In this week’s Tails and Tassels, Gemma sits down with the powerhouse Amber Lyoness, the founder of Lyoness Dance Company and creator of the sexy feline-inspired burlesque show Purr. Amber shares her journey from dance to fashion school to discovering her love for burlesque and how she now channels her passion into choreography, costuming, and performance.

Amber talks about the inspiration behind her company, Lyoness NYC, and how she blends dance, burlesque, and creativity to empower women and celebrate their strength—both on and off the stage. You’ll also get the scoop on her new Purr show, a celebration of black cat energy.

🎧 Tune in for a conversation filled with inspiration, tips on creating a successful performance, and a peek into Amber’s own creative process.

📖 Resources & Links:

Amber’s Company: Lyoness NYC
Purr Show Details: Stay tuned on Instagram for upcoming events!

🐾 Connect with Amber:

Instagram: @amberlyoness
Lyoness Dance Company: @lyoness_nyc

💌 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 don’t forget to leave us a review—it really helps us grow! 💖

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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!

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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!

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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!

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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

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!

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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

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 special expert episode of Tails and Tassels, Gemma welcomes Dan Trachtenberg, producer and host of the Shelter Cats Podcast, which has surpassed an incredible 200,000 downloads in just two seasons! 🎉

As one of our expert guests, Dan dives into his journey from blogging about shelter cats to creating a successful podcast. He shares his experiences transitioning from a solo host to working with a co-host, the challenges he’s faced, and his top tips for creatives producing cat-themed content.

Dan also shares touching stories from his life as a proud cat dad and reflects on the mew-ments that inspire his work. This episode is perfect for anyone passionate about storytelling, podcasting, or making a difference for shelter cats.

📖 Resources & Links:

• Listen to Dan’s Podcast: Shelter Cats Podcast
• Michelle Nielson's Children’s Book: The Farty Feline
• Podcasting Guide: So You Want to Start a Podcast by Kristin Meinzer

🐾 Connect with Dan:

• Instagram: @sheltercatspodcast
• TikTok: @sheltercatspodcast

💌 Connect with Us:

• Instagram: @tailsandtasselspod | @gemmasmithnyc
• Follow Catbaret on Instagram: @catbaretshow
• Email: TailsandTasselsPod@gmail.com

Support the Show:

⭐ Subscribe & Review: Follow Tails and Tassels on your favorite podcast app and let us know what you love!

💬 Patreon Feedback: Help shape our Patreon rewards and content by filling out this form.

Support the show

Logo by Logan Laveau

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 first mini-episode of 2025, I’m reflecting on 2024—what a year it’s been—and sharing my fresh focus and intentions for the year ahead. I also get real about some of the challenges and setbacks I’ve faced, how they’ve shaped me, and what I’ve learned as I step into 2025 with a renewed mindset.

You’ll hear about my word for the year, how I’m planning to make this my best year yet, and some fun ways for you to get involved in upcoming episodes!

✨ Links and Resources:

• Sign-up for our email list and receive our Galentine's Day Playlist!
• Read Cue the Sun! by Emily Nussbaum
• Qveen Herby's Podcast: Herby House
• Passion Planner

🎤 Stay Connected:

• Follow me on Instagram: @gemmasmithnyc, @tailsandtasselspod
• Follow Catbaret on Instagram: @catbareshow

💌 Get in Touch:
What’s your word for 2025? How are you stepping into the new year? Connect with me on Instagram, email a voice memo to tailsandtasselspod@gmail.com, or leave a comment! I'll be sharing listener feedback in future episodes.

🐾 Support the Show:
Love what you hear? Rate, review, and subscribe to help others discover Tails and Tassels!

Support the show

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In this episode, Gemma chats with Amanda B., a musician, podcaster, and creative force behind 6 Degrees of Cats. They explore the significance of investing in artist communities, how embracing your true self can empower creators, and why misunderstood cats (and people) are at the heart of Amanda's work. Plus, she gives a sneak peek into her work and her passion for celebrating the quirks that make us unique. She also shares a bit about her three feline friends at home. A must-listen for artists, podcasters, and cat lovers alike!

Resources:

• Subscribe to Amanda’s Podcast: 6 Degrees of Cats
• Featured Episode: Cool Cat: How Cats are the Soul of Rock'n'Roll
• Listen to Leathered: Bandcamp
• Career Coach: Caroline Kim Oh

Connect with Amanda:

• Follow Amanda B. on IG: @catsuitband
• Follow Leathered on IG: @leathered4ever
• Follow 6 Degrees of Cats on IG: @6degreesofcats

Get in Touch:

• Instagram:@tailsandtasselspod, @gemmasmithnyc
• Email us at: TailsandTasselsPod@gmail.com
• Leave a comment below!

Support the Show:

• Subscribe to Tails and Tassels on your favorite podcast platform.
• Leave a review and let us know what you love about the show!

Help shape our Patreon community! We want to hear from you about the rewards and content you’d love to see. Complete the form here and let us know your thoughts!

Support the show

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In this episode, Gemma chats with Jennifer Yadav, a multi-talented performer and proud cat mom to three senior kitties. Jennifer shares her journey from theater to television and film, offering invaluable advice for actors on building a sustainable career and tips for artists considering a move to NYC. Plus, she discusses the joys and responsibilities of life with cats, sharing practical advice for pet parents on providing the best care.

Help shape our Patreon community! We want to hear from you about the rewards and content you’d love to see. Complete the form here and let us know your thoughts!

Resources:

• Watch NYC Pet Tails webisode on TNR
• Watch NYC Pet Tails webisode on Separation Anxiety
• Temptations Cat Nip Flavor: Buy Now
• Check out Meowtel

Connect with Jennifer:

• Follow Jennifer on Instagram: @jenniferyadav
• Visit Jennifer’s website: www.jenniferyadav.com
• See Jennifer on FBI: Watch the Clip

Get in Touch:

• Instagram:@tailsandtasselspod, @gemmasmithnyc
• Email us at: TailsandTasselsPod@gmail.com
• Leave a comment below!

Support the show

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