The Purple Pawedcast

On today's episode, I speak with Ailsa Blair about the drag community.  Ailsa is a neurodiverse, nonbinary product designer and research leader who founded Drag Me, a company whose mobile app empowers drag artists to connect with their fans.  Ailsa and I talk about topics as far afield as Tech Bros treating employees as tools, features of the Drag Me app, and invoking Rule 34 and Godwin's Law at the same time.

REFERENCES:
Ailsa Blair’s website:  https://www.ailsamblair.com/
Follow Ailsa on LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/ailsamblair/
Follow Ailsa on Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/whoaitsailsa
Drag Me website:  https://www.dragme.io/
Follow Drag Me on Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/dragme.io
Follow Drag Me on Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/dragme.io
Follow Drag Me on TikTok:  https://www.tiktok.com/@dragme.io

  • (00:00) - Opening credits
  • (00:37) - Show opening
  • (01:30) - Introducing Ailsa Blair
  • (02:46) - Transforming isolation into community
  • (07:18) - Using empathy to make the world better
  • (17:17) - Nameless faceless tools make lesser products
  • (24:29) - Invoking Rule 34 on identity legislation
  • (27:28) - The evolution of drag
  • (34:49) - Helping drag entrepreneurs
  • (40:00) - Bucking the gender hate
  • (43:37) - The Drag Me community thus far...
  • (46:37) - Coming soon to Drag Me
  • (48:52) - How the drag scene became mainstream
  • (55:22) - How to find Ailsa Blair and Drag Me on the internet
  • (58:22) - Show closing
  • (01:00:06) - Closing credits
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Creators and Guests

Host
Amethysta Herrick, Ph.D.
Scientist, storyteller, and professional overthinker of all things identity. Also, I happen to be a transgender woman.

What is The Purple Pawedcast?

Welcome to The Purple Pawedcast, where we unpack the complexities of gender, identity, and what it truly means to be human—without the academic jargon (okay, maybe just a little, but only the fun kind).

Curated by Amethysta Herrick. Ph.D., this pod is where science, philosophy, and lived experience collide to challenge assumptions and spark new perspectives. Whether you’re here to explore your own identity, stay informed on the latest research, or just enjoy a deep dive into the human experience, we deliver thoughtful, engaging, and refreshingly honest discussions. No fluff. No gatekeeping. Just real conversations about who we are and how we navigate the world. Dive in, stay curious, and let’s rethink identity together.