Podcast Summary: Just Trish Episode Featuring Sasha Colby
Title: Sasha Colby on Returning to Drag Race, Taking Over for RuPaul & Inspiring Queer Youth
Release Date: April 17, 2025
Podcast: Just Trish
Hosts: Trisha Paytas
Guest: Sasha Colby, Season 15 Drag Race Winner, Miss Continental 2012, Businesswoman, and Activist
1. Introduction and Guest Background
In this vibrant episode of Just Trish, host Trisha Paytas welcomes Sasha Colby, a prominent figure in the drag and LGBTQ+ community. Sasha, renowned for winning Season 15 of RuPaul's Drag Race and holding the title of Miss Continental 2012, shares her journey from her early beginnings in Hawaii to becoming a celebrated drag queen and activist.
Notable Quote:
Trisha Paytas [02:23]: "You're like, right off. Yes. It's also giving very, like, White Lotus."
Sasha Colby [02:27]: "It's giving Piper now. Yes."
2. Journey into Drag and Pageantry
Sasha delves into her passion for acting and dancing, which naturally led her to the world of drag. Growing up in a pageant-centric environment in Hawaii, she found drag to be the perfect amalgamation of her interests. Despite initial challenges, including tight budgets and the intricate details of drag costumes, Sasha persisted through fundraising and supportive friends.
Notable Quote:
Sasha Colby [12:19]: "Pageants were the perfect thing that combined, like, my dance, my transitioning, and, like, my main character in the set speed. So that made it all kind of like, oh, yeah, I should just focus all that in pageants."
3. Experiences on RuPaul's Drag Race
Sasha shares her audition process for Season 15, discussing the encouragement she received from fellow trans contestants like Carrie and Sonique. Her competitive spirit shone through as she navigated the challenges, ultimately leading to her victory. She reflects on the show's evolution and its impact on drag culture.
Notable Quote:
Trisha Paytas [08:10]: "Did you have to audition?"
Sasha Colby [08:12]: "I did. I did."
4. Life After Drag Race: Touring and Performances
Post-Drag Race, Sasha talks about her transition to professional performances, including her role at the Baton Show Lounge in Chicago. This experience served as her "Drag University," honing her skills and preparing her for international tours. Currently, she's embarking on her second one-woman show tour, expanding her reach across 36 cities via bus to maintain a more relaxed and immersive travel experience.
Notable Quote:
Sasha Colby [24:05]: "It's like camp on the road. It's fun. It's like wash, rinse, and repeat."
5. Personal Struggles and Overcoming Adversity
A significant portion of the conversation focuses on Sasha's challenging upbringing in a Jehovah's Witness household, dealing with family alienation, and her journey through mental health struggles. She openly discusses her family's lack of support, her mother's battle with bipolar disorder, and the impact it had on her own mental well-being. Sasha emphasizes the importance of finding one's tribe and seeking support within the queer community.
Notable Quote:
Sasha Colby [37:21]: "Those are the people I'm gonna live my life with."
6. Activism and Inspiring the Next Generation
Sasha passionately advocates for LGBTQ+ rights and the empowerment of queer youth. She highlights the progress made over the years, particularly with the influence of Gen Z in embracing diversity and inclusivity. Sasha underscores the necessity of ongoing activism to ensure future generations grow up in a more accepting and supportive environment.
Notable Quote:
Sasha Colby [39:45]: "What we're gonna do. And like, just being like, being another. Like another cloud in the sky."
7. Future Projects and Aspirations
Looking ahead, Sasha shares her enthusiasm for upcoming projects, including collaborations with queer-owned businesses and expanding her drag brand. She expresses a keen interest in potentially hosting RuPaul's Drag Race if RuPaul decides to step down, positioning herself as a strong candidate to lead the iconic show into its next era.
Notable Quote:
Sasha Colby [63:20]: "I would love that. Yeah, yeah."
8. Closing Remarks and Tour Announcement
Trisha wraps up the episode by celebrating Sasha's achievements and encouraging listeners to support her ongoing tour. The episode concludes with mutual appreciation between Trisha and Sasha, highlighting the inspiring dialogue and the positive impact Sasha continues to make in the drag and LGBTQ+ communities.
Notable Quote:
Trisha Paytas [81:07]: "Check out Sasha Colby everywhere. She's everywhere. World Pride strip tour."
Key Takeaways
- Sasha Colby's Resilience: Overcoming a non-accepting family environment and mental health challenges to become a successful drag queen and activist.
- Impact of RuPaul's Drag Race: The show as a platform for showcasing talent and fostering community support among LGBTQ+ individuals.
- Importance of Community: Finding and building a supportive queer family to navigate personal and professional challenges.
- Future of Drag: Sasha's potential role in shaping the future of RuPaul's Drag Race and continuing to inspire the next generation of drag artists.
This episode of Just Trish offers an in-depth look into Sasha Colby's life, her contributions to drag culture, and her unwavering support for queer youth, making it a must-listen for fans and those seeking inspiration within the LGBTQ+ community.