Metrosource NY - FEB/MAR 2021

WE CAN ALL AGREE THAT 2020 WAS NOT THE BEST FOR THE MINORITY COMMUNITIES OF THE NATION… flagrant hate speech and disrespect became commonplace towards the LGBTQ, female, and black communities. A glimmer of light, mixed with humor, that has christened us into 2021 comes from the perfectly manicured stylings of RuPaul’s Drag Race fan favorite, Miz Cracker, the Matzo Mama herself.

Inspired by a chance meeting with Bob the Drag Queen in the streets of New York during a blizzardly night, Miz Cracker’s early drag would appear at marches for equality in Times Square. Her drag, partnered with her winning wit, would land her a spot in the top five of Drag Race Season 10 and the top three of All Stars Season 5.

When COVID put a stop to her North American Tour of her oneperson show, She’s A Woman, she went to work in a different way. During the holiday season, she released two Hanukkah singles, “Eight Days of You” (feat. Jujubee) and “Get Me the F%#$ Out of Here” and launched the She’s A Woman podcast, celebrating everything She.

When Corona pushed my She’s a Woman tour to 2021, I suddenly had nothing to do and it was driving me nuts. Launching the podcast, coming out with holiday music - all this activity is helping me stay sane. Without it, I would be back to building model houses out of popsicle sticks. Yeah, I really was doing that.

She’s A Woman podcast celebrates the role of women in the world from all walks of life and chats with them to find out more about their achievements and life goals as a woman. All the women she talks to have done incredible things to make the world a little bit more beautiful. The focus of the podcast is to bring some positivity into 2021 and turn the spotlight towards our female allies. The timing is apropos as U.S. history was made with the inauguration of our first black, female Vice President.

Seeing Kamala’s ascent has been so incredible. She’s a human being, she’s not perfect. But her position as Vice President sends a message to young women, particularly young women of color, that progress is possible, that boundaries can be broken. And it was wonderful to hear her talk about that so passionately.

Miz Cracker understands that the success of the LGBTQ community is due, in part, to our allies, out in the world as well as from her own “family.”

Women took us to prom, listened to us come out, showed up for our first Pride march, pretended our two-week relationships were valid - they have been there for us, let’s be there for them. I owe everything I have to women. When I was a queer kid in school, only women would befriend me. A woman made my Drag Race audition tape. And when I look out into my audience at shows, some 70% of the faces are women. I feel like it’s time for me to give back.

My mother, of course, is my biggest inspiration. She is a talented painter, but she never uses her gift to win attention. Her priority is to explore and improve, not to win fame or money. Whenever I start a project, I always think about her, and I try to keep her values in mind. She’s a Woman podcast is not about money or follows - it’s about doing something I love that is important to me.

I got my sense of humor from my earliest comedic inspiration - my sister. One time when I was a kid, I told her that her haircut was a mistake. She replied, “Mom and dad got married in December, and you were born in April. Do the math. You are a mistake.” I was like...snatched bald. She is so quick. I had to learn to keep up.

Several Drag Race queens have taken the time during lockdown to start podcasts. Among the podcasts covering pop culture, Drag Race recaps, or offering snarky opinions and bitchified one-liners, She’s A Woman emerges as a breath of fresh air and reflects Miz Cracker’s

We are a family. But there is something that makes me a unique part of the family - my belief that drag can change the world. That is why I launched the She’s a Woman podcast. I wanted to use the power of drag to amplify the voices of amazing women.

She does not get involved in Drag Race drama, behind the scenes, or on social media.

The best way to maintain a positive relationship is to keep things off social media. Connect sister to sister with a nice phone call, or a text message. That is what The Vixen and I have been doing for two years now, and it is one of my biggest joys.

Each episode of She’s A Woman is like a chapter in the biography of strong women who are making a difference. You never know who is going to show up - detectives, pilots, bookstore owners, comics and more.

Our debut episode features an interview with Jeannine Cook, who runs a bookshop highlighting women’s voices. Cook has received threats and hate mail for following her heart. But the other day, a little girl came into her shop wanting to do a report on the bookshop for school. And Cook thought, “Oh my G*d, this makes it all worth it.” I love this image of women inspiring one another across generations.

In focusing on others, Miz Cracker has learned more about herself.

A good podcast host puts the guest first. It is always tempting to tell stories about your own ideas and experiences and whimsical fantasies. But instead, just shut up for a second. You don’t want to miss out on an opportunity to listen. I know that sounds simple, but it is something that a lot of people miss, including myself.

I have learned that you must be willing to make mistakes. Sometimes you are going to ask an awkward question and you’ll look silly, and that’s okay. If you try to be perfect, you will never take risks, you will never ask a provocative question, you will never find out what you don’t know.

Miz Cracker’s biggest obstacle from the podcast world?

My screaming. I think you are supposed to keep a level, noble tone while recording a podcast so that it is enjoyable for the listener. But thus far I have not been able to do that. So, the whole show is basically just going to be me blowing the AirPods out of people’s ears.

But Cracker’s intention with her podcast is clear:

I want people to walk away from She’s a Woman realizing there are no limits on what a woman can be or do. And if you want to hear from an incredible woman, you don’t have to go searching for a celebrity. We all know incredible women.

Miz Cracker is like the little engine that could, with more destinations ahead, even if slow to start at times.

I think people believe that I am an incredibly driven person. In reality, I am a bit lazy and it’s my copilot Katelyn that keeps me getting up early, dieting, exercising, sketching ideas in my little notebook. I have a lot of creative power within me, I just need a cattle prod to keep me moving.

Miz Cracker fans can rest assured that once COVID is under control and once healthy to do so, nothing will stop Cracker from hitting the stage. She’s A Woman tour is prepped, rehearsed, and ready to go. The show will give audiences a glimpse into Miz Cracker’s world after All Stars, as she tells the story of her journey from self-doubt to self-confidence - and the ridiculous characters and calamities she found along the way through never-before-seen videos, untold stories, original music, slapstick, and jump splits.

This is unlike any of my other shows because the music is all mine. But as always there’s brand new standup, brand new video content, brand new choreo. I am terrified to launch the tour because it’s so MUCH, but that’s what makes it great. I love writing lyrics. I am a comic writer at the end of the day, so the words come to me so naturally, and I feel like I am in my element.

Before every performance, I always have a little chat with my copilot Katelyn like, “Okay, today we’re gonna show the world what we can do!” It’s this promise that I make every time. And at the end of the show, I always go up to Katelyn like, “Did we do it?” Just to check.

She will be hitting every major city in the U.S., with venues already booked and waiting. Does Miz Cracker behave on the road?

Oh, she’s a nun on the road. After every show, I go straight to bed. Then I get up early, get into drag, and go meet fans on the street. Honestly, that is my favorite part of the tour - getting to see the cities and people along the way. The show is just the icing on the cake.

Red Bull for energy, a towel for when I spill the Red Bull, The New York Times to keep me informed and my diary so I can privately shade everyone around me.

Until then, we have She’s A Woman to enjoy, and it is quite a joy. She’s your perfect COVID companion with just enough tea to keep you satisfied. Her message to her fans?

If you are miserable in the midst of the COVID crisis, you are not alone. I’m miserable. People everywhere are getting worn down by the months of solitude. So, don’t be afraid to reach out to other people and commiserate. There is nothing wrong with a little complaining if it is helping you blow off steam.

You can check in regarding Miz Cracker’s tour at: https://www.fivesensesreeling.com/miz-cracker And check out She’s A Woman podcast on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ shes-a-woman-with-miz-cracker/id1540638499