatic street rescue including a mouse-related emergency.

🎭 Connect with Viktor

• Instagram: @viktordevonne
• We Burlesque: @weburlesque
• Silver Tusk Awards: @silvertuskawards
• Listen to We Burlesque wherever you stream podcasts.

🏆Projects Mentioned

• We Burlesque Podcast – Nearly 300 episodes chronicling performers and producers across the burlesque world
• Silver Tusk Awards – An annual celebration spotlighting burlesque talent and contribution

🐱 Stay Connected:

• Follow Tails and Tassels on Instagram: @tailsandtasselspod
• Follow Catbaret on Instagram: @catbaretshow

Got a question or a story about your cat? 🐱 I’d love to hear from you! Message me on Instagram or email tailsandtasselspod@gmail.com.

If you enjoyed this episode, subscribe, leave a review, or share it with a fellow cat person. It truly helps this indie show grow.

Support the show

Logo by Logan Laveau

Looking for a cat-themed event? 🐱🎭
Catbaret is NYC’s cat-themed variety show featuring comedy, music, and burlesque – with in-person and virtual shows throughout the year.
Learn more at CatbaretShow.com

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Connect with Weruva

• Instagram: @weruva
• Website: weruva.com

Weruva + Episode Resources

• Weruva Wx Low Phos
• Weruva’s NEW Pantry Purrs
• Squirrelarina Bianca TikTok
• AAFCO
• Merv the Cat
• Feminist Kitty
• Cat Glasses

Stay Connected with Tails and Tassels

• Follow Tails and Tassels: @tailsandtasselspod
• Follow Catbaret: @catbaretshow

Got a question or a story about your cat? I’d love to hear from you.
Message me on Instagram or email tailsandtasselspod@gmail.com.

If you enjoyed this episode, subscribe, leave a review, or share it with a fellow cat person. It truly helps this indie show grow.

Support the show

Logo by Logan Laveau

Looking for a cat-themed event? 🐱🎭
Catbaret is NYC’s cat-themed variety show featuring comedy, music, and burlesque – with in-person and virtual shows throughout the year.
Learn more at CatbaretShow.com

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Filmmaker and journalist Megan Liz Smith joins me to talk about her short documentary Cat Lady, a moving portrait of an independent rescuer in South Florida.

We discuss the emotional and physical labor of caring for community cats, what it means to document someone’s life with dignity, and how storytelling can shine a light on often-invisible work.

Of course, we also talk about her orange soul cat Jack, fostering, prescription food struggles, and a toy your cats might go absolutely wild for.

Watch & Follow Megan

• Instagram: @meganlizsmith
• YouTube: Megan Liz Smith
• Watch Cat Lady on Megan’s YouTube channel

Resources & Mentions

• Royal Canin SO Prescription Food – Discussed in relation to male cat urinary health
• Self-Heating Cat Beds – A cozy option for winter months
• Cat Dancer Wire Toy – A simple, affordable toy that sparks serious play
• Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) – Check your local animal services or rescue organizations for community cat programs near you
• Girls and Their Cats - Cat Lady Home Tours

🐱 Stay Connected:

• Follow Tails and Tassels on Instagram: @tailsandtasselspod
• Follow Catbaret on Instagram: @catbaretshow

Got a question or a story about your cat? 🐱 I’d love to hear from you! Message me on Instagram or email tailsandtasselspod@gmail.com.

Got a question or a story about your cat? I’d love to hear from you.
Message me on Instagram or email tailsandtasselspod@gmail.com.

If you enjoyed this episode, subscribe, leave a review, or share it with a fellow cat person. It truly helps this indie show grow.

Support the show

Logo by Logan Laveau

Looking for a cat-themed event? 🐱🎭
Catbaret is NYC’s cat-themed variety show featuring comedy, music, and burlesque – with in-person and virtual shows throughout the year.
Learn more at CatbaretShow.com

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🎭 Connect with Fem on Instagram: @theladyappeal

🔗 Resources & Mentions

• See Fem in action 2/6 - Johnny Caligula’s Twin Peaks–themed birthday burlesque show featuring Fem Appeal
• Kitty Nights – Weekly burlesque and variety show founded and produced by Fem Appeal, mentioned in this New York Times article
• Slipper Room – NYC nightlife and performance venue
• Galapagos Art Space – Former Williamsburg performance space now in Detroit
• Helsinki Burlesque Festival
• Jo Weldon’s New York School of Burlesque

🐱 Stay Connected:

• Follow Tails and Tassels on Instagram: @tailsandtasselspod
• Follow Catbaret on Instagram: @catbaretshow

Got a question or a story about your cat? 🐱 I’d love to hear from you! Message me on Instagram or email tailsandtasselspod@gmail.com.

Support the show

Logo by Logan Laveau

Looking for a cat-themed event? 🐱🎭
Catbaret is NYC’s cat-themed variety show featuring comedy, music, and burlesque – with in-person and virtual shows throughout the year.
Learn more at CatbaretShow.com

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🔗 Resources & Mentions

• Whirly Burly Brunch – Aubvious's monthly burlesque brunch at The Whirling Tiger
• The Bizarre Bazaar – Louisville-based burlesque and variety production company
• Crestview Studios – Dance classes in Louisville
• Bourbon Barrel Foods – Yoga and community events

🎭 Connect with Aubvious:

• Instagram: @aubvious_
• Website: movewithaubrielle.com

🐱 Stay Connected:

• Follow Tails and Tassels on Instagram: @tailsandtasselspod
• Follow Catbaret on Instagram: @catbaretshow

Got a question or a story about your cat? 🐱 I’d love to hear from you! Message me on Instagram or email tailsandtasselspod@gmail.com.

Support the show

Logo by Logan Laveau

Looking for a cat-themed event? 🐱🎭
Catbaret is NYC’s cat-themed variety show featuring comedy, music, and burlesque – with in-person and virtual shows throughout the year.
Learn more at CatbaretShow.com

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In this New Year solo episode of Tails & Tassels, I’m reflecting on five lessons my cats, Lion-o and Luna, taught me in 2025 – and how I’m carrying those lessons into the year ahead.

Instead of resolutions or pressure to reinvent yourself, this episode is about rest, boundaries, consistency, play, and knowing when it’s time to walk away. These quiet lessons shaped a big transitional year for me and are guiding how I’m approaching 2026 with more ease, intention, and sustainability – both creatively and personally.

If you’re a creative, a cat parent, or someone craving a softer start to the New Year, this episode is for you.

Stay Connected:

• Follow Tails and Tassels on Instagram: @tailsandtasselspod
• Follow Catbaret on Instagram: @catbaretshow
• Visit Catbaret’s website: catbaretshow.com

Got a question or a story about your cat? 🐱 I’d love to hear from you! Message me on Instagram or email tailsandtasselspod@gmail.com.

Support the show

Logo by Logan Laveau

Looking for something fun and cat-themed? 🐱🎭
Catbaret is NYC’s cat-themed variety show featuring comedy, music & burlesque – with in-person and virtual shows throughout the year.
Learn more at CatbaretShow.com

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Marketing your creative work doesn’t have to mean burning out, posting every day, or trying to “beat” the algorithm.

In this episode of Tails & Tassels, Gemma Smith chats with Harris Baker, founder of Catfluence, about low-stress, realistic ways creatives can grow an audience online — even if marketing isn’t your favorite part of the process.

Harris is a digital marketer and SEO specialist who’s built Catfluence into a thriving cat-creator community, spotlighting everyone from celebrities and athletes with cats to everyday creators just getting started. Together, we talk about how cat-loving creatives, performers, and artists can show up online with more intention and a lot less pressure.

Whether you’re a burlesque performer, show producer, podcaster, visual artist, or just a creative with a cat who wants your work to be seen, this episode is packed with practical ideas you can actually use.

🔗 Resources & Tools Mentioned

• Buffer – Social media scheduling tool for cross-posting content
• Hootsuite – Social media management and scheduling platform
• Ahrefs – Keyword research and SEO analytics tool
• SEMrush – SEO insights and keyword research
• Canva – Create simple media / brand kits for pitching brands
• Google AdSense – Display ads for passive income on blogs
• Bluetooth camera clicker / remote – Helpful for filming solo or working with pets
• Ring light + tripod – with a Bluetooth remote

Connect with Harris:

• Catfluence: @Catfluence on Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, Facebook
• Catfluence Website
• Harris Baker: @harris_baker on Instagram
• Elliot & Olivia: @elliot_and_olivia on Instagram

Connect with Us:

• Follow us on Instagram: @tailsandtasselspod
• Follow Catbaret on Instagram: @catbaretshow
• Email: tailsandtasselspod@gmail.com

Subscribe & Review:

Follow Tails & Tassels on your favorite podcast app, & if you enjoy

Support the show

Logo by Logan Laveau

The Holiday Gift Guide Episode Is Here!

This week, I’m sharing my newly refreshed Holiday Gift Guide for Creatives and Their Cats — a curated list of tools, treats, small creators, and enrichment toys I actually use and love.

👉 Explore the full guide (with photos!) on the blog here.

Resources & Links (mentioned in the episode)

• Felis Lux Prey Wand Toy – Beautiful, sturdy wand toy Lion-o and Luna absolutely love. Special Listener Offer: Use code TASSEL50 for 50% off your first order at Felis Lux (works on one-time purchases and subscriptions)
• Passion Planner
• Leopard Print Suitcase Set
• Leopard Print Packing Cubes
• Stila Stay-All-Day Liquid Lip in Beso
• The Burlesque Handbook by Jo Weldon
• Weruva Wx Phos Focused Tuna Lickable Treats
• Sustainably Yours Litter
• The Refined Feline Lotus Cat Tower
• Cosmic Fit Club with Fortune Cookie
• Photography Sessions with El Jong
• GiGi Holliday – Burlesque classes and Auntease Knows Best 1:1 sessions (Correction for clarity: GiGi is the #8 most influential burlesque performer in the world — the episode mentions a different number.)
• Sterling “TrapKing” Davis Merch – Shirts and gear supporting TNR and community cat advocacy plus a membership to his patreon

Experiences as Gifts

• Tickets to Books & Burlesque (Caveat NYC)
• Tickets to Show Me Your Kitties Cabaret (Long Beach, CA)
• A night out at your favorite local variety or burlesque show
• And of course… the next Catbaret March 5th in NYC and Livestream

💌 Connect with Us:

• Follow us on Instagram: @tailsandtasselspod
• Email: tailsandtasselspod@gmail.com

Looking for something fun and cat-themed? 🐱🎭
Catbaret is NYC’s cat-themed variety show featuring comedy, music, and burlesque – with in-person and virtual shows throughout the year.
Learn more at CatbaretShow.com

Support the show

Logo by Logan Laveau