Why Won’t You Date Me? with Nicole Byer

Episode: Dating Your Competition on Drag Race (w/ Kori King)

Release Date: January 16, 2026
Guest: Kori King (Season 17 RuPaul’s Drag Race Queen)

Episode Overview

In this lively, laugh-filled episode, Nicole Byer sits down with drag queen Kori King to discuss love, dating, and unfiltered stories from life both before and after RuPaul’s Drag Race. They cover the realities of dating while competing on reality TV, life as a working drag artist, crazy Walgreens and brunch stories, body positivity, how to keep life fun, and so much more. The tone is candid, irreverent, and joyfully chaotic, as Nicole and Kori swap tales about relationships, family, work, and grinding for happiness—on and off the stage.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Life Before Drag Race: Walgreens Stories [03:00–09:03]

Kori started drag in 2022 after being a Walgreens pharmacy manager, sharing wild stories about filling prescriptions and difficult customers.
Notable story: Christmas Eve, naked lady bathing in store bathroom; spitting covid lady who couldn’t be kicked out due to prescriptions.
Kori on pharmacy work: “So now someone needs a bag of chips in the front, and I also… someone’s crying for pills in the back, you know what I mean?” [04:16]

2. On Drag Names and Drag Race [09:50–13:18]

Kori chose a unisex drag name to avoid confusion out of drag.
Discussion of silly drag names (“Imagine walking the street Joella…”).
Offbeat backstage details about sewing challenges, chaos, and coming unprepared.
Admiration for offbeat drag as real artistry: “I like drag that makes me, like, have feelings…That made me laugh so hard, that's good drag to me.” —Nicole [11:21]

3. Finding Love on Drag Race [16:41–18:42]

Kori discusses meeting partner Lydia on Drag Race, noting that even though producers try to keep contestants isolated, romance finds a way.
Describes the covert flirting (“I'll be whispering…did not care.”) [17:15]
Memorable moment: “We're sitting next to each other in the van and Lydia just goes like, ‘I wish you could just, like, come to my room and fuck me tonight.’ And I was like, oh my God. Well…good to know.” —Kori [17:15]
Their relationship blossomed off-camera, becoming long-distance until Kori moved to Pittsburgh.

4. Relationship Dynamics & “The Whimsy” [18:44–19:48]

Nicole asks what Kori loves most about Lydia—Kori praises her partner’s delight in small joys and ordinary things, which Nicole relates to.
Kori on Lydia: “She finds joy in like the most random…It’s the whimsy.” [18:45]

5. Animal House: Kori’s Childhood [20:11–22:42]

Kori describes growing up with a glut of animals: “If it breathes, that shit’ll be dead. All my plants are fake.” [19:58]
Details guinea pig breeding drama escalating from 2 to 20 in wild, soap-opera fashion.
“Our thing was you had to get two [of every animal]…so the whole house stink.” [22:29]

6. Dating & Race in Boston [27:26–29:10]

Candid talk about old relationships, growing up in Boston, and awkward New England-style racism.
Nicole: "It's strangely racist in a way that isn't scary… but just like, oh, you said that." [28:15]
Kori and Nicole trade stories about locals making ignorant racial comments.

7. Supportive Family & Performing [30:07–32:27]

Kori’s mom is supportive and deeply involved—attending drag brunches, wanting to become a drag queen herself.
“That’s my son! I mean, my daughter! I mean, my—hell, no!” —Kori on mom in drag brunch audience [30:50]

8. Cameos and Competition [33:15–36:22]

Kori’s success on Cameo (even unseating Nikki Blonsky as top spot), creating character cameos like Michael Jackson and the Grinch.
Kori’s approach is about fun and silliness: “Because if you’re having fun, you never want to stop.” [36:09]
Drag and standup both work best when the performer enjoys it.

9. Work, Fun, and Money [38:16–41:18]

Both Nicole and Kori swap work stories—Walgreens, Lane Bryant, entertaining themselves during boring shifts.
Kori: “I just love…to work. If it’s not work, I don’t want to do it.” [19:30]
Discussion on financial savviness, investing Cameo money, and future plans (becoming a landlord in drag).

10. Dating Life, DMs, and Brunch Stories [44:52–47:08]

Kori describes his DMs as mostly wholesome (teen lesbian fan base).
Wild brunch drag stories: a 60-something woman licked Kori’s armpit after telling him he looked like her ex-husband. [46:50]

11. Body Positivity & Drag Construction [47:10–48:41]

Discussion about drag padding (made by a Boston “Dr. Miami” for drag queens).
“I was yeeked on that show…looking good. I have to be more snatched than her!” —Kori [47:54]

12. Advice for Singles [48:44–49:58]

Kori’s advice: Some people just aren’t meant to date, and that’s fine.
“Maybe it’s not for you, and that’s okay. But if you are looking for love…work on yourself first and then find a relationship.” [49:07]

13. Drag, Art, and Entertainment Philosophy [55:31–58:10]

Drag and comedy are about making people happy—“we are clowns at this point.” [56:00]
They discuss not taking themselves too seriously, and how the performance is for the audience, not just the performer.

14. Wild Sex & Date Stories [58:10–65:41]

Kori shares a friend’s wild kink story (man wants to be tied up and ignored while she works from home) [58:24].
Nicole shares a “fucking off the wig” story and a strange encounter with a man in a model apartment.
Kori admits to “Irish goodbye-ing” from bad hookups—just driving off if she’s not feeling it. [65:03]

15. Promotions & Closing [65:46–67:43]

Kori plugs her YouTube, upcoming tours. Nicole and Kori affirm that they would date each other if circumstances allowed:
- “Would you date me?” —Nicole
- “Yes, of course!” —Kori [67:41]
- “I think you’re so fun, and like, it’s an effortless fun.” —Nicole [67:45]

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

On Drag Competition Love:
- “We weren’t looking for love. It just kind of falls into your lap.” —Kori [15:57]
On Staying Playful:
- “If you’re having fun, you never want to stop...” —Kori [36:09]
On Realness:
- “Some people lose it when it stops being fun.” —Kori [36:09]
- “We are clowns at this point. Some girls hate to hear that, but…” —Kori [56:00]
On Self-Awareness & Advice:
- “I can hang out with someone for 15 minutes—I’m like, you’re supposed to be alone. And that’s not a bad thing.” —Kori [49:07]
On Boston Racism:
- “That they'll say Black a certain way…they won’t say black. Say Black. Black.” —Kori [28:37]
- “Boston is a curious place. It’s strangely racist in a way that isn’t scary…but just like, oh, you said that.” —Nicole [28:15]
On Drag Brunches:
- “I was like, play Lady Marmalade, wrap the show. Wrap the show. I'll be Christina. Wrap the show.” —Kori on wild brunch fans [46:24]
On Relationship with Lydia:
- “She finds joy in like the most random...it’s the whimsy.” —Kori [18:45]
On Energizing the Mundane:
- “I just love to work. If it’s not work, I don't want to do it.” —Kori [19:30]

Timestamps for Key Segments

[03:00] – Kori’s Walgreens background and wild customer stories
[09:50] – Drag names, sewing challenges, talking drag race
[16:41] – Meeting and dating Lydia during Drag Race
[18:44] – Describing relationship dynamics and “the whimsy”
[27:26] – Boston, dating history, and coded racism
[30:07] – Mom’s support and family performance moments
[33:15] – Dominating Cameo, owning one’s competitive edge
[44:52] – DMs and brunch fan horror stories
[47:10] – Drag bodies, padding, competition
[48:44] – Kori’s advice for singles
[55:31] – Drag as clowning; keeping entertainment humble
[58:10] – Wildest stories: kink, wigs, date Irish goodbyes
[65:46] – Plugs and mutual praise

Tone & Style

The entire episode buzzes with hilarious banter, honest oversharing, and affectionate, rapid-fire cursing—matching the freewheeling energy both Nicole Byer and Kori King are known for. The mood is joyful and unpretentious, with equal parts self-deprecation, serious honesty about work and life, and unfiltered giggles. Both are unafraid to roast themselves or others, always circling back to joy and the value of just having fun.

Useful for listeners who want:

An inside look at the realities of Drag Race (on love, isolation, and competition)
Stories about finding genuine connection where you least expect
Candid, comedic tales of working retail
Down-to-earth relationship and life advice
A big reminder: keep it fun, keep it real, keep it weird!

Why Won’t You Date Me? with Nicole Byer

Episode: Dating Your Competition on Drag Race (w/ Kori King)

Release Date: January 16, 2026
Guest: Kori King (Season 17 RuPaul’s Drag Race Queen)

Episode Overview

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Life Before Drag Race: Walgreens Stories [03:00–09:03]

Kori started drag in 2022 after being a Walgreens pharmacy manager, sharing wild stories about filling prescriptions and difficult customers.
Notable story: Christmas Eve, naked lady bathing in store bathroom; spitting covid lady who couldn’t be kicked out due to prescriptions.
Kori on pharmacy work: “So now someone needs a bag of chips in the front, and I also… someone’s crying for pills in the back, you know what I mean?” [04:16]

2. On Drag Names and Drag Race [09:50–13:18]

Kori chose a unisex drag name to avoid confusion out of drag.
Discussion of silly drag names (“Imagine walking the street Joella…”).
Offbeat backstage details about sewing challenges, chaos, and coming unprepared.
Admiration for offbeat drag as real artistry: “I like drag that makes me, like, have feelings…That made me laugh so hard, that's good drag to me.” —Nicole [11:21]

3. Finding Love on Drag Race [16:41–18:42]

Kori discusses meeting partner Lydia on Drag Race, noting that even though producers try to keep contestants isolated, romance finds a way.
Describes the covert flirting (“I'll be whispering…did not care.”) [17:15]
Memorable moment: “We're sitting next to each other in the van and Lydia just goes like, ‘I wish you could just, like, come to my room and fuck me tonight.’ And I was like, oh my God. Well…good to know.” —Kori [17:15]
Their relationship blossomed off-camera, becoming long-distance until Kori moved to Pittsburgh.

4. Relationship Dynamics & “The Whimsy” [18:44–19:48]

Nicole asks what Kori loves most about Lydia—Kori praises her partner’s delight in small joys and ordinary things, which Nicole relates to.
Kori on Lydia: “She finds joy in like the most random…It’s the whimsy.” [18:45]

5. Animal House: Kori’s Childhood [20:11–22:42]

Kori describes growing up with a glut of animals: “If it breathes, that shit’ll be dead. All my plants are fake.” [19:58]
Details guinea pig breeding drama escalating from 2 to 20 in wild, soap-opera fashion.
“Our thing was you had to get two [of every animal]…so the whole house stink.” [22:29]

6. Dating & Race in Boston [27:26–29:10]

Candid talk about old relationships, growing up in Boston, and awkward New England-style racism.
Nicole: "It's strangely racist in a way that isn't scary… but just like, oh, you said that." [28:15]
Kori and Nicole trade stories about locals making ignorant racial comments.

7. Supportive Family & Performing [30:07–32:27]

Kori’s mom is supportive and deeply involved—attending drag brunches, wanting to become a drag queen herself.
“That’s my son! I mean, my daughter! I mean, my—hell, no!” —Kori on mom in drag brunch audience [30:50]

8. Cameos and Competition [33:15–36:22]

Kori’s success on Cameo (even unseating Nikki Blonsky as top spot), creating character cameos like Michael Jackson and the Grinch.
Kori’s approach is about fun and silliness: “Because if you’re having fun, you never want to stop.” [36:09]
Drag and standup both work best when the performer enjoys it.

9. Work, Fun, and Money [38:16–41:18]

Both Nicole and Kori swap work stories—Walgreens, Lane Bryant, entertaining themselves during boring shifts.
Kori: “I just love…to work. If it’s not work, I don’t want to do it.” [19:30]
Discussion on financial savviness, investing Cameo money, and future plans (becoming a landlord in drag).

10. Dating Life, DMs, and Brunch Stories [44:52–47:08]

Kori describes his DMs as mostly wholesome (teen lesbian fan base).
Wild brunch drag stories: a 60-something woman licked Kori’s armpit after telling him he looked like her ex-husband. [46:50]

11. Body Positivity & Drag Construction [47:10–48:41]

Discussion about drag padding (made by a Boston “Dr. Miami” for drag queens).
“I was yeeked on that show…looking good. I have to be more snatched than her!” —Kori [47:54]

12. Advice for Singles [48:44–49:58]

Kori’s advice: Some people just aren’t meant to date, and that’s fine.
“Maybe it’s not for you, and that’s okay. But if you are looking for love…work on yourself first and then find a relationship.” [49:07]

13. Drag, Art, and Entertainment Philosophy [55:31–58:10]

Drag and comedy are about making people happy—“we are clowns at this point.” [56:00]
They discuss not taking themselves too seriously, and how the performance is for the audience, not just the performer.

14. Wild Sex & Date Stories [58:10–65:41]

Kori shares a friend’s wild kink story (man wants to be tied up and ignored while she works from home) [58:24].
Nicole shares a “fucking off the wig” story and a strange encounter with a man in a model apartment.
Kori admits to “Irish goodbye-ing” from bad hookups—just driving off if she’s not feeling it. [65:03]

15. Promotions & Closing [65:46–67:43]

Kori plugs her YouTube, upcoming tours. Nicole and Kori affirm that they would date each other if circumstances allowed:
- “Would you date me?” —Nicole
- “Yes, of course!” —Kori [67:41]
- “I think you’re so fun, and like, it’s an effortless fun.” —Nicole [67:45]

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

On Drag Competition Love:
- “We weren’t looking for love. It just kind of falls into your lap.” —Kori [15:57]
On Staying Playful:
- “If you’re having fun, you never want to stop...” —Kori [36:09]
On Realness:
- “Some people lose it when it stops being fun.” —Kori [36:09]
- “We are clowns at this point. Some girls hate to hear that, but…” —Kori [56:00]
On Self-Awareness & Advice:
- “I can hang out with someone for 15 minutes—I’m like, you’re supposed to be alone. And that’s not a bad thing.” —Kori [49:07]
On Boston Racism:
- “That they'll say Black a certain way…they won’t say black. Say Black. Black.” —Kori [28:37]
- “Boston is a curious place. It’s strangely racist in a way that isn’t scary…but just like, oh, you said that.” —Nicole [28:15]
On Drag Brunches:
- “I was like, play Lady Marmalade, wrap the show. Wrap the show. I'll be Christina. Wrap the show.” —Kori on wild brunch fans [46:24]
On Relationship with Lydia:
- “She finds joy in like the most random...it’s the whimsy.” —Kori [18:45]
On Energizing the Mundane:
- “I just love to work. If it’s not work, I don't want to do it.” —Kori [19:30]

Timestamps for Key Segments

[03:00] – Kori’s Walgreens background and wild customer stories
[09:50] – Drag names, sewing challenges, talking drag race
[16:41] – Meeting and dating Lydia during Drag Race
[18:44] – Describing relationship dynamics and “the whimsy”
[27:26] – Boston, dating history, and coded racism
[30:07] – Mom’s support and family performance moments
[33:15] – Dominating Cameo, owning one’s competitive edge
[44:52] – DMs and brunch fan horror stories
[47:10] – Drag bodies, padding, competition
[48:44] – Kori’s advice for singles
[55:31] – Drag as clowning; keeping entertainment humble
[58:10] – Wildest stories: kink, wigs, date Irish goodbyes
[65:46] – Plugs and mutual praise

Tone & Style

Useful for listeners who want:

An inside look at the realities of Drag Race (on love, isolation, and competition)
Stories about finding genuine connection where you least expect
Candid, comedic tales of working retail
Down-to-earth relationship and life advice
A big reminder: keep it fun, keep it real, keep it weird!

Dating Your Competition on Drag Race (w/ Kori King)

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Summary

Why Won’t You Date Me? with Nicole Byer

Episode: Dating Your Competition on Drag Race (w/ Kori King)

Episode Overview

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Life Before Drag Race: Walgreens Stories [03:00–09:03]

2. On Drag Names and Drag Race [09:50–13:18]

3. Finding Love on Drag Race [16:41–18:42]

4. Relationship Dynamics & “The Whimsy” [18:44–19:48]

5. Animal House: Kori’s Childhood [20:11–22:42]

6. Dating & Race in Boston [27:26–29:10]

7. Supportive Family & Performing [30:07–32:27]

8. Cameos and Competition [33:15–36:22]

9. Work, Fun, and Money [38:16–41:18]

10. Dating Life, DMs, and Brunch Stories [44:52–47:08]

11. Body Positivity & Drag Construction [47:10–48:41]

12. Advice for Singles [48:44–49:58]

13. Drag, Art, and Entertainment Philosophy [55:31–58:10]

14. Wild Sex & Date Stories [58:10–65:41]

15. Promotions & Closing [65:46–67:43]

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

Timestamps for Key Segments

Tone & Style

Summary

Why Won’t You Date Me? with Nicole Byer

Episode: Dating Your Competition on Drag Race (w/ Kori King)

Episode Overview

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Life Before Drag Race: Walgreens Stories [03:00–09:03]

2. On Drag Names and Drag Race [09:50–13:18]

3. Finding Love on Drag Race [16:41–18:42]

4. Relationship Dynamics & “The Whimsy” [18:44–19:48]

5. Animal House: Kori’s Childhood [20:11–22:42]

6. Dating & Race in Boston [27:26–29:10]

7. Supportive Family & Performing [30:07–32:27]

8. Cameos and Competition [33:15–36:22]

9. Work, Fun, and Money [38:16–41:18]

10. Dating Life, DMs, and Brunch Stories [44:52–47:08]

11. Body Positivity & Drag Construction [47:10–48:41]

12. Advice for Singles [48:44–49:58]

13. Drag, Art, and Entertainment Philosophy [55:31–58:10]

14. Wild Sex & Date Stories [58:10–65:41]

15. Promotions & Closing [65:46–67:43]

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

Timestamps for Key Segments

Tone & Style