The Nightly: Derrick Barry and Nebraska — Perfect Hair, Questionable Outfits, No Regrets
Podcast: The Nightly
Host: Sophia (from Hatch Podcasts)
Guests: Derrick Barry & Mackenzie Claude (aka Nebraska)
Release Date: February 12, 2026
Episode Overview
This cozy, late-night episode brings drag icons Derrick Barry and Mackenzie Claude (Nebraska) into the Hatch Pillow Fort for an ASMR-infused slumber party. With host Sophia, they banter about cats, drag life, bedtime routines, and play a lively game of drag-themed "Would You Rather." Expect genuine camaraderie, behind-the-scenes glimpses into Vegas drag, and memorable anecdotes from two of the community's most beloved queens.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
1. Bedtime Routines of Drag Queens
- Derrick’s Routine:
- Winds down after five-nights-a-week performances with a hot shower and some bedtime carbs.
- Quote: "A hot shower is always something that will instantly get me tired. And then having carbs, if I eat any carbs before bed. Instant sleep." (01:36)
- Currently has a "living room bed" with a mattress in the living room for ultimate coziness.
- Winds down after five-nights-a-week performances with a hot shower and some bedtime carbs.
- Nebraska’s Routine:
- Military background makes falling asleep easy; can sleep in any condition.
- Quote: "I was in the military, and I was trained to be able to sleep in any kind of conditions anywhere." (02:54)
- Needs background noise or calming sound/light, using the Hatch device for ASMR or lavender-themed beats and REM noise.
- Quote: "Yes, I'll be laying there and my mind will be going 100 miles per hour." (03:48)
- Military background makes falling asleep easy; can sleep in any condition.
- Sophia’s Routine:
- Relates to the struggle of unwinding after performing; uses earplugs and appreciates silence for sleep.
2. Cat Culture and Drag Households
- Derrick and Nebraska’s cats are named Khaleesi and Circe (“Game of Thrones” homage). Rival queens turned housemates with frequent "slap fights."
- Quote: "Named after the queens of the Game of Thrones franchise. ... They have since formed an alliance under our roof." (04:48)
- Cats and drag go hand-in-hand, with comedic stories about cats stealing earplugs and nesting in costumes.
3. Playing "Would You Rather": Drag Edition
Lip Sync Scenarios
- Song you hate (but know) vs. song you love (but only know chorus)?
- Nebraska: “Song I love — I can do watermelon cantaloupe for the lyrics.” (06:37)
- Derrick: “Song I hate but know every word ... they will send you home if you do not know the song.” (06:58)
- Dream Lip Syncs:
- Derrick: “Toxic” by Britney Spears
- Nebraska: “Closer” (Nine Inch Nails) or “Personal Jesus” (Marilyn Manson)
Costume vs. Comfort
- 8-inch heels on a slippery stage vs. barefoot with a 10-foot train?
- Nebraska: Barefoot with a train — “I'm tall enough as it is ... it's all about the fashion.” (07:49)
- Derrick: “8-inch pleasers ... I'd feel like I was gonna break my ankle ... so I would have to go with the gown. But ... both suck.” (08:08)
- Perfect hair, questionable outfits vs. perfect outfits, unpredictable hair?
- Nebraska: Outfits first — “As long as the outfit’s right ... the hair is just gonna do whatever.” (09:18)
- Derrick: “I need hair that I could move in and hair flip and feel sexy ... If they try to put me in a pussycat wig with a hot outfit, I'll be like, no, it's over.” (09:36)
Scheduling Showdowns
- Only late-night gigs or only brunch shows forever?
- Derrick: Lifetime late-night performer — “Our shows have always been either 7, 7:30 or 10 or 9:30. ... I would prefer late night shows always.” (10:54)
- Nebraska: Hosts early-morning drag brunches.
- Quote: "By the time I'm getting home, then Derek's leaving for his show." (11:21)
- Discussion about grueling schedules, with Derrick sometimes staying in drag for 30+ hours while traveling between gigs.
- Quote: “I've been in drag before for like 30 hours ... I've done other countries and come back.” (12:53)
Iconic Drag Looks
- Derrick: Would rather be stuck as VMAs Snake Britney (“Slavery” look) than “Oops!... I Did It Again” red catsuit Britney.
- Quote: “I've actually never had the kind of latex one she did. ... I love the VMAs slavery performance look.” (14:00)
- Nebraska: If doing Snatch Game, would embody Erika Jayne for her range of levels; joked about being too tall for perfect impersonations.
- Quote: "At six, five, I'm too tall to fool anybody ... But ... I would probably do Erika Jayne." (15:05)
- Spontaneous Sydney Sweeney impression — “Everything she does is just a lot like this … valet girl, even though she's from Seattle.” (15:38)
4. Life at Home: Tortoises and Turtles
- Nebraska and Derrick wish goodnight to their extended animal family — cats, a tortoise (Leo), and seventeen turtles named after "Friends" (Ross, Rachel, Monica, Phoebe).
- Quote: "When I fall asleep, I don't count sheep. I count turtles." (18:28)
- Hilarity over animal naming conventions, and their tortoise’s love of strawberries and houseplants.
5. Plugs & Projects
- Derrick:
- Performing at RuPaul's Drag Race Live at the Flamingo (Thurs-Mon, 9:30pm; Fri also 7pm; 11pm meet & greets), tour dates at derrickberry.com.
- Released debut album “hey, Derek” in April 2025, written by Mackenzie.
- Quote: “We want to thank RuPaul for the title because he loved hey, Derek on Drag Race.” (16:41)
- Nebraska:
- Hosts drag brunch at Hard Rock Cafe, Las Vegas Strip (Saturdays & Sundays).
- New Twitch channel, streaming Tues/Thurs/Sat (5-8pm), with frequent Derrick guest appearances.
- Announced a self-produced third season of their ASMR Queen show was in the works, inspired by the Hatch ASMR collaboration.
- Quote: “We have decided to ... self produce a third season of our ASMR Queen show.” (17:28)
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
- On drag sleep routines:
- Derrick: “A hot shower is always something that will instantly get me tired.” (01:36)
- Nebraska: “I'm too tall to fool anybody ... If I were to ever be on Drag Race ... I would probably do Erika Jayne.” (15:05)
- On home life:
- Nebraska: “When I fall asleep, I don't count sheep. I count turtles.” (18:28)
- On drag lifestyle:
- Derrick: “I've been in drag before for like 30 hours, going from ... gigs to gigs. I've done other countries and come back.” (12:53)
- On performing as Britney:
- Derrick: “The latex would be really difficult. ... That's a look, but not a lifestyle.” (14:49)
Timestamps for Important Segments
- 01:36 – Derrick shares his post-show bedtime routine
- 02:54 – Nebraska's military-trained ability to sleep anywhere
- 04:48 – Cat introductions & Game of Thrones names
- 06:37 - 10:20 – "Would You Rather": Drag lip sync and performance hypotheticals
- 10:54 – Derrick details the late-night drag lifestyle; Nebraska describes brunch show schedules
- 12:53 – Derrick’s 30-hour marathon drag story
- 14:00 – Derrick on his iconic Britney Spears drag looks
- 15:05 – Nebraska on impersonation choices for Snatch Game
- 16:17 – Derrick plugs Drag Race Live and his album
- 16:52 – Nebraska announces Twitch channel & new ASMR show
- 18:28 – Memorable moment: Counting turtles instead of sheep at bedtime
Tone and Vibe
Warm, playful, and gently irreverent, the episode feels like an after-show hangout — a blend of relaxing pillow talk, genuine friendship, and drag industry stories. Listeners are treated to affectionate teasing, lots of cat and animal chat, and a sense that these queens bring both unfiltered fun and deep dedication to their drag and personal rituals.
For anyone seeking wind-down company, behind-the-scenes drag tales, or fresh bedtime listening, this episode of The Nightly is a joyful, immersive treat.