KITTENS: Iranian-American DJ Spinning Identity & Untraditional Love
Today’s guest is Lauren Abedini—aka KITTENS. She’s a powerhouse DJ, music producer, podcast host, creative strategist, and an unapologetic voice for intersectional feminism. With Iranian-American roots and a deep connection to her identity, Lauren has spent the last decade carving out space not just in music, but across fashion, beauty, and advocacy. Her influence is bold, intentional, and always evolving.In this episode, we get into all of it—her rise in the industry, what it means to take up space authentically, and how to empowering untraditional healthy relationships. So get cozy, stay open, and let’s get into it.Follow KITTENS, Lauren Abedini:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iamkittens/Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@iamkittensYoutube: https://www.youtube.com/@iamKITTENSFollow 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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Kelly Balch: Understanding Non-Binary, Two-Spirit & Going Beyond the Norms
Today’s guest is Kelly Balch—a queer, nonbinary artist, filmmaker, and intuitive storyteller whose work feels like both a mirror and a portal. With over 15 years behind the lens as a photographer and director, Kelly’s creates mediums for us to be seen and celebrated. From their mythic fantasy book series Aphrodite’s Sister, to their docuseries Beyond the Norms, Kelly weaves stories that celebrate identity and transformation.In this episode, we talk about their journey as a creator, how they channel emotion and authenticity into art, and what it means to live—and create—from a place of truth. So get comfy, stay open, and let's get into it.Follow Kelly Balch:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kellybalch/Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@kellybalchFollow 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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Matt McKenley: Growing Up In A Religious Household & Finding Your Voice
Matt McKenley is a model, actor, and content creator whose bold blend of fashion, beauty, and lifestyle has made waves across TikTok and Instagram. But beyond the aesthetic, Matt shares something much deeper—his journey of growing up gay in a religious household, the process of unlearning shame, and embracing his full, authentic self in both life and online.In this episode, we’re talking about what it really means to find your voice, show up for yourself unapologetically, and create content that empowers others. So get comfy, stay open, and let’s get into it.Follow Matt Mckenley:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mattmckenley/Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mattmckenleyFollow 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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Dominic Pérignon & Carter Nelson: Unpacking Trans Joy and Friendship
Hey everyone, welcome back to She Comes With Baggage! Where we unpack the real, unfiltered experiences that shape who we are. My hope is that through these deep conversations and laughs, we realize we’re all more alike than we are different.Today, I’m joined by two incredible guests, Dominic Pérignon and Carter Nelson—creators, storytellers, and passionate advocates for the trans community. Dominic shares authentic experiences through travel, fashion, and his series T-Time, while Carter, an actor in Grand Army and Dead End: Paranormal Park, uses his platform for photography and celebrating self-expression.In this episode, we’re diving into the power of friendship, navigating life as trans creators, and how Dom and Carter are using their voices to advocate for visibility and change. So, get comfy, stay open, and let’s get into it!Follow Dominic Pérignon:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lolhidominic/Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lolhidominicFollow Carter Nelson:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cnelson/Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@itscnelsonFollow 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
She Comes With Baggage Trailer
Season 2 of She Comes With Baggage is officially here. The season is going to look a little different as I, Kirstie Pike, am opening up the mic to friends and creatives who inspire me. I truly believe in the power of stories to connect us, heal us, and remind us that we are never alone in the baggage we carry. In a time when so many stories are being silenced or overlooked, it's up to us to create new spaces that amplify those stories that matter. My hope is that the conversations inspire more compassion for one another and for ourselves. Thank you for being a part of this journey...so get cozy, stay curious, and let's get into it! New episodes every Thursday! Follow on Instagram, Tiktok, and Youtube!
Kirstie Pike is back as your host for Season 2 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. Season 2 will 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."
Canada - english