Tails and Tassels
Gemma Smith
1 Creator
1 Creator
Hello, kitty cats! Welcome to Tails and Tassels. I'm your host, Gemma Smith. By day, I'm a manager at a Kitten Nursery in NYC, and by night, I host the Catbaret!, a cat-themed variety show!
In this podcast, you'll dive into the world of burlesque and nightlife performers—their craft, their cats, and how these two worlds collide. Plus, enjoy bonus episodes featuring feline experts answering your burning questions.
New episodes drop every Thursday. If you like what you hear, please subscribe, rate, and review the podcast and connect with us on Instagram.
Thank you for listening! I'm paws-itively delighted you're here.
Get in Touch:
- Instagram: @tailsandtasselspod, @gemmasmithnyc
- Email us at [email protected]
- Leave a comment below
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Top 10 Tails and Tassels Episodes
Goodpods has curated a list of the 10 best Tails and Tassels episodes, ranked by the number of listens and likes each episode have garnered from our listeners. If you are listening to Tails and Tassels for the first time, there's no better place to start than with one of these standout episodes. If you are a fan of the show, vote for your favorite Tails and Tassels episode by adding your comments to the episode page.
Season One Finale: Listener Q&A on Burlesque, Animal Welfare & More
Tails and Tassels
03/27/25 • 21 min
Don't Miss the Next Catbaret! 🐱🎭
There’s always a new Catbaret show coming up—whether in person in NYC or virtually! Grab your tickets at CatbaretShow.com for a night of cat-themed comedy, music, and burlesque!
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Hello, hello, kitty cats! It’s the season one finale of Tails and Tassels! 🎉 Thank you for joining me on this journey since our debut in October. In this episode, I’m answering listener questions about how I got into burlesque and animal welfare, sharing exciting updates about upcoming Catbaret and Reali-tease shows, reflecting on what I’ve learned about podcasting, and giving a sneak peek at what’s to come in season two!
Links & Resources:
🎙️ Meet Gemma: Intro Episode: Listen Here
🐾 Deep dive into the Catbaret: Listen Here
✨ Want to take a burlesque class? New York School of Burlesque. 📚 Recommended Reading: The Burlesque Handbook by the head of the New York School of Burlesque - Get it here
NYC Cat-Centric Resources:
🐾 Support the Cat Museum of NYC
🚶♀️ Explore Cats About Town Walking Tours
🧘♀️ Try Meow Parlour Yoga
🎙️ Listen to the 6 Degrees of Cats Podcast
😻 Check out Catsbury Park Cat Convention
Stay Connected:
🐾 Follow Tails and Tassels on Instagram: @tailsandtasselspod
🎭 Check out Catbaret: @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 [email protected].
Thank You!
I’m so grateful for all of you kitty cats who’ve been part of this wild ride! I can’t wait to return with more stories, interviews, and feline fun in season two. Stay tuned! 😻
Logo by Logan Laveau
Maria Bartolotta: Crafting a Solo Show and Life with Patches
Tails and Tassels
10/03/24 • 47 min
Don't Miss the Next Catbaret Show! 🐱🎭
There’s always a new Catbaret show coming up—whether in person in NYC or virtually, we’ve got you covered! Grab your tickets at CatbaretShow.com and join us for a night of cat-themed comedy, music and burlesque!
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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 [email protected]
- Leave a comment below
Logo by Logan Laveau
Stephen Quandt: Do You Need Cat Behavior Help?
Tails and Tassels
10/31/24 • 39 min
Don't Miss the Next Catbaret! 🐱🎭
There’s always a new Catbaret show coming up—whether in person in NYC or virtually, we’ve got you covered! Grab your tickets at CatbaretShow.com and join us for a night of cat-themed comedy, music and burlesque!
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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 [email protected] 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 [email protected]
- Leave a comment below
Logo by Logan Laveau
Happy Mew Year! How to Set Intentions for a Creative 2025
Tails and Tassels
01/02/25 • 15 min
Don't Miss the Next Catbaret! 🐱🎭
There’s always a new Catbaret show coming up—whether in person in NYC or virtually! Grab your tickets at CatbaretShow.com for a night of cat-themed comedy, music, and burlesque!
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In this first mini-episode of 2025, I’m reflecting on 2024—what a year it’s been—and sharing my fresh focus and intentions for the year ahead. I also get real about some of the challenges and setbacks I’ve faced, how they’ve shaped me, and what I’ve learned as I step into 2025 with a renewed mindset.
You’ll hear about my word for the year, how I’m planning to make this my best year yet, and some fun ways for you to get involved in upcoming episodes!
✨ Links and Resources:
- Sign-up for our email list and receive our Galentine's Day Playlist!
- Read Cue the Sun! by Emily Nussbaum
- Qveen Herby's Podcast: Herby House
- Passion Planner
🎤 Stay Connected:
- Follow me on Instagram: @gemmasmithnyc, @tailsandtasselspod
- Follow Catbaret on Instagram: @catbareshow
💌 Get in Touch:
What’s your word for 2025? How are you stepping into the new year? Connect with me on Instagram, email a voice memo to [email protected], or leave a comment! I'll be sharing listener feedback in future episodes.
🐾 Support the Show:
Love what you hear? Rate, review, and subscribe to help others discover Tails and Tassels!
Logo by Logan Laveau
Stress Management Tips for Cat-Loving Performers
Tails and Tassels
01/16/25 • 16 min
Don't Miss the Next Catbaret! 🐱🎭
There’s always a new Catbaret show coming up—whether in person in NYC or virtually! Grab your tickets at CatbaretShow.com for a night of cat-themed comedy, music, and burlesque!
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In this solo episode of Tails and Tassels, I share my top stress management tips for performers, from daily rituals and time management strategies to the grounding power of spending time with my cats. These simple but effective techniques help me avoid burnout and stay balanced in my busy life as a burlesque performer and podcast host.
✨ Links and Resources:
- Qveen Herby Patreon (for aura cleansing meditations)
- Peloton (for movement + relaxation)
- Happy Mew Year Episode on Setting Intentions
🎤 Stay Connected:
- Follow me on Instagram: @gemmasmithnyc, @tailsandtasselspod
- Follow Catbaret on Instagram: @catbareshow
💌 Get in Touch:
What’s your favorite way to manage stress? I’d love to hear your tips! Connect with me on Instagram, send a voice memo to [email protected], or leave a comment—I’ll be sharing listener feedback in future episodes!
🐾 Support the Show:
Enjoy the episode? Rate, review, and subscribe to help more kitty cats find Tails and Tassels!
Logo by Logan Laveau
Amber Lyoness on Burlesque, Choreography & Her New Show, Purr!
Tails and Tassels
02/06/25 • 37 min
Don't Miss the Next Catbaret! 🐱🎭
There’s always a new Catbaret show coming up—whether in person in NYC or virtually! Grab your tickets at CatbaretShow.com for a night of cat-themed comedy, music, and burlesque!
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In this week’s Tails and Tassels, Gemma sits down with the powerhouse Amber Lyoness, the founder of Lyoness Dance Company and creator of the sexy feline-inspired burlesque show Purr. Amber shares her journey from dance to fashion school to discovering her love for burlesque and how she now channels her passion into choreography, costuming, and performance.
Amber talks about the inspiration behind her company, Lyoness NYC, and how she blends dance, burlesque, and creativity to empower women and celebrate their strength—both on and off the stage. You’ll also get the scoop on her new Purr show, a celebration of black cat energy.
🎧 Tune in for a conversation filled with inspiration, tips on creating a successful performance, and a peek into Amber’s own creative process.
📖 Resources & Links:
Amber’s Company: Lyoness NYC
Purr Show Details: Stay tuned on Instagram for upcoming events!
🐾 Connect with Amber:
Instagram: @amberlyoness
Lyoness Dance Company: @lyoness_nyc
💌 Connect with Us:
Follow us on Instagram: @tailsandtasselspod
Follow Catbaret on Instagram: @catbareshow
Email: [email protected]
⭐ Subscribe & Review:
Follow Tails and Tassels on your favorite podcast app and don’t forget to leave us a review—it really helps us grow! 💖
Logo by Logan Laveau
Rogue: Magician, Mentalist, and Animal Lover
Tails and Tassels
03/06/25 • 33 min
Don't Miss the Next Catbaret! 🐱🎭
There’s always a new Catbaret show coming up—whether in person in NYC or virtually! Grab your tickets at CatbaretShow.com for a night of cat-themed comedy, music, and burlesque!
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In this week's episode, Gemma sits down with Rogue, a magician, mentalist, and longtime animal lover. You might recognize him from America’s Got Talent or his jaw-dropping performances on the magic circuit. Rogue shares his journey in the world of magic, the creative challenges he faces and how he overcomes them, and his passion for supporting fellow magicians. Plus, we chat about his love for animals and how they fit into his life behind the scenes.
📖 Resources & Links:
🎩 Watch Bacardi: Magic Man Documentary
📺 Watch Rogue on America’s Got Talent
⭐ Watch Misdirection: The Real Magic
🐾 Rogue’s Recommended Magic-Themed Cat Toy: Amazon Link
🐾 Connect with Rogue:
Instagram: @roguemagic
Website: roguethemagician.com
💌 Connect with Us:
Follow us on Instagram: @tailsandtasselspod
Follow Catbaret on Instagram: @catbaretshow
Email: [email protected]
⭐ Subscribe & Review:
Follow Tails and Tassels on your favorite podcast app and don’t forget to leave us a review—it really helps us grow! 💖
Logo by Logan Laveau
Amanda B: Amplifying Voices Through Community, Creativity, and Cats
Tails and Tassels
12/26/24 • 44 min
Don't Miss the Next Catbaret! 🐱🎭
There’s always a new Catbaret show coming up—whether in person in NYC or virtually! Grab your tickets at CatbaretShow.com for a night of cat-themed comedy, music, and burlesque!
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In this episode, Gemma chats with Amanda B., a musician, podcaster, and creative force behind 6 Degrees of Cats. They explore the significance of investing in artist communities, how embracing your true self can empower creators, and why misunderstood cats (and people) are at the heart of Amanda's work. Plus, she gives a sneak peek into her work and her passion for celebrating the quirks that make us unique. She also shares a bit about her three feline friends at home. A must-listen for artists, podcasters, and cat lovers alike!
Resources:
- Subscribe to Amanda’s Podcast: 6 Degrees of Cats
- Featured Episode: Cool Cat: How Cats are the Soul of Rock'n'Roll
- Listen to Leathered: Bandcamp
- Career Coach: Caroline Kim Oh
Connect with Amanda:
- Follow Amanda B. on IG: @catsuitband
- Follow Leathered on IG: @leathered4ever
- Follow 6 Degrees of Cats on IG: @6degreesofcats
Get in Touch:
- Instagram:@tailsandtasselspod, @gemmasmithnyc
- Email us at: [email protected]
- Leave a comment below!
Support the Show:
- Subscribe to Tails and Tassels on your favorite podcast platform.
- Leave a review and let us know what you love about the show!
Help shape our Patreon community! We want to hear from you about the rewards and content you’d love to see. Complete the form here and let us know your thoughts!
Logo by Logan Laveau
11/28/24 • 37 min
Don't Miss the Next Catbaret! 🐱🎭
There’s always a new Catbaret show coming up—whether in person in NYC or virtually! Grab your tickets at CatbaretShow.com for a night of cat-themed comedy, music, and burlesque!
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In this episode, Gemma chats with Lady Mabuhay, a versatile "Jane of all trades" and a dynamic storyteller who brings her creative talents to the NYC burlesque scene. Lady Mabuhay shares her journey, from classical Indian dance training to her transition to burlesque, where she’s been performing for over 8 years. She talks about her Little Stinky Kitty act, which channels the energy of a cat with the zoomies, and offers essential tips for stage kittens looking to shine! They also discuss her beloved senior cat, Charlie, who keeps her grounded. Tune in for an inspiring conversation about artistry, creativity and the joy of being a "cat mom."
Help shape our Patreon community! We want to hear from you about the rewards and content you’d love to see. Complete the form here and let us know your thoughts!
Links:
- Website: ladymabuhay.com
- Follow Lady Mabuhay on IG: @ladymabuhay
- Facebook: theladymabuhay
- Featured Cat Product: Top Rated Cat brush
Get in Touch:
- Follow us on Instagram: @tailsandtasselspod, @gemmasmithnyc
- Join us for Catbaret on 2/13 in NYC! Get tix
- Email us at [email protected]
- Leave a comment below or support the show
Logo by Logan Laveau
Welcome to Tails and Tassels: Meet Your Host, Gemma
Tails and Tassels
10/03/24 • 5 min
Don't Miss the Next Catbaret! 🐱🎭
There’s always a new Catbaret show coming up—whether in person in NYC or virtually! Grab your tickets at CatbaretShow.com for a night of cat-themed comedy, music, and burlesque!
--
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 my inspiration 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 performers and cat parents, plus bonus episodes with feline experts!
Subscribe, rate, and review, and connect with us on Instagram @tailsandtasselspod.
Thank you for listening! I’m paws-itively delighted you’re here!
Stay Connected:
🐾 Follow Tails and Tassels on Instagram: @tailsandtasselspod
🎭 Check out Catbaret: @catbaretshow
🌐 Visit Catbaret’s website: catbaretshow.com
Get in Touch:
Got a question or a story about your cat? 🐱 I’d love to hear from you! Message me on Instagram or email [email protected].
Logo by Logan Laveau
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FAQ
How many episodes does Tails and Tassels have?
Tails and Tassels currently has 24 episodes available.
What topics does Tails and Tassels cover?
The podcast is about Society & Culture, Music, Cats, Comedy, Cat, Podcasts, Arts and Performing Arts.
What is the most popular episode on Tails and Tassels?
The episode title 'Gatita Negra: Slinking Across Stages Coast to Coast + Building Community Space' is the most popular.
What is the average episode length on Tails and Tassels?
The average episode length on Tails and Tassels is 31 minutes.
How often are episodes of Tails and Tassels released?
Episodes of Tails and Tassels are typically released every 7 days.
When was the first episode of Tails and Tassels?
The first episode of Tails and Tassels was released on Jul 16, 2024.
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