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Tails and Tassels

Tails and Tassels

By: Gemma Smith
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About this listen

Hello, kitty cats! Welcome to Tails and Tassels. I’m your host, Gemma Smith. By day, I work in animal welfare, and by night, I host the Catbaret!, New York City's cat-themed variety show.


On this podcast, you’ll dive into the world of burlesque and nightlife performers—their craft, their cats, and how these two worlds collide. You’ll also get bonus episodes featuring feline experts answering your most curious, cat-centric questions.


New episodes drop every Thursday. If you like what you hear, please subscribe, rate, and review—and come join our cozy com-mew-nity on Instagram.

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


Get in Touch:

  • Instagram: @tailsandtasselspod, @gemmasmithnyc
  • Email us at TailsandTasselsPod@gmail.com
  • Leave a comment below
© 2026 Tails and Tassels
Art Entertainment & Performing Arts Social Sciences
Episodes
  • Cat Lady: The Real Labor of Rescue & Documentary Filmmaking with Megan Liz Smith
    Feb 19 2026

    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

    --

    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: @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

    Show More Show Less
    46 mins
  • Burlesque Wisdom and Backstage Stories with Fem Appeal
    Feb 5 2026

    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

    --

    🎭 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

    Show More Show Less
    1 hr and 3 mins
  • Aubvious: From Ballet to Burlesque (With Cats)
    Jan 22 2026

    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

    --

    🔗 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

    Show More Show Less
    35 mins
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