Tails and Tassels

Written by: Gemma Smith
  • Summary

  • 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 TailsandTasselsPod@gmail.com
    • Leave a comment below
    © 2025 Tails and Tassels
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Episodes
  • How Cats, Creativity, and Community Collide at the Catbaret
    Jan 30 2025

    Celebrate Galentine's Day with Catbaret! 🎉
    Join us for this purr-fectly entertaining night with in-person and virtual tickets available! Get your tickets here!

    --

    Hello, kitty cats! Welcome back to Tails and Tassels! I'm your host, Gemma Smith—animal advocate by day and host of the Catbaret, a cat-themed variety show in NYC by night! In this episode, we're diving into the story of the Catbaret, where cats, creativity, and community collide.

    Discover how this one-of-a-kind NYC variety show brings together performers and cat lovers for a night of laughter, music, purrlesque, and connection. Whether you're a burlesque fan, a cat enthusiast, or just curious about how art and feline fun combine, this episode will leave you inspired and smiling!

    Resources:

    • Follow Catbaret on Instagram: @catbareshow
    • Check out a sneak peek of the Catbaret with this [YouTube video of our show’s opening]! More exciting footage is coming soon, so stay tuned.

    Links:

    • Follow us on Instagram @tailsandtasselspod
    • Gemma's Website

    Get in Touch:
    I’d love to hear from you! What do you love most about the Catbaret, or what questions do you have about the show? Connect with me on Instagram, email me at tailsandtasselspod@gmail.com, or leave a comment!

    Thank you for listening—I’m paws-itively thrilled you're here!

    Support the show

    Logo by Logan Laveau

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    11 mins
  • Bitsy Brûlée: How to Stay Inspired, Keep Pursuing Your Art, and Let Your Cat Be Your Muse
    Jan 23 2025

    Celebrate Galentine's Day with Catbaret! 🎉
    Join us for this purr-fectly entertaining night with in-person and virtual tickets available! Get your tickets here!

    --

    In this week’s Tails and Tassels, Gemma chats with the multi-talented Bitsy Brûlée, an actor and burlesque artist known for her undeniable love for her very special cat, Screamy. ✨🐾

    Bitsy shares how she got started in the world of burlesque, her inspirations behind her art in theater and film, and the special role her cat plays in her life. From funny behind-the-scenes stories to heartfelt moments, this episode is a celebration of creativity, resilience, and the deep bonds we share with our feline friends.

    A heartfelt note: This episode was recorded before Screamy crossed the rainbow bridge on January 2nd. We’re honored to celebrate her memory through Bitsy’s beautiful stories. 🌈💖

    📖 Resources & Links:

    • Bitsy's music video: Watch
    • Read her Interview with Authority Magazine: 5 Things You Need To Create A Highly Successful Career in Broadway, Theater or Live Performance Arts

    🐾 Connect with Bitsy:

    • Follow Bitsy on Instagram: @ebays_
    • Bitsy's Website: Bitsy Brûlée

    💌 Connect with Us:

    • Follow us on Instagram: @tailsandtasselspod
    • Follow Catbaret on Instagram: @catbareshow
    • Email: TailsandTasselsPod@gmail.com

    Subscribe & Review: Follow Tails and Tassels on your favorite podcast app and it would mean the world to us if you left a review!

    Support the show

    Logo by Logan Laveau

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    45 mins
  • Stress Management for Performers: Simple Tips to Stay Grounded with a Little Help from Cats
    Jan 16 2025

    Celebrate Galentine's Day with Catbaret! 🎉
    Join us for this purr-fectly entertaining night with in-person and virtual tickets available! Get your tickets here!

    --

    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 tailsandtasselspod@gmail.com, 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!

    Support the show

    Logo by Logan Laveau

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    17 mins

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