From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia Feast of Fun
Feast of Fun
Feast of Fun
Hosts Fausto Fernós (left) and Marc Felion (right), artwork
and logo by Fausto Fernós.
Updates Daily (Monday-Friday)
Debut February 2005 The ast of Fools logo, with ".net" added, first appeared on the
podcast’s website in 2005 and subsequently appeared on nu-
Genre Comedy
merous T-shirts and other promotional paraphernalia. This it-
Website http://www.feastoffun.com eration of the logo is the second using the star as the main fo-
cus – the first did not include the ".net" and was used for the
The Feast of Fun podcast (formerly titled "Feast of Fools") organization’s live shows.
is a Chicago, Illinois-based talk show hosted by Fausto
Fernós and Marc Felion that showcases celebrity guests, easily discern what the show is about when searching
artists, musicians, actors, and members of the GLBT com- podcast databases.[7] As one of the earliest podcasts pro-
munity and those who support them.[1] A typical pro- duced, the Podcast is recognized as a pioneer in the pod-
gram will include one or more of a number of features, casting industry, and is responsible for a number of pod-
including roundtable discussions, unusual news and so- casting firsts, such as:
cial trends, GLBT issues, comedy, music, food and cocktail • First podcast hosted by an openly gay couple.
recipes, or interviews. • First podcast to feature an HIV-positive person
The Feast of Fun podcast continually ranks as the discussing living with AIDS.
top-rated gay and lesbian podcast on iTunes and is fre- • First podcast to use album art.
quently listed in the Top 100 list of Comedy podcasts.[2] • First podcast to use show titles.[2]
On average, the podcast is downloaded 30,000 times per
week,[3] making it the most downloaded GLBT podcast in Show format
the United States.[2][4] On March 13, 2009, the producers A typical Feast of Fun show consists of a round table dis-
changed the name of the show from "Feast of Fools" to cussion featuring unusual news stories, GLBT issues and
"Feast of Fun" to better reflect changes in the program’s social trends. Other shows may feature celebrity inter-
design and functionality.[5] views (live or by phone), cocktail recipes, or “how to”
sessions, such as "How drag queens lip sync and put on
Podcast makeup". Until 2008, celebrities and other notable guests
were frequently asked a series of "Breakdown" questions
The first Feast of Fools Podcast was posted on Tuesday, at the end of the show, such as "Describe yourself as
February 8, 2005.[6] It featured Fernós, Felion and former a fancy shade of paint" and "What would you like to
live show band leader (and recurring podcast contribu- see Oprah doing in 5 years?" Since 2005, the Feast of
tor) Link Pinks. The name "Gay Fun Show" was added Fools podcast has interviewed many celebrities, includ-
to the title of the Podcast to help prospective listeners ing Carol Channing, Cassandra Peterson (known for por-
1
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia Feast of Fun
traying "Elvira"), Margaret Cho, Kathy Griffin, Teri Garr, cast Awards/Podcast Connect, Inc. The Podcast was
George Takei,[7] John Waters and Bruce Vilanch.[6] Oc- awarded 2009 "Best GLBT Podcast."[16]
casionally, a show will open with an original cocktail The podcast was nominated again in both "Best
recipe, usually given a name that pays tribute to that GLBT" and "People’s Choice" categories in 2010 and 2011,
episode’s special guest. Cocktail recipes feature unique winning the "Best GLBT" award in 2011. As of 2011, the
ingredients or put a new spin on classics. [3] Podcast has won the "Best GLBT" award a total of five
When not interviewing a special guest, Fernós and times. [17]
Felion are often joined by a rotating cast of frequent
guests.[8]
History
Music The creator of the show, Fausto Fernós, was born and
Music is an integral part of the Feast of Fun podcast, raised in San Juan, Puerto Rico. Fernós moved to Austin,
and the show frequently interviews and features the mu- Texas at age 17 to enroll in art school at the University of
sic of up-and-coming talent, mostly unsigned or signed Texas at Austin. At the age of 18 he started the "SoftMen
to independent record labels. Born out of necessity due Show" above an alternative clothing store in Austin,
to copyright and RIAA restrictions on the use of music Texas in the well-known music area known as Sixth
on podcasts, this feature of the podcast has grown into Street. In 1993, Fernós created a successful Public-access
an important avenue for emerging musicians to reach a television cable TV how entitled "El Chow De Faustina,"
previously untapped audience. Musicians whose music is which featured Fernós in drag interviewing artists and
featured on the Feast of Fun podcast realize increased musicians from the local area. In 1995, the Austin Chron-
sales on iTunes and Amazon.com.[9] Musicians featured icle named the program as the "Best Cable Access Show"
on the Feast of Fools podcast include Calpernia Addams, and featured Fernós on the cover of its publication along-
Gaye Adegbalola, Reuben Butchart, Dangerous Muse, Fer- side Texas Governor Ann Richards.[18] In 1996, his solo
ron, Scott Free, Chris Garneau, Robert German, Leslie performance work was featured in The Cleveland Per-
Hall, Hey Willpower, Eric Himan, Levi Kreis, Mystechs, formance Art Festival, a then-world-renowned festival of
Jen Porter, Rachael Sage, Jim Verraros, and The Wet experimental art and live theater.
Spots. Fernós met his partner, Marc Felion in Chicago, Illi-
nois in 1999, and together they developed Feast of Fools,
a live theatrical variety show performed in various Chica-
Awards go area venues. It featured music, dance, poetry, comedy
In 2006, Fausto Fernós was recognized as one of nine and performance art strung together by a play that took
Chicago GLBTQ community leaders for his work on the place between acts.[9] The name "Feast of Fools" was cho-
Podcast by the Chicago Reader.[10] sen by Fernós to pay tribute to Harry Hay, a gay activist
On September 29, 2006, the Podcast was awarded the from the 1970s, who felt gays should "embrace a certain
2006 "Best GLBT Podcast" by Podcast Awards/Podcast frivolity." Hay envisioned a future where people felt free
Connect, Inc.[11] In November 2006, the Podcast was to express themselves fully and honestly, and therefore
named "Best Podcast" for 2006 by Gay Bloggies, operated “act foolish.”[7][9] In September 2000, Fernós, identifiable
by Queerclick.com.[12] Fausto Fernós and Marc Felion around Chicago by his distinctive blue hair,[10] gained
were named "Queers of the Year" by Time Out Chicago notoriety as a ’fire-eating drag princess’ and performed
in the December 28, 2006-January 3, 2007 issue for their as part of the Radical Faeries of Chicago at Chicago’s
work on the Feast of Fools podcast.[6] HotHouse.[19] By April 2001, Fernós and Felion expanded
In 2007, the Podcast was nominated for both 2007 their show at the Randolph Street Gallery to be a "perfor-
"Best GLBT Podcast" and the "People’s Choice" overall mance art cabaret."[20]
award by Podcast Awards/Podcast Connect, Inc. On Oc- By 2005, Fernós—whose friend, video artist Kerthy
tober 4, 2007, the Podcast was awarded 2007 "Best GLBT Fix described as "a celebrity waiting for the technology
Podcast."[13] to catch up with [him]"[9]—and Felion aspired to take the
In 2008, the Podcast was again nominated for both show a step further by creating a cable access show; but
"Best GLBT Podcast" and the "People’s Choice" award by at the same time, podcasting burst onto the scene with
Podcast Awards/Podcast Connect, Inc. The Podcast was the promise of video podcasting in the near future.[9]
awarded 2008 "Best GLBT Podcast."[14] Taking a chance on the up-and-coming technology, they
In 2009, the Podcast was awarded "Best Gay News decided to embrace the new medium.
Source" by the readers of the Chicago Reader.[15] Also In 2007, the website was overhauled and two new
in 2009, the Podcast was again nominated for both "Best podcasts were added: "Show Me Now," a video podcast;
GLBT Podcast" and the "People’s Choice" award by Pod- and "Mini Bites," which featured short skits and sound
bites that users could download and use as cellular phone
ringtones. The original audio podcast was named "Gay
2
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia Feast of Fun
Fun Show" to distinguish itself from the other, newer [5] ^ Lewin, Elisabeth. (March 17, 2009) Podcasting
shows. In addition, a Community Forum was started News Feast of Fools’ ‘Obamafication’ Yields Feast of Fun
which allowed listeners to create personal profiles and [6] ^ Heidemann, Jason A. (December 28, 2006-January
share stories and information with each other. In 2008, 3, 2007) Time Out Chicago Personal Best: Cheers to the
the video podcast was re-launched and re-named "Video Queers Who Made Our City Better in 2006 Issue 96;
Player," which coincided with the launch of the Feast Section: GLBT
of Fools YouTube channel and another re-design of the [7] ^ Schwister, Jeff. (August 8, 2006) Beepcentral.com
main website. ‘Fools’ gold: Local gay podcast getting national attention
In 2009, the name of the show was changed to "Feast [8] Freeman, Jason P. (August 7, 2007)
of Fun" to better reflect the show’s content, which fo- ChicagoPride.com Interview: Feast of Fools
cuses on odd news stories, food and drink recipes, music, [9] ^ Shapiro, Gregg. (August 22, 2006) AfterElton.com
comedy and irreverent humor. The show intends to in- Feast of Fools Takes Gay Podcasting to New Heights.
clude both gay and straight community members who [10] ^ Bergquist, Kathie. (September 22, 2006) Chicago
are open to GLBT-related subjects and topics.[5] Reader GLBT Life: Community Leaders. Volume 35;
Also in 2009, a complete redesign of the website in- Issue 52; Page 26.
troduced new features, including "Fresh," which gives [11] (August 15, 2006)Podcast Connect, Inc.Archive: 2006
listeners the ability to contribute stories, photos and People’s Choice Winners
original articles freely; and "What’s Hot," a summary of [12] Gay Bloggies Queerclick.com Cool as Click Awards
the most popular podcasts, topics and stories. 2006
In July, 2010, Feast of Fun featured interviews with a [13] 2007 Podcast Award winners
series of "Legendary Divas of Comedy": Cassandra Peter- [14] "2008 Podcast Awards Winner". Podcast Awards.
son, Carole Cook, Mink Stole and Carol Channing. http://www.podcastconnect.com/2008/12/
In 2011, Feast of Fun converted to a subscriber-based podcast-awards-ceremony-for-2008/. Retrieved
system, called "Feast of Fun Plus+". Subscribers gain ac- 2008-11-10.
cess to all areas of the site, as well as additional benefits [15] (March 26, 2009)Chicago ReaderChicago Reader Best
based on the level of membership chosen (Gold, Platinum of Chicago 2009: Best Gay News Source
or Diamond). [21] [16] "2009 Podcast Awards Winner". Podcast Awards.
http://podcastawards.com/
See also [17]
index.php?option=index. Retrieved 2009-12-17.
"2011 Podcast Awards Winner". Podcast Awards.
• Podcast http://podcastawards.com/
index.php?option=index. Retrieved 2011-12-27.
Further reading [18] (1995) Austin Chronicle Best of Austin ’95: Best Cable
Access Show
• Bergquist, Kathie. The Gay Press. Chicago Reader [19] Mattalia, Glendy X. (September 8, 2000) Chicago
September 22, 2006. Volume 35; Issue 52; Page 7. Tribune Fall Theater. Section: Friday Part 2; Page 6.
• Obejas, Achy. "Feast of Fools" - A Celebration of Diversity. [20] Newell, Barrett. (March 30, 2009) edgechicago.com
Colorful Fausto Fernós - An Appropriate Host for Radical Feast of Fun titillates and celebrates.
Faeries. Chicago Tribune March 31, 2000. Section: [21] Feast of Fun Plus+
Friday; Page 28.
• Walsh, Jim. Poddy Mouth. Why the Feds Can’t Touch
Them. Chicago Tribune July 6, 2005. Page 7. External links
• Feast of Fools in the Chicago Reader. • The Feast of Fun Podcast
• Fausto Fernós in the Chicago Reader.
Notable celebrity interviews
References • #1228 "Hello Carol Channing" - Actress/Singer Carol
Channing
[1] Huppke, Rex W. "Gay Couple Take Podcast Medium,
• #1226 "Mink Stole is Hard To Kill" - Actress Mink
Go Large." Chicago Tribune 25 April 2010, accessed
Stole
24 April 2010.
• #1221 "Bruce Vilanch on the Star Wars Holiday
[2] ^ Wooten, Amy. (June 20, 2006) Windy City Times
Special" - Writer/Comedian Bruce Vilanch
30 Under 30 Special: Where Are They Now?
• #1219 "I Love Carole Cook" - Legendary Actress/
[3] ^ (March 20, 2006) Gaywired.comChicago Podcast
Comedienne Carole Cook
Breaks Records
• #1216 "Cassandra Peterson on Elvira, All About Evil"
[4] Bergquist, Kathie. (September 22, 2006) Chicago
- Actress-Singer-Dancer Cassandra Peterson
Reader The Gay Press. Volume 35; Issue 52; Page 26.
3
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia Feast of Fun
• #1033 "Shine On Debbie Reynolds" - Actress-Singer • #544 "The Joy of Wine" - Master Sommelier/TV Host
Debbie Reynolds Alpana Singh
• #1032 "Kristine W And The Power of Music" - Singer- • #527 "High School is Such a Drag" - Performer James
Songwriter Kristine W St. James
• #1002 "Mike Ruiz Captures The Perfect Picture" - • #508 "Lizz with Two Z’s" - Comedian Lizz Winstead
Photographer Mike Ruiz • #497 "Living La Vida Musto" - Writer Michael Musto
• #1001 "Vote For Hedda" - Performer Hedda Lettuce • #480 "The Unsinkable Paula Poundstone" -
• #983 "Jack of All Trades" - Designer Jack Mackenroth Performer Paula Poundstone
• #968 "Tom Goss Backs It Up" - Singer Tom Goss • #325 "Proud to Be Takei" - Actor George Takei
• #957 "Rock The Runway Ronnie" - Supermodel • #300 "A Look Inside Margaret Cho" - Performer
Ronnie Kroell Margaret Cho
• #935 "Crazy for Coco Peru" - Performer Coco Peru • #283 "The Man Who Put the F.U. in Funny" - Writer
• #728 "Fighting for the Man Next To You" - Writer Bruce Vilanch
Christopher Rice • #269 "Levi Kreis Bares His Soul" - Singer Levi Kreis
• #717 "A Stunning Woman" - Performer Calpernia • #211 "Does This Wheelchair Make Me Look Fat?" -
Addams Actress Teri Garr
• #681 "Project Christian" - Clothing Designer • #205 "D-List Diva" - Actress-Comedian Kathy Griffin
Christian V. Siriano, winner of Project Runway • #204 "One Night Stands" - Singer Eric Himan
Season 4 • #94 "The Fellini of Freaks" - Writer-Director John
• #648 "Starrbootylicious" - Performer/Singer RuPaul Waters
• #598 "The Island of Chris Garneau" - Singer Chris
Garneau
Retrieved from "http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Feast_of_Fun&oldid=467953675"
Categories:
• Audio podcasts
• LGBT-related media in the United States
• Media in Chicago, Illinois
• American podcasters
• LGBT culture in Chicago, Illinois
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